The invention relates to a cartoning apparatus (1) of items comprising: a sorting machine (100), which is configured to arrange the items into clusters, and a die-cut magazine (125), in which a plurality of die-cuts (5) are stored for packaging the clusters of items. Where the die-cut magazine is flanked in plan to the sorting machine and is spaced therefrom so that between the die-cut magazine (125) and the sorting machine there is a passage gap (126) with a width greater than 50 cm in at least a stretch of the passage gap.

An item packaging system can position and prepare a package for receiving one or more items. The package can be received by the system in a storage orientation and stored in a storage container. A picking assembly can be positioned above the storage container in a picking orientation and pick and rotate the package to a loading orientation. A gripper can grip the package in the loading orientation and transport the package to a loading station for loading the one or more items into the interior of the shipping receptacle.

An item packaging system can position and prepare a package for receiving one or more items. The package can be received by the system in a storage orientation and stored in a storage container. A picking assembly can be positioned above the storage container in a picking orientation and pick and rotate the package to a loading orientation. A gripper can grip the package in the loading orientation and transport the package to a loading station for loading the one or more items into the interior of the shipping receptacle.

An exemplary apparatus for making packages from a web of interconnected bags includes an indexing mechanism, an opening arrangement, a pair of engagement devices, and a sealing arrangement. The indexing mechanism is configured to move the web of interconnected bags along a path of travel. The opening arrangement is configured to open a bag such that an opening is formed in the bag and a product can be placed into the opening of the bag. The pair of engagement devices are configured to engage the bag and close the opening of the bag. Each engagement device includes a base member, a first link, a second link, a sliding pivot member, and a finger. The first link is pivotably connected to the base member, and the second link is pivotably connected to the first link. The sliding pivot member is configured to allow the second link to slide through the sliding pivot member and pivot in relation to the base member. The finger is connected to the second link. The pair of engagement devices are configured to pull a first side and a second side of the bag in opposite directions. The sealing arrangement is configured to seal the opening of the bag.

An exemplary apparatus for making packages from a web of interconnected bags includes an indexing mechanism, an opening arrangement, a pair of engagement devices, and a sealing arrangement. The indexing mechanism is configured to move the web of interconnected bags along a path of travel. The opening arrangement is configured to open a bag such that an opening is formed in the bag and a product can be placed into the opening of the bag. The pair of engagement devices are configured to engage the bag and close the opening of the bag. Each engagement device includes a base member, a first link, a second link, a sliding pivot member, and a finger. The first link is pivotably connected to the base member, and the second link is pivotably connected to the first link. The sliding pivot member is configured to allow the second link to slide through the sliding pivot member and pivot in relation to the base member. The finger is connected to the second link. The pair of engagement devices are configured to pull a first side and a second side of the bag in opposite directions. The sealing arrangement is configured to seal the opening of the bag.

A bag supply system supplies a packaging bag to a storing position where a sandwich is stored, the bag supply system which includes an opening forming device configured to form an opening at a bag opening of the packaging bag, and a bag opening device configured to grip each of a first side edge portion and a second side edge portion of the opening in an opening direction, the opening direction being a direction in which the opening is opened, and open the bag opening by widening the opening in the opening direction.

A bag supply system supplies a packaging bag to a storing position where a sandwich is stored, the bag supply system which includes an opening forming device configured to form an opening at a bag opening of the packaging bag, and a bag opening device configured to grip each of a first side edge portion and a second side edge portion of the opening in an opening direction, the opening direction being a direction in which the opening is opened, and open the bag opening by widening the opening in the opening direction.

A transport mechanism for engaging a pouch in an erect configuration at a first station of a packaging machine and transferring the pouch to a second station of the packaging machine includes a carriage and a grip assembly. The carriage is moveable between the first station and the second station. The grip assembly is coupled to the carriage and is at least partially moveable relative to the carriage between an engaged position for clamping the pouch in the erect configuration within the grip assembly, and a released position.

A device for transporting and filling bags, preferably open bags, comprising a filling device, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, having multiple filling openings distributed over the circumference of the filling device, and comprising a feeder, using which an empty bag can be fed to a filling opening, wherein the feeder comprises at least one holding unit for a bag, which is movable normally to the axis of rotation of the filling device, wherein the holding unit has two separate holders, wherein the holders are each movable forward and backward along the same open trajectory, wherein the first holder is mounted so it is movable on the filling device, while the second holder is mounted so it is movable on a spatially-fixed guide.

A device for transporting and filling bags, preferably open bags, comprising a filling device, which is rotatable about an axis of rotation, having multiple filling openings distributed over the circumference of the filling device, and comprising a feeder, using which an empty bag can be fed to a filling opening, wherein the feeder comprises at least one holding unit for a bag, which is movable normally to the axis of rotation of the filling device, wherein the holding unit has two separate holders, wherein the holders are each movable forward and backward along the same open trajectory, wherein the first holder is mounted so it is movable on the filling device, while the second holder is mounted so it is movable on a spatially-fixed guide.