Abstract: A web handling system is described for incrementally feeding a web, and preferably multiple webs, to a processing station. Each web is advanced to the processing station by a pair of web-feeding rollers. One motor drives all of the web-feeding roller pairs through respective clutch-brakes connected to each roller pair. Each web has index marks imprinted along its length at intervals corresponding to intervals at which it is desired to precisely register the web with the processing station. A first detecting means disposed along one of the web paths (or similar detecting means along another web path) initially detects an index mark on the web travelling that path to provide a signal which decelerates the motor and thus slows all of the web-feeding rollers and the webs. Second index mark detecting means, one for each web path, then detect the index marks on the respective associated webs as they now more slowly advance towards the processing station.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for facilitating the filling and sealing of bags for shipping or mailing. The bag supply preferably is in web or strip form, i.e. the bags are joined along successive closed sides of the bags to form a continuous web with the bag bottoms along one edge and the unsealed bag top ends along the other edge of the web. Means are provided to advance the web one bag length each cycle to a cutting station which severs the bag from the web. A vacuum picker and pusher bar convey the separated bag from the cutting station to a carrier comprised of a series of continuously moving chains having lugs between which the bags are first inserted and then retained for travel with the chains. The pusher bar and the spacing between the lugs cooperate to maintain the unsealed end of the bag open sufficiently to receive an article inserted while the bag is moved by the carrier. At the end of the carrier run, sealing means close the open end of the bag.