Abstract: Apparatus extracting, from trays, bottles with mouths facing downwards includes an advancement line stopping the trays at a rest station; a handling organ; and a bottle pickup and transfer mechanism having a suction plate, with suction seats receiving and retaining the bottles internally. A frame with a housing receives and releasably retains the suction plate. The frame rotates about a first axis to a first operating position near the rest station and to a second operating position near the handling organ. Grippers and moving mechanisms pick up and move the suction plate above the tray with the seated bottles, raise the plate with the bottles, and then position the plate at the housing in the first operating position.

Abstract: A robot gripper that takes stacked patties from a conveyor and moves then to a packaging device.

Abstract: Provided are a new concept vegetable binding packing material having an air column, suitable for protecting vegetables, a new concept vegetable binding packing device for binding vegetables using the same, and a packaging method therefor. A vegetable binding packing material including an air column includes: at least one air column disposed in a row to surround a certain amount of vegetables in a direction crossing a lengthwise direction of the vegetables; and a bonding portion configured to bond both ends from the at least one air column to the outside of the vegetables.

Abstract: A bag carrying mechanism for a bag and insert combining apparatus for combining a stream of inserts with a stream of bags is provided. The bag carrying mechanism includes a plurality of bag holding arrangements operably coupled to one another for rotation about a rotational axis. Each bag holding arrangement includes first and second segments movable relative to one another and forming a receiving cavity therebetween. First and second holding features hold opposite sides of the bag within the receiving cavity and selectively hold the bag in an open position for receipt of an insert through an open end of the bag. Methods of using the bag carrying mechanism and systems incorporating the bag carrying mechanism are provided.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a cavity-type vacuum sealing machine, comprising a machine body and a cover which covers the machine body. The machine body is internally provided with a tray; an airtight cavity for holding packaging bags is formed between the tray and the cover; the cavity is internally provided with a hot-pressing bar and a heating and sealing component for sealing the packaging bags; the machine body is internally provided with a vacuum pump set for vacuumization; and the suction ports of the vacuum pump set communicate with the airtight cavity for holding the packaging bags via tubes. The cavity-type vacuum machine disclosed by the utility model has the advantages of smaller volume and small occupied space.

Abstract: Computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting using actuators for operating barrier doors, pushers, and locks.

Abstract: A device and a method for the handling of containers with a plurality of handling units. A defective state in a handling element situated downstream can be recognized and as a reaction to this recognition a specified container conveyed upstream can be separated out, namely preferably that container which in the further operating sequence would arrive at the handling element known to be operating defectively.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a stopping device, which includes a first stopping plate and a second stopping plate connected to one end of the first stopping plate and cooperating with the first stopping plate to form an angle which is less than or equal to 90 degrees. The present disclosure further provides a transferring device with the stopping device and a transferring method. With the first stopping plate stopping the bonded spacing pieces, the bonding force between the spacing pieces is broken; with the stop from the second stopping plate, the bonding degree between the spacing pieces is further broken, which separates extra spacing pieces from the suction arm and further avoids fracture of the liquid crystal panel caused by the situation that a number of spacing pieces enter the package of the liquid crystal panel at the same time.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing and inserting a pre-determined number of material-filled pouches into containers are disclosed. A system includes a pouch providing system comprising a plurality of lanes, wherein each one of the plurality of lanes includes a pouch making machine and a hold-back structure. The system also includes a conveyor system structured and arranged to move a plurality of containers into alignment with the plurality of lanes. The system further includes a controller structured and arranged to control the hold-back structure in each one of the plurality of lanes such that the pre-determined pouches are inserted into the plurality of containers when the plurality of containers are aligned with the plurality of lanes.

