Abstract: A packaging machine that has improved features for feeding a web in the form of a continuous chain of bags through the machine while helping to maintain the web in proper alignment and proper tension, and having additional features for improved loading and sealing of the bags. The machine includes a jam prevention device having a prime mover driven damping sub-assembly which includes a seal bar and a reciprocatable seal pad and housing. The housing is spring-mounted on the clamping sub-assembly in a lost motion arrangement. Movement of the seal pad toward bring a loaded bag into contact with the heater bar sub-assembly is aborted if a sensor detects premature lost motion movement of the pad. Control structure either allows or disallows the sealing process to continue based upon sensor signals.

Abstract: A control system for a large round baler includes a microprocessor-based implement module mounted to the baler and an input device mounted within the cab of the tractor behind which the baler is towed. The implement module receives inputs from the input device for setting and/or adjusting parameters of baler operation. Sensors are interconnected with various components of the baler for sensing operation of such components, and provide signals to the implement module indicative of baler operations. The sensor signals are analyzed by the microprocessor of the implement module, and various operations of the baler are controlled responsive to the sensor inputs.

Abstract: An apparatus checks a closure on an end of a bag having loosely packed goods contained therein. A first conveyor extends the length of the apparatus. Second and third conveyors are positioned adjacent one side of the first conveyor. A gap is defined between the second conveyor and the third conveyor. Adjacent portions of the first conveyor and second conveyor are coplanar to define a first surface moving in the same direction at the same speed that fully supports the bag moving thereon. Adjacent portions of the first conveyor and the third conveyor are coplanar to define a second surface moving in the same direction at the same speed as the first surface that also fully supports the bag moving thereon. The first conveyor partially supports the bag such that the end thereof and a portion of the loosely packed goods contained in the bag are unsupported by the first conveyor in the area of the gap.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is disclosed which is useful for determining if air filters are providing clean/sterile air within acceptable aseptic processing and/or clean room operation acceptable contaminant levels. The advantage of the disclosed testing apparatus is that air filters may be tested "on-line" during a production process as opposed to the traditional testing methods which included removal of the air filter for off-line testing. Less down-time is experienced using the disclosed testing system. A series of valves positioned at the outputs from the air filters, which allow communication with a particle counter, are controlled by a computer which sequentially activates the valves to test the contamination level of the air which passed through an air filter during the production process.

Abstract: An apparatus integrating system such as a product shipping line includes a group of integrated apparatus each provided with a memory device for storing conditions of its operation, an input device through which conditions of operation for the group of apparatus can be set, a display device for displaying conditions and actual modes of operation of the apparatus group and control devices for controlling the apparatus group. Data are exchanged among the control devices of the apparatus through a communication device. Instead of providing a memory device to each apparatus, a master memory may be provided to only one or some of the apparatus or separately and away from the group of apparatus. The user can operate on the input device of any of the apparatus to set not only the conditions of operation of that apparatus but also the conditions of operation of the other apparatus through the communication device.

Abstract: An improved system for applying labels to pharmaceutical vials or the like includes a heating tunnel assembly having an insulated heating chamber defined by a first stationary portion and a second removable portion, with a heater positioned within the insulated heating chamber. The assembly includes movable mounting structure for mounting the second removable portion of the insulated heating chamber for movement between a first position engaged with the first stationary portion, and a second retracted position remote from said first portion. An actuator is provided for moving the second portion of the insulated heating chamber into its engaged position, while a biasing spring resiliently biases the second removable portion of the chamber toward the retracted position. As a result, the heating tunnel assembly will automatically be opened to prevent products from overheating or burning in the event of an emergency that disables the actuator.

Abstract: In an automatic bagging apparatus, a foremost bag F of stacked bags stored in a bag storage mechanism 10 is fed by a bag feeding mechanism 20 and supported by a bag support mechanism 30. The supported bag is supplied with a predetermined amount of ice cubes, and the bagged ice cubes are accumulated in an ice storage bin. The bag feeding mechanism 20 is provided with a clamping mechanism 20a for grasping the bag at its two positions and detection switches SW4, SW5 for detecting the fact that the bag F has been correctly fed by the clamping mechanism 20a. When it has been detected by the detection switches SW4, SW5 that the bag F could not be correctly fed or that there is not any bag in the bag storage mechanism 10, the feeding operation of the bag is repeated predetermined times. If the bag F could not be correctly fed, the feeding operation of the bag is stopped, and the remained ice cubes are melted by water sprinkled from a watering pipe to be drained.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying twist ties comprises structure for receiving the open end of the film wrapper of a bakery product; structure for severing the leading end from a length of ribbon to form a twist tie; and structure for twisting the twist tie around the end of the film wrapper, thereby closing same. A naked loaf detector and a hook jam detector are provided. All operations of the apparatus are controlled by a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting material into an envelope in which a first conveyor supplies insert material and a second conveyor supplies envelopes to an insert station. The flap of the envelope is opened while being carried by the second conveyor to the insert station. The insert station includes a kicker or pusher to move the insert material into the envelope. A first radiation type detector is provided to detect buckling of the envelope or insert material during insertions. A second radiation type detector is provided to detect failure of the pusher to complete an insertion operation.

