Abstract: There is disclosed bagging apparatus (20) for bagging a pre-form (12) for a composite component on a tool (10), the apparatus (20) comprising: a bag dispenser (22) having a store (28) for a tubular vacuum bag (30); and a bag guide (36). In use, a length of tubular vacuum bag material (30) can be drawn from the store (28) radially outwardly over the bag guide (36) and over the tool (10) to form a tube around the pre-form. There is also disclosed a method of bagging a pre-form (12) for a composite component on a tool using the bagging apparatus (20).

Abstract: A stretch packaging machine is provided with a lift mechanism and a tray movement mechanism. The lift mechanism has a plurality of loading members on which a tray is loaded and which lift up the tray toward film such that the tray contacts the film sealing an opening at the top of the tray. The tray movement mechanism is configured to move the tray slidingly over the loading members of the lift mechanism to a predetermined position on the loading members. A frictional coefficient of at least first loading members is such that contact between the tray and the loading members disposed on the near side in the moving direction in which the tray is moved by the tray movement mechanism is smaller than the frictional coefficient of second loading members disposed on the far side in the moving direction.

Abstract: A machine with a packaging station, at which trays having products are sealed. Opposed parallel sets of belts move in synchronism with each other transversely to the direction of movement of the trays along the packaging station. Each set of belts has an upper belt and a lower belt adjacent to each other and moving in the same direction at the same speed. One end of the adjacent runs receives a sheet of film. A plurality of jaws are located on each of the opposed sets of belts, each set of jaws receiving adjacent runs and an edge of the film. The opposed sets of belts are moveable relatively towards and away from each other, such that the jaws can hold films of different widths and such that the film held therebetween can be stretched and relaxed. A clamp is connected to each set of jaws. The clamp is spring biased to the separate the top and bottom thereof. A power element exerts a selective force onto the bottom of the clamp to close the adjacent runs onto the film.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a film around each of a sequence of objects passing sequentially through a wrapping station has a supply of the film adjacent the station, a feed head at the station having a base, a support carried on the base and rotatable relative thereto about a vertical axis, and a feeder on the base for pulling the film off the supply and feeding it to the support. A film storer carried on the support is operable to take in and store a length of film fed to the support by the feeder. A pull-down device in the station is vertically displaceable below the feed head.

Abstract: A system for packaging a food product including a conveying system for supporting and moving the food product. The system includes a detection device for collecting data related to the shape of the food product while the food product is supported by the conveying system. The system also includes a film dispensing device for dispensing one of a plurality of different films. A controller configured to direct the film dispensing device to select one of the plurality of films for dispensing. The system also includes a wrapping device for wrapping the food product in the selected film.

Abstract: A product roll packaging apparatus includes a transfer unit for lifting and transferring a product roll from a conveyor, a wrapping unit for wrapping a protective sheet around the roll and attaching an end thereof with an adhesive tape, a protective sheet supply unit for cutting off the sheet from a sheet roll and supplying it along a protective sheet path line to the wrapping unit, and a tape supply unit for supplying the tape to the end of the cut sheet. The transfer unit includes a position correcting mechanism for establishing a reference line depending on the roll size, and bringing a reference end face of the roll into alignment with a vertical plane including the reference line. The protective sheet supply unit includes an edge position control mechanism for bringing a reference edge of the sheet into alignment with the reference line corresponding to the roll size.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched packaging material to a load are disclosed. An amount of pre-stretched packaging material to be dispensed by a packaging material dispenser is determined based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped. Once the amount of packaging material to be dispensed is determined, a ratio of relative rotational speed to packaging material dispenser speed can be set and mechanically controlled. In an alternative embodiment, the ratio is electronically controlled.

