Case sealer configurable to an avoidance configuration

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a universal boxer configurable to an avoidance configuration in which a tape cartridge is not in the path of a box so that the tape cartridge does not apply tape to the box as the box moves past the tape cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to carton sealing machines, and more specifically to general-purpose carton sealing machines configured for sealing cartons of varying heights. Background Technology

[0002] Every day, companies around the world pack millions of items into boxes (such as corrugated cardboard boxes) in preparation for shipment. Box sealing machines help automate this process by applying pressure-sensitive tape and protective padding (such as bubble wrap) to already packed boxes to seal them closed.

[0003] Universal carton sealing machines automatically adjust to the height of arriving cartons, allowing them to seal cartons of varying heights without operator intervention. A typical universal carton sealing machine includes: a frame comprising two lower drive belts; a lower tape cassette removably mounted to the frame between the lower drive belts; a lifting frame mounted to the frame; and a top sealing assembly movably mounted to the lifting frame and including an upper tape cassette, a pressure switch, and two upper drive belts. As the upper and lower drive belts move the carton past the lower tape cassette, the lower tape cassette applies tape to the front, bottom, and rear surfaces of the carton; conversely, as the upper and lower drive belts move the carton past the upper tape cassette, the upper tape cassette applies tape to the front, top, and rear surfaces of the carton.

[0004] To seal a carton using a general-purpose carton sealing machine, the operator (such as a person or an automated carton feeding system) moves the carton to contact the pressure switch. In response, the actuator begins to raise the top end cap assembly. Once the top end cap assembly is raised above the carton, causing the carton to stop contacting the pressure switch, the operator moves the carton below the top end cap assembly and holds the carton there as the top end cap assembly descends. Once the upper drive belt of the top end cap assembly contacts the top surface of the carton, the operator releases the carton, and the drive belt moves the carton relative to the tape dispenser, which applies tape to the carton as it moves past the tape dispenser.

[0005] A tape cassette includes multiple components that work together to apply tape to a box. For example, each tape cassette includes: multiple rollers that press the tape onto multiple surfaces of the box; a cutter that cuts the tape from a tape supply device (e.g., a tape roll); and a downward wiping element, such as a brush, that extends past a drive belt and enters the box's path near the downstream end of the tape cassette. As the box moves past the tape cassette, the downward wiping element engages the tape and forces it into contact with the box to ensure good adhesion.

[0006] In certain situations, such as when arriving boxes are already sealed, operators may not want the sealing machine to apply tape to the boxes. To avoid requiring operators to manually move these boxes around the sealing machine (and its tape application process), a universal sealing machine that can be configured to allow these boxes to pass through the sealing machine without being taped is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide a universal carton sealing machine configurable to avoid a specific configuration in which the tape box is not in the path of the carton, so that the tape box does not apply tape to the carton when the carton moves past the tape box.

[0008] One embodiment of the carton sealing machine disclosed herein includes a frame; a lower drive element supported by the frame; a lower drive element actuator operatively connected to and configured to drive the lower drive element; a tape cassette including a roller, wherein the tape cassette is supported by the frame and movable relative to the lower drive element between an initial position and an averted position; and a tape cassette mover operatively connected to the tape cassette and configured to move the tape cassette from the initial position to the averted position to lower the roller.

[0009] A method for operating the carton sealing machine disclosed herein to move a carton past a tape box of the carton sealing machine without applying tape to the carton includes: switching the carton sealing machine to an avoidance configuration in response to an avoidance condition being met, wherein, in the avoidance configuration, the rollers of the tape box are not above the upper surface of a lower drive element of the carton sealing machine; and, while the carton sealing machine is in the avoidance configuration, actuating the lower drive element to move the carton past the tape box. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the carton sealing machine disclosed herein.

[0011] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A block diagram of some components of a carton sealing machine.

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the base assembly, tape box mover assembly, and a portion of the lower tape box of the carton sealing machine.

[0013] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional cross-sectional view of the base assembly and a portion of the lower tape box of the carton sealing machine.

[0014] Figure 5 yes Figure 1A perspective view of the base assembly, tape box mover assembly, and a portion of the lower tape box of the carton sealing machine.

[0015] Figure 6 and Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the tape box mover assembly of a carton sealing machine.

[0016] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the top end cap assembly of a carton sealing machine.

[0017] Figures 9A to 9H yes Figure 1 Various views of the tape box of the carton sealing machine.

[0018] Figure 10A yes Figure 1 A side view of a portion of a carton sealing machine, with the lower tape box in its original position and the roller arm and cutter arm of the lower tape box in their respective extended positions.

[0019] Figure 10B yes Figure 1 A side view of a portion of a carton sealing machine, with the lower tape box in its original position and the lower tape box's roller arm and cutter arm in their respective retracted positions.

[0020] Figure 10C yes Figure 1 A side view of a portion of a carton sealing machine, wherein the lower tape box is in an out-of-position position and the roller arm and cutter arm of the lower tape box are in their respective retracted positions. Detailed Implementation

[0021] While the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein can be implemented in many different forms, the accompanying drawings and description illustrate certain exemplary and non-limiting embodiments. Not all components shown in the drawings and described in the description may be necessary, and some implementations may include additional, different, or fewer components. The arrangement and type of components, the shape, size, and material of components, and the manner in which components are connected may vary without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Unless otherwise stated, any orientation mentioned in the description reflects the orientation of the corresponding component shown in the drawings and does not limit the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, terms relating to installation methods (such as coupling, mounting, connection, etc.) are not intended to be limited to direct installation methods but should be broadly interpreted to include indirect and operatively coupled, mounted, connected, and other installation methods. This specification is intended to be considered as a whole and interpreted in accordance with the principles of this disclosure and as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0022] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide a universal carton sealing machine configurable to avoid a specific configuration in which the tape box is not in the path of the carton, so that the tape box does not apply tape to the carton when the carton moves past the tape box.

[0023] Figures 1 to 9H An exemplary embodiment of the carton sealing machine 10 and its components disclosed herein is shown. The carton sealing machine 10 includes a base assembly 100, an avoidance actuator 190, a tape cassette mover assembly 200, a lifting frame assembly 300, a top sealing head assembly 400, a lower tape cassette 1000a, and an upper tape cassette 1000b. Figure 2 As shown, the carton sealing machine 10 also includes: a plurality of actuation components and actuators operatively coupled to the carton sealing machine 10 and configured to control the movement of certain parts of the carton sealing machine; a plurality of sensors S1–S5; and control circuitry and systems for controlling the actuation components and actuators (and other mechanical, pneumatic, electromechanical and electrical components of the carton sealing machine 10) in response to signals received from the sensors S.

[0024] The carton sealing machine 10 also includes a controller 90 communicatively connected to the sensors S to send signals to and receive signals from the sensors S. The controller 90 is operatively connected to these actuating components and actuators to control them. The controller 90 can be any suitable type of controller (e.g., a programmable logic controller) including any suitable processing device(s) (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, an integrated circuit, or an application-specific integrated circuit) and any suitable memory device(s) (e.g., random access memory, read-only memory, or flash memory). The memory device(s) stores instructions executable by the processing device(s) to control the operation of the carton sealing machine 10.

