Cross-cut stabilizer used in horizontal, form, fill, and seal packaging machines

Abstract

Disclosed is a cross-cut stabilizer. The stabilizer prevents uncontrollable movement of the existing cross-cut stations, which are used in packaging machines to make long cuts designed to separate a strip of multiple, pre-packaged products from the rest of the packaging film. The movement created by the machine's vibration, causes the cutting blocks, along with the blades making the cross-cuts, to move unpredictably. The movement is compounded by the rack and pinion system which supports the cutting blocks of the cross-cut station. The cross-cut stabilizer, incorporates a mounting base, which holds pushing combs and manual clamps. The stabilizer is mounted inside the cross-cut station, allowing the pushing combs to straddle the existing cutting blocks. The pushing combs enable unison, manual adjustment of the cross-cut station with the cross-cut stabilizer. By using clamps, the pushing combs urge down on the cutting blocks of the cross-cut station, eliminating any movement of the station.