Abstract: An object can be heat-shrinkable packaged by placing an object inside of heat-shrinkable film, sealing the heat-shrinkable film around the object to form a heat-shrinkable package, coupling a first portion of a label to the heat-shrinkable package, and causing the heat-shrinkable film to shrink into heat-shrunk film and the heat-shrinkable package to form into a heat-shrunk package. The label includes an identifier on a second portion of the label. The label remains coupled to the heat-shrunk film after the heat-shrinkable film is caused to shrink into heat-shrunk film. The second portion of the label remains substantially undeformed after the heat-shrinkable film is caused to shrink into heat-shrunk film.

Abstract: A reloading supply system includes a loading cart (100) and a machine (200). The loading cart has a first material tray (120) that includes a first combed surface (122) configured to retain a supply material in the first material tray. The machine has a second material tray (220) that includes a second combed surface (222) configured to retain the supply material in the second material tray after the supply material is transferred from the first material tray of the loading cart to the second material tray of the machine. Teeth (124) of the first combed surface are configured to pass by teeth (224) of the second combed surface. The first combed surface and the second combed surface are configured such that the supply material in the first material tray is transferred to the second material tray as the teeth of the first combed surface pass by the teeth of the second combed surface.

Abstract: A system for packaging includes a continuous flow wrap machine, a product reader, and a labeling unit. The product reader is configured to sense each product of the series of products transported on the infeed conveyor of the continuous flow wrap machine and to provide detected information for facilitating access to unique product information associated with each sensed product of the series of products. The labeling unit is adapted to apply visual representation of the unique product information to the tube formed in the continuous flow wrap machine while the tube is moving or to the resulting packaged product while the packaged product is moving.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to an apparatus that controls a film to allow various sized products to enter the film. The disclosed apparatus comprises a first arm, a second arm, and an upper member positioned between the first arm and the second arm. A system comprising the apparatus and components to wrap a product in film, such as, an end sealer, a conveyor, and a side sealer is also disclosed. Additionally disclosed is a method for controlling a film during a sealing process.

Abstract: Control system and apparatus for controlling current input to an electrical resistance element such as a seal wire. The system and apparatus of the present invention is a closed loop feedback modification to conventional systems, and takes advantage of the inherent expansion of the seal wire as it is heated. The feedback mechanism monitors both the actual current passing through the wire, and the length of the sealing wire, and adjusts the current applied to the wire, responsive to those monitored inputs. The usage of the sealing machine is also monitored and the application and amount of current flowing to the wire is varied based on this usage.

Abstract: Control system and apparatus for controlling power consumption of a heat chamber such as a shrink tunnel. The system and apparatus of the present invention is modification to conventional systems, and takes advantage of the inherent equipment usage model in a packaging process. When the shrink wrap sealer has been idle for a predetermined duration, control circuitry in the shrink tunnel forces the tunnel to enter an energy savings mode.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling current input to an electrical resistance element such as a seal blade. A heating sensing element such as a thermocouple monitors the temperature of a component of the sealing jaw, such as a conductive mounting member supporting the seal element. When the sensed temperature is above or below a predetermined value, the duration of the impulse current is modified until the temperature falls within a predetermined range or to a predetermined value.

Abstract: Control system and apparatus for controlling power consumption of a heat chamber such as a shrink tunnel. The system and apparatus of the present invention is modification to conventional systems, and takes advantage of the inherent equipment usage model in a packaging process. When the shrink wrap sealer has been idle for a predetermined duration, control circuitry in the shrink tunnel forces the tunnel to enter an energy savings mode.