Systems and methods for packaging articles in a carton

A system for packaging articles, the system comprising:

• a conveyor configured to convey groups of the articles along a travel path;
• a feeder apparatus configured to transfer a blank to each one of the groups as the articles move along the travel path;
• and
• an applicator apparatus configured to apply the blank to each one of the groups as the articles move along the travel path,
• wherein:
• the feeder apparatus comprises:
• a plurality of grippers configured to engage the blank;
• a feeder drive configured to rotate the grippers about an axis;
• and
• a guide configured to position each one of the grippers along an orbital path during rotation about the axis such that each one of the grippers has at least two radial positions along the orbital path and that orbital motion of each one of the grippers along the orbital path is momentary paused at a first radial position to engage the blank;
• and
• the applicator apparatus comprises:
• a plurality of first applicator tools configured to press the blank onto alternating first ones of the groups as the articles move along the travel path;
• a plurality of second applicator tools configured to press the blank onto alternating second ones of the groups as the articles move along the travel path;
• and
• an applicator drive configured to rotate the first applicator tools about a first axis and to rotate the second applicator tools about a second axis.