Packaging film feeding and splicing apparatus and method
US5388387A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 1993 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65H2801/81
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An assembly and method provide a continuous supply of packaging film to a form, fill and seal packaging machine with two spindles alternately operating as the active spindle to feed the film from one roll at a time. Opposed pneumatic manifolds are operative to splice the tail-end of the film from the active roll to the head-end of the film from the standby roll. The opposed manifolds pivot in opposite directions away from the machine to provide easy access for loading. A programmable controller controls the splicing operation. Valves operated by the controller connect a vacuum source to one of the manifolds to hold the head-end at a splicing station and to the other to maintain tension on the active film after the tail-end leaves the spindle. An end-of-roll detector near the spindle triggers the tensioning function. The width of the manifold is adjustable to accommodate different width film. A photocell detector and encoder in the circuit allow tracking of the tail-end. When it arrives at the splicing station, the appropriate control valve rapidly switches to apply an air blast generated by positive pneumatic pressure to blow the tail-end/head-end together so that adhesive tape pre…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.