Abstract: A feeder apparatus for conveying articles, comprises a first, gap-closing conveyor, and a second, lugged conveyor positioned downstream of said first, gap-closing conveyor. The gap-closing conveyor accepts randomly or irregularly spaced articles from an upstream conveyor or other feeder. The gap-closing conveyor is operated at a speed which is sufficient to always provide a gap between articles received on the gap-closing conveyor from an upstream conveyor or associated feeder. The second, lugged conveyor is operated at a speed which is the same as the downstream wrapper or other packaging device to which the regularly spaced articles are being supplied. The apparatus includes upper and lower moving junction carriages which respectively join opposite ends of said first, gap closing conveyor and said second, lugged conveyor.

Abstract: A rotary bonding apparatus includes a rotatable drum and one or more bonding elements, for example, ultrasonic horn and anvil assemblies, which rotate with the drum. The drum includes a web-supporting surface, and web material which is to be bonded rotates with the drum. The web material is positioned between the bonding elements and the web and bonding elements rotate at the same velocity so that the bonding elements are stationary relative to the web being bonded.