A case packing system concurrently accumulates a plurality of different
product ensembles and sequentially packs cases thereof, generally by way
of (a) concurrently accumulating a plurality of different product
ensembles utilizing a plurality of product conveyer lines, each of which
is adapted to separately convey distinct products to one or more transfer
points; (b) sequentially transferring different accumulated product
ensembles from the conveyer lines to a case-packer, the case-packer
including a packing section as well as multiple magazines for receiving
different case-blanks; (c) controlling transfer of the product ensembles
to the case-packer and selection of the appropriate case-blank.
Preferably, substantially continuous operation of the case-packer at a
production rate higher than an accumulation rate of any individual
product conveyer is maintained. A preferred construction employs a 4-axis
robotic arm to select KDF cases and shuttle conveyers to transfer product
from the conveyers to the case-packer.