Abstract: An interfolded boxed bag arrangement and method and apparatus for making the same from plastic tube or sheeting stock. Plastic tubular or sheeting stock is unwound off two rolls under tension. The stock proceeds to various stations where it is cut into bag lanes by rotary knife blades. A bag lane is cut between each pair of rotary knife blades with a hot knife to form a sealed bottom for the bags. The bag lanes are then cut to a specified length with a hot knife which seals each side of the bag. Bags produced by each roll of stock material are staggered adjacent to one another and are interfolded with each other by a set of rotary gripper fingers and tucker fingers to form an interfolded stack of bags. The stacks are placed into a dispensing box for individual dispensing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing and rewinding a web made of easily stretchably deformable plastic film or the like. The web is drawn from a supply roll assembly by a series of synchronously driven draw and transfer rolls and directly delivered to a rewind roll. The rewind roll is positively driven at a speed greater than speed imparted to the web by the draw and transfer rolls. However, the rewind roll is in peripheral contact with the last of the series of draw and transfer rolls so that the processed web is immediately transferred from the last web moving roll to the rewind roll, while the last roll exerts a drag on the rewind roll to control and match the speed of the rewind roll to the speed of the moving web.

Abstract: An in-line machine for attaching elongated, flexible closure tie elements to the individual bag portions of a laterally folded plastic film web being continuously discharged from a bag forming station, and being forcibly captured by a winder mechanism, engages and drives the moving web toward the winder mechanism by means of mutually spaced inlet, central and outlet drive rollers. During operation of the machine, first and second slack portions of the film web are respectively positioned between the inlet and central rollers, and between the central and outlet rollers. These slack portions are held in vertically looped configurations by a downwardly directed, yielding vacuum force applied thereto. The inlet and outlet rollers are driven at identical speeds corresponding to the constant linear film web output speed from the bag forming station.

Abstract: A system for dampening deflections which occur in an elongate rotating fly-knife includes camming elements along the length of the beam carrying the fly-knife. A second beam spaced from the knife is also mounted for rotation and includes spaced apart camming elements adapted to rotate and contact the fly-knife camming elements at that point during the rotational cycle when the fly-knife will cut and/or perforate the material with which the apparatus of the present invention is employed. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the system is used to perforate, slit or cut plastic film, e.g., in the manufacture of bags. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the system is used with a coversheet winding machine. The rotating beams of the invention are preferably driven by a single motor to maintain registration of the knife camming elements with the support beam camming elements.

Abstract: A welding and die cutting device for an apparatus for automatically forming bags on demand from an elongated web of film is selectively switchable between a first operating mode in which the formed bags are provided with unitary handles and a second operating mode in which the formed bags are fully closed and no handles are formed thereon. A first one of a pair of reciprocatable mobile holders carries a welding counter-plate to which is mounted a horizontal blade for transverse cutting and separation of formed bags from the web. A plurality of substantially vertical blades for longitudinally cutting the web to form handles on a bag being formed are carried on and depend outwardly from a bladeholder that is interposed between the first mobile holder and the counter-plate. The bladeholder is slidably and elastically linked to the first mobile holder for movement therewith and relative thereto.

Abstract: A machine for forming stacks of bags from a web of synthetic thermoplastic material has feeding rollers for feeding the web to welding jaws which form transverse welds in the web. There is a first motor for operating the feeding rollers and a second motor for operating the welding jaws. A central processing unit controls operation of the respective motors and includes a controller for the first motor for operating the first motor for an increased time and at a reduced speed during feeding of a leading bag in a stack as compared with the time and speed of operation of the first motor during feeding of remaining bags in the stack. This facilitates the removal of a previously formed stack of bags from a machine.

Abstract: In a device for transversely welding and cutting tubular film into bags, feed rolls advance the film to a gripping rail which grips the leading end of the film during operation of cutting and welding devices located behind the gripping rail in the direction of feed. To ensure proper tensioning of the film, the feed rollers are reversed after the film is gripped and prior to operation of the cutting and welding devices.

Abstract: A system for suspending a pack of thermoplastic bags, loading bags, removing loaded bags and for automatically opening the next bag preparatory to loading it by having a pack of handled bags suspended from laterally spaced elongated rods of a rack. The bags have been corona discharge treated in the handle and bag mouth region to such an extent that the pressure and cutting action during the formation thereof will cause adjacently facing cut edge regions to releasably adhere together until a moderate force separates them. During removal of a bag from the bag pack at least a portion of the cut edge of the mouth and handle region of the front wall of the next bag will follow the bag being removed for a short distance before separation thereby opening the next bag rendering it ready for loading.