[0025] As described in detail below, the carton sealing machine 10 is configured to apply tape to the carton to seal it as it passes through the machine. One or more components of the carton sealing machine 10 are movable to configure it in a bypass configuration. In the bypass configuration, the carton sealing machine 10 allows the carton to pass through without applying any tape.

[0026] exist Figure 1 and Figure 3The base assembly 100, optimally positioned, is configured to align the box for sealing (or avoidance) and (together with the top end cap assembly 400) move the box through the sealing machine 10. The base assembly 100 supports the tape box mover assembly 200, the lower tape box 1000a, and the lifting frame assembly 300 (which in turn supports the top end cap assembly 400, including the upper tape box 1000b). The base assembly 100 includes a base assembly frame 111, a feed table 112, a feed platform 113, a side rail assembly (not shown), and a lower drive assembly 115. The base assembly 100 defines the feed end IN of the sealing machine 10. Figure 1 ) and the OUT end of the carton sealing machine 10 Figure 1 At the infeed end, an operator (such as a person or an automated box feeding system) feeds the incoming box (via infeed table 112) into the box sealing machine 10, and at the outfeed end, the box sealing machine 10 pushes the box out onto the outfeed table 113.

[0027] The base assembly frame 111 is configured to support the various components of the carton sealing machine 10 and is formed by any suitable combination of solid and / or tubular members and / or plates fastened together. In this exemplary embodiment, the base assembly frame 111 includes upright legs 111a1, 111a2, 111a3, and 111a4; longitudinal rails 111b1, 111b2, 111b3, and 111b4; transverse rails 111c1, 111c2, and 111c3; and inclined rails 111d1 and 111d2. Longitudinal rails 111b1 and 111b2 extend between and connect legs 111a1 and 111a2, while longitudinal rails 111b3 and 111b4 extend between and connect legs 111a3 and 111a4. Transverse rail 111c1 extends between and connects legs 111a2 and 111a3; transverse rail 111c2 extends between and connects longitudinal rails 111b1 and 111b3; and transverse rail 111c3 extends between and connects legs 111a1 and 111a4. Diagonal rail 111d1 extends between and connects longitudinal rail 111b2 and transverse rail 111c2; and diagonal rail 111d2 extends between and connects longitudinal rail 111b4 and transverse rail 111c2.

[0028] The feed table 112 is mounted on the base assembly frame 111, near the feed end IN of the carton sealer 10. The feed table 112 includes multiple rollers on which the operator can place and fill cartons, and then use it to convey the filled cartons toward the top end assembly 400. The feed table 112 includes a feed table sensor S1 (…). Figure 2The feed station sensor can be any suitable sensor (such as a photoelectric sensor) configured to detect the presence of a box on the feed station 112 (more specifically, the presence of a box at a specific location on the feed station 112 corresponding to the position of the feed station sensor S1). In other embodiments, another component of the box sealer 10 includes the feed station sensor S1. The feed station sensor S1 is communicatively connected to the controller 90 to send a signal to the controller 90 in response to the detection of a box (signal of box detection) and subsequent cessation of box detection (signal of no box detection), as described below.

[0029] The delivery table 113 is mounted on the base assembly frame 111 near the delivery end OUT of the carton sealer 10. The delivery table 113 includes a generally flat surface on which the carton is pushed after moving past the tape box, but in other embodiments the delivery table may include multiple rollers.

[0030] The side rail assembly is supported by the base assembly frame 111 near the feed stage 112 and includes a first side rail 114a, a second side rail 114b, and a side rail actuator 117. Figure 2 Side rails 114a and 114b are generally parallel to the direction of travel D of the box as it passes through the sealing machine 10. Figure 1 The side rails extend and can move laterally inward (relative to the direction of travel D) to center the box laterally on the feed table 112. Side rail actuators 117 are operatively connected to the first side rail 114a and the second side rail 114b (directly or via suitable linkages) to move the side rails between the following configurations: (1) idle configuration ( Figure 1 (1) In an idle configuration, the side rails are located in or near the lateral range of the feed table 112, allowing the operator to position the box between the side rails on the feed table 112; (2) in a centered configuration (not shown), the side rails (after moving toward each other) contact the box and center the box on the feed table 112. A controller 90 is operatively connected to the side rail actuator 117 to control the side rail actuator 117 to move the side rails 114a and 114b between the idle and centered configurations. The side rail actuator 117 can be any suitable type of actuator, such as a motor or a pneumatic cylinder supplied with pressurized gas and controlled by one or more valves.

[0031] The lower drive assembly 115 is supported by the base assembly frame 111 and (together with the upper drive assembly 420, as described below) is configured to move the box in direction D. The lower drive assembly 115 includes a first lower drive element 115a and a second lower drive element 115b (although in other embodiments it may include only one drive element or more than two drive elements), and a lower drive assembly actuator 118 operatively connected to the first and second lower drive elements 115a and 115b and configured to drive the first and second lower drive elements to move the box through the box sealer 10 (together with the upper drive assembly 420). In this exemplary embodiment, the lower drive assembly actuator 118 includes a motor operatively connected to the first and second lower drive elements 115a and 115b via one or more other components (such as sprockets, gears, screws, tensioning elements, and / or chains), which in this exemplary embodiment include an annular belt. In other embodiments, the lower drive assembly actuator 118 may include any other suitable actuator. In other embodiments, the first lower drive element 115a and the second lower drive element 115b may include any other suitable one or more components, such as rollers. A controller 90 is operatively connected to the lower drive assembly actuator 118 to control the operation of the lower drive assembly actuator 118.

[0032] The lower drive assembly 115 supports the box entry sensor S3 downstream of the feed stage 112, downstream of the front surface sensor S2 (described below), and below the top end cap assembly 400, so that the box entry sensor S3 can detect when the box enters the area below the top end cap assembly 400. As used herein, "downstream" refers to the direction of travel D, and "upstream" refers to the direction opposite to the direction of travel D. Additionally, unless explicitly stated otherwise, "above" and "below" as used herein mean "in the plane above" and "in the plane below," not "directly above" or "directly below." The box entry sensor S3 includes a proximity sensor (or any other suitable sensor, such as a mechanical sensor) configured to detect the presence of the box. In other embodiments, the box entry sensor S3 is supported by the lifting frame assembly 300 or the top end cap assembly 400. The box entry sensor S3 is communicatively connected to the controller 90 to send a signal to the controller 90 in response to detecting a box (signal of box detection) and no longer detecting a box (signal of box not detected).