Abstract: An antomatic packing and sealing apparatus, wherein a plastic film drum with plastic film is placed on a first roller shaft and a second roller shaft and between two adjusting sleeve members freely slidably fitted on the second roller shaft, whereby the placement of the plastic film is easy and the position thereof is adjustable. A substantially U-shaped stretching lever is disposed for forcing open the plastic film against the attaching force so as to facilitate the transferring and packing of the plastic film. A blowing tube is diagonally fixed on a frame body under a front conveying belt assembly, whereby an operator is able to blow diagonally inwardly into the plastic film to expand the same permit an article on the front conveying belt assembly to be packed closer to a film-sealing position so as to save material and make the package more impacted.

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 slewing device for screw closures for containers includes a screw closure receiving member, a drive for rotating the receiving member, and a control arrangement for controlling power supply to the drive and including a torque sensor for sensing an instantaneous drive torque, a comparator for comparing the instantaneous drive torque with a closing torque having a predetermined value, and a sensor for sensing an angle of rotation of the receiving member and actuatable only upon the instantaneous drive torque reaching the predetermine value. The method of placing a screw closure on a container includes applying a drive torque to the screw closure to screw it down onto the container, sensing an instantaneous drive torque applied to the screw closure, comparing the instantaneous drive torque with a closing torque having a predetermined value, and sensing an angle of rotation of the screw closure only upon the instantaneous drive torque reaching the predetermined value of the closing torque.

Abstract: A workstation at a packaging machine with a tool having an upper part (2) and a lower part (3) whereby at least one of said parts (3) is driven with a stroke-type movement and a compressive force is exerted via said tool onto a workpiece (4) in the working position, and said tool has a spring arrangement (26), the prestress and deflection path of which can be adjusted. A device (25) for measuring the compressive force on the workpiece (4) in the working position is provided and so located in the area of the upper and/or lower part (2 and/or 3) of the tool that it is loaded by the compressive force in the working position.

Abstract: A jam prevention device comprises a light beam source that emits a light beam and is located on a main frame structure of a packaging machine in the machine's sealing section. During operation, the light beam is reflected off two reflective surfaces located on a moveable support operably connected to a prime mover. The reflected beam is received by a receiver located opposite the source. A clamping sub-assembly includes a seal bar and a reciprocatable seal pad housing. The housing is spring-mounted on the clamping sub-assembly and substantially surrounds the seal bar. The reflective devices are mounted on the housing. The prime mover moves the clamping sub-assembly towards a heater bar sub-assembly. The housing defines two cavities for receiving the reflective devices. The movement of the clamping sub-assembly brings a loaded bag into contact with the heater bar sub-assembly for the purpose of effectuating a seal of the bag.

Abstract: Apparatus for self-service scanning, registering and bagging a product purchased in a supermarket. The apparatus comprises a unit (1) for dispensing and opening a single plastic bag from a continuous strip wound in a reel, a balance (2) for weighing the item to be purchased, a reel supporting device (3) which feeds the strip of bags to the dispensing and opening unit (1), and a unit comprising a scanner (6) and a computer (7).

Abstract: Single commodities such as packets of cigarettes are enveloped in a thermoplastic wrapping and directed ultimately toward a heat seal station by way of a belt conveyor looped around at least one pulley; each packet is taken up from the belt, together with its wrapper, between two disks disposed coaxial with and on either side of the pulley, each consisting in two concentric circular rings rotating as one with the pulley and thermally insulated one from the other. The two inner rings are heated by resistances and positioned to engage and seal the end folds of the wrapper; as the seal is effected, the packet encounters a diverting element set between the disks and adjustable for position according to the operating speed of the wrapping machine, by which it is distanced from the center of the pulley and thus caused to pass from the inner rings to the unheated outer rings.

