Abstract: Devices and methods for inflating and sealing packaging pillows from a material web are shown for consistently producing high-quality packaging pillows. A web of material is advanced past an inflation nozzle, inflated with gas, and sealed closed by a sealing element. The temperature of the sealing element is monitored using a thermocouple connection and automatically adjusted using a closed-loop system. A sealing clamp parallel to the sealing element maintains two sheets of the web in contact through the sealing step. The inflation nozzle is provided with two inflation outlets: a first outlet inserting gas longitudinally into the web of material, and a second outlet inserting gas laterally into the material. Gas input is controlled with the use of relief valves to maintain pillow quality at all stages of production.

Abstract: A folder and method for folding plastic bags includes at least one folding station. The folding station has a folding point where an input, an output and a storage portion meet. The bag travels in the input portion in a different direction than in the storage portion. The output direction is substantially the same as the input direction. A turning air source is disposed to direct the bag into the storage portion and an air source is disposed to direct the bag into the output section. A fin helps guide the bag into the output portion. A turning roll disposed above the turning point, and imparts motion to the bag, generally in the storage direction. A second folding station, similar to the first, is downstream the first folding station. The output direction for the first station is the same as the input direction for the second station, and the bag path between the first and second folding stations is substantially linear.

Abstract: Devices and methods for inflating and sealing packaging pillows from a material web are shown for consistently producing high-quality packaging pillows. A web of material is advanced past an inflation nozzle, inflated with gas, and sealed closed by a sealing element. The temperature of the sealing element is monitored using a thermocouple connection and automatically adjusted using a closed-loop system. A sealing clamp parallel to the sealing element maintains two sheets of the web in contact through the sealing step. The inflation nozzle is provided with two inflation outlets: a first outlet inserting gas longitudinally into the web of material, and a second outlet inserting gas laterally into the material. Gas input is controlled with the use of relief valves to maintain pillow quality at all stages of production.

Abstract: A folder and method for folding plastic bags includes at least one folding station. The folding station has a folding point where an input, an output and a storage portion meet. The bag travels in the input portion in a different direction than in the storage portion. The output direction is substantially the same as the input direction. A turning air source is disposed to direct the bag into the storage portion and an air source is disposed to direct the bag into the output section. A fin helps guide the bag into the output portion. A turning roll disposed above the turning point, and imparts motion to the bag, generally in the storage direction. A second folding station, similar to the first, is downstream the first folding station. The output direction for the first station is the same as the input direction for the second station, and the bag path between the first and second folding stations is substantially linear.

Abstract: A folder and method for folding plastic bags includes at least one folding station. The folding station has a folding point where an input, an output and a storage portion meet. The bag travels in the input portion in a different direction than in the storage portion. The output direction is substantially the same as the input direction. A turning air source is disposed to direct the bag into the storage portion and an air source is disposed to direct the bag into the output section. A fin helps guide the bag into the output portion. A turning roll disposed above the turning point, and imparts motion to the bag, generally in the storage direction. A second folding station, similar to the first, is downstream the first folding station. The output direction for the first station is the same as the input direction for the second station, and the bag path between the first and second folding stations is substantially linear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for winding film includes haul-in rolls, a spindle, an airhorn, a kick-roll, and a belt or ropes to convey the film. A source of air creates an air curtain downstream of the spindle. The air curtain directs the leading edge of the film into the airhorn and over the spindle. A film guide located upstream of the airhorn guides a leading edge of the film back into its own nip. An air guide located between the film guide and the conveyor leading to the spindle prevents air from going back upstream of the airhorn. The guides are comprised of a non-stick material. Holes near the edge of guide allow air to exit the air horn, without perturbing the film where it tucks into its own nip. A static pinner may pin the leading edge of the film to the spindle. The spindle may have a winding surface tapered by less 0.03 inches per foot. The spindle has an air inlet, and outlet holes. The inlet area is greater than the hole area, by up to a 7:1 ratio.

Abstract: This invention pertains to draw tape equipment, and methods for incorporating draw tapes into plastic and like bags. In general, a continuous plastic web is slit at a slitting station to form layers, and respective free edges. The web then passes to a hole forming station where holes are punched in the top and bottom layers adjacent the free edges. After the holes are punched, edge regions of the top and bottom layers are separated from each other, followed by forming of hems in the separated layers at hem forming stations arranged in parallel with each other. Concurrent with forming of the hems, continuous draw tapes are fed to the hem forming stations and the hems are formed about the draw tapes. The formed hems, with the draw tapes incorporated therein, optionally pass through first temperature control stations where the temperature of the plastic web is controlled to a desired temperature before hem sealing. The formed hems are then sealed to the main bodies of the respective top and bottom layers.

Abstract: This invention pertains to draw tape equipment, and methods for incorporating draw tapes into plastic and like bags. In general, a continuous plastic web is slit at a slitting station to form layers, and respective free edges. The web then passes to a hole forming station where holes are punched in the top and bottom layers adjacent the free edges. After the holes are punched, edge regions of the top and bottom layers are separated from each other, followed by forming of hems in the separated layers at hem forming stations arranged in parallel with each other. Concurrent with forming of the hems, continuous draw tapes are fed to the hem forming stations and the hems are formed about the draw tapes. The formed hems, with the draw tapes incorporated therein, optionally pass through first temperature control stations where the temperature of the plastic web is controlled to a desired temperature before hem sealing. The formed hems are then sealed to the main bodies of the respective top and bottom layers.