Abstract: A modular reciprocating heat seal jaw assembly is disclosed for sealing reclosable fastener strips to a web of thermoplastic film and for sealing the web of thermoplastic film into a series of reclosable bags. The jaw assembly includes first and second sealing jaws and means for slidably mounting the sealing jaws on a pair of parallel shafts near the lateral ends of the first and second sealing jaws in a horizontal configuration. A method of performing the sealing of the fastener strips and web thermoplastic film into a series of reclosable bags is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fastener profile assembly and method of forming a fastener profile assembly is provided. The assembly includes a continuous supply of two interlocking profiles which are sealed at either end with a compression molded segment seal. The compression molded segment seal is formed through the application of heat and pressure to the interlocking profiles, thereby fusing the area and forming one end of the profile. Advancement of the profiles and application of heat and pressure to a second area forms the second end of the profile assembly. Manufacture of a fastener in such a manner allows for highly automated profile production with precise, accurate registration of the fastener profile.

Abstract: A reclosable zipper strip is dispensed through a feeding mechanism and, when an optical sensor detects one of the splotch seal portions of the zipper strip, a desired length of zipper strip is advanced over an elevator platform. A knife is then signaled to descend and sever the advanced portion of zipper strip, which is thus deposited onto the elevator platform. As the selected portion of the zipper strip is being positioned and deposited onto the elevator, the web of flexible film is being positioned above the platform. A sealing head is then positioned over the web of flexible film, while at the same time the elevator platform is driven upwardly so that the zipper strip portion positioned thereon comes into contact with the web of flexible film. The heat passing through the web of flexible film creates an airtight seal of the zipper strip to the web.

Abstract: A modular reciprocating heat seal jaw assembly is disclosed for sealing reclosable fastener strips to a web of thermoplastic film and for sealing the web of thermoplastic film into a series of reclosable bags. The jaw assembly includes first and second sealing jaws and means for slidably mounting the first and second sealing jaws on a first pair of parallel shafts near the lateral ends of the first and second sealing jaws in a horizontal configuration. A mechanical system is providing for selectively effecting reciprocal movement of the first and second sealing jaws together and apart as required. A modular frame is provided for supporting the first and second sealing jaws and the first and second pairs of parallel shafts and for maintaining the lateral and vertical position of the first and second sealing jaws as they are moved toward or away from each other. The modular frame and heat seal jaw assembly may be inserted into existing form-fill-seal machine to make them more efficient and accurate.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the afore-mentioned prior art devices and meets the afore-mentioned needs by providing an apparatus and method for accurately sealing a multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip to a web of flexible film in an airtight manner. Moreover, the inventive apparatus and method is capable of repeatedly performing the steps necessary to seal the multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip to the web of flexible film with high manufacturing throughout and low cycle times. Generally, the apparatus and method utilize the multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip having airtight splotch seals fused in a series along desired lengths of the zipper tape. The multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip is dispensed through a feeding mechanism and, when an optical sensor detects one of the splotch seal portions of the multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip, a desired length of multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip is advanced over an elevator platform.

Abstract: A fastener profile assembly and method of forming a fastener profile assembly is provided. The assembly includes a continuous supply of two interlocking profiles which are sealed at either end with a compression molded segment seal. The compression molded segment seal is formed through the application of heat and pressure to the interlocking profiles, thereby fusing the area and forming one end of the profile. Advancement of the profiles and application of heat and pressure to a second area forms the second end of the profile assembly. Manufacture of a fastener in such a manner allows for highly automated profile production with precise, accurate registration of the fastener profile.

Abstract: A modular reciprocating heat seal jaw assembly is disclosed for sealing reclosable fastener strips to a web of thermoplastic film and for sealing the web of thermoplastic film into a series of reclosable bags. The jaw assembly includes first and second sealing jaws and means for slidably mounting the sealing jaws on a pair of parallel shafts near the lateral ends of the first and second sealing jaws in a horizontal configuration. A mechanical system is providing for selectively effecting reciprocal movement of the first and second sealing jaws together and apart as required. A modular frame is provided for supporting the ceiling jaws and the first and second pairs of parallel shafts and for maintaining the lateral and vertical position of the first and second sealing jaws as they are moved toward or away from each other. The modular frame and heat seal jaw assembly may be inserted into existing form-fill-seal machine to make them more efficient and accurate.

Abstract: The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the foregoing prior art devices and meets the foregoing needs by providing an apparatus and method for accurately sealing a multi-purpose reclosable zipper strip to a web of flexible film in an airtight manner. Moreover, the inventive apparatus and method is capable of repeatedly performing the steps necessary to seal tape to web with high throughout and with low cycle times. Generally, the apparatus and method utilizes a zipper tape having airtight splotch seals fused in series along desired lengths of the zipper tape. The zipper tape is dispensed through a feeding mechanism and, when an optical sensor detects one of the splotch seal portions of the zipper tape, a desired length of zipper tape is advanced over an elevator platform. A knife is then signaled to descend and sever the advanced portion of zipper tape, which is thus deposited onto the elevator platform.