Abstract: Water-soluble unit dose article and a method of making.

Abstract: A packing method and unit to pack articles, includes: moving first seats by a first conveyor and second seats by a second conveyor along first and second paths at first and second moving speeds, respectively; and cyclically transferring an article from a first seat to a second seat in a transfer station. The first seats and second seats each designed to house an article. During normal operation with no rejected articles, the first moving speed is functionally equal to the second moving speed, and the same number of first and second seats pass through the transfer station in a given time interval. Where at least one article is rejected in a first seat, the second moving speed is functionally decreased relative to the first moving speed so that two first seats (one containing the rejected article) passes through the transfer station in the time interval as one second seat.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a seed support that comprises a biodegradable polymer film having a plurality of seeds at least partially embedded therein, the process comprising the steps of (a) providing a hydrophobic release liner (18); (b) applying a coating of an aqueous dispersion or solution comprising a biodegradable polymer on the hydrophobic release liner (18), wherein the dispersion or solution has a viscosity of from 2000 to 16000 mPa·s and a water content of from 58% to 90% by weight of the coating; (c) depositing a plurality of seeds onto the coating so that the seeds become at least partially embedded in the coating; (d) drying the coating to give a final water content of 1.5% to 15% by weight and thereby form the biodegradable polymer film; and (e) detaching the hydrophobic release liner from the biodegradable polymer film to give the seed support.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus including a sealing tool that is movable between an inactive position and a sealing position. The sealing tool includes two actuating elements, each with a respective actuating surface that face each other. The actuating elements are configured to allow the passage of a packaging material therebetween and for transversely sealing the packaging material when the sealing tool is in the sealing position. The actuating surfaces are configured to cooperate with one another to perform the sealing. The actuating surfaces are also configured to cooperate with one another during the change in position of the sealing tool to the sealing position, and for transversely cutting the packaging material during the change in position.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating product containing pouches from a travelling web of adhered films carried on a film support surface includes a rotary blade drum assembly having blade configurations with blade portions arranged to form the entire perimeter edge of the flange of the pouch which rotate in synchronous registration with grooves in the film support surface. In one form, at least one blade portion and associated groove portion are non-linear and other than longitudinal or transverse to the film support surface of the forming drum or travelling web of films. The blade portions may be heated and the rotary blade drum assembly may include insulating guides for the pouches.

Abstract: Winding apparatuses for winding sheet material and related methods are disclosed herein. The winding apparatuses can include a set of winding drive rollers. Each drive roller of the winding drive rollers can have drive wheels spaced apart along the respective drive roller with a winding zone between the winding drive rollers. The winding apparatus can also include a feed system positioned before the set of the winding drive rollers for moving sheet material along a travel path in a machine direction into the winding zone.

Abstract: A sealing device generally includes a rotatable support cylinder having an outer, circumferential surface and a heating element disposed about such surface and secured thereto such that the heating element rotates therewith. The heating element is coiled about the outer surface of the cylinder in the form of an overlapping helical pattern. Juxtaposed film plies may be sealed together by bringing the sealing device into rotational contact with the juxtaposed film plies and heating the heating element to a temperature sufficient to cause the film plies to seal together.

Abstract: A bag-making and packaging apparatus includes a bag-making and packaging unit, a film feeding unit, a splicing device, and a control unit. The control unit allows a bag-making operation to continue by utilizing an auto-feeding function that feeds to the bag-making and packaging unit a film F spliced by the splicing device to take the place of a film F currently being fed to the bag-making and packaging unit. When the control unit judges that at least one of the film feeding unit and the splicing device is malfunctioning in a case where the control unit is utilizing the auto-feeding function, the control unit stops the auto-feeding function and executes a non-auto-feeding mode. The non-auto-feeding mode allows the bag-making operation to be continued by the bag-making and packaging unit and a film roll holding unit that is operable among plural film roll holding units.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a deep-drawing apparatus for deep-drawing a continuously fed film web, an associated packaging machine, and a corresponding method. A cyclically sequenced forming station, which runs along from a start position to an end position and runs back from there to the start position is provided, wherein individual format plates are sequentially firstly connected up to a forming vacuum device and then with a following holding vacuum channel. The forming vacuum device is part of the cyclically moved forming station. The holding vacuum channel includes two interlocking telescopic channel portions, a first telescopic channel portion being part of the cyclically moved forming station, and a second telescopic channel portion being mounted statically relative to the fixed machine frame.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating product containing pouches from a travelling web of adhered films carried on a film support surface includes a rotary blade drum assembly having blade configurations with blade portions arranged to form the entire perimeter edge of the flange of the pouch which rotate in synchronous registration with grooves in the film support surface. In one form, at least one blade portion and associated groove portion are non-linear and other than longitudinal or transverse to the film support surface of the forming drum or travelling web of films. The blade portions may be heated and the rotary blade drum assembly may include insulating guides for the pouches.

