Abstract: Method of and apparatus for cutting and heat sealing a film with a smooth seam which extends substantially the transverse width of a wrapped package utilizes a mechanism having a cool clamping portion and a hot sealing portion which are sequentially actuated. The clamping portion, with segments upstream and downstream of a sealing position, is activated to firmly hold the film against a base plate. The sealing portion is located between the upstream and downstream segments of the clamping portion. The heated sealing portion is brought into contact with the film as a cutting member cuts the film. The sealing head is retracted as the clamping portion holds the film to allow longitudinal film shrinkage and prevent transverse film shrinkage of the film. The clamping portion separates and the next package in a succession of film-enclosed packages is moved downstream of the sealing position.

Abstract: The invention provides an endless conveyor having a pair of gaps in its product conveying surface. As a film-wrapped product is conveyed across the gaps, a sensor aligned with the second gap signals the initiation of a shrinking sequence by which a pair of upwardly directed nozzles impinge hot air on the portion of film below and inboard of the transverse film seals. As the flow of hot air begins, a pair of magnetic clutches are activated to transmit power from a drive to a pair of shafts on which each clutch is respectively mounted. The drive, through the clutches, causes each of the nozzles to rotate about an axis so that the stream of hot air follows the travel of the wrapped product to maximize the time of hot air exposure without slowing the speed of product travel. At the end of the arc through which the nozzle is pivoted, the hot air flow is shut off, the magnetic clutches are deactivated, and a biasing spring causes the nozzles to return to their respective starting positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conveyorized system for weighing and labeling products in packages and having multiple conveyor sections each of which is driven by an individual variable speed motor. A computer is supplied and connected to each of the variable speed motors. The computer contains data relating speed of operating each motor for a particular package style in the computer memory. An operator inputs a package code to the computer, which locates the package information stored in memory and signals the variable speed motors as to the desired speed for each conveyor. Similar information is maintained in the computer memory for each package as to dimensions, such that the computer signal output includes commands to several servo motors which are connected to adjust spacing between vertical control belts to accommodate the package and the positioning of a label applicator to suit.

Abstract: A method for heat sealing a film with a smooth seam which extends the transverse width of a wrapped package utilizes a mechanism having a cool clamping portion and a hot sealing portion which are sequentially actuated. The clamping portion, with segments upstream and downstream of a sealing position, is activated to firmly hold the film. The sealing portion is located between the upstream and downstream segments of the clamping portion. The heated sealing portion is brought into very brief, instantaneous contact with the film and retracted, leaving the clamping portion in contact with the film for a comparatively long time to allow longitudinal film shrinkage and prevent transverse film shrinkage of the film. Lastly, the clamping portion separates and the next package in a succession of film-enclosed packages is moved downstream of the sealing position.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the invention provide a heat source adapted to direct heated air for shrinking a heat-shrinkable film wrapped around a package primarily to end seams of the package to avoid discoloration and distortion of printed central portions of film. The package is received by the apparatus with the end seams oriented transverse to the direction of travel. An arcuate conveyor section rotates the package 90.degree. and onto a shrink tunnel conveyor. A pair of upwardly directed long nozzles which are oriented parallel to the travel direction of the shrink tunnel conveyor blow hot air at the end seams only, leaving the top and bottom central film portions to shrink slowly by contact with warm ambient air in the tunnel.

Abstract: A method of apparatus for heat sealing two portions of film associated with packaging of a product is based on bringing the two portions of film being joined together under pressure of mating sealing components, heating the juncture between the portions and during the time such pressure and heat is being applied, forcing one of the sealing components engaging the film to shift relative to the other of the sealing components in the direction of the seal whereby to improve the quality of the seal.

Abstract: A method of producing a film wrapped package enables the package to have a bottom seam which is offset from the center-line of the tray and thus lends itself to pre-printing relatively large labels on the bottom of the package without interference from the bottom seam.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus directed, in the first preferred embodiment, to insulating a selected portion of a heat shrinkable film prior to applying heat. The insulating material is a roller applied liquid such as water which acts as a partial thermal barrier and restricts shrinkage in the coated portions of film. Portions of the film to which no insulating material is applied are shrunk to a greater extent than portions to which insulating material is applied. According to a second embodiment, a moderate amount of heat is applied by a heating plate to a portion of the film bottom. Application of greater amounts of heat subsequently shrink other portions of the film to a greater extent, and the moderately shrunk selected portion retains a smooth and wrinkle-free surface. Both embodiments are adapted to improve the quality, appearance and readability of printed portions of the film wrap.

