Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

A zipper sealer machine for use with a form, fill and seal machines and the method for bonding strips of reclosable fastener material to the film of a form fill and seal machine. Strips of reclosable fastener material are cut and the cut ends fused together by cutter-fuser jaws. A sensor senses when the cutter-fuser jaws become fully closed and when they begin to open so that other steps in the operation can be based on when the jaws actually begin to open and when they are actually fully closed rather than when the signal is sent that causes them to open and close. Relief area that have been coated with an anti-stick substance have been provide in the engaging surfaces of the cutter-fuser jaws to avoid fusing of the flanges and to prevent sticking of the flanges to the cutter-fuser jaws. The cut strips of reclosable fastener material are held on an edge of the rotor that is remote from the film surface. Upon rotation of the rotor the held strip of reclosable fastener material is moved to a location adjacent to the film surface. During the process of releasing the strip of reclosable fastener material from the rotor the free end