Abstract: A dual pocket loader wheel assembly for use on a continuous motion packaging machine is disclosed. The dual pocket loader wheel assembly has an elongate tubular member supported for rotation on a framework positioned on the packaging machine with respect to a carton transport conveyor on the packaging machine. A drive frame is positioned at one end of the tubular member and rotatably supports a spaced pair of pocket loader wheels thereon. A drive motor assembly is positioned on the framework at the other end of the tubular member and is operably connected to a drive shaft extending through the tubular member and into the drive frame for rotating the dual pocket loader wheels about their axes. The loader wheel assembly includes a rotary actuator mounted on the framework and operably engaged with the tubular member for rotating the tubular member to reverse the position of the dual pocket loader wheels with respect to the carton transport conveyor.

Abstract: The invention comprises a DC motor and a mechanism for converting a rotational motion of the DC motor to a linear motion in a vertical direction; a jig driven by the DC motor for performing sealing of a sample container; a DC power source; a section for controlling power supplied from the DC power source to the DC motor; a circuit for detecting a value of current flowing from the DC power source to the DC motor; a section for setting a predetermined load to be applied to the jig when the sample container is sealed by the jig; and a comparator connected to the load setting section and the current value detecting circuit.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine in which any of a selection of change parts assemblies can be slid into and out of mounting slots and secured in proper alignment by a hand operated toggle lock mechanism. A pair of stops are provide on the forming shoulder of the change part that correspond to the diameter of the forming tube. An articulated floating vacuum pull belt arrangement, having stops that engage the stops on the forming shoulder, automatically aligns itself with the change parts assembly. The film cage is adjustable for film tracking and can be tilted to a position that permits the film roll to be loaded without the need of a power hoist. The film tracking and film cage tilting are on a common axis, which simplifies the design and reduces the parts. The tiltable film cage has the added advantage of improving the access to the inside area of the machine when the film cage is tilted to the load position. This feature of the invention also reduces the overall size of the machine.

Abstract: A method for packaging cans or tubes continuously delivered from a production installation to pick-up elements, which are moved in steps, of an intermediate station. A gripper device brings the cans or tubes in groups according to the desired number of pieces in a packaging layer to a delivery station. Each can or tube is deposited into a support element, after which the cans or tubes are pushed together out of the support elements into a loading station. The cans or tubes are placed at equal distances into the pick-up elements, wherein individual support elements are placed apart from each other at a predetermined distance. The cans or tubes are then deposited into the support elements at distances predetermined by the pick-up elements. The support elements are subsequently moved together until they touch each other, whereupon the cans or tubes are then pushed into the loading station. This method allows the use of the same apparatus for different can diameters with minimal changing effort.

Abstract: A processing machine, particularly a packing machine for cigarettes or similar, includes a plurality of operating units which execute various steps of processing which are synchronized with each other and follow a predetermined system of operation. The machine has a modular unit construction, consisting of a table or bed (1) which forms a horizontal, or substantially horizontal, plane (101) acting as an upper support for the various operating units (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18) and lower housings (201, 301) for further operating units (20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28), all the operating units being made in prefabricated form.

Abstract: A bottling machine for filling or capping containers having a generally circular cross section is provided. The bottling machine includes a rotatable star wheel having a plurality of peripheral individual removable neck support assemblies for receiving and moving the containers through the machine. Each of the individual neck support assemblies includes a pocket support for holding the containers and a snap locking mechanism including a piston on the neck support assembly cooperable with a clamp pin on the star wheel for releasably attaching each of the neck support assemblies to the star wheel.

Abstract: An article packaging machine (11) for packaging articles such as bottles and cans in cardboard containers comprises a carton path along which cartons are moved to be loaded with articles. The carton path is adjustable in width to provide for use of the packaging machine with cartons of various sizes. A series of automatic retractable bed plate assemblies (26), (27), (28), (29) are provided on the machine for underlying and providing support to cartons moving along the carton path. The bed plates are pneumatically actuated and are adapted to be raised automatically into the carton path as the carton path is widened to provide progressively increasing support. Conversely, the bed plates are lowered automatically out of the carton path as the carton path is narrowed to accommodate the narrowing of the path.

Abstract: A case sealing system utilizes a parallel link mechanism with a built-in locking positioning system to support a case sealer such as a taper, gluer or stapler or the like at a selected height above a support table whereby the height of the sealer above the table may be readily adjusted to accommodate different height packages. Preferably, the system will also include a pair of easily adjusted side guides that are moveable to positions to center different width packages relative to the center line of the sealer so that the equipment may be quickly and accurately be positioned to accommodate different sized packages.

