Abstract: A method of forming a wrapped article, comprising the steps of: forming a continuous stream of material such as an agricultural product; moving the continuous stream of material along an elongated path; compressing the continuous stream of material to reduce the cross-sectional area thereof until a predetermined cross-sectional dimension is achieved; drawing the compressed continuous stream of material through a rod-forming arrangement, the rod-forming arrangement having a non-contact displacement transducer associated therewith; folding at least one web longitudinally around the compressed continuous stream of material to form a continuous rod of material; and detecting variations in rod density within the rod-forming arrangement from a signal obtained from the non-contact displacement transducer.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing cartridges for fluid mixture dispensers are disclosed herein. For example, the cartridges can be ingredient cartridges for fluid mixture dispensers each holding a set of discrete ingredients in a set of ingredient reservoirs. The methods of manufacturing the cartridges can include configuring the cartridges with loadouts including selecting specific ingredients, selecting a number of reservoirs, and selecting a relative size of the various reservoirs. The methods can also include collecting a set of population data using a network of fluid mixture dispensing devices, analyzing the set of population data, and configuring the cartridges so that they are each optimized for a consumption pattern using the set of population data. The methods can further include filling the cartridge reservoirs according to the loadout and packaging the cartridges for shipment.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a random case sealer configured to interrupt the case-sealing process upon detecting an object between the top-head assembly and the top surface of the case.

Abstract: A web unwinding and splicing system includes a turret unwind having a turret arm with rotatable shafts at opposing ends thereof to unwind a running web of an expiring web material roll and unwind a waiting web of a new web material roll. A web splicing unit operable with the turret unwind includes a web deflection device that bumps the running web onto the waiting web to splice the running web with the waiting web and a cutting device that selectively severs the running web, thereby creating a leading portion of the running web that is spliced to the waiting web and a trailing portion of the running web that remains separate from the waiting web. A vacuum system is positioned proximate the running web to suction in the trailing portion of the running web left on the expiring web material roll.

Abstract: A line for processing and packaging food. The line has at least one processing station for processing the food and at least one packaging station for packaging the processed food. The processing station and the packaging station are housed in an interior of a common housing.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a vacuum sealing machine. The vacuum sealing machine comprises a base body, a bottom box, a bag opening heat sealing device, a vacuumizing device and a bag feeding induction mechanism, wherein the bottom box is arranged below the base body; the bag opening heat sealing device and a vacuumizing groove are correspondingly arranged on the connecting faces of the base body and the bottom box; the vacuumizing device communicates with the vacuumizing groove through a pipeline; and the bag feeding induction mechanism is arranged on the base body and positioned above the vacuumizing groove. According to the vacuum sealing machine, the bag feeding induction mechanism is arranged above the vacuumizing groove, so that detection of the bag feeding induction mechanism is stable and reliable, and the bag feeding induction mechanism is not prone to being damaged; and the vacuum sealing machine is simple in structure and low in cost.

Abstract: A first film can be conveyed through a horizontal form-fill-seal machine that contains tooling stations in which bottom sealer bars are positioned in different tooling stations relative to side sealer bars. The first film can be processed by the machine to form a first pouch. After the first pouch is formed, a vertical height of one or more of the side sealer bars and/or one or more of the bottom sealer bars can be selectively adjusted. The same bottom and side sealer bars remain in the machine during the selective adjusting of the vertical height. After the selective adjusting of the vertical height of the component, a second film can be conveyed through the horizontal form-fill-seal machine. The second film can be processed by the machine to form a second pouch having at least one dimension that is different than the first pouch.

Abstract: A tax stamping machine includes an input system that transfers incoming cartons of cigarettes into a conveyor. The input station positions the upper surfaces of the cartons at a predefined height, and the conveyor retains the cartons at the predefined height as the cartons pass through the stamp applicating device. The stamp applicating device includes an opening station, a stamping station, and a closing station. The conveyor includes resilient pulleys that hold the cartons at a predefined height as the cartons move through the opening station, the stamping station, and the closing station such that the upper surfaces of the individual packs of cigarettes are always at the same predefined height regardless of the size of the cartons entering the machine.

