An apparatus for effecting closure of an open end of a carton blank by
placing portions of the carton blank into overlying relationship to one
another is provided. The apparatus includes a cam that rotates about an
axis of rotation and a cam lever that is operatively connected to the
cam. The cam lever is used to convert rotating motion of the cam into
linear motion to define a first stroke distance. A pressure pad is
mounted for movement toward and away from the portions of the carton
blank. The pressure pad is capable of being moved in response to input
provided by the cam to define a second stroke distance. An air spring is
mechanically linked to the cam lever and the pressure pad such that the
air spring absorbs a portion of the first stroke distance.