Abstract: A zipper sealer machine for use with form, fill and seal machines and the method for bonding strips of reclosable fastener material strip fastener material to the film of a form fill and seal machine. The zipper sealer machine is adapted to be mounted within in the form, fill and seal machine and coordinate with the components of the form, fill and seal machine such as its film control mechanism. The zipper sealer machine includes a substantially symmetrically formed rotor having a pair of outer edges. Reclosable fastener material strip fastener material is fed to an outer edge of the rotor and cut to length. The cutting process also fuses the cut ends of the reclosable fastener material strip fastener material . The rotor is rotated 180 degrees, which locates the strip of reclosable fastener material strip fastener material adjacent to the film course at which it is bonded to the film.

Abstract: The invention provides a lifting device for a working station of a packaging machine, the working station comprising a first tool member and a second tool member mounted for movement relative to the first tool member. The lifting device comprises a first lifting member for producing a first closing travel of the second tool member towards the first tool member and a second lifting member for producing a second closing travel following said first closing travel. The second lifting member comprises drive means and mechanical transmission means having means for producing substantially constant closing force for the second closing travel upon occurrence of a resistance.

Abstract: A packaging machine under control of an electronic control system is set forth. The packaging machine includes a plurality of servo driven packaging stations that execute the processes required to fill and seal a carton. Each of the packaging stations is driven by one or more servomotors associated therewith. A plurality of servo amplifiers are connected to the servomotors to control the rotational movement of the servomotors thereby to effect control of the motion of the various components associated with each if the packaging stations. The packaging machine further includes at least two programmable devices connected for communication over a common bus. A programmable axis manager (PAM) is connected to control the plurality of servo amplifiers and, thus, the motion profiles of the servomotors and components of the respective processing station. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is connected to receive and transmit input/output signals associated with the plurality of packaging stations.

Abstract: An improved article packaging machine, and method of using same to prevent the formation of empty or defective packages is disclosed. The rotational position of the drive axis (45) of a film feed drive (44), and the drive axis (53) of a cutting head drive (52) are mapped with respect to one another in a base rotational position relationship, whereupon both of these drive axes are mapped to the rotational position of the drive axis (41) of an infeed conveyor drive (40) in a slave/master relationship, respectively. A machine controller (34) then calculates at least a first position control trajectory profile, and establishes a first rotational position relationship of the drive axes with respect to one another.

Abstract: A method of packaging includes unwinding a center-folded film from a roller, the center-folded film having a first web and a second web; forming a recess between the first and second film webs; feeding a plurality of products into the thus formed recess, as the film advances, the products spaced apart from each other, and the products having a first and second transverse side; sealing and severing the advancing film between each product to be packaged along each of the two transverse sides of each product so as to form a plurality of bags with one open mouth on a front side of each bag, wherein each bag encloses a respective product; and sealing or clipping each open bag mouth. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Shown and described is a process for closing filled open-top folded-carton packages (1) made from bottom-sealed tubular sections, whereby closing is by ultrasonic welding by means of an anvil (5) comprising a recess for the longitudinal seam (2) of the folded-carton package (1), and a sonotrode (6), and a device for filling such folded-carton packages (1) and closing the gable seam (8). Optimal tightness of the filled folded-carton packages (1) is achieved by position-acquisition of the longitudinal seam (2) of every folded-carton package (1) in relation to the cell transporting this folded-carton package (1), alignment of the anvil across the direction of transport of the folded-carton packages (1) until the recess for the longitudinal seam (2) matches the actual position of the longitudinal seam (2) of the next folded-carton package (1) to be closed, and sealing and folding over the gable seam (8) or the ridge seam respectively.

Abstract: A straight line capping machine is provided that wherein the cap tightening discs and the container grasping mechanism are synchronized to a predetermined relationship so as to prevent cocked caps, loose caps and/or scuffed caps. In particular, the mechanisms are synchronized to ensure that the tangential velocity of the rear cap tightening disc minus the tangential velocity of the front cap tightening disc is about twice the predetermined velocity of the container passing through the capping machine.