Abstract: Apparatus for severing a plurality of plies of a thermoplastic material and sealing the severed margins thereof is provided. The apparatus comprises a hot-wire element proximate the thermoplastic material for severing and sealing the thermoplastic material. The apparatus further comprises a chamber or manifold for enveloping the hot-wire element in an inert atmosphere which impinges on a proximal portion of the thermoplastic material to be severed and sealed. The apparatus further comprises an actuating mechanism, associated with the hot-wire element, for translating the hot-wire element toward the proximal portion of the thermoplastic material. As a result, the hot-wire element severs the plurality of plies and seals the severed margins thereof so that the severed margins are enveloped by the inert atmosphere impinging on the thermoplastic material.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of shopping bags provided with handle holes reinforced by welded-on tabs of thermoplastic synthetic resin film includes a unit for effecting cyclic stepwise advancement of film webs forming sides of each bag; a unit for punching handle holes into the welded-on tabs and devices for welding and severing of the films webs to form individual shopping bags transversely to the direction of the advancement of the film webs, as well as a device for feeding tabs of thermoplastic synthetic resin films to positions on the film webs and for welding the tabs to the film webs. The device for feeding and welding of the tabs comprising a turntable which is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the advancing direction of the film webs which operates cyclically in synchronism with the stepwise advancement of the film webs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing continuous bags, each bag having an opening on one side from a length of continuous tubing is disclosed. The bags are produced along a direction of production and each bag produced has a sealed end and line of perforation opposite to the sealed end. Each bag is positioned with its sealed end immediately adjacent to the line of perforation of an adjacent bag. The bags are produced by advancing a length of continuous tubing along the direction of production and sealing the tubing at a first location by a sealing means to form a sealed end of a first bag and substantially simultaneously perforating the tubing at a second location immediately adjacent to the sealed end of the first bag by a perforating means to form a line of perforation of a second bag. The second bag is immediately adjacent to the first bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making individual flexible web products whereby a web material is tucked outwardly from the surface of a product drum by fixed projections, severed and sealed, and provided to one or more transfer points. The products are there transferred to open or more transfer drums with corresponding indentations, which deliver the products to packing devices. An alternative embodiment provides multiple delivery points by using lateral-shifting transfer drums. The apparatus and method provides a simple means to vary and control flexible product width without introducing a multiplicity of moving parts, and discloses means to enhance separation of individual products during transfer while increasing overall production rates.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a preferably multi-ply web of synthetic thermoplastics comprises a pair of feed rolls, which define a feeding nip and each of which is formed with annular grooves, and two scraping rakes, which are secured in the frame and have tines extending through the annular grooves, wherein at least one of said rakes is movably mounted and arranged to actuate a switch for stopping the drive for the rolls when the scraping rake is moved out of its normal position by the web because it is bulged. It is intended so to improve such an apparatus that the switch will be operated even by relatively small bulges formed in the web. That object is accomplished in that each scraping rake is guided to be movable in the direction of travel of the web. A scraping rake for actuating the switch can be moved by a much weaker force if the rake is displaced in the direction of travel of the web rather than being pivotally moved.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing draw tape bags, unique tubular films used in the process and the resulting draw tape bags are disclosed. The process begins with the step of forming a tubular film having a longitudinal region with a film strength greater than the film strength of the remainder of the tube. Next, the longitudinal region of greater strength is slit out of the tube and into draw tape ribbons, leaving the remainder of the tube in the form of a continuous sheet with two side edges. A hem with a draw tape access hole is next formed from each of the two side edges, each of the hems encasing a draw tape ribbon. Last, transverse seams are formed in the folded continuous sheet to define individual bag edges and the folded continuous sheets is severed to form individual bags. In one embodiment the longitudinal region of greater strength is made from a resin different than the resin making up the remainder of the tube.

Abstract: A series of bags are fabricated using a continuous, high-speed bag-forming process in which an elongated section of flattened film tubing is longitudinally conveyed toward a receiving station in which the formed bags are suitable packaged. As the flattened tube is moved toward the receiving station, elongated plastic film tie elements are sequentially formed and welded along relatively large area end portions thereof to at least two layers of a side edge portion of the flattened tube at longitudinally spaced locations thereon adjacent the upper end locations of the individual bags, the resulting free end portions of the tie elements overlying the flattened tube.