Abstract: A machine for wrapping cigarette packs (P), or the like, each into a wrapping material sheet (F), which including a stepwise-operatable spoke wheel (1) formed with a plurality of outwardly open radial pockets (4) which are for receiving packs (P) with the relative wrapping material sheet (F) from a feeding station (A), each pocket (4) being provided at the trailing end of its mouth--relative to the direction of rotation of the spoke wheel (1), with the radial teeth (214) for retaining in position the trailing flap (L1) of the wrapping material sheet flaps (L1, L2) which are folded on the respective pack by a folder device (5, 6). The folded flaps (L1, L2) are welded together by welding device (7, 8) which are imparted with a radially directed reciprocating motion between the one and the successive step of the spoke wheel (1), so that any interference is avoided with the retaining teeth (214).

Abstract: Apparatus for processing sheets, comprising: structure for feeding sheets in a downstream path of travel; at least two structure for supporting sheets located adjacent to said path of travel; each of said supporting structure having stacked therein a plurality of sheets; at least one of said sheet supporting means including electronic structure for storing data relating to each sheet therein; and structure for controlling operation of the apparatus; and said controlling structure including structure for causing said data to be stored therein.

Abstract: For use with automatic machinery for packaging a food product in foil pouches and then inserting a desired number of pouches in a box, a method and apparatus for scanning the boxes to check for missing pouches. The scan is accomplished by applying like alternating magnetic fields through each box and through the foil used to make the pouches at a point upstream from where the pouches are formed. Detected field absorption associated with the upstream foil is used as a reference, and the difference between it and detected field absorption associated with a box is proportional to the number of pouches in the box. The apparatus can detect if one out of two, one out of three, or one out of four is missing, and compensates the differential signal for variations in foil thickness by multiplying the reference signal by N-1, where N is desired pouch count per box. If a pouch is missing from a box, a signal is generated which can be used to trigger a rejection mechanism to remove the short-count box.

Abstract: Three sets of product pick-up elements each pick up products in a linear array, the three arrays being parallel. One set places products from a vibratory feeder to a buffer array, a second set places product into a measuring station from the buffer and the third set places products onto a packaging tape from the measuring station. Faulty products are individually discharged from the third set. A process is disclosed for filling the intervening empty slots in the tape due to the selective discharge of the faulty products.

Abstract: A packaging article inclusion-proofing device for use with an end-sealing mechanism includes a motor for driving a conveyor for feeding packaging articles, with a predetermined space therebetween, into a packaging material which is disposed downstream and formed into a packaging tube, a motor for driving a series of rolls which deliver the packaging material, and a motor for driving an end-sealing mechanism for achieving end-sealing of the tubular packaging material. A deviation detecting sensor is provided for detecting any deviation of the packaging articles from a position at which they would normally be disposed during the end-sealing operation. A reference timing pulse generator generates predetermined reference timing pulses with respect to the feeding of the packaging articles.

Abstract: An insertion machine includes an insertion station (44) whereat groups of items are stuffed into an envelope held open at an envelope opening station (49). The insertion station comprises an cam (212)-driven carriage (202) which linearly reciprocates in a direction (480) toward and away from the envelope opening station (49). The carriage (202) carries a plurality of selectively mounted, selectively rotatable pusher fingers (204). The pusher fingers (204) have a profile suitable for shoving items along a partially inclined insertion plate surface 403 and into an opened envelope. The pusher fingers (204) are selectively rotatable to an operative orientation (720) and to an inoperative orientation (722) under the supervision of a controller (205). Jam detectors (550, 552) are provided proximate reciprocating entry fingers (500, 502) which move when a jam occurs in the inserting process. Should a jam occur, the pusher fingers (204) are controlled to rotate to their inoperative orientation (722).

Abstract: A new computerized control system designed for packaging machines. This control system can be installed on any dieless packing machine. The advances achieved by this control system are: High speeds are achieved by synchronizing the machine index cycle and tooling controls, permitting the prestart of tooling before the end of the index cycle; because the motor speed is monitored and profiled by the computer continuously, faster machine speeds can be achieved while maintaining the minimum machine jerk; total index time savings; diagnostics which dramatically reduce machine down time as a user friendly hard-copy print out is produced describing and pinpointing locations of malfunctions in the timers, tooling, and motor performance; access to all timer control settings through easy to use thumbwhell switches. In addition, a new arrangement of the tooling stations is used, allowing for the increase of per cycle capacity several times the capacity of the prior art.

