WO2000044621A2

WO2000044621A2 - Packing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2000044621A2
Application number: PCT/GB2000/000259
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas William Bailey; Andrew John Cleall; Robert Howard Taylor
Original assignee: Molins Plc
Priority date: 1999-01-28
Filing date: 2000-01-28
Publication date: 2000-08-03
Also published as: WO2000044621A3

Abstract

A packing machine includes a main packing module (10) which includes provision for concentric rotary packing conveyors (14, 16) which co-operate with stationary processing stations (34, 36) to perform an operation such as folding or sealing on a packet component (such as a blank or cigarette bundle) held in a pocket (18, 20). Different packet components (e.g. for slide and shell packets) may be conveyed in parallel by the conveyors, or, for complex packets, components may be moved in sequence by the conveyors, i.e. so that they progress spirally, possibly for more than 360°, around the axis of the conveyors. For even more complex packets, components may be transferred to satellite turrets (22, 24) for further processing, possibly while being held in movable tooling such as pucks. In another embodiment an endless packing conveyor (100) has a series of pockets formed on pallets (102) whose mutual spacing around the endless path is variable. At least one transfer or operating station, or an exit station (146), may comprise a robotic module (134 etc.). The conveyor may co-operate with one or more subsidiary endless conveyors (100A etc.) forming sub-loops of the main endless path.

Description

Packing Machine

This invention relates to a packing machine, particularly for packing rodlike articles of the tobacco industry such as cigarettes. For convenience the invention will be hereinafter described with reference to packing cigarettes without however limiting its wider applicability.

Machines for packing cigarettes typically form and seal a packet blank around a bundle comprising a collation of cigarettes contained in a foil wrapper. Processes such as folding and sealing the blank around the bundle are typically carried out at separate stations during movement of the blank and bundle, either intermittently or continuously, along a packaging path while held in pockets of a packing conveyor, commonly a belt for linear packaging paths or a drum for rotary paths. The number and nature of processing stations arranged along or around the path depends on the type of packet being formed. For different types and sizes of packets usually it is necessary to modify at least some of these stations and also modify or replace individual pockets of the packing conveyor. In one of its aspects the present invention is concerned with a packing machine offering increased flexibility in forming different types or sizes of packet.

Reference herein to a "packet component" or "component" is intended to include a partially or completely formed packet or any component, such as a blank or cigarette group, which will form part of or be contained in a packet.

According to a first aspect of the invention a machine for packing rodlike articles such as cigarettes includes a packing conveyor module in which groups of cigarettes to be packed are wrapped and/or sealed in one or more packaging blanks, said module having means for supporting concentric rotary packing conveyors and including at least one such conveyor, said conveyor including at least one pocket or similar means for locating a packet component (eg a cigarette group, blank or partially or completely formed packet), and at least one processing station at which at least one folding, sealing or other operation is carried out on the component while it is carried by said locating means. Preferably the machine includes concentric rotary conveyors, hereinafter referred to as turrets. Preferably the module is adapted to allow ease of replacement of the or each turret. The or each turret may have a number of regularly-spaced pockets; correspondingly, particularly where motion of the turrets is intermittent, there may be a plurality of processing stations having a corresponding angular spacing. At least some processing stations could be located at angular positions corresponding to stationary positions of the respective turret. There may be separate processing stations associated with the respective paths of the turrets, eg radially outer stations for the radially outer turret and radially inner stations for the radially inner turret. Particularly where the turrets are closely adjacent, common processing stations (either located radially inner or radially outer of the turrets) could operate on components carried by both turrets. Processing stations may range from simple delivery or exit means to complex robotic folding or placing mechanisms.

The machine may include one or both turrets. Where it includes both turrets, different packet components may be conveyed on the inner and outer turrets past one or more processing stations, to be moved together (by radial movement) subsequently. For example, the cigarette group and blank may initially be conveyed on respective inner and outer turrets or separate blanks such as are used for slide and shell packets may initially be processed separately on the inner and outer turrets. Processing of the separate parts may be carried out simultaneously at respective stations until the parts are moved together: in this respect the inner and outer turrets may operate in parallel. In another mode of operation of a machine including inner and outer turrets, processing on parts of the respective inner and outer turrets may occur in sequence. Thus a blank or packet may be passed from the outer to the inner turret or vice versa for further processing where there are respective processing stations operating on components around both the inner and outer turrets. This can double the number of processing operations or the time allowed for processing and can allow faster processing and/or forming of more complex packet styles. It will be appreciated that in this instance the path of a component such as a cigarette group, packet or packet blank around the packing conveyor module may be more than a complete revolution and include at least one radial (or spiral) transfer between the inner and outer turrets.