[0033] The base assembly frame 111 supports a box departure sensor S5, which includes a proximity sensor (or any other suitable sensor) configured to detect the presence of a box. Here, although not shown, the box departure sensor S5 is positioned near the delivery platform 113 (downstream of the box entry sensor S3 and arm retraction sensor S4 described below), thus allowing the box departure sensor S5 to detect when a box has left from under the top end assembly 400. The box departure sensor S5 is communicatively connected to a controller 90 to send a signal to the controller 90 in response to the detection of a box (a signal indicating box detection) and the cessation of box detection (a signal indicating box not detected). In other embodiments, the box departure sensor S5 is part of the top end assembly 400.

[0034] Avoiding actuator 190 includes any suitable device configured to be actuated by an operator, such as a foot pedal, handle, or button.

[0035] The tape cassette mover assembly 200 is mounted to the base assembly frame 111, cooperates with the base assembly frame 111 to support the lower tape cassette 1000a, and is operatively connected to the lower tape cassette 1000a such that the lower tape cassette 1000a is as described below. Figures 10A to 10C The movement between the described original position and the avoided position. For example... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As best shown, the tape box mover assembly 200 includes a first tape box mover 210 and a second tape box mover 250, which are mirror images of each other in this exemplary embodiment.

[0036] The first tape cassette mover 210 includes a first mounting member 220, a first tape cassette mover actuator 230, and a first tape cassette support 240. The first mounting member 220 includes a base 222, a first mounting foot 224a extending from the base 222, a second mounting foot 224b extending from the base 222 and spaced apart from the first mounting foot 224a, and a wing 226 extending from the base 222. This is merely one exemplary configuration of the first mounting member; in other embodiments, the first mounting member may have any other suitable configuration (e.g., a configuration within the wing). The first tape cassette mover actuator 230 includes a pneumatic actuator in this exemplary embodiment, but in other embodiments may include any other suitable actuator (e.g., a motor or hydraulic actuator). The first tape cassette support 240 includes a generally flat base 242 (with opposing lips 242a and 242b on either side) and a wall 244 extending laterally from the base 242 and with opposing lips 244a and 244b on either side.

[0037] The second tape cassette mover 250 includes a second mounting member 260, a second tape cassette mover actuator 270, and a second tape cassette support 280. The second mounting member 260 includes a base 262, a first mounting foot 264a extending from the base 262, a second mounting foot 264b extending from the base 262 and spaced apart from the first mounting foot 264a, and a wing 266 extending from the base 262. This is merely one exemplary configuration of the second mounting member; in other embodiments, the second mounting member may have any other suitable configuration (e.g., a configuration within the wing). The second tape cassette mover actuator 270 includes a pneumatic actuator in this exemplary embodiment, but in other embodiments may include any other suitable actuator (e.g., a motor or hydraulic actuator). The second tape cassette support 280 includes a generally flat base 282 (with opposing lips 282a and 282b on either side) and a wall 284 extending laterally from the base 282 and with opposing lips 284a and 284b on either side.

[0038] A first tape cassette mover actuator 230 is attached, for example, to a base 222 of a first mounting member 220 via suitable fasteners, and a first tape cassette support 240 is attached, for example, to the first tape cassette mover actuator 230 via suitable fasteners. A second tape cassette mover actuator 270 is attached, for example, to a base 262 of a second mounting member 260 via suitable fasteners, and a second tape cassette support 280 is attached, for example, to the second tape cassette mover actuator 270 via suitable fasteners. The first tape cassette mover actuator 230 and the second tape cassette mover actuator 270 are operatively connected to the first tape cassette support 240 and the second tape cassette support 280, respectively, and are configured to position the first tape cassette support 240 and the second tape cassette support 280 in their respective original positions. Figure 10A and Figure 10B ) and avoidance positions ( Figure 10C The controller 90 is operatively connected to the first tape box mover actuator 230 and the second tape box mover actuator 270 to control the movement of the first tape box support 240 and the second tape box support 280 between their respective original positions and avoidance positions.

[0039] As described above, the tape box mover assembly 200 is mounted to the base assembly frame 111. Specifically, in this exemplary embodiment and as... Figure 5As shown, the transverse rail 111c2 is received between the first mounting foot 224a and the second mounting foot 224b, and 226 is attached to the tilt rail 111d1 (e.g., via suitable fasteners) to mount the first tape cassette mover 210 to the base assembly frame 111. Similarly, the transverse rail 111c2 is received between the first mounting foot 264a and the second mounting foot 264b, and 266 is attached to the tilt rail 111d2 (e.g., via suitable fasteners) to mount the second tape cassette mover 250 to the base assembly frame 111. Once installed, the first tape cassette mover actuator 230 and the second tape cassette mover actuator 270 are spaced apart by a distance at least the width of the tape.

[0040] Although the tape box mover assembly includes two tape box movers in this exemplary embodiment, other embodiments may include only one tape box mover or more than two tape box movers.

[0041] The lifting frame assembly 300 is configured to support and control the vertical movement of the top head assembly 400 relative to the base assembly 100. The lifting frame assembly 300 includes a top head actuation assembly 305, which includes one or more top head actuation assembly actuators 310. Figure 2 The top end cap actuation assembly actuator is operatively connected to the top end cap assembly 400 and configured to move the top end cap assembly 400 toward and away from the base assembly 100. In this exemplary embodiment, the top end cap assembly actuator includes a pneumatic cylinder supplied with pressurized gas and controlled by one or more valves; however, in other embodiments, the top end cap assembly actuator may be any other suitable type of actuator (such as a motor). A controller 90 is operatively connected to the top end cap assembly actuator(s) to control the vertical movement of the top end cap assembly 400.

[0042] The top end cap assembly 400 is movably supported by the lifting frame assembly 300 to adjust for boxes of different heights and is configured to move the box through the box sealing machine 10, engaging the top surface of the box while doing so (except during the box avoidance process) and supporting the upper tape box 1000b. Figure 2 and Figure 8 As shown in the best embodiment, the top end cap assembly 400 includes a top end cap assembly frame 410, an upper drive assembly 420, a front surface sensor S2, and an arm retraction sensor S4. In other embodiments, one or more other components of the box sealer 10 (such as the base assembly 100 and / or the lifting frame assembly 300) include one or more of sensors S2, S4, and S5.

[0043] The top end assembly frame 410 is configured to mount the top end assembly 400 to the lifting frame assembly 300 and support other components of the top end assembly 400. The top end assembly frame 410 is formed from any suitable combination of solid or tubular members and / or plates fastened together. The top end assembly frame 410 includes a laterally extending first mounting arm 412 and a second mounting arm 414, to which the top end assembly actuator 310 of the lifting frame assembly 300 is operatively connected.