Abstract: A dough cutting and packing apparatus capable of processing and packaging dough products of differing dimensions includes a plurality of cutting plates supported adjacent one another to form an endless cutting unit. A container positioning mechanism positions a plurality of containers relative to the openings to receive the dough pieces after they are removed by the reciprocating packing mechanism. A servo motor drive actuation of both the cutter bar indexing drive system and the container advancement system allows for accurate positioning by reprogramming the servo drive for a particular product dimension rather than mechanically changing over to alternate equipment. A self-contained container advancement module can be removed and replaced with another container module suitable for delivering containers of different dimensions.

Abstract: A quick connect clamp for a bottling machine is provided. The quick connect clamp includes a bayonnet clamp having a rod portion and a complementary rod grasping portion. The rod portion including a handle at one end for actuating the clamp and locking projections on the other end for inserting within the rod grasping portion, the rod portion including a spring mechanism for placing the clamp in tension in a locked position. The locking projections coact with a cam surface on the rod grasping portion to lock and unlock the clamp.

Abstract: A dual pocket loader wheel assembly for use on a continuous motion packaging machine is disclosed. The dual pocket loader wheel assembly has an elongate tubular member supported for rotation on a framework positioned on the packaging machine with respect to a carton transport conveyor on the packaging machine. A drive frame is positioned at one end of the tubular member and rotatably supports a spaced pair of pocket loader wheels thereon. A drive motor assembly is positioned on the framework at the other end of the tubular member and is operably connected to a drive shaft extending through the tubular member and into the drive frame for rotating the dual pocket loader wheels about their axes. The loader wheel assembly includes a rotary actuator mounted on the framework and operably engaged with the tubular member for rotating the tubular member to reverse the position of the dual pocket loader wheels with respect to the carton transport conveyor.

Abstract: An office machine for processing mail items includes mechanical elements for folding mail items and inserting them in envelopes and a data processing unit operating under the control of a configuration program to place the mechanical elements of the machine in a particular operating mode in accordance with configuration data. An interface receives a portable external element including a memory and inserted into an opening in the machine at the location of the interface means. The processing unit reads configuration data previously stored in the memory of the portable element when the machine is switched on with the portable element present in the interface means in order to place the mechanical elements of the machine in the operating mode corresponding to the configuration data.

Abstract: A cartoner for loading products into cartons and for sealing the ends of product cartons as the cartons move along a carton path therein comprises a tuck module located at a position on the cartoner along the carton path for engaging an end flap of the product carton and tucking a portion of the end flap into the carton to seal the carton end and a glue module, selectively interchangeable with the tuck module at the position along the carton path, for engaging an end flap of a product carton and gluing the end flap to a portion of the carton such that a single cartoner may be used to seal cartons by selectively tucking or gluing the end flaps.

Abstract: A vertically oriented horizontally extending carton conveyor and loading apparatus incorporates a mechanical mechanism for simultaneously adjusting the distance between a pair of longitudinally extending guide rails at a plurality of locations. The carton conveyor also includes an intermediate member and a carton finishing apparatus disposed on the intermediate member for closing and sealing operations. The mechanical mechanism simultaneously moves a first of the guide rails and the intermediate member laterally with respect to a second of the guide rails, but with the mounting member being moved one half of the distance of the first guide rail.

Abstract: Flowpacker with unilaterally supported cross sealing shafts, on which one or more cross seal tools are disposed, distributed over the radial periphery. For rapid resetting and simple maintenance, the cross seal tools are disposed on a casing part, which casing part is pushed onto the cross seal shaft, and is retained thereon. The casing part is, for example, held clamped on all sides on the cross seal shaft.

Abstract: A packaging machine responds, when a kind of merchandise to be produced, the film or the former which is installed thereon is inputted through a touch panel, by causing its microcomputer to compare the inputted data with the data stored in a read-only memory circuit on merchandises, films and/or formers, to display the merchandise, the identification numbers and pictorial patterns of films and/or the sizes and storage location of formers which correspond to the inputted data, and to select an appropriate merchandise, film and/or former.