Another mode in which the machine may operate either with one or two turrets, allowing production of more complex packets or those requiring more time to produce, is by transfer of components, usually partially-completed packets, from the or one turret to a further processing conveyor on which at least one processing operation is carried out, and subsequently returning the component to the turret, usually at a position just downstream of the position from which it was delivered to the further processing conveyor. Conveniently, the further processing conveyor may include first and second satellite turrets, the component being delivered from the turret of the packing conveyor module to the first satellite turret and being returned to the packing conveyor module turret from the second satellite turret. Conveniently the component is transferred between the first and second satellite turrets by relative radial movement.

Particularly where there is a further processing conveyor, the component such as a partially completed packet may be transferred and maintained in a movable holder on the further processing conveyor. Use of recirculating holders which carry and protect packets or packet components is disclosed in WO 98/45174, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety and to which reference is directed for further details.

According to another aspect of the invention a machine for packing rodlike articles such as cigarettes includes a rotary packing conveyor having pockets or other means for locating a packet component (eg a cigarette group or packet blank) and for conveying the component around a path about the axis of the conveyor, and means for carrying out processing operations on the component while on said path, wherein the component travels more than 360° around the axis between delivery to and exit from the path. Preferably the component is moved in a radial direction or in a direction having a radial component during its conveyance on the path. In a preferred arrangement the machine includes radially inner and outer paths, eg provided by inner and outer rotary packing conveyors, and said radial movement or movement having a radial component is between said paths.

In any of the aspects of the invention, a plurality of component transfer stations may be arranged at circumferentially-spaced positions around the axis of the rotary packing conveyor or conveyors. For example, the component transfer station could comprise an interface with a module for feeding packet blanks or cigarette groups to a packing conveyor, or for transferring substantially completed packets from a packing conveyor, eg to a packet drying conveyor. There could be multiple stations associated with modules of similar sorts, eg more than one blank feed station and/or more than one cigarette group feeding station.

According to another aspect of the invention, a machine for packing rod-like articles such as cigarettes includes a packing conveyor arranged to convey a series of pockets or other means for locating a packet component on an endless path, a first transfer station for delivering a first packet component to a locating means on said path, a second transfer station downstream of said first transfer station for delivering a second packet component to said locating means, at least one operating station at which a packet forming operation (eg folding, wrapping, sealing, drying) is performed on at least one of said first and second packet components conveyed to said operating station by said locating means, and an exit station for delivering packet components from said packing conveyor downstream of said operating station. The packet forming operation may be performed on both first and second components. At least one of the transfer, operating, or exit stations may comprise a robotic module. This module may operate to transfer a packet component between a supply or delivery unit and said locating means, or to otherwise interact with a packet component conveyed to the station by the locating means. At the operating station or stations a packet component may be temporarily removed from the locating means before being returned to the or another locating means after being operated on. The machine may include an operating station comprising a drying station along which packet components are held in place while setting of adhesive used in the formation of substantially complete packets takes place.

The conveyor may be arranged to convey locating means on pallets or other devices whose mutual spacing can vary around said path. Conveniently the pallets may be engaged by positioning means at or adjacent the transfer or operating stations, so as to ensure consistency of transfer or operation on the packet component or components. Each pallet may include locating means for more than one packet component. The locating means is preferably readily- replaceable, so as to accommodate different packet styles; alternatively, the pallets could be replaceable.

The endless path of the packing conveyor may include or co-operate with one or more subsidiary endless paths, which may form sub-loops of the endless path, particularly where pre-processing of a packet component (eg initial folding of a blank) is desired. Where such sub-loops are provided, components processed on a sub-loop may be selectively supplied to the main endless path (eg so that different packet styles can be selectively produced) by selectively connecting the sub-loop to the main path. Alternatively, or additionally, where multiple sub-loops are provided these may process similar components so that in effect the relevant part of the machine has duplex or functionally parallel processing paths. In this way the machine becomes partly twin line.