Abstract: A method of producing a reusable, fabric-covered, heat exchange bag is provided which includes the steps of providing thermoplastic stock including waterproof film and a fabric-like material. The fabric-like material is folded along a fold line so as to contain a substantial portion of the waterproof film. This fold line represents a first edge of the reusable heat exchange bag whenthe bag is in a flattened condition. The waterproof film and the fabric-like material are heat sealed to form a closure with the fold line and to provide a tear initiation site for facilitating the severing of the reusable heat exchange bag from the thermoplastic stock.

Abstract: A closure seal and method for envelopes having front and back panels joined along bottom and side edges and in which a release liner strip delimits overlying marginal edges along the top of the panels. The liner strip initially covers a pressure sensitive adhesive band in the top marginal edge of one of the panels and extends through the side edge junctures of the panels to enable removal of the liner strip and securement of the top margins by the pressure sensitive adhesive band. Registered lines of perforations are formed across the top portion of both panels below the bottom edge of the release liner strip to define a tear line for opening the evelope after it has been sealed in embodiments not intended for liquid contents. The lines of perforations are omitted in an liquid containing envelope embodiment wherein the adhesive band joins with fused side edges of the envelope.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing reclosable thermoplastic containers which eliminates the need for spot-sealing zipper closures or zipper closure elements to a web of thermoplastic film prior to forming side seals and zipper end seals is provided. Opposing seal jaws provide increased heat and pressure to zipper closures in a manner which results in improved hermetic and fluid-tight side seals and zipper end seals.

Abstract: Thermoplastic film bag making material is processed between a hotseal jaw and cutoff knife assembly. The apparatus has complementary first and second jaws between which the material is received for sealing bag side edge areas of the bag making material. The first jaw has a groove and the second jaw has a cutoff knife for extension into the groove for separating the material into individual bags. A rubber anvil block is in a groove underlying a zipper of the bag material and the knife thrusts into the block and attains substantially straight edges in the bag cutoff. Improved end sealing of the zipper also results.

Abstract: A machine including a control system having a timer for producing bags made from thermoplastic resin films of varying thickness. A pair of feed rollers intermittently feeds a continuous flat tubular web of thermoplastic resin between an upper heat sealing bar and a lower sealing surface. The sealing bar, which approaches but does not contact the web, is heated to effect a weld bead on the web, a cutting edge severs the web adjacent the bead, and the feed rollers advance the web as the sealing bar and cutting edge are withdrawn. A sequencer provides timed control of a motor that operates the rollers and another motor that operates the sealing bar and cutting edge.

Abstract: Strips (1,21,31,41,51) of pre-opened bags (2,2') detachably connected together in which each bag (2,2') includes a reclosable system comprising an adhesive tape (15) that is adhered along the exterior of one wall (3) of the bag (2,2') spanning an open zone (14,42) defined therein and that is adhered to an inner surface of the second wall (4) of the bag within the open zone (14,42). Methods for manufacturing strips of pre-opened reclosable bags of the foregoing type are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling machines for making bags or sacks severed by welding from continuous tubular or semitubular films of synthetic thermoplastics has at least one pair of pinch rollers for feeding the continuous film. The pinch rollers are driven via a transmission by a first motor. A pair of welding jaws provides the continuous film with seam welds, transverse seam welds or severed transverse seam welds. A second motor actuates the welding jaws via a drive mechanism. A central processing unit controls the motors in such a manner that the motor for the pair of welding jaws is energized at a time when the motor for driving the pair of pinch rollers is still driving the pinch rollers, and after a standstill phase of the motor for driving the pair of pinch rollers the latter motor is energized even before the motor for driving the pair of welding jaws has stopped.

Abstract: A machine for the continuous production of plastic bags utilizes a servo drive motor to drive the machines film web draw roll assembly and through a seal roll index gear also to drive a seal roll of the machine in coordination with the servo driven draw roll. Control of the servo motor is through a motion controller receiving inputs form the servo motor.