Abstract: A wrapping method for operating a vertical, inclined or horizontal type wrapping machine for wrapping food products such as loaves of bread, wads of noodles or the like with synthetic resin film is free from the problem which are inherent in conventional wrapping machines related to abrupt stopping actions of the wrapping operation whenever products are incorrectly positioned. The method provides a way to bypass the problem by detecting in advance incorrectly positioned products and temporarily halting only the operation of the cutting blades without stopping the overall operation of the machine. The method according to the present invention can significantly enhance the efficiency of the wrapping operation and reduce the time and labor required to remove the trouble in a conventional machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping articles of the type wherein articles are advanced along an article path into a curtain of heat sealable wrapping material, and upper and lower jaw assemblies are sequentially moved laterally of the article path into positions at the trail side of the article and then forwardly along the article path in a sealing run. The lower jaw assemblies each include a pair of spaced clamping jaw members having a jaw opening therebetween and a rotary heat sealing and cutting member is mounted for movement into and out of the jaw opening as the lower jaw assemblies move past a zone intermediate the ends of the sealing run. The upper jaw assemblies include upper jaw carriers that are guided for movement in a fixed path along the sealing run and upper jaw members that are shiftable relative to the upper jaw carriers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discharging vacuum packaged goods from a vacuum packaging apparatus. While a chamber held in contact with the upper surface of a table and defining an airtight space therein is in movement integrally with the table for one round of travel along an endless track, the chamber is lifted from the table for a given period of time for supply into the chamber of goods to be packaged as contained in a bag. When the chamber is again brought in contact with the table, a vacuum atmosphere is created in the chamber so that the mouth of the bag is sealed, vacuum packaged goods being thus obtained. A table portion within the chamber is formed with an open/close type drop opening which is sealed by a cover plate. The to-be-packaged goods contained in a bag, as well as vacuum packaged goods which are sealed at the mouth of the bag, are loaded on the cover plate.

Abstract: A method of packaging fluent solid materials such as coffee includes determining the gross weight of filled packets and determining the tare allowance of the packets. The tare allowance is determined through random sampling and that value is subtracted from the gross weight of the filled packets in order to define a nominal value. That nominal value is then fed to the filling machine in a closed control loop. The apparatus for packaging fluent solid materials includes a bag forming machine, a filling machine for filling the bags, a gross balance for filling the bags and a conveyor for conveying the bags. A switch is provided for filtering out empty bags from the conveyor to a tare balance and a control unit is connected to the measuring outputs of the tare balance. The regulating output of the control unit permits bags to be filtered out and weighted at a defined frequency.

Abstract: A monitoring and control system is provided for a container filling line having an in-feed conveyor for conveying empty containers, a multiple-valve rotary fill station supplied by the in-feed conveyor for filling the containers, a multi-head closer station for closing the then-filled containers, a discharge station for discharging the filled and closed containers to a take-away conveyor, the take-away conveyor not being cynchronized with the in-feed conveyor, the operation of the filler station and the operation of the closer station, the monitoring and control system including means at the discharge station for generating a first signal responsive to each container passing the discharge station, a detection station provided at a location on the take-away conveyor spaced from the discharge station for detecting one or more characteristics of a container passing thereby, means at the detection station for generating a second signal responsive to each container passing the detection station, means for generati

Abstract: A wrapping machine for making blister packs has two machine sections for the formation of a continuous strip of blister packs by means of a stamping operation on a thermoplastic tape and for the separation of the individual blisters from the strip for the packaging thereof. Each of the machine sections is provided with its own drive which is phase-synchronized with the pilot motor of the downstream machine section effecting the separation of the individual blister packs from the continuous strip of blister packs and their packaging and the motors controlled by the stamping elements of the upstream machine section which forms the continuous blister pack strip.

Abstract: An oscillating sealing wire for high speed sealing of thermoplastic film. The sealing wire curved in the shape of a bow rocks back and forth across the moving surface of a thermoplastic film so the wire continuously presents a hot surface to the film. The film removes heat from the wire surface which touches the film. The oscillating wire continuously presents a new hot surface to the film to allow high speed movement of the film and still obtain a good seal.

Abstract: In an inserting machine for collating inserts and placing a collation of said inserts into an envelope, a method is disclosed of determining the amount of postage to be applied to said envelope into which said collation of inserts have been inserted. The inserting machine includes a feed deck and a plurality of feed station adapted to selectively feed said inserts onto said feed deck.