Abstract: A system, software and related methods of enhanced pharmaceutical operations in long term care facilities are provided. An embodiment of a system includes a long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, long-term care facility pharmacy management software associated with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server to manage pharmacological operations in a plurality of long-term care facilities, a plurality of pharmaceutical storage and electronic dispensing carts each positioned in a long-term care facility remote from the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server and in communication therewith, a remote pharmacy group server in communication with the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server, and a plurality of pharmaceutical prescription document processors each positioned in a long-term care facility and in communication with the remote pharmacy group server or the long-term care facility pharmacy group management server.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a hands-free vacuum preservation system mounted on a door of the refrigerator comprising a main body portion having a slot therein for receiving an open end of a plastic bag. Sensors within the slot detect the presence of the bag and a retaining device is actuated to punch holes in the bag and retain the bag in position for a vacuum sealing event. An intake port within the system communicates with a vacuum source to remove air from the bag, and a heat sealer seals the bag closed. In a preferred embodiment, once sensors located on the main body portion detect the presence of a consumer's hand, the retaining device releases the bag. The resultant vacuum sealed bag can be stored in a conventional manner, or by hanging the bag from hooks extending through the holes formed therein by the retaining device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposing of waste in a safe manner by supplying an apparatus with a sealing system configured to only apply a seal to an elongated tube of material when several conditions are met, wherein the conditions indicate that the apparatus is in a safe configuration for applying the seal. The apparatus includes a push switch for sensing when the lid has been closed, and another push switch for sensing when a bin has been locked in the apparatus. Thus, when the lid and bin are closed and locked, a child cannot reach into the apparatus and the seal can be applied safely without fear of burning a child.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an aseptic product filling machine includes the steps of performing a pre-production test procedure during a pre-production phase in which at least a set of subcritical control parameters are measured, diagnosed and stored, checking if those subcritical control parameters are within their range, starting a production phase if all of the subcritical control parameters are indeed within their range, and measuring, diagnosing and storing a set of supercritical control parameters and not the subcritical control parameters during the production phase.

Abstract: A disposal unit can include a substantially air tight chamber, an insertion component, an air tight region of the air tight chamber containing a disposal container, an air holding region, an air extraction unit, an air sanitation component, a container sealant mechanism, and/or combinations thereof. The air holding region can be distinct from the air tight region and the remaining region of the substantially air tight chamber. The air extraction unit can be configured to capture air from the remaining region and place the captured air in the air holding region. Air can be optionally redirected from the air holding region into an airtight disposal container, which is thereafter sealed. The air sanitation component can be configured to sanitize the captured air to a predetermined air quality level. Harmful byproducts of the waste (e.g., toxic vapors) inserted in the disposal unit can be reduced and/or neutralized through sanitation and/or containment.

Abstract: Breech-load chutes for packaging systems for enclosing at least one target product in a covering material have elongate chute bodies that angle downwardly in a direction of travel at a non-vertical orientation. The respective breech-load chute body resides above a product chute and drops target products into a location to be pushed through a product chute.

Abstract: A bottle filling plant configured to fill blow molded bottles with a liquid beverage filling product and a treatment machine for bottles or similar containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A vertical bagging machine including a spindle for receiving and supporting a roll of stock material, the spindle defining a spindle axis, wherein the stock material is unwindable as a sheet, a folding plate defining a folding plate plane that is substantially parallel with the spindle axis, the folding plate including a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first and second edges are generally equal in length and connect at a central peak, a spreader chute including a first guide plate and a second guide plate, the second guide plate being generally parallel with and spaced apart from the first guide plate, wherein the first and second guide plates are substantially perpendicular to the folding plate plane, and first and second folding rollers defining a nip therebetween, the first and second folding rollers being generally parallel with the folding plate plane and disposed between the folding plate and the spreader chute, wherein the sheet is moveable over the central peak, through the nip, and over the

Abstract: A vertical bagging machine including a spindle for receiving and supporting a roll of stock material, the spindle defining a spindle axis, wherein the stock material is unwindable as a sheet, a folding plate defining a folding plate plane that is substantially parallel with the spindle axis, the folding plate including a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first and second edges are generally equal in length and connect at a central peak, a spreader chute including a first guide plate and a second guide plate, the second guide plate being generally parallel with and spaced apart from the first guide plate, wherein the first and second guide plates are substantially perpendicular to the folding plate plane, and first and second folding rollers defining a nip therebetween, the first and second folding rollers being generally parallel with the folding plate plane and disposed between the folding plate and the spreader chute, wherein the sheet is moveable over the central peak, through the nip, and over the

Abstract: An embossed carrier tape manufacturing apparatus includes features for integrating with other processing equipment so that other processes such as forming, filling, and sealing the tape can be performed sequentially in one integrated process. The apparatus includes retractable contact spot heaters for heating the tape prior to embossing, along with a unique heat shield arrangement that is interposable between the heaters and the tape so that the process may be paused. Also, a synchronizing apparatus is integrated so that the carrier tape embossing process may be automatically paused for adjusting to the input rate of other carrier tape processing apparatus.

