Abstract: An infrared preheater preheats the first and second surfaces of an edge-proximate portion of a package that is formed from a polymeric material. The first and second surfaces on opposing sides of a sheet of material in which the surfaces are sealed to one another or to another element at the edge-proximate portion. The preheater includes an infrared energy emitting element disposed to emit infrared energy directly toward the first surface of the edge-proximate portion to preheat the first surface of the edge-proximate portion. An energy reflective element is disposed in opposing relation to the energy emitting element. The energy reflective element is positioned such that at least a portion of the energy that is emitted from the emitting element that does not strike the first surface of the package strikes the energy reflective element and is reflected back to the second surface to preheat the second surface of the edge-proximate portion.

Abstract: A pump system includes a pump chamber and piston. The chamber has a cylindrical wall, an inlet port and a discharge port, both disposed in the wall axially spaced from the closed end and circumferentially spaced from each other. The piston is disposed in the pump chamber for reciprocating and rotational movement. The piston has at least one channel formed therein that is aligned with the inlet port during an intake stroke and is rotated out of alignment with the inlet port during a discharge stroke. The drive system includes a motor, a threaded shaft coupled to the motor and a coupling assembly coupling the shaft to the piston. The coupling assembly is configured to linearly move the piston when the piston is rotationally constrained and to rotationally move the piston when the piston is linearly constrained.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine is configured to mold a closure directly onto a carton. The machine includes a carton erection station to receive and erect a carton and a direct injection molding station. The molding station has an internal mold tool for receipt of the carton, and an external mold tool set. The internal tool and external tool set are configured to receive and secure a portion of the carton therebetween and define a mold cavity with the portion of the carton disposed therein. The external mold tool set defines an opening for receiving a polymer injection system to inject polymer into the mold cavity. A closure is directly molded in place on the carton, with the polymer encapsulating the inner peripheral edge of the carton opening that is disposed within the mold cavity. The packaging machine also includes a filling station for filling the carton and a sealing station for forming a seal on the carton.

Abstract: A transfer unit is configured for use with a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The transfer unit receives a partially erected carton from a first station in a tubular form, conveys the carton to a second station, and conveys the carton from the second station to a third station. The transfer unit includes a hub defining a longitudinal hub axis and configured for rotational movement about the hub axis. A plurality of car pairs are mounted to the hub for longitudinal movement along the hub. Each of the car pairs includes first and second cars, each of which has first and second mandrels mounted thereto. The mandrels are configured to receive a partially erected carton. Each mandrel has a mandrel axis and is rotational about its respective axis. The mandrel axes are perpendicular and tangential to the hub axis.

Abstract: A transfer unit is configured for use with a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The transfer unit receives a partially erected carton from a first station in a tubular form, conveys the carton to a second station, and conveys the carton from the second station to a third station. The transfer unit includes a hub defining a longitudinal hub axis and configured for rotational movement about the hub axis. A plurality of car pairs are mounted to the hub for longitudinal movement along the hub. Each of the car pairs includes first and second cars, each of which has first and second mandrels mounted thereto. The mandrels are configured to receive a partially erected carton. Each mandrel has a mandrel axis and is rotational about its respective axis. The mandrel axes are perpendicular and tangential to the hub axis.

Abstract: A transfer unit is configured for use with a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The transfer unit receives a partially erected carton from a first station in a tubular form, conveys the carton to a second station, and conveys the carton from the second station to a third station. The transfer unit includes a hub defining a longitudinal hub axis and configured for rotational movement about the hub axis. A plurality of car pairs are mounted to the hub for longitudinal movement along the hub. Each of the car pairs includes first and second cars, each of which has first and second mandrels mounted thereto. The mandrels are configured to receive a partially erected carton. Each mandrel has a mandrel axis and is rotational about its respective axis. The mandrel axes are perpendicular and tangential to the hub axis.

Abstract: An asphalt paver screed includes a linkage mechanism connecting a main screed and at least one extender screed. The linkage mechanism controls movement of the extender screed relative to the main screed (via a pair of upper and lower frames connecting the extender screed and main screed) along three generally perpendicular axes. The linkage mechanism includes a plurality of links with at least one elongate lateral link extending along a lateral axis generally parallel to a first horizontal axis, at least one elongate fore/aft link extending along a fore/aft axis generally parallel to a second horizontal axis, and at least one selectively length-adjustable link extending along an axis generally parallel to a third vertical axis. The length adjustable link permits selective adjustment of vertical spacing and sloping between the main screed and the extender screed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting when a cold planer experiences a kickback condition. The device includes a wheel adapted to be connected to the cold planer such that the wheel is caused to rotate in a first direction when the cold planer travels forward, and a second direction when the cold planer travels backward. The device also includes a sensing assembly having an electronic sensor. The sensing assembly is arranged and configured for detecting when the wheel travels in the second direction, and for providing a signal to an on-board computer of the cold planer indicating that a kickback has been detected.

Abstract: A highly accurate force transducer with flanges and flexures to produce uniaxial flexibility and which utilizes a laser with retroreflectors and an interferometer detecting force movements with resolution of a fraction of a wavelength of light, typically 0.0000003 inch. A mechanical amplifier increases resolution, accuracy, and repeatability. Any deviation from uniaxial movement of the flanges/mirrors detected by three other retroreflector/interferometer systems may be stored in a computer and utilized to correct the force measurements.