Patent Publication Number: US-9409367-B2

Title: Machine for forming multiple types of containers

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/406,909, filed Oct. 26, 2010, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to a machine for forming containers from a blank of sheet material, and more specifically to methods and a machine for continuously forming multiple types of corrugated containers from blanks of sheet material. 
     Containers fabricated from paperboard and/or corrugated paperboard material are often used to store and transport goods. These containers can include four-sided containers, six-sided containers, eight-sided containers, bulk bins and/or various size corrugated barrels. Such containers are usually formed from blanks of sheet material that are folded along a plurality of preformed fold lines to form an erected corrugated container. 
     At least some known containers are formed using a machine. For example, a blank may be positioned near a mandrel on a machine, and the machine may be configured to wrap the blank around the mandrel to form at least a portion of the container. An example of such a machine is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,242,949 (“the &#39;949 Patent”). The &#39;949 Patent describes a machine that is capable of producing a cardboard case or similar container by wrapping a blank about a mandrel. This mandrel has a substantially square or rectangular cross section, so that the cases formed by the machine have four lateral faces defining a volume having a cross section, parallel to the bottom of the cases, which is also square or rectangular. In other words, this machine forms a four-sided, square, or rectangular box. The machine uses jacks and mechanical linkages to raise, lower, and rotate folding arms that wrap the blank around the mandrel. These arms are rigidly connected together so that they move in tandem, and cannot be moved or controlled independently. The machine shown in the &#39;949 Patent does not include the ability to feed different types of blanks to the forming station for continually forming different types of containers. 
     Another box forming machine is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,147,271 (“the &#39;271 Patent”). The &#39;271 Patent describes a machine having an eight-sided mandrel that is capable of producing a cardboard case or similar container by wrapping a blank about the mandrel. This machine is able to form containers having eight side faces defining a volume having a cross section, parallel to the bottom of the container, which is also eight-sided. As in the case of the &#39;949 Patent, the &#39;271 Patent also describes a machine that uses jacks and mechanical linkages to raise, lower, and rotate folding arms that wrap the blank around the mandrel. These arms are rigidly connected together so that they move in tandem, and cannot be moved or controlled independently. The machine shown in the &#39;271 Patent does not include the ability to feed different types of blanks to the forming station for continuously forming multiple different types of containers. 
     Another box forming machine is described in U.S. Pub. No. 2008/0078819 (“the &#39;819 Application”). The &#39;819 Application describes a machine for forming a barrel from a blank of sheet material. The machine includes a mandrel having an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a portion of the barrel. The barrel that is formed is an eight-sided barrel. Thus, the mandrel is also eight-sided. Unlike in the &#39;949 Patent and the &#39;271 Patent, the &#39;819 Application describes a servomechanism operatively connected to a folding arm for driving and controlling movement of the arm. Again, the &#39;819 Application does not describe a machine that can continuously feed multiple types of blanks to the forming station. 
     None of these known box forming machines include a plurality of blank feed hoppers, a mandrel, a plurality of folding arms, and a plurality of blank feeding arms that enable the machine to continuously form different types of containers from the different types of blanks being fed to the forming station. It would be beneficial to have a box forming machine that includes individually controlled arms and a control system that allows an operator to program different box forming recipes, or protocols, into the control system. Each recipe would include computer-readable instructions that instruct the different mechanisms of the blank feeding stations and the box forming arms to form various types of boxes, and/or control the output of the formed boxes from the machine. Thus, the machine could continuously form multiple types of boxes. The different types of boxes refer to boxes having various depths, various printing on the outside of the boxes, and various lid structures or, in some cases, no lid structures. A different type of box, as used herein, however, does not mean that the boxes have a different overall length of the sides or ends, or a different number of sides. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a blank delivery system for use in a machine for forming a container from a blank sheet of material is provided. The blank delivery system includes a blank loading assembly that includes a plurality of blank hoppers. Each blank hopper is configured to hold a plurality of blanks for forming a different type of container. A blank transfer assembly is coupled to each blank hopper of the plurality of blank hoppers. The blank transfer assembly is configured to convey the blanks from each blank hopper to a container forming system of the machine. 
     In another aspect, a machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material is provided. The machine includes a mandrel assembly that is configured to form a container from a blank sheet of material and a container delivery system that is configured to selectively convey the container from the mandrel assembly to a plurality of product loading areas. The container delivery system includes a conveyor belt assembly that is positioned downstream of the mandrel assembly. The conveyor belt assembly includes a first conveyor section and at least a second conveyor section. The first conveyor section is coupled to a first product loading area. The second conveyor section is coupled to a second product loading area that is different than the first product loading area. A container loading assembly is coupled to the mandrel assembly and is positionable between a first position to convey a container from the container forming section to said first conveyor section, and a second position to convey the container from the container forming system to said second conveyor section. 
     In yet another aspect, a machine for forming a container from a blank of sheet material is provided. The machine includes a mandrel assembly that includes a mandrel having an external shape complimentary to an internal shape of at least a portion of a container, and at least one lifting mechanism configured to wrap at least a portion of the blank about the mandrel to facilitate forming the container. A blank delivery system is coupled to the mandrel assembly. The blank delivery system is configured to selectively deliver a plurality of blanks to the mandrel assembly for forming a plurality of different types of containers. The blank delivery system includes a blank loading assembly that includes a plurality of blank hoppers, wherein each blank hopper is configured to hold a plurality of blanks. A blank transfer assembly is coupled to each blank hopper of the plurality of blank hoppers to convey the blanks from each blank hopper to said mandrel assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a blank of sheet material having 8-sides that may be used with the machine described herein. 
         FIG. 1B  is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a blank of sheet material having 4-sides that may be used with the machine described herein. 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container having 8-sides that may be formed from the blank shown in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a container having 4-sides that may be formed from the blank shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the container shown in  FIG. 2A  in a closed state. 
         FIG. 4  is an overhead cross-sectional view of the container shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a machine that may be used to form a container from the blank of sheet material shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . 
         FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the machine shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of the machine shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the machine shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an exemplary blank feed section included within the machine shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top sectional view of the blank feed section shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an exemplary blank loading assembly that may be used with the blank feed section shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 12  is an opposite perspective view of the blank loading assembly shown in  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary vacuum puller assembly that may be used with the blank loading assembly shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  is a top sectional view of the vacuum puller assembly shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  is a front sectional view of the vacuum puller assembly shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 16  is a side sectional view of the vacuum puller assembly shown in  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary blank hopper that may be used with the blank loading assembly shown in  FIG. 11  and  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the portion of the blank hopper shown in  FIG. 17 . 
         FIG. 19  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary blank transfer assembly that may be used with the blank feed section shown in  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 20  is another perspective view of the portion of the blank transfer assembly shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  is a front sectional view of the portion of the blank transfer assembly shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 22  is a side sectional view of the portion of the blank transfer assembly shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an exemplary lug assembly that may be used with the blank transfer assembly shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIGS. 24-26  are sectional views of the lug assembly shown in  FIG. 23 . 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an exemplary transfer section included within the machine shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . 
         FIG. 28  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary pusher assembly that may be used with the transfer section shown in  FIG. 27 . 
         FIGS. 29-30  are perspective views of the pusher assembly shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIGS. 31-32  are sectional views of an exemplary pusher foot that may be used with the pusher assembly shown in  FIG. 28 . 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of an exemplary mandrel wrap section included within the machine shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an exemplary mandrel assembly that may be used with the mandrel wrap section shown in  FIG. 33 . 
         FIG. 35  is another perspective view of the mandrel assembly shown in  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 36  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary lift frame assembly that may be used with the mandrel assembly shown in  FIG. 33  and  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 37  is another perspective view of the portion of the lift frame assembly shown in  FIG. 36 . 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of an exemplary lateral presser arm, glue tab presser, and glue tab folder that may be used with the mandrel assembly shown in  FIG. 33  and  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 39  is a perspective view of a bottom folder assembly that may be used with the mandrel assembly shown in  FIG. 33  and  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 40  is a perspective view of a servo-driven eject assembly that may be used with the mandrel assembly shown in  FIG. 33  and  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of a glue tab folder and glue tab presser assembly that may be used with the mandrel assembly shown in  FIG. 33  and  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 42  is a perspective view of a bottom presser plate assembly that may be used with the mandrel assembly shown in  FIG. 33  and  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 43  is a perspective view of an exemplary outfeed section within the machine shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . 
         FIGS. 44-45  are a perspective view of portions of the outfeed assembly shown in  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of an exemplary container diverter assembly that may be used with the outfeed section shown in  FIG. 43 . 
         FIG. 47  is another perspective view of the container diverter assembly shown in  FIG. 46 . 
         FIG. 48  is a partial cross-sectional view of the container diverter assembly shown in  FIG. 46 . 
         FIGS. 49-50  are perspective views of the container diverter assembly shown in  FIG. 46 . 
         FIG. 51  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary control system that is part of the machine shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . 
