Abstract: A method of and apparatus for wrapping units to be wrapped, such as two rolls of paper, in which transverse lines of weakness are formed in a web of flexible sheet wrapping material at measured intervals along the length of the web corresponding to wrapper length as the web is continuously fed forward, the web is formed into a tube around the units with the lines of weakness extending girthwise of the tube and spaced lengthwise of the tube at the wrapper length intervals, the units are fed into the tube one after another spaced lengthwise in the tube at wrapper length intervals and located between the lines of weakness, the tube with the units therein is continuously fed forward at a predetermined speed, and the leading wrapper of the tube with a unit therein is pulled forward at higher speed to sever it from the tube at the line of weakness between it and the preceding wrapper.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for forming, filling and sealing packages in which flexible packaging material is formed into tubing, the tubing is fed downwardly and transversely sealed at package length intervals by a pair of sealing members, a quantity of the product with which the packages are to be filled is delivered into the tubing during an interval of time between successive sealing operations, a contraction is formed in the tubing, after each delivery of product, above the level of the next seal to be made, the contraction is transmitted down on the tubing between the sealing members from above to below said level, thereby to compact the product, and the next seal is then made.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling a machine which is operable in cycles, the machine carrying out a plurality of functions during each cycle. Values representing the stages of the machine in its cycle are generated as the machine progresses through a cycle, the values being determined by the actual stage of the machine independently of time. Starting and stopping points in the cycle for at least one of the functions of the machine is preset in terms of the generated values. The generated values are compared with the preset starting and stopping point values. The machine function is initiated and maintained when the generated values are greater than the preset starting point value but are less than the preset stopping point value and the function is stopped when the generated values equal or are greater than the preset stopping point value. Apparatus and method for computing starting and stopping points for an eyespot window using only a single set of delay switches is also disclosed.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal packaging method and apparatus in which a web of flexible packaging material is pulled from a supply and fed over a device for forming it into tubing, product to be packaged is provided in the tubing, and the tubing is sealed to form packages, and in which the web is pulled forward from the supply as one operation and the tubing is drawn forward and thereby taken up as an accompanying but separate operation with the take-up such that the web is pulled over the forming device under tension.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for wrapping reams of paper or the like in which the ream being wrapped is placed on an elevator mechanism at a lower level and raised by the elevator mechanism to an upper level. The elevator mechanism comprises a central support and two outboard supports extending endwise of the ream. The outboard supports are movable inwardly from an outer position wherein they are spaced outwardly from the central support. The outboard supports occupy their outer position as the ream is placed on the supports and while the ream is being raised. As the ream is raised, it engages a wrapper sheet and portions of the wrapper sheet fold down on the sides of the ream. When the ream is raised, underfolders move in under the ream from opposite sides of the ream to fold portions of the sheet in under the bottom of the ream.

Abstract: A wheel-type form-fill-seal vacuum packaging machine in which a wheel carrying a circular series of dies or molds is adapted to be driven at different speeds for accommodation to different product infeed conditions, and in which a vacuum chamber/seal plate assembly is closed with respect to one of the molds with a timed dwell interval for the seal plate which is the same for different wheel speeds.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for squaring reams of paper as they are fed toward a wrapper, the squaring up being accomplished as the reams are moving forward toward the wrapper.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding stacks of sheets, in particular reams of paper, comprising a table along which the stacks are pushed forward by the flights of a flight conveyor, each flight having a foot adapted to support the stack, and the apparatus having means for lifting each stack, after it has been placed on the table in position for being pushed forward by a flight, to enable the foot of the flight to come under the stack.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for feeding items (or groupings of items) one after the other to apparatus, such as a flight conveyor, which cycles continuously at a steady cycling rate are disclosed with an item being fed to the apparatus during a portion of each cycle thereof and with the items being randomly delivered to the means feeding the items at an average rate. The method and apparatus of this invention involve feeding a selected number of items one at a time from each of the backlogs of accumulated items and conveying them forward for placement on the apparatus in timed relation to the cycling rate of the apparatus.