[0044] The upper drive assembly 420 is supported by the top end cap assembly frame 410 and (together with the lower drive assembly 115, as described above) is configured to move the box in direction D. The upper drive assembly 420 includes upper drive elements (or multiple upper drive elements in other embodiments) and an upper drive assembly actuator 422. Figure 2 The upper drive assembly actuator 422 is operatively connected to the upper drive element to drive the upper drive element, thereby (together with the lower drive assembly 115) moving the box through the box sealer 10. In this exemplary embodiment, the upper drive assembly actuator 422 includes a motor operatively connected to the upper drive element via one or more other components (such as sprockets, gears, screws, tensioning elements, and / or chains), which in this exemplary embodiment includes an annular belt. In other embodiments, the upper drive assembly actuator 422 may include any other suitable actuator. In other embodiments, the upper drive element may include any other suitable one or more components, such as rollers. A controller 90 is operatively connected to the upper drive assembly actuator 422 to control the operation of the upper drive assembly actuator 422.

[0045] The front surface sensor S2 includes a mechanical pedal switch (or any other suitable sensor, such as a proximity sensor) positioned at the front end of the top end cap assembly frame 410 and configured to detect when the front surface of the box initially contacts the top end cap assembly 400 (or within a predetermined distance of the top end cap assembly). The front surface sensor S2 is communicatively connected to the controller 90 to send signals to the controller 90 in response to actuation (signal of box detection) and de-actuation (signal of box not detected) of the front surface sensor S2 (corresponding to the front surface sensor S2 detecting the box and no longer detecting the box and / or object).

[0046] The arm retraction sensor S4 includes a proximity sensor (or any other suitable sensor) configured to detect the presence of the box. Here, although not shown, the arm retraction sensor S4 is positioned below the top end cap assembly frame 410, downstream of the box entry sensor S3, so that the arm retraction sensor S4 can detect when the box reaches a specific position below the top end cap assembly 400 (in this case, just before the box contacts the front roller of the tape box, as explained below). The arm retraction sensor S4 is communicatively connected to the controller 90 to send a signal to the controller 90 in response to the detection of a box (a signal indicating box detection) and the cessation of box detection (a signal indicating box not detected).

[0047] The controller 90 is operatively connected to: (1) the top end actuation assembly 305 and configured to control the top end actuation assembly 305 to control the vertical movement of the top end assembly 400 in response to signals received from sensors S2, S3 and S5; and (2) the lower tape cassette 1000a and the upper tape cassette 1000b and configured to control the force reduction function of these tape cassettes in response to a signal received from the arm retraction sensor S4, as described below. Figures 9A to 9H Detailed description.

[0048] The lower tape dispenser 1000a is configured to apply tape to the front, bottom, and rear surfaces of the box, while the upper tape dispenser 1000b is configured to apply tape to the front, top, and rear surfaces of the box. In this exemplary embodiment, the lower and upper tape dispensers are identical and use... Figures 9A to 9H It is identified by component number 1000 and referred to as "tape box" in the accompanying description.

[0049] The tape cassette 1000 includes a first mounting plate M1 that supports a front roller assembly 1100, a rear roller assembly 1200, a cutter assembly 1300, a tape mounting assembly 1400, a tension roller assembly 1500, a tape cassette actuation assembly 1600, and a downward wiping element 1900. Figure 9A As best shown, the second mounting plate M2 is mounted to the first mounting plate M1 via a plurality of spacer shafts and fasteners (not marked) to partially surround certain elements of the front roller assembly 1100, rear roller assembly 1200, cutter assembly 1300, tape mounting assembly 1400, tension roller assembly 1500, tape cartridge actuation assembly 1600, and downward wiping element 1900 between the first and second mounting plates. Figure 9A and Figure 9CAs shown in the best embodiment, the first mounting plate M1 and the second mounting plate M2 are shaped to define a first mounting opening M1o and a second mounting opening M2o. The size, shape, orientation, position, and configuration of these mounting openings are determined such that the tape box 1000 can be pivotally mounted to the base assembly frame 111 of the base assembly 100, as described in more detail below.

[0050] The front roller assembly 1100 includes a front roller arm 1110 and a front roller 1120. The front roller arm 1110 is connected via a front roller arm pivot PS. 前 It can be pivotally mounted to the first mounting plate M1, so that the front roller arm 1110 can be positioned relative to the mounting plate M1 about an axis in the front roller arm extension position. Figures 9A to 9C ) and the retracted position of the front roller arm ( Figure 9D The front roller arm 1110 includes a front roller mounting shaft 1120a, and the front roller 1120 is rotatably mounted to the front roller mounting shaft 1120a, so that the front roller 1120 can rotate relative to the front roller mounting shaft 1120a.

[0051] The rear roller assembly 1200 includes a rear roller arm 1210 and a rear roller 1220. The rear roller arm 1210 is connected via a rear roller arm pivot PS. 后 It can be pivotally mounted to the first mounting plate M1, so that the front roller arm 1210 can be positioned relative to the mounting plate M1 around axis A. 后 At the rear roller arm extension position ( Figures 9A to 9C ) and the retracted position of the rear roller arm ( Figure 9D The rear roller arm 1210 includes a rear roller mounting shaft 1220a, and the rear roller 1220 is rotatably mounted to the rear roller mounting shaft 1220a, so that the rear roller 1220 can rotate relative to the rear roller mounting shaft 1220a.

[0052] A rigid first connecting member 1020 is attached to and extends between the first roller arm 1110 and the second roller arm 1210. The first connecting member 1020 connects the front roller assembly 1100 and the rear roller assembly 1200 such that: (1) moving the front roller arm 1110 from the extended position to the retracted position causes the first connecting member 1020 to force the rear roller arm 1210 from the extended position to the retracted position (and vice versa); and (2) moving the rear roller arm 1210 from the extended position to the retracted position causes the first connecting member 1020 to force the front roller arm 1110 from the extended position to the retracted position (and vice versa).

[0053] Tape box actuation assembly 1600 ( Figure 2 It includes the roller arm actuation assembly 1700 and the cutter arm actuation assembly 1800.

[0054] The roller arm actuation assembly 1700 is configured to move the connected front roller arm 1110 and rear roller arm 1210 between their respective extended and retracted positions. For example... Figure 9G As best shown, in this exemplary embodiment, the roller arm actuation assembly 1700 includes a support plate 1702 and a roller arm actuator 1710, which is pivotally attached to the support plate 1702 via a pin assembly 1703. The roller arm actuator 1710 can be any suitable actuator, such as a motor or a pneumatic cylinder supplied with pressurized gas and controlled by one or more valves.

[0055] Roller arm actuator 1710 is operatively connected to the front roller assembly 1100 to control movement of the front roller arm 1110 and the rear roller arm 1210 coupled to the front roller arm 1110 between their respective extended and retracted positions. More specifically, roller arm actuator 1710 is coupled between the mounting plate M2 and the first roller arm assembly 1100 by attaching a support plate 1702 to the mounting plate M2 and a shaft 1130 to which the roller arm actuator 1710 is attached.

[0056] The controller 90 is operatively connected to the roller arm actuator 1710 and is configured to control the roller arm actuator 1710 and thus control the positions of the front roller arm 1110 and the rear roller arm 1210.