Abstract: A hand-held handle dispenser comprising: a main frame (12) having a handle (14), an adhesive tape roll (16) provided at a rear side of the main frame for delivering an adhesive tape, an application roller (18) provided at the front side of the main frame for applying the adhesive tape on a parcel and a cutting blade (20) for cutting the adhesive tape, a cartridge (22) for storing at least one insert strip (24) and transport and affixing means (26, 28) for conveying said at least one insert strip from the cartridge to the application roller and affixing it against the adhesive tape to form a handle.

Abstract: A fully automated paint sample mixing and vending machine including an inventory section holding a plurality of containers with a base paint solution. The containers are individually dispensed onto a shuttle unit when a color is selected. The shuttle unit delivers the container to a capping unit for cap removal. After cap removal, the container moves on the shuttle unit to a colorant dispensing unit where various colorant paint solutions are injected into the base paint solution. Following tinting, the shuttle unit returns the container to the capping unit where the cap is securely reattached. The container is then delivered to a shaker unit where the container is rigorously shaken to mix the base and colorant solutions together to provide a uniform solution of consistent color. The container is then transported by the shaker unit to a delivery chute where the container is provided to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for delivering one or more items to a desired position on an item carrier, the apparatus comprising a drop conveyor comprising two conveyor sections that are laterally displaceable and controllable in order to enable dropping the one or more items at a desired position along the length of the drop conveyor, characterized in that the drop conveyor comprises guide means placed above the two conveyor sections, the guide means being laterally displaceable and controllable. The present invention further relates to a method of delivering one or more items to a desired position on an item carrier, the method comprising the steps of positioning the item carrier beneath a drop conveyor, transferring one or more items to the drop conveyor, positioning the items on the drop conveyor, adjusting side guides into contact with the items, and opening the drop conveyor so that the items are dropped.

Abstract: A horn and an anvil are moved toward and away from each other by axially reciprocating a driving rod and thereby reciprocatingly rotating a forked lever in a predetermined angle range. The horn and the anvil are moved toward and pressed against each other with a predetermined force with a bag mouth b held therebetween. A sensor detects the position of a second mounting block secured to the rear end of a sliding shaft of the anvil, thereby detecting the distance between respective pressing surfaces and of the horn and the anvil, i.e. the thickness m of a portion of the bag mouth held between the pressing surfaces and. When the thickness m is not less than a predetermined threshold value M, a vibrator is activated to perform sealing. When the thickness m is less than the threshold value M, no sealing is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for closing containers includes a supplying device for supplying a closure element to a container. The supplying device includes a cap detecting system that records a random position of the closure element and is designed to hold the closure element in the random position and to convey it in a circumferential direction while maintaining it in this random position.

Abstract: A packaging machine including a supply of film for wrapping a package and a hot plate for heat fusing the film of a wrapped package. Power to the heating element is only delivered to the element during a heating cycle, thus conserving electrical power. A photo eye senses the package and a control circuit energizes the heating element the element reaches a desired heating temperature in 2 to 4 seconds. The frame of the machine includes a lower base member to which an upper base plate, preferably formed from a continuous sheet, is rigidly attached. The upper plate includes a support surface for the hot plate, a vertical wall to which the photo eye is attached that is interconnected with the support surface by a curved transition surface. The upper base plate also includes a lateral, rearwardly extending plate portion which defines at least a portion of a hardware enclosure.

Abstract: Blister packs each having a plurality of pockets with individualized assortments of small objects are filled by fitting to each of a plurality of shuttles a respective such blister pack and circulating the shuttles around an annular track through a plurality of filling machines. Each machine has a plurality of supplies each holding a bulk quantity of small objects of a respective type, respective feeders each receiving the objects of a respective supply and advancing same one at a time to a respective picking location, and respective pickers. A memory of each shuttle is programmed with data regarding the intended contents of the pockets of the respective blister pack, and in each of the machines, the memories of the shuttles are read as they pass through the respective filling machine. The respective pickers are operated to move small objects from the feeders to the pockets in accordance with the data for the respective blister pack.

