Size Adapting Conveying System for Cartons

Abstract

A system for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes a conveyor system including a plurality of spring arms and a ceiling plate positioned above the spring arms. The system also includes a carton opening system positioned at a first station along the conveyer system, a pack stamping system positioned at a second station along the conveyer system, and a carton closing system positioned at a third station along the conveyor system; wherein the spring arms bias the cartons against the ceiling plate to position the packs at a predetermined distance form the carton opening system, pack stamping system and carton closing system. A method for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes biasing the carton along a conveyor system, and positioning the packs within the carton at a predetermined location from operation stations based on the biasing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a system for applying a stamp to packs within a carton in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a close up view in perspective of a system for applying a stamp to packs within a carton, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a close up view in perspective of a retainer clip, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a pack stamping station, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a carton closing station, in accordance with one aspect of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating one example of a method for applying a stamp to packs within a carton, in accordance with another aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another method for applying a stamp to packs within a carton, in accordance with another aspect of the invention.

Claims

1. A system for applying a stamp to packs within a carton, the system comprising: a conveyor system including a plurality of spring arms;a ceiling plate positioned above the spring arms;a carton opening system positioned at a first station along the conveyer system;a pack stamping system positioned at a second station along the conveyer system;a carton closing system positioned at a third station along the conveyor system; wherein the spring arms bias the cartons against the ceiling plate to position the packs at a predetermined distance form the carton opening system, pack stamping system and carton closing system.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the carton closing system includes a sealing system station and a closing station.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the closing station and carton opening system comprises mechanical means for closing and opening cartons.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein the conveyor system includes a carton space defined by a front wall, a rear wall, the spring arms, and the ceiling plate, and wherein the front wall includes at least one stationary retainer clip configured to maintain a carton position, and wherein the back wall comprises at least one moving pusher block to move each carton along the conveyor system.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein the spring arms are configured with a spring force to accept varying pack lengths.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein the carton includes a height, and wherein the at least one spring arm defines a carton floor, and wherein the at least one spring arm bias the carton against the ceiling plate, and wherein the at least one spring arm is deflected away from the ceiling plate a distance proportional to the height of the carton.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein the ceiling plate is at a uniform height relative to the opening system, pack stamping system, and carton closing system.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the ceiling plate includes at least one opening positioned near the carton opening system, at least one opening positioned near the pack stamping system, and at least one opening positioned near the carton closing system.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein the system applies tax stamps to cigarette packs within a carton of cigarettes.

10. A method for applying a stamp to packs within a carton, the method comprising: biasing the carton along a conveyor system; andpositioning the packs within the carton at a predetermined location from operation stations based on the biasing.

11. The method of claim 10 further comprising: opening the biased and positioned carton at a carton opening station;stamping each pack within the biased and positioned carton at a carton stamping station;applying an adhesive, at an adhesive station, to at least one flap of the opened and positioned biased carton after stamping each pack; andclosing the biased and positioned carton at a closing station after applying the adhesive.

12. A system for applying a stamp to packs within a carton, the system comprising: means for biasing the carton along a conveyor system; andmeans for positioning the packs within the carton at a predetermined location from operation stations based on the biasing.