Packaging machine

Abstract

A machine for packaging small objects such as medicinal pills, tablets or capsules has a path along which a carrying strip extends, passing through various stations as it does. At the first station information is printed on the strip. At the next side-by-side pockets are formed in the strip. Then comes a loading station where the pocketed carrying strip passes over a track located between two trays over which are spread the small objects that are to be loaded in pockets. Here the strip also passes beneath a divider rail that extends longitudinally of the strip between the two rows of pockets in the strip to separate those pockets so that the small objects on the trays are easily manipulated into the pockets. The divider rail also keeps the carrying strip from lifting off of the track. Following the loading station a covering strip is directed over the carrying strip, and the covering strip is heat sealed to the carrying strip around the pockets in the covering strip at a sealing station. Immediately after the sealing station is a drive station where the joined together carrying and covering strips pass into a nip formed by rollers which rotate incrementally to advance the strips. The rollers also perforate the strips between the two rows of pockets. Finally, there is a cutting station where the joined together strips are severed transversely between successive pairs of pockets.