Abstract: A method for forming a top seal on a carton being conveyed along a processing path on a form, fill and seal packaging machine using a top sealer including opposing sealing jaws is provided. The carton includes top fin panels configured for sealing to one another to form a top seal. The method includes actuating a first control valve to provide communication between a first pressurized fluid source and a first port of an actuator for moving the actuator toward a first position. The actuator is operatively connected to the sealing jaws to move the sealing jaws in a clamping direction while moving toward the first position. A second control valve is actuated to inhibit fluid escape from the actuator through a second port of the actuator to inhibit movement of the sealing jaws in the clamping direction.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A carton closure method wherein heated end side walls of the open end of a carton are initially infolded to partially close the open end of the carton and thereafter subjected to capture between a backup pad and a pressure pad by a linearly reciprocative cam to which pressure is applied by a cam follower driven in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of linear movement of the cam relative to the backup pad, whereby the cam is moved between positions wherein there is applied pressure against the partially infolded portions of the end side walls of a carton blank to effect a sealing pressure against such infolded portions and a position wherein no material pressure is applied to the partially infolded end side walls of the carton blank, the cam movement being facilitated by a multi-faceted geometry of the camming face of the cam.

Abstract: The closure system of the present invention includes a pressure pad of conventional design which is urged against the external surfaces of a plurality of loosely associated overlying prefolded end side wall portions of the bottom end of a carton blank which is disposed on a mandrel which includes a backup pad disposed within the carton and contiguous to the internal surfaces of the prefolded end side wall portions to thereby capture the prefolded end side wall portions between the pressure pad and the backup pad.

Abstract: A carton closure system including a cam having a rear face and a camming surface opposite the rear face, the cam being mounted for linear reciprocation between a position wherein there is applied pressure against partially infolded portions of the end side walls of a carton blank to effect a sealing pressure against such infolded portions and a position wherein no material pressure is applied to the partially infolded end side walls of the carton blank, the movement between such pressure and non-pressure applied positions being facilitated by means of a multi-faceted geometry of the camming face of the cam.

Abstract: In a packaging machine that includes an elongated mandrel for the formation of a blank into a carton, wherein the mandrel includes a secured end and a distal end, a method and apparatus are provided for correctly positioning the blank relative to the distal end of the mandrel. The carton stop comprises a selectively rotatable tool that includes an engagement segment and is operable from a remote location, an elongated threaded rod that includes a secured end rotatably secured to the packaging machine and a distal end, and an abutment member threadably mounted upon the rod for longitudinal movement along the threaded rod in response to rotation of said threaded rod. The threaded rod defines an engagement segment adapted to engage the engagement segment of the rotating tool.

Abstract: The closure system of the present invention includes a pressure pad of conventional design which is urged against the external surfaces of a plurality of loosely associated overlying prefolded end side wall portions of the bottom end of a carton blank which is disposed on a mandrel which includes a backup pad disposed within the carton and contiguous to the internal surfaces of the prefolded end side wall portions to thereby capture the prefolded end side wall portions between the pressure pad and the backup pad.

Abstract: In a packaging machine that includes an elongated mandrel for the formation of a blank into a carton, wherein the mandrel includes a secured end and a distal end, a method and apparatus are provided for correctly positioning the blank relative to the distal end of the mandrel. The carton stop comprises a selectively rotatable tool that includes an engagement segment and is operable from a remote location, an elongated threaded rod that includes a secured end rotatably secured to the packaging machine and a distal end, and an abutment member threadably mounted upon the rod for longitudinal movement along the threaded rod in response to rotation of said threaded rod. The threaded rod defines an engagement segment adapted to engage the engagement segment of the rotating tool.