Charles L Vaughn

US Patent:

20180169988, Jun 21, 2018

Filed:

Sep 18, 2015

Appl. No.:

15/512669

Inventors:

- Decatur GA, US
Charles Holton Vaughn - Grayson GA, US

International Classification:

B31B 50/00
B31B 50/06
B31B 50/80
B31B 50/02
B31B 50/04

Abstract:

A machine for forming a carton from a carton blank using a forming cavity uses at least one gripper for gripping and transporting the carton blank toward the forming cavity along a path of travel (such as from the hopper to a transporter in a linear fashion). A plurality of grippers may be provided for gripping and transporting the carton blank toward the forming cavity along the path of travel. The or each gripper may be adapted for gripping a lateral side of the carton blank, and the gripper(s) may be connected to a transporter adapted for moving in a reciprocal fashion along a linear path of travel. The machine may also include a forming cavity adapted for being raised and lowered, as well as a low level hopper for holding the carton blanks such that each is raised to associate with the gripper(s). Related methods are also disclosed.