Kevin C Marston, 61Jamaica, NY

6099450, Aug 8, 2000

Jul 9, 1999

9/351061

Michael A. Schenone - Garfield NJ
Luc-Andre Neuenschwander - Ballaigues, CH
Kevin Marston - Wanaque NJ
Daniel Cugnoni - Corseaux, CH

Bobst Group, Inc. - Roseland NJ

B31B 106
B31B 160

493 23

The disclosed squaring device utilizes an upper squaring carriage with compression belts and pneumatically actuated squaring fingers. In one embodiment, the upper squaring carriage includes at least three compression belts. At least one of the compression belts, central to the other belts, is positioned to apply direct pressure to the glued seam after the upper panels and lower panels are aligned. As a folded box reaches the end of the folding section and enters the squaring section, the moveable belt is raised so as not to apply pressure directly to the glued seam. The drive belts on either side of the seam maintain the box in compression. As the box approaches the squaring fingers, it passes a sensor that sends a signal to a programmable logic controller. At a selected time, depending on the conveyor belt speed, the controller actuates a pneumatic piston that drives a rack and pinion mechanism to rotate the squaring fingers into position to intercept the box travel. The bottom panel arrives at the fingers first, is stopped by the fingers, and slips on the lower conveyor belt.