[0057] like Figure 9E and Figure 9F As shown, the cutter assembly 1300 includes a cutter arm 1301, a cutter cover pivot 1306, a cutter arm actuator coupling element 1310, a cutter mounting assembly 1320, a cutter 1330, a cutter cover 1340, a cutter pad 1350, and a rotation control plate 1360. The cutter includes a toothed blade (not labeled) configured for cutting tape.

[0058] The cutter arm 1301 includes a cylindrical surface 1301a defining a cutter arm mounting opening. The cutter arm 1301 is pivoted via a front roller arm pivot PS. 前 Bushings 1303a and 1303b are pivotally mounted (via the cutter arm mounting opening) to the first mounting plate M1, so that the cutter arm 1301 can be in the cutter arm extended position relative to the mounting plate M1 about an axis. Figures 9A to 9C ) and the cutter arm retracted position ( Figure 9D It pivots between )

[0059] The cutter arm actuator coupling element 1310 includes a support plate 1312 and a coupling shaft 1314 extending laterally from the support plate 1312. The support plate 1312 is fixedly attached to the cutter arm 1301 via fasteners.

[0060] The cutting device mounting assembly 1320 is fixedly mounted on the support arm 1301 (e.g., by welding) and is configured to removably receive the cutting device 1330. That is, the cutting device mounting assembly 1320 is configured such that the cutting device can be removably mounted to it. The cutting device mounting assembly 1320 is described in U.S. Patent No. 8,079,395, but any other suitable cutting device mounting assembly can be used to support the cutting device 1330.

[0061] The cutting device cover 1340 includes a body 1342 and fingers 1344 extending from the body 1342. A pad 1350 is attached to the body 1342. The cutting device cover 1340 is pivotally mounted to a support arm 1301 via a mounting opening (not labeled) and a cutting device cover pivot 1306. Once attached, the cutting device cover 1340 is pivotable about an axis about a closed position between front-to-back and rear-to-front relative to the cutter arm 1301 and the cutting device mounting assembly 1320. In this exemplary embodiment, a cutting device cover biasing element 1346 including a torsion spring biases the cutting device cover 1340 to the closed position. When in the closed position, the cutting device cover 1340 generally surrounds the cutting device 1330 such that the pad 1350 contacts the toothed blade of the cutting device 1330. When in the open position, the cutting device cover 1340 exposes the cutting device 1330 and its toothed blade.

[0062] The cutting device cover pivot 1306 is also attached to the rotation control plate 1360. The rotation control plate 1360 includes a groove defining surface 1362 that defines a slot. Surface 1362 acts as a guide (not shown) for attaching a bushing to the mounting plate M2. The bushing provides lateral support for the cutter assembly 1300 to generally prevent the cutter assembly 1300 from moving toward or away from the mounting plates M1 and M2 during use, and from interfering with other components of the tape cassette 1000.

[0063] The cutter arm actuator assembly 1800 is configured to move the cutter arm 1301 between a retracted position and an extended position. For example... Figure 9H As best shown, in this exemplary embodiment, the cutter arm actuation assembly 1800 includes a cutter arm actuator 1810. The cutter arm actuator 1810 can be any suitable actuator, such as a motor or a pneumatic cylinder supplied with pressurized gas and controlled by one or more valves.

[0064] Cutter arm actuator 1810 is operatively connected to cutter assembly 1300 to control movement of cutter arm 1301 from its retracted position to its extended position. More specifically, cutter arm actuator 1810 is coupled between mounting plate M1 and cutter assembly 1300 via coupling shaft 1314 attached to shaft 1610 and to cutter arm actuator coupling element 1310.

[0065] The controller 90 is operatively connected to the cutter arm actuator 1810 and is configured to control the cutter arm actuator 1810 and thus control the position of the cutter arm 1301.

[0066] Tape mounting assembly 1400 includes a tape mounting plate 1410 and a tape core mounting assembly 1420 rotatably mounted to the tape mounting plate 1410. The tape core mounting assembly 1420 is further described in U.S. Patent No. 7,819,357, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference (however, other tape core mounting assemblies may be used in other embodiments). A roll of tape R can be mounted to the tape core mounting assembly 1420.

[0067] The tension roller assembly 1500 includes several rollers (not labeled) rotatably mounted on a shaft supported by a first mounting plate M1. The free end of a roll of tape R, mounted to a tape core mounting assembly 1420, can be screwed through the rollers until the free end is near the front roller 1120 of the front roller assembly 1100 with its adhesive side facing outwards, ready for adhesion to a box. The tension roller assembly 1500 is further described in U.S. Patent No. 7,937,905 (however, other tension roller assemblies may be used in other embodiments).

[0068] The downward wiping element 1900 includes a base 1910 and one or more deformable elements 1920 connected to the base 1910. The base 1910 is fixedly mounted to a first mounting plate M1 and a second mounting plate M2 downstream of the rear roller assembly 1200 and extends between them. When the rear roller arm 1210 is in the rear roller arm extended position, the downward wiping element 1900 is oriented such that the deformable elements 1920 extend toward the roller 1220. The deformable elements 1920 have sufficient rigidity to return to their original shape when no force is applied, and also sufficient compliance to deform when sufficient force is applied (e.g., when boxes are forced against them), as described below. In this exemplary embodiment, the deformable element 1920 is a bristle, but in other embodiments the deformable element can be any suitable element (e.g., a foam or rubber element).

[0069] The lower tape dispenser 1000a is movably (pivotibly) and removably mounted to the base assembly 100 and configured to apply tape to the front, bottom, and rear surfaces of the box. Figure 4As shown in the optimal configuration, the lower tape box 1000a is positioned and oriented such that two opposing tape box mounting members 111m1 and 111m2, attached to the base assembly frame 111, are respectively received in the first mounting opening M1o and the second mounting opening M2o of the first mounting plate M1 and the second mounting plate M2 of the lower tape box 1000a. Figure 5 As best shown, the lower tape cassette 1000a is further positioned and oriented such that the opposite end of the first mounting plate M1 is received and supported by the base 242 of the first tape cassette support 240 of the tape cassette mover assembly 200 between lips 242a and 242b, while the opposite end of the second mounting plate M2 is received and supported by the base 282 of the second tape cassette support 280 of the tape cassette mover assembly 200 between lips 282a and 282b. In other embodiments, the tape cassette is configured to be releasably engaged by one or more tape cassette supports.

