Abstract: In a hot forming machine in which molding means deform a thermoplastic foil band and cutting and stamping means further process the deformed foil band. A photocell is adapted to scan marking indicia on the foil band and to adjust a lengthwise adjustable connecting member in accordance with such scanning. The connecting member forms part of an advancing arrangement for the transported foil band. This advancing arrangement includes a swing arm pivotally mounted in the machine; a first shaft mounted on the swing arm in proximity of the free end thereof; and an eccentric rigidly secured to the first shaft and pivotally connected to the connecting member which is also pivotally connected to the swing arm.

Abstract: An improved process and heating arrangement for actuating and arresting a heat-forming machine for producing deep drawn containers made of thermoplastic foil band material. The foil band material is paid out in stepwise fashion from one or more storage rollers and is then processed along a process path along which there are arranged in downstream fashion: a heating arrangement, a molding arrangement, a filling arrangement, a stamping arrangement and a driving mechanism. Control circuit means are operatively connected to all of the afore-recited arrangements. The heating arrangements includes heating elements for heating the foil band material to the molding temperature. Screening plates are slidably mounted in the heating arrangement between the foil band material and the heating elements.