Abstract: Bag segments arriving one after the other in a travel direction at an upstream input station are first lifted one by one as they arrive at the input station, are inverted them, and are deposited in a stack at a downstream stacking station atop one of a pair of similar pin-type stacking carriages held at an upper level. The one stacking carriage and the stack carried thereby are periodically displaced downstream from the stacking station to a downstream station at the upper level and the other stacking carriage is raised in the stacking station from a lower level below the one carriage to the upper level with the one carriage such that the segments are subsequently deposited on the other carriage in the stacking station. The one carriage is then lowered in the downstream station from the upper level to the lower level to strip off the stack it carries and thereafter is displaced at the lower level back upstream to the stacking station.

Abstract: An improved method of making a stand-up plastic bag in which heated pins are used to seal the gusset walls. The pins are heated at a temperature lower than melting point of the thermoplastic which forms the exterior contiguous portions of the gusset walls. The method includes the steps of supplying the film, folding the film to form the gusset, forming the heat seals for the gusset walls and the heat seals for the side seams at one temperature, forming the heat seals joining the gusset walls together at the same temperature using a heated pin seal bar, and separating the film into completed bags. The improved method provides greater efficiency and increased production rates.

Abstract: A heat sealing apparatus includes a pair of sealing jaws and means for closing the jaws, the first of said jaws having an electrical impulse sealing element mounted thereon, covered with a release sheet, and the second of said jaws having a resilient pad mounted thereon, covered with a release sheet, wherein a heat dispersing foil is between the resilient pad and the release sheet which covers the pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous production of individual flexible products from a folded web of material, in particular, heat sealable thermoplastic material, is described having improved means for providing tension relief in such web material, and for tucking such web material outwardly from the surface of the product drum. The tuck rolls remain extended above the surface of the product drum throughout product drum rotation, and are retracted by cam arrangement to provide tension relief. Three alternative support assemblies and related cam arrangements are disclosed, two of which employ adjustable, compressible tuck roll support assemblies.

Abstract: A bag making machine and method for the continuous production of bags from a folded web of thermoplastic material is provided. The apparatus includes a capability for making bags of differing widths as well as making bags having consistent widths for the particular size of bag selected. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum having a plurality of sever and seal stations for forming individual positioned about the outer periphery of the drum. A source of a continuous folded web of thermoplastic material is also provided, and continuously fed onto the surface of the drum. Means positioned between adjacent sever and seal stations tuck the web of material inwardly from the periphery of the drum. To prevent the occurrence of stretching forces which may adversely affect the web and the resulting width of the bags during processing, a film tension compensation means is provided for maintaining a constant path length for the web of material between the web source and the sever and seal stations.

Abstract: A method for making block of side-gussetted, bottom-weld bags. Each bag has an opening on one side to fascilitate the removal of individual bags from the block.

Abstract: A form, fill, seal and separate packaging machine for reclosable containers is accomplished by a plurality of stations disposed along a path of travel of a thermoplastic web including a pair of mated, resealable closure strips present on the base web. The machine is intermittent in its operation, with movement of the web through the machine controlled so that the various steps of forming, filling, sealing and separating the reclosable containers are performed during periodic stops of the machine. The machine is further characterized by its use of two pairs of web belts to move the web through the machine. A first pair of web belts initially receive the folded web stock and partially form and completely fill the containers. The second pair of web belts overlap with the downstream end of the first pair of belts, but are disposed lower than the first belts.

Abstract: The invention consists of a device for welding and perforating a thermoplastic film folded back on itself. The device consists of a support for supporting two electrically heated welding strips and a perforation device. The perforation device is movably supported between the welding strips. The support is transversely movable with respect to the film. The welding strips consists of a non-heating portion and a heating portion. The non-heating portion is at least equal in length to the heating portion.

Abstract: A method of making plastic bags in an in-line production stream having hand holes reinforced by double ply plastic material in which the molecular orientation of the plastic material extends across the bags and generally parallel to the upper ends of the bags. The method includes forming a longitudinal gusset along the upper ends of the bags in the machine direction of the plastic extrusion, slitting the inner fold line of the gusset, sealing the inner slit ends longitudinally to the adjacent front and back walls of the bags, forming transverse seals to close the side edges of the bags and separating the bags along the transverse seals.