Abstract: An apparatus is arranged for packaging sheet material, in particular banknotes, vouchers, checks, separation cards, etc., with a packaging device, packaging material dispensed from a roll for packaging the sheet material, and a control device controlling the apparatus. A monitoring device is provided for the packaging material, and the control device evaluates a signal of the monitoring device during the packaging of sheet material, in order to derive therefrom whether packaging material is present on the roll.

Abstract: A feed mechanism for pocketed spring strands is provided with at least one index wheel having a plurality of blades. The feed mechanism is provided with a motor. The at least one index wheel includes a first support member which is rotatable about a first rotation axis and carries a first support element which supports a shaft element of the blade to be tiltable about a tilt axis extending in parallel to the first rotation axis. The at least one index wheel includes a second support member which is rotatable about a second rotation axis which extends in parallel to the first rotation axis and carries a second support element which is slidable along the shaft element of the blade and supports the shaft element to be tiltable about the tilt axis.

Abstract: A width-adjustable packaging bag shaper, a bag maker, a packaging machine, and a method. The packaging machine including the bag maker, a traction device and a heat sealing device are respectively arranged above the bag maker, and a width adjustment device adjusts the distances between different sub bottom plates in a front bottom plate and a rear bottom plate by using a leadscrew and slide block mechanism, and then adjusts the width of a bottom plate. The leadscrew and slide block mechanism is used as the width adjustment device of the automatic width-adjustable noodle packaging bag shaper system, and four bottom plates are respectively fixed to the width adjustment device, so the leadscrew and slide block mechanism in operation is accurate in range of adjustment, is suitable for various widths of packaging bags, and has very important significance for the three-dimensional shaping effect of the packaging bags.

Abstract: A straw forming machine includes a feeding device, a pressing device, a sticking device, a conveyor device, and a cutting device. The paper material is stretched from the feeding device to the pressing device which curls the paper material. When the paper material is delivered to the sticking device, the two sides of the paper material are pressed by the sticking device to form the paper pipe, and the press roll of the sticking device rolls and sticks the two abutting portions of the paper pipe. Then, the paper pipe is delivered by the conveyor device to the cutting device which cuts the paper pipe to form drinking straws.

Abstract: Introduced here are carrier tape assemblies that can improve efficiency and reduce costs when utilized in the handling, transport, or storage of semiconductor components. A carrier tape assembly can include an adhesive film affixed to an elongated and/or extruded carrier tape. For example, the adhesive film may be integrally laminated onto the top surface of the elongate carrier tape as a single continuous (i.e., unbroken) sheet. The adhesive film may substantially conform to the top surface of the elongate carrier tape, including any punched cavities for holding semiconductor components. Proper securement of the semiconductor components to the carrier tape assembly depends on the adhesive property of the constituent material(s) of the adhesive film.

Abstract: A heat sealing packaging machine and method for assembling that includes a package platform for supporting a package, a film carriage carrying a supply of film material, a sealing platform adjacent the package platform and including a conveyor for laterally moving the package to be sealed to a shrink tunnel. The carriage is laterally movable to adjust the position of the film material and a lifting mechanism raises and lowers the sealing platform and the shrink tunnel. The shrink tunnel is laterally movable with respect to the sealing platform and includes a latch mechanism for locking a lateral position of the shrink tunnel.