Abstract: Method of an apparatus for applying a telescoping lid to an open top, filled box or case in which the lid is formed from a flat blank around the case, in which the lid is pressed down on the contents of the case, in which the major flaps of the lid are pressed in against the sides of the case between a ram and a previously lidded case, and in which the minor flaps are pressed in against the ends of the case so as to square up the lid on the case prior to the flaps being secured together. The apparatus includes tucking units for folding the outer end portions of the major flaps of the lid in on the case along vertical fold lines with the tucking units being driven by upward movement of the case being lidded.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for feeding randomly received items and for placing these items on apparatus, such as a flight conveyor or a packaging machine, which cycles continuously at a steady rate, with the flight conveyor being operated at a cycling rate slightly faster than the average rate at which the items are randomly received, with the placement of an item on the flight conveyor being in timed relation to a portion or window of each cycle of the flight conveyor, and with placement of an item on the flight conveyor being intermittently deferred so as to bring the rate at which the items are randomly received and the operating rate of the flight conveyor into phase with one another.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus of the form-fill-seal type having a plurality of scales each adapted to weigh out a batch of product for delivery to a package being formed, with means for marking on each package a code identifying the scale which weighed out the batch that went into that package.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for making plastic containers with integral rims, utilizing a transfer ring means having an aperture and an annular groove, in which the aperture is closed to define a space for reception of thermoplastic material, which is compressed to form it into a diaphragm with the material filling said groove forming the rim of the diaphragm, the transfer means carrying the diaphragm is positioned on a mold having a cavity corresponding to the shape of the container, the diaphragm is formed into a container in the mold cavity, and the container is removed from the transfer means with the rim of the diaphragm as molded in said groove intact with the container and forming the rim of the container.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus for packaging units in flexible sheet material with the units spaced longitudinally in a tube formed of the material and with the tube sealed together between successive units. The apparatus includes a rotary sealing wheel carrying a series of sealing assemblies for sealing the tube. The sealing assemblies are uncoupled from the wheel and held at a hold position for again being released in timed relation to movement of the tube for sealing the tube between successive units. In accordance with this invention an improved center guide is provided for the sealing units so as to more precisely maintain the sealing units substantially perpendicular to the plane of the wheel and to apply a braking force to each of the sealing units so as to resist movement of the sealing units relative to the wheel.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for making plastic containers with integral rims, utilizing a transfer ring means having an aperture and an annular groove, in which the aperture is closed to define a space for reception of thermoplastic material, which is compressed to form it into a diaphragm with the material filling said groove forming the rim of the diaphragm, the transfer means carrying the diaphragm is positioned on a mold having a cavity corresponding to the shape of the container, the diaphragm is formed into a container in the mold cavity, and the container is removed from the transfer means with the rim of the diaphragm as molded in said groove intact with the container and forming the rim of the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding a product to a weighing scale and stopping the feed when the amount of product fed reaches a final weight. A scale having a balance portion to receive product to be weighed is movable from an initial position toward a balance position as product is delivered thereto. The balance portion of the scale starts to move upon delivery thereto of a predetermined initial weight of product. First and second product feeds are activated at the start of a weighing operation for delivering a quantity of product from a source thereof to the balance portion of the scale. The first feed delivers product at a first rate of speed and the second feed delivers product at a second and slower rate of speed. A sensor detects movement of the balance portion of the scale in either of two directions and provides first and second electrical outputs representative of the magnitude and direction of the movement thereof, each output always having one of two discrete states.

Abstract: The method of and apparatus for packaging units in flexible sheet material which is heat-sealable at least on one side, in which a web of the material is formed into a tube with an inside-face-to-inside-face longitudinal seam by bringing the side margins of the web into inside-face-to-inside-face engagement and pressing them together at a sealing station, and heating the inside faces of said margins as they converge toward one another and meet at the sealing station by directing a stream of hot gas against them. Transverse seals are formed across the tube at package length intervals with a unit to be packaged in the tube between successive transverse seals. The gas may be a preservative gas for preservation of the unit in each package. Additionally, preservative gas may be introduced into the tube downstream from said sealing station.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming flaps at the top of an open-top carton after it has been packed, with the flap formation correlated to the level of the top of the contents of the carton, having means for internally scoring the walls of the carton generally at said level, means for slitting the corners of the carton generally down to said level, and means for trimming off the tops of the side walls of the carton so that they may be folded on top of the carton without overlap. In forming the flaps, the apparatus is adapted to compress the contents of the carton. The scoring means includes a set of scoring blades which fit in a carton on top of the contents and a set of external presser members for pressing the carton walls against the blade edges. The scoring blades are replaceable with blades of different sizes and provision is made for adjustment of the presser members and trimming means to operate on cartons of different sizes.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging items in plastic bags, wherein plastic bags are formed with seams at both sides, but open at the corners at the bag mouth, whereby each wall of the bag has a flap at its mouth end, each bag being fed forward sidewise to a loading station where the flaps are clamped and separated to open the bag and the item to be packaged is pushed into the bag, after which the bag mouth is spread for being sealed, and then sealed.

Abstract: Articles are wrapped in packaging film or foil by folding a sheet of film or foil round them. The film or foil is first folded round the article by four equi-spaced folding blades to leave four pleats of film or foil, and these pleats are then formed by second folding blades into neatly bunched ribs.