Abstract: A process for the production of bags from thermoplastic synthetic resin sheeting with a bottom seam and/or a lateral seam fashioned as a cutoff weld seam obtained by severing tubular film sheets in the bottom zone, wherein there is produced by heat contact welding, at a station upstream of a transverse seam cutoff welding of the bottom seam or lateral seam, a wide flush weld seam over the entire width of the tubular film sheet and/or of the bag bottom to be produced, and subsequently the transverse cutoff weld seam is formed over the flush weld seam, extending within the flush weld seam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic manufacture of flat bottom bags from a substantially continuous supply of a sealable material whereby the material is formed as a bag having a reinforced sealed flat bottom formed by an interior bag forming assembly that is cooperable with a relatively movable folder assembly that folds the bottom of the bag and removes it from the bag former assembly after a length of the bag is severed from the remainder of the material.

Abstract: A composite protective laboratory specimen bag (A) and method is illustrated which includes folded tubing (D) having a releasable lock (26) for forming a first fluid-tight compartment (B) for containing a laboratory specimen container. J-folded sheeting (E) with a reverse flip (46) forms a second compartment (C) for containing associated paper work. The tubing and sheeting are heat sealed together across a web (32) of the tubing to form a closed top composite bag with side mouth openings (24,48) for the compartments. A protective plate (62) avoids damage to the lock during the heat sealing step.

Abstract: Bags, especially shopping bags, of a thermoplastic synthetic resin sheeting, are made to be free-standing. In the process for the production of the bags, the bags are provided in pairs. Each bag is provided with a handle hole and designed as a standing bag having an approximately sinusoidal load-bearing rim, with lateral cutoff weld seams and with a bottom pleat, with corner weld seams provided separately in the two pleat sections of the bottom pleat and extending from the bag sides obliquely toward the bag bottom, and with a flat bottom formed by the corner weld seams.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bag including a front wall and a rear wall and having an open mouth portion in which the front wall and rear wall are joined by pleated portions or gussets. The bag is manufactured so that a longitudinal, thermally welded seam is placed inside a portion of at least one of the gussets at a point other than the central fold. The bag preferably includes handles which are integral extensions of the front and rear walls and the gussets. The bag manufactured according to the principles of the present invention thus eliminates or minimizes failure of thermally welded seams.Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing the bags and an apparatus for manufacturing the bags.

Abstract: A device for collecting bags or sacks in a machine for making the bags or sacks is in the form of a receiving rod which is mounted in the machine frame and extends transversely to the direction in which the bags or sacks to be deposited are advanced or conveyed so that, in use, the bags or sacks are draped over the rod.

Abstract: A false gusset (12, 82) is positioned between bag panels (26, 28 and 98, 100) to form a bag having a handle (24, 80) at its upper end formed by upward continuations of the sides (26, 28 or 98, 100) of the bag (10, 78). This construction removes the false gusset (12, 82) and the seals (66, 68 or 114, 116) which connects the false gusset (12, 82) to the bag panels (26, 28 or 98, 100) from the forces created by the weight of the bag (10, 78).

Abstract: A self-service check-out counter for cashier-unattended use and operation includes an laser scanner for automated reading of product identification codes borne by articles to be purchased, a keyboard for manual entry of article-identifying information, a variety of indicators and signalling devices for instructing actions by the customer, devices for preventing pilferage, fraud and inadvertent errors and an integral bag forming apparatus for manufacturing custom-formed bags on-site at the counter and on demand and, preferably, custom-sized to conform to the volume of articles to be packed in the bags. A customer individually scans articles to be purchased and the scanned data is verified through comparison with stored product identifying information. Following verification of each article, customer placement of the article into the bag forming apparatus in enabled and a bag preferably conforming to the volume of articles purchased in manufactured within the check-out counter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing nested polyethylene bags utilizes a web of polyethylene material having a tubular cross-sectional configuration which is fed through seaming means to form a seam transverse the web. Material transporting means transports the seamed web onto a generally planar mandrel. Severing means are provided for severing the web into individual bags and includes means for separating the walls of the web to accommodate the material transporting means grasping the web. After a predetermined number of individual bags are nested on the mandrel, the mandrel is indexed to a position adjacent a rolling means which rolls the batch of nested bags into a roll on a pair of mutually rotating wrapping rods. The wrapping rods are subsequently withdrawn from the roll and the roll is folded along a longitudinal axis by a ram which applies a force to the center of the roll.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for the paired manufacture of carry bags from synthetic resin sheeting with lateral weld seams and an approximately sinusoidal load-bearing rim with punched-in handle openings, wherein a laid-flat tubular film is cut open in wave shape, and the two cut-apart semitubular sheets (1a, 1b) are pulled apart transversely to the conveying direction, the wave crests are folded over at least in part in parallel to the folding edges (3) in each case either toward the outside or toward the inside, then the semitubular sheets are again united in order to compensate for at least a portion of the gap S produced by folding over the flaps, and after achieving a synchronous run of the folded over flaps (51, 52), the latter are welded to the lower and upper sheet layers (10a, 10b) of the semitubular sheets (1a, 1b) in the area (15) surrounding the subsequent handle opening (4), the wave crests, prior to being folded over, being electrically discharged and, after having been fold

