Patent ID: 6164040
Filing Date: 2000-12-26
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A cartoner apparatus comprising:a folding station configured to at least partially wrap a carton blank about a pre-arranged bundle of packets;means for repetitively dispensing carton blanks along a pathway extending from a source of said carton blanks to said folding station, said pathway including a path portion adjacent said folding station;a signal generator adjacent a print location along said path portion, said signal generator configured to generate a signal indicative of presence of said carton blank as said carton blank passes adjacent said print location;at least one fluid jet printer head at said print location; anda controller configured to operate the printer head responsively to the signal generator, said controller configured to operate said fluid jet printer head to repetitively apply selectable indicia on a pre-selected portion of said carton blank as said carton blank passes said print location;said dispensing means including a roller assembly at a location along said path portion proximate to said folding station, said roller assembly including a frame member disposed between said print location and said folding station, said fram member proximate to said pre-selected, indicia bearing portion of said carton blank as said carton blank passes through said roller assembly, said roller assembly including a guide arrangement adjacent said frame member and operative upon said blank as said blank is progressed through said roller assembly from said print location into the folding station such that said indicia-bearing portion of said blank remains without contact with said frame member during said progression through said roller assembly.