Abstract: A fill system for use in a packaging machine is disclosed for filling a container with a primary and a secondary product. The fill system includes a primary pump system for pumping a predetermined amount of the primary product received at an inlet thereof. A primary fill pipe having an outlet overlying a container processing path along which the containers are filled and sealed by the packaging machine is connected to receive the predetermined amount of primary product from the outlet of the primary pump system. The fill system further includes a secondary pump system for pumping a predetermined amount of the secondary product received at an inlet thereof to an outlet thereof. A secondary fill pipe is connected to receive the predetermined amount of secondary product from the outlet of the secondary pump means. A valve mechanism is disposed, for example, concentrically within the secondary fill pipe and includes a sealing member positioned at the outlet of the secondary fill pipe.

Abstract: A fill system for use in a packaging machine for filling a container with a primary product and a secondary product is provided. The fill system includes a primary intermediate storage tank. The storage tank has an inlet connected to a source of the primary product and an outlet. The fill system also has a primary fill pipe having an inlet and an outlet, the outlet overlying a container processing path along which containers are filled and sealed by the packaging machine. A primary pump is also provided for pumping a predetermined amount of the primary product from the outlet of the primary intermediate storage tank to the inlet of the primary fill pipe. Similarly, a secondary intermediate storage tank having an inlet connected to a source of the secondary product is provided. The secondary fill pipe is concentrically disposed in the primary fill pipe and has an outlet overlying the container processing path.

Abstract: A packaging machine under control of an electronic control system is set forth. The packaging machine includes a plurality of servo driven packaging stations that execute the processes required to fill and seal a carton. Each of the packaging stations is driven by one or more servomotors associated therewith. A plurality of servo amplifiers are connected to the servomotors to control the rotational movement of the servomotors thereby to effect control of the motion of the various components associated with each if the packaging stations. The packaging machine further includes at least two programmable devices connected for communication over a common bus. A programmable axis manager (PAM) is connected to control the plurality of servo amplifiers and, thus, the motion profiles of the servomotors and components of the respective processing station. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is connected to receive and transmit input/output signals associated with the plurality of packaging stations.

Abstract: A packaging machine under control of an electronic control system is set forth. The packaging machine includes a plurality of servo driven packaging stations that execute the processes required to fill and seal a carton. Each of the packaging stations is driven by one or more servomotors associated therewith. A plurality of servo amplifiers are connected to the servomotors to control the rotational movement of the servomotors thereby to effect control of the motion of the various components associated with each if the packaging stations. The packaging machine further includes at least two programmable devices connected for communication over a common bus. A programmable axis manager (PAM) is connected to control the plurality of servo amplifiers and, thus, the motion profiles of the servomotors and components of the respective processing station. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is connected to receive and transmit input/output signals associated with the plurality of packaging stations.

Abstract: A fill system for use in a packaging machine is disclosed for filling a container with a primary and a secondary product. The fill system includes a primary pump system for pumping a predetermined amount of the primary product received at an inlet thereof to an outlet thereof. A primary fill pipe having an outlet overlying a container processing path along which the containers are filled and sealed by the packaging machine is connected to receive the predetermined amount of primary product from the outlet of the primary pump system. The container processing path lies generally perpendicular to the primary fill pipe. A nozzle is connected at the outlet of the fill pipe. The fill system further includes a secondary pump system for pumping a predetermined amount of the secondary product received at an inlet thereof to an outlet thereof. A secondary fill pipe is connected to receive the predetermined amount of secondary product from the outlet of the secondary pump means.

Abstract: A linear drive apparatus for moving a canon in a packaging machine from a first position to a second position is set forth. The apparatus includes first and second spaced apart guide rods and an engagement assembly that is disposed between and slidably engages the first and second guide rods. The engagement assembly is adapted to engage one or more cartons for movement between the first and second positions. The apparatus further includes a drive shall onto which a drive roller is disposed for co-rotation. A first drive belt is connected to the drive roller and disposed about the drive roller in a clockwise direction at a first end thereof while a second end of the first drive belt is connected to a first portion of the engagement assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the breakage of an electrically conductive drive band are disclosed. The apparatus includes an electrically conductive probe that is disposed proximate of the electrically conductive band. The probe is spaced from the electrically conductive drive band to allow the probe to contact the band upon its breakage. The band is connected to electrical ground potential. The apparatus also includes a continuity checking circuit that is connected to the electrically conductive drive band and the probe. The continuity checking circuit is designed so that the electrically conductive probe does not have a voltage potential thereon during normal operation of the apparatus. When the band breaks, it contacts the probe and thereby establishes an electrical continuity between the band and the probe. This electrical continuity is detected by the continuity checking circuit to provide a signal output indicative of the breakage of the band.