Abstract: In a drug packaging device which can shorten the drug packaging time. The opening of a bag is sealed with a transverse sealing unit and a longitudinal sealing unit. The time when the sealing is started and the sealing speed are varied according to the type of drug to be packaged in the bag. For drugs that take a longer time to be fed into the bag and settle in the bag, the seal starting time is delayed and the sealing speed is slowed. As a whole, it is possible to shorten the packaging time, while eliminating the possibility of incomplete packaging.

Abstract: A cutting device is provided for securing the cutting of the lateral sealed parts of a tubular packaging material web in the filling and packing machine of a filling and packaging apparatus that manufactures package containers each have a rectangular cross section and are filled with a fluid such as juice, etc. The cutting device includes the tubular packaging material web which is filled with a fluid, a pair of seal bars for laterally sealing the packaging material web, a cutter for cutting the packing material web at sealed parts thereof by a length corresponding to one container, fluid (such as air) pressure serving as a means for giving a biasing force to the cutter in a direction to retreat the cutter, and a pressure sensor capable of detecting a change of the fluid pressure in the supply passage.

Abstract: A double lid system is provided with an electric motor (44) to actuate mechanisms to release the lid (20) from a drum (18) and simultaneously clamp the lid (20) to a door (14) of a port (or vice versa), and with an electric motor (74) to withdraw the door (14) from the port to open the port (or to close it). The system is monitored by sensors (60,62,64,82) associated with an electronic logic interlock to ensure the correct sequence of operations of the motors (44,74). The sensors (60,62,64,82) and the motors (44,74) are readily demountable for remote maintenance or replacement. The door-opening motor (74) may he a linear actuator cooperating with a part-helical slot (80) to open the door (14) and then swing it clear of the port.

Abstract: The integrity of a seal in packaging film is monitored during packaging of loose, free flowing product and adaptive control of the packaging method/apparatus is provided in response to the determination made. The pressure being exerted between the sealing jaws upon reaching a closed position and the seal being formed is monitored and analyzed to evaluate the seal integrity in a dedicated microprocessor. An adaptive, real time signal is provided to a CPU/controller to adjust the relative product flow and packaging film movement.

Abstract: A sealing device which can form pouches with different widths, which is small in size, and which can minimize the waste of sheet material. To reduce the size of the device, a pair of second rotary shafts each carrying a longitudinal heating member having a cylindrical heating surface for feeding a two-folded packing sheet and sealing its side edges by coming into contact with the sheet are mounted on a pair of rotary shafts provided in the feed path of the sheet and each carrying a lateral heating member having an axial heating surface adapted to laterally contact the sheet and a surface not in contact with the sheet. To form a pouch from the sheet, the first rotary shafts are rotated by a first rotary drive unit to laterally seal the sheet by pressing the lateral heating members. Then, the side edges of the sheet are sealed by rotating the longitudinal heating members by rotating the second rotary shafts with a second rotary drive unit.

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 bag maker-packaging machine uses three heaters to make bags, one for longitudinal sealing and two for transverse sealing. A device for automatically setting the temperatures of these three heaters includes a memory which stores temperature data from which an operator can retrieve a standard temperature, to which the longitudinal seal heater is to be set, by specifying the characteristics of the material to be used for making bags. Different temperatures, to which the two transverse seal heaters are to be set, are uniquely determined on the basis of the standard temperature. The standard temperature and the other temperatures thus determined may be displayed in different ways on one or more display devices.

Abstract: A packaging machine under control of an electronic control system is set forth. The packaging machine includes a plurality of servo driven packaging stations that execute the processes required to fill and seal a carton. Each of the packaging stations is driven by one or more servomotors associated therewith. A plurality of servo amplifiers are connected to the servomotors to control the rotational movement of the servomotors thereby to effect control of the motion of the various components associated with each if the packaging stations. The packaging machine further includes at least two programmable devices connected for communication over a common bus. A programmable axis manager (PAM) is connected to control the plurality of servo amplifiers and, thus, the motion profiles of the servomotors and components of the respective processing station. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is connected to receive and transmit input/output signals associated with the plurality of packaging stations.

