Disclosed is a gripper (1) for beverage cans (20). The gripper (1) comprises at least one gripping device (6) used to grip a particular beverage can (20) from underneath the top seam (5) in a form-fitting manner in the region of a top seam (5), which top seam (5) is formed by a particular beverage can (20). The gripper (1) comprises at least one centering device (30), by which at least one centering device (30) aligns the particular beverage can (20) into a defined alignment, where the at least one gripping device (6) is able to grip a particular beverage can (20) from underneath in a form-fitting manner in the region of its top seam (5).

An apparatus for strapping bundles of PET bottles, cans, jars or similar containers arranged on four operating levels includes two horizontal strapping machines.

An apparatus for strapping bundles of PET bottles, cans, jars or similar containers arranged on four operating levels includes two horizontal strapping machines.

A flexible container carrier and related method for unitizing a plurality of containers that includes a plurality of flexible bands forming an array of container receiving apertures, the array arranged in longitudinal rows and transverse ranks. A series of frangible lines of separation are provided between each container receiving opening so that removing a container from the package results in the separation of the frangible lines of separation defining the respective container receiving opening and thus the container and a respective band of the plurality of bands are removed from the package together.

A flexible container carrier and related method for unitizing a plurality of containers that includes a plurality of flexible bands forming an array of container receiving apertures, the array arranged in longitudinal rows and transverse ranks. A series of frangible lines of separation are provided between each container receiving opening so that removing a container from the package results in the separation of the frangible lines of separation defining the respective container receiving opening and thus the container and a respective band of the plurality of bands are removed from the package together.

A packaging machine includes a series of stations or assemblies for packaging a series of products. A carton feeding system and a product conveyor that receives a series of articles or products are provided at a first, upstream or intake end of the packaging machine. The carton feeding system feeds carton blanks into registration with products, which generally can be grouped to form 4, 6, 8 packs, etc. Thereafter, the product groups, with the carton blanks applied thereto, will be moved through one or more downstream folding and wrapping or packaging assemblies or stations of the packaging machine.

An operating unit adapted to perform a rapid packing of containers such as bottles produces a safe, simple and transportable pack obtained with three straps, of which a first one is applied on the lower half of the body of the bottles, a second one is applied at the neck of the bottles, both the first and the second straps being arranged on planes perpendicular to the vertical axes of the bottles, and a third one, applied loosely and perpendicularly to the other two straps, lies on a vertical plane passing by the center of gravity of the pack, along a plane disposed between two adjacent rows of bottles in contact with each other.

An operating unit adapted to perform a rapid packing of containers such as bottles produces a safe, simple and transportable pack obtained with three straps, of which a first one is applied on the lower half of the body of the bottles, a second one is applied at the neck of the bottles, both the first and the second straps being arranged on planes perpendicular to the vertical axes of the bottles, and a third one, applied loosely and perpendicularly to the other two straps, lies on a vertical plane passing by the center of gravity of the pack, along a plane disposed between two adjacent rows of bottles in contact with each other.

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.

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.