         FIG. 52  is a schematic view of the control system that is part of the machine shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The methods and machine for forming corrugated containers described herein overcome at least some of the limitations of known box forming machines by providing a machine that includes a container forming section and a blank delivery system that is configured to deliver a plurality of different types of blanks to the container forming system for forming a plurality of different types of containers. More specifically, the blank delivery system includes multiple blank hoppers and a blank transfer assembly that is coupled to each blank hopper to selectively deliver different blanks to the container forming section. The blank delivery system also includes modular blank hoppers such that additional hoppers can be added to the machine for running as many different types of blanks as needed. The blank delivery system selectively delivers a plurality of blanks having different blank depths, different lid configurations, and/or different printing to the container forming system to enable a plurality of different types of containers having different container depths, different printing on the outside of containers, and/or different lid structures to be formed. The machine further includes a container delivery system that is configured to selectively deliver a container from the container forming system to one or more product loading areas. 
     The machine also includes a control system that is coupled in operative control communication with components of the machine to enable an operator to program different box forming recipes, or protocols, into the control system to facilitate forming various types of containers. The control system includes a plurality of servomechanisms, also referred to herein as “servos” or variable speed motors, that are coupled to components of the machine to enable the different components, or groups of components to be independently operated. By providing a machine that includes a blank delivery system that selectively delivers different types of blanks to a container forming system, different types of containers can be continuously formed on the machine without having to stop the machine for adjustment or reconfiguration. Thus, the cost of forming different types of containers is reduced as compared to known box forming machines. 
     As described herein, a control system allows an operator to change recipes or protocols by making a selection on a user interface. The recipes are computer instructions for controlling the machine to form different size boxes, different types of boxes, and/or adjust a production speed of the machine output. The different recipes control the speed, timing, force applied, and/or other motion characteristics of the different forming components of the machine including how the components move relative to one another. However, the processes and systems described herein are not limited in any way to the corrugated containers shown herein. Rather, the processes and systems described herein can be applied to a plurality of container types manufactured from a plurality of materials. As used herein, the term “servo-controlled” refers to any component and/or device having its movement controlled by a servomechanism. 
       FIG. 1A  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a substantially flat blank  20  of sheet material having 8-sides.  FIG. 1B  illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a substantially flat blank  25  of sheet material having 4-sides. Each blank  20  and blank  25  includes a series of aligned wall panels and end panels connected together by a plurality of preformed, generally parallel, fold lines. As shown in  FIG. 1A , the wall panels include a first corner panel  22 , a first side panel  24 , a second corner panel  26 , a first end panel  28 , a third corner panel  30 , a second side panel  32 , a fourth corner panel  34 , a second end panel  36 , and a glue panel  38  connected in series along a plurality of fold lines  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 , and  54 . First corner panel  22  extends from a first free edge  56  to fold line  40 , first side panel  24  extends from first corner panel  22  along fold line  40 , second corner panel  26  extends from first side panel  24  along fold line  42 , first end panel  28  extends from second corner panel  26  along fold line  44 , third corner panel  30  extends from first end panel  28  along fold line  46 , second side panel  32  extends from third corner panel  30  along fold line  48 , fourth corner panel  34  extends from second side panel  32  along fold line  50 , second end panel  36  extends from fourth corner panel  34  along fold line  52 , and glue panel  38  extends from second end panel  36  along fold line  54  to a second free edge  58 . 
     A first top side panel  60  and a first bottom side panel  62  extend from opposing edges of first side panel  24 . More specifically, first top side panel  60  and first bottom side panel  62  extend from first side panel  24  along a pair of opposing preformed, generally parallel, fold lines  64  and  66 , respectively. Similarly, a second bottom side panel  68  and a second top side panel  70  extend from opposing edges of second side panel  32 . More specifically, second bottom side panel  68  and second top side panel  70  extend from second side panel  32  along a pair of opposing preformed, generally parallel, fold lines  72  and  74 , respectively. Fold lines  64 ,  66 ,  72 , and  74  are generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to fold lines  40 ,  42 ,  48 , and  50 . First bottom side panel  62  and first top side panel  60  each have a width  76  taken along a central horizontal axis  78  of blank  20  that is greater than a width  80  of first side panel  24 , also taken along central horizontal axis  78 . Similarly, second bottom side panel  68  and second top side panel  70  each have width  76  that is greater than width  80  of second side panel  32 , taken along central horizontal axis  78 . 
     First bottom side panel  62  and first top side panel  60  each include a free edge  82  or  84 , respectively. Similarly, second bottom side panel  68  and second top side panel  70  each include a free edge  86  or  88 , respectively. Bottom side panels  62  and  68  and top side panels  60  and  70  each include opposing angled edge portions  90  and  92  that are each obliquely angled with respect to respective fold lines  64 ,  66 ,  72 , and/or  74 . Although other angles may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment, edge portions  90  and  92  are angled at about 45° with respect to respective fold lines  64 ,  66 ,  72 , and/or  74 . 
     As will be described in more detail below, the shape, size, and arrangement of bottom side panels  62  and  68  and top side panels  60  and  70  as shown in  FIG. 1A  and described above facilitates forming an octagonal container  200  having angled corners, an example of which is shown in  FIG. 2A  and  FIGS. 3-4 . More specifically, the shape, size, and arrangement of bottom side panels  62  and  68  and top side panels  60  and  70  facilitates forming container  200  having corner walls that are obliquely angled with respect to side walls and end walls, and interconnect side walls and end walls of formed container  200 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 1A , a first top end panel  94  and a first bottom end panel  96  extend from opposing edges of first end panel  28 . More specifically, first top end panel  94  and first bottom end panel  96  extend from first end panel  28  along a pair of opposing preformed, generally parallel, fold lines  98  and  100 , respectively. Similarly, a second bottom end panel  102  and a second top end panel  104  extend from opposing edges of second end panel  36 . More specifically, second bottom end panel  102  and second top end panel  104  extend from second end panel  36  along a pair of opposing preformed, generally parallel, fold lines  106  and  108 , respectively. Fold lines  98 ,  100 ,  106 , and  108  are generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to fold lines  44 ,  46 ,  52 , and  54 . First bottom end panel  96  and first top end panel  94  each have a width  110  taken along central horizontal axis  78  of blank  20  that is substantially equal to a width  112  of first end panel  28 , also taken along central horizontal axis  78 . Similarly, second bottom end panel  102  and second top end panel  104  each have a width  110  that is substantially equal to width  112  of second end panel  36 , taken along central horizontal axis  78 . 
     First bottom end panel  96  and first top end panel  94  each include a free edge  114  or  116 , respectively. Similarly, second bottom end panel  102  and second top end panel  104  each include a free edge  118  or  120 , respectively. Bottom end panels  96  and  102 , and top end panels  94  and  104 , each include opposing side edge portions  122  and  124  that are each substantially parallel to respective fold lines  44 ,  46 ,  52 , and  54 . Although other angles may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment, side edge portions  122  and  124  are angled at about 180° with respect to respective fold lines  44 ,  46 ,  52 , and/or  54 . 
     As a result of the above exemplary embodiment of blank  20 , a manufacturer&#39;s joint, a container bottom wall, and a container top wall formed therefrom may be securely closed so that various products may be securely contained within a formed container. Therefore, less material may be used to fabricate blank  20  having suitable strength for construction of a container that can contain various loads. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, blank  20  extends between a trailing edge  126  and a leading edge  128  and has a depth D 1  that is defined as the height of side panels  24  and  32 , and end panels  28  and  36 . In addition, blank  20  has a length L 1  that is defined along centerline axis  78  between first free edge  56  of first corner panel  22  and second free edge  58  of glue panel  38 . Blank  20  also includes an inner surface  130  and an outer surface  132 . Inner surface  130  and outer surface  132  each extend between leading edge  128  and trailing edge  126 , and between first free edge  56  and second free edge  58 . In the exemplary embodiment, outer surface  132  of blanks  20  and  25  includes printing and/or labeling. Moreover, each blank  20  and  25  may include different labeling and/or printing to facilitate forming different types of containers  200  each having different printing on the outside of containers  200 . 
     As will be described below in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 5-42 , blank  20  is intended to form container  200  as shown in  FIG. 2A  and  FIGS. 3-4  by folding and/or securing panels  22 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 , and/or  38  (shown in  FIG. 1A ) and bottom panels  62 ,  68 ,  96 , and/or  102  (shown in  FIG. 1A ). Similarly, blank  25  is intended to form container  205  as shown in  FIG. 2B . Of course, blanks having shapes, sizes, and configurations different than blank  20  and/or blank  25  described and illustrated herein may be used to form container  200  shown in  FIG. 2A  and  FIGS. 3-4  and/or container  205  shown in  FIG. 2B  without departing from the scope of the present invention. In other words, the machine, processes, and control system described herein can be used to form a variety of different shaped and sized containers, and is not limited to blank  20  shown in  FIG. 1A , blank  25  shown in  FIG. 1B , container  200  shown in  FIG. 2A  and  FIGS. 3-4 , and/or container  205  shown in  FIG. 2B . More specifically, the machine and methods described herein can be configured to form a 4, 6, 8, or N-sided container. In addition, the machine is configured to continuously form multiple different types of containers without having to reconfigure the machine. In other words, different types of blanks (i.e., blanks having a different depth dimension and/or different top configuration and/or different printing on the outside of the container) can be used to form different types of containers on the machine without having to stop operation and reconfigure the machine. 