Abstract: A system for providing dunnage to a container for packaging an object in the container includes a void volume probe and a supply of dunnage. The void volume probe measures the void volume of the container and outputs information representative of the measured void volume. And the supply of dunnage is controllable to dispense an amount of dunnage to fill the void volume based on the information output from the void volume probe.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined amount of pre-stretched film based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt. A film dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring includes a pulley that connects to the belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched film to be dispensed for at least a portion of a revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum film use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched film that is between approximately 100% and approximately 130% of load girth. Once the amount of film to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a mechanical ratio of ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e., number of pre-stretch roller revolution/ring rotation) can be set.

Abstract: A method of positioning a loaded bag in a vacuum chamber includes loading a bag by placing a product in the bag; placing the bag on an infeed conveyor that is transparent to IR; advancing the bag, on the conveyor, to a sensing apparatus including an infrared camera disposed above the conveyor, and a bank of LED's disposed below the conveyor; interrogating the loaded bag, using the sensing apparatus, with infrared radiation to detect the trailing edge of the product inside the bag; transmitting information acquired from the interrogating step to a PLC; advancing the interrogated loaded bag a distance, based in the information acquired from the interrogating step, to a vacuum chamber including a heat seal assembly; and heat sealing the loaded bag with the heat seal assembly to close the bag mouth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined fixed amount of pre-stretched film based upon load girth. A non-rotating ring carries a belt. A film dispenser is mounted on a rotating ring, and the rotating ring includes a pulley that connects to the belt. Based upon the girth of the load to be wrapped, an amount of pre-stretched film to be dispensed for each revolution made by the rotating ring is determined. Good wrapping performance in terms of load containment (wrap force) and optimum film use is obtained by dispensing a length of pre-stretched film that is between approximately 100% and approximately 130% of load girth. Once the amount of film to be dispensed per revolution is determined, a mechanical ratio of ring drive to final pre-stretch surface speed (i.e., number of pre-stretch roller revolution/ring rotation) can be set. Thus, for each revolution of the rotating ring and dispenser, a predetermined fixed amount of film is dispensed and wrapped around the load.

Abstract: A detecting and protecting device includes detecting devices, and an ultrasonic sensor; the detecting devices are connected to respective ones of expanding assemblies of a shrink film machine, and each include a seat behind a supporting rod of a corresponding expanding assembly, a movable rod passed through the seat and projecting below the supporting rod, a stopping board pivoted to one end of the movable rod, a shading block joined to one end of the stopping board, and a sensor positioned on the movable rod and normally shaded by the shading block; if the stopping board comes into contact with goods while a shrink film is being lowered, it will tilt, and the shading block will no longer shade the sensor; the ultrasonic sensor is used for measuring height of the goods such that sealing and cutting action will start immediately after the film encompasses the goods.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping stacks of web product with wrap web material supplied from a supply roll. The apparatus includes a conveyor for supporting and moving the stacks to be wrapped along a conveying path, a drive assembly operable to receive wrap material from the supply roll and positively feed the wrap material to the conveying path, and a wrapping assembly for manipulating the wrap material around the stack. The method includes supporting and moving the stacks to be wrapped along a conveying path, rotating a cutting roll, clean cutting the wrap material received from the supply roll to separate a wrap sheet from the wrap material, defining a trailing edge of the wrap sheet, delivering the trailing edge to the conveying path after the wrap sheet is separated from the wrap material, and manipulating the wrap sheet around the stack.

Abstract: A monitoring system for monitoring one or more packaging material conversion machines includes one or more sensors for monitoring one or more operating characteristics of the one or more conversion machines. The system also includes a controller in communication with the one or more sensors. The controller evaluates the one or more operating characteristics of the one or more conversion machines to thereby provide diagnostic, inventory and machine usage information. In addition, a method of monitoring one or more packaging material conversion machines includes sensing an operating characteristic of the one or more conversion machines and evaluating the operating characteristic of the one or more conversion machines. The sensed operating characteristics may be evaluated either local to the conversion machines or at a remote site, thereby providing a substantial amount of flexibility.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping groups (1) of products (2) with film (3), comprises: a second surface (6) for forming the product groups (1) and wrapping them with a length of film (3) using suitable means (7) having a first drive axis (AE1); a unit (8) for feeding the film (3) and defining the length of it by cutting, located under and close to a slot (9) for accessing the second surface (6), the feed unit (8) having a second, electric drive axis (AE2) for unwinding the film (3) in the direction of the second surface (6); a unit (10) for pre-unwinding the film (3) and comprising a roll (11) of film (3) located upstream of the feed unit (8) in a film (3) unwinding direction (B), a third electric drive axis (AE3) being located and operative on the pre-unwinding unit (10) to move the film (3) towards the feed unit (8) according to the film (3) requirement or feed speed of the second electric axis (AE2); and a unit (12) which controls the second and third electric axes (AE2, AE3) and which is located and operative bet

