Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining a new web of material to a moving web in a packing machine is disclosed. The beginning end of the new web is secured in a joining unit which is positioned over the moving web. The joining unit has a pivotably mounted cutting device which is actuated by a piston to cut the moving web. The operation of the joining unit is synchronized with that of the packing machine by a stationary cam over which a follower attached to the cutting device is displaced. When the moving web is about to run out, the joining unit is activated so that the moving web is cut off while the new web is automatically attached to the remaining running length by means of adhesive tape. The automatic joining unit eliminates the need to shut down operation of the packing machine when the web of material runs out.

Abstract: The packing machine of the invention molds a first material web into a line of connected U-shaped sections; joins a second material web to the first material web and seals them together; fills the resulting cavities with an intended filling material; seals the filled cavities, and finally separates the line into individual filled packages.