[0070] This mounting configuration allows the lower tape cassette 1000a to rotate relative to the base assembly 100 and the tape cassette mover assembly 200 around a pivot axis PA defined by the tape cassette mounting members 111m1 and 111m2. Figure 10A and Figure 10B The original position shown is the same as Figure 10C The tape cassette pivots between the indicated avoidance positions (but the pivot axis PA can also be positioned in other positions). When the first tape cassette support 240 and the second tape cassette support 280 are in their respective original positions, the lower tape cassette 1000a is in its original position, and when the first tape cassette support 240 and the second tape cassette support 280 are in their respective avoidance positions, the lower tape cassette is in its avoidance position. Accordingly, in this exemplary embodiment, the first tape cassette mover actuator 230 and the second tape cassette mover actuator 270 are operatively connected to the lower tape cassette 1000a via the first tape cassette support 240 and the second tape cassette support 280 and are configured to move the lower tape cassette 1000a between its original position and the avoidance position. In this exemplary embodiment, the first tape cassette mover actuator 230 and the second tape cassette mover actuator 270 are configured to actively move the lower tape cassette 1000a between its original position and the avoidance position. In other embodiments, the lower tape cassette 1000a is biased to its original position or avoided position by one or more springs or other suitable biasing elements, and the first tape cassette mover actuator 230 and the second tape cassette mover actuator 270 are configured to move the lower tape cassette 1000a against the force of the biasing element to another position between the original position and the avoided position.

[0071] Figure 10AThe lower tape cassette 1000a is shown in its original position, with the front roller arm 1110, rear roller arm 1210, and cutter arm 1301 of the lower tape cassette 1000a in their respective extended positions. In this configuration, the front roller 1120 and rear roller 1220 are at least partially (and in this exemplary embodiment, completely) positioned above the upper surfaces of the first lower drive element 115a and the second lower drive element 115b. Additionally, a downward wiping element 1900 extends above the upper surfaces of the first lower drive element 115a and the second lower drive element 115b. Figure 10B The lower tape cassette is shown in its original position, with the front roller arm 1110, rear roller arm 1210, and cutter arm 1301 of the lower tape cassette 1000a in their respective retracted positions. In this configuration, portions of the front roller 1120 and rear roller 1220 are positioned above the upper surfaces of the first lower drive element 115a and the second lower drive element 115b. Additionally, a downward wiping element 1900 extends above the upper surfaces of the first lower drive element 115a and the second lower drive element 115b. With these configurations, the positions of the front roller 1120, rear roller 1220, and downward wiping element 1900 enable tape to be applied to the box during the sealing process.

[0072] Figure 10C The lower tape cassette 1000a is shown in its retracted position, with the front roller arm 1110, rear roller arm 1210, and cutter arm 1301 of the lower tape cassette 1000a in their respective retracted positions. In this configuration, the front roller 1120 and rear roller 1220, as well as the downward wiping element 1900, are not above the upper surfaces of the first lower drive element 115a and the second lower drive element 115b. This prevents these components from interfering with the cassette during the cassette retraction process (described below)—for example, by hindering cassette movement or unintentionally applying adhesive to the cassette.

[0073] The upper tape box 1000b is removably mounted to the top end assembly 400 in any suitable manner and is configured to apply tape to the front, top, and rear surfaces of the box.

[0074] The operation of the carton sealing machine 10 in sealing cartons during the sealing process is now described. Initially, the top end cap assembly 400 is in its initial (lower) position; the side rails 114a and 114b are in their idle configuration; the lower tape box 1000a is in its original position; the front roller arm 1110, rear roller arm 1210, and cutter arm 1301 of the lower tape box 1000a are in their respective extended positions; while the front roller arm 1110, rear roller arm 1210, and cutter arm 1301 of the upper tape box 100b are in their respective extended positions. The controller 90 controls the lower drive assembly actuator 118 and the upper drive assembly actuator 422 to drive the first lower drive element 115a and the second lower drive element 115b of the base assembly 100 and the upper drive element of the top end cap assembly 400, respectively.

[0075] The operator places the box on the feed stage 112. The feed stage sensor S1 detects the presence of the box and sends a corresponding box detection signal to the controller 90 in response. In response to receiving the box detection signal, the controller 90 controls the side rail actuator 117 to move the side rails 114a and 114b from an idle configuration to a centered configuration, such that the side rails 114a and 114b move laterally inward to engage the box on the feed stage 112 and center it.

[0076] The operator then moves the box into contact with the front surface sensor S2. This causes the front surface sensor S2 (via the paddle switch actuated by the box contact) to detect the box and, in response, send a corresponding box-detected signal to the controller 90. Upon receiving the box-detected signal, the controller 90 controls the top end actuation assembly 305 (and more specifically, the (multiple) top end actuation assembly actuators 310) to begin raising the top end assembly 400. As the top end assembly 400 moves upward, the front surface sensor S2 eventually stops detecting the box. This indicates that the top end assembly 400 has risen above the top surface of the box. In response to no longer detecting the box, the front surface sensor S2 sends a corresponding box-not-detected signal to the controller 90. Upon receiving this signal, the controller 90 controls the top end actuation assembly 305 (and more specifically, the (multiple) top end actuation assembly actuators 310) to stop the top end assembly 400 from rising and begin descending.

[0077] Once the top end cap assembly 400 rises above the top surface of the box, the operator moves the box to a holding position partially below the top end cap assembly 400 and on top of the first lower drive element 115a and the second lower drive element 115b, at which point the operator stops moving the box. As the box moves below the top end cap assembly 400 toward the holding position, the box entry sensor S3 detects the presence of the box below the top end cap assembly and sends a corresponding box detection signal to the controller 90 in response. Shortly thereafter, the upper drive element of the upper drive assembly of the top end cap assembly 400 engages with the top surface of the box and connects the first and second lower drive elements during the movement of the box in direction D.

[0078] The controller 90 receives a signal from the arm retraction sensor S4 indicating that a box has been detected (indicating that the arm retraction sensor S4 has detected a box) and, in response, controls the roller arm actuators 1710 and the cutter arm actuator 1810 of the lower tape box 1000a and the upper tape box 1000b to move their respective first roller arm 1110, second roller arm 1120, and cutter arm 1301 to their retracted positions. When the front roller arm 1110 is moving to its retracted position, the front surface of the box contacts the front roller 1120, causing the tape positioned on the front roller 1120 to adhere to the front surface of the box. When the front roller arm 1110 and the rear roller arm 1210 are in their retracted positions, the front roller 1120 and the rear roller 1220 are positioned to apply sufficient pressure to the tape to adhere the tape to the top and bottom surfaces of the box. When the cutter arm 1301 is in its retracted position, the cutter arm 1301 does not contact the top or bottom surface of the box (although in some embodiments the cutter arm may do so). The controller 90 controls the roller arm actuator 1710 and the cutter arm actuator 1810 to hold the front roller arm 1110 and the rear roller arm 1210, as well as the cutter arm 1301, in their respective retracted positions as the upper drive assembly 320 and the lower drive assembly 115 move the box past tape boxes 1000a and 1000b.

[0079] The box eventually moves away from the feed stage 112. At this point, the feed stage sensor S1 stops detecting the box and sends a corresponding signal indicating that no box was detected to the controller 90. In response to receiving the signal indicating that no box was detected, the controller 90 controls the side rail actuator 117 to move the side rails 114a and 114b from the centered configuration to the idle configuration, thereby making room on the feed stage 112 for the next box.