Abstract: A system for automatically packaging prescription orders composed of one or more prescription containers. The system includes a printer for generating literature associated with each order and a packer for packing the prescription containers and the associated literature into a package. The packer has a scale or other means for determining the weight of the prescription containers. A packer controller calculates package weight information based on the container weight information. The package weight information is transmitted to a mail manifest system, which generates shipping information comprising postage. A labeler applies the shipping information to the package. The packer also includes a loading mechanism for inserting the prescription containers and the literature into the package.

Abstract: A clip-separating machine is provided with a guide frame, a clipper, and a displacement structure. The guide frame is configured to support a strip of clips. The clipper has a pair of opposed cutting edges. One of the edges is supported for movement toward and away from another of the edges. The displacement structure is configured to move the one cutting edge toward the other cutting edge so as to cause co-action of the cutting edges to sever a terminal clip from a strip of clips. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: A system for automatically packaging prescription orders composed of one or more prescription containers. The system includes a printer for generating literature associated with each order and a packer for packing the prescription containers and the associated literature into a package. The packer has a scale or other means for determining the weight of the prescription containers. A packer controller calculates package weight information based on the container weight information. The package weight information is transmitted to a mail manifest system, which generates shipping information comprising postage. A labeler applies the shipping information to the package. The packer also includes a loading mechanism for inserting the prescription containers and the literature into the package.

Abstract: An item handling system includes a vacuum source, a transport element defining a plurality of vacuum openings in fluid communication with the vacuum source to create a securing force on an item proximate to the transport element for holding the item in contact with the transport element, and a drive element for driving the transport element to transport the item. The transport element further defines a plurality of sensor openings arranged in two substantially parallel arrays along a longitudinal direction of the transport element. The system further includes a sensor associated with each array of sensor openings for sensing energy passing through the sensor openings to thereby sense the item on the transport element. Each sensor is disposed at a common longitudinal position relative to the transport element. Sensing the item corresponds to a condition where the sensor associated with each array is blocked.

Abstract: A machine for sealing containers by applying a covering film or a lid, which is located downstream of an infeed system for feeding containers to be sealed, the infeed system including an accumulation unit driven by motor and located downstream relative to a feeder unit driven by motor the feeder unit feeding containers to the accumulation unit.

Abstract: Low-speed inerting elements for depleting a receptacle of oxygen, include at least one hollow duct (2232), with walls (2233) of the hollow duct (2232) that are directed towards the receptacle (31) being made of a material including pores.

Abstract: Pivotable clipper assemblies for attaching at least one closure clip to a product held in netting include a pivotable clipper mechanism having a clipper body configured to deliver clips to a clip window and attach the clips to netting and a first cutting cartridge mounted to the pivotable clipper mechanism. The first cutting cartridge includes: (a) a knife; (b) an actuation cylinder with a rod in communication with the knife that advances and retracts the knife; and (c) an anti-rotation block attached to a rear of the knife intermediate the knife and rod to inhibit the knife and rod from rotating, wherein, in operation, the first cutting cartridge pivots with the clipper mechanism.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for adjusting height of a crate or box made of flexible material, having a base and at least four side walls by folding. After the base has been placed in a generally horizontal, a horizontal crease is produced on each side wall, parallel to the base and at a height substantially equal to a top of a stack of objects. At least one oblique crease is produced in each corner of the crate, with one end located at the intersection between two horizontal creases and the other end located on an upper ridge of one side wall. The upper part of each side wall is folded towards the center of the crate, at an angle substantially equal to 90°. The various flaps are folded on one another, being separated by oblique creases, bringing the upper part of side walls in a substantially horizontal plane.

Abstract: A bag packaging system includes a bag packager and a defect detection device that receives bags manufactured by the bag packager and conveys the bags while checking for defects. The defect detection device includes a first conveyor belt that is arranged below the bag packager, a line sensor that is arranged adjacent to a downstream end of the first conveyor belt, and a controller. The line sensor sends a detection signal when it detects an object that is conveyed by the first conveyor belt. The controller stores the size of a proper bag that is being manufactured. The controller finds a defective bag based on the size of the proper bag, the conveying speed of the first conveyor belt, and duration of the detection signal from the line sensor. The defect detection device can detect defects in bags promptly after the bags are manufactured by the bag packaging machine.

