Abstract: To simplify the operation of an input unit of a filling apparatus and achieve accurate filling of packaging containers with a liquid food. The filling apparatus includes a read-out unit which reads out packaging material information from a magnetic recording medium layer mounted on the packaging material, a sealing unit for sealing the packaging material, and a filling unit for charging the liquid food supplied thereto. Also included is a filling unit controller, which outputs control signals to the sealing unit and the filling unit in accordance with a predetermined program based on the packaging material information and liquid information sent from the read-out unit. The filling apparatus reads out necessary packaging material information from the magnetic recording medium layer at the time of filling, and charges the liquid food in accordance with the packaging material information and liquid information, and seals the packaging material.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products, such as contact lenses, in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes a rotary index table defining on its upper surface a plurality of identical, radially-oriented support pallets, equally spaced apart around the rotary index table. Each support pallet is designed to support an array of individual package bases thereon, and is sequentially rotated to stop at angularly spaced radial positions in the rotary packaging machine. At a first radial position, the rotary packaging station receives blister package bases, each having a product deposited therein, and places the package bases in the support pallet then at the first radial position.

Abstract: A dual web, intermittent motion packaging machine consisting of two webs being pulled by a dual web feeder roller unit through a dual side heat sealing device and a dual bag cutting device for forming two sets of bags. The dual web feeder roller device is driven by an assembly of new shafts, clutches, electromagnetic brakes and gears so as to provide for adjustment in pulling the dual webs. The web feeder roller units are adjusted to main synchronization between the two webs. The bags are carried by a dual bag clamping device attached, preferably, to an endless horizontal indexing chain.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat sealing two superposed layers of plastic film, in which movable sealing bar means are disposed opposite to fixed sealing bar means so that the layers of the plastic film are intermittently passed between the movable and fixed sealing bar means. The movable sealing bar means is reciprocatingly moved whenever the plastic film layers are intermittently fed. The layers of plastic film are sandwiched between and heat sealed by the movable and fixed sealing bar means when temporarily stopped. The feeding speed for the layers of plastic film, the feeding time for the layers of plastic film, the driving speeds of the movable sealing bar drive means and the heat sealing time for the layers of plastic film are computer controlled. The computer is programmed so that a waiting time can be inserted between the plastic film feeding time and the plastic film heat sealing time.

Abstract: In a continuous motion hot air sealer the amount of heat applied to the area of film to be sealed is varied in accordance with the velocity of the film by programming the hot air generator in a straight line relationship between sealing temperature and film velocity as determined from data on high speed temperature and low speed temperature which will produce good heat seals.

Abstract: Method for angularly positioning an axially asymmetrical sealing device relative to a flexible tube for dispensing a substance with a liquid-to-pasty consistency. A neck of the tube supports the sealing device and dispenses the substance through a dispensing channel. The tube is provided with indicia relative to which the sealing device is located on the tube. The tube is adapted to be filled via its open bottom with the sealing device in place and then sealed by flattening and heat sealing its end opposite the neck. The tube also includes at least one reference marking and the sealing device is located on the tube relative to the reference marking, this reference marking being printed on the tube concurrently with the indicia. The reference marking is also used when squeezing and heat sealing the open end of the filled tube.

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 vertical form-fill-seal packaging machine controlled by a controller for receiving input data defining the package length, cycle time and sealing time and for controlling the feed of the packaging material as a function of the input data, the machine having a measuring roll for feeding the material forward in package length increments which is also operable to maintain the material tracking properly, further having a control maintaining the material under substantially constant tension, rapid controllable sealing jaw operation, a readily retractable longitudinal seam sealer, and a stripper operable independently of the sealing jaws.

Abstract: A continuously operating machine is provided for wrapping articles with a heat shrinkable plastic film automatically and sequentially. Articles are continuously, translated along a horizontal pathway. At a first station, articles are longitudinally circumferentially tubularly overwrapped and sealed. At a next succeeding station, the so overwrapped articles are cross sealed and separated (cut). At a last succeeding station, the resulting wrapped articles are subjected to thermal film shrinking. The cross sealing and separating brings a continuously rotating heated knife and an opposed cross bar into a predetermined registration with the interspatial region between succeeding articles. The registration time duration can be regulated and increased to values substantially in excess of the momentary contact time existing in normal rotation and tangential point contact.

