Packaging film feeding and splicing apparatus and method

Abstract

An assembly and method provide a continuous supply of packaging film to a form, fill and seal packaging machine with two spindles alternately operating as the active spindle to feed the film from one roll at a time. Opposed pneumatic manifolds are operative to splice the tail-end of the film from the active roll to the head-end of the film from the standby roll. The opposed manifolds pivot in opposite directions away from the machine to provide easy access for loading. A programmable controller controls the splicing operation. Valves operated by the controller connect a vacuum source to one of the manifolds to hold the head-end at a splicing station and to the other to maintain tension on the active film after the tail-end leaves the spindle. An end-of-roll detector near the spindle triggers the tensioning function. The width of the manifold is adjustable to accommodate different width film. A photocell detector and encoder in the circuit allow tracking of the tail-end. When it arrives at the splicing station, the appropriate control valve rapidly switches to apply an air blast generated by positive pneumatic pressure to blow the tail-end/head-end together so that adhesive tape pre-applied to the head-end is securely attached to the tail-end to complete the splicing operation. The programmable controller continues to track the splice through the packaging machine to initiate a dry cycle and removal of the splice section.