Abstract: A sealing machine having a movable carriage assembly which utilizes a counterbalance and two servo motors is disclosed. The counterbalance allows high throughput operation without excessive mechanical vibration. The use of two servo motors allows independent control of the horizontal movement of the movable carriage assembly and the vertical movement of the jaws. The use of two servo motors also allows adaptation to articles or packages of various dimensions. In some embodiments, an optical sensor is used to detect the position of the package to be sealed, and the movement of the movable carriage assembly and the jaw is altered based on the detected position.

Abstract: Transforming machines for changing a strip of unopened bag precursors into open bag precursors are disclosed that include a drive motor, a separation station, a sensor electrically connected to a controller that is electrically connected to components of the separation station. The separation station includes a first roller, a separation roller driven by the drive motor, and a pressure device having an actuator selectively activating the pressure device to apply pressure to the strip of unopened bag precursors passing over the first roller. In operation, the controller, based on a signal from the sensor, determines when perforations are located in a gap between the pressure device and the separation roller and at that time signals the actuator to activate the pressure device, with the drive motor driving the separation roller, thereby separating the perforations in a first film layer, but not the perforations in a second film layer.

Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The sheet engagement device may comprise one or more engagement rollers which may have a plurality of teeth thereon. A first plurality of rollers and a second plurality of rollers comprising the engagement rollers may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The engagement device may include a first belt and an opposing second belt which may each have a plurality of teeth thereon. The teeth may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, wherein a product flow of polysilicon chunks is transported via a feed channel, separated by at least one screen into coarse and fine chunks, weighed and dosed to a target weight by a dosing balance, discharged via a discharge channel and transported to a packaging unit where a first plastic bag is filled with the polysilicon chunks and sealed, the plastic bag containing polysilicon chunks being packaged with a further plastic bag which is formed by a shaper and subsequently welded, wherein the at least one screen and the dosing balance at least partially include a hard metal on their surfaces and the shaper for forming the plastic bag includes a wear-resistant coating. Also disclosed are a dosing unit, a packaging unit and a device for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, which contains a dosing unit and a packaging unit.

Abstract: A product wrapping machine with a plurality of counter-jaws homogenously distributed in a forward movement direction (X), a plurality of jaws moving perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X) from an open position to a closed position against the counter-jaws for sealing together the films wrapping the product to one another and cutting them. The machine also includes a jaw actuator for each jaw causing the corresponding jaw to move in the closing direction. The jaws move together simultaneously in the forward movement direction (X) and move independently from one another in the closing direction. The machine further includes a tensioner suitable for collecting part of the film wrapping the product when a jaw leaves the closed position.

Abstract: A device for wrapping an article, the device comprising a first feeder for a first sheet of plastics film, a second feeder for a second sheet of plastics film, a carriage for positioning the article between the first and second sheets of plastics film and a sealing mechanism for sealing the first and second sheets of plastics film together adjacent the periphery of the article.

Abstract: A process for a continuous production of an encapsulated component web by conveying at least two continuous encapsulation films along a longitudinal axis of a production line with at least one of the two continuous encapsulation films having an adhesive layer on an inner face thereof; inserting at least one encapsulatable component between the two continuous encapsulation films; conveying an assembly including the two continuous encapsulation films with the at least one encapsulatable component extending therebetween in a nip defined in between at least two contiguous rolls; and laminating the assembly to encapsulate the at least one encapsulatable component between the two continuous encapsulation films. There is also provided an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A method and packaging system for forming a sealed vacuum package having minimal residual air remaining. At least one vacuum lance is provided in the interior of a partially-formed package to withdraw the air, the package being closed on three sides and having a fourth side open for insertion of the vacuum lance. An air restriction can be provided along the fourth side to form a closed edge that prevents ingress of air into the package interior after the evacuation of air. In one aspect, the air restriction may comprise a pair of pinch rollers that compress the package at the fourth side edge to form a pinch seal that provides a relatively airtight air chamber inside of the package prior to and during sealing of the package. In another aspect, the air restriction may comprise a partial seal formed around the lances to prevent or minimize air from reentering the package.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention pertains to a device for mixing and dispensing fluids, which generally includes a housing; a mixing chamber having a first inlet for introducing a first fluid into the mixing chamber, a second inlet for introducing a second fluid into the mixing chamber, and an outlet through which fluid may exit the mixing chamber; and a valving rod received within the mixing chamber and movable between an open position, in which the first and second inlets are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, a cleaning position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first inlet but does not seal closed the second inlet, and a closed position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first and second inlets.