       FIG. 2A  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary container  200  having 8-sides, which is erected and in an open configuration, that may be formed from blank  20  (shown in  FIG. 1A ).  FIG. 2B  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary container  205  having 4-sides, that may be formed from blank  25  (shown in  FIG. 1B ).  FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of container  200  in a closed configuration.  FIG. 4  illustrates an overhead cross-sectional view of container  200 . Referring to  FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 3-4 , in the exemplary embodiment, container  200  includes a plurality of walls defining a cavity  202 . More specifically, container  200  includes a first corner wall  204 , a first side wall  206 , a second corner wall  208 , a first end wall  210 , a third corner wall  212 , a second side wall  214 , a fourth corner wall  216 , and a second end wall  218 . First corner wall  204  includes first corner panel  22  and glue panel  38 , first side wall  206  includes first side panel  24 , second corner wall  208  includes second corner panel  26 , first end wall  210  includes first end panel  28 , third corner wall  212  includes third corner panel  30 , second side wall  214  includes second side panel  32 , fourth corner wall  216  includes fourth corner panel  34 , and second end wall  218  includes second end panel  36 , as described in more detail below. Each wall  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  has a height  220 . Although each wall may have a different height without departing from the scope of the present invention, in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1A, 2A, and 3-4 , each wall  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  has substantially the same height  220 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, first corner wall  204  connects first side wall  206  to second end wall  218 , second corner wall  208  connects first side wall  206  to first end wall  210 , third corner wall  212  connects first end wall  210  to second side wall  214 , and fourth corner wall  216  connects second side wall  214  to second end wall  218 . Further, bottom panels  62 ,  68 ,  96 , and  102  form a bottom wall  222  of container  200 , and top panels  60 ,  70 ,  94 , and  104  form a top wall  224  of container  200 . Although container  200  may have other orientations without departing from the scope of the present invention, in the embodiments shown in  FIGS. 2A and 3-4 , end walls  210  and  218  are substantially parallel to each other, side walls  206  and  214  are substantially parallel to each other, first corner wall  204  and third corner wall  212  are substantially parallel to each other, and second corner wall  208  and fourth corner wall  216  are substantially parallel to each other. Corner walls  204 ,  208 ,  212 , and  216  are obliquely angled with respect to walls  206 ,  210 ,  214 , and  218 , and they interconnect to form angled corners of container  200 . 
     Bottom panels  62 ,  68 ,  96 , and  102  are each orientated generally perpendicular to walls  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  to form bottom wall  222 . More specifically, bottom end panels  96  and  102  are folded beneath/inside of bottom side panels  62  and  68 . Similarly, in a fully closed position (shown in  FIG. 3 ), top panels  60 ,  70 ,  94 , and  104  are each orientated generally perpendicular to walls  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 , and  218  to form top wall  224 . Although container  200  may be secured together using any suitable fastener at any suitable location on container  200  without departing from the scope of the present invention, in one embodiment, adhesive (not shown) is applied to an inner surface and/or an outer surface of first corner panel  22  and/or glue panel  38  to form first corner wall  204 . In one embodiment, adhesive may also be applied to exterior surfaces of bottom end panels  96  and/or  102  and/or interior surfaces of bottom side panels  62  and/or  68  to secure bottom side panels  62  and/or  68  to bottom end panels  96  and/or  102 . As a result of the above exemplary embodiment of container  200 , the manufacturer&#39;s joint, bottom wall  222 , and/or top wall  224  may be securely closed so that various products may be securely contained within container  200 . Therefore, less material may be used to fabricate a stronger container  200 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary machine  1000  for forming a container, such as container  200  (shown in  FIGS. 2A and 3-4 ) from a blank of sheet material, such as blank  20  (shown in  FIG. 1A ), and such as container  205  (shown in  FIG. 2B ) from a blank of sheet material, such as blank  25  (shown in  FIG. 1B ).  FIG. 6  illustrates a sectional view of machine  1000  shown in  FIG. 5  and taken along sectional lines  6 - 6 .  FIG. 7  illustrates another perspective view of machine  1000 .  FIG. 8  is a sectional view of machine  1000  shown in  FIG. 7  and taken along sectional lines  8 - 8 . Machine  1000  will be discussed thereafter with reference to forming a corrugated container such as corrugated container  200  from blank  20 , however, machine  1000  may be used to form a box or any other container having any size, shape, and/or configuration from a blank having any size, shape, and/or configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the 4-sided blank  25  is shown in some of the figures being run on machine  1000 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5-8 , machine  1000  is configurable to form one or more types of container  200 . Moreover, machine  1000  is configured to continuously form different types of containers  200  from different types of blanks  20  without having to stop machine  1000  for adjustment or reconfiguration. A type of container  200 , as used herein, means a container  200  formed from a blank  20  that may have a different depth D 1 , a different lid configuration, and/or a different printing on blank outer surface  132 . The different types of containers  200 , however, do not have a different length L 1  or a different number of sides to the containers. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, machine  1000  extends between a tail end  1020  and a leading end  1022  and is configured to convey a blank  20  from tail end  1020  to leading end  1022  along a sheet loading direction indicated by an arrow X. Machine  1000  includes a frame  1002 , a blank delivery system  1024 , a container forming system  1026  downstream of blank delivery system  1024  along sheet loading direction X, and a container delivery system  1028  downstream of container forming system  1026 . Blank delivery system  1024  is configured to selectively deliver a plurality of blanks  20  having different blank depths D 1 , different lid configurations, and/or different printing to container forming system  1026 . Container forming system  1026  is configured to receive blanks  20  from blank delivery system  1024  and form a plurality of different types of containers  200  having different container depths, different printing on the outside of containers  200 , different lid structures and/or, in some cases, no lid structures. A control system  1004  is coupled in operative control communication with components of machine  1000  to enable an operator to program different box forming recipes, or protocols, into control system  1004  to facilitate forming various types of containers, and/or control the output of the formed containers from machine  1000 , as described in more detail herein. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, blank delivery system  1024  includes a blank feed section  1100  and a transfer section  1200 . Container forming system  1026  includes a mandrel wrap section  1300  that is coupled to transfer section  1200 . Container delivery system  1028  includes an outfeed section  1400  that is coupled to mandrel wrap section  1300 . In addition, machine  1000  includes a product load section  1500  that is positioned with respect to and/or coupled to container delivery system  1028 . In the exemplary embodiment, blank feed section  1100  is positioned at tail end  1020  of machine  1000 . Transfer section  1200  is positioned between blank feed section  1100  and mandrel wrap section  1300  along sheet loading direction X. Mandrel wrap section  1300  is positioned downstream from transfer section  1200  in sheet loading direction X. Further, outfeed section  1400  is positioned at leading end  1022  and is downstream from mandrel wrap section  1300  in sheet loading direction X. Product load section  1500  is positioned downstream from outfeed section  1400  with respect to a container discharge direction indicated by arrow Y. Product load section  1500  includes a plurality of product loading areas  1501  (shown in  FIG. 45 ) where a product is loaded into a formed container  200 , and container  200  is closed and sealed for shipping and/or storing the product. A centerline axis  1030  extends between blank feed section  1100  and outfeed section  1400  and is oriented generally parallel to sheet loading direction X. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, blank feed section  1100  includes a blank loading assembly  1102  for receiving a plurality of blanks  20 , and a blank transfer assembly  1104  for transferring one or more blanks  20  from blank loading assembly  1102  to transfer section  1200 . Blank loading assembly  1102  includes one or more blank hoppers  1106  that are coupled in a serial relationship along sheet loading direction X. These blank hoppers  1106  are modular so that more blank hoppers  1106  can be added to machine  1000  or blank hoppers  1106  can be easily removed from machine  1000 . Moreover, an additional blank hopper  1106  can be coupled within an existing set of blank hoppers  1106  to increase the number of blank hoppers  1106  included within blank loading assembly  1102 . Each blank hopper  1106  is configurable to receive blanks  20  having different blank depths D 1 , different lid configurations, and different printing to convey a different type of blank  20  to blank transfer assembly  1104 . 
     During operation, machine  1000  is configured to form containers  200  having the same number of sides and having a predefined length L 1 . Each blank hopper  1106  is sized to convey blanks  20  having the same number of sides and the predefined length L 1 . In the exemplary embodiment, a first blank hopper  1108  is configured to convey a first type of blanks  20  that includes a first printing, a first lid configuration, and a first depth. A second blank hopper  1110  is configured to convey a second type of blank  20  that may include a second printing, a second lid configuration, and a second depth that are each different than the first printing, the first lid configuration, and the first depth, respectively. During operation, machine  1000  selectively conveys blanks  20  from first blank hopper  1108  and/or second blank hopper  1110  to form multiple different types of containers  200 . 