Abstract: An apparatus (blank unit) for feeding blanks to an article to be wrapped is disclosed. In the feeding of blanks (13) or of a web of material (14) made from critical packaging materials (thin foils), suction conveyors (32 . . . 37) are used which transport, guide and retain the web of material (14). An optimum guidance of the web of material (14) is ensured when lateral elongated suction conveyors (32, 33) reach below a pack track (15). Additionally, shorter suction conveyors (34 . . . 37) are disposed above the pack track (15) in the region of the web of material (14). To adjust the blank unit to different widths of the web of material (14), the lateral elongated suction conveyors (32, 33) can be displaced transversely relative to one another. Moreover, individual shorter suction conveyors (34 . . . 37) can be removed.

Abstract: A selectively adjustable apparatus permits the holding down and stabilizing of cartons in a continuous motion packaging machine as grouped articles are inserted into the cartons. The apparatus includes a pair of spaced parallel hold-down rails (56, 62) adapted to engage the tops of moving cartons with light force to hold the cartons down and inhibit their deformation as grouped articles are inserted with significant momentum into the cartons. A side rail (97) is provided and positioned to engage the back ends of the moving cartons to absorb the momentum of grouped articles as the articles are inserted into the cartons.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying closures to containers includes a plurality of cam followers, closure tightening mechanisms associated with the cam followers to tighten closures on the container, a cam assembly having an annular cam groove for receiving the cam followers, and a cam insert positioned along a portion of the length of the cam assembly The cam insert is moveable between a first position and a second position to change the path of the cam followers between a first path and a second path, where the first path causes the cam followers to move relative to the cam assembly at a first rate, thereby causing the closure tighteners to tighten closures on the containers at a first rate, and the second path causes the cam followers to move relative to the cam assembly at a second rate, thereby causing the closure tighteners to tighten closures on the containers at a second rate.

Abstract: A vertically oriented horizontally extending carton conveyor and loading apparatus includes a mechanical mechanism for transporting a plurality of cartons along an endless pathway in a horizontal plane. The apparatus also includes carton finishing systems and a second mechanical mechanism for adjusting the carton conveyor to accommodate cartons of different sizes and for positioning the cartons with respect to the loading apparatus and finishing systems. This second mechanical mechanism fixes an upper, back and trailing corner of a carton with respect to the pathway so that the upper, back and trailing corner provides a reference point for adjustments with respect to carton width, thickness and height.

Abstract: Methods of converting pitch on a pouch machine include using a standard drive table with above table change parts including sealer wheel, filler wheel and knife. The sealer wheels and filler wheels are retained at respectively the same diameters to facilitate use of the common drive and to facilitate maintenance of the pouch web path through the machine for all pouch pitch ranges. Pouch stations on the sealer and filler wheels are not limited to whole degree movements and pouch web speeds are preferably maintained constantly for all pouch pitch ranges.

Abstract: An agricultural bagging machine including a wheeled frame having an upstanding face panel to which multiple size tunnels may be attached.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed in a machine for applying carrier stock of resilient polymeric material to substantially identical containers, each having an upper rim of a given diameter and a side wall of a larger diameter. The carrier stock has container-receiving apertures in longitudinal rows. A conveyor conveys the containers in longitudinal rows. A wheel assembly comprising two wheels with paired jaws receives the stock, stretches the stock transversely, and moves the stock downwardly past the rims. The conveyor, the wheel assembly, and the jaws on one wheel are adjustable for applying the stock selectively in a rim-applied carrier position or in a side-applied carrier position. The conveyor is supported by a table and is adjustable vertically, via spacers insertable between the table and a base. The wheel assembly is adjustable longitudinally, via rollers on longitudinal rails. The jaws on one wheel are adjustable transversely, via screws.

Abstract: A package transport mechanism having a plurality of phase adjustable lug-type flights. The mechanism is incorporated in a continuous motion packaging assembly for loading article groups into cartons or other carriers which comprises an article infeed mechanism supplying at least one stream of articles; an article group selection and transport mechanism intersecting the article infeed mechanism to form and transport a longitudinal stream of article groups of a predetermined pattern; a package supply mechanism synchronized and moving parallel with the article group selecting mechanism to provide packages with open ends facing the moving article groups; and an article group transfer mechanism which is constructed and arranged to move the article groups into the open ends of the packages.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for the adjustment of the holding capacity of a package carrier (3) supported on a line (1) and which comprises at least one externally plane side wall (4) which is closest to the line (1) and which extends parallel with this latter and with the direction of conveyance of the package carrier (3), there being on the inner surface of the package carrier (3) recesses (5) for positioning of the package.