Abstract: A machine for making pods (2) containing products for infusion including a first roll (3) for feeding a first web (4) of filtering paper material along a predetermined path (P), a second roll (5) for feeding a second web (6) of filtering paper material along a predetermined path (P?), a station (7) for dispensing and successively placing individual charges (8) of product on the first web (4), and a joining station (11) for superposing and joining the first web (4) and the second web (6) in such a way as to form a continuous succession (12) of pods (2); the machine also includes, upstream of the dispensing station (7), a magazine (13) for successively feeding a series of elements (14) for containing the infusion product and a station (21) for forming impressions in the first web (4) and positioning the elements (14) thereon.

Abstract: An ice bagging apparatus which has a frame defining a first ice collecting zone with a collecting bin and an ice bagging zone, wherein the ice bagging zone has a film feeding mechanism that conveys two heat-sealable elongated plastic film webs and a welding apparatus to form a bag from the webs. The film feeding mechanism has rollers between which film webs are passed and pressed against each other. A measuring arrangement measures ice dispensed into the bag by a first ice transport system positioned between the two film webs that form the bag.

Abstract: A shrink film applying apparatus includes an article feed for feeding articles for shrink-wrapping at line pressure; a wrapping conveyor driven at a wrapping speed through a wrapping zone, the wrapping conveyor receiving articles from the article feed. First and second films are supplied to the wrapping zone. A plurality of flight bars are individually driven in a path at a variable speed. A sealing mechanism within the wrapping zone seals the first film to the second film at contact points to form a circumferential film unit substantially surrounding grouped articles within loops of second film and a corresponding portion of the first film, the film unit being shrinkable about the grouped articles to form a package. Related methods and subassemblies of the apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an individual packaging for a liquid or solid product includes uninterruptedly unwinding a lower film while simultaneously unwinding an upper film with regard to the lower film. The process further includes continuously dispensing, between the two films, the product which is to be packaged and simultaneously forming and sealing the contour of each packaging by ultrasonic welding. This welding is carried out so that the ultrasound ejects the product from the zones being welded.

Abstract: A waste sealing apparatus includes a supply mechanism of opposed sealing sheets, a pressure bonding mechanism therefor, a throw-in checking sensor provided on an insertion side of the pressure bonding mechanism, a cutting mechanism for the opposed sealing sheets, a passage checking sensor provided on a discharge side of the pressure bonding mechanism, and a catch-in preventing sensor provided on the discharge side of the pressure bonding mechanism. The pressure bonding mechanism has opposed bonding rolls each having seal parts on its both ends and a elastic compression part therebetween. Detecting a waste by the throw-in checking sensor automatically activates the supply mechanism of opposed sealing sheets. With the pressure bonding mechanism, the bonding rolls to bond opposed sealing sheets to seal the waste. When the passage checking sensor detects the waste from the bonding mechanism, the cutting mechanism automatically cut the sealing sheets.

Abstract: A composite air and foam protective packaging product comprises a packaging cushion having, in cross-section, at least three plies of plastic film, foam between a first ply and a second ply of the three plies of plastic film, and air between the second ply and a third ply of the three plies of plastic film.

Abstract: A packaging group that packages products at a high speed when the products are fed in succession in accordance with a predefined and variable pitch is provided. The packaging group includes a conveyor of the products, at least one roll of at least one plastic film, a feed mechanism that feeds the at least one plastic film from the at least one roll respectively atop and underneath the products substantially upon exiting the conveyor, a counter-welder belt downstream of the conveyor which receives the products covered on their upper and lower parts with the at least one plastic film, and a transverse welder device at the counter-welder belt. The transverse welder device includes a rotating star-like structure equipped with at least three spokes provided at their tips with welder mechanisms cooperating one after the other in succession with the counter-welder belt, in order to weld together portions of the at least one plastic film between the products advancing on the counter-welder belt.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto.