       FIGS. 9-26  illustrate various portions and perspectives of blank feed section  1100  of machine  1000 . In the exemplary embodiment, each blank hopper  1106  includes a frame  1114 , a hopper assembly  1116  for receiving a plurality of blanks  20 , and a vacuum puller assembly  1118 . Vacuum puller assembly  1118  is positioned below hopper assembly  1116  for conveying blank  20  from hopper assembly  1116  to blank transfer assembly  1104 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, hopper assembly  1116  is supported from frame  1114  above a ground surface, and is configured to receive a plurality of blanks  20  therein. Blanks  20  are orientated within hopper assembly  1116  in any manner that enables operation of machine  1000  as described herein. In the exemplary embodiment, blanks  20  are loaded horizontally into hopper assembly  1116  to form a stack  1120  of blanks  20  within hopper assembly  1116 . Blanks  20  are positioned such that leading edge  128  of blank  20  is oriented generally perpendicular to sheet loading direction X. Leading edge  128  of blank  20  is positioned closer to mandrel wrap section  1300  than trailing edge  126  such that depth D 1  of blank  20  is defined along centerline axis  1030 , and length L 1  of blank  20  is defined along a transverse axis  1032  that is perpendicular to centerline axis  1030 . Each blank  20  is positioned within hopper assembly  1116  such that blank outer surface  132  is adjacent to inner surface  130  of an adjacent blank  20 . Blank outer surface  132  is positioned with respect to vacuum puller assembly  1118  to enable vacuum puller assembly  1118  to contact outer surface  132  to transfer blank  20  from hopper assembly  1116  to blank transfer assembly  1104 . Hopper assembly  1116  is modular and can be rotated 180° so that it can be loaded with blanks  20  from either side of machine  1000 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, hopper assembly  1116  includes a stack alignment plate  1122  that is positioned between two opposing sidewalls  1124 . Each sidewall  1124  is oriented along transverse axis  1032  and includes an inner surface  1126  that extends between an upper portion  1128  and a lower portion  1130 . Adjacent sidewalls  1124  are axially-spaced along centerline axis  1030  to define a gap that is sized to receive blanks  20  therein. In the exemplary embodiment, each sidewall  1124  includes a loading rail  1132  that extends outwardly from lower portion  1130  of inner surface  1126 , and is oriented with respect to transverse axis  1032 . Blanks  20  are positioned within hopper assembly  1116  such that blanks  20  are supported from loading rails  1132  along leading edge  128  and along trailing edge  126  and suspended above vacuum puller assembly  1118 . Stack alignment plate  1122  is positioned between opposing sidewalls  1124  and is configured to justify and/or align blanks  20  in stack  1120 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, sidewalls  1124  are coupled to a positioning assembly  1134  for selectively positioning sidewalls  1124  along centerline axis  1030  to adjust the gap between sidewalls  1124 . By adjusting the gap, hopper assembly  1116  may be configured to receive blanks  20  having different depths D 1 . Moreover, stack alignment plate  1122  is also coupled to positioning assembly  1134  for selectively positioning stack alignment plate  1122  along transverse axis  1032  such that hopper assembly  1116  may be configured to received blanks  20  having different lengths L 1 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, vacuum puller assembly  1118  is oriented between sidewalls  1124  such that vacuum puller assembly  1118  may remove a blank  20  from hopper assembly  1116  and transfer blank  20  from hopper assembly  1116  to blank transfer assembly  1104 . Blank transfer assembly  1104  is oriented between hopper assembly  1116  and vacuum puller assembly  1118  to convey a blank  20  from vacuum puller assembly  1118  to transfer section  1200  in sheet loading direction X. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13-16 , vacuum puller assembly  1118  includes a plurality of vacuum assemblies  1136  that are coupled to a vacuum support assembly  1138 . An actuator  1140  is coupled to vacuum support assembly  1138  for moving vacuum assemblies  1136  in a vertical direction, represented by arrow  1142 . Moreover, vacuum puller assembly  1118  is movable between a first position (not shown) wherein vacuum assembly  1136  contacts a blank  20  positioned within hopper assembly  1116 , and a second position (not shown) wherein blank  20  is positioned onto blank transfer assembly  1104 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, vacuum support assembly  1138  includes one or more rack and pinion assemblies  1144  that are coupled to a support bar  1146 . Rack and pinion assembly  1144  is also coupled to a frame  1148 , and is configured to move support bar  1146  with respect to frame  1148  in vertical direction  1142 . Each vacuum assembly  1136  is coupled to support bar  1146  and extends outwardly from support bar  1146  towards hopper assembly  1116 . Each vacuum assembly  1136  includes a vacuum suction cup  1150  that is coupled to a piston  1152 , and a support arm  1154  that is coupled between piston  1152  and support bar  1146 . Suction cups  1150  are coupled to a vacuum system  1155  (shown in  FIGS. 6, 8, and 12 ) that includes independent vacuum generators (not shown) for providing suction to attach suction cups  1150  to individual blanks  20 . In an alternative embodiment, suction cups  1150  are attached to a centralized vacuum generator, which provides the vacuum for suction cups  1150  to attach to a blank  20 . In the exemplary embodiment, actuator  1140  includes a pneumatic cylinder  1156  that is coupled to an air supply system (not shown). Alternatively, actuator  1140  may include an electric motor, a hydraulic cylinder, or any suitable device that is configured to move a cylinder arm along vertical direction  1142 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, each piston  1152  extends a vertical length from support bar  1146  such that each vacuum suction cup  1150  is positioned the same distance from outer surface  132  of blanks  20  that are positioned within hopper assembly  1116 . In the exemplary embodiment, piston  1152  extends between a first end and a second end. Vacuum suction cup  1150  is coupled to the first end. The second end is coupled to support arm  1154  for supporting piston  1152  from support arm  1154 . A compression spring  1162  is coupled between the second end and support arm  1154  to bias vacuum suction cup  1150  away from blank outer surface  132  and towards support arm  1154 . Moreover, compression spring  1162  dampens a movement of piston  1152  during operation of vacuum puller assembly  1138 . Each vacuum suction cup  1150  includes a bellowed end  1164  that defines a suction cavity that is configured to form a vacuum seal when vacuum suction cup  1150  is placed in contact with blank outer surface  132 . 
     In operation, actuator  1140  operates pneumatic cylinder  1156  to position suction cups  1150  to facilitate pulling a blank  20  from hopper assembly  1116  and transferring blank  20  to blank transfer assembly  1104 . Moreover, actuator  1140  bi-directionally positions vacuum support assembly  1138 , which in turn bi-directionally positions suction cups  1150 . The general motion of vacuum puller assembly  1118  is a movement in a generally vertical direction. During operation, suction cups  1150  engage blank outer surface  132  during an upward motion of vacuum assembly  1136 . Actuator  1140  reverses direction of vacuum support assembly  1138  to reverse the movement of suction cups  1150  to a downward motion towards their original position. During the downward movement, suction cups  1150  maintain the suction seal sufficient to pull blank  20  from hopper assembly  1116 . Moreover, compression spring  1162  is compressed and loaded during the downward stroke movement. Vacuum puller assembly  1118  removes blank  20  from hopper assembly  1116 , and places blank  20  on blank transfer assembly  1104  when the vacuum puller assembly  1118  is near the bottom of its stroke. After placing blank  20  on blank transfer assembly  1104 , the vacuum is released from suction cups  1150  and blank  20  is released. Vacuum puller assembly  1118  continues its downward travel as compressing springs  1162  bias pistons  1152  downwardly such that suction cups  1150  are moved away from blank  20  as blank  20  begins its downstream travel, thus reducing wear and tear on suction cups  1150 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , hopper assembly  1116  also includes a guiderail assembly  1166  that is coupled to frame  1114 . Guiderail assembly  1166  includes one or more guiderails  1168  that are oriented with respect to centerline axis  1030  in sheet loading direction X. In the exemplary embodiment, each guiderail  1168  is axially-spaced along transverse axis  1032  such that a gap is defined between each guiderail  1168  and is sized to enable vacuum assembly  1136  to extend through the gap during operation of vacuum puller assembly  1118 . Guiderails  1168  are positioned with respect to hopper assembly  1116  such that vacuum puller assembly  1118  transfers blanks  20  from hopper assembly  1116  to guiderail assembly  1166 . Each guiderail  1168  is coupled to positioning assembly  1134  to selectively position guiderail  1168  along transverse axis  1032 . 