Abstract: A case sealer has a frame with a low friction conveyor upon which boxes are moved in series through three stages, each having an independent pair of spaced-apart, lateral conveyors that are linked together for inward and outward movement to accommodate the width of the box to be sealed. A first measuring stage measures the height, width and length of the box. A second flap folding stage has a floating head located over its lateral conveyors and is responsive to the height and width of the box and folds the box end and side flaps into a closed position. When a box enters the flap folding stage, the lateral conveyors in the measuring stage open to accept the next box, and based on the speed of the lateral conveyors and the measured length of the previous box, a gate allows the next box to enter the measuring stage as soon as the previous box has cleared the measuring stage.

Abstract: A device for screwing a screw cap onto a container with a magnetic coupling arranged between a spindle which can be driven and the closing head, and in the circumferential area of permanent magnets connected to the closing head, an inductive detector for determining the state of motion is provided. As a result, the simplest means are provided to allow the monitoring of the number of revolutions of the closing head, and defects, such as incorrect container clamping, incorrect closing cone and incorrect threadings, can be readily detected.

Abstract: A system for feeding containers on conveyor consisting of a feeder conveyer and an accumulator conveyor in which the speed of the accumulator conveyor is controlled to meter the distribution of containers to a processing station, such as a sealing unit.

Abstract: A system to form, fill and seal (FFS) flexible bags including the steps of: a total printing of the film as it winds off the supply reel; a dry cleaning; a gimballed aligning for the folding of the printed and washed film; a hot-bar welding of the folded film; a valve welding controlled by an algorithm; a humidification treatment of the valve cavity; a shaping of the bags by hot tools also controlled by an algorithm; and a high precision dosage of the filling liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the position of an envelope stopper in an envelope inserting area of a mail insertion machine. By placing an envelope of a desirable size at a desired location in the envelope inserting area and using one or more fingers to sense the edge of the envelope. When the fingers are moved from the upstream end towards the downstream end, they are supported the envelope before they are moved past the edge of the envelope. As the fingers are moved past the edge of the envelope towards the downstream end, they are allowed to drop into a gap thereby changing the position of the fingers. A photosensing device is coupled to the fingers to sense the change of the position of the fingers.

Abstract: A case sealer has a frame with a low friction conveyor upon which boxes are moved in series through three stages, each having an independent pair of spaced-apart, lateral conveyors that are linked together for inward and outward movement to accommodate the width of the box to be sealed. A first measuring stage measures the height, width and length of the box. A second flap folding stage has a floating head located over its lateral conveyors and is responsive to the height and width of the box and folds the box end and side flaps into a closed position. When a box enters the flap folding stage, the lateral conveyors in the measuring stage open to accept the next box, and based on the speed of the lateral conveyors and the measured length of the previous box, a gate allows the next box to enter the measuring stage as soon as the previous box has cleared the measuring stage.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a mean machine for sealing containers by applying a covering film or a lid.

Abstract: In order to produce an exposure apparatus, a frame mechanism is assembled with a base plate, a column, and a support plate. After that, a sub-chamber provided with an illumination system is installed, and a projection optical system PL is placed on the support plate. Concurrently with this operation, a reticle chamber and a reticle stage system are assembled and adjusted, and a wafer chamber and a wafer stage system are assembled and adjusted. The reticle chamber and the wafer chamber are incorporated into the frame mechanism on which the projection optical system is carried. Piping and other components for supplying the purge gas for transmitting an exposure light beam therethrough are arranged at the inside of the reticle chamber and the wafer chamber. The space between the projection optical system and the wafer chamber is tightly closed with a film-shaped soft shield member having flexibility.

Abstract: A device is disclosed that can automatically remove lids from trays and place lids on trays. Further the device can sense the presence of a lid on a tray and can sense the dimensions of the tray. Based on the sensed dimensions of the tray, the device can select an appropriate sized lid to place on the tray. In one embodiment of the invention, a device holds a lid with a lid manipulator having lid holders. At least one end mechanism is attached to at least one end of the lid manipulator, and the end mechanism folds the lid flaps of an appropriate lid. Guided by the lid manipulator, lids are then positioned on the tray.