Abstract: A work head changer is disclosed which automatically changes a capping head used in a rotary multicapper or a filling nozzle in a rotary filler. A controller controls the rotation of a rotatable body of the rotary multicapper, for example, thus bringing the individual capping heads to a stop successively and intermittently at a predetermined work head replacement position. In case of the rotary multicapper, each capping head is detachably mounted on the rotatable body through a connection. A work head delivery mechanism removes a capping head which is brought to a stop at the work head replacement position from the connection, and attaches a capping head of another variety which has been stored in a stocker to the connection at an empty location from which the capping head has been removed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning means and a press-sealing means. The positioning means includes a jig, a base and an elevating apparatus. The jig includes a plate-like element and a placement hole formed therethrough. It holds an upper portion of a container and adjusts the proper position of the container. The base holds a plurality of jigs and rotates by regular angular amounts, varying each jig's position with respect to a container. The elevating apparatus moves the base between a top position, where the jig holds a container and its top surface touches the undersurface of a pair of rails, and a lowest position, where its upper surface is positioned below the undersurface of the container. The base may include a polygonally-cylindrically shaped block, each surface thereof is flat and holds a jig, a framework that secures the block horizontally by a horizontal axis, and a rotating element that rotates the block by regular angular amounts.

Abstract: A method of adjusting inserting apparatus capable of inserting a plurality of documents into envelopes of varying size. The method includes locating an envelope with an open flap on a template having a plurality of scales thereon for determining whether or not the inserting apparatus can accommodate the size of the envelope placed on the template and for adjusting a plurality of adjustable mechanical elements of the inserting apparatus in order to process the envelope placed on the template, and adjusting the mechanical elements in accordance with the readings on the scales.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a positioning means and a press-sealing means. The positioning means includes a jig, a base and an elevating apparatus. The jig includes a plate-like element and a placement hole formed therethrough. It holds an upper portion of a container and adjusts the proper position of the container. The base holds a plurality of jigs and rotates by regular angular amounts, varying each jig's position with respect to a container. The elevating apparatus moves the base between a top position, where the jig holds a container and its top surface touches the undersurface of a pair of rails, and a lowest position, where its upper surface is positioned below the undersurface of the container. The base may include a polygonally-cylindrically shaped block, each surface thereof is flat and holds a jig, a framework that secures the block horizontally by a horizontal axis, and a rotating element that rotates the block by regular angular amounts.

Abstract: An ice cream carton filling machine includes a hopper for storing empty cartons; a filling spout for filling the empty cartons with ice cream; a conveyor means for moving the empty cartons from the hopper to the filling spout, and for moving the filled cartons away from the filling spout to a discharge end; an interchangeable carton closing mechanism mountable on the machine includes a removable bottom flap tucker disposable between the hopper means and the filling spout for closing one end of a lock end carton; a removable top flap tucker disposable between the filling spout and the discharge end for closing the top of a lock end carton; a top adhesive sealing and closing mechanism interchangeably disposable with said top flap tucker between the filling spout and the discharge end for closing the top end of a tamper evident glued end carton; a bottom adhesive sealing and closing mechanism interchangeably disposable with the bottom flap tucker between the hopper and the filling spout for closing the bottom en

Abstract: Apparatus (packaging machine) for the packaging of articles of differing sizes. In packaging technology, it is often necessary to solve the problem of producing packs of differing size on one and the same packaging machine. As a rule, adapting this to the different pack formats requires considerable conversion work. This in turn involves lengthy standstill phases of the packaging machine. To make it easier for the packaging to be changed over to different pack formats, packaging members, especially folding members, critical for the packaging process are provided in the form of a plurality of, preferably two sets (40, 41). A particular set of packaging members is in the packaging position (43). A further (part) set is an exchange position (44) for the exchange of individual or all packaging members for other formats.

Abstract: Movable flanges are carried on a host roller in a spaced apart relationship so that the flanges can support articles above the surface of the hose roller. The movable flanges have an access slot to allow the flanges to be slipped over a reduced diameter section of the host roller and then placed on a larger diameter section of the host roller.