Abstract: A vacuum sensor for use in devices for the vacuum packaging of perishable items. The vacuum sensor senses fluid pulses or flow expelled from an exhaust port of a pump of the vacuum packaging device. The sensor converts a force of the fluid pulses or flow into a signal that changes with a change in the force of the fluid pulses or flow. The signal is then communicated to a control circuit which uses the signal to display the progress of the vacuum process and/or shut down the pump upon establishing a substantial vacuum within the package.

Abstract: The present invention is intended to effect proper sealing of a film by automatically adjusting the gripping pressure exerted by seal bars on the basis of a change in unsteady current flowing through the seal bars which grip the film. When the main shaft of a servomotor mounted on a frame is rotated forward and backward, the pair of seal bars opens and closes. When the seal bars press each other, the film is gripped under pressure by these seal bars and heat-sealed. Cushion means for elastically pressing the seal bars increases the gripping pressure of the pair of seal bars in proportion to an increase in the angle of rotation of the motor main shaft after the opposed surfaces of the seal bars have contacted each other.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus operates to advance and rotationally orient a container during packaging of a product and broadly comprises a conveyor, a rotor assembly mounted to the conveyor, a rotary drive means and orientation sensing means. The rotor assembly includes a holder adapted to receive a container in a supported state with the supported container being aligned along the rotor axis such that the container may be rotated thereabout. The rotary drive means operates to selectively engage the rotor assembly and the supported container for rotatably orienting the supported container with respect to the rotor axis. The orientation sensing means monitors rotational orientation of the supported container, and the conveyor operates to advance the rotor assembly and the supported container during the packaging of the product.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products such as contact lenses in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes an intermittently indexed, linearly driven endless conveyor which includes a plurality of identical support pallets, equally spaced apart along the endless conveyor. Each support pallet is designed to support and align an array of individual package bases. The arrangement is such that each support pallet with an array of individual package bases thereon is sequentially stopped at a plurality of spaced work stations along the endless conveyor.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products, such as contact lenses, in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes a rotary index table defining on its upper surface a plurality of identical, radially-oriented support pallets, equally spaced apart around the rotary index table. Each support pallet is designed to support an array of individual package bases thereon, and is sequentially rotated to stop at angularly spaced radial positions in the rotary packaging machine. At a first radial position, the rotary packaging station receives blister package bases, each having a product deposited therein, and places the package bases in the support pallet then at the first radial position.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products, such as contact lenses, in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes a rotary index table defining on its upper surface a plurality of identical, radially-oriented support pallets, equally spaced apart around the rotary index table. Each support pallet is designed to support an array of individual package bases thereon, and is sequentially rotated to stop at angularly spaced radial positions in the rotary packaging machine. At a first radial position, the rotary packaging station receives blister package bases, each having a product deposited therein, and places the package bases in the support pallet then at the first radial position.

Abstract: Welding and cutting device, for film-wrapped packaging, includes two rotary shafts, both of which are fitted with radially projecting plates which, at their free ends, carry plates for cutting and welding the film, in which device each end of an actuating shaft with its respective welding and cutting plates is supported by the arm of a rocking lever which can pivot about a fulcrum integral with the structure of the machine, and the end of the other arm of the rocking lever is connected to components for positioning and for regulating a contrasting force, which components can be set while the machine is operating.

