Abstract: A system and method of obtaining precise registration of a forming web in an indexing motion web advancement mechanism wherein the web has spaced registration marks for defining an area of distorted printing provided thereon. The web is passed from a supply roll through a braking arrangement, a photosensing mechanism for sensing the registration marks on the web and a heater system movable back and forth relative to the web to a nip roller arrangement having one or more rolls driven by an unwind motor. The web is indexed from the supply roll by operation of the unwind motor. A first registration mark on the web is sensed by a photosensing mechanism and the feeding of the web from the supply roll is immediately stopped using the braking arrangement. The web is stretched downstream of the heater system by continuing to operate the unwind motor to apply tension to the web.

Abstract: A support for rotatably mounting a roll of web material includes a braking and roll position adjustment mechanism. The support is in the form of a series of support rods extending between a pair of end plates, which engage the internal walls of the roll core at spaced locations. The braking mechanism consists of a brake shaft which extends through the roll core, and which bears against the roll core during its rotation to apply resistance as the web is being unwound from the roll. The brake shaft can selectively be moved to a disengaged position in which it is moved out of engagement with the core. The roll position adjustment mechanism includes a rotatable shaft which extends through the roll core, and to which the brake shaft is pivotably mounted via a pair of arms. One of the arms is threadedly engaged with external threads provided on the rotatable shaft, and a pair of collars are engaged with the brake shaft such that one collar is located immediately adjacent each end of the roll core.

Abstract: An indexing motion apparatus and method for advancing and vacuum sealing a plurality of connected, preformed trays. The connected, preformed trays are supplied by an indexing conveyor belt assembly which delivers the preformed trays to an advancement mechanism indexingly driven by a programmable servo motor. After the preformed trays are loaded and evacuated, a flexible web of packaging material is disposed in overlying relation to the preformed trays and sealed thereto. A cutting mechanism severs the sealed, preformed trays longitudinally and transversely.

Abstract: An indexing motion apparatus and method for advancing and vacuum sealing a plurality of connected, preformed trays. The connected, preformed trays are supplied by an indexing conveyor belt assembly which delivers the preformed trays to an advancement mechanism indexingly driven by a programmable servo motor. After the preformed trays are loaded and evacuated, a flexible web of packaging material is disposed in overlying relation to the preformed trays and sealed thereto. A cutting mechanism severs the sealed, preformed trays longitudinally and transversely.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supplying web material to an indexing advancement mechanism, such as may be associated with a packaging machine which forms the web into a component of a package. The web is supplied from a supply roll to an unwind mechanism, which continuously unwinds the web during indexing advancement of the web by the advancement mechanism of the packaging machine. The unwind mechanism includes an unwind motor which is operable to vary the rate at which the web is unwound from the supply roll. Tension is maintained in the web upstream of the advancement mechanism by a take-up mechanism interposed between the unwind mechanism and the advancement mechanism. The unwind motor speed is controlled by the position of a movable arm associated with the take-up mechanism.