Abstract: For the purpose of checking packs (10), in particular cigarette packs, for the correct configuration of the outer appearance, the packs (10) are moved past stationary optoelectronic checking means, namely cameras (32, 33). The latter register outer surfaces of the packs (10). The checking means, namely cameras (32, 33), are triggered by the pack to be checked via an activating sensor (39). A downstream ejector (34) is actuated by a further sensor, namely by a defect sensor (42), which reacts to a defective pack.

Abstract: Enveloping apparatus with an envelope filling position (4) and, extending therefrom, an envelope transfer track (46) extending along a closing nip (49) beside the envelope transfer track (46). Beyond the closing nip (49) the envelope transfer track (46) comprises opposite surfaces and a brake, blocking or drive mechanism (60) for at least delaying movement in direction of transport of those surfaces. The control structure (43, 61, 72) is adapted to activate an upsetting feature (55, 56, 71) in response to a displacement of that envelope (5) from the envelope filling position (4) through a fixed, specific distance. With the opposite surfaces with a nip thereinbetween, movement in direction of transport of envelopes with the leading edge in different positions can be delayed, stopped or reversed, without requiring adjusting a stop or the like. There is also described a method for filling and closing envelopes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the on-demand seating of a lid on pre-formed containers that are carried on a continually moving conveyor. A lid press plate (20) is connected to a linear actuator (36) by a mounting assembly (17). The mounting assembly (17) transmits a seating force from the linear actuator (36) to the lid press plate (20) for seating the lid while simultaneously allowing the horizontal movement of the lid press plate (20) from a first position to a second position by a driving force resulting solely from the application of a seating pressure between the lid press plate (20) and the lid (46). The lid press plate moves at the same velocity as the pre-formed container during application of the seating pressure. The lid press plate (20) is returned to the first position by a biasing assembly (18), after removal of the seating pressure.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping articles such as newspapers in individual protective packets comprising a support assembly having a feed station for introducing unwrapped articles into the machine for wrapping and a pick-up station for retrieving wrapped articles from the wrapping machine mounted on opposite ends thereof, a transport/wrapping assembly for moving the articles from the feed station to the pick-up station and a film supply for enclosing the article between a first flexible protective film sheet and a second flexible protective film sheet, a film sealing assembly for sealing the opposite sides and the opposite ends of the first flexible protective film sheet and the second flexible protective film sheet together to form a protective packet enclosing the article therein, a film cutting assembly for separating adjacent protective packets and a control assembly including at least one sensor to detect articles moving through the wrapping machine and to selectively activate and deactivate the sealing

Abstract: The improvement to the tying apparatus consists of an intermittent rotatable pneumatic drive to operate the apparatus in place of the electric drive system. The pneumatic drive includes a rotary actuator (20) with a gear arrangement and one-way clutch (26) that provides the 360 degree rotation required to operate the apparatus. A control valve (36) with a single pilot control energizes the actuator clockwise for functional operation and counterclockwise to reset, ready for a subsequent operation. A roller actuated limit valve (42) is in communication with the apparatus program plate and, when mechanically triggered, energizes the pilot portion of the control valve, driving the program plate a full 360 degrees, completing a functional operation of encircling, gathering, twisting and cutting tie material around an article, such as a bag, sack, or other like-open mouth articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the operation of a packaging machine of the type which carries out the operations of causing a tube film placed around articles under transport to be cut and sealed between adjacent articles for being successively formed into bags, then causing individual bags, each with an article contained therein, to be conveyed forward by a delivery conveyor, causing the bags to be sequentially transferred from the delivery conveyor onto moving surface plates, causing each surface plate to be covered with a cover member, and then causing the interior of the cover member to be placed under a vacuum atmosphere while the open end of the bag is hermetically sealed. A bag sensor sequentially detects the passage of open ends of bags on the delivery conveyor, and a surface plate detecting sensor sequentially detects the passage of individual surface plates.