Abstract: A method of operating a packaging line comprises the following steps:(a) sensing the absence and presence of an operationally sufficient quantity of wrapper sheet supply for a bag making station of the packaging line;(b) sensing the absence and presence of an operationally sufficient quantity of bulk material supply in a metering and filling station of the packaging line;(c) sensing the absence and presence of the bags on a first conveying lane of the packaging line;(d) sensing the quantity of the bags on a second, accumulating conveying lane which adjoins the first conveying lane and receives the filled and closed bags therefrom, to determine a receptiveness or non-receptiveness of the second conveying lane;(e) allowing a start-up of the packaging line only if the sensing steps (a) and (b) determine a presence of bags on the first conveying lane and the sensing step (d) determines a receptiveness of the second conveying lane; and(f) allowing the stoppage of the packaging line only if the sensing step (c) det

Abstract: A collapsible elevator for a package elevating wrapping machine comprises a base member, a package supporting member and a pair of spring-biased rods. The rods resiliently engage the package supporting member to maintain it in a package elevating position relative to the base member, yet permit it to be resettably collapsed relative to the base member upon exertion of a defined force on the package supporting member. The package supporting member comprises a top plate and two downwardly extending spaced supports which have notches in their lower ends for receiving the spring-biased rods. The supports define surfaces which taper inwardly toward the top plate to facilitate resetting the elevator. An electrical switch is coupled to the base member and a switch actuating rod is coupled to the package supporting member and adapted to activate the electrical switch upon collapse of the elevator.

Abstract: An insertion machine includes an insertion station (44) whereat groups of items are stuffed into an envelope held open at an envelope opening station (49). The insertion station comprises a cam (212)driven carriage (202) which linearly reciprocates in a direction (480) toward and away from the envelope opening station (49). The carriage (202) carries a plurality of selectively mounted, selectively rotatable pusher fingers (204). The pusher fingers (204) have a profile suitable for shoving items along a partially inclined insertion plate surface 403 and into an opened envelope. The pusher fingers (204) are selectively rotatable to an operative orientation (720) and to an inoperative orientation (722) under the supervision of a controller (205). Jam detectors (550, 552) are provided proximate reciprocating entry fingers (500, 502) which move when a jam occurs in the inserting process. Should a jam occur, the pusher fingers (204) are controlled to rotate to their inoperative orientation (722).

Abstract: Apparatus for vertically regulating the dispensing height of stretchable wrapping material for stretch wrapping a load which comprises carriage means for varying the height of the carriage means between predetermined upper and lower positions, and safety means to prevent the fall of the carriage means to the lower position in the event of a failure of the height varying means. Also, a methods for preventing the accidental downward movement or falling of the carriage means in the event of a failure of the height regulating means which comprises providing safety means to grasp the frame means of a stretch wrapping apparatus when the height varying means breaks or fails.

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

Abstract: A terminal piece fixed to the hood of the belt pulling unit has a front wall with descending oblique lower edge to convey out of the pulling area of the belt any bodies or objects pulled by said belt.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for wrapping articles, in particular for wrapping reams of paper in a sheet of wrapping material such as paper or the like.

Abstract: In order to protect operating personnel from injury and to facilitate access, a machine housing has a plurality of wall portions, such as plates and doors. In order to facilitate rapid mounting of these wall portions, horizontally offstanding L-angle brackets forming ribs are disposed on the frame of the machine, and grooved clamping elements are provided that can be firmly clamped to the ribs via screw fasteners. The wall portions are joined with these clamping elements.

Abstract: With the method and apparatus of the present invention, a plurality of elongated articles such as french fry potatoes are separated into a plurality of groups of articles which are weighed. The weighed groups are selectively combined into a batch of articles of predetermined weight by selectively dumping scale buckets containing such groups into a common collector container to provide such weighed batch. The articles of such weighed batch are then discharged from such common collector container into one of a plurality of alignment systems mounted on a rotating common support. Each alignment system includes three vibrating conveyor stages which prealign the articles and feed such articles into an alignment container where they are aligned so that their longitudinal axes are substantially parallel in such container.

