Packaging machine and method
US5640834A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B57/04
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved packaging machine that has improved features for feeding a web in the form of a continuous chain of bags through the machine while helping maintain the web in proper alignment and proper tension, and having additional features for improved loading of the bags. The improved web feed includes a dancer assembly equipped with a pair of nips that are driven at speeds responsive to the rate of web travel through the machine so that tension between a web supply and the dancer nips is isolated from the downstream portions of the web. A web feed mechanism which automatically threads the web through baggers is also provided. The web feed mechanism includes elastic belts which frictionally grip the web to isolate the tension in the section between the dancer nips and the belts from the tension of the web feed mechanism. Nips adjacent the load station and at the downstream end of the web feed mechanism have surface speeds exceeding the surface speed of the belts to maintain tension on the web through the web feed mechanism and effect a slight pre-opening of the bags before they are delivered to the load station. Other features include a cantilevered support of the web supply and ba…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.