     A shown in  FIGS. 19-26 , in the exemplary embodiment, blank transfer assembly  1104  includes one or more lug assemblies  1172  for conveying blank  20  from hopper assembly  1116  to transfer section  1200 . Each lug assembly  1172  includes a lug chain  1174 , a plurality of transfer lugs  1176  that are coupled to lug chain  1174 , a lug rail  1178  that is configured to position lug  1176  with respect to blank  20 , a drive sprocket  1180 , and one or more support sprockets  1182 . Each lug assembly  1172  extends from tail end  1020  of machine  1000  to transfer section  1200  along sheet loading direction X. Moreover, each lug chain  1174  is oriented between hopper assembly  1116  and vacuum puller assembly  1118  to enable vacuum puller assembly  1118  to transfer blank  20  from hopper assembly  1116  to lug assembly  1172 . In the exemplary embodiment, each lug chain  1174  extends through blank loading assembly  1102  and defines a blank loading path  1183  from blank loading assembly  1102  to container forming system  1026 . Blank loading path  1183  is the path traveled by each blank  20  along sheet loading direction X. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, lug chain  1174  extends between a tail sprocket  1184  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) that is positioned near tail end  1020 , and a drive sprocket that is positioned near transfer section  1200 . Drive sprocket  1180  is coupled to lug chain  1174  to move lug chain  1174  along loading path  1183  in sheet loading direction X. Tail sprocket  1184  is coupled to lug chain  1174  for supporting lug chain  1174  from frame  1114  and enables lug chain  1174  to define loading path  1183  traveling between hopper assembly  1116  and vacuum puller assembly  1118 . A plurality of support sprockets  1182  are coupled to frame  1114  to support lug chain  1174  from frame  1114  along loading path  1183 . Tail sprocket  1184  includes a splined opening that is configured to receive a splined support shaft therethrough. Drive sprocket  1180  includes a splined opening that is configured to receive a splined drive shaft  1186  therethrough. Drive shaft  1186  extends between two or more lug assemblies  1172  such that each drive sprocket  1180  is rotated at the same speed, and each lug chain  1174  is moved along the predefined path at the same speed. A variable speed motor is operatively coupled to a drive shaft belt that is, in turn, operatively coupled to drive shaft  1186 . Drive shaft  1186  is supported and aligned by at least one drive sprocket  1180 . The splined shafts and sprockets allow lug chains  1174  to move along transverse axis  1032  to accommodate blanks having different lengths L 1 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, blank transfer assembly  1104  includes a pair  1187  (shown in  FIG. 28 ) of lug assemblies  1172  on opposite sides of machine  1000 . Each lug assembly  1172  is driven by a single motor that is coupled to each drive sprocket  1180  and to each tail sprocket  1184 . Each lug chain  1174  includes a series of lugs  1176  that are spaced apart along lug chain  1174  wherein lugs  1176  on the first lug chain  1174  are aligned with lugs  1176  on the second lug chain  1174  to form a pair  1188  (shown in  FIG. 28 ) of transfer lugs  1176 . Thus, the two lug chains  1174  have a series of spaced apart pairs  1188  of transfer lugs  1176  for pushing or transferring a blank  20  placed near the lug chains  1174 . The lugs  1176  push blank  20  along guiderails  1168  to the transfer section  1200 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, each lug  1176  is pivotably coupled to lug chain  1174 . Lug rail  1178  is positioned adjacent to lug chain  1174  such that lug  1176  moves along lug rail  1178  through at least a portion of loading path  1183 . Lug rail  1178  is also positioned with respect to lug chain  1174  such that a portion of lug  1176  extends above lug chain  1174 , and above guiderails  1168  (shown in  FIG. 18 ), as lug  1176  travels through hopper assembly  1116  along loading path  1183  in sheet loading direction X. In the exemplary embodiment, lug rail  1178  extends from tail end  1020 , through hopper assembly  1116 , and into a portion of transfer section  1200  to enable lug  1176  move blank  20  from hopper assembly  1116  to transfer section  1200 . A guiderail assembly  1190  (shown in  FIG. 27 ) is positioned with respect to lug assembly  1172  to receive free edges  56  and  58  of blank  20  as blank  20  is conveyed from blank hopper  1106  to transfer section  1200 . A pair of guiderail assemblies  1190  are on opposite sides of machine  1000 . Guiderail assembly  1190  includes an upper rail  1191  and a lower rail  1192  that is spaced vertically below upper rail  1191  to define a slot (not shown) that is sized to receive blank free edges  56  and  58  therein. Upper rail  1191  is configured to contact blank inner surface  130  and lower rail  1192  is configured to contact blank outer surface  132  to prevent blank  20  from moving in a vertical direction as blank  20  is conveyed from blank hopper  1106  to transfer section  1200 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 23-26 , in the exemplary embodiment, lug  1176  includes a pushing surface  1193  that extends between an upper portion  1194  and a lower portion  1195 . An opening  1196  is defined within lug  1176  and is sized and shaped to received a pin  1197  therethrough. Pin  1197  is inserted though opening  1196  and through lug chain  1174  such that lug  1176  is pivotably coupled to lug chain  1174 . In the exemplary embodiment, a positioning slot  1198  extends through lug  1176  and is configured to enable lug  1176  to pivot about pin  1197  through a limited angle of rotation, and to rotate with respect to lug chain  1174 . Positioning slot  1198  is configured to enable lug  1176  to move with respect to positioning pin  1197 . A position indicator member  1199  is coupled to lug chain  1174  with pin  1197  such that lug  1176  is positioned between lug chain  1174  and position member  1199 . Position member  1199  is oriented substantially parallel to lug chain  1174  and is coupled to pin  1197  such that lug  1174  is rotatable with respect to position member  1199 . At least a portion of position member  1199  is insertable into positioning slot  1198  to limit a rotation of lug  1176  about pin  1197 . In the exemplary embodiment, a position sensor  1189  is coupled to lug assembly  1172  and is configured to sense a position of each lug  1176  along loading path  1183 . In one embodiment, position sensor  1189  includes a magnetic sensor that is positioned adjacent lug chain  1174  for sensing position indicator member  1199  as lug  1176  is moved past position sensor  1189 . 
     During operation of lug assembly  1172 , as lug  1176  is moved towards an end portion of lug rail  1178 , the orientation of position member  1199  within positioning slot  1198  prevents upper portion  1194  from rotating towards blank  20 . As lug  1176  travels off the end portion of lug rail  1178 , lug  1176  rotates away from blank  20  to prevent lug upper portion  1194  from contacting blank  20  and pinching blank  20  against guiderail assembly  1190 . Moreover, slot  1198  is sized and shaped to enable upper portion  1194  of lug  1176  to rotate away from blank  20  as lug  1176  is moved downstream of lug rail  1178 . By preventing upper portion  1194  from rotating towards blank  20 , upper portion  1194  is prevented from contacting and/or pinching trailing edge  126  of blank  20  that may cause damage to blank  20 . 
     During operation of blank feed section  1100 , vacuum puller assembly  1118  operates in synchronization with blank transfer assembly  1104  to move blanks  20  from hopper assembly  1116  to blank transfer assembly  1104 . In the exemplary embodiment, vacuum puller assembly  1118  transfers blank  20  from hopper assembly  1116  to guiderails  1168 . Lug chain  1174  moves lug  1176  along lug rail  1178  such that pushing surface  1193  of lug  1176  contacts trailing edge  126  of blank  20  and conveys blank  20  from blank feed section  1100  to transfer section  1200 . In other words, control system  1004  knows the location of the pairs of transfer lugs  1176 , and knows when to pull blank  20  from hopper assembly  1116  and place blank  20  near lug chain  1174  such that blank  20  is not placed on top of a pair of transfer lugs  1176 . Rather, blank  20  is strategically placed just downstream to a pair of lugs  1176  such that lugs  1176  do not interfere with blank  20 , but rather, begin to push blank  20  as it is placed on guiderails  1168 . 
       FIGS. 27-32  illustrate various portions and perspectives of transfer section  1200  of machine  1000 . In the exemplary embodiment, transfer section  1200  includes a pusher assembly  1206  that is configured to convey blank  20  from blank feed section  1100  to mandrel wrap section  1300  in sheet loading direction X. In the exemplary embodiment, pusher assembly  1206  is at least partially positioned within the gap and is oriented between lug assemblies  1172  to enable pusher assembly  1206  to convey blank  20  from lug assembly  1172  to mandrel wrap section  1300 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 29-30 , pusher assembly  1206  includes a pusher servomechanism  1226  operatively coupled to a pusher bar  1228 . Pusher assembly  1206  further includes one or more pusher rods  1210  that extend outwardly from pusher bar  1228 . A pusher foot  1230  is pivotably coupled to each pusher rod  1210 . At least one sensor  1232 , such as a photo eye, is positioned adjacent pusher assembly  1206 , and more particularly, adjacent pusher assembly  1206 , to determine at least a size of blank  20 , as described in more detail below. Pusher assembly  1206  operates in synchronization with blank transfer assembly  1104  to move blanks  20  from blank transfer assembly  1104  to mandrel wrap section  1300 . More specifically, pusher servomechanism  1226  drives pusher bar  1228  in a direction parallel to direction X, and pusher feet  1230  contact trailing edge  126  of blank  20  and push blank  20  toward mandrel wrap section  1300 . Servomechanism  1226  then reverses direction and moves pusher bar  1228  in a direction opposite to direction X to pick up the next blank  20  from blank transfer assembly  1104 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, pusher assembly  1206  is movable between a first position, i.e. a pick-up position, shown in  FIG. 28 , and a second position, i.e. a transfer position, not shown. In the pick-up position, pusher assembly  1206  is positioned between lug assemblies  1172  such that pusher feet  1230  are positioned adjacent trailing edge  126  of blank  20 . In addition, in the pick-up position, a leading portion of lug assembly  1172  is positioned closer to mandrel wrap section  1300  than pusher feet  1230  to enable lug assembly  1172  to move trailing edge  126  of blank  20  downstream of pusher feet  1230 . As pusher assembly  1206  moves from the pick-up position to the transfer position, pusher assembly  1206  conveys blank  20  along a plurality of guiderails  1238  in sheet loading direction X. 
     Referring to  FIG. 31-32 , in the exemplary embodiment, pusher foot  1230  includes a pushing surface  1240  that extends between a top portion  1242  and a bottom portion  1244 . An opening  1246  is defined within pusher feet  1230  and is sized and shaped to receive a pin  1248  therethrough. Pin  1248  is inserted through opening  1246  and through pusher rod  1210  such that pusher foot  1230  is pivotably coupled to pusher rod  1210 . A slot  1250  is defined within pusher foot  1230  and is configured to enable pusher foot  1230  to pivot about pin  1248  through a limited angle of rotation. Pusher rod  1210  is positioned within slot  1250  to enable top portion  1242  to pivot in the downstream direction as pusher assembly  1206  moves from the transfer position to the pick-up position such that top portion  1242  moves below blank outer surface  132 . When pusher assembly  1206  returns to the pick-up position, pusher feet  1230  pivots about pusher rod  1210  and returns to a pushing position with pushing surface  1240  oriented substantially perpendicular to trailing edge  126  of blank  20 . 