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products having different shape and dimensions, such as for example food products of different size, into pre-formed bags of appropriate size, such as for example heat-shrinkable bags of thermoplastic material, comprises a conveyor for carrying in sequence a plurality of products to be packaged from a product loading portion to a product packaging bracket end portion thereof, means for detecting the dimensions of each product to be packaged while it moves from said product loading portion to said product packaging bracket end portion of said at least one conveyor and a plurality of bag dispensing devices for dispensing a plurality of bags varying in at least one dimension thereof.

Abstract: A semi-automatic gift or package wrapping method and apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a machine frame that provides a work surface with measuring and wrapping sections. A sheet feed and cutting mechanism feeds paper from a role in two steps with a time pause in between for enabling a user or operator to partially wrap the package with part of the first section of dispensed paper web. Thereafter, the second section of paper web is dispensed and the web cut transversely at a trailing edge. Multiple selectable supply rolls are optionally provided, or a single roll machine can be used. Longitudinal cutters trim the sides of the paper to obtain a custom desired width for the full cut sheet. A user interface display controls machine functions such as start, continue and sheeter. In the sheeter mode, a selected number of sheets of a selected size can be dispensed and cut for use at another workstation to warp other boxes of known uniform size (i.e. shirt boxes at a department store).

Abstract: A packaging line and method for packaging separate products such as, for instance, magazines, CDs, DVDs and combinations thereof in a continuous manner, comprising: a product assembling path (2) which is provided with a conveyor and feeders arranged therealong; a packaging module provided with folding means for forming a packaging tube from a continuous packaging web, and a cross separating device for separating, in cross direction, separate packages filled with product from the packaging tube; a control for controlling the discharge of the products from the feeders, for controlling the transport speed of the conveyors and for controlling the speed of the cross separating device, the control being designed for processing information about the length of each product to be packaged and for setting in-process, per product, the horizontal, and optionally, the vertical, stroke length of the cross separating device such that packages with different lengths for products of different lengths can be manufactured in

Abstract: A device and system for automatically continuously packaging products through a heat-sealed plastic film. The device and system insert and supply the product downstream in a timed way and along a horizontal direction. A plastic film is applied to the products. The first end of each one of the products is heat-sealed, and each one of the products is simultaneously advanced horizontally. A second end of each one of the products is heat-sealed, and each one of the products is then simultaneously advanced horizontally. The heat-sealed products are then collected and unloaded. The device may be equipped with pairs of pliers for sealing and handling with a mutually opposite reciprocating movement.

Abstract: A web position matching system for matching marks provided on a web of packaging material with a pitch corresponding to the length of one container, to a reference position comprises sensor device for detecting the displacement of the mark from the reference position, setting device for setting a usual amount of feed obtained by adding a predetermined amount of advance to a predetermined reference amount of feed corresponding to the length of one container when the displacement detected by the sensor device is smaller than a predetermined allowable displacement or setting a corrected amount of feed obtained by subtracting a predetermined amount of delay from the reference amount of feed when the detected displacement are not smaller than the allowable displacement, and device for correcting the usual amount of feed and the corrected amount of feed based on a pattern of frequencies with which the usual amount of feed and the corrected amount of feed are set by the setting device.