Abstract: A powder medicine dispensing/packaging apparatus includes: a divisional container composed of a first divisional container and a second divisional container connectable to each other and each including a plurality of powder medicine accommodation parts accommodating powder medicine in equal amounts corresponding to one package, each powder medicine accommodation part being equipped with a bottom plate that can be opened and closed; a carrying device for horizontally carrying the divisional container between an initial position and a first movement terminal position; a dispensing/packaging device for recovering powder medicine dropped from the divisional container carried by the carrying device by successively opening the bottom plates and dispensing/packaging the powder medicine package by package; and a swinging device for canceling the connection between the first divisional container and the second divisional container at the first movement terminal position to enable the first divisional container to move

Abstract: A device for inserting and removing securing fittings for twist-lock containers includes a support plate for containers, which is provided with a pneumatically or hydraulically driven screwing mechanism with a slot gripper for each expected position of a securing fitting for the twist-lock container.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a system and method for inserting contents into envelopes that generally reduces the number of operative device components, locates all components in a readily and accessible location, reduces the number of adjustments needed to change envelope size and contents size, provides an efficient and aesthetically pleasing design, allows for a highly flexible arrangement of backup hoppers to primary hoppers for feeding envelope contents and otherwise affords a substantial number of improvements over currently available envelope inserters.

Abstract: A waste disposal device including a sensing mechanism for delaying the rotation of a cartridge. The waste disposal device comprises a container defining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated waste in a flexible tubing. The rotatable cartridge contains the flexible tubing. A lid is coupled to the device and is capable of moving between an open and closed position on the container. A rotation mechanism is operatively configured to engage the rotatable cartridge. A sensing mechanism is arranged to allow for delay in rotation of the cartridge until the lid assumes the closed position so that the waste is encapsulated in the flexible tubing after the closing of the lid, and after the subsequent twisting of the flexible tubing about the waste material caused by the rotation of the cartridge.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing non-compliance of medication use are described. The techniques involve generating and storing an identifier for a specific dosage instance of a specific patient, and creating a package that includes a mechanism for conveying the identifier. Once the package is created, a set of one or more medications that are prescribed to be taken by the specific patient at the specific dosage instance are placed in the package. The set of medications within the package in a manner that prevents the identifier from being perceived from the mechanism until the package is opened. Once opened, the identifier is perceived and communicated back to an automated compliance system.

Abstract: A folded box gluing machine for the processing of folded box blanks includes at least one feeder unit arranged to transport the folded box blanks to downstream processing stations including a folding station, a glue applicator unit, a transfer station, a gathering and pressing mechanism, and a safety mechanism for a machine component presenting a danger to the human operator defined by a light curtain. The safety mechanism can be deactivated via a mobile operator unit, and the operator unit is designed such that it can only be operated with both hands.

Abstract: A machine (100) for making filter bags (1) for infusion products, the machine (100) being of the type comprising, one after the other along a production line (P), a plurality of operating stations designed to form the filter bags (1) and at least one operating outfeed station (7) for handling the filter bags (1) made; the operating outfeed and handling station (7) comprises conveying means (8) designed to successively pick up and withhold the filter bags (1) along a certain section (T1) of the line (P); supporting guide means (9) along which an ordered and continuous succession of filter bags (1) is formed and fed along another section (T2) of the line (P); and means (11) for picking up and transferring the filter bags from the conveying means (8) to the supporting guide means (9).

Abstract: An automatic medicine packaging machine with door lock unit that prevents the supplement and outflow of tablets by an unauthorized person and makes tablets kept and treated more safely is disclosed. The automatic medicine packaging machine comprising a plurality of tablet cassettes and a door includes; a door lock unit that is established on a body of the automatic medicine packaging machine and locks or unlocks the door; a button operation unit that is established on the front of the body and that operation is inputted by a user; and a lock controller that controls the operation of the door lock unit according to a lock or unlock signal inputted by the button operation unit, in which the lock controller includes a user authentication unit that authenticates user of the door lock unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the operation of a heating element moving periodically along a predefined path includes first and second sensors positioned adjacent the path of the heating element. The first sensor is configured to sense the presence of the heating element proximate to the second sensor, and the second sensor is configured to sense a temperature associated with the heating element as is passes by the second sensor. A controller receives signals from the first and second sensors and performs a control function such as indicating when the temperature sensed by the second sensor fall outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: Damage or deformation of a container in a processing device downstream a convey path is prevented. A filling device includes a filling unit (1), star wheel (2), and timing screw (3). Containers (10) are supplied to the timing screw (3) by a conveyor (6) along a convey path. A container control apparatus includes a control member (11) which controls supply and stop of the containers (10) before the timing screw (3), a driving unit (13) which drives the control member (11), and a sensor (35) which detects a state of the timing screw (3) such as a rotation angle. When the containers (10) are to be stopped, the driving unit (13) controls the control member (11) under the control of a control unit (30) to stop the containers (10) in accordance with a detection result of the sensor (35).

