Abstract: Apparatus and method for wrapping a resiliently stretchable film wrap around a group of articles stacked on a pallet, with the film wrap tensioned to a desired tension, by feeding the film wrap along a feed path from supply rolls to a wrapping station, with tension rollers placed serially along the feed path such that the film wrap is coupled for movement with the surface of each tension roller, the tension rollers being driven so that the surface speeds of the serially located roller surfaces differ from one another in order to stretch and tension the film wrap to a given tension, and the stretched and tensioned film wrap being applied to the stacked articles with essentially uniform tension in the film wrap around the periphery of the unit load.

Abstract: A method of packaging products comprising positioning the products between two opposed sheet portions of flexible plastics material at lengthwise spaced locations. The sheet portions are sealed together along lines transverse to the lengthwise direction thereof and at locations between adjacent pairs of said products. Thereby generally tubular compartments are formed within which the products extend in end to end direction transverse to said lengthwise direction and are retained.

Abstract: The apparatus for producing pouch packages in pairs has two tube shaping devices disposed beside one another and two crosswise closure devices. To prevent having to stop both tubular pouch shaping devices at the same time in the event of an interruption or malfunction, or when changing a roll of packaging material, the crosswise closure devices are disposed on separate carriers. The carriers which are movable up and down individually can be coupled with a reciprocating element, which is moved incrementally up and down by a drive mechanism.

Abstract: Medical appliances are continuously packed for sterilization thereof by the process wherein (1) bags having micropores in peripheral side portions thereof to be sealed, which micropores allow passage of a sterilizing gas and a high pressure steam but do not allow passage of germs, are formed from packing sheets; (2) medical appliances are inserted into the bags while the bags are formed; (3) all the peripheral side portions of the bags are sealed; and (4) the sealed bags containing the packed medical appliances are separated into packages each having the packed medical appliance.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging of drinking straws. A cylinder having notches extending longitudinally thereof is positioned at the lower end of a hopper for the straws. The hopper has a supply conduit terminating in an outlet closely overlying the surface of the cylinder. The straws pass into the supply conduit in parallel horizontal positions to define an endless column. A feed mechanism compresses the straws within the supply conduit so that individual straws are forcefully engaged with the notches in the cylinder. A first web is fed onto the periphery of the cylinder in overlying relation to the notches and when a notch, covered by the first web, moves into alignment with the outlet of the supply conduit, a lowermost straw is forced from the supply conduit into the notch while deforming the web to the general configuration of the notch.

Abstract: A roll-wrapping apparatus and method where rolls are wrapped with an envelope of heat-shrink plastic film with a label positioned between the envelope and roll and electrostatically bonded to the film. The bond prevents misalignment of the label prior to heat shrinking of the film onto the roll.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for producing packages and particularly substantially wrinkle-free packages from strips of cohesive-coated media. A first strip having a coating of cohesive material facing upwardly is advanced along a supporting surface. After an object to be packaged is deposited thereon, a second strip having a coating of cohesive material facing downwardly is moved over the first strip and the object. The strips are then sealed along an elongate, transverse area in front of the newly-deposited object and behind a previously-deposited one. Subsequently, longitudinal edge portions of both strips are sealed along both sides of the object. As the strip is further advanced, the transverse area is severed along an intermediate line to separate a leading package containing the previously-deposited object from a leading portion of the strips containing the newly-deposited object.

Abstract: Volume batcher for fluent materials, particularly suitable for high speed packaging machines of filter-bags for infusion products such as tea, camomile and similar which comprises a cylindrical drum provided with radial pockets rotating about an horizontal axis below a feed hopper of the product to make up. A filter paper strip is made adherent advance with the cylindrical surface of the drum closing said pockets from the top dead center to the bottom dead center from where it horizontally continues with the quantities of product on it to a packaging station. Said pockets have a volume variable structure by means of a cylinder shaped inside hollow piston member in communication with atmosphere and with at least the radially most outer head perforated.

