Multiple-mode case erector

1. A method of transitioning a case erector from a slotted-case mode to a plunger-case mode, the method comprising:

adjusting a plunger from a point exceeding a plunger clear threshold to a plunger ready position;

adjusting a case opener to a point exceeding an opener clear threshold;

adjusting a guide used for tip-output operation; and

where adjusting the guide for tip-output operation includes removing the guide to clear reception of cases by a case formation die.

2. The method of claim 1 , further including adjusting a hopper sizing to a plunger-case setting from a slotted-case setting.

3. The method of claim 1 , further including deactivating a flap door.

4. The method of claim 1 , further including adjusting a top case pusher to a point exceeding a pusher clear threshold, while maintaining activation of a bottom case pusher.

5. The method of claim 1 , further including:

deactivating a slotted-case adhesive head; and

activating a plunger-case adhesive head.

6. The method of claim 5 , where:

deactivating the slotted-case adhesive head includes deactivating and repositioning a tape head; and

activating a plunger-case adhesive head includes activating a glue head.

7. The method of claim 1 , where reception of cases by a case formation die includes erecting a plunger case upon impact by the plunger by receiving the plunger case through an opening of the case formation die.

8. The method of claim 1 , where adjusting the plunger from a point exceeding a plunger clear threshold to a plunger ready position includes manually repositioning the plunger into an engaged position.

9. The method of claim 8 , where adjusting the plunger from the point exceeding a plunger clear threshold to a plunger ready position includes actuating the plunger from a point outside an in-operation travel range to a point within the in-operation travel range.

10. The method of claim 1 , where adjusting the case opener to the point exceeding an opener clear threshold includes manually repositioning an arm of the case opener.

11. The method of claim 1 , where the case opener is configured to engage a side of a slotted-case with a case back vacuum at one end of an in-operation travel range and open the slotted case by traveling to an other end of the in-operation travel range.

12. The method of claim 1 , further including deactivating a door kicker.

13. A method of transitioning a case erector from a plunger-case mode to a slotted-case mode, the method comprising:

adjusting a case opener from a point exceeding an opener clear threshold to an opener ready position;

adjusting a plunger to a point exceeding a plunger clear threshold; and

inserting a guide for tip-output operation; and

orienting the guide to block movement of a case into a case formation die of the case erector.

14. The method of claim 13 , where adjusting the case opener from a point exceeding the opener clear threshold to the opener ready position includes manually repositioning the case opener into an engaged position.

15. The method of claim 13 , where adjusting the plunger to the point exceeding the plunger clear threshold includes manually disengaging the plunger.

16. The method of claim 13 , where adjusting the case opener from the point exceeding the opener clear threshold to the opener ready position includes actuating the case opener from a point outside an in-operation travel range to a point within the in-operation travel range.

17. The method of claim 13 , where the case opener is configured to engage a side of a slotted-case with a case back vacuum at one end of the in-operation travel range and open the slotted case by traveling to the other end of the in-operation travel range.

18. The method of claim 13 , further comprising orienting the guide to tip an erected slotted case 90 degrees to an upright position upon output from the case erector.

19. A method of transitioning a case erector from a plunger-case mode to a slotted-case mode, the case erector including a case opener, a case pusher, a plunger, and a case formation die having an opening structured to erect a plunger-case upon impact by the plunger, the method including:

deactivating the plunger;

adjusting the case opener to erect a slotted case by opening the slotted case allowing a flap of the slotted case to fold unobstructed by other portions of the slotted case; and

driving the case pusher to push the slotted case past the case formation die without impact by the plunger.

20. The method of claim 19 , further comprising tipping an erected slotted case 90 degrees to an upright position during output from the case erector.