Abstract: A wrapping machine is disclosed, for wrapping an article. The machine is designed for wrapping five surfaces of the article except the bottom thereof. The machine has detectors for determining the length of the front surface and the back surface of the article in order to provide a web piece having an adequate size for wrapping the article. The machine may have blowers for folding the web piece and providing a clean and net wrapped article. A method for wrapping an article is also provided.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment, an automatic measuring and material length control device, including: apparatus for measuring length of an article to which a material is to applied, the apparatus for measuring being able to measure the length without contacting the article; and apparatus for receiving from the apparatus for measuring a signal representative of the length and determining a length of the material to be dispensed and providing a control signal to a dispenser of the material to dispense the length of the material.

Abstract: A wrapping machine is disclosed, for wrapping an article. The machine is designed for wrapping five surfaces of the article except the bottom thereof. The machine has detectors for determining the length of the front surface and the back surface of the article in order to provide a web piece having an adequate size for wrapping the article. The machine may have blowers for folding the web piece and providing a clean and net wrapped article. A method for wrapping an article is also provided.

Abstract: Stacks (2) of flat articles supplied in a serial stack stream are wrapped with a film (3) in a first packing step so the film (3) covers the top, bottom and two vertical sides of each stack and projects beyond both sides of the covered stack sides. Packing of the film-wrapped stacks (2.3, 2.4) is finished in a second packing step at a strapping/welding position. Depending on the stack height (d.1, d.2), stacks (2.3) having a height (d.1) greater than a predetermined limit stack height are strapped and stacks (2.4), whose height (d.2) is equal to or smaller than the limit stack height, film areas (3.1) projecting beyond the top and bottom of the stack are welded together, strapping being suppressed or performed simultaneously with the welding operation.

Abstract: A sealing device for a medication packing machine comprises memory means for storing a bag length setting file and a maximum containable medication quantity setting file. The bag length setting file contains, for each of said different bag lengths of said packing bags, a maximum medicament quantity ratio which means a ratio of the maximum quantity of standard medication containable in each packing bag with respective bag length to the maximum quantity of standard medication containable in a standard packing bag. The maximum containable medication quantity setting file contains a maximum quantity of each of other medication containable in said standard bag. A maximum containable medication quantity is read from said maximum containable medication quantity setting file on the basis of the type and quantity of medication for each medication-taking time in prescription data. A sum of containing rate of the medicament in the standard bag is calculated.

Abstract: A looping machine for the looping of objects such as stacks of products, packages and the like, is provided with a machine frame, a work table, a strap guiding frame disposed on the work table for fitting a looping strap as a loose loop around the object to be looped which is disposed on the work table within the strap guiding frame, an insertion device for inserting the looping strap into the strap guiding frame, a withdrawal device for withdrawing the looping strap from the strap guiding frame and for fitting the strap around the object to be looped, a tensioning device for tightening the looping strap around the object, and height detection device for the object to be looped.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the mean weight of articles of a soft material, for example cheese, in a flow (1), including a first weighing device (2) for weighing the articles; a flow splitter for splitting the flow (1) into a first flow (3) of articles with individual weights less than an acceptable minimum, a second flow (5) each with a weight greater than the acceptable minimum but less than a predetermined amount in excess, and a third flow (4) each with a weight above the acceptable minimum plus the predetermined amount in excess; a cutter (6) for removing the predetermined amount of material from each of the articles in the third flow (4); a second weighing device (8) for weighing individual articles in the second flow (5) and those in the flow (7) leaving the cutter (6); and a controller for controlling the splitting of the original flow leaving the first weighing device (2) into the respective first, second and third flows.

Abstract: A packaging machine has belts for clamping both side edges of a film pulled out selectably from either of two film rolls and transporting it accordingly in either direction to a packaging station. Its film supplying apparatus includes a plurality of sensors capable of detecting both presence and absence of a film. They are disposed at both ends of the belts and each sensor is adapted to output a warning signal when either the presence or absence of a film is detected thereby, depending whether it is at the downstream or upstream end of the belt with respect to the direction of film being transported thereby.

