An improved mailer folding apparatus that forms mailers from mailer blanks. The mailer folding apparatus comprises a transport assembly and one or more folding assemblies. The transport assembly moves mailer blanks and/or mailers through the mailer folding apparatus. The one or more folding assemblies may each comprise a folding system and a carriage system. The folding system may selectively allow for the folding of a mailer blank into a mailer. A carriage of the carriage system may move the folding system longitudinally between different positions relative to the transport assembly. An engagement system separate from the carriage system or integrated into the carriage system may engage and disengage the folding system with the transport system for selectively feeding a mailer blank through the folding system, or disengage the folding system for allowing a mailer blank or folded mailer to bypass the folding system.

A method for forming a container using a machine includes extracting a blank from a magazine, transferring the blank in a blank transfer direction X, and positioning the blank on a deck. The method also includes translating a pick-up assembly from a first end to a second end along a horizontal direction Y perpendicular to the blank transfer direction X, the translating including transferring a web from a first location proximate the first end to a second location proximate the second end. The method further includes depositing, at the second location, the web into an at least partially overlying relationship with the blank to form a blank assembly, transferring the blank assembly along the deck in the blank transfer direction X while translating the pick-up assembly from the second end back to the first end, and wrapping the blank assembly around a mandrel to at least partially form the container.

A method for forming a container using a machine includes extracting a blank from a magazine, transferring the blank in a blank transfer direction X, and positioning the blank on a deck. The method also includes translating a pick-up assembly from a first end to a second end along a horizontal direction Y perpendicular to the blank transfer direction X, the translating including transferring a web from a first location proximate the first end to a second location proximate the second end. The method further includes depositing, at the second location, the web into an at least partially overlying relationship with the blank to form a blank assembly, transferring the blank assembly along the deck in the blank transfer direction X while translating the pick-up assembly from the second end back to the first end, and wrapping the blank assembly around a mandrel to at least partially form the container.

A slitter device includes an upper rotary shaft and a lower rotary shaft that are supported so as to be able to rotate. An upper slitter head that is supported by the upper rotary shaft so as to be able to rotate therewith. A lower slitter head that is supported by the lower rotary shaft so as to be able to rotate therewith and that is disposed on one side of the upper slitter head in the axial direction of the lower rotary shaft. An upper movement device that can move the upper slitter head in the axial direction of the upper rotary shaft. A lower movement device can move the lower slitter head in the axial direction of the lower rotary shaft. A control device that controls movement of the upper movement device and the lower movement device.

A slitter device includes an upper rotary shaft and a lower rotary shaft that are supported so as to be able to rotate. An upper slitter head that is supported by the upper rotary shaft so as to be able to rotate therewith. A lower slitter head that is supported by the lower rotary shaft so as to be able to rotate therewith and that is disposed on one side of the upper slitter head in the axial direction of the lower rotary shaft. An upper movement device that can move the upper slitter head in the axial direction of the upper rotary shaft. A lower movement device can move the lower slitter head in the axial direction of the lower rotary shaft. A control device that controls movement of the upper movement device and the lower movement device.

A carton blank feeding and shuttle machine includes a first driven belt supported by a first plurality of pulleys and a second driven belt supported by a second plurality of pulleys, a first rod attached to the first driven belt and a second rod attached to the second driven belt. Each of the rods extend across the first and second opposing sides. At least one controller controls motions of (a) the first driven belt and (b) the second driven belt, and a plucking head is supported by the first and second rods such that the first and second driven belts create common motion to move the plucking head along a transport path and relative motion to extend and retract the plucking head. A linkage assembly includes a plurality of links configured to move a plucking head along a shaft in response to movements of the first and second belts.

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels includes at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel for receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers. The at least one central panel is for being positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and the at least one attachment panel is foldably connected to the at least one central panel. At least one divider flap is foldably connected to the at least one central panel. The at least one attachment panel is positionable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the at least one attachment panel overlies and receives a portion of one or more of the containers. In the second position the at least one attachment panel is folded relative to the at least one central panel and in an upright position to form a handle for carrying the carrier.

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers includes a plurality of panels, the plurality of panels includes at least one central panel and at least one attachment panel for receiving a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers. The at least one central panel is for being positioned between adjacent containers of the plurality of containers, and the at least one attachment panel is foldably connected to the at least one central panel. At least one divider flap is foldably connected to the at least one central panel. The at least one attachment panel is positionable between a first position and a second position. In the first position the at least one attachment panel overlies and receives a portion of one or more of the containers. In the second position the at least one attachment panel is folded relative to the at least one central panel and in an upright position to form a handle for carrying the carrier.

Provided are a slotter head, a slotter device and a box making machine comprising a cutter holder which is in a disk shape and is rotationally supported, a first cutting blade which is mounted to an outer peripheral portion of the cutter holder, a moving holder which is supported by the cutter holder movably along the circumferential direction, a second cutting blade which is mounted to an outer peripheral portion of the moving holder, a first drive device which rotationally drives the cutter holder, and a second drive device which rotationally drives the moving holder.

Provided are a slotter head, a slotter device and a box making machine comprising a cutter holder which is in a disk shape and is rotationally supported, a first cutting blade which is mounted to an outer peripheral portion of the cutter holder, a moving holder which is supported by the cutter holder movably along the circumferential direction, a second cutting blade which is mounted to an outer peripheral portion of the moving holder, a first drive device which rotationally drives the cutter holder, and a second drive device which rotationally drives the moving holder.