Apparatus for applying seal-strips to packages travelling on a conveyor

Abstract

Apparatus for attaching seal-strip segments to individual packages, where the segments are in the form of a strip having opposed surfaces, includes a transfer element moveable periodically between a receiving position for receiving a segment from a supply thereof and a transfer position for transferring the segment. The transfer element releasably holds a segment with one surface thereof in contact with the element. A rotatable turret is provided having a plurality of stations at equal angular positions about the axis of rotation of the turret, each station having a support surface for supporting a segment. Rotation of the turret is synchronized with movement of the transfer element such that, during one revolution of the turret, a different one of the stations is operatively associated with the transfer element each time the latter moves to its transfer position. At each station, a holder is made effective when the station is operatively associated with the transfer element for effecting a transfer of a segment from the transfer element to the station such that the other surface of the segment is held in contact with the support surface of the station and the opposite surface is exposed. An adhesive applicator is used to apply adhesive to the exposed surface of the segments held by the stations. Finally, the turret has an angular position at which a surface of a package tangentially contacts a station for adhering a segment held thereon to the package.