Box Blank Feeder for Narrow Spacing

Abstract

A feeder device for supplying a container blank to an apparatus is provided. The feeder device includes a loader adapted to supply at least one blank and a singulation mechanism. The singulation mechanism is operatively positioned relative to the loader for separating the at least one blank from the loader. The feeder device also includes a transport mechanism in communication with the singulation mechanism and is adapted to supply the at least one blank to the apparatus. A motion control assembly is in communication with the singulation mechanism to selectively adjust positioning of the singulation mechanism between the loader and the transport mechanism.

1 . A feeder device for supplying a container blank to an apparatus, a feeder device comprising:
 (a) a loader adapted to supply at least one blank;   (b) a singulation mechanism operatively positioned relative to the loader for separating the at least one blank from the loader;   (c) a transport mechanism in communication with the singulation mechanism and adapted to supply the at least one blank to the apparatus; and   (d) a motion control assembly in communication with the singulation mechanism to selectively adjust positioning of the singulation mechanism between the loader and transport mechanism.   
     
     
         2 . The feeder device of  claim 1 , wherein the singulation mechanism includes a gripping assembly disposed on a conveyor. 
     
     
         3 . The feeder device of  claim 2 , wherein the gripping assembly is selectively driven in accordance with a predetermined velocity profile. 
     
     
         4 . The feeder device of  claim 3 , wherein the singulation mechanism includes a second gripping assembly disposed on a conveyor. 
     
     
         5 . The feeder device of  claim 1 , wherein the singulation mechanism includes a plurality of gripping assemblies extending between the loader and the transport mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . The feeder device of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of gripping assemblies are selectively driven in accordance with a predetermined velocity profile. 
     
     
         7 . The feeder device of  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of gripping assemblies are vacuum operated. 
     
     
         8 . The feeder device of  claim 1 , wherein the transport mechanism includes a vacuum belt. 
     
     
         9 . In a container blank encapsulation apparatus of the type having an adhesive applicator, a feeder device comprising:
 (a) a loader adapted to continuously supply a plurality of container blanks;   (b) a singulation mechanism operatively positional relative to the loader for separating at least one container blank from the plurality of container blanks;   (c) a transport mechanism positioned to receive the at least one container blank adapted to supply the at least one container blank at a substantially constant web speed to the encapsulation apparatus; and   (d) a motion control assembly in communication with the singulation mechanism to selectively adjust positioning of the singulation mechanism between the loader and transport mechanism.   
     
     
         10 . The feeder device of  claim 9 , wherein the motion control assembly selectively controls an operational aspect of the singulation mechanism, whereby the singulation mechanism supplies the at least one container blank to the transport mechanism as a function of the substantially constant web speed. 
     
     
         11 . The feeder device of  claim 10 , wherein the operational aspect is a velocity profile configured to reciprocate at least a portion of the singulation mechanism between a pick-up position and a release position. 
     
     
         12 . The feeder device of  claim 10 , wherein the singulation mechanism includes a gripping assembly disposed on a conveyor. 
     
     
         13 . The feeder device of  claim 10 , wherein the singulation assembly includes a plurality of gripping assemblies extending between the loader and the encapsulation apparatus. 
     
     
         14 . The feeder device of  claim 13 , wherein the operational aspect is a velocity profile configured to reciprocate the plurality of gripping assemblies of the singulation mechanism between a pick-up position and a release position. 
     
     
         15 . The feeder device of  claim 14 , wherein the plurality of gripping assemblies are vacuum operated. 
     
     
         16 . A feeder device for supplying a container blank to an apparatus, a feeder device comprising:
 (a) a loader adapted to supply at least one container blank;   (b) a singulation mechanism operatively positioned relative to the loader for separating the at least one container blank from the loader;   (c) a transport mechanism in communication with the singulation mechanism and adapted to supply the at least one container blank to the apparatus; and   (d) a motion control assembly in communication with the singulation mechanism to selectively adjust positioning of the singulation mechanism between the loader and transport mechanism in accordance with a predetermined velocity profile.   
     
     
         17 . The feeder device of  claim 16 , wherein the predetermined velocity profile is a function of a web speed of the transport mechanism. 
     
     
         18 . The feeder device of  claim 17 , wherein the singulation mechanism includes at least one gripping assembly adapted for reciprocating motion between a pick-up position and a release position. 
     
     
         19 . The feeder device of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one gripping assembly is vacuum operated. 
     
     
         20 . The feeder device of  claim 19 , wherein the at least gripping assembly is coupled to a conveyor for reciprocating movement between the pick-up and release positions.