Abstract: A heat sealing and cut-off device for making packages with shrink film wrapping. The device includes a rotating anvil and a counter-rotating knife and clamping bars. The rotations are synchronous and independently mounted clamping bars hold the film for heat sealing and severing without scuffing.

Abstract: A roll-wrapping apparatus and method where rolls are wrapped with an envelope of heat-shrink plastic film with a label positioned between the envelope and roll and electrostatically bonded to the film. The bond prevents misalignment of the label prior to heat shrinking of the film onto the roll.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for wrapping a roll with a welded closed snug envelope of transparent heat shrink plastic film and a label accurately positioned between the roll and envelope away from the weld bead closing the envelope.

Abstract: A pass through apparatus and process for wrapping a web of stretched material around a conveyor transported load. The pass through apparatus has a film supply assembly on opposite sides of the load, each of the assemblies comprising a film dispenser and a powered roller mechanism which takes film from the film dispenser and pre-stretches it in the powered roller mechanism prior to the application of the film around the load. Once the load passes a sensing station, it is stopped and the clamping jaws draw the tensioned film around the load and clamp together short sections of film which have not been pre-stretched by the roller mechanisms. The film is then relaxed in the sealing area and is sealed in an untensioned un-pre-stretched state. The sealed webs are then severed allowing the wrapped load to be carried away by the conveyor with the film wrap slowly recovering its original configuration increasing the holding force of the wrap on the load.

Abstract: A machine for packaging tea includes a rotary dispensing drum having rows of circumferentially spaced pockets into which tea flows by gravity through outlets at the bottom of a hopper. The tea is deposited in piles from the pockets on a web of packaging material which travels in contact with the periphery of the drum. The portion of the hopper containing the outlets is movable in relation to the drum so as to vary the effective area of the outlets and therefore the size of the deposited piles of tea.

Abstract: A method of packaging first and second kneadable plastic masses that react when mixed includes(a) providing the masses in lengthwise elongated strip form and traveling the masses lengthwise in parallel relation but with a predetermined gap therebetween,(b) providing an elongated first plastic film that defines a barrier and traveling that film in the direction of travel of the masses,(c) and urging the traveling film toward the traveling masses to contact same and to locate the barrier in the gap.The film may have side sections simultaneously urged against surfaces of the traveling masses; a second traveling film beneath the masses may be contacted by the barrier; and end portions of the first film may be heat sealed to the second film to encapsulate the masses.

Abstract: A machine for the production of a web with individually wrapped drinking straws from two separate plastic films is disclosed. The machine includes a rotatable drum around which one of the plastic films is led and simultaneously given a corrugated form. The drinking straws are thereafter placed one by one in the recesses in the corrugated form and the second plastic film is applied and heat-sealed to said corrugated first film so that the drinking straws are completely enclosed in air-tight packages.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus is provided for producing packages of various sizes. The package is of generally rectangular form and comprises two webs of packaging material which can be of a wide variety of lengths and widths. The packages have parallel longitudinal adhesive strips and parallel transverse adhesive strips joining the two webs of packaging material together. A lower continuous web of packaging material is fed longitudinally along a predetermined path and two separate applicator heads apply strips of adhesive material along edge portions of the web. Additional applicator heads, preferably combined as a single unit with two nozzles, apply transverse strips of adhesive material between the longitudinal strips when the web is stopped.

Abstract: A device for wrapping a sheet material about an object is disclosed such as a heat shrinkable plastic material about a container in a shrink bundling process. The device is able to cover both the top and the bottom of the container or in the alternative cover only the top of the container with the use of auxiliary glue guns. The device comprises a frame having a conveyor for moving the container. A first sealing member includes a plurality of sealing elements rotatably mounted on a hub which is journaled to the frame. A second sealing member is slidably mounted to the frame for cooperation with one of the plurality of sealing elements. The sheet material extends between the first and second sealing members whereat the second sealing member engages a first of the plurality of sealing elements to sever the sheet material at the leading edge of the object. Rotation of the first sealing member positions a second of the plurality of sealing elements adjacent the second sealing member.

