Automated Packaging Systems, Inc.

James D Kramer

Bernard J Lerner

Rick Steven Wehrmann

William M Cronauer

Richard W Hess

Douglas E Simmers

Mark Stojkov

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 bagger, a bagger support which functions as a plenum, an improved dancer assembly, and improved application of compressed air for bag opening.

Packaging machine and method

A packaging machine that has 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 bagger, a bagger support which functions as a plenum, an improved dancer assembly, and improved application of compressed air for bag opening.

Packaging machine feed mechanism

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.

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Medina, OH, United States of America

James D Kramer