Abstract: This invention relates to a container (10) provided with a metallic cover comprising a plastic container (14) provided with a flanged portion (15) and a metallic cover (11) provided with a peripheral edge portion (12) and having an improved reservation property obtained by improving a material of the container body (14) and the shape thereof, also relates to a method for manufacturing a container provided with a metallic cover comprising the steps of mounting a container body (214) provided with a flanged portion (215) in a recess (267a) of a retainer (267), conveying the container body (214) mounted in the recess (267a) of the retainer (267) and the metallic cover (211) to a seaming device (256), seaming the peripheral portion (212) of the metallic cover (211) to the flanged portion (215) of the container body (214) by the seaming device (256), and discharging the seamed container provided with the metallic cover from the seaming device (256), and further relates to a press-cut device which includes a vertic

Abstract: Apparatus for opening a container including at least one moveable panel. The apparatus comprising a frame, vacuum source means, means for gripping the container and a solenoid fixably mounted to the frame. The solenoid including a moveable plunger having a first end and an internal passage having an opening at the first end and being in communication with the vacuum source means. The gripping means mounted to the plunger first end. Also, the apparatus additionally including control means for actuating the plunger between a home position where the gripping means is spaced apart from the moveable panel and an operative position where the gripping means contacts the moveable panel. The vacuum source means for applying negative pressure to the internal passage so that the moveable panel adheres to the gripping means as the plunger moves from the operative position to the home position separating the moveable panel from the container and opening the container.

Abstract: A packaging machine and method for simultaneously loading, sealing and severing bags. A first stepper motor, having an output, is coupled to a nip roll assembly. After a bag is loaded, a sealing mechanism is actuated to seal the loaded bag or bags. A sensor monitors movement in a pressure bar and terminates the sealing cycle if a jam is detected before the pressure bar engages a seal bar having a heater for sealing the bag. The stepper motor is used to retract bags and sever a leadmost bag that is clamped between the seal bar by the pressure bar. A second stepper motor withdraws the web from a supply at a controlled rate to maintain tension in the web between the first and second stepper motors. A dancer roll assembly includes an orientation sensor for controlling the second stepper motor to speed up, slow down or stop.

Abstract: A packaging machine that has improved features for feeding a web in the form of a continuous chain of bags through the machine while helping to maintain the web in proper alignment and proper tension, and having additional features for improved loading and sealing of the bags. The machine includes a jam prevention device having a prime mover driven damping sub-assembly which includes a seal bar and a reciprocatable seal pad and housing. The housing is spring-mounted on the clamping sub-assembly in a lost motion arrangement. Movement of the seal pad toward bring a loaded bag into contact with the heater bar sub-assembly is aborted if a sensor detects premature lost motion movement of the pad. Control structure either allows or disallows the sealing process to continue based upon sensor signals.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for use in a bag forming/filling/sealing machine for controlling the operations of a film transportation motor (10) and an article transportation motor (18) based on the operation of a sealer driving motor (25) which is driven at a cyclic variable speed. The rotation cycles of the respective motors (10, 18, 25) are determined, based on a reference pulse which is generated by a crystal oscillator (28) and input to a central processing unit (27). When a value of the length of articles (19) to be packaged is input to the central processing unit (27), the central processing unit (27) specifies constant speeds of the film transportation motor (10) and the article transportation motor (18) and a cyclic variable speed of the sealer driving motor (25).

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for heat sealing object(s) in various size pouches (10). A closed-loop temperature control system is provided for impulse sealing an open mouth of the pouch. The method includes calculating a heating-on time based on the difference between the actual temperature of the sealing jaw(s) and the desired temperature at which to heat seal the pouch.

Abstract: For use with an envelope having a flap, a body, and a fold region connecting the flap to the body, a wetting and sealing apparatus for wetting the envelope flap with a liquid and sealing, after folding at the fold region, the wetted envelope flap to the envelope body. A computer directs the wetting and sealing operations. A continually primed spraying nozzle applies the liquid producing an active adhesive to the envelope flap and a pressure foot seals the wetted envelope flap to the envelope body.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal type packaging machine with a transverse sealer having a pair of seal jaws is initially operated for a number of cycles without introducing any articles to be packaged into bags which are being formed from an elongated thermoplastic film, and values of a selected physical variable indicative of the separation between the seal jaws are detected. From an average of these detected values and known variations in the thickness of the film, a standard range is determined for the selected physical variable. When the packaging is operated thereafter with articles introduced into the bags, the same physical variable is measured as each bag is transversely sealed and, if the measured value is outside the standard range, a warning is outputted or the film is not cut across the sealed position into two separated packages. The physical variable to be selected may be the torque on the motor which serves to move the seal jaws towards each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for heat sealing two superposed layers of plastic film, in which movable sealing bar means are disposed opposite to fixed sealing bar means so that the layers of the plastic film are intermittently passed between the movable and fixed sealing bar means. The movable sealing bar means is reciprocatingly moved whenever the plastic film layers are intermittently fed. The layers of plastic film are sandwiched between and heat sealed by the movable and fixed sealing bar means when temporarily stopped. The feeding speed for the layers of plastic film, the feeding time for the layers of plastic film, the driving speeds of the movable sealing bar drive means and the heat sealing time for the layers of plastic film are computer controlled. The computer is programmed so that a waiting time can be inserted between the plastic film feeding time and the plastic film heat sealing time.