Abstract: Packs of product move along a defined path, compressed in the grip of carrier jaws. A pair of webs of thermoplastic sheet material move towards said path from opposite sides thereof and are joined at a heat-fused seam to form an effective continuous strip across said path and into which a pair of carrier jaws moves with its pack. Pressure jaws converge just behind the carrier jaws to form the strip into a loop around the carrier jaws and produce two parallel, slightly spaced heat-fused seams between which the webs are severed and one of which connects the ends of said loop to form a band around the carrier jaws while the other connects the webs into a strip for formation of the next band. Until the band-completing seam has cooled, the carrier jaws keep the pack compressed enough to prevent seam rupturing tension on the band, then diverge enough to tension the band slightly, whereupon band and pack, in unison, are slid endwise out of engagement with the carrier jaws.

Abstract: There is disclosed a form, fill and seal apparatus for liquids, semi-liquids and powders. The apparatus contemplates the use of two films and the sloping of the first seal and filling station at from ten degrees to a vertical condition. Contrary to the many arrangements and apparatus showing a single film and fill apparatus, this application allows and encourages single and plural filling simultaneously of pouches formed in two films. The pouch is formed by a U-shaped seal that enables a longer seal time to be employed rather than the longitudinal sealing means often employed. The feeding tube is fixed in place and the package as it is formed and filled is advanced past the fill tube. The filled pouches have the sides bowed and/or skewed to accommodate insertion of the spout and fill contents. The open top of the formed and filled pouch, when moved from the spout, is brought from its bowed condition to a contiguous and wrinkle free condition whereat it is sealed.

Abstract: A machine in which a wrapping film extends across a path in which articles to be packaged are moved. The film is drawn from supply rolls above and below the path as an article or group of articles is moved along the path. The film is brought together and sealed behind the article or group of articles to form a tube, the tube is severed from the remaining film, and the remaining film is sealed together. The tube is then thermally shrunk. A cutting and sealing bar movable along a path inclined at an acute angle with the conveying path in part wraps the film about the article or group of articles, and severs and seals the film. An upright frame carries and guides the cutting and sealing bar and is adjustable about a pivot in the plane of the conveying path to vary the angle at which the cutting and sealing bar moves with respect to the conveying path. A film supply roll is carried by the frame so the path of the film from the supply roll relative to the frame is independent of the frame adjustment.

Abstract: In a wrap-around packaging machine by means of which a film loop is wrapped around a plurality of objects, the film passes through a slit provided in a rotary tensioning roller at an end of which a driving pulley is fastened. A rope is wound around the driving pulley. One end of the rope is connected to a traction device and the other end is connected to a restoring device. The tensioning roller by the operation of the traction device can be rotated from a first defined position in which the film freely passes through the slit of the tensioning roller into a second position in which the film is clamped at the tensioning roller and the film loop is tensioned. Then after welding or heat sealing of the film loop the traction device is made inoperative and the restoring device operates in order to move back the tensioning roller into its defined first position.

Abstract: A machine for packaging sundry articles between two weldable plastics material sheets is disclosed, in which provision is made for the formation of a top sheet loop to cope with different tallnesses of the articles as they are being packaged and sealed between the plastics sheet: undue sheet tensions are prevented as well as undue slackening of the sheet.Waste of plastics material is also efficiently done away with.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical dosage forms comprising an edible web having deposited thereon or at least partially thereon a particulate medicament, the webs being thereafter fabricated and finished to pharmaceutically elegant solid dosage forms having no medicament exposed on an exterior surface. The dosage forms have a consistency of release of medicament which can be controlled to exacting specifications. The disclosed solid dosage forms are prepared by high speed automated equipment and the process by which they are made is characterized by non-destructive quality control analysis and performance evaluation both conducted on-line and integrated into the manufacturing operation. Included in the scope of the disclosed invention are certain apparatus and methods of manufacture.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for positioning and securing a coupon within a transparent plastic bag in visible but tamper-proof manner. During manufacture of the bag a coupon is positioned against the inner surface of one side of the bag and the coupon is then overlaid with a cover strip which is heat sealed to the side of the bag. The bag is then completed and the coupon is held within the bag by the cover strip.