     During operation, as pusher assembly  1206  moves from the transfer position to the pick-up position in a direction opposite sheet loading direction X, pusher feet  1230  pivot toward mandrel wrap section  1300  to enable pusher feet  1230  to travel below blank  20  as blank  20  is conveyed from lug assembly  1172  to transfer section  1200  in sheet loading direction X. Moreover, as pusher assembly  1206  moves to the pick-up position, guiderails  1238  support blank  20  above pusher assembly  1206  to enable pusher feet  1230  to travel below blank  20  and enable lug assembly  1172  to move blank  20  along guiderails  1238  in sheet loading direction X. As pusher assembly  1206  moves to the pick-up position, pusher feet  1230  are moved from leading edge  128  towards trailing edge  126 . In the pick-up position, pusher feet  1230  pivot to a substantially perpendicular position with respect to trailing edge  126  to enable pusher feet  1230  to contact trailing edge  126  and convey blank  20  from transfer section  1200  to mandrel wrap section  1300 . 
       FIGS. 33-42  illustrate various portions and perspectives of mandrel wrap section  1300 . Blanks  20  are received in mandrel wrap section  1300  from transfer section  1200 . Mandrel wrap section  1300  includes a mandrel assembly  1302 , a lift assembly  1304 , a folding assembly  1306 , a bottom folder assembly  1308 , and an ejection assembly  1310 . In the exemplary embodiment, mandrel assembly  1302  includes a mandrel  1312  having a plurality of faces  1314 ,  1316 ,  1318 ,  1320 ,  1322 ,  1324 ,  1326 , and  1328  that substantially correspond to at least some of the panels on blank  20 . Alternatively, mandrel  1312  does not include side faces  1316  and/or  1324 . In the exemplary embodiment, mandrel  1312  includes a first corner face  1314 , a first side face  1316 , a second corner face  1318 , a bottom face  1320 , a third corner face  1322 , a second side face  1324 , a fourth corner face  1326 , and a top face  1328 . Corner faces, or miter faces,  1314 ,  1318 ,  1322 , and  1326  each extend at an angle between top face  1328  and one of side faces  1316  and/or  1324  or bottom face  1320  and one of side faces  1316  and/or  1324 . Any of the mandrel faces can be solid plates, frames, plates including openings defined therein, and/or any other suitable component that provides a face and/or surface configured to enable a container to be formed from a blank as described herein. 
     An adhesive applicator  1239  (shown in  FIG. 34 ) applies adhesive to certain predetermined panels and/or flaps of blank  20  before blank  20  is positioned adjacent mandrel  1312  and/or while blank  20  is positioned adjacent mandrel  1312 . For example, adhesive applicator  1239  may apply adhesive to bottom/exterior surfaces of glue panel  38 , first bottom end panel  96 , and/or second bottom end panel  102  and/or to top/interior surfaces of first corner panel  22 , first bottom side panel  62 , and/or second bottom side panel  68  (all shown in  FIG. 1A ). However, as discussed above, adhesive may be applied to interior and/or exterior surfaces of any suitable panel and/or flap of blank  20 . After adhesive is applied by adhesive applicator  1239 , blank  20  is positioned under mandrel  1312 . In the exemplary embodiment, second side panel  32  is positioned below bottom face  1320  of mandrel  1312  by pusher assembly  1206 . 
     Lift assembly  1304  includes a first lift mechanism  1330 , a second lift mechanism  1332 , and an under plate assembly  1334  each coupled to a lifting frame  1336 , which is coupled to frame  1002 . First lift mechanism  1330  includes a servomechanism  1338 , second lift mechanism  1332  includes a servomechanism  1340 , and plate under assembly  1334  includes a pneumatic cylinder assembly  1342 . Servomechanisms  1338  and/or  1340 , and pneumatic cylinder assembly  1342  are each controlled separately to lift blank  20  toward and/or against mandrel assembly  1302 . As such, lift assembly  1304  is positioned adjacent mandrel assembly  1302 . In the exemplary embodiment, lift assembly  1304  receives blank  20  from pusher assembly  1206  and lifts blank  20  toward mandrel assembly  1302 . For example, plate under assembly  1334  includes a plate  1344  that lifts second side panel  32  toward bottom face  1320  of mandrel  1312 . Lift mechanisms  1330  and  1332  assist folding assembly  1306  in wrapping blank  20  about mandrel  1312 , as described in more detail below. In an alternative embodiment, lift assembly  1304  includes a motor linked to a cam, and first lift mechanism  1330 , a second lift mechanism  1332 , and an plate under assembly  1334  are mechanically linked such that first lift mechanism  1330 , a second lift mechanism  1332 , and an plate under assembly  1334  each operate as lift assembly  1304  is positioned adjacent mandrel assembly  1302 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, folding assembly  1306  includes a lateral presser arm  1346  having an engaging bar  1348 ; a folding arm  1350  having a squaring bar  1352 , an engaging bar  1354 , and a miter bar  1356 , a glue panel folder assembly  1358 , a glue panel presser assembly  1360 , a servomechanism  1364 , and a plurality of pneumatic cylinders  1366  and  1368 . These assemblies also include devices such as, but not limited to, guide rails and mechanical fingers (not shown). In the exemplary embodiment, lateral presser arm  1346  is coupled to first lift mechanism  1330  at a pneumatic cylinder  1362 , and folding arm  1350  is coupled to second lift mechanism  1332  at a servomechanism  1364 . Glue panel folder assembly  1358  and glue panel presser assembly  1360  are positioned adjacent first miter face  1314  of mandrel  1312 . As such, glue panel folder assembly  1358  and glue panel presser assembly  1360  are positioned above lateral presser arm  1346  and first lift mechanism  1330 . 
     Lateral presser arm  1346  and/or first lift mechanism  1330  are configured to wrap a first portion of blank  20  about mandrel  1312 , and folding arm  1350  and/or second lift mechanism  1332  are configured to wrap a second portion of blank  20  about mandrel  1312 . More specifically, lateral presser arm engaging bar  1348  is configured to contact fourth corner panel  34 , second end panel  36 , and/or glue panel  38  and fold panels  34 ,  36 , and/or  38  about mandrel  1312  as lateral presser arm  1346  is rotated by pneumatic cylinder  1362  and/or lifted by first lift mechanism  1330  and servomechanism  1338 . Folding arm engaging bar  1354  is configured to contact the second portion of blank  20  to wrap blank  20  about mandrel  1312  as folding arm  1350  is rotated by servomechanism  1364  and/or lifted by second lift mechanism  1332  and servomechanism  1340 . Miter bar  1356  is configured to contact second corner panel  26  to position second corner panel  26  adjacent to and/or against fourth miter face  1326  of mandrel  1312 . Squaring bar  1352  is configured to contact first end panel  28  adjacent fold line  44  between first end panel  28  and second corner panel  26 . As such, squaring bar  1352  facilitates aligning and folding panels  26  and  28  against mandrel  1312  as the second portion of blank  20  is wrapped about mandrel  1312 . In an alternative embodiment, folding arm  1350  is coupled to a pneumatic cylinder that is configured to move folding arm  1350  to contact the second portion of blank  20  to wrap blank  20  about mandrel  1312 . In another alternative embodiment, lateral presser arm  1346  is coupled to a pneumatic cylinder to move lateral presser arm  1346  to contact fourth corner panel  34 , second end panel  36 , and/or glue panel  38  and fold panels  34 ,  36 , and/or  38  about mandrel  1312 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, glue panel folder assembly  1358  includes an angled plate  1370  having a face substantially parallel to mandrel face  1314 . Plate  1370  is coupled to a pneumatic cylinder  1366  that controls movements of plate  1370  toward and away from mandrel  1312 . Plate  1370  is configured to contact and/or fold glue panel  38  during formation of container  200 . In the exemplary embodiment, plate  1370  is configured to rotate glue panel  38  about fold line  54  towards and/or into contact with mandrel face  1314 . Glue panel presser assembly  1360  includes a presser bar  1372  having a pressing surface substantially parallel to mandrel face  1314 . Presser bar  1372  is coupled to a pneumatic cylinder  1368  that controls movement of presser bar  1372  toward and away from mandrel  1312 . Presser bar  1372  is configured to contact and/or fold first corner panel  22  and/or glue panel  38  to form container  200 . In the exemplary embodiment, presser bar  1372  is configured to press first corner panel  22  and glue panel  38  together against mandrel face  1314  to form a manufacturing joint at first corner wall  204  of container  200 . 
     Bottom folder assembly  1308  includes a pair of side arms  1374  and  1376 , an upper arm  1378 , and a lower plate  1380 . Each arm  1374 ,  1376 , and  1378  includes pneumatic cylinders  1382 ,  1384 , or  1386 , and lower plate  1380  includes a servomechanism  1388  such that each arm  1374 ,  1376 , and  1378  and lower plate  1380  can be individually controlled in terms of speed, force, rotation, extension, retraction, and/or any other suitable movements. Side arms  1374  and  1376  are configured to fold bottom end panels  102  and  96 , respectively, about fold lines  106  and  100 . Upper arm  1378  is configured to fold first bottom side panel  62  about fold line  66 , and lower plate  1380  is configured to fold second bottom side panel  68  about fold line  72 . Lower plate  1380  is further configured to press bottom panels  62 ,  68 ,  96 , and/or  102  together to form bottom wall  222  of container  200 . In the exemplary embodiment, each arm  1374 ,  1376 , and  1378  includes a roller that contacts a respective panel of blank  20 ; however, it should be understood that arm  1374 ,  1376 , and/or  1378  can include any suitable contacting surface. Further, lower plate  1380  is configured to lay flat in a first position and rotate toward mandrel  1312  to a second position. When lower plate  1380  is in the first position, container  200  can be ejected from mandrel  1312  over lower plate  1380  to outfeed section  1400 . When lower plate  1380  is in the second position, lower plate  1380  compresses bottom panels  62 ,  68 ,  96 , and/or  102  together. 