Abstract: An automatic package wrapping machine wraps a box of arbitrary size. The box is placed in the machine following which all operations are automatic. As the box is automatically advanced to a ready-to-wrap position, its length, width and height are automatically measured. Paper is withdrawn from a roll supply and automatically cut to a size calculated to wrap the box. The paper is automatically applied to wrap four sides of the box without causing the box to tilt or tumble. The ends are then automatically processed by folding and sealing of flaps, whereupon a neatly wrapped box is ejected from the machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus (10) for wrapping of an article. The apparatus comprises backing means (20) adapted to be moved against the first and second ends of the article and simultaneously to dispose a wrapper material against said ends. After said wrapper material is disposed against the first end the article is moved relative to the wrapping station and a web-like wrapper material roll (13) thereof such that wrapper material emerges simultaneously from the roll on the top of the article. First folding means (26) are arranged to fold the portions of the wrapper material extending over the width of the first end of the article against the sides. As the second end of the article reaches the backing means (20), said second end is correspondingly engaged with a second surface (21) of the backing means such that the wrapper material becomes disposed between said surface and said second end.

Abstract: An automatic package wrapping machine wraps a box of arbitrary size. The box is placed in the machine following which all operations are automatic. As the box is automatically advanced to a ready-to-wrap position, its length, width and height are automatically measured. Paper is withdrawn from a roll supply and automatically cut to a size calculated to wrap the box. The paper is automatically applied to wrap four sides of the box without causing the box to tilt or tumble. The ends are then automatically processed by folding and sealing of flaps, whereupon a neatly wrapped box is ejected from the machine.

Abstract: A stretchable film is used whose width is substantially equal to that of the bottom of an article of the largest format which can be processed by the packaging machine. The film is characterized by considerable stretchability and a low elastic memory when stretched. The portion of film cyclically introduced into the wrapping station is normally subjected to longitudinal pre-stretching which has the function of decreasing the width of the film, and the extent of this pre-stretching is variable according to the dimensions of the article to be wrapped, so that the portion of film has a width proportionate to the corresponding dimension of the article to be wrapped.

Abstract: A portion of film, with a length proportionate to the dimensions and to the characteristics of the product to be wrapped, is subjected to a transverse pre-stretching, the extent of which is also proportionate to the said parameters. The film is held at one end by a fixed dispenser (30) and at the other end by a movable rear clamp (61), which conveniently reduce the longitudinal tension of the film, both in pre-stretching and during the subsequent lifting of the product. In this phase, the side clamps (78-178) approach each other to reduce the pre-stretching, and are then inserted under the product and are opened, to extend the side flaps of the film under the product.

Abstract: A continuously operating machine is provided for wrapping articles with a heat shrinkable plastic film automatically and sequentially. Articles are continuously, transferred along a horizontal pathway to a plurality of processing stations. At a first station, articles are tubularly overwrapped and sealed by a lap sealer or side sealer. Next, the articles are separated one from the other at a second station and at a last succeeding station, the resulting wrapped articles are subjected to thermal film shrinking. The second station comprises a cross head sealer unit which includes a skip seal mechanism thereon for overriding mechanical synchronization of the cross head sealer to the remainder of the machine through a predetermined number of sealings, allowing for packages of greater length to be accommodated, the skip seal mechanism further including a shock absorbing subassembly for smoothing action of the cross head sealer unit, increasing functional longevity of the cross head sealer unit.

Abstract: A machine for making and positioning plastic bags, constituted by a frame which includes: a feeder (3) for a band of plastic (B); a device (6) for creating a bellows-like fold in the band; a device (10) for cutting and fusing the band; a conveyor belt (18); a filling unit for filling the bags with a product; a nozzle for inflating the bags to insert the products; a device (25) for securing the bags so as to arrange them at the same angle as the product.