Abstract: A machine is provided for continuously packing food or pharmaceutical products in thermoformed plastic material containers, comprising a station for receiving and unwinding reels of plastic material film, heating stations, a thermoforming station, a dosing station, a sealing station and a cutting station, and chains for moving the plastic material film step by step from one end of the machine to the other, which are driven without slipping over drive wheels having a smooth surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine comprising an apparatus for assembling a container for an optically readable disc-shaped information carrier. The container comprises a bottom section, a cover section, a bottom insertion-card, a cover leaflet, and a tray. The disc-shaped information carrier is detachably retained in the tray. During assembly the bottom section serves as an assembly base. In order to load the disc-shaped information carrier into a tray without the remainder of the container, the machine is provided with an auxiliary bottom section which is secured to the apparatus and in principle has the same dimensions as a container bottom section, so that a tray can be placed in the auxiliary bottom section and after it has been loaded with a disc-shaped information tray, can be removed as a unit from the auxiliary bottom section.

Abstract: The packing machine comprising a passageway for continuous strip movement is intended for continuous and cyclical molding, filling, sealing and at least group-wise severing of containers, and comprises deep-drawing stations located along the path of continuous movement of the strip.

Abstract: Starting from an apparatus according to German Offenlegungsschrift No. 3,123,496, an apparatus for wrapping relatively large articles, especially a plurality of individual packs (cigarette cartons), is simplified and improved in terms of its mode of operation, in such a way that the packs (20) formed in different ways always leave the apparatus at the same point (discharge conveyor track 40) and can be supplied to a common pack tower (41). For this purpose, there are two folding turrets (38, 39) for wrapping the pack group (22) with different blanks.

Abstract: An L-sealer apparatus in which the transverse arm portion of the pivotal pressure frame is provided with an adjustably-retractable cutting blade for alternatively forming bags having only three sealed sides thereof, with one side edge being left unsealed for subsequent closure by a twist-tie, and for alternatively forming conventional, completely sealed bags. A clamping element is provided for clamping the plastic film adjacent to the portion at which the cutting blade is to cut, in order to provide a clean cut. The plastic film is cut downstream or upstream of the portion being heat-sealed by the electrical heating wire provided with the transverse arm portion of the pressure frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading articles into trays where the articles are first separated into rows with a divider assembly, then separated into groups with a grouper assembly and then pushed onto a dead plate to form a load. Different divider and grouper assemblies are provided to make different load configurations. A tray blank is moved under the dead plate and pushed out from under the dead plate synchronously with the movement of the article load over the dead plate so that the article load is deposited on the tray blank. Thereafter, the flaps on the tray blank are folded to erect the tray around the group of articles. Mechanical folding mechanisms are provided to fold certain of the flaps on the tray without folding the other flaps. The method of loading the articles in the tray and forming the tray around the articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for wrapping and grouping products of parallelepedic and/or flat shapes is described, in which the individual products are wrapped by a first wheel and conveyed to a second wheel designed to form, in an alternate manner, two types of groups, in the first of which the products are positioned together in a flat manner and in the second of which the products are positioned together in an arrangement which intersects a plane which is perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of the products themselves. The products are conveyed from the wrapping wheel to the wheel for forming the groups by means of a conveyor head having sections, whose position may be varied in order to enable the removal of the products from different positions of the wrapping wheel and consequently to enable the production of groups of the first or the second type.

Abstract: A system adapted to reverse the sequential position of the operative units of packaging machinery as a function of the orientation of the processing line and the floor space where the plant is located. The system provides for the use of a coupling plate disposed between the work table and the machine housing, the plate being adapted to be mounted in two specularly symmetrical rotational positions 180 degrees apart relative to one another and with respect of the machine housing.

Abstract: It is proposed to adjust components, tools and devices of a packaging machine to various formats in accordance with the products to be packaged and packaging material to be used. To assure that the operator will approach the correct conversion point when adjusting the individual conversion points in accordance with a program of a data-processing control unit, the various conversion points have code carriers with a code identifying the particular conversion point. The control unit does not emit an adjusting signal unitl the operator has connected a code reader with the code carrier the code of which agrees with the conversion point displayed at the control unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for alternately capping both glass and semirigid plastic bottles. A mechanically actuated cap applying head is mounted for vertically reciprocating movement so as to apply a downwardly directed capping force on the bottle. A hand manipulated dual position stop mechanism limits the downwardly directed capping force in one mode to accommodate semirigid containers and in the other mode removes the downward force restraint for capping glass bottles.