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the operation of a heating element moving periodically along a predefined path includes first and second sensors positioned adjacent the path of the heating element. The first sensor is configured to sense the presence of the heating element proximate to the second sensor, and the second sensor is configured to sense a temperature associated with the heating element as is passes by the second sensor. A controller receives signals from the first and second sensors and performs a control function such as indicating when the temperature sensed by the second sensor fall outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A packaging process line that compacts rolled products as they are packaged is disclosed. A firmness measuring device is used to measure the firmness of the rolls as the rolls, for instance, enter the process line. The roll firmness device is placed in communication with a controller, such as a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to receive information from the roll firmness device and control one or more elements within the process line that apply a compressive force to the rolls. In particular, the controller is configured to adjust any packaging equipment that applies a compressive force to the rolls so that a substantially uniform amount of force is applied to the rolls throughout the system. In this manner, the system is capable of automatically making adjustments based upon any variation in the product. Misfeeds, miscounts and the like are minimized for improving process efficiency and minimizing process downtime.

Abstract: A method for controlling a blister packaging machine has a work station which at least operates in cycles and which performs at least one first adjusting motion for a time period TV1 during one work cycle, followed by a treatment state for a time period TB, in which a product and/or material is treated. A second adjusting motion is then performed for a time period TV2 followed by a resting state for a time period TR. The time periods TV1, TB, TV2 and TR and a cycle rate R (=cycles/min) of the packaging machine are preset and at least the cycle rate R can be changed to a different cycle rate RV using an input device. A cycle time difference ?T which results from the changed cycle rate RV is substantially used to change the duration TR of the resting state. The time periods TV1, TB and TV2 preferably remain unchanged when entering a different cycle rate RV.

Abstract: A system for inspecting seal integrity of a sealed package including a visual inspection system and a medical packaging system having an integral peel testing device.

Abstract: The present invention is a catadioptric system having a reticle optical group, a beam splitter, an aspheric mirror, a baffle plate, a folding mirror and a semiconductor wafer optical group. The reticle optical group, the beam splitter and the semiconductor wafer optical group are placed on the same beam axis, different from aspheric mirror and folding mirror axis. The light passes through an image pattern on the reticle and is reflected by the beam splitter onto the aspheric mirror. The aspheric mirror reflects the light back through the beam splitter onto the folding mirror. The folding mirror reflects the light back to the beam splitter. The beam splitter reflects the light onto the semiconductor wafer optical group. A plurality of quarter wave plates can be placed in optical paths between optical elements of the present invention to change polarization of an incoming light.

Abstract: An operating wheel of a packing machine comprises an annular drum, a number of through pockets carried by the annular drum and each for receiving a respective product, a first drive for rotating the annular drum in steps to feed the pockets along an annular path extending through a loading station and an unloading station, first and second pusher for engaging respective pockets at the loading station and the unloading station respectively, a second electric drive for imparting to the pushers respective substantially radial reciprocating movements to and from respective withdrawn rest positions inside the annular drum and through the respective pockets, a first safety device for preventing the annular drum from rotating when at least one of the pushers engages a respective pocket, and a second safety device for preventing the pushers from moving from the respective withdrawn positions when the annular drum is rotating.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system for providing a beam of radiation, an article support for supporting a flat article to be placed in a beam path of the beam of radiation on the article support, a backfill gas feed arranged in the article support for feeding backfill gas to a backside of the article when supported by the article support, and a clamp for clamping the article against the article support during projection. According to one aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a controller for controlling the clamp and/or the backfill gas feed pressure so as to release the clamp prior to reducing the backfill gas feed pressure.

Abstract: A safety catch device of a sealing machine has a baffle and a probe set. The baffle is pivotally arranged at the opening of the machine body. A conducting sheet is provided at the rear side of the baffle. The probe set has a first probe and a second probe, which are connected to a circuit unit with signal cables. The front end of the first probe exceeds the front end of the second probe by a certain distance. The front end of the first probe contacts the conducting sheet. The front end of the second probe keeps a certain distance from the conducting sheet. When the baffle swings backwards, the conducting sheet contacts the front end of the second probe to transfer signals to the circuit unit for stopping the film sealing operation. The safety of operation can thus be greatly enhanced to effectively avoid occurrence of hazards.

Abstract: An imaging optical system may be capable of forming substantially in one or more second planes one or more complete and/or partial images of one or more objects arranged substantially in one or more first planes and may comprise one or more entrance pupils, at least one of which is located substantially on an opposite side of at least one of the first plane or planes from the imaging optical system exclusive of the at least one entrance pupil so located. Such imaging optical system may be constructed so as to be substantially telecentric on at least a same side thereof as at least one of the second plane or planes.