Abstract: A vacuum means for detecting transverse seal areas dividing unsealed areas in adjacent plies of a moving, multiple ply web includes vacuum ports defining a gap through which the web moves. Unsealed web areas are sucked against the ports. When a sealed area enters the gap, it is sucked to one or the other port, uncovering the opposite port. The ensuing pressure differential is sensed to indicate a seal entering or passing the gap. Seal signals are produced and used to control accurate cutting at the seals to separate the web into individual pouches. Control and circuitry apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: In a line for packaging products in blisters made in a band of polypropylene, a device for heat sealing a film onto the blister band comprises a frame supporting an upper plate and a lower plate with hollows suited for receive the blisters. When the hollows match against the blisters of the band the plates are brought near to each other so as to clamp, in a sealing station, the interposed film and blister band, while the device allows the moving of the sealing station along an advancement direction of the band according to a longitudinal shortening of the band with respect to the steady state operation of the line.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a continuous web of packaging paper or like material with adhesive material in a packaging machine for editorial graphic products, comprising a frame containing a first conveyor for conveying the paper web, unwound from a roll by an unwinding unit, and with the front end of which there are associated, externally, a second conveyor for feeding editorial graphic products to be packaged and, internally, means for folding the web for superimposing its longitudinal edges, there being provided downstream of the sealing apparatus an element for transversely cutting individual finished packages which have been sealed. In a region between the roll and the folding means there is provided an element for dispensing adhesive material in a direction transverse to the web, the dispensing element being operated by means which sense the arrival of each product.

Abstract: A longitudinal welding apparatus in a packaging machine for products fed on a conveyor belt, comprising a rocking circular welder which overlies the superposed longitudinal edges of a continuous plastics film in which the products are wrapped, the rocking circular welder consisting of at least two independently powered, separate semicircular welding elements, the welder being rotatable to position one of its welding elements on the superposed edges of the film, sensors being provided to measure the speed of advancement of the film and to control, via an electronic control device, both the rotation of the welder and the variation in the feed voltage of at least one of the welding elements.

Abstract: A method of positioning a continuous strip of tops over a continuous set of receptacles prior to sealing, wherein the following steps are performed repeatedly;the set of receptacles is advanced past sealing means through a distance equal to one longitudinal pitch of the receptacles or a multiple thereof;simultaneously, the strip of tops is released over a length equal to one longitudinal pitch of the tops or a multiple of said pitch, with said strip being driven by the set of receptacles, and with the longitudinal pitch of the tops being slightly greater than the longitudinal pitch of the receptacles; andapplying deformation to a central zone of each top level with the sealing means so as to shift the edges between the not-yet sealed tops so that they overlie the corresponding edges between receptacles.

Abstract: An automated tube filling machine and process having a plurality of work stations, a rotating disc to deliver the tubes to the work stations and a central processing unit to control implementation of the work stations and rotation of the disc.

Abstract: A method for inserting slide frames (17, 21) or film strips in the pockets (10) of a two-layer film jacket (2) which is open on one side (14). The pockets (10) are partitioned from each other by transverse seams (6), preferably transverse weld seams. One or several slide frames (17, 21) are successively inserted into a pocket (10), or a film strip is inserted into a pocket (10). The film jacket (2) is then transported in the longitudinal direction (12) of the film to the next pocket (10) to be filled. In order to simplify such a method, during the further transport of the film jacket (2) for the positioning of the next pocket (10) to be filled, the position of the next transverse seam (6) is detected by a feeler (1) which is moved in between the film layers (11, 13) at the open side (14) of the film jacket (2). The feeler (1) is movable in longitudinal direction in a direction (18) parallel to the transverse weld seams (6) and is provided with a wedge surface (19) at its end moving into the film (2).