Abstract: A bag making machine and method for the continuous production of bags from a folded web of thermoplastic material is provided. The apparatus includes a capability for making bags of differing widths. The apparatus includes a rotatable drum having a plurality of sever and seal stations for forming individual positioned about the outer periphery of the drum. A source of a continuous folded web of thermoplastic material is also provided, and continuously fed onto the surface of the drum. Means positioned between adjacent sever and seal stations tuck the web of material inwardly from the periphery of the drum.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the automatic manufacture of flat bottom bags from a substantially continuous supply of a sealable material whereby the material is formed as a bag having a reinforced sealed flat bottom formed by an interior bag forming assembly that is cooperable with a relatively movable folder assembly that folds the bottom of the bag and removes it from the bag former assembly after a length of the bag is severed from the remainder of the material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a reclosable pouch having front and back walls and an opening along its upper edge. A double web of plastic material is advanced which comprises a front wall and a back wall. First and second fastener profiles are advanced simultaneously therewith. The first fastener profile is sealed on its ends to the exterior of the front wall of the pouch. The fastener profile extends longitudinally near the pouch opening. The second fastener profile is sealed on its ends to the exterior of the back wall of the pouch. The fastener profiles are adapted for interlocking with the front and back walls of the pouch being interposed therebetween.

Abstract: The apparatus for manufacturing bags in plastic material comprises a welding assembly having a pair of fixed jaws and a jaw which is movable therebetween for clamping respective alternately advancing tubular bands made of plastic material. A cutting element, carried by a flexible belt rotatable on the movable jaw, is adapted to cut the bands upon clamping the movable jaw on the fixed jaws. An assembly for extracting and accumulating the bags is provided with a plurality of needles at each fixed jaw and actuated with reciprocating motion in the direction of sliding of the movable jaw so as to penetrate a bag clamped between the jaws. The apparatus also comprises a fork for placing the bag adjacent to the previously produced bags supported on the needles, and a slider for unloading a pack of manufactured bags.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for continuous fabrication of bags from a longitudinally advanced multi-layer thermoplastic film web fed tangentially onto a rotating drum for carrying out transverse web seam welding and severing, the principal novel feature being provision of preliminary heating carried out across at least part of the width of web at which the final seam and sever is to take place. The preliminary heating step is advantageous where the thickness of film layers to be sealed and severed is not uniform across the width of the web or in which the uniform thickness of the film layers is such that seaming and severing in a single step requires an undesirably long time for continuous high speed production. The method can be adapted for production of bags of different widths.

Abstract: According to the invention, a heat knife 1 is spaced from and disposed parallel to an arm 8 for holding the heat knife 1. A plurality of spacers 11 and a plurality of pull bolts 10 are installed between the heat knife 1 and the arm 8. The pull bolts 10 is adapted to connect the heat knife 1 to the arm 8 and pull the heat knife 1 toward the arm 8 to reduce the distance therebetween and clamp the spacers 11 between the heat knife 1 and the arm 8, whereby the heat knife 1 and the arm 8 are held parallel to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring and bundling plastic bag sheet material wherein bag cycle speed is automatically slowed, but not stopped, during a bundle transfer operation and cycle speed is resumed after one slow speed bag production cycle.

Abstract: A composite laboratory specimen bag (A) and method is illustrated which includes folded tubing (D) having a releasable lock (26) for forming a first fluid-tight compartment (B) for containing a laboratory specimen container. J-folded sheeting (E) with a reverse flip (46) forms a second compartment (C) for containing associated paper work. The tubing and sheeting are heat sealed together across a web (32) of the tubing to form a closed top composite bag with side mouth openings (24,48) for the compartments. A protective plate (62) avoids damage to the lock during the heat sealing step.