Patent ID: 6213286
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: B31B,B65B

Abstract:
A carton feeder comprising:a plurality of carton-engagement stations rotatable about an axis each said carton-engagement station having at least one suction orifice for engaging a carton;a first set of fluid passageways rotatable about said axis having first ends in respective fluid flow communication with said at least one suction orifice of each said carton feeder station for applying a vacuum thereto and having a plurality of sets of second ends for receiving a vacuum applied thereto corresponding to distinct combinations of said plurality of carton-engagement stations;a second set of fluid passageways having a first set of fluid openings in complimentary fluid-flow alignment with respective ones of said plurality of sets of second ends of said first set of fluid passageways such that as said first set of fluid passageways rotate about said axis said first set of fluid openings intermittently applies vacuum to said respective ones of said plurality of sets of second ends of said first set of fluid passageways and having a second set of fluid openings in fluid-flow communication with said first set of fluid openings; anda vacuum distributor in fluid-flow communication with said second set of fluid openings selectively adjustable between a plurality of vacuum distributing positions wherein at each of said plurality of vacuum distributing positions vacuum is applied to a distinct combination of ones of said second set of fluid openings whereby vacuum is ultimately selectively applied to said distinct combinations of carton-engagement stations.