A system and method of identifying and maintaining synchronization of components within a container carrier applicating machine includes connecting a plurality of point of use feedback devices to operative components of the applicating machine and providing visual feedback from the plurality of feedback devices of a location of synchronized and/or unsynchronized components.

An apparatus for applying an engagement collar to a group of articles, which includes an application area defining a horizontal support surface for receiving a group of articles, a horizontal press plate positioned above the support surface and mounted for vertical movement relative to the support surface, and an actuation assembly operatively connected to the press plate for moving the press plate relative to the support surface to apply an engagement collar to the group of articles positioned on the support surface within the application area, wherein the actuation assembly includes an actuation lever that is located below the press plate and in front of the application area to provide an ergonomic work environment.

A system including a pair of prongs extending in a transverse direction, spaced apart from one another by a gap configured to receive carton blanks and product containers therein, and to crease retention flaps of the carton blank, wherein each prong travels along a cam path, a panel extending in a longitudinal direction in-between the pair of prongs configured to support the product containers and guide the retentions flaps, a pair of asymmetrical guide rails underneath the panel configured to alternatingly crease a first primary flap and a second primary flap of the carton blank, and a conveyor mechanism proximate to the panel configured to move they product container and a carton blanks along the panel.

An apparatus (1) for assembling several beverage containers (2) into a multipack (4) is disclosed. The apparatus (1) comprises a horizontal conveying device (5) for moving groupings (3), each grouping (3) comprising several beverage containers (2). The apparatus (1) also comprises at least one working device (25) that applies packaging blanks (41) to the groupings (3). The beverage containers (2) of a grouping (3) pass through openings in the packaging blank (41) and are held together by the packaging blank (41). The apparatus (1) furthermore comprises at least one handling apparatus (15) which places the beverage containers (2) on the horizontal conveying device (5) such that the beverage containers (2) are in alignment with respect to one another. The alignment of the beverage containers (2) allows the packaging blank (41) to be applied to the beverage containers (2) directly upon their placement on the horizontal conveying device (5).

Method and system for autonomously transporting people and/or goods. The method includes requesting conveyance of a payload from a designated area to a destination, autonomously moving at least one module to the designated area, loading the at least one module with a payload within the designated area, and, via the at least one module, autonomously transporting the payload to the destination.

Method and system for autonomously transporting people and/or goods. The method includes requesting conveyance of a payload from a designated area to a destination, autonomously moving at least one module to the designated area, loading the at least one module with a payload within the designated area, and, via the at least one module, autonomously transporting the payload to the destination.

Provided is a method for packaging piece good groupings, in which a plurality of piece goods, particularly containers, are at least partially interconnected by means of a first connection, wherein at least two-piece goods of this plurality are directly interconnected by the connection. According to the embodiment, this plurality of piece goods connected by the first connection is packaged with a second connection in the form of a second wrapping element, and said plurality of piece goods connected by a first connection is conveyed by a conveyor device to a packaging unit and enclosed, particularly wrapped, with the second wrapping element by said packaging unit.

Provided is a method for packaging piece good groupings, in which a plurality of piece goods, particularly containers, are at least partially interconnected by means of a first connection, wherein at least two-piece goods of this plurality are directly interconnected by the connection. According to the embodiment, this plurality of piece goods connected by the first connection is packaged with a second connection in the form of a second wrapping element, and said plurality of piece goods connected by a first connection is conveyed by a conveyor device to a packaging unit and enclosed, particularly wrapped, with the second wrapping element by said packaging unit.

A system and method are provided for palletless shipment of gas cylinder arrays. A three-dimensional array of gas cylinders is formed from a plurality of vertically-stacked two-dimensional subarrays. First elongated voids extend through the array in a width direction at a first handle elevation. Second elongated voids extend through the array in a depth direction at a second handle elevation. The first and second elongated voids are bilaterally bounded by handle portions of adjacent gas cylinders, and vertically bounded by upper and lower surfaces of surrounding cylinders. Pairs of tunnel elements are disposed within respective elongated voids and are each configured to releasably receive a corresponding forklift tong. Vertically-disposed pillars may be provided to increase the rigidity and load distribution of the system. Flaps may radiate from the pillars to minimize impact and abrasion between adjacent cylinders during shipment. Key system components may be inexpensively formed from recyclable, lightweight materials.

A system and method are provided for palletless shipment of gas cylinder arrays. A three-dimensional array of gas cylinders is formed from a plurality of vertically-stacked two-dimensional subarrays. First elongated voids extend through the array in a width direction at a first handle elevation. Second elongated voids extend through the array in a depth direction at a second handle elevation. The first and second elongated voids are bilaterally bounded by handle portions of adjacent gas cylinders, and vertically bounded by upper and lower surfaces of surrounding cylinders. Pairs of tunnel elements are disposed within respective elongated voids and are each configured to releasably receive a corresponding forklift tong. Vertically-disposed pillars may be provided to increase the rigidity and load distribution of the system. Flaps may radiate from the pillars to minimize impact and abrasion between adjacent cylinders during shipment. Key system components may be inexpensively formed from recyclable, lightweight materials.