[0080] At some point, the box leaves the sensor S5, which detects the presence of the box (but this may happen after the arm retraction sensor S4 stops detecting the box, depending on the length of the box) and sends a corresponding box detection signal to the controller 90.

[0081] Once the arm retraction sensor S4 stops detecting the box (indicating that the box has moved past the arm retraction sensor S4), the arm retraction sensor S4 sends a corresponding signal indicating that the box was not detected to the controller 90. In response, the controller 90 controls the roller arm actuators 1710 of tape cassettes 1000a and 1000b to return the first roller arm 1110 and the second roller arm 1120 to their respective extended positions, thereby applying tape to the rear surface of the box, and controls the cutter arm actuators 1810 of tape cassettes 1000a and 1000b to return the cutter arm 1301 to its extended position, thereby cutting the tape from the roll. When this occurs, the fingers 1344 of the cutting device cover 1340 contact the top and bottom surfaces of the box, causing the cutting device cover 1340 to pivot to its open position and expose the cutting device 1330. The continuous movement of the cutter arm 1301 brings the toothed blade of the cutting device 1330 into contact with the tape and cuts the tape from the corresponding roll R. As the front roller arm 1110 and the rear roller arm 1210 move back to their extended positions, the rear roller arm 1210 moves such that the rear roller 1220 contacts the cut end of the tape and applies the tape to the rear surface of the box to complete the tape application process.

[0082] The upper drive assembly 420 and the lower drive assembly 115 continue to move the box until it leaves the top end cap assembly 400 and lands on the delivery platform 113. At this point, the box departure sensor S5 stops detecting the box and sends a corresponding signal indicating that no box was detected to the controller 90. Then, the top end cap assembly 400 descends back to its initial position.

[0083] In certain situations, such as when an arriving box has already been sealed, the operator does not want the sealing machine 10 to apply tape to the box. In these cases, the sealing machine performs a box-avoidance process to move the box through the sealing machine without applying tape to the box and without obstructing the box's movement through the sealing machine. The operation of the sealing machine 10 during the box-avoidance process will now be described. Initially, the top sealing assembly 400 is in its initial (lower) position; the side rails 114a and 114b are in their idle configuration; the lower tape cassette 1000a is in its original position; the front roller arm 1110, rear roller arm 1210, and cutter arm 1301 of the lower tape cassette 1000a are in their respective extended positions; while the front roller arm 1110, rear roller arm 1210, and cutter arm 1301 of the upper tape cassette 1000b are in their respective extended positions. The controller 90 controls the lower drive assembly actuator 118 and the upper drive assembly actuator 422 to drive the first lower drive element 115a and the second lower drive element 115b of the base assembly 100 and the upper drive element of the top end cap assembly 400, respectively.

[0084] The operator places the box on the feed stage 112. The feed stage sensor S1 detects the presence of the box and sends a corresponding box detection signal to the controller 90 in response. In response to receiving the box detection signal, the controller 90 controls the side rail actuator 117 to move the side rails 114a and 114b from an idle configuration to a centered configuration, such that the side rails 114a and 114b move laterally inward to engage the box on the feed stage 112 and center it.

[0085] The box avoidance process begins in response to the box avoidance condition being met. In this exemplary embodiment, the box avoidance condition is met when the avoidance actuator 190 is actuated. In other embodiments, the box avoidance condition may be met in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the box avoidance condition is met when the controller 90 receives a signal indicating that an incoming box does not need to be sealed (e.g., from another device on the packaging line). Here, when the operator actuates the avoidance actuator 190, the avoidance actuator sends a corresponding signal to the controller 90. In response to receiving the signal from the avoidance actuator 190, the controller 90 switches the box sealing machine 10 to its avoidance configuration by: (1) controlling the top sealing actuation assembly 305 (and more specifically, (a plurality of) top sealing actuation assembly actuators 310) to begin raising the top sealing assembly 400 to the avoidance position (in this exemplary embodiment, the avoidance position is the uppermost position of the top sealing assembly 400); (2) controlling the lower tape box 1000a and The upper tape cassette 1000b's roller arm actuator 1710 and cutter arm actuator 1810 move their respective first roller arm 1110 and second roller arm 1120 and cutter arm 1301 to their retracted positions (in other embodiments, the lower tape cassette occurs while the upper tape cassette does not); and (3) control the first tape cassette mover actuator 230 and the second tape cassette mover actuator 270 to move the lower tape cassette 1000a to its avoided position.

[0086] Once the top cap assembly 400 rises above the top surface of the box, the operator moves the box onto the first lower drive element 115a and the second lower drive element 115b, thereby moving the box along direction D onto the delivery stage 13. Because the roller arms and cutter arms of the tape cassettes 1000a and 1000b are in their retracted positions and the lower tape cassette 1000a is in its avoidance position, the rollers on the roller arms and the downward wiping device do not interfere with or obstruct the box's movement through the box sealing machine 10. At some point, the box departure sensor S5 detects the presence of the box and sends a corresponding box-detected signal to the controller 90. The lower drive assembly 115 continues to move the box until it leaves the delivery stage 113, at which point the box departure sensor S5 stops detecting the box and sends a corresponding undetected box signal to the controller 90. In response, controller 90: (1) controls top end actuation assembly 305 (more specifically, (a plurality of) top end actuation assembly actuators 310) to lower top end assembly 400 to its initial position; (2) controls roller arm actuators 1710 and cutter arm actuators 1810 of lower tape box 1000a and upper tape box 1000b to move their respective first roller arm 1110 and second roller arm 1120 and cutter arm 1301 to their extended positions; and (3) controls first tape box mover actuator 230 and second tape box mover actuator 270 to move lower tape box 1000a to its original position.

[0087] In some embodiments, the tape cassette includes biasing elements that bias the roller arms and cutter arms to their respective extended positions. These biasing elements eliminate the need to directly actuate the roller arms and cutter arms from their respective retracted positions to their respective extended positions.

[0088] In some embodiments, the controller is separate from and complements the sensors. In other embodiments, the sensors act as their own controllers. For example, in one embodiment, the retraction sensor is configured to directly control the cutter and roller arm actuators in response to detecting the presence or absence of a box, the feed table sensor is configured to directly control the side rail actuators in response to detecting the presence or absence of a box, and the front surface sensor and top surface sensor are configured to directly control the top end actuator in response to detecting the presence or absence (or contact with) a box.

[0089] In the illustrated and described embodiments, the tape cartridge is pivotable relative to the base assembly frame to its repositioned position. In other embodiments, the tape cartridge is translateable relative to the base assembly frame (attached to or instead of pivotable) to its repositioned position. For example, one or more tape cartridge mover actuators are operatively connected to the tape cartridge and configured to lower the tape cartridge relative to the lower drive element(s) to its repositioned position.