     Ejection assembly  1310  includes an ejection plate  1390  moveable from a first position within mandrel  1312  to a second position downstream from mandrel  1312 . When ejection plate  1390  is at the first position, bottom folder assembly  1308  folds and/or presses bottom panels  62 ,  68 ,  96 , and/or  102  against ejection plate  1390  to form bottom wall  222  of container  200 . When ejection plate  1390  is at the second position, container  200  is removed from mandrel  1312 . In the exemplary embodiment, ejection plate  1390  includes a servomechanism  1392  that controls speed, force, rotation, extension, retraction, and/or any other suitable movements of ejection plate  1390 . 
     During operation of machine  1000  to form container  200 , blank  20  is positioned under mandrel assembly  1302  by pusher assembly  1206 . When blank  20  is positioned adjacent mandrel  1312 , plate under assembly  1334  is raised upwardly relative to blank  20  using pneumatic cylinder assembly  1342 , and lifting frames  1336  remains stationary. In the exemplary embodiment, under plate  1344  lifts second side panel  32  to be adjacent to and/or in contact with bottom face  1320  of mandrel  1312 . First and second lift mechanisms  1330  and  1332  are raised using servomechanisms  1338  and  1340  that are used to individually control each of lift mechanisms  1330  and  1332 , respectively. Lift mechanisms  1330  and  1332  engage at least end panels  36  and  28 , respectively, of blank  20  and begin to wrap blank  20  around mandrel  1312  as lift mechanisms  1330  and  1332  move upwardly. 
     Lateral presser arm  1346  wraps the first portion of blank  20  around mandrel  1312  as first lift mechanism  1330  is raised using an associated servomechanism  1338 . More specifically, as first lift mechanism  1330  is raised using servomechanism  1338 , lateral presser arm  1346  is lifted by first lift mechanism  1330  and/or rotated toward mandrel  1312  using pneumatic cylinder  1362 . Alternatively, lateral presser arm  1346  is not rotated as first lift mechanism  1330  lifts lateral presser arm  1346 . In the exemplary embodiment, as lateral presser arm  1346  rotates and moves upward, lateral presser arm  1346  rotates at least fourth corner panel  34  toward second miter face  1318  of mandrel  1312  and second end panel  36  toward first side face  1316  of mandrel  1312 . As lateral presser arm  1346  is lifted and/or rotated, pneumatic cylinder  1366  moves glue panel folder assembly  1358  toward glue panel  38  to rotate glue panel  38  toward first miter face  1314  of mandrel  1312 . 
     Folding arm  1350  wraps the second portion of blank  20  around mandrel  1312  as second lift mechanism  1332  is raised using an associated servomechanism  1340 . After lifting and/or during lifting, folding arm  1350  is rotated such that engaging bar  1354 , miter bar  1356 , and squaring bar  1352  further wrap blank  20  around mandrel  1312 . Miter bar  1356  and squaring bar  1352  position blank  20  in face-to-face contact with mandrel faces  1324 ,  1326 , and  1328  at panels  28 ,  26 , and  24 , respectively. Once folding arm  1350  has wrapped the second portion of blank  20  about mandrel  1312 , pneumatic cylinder  1368  moves glue panel presser assembly  1360  toward first corner panel  22  and/or glue panel  38  to press first corner panel  22  and glue panel  38  together against mandrel  1312 . Glue panel folder assembly  1358  and/or glue panel presser assembly  1360  rotates first corner panel  22  about fold line  40 . Pneumatic cylinder  1368  holds glue panel presser assembly  1360  against panels  22  and  38  for a predetermined time length to ensure that adhesive bonds panels  22  and  38  together. Accordingly, lateral presser arm  1346 , folding arm  1350 , glue panel folder assembly  1358 , and glue panel presser assembly  1360  cooperate to fold blank  20  along fold lines  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46 ,  48 ,  50 ,  52 , and  54  to form container  200 . 
     Because glue panel presser assembly  1360  is servo-controlled, the predetermined time length can be set based on the size and/or type of container, a material of the container, a type of adhesive and/or any other suitable variables. Further, because lateral presser arm  1346  and folding arm  1350  are servo-controlled, once first lift mechanism  1330  is at a predetermined location, lateral presser arm  1346  can be rotated inwardly toward mandrel  1312  by pneumatic cylinder  1362  to further wrap blank  20  about and/or press blank  20  into contact with mandrel  1312 . Similarly, once second lift mechanism  1332  reaches a predetermined location, folding arm  1350  is rotated toward mandrel  1312  using servomechanism  1364  that controls the speed, force, and location of folding arm  1350  to further wrap blank  20  about mandrel  1312 . 
     Bottom folder assembly  1308  then rotates bottom panels  62 ,  68 ,  96 , and  102  about fold lines  66 ,  72 ,  100 , and  106 . More specifically, side arms  1374  and  1376  rotate bottom end panels  102  and  96 , respectively, against ejection plate  1390 ; upper arm  1378  rotates first bottom side panel  62  against bottom end panels  96  and/or  102  and/or against ejection plate  1390 ; and then lower plate  1380  rotates second bottom side panel  68  against panels  62 ,  96 , and/or  102  and/or against ejection plate  1390 . Lower plate  1380  presses panels  62 ,  68 ,  96 , and/or  102  against ejection plate  1390  for a predetermined length of time to ensure that adhesive bonds panels  62 ,  68 ,  96 , and/or  102  together. Because each arm  1374 ,  1376 , and  1378  and lower plate  1380  are servo-controlled, each component of bottom folder assembly  1308  can be individually controlled to form any size and/or type of container from any suitable container material using any suitable type of adhesive. 
     Ejection assembly  1310  facilitates removal of formed container  200  from mandrel wrap section  1300  to outfeed section  1400 . More specifically, ejection plate  1390  applies a force to bottom wall  222  of container  200  to remove container  200  from mandrel  1312 . In the exemplary embodiment, ejection plate  1390  is at a first position within and/or adjacent to mandrel  1312  during formation of container  200 . To remove container  200 , ejection plate  1390  is moved to a second position adjacent outfeed section  1400 . As ejection plate  1390  is moved, container  200  is moved toward outfeed section  1400 . 
       FIGS. 43-50  illustrate various portions and perspectives of outfeed section  1400 . Containers  200  are received in outfeed section  1400  from mandrel wrap section  1300 . Outfeed section  1400  includes a conveyor assembly  1600  and a diverter assembly  1406 . Conveyor assembly  1600  is configured to move containers  200  from mandrel wrap section  1300  to diverter assembly  1406 . Diverter assembly  1406  is configured to selectively convey containers  200  toward one or more product load sections  1500 . In the exemplary embodiment, conveyor assembly  1600  is positioned downstream from mandrel wrap section  1300  such that ejection plate  1390  is above conveyor assembly  1600  when ejection plate  1390  is at its second position. 
     Conveyor assembly  1600  includes a bottom belt assembly  1602 , and a top belt assembly  1604  positioned above bottom belt assembly  1602 . Bottom belt assembly  1602  is coupled to machine frame  1002  and is oriented to support container  200  from machine frame  1002 , and to move container  200  from mandrel wrap section  1300  to diverter assembly  1406 . Top belt assembly  1604  is oriented with respect to bottom belt assembly  1602  such that container  200  is positioned between top belt assembly  1604  and bottom belt assembly  1602 . Top belt assembly  1604  is configured to contact container  200  and move container from mandrel wrap section  1300  to diverter assembly  1406 . Top belt assembly  1604  is also configured to prevent a rotation of container  200  as container  200  is moved from to diverter assembly  1406  such that container bottom wall  222  is closer to diverter assembly  1406  than top wall  224  as container  200  is moved to diverter assembly  1406 . 
     Conveyor assembly  1600  also includes a motor  1606  that is operatively coupled to top belt assembly  1604  and bottom belt assembly  1602  to operate each assembly  1602  and  1604  at the same speed. In addition, motor  1606  is configured to remove container  200  from machine  1000  at a predetermined speed and timing. In the exemplary embodiment, conveyor assembly  1600  is controlled in synchronization with ejection plate  1390  such that conveyor assembly  1600  is only activated when container  200  is being ejected from mandrel wrap section  1300 . Alternatively, conveyor assembly  1600  is constantly activated while machine  1000  is forming containers  200 . 
     Diverter assembly  1406  is oriented between conveyor assembly  1600  and product load section  1500  for selectively conveying container  200  to each product loading area  1501 . Diverter assembly  1406  is configured to convey containers  200  from mandrel wrap section  1300  to a first product loading area  1502  in a first container discharge direction Y 1 , and to convey containers  200  to a second product loading area  1504  in a second container discharge direction Y 2  that is different than first container discharge direction Y 1 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, diverter assembly  1406  includes a container loading assembly  1408 , and a conveyor belt assembly  1410 . Conveyor belt assembly  1410  is configured to move containers  200  from mandrel wrap section  1300  to product load section  1500 . Conveyor belt assembly  1410  includes at least one servomechanism  1416  that is configured to remove container  200  from machine  1000  at a predetermined speed and timing. In the exemplary embodiment, conveyor belt assembly  1410  is servo-controlled in synchronization with conveyor assembly  1600  such that conveyor belt assembly  1410  is only activated when container  200  is being ejected from mandrel wrap section  1300 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, conveyor belt assembly  1410  includes one or more conveyor belts  1418 , a first channel plate  1420 , a second channel plate  1422 , and a dividing wall  1424  that is positioned with respect to conveyor belts  1418  to define a first conveyor section  1426  and a second conveyor section  1428 . First conveyor section  1426  is defined between first channel plate  1420  and dividing wall  1424 . Second conveyor section  1428  is defined between second channel plate  1422  and dividing wall  1424 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, first conveyor section  1426  and second conveyor section  1428  each operate bi-directionally to convey containers  200  toward first product loading area  1502  and/or second product loading area  1504 . In one embodiment, second conveyor section  1428  is configured to convey containers to a third product loading area  1506  in first container discharge direction Y 1 , and to convey containers  200  to a fourth product loading area  1508  in second container discharge direction Y 2 . 