Abstract: A web of pouches is fed past a detector. Inflating mechanism inflates individual pouches to create individual profiles. The detector responds to the appearance of a preselected distance between the surface of the pouch and the detector as each pouch passes the detector.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for sealing an inner pouch containing surgical instruments and/or elements in an outer breather pouch is provided. The method involves sequentially transporting a series of open inner pouches contained in an outer breather pouch to a viewing station wherein positioning data is obtained concerning the precise location of the inner pouch relative to a base position. Thereafter positioning data is transmitted to a sealing apparatus which adjustably positions a sealing means to consistently seal the inner pouch through the outer pouch material. The apparatus includes viewing mechanisms for determining the position of an inner pouch disposed in an outer pouch relative to a base position. Adjustable sealing apparatus communicates with the viewing mechanism to receive positioning information relating to the inner pouch. Based on this information the viewing apparatus is adjusted so as to be able to effect accurate sealing of the inner pouch disposed within the outer pouch.

Abstract: An escapement system in which units are movable by and with an endless conveyor in an endless path, and an escapement system is provided for retarding the units as they move through a part of their path, then releasing them; the system being incorporated in packaging apparatus in which the endless conveyor is a wheel and the units are sealing dies on the wheel.

Abstract: The positions of reference marks reproduced at given intervals on a wrapping film are detected by two optical units arranged in cascade. The supply of the film is controlled by the substantially continuous monitoring of its advance.

Abstract: This process is outstanding in that paper in the form of a roll (B) double the width of the bag (S) to be obtained is used, the unrolled strip is separated into two equal widths (B1) (B2), the two half-widths of paper are independently fed to the point where the folded swabs are brought, the stacked swabs are fed between the two half-widths of paper and brought into superimposition, then the two superimposed half-widths of paper are cold sealed and the bags obtained are transversally cut, continuously and automatically.

Abstract: A gum stick wrapping machine with gum stick wrapper storage and feed means advancing wrapper blanks in strip form, a wrapper mechanism assembles conveyor advanced gum sticks and wrappers with the latter enveloping the former. Band storage and feed means advance bands in strip form and a wrapper mechanism folds the same about the sticks of gum. A stacker provides stacks of wrapped and banded sticks and a package wrapper mechanism folds the wrappers about the stacks. The package wrappers are also stored in end-to-end elongated strip form. Band feed rolls and package wrapper feed rolls are driven by associated discrete servo motors in slave-master relationship with a main servo motor. Computer control means regulates motor speed ratios and provides for correction of errors in band or package wrapper length and/or band or package wrapper registration.

Abstract: An apparatus for embossing and cutting printed labels from a sheet of printed labels is disclosed. The apparatus accurately embosses each printed label on the sheet at a particular location within specified tolerances. The apparatus thereafter accurately cuts each embossed printed label from the sheet of labels.

Abstract: There is disclosed a food tray film wrapping machine having an improved film feeding mechanism particularly adapted to feeding pre-printed film from a continuous roll and assuring proper registration of the printing on the film-wrapped tray, including a receiving position for a large film roll provided with a pair of rollers for cradling the film roll, a film feed motor separate from the main wrapping machine motor, an automatic motor control responsive to optical sensors for sensing an index mark on the film sheet and for sensing the presence of a food tray at the machine wrapping station to stop and start the film feed motor, a perforating knife positioned adjacent the index mark sensor for perforating the film on a line across the film without separating it, and an arrangement of a filmfolding arm with gripping means for the film whereby the film sheet is separated at the perforation line as the folding arm tucks the trailing edge of the film sheet at the wrapping station under the food tray.

Abstract: A cutting and sorting apparatus having a device for feeding a long continuous negative film in the longitudinal direction of the negative film, a cutter device for cutting the long continuous film at every perdetermined number of frames, a control device for controlling the cutting operation of the cutter device, and a negative film sheet loading device for loading a negative film sheet carrying protective sacks into which the cut segments of the negative film are to be inserted. The control device controls the operation of the cutter device such that the long continuous negative film is cut when the film has been fed by predetermined length after a frame number detection device detects of a specific frame number put on the negative film at a predetermined position.

Abstract: A method of changing or replacing one liquid or semi-liquid product by another for insertion in a succession of thermoplastic receptacles bearing respective decorative and/or informative elements wherein, a minimum buffer volume is determined for a first product contained in a metering dispenser and in a buffer tank, the buffer volume corresponding to the sum of the portions of first product which remain to be inserted into the receptacles prior to the receptacles being replaced in a filling station zone by receptacles provided with different decorative elements. While the installation is in operation, a first master strip of the decorating station and/or a first strip of receptacle tops are cut transversely at distances from the filling zone which corresponds to the lengths of the first master strip and/or of the first strip of tops which will be consumed by the receptacles receiving the last portions of product from the minimum buffer volume of the first product.