[0090] In the illustrated and described embodiments, the sealing machine is in its avoidance configuration when the lower tape cassette's roller arm and cutter arm are in their retracted positions and when the tape cassette is in its avoidance position. In other embodiments, the avoidance position of the tape cassette is configured such that when the tape cassette is in the avoidance position and the roller arm and cutter arm are in their extended positions, the tape cassette's roller is not above the upper surface of the lower drive element(s).

[0091] In the illustrated and described embodiments, the lower drive elements cannot move vertically relative to the tape cassette, and the tape cassette must be moved to its avoidance position and its roller arms and cutter arms retracted, such that the tape cassette rollers do not extend above the upper surface of the lower drive elements. In other embodiments, in addition to or instead of moving the tape cassette and / or retracting its roller arms and cutter arms, the lower drive elements are reconfigurable so that the tape cassette rollers do not extend above the upper surface of the lower drive elements. For example, in some such embodiments, the carton sealing machine includes an actuator operatively connected to the lower drive elements and configured to raise the lower drive elements relative to the tape cassette and into the avoidance position. In these embodiments, when the lower drive elements are in their avoidance position and the tape cassette roller arms and cutter arms are in their retracted position, the tape cassette rollers are not above the upper surface of the lower drive elements.

Claims

1. A carton sealing machine, comprising: frame; The lower drive element is supported by this frame; A lower drive element actuator, which is operatively connected to the lower drive element and configured to drive the lower drive element; A tape cassette, comprising a mounting plate, a roller arm supported by the mounting plate, and a roller supported by the roller arm, wherein the tape cassette is supported by a frame and movable relative to a lower drive element between an initial position and an averted position, wherein when the tape cassette is in the initial position, the roller is positioned to engage the front surface of the cassette as the lower drive element moves the cassette toward the tape cassette; and A tape box mover, operably connected to the tape box and configured to move the mounting plate and the roller arm relative to the frame, moving the tape box from the original position to the avoidance position to lower the roller.

2. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 1, wherein, When the tape cassette is in the original position, the roller is at least partially above the upper surface of the lower drive element, wherein when the tape cassette is in the avoided position, the roller is not above the upper surface of the lower drive element.

3. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 1, wherein, The tape cartridge further includes a roller arm actuator operably coupled to the roller arm and configured to move the roller arm relative to the mounting plate from an extended position to a retracted position to lower the roller.

4. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 3, wherein, The tape box further includes a biasing element configured to bias the roller arm to the extended position.

5. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 3, wherein, When the tape cassette is in the original position and the roller arm is in the extended position, the roller is at least partially above the upper surface of the lower drive element, wherein when the tape cassette is in the original position and the roller arm is in the retracted position, the roller is at least partially above the upper surface of the lower drive element, wherein when the tape cassette is in the avoided position and the roller arm is in the retracted position, the roller is not above the upper surface of the lower drive element.

6. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 5, wherein, When the tape cassette is in the original position and the roller arm is in the extended position, the entire roller is above the upper surface of the lower drive element, wherein when the tape cassette is in the original position and the roller arm is in the retracted position, a portion of the roller is above the upper surface of the lower drive element.

7. The carton sealing machine of claim 3, further comprising a controller configured to: respond to a carton avoidance condition being met Control the roller arm actuator to move the roller arm from the extended position to the retracted position; and Control the tape box mover to move the tape box from its original position to the avoided position.

8. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 7, wherein, When the tape cassette is in the original position and the roller arm is in the extended position, the roller is at least partially above the upper surface of the lower drive element, wherein when the tape cassette is in the original position and the roller arm is in the retracted position, the roller is at least partially above the upper surface of the lower drive element, wherein when the tape cassette is in the avoided position and the roller arm is in the retracted position, the roller is not above the upper surface of the lower drive element.

9. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 7, wherein, The tape box mover includes a first tape box mover actuator with a first pneumatic cylinder, the roller arm actuator includes a second pneumatic cylinder, and the lower drive element includes an annular belt.

10. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 7, wherein, The box avoids the condition in response to the actuation of the avoidance actuator being satisfied.

11. The carton sealing machine of claim 7, further comprising a top end assembly and a top end assembly actuator operatively connected to the top end assembly to move the top end assembly relative to the frame, wherein, The controller is further configured to control the top end cap assembly actuator to raise the top end cap assembly in response to the box avoidance condition being met.

12. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 1, wherein, The tape cassette is pivotally mounted to the frame such that when the tape cassette is moved from the original position to the avoided position, the mounting plate and the roller arm pivot downward.

13. The carton sealing machine as described in claim 12, wherein, The upstream end of the mounting plate is mounted to the frame, and the downstream end of the mounting plate descends as the tape box moves from its original position to the avoided position.

14. A method for operating a carton sealing machine to move a carton through a tape dispenser of the carton sealing machine without applying tape to the carton, the method comprising: The carton sealing machine is positioned in its original configuration, wherein the tape box is in its original position, in which the roller of the tape box is positioned to engage the front surface of the box as the lower drive element of the carton sealing machine moves the box toward the tape box, wherein the tape box further includes a mounting plate and a roller arm supported by the mounting plate, wherein the roller arm supports the roller. In response to the carton avoidance condition being met, the carton sealing machine is switched from the original configuration to the avoidance configuration by moving the mounting plate and the roller arm, causing the tape box to move from the original position to the avoidance position to lower the roller; and When the carton sealing machine is in the avoidance configuration, the lower drive element is actuated to move the carton past the tape box, so that the tape box does not apply tape to the carton.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein, Switching the carton sealing machine to the avoidance configuration includes: actuating the carton sealing machine's tape box mover to move the tape box from the original position to the avoidance position, thereby lowering the tape box's roller, wherein when the tape box is in the original position, the roller is at least partially positioned above the upper surface of the lower drive element, and when the tape box is in the avoidance position, the roller is not above the upper surface of the lower drive element.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising actuating a roller arm actuator of the tape box in response to the box avoidance condition being met, so as to move the roller arm relative to the mounting plate from an extended position to a retracted position to lower the roller.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein, When the tape cassette is in the original position and the roller arm is in the extended position, the roller is at least partially above the upper surface of the lower drive element, wherein when the tape cassette is in the original position and the roller arm is in the retracted position, the roller is at least partially above the upper surface of the lower drive element, wherein when the tape cassette is in the avoided position and the roller arm is in the retracted position, the roller is not above the upper surface of the lower drive element.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein, When the tape cassette is in the original position and the roller arm is in the extended position, the entire roller is above the upper surface of the lower drive element, wherein when the tape cassette is in the original position and the roller arm is in the retracted position, a portion of the roller is above the upper surface of the lower drive element.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein, Actuating the tape box mover to move the tape box from the original position to the avoided position includes: actuating the tape box mover to pivot the mounting plate and the roller arm downwards.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising actuating a top end assembly actuator in response to the box avoidance condition being met, to raise the top end assembly to a position above the top surface of the box.

21. A carton sealing machine, comprising any one of the technical features of claims 1-13 or any combination thereof.

22. A method comprising any one of the technical features of claims 14-20 or any combination of the technical features.

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