Abstract: A horizontal form-fill-seal packaging machine includes a former for forming a film into a tubular configuration, a conveyor for feeding articles into the tubular film one after another, a fin sealer for sealing lapped edges of the tubular film, an end sealer for sealing the tubular film in a crosswise direction thereof in a position between two adjacent articles, and a film feeding mechanism for feeding the film supplied from a film source into the end sealer via the former and the fin sealer. A plurality of pushers are mounted on the conveyor and equi-distantly spaced from each other in the feeding direction of the articles. Each of the pushers defines the position of a rear end of the article. A length detector sequentially detects the length of the articles in the feeding direction. A controller controls the conveyor and the end sealer in response to the length of each article detected by the length detector.

Abstract: A continuous motion sealer of a type typically employed for applying metallic foil seals to the mouths of containers for fluid comestibles is disclosed. The device includes means for cutting a flat seal of predetermined profile from a roll-supplied heat activated material, and transport the seal to the containers or other parts following which it is heat sealed. Improved camming means is provided which enables the sealing heater to engage a seal in the absence of other than vertical motion. A punch and die assembly includes a programmable electronic material advance mechanism. Each sealing head assembly includes an electronic band heater and thermocouple, as well as a vacuum pickup for individual seals. The thermocouple communicates with a separate sealing head temperature controller, programmable with regard to temperature setting, and an alarm connected to a system shutdown in the event of failure.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying twist ties comprises structure for receiving the open end of the film wrapper of a bakery product; structure for severing the leading end from a length of ribbon to form a twist tie; and structure for twisting the twist tie around the end of the film wrapper, thereby closing same. A naked loaf detector and a hook jam detector are provided. All operations of the apparatus are controlled by a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A bucket lidding system for placing rotationally oriented lids on unlidded buckets being conveyed on a conveyor and subsequently seating the lids onto the buckets. A lid conveyer introduces to the system a vertical stack of bucket lids wherein each lid has a fitting. After the entire stack of bucket lids is raised such that a top lid of the stack is positioned at a selected height, a mechanism lifts and holds the top lid and transports that lid to a position over another conveyer where a lidless bucket is being conveyed. During this lid transportation, the held lid is being rotated under a fitting sensing sensor, which instructs the lid rotation to be stopped when the lid has a desired rotational orientation with respect to the lidless bucket. When a sensor senses the bucket on the bucket conveyer means, the oriented lid is released and drops a short distance onto the bucket.

Abstract: A rotary capping machine (10) includes a nonrotating center shaft (26) about which a turret (28) is rotatably mounted. The turret (28) is rotated by a motor (30) whose speed can be adjusted to alter the bottle through put rate of the capping machine (10). A plurality of spindle shafts (44) are supported on the turret (28) in a circle about the center shaft (26). A rotary capping head (48) is positioned on the end of each spindle shaft (44) and includes a clutch mechanism. A drive motor (68) supported on the center shaft (26) rotates each of the spindle shafts (44) in unison through a compound and planetary gear train. As the spindle shafts (44) revolve about the center shaft (26), they are linearly reciprocated by a barrel cam (50) arrangement. A rotary encoder (78) senses the instantaneous rotational speed of the turret (28) and sends feed back signals to a CPU to control the drive motor (68) so the spindle shafts (44) always rotate at a field determined constant speed regardless of the turret speed.