Abstract: A machine for producing packets of cigarettes, each packet having a group of cigarettes enclosed in packaging material, has a number of conveyors, each having a respective given number of respective members which are brought into contact with the groups and/or the packaging material, and cooperate with the members of at least one adjacent conveyor; the number of members of each conveyor being equal to a multiple or to a divisor of the number of members of an adjacent conveyor.

Abstract: A machine for packaging products using a plastic film comprises: at least a fixed frame (TF) and at least a mobile counter-frame (CM), said counter-frame (CM) can be moved between a lifted rest position and a lowered working position wherein the film is clamped against said frame (TF), the movement of the mobile counter-frame (CM) is controlled by at least a fluid-dynamic actuator (25) which works between the machine frame (11) and said mobile counter-frame. According to the invention, a link (26) is positioned between said actuator (25) and said frame (11), said link is pivoted to the actuator (21) in (27) and is pivoted to the frame (11) in (28), said link (26) is further provided with a control device (30) connected to a sensor (32), in order to automatically stop the machine from working.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and dispensing medical items which are dispensed for administration to patients includes a data terminal (76, 338, 538) which is connected through a network (82, 328, 536) to at least one computer (84, 324, 532) having a processor and a data store. The system also includes a reading device (348, 538) which is operatively connected to the network. A user of the data terminal or the reading device is enabled to select a patient for whom medical items will be used, and responsive to a request to dispense items the requested items are dispensed from dispensing devices (96, 100, 344, 346, 450, 527, 540) connected to the data terminal. Storage locations in dispensing devices may be restocked using removable liners. The removable liners are stocked with medical items in a stocking location (550) and transported in a secure condition to the storage locations. The storage locations are accessed by an authorized restocking user.

Abstract: A heat shield, in the form of a blower, oriented between a heat source and a plurality of containers, interrupts the heat transmission onto fittings and the containers. The heat source is in the form of a hot air fan. The blower produces an air curtain between the containers and the hot air fan. The machine has a conveyor along which the blower runs on one side and parallel with it. The tubular blower has openings or nozzles in, and is switched on or off by, a control and a control valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging powder material includes feeding a continuous web of V-shaped heat sealable material to a first forming station to form longitudinally spaced upright seals to provide longitudinally spaced upwardly opening pouches. The pouches are filled with powder material at a filling station and then pulled through a downwardly curving path while the bottoms of the pouches are supported. The upper portions of the pouches are heated along the downwardly curving path and then snapped shut and pressed together to form a top seal with a set of nip rollers positioned at a lower portion of the downwardly curving path. Sealed pouches are then severed from the continuous web to form separate packages.

Abstract: In a mail inserter having a 360 degree operational cycle and a plurality of subassemblies, a computer issues a plurality of electrical control signals having predetermined rotational positions and durations within the operational cycle at a given inserter speed. Solenoids, actuators and other driving devices are responsive to the control signals to determine the operation of the subassemblies. A device measures the operation speed of the inserter, and the computer adjusts the rotational position of each control signal within the operational cycle according to the inserter speed.

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: A seal assembly for packaging machines facilitates the heat sealing of layers of material at the mouth of loaded bags. An operator may insert the layers of material between a pressure pad and a seal member positioned in a spaced position. Upon activation of a switch by the operator, an oscillating signal is applied to a solenoid to actuate movement of the pressure pad toward the seal member with a relatively soft force. An optical sensor senses when the pressure pad moves within a predetermined distance from the seal member and generates a sensor signal. In response to the sensor signal, a relatively constant voltage signal is applied to the solenoid to actuate movement of the pressure pad with a relatively high seal or clamping force to secure the layers of material against the seal member. The sensor signal also triggers energization of a heating element carried by the seal member to effectuate the heat seal between the layers of material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for testing seal strength and integrity of packages and for testing container and lid integrity, during an on-line production processing environment. Air pressure is introduced in a unique way to test the container and/or container seal in an additional step of an otherwise typical processing environment. A computer may be in communication with the testing sensors to control the processing in the event a failure is detected. The present invention provides a way to meet the continuously increasing line speed in form, fill and seal production processes with a unique ability of having complete package integrity testing for any odd shapes and package combinations.

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: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for testing seal strength and integrity of packages and for testing container and lid integrity, during an on-line production processing environment. Air pressure is introduced in a unique way to test the container and/or container seal in an additional step of an otherwise typical processing environment. A computer may be in communication with the testing sensors to control the processing in the event a failure is detected. The present invention provides a way to meet the continuously increasing line speed in form, fill and seal production processes with a unique ability of having complete package integrity testing for any odd shapes and package combinations.

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.