Abstract: In order to enable a packaging machine for producing packages of the flow-pack type to be adapted automatically to different sizes of package and different operating conditions, instead of the use of separate electronically-synchronized drive motors for the various movable elements, at least some of the movable elements, whose precise synchronization is essential for the correct functioning of the machine, are controlled by a single motor through a mechanism which is adapted selectively to the various shapes and different operating conditions by means of electronically-controlled positioning members.

Abstract: In a packaging machine in which a leading unit for advancing a film web and forming it into a continuous tubular shape during its travel, a feeding unit for supplying articles to be wrapped into the film tube, and a cutting unit for at least sealing the film tube along the transverse direction, are driven by independent motors, a method for controlling the motors includes controlling the running speeds of the motors for the feeding unit and the sealing unit on the basis of the running speed of the motor for the leading unit. A control device for carrying out such a method includes detectors for detecting conditions including positions of the leading unit, feeding unit and sealing unit, and a control unit connected to the detectors for controlling the motors of the feeding unit and the sealing unit on the basis of signals from the detector which detects operating conditions of the leading unit.

Abstract: The invention is related to a machine for the production and separation of packages, which packages are formed through deep-drawing from a foil strip transported through a forming station and a separating station of the machine and are then punched out. The foil strip is heated prior to deep-drawing and undergoes a cooling in its travel between the forming station and the separating station. When a transport interruption occurs, the still warm foil strip is stretched between the forming station and the separating station so much, and optionally the size of the elongation is controlled timewise in such a manner that, when the machine is restarted, the foil strip, in spite of the increased cooling which has taken place in the meantime, does maintain the same length as the still warm foil strip at the beginning of the machine interruption.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for packaging product masses in a form, fill and seal machine, wherein a continuous length of packaging film is joined in running relation by a continuous length of separately formed plastic reclosable fastener assembly having interlock profile strips spot sealed together at package length intervals. The corunning fastener strip assembly and the packaging film are oriented so that the spot seals of the strip are located in alignment with the spaces between the product masses on the film to assure that the fastener strip assembly will be cross sealed at the spot seals when the film is cross sealed between the product masses to provide individual packages. The orienting may be effected by an indexing arrangement including sensor response to index marks on the film and the fastener assembly.

Abstract: Package wrapping machine infeed conveyor and film web control utilize an infeed conveyor position signal compared to film web signal to adjust the film web letoff to the article in feed conveyor to deliver the article and the film web to a film forming location in register. A processor outputs a digital signal to a motor speed controller which will increase or decrease the feed web letoff rate. Input from the infeed conveyor may be processed by the processor to perform forward or reverse correction as necessary to synchronize the infeed conveyor with the film web letoff.

Abstract: A control system and method for an apparatus for sealing packages wherein a web of flexible packaging material having a series of registration marks is formed into tubing and fed past a sealing device for sealing the tubing to form packages. As the tubing is fed past the sealing device, a photoeye detects the registration marks. A CPU, responsive to the photoeye, compares the location of registration marks relative to a window. A counter, responsive to the CPU, sets a delay length of tubing to be fed past the sealing device in response to the relative location of the registration marks and the window. The feeding of the tubing is stopped after the counter has been decremented to zero and the delay length of tubing has passed the sealing device. An in registration delay length of tubing to be fed past the sealing device is set in response to detection by said photoeye of a registration mark within the window.

Abstract: A compact form-fill-seal machine for producing sealed cups and other sealed package structures, including dispenser packages for flowable substances having a fault line extending over a stress concentrating protrusion member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal form-fill-seal packaging machine in which a horizontal form-fill-seal packaging machine is provided a plurality of modules for carrying out successive stages of form-fill-seal packaging process, the modules being mechanically separate from one another and including at least one stepper motor drive, the stepper motors all being controlled and synchronized by a microprocessor. This results in a packaging machine which can be efficiently fabricated, installed and maintained and which can perform highly accurate, synchronized, high speed automatic wrapping.

