(57) An apparatus and method by which a single operator, at a single station (45) can
pack pre-counted slugs (25, 26) of flat folded cartons, or trays (23) in one or more
layers, in corrugated cases (27) for discharge to a case taper (183) several times
faster than with manual packing by several operators. The "flats" (23) are advanced
in a longitudinal path (31) on a secondary apron (28) of a stacker (21), erect on
one edge (37), pre-counted and divided into slugs (25,26), so that the single operator
can slide each slug (25,26) longitudinally past a one-way back stop (46) onto a transfer
table (47). The slug (25, 26) may be turned on its longitudinal axis by the operator
for inspection and then compressed longitudinally by a ram (73,74) against the back
stop (46). The operator has already been presented with a single, flat, tubular case
(27), from a stack (97) of such cases, with the leading flaps (147) folded back, and
has manually erected the case (27) and inserted it in a case gripper (107) preferably
poised above the table (47), thereby closing the minor bottom closure flaps (143,144).
A start button (138) brings the case gripper (107) down to the level (70) of the transfer
table (47) so that the operator can push the compressed slug (25, 26) laterally into
the open case (119), resting on its side wall in the case gripper (107). The case
(119) is automatically towered to receive the next slug (26) and when full, is turned
on a longitudinal axis through 90° onto its bottom and discharged to a case taper
(183) while the case gripper (107) returns to its original position above the level
(70) of the transfer table (47).
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