Abstract: Improvements in an orbital stretch wrapping apparatus are provided for. The orbital stretch wrapping apparatus package support platform includes a package support finger or plurality of fingers positioned so as to be able to support the item being wrapped at its sides thereby facilitating package removal. Additionally, the orbital stretch wrapping apparatus incorporates a pair of safety panels featuring an electrical interconnect mechanism whereby the orbital stretch wrapping apparatus may not be operated until the safety side panels are extended to their full outward position, thereby reducing the danger of coming into contact with the moving stretch wrapping mechanism.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the operation of an input transducer of a central control unit for machines employed in production and product packaging lines, the system having a first circuit for detecting operating defects of the input transducer including a first subcircuit for producing a change in the operating condition of the transducer to produce a corresponding change in the logic signal of the transducer, and a second subcircuit for detecting the change in the logic signal and operating a control alarm based upon the detected change in the logic signal, the system also including a second circuit for providing a signal from the transducer to the central control and monitoring unit based upon the operating condition of the transducer.

Abstract: In a carton erecting, loading and sealing machine for packaging a plurality of articles in a sleeve type carton, the gluing and sealing station of the machine is provided with a pair of upper folding plates and a pair of lower folding plates on either side of the carton conveyor for folding the upper and lower end panels of the cartons against the dust flaps of the cartons after glue has been applied to seal the cartons. Each folding plate is mounted through rotatable mountings to a pair of cranks which move the folding plates downstream as the plates fold and seal the end panels to the dust flaps.

Abstract: A vertical packaging machine having a supply of film folded upon itself, the film passing between two jaws pivoted at their lower ends. One of the jaws has a thin, L-shaped knife which is resistance-heated. The jaws clamp the film and the knife cuts and seals the film transversely and vertically along the free edges of the film to enclose an article within the package.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arrangement wherein a cutting length for a film is included in PLU (price look up) data so that, upon PLU operation, a film can be automatically cut into a sheet having a length suitable to envelope therein an article to be packaged.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for bundling and tying a product. A plurality of spaced product carriers are sequentially moved along a conveyor flight. At a first station along said flight, a product tie is inserted into each spaced carrier. Each carrier is then advanced to a second station and a product is inserted therein. Each carrier, containing a product and a product tie, is then advanced along said conveyor flight to a third station where the tie is secured about the product. Thereafter, the tied product is discharged from the apparatus at a delivery station. Tie insertion, conveyor operation, product tying, and product delivery are automatic operations, one in coordination with the other and at a selected rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing jams in a carton coding machine or the like are disclosed. The apparatus includes a pivotally mounted coding assembly actuated by a cylinder and cooperating solenoid operated directional control valve. A photo transceiver and reflector are provided for detecting a change in article flow, such as is caused by a defective article or article jam. Control means, responsive to a detected defective article or article jam, substantially simultaneously interrupts power to the coding assembly and displaces the coding assembly from the path of the articles. This prevents the defective article from wedging in the coding assembly and jamming the machine. After a delay period, the coding assembly is returned to the operative position for coding the following articles.

Abstract: A skin packaging machine for the vacuum application of a film over goods to be packaged including a microprocessor-based control. The skin packaging machine includes a film supply, an oven, a film-bearing frame, a base having a platen with a perforated surface, a blower or turbine for drawing a vacuum at the surface, and a variable speed motor for moving the frame from a position adjacent the oven to a position adjacent the perforated surface in order to apply the film to a package on the surface. The microprocessor-based control cooperates with an alphanumeric display to provide a sequential display of machine function parameters which may be individually set, such as the time duration of a particular function. The control arrangement further includes, in a test mode, means for sequentially displaying on the alphanumeric display the condition of sensors and switches.

Abstract: A horizontal wrapping machine which includes a former for shaping a continuous film of packaging material drawn past the former into a continuous tube, a film drive for drawing the continuous film of packaging material past the former and past a cutting and sealing station, a product infeed drive for feeding products to be packaged through the former into the continuous tube of packaging material so that the products are spaced apart from one another in the tube, and a pair of motor-driven cut-heads at the cutting and sealing station for cutting and sealing the continuous tube of packaging material as each product moves past the cutting and sealing station. The horizontal wrapping machine further includes independent closed loop servo control circuits for the film drive, product infeed drive, and cut-head drive, each of which are responsive to a desired velocity control signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing the foldable flaps of cartons of random sizes by applying a self-adhesive tape material along the edges of the flaps having improved assemblies for automatically infolding the trailing minor flaps and for controlling the positioning of the flap folding assembly at or above the upper edge of the carton. The assembly for infolding the trailing minor flap includes a kicker arm assembly which incorporates a kicker arm member mounted for sliding longitudinally along a generally horizontal axis between an extended position and a retracted position. The assembly for controlling the positioning of the flap folding assembly includes a brake assembly for selectively retaining the flap folding assembly in a fixed position, a control means for controlling the brake assembly and an actuator assembly for activating the control means.