An inline packaging machine for automatically accommodating and filling different sized containers, such as pouches, to reduce changeover time and thereby improve operating efficiency of the machine. The machine includes stations disposed longitudinally along a center line of the machine, including a first carrier track opposing a second carrier track with respect to the center line. A first clamp is disposed on the first carrier track and at least a second clamp is disposed on the second carrier track wherein the clamps are configured to releasably secure first-sized pouches for filling. The pouches are advanced inline from a setup station through an opening station to a filling station for filling with contents. The filled pouches are then advanced to a sealing and discharging station. A control system automatically adjusts the distance between the corresponding clamps to accommodate second-sized and/or third-sized pouches for inline processing and filling.

An inline packaging machine for automatically accommodating and filling different sized containers, such as pouches, to reduce changeover time and thereby improve operating efficiency of the machine. The machine includes stations disposed longitudinally along a center line of the machine, including a first carrier track opposing a second carrier track with respect to the center line. A first clamp is disposed on the first carrier track and at least a second clamp is disposed on the second carrier track wherein the clamps are configured to releasably secure first-sized pouches for filling. The pouches are advanced inline from a setup station through an opening station to a filling station for filling with contents. The filled pouches are then advanced to a sealing and discharging station. A control system automatically adjusts the distance between the corresponding clamps to accommodate second-sized and/or third-sized pouches for inline processing and filling.

The method includes first folding a top panel and a top hinge panel about a back panel and adhesively connecting the top hinge panel the back panel to form a first hinge, second folding a bottom panel and a bottom hinge panel about the back panel and adhesively connecting the bottom hinge panel to the back panel to form a second hinge, the first hinge and the second hinge being on first opposing edges of the back panel, and third folding a first side panel and a second side panel about the back panel to form a first wall and a second wall of a carton, the first wall and the second wall being on second opposing edges of the back panel.

A device (6) for inserting goods units (3) into a transport container (8, 81) includes a module (61) for conveying a bundle (1) having a carrier strand (11, 11′) on which a plurality of packaging units (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) are arranged one behind the other in a row; a module (62) for separating packaging elements (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) from a supplied bundle (1); and a module (63) for inserting packaging units (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) separated from the bundle (1) into a transport container (8, 81).

A device (6) for inserting goods units (3) into a transport container (8, 81) includes a module (61) for conveying a bundle (1) having a carrier strand (11, 11′) on which a plurality of packaging units (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) are arranged one behind the other in a row; a module (62) for separating packaging elements (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) from a supplied bundle (1); and a module (63) for inserting packaging units (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) separated from the bundle (1) into a transport container (8, 81).

A device (6) for inserting goods units (3) into a transport container (8, 81) includes a module (61) for conveying a bundle (1) having a carrier strand (11, 11′) on which a plurality of packaging units (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) are arranged one behind the other in a row; a module (62) for separating packaging elements (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) from a supplied bundle (1); and a module (63) for inserting packaging units (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) separated from the bundle (1) into a transport container (8, 81).

A device (6) for inserting goods units (3) into a transport container (8, 81) includes a module (61) for conveying a bundle (1) having a carrier strand (11, 11′) on which a plurality of packaging units (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) are arranged one behind the other in a row; a module (62) for separating packaging elements (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) from a supplied bundle (1); and a module (63) for inserting packaging units (2, 2′, 2″, 2′″) separated from the bundle (1) into a transport container (8, 81).

An apparatus for packaging of loose product includes a loading station, a box forming station and an uploading station. The loading station includes moveable chutes in spaced apart relation. Each chute has an open top, an open upstream end, and an open downstream end. The open top is configured to receive loose product while moving along a first feed path. The box forming station is operable to partially erect boxes in spaced apart relation with first and second open sides and align the first open side of each box with the downstream end of a corresponding chute while moving along a second feed path. The unloading station includes a stationary vacuum head in communication with the second open side of each box. The vacuum head provides a continuous vacuum source along the second feed path operable to move loose product from the chute into the boxes.

The carton includes a back panel, a first inner panel, a first surface of the first inner panel contacting a second surface of the back panel, and walls positioned on sides of the back panel, the walls, the back panel and the first inner panel collectively defining a recess. The walls includes a first hinge panel connecting a top panel to the back panel, a second hinge panel connecting a bottom panel to the back panel, a first side panel and a second side panel each connected to the back panel, a top front panel connecting a second inner panel to the top panel, a third surface of the second inner panel contacting the second surface of the back panel, and a fourth surface of the first hinge panel and a fifth surface of the second hinge panel connected to the back panel.

An apparatus makes packages from a web of bags includes an indexing mechanism, an opening arrangement, engagement devices, and a sealing arrangement. The indexing mechanism moves the web. The opening arrangement opens a bag to form an opening so that a product can be placed into the bag. The engagement devices engage the bag and close the opening. Each engagement device includes a base, a first link, a second link, a sliding pivot, and a finger. The first link is pivotably connected to the base, and the second link is pivotably connected to the first link. The sliding pivot pivots with respect to the base and allows the second link to slide through the sliding pivot member. The finger is connected to the second link. The engagement devices pull a first and second sides of the bag in opposite directions. The sealing arrangement seals the opening of the bag.