Abstract: A baggage protection device wherein the device consists of a base carriage onto which is mounted a turntable with a securing device. Also mounted on the base carriage is a roll of stretch-wrap plastic film, along with feeder posts and a vertical frame. An alternative embodiment of the baggage protection device consists of a base carriage unit having a rear section and a front section which may be extended outwards from the rear section to accommodate larger baggage to be wrapped thereon. A turntable is mounted on the front section of the base carriage unit, the turntable having a pair of hydraulic rams which act to urge together a pair of grip tongs movably mounted on the upper surface of the turntable. Mounted atop the rear section is a roll of stretch-wrap plastic film. As the plastic film is drawn from the roll, it passes around an idler roller and around a tensioning roller, the tensioning roller and idler roller being in contact with one another.

Abstract: A packaging machine and method for simultaneously loading, sealing and severing bags. A first stepper motor, having an output, is coupled to a nip roll assembly. After a bag is loaded, a sealing mechanism is actuated to seal the loaded bag or bags. A sensor monitors movement in a pressure bar and terminates the sealing cycle if a jam is detected before the pressure bar engages a seal bar having a heater for sealing the bag. The stepper motor is used to retract bags and sever a leadmost bag that is clamped between the seal bar by the pressure bar. A second stepper motor withdraws the web from a supply at a controlled rate to maintain tension in the web between the first and second stepper motors. A dancer roll assembly includes an orientation sensor for controlling the second stepper motor to speed up, slow down or stop.

Abstract: Bags custom-sized to the volume of articles packed and to be packed therein are manufactured on-site and on-demand at the location at which the articles are packed in the bags. The bags are formed from a continuous sheet of flexible film material which is shaped into a tubular wrapper along the interior of a generally quadrangular former. The bags are sealed along their tops so as to prevent inadvertent spillage of articles therefrom and may incorporate unitary handles formed during manufacture of the bags and a readily removable protective envelope at least partly defining the top closure thereof.

Abstract: Mechanism and means for enclosing a package in a wrap. The external dimensions of the package are first determined and sufficient wrap is fed with which to enclose the package. Depending on the external dimensions of the package, the amount of wrap fed is adjusted and thereafter the package is enclosed in the wrap.

Abstract: An elevator-type package wrapping machine which determines as by premeasurement the length of packages fed at a first level thereto, comprises a film gripper for initially drawing a fixed length of stretch film horizontally from a supply roll to a fixed stop position in the machine. While the film is held by the film gripper, a package which has one edge thereof at a predetermined distance from the fixed stop position is elevated to a second level above the level of the gripper into the film such that the package draws a first addition to the length of film drawn by the gripper, according to the height of the package. A vertically-moving horizontal bar is moved into contact with the film remote from the fixed stop position to pull a second additional length of film from the film source in accordance with the measured package length, if required.

Abstract: A system for stacking food products on cut sheets of paper provides several continuously moving conveyors. Products, such as meat patties, are placed onto continuous sheets of paper suitable for separating them in stacks. The weight of the products pressing the paper against the conveyor simply pulls the paper off of supply rolls at the rate of movement of the conveyor. A sensor detects the position of the food products on the conveyor, causing cutting blades to descend and cut the paper between the food products. Such cutting is performed without stopping the conveyors.

Abstract: A wrapping machine of the present invention comprises a wrapping portion for wrapping a material, a film feeder for feeding a wrapping material (film) to the wrapping portion from a film roller, a material feeder for feeding the material to the wrapping portion, a film folding device for wrapping the material with the film at the wrapping portion, and a material transfer device for transferring the wrapped material. When a material is placed on a conveyer of the material feeder, the material abuts on a stopper to temporarily stop, and then is transferred to a lift of the material feeder. The width and length of the material are detected during the transfer. The lift then moves upward to supply the material to the wrapping portion. The film drawn from the film roller by the film feeder is supplied to the wrapping portion where the material abuts on the film from below so that the upper portion of the material is covered with the film. The film is then folded under the material by the film folding device.

Abstract: A packaging machine of the type, in which products are inserted into the gap between two halves of center-folded film. The machine comprises two sealers. The first sealer cuts and heat-seals the center-folded film along a line extending at right angles to the fold of the film, thereby forming a bag containing a product. The second sealer heat-seals each bag at the open side thereof which extends parallel to the fold of the film. The machine further comprises a clamper and an evacuator. The clamper clamps the open side of the bag before the bag is sealed completely. The removes air from the bag through the clamper before the bag is sealed completely.