The invention will be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which:

Figures 1 to 4 are schematic plan views of part of a cigarette packing system indicating different operative modes,

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a system similar to that of Figures 1 to 4 showing additional parts,

Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the system shown in Figure 5, Figures 7-9 are schematic plan views of different arrangements of a cigarette packing system similar to that of Figures 5 and 6,

Figure 10 is a process diagram for the system shown in Figures 5 and 6, Figures 11-14 are schematic plan views of different arrangements of another cigarette packing system, and

Figure 15 is a process diagram for the system of Figure 11.

The system shown in Figures 1-4 comprises a machine for packing cigarettes and capable of being adapted to form different styles of packets, such as hinged lid or slide and shell packets. The system includes a box-making module 10 having a static central hub 12 and outer and inner concentric carousels or turrets 14, 16. Each turret has twelve pockets 18, 20 equally spaced around its circumference and is movable between processing stations A-L. The pockets 18, 20 are adapted to carry packet components such as bundles of cigarettes to be packed, packet parts (blanks) or partially or completely formed packets according to the stage of the process in the module 10.

At the stations A-L, which as shown correspond to positions at which pockets 18 or 20 remain stationary following indexing movement of the respective turret 14 or 16, a component or components in a pocket 18 or 20 (or both) is subjected to a processing operation such as folding or sealing, or is simply delivered to or from the pocket.

The system is operable in several modes, depending for example on the type of packet being manufactured. As indicated in Figure 1, for conventional hinged lid packets, where a processing line containing twelve (or fewer) processing stations is sufficient, either the outer or inner turret 14 or 16 may be used. If the system is known to be for use with such packets only one turret

(normally the outer turret 14) may be present. This single turret could be replaceable, eg to allow manufacture of different sizes or styles of conventional packets. Replacement of a one-piece turret 14 or 16 is more convenient than replacement of individual fixtures such as pockets as may be necessary in conventional packing machines. As shown in Figure 1, a component (eg the cigarette bundle) is delivered at station A and exits (eg as part of a completed packet) at station J, folding and sealing operations having been carried out at or between some or all of stations A-J.

Where the type of packet to be manufactured is more complex, eg packets such as slide and shell packets which have two major blanks, or where it is otherwise desired or convenient, processing may be carried out on both inner and outer turrets 14, 16, as indicated in Figure 2. This facilitates, for example, the simultaneous folding of inner and outer (or back and front) packet parts to maximise processing time and improve fold quality. Again, where inner and outer turrets 14, 16 are provided, each of these may be replaceable.

For more complex styles of packets and/or packets requiring longer processing times, components may be transferred between the turrets 14, 16. As shown in Figure 3, in the illustrated embodiment this potentially doubles the number of processing stations available from 12 to 24. This would be useful, for example, for processing of packets requiring heat-sealing of thermoplastics materials involving sealing times of typically 2-3 seconds, which is equivalent to indexing past 7-10 stations at a production speed of 200 packets/minute. In the mode of operation illustrated in Figure 3 components are delivered to the outer turret 14 at station A and transferred to the inner turret 16 at station L and delivered from the inner turret at station J after completing almost two revolutions.

If further expansion is required, movement of components upwards or downwards to another layer or tier of one or both turrets 14, 16 could be provided, each layer having its own processing stations. Alternatively, or additionally, the path for components could be extended outside the module 10 by use of satellite turrets as explained below.

In a further mode of operation, illustrated in Figure 4, additional satellite turrets 22, 24 are provided and located so that articles may be transferred from the turret 14 to turret 22 at station F and returned to turret 14 from turret 24 at station H. Articles delivered to turret 22 are subjected to further processing before being radially transferred to turret 24, where further processing takes place before return to turret 14. More than two satellite turrets could be provided if necessary. This mode of operation would be used in situations where a major increase in process capacity is needed. Particularly in this situation, the system may be used in conjunction with a re-circulating tooling system in which the articles are held while undergoing further processing, particularly drying or curing over extended periods. Such a system may take the form of apparatus as disclosed in said WO 98/45174.

