Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for enabling unsupported packaging film (e.g., low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and high density polyethylene) to be sealed in a tube in the process of making a flexible package. A “following belt” is provided which allows for a sandwiching effect to be imported on the film as it passes through its welding zone. In the prior art, while in this welding zone the polyethylene film would move with a conventional band seal assembly. But the opposite side of the polyethylene film would have to move relative to a drag iron this causing potential friction, seam failure and poor tracking. The present invention's use of a following belt allows the elements on both sides of the unsupported film to move with the film.

Abstract: A product delivery system and method are provided including an electromechanical vibratory conveyor which has a product conveying member, a vibrator for vibrating the product conveyor and a control system for controlling electronically the vibration of the product conveying member both statically and dynamically to optimize performance both with and without product on the product conveying member. The vibration of the product conveying member is tuned both statically and dynamically with a coarse tuning followed by a fine tuning. An improved pulse width modulation drive circuit for the vibrator includes vibrating frequency and amplitude varying devices for adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the vibrator for increased efficiency, optimized performance and reduction in energy consumption. Several redundant safety devices to safeguard the switching devices and the vibrator are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and apparatus to protect a loadcell that is incorporated into a scale or weighing device (including a combinational weigher) during shipment, handling, movement, maintenance or cleaning of the device. The invention protects the loadcell by inserting one or more rods or braces into one or more holes in the beam of the loadcell or by mechanically pinning, grasping, bracing, screwing, or holding the loadcell or the actuator, thus protecting the beam and preventing bending. The invention may protect (and release) the loadcell either automatically or manually.

Abstract: A product delivery system and method are provided including an electromechanical vibratory conveyor which has a product conveying member, a vibrator for vibrating the product conveyor and a control system for controlling electronically the vibration of the product conveying member both statically and dynamically to optimize performance both with and without product on the product conveying member. The vibration of the product conveying member is tuned both statically and dynamically with a coarse tuning followed by a fine tuning. An improved pulse width modulation drive circuit for the vibrator includes vibrating frequency and amplitude varying devices for adjusting the frequency and amplitude of the vibrator for increased efficiency, optimized performance and reduction in energy consumption. Several redundant safety devices to safeguard the switching devices and the vibrator are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for settling product in a servo-controlled vertical form, fill and seal machine where the product, when inserted into a partially-formed tubular bag, normally does not adequately settle without further action by the machine. The invention utilizes motion control of a servo motor to provide a settling action for product inside the partially-formed bag to introduce instability to cause settling in the bag at a very high frequency during continuous motion of the film and the film tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a vertical form, fill and seal machine to produce a constant pull length of the film and therefore packages of consistent length, whatever the velocity of the machine. When the film is pulled, and the pulling ceases, there is always a finite overrun of pulled film. The method according to the invention determines the velocity for operation of the machine while accounting for the overrun in order to produce packages of constant length. The apparatus includes a motion controller for calculating the velocity and operating the machine at the calculated velocity during the time that the film is being advanced in the vertical form, fill and seal machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stripping the end seal area in a vertical form, fill and seal machine. First and second wiper members are secured to the sealing jaws and extend toward the film tube being formed, filled and sealed. The wiper members have engagement portions vertically staggered or offset from one another which engage opposite sides of the film tube for the purposes of stripping. The stripping apparatus and process can be used with intermittent machines which use film reversal for stripping, as well as continuous motion machines which always advance the film in the forward direction.

