Abstract: A high-speed labeling device (20) is provided for use on form, fill and seal packaging equipment or other types of thermoforming equipment. The device (20) includes a label dispensing unit (22) operable to sequentially and successively deliver a plurality of labels to a delivery location (56). A label transport assembly (24) is locates adjacent to unit (22) and has a shiftable label-receiving component (58) operable to receive labels (28). A control assembly (55, 68, 54a) is operably coupled with the dispensing unit (22) and transport assembly (24) in order to dispense the plural webs (28) as a group and without interruption in the movement of the component (58) during sequential dispensing of the labels (28). The device (20) can achieve labeling speeds up to 50% greater than those obtainable with conventional labelers.

Abstract: A labeling device (20) is provided which is especially designed for use as a transverse labeler with in-line packaging machines (22). The device (20) includes a label dispensing unit (34), and a transport and tamping assembly (36) with a tamping assembly (68). The assembly (68) has a plurality of side-by-side hollow upright plates (78) presenting label-engaging ends (80) and remote ends (82), with the plates (78) secured with movement in unison to a slotted crosspiece (84); an air cylinder assembly (98) is coupled with the crosspiece (84) for selective movement of the plates (78). Apparatus (100) is also provided for creating reduced pressure conditions at the ends (80) of the plates (78), including fans (104) oriented to draw air through the hollow plates (78). The transport and tamping assembly (36) is adjustably mounted to the labeler frame (38) in order to permit selective adjustment of the assembly (36).

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine having a chamber comprised of an injection-molded lid and an injection-molded basin.

Abstract: The present invention is a seal bar for use in connection with a vacuum packaging machine, the seal bar being actuated by an air bladder and moved over floating guide shafts. The guide shafts provide the primary electrical connection to the seal bar, thereby eliminating the need for a direct electrical connection to the seal bar.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating with a multiple lane labeling machine such that the labeling machine will only dispense and place labels on packaged articles. The present invention comprises a labeling machine having sensors positioned in front of the label transport, which positions the labels on the packaged articles. These sensors are preferably positioned directly in front of the label transport over the row of articles preceding the transporter and operate to detect the presence and absence of packaged articles and their content. Thus, if a package is absent from a row or does not contain product the sensors alert the labeling machine of the absence of an article so that the labeler does not dispense a label for a missing article or empty package.

Abstract: The inventive label sensing device includes a label detector within a housing. The label detector includes a bearing assembly serving as a piston, the bearing assembly having a roller bearing for riding over label material. The roller bearing moves the bearing assembly vertically as the roller bearing rides over the label material based on the height differential of the label and the label substrate. The bearing assembly is in contact with the first end of a lever arm at a pivot point located on the bearing assembly. As the bearing assembly moves up and down, the first end of the lever arm moves responsive to movement of the pivot, generating an amplified signal in the second end of the lever arm, proportional to movement of the roller bearing. Provided at a location adjacent to the second end of the lever arm is a proximity sensor for detecting the movement of the second end of the lever arm within a soft switching region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously placing two spaced rows of labels upon packaging film is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first labeling station at a first roller, a second labeling station at a second roller, belts for transporting two rows of labels across the film for placement at the first and second labeling stations, and a third roller movably positioned with respect to the first and second rollers. The film travels over the first roller, downwardly around the third roller, and then back up over the second roller. The adjacent rows of labels on a single backing are delivered by the belts to the film, where the labels are placed in rows spaced a distance apart greater than their spacing on the backing. Changing the position of the third roller allows a user to vary the spacing between the two rows of labels which are placed on the film at the first and second labeling stations during each film stop.

Abstract: A combined cutting blade and heat bar for use with a vacuum packaging device having a lid for sealing over the cavity of a base is disclosed. The cutting blade and heat bar are connected to one another and movable via a single actuating mechanism mounted to the lid. In use, in one step the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar unheated and the cutting element cuts slits in the bag for evacuation of the air. After air evacuation, the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar heated, melting the bag closed behind the slitted area of the bag.

Abstract: An improved hinge assembly for a vacuum packaging machine is designed to pivotally connect a stainless steel tub in the machine to a sealing lid. The lid is equipped with a pair of the hinge assemblies, with each hinge assembly including a stationary hinge plate which is positioned beneath a rear, overhanging lip of the tub. A pair of pins are spaced apart and extend outward from each hinge plate and into and through an arcuate slot in a movable hinge block which is, in turn, connected to the lid. The hinge block is designed to move relative to the hinge plate along a path dictated by the arcuate slot and the pins, with the pins acting as respective stops for the movement. A gas spring is pivotally connected between the rear surface of the machine and each hinge block, with the hinge blocks including different mounting points to vary the effectiveness of the springs.

Abstract: Instructional apparatus of two parts to be used in conjunction with previously patented instructional apparatus, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,902,255, 3,964,176, and 4,065,858, which have a grid of depressions of two or more different depths. The first part of this invention is a sheet of material that contains a series of pre-punched holes that correspond to some of the shallow and deep depressions when this sheet of material is precisely positioned on the upper surface of the grid of underlying depressions. The first part of this invention provides a "blank" sheet that has a minimum of printing on its upper surface, this "blank" sheet has a pattern of pre-punched holes that correspond to correct or incorrect responses. The second part of this invention is a printed sheet that has printed large dots or other indicating means, that when accurately alligned and positioned under the first part reveal which of the holes in the first part correspond to correct responses, and which holes correspond to incorrect responses.