Abstract: A capping machine for capping a container having a screw-threaded neck portion with a correspondingly screw-threaded cap. The machine comprises retaining means for retaining such a container in a retaining position and a rotary chuck for holding such a cap above the capping position, forward and reverse rotary drive means coupled to the chuck for rotating such a cap in both a clockwise sense and an anticlockwise sense, rotary movement monitoring means constructed and positioned to monitor rotation of the chuck, linear motion means coupled to the chuck to move the chuck both downwardly and upwardly, screwthread-disengagement monitoring means arranged to monitor when the screwthreads of such a cap and neck disengage momentarily as the cap is rotated in the unscrewing sense on the neck and the linear motion means urge the chuck downwardly, and control means connected to the rotary drive means, the rotary movement monitoring means, and the screwthread-disengagement monitoring means.

Abstract: A machine for making and positioning plastic bags, constituted by a frame which includes: a feeder (3) for a band of plastic (B); a device (6) for creating a bellows-like fold in the band; a device (10) for cutting and fusing the band; a conveyor belt (18); a filling unit for filling the bags with a product; a nozzle for inflating the bags to insert the products; a device (25) for securing the bags so as to arrange them at the same angle as the product.

Abstract: In a packaging machine in which products to be packaged are inserted in a tubular wrapper which is then closed by two closure units in cascade, a dimensional characteristic of the products, such as their heights, variations of which can cause corresponding variations in the overall lengths of the packages formed by the tubular wrappers, is monitored in order to bring about corresponding variations in the phase difference in the operation of the closure units.

Abstract: The horizontal wrapping machine of the type wherein a succession of articles are fed into a traveling tube of web material which is sealed longitudinally and severed and sealed between the articles to produce individual hermetically sealed packages. A variable speed motor drives a conveyor which may be provided with article feeding flights and a switch, actuated once each revolution of a timing shaft, provides a pulse corresponding to each flight on the article feeding conveyor. In addition an encoder driven by the variable speed drive motor shaft provides a digital velocity signal used as a reference signal for servo motors that may be coupled, in combination or individually, to drive web feed rolls, longitudinal sealing wheels and one or more sealing and severing heads. A delivery conveyor transporting individual packages may, through a suitable drive train, be driven by the variable speed drive motor.

Abstract: A packaging machine of the type having a mechanism for tubulating a belt-like film and a conveyor for transferring products into the tubular film is typically equipped with a pair of sealing bars which produce transverse seals between the products being packaged. The present invention relates to a mechanism which is able to control the length and speed of the stroke of the sealing bars and the speed of the film dependent on the length of the product being packaged which assures more uniform heating of the seals resulting overall in more uniform transverse seals.

Abstract: A slewing device for screw closures for containers includes a screw closure receiving member, a drive for rotating the receiving member, and a control arrangement for controlling power supply to the drive and including a torque sensor for sensing an instantaneous drive torque, a comparator for comparing the instantaneous drive torque with a closing torque having a predetermined value, and a sensor for sensing an angle of rotation of the receiving member and actuatable only upon the instantaneous drive torque reaching the predetermine value. The method of placing a screw closure on a container includes applying a drive torque to the screw closure to screw it down onto the container, sensing an instantaneous drive torque applied to the screw closure, comparing the instantaneous drive torque with a closing torque having a predetermined value, and sensing an angle of rotation of the screw closure only upon the instantaneous drive torque reaching the predetermined value of the closing torque.