Referring to Figures 5 and 6, the module 10 interacts with other machine modules, principally the bundle maker module 26, the blank feed module 28 and sealing and drying module 30. The bundle making module 26 comprises apparatus for producing groups of cigarettes to be packed and for wrapping them in a foil wrapper section. The module 28 supplies the blanks for forming the packets. The module 30 completes the sealing of the packets, principally by holding the newly-formed packets in a drying drum 32 until the adhesive holding the packet together has set. In the case of a system intended to produce conventional hinged lid packets a further module is provided for feeding the inner frame blanks. As shown, the module 10 includes a number of processing stations 34, 36 etc located radially outer of the outer turret 14. It will be understood that any of these processing stations may in fact be arranged to perform processing operations on components carried by the outer or inner turrets 14, 16 or both. Similarly, additional processing stations (not shown) may be provided on or associated with the central hub 12, which stations may perform operations on components on the inner or outer or both turrets 14, 16, and/or provided on or associated with one or more additional satellite turrets 22, 24, as indicated in Figure 6. Although generally the various processes may be performed at stations while the respective turret 14 or 16 is stationary, some processes may be carried out while the components are being conveyed between stationary positions: for example folding of flaps may be achieved by stationary folders during movement of the components with one or both turrets. Radial disposition of modules such as the modules 26, 28 and 30 around the box making module 10 provides greater accessibility between modules than a design of equivalent capability employing a conventional linear conveyor for the box making apparatus. A further benefit is that each of these modules may be changed with little or no effect on adjacent modules. Module docking may employ state of the art machine tool technology to facilitate changes where changes in the style of packet to be manufactured are required. Where the size and weight of the modules dictate, these could be wheeled into a docking position adjacent the module 10 before final attachment. Drive and electrical couplings for attachment of additional modules or attachment of modules in different positions are indicated at 38 in Figure 5. Mechanical drive line couplings may be eliminated by employing independent servo drives for the modules. In many cases where different packet styles are to be manufactured, changes to the outer modules, such as the modules 26, 28 and 30 are relatively minor: changes required in the box making module 10 are facilitated by the different modes of operation already described and the provision for replacement of inner and/or outer turrets 14, 16. Figures 7-9 show alternative possible anangements for the bundle maker module 26, blank feed module 28, and sealing and drying module 30 in cigarette packing systems generally similar to that of Figures 5 and 6. In the

Figure 7 arrangement there is shown an additional module 38 for delivering inner frames (for use in production of hinged lid packets), and also a module 40 for delivering inserts (eg coupons) for inclusion within the completed packet.

Note that in the arcangement of Figure 6 an inner frame module 38 A is included as part of the bundle maker module 26. In the Figure 8 arrangement there are two blank feed modules 28, 28 A, and in the Figure 9 arrangement there are two bundle makers 26, 26A, as well as an inner frame module 38.

A process flow diagram for the Figure 7 arrangement is shown in Figure 10. Blanks introduced by the blank feed module 28 are folded at stations 14A, 14B associated with the outer turret 14 of the module 10 upstream of the bundle forming module 26. Downstream of this module further folding operations are carried out at stations 14E-14G and folding and/or gluing operations are carried out at stations 14H and 141 before delivery of the substantially complete packet to the drying module 30. If it is desired to produce an alternative style of packet including a second blank, an additional blank feed module 28A is provided, the second blank being delivered to the inner turret 16 of the module 10. After folding operations on the inner turret at stations 16E-16F, the second blank is transferred to the outer turret 14 for combining with the main blank and bundle at station 14H. The second blank could for example comprise an outer sleeve.

An alternative (or additional) blank feed module for a second (or third) blank is indicated at 28B. Where the module 10 is required to process different styles of packet, an additional fold or other module, as indicated at 34A, may be provided.

The system shown in Figure 11 comprises an endless conveyor 100, which follows a generally rectangular path lying in a generally horizontal plane. A series of pallets 102 are circulated on the path under action of the conveyor 100, which is preferably continuously-driven. As shown in Figure 11 the pallets

102 have defined positions for three packet components but, depending on factors such as the required speed of operation and packet complexity, pallets with different numbers (including one) of packet component positions may be provided. Associated with and adjacent the conveyor 100 are modules similar to those referred to with reference to Figures 7-10. Thus, there is a bundle making module 126 and a blank feed module 128. The bundle maker module 126 includes an integral inner frame module 138 A, but a separate inner frame module could be provided (as shown at 138 in Figure 14).

Along one longitudinal run of the conveyor 100 is arranged a series of stand-alone robotic modules 134-140. These carry out process operations on the packet components carried by the pallets 102, such processes typically including folding or folding and gluing. Additional robotic modules 142 and

144 are provided respectively for transferring blanks from the blank feed module 128 and bundles (ie foil-wrapped groups of cigarettes) from the bundle maker module 126. A robotic module 143 is provided intermediate the modules 142 and 144, for applying adhesive to blanks received by a pallet

102. Depending on the complexity of the operation required, a robotic module may consist of relatively simple robots, which may be no more than a single servo-motor driving a linear or rotary actuator. Alternatively, five-axis multi- head robots can be employed for more complex operations.

