Importance

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Abstract

The carton erecting apparatus provides for the high speed transfer and opening of flat, folded cartons. The apparatus includes a rotary transfer mechanism having a fixed gear and a plurality of planetary gears in rotational communication with the fixed gear. The planetary gearing rotationally drives therewith a vacuum transport means so as to provide therefor at least two apex positions of travel at predetermined locations. A vacuum control means is operative on the transport means, particularly at its apex positions. A storage means is provided at a first apex position for releasably holding flat, folded cartons. And, a conveyor means is provided at a second apex position of travel of the vacuum transport means. The conveyor means has outwardly extending flights which are uniformly spaced and separated by a distance essentially based upon a predetermined carton dimension. The conveyor means is synchronized with the rotary transfer means so that a carton carried by the vacuum transport means slidably engages an upwardly extending flight as it approaches the second apex position of travel. The slidable engagement of the flight and carton causes the carton to open in a sleeve-like configuration. The vacuum release by the vacuum control means provides for the deposit of the opened carton between adjacent flights for transfer therewith and for subsequent packaging purposes.

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First Claim