Abstract: An apparatus for packaging granular materials, wherein the granular material flows vertically through various components, wherein the apparatus comprises a frame, a plurality of servo driven packaging payout means, a plurality of packaging material alignment means, granular material filler means, sealing means, and severing means. The apparatus further comprises a computer controlled coordination means for controlling and coordinating the operations performed by the components of the apparatus.

Abstract: A shaft for a cutter mechanism having a cutter blade secured to the periphery thereof is rotatably mounted in a frame mechanism. A driven pulley is nonrotatably secured to the end of the cutter shaft and is connected to a pair of drive pulleys by a flexible timing belt that transmits rotation to the cutter shaft and the cutter blade. Rotation of the cutter blade cuts notches in the side edges of a moving web. A plate member is pivotally connected to the frame mechanism and includes an aperture through which the cutter shaft extends. An adjusting cam is eccentrically mounted to the frame mechanism and is secured to the plate member. A pair of idler shafts are secured to the plate member and extend outwardly therefrom. A pair of idler pulleys are rotatably positioned on the idler shafts respectively and engage the timing belt to maintain a preselected tension thereon.