The system of Figure 11 avoids the need for a separate pack drying module by providing sufficient delay along the path of the conveyor 100, downstream of the last packet folding/gluing operation, during which the packets are maintained in shape by the position-defining means on the pallets 102. Finally, an exit robotic module 146 transfers completed packets to an exit conveyor 148. The conveyor 100 comprises track modules, which can be configured to different shapes depending on the required layout. The track provides a guide for both the conveyor chain and the pallets 102. The pallets 102 comprise a base platform and interchangeable tooling 102A (which includes packet component position defining means). The pallets 102 are not fixed to the conveyor 100, so that pallets can be changed over very simply and quickly.

Positional control at each station is carried out by lifting a pallet 102 from the conveyor 100 by a few millimetres onto location features associated with the station (eg adjacent each robotic module), which features accurately position the pallet during operations being carried out on the packet components. Different arrangements, particularly adapted for production of different packet styles, are illustrated in Figures 12-15. In Figure 12, a separate conveyor 100 A having its own blank feed module 128 A and at least one robotic folding module 134A in effect forms a subsidiary cell, eg for processing a blank for an outer packet sleeve subsequently combined with the main packet components by use of a transfer robotic module 140 A.

In Figure 13 there are separate blank feed modules 128, 128A, respectively feeding inner and outer blanks for a packet. A modified pallet 202, having six defined positions, receives inner and outer blanks respectively in aligned positions, so that each pair of inner and outer blanks can be subsequently moved together (by a robotic module) at an appropriate stage during conveyance on the conveyor 100.

Figure 14 shows a further possible system, including a main conveyor 100, including a bundle maker module 126 and a separate inner frame module 138, and two subsidiary conveyors 100B, 100C, each having associated blank feed modules 128B, 128C and robotic folding modules 134B, 134C respectively. The blank feed modules 128B and 128C may be substantially identical, so that the system of Figure 14 effectively comprises a twin line blank feed connected to a single line bundle maker. Alternatively, the conveyors 100B, 100C may be arranged to deliver different styles of blanks and be selectively connectable to the conveyor 100.

Figure 15 shows a process diagram for the system shown in Figure 11. Note that the bundle maker module 126 includes a bundle accumulator 127 and the blank feed module 128 includes a blank accumulator 129. These provide buffer capacity at the interface between the respective modules 126, 128 and robotic transfer modules 144, 142. Note also that, as compared to the system as shown in Figure 11, an additional robotic module 140 A, providing an additional folding process, is indicated.

Claims

1. A machine for packing rod-like articles, including a packing conveyor module in which groups of articles to be packed are wrapped and/or sealed in one or more packaging blanks, said module having means for supporting concentric rotary packing conveyors and including at least one such conveyor, said conveyor including at least one pocket or similar means for locating a packet component and at least one processing station at which at least one folding, sealing or other operation is carried out on the component while it is carried by said locating means.

2. A machine as claimed in claim 1, where the module is adapted to allow ease of replacement of the or each packing conveyor.

3. A machine as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the or each packing conveyor includes a plurality of regularly-spaced pockets.

4. A machine as claimed in claim 3, including a plurality of processing stations having an angular spacing about the axis of said conveyor or conveyors corresponding to the spacing of said pockets on at least one of said conveyors.

5. A machine as claimed in claim 4, wherein motion of at least one rotary conveyor is intermittent, at least two processing stations being located at angular positions corresponding to stationary positions of said conveyor.

6. A machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein separate processing stations are associated with the respective paths of the concentric rotary packing conveyors.

7. A machine as claimed in claim 6, wherein there are radially outer processing stations associated with a radially outer packing conveyor and radially inner processing stations associated with a radially inner packing conveyor.

8. A machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein there is at least one common processing station capable of operating on components on each of said concentric rotary packing conveyors.

9. A machine as claimed in any preceding claim, including means for conveying different packet components on separate packing conveyors past one or more processing stations, and means for subsequently moving said components together by movement in a generally radial direction relative to the axis of said conveyors.

10. A machine as claimed in claim 9, wherein processing of the packet components is carried out substantially simultaneously at respective stations until the parts are moved together.

