Patent · US Expired

Packaging apparatus and method

US4899520A · kind A · utility

35Cited by
13References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 29, 1988
Grant dateFeb 13, 1990
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 29, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB65B43/12
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A packaging machine and method for simultaneously loading, sealing and severing bags forming part of at least two independent chains of bags. Two juxtaposed nip roll assemblies including axially aligned feed roll portions can be independently actuated in order to selectively feed one or two webs. A drive motor, having a dual output, is selectively coupled to the nip roll assemblies by clutch/brake units which can be selectively actuated. After a bag or bags are loaded, a sealing mechanism is actuated to seal the loaded bag or bags. A sensor monitors movement in a seal unit member and terminates the sealing cycle if movement in the seal member occurs prior to the pressure bar reaching a predetermined position. While a bag or bags are being sealed, a tear off mechanism including a rod-like member is advanced into and through the web path in order to sever the loaded bag from the remainder of the web. Actuators operatively connected to distal ends of the member are actuated sequentially in order to move one end of the rod into contact with the web before the other end makes contact. As a consequence, severance of a bag along a line of weakness begins at one marginal edge of the bag an…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.