Abstract: A product packaging machine incorporates a pair of conveyor belts which are continuously driven in a given direction at a selected speed. The conveyor belts are mounted on a reciprocable frame and are arranged such that the product being conveyed resides between the belts and a run of each belt firmly engages and transports the product. The belt runs engaging the product can be made to extend and retract in correspondence with the product being packaged reaching and completing a succeeding stage of packaging such as sealing.

Abstract: An apparatus for the weighing and labelling of products with non-flat bottoms in a high speed processing environment has a first entry section, a second weighing section and a third labelling section. The first and third sections incorporate a horizontal conveyor belt and a pair of vertical control belts. The second weighing section incorporates a unique horizontal belt arrangement which is adapted to change its shape and to deform in response to the weight and shape of the product. Products are fed in the first section, weighed in the second section and labelled in the third section and in practicing the method of the invention utilizing the described apparatus, product wobble and oscillation, particularly in the second weighing section, is minimized and more accurate weighing and labelling is achieved.

Abstract: A controllable length conveyor suitable for use in a packaging machine comprises a pair of conveyor belts which are continuously driven in a given direction at a selected speed. The conveyor belts are mounted on a reciprocable frame and are arranged such that the product being conveyed resides between the belts and a run of each belt firmly engages and transports the product. The belt runs engaging the product can be made to extend and retract in correspondence with the product reaching a succeeding stage of packaging such as sealing.

Abstract: In a film packaging machine wherein a pair of sealing bars are caused to move linearly with said film so as to increase the sealing cycle time, a pair of control belts are mounted so as to reciprocate in unison with said sealing bars. The control belts, which are oriented vertically at opposite edges of a central product conveyor and adapted to grip a product being wrapped, are rotated from a drive apparatus mounted to the machine body at a speed which equals the linear speed of reciprocation. Thus, the control belts do not rotate when the reciprocating motion is in the same direction as the direction in which the film and product move, and rotate at double the linear speed of reciprocation when the reciprocating motion is in the opposite direction.

Abstract: In a film packaging machine wherein a pair of sealing bars are caused to move linearly with said film so as to increase the sealing cycle time, a pair of control belts are mounted so as to reciprocate in unison with said sealing bars. The control belts, which are oriented vertically at opposite edges of a central product conveyor and adapted to grip a product being wrapped, are rotated from a drive apparatus mounted to the machine body at a speed which equals the linear speed of reciprocation. Thus, the control belts do not rotate when the reciprocating motion is in the same direction as the direction in which the film and product move, and rotate at double the linear speed of reciprocation when the reciprocating motion is in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An improvement to the conventional apparatus and method for wrapping products and product trays with a film is provided. As the wrapping film is carried over and with the product by chains fitted with gripper clamps, a set of guiding rollers is brought into contact with the film to maintain the film substantially horizontal between the rollers and the grippers. The apparatus described also permits stretching of the film to minimize wrinkles and maximize film utilization.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to shrink a heat shrinkable film wrapped around a product so as to produce a neat, wrinkle free finished package. As the product is transported along a conveyor path, first a bottom portion of the shrinkable film is shrunk by hot air; second, both side portions of the shrinkable film are shrunk by hot air; and third, the top portion of the shrinkable film is shrunk by warm water. The warm water employed is maintained at a temperature which is lower than that of the hot air so as to avoid wrinkles or damage to the film while efficiently shrinking the film.

Abstract: An apparatus for the accurate weighing and labeling of products with non-flat bottoms including three sections each having a horizontal conveyor belt and a pair of vertical control belts to eliminate product wobble and improve weight reliability and label placement. The vertical control belts are of a relatively thick, resilient material and are adjustable in spacing to accommodate various size products.

Abstract: An apparatus for the accurate weighing and labeling of products with non-flat bottoms including three sections each having a horizontal conveyor belt and a pair of vertical controls belts to eliminate product wobble and improve weight are of a relatively thick, resilient material and are adjustable in spacing to accommodate various size products.

Abstract: An apparatus for the accurate weighing and labeling of products with non-flat bottoms including three sections each having a horizontal conveyor belt and a pair of vertical controls belts to eliminate product wobble and improve weight are of a relatively thick, resilient material and are adjustable in spacing to accommodate various size products.

Abstract: A controllable length conveyor suitable for use in a packaging machine comprises a pair of conveyor belts which are continuously driven in a given direction at a selected speed. The conveyor belts are mounted on a reciprocable frame and are arranged such that the product being conveyed resides between the belts and a run of each belt firmly engages and transports the product. The belt runs engaging the product can be made to extend and retract in correspondence with the product reaching a succeeding stage of packaging such as sealing.