11. A machine as claimed in any of claims 1 -8, including inner and outer rotary packing conveyors, wherein processing of a packet component on said respective conveyors occurs in sequence.

12. A machine as claimed in claim 11, wherein the packet component is transferred between the packing conveyors between processing operations.

13. A machine as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the path of a packet component extends for more than a complete revolution around the axis of said packing conveyors.

14. A machine as claimed in claim 13, including at least one radial or spiral transfer of the packet component between packing conveyors.

15. A machine as claimed in any preceding claim, including means for transferring a packet component from the or one of said packing conveyors to a further processing conveyor on which at least one processing operation is carried out, and means for subsequently returning the component to said packing conveyor.

16. A machine as claimed in claim 15, wherein said packet component is returned to said packing conveyor at a position just downstream of the position from which it was delivered to the further processing conveyor.

17. A machine as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the further processing conveyor includes first and second satellite turrets, the component being delivered from the packing conveyor module to the first satellite turret and being returned to the packing conveyor module from the second satellite turret.

18. A machine as claimed in claim 17, wherein the component is transferred between the first and second satellite turrets by relative radial movement.

19. A machine as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the packet component is transferred and maintained in a movable holder on the further processing conveyor.

20. A machine for packing rod-like articles, including a rotary packing conveyor having pockets or other means for locating a packet component and for conveying the component around a path about the axis of the conveyor, and means for carrying out processing operations on the component while on said path, wherein the component travels more than 360° around the axis between delivery to and exit from the path.

21. A machine as claimed in claim 20, wherein the component is moved in a radial direction or in a direction having a radial component during its conveyance on the path.

22. A machine as claimed in claim 21, wherein said path includes radially inner and outer portions, and said radial movement or movement having a radial component is between said path portions.

23. A machine as claimed in claim 22, wherein said radially inner and outer paths are provided by inner and outer concentric rotary packing conveyors.

24. A machine as claimed in any of claims 1-19 or 23, including a plurality of component transfer stations arranged at circumferentially-spaced positions around the axis of the rotary packing conveyor or conveyors.

25. A machine as claimed in claim 24, wherein the component transfer station comprises an interface with a module for delivering components to or transferring components from a packing conveyor.

26. A machine for packing rod-like articles, including a packing conveyor arranged to convey a series of pockets or other means for locating a packet component on an endless path, a first transfer station for delivering a first packet component to a locating means on said path, a second transfer station downstream of said first transfer station for delivering a second packet component to said locating means, at least one operating station at which a packet forming operation (eg folding, wrapping, sealing, drying) is performed on at least one of said first and second packet components conveyed to said operating station by said locating means, and an exit station for delivering packet components from said packing conveyor downstream of said operating station.

27. A machine as claimed in claim 26, wherein the packet forming operation may be performed on both first and second components.

28. A machine as claimed in claim 26 or claim 27, wherein at least one of the transfer, operating, or exit stations comprises a robotic module.

29. A machine as claimed in any of claims 26-28, including means at an operating station to remove a packet component temporarily from the locating means before returning it to the or another locating means after being operated on.

30. A machine as claimed in any of claims 26-29, including an operating station comprising a drying station along which packet components are held in place while setting of adhesive used in the formation of substantially complete packets takes place.

31. A machine as claimed in any of claims 26-30, wherein said conveyor is arranged to convey locating means on pallets or other devices whose mutual spacing can vary around said path.

32. A machine as claimed in claim 31, wherein the pallets are engaged by positioning means at or adjacent to operating stations.

33. A machine as claimed in claim 31 or claim 32, wherein each pallet includes locating means for more than one packet component.

34. A machine as claimed in any of claims 31-33, wherein locating means is readily replaceable, so as to accommodate different packet styles.

35. A machine as claimed in any of claims 26-34, including means defining one or more subsidiary endless paths which include or co-operate with the endless path of the packing conveyor so that pre-processing or further processing of a packet component may be performed on said subsidiary paths.

36. A machine as claimed in claim 35, wherein at least one subsidiary endless path forms a sub-loop of the endless path of said packing conveyor.

37. A machine as claimed in claim 36, wherein components processed on said sub-loop may be selectively transferred between the sub-loop and said endless path by selectively connecting the sub-loop to said endless path.

38. A machine as claimed in claim 36 or claim 37, wherein multiple sub-loops are provided, including means for performing similar process operations on similar components on each of said sub-loops, so as to provide functionally parallel processing paths on said sub-loops.