Abstract: Bags custom-sized to the volume of articles packed and to be packed therein are manufactured on-site and on-demand at the location at which the articles are packed in the bags. The bags are formed from a continuous sheet of flexible film material which is shaped into a tubular wrapper along the interior of a generally quadrangular former. The bags are sealed along their tops so as to prevent inadvertent spillage of articles therefrom and may incorporate unitary handles formed during manufacture of the bags and a readily removable protective envelope at least partly defining the top closure thereof.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for filling a container with a fluid. This apparatus is particularly well suited for the filling of relatively large containers of the type that utilize removable, threaded plugs for gaining access into the containers. For such containers, the apparatus can perform the tasks usually involved in the typical filling operation (e.g., aligning, opening, fluid dispensing, closing and sealing the container). Such automated tasks are especially relevant when dealing with fluids which are toxic, inclined to foaming or likely to mix readily with the surrounding gaseous environment. The apparatus includes a container transport system to coordinate the movement of a container between and its interaction with the following task oriented assemblies: bung alignment, kicker, bung cap handling, fluid dispensing, and sealing cap installation.

Abstract: A filling and capping machine including a computer controlled turret having a plurality of pockets for positioning a plurality of containers to at least a fill position and a capping position along the turret's path. The controller programmably positions the turret to these positions for variations of the locations of the pockets on the turret and accommodates for variations in the size and number of the container pockets and the type of fill product and type of containers. The controller also controls the position of the filling unit for the type of fill product as well as controlling the positioning of the filling unit and the capping unit for variations in the type of container. The controller uses a combination of servo motors and fluid motors to vertically and rotationally position the elements.

Abstract: A jam prevention device comprises a light beam source that emits a light beam and is located on a main frame structure of a packaging machine in the machine's sealing section. During operation, the light beam is reflected off two reflective surfaces located on a moveable support operably connected to a prime mover. The reflected beam is received by a receiver located opposite the source. A clamping sub-assembly includes a seal bar and a reciprocatable seal pad housing. The housing is spring-mounted on the clamping sub-assembly and substantially surrounds the seal bar. The reflective devices are mounted on the housing. The prime mover moves the clamping sub-assembly towards a heater bar sub-assembly. The housing defines two cavities for receiving the reflective devices. The movement of the clamping sub-assembly brings a loaded bag into contact with the heater bar sub-assembly for the purpose of effectuating a seal of the bag.

Abstract: A flexible heat-sealable web is shaped continuously into a tubular cross-sectional shape, e.g. as an intermediate stage in the production of infusion bags comprising severed and sealed lengths of the tubular shape. The web is drawn along a shaped shoe and side margins of the web are folded over opposite sides of the shoe by rollers and fingers to place the opposite side edges of the web in overlapping relationship against the shoe. The overlapped edges pass between a roller mounted in the shoe and an external heated roller to be pressed between the two rollers in order to lap weld the edges together as the web travels along the shoe. The shoe continues to form the web downstream of the welding station into a flattened tube.

Abstract: In a line for packaging products in blisters made in a band of polypropylene, a device for heat sealing a film onto the blister band comprises a frame supporting an upper plate and a lower plate with hollows suited for receive the blisters. When the hollows match against the blisters of the band the plates are brought near to each other so as to clamp, in a sealing station, the interposed film and blister band, while the device allows the moving of the sealing station along an advancement direction of the band according to a longitudinal shortening of the band with respect to the steady state operation of the line.

Abstract: Apparatus for self-service scanning, registering and bagging a product purchased in a supermarket. The apparatus comprises a unit (1) for dispensing and opening a single plastic bag from a continuous strip wound in a reel, a balance (2) for weighing the item to be purchased, a reel supporting device (3) which feeds the strip of bags to the dispensing and opening unit (1), and a unit comprising a scanner (6) and a computer (7).

Abstract: Single commodities such as packets of cigarettes are enveloped in a thermoplastic wrapping and directed ultimately toward a heat seal station by way of a belt conveyor looped around at least one pulley; each packet is taken up from the belt, together with its wrapper, between two disks disposed coaxial with and on either side of the pulley, each consisting in two concentric circular rings rotating as one with the pulley and thermally insulated one from the other. The two inner rings are heated by resistances and positioned to engage and seal the end folds of the wrapper; as the seal is effected, the packet encounters a diverting element set between the disks and adjustable for position according to the operating speed of the wrapping machine, by which it is distanced from the center of the pulley and thus caused to pass from the inner rings to the unheated outer rings.