Abstract: A method and a device for packaging product portions in a wrapper are proposed, wherein at least two webs of a packaging material are aligned parallel, with the longitudinal edges facing each other overlapping, and each transported towards one upwardly open folding shaft, the webs are severed transverse to the overlapping longitudinal edges, creating flat blanks of the wrappers, and the blanks are folded into the folding shaft , creating an upwardly open wrapper, whereupon the product portion is placed in the open wrappers and the upwardly protruding sections of the wrappers are then turned inward while overlapping. The blanks, whose inner edges overlap, are guided in frictional engagement to their folding position above the folding shafts, whereupon the longitudinal edges of the overlapping blanks facing each other are, lifted together , whereupon the blanks are released by releasing the frictional engagement.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto.

Abstract: There is provided a packaging apparatus including a mechanism for joining a film from a film roll and a film from another film roll to each other. The packaging apparatus is capable of preventing a joint of the films from suffering a thermal sealing failure thereby increasing production efficiency. Package apparatus (10) includes film supply mechanism (10A) for joining and supplying films (1A, 1B) and packaging mechanism (10C) for producing package bags from the film. Film accumulator (10B) for guiding and holding the film in a meandering fashion is disposed between film supply mechanism (10A) and packaging mechanism (10C). Some of accumulating rollers (21) of film accumulator (10B) are movable to a predetermined position depending on the size of package bags to be manufactured.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto.

Abstract: A bag packaging machine with vertical intermittent operation, which has a sealing station for the opposite pair of films that form the bags, in which two sealing plates operate in opposite position with respect to the symmetrical vertical axis Y-Y of the machine, which are supported with possibility of free sliding by corresponding frames fixed to free shafts that extend from the back to the front of the machine with forward inclination towards the front of the machine.

Abstract: A bagging conveyor quickly positions two-dimensional arrayed layers of objects inside a sealed, flexible bag prior to the layers of objects being delivered by the bagging conveyor to a palletizer. The bagging conveyor receives continuous films of packaging material from below and above the conveying surface of the bagging conveyor and positions the films of packaging material below and above the layer of objects being conveyed by the conveyor. The bagging conveyor then forms seams along the laterally opposite side edges of the packing material films at the sides of the conveyed layer of objects and forms seams laterally across the upper and lower films of packaging material in front of and behind the conveyed layer of objects, thereby quickly enclosing the conveyed layer of objects in a sealed bag as they are conveyed through the bagging conveyor.

Abstract: A sealed single-dose break-open package (1) having: a first sheet (2) of semirigid plastic material; a second sheet (3) of flexible plastic material superimposed on and sealed to the first sheet (2) of semirigid plastic material to define a sealed pocket (4) containing a dose of a product (5); and an incision (6) formed in the first sheet (2) of semirigid plastic material to guide controlled breakage of the first sheet (2) along the incision (6) and form an outlet opening for the product (5) through the first sheet (2); the incision (6) varies in depth lengthwise to break the first sheet (2) gradually along the incision (6).

Abstract: A system for producing removable portions having personalized information, for mass-distributable packets, by single-pass manufacturing, in which a printed web is slit into two ribbons, one of which is then folded and glued upon itself to create a multi-ply ribbon that appears to be of heavier stock than the original paper, and a label containing a magnetic strip is applied. The magnetic strip can be encoded with information personalized to the recipient or the advertiser. Alternatively, the multi-ply ribbon can be created by gluing together multiple ribbons, or by a combination of folding ribbons and gluing ribbons. The multi-ply ribbon is die cut into an inside portion and an outside portion and married to the other ribbon, after which the outside portion is removed, leaving the inner portion as removable portions. Alternatively, the folded ribbon can be kiss cut after it has been married to the other ribbon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium containing computer executable code for instructing a computer to first display a field selection screen which includes selection indicators for a plurality of label fields. Then there is displayed a field content screen responsive to the label fields previously selected with the field content screen allowing editing of at least one label field. A bar code corresponding with one of said label fields is then selected and a print preview screen containing a plurality of said label fields is displayed. Then a print command for printing a label substantially as displayed on the print preview screen and including the bar code (regardless of whether or not said bar code is included on said print preview screen) is transmitted.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method and an apparatus for making a medium-filled packing of two superposed heat-sealable elongated webs of plastic film (3) which are thermally sealed in longitudinal and transverse directions of the film webs for forming packings (11), and where the formed packings are filled by medium and closed. The film webs (3) are passed between a pair of rollers (6) which are pressed against each other, retaining the film webs therebetween. Thermal sealing across part of the width of the film webs is performed so that unbroken longitudinal areas (9) without any thermal sealing appear in the longitudinal direction of the film webs (3). The medium is filled into the packing before closing it for the formation of the medium-filled packing.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing packages of product; the apparatus according to the invention comprises elements for feeding a plurality of trays, which are arranged substantially horizontally and so that their corresponding cavities are directed upward and are distributed in a line along at least one advancement direction, along which at least one unit for filling at least one of the trays at a time and at least one unit for applying covering elements to the filled tray in order to obtain a package are arranged; the application unit can move in a reciprocating fashion along the advancement direction between an initial configuration, which substantially coincides with the longitudinal position at which the filling of the tray ends with respect to the advancement direction, and a final configuration, which is advanced with respect to the initial one, the filling unit being movable in a reciprocating manner toward and away from the longitudinal end filling position.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by capturing the product in flexible packaging material. The packing apparatus includes a product detector for detecting the presence or absence of a product to be packaged. The detection of the product may cause the advancement of packaging material and the product through a nipping station to form a package. The failure to detect a product may cause the advancement of the packaging material to stop and conserve packaging material until a product is detected. The product detector may be a color sensor trained to detect a color of the first web, a luminescence sensor trained to detect a luminance of the first web, or a light-sensitive sensor trained to detect a difference in light passing through the first web. Also, a luminescence additive may be joined with the lower web to provide a distinct luminance.

Abstract: A film feeding device etc. in which, even if film rolls in which tapes are applied to joint between films of the rolls are used, an occurrence of a bag making failure caused by the tape is prevented. A film feeding mechanism (10A) has a receiving member (72) for holding the leading edge of a film (1B) of the standby side and a joining sealer (71) for joining films (1A, 1B). A tape (B) applied to the film (1A) on the use side is detected by a sensor (83), and according to the result of the detection, a cutter (81) cuts of the film (1A) at a portion on the downstream side of the tape. Then, the cut film (1A) and the film (1B) of the standby side are joined by the joining sealer (71), and the two films joined are sent as a long film.

Abstract: A bagging conveyor quickly positions two-dimensional arrayed layers of objects inside a sealed, flexible bag prior to the layers of objects being delivered by the bagging conveyor to a palletizer. The bagging conveyor receives continuous films of packaging material from below and above the conveying surface of the bagging conveyor and positions the films of packaging material below and above the layer of objects being conveyed by the conveyor. The bagging conveyor then forms seams along the laterally opposite side edges of the packing material films at the sides of the conveyed layer of objects and forms seams laterally across the upper and lower films of packaging material in front of and behind the conveyed layer of objects, thereby quickly enclosing the conveyed layer of objects in a sealed bag as they are conveyed through the bagging conveyor.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing dunnage including a plurality of rollers for pulling a web of material through the machine, a nozzle with at least one port through which gas or liquid flows, a plurality of ceramic elements in opposing positions such that the web of material can pass between the plurality of ceramic elements. A heating element is routed through each of the plurality of ceramic elements such that heat will radiate through openings in the top surfaces of the ceramic elements that will melt the portion of the material that is passing between the opposing ceramic elements. The apparatus may be equipped to manufacture multiple pieces of dunnage simultaneously.

Abstract: A bagging conveyor quickly positions two-dimensional arrayed layers of objects inside a sealed, flexible bag prior to the layers of objects being delivered by the bagging conveyor to a palletizer. The bagging conveyor receives continuous films of packaging material from below and above the conveying surface of the bagging conveyor and positions the films of packaging material below and above the layer of objects being conveyed by the conveyor. The bagging conveyor then forms seams along the laterally opposite side edges of the packing material films at the sides of the conveyed layer of objects and forms seams laterally across the upper and lower films of packaging material in front of and behind the conveyed layer of objects, thereby quickly enclosing the conveyed layer of objects in a sealed bag as they are conveyed through the bagging conveyor.