Abstract: In a stretch film wrapping machine an improved control system provides for automatic or manual selection of one of at least two differing width film rolls and provides individualized wrapping parameters dependent upon the film width selected. Automatic film selection is performed in response to signals identifying the height, width and length of a package to be wrapped which characteristics are sensed or measured by a package sensing system. Both automatic and manual film selection includes timing controls for synchronizing film gripping and clamping apparatus with underfolding apparatus dependent upon the film selected to provide improved control over the tensioning of film wrapped about individual packages.

Abstract: In a package wrapping machine wherein packages are transported horizontally on a beyond platform to a wrapping station and deposited at the wrapping station by contact or collision of the package with a package stop as the platform travels beynd the stop, improved package handling apparatus is provided for catching trayed commodities upon rebound from the package stop and for urging them toward the stop such that they are correctly positioned for wrapping. The improved apparatus comprises a ramped projection extending upwardly from the rear of the conveying platform with the ramped projection being formed to facilitate passage beneath a package to be wrapped as the platform travels beyond the package stop. Package restraints at the wrapping station retain packages at the correct position on the wrapping station as the ramped projection passes beneath the trayed commodity.

Abstract: A roller conveyor comprises an inner track formed from bearing material positioned in parallel to an outer track with a plurality of rollers rotatably disposed between the tracks. Each roller includes a central shaft having a necked portion near one end which necked portion engages one of a plurality of U-shaped slots formed in the inner track. A twin-V drive belt is supported on a plurality of open-faced pulleys for motion parallel to the inner track with the upper edge of the drive belt being exposed by the open-faced pulleys. The ends of the roller shafts beyond the necked portions extend beyond the inner track to form driven members which engage and are driven by the exposed upper edge of the twin-V drive belt to rotate the rollers.

Abstract: A label applicator device for applying a label to the surface of a substantially rectangular package in a selected orientation includes a package conveyor for presenting a package at an applicator station, control means for manually selecting a first or a second label orientation, and applicator means. The applicator means is responsive to a control means and receives a label at an output station. The applicator means applies the label to the surface of the package in a first orientation with respect to the package or in a second orientation with respect to the package. The second orientation is rotated approximately 90.degree. with respect to the first orientation. The applicator means includes a cam and cam follower arrangement which provides for rotation of a portion of an applicator head which engages each label.

Abstract: A unitary package rest member for use on a wrap station is comprised of a central section (42) which can be mounted in at least two different positions to the wrap station, and first and second shelves (44, 45) extending from the central section parallel to each other, spaced apart, and of substantially different area in order to provide to the operator a selection of mounting the rest member with either the smaller or larger shelf in the active operating rest position. The shelf parts extend in opposite directions from the central section, such that the rest shelf not in use projects inwardly under the top section of the wrap station, out of the way of the operator. The rest member can be formed by bending a unitary blank of sheet metal such that the shelf parts are parallel to each other, extending in opposite directions, and the sides of the blank are so dimensioned, in symmetrical fashion, that the blanks may be struck from a strip or sheet of the material with minimum waste.

Abstract: A steam generator includes a tank with a water inlet valve, a steam outlet, an electric immersion heater in said tank, and a normally closed drain valve. A water level control, connected to the inlet valve and the heater, is arranged to apply power to the heater only when it is immersed, and to admit make up water into the tank as steam is used. A drain valve control is connected to said drain valve and operates to open the drain valve to flush the tank only upon starting the generator after completion of a generator cooling period sufficient to condense residual steam in the tank which follows shut down of the generator. The completion of such a cooling period is sensed by either a pressure sensitive or a temperature sensitive switch which responds to conditions in the generator. The switch is connected to the drain valve control to prevent opening of that valve should the generator not be cooled to ambient temperature.

Abstract: A pressure vessel such as a steam cooker is provided with a door closure comprising a horizontally disposed door mounting and actuating member pivotally mounted for swinging movement across an access opening of the vessel and supporting a warped door for movement into and out of the opening; a rotationally and axially movable shaft carried in the door mounting member has a cam and follower associated therewith for moving the shaft axially in response to rotation thereof; and mechanism coupling the door and the shaft for shifting the door laterally with respect to the door mounting member also causes translational movement of the door toward and away from the door mounting member in response to rotation of the shaft so that the door can be inserted through the opening in a warped condition and then unwarped so that the outer peripheral edge sealingly engages the inside of the opening. The operating handle for the actuating mechanism is located to one side of the access opening when the door is closed.

Abstract: A steam pressure cooker is provided with a normally open drain valve connected to the bottom of the cooker pressure vessel and having a relatively large flow capacity to drain liquids and food particles. A separate exhaust pipe of restricted capacity is also connected to the vessel and controlled by a separate valve. Steam is supplied to the pressure vessel through an inlet source, and with the drain valve closed the restricted exhaust pipe allows pressure to rise in the vessel since flow through the restricted pipe is less than the inlet flow. Controls are provided for closing the main drain valve and the restricted exhaust pipe separately, in sequence, and these controls include a manually operable device which can be used to open the restricted exhaust pipe to depressurize the vessel independently of the automatic control of the cooker.

Abstract: A system for weighing and labeling random weight packages of commodities includes a weighing scale, a price computer, and printers for printing both human readable and machine readable information. A commodity key includes a printing area for reproducing readable commodity identification and coded identification which is used to produce machine readable commodity identification. Entry of the key into the human readable printer also enters the coded identification. A second computer coacts with the machine readable label printer to produce a unique check character which is included in the printed information. Two labels are supplied, unique to each package, and are so presented from the printers that the label applicators guide the package to align the two labels on opposite sides of the package.

Abstract: A label applicator applies a human readable label and a machine readable label to opposite sides of a package such that the position of the human readable label on one side provides an indication of the position of the machine readable label on the opposite side. Proper positioning of a package for application of the machine readable label is sensed when the package is positioned either automatically or manually. A printer prints the machine readable label and ejects it into a catcher where the label is held prior to its application to a package. The label application process is monitored by an interlock which signals the failure of the applicator head to pick up a label from the catcher.