A cassette for dispensing bags from an elongated tubing comprising an annular receptacle accommodating a length of tubing in an accumulated condition. An annular opening at an upper end of the annular receptacle is for dispensing the tubing. The annular receptacle defines a central opening through which a knotted end of the tubing passes to form a bag supported by the annular receptacle with disposable objects passing through the circular central opening to be received in the bag, and a clearance only at a bottom of the central opening.

A device for shaping the gable surfaces of packages with a slanted gable is shown and described, including: a conveyor system with cells fixed to it to receive the packages, at least one gable folder to fold a fin seam in the gable region of the packages and at least two ear folders to fold ears in the gable region of the packages. In order to enable rapid and reliable shaping of the gable even in packages with slanted gables, it is proposed that both the gable folder and the ear folders be mounted movably relative to the conveyor system and the packages to be transported therewith. A method for shaping the gable surfaces of packages with a slanted gable is also shown and described.

A device for shaping the gable surfaces of packages with a slanted gable is shown and described, including: a conveyor system with cells fixed to it to receive the packages, at least one gable folder to fold a fin seam in the gable region of the packages and at least two ear folders to fold ears in the gable region of the packages. In order to enable rapid and reliable shaping of the gable even in packages with slanted gables, it is proposed that both the gable folder and the ear folders be mounted movably relative to the conveyor system and the packages to be transported therewith. A method for shaping the gable surfaces of packages with a slanted gable is also shown and described.

An automated pizza-making system builds and bakes a pizza according to a customer order. The system includes a pizza assembly route and a plurality of ingredient dispensing stations for dispensing ingredients onto the pizza along the route. The uncooked pizza is automatically transferred to the oven for cooking. After the pizza is cooked, the system automatically slices and boxes the cooked pizza. A motion translator places the closed pizza box containing the pizza in a storage locker for customer pickup. A computing device is operable to manage the orders, manage the cooking steps for preparing each order, controls each functional station to build, cook, box, and store the pizza, and notify the customer for pickup when the pizza is ready. Related methods are also described.

An automated pizza-making system builds and bakes a pizza according to a customer order. The system includes a pizza assembly route and a plurality of ingredient dispensing stations for dispensing ingredients onto the pizza along the route. The uncooked pizza is automatically transferred to the oven for cooking. After the pizza is cooked, the system automatically slices and boxes the cooked pizza. A motion translator places the closed pizza box containing the pizza in a storage locker for customer pickup. A computing device is operable to manage the orders, manage the cooking steps for preparing each order, controls each functional station to build, cook, box, and store the pizza, and notify the customer for pickup when the pizza is ready. Related methods are also described.

A method of loading articles in cartons. The method can comprise moving a carton in a generally flat configuration in a downstream direction with a carton opening carousel, at least partially opening the carton while moving the carton with the carton opening carousel, and transferring the carton from the carton opening carousel to a carton loading carousel in a transfer region. The transferring the carton can comprise moving the carton in an upstream direction. The method further can comprise loading a plurality of articles into the carton while moving the carton in a downstream direction with the carton loading carousel.

A modular case system and method of use provide for a case former having a base, interchangeable case gages and forming heads. Contained within the interior of the base are slide blocks mounted on slide rails and assemblies in such a manner as to allow the slide blocks to be slidingly reconfigured to form a case forming cavity of varicose sizes and shapes. The size and shape of the case forming cavity is established and maintained by a template opening, defined by, and potentially unique to, each case gage. The size and shape of the forming head corresponds to the size and shape of the template opening. The slide blocks are secured to the case gage by removable locking pins.

An automated packaging station is capable of being used to package objects. The automated packaging station includes a supply of web material, a surface (202), an aperture (206) therein, and a closing system. The automated packaging station is configured to form the web material into a pouch. The aperture (206) is configured such that an object can be inserted therethrough. The automated packaging station is configured to bias open the pouch beneath the surface such that the object inserted through the aperture falls into the pouch. The closing system is configured to close the pouch to form a package around the object in response to the object being inserted through the aperture. The object is capable of being shipped to a recipient in the package.

A method and a system for erecting boxes from box templates of different sizes, said method comprising the steps of: adjusting a size of a frame according to a size of a box template which should be erected; wrapping the box template to be erected around the frame; and separating the frame from the box template.

A device supports first and second flaps on a box traveling on a conveyor, the conveyor traveling at a speed in a direction. The device includes a cam track having a selected profile. The device includes a drive mechanism, wherein at least a portion of the drive mechanism travels proximate the cam track in the direction at substantially the speed of the conveyor. First and second mounting blocks are pivotally attached to the drive mechanism, including first and second cam followers for engaging the cam track; first and second fingers; and first and second hooks attached to the first and second fingers and configured to engage and hold the first and second flaps on the box. Relative positions of the first and second fingers with respect to the box change as the drive mechanism travels along the cam track.