Abstract: For adjustment to various formats in accordance with the products to be packaged and the packages used, structural parts, tools and devices of a packaging machine are equipped to be adjustable. In order to be able to effect adjustment as intended and quickly by means of displaceable parts equipped with set screws at the changeover locations, the packaging machine has a mobile drive unit, which can be coupled with the set screws of the various changeover locations. The drive unit is controlled by a control unit which is programmable in accordance with the format, and is used by the operator at a given changeover location as indicated by the control unit.

Abstract: Apparatus having a plurality of controlled overlapping chain drives, each chain drive containing a plurality of raised members for receiving collated stacks of mailing literature and conveying the literature over their successive paths in synchrony with a collating assembly to a film wrapping assembly coupled at the opposite end thereof. Independently hinged overlying hold-down assemblies prevent the collating material from curling or otherwise becoming disassembled before wrapping in a film wrapper or in a paper wrapper.

Abstract: Sheet processing apparatus including a bursting machine for feeding and bursting a continuous web along perforation lines, a folding machine for folding the sheets from the bursting machine and an inserting machine for inserting the folded sheets into an envelope, and [i] a device for removably connecting the bursting machine to the folding machine, [ii] a device for removably connecting the folding machine to the inserting machine and [iii] a device for removably connecting the bursting machine directly to the inserting machine in the absence of the folding machine; controls operatively interconnected between the inserting machine and the folding machine for controlling the sequential operation of the folding machine with the cyclical operation of the inserting machine so that the folding machine operates on demand from the inserting machine; controls operatively interconnected between the folding machine and the bursting machine for controlling the sequential operation of the bursting machine in timed relat

Abstract: This invention provides substitute capping heads to apply a threaded closure on a bottle neck through the utilization of existing machines which were designed to apply an aluminum closure on a bottle neck by in situ formation of the threads in an aluminum shell. The modified capping heads embodying this invention utilize the same rotational and vertical movements of the capping heads relative to the containers, but effect a frictional engagement with a pre-formed, internally threaded plastic closure to effect the screwing of such closure onto a bottle neck with the effective application torque being limited by a slip clutch incorporated in the drive train of the modified capping head. Such clutch is isolated from ambient humidity conditions, and in some modifications operates in an oil bath.

Abstract: A unitary package rest member for use on a wrap station is comprised of a central section (42) which can be mounted in at least two different positions to the wrap station, and first and second shelves (44, 45) extending from the central section parallel to each other, spaced apart, and of substantially different area in order to provide to the operator a selection of mounting the rest member with either the smaller or larger shelf in the active operating rest position. The shelf parts extend in opposite directions from the central section, such that the rest shelf not in use projects inwardly under the top section of the wrap station, out of the way of the operator. The rest member can be formed by bending a unitary blank of sheet metal such that the shelf parts are parallel to each other, extending in opposite directions, and the sides of the blank are so dimensioned, in symmetrical fashion, that the blanks may be struck from a strip or sheet of the material with minimum waste.

Abstract: A semiautomatic-automatic strapping machine can be used in the automatic system as well as in the semiautomatic system. An arch having an arch guide is fitted in a longitudinal gap of a table for its lower part and above said table for its arch part in the automatic system and said arch is disassembled and a band projection guide and a band inserting guide are fitted to said longitudinal gap of said table, at the position of said band projection guide front of said receiving part and said band inserting guide behind said receiving part in the semiautomatic system.

Abstract: A severing device for use in a semiautomatic machine for facilitating the wrapping of an article with thermoplastic film material. The device is designed as an adapter to fit into a presently known machine to permit the removal of the hot wire presently used in such machines for severing the film and to replace such hot wire by a mechanical device for this purpose whose location and operation will not appreciably, if any, require alteration of the manual sequence previously known for effecting such wrapping. The device includes a knife and knife bed assembly which is relatively movable by electrical means. At least one limit switch is positioned adjacent the meeting zone of the knife and knife bed assembly so that upon movement of the thermoplastic film downwardly by the same motion as previously placed same against the hot wire for severing, the film will contact and actuate the limit switch and thereby actuate the knife and knife bed assembly for effecting such severing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting conventional bottle crowning machines for the proper application of lighweight metal tear off closures. The standard crowner mechanism is detached from the free end of a work imparting shaft mounted for vertical reciprocation along its longitudinal axis. A tear off closure applying head is installed in place of the crowner mechanism with a self-contained compensating spring unit interposed axially between the shaft end and the applying head. The converted machine is capable of uniformly applying tear off closures with adequate compensation for normal dimensional variations in the bottles being capped.