An application unit in a packaging machine attaches a material blank to containers in a container group so as to form a multipack. At least one pressing element connect the material blank to the containers while they are conveyed along a transport plane. A drive unit moves the pressing element with a tool plate between out-of-engagement and engagement positions with the containers. The drive unit has mutually parallel and spaced-apart first and second drive disks to be rotated about respective first and second axes of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation are horizontal and located at the same height but not coaxial with each other. The pressing element is articulated to the first drive disk by a first joint axis and to the second drive disk by a second joint axis such that the tool plate is oriented horizontal during rotation of the two drive disks.

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).

A carrier for holding a plurality of containers, the carrier includes a plurality of panels that includes a top panel, at least one central panel, and at least one attachment panel configured to receive a portion of one or more containers of the plurality of containers, the at least one central panel is for being positioned between and attached to adjacent containers of the plurality of containers. The carrier also includes at least one access feature that is positionable for allowing access to at least one container of the plurality of containers, the at least one access feature includes a marginal portion of the top panel and a marginal portion of the at least one attachment panel.

A conveyor system for grouping containers includes a first track including a first plurality of lugs, each lug having a respective gripper coupled thereto configured to drive containers along the first track and a second track configured to move a second plurality of lugs wherein each of the lugs is coupled to a respective gripper configured to receive containers from the first track, and move the containers along the second track wherein the grippers of the second track contact the container while the gripper of the first track contacts the container.

A grouping system for grouping containers including a track oriented in a horizontal plane, a plurality of lugs coupled moveably to the track, and a plurality of grippers, wherein each gripper is coupled to a lug, wherein the grippers are configured to move a stream of containers about the track.

A conveyor system for grouping containers including a conveyor module configured to convey and meter a stream of containers of various dimensions a first star wheel and a second star wheel configured to move a plurality of first containers along a first travel path, wherein the first containers each have a first geometric center, and wherein the first travel path is defined by the geometric center of the first containers, and a third star wheel and a fourth star wheel configured to move a plurality of second containers along a second travel path, wherein the second containers each have a second geometric center, and wherein the second travel path is defined by the geometric center of the second containers, wherein the first travel path and the second travel path are substantially similar.

An applicating machine for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided from an infeed includes an orienter for placing containers into a correct rotational position and a transfer device for transferring the oriented containers in a fixed rotational position to a jaw drum for applying a flexible carrier to a plurality of containers provided.

A tray packer includes a positioning-and-folding unit, an application unit, and a storage-and-feed unit. The positioning-and-folding unit arranges a container group on a packaging blank's bottom and places its sides against the group. The application unit places a material blank on the group opposite the bottom portion such as to form a bundle. The storage-and-feed unit stores and provides the material blanks to the application unit. The application unit comprises a pressing element that comprises a tool plate that moves continuously on a circular path in such a way that the tool plate adjusts between engagement positions with the containers. The circular path spans a plane oriented parallel to a transport plane along which the groups travel.

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 location of sychronized 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.