Abstract: An elevator package wrapping machine comprises a film gripper for initially drawing fixed lengths of film into the machine. While the film is held by the film gripper and side clamps, a package is elevated into the film such that the height of the package draws a first addition to the film drawn by the gripper, if required. Film side and rear underfolders fold the lateral edges of the film and the rear edge of the film extending from the film source under the packages, respectively. A film cutter is provided for severing the film from its source as the packages are being wrapped, and the cutter is controlled such that the timing of its operation is based on package length. By timing the operation of the film cutter to correspond to package length, a second film addition may be drawn by the rear underfolder during package wrapping, if required.

Abstract: This invention refers to a mechanism for the production of rolls of coins, with a feeding track for horizontal coins. A tilting station is provided to put the coin into an upright position, and a wrapping station is provided to form rolls of coins out of the stacks of vertical coins.In order to increase the amount of coins to be gathered into stacks of coins and wrapped as rolls of coins, per time unit, and in order to reduce the size of the mechanism the invention provides a tilting station consisting of two parallel tracks which connect to a feeding track. The parallel tracks are spaced a distance from each other which is slightly less than the diameter of the coins. A coin retainer is provided with an angled surface spanning the transportation direction of the coins. The coin retainer is mounted so that it can be swivelled against the transportation direction of the coins.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering a foil web (5) extending vertically downwards through the path of movement (1) of objects (2) to be wrapped thereby the free cutting tool being arranged above said path (1) allowing to cut off the metered web (5"). Between the supply roll (4) and the cutting tool (10), a metering roller pair (7) is arranged, is coupled with a drive means (8) adapted to be adjusted to a desired web length (5"), and beyond said cutting tool (10), a gripping assembly (11 . . . 16) for the free end of the foil web (5') supplied by the metering roller pair (7) is arranged which is movable vertically downwards from a starting position with the supply speed of said web, and is adapted to grip the free end of said web (5") with some friction, said friction being so that, when interrupting the supply by the metering roller pair (7), this end is released, the length of the path of movement of said gripping assembly (11 . . .

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

Abstract: A wrapping machine used to wrap with a prescribed wrapper a commodity having the shape of a hexahedron having a length, a width, and a height, as well as a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, a rear surface, a right side surface, and a left side surface; in this wrapping machine, the commodity being wrapped in a wrapping region, this wrapping region having a central position along the length of the commodity, and a reference wrapping position along the width of the commodity; the wrapping machine further comprising: a wrapping supply device that holds at least two wrappers of different sizes, and selectively supplies either of the wrappers to the wrapping region; a sensing device, provided in the wrapper supply device, that detects the sizes of the wrappers; a control device electrically connected to the sensing device, as well as operationally connected to the wrapper supply device; this control device has a display device, and it determines whether the sizes of the wrappers are within the usable

Abstract: Catalytic converters for automotive exhaust systems wherein thin, resilient, flexible, intumescent sheet materials are utilized as mounting mats for catalytic monoliths are disclosed. Multiple wraps of such sheet materials have been found particularly useful and cost effective for positioning and supporting ceramic catalytic monoliths which have a large cross-sectional dimensional tolerance within the metallic casing of the converter.

Abstract: An elevator package wrapping machine comprises a film gripper for initially drawing fixed lengths of film into the machine. While the film is held by the film gripper and side clamps, a package is elevated into the film such that the height of the package draws a first addition to the film drawn by the gripper, if required. Film side and rear underfolders fold the lateral edges of the film and the rear edge of the film extending from the film source under the packages, respectively. A film cutter is provided for severing the film from its source as the packages are being wrapped, and the cutter is controlled such that the timing of its operation is based on package length. By timing the operation of the film cutter to correspond to package length, a second film addition may be drawn by the rear underfolder during package wrapping, if required.