Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining the viscosity of printer ink is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vertically mounted rod supported by a base. A strain gauge or load cell measures strain or pulling force existing between the base and the rod. A collar having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the rod and suitable for receiving a sample of ink at the gap between the rod and the collar is moved at a precise velocity. The viscosity of the ink sample is then calculated from the known physical parameters of the apparatus, the rate of shear, temperature, and the shear stress or pulling load exerted on the rod by the movement of the collar and ink sample as they travel along the length of the rod.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing overlapping material such as occurs in wrinkles and folds in the open edge of a pliable package, such as plastic prior to sealing the package. The apparatus includes a set of transport belts which grip the open edges of the package and move them in a selected direction of travel. The open package edges then encounter a set of opposing programmable pinch wheels before the trailing edge of the package leaves the first set of transport wheels. The pinch wheels have a rate of rotation selected to move the package edge along the direction of travel at a speed faster than that provided by the transport belts. Consequently, the leading package edge is pulled taut. Subsequent to the trailing edge of the package leaving the transport belt, the leading edge of the open package edges encounters a second set of transport wheels which also move the package edge in the selected direction of travel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tensioning or drawing taut a plastic bag or packaging around a product prior to sealing is disclosed. The apparatus operates in combination with presently available conveying means and packaging sealing means. The apparatus includes a housing to support and contain a pair of conical brushes having rotational axes parallel to the direction of travel of the conveyor belt. The conical brushes rotate in opposite directions so as to draw excess packaging material into the nip formed by the tip of the brushes to smooth away wrinkles and/or folds. A transport and gripping belt then closes the bag and moves it past a pair of cylindrical shaped brushes which may be on the same shaft as the conical brushes. The cylindrical brushes draw the packaging material tight or taut around the product in a manner suitable for sealing.