Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods with thin walled sizing mandrels that are capable of packaging low temperature explosives emulsions at high volumes and lower pressures. The packaging systems can include a rotating table having a vertical column comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart clippers; a pump; and a tubular sizing mandrel in fluid communication with the pump. The tubular sizing mandrel has a downstream end segment that merges into a segment with a plurality of radially spaced apart, longitudinally extending flat outer surfaces, the flat surfaces can be bounded laterally (circumferentially) by chamfered edges.

Abstract: Packaging systems include a rotating table and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart spool mount assemblies mounted to the rotating table at respective clipper stations. The spool mount assemblies can include a laterally extending centrifugal force retention shaft that faces an outer perimeter of the table.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide clip blow-off pulses of pressurized gas to clip dies using pressurized gas diverted from an onboard knife, gate and/or punch cylinder/valve during a reset or idle period of a clipping cycle and may be particularly suitable for rotating platform systems with circumferentially spaced apart respective clipper stations. Packaging systems include at least one clipper assembly with at least one pulse valve in communication with a pressurized gas (e.g., air) supply configured to generate a respective clip blow-off pulse of pressurized gas across a clip die.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods with thin walled sizing mandrels that are capable of packaging low temperature explosives emulsions at high volumes and lower pressures. The packaging systems can include a rotating table having a vertical column comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart clippers; a pump; and a tubular sizing mandrel in fluid communication with the pump. The tubular sizing mandrel has a downstream end segment that merges into a segment with a plurality of radially spaced apart, longitudinally extending flat outer surfaces, the flat surfaces can be bounded laterally (circumferentially) by chamfered edges.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products configured to provide heat-seal coolers with reservoir bodies holding non-circulating liquid that feeds/wets an applicator pad that contacts heat-seal downstream of the heat-seal on a product horn in for applying liquid using an applicator pad that can inhibit pooling of liquid while cooling heat-seals.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide clip blow-off pulses of pressurized gas to clip dies using pressurized gas diverted from an onboard knife, gate and/or punch cylinder/valve during a reset or idle period of a clipping cycle and may be particularly suitable for rotating platform systems with circumferentially spaced apart respective clipper stations. Packaging systems include at least one clipper assembly with at least one pulse valve in communication with a pressurized gas (e.g., air) supply configured to generate a respective clip blow-off pulse of pressurized gas across a clip die.

Abstract: Packaging systems include a rotating table and a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart spool mount assemblies mounted to the rotating table at respective clipper stations. The spool mount assemblies can include a laterally extending centrifugal force retention shaft that faces an outer perimeter of the table.

Abstract: The planetary tubing cutter of the invention provides a gearing assembly having a pair of ring gears and a number of pinions with a blade affixed to each pinion. The ring gears are parallel to one another and are individually driven. The pinions are rotatably mounted to a side surface of one ring gear and engage a sun gear assembled to the other ring gear. When the ring gears rotate at the same speed, the pinions and blades do not revolve around their respective axes, and when one ring gear rotates at a speed different from the other ring gear, the pinions and blades revolve about their respective axes, intercepting and cutting a tube passing through an axial passage through the ring gears.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting film tubing in a machine for applying tubular labels to each of a series of containers that are transported on a conveyor. The film tubing is advanced incrementally through a ring gear and a bore in a platform on which the ring gear is rotatably mounted. A number of pinions with attached cutting blades are rotatably mounted to the platform in positions to mesh with the ring gear. One of the pinions is driven to rotate a single revolution when the film tubing has been advanced. The driven pinion causes the additional pinions to rotate through rotation of the ring gear, causing the blades to cut the film tubing.

Abstract: The planetary tubing cutter of the invention provides a gearing assembly having a pair of ring gears and a number of pinions with a blade affixed to each pinion. The ring gears are parallel to one another and are individually driven. The pinions are rotatably mounted to a side surface of one ring gear and engage a sun gear assembled to the other ring gear. When the ring gears rotate at the same speed, the pinions and blades do not revolve around their respective axes, and when one ring gear rotates at a speed different from the other ring gear, the pinions and blades revolve about their respective axes, intercepting and cutting a tube passing through an axial passage through the ring gears.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for enwrapping a horizontally oriented product in a sleeve. A sleeve is formed by opening a flat tubular film and cutting a selected length of tubing. The sleeve is further opened in a forming tube to a cross sectional shape comparable with the cross sectional shape of the product. The forming tube is moved from a receiving position to a discharge position and the sleeve is moved in a horizontal plane to enclose the axially aligned product carried on a horizontally oriented conveyor.

Abstract: The tubular banding applicator converts a flat tubular material into a cut length expanded tubular sleeve and mounts the sleeve circumferentially on a container. A driver moves a selected length of flat tubular material from a supply station, around a spreader, and into a hollow former having a retaining gate at an exit thereof. A cutter severs the selected length of tubular material from the supply station and a flow of air directed at a side of the flat tubular length assists in opening the sleeve. A conveyor carries a series of containers along a path to position each container in turn in alignment with the opened tubular sleeve. The driver moves a second selected length of flat tubular material from the supply into the former, thereby ejecting the first open sleeve from the former onto a container aligned below. The sleeve is subsequently caused to shrink to securely enwrap the container.

Abstract: A film cutter is provided for use in an industrial process in which a vertical blade and a horizontal blade interact. The vertical blade is mounted to move slidingly in a vertical plane and an end of the vertical blade rests upon the horizontal blade. The horizontal blade is mounted at an acute angle to the vertical blade. In the cutting process, the horizontal blade is moved in a direction that is perpendicular to the vertical blade so as to maintain the acute angle between the cutting edges substantially constant while the cutting intersection moves along the blade length.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching shaped metal clips at intervals to viscous-product-filled casing includes a support frame, a clipper assembly, a clipper assembly mounting rail, and a clipper assembly reciprocation mechanism. The clipper assembly is reciprocally mounted for reciprocal movement back and forth between a first casing entry station and a second casing exit station. A continuous tube of filled casing enters the apparatus at the first station and exits at the second station. The clipping assembly includes a filled casing support passage. Filled casing is directed through this passage as the casing extends between the first and second stations. The clipper assembly further includes first and second casing gathering plates which are projectible into the passage to gather the filled casing to form a neck section therein. The neck section is for attachment of at least one clip about the casing.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging includes a pivoting transport arm for removing a product from a moving conveyor and placing the product at a first work station. A pusher mechanism pushes the product delivered to the first station between spaced plates into a plastic bag and then through gates of a closure device to the second station. The closure device seals the bag with the product therein and the bagged product is subsequently discharged from the second station.