Abstract: A tape applicator having a displaceable front contact roller movable from an extended position to a retracted position and a detector positioned on the tape applicator so that movement of the tape with the front roller relatively positions the detector and tape in sensing position wherein the detector may detect the presence or absence of a tape along a tape path leading to the front roller. The detector is only activated when the tape and detector are in the sensing positions permitting detection of the tape. This is preferably accomplished in a conventional tape applicator with a cutoff knife by mounting the detector on the cutoff mechanism so that both the detector and the tape are moved toward each other to assume the required relative positions wherein the detector can detect the tape and activate a warning system in the event no tape is detected. Also disclosed is a tape applicator having a detector to sense when the tape cutter has failed to cut the tape.

Abstract: In a wrapping machine that packages products by enveloping each one in a tubular wrapper with two edges united lengthwise and heat-sealed thus together, the integrity of the packaging is verified by a device comprising a feeler located at a given point along the wrapping line and offered in sliding contact to the advancing wrapper at an area coinciding with the junction between the edges and the tubular envelope. The feeler is loaded against a spring delivering a force of known intensity, and able consequently to hold a stable operating position as long as resistance is offered by the wrappers, but will find the gaps in any wrapper of which the edges have failed to unite successfully. The resulting movement of the feeler is sensed by a transducer.

Abstract: A case erector with A-B detect is disclosed. This case erector eliminates the need to sort A and B type cases and thus increases the rate at which boxes can be erected. Whether the case is an A or B type case determines how far into the case erector the flattened case is fed and whether the case is unfolded to the left or the right.

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: Flap folding device of a wrapping machine. Side folding guides approach side flaps to hit a hitting part against the closed side faces of a wrapped body part of a content or volume, thereby pressing a wrapped body part, near the base end of the side flaps that face the closed side faces, against the closed side faces. Subsequently, the middle part of each of the side folding guides makes a quarter turn while tracing a corner continued to the closed side faces,. Therefore, the base ends of the side flaps are folded along the corners while being pulled toward the forward end thereof, and, at the same time, are pressed by folding parts against the open sides, through the entire length, from the base end to the forward end, of the side flaps.

Abstract: A ball placer device is provided for containers in a capping machine, which consists of a vertical tube assembly mounted to the capping machine to receive a series of balls therein. A feed assembly for the balls is retained above the vertical tube assembly on the capping machine, so that the balls can enter into the vertical tube assembly in a stacked relationship. A conveyor is to carry a series of the containers in upstanding positions under the vertical tube assembly. Each container is of the type having a neck with a collar thereon. A mechanism is for placing each ball from the vertical tube assembly upon each collar on the neck of each container, one at a time, as the containers are carried under the vertical tube assembly by the conveyor.

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 tin-tie bending device for bending the ends of a tin-tie about the edges of a bag wherein the tin-tie is secured to across the width of the bag and the ends of the tin-tie extend beyond the edges of the bag prior to bending. The device includes means for moving the bag along a travel path past a detecting means and a bending means of the device. The detecting means detects the bag as it travels past the detecting means. The bending means bends the end of the tin-tie about the edge of the bag and is actuated upon the detecting means sensing the passing of the bag along the bag travel path.

Abstract: A tin-tie bending device for bending the ends of a tin-tie about the edges of a bag wherein the tin-tie is secured to across the width of the bag and the ends of the tin-tie extend beyond the edges of the bag prior to bending. The device includes a mechanism for moving the bag along a travel path past a detecting mechanism and a bending mechanism of the device. The detecting mechanism detects the bag as it travels past the detecting mechanism. The bending means bends the end of the tin-tie about the edge of the bag and is actuated upon the detecting mechanism sensing the passing of the bag along the bag travel path.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine for closing and sealing an article, such as a box or carton, as it is driven through the machine. Specifically, upper and lower taping heads are provided for applying lengths of tape to the bottoms and tops of the boxes. The upper box flaps are also preferably folded by the machine of the present invention by a folding mechanism including a ski for folding the leading minor flap, a kicker for folding the trailing minor flap, and shaped rods for folding the major side flaps after the minor flaps are folded. In accordance with the present invention, the upper head assembly is advantageously adjustably connected to the machine so that proper leveling of the upper taping head and the folding mechanism can be assured. Moreover, such adjustment can be redone at any time thereafter as needed as affected by working conditions over time.