Abstract: An assembly and method provide a continuous supply of packaging film to a form, fill and seal packaging machine with two spindles alternately operating as the active spindle to feed the film from one roll at a time. Opposed pneumatic manifolds are operative to splice the tail-end of the film from the active roll to the head-end of the film from the standby roll. The opposed manifolds pivot in opposite directions away from the machine to provide easy access for loading. A programmable controller controls the splicing operation. Valves operated by the controller connect a vacuum source to one of the manifolds to hold the head-end at a splicing station and to the other to maintain tension on the active film after the tail-end leaves the spindle. An end-of-roll detector near the spindle triggers the tensioning function. The width of the manifold is adjustable to accommodate different width film. A photocell detector and encoder in the circuit allow tracking of the tail-end.

Abstract: A parallelogram feed system for packaging film is provided. The system includes a pair of idler guide rollers bodily movable between a feed position adjacent the packaging film and a rest position away from the packaging film. Drive rollers are provided away from the packaging film. An endless belt extends around the rollers and engages the packaging film between the two guide rollers when in the feed position. The rollers are linked together by four connecting links in the shape of a parallelogram that are pivotally attached to the shafts to which the rollers are rotatably mounted. A pneumatic cylinder moves the guide rollers between the feed and rest positions. The cylinder is attached to the link connecting the two guide rollers by means of a pin slidably received in an elongated slot in the connecting link so as to allow parallelogram shifting movement. In addition, optional air passages may be provided for directing a cushion of air beneath the packaging film adjacent the feed system belts.

Abstract: A combined holding and stripper jaw apparatus is provided for use in a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The apparatus includes a pair of opposed holding jaws operated in reciprocating fashion to close and grasp the packaging film tube following the product filling step of the cycle. A stripper jaw is pivotally mounted to the underside of each holding jaw. The stripper jaws are each movable between a ready position adjacent the holding jaws and a strip position for stripping the product in the packaging film tube. Sealing jaws independently mounted between the holding and stripping jaws are separately cycled to close and seal the packaging film into a bag. As the sealing jaws close, a cam surface on the sealing jaws contacts an angled portion of the stripper jaws forcing the stripper jaws downward against spring tension to the strip position. In addition, the holding and stripper jaws include relief features in the edges contacting the packaging film for the venting of trapped air.