Patent ID: 7059466

Claim:
A transfer unit for use with a form, fill and seal packaging machine, the transfer unit configured for receiving a partially erected carton from a first station in a tubular form and for conveying the carton in the tubular form to a second station, and for conveying the carton from the second station to a third station, the transfer unit comprising: a hub defining a longitudinal hub axis, the hub configured for rotational movement about the hub axis; at least one car mounted to the hub for longitudinal movement along the hub generally parallel to and spaced from the hub axis, the at least one car having first and second mandrels mounted thereto, each mandrel configured to receive a partially erected carton, each mandrel having a mandrel axis perpendicular and tangential to the hub axis; means for rotationally moving the hub about the hub axis; and means for longitudinally moving the car along the hub; wherein the hub rotates through a series of stations, a first station at which the car is at a first longitudinal position and a carton is loaded on to the first mandrel, the car moves longitudinally and a carton is loaded on to the second mandrel, and wherein the hub rotates to a second station.