Cigarette tax stamp applying machine and method

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a machine and method of applying cigarette tax stamps to cigarette packages in cartons. The machine includes an input platform or table that receives cartons from an infeed conveyor, and three incoming cartons are fed to three parallel channels. In each of the channels, the flaps of a carton are opened and folded upwardly and outwardly, thereby exposing the ends of the packages. Tax stamps are applied to the ends of the packages, glue is then applied to the outturned flaps, and the flaps are folded in again and resealed. The three channels are spaced laterally apart of the direction of movement of the cartons as they move through the channels. The cartons are pushed onto the input platform with their long dimension extending parallel to the channels. The carton movement is stopped by an end stop that is located to position the first, third and fifth cartons generally in line with the input ends of the three channels. The first, third and fifth cartons are then pushed into the three channels while the second, fourth and sixth cartons are held back, the three cartons being fed thereby being automatically spaced due to the presence of the two interleaving cartons. Switches are provided in the channels for detecting the flaps in their vertical positions after the flaps have been opened, to protect against a malfunction in the flap opening stage. Adjustments are provided for adjusting the machine to handle cartons of different lengths, different widths and different heights.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.