Abstract: A web width control apparatus for controlling the ratio between web width change and web thickness change during a web length varying operation in a web transport system of the type including a moving web of relatively extensible maerial having a series of repeat length portions therealong which are designed to be presented at a web processing station at a preselected constant design length value and in which each said repeat length portion is subject to stretching or shrinking in length depending upon the tension provided in the region of the web in which said repeat length portion is positioned; and further including a first set of nip rolls operable at a selected surface velocity and a second set of nip rolls operable at a selectively variable surface velocity with respect to the surface velocity of said first set of rolls for causing relative length change in a web portion positioned therebetween for adjustably maintaining the respect length portions of the web at said predetermined design length value at

Abstract: The apparatus is composed of an oscillating framework, rotatingly supporting the new and old reels, and of a closed loop flexible element provided with pegs having the same spacing as the pins of the conveyor. The flexible element is movable between a resting position at which the end of the new reel is manually hooked to the pegs and an operating position in which the flexible element follows the conveyor for a certain portion, while deflecting means transfer the end of the new reel from the pegs of the flexible element onto the pins of the conveyor.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an improvement of a bag-making-and-filling packaging apparatus in which a web supplied from a roll of packaging material is formed into a tube through a tube-forming member and intermittently delivered and the formed tube is filled with a material to be packaged and when the filling is completed, the tube is sealed along the width thereof. The apparatus comprises an improved packaging material delivery device which is effective to assure durability of delivery means and to prevent damage to the packaging material for good packaging finish as well as to increase precision of delivery of the packaging material, and an improved registering device in which setting and adjusting operation of registering is facilitated and the structure associated with a register mark sensor is simplified.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the relative position of printing appearing on packages formed by form-fill-seal packaging machine in which individual packages are formed in substantially continuous fashion from a web of pre-printed package stock. Pre-printed registration indicia are detected on the web of package stock, and a control signal if generated which actuates a tension regulating device which varies the tension applied to the package stock as the package stock is formed into packages. In a preferred embodiment, the tension regulating device comprises a roll having selectable rotational resistance, over which the web is partially wrapped.

Abstract: The device comprises an indexed conveyor wheel having a cylindrical surface with pockets, and a pair of photocell type transducers, one preceding the other in the direction of rotation of wheel, the first located in alignment with a station at which each pocket pauses as the wheel is indexed; one such transducer verifies the correct position of the outer wrapping in relation to the ends of the pack, whilst the other verifies correct position of the wrapping in relation to the sides. A knock-out interlocked to the transducers enables automatic rejection of those packs exhibiting defects in positioning of the outer wrapping.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine includes a tube former for forming a film having spaced apart registration marks thereon into a tube around a hollow mandrel. A pair of endless belt devices driven by stepping motors, located at the sides of the hollow mandrel advances the film through the machine. A stripping and sealing apparatus is located beneath the mandrel, for stripping product from the area of the film tube to be sealed, and sealing and cutting a filled package from the tube. A photoelectric cell located upstream of the tube former senses the passing of each registration mark as the film is fed. The photoelectric cell is operatively associated with the belt drive and the actuator for the stripper and the sealer through an index controller. The index controller deactivates the stepping motors. A master controller activates the stripper/sealer actuator at a predetermined point in each packaging cycle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for controlling a driving system in a packaging machine. The method comprises providing a first motor for driving an article infeed conveyor for feeding articles to be packaged into a tube of packaging material, a second motor for driving a pair of rollers for drawing a film of packaging material and a third motor for driving a pair of sealing heads at an end seal mechanism and controlling the speed of the second motor and the speed of the third motor to be dependent upon the speed of the first motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the performance and through-put of a high speed horizontal wrapping machine of the type having mechanically independently driven infeed, film drive and cut/seal head motors, each controlled by a shared programmed microprocessor whereby in the event that a product to be wrapped gets out of registration to the point where the machine's cut/seal head blades might otherwise engage the product being wrapped rather than only the film between two adjacent products, the condition is sensed and a software routine is called which causes the cut/seal heads to come to a stop in the open condition while the film tube continues to be fed until all the products, including the one out of registration and all those downstream from it, exit the wrapper, at which point the wrapper resumes its normal running mode. In this fashion, damage to the cut/seal head and associated down-time to clear the jam is avoided.