     Container loading assembly  1408  is coupled to mandrel assembly  1302 , and is configured to channel containers  200  from mandrel assembly  1302  to conveyor belt assembly  1410 . Container loading assembly  1408  includes a frame  1411  that is coupled to machine frame  1002 , a loading rail assembly  1412 , and a diverter plate  1414 . In the exemplary embodiment, loading rail assembly  1412  is pivotably coupled to machine frame  1002  and extends outwardly from conveyor assembly  1600  towards conveyor belt assembly  1410 . Loading rail assembly  1412  is configured to selectively transfer containers  200  to one of first conveyor section  1426  and second conveyor section  1428 . In the exemplary embodiment, loading rail assembly  1412  includes a plurality of rails  1429  that are each oriented obliquely with respect to machine frame  1002 . Each rail  1429  includes an outer surface  1431  that is oriented to enable containers  200  to slide across rail outer surface  1431  from container forming system  1026  to conveyor belt assembly  1410 . 
     Diverter plate  1414  is pivotably coupled to frame  1411  and extends outwardly from frame  1411  such that diverter plate  1411  may contact containers  200  and direct containers  200  into one of first conveyor section  1426  and second conveyor section  1428 . Moreover, diverter plate  1414  is spaced a distance  1433  along machine axis  1030  from loading rail assembly  1412 , and is oriented to selectively channel containers  200  towards first conveyor section  1426  or second conveyor section  1428 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, container loading assembly  1408  is positionable between a first position (shown in  FIG. 49 ) to convey a container  200  from container forming system  1026  to first conveyor section  1426 , and a second position (shown in  FIG. 50 ) to convey containers  200  from container forming system  1026  to second conveyor section  1428 . More specifically, in the first position, loading rail assembly  1412  is positioned with respect to conveyor belt assembly  1410  such that containers  200  are conveyed from conveyor assembly  1600  to first conveyor section  1426 . Moreover, in the first position, diverter assembly  1406  is positioned with respect to dividing wall  1424  such that containers  200  are prevented from being conveyed from conveyor assembly  1600  to second conveyor section  1428 . 
     In the second position, loading rail assembly  1412  extends between conveyor assembly  1600  and dividing wall  1424 , and prevents containers  200  from entering first conveyor section  1426 . In addition, loading rail assembly  1412  extends across first conveyor section  1426  towards second conveyor section  1428  to move containers  200  across first conveyor section  1426  and into second conveyor section  1428 . Moreover, in second position, diverter plate  1414  is positioned with respect to second channel plate  1422  to direct containers  200  from conveyor assembly  1600  to second conveyor section  1428 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment, diverter plate  1414  and loading rail assembly  1412  each include a hydraulic cylinder assembly  1430  to selectively position diverter plate  1414  and loading rail assembly  1412  between the first position and the second position. A servomechanism  1432  is operatively coupled to each hydraulic cylinder assembly  1430  to control a bi-directional position of loading rail assembly  1412  and diverter plate  1414 . Loading rail assembly  1412  operates in synchronization with diverter plate  1414  to move containers  200  to first conveyor section  1426  or second conveyor section  1428 . 
       FIG. 51  is a perspective view of a portion of an exemplary control system  1004  that may be used to control machine  1000  shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . More specifically,  FIG. 51  illustrates positioning of an operator control panel or user interface  1008  on machine  1000 .  FIG. 52  is a schematic view of control system  1004  that may be used with machine  1000  shown in  FIGS. 5-8 . Machine  1000  is configured to assemble containers of any size and any shape without limitation. Therefore, to accommodate machine  1000 &#39;s assembly of such a large variety of containers, machine control system  1004  is configured to automatically detect dimensional features of blanks  20  of varying shapes and sizes, including, but not limited to, length, width, and/or depth. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, machine  1000  includes at least a lug position sensor  1189 , a lateral presser arm sensor  1012 , a folding arm sensor  1014 , and blank pusher blank size sensor  1232 . Further each servomechanism can include a sensor. Sensors  1189 ,  1012 ,  1014 , and/or  1232  can be any suitable sensors such as, for example, encoders, reed switches, reed sensors, infra-red type sensors, and/or photo-eye sensors. Alternatively, any sensors that enable operation of control system  1004  and machine  1000 , as described herein may be used. Servomechanisms  1226 ,  1338 ,  1340 ,  1364 ,  1388 ,  1392 ,  1416 , and  1432  and sensors  1012 ,  1014 ,  1189 , and  1232  are integrated within machine control system  1004 , as described herein. 
     Control system  1004  also includes at least one processor  1016 . Preprogrammed recipes or protocols are programmed in and/or uploaded into processor  1016  and such recipes include, but are not limited to, predetermined speed and timing profiles, wherein each profile is associated with blanks of a predetermined size and shape. Control panel  1008  allows an operator to select a recipe that is appropriate for a particular blank. The operator typically does not have sufficient access rights/capabilities to alter the recipes; although select users can be given privileges to create and/or edit recipes. Each recipe is a set of computer instructions that instruct machine  1000  as to forming the container. For example, machine  1000  is instructed as to speed and timing of picking a blank from blank feed section  1100 , speed and timing of transferring the blank under mandrel  1312 , speed and timing of lifting the blank into contact with mandrel  1312 , speed and timing of moving lateral presser arm  1346 , speed and timing of moving folding arm  1350 , speed and timing of bottom folder assembly  1308 , and speed and timing of transferring the formed container to outfeed section  1400 . Since each component is individually controlled by a servomechanism, control system  1004  is able to control the movement of each component of machine  1000  relative to any other component of machine  1000 . This enables an operator to maximize the number of containers that can be formed by machine  1000 , easily change the size of containers being formed on machine  1000 , and easily change the type of containers being formed on machine  1000 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 52 , processor  1016  is coupled in communication with actuator  1140 , pneumatic cylinders  1156 ,  1342 ,  1362 ,  1366   1368 ,  1382 ,  1384 ,  1386 , servomechanisms  1226 ,  1338 ,  1340 ,  1364 ,  1388 ,  1392 ,  1416 ,  1432 , and sensors  1012 ,  1014 ,  1189 ,  1232 . Servomechanisms  1226 ,  1338 ,  1340 ,  1364 ,  1388 ,  1392 ,  1416 , and  1432  independently drive and position the associated devices and/or components as commanded by processor  1016 . Sensors  1012 ,  1014 ,  1189  and  1232  independently generate and transmit real-time feedback signals to processor  1016  that are substantially representative of a position of a blank within machine  1000 . Control system  1004  is configured to facilitate programming a plurality of component speeds and timing of movement within each recipe. That is, for a particular cycle of a component, the speed of that component as driven by the associated servomechanism can vary at any point in the cycle. Additionally, the timing of the movement can also be controlled by servomechanisms  1226 ,  1338 ,  1340 ,  1364 ,  1388 ,  1392 ,  1416 , and  1432  and/or control system  1004 . 
     Control system  1004  is configured to facilitate dynamic control of the container-forming process. More specifically, if the blanks to be formed into containers are not uniform with respect to, for example, the associated depth dimension (i.e., the depth or height of the box), the sensors will generate and transmit a signal to processor  1016  that will alter the movement of the drives driven by the associated servomechanisms to accommodate the differing depth dimensions dynamically. For example, in the event that transfer section  1200 &#39;s pusher assembly  1206  senses that a particular blank has a greater depth than a previous blank (or control system  1004  instructs machine  1000  either via sensors or operator input that the blank has a different depth dimension), such dimension feedback to processor  1016  will induce processor  1016  to adjust a stroke of pusher assembly  1206  to accommodate the varying blank depths. 
     The above-described machine and methods overcome at least some disadvantages of known box forming machines by providing a blank delivery system that includes modular blank hoppers that are each configured to deliver blanks having different blank depths, different lid configurations, and/or different printing to a container forming system. In addition, the blank delivery system described herein includes a blank transfer assembly that is coupled to each blank hopper to selectively deliver different blanks to the container forming section to form a plurality of different types of containers having different container depths, different printing on the outside of containers, and/or different lid structures. Moreover, the machine described herein also includes a container delivery system that is configured to selectively deliver the different containers from the container forming system to one or more product loading areas. By providing a machine that includes a blank delivery system that delivers different types of blanks to a container forming system to form different types of containers without having to stop the machine for adjustment or reconfiguration, the cost of forming different types of containers is reduced as compared to known box forming machines. 
     Exemplary embodiments of methods and a machine for forming a container from a blank are described above in detail. The methods and machine are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of systems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the methods and machine may also be used in combination with other box forming machines, and are not limited to practice with only the machine described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other box forming machine applications. 
     Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.