Machine for producing packages with labels

Abstract

A machine for making packages with labels is provided. The packaging machine utilizes a supply of packaging material in the form of a length of plain plastic tubing and a supply of labels in the form of a continuous strip thereof. In a previous cycle of the machine, the tubing was heat sealed along a transverse strip near the leading edge thereof. The strip is subsequently advanced a predetermined distance between a first set of jaws which close, with a first sealing wire carried by one of the jaws then energized to seal a leading edge of the tubing which will form the next package. A knife severs the tubing below that seal and the upper edges of the severed section which has been advanced are engaged by clamps. These move apart with the jaws to open the upper edges, thereby enabling an article to be dropped into the resulting pocket in the severed package section. The jaws then close once again and a second sealing wire below the clamps seals the upper edges of the severed section. The clamps are then released and the jaws open a second time so that the resulting package with the packaged article is discharged from the machine. During the above operations and prior to the jaws being opened the second time, the strip of labels is advanced and individual labels are severed therefrom. A severed label is formed into a V-shaped configuration by male and female V-shaped blocks and is then moved by the female block around the leading edge of the severed section having the transverse sealed strip. Third sealing wires carried by an additional set of jaws then seal the label to the severed package section near the transverse sealed strip.