Abstract: A laminating device for laminating a continuous web of paper material to a continuous web of film material for forming a continuous web of laminated composite material at a laminating nip. Apparatus for dividing the paper web into at least two segregated tension zones upstream of the laminating nip and for dividing the composite web into at least two segregated tension zones downstream of the laminating nip are described. Control systems for monitoring and maintaining the tension in each tension zone at different, preset values, are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for loading articles into bags formed from a known roll of web material delineated by perforations at desired intervals. The web includes a first and second sheet of material. A sensor detects a perforation line and activates a sheet separator which opens or tears only the first sheet along a perforation line. The second sheet remains intact and preserves the web. A stream of air is directed at the open edge to inflate a bag. The bag is stabilized on a platform while articles are inserted. After articles are loaded, the second sheet is separated so that the bag is removed from the web and can be closed as desired.

Abstract: A web structure with electromagnetic radiation shifting indicia is disclosed. The indicia provide signals used in controlling various processes to be performed on the web as well as for controlling movement of the web. The preferred indicia are normally essentially invisible so that the physical appearance of the web is not affected. The indicia emit wave-shifted electromagnetic radiation in response to incident radiation of a given range to provide a means for determining the positioning of the web during movement as the processes are performed. Process and apparatus for making and using such webs are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides apparatus and a method for forming, filling, sealing and cutoff of a package in which a thermoform film rigid bottom member is formed in a forming station adjustably positioned on a base. A loading station and a sealing station like the forming station, also adjustably positioned, are also provided. Both the forming and sealing stations have an adjusting guide means in which the roll supply is carried on a tubular support and the guides are carried on a hingedly secured threaded rod. The lower film and sealing cover as a strip are advanced by edge clamp means, with a first pair of clamps adjustably positioned and carried by a support and a second pair of clamps adjustably positioned on a support reciprocably moved along slide rails by a rotary actuator with an actuated drag link and crank arm. The acceleration and deceleration are produced by the drag link and alternate clamping and unclamping of the strip by valve means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading parts from the end of a first conveyor to holding cavities in an insert in a receptacle travelling on a second conveyor and being indexed by the second conveyor to locate each row relative to a part-loading unit. The insert is located within the receptacle and the holding cavities in the insert are located and sized by expandable probes disposed in a row and introduced simultaneously each in a cavity of a row of the insert and held expanded in each cavity, while an already located and sized row of cavities is being loaded with parts, one cavity at a time.

Abstract: In a horizontal packaging machine for wrapping and sealing articles with flexible films, a servo control system for maintaining synchronism between the finwheel drive, the in-feed conveyer and the cut-off knife assembly so that proper registration of the graphic art work on the packaged article is achieved. The finwheels are driven by a D.C. motor whose armature windings are connected to the output of a servo amplifier. A master tachometer driven by the horizontal wrapper's drive motor provides a voltage which is directly proportional to the angular velocity of that drive motor. The output from the master tachometer is passed through a calibrating network and into a first input of the servo amplifier circuit. A second tachometer is coupled to the finwheel shaft and produces a feedback signal proportional to the angular velocity of the finwheels. The feedback signal is applied to the second input of the servo amplifier and functions to control the D.C. current driving the finwheel drive motor.

Abstract: A system (50) includes a labeling machine (52) and a digital data processing system (54) connected to the labeling machine (52). A cutter (56) of the labeling machine (52) has a shaft (58) with a mark (60), which is sensed by a sensor (62). The sensor (62) supplies shaft (58) information on line (64) to digital data processing system (54). The digital data processing system (54) supplies control signals on line (64) to feed roll (66) stepper motor (67). The digital data processing means (54) is also connected to an optical sensor (76) by line (78). The optical sensor (76) senses the position of position mark (74) on the labels (70), which is correlated with the position of shaft (58) in order to feed the labels (70) to the cutter (56) at the proper rate so that the labels (70) are always cut at the kerf (72) between each label (70).

Abstract: Microprocessor 60 controlled form-fill-seal apparatus has an infeed conveyor 13, web advance and longitudinal sealing unit 19 and transverse sealing jaws 20 and 21 each of which is driven by its own separate motor M1, M2 and M3 respectively. The microprocessor maintains the operation of the motors in synchronism. The movement of the jaws is modulated in accordance with a selected pattern (15) drawn from a library 73 of modulation patterns available to the microprocessor.