Abstract: An orientation device for vertically orienting products in a vertical form, fill and seal machine. It includes a product receipt station for receiving a plurality of unoriented products and a product discharge station for discharging a plurality of oriented products. The products are indexed in discrete groups from the product receipt station to the product discharge station, during which the products of each group are oriented with their longitudinal axes being essentially vertical.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a vertical form, fill and seal machine to protect the longitudinal back seal. A pair of clamps retains the plastic film against the forming tube on either side of the back seal and on either side of a sealing platen if the platen is used for forming the back seal. The clamps extend for at least the length of the platen, and the clamps are operated together in unison.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for application of a header label to the bag. The bag, which has previously been filled with a product, is presented to the apparatus at an upstream bag presentation and accepting station and is gripped proximate its top. It is then transferred from the upstream bag accepting station to a downstream bag release station. Before being released, the bag travels to an intermediate label application station where a label is readied and applied to the bag. Thereafter, the bag proceeds downstream, with the label, and the label is sealed to the bag. A series of grippers are employed for accepting a stream of discreet bags in a continuous manner. The grippers are recirculated continuously so that the apparatus operates continuously so long as bags are presented for application of a label.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for gripping a bag and downstream handling, such as application of a header label to the bag. The bag, which has previously been filled with a product, is presented to the apparatus at an upstream bag presentation and accepting station and is gripped proximate its top. It is then transferred from the upstream bag accepting station to a downstream bag release station. Before being released, the bag travels to an intermediate label application station where a label is readied, the label then being transferred upstream to a second position and applied to the bag. Thereafter, the bag proceeds downstream, with the label, and the label is sealed to the bag. A series of grippers are employed for accepting a stream of discreet bags in a continuous manner. The grippers are recirculated continuously so that the apparatus operates continuously so long as bags are presented for application of a label.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of maintaining tension in the film over the forming shoulder in the forward and reverse directions of a package formed in a vertical form, fill and seal machine and stripping and/or settling products out of the sealing and severing area of a partially formed package. The machine includes a source of film, a measuring axis, a forming shoulder, a pull axis, and a finishing system for stripping, sealing and severing successive packages from a formed tube. The measuring axis and the pull axis are operated in the forward direction to form a film tube while tension is maintained on the tube. After a predetermined length of tubing has been pulled, the measuring axis is operated in the reverse direction while the tube is retained in tension downstream of the forming shoulder. Stripping of product entrained in the film seal area can occur in the reverse direction.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming one or more longitudinal creases in a web of material. The web is formed into a tube in a vertical form, fill and seal apparatus, and then passed over an internal guide. A pair of pinch rolls are located adjacent the guide, and a portion of the web is directed between the pinch rolls to crease the film as it is advanced. Direction of the film between the pinch rolls is accomplished by a pair of protrusions extending from the internal guide on opposite sides of the pinch rolls. The thus-creased tube is then passed over opposite, spaced forming plates at the bottom of the guide and then tucked and sealed.

Abstract: An apparatus for enveloping successive groups of items in a plastic film as the items traverse a linear path. Items are gathered in a group, and the group of items is then inserted in a tubular packaging film as the items and the film are conveyed at the same linear velocity. After the items are completely enveloped in the film, the film is severed and sealed to fully encapsulate them in the film. A vacuum is used to eliminate excess air generated within the tube, and also, in one form of the invention, form side gussets as sealing dies are closed. A tight package made at speeds results, with no need for any holes in the film to relieve internal air pressure.

Abstract: A system and process for sealing collections of rolls in a bundle. The rolls, which can be multiply packaged rolls or individually packaged or unpackaged rolls, are accumulated and conveyed until they are aligned and then collected in a group. Successive groups are then inserted in a tube of film which is severed and sealed about each group to complete a bundle. The sealing system includes at least two sealing axes, with each axis having at least one die set. The axes are synchronized and individually driven at variable velocities during their paths of travel.

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

Abstract: A system for enveloping items, such as collections of rolls, in plastic film for later downstream package completion. The film, which is in the form of an elongated sheet, is continuously shaped into a tube about a forming apparatus having an orifice extending across the path of travel of the items being packaged. A pair of segmented conveyors located on opposite sides of the path of travel of the items convey the items into the tube. The conveyors conform to the shape of the orifice of the forming apparatus. Another downstream pair of conveyors conveys the tube and items to downstream sealing apparatus. The second pair of conveyors each have segments which can be retracted so that forming apparatus of different sizes can be employed to form packages of different dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for upending an item from a prone-orientation to an upright orientation. Two interconnected conveyors are employed, a first lower conveyor and a second upending conveyor. The lower conveyor includes a series of slats which may be raised to engage one end of an item to be upended. The second conveyor includes a series of spaced rods located to engage the opposite end of the item to be upended. When an item is engaged between a raised slat and a rod, the distance between the slat and rod is retained essentially constant and the rod is raised relative to the slat to upend the item from the prone orientation to an upright orientation.

Abstract: An adjustable girth control for the tube former in a packaging machine for encapsulating individual rolls or groups of rolls in a film. The tube former includes a forming body which is shaped to envelope the product passing therethrough and which has opposite adjustable forming elements with a variable gap between them. The forming elements are shifted horizontally and vertically to vary internal dimensions of the forming body to accommodate rolls of different diameters. Shifting can occur manually or automatically responsive to detection of the sizes of incoming rolls.