Riverwood International Corporation

Dennis C Grimm

Kelly W Ziegler

Frank N Moncrief

Michael Hiney

Jeffrey A Lashyro

Bruce D Domino

Mitch Lowe

A method and apparatus for packaging flat or stacked cylindrical article groups into a packaging unit such as a paperboard carton wherein at least one stream of cylindrical articles are conveyed single file in parallel lanes into a staging area where the lanes terminate, thereby directing the articles into a closest packing formation. Articles are moved in closest packing formation through the staging area over a deadplate toward one of a plurality of containers moving in a generally linear direction parallel to a carton line. An angle of approximately 60.degree. between the staging area and a container in position for receiving articles orients a row of articles in closest packing formation parallel with the open front end of that container. As articles enter the container, each row of articles rolls over the previous row, causing articles to be arranged in a rectangular array in the container. When the container is filled with articles, flow of articles stops and a bar is engaged to clamp a row of articles adjacent to the filled container between the bar and the deadplate. The back of the container is moved away from the articles therein to allow the last row of articles in the full container to pass by articles constrained by the bar without scratching or otherwise damaging the articles when the filled container is moved. The filled container is moved away from the clamped articles, an empty container is moved into position to receive articles, and the bar is disengaged to allow articles to flow into the container. Articles in the container are subsequently loaded into a carton on the carton line.

Apparatus for packaging article groups

An apparatus for controlling the input of articles at the start-up phase of a packaging machine of the type having at least one article conveyance lane and an article grouping mechanism constructed and arranged to meter articles moving in the conveyance lane into predetermined groups, comprising:

Packaging machinery priming technology

A continuous motion, end loading packaging machine forms article groups of a predetermined number and configuration using a flight type article selector. The packaging machine is flexible in its ability to package articles of different heights and diameters in various product configurations. The packaging machine includes adjustable guide rails to selectively change product infeed lane widths. The machine also includes phase adjusts the selector flights, and allows for easy selector flight replacement.

Packaging machine and method of packaging articles

A continuous motion, end loading packaging machine forms article groups of a predetermined number and configuration using a flight type article selector. The packaging machine is flexible in its ability to package articles of different heights and diameters in various product configurations. The packaging machine includes adjustable guide rails to selectively change product infeed lane widths. The machine also phase adjusts the selector flights, and allows for easy selector flight replacement.

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Marietta, GA, United States of America

Dennis C Grimm