Abstract: In a packaging apparatus, articles are collated and formed into a module on a carriage assembly and are transported into a draped wrapping film and to means for sealing the wrapped module. Common movement of the sides of the carriage assembly are provided so as to ensure the stability of the collated article pattern. The draped wrapping film is under tension and is aligned with respect to the direction of travel of the carriage assembly. Side and transverse rear sealing of the wrapped module is provided, and the means for rear sealing the module also cuts the wrapping film and splices the unused wrapping film for return to its draped position. The wrapped and sealed module is transferred by a conveyor means from its wrapping position to a means for shrinking the wrapping film over the article module.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in strapping a bundle of articles with a heat sealable plastics material strap, the apparatus having first and second strap feed stations and a support for receiving and supporting a bundle of articles to be strapped. When the bundle is moved onto the support it passes through the line of the strap extending between the stations so that the strap is caused to embrace the bundle, and first and second limbs of the strap which then extend from the bundle to the respective stations are each clamped at two spaced apart zones. The two strap limbs are then severed between the clamping zones by a reciprocating cutter and resultant corresponding end portions of the severed limbs are then moved into clamping contact and welded together in overlapping relationship.

Abstract: A banding machine for banding bundles of bank notes, by means of ribbons of material, which are drawn off two supply rollers by the material to be packed, which has been inserted into the machine, and pass above and beneath the material to be packed to a sealing and cutting device, which forms a closing sealing seam for the material to be packed. Bundles of different size can be handled because moveable stops move the bundle into a precise operating position.

Abstract: A coupon confining bag method wherein two continuous flexible thermoplastic webs are advanced toward one another for superposition, one web being wider with the narrower web being transparent; the webs are longitudinally sealed along one edge of the narrower web, coupons inserted between the webs transversely, the webs thereupon being longitudinally sealed together along the other edge of the narrower web and the wider web being transversely sealed and severed between adjacent coupons.

Abstract: This invention relates to a packaging machine for wrapping light objects, for example paper cups in flexible plastics wrappers. The packaging machine according to the invention is of the general type including a cell conveyor for the objects, lower and upper plastics films respectively fed below and above the objects and welding and cutting means for joining said films together before each object by operating a double weld with intermediate cut. According to the invention, each cell of the conveyor is provided with at least one upper closing arm carrying an idle roller for the lower film and resiliently retained in cell closing position, there being provided first and second cam means acting on said arm to cause momentary displacements thereof into cell opening position when each cell passes through loading and discharge regions respectively upstream and downstream of the film joining region.

Abstract: An apparatus for making cushioning, shock absorbing, insulating or packaging material formed of webs of plastic material sealed together to make fluid or air filled cells in a quilted fashion. A tube forming roller forms tubes of the material. Heat sealing elements seal the webs into tubular formation and additional heat sealing elements seal the webs transversely across the tubular formation to form a series of cells. A fluid blower maintains fluid or air within the tubes during the cellular formation.

Abstract: Disclosure is made of a device for packing flat articles, mainly battery electrodes into a separating material, wherein a bed supports a grip which moves the article to be packed jointly with the material. Installed in line with said grip on said bed is a material feeding mechanism in the form of two reels mounted on parallel axles. The grip is linked kinematically with the carriage of the material feeding mechanism, said carriage reciprocating jointly with the grip. A guide with a slot receiving the article to be packed, is mounted on the carriage, the slot being limited by a fixed stop on the side opposite to the grip.