Abstract: A method of labeling product packages on a thermoforming packaging machine is provided to prevent the unnecessary dispensing of labels onto unfilled, improperly filled and absent product packages. Crosswise rows of product packages are moved in a downstream transport direction on the thermoforming machine using alternating dwell and advancing intervals. A labeling device mounted on the thermoforming packaging machine moves back and forth between a downstream position and an upstream position and applies to the product packages while the labeling device is moving from the downstream position to the upstream position and while the labeling device is moving from the upstream position to the downstream position.

Abstract: A hole cutter is provided for a thermoforming packaging machine. The hole cutter uses a single actuator to move a row of film-cutting punches between extended and retracted positions for cutting holes and corresponding chads in a marginal film area of a web of thermoformed product packages.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cutting holes and slicing through a web of formed, filled and sealed product packages in a thermoforming packaging machine. The apparatus uses a single actuator to move a row of film-cutting punches between extended and retracted positions for cutting holes and corresponding chads in a marginal film area of the web of thermoformed product packages and a cross cut knife to slice through the marginal film area to separate rows of the thermoformed product packages.

Abstract: A portable labeling device is provided for applying labels to a film used in sealing a product package. The labeling device includes a platform mounted for adjustable positioning in relation to the film and a belt that is moveable around rollers associated with the platform. The belt is operable to receive a portion of each of the labels and transport them into registry with the film. A tamp roller is also provided and is moveable into a position pressing another portion of each of the labels against the film. The tamp roller is then movable to another position spaced away from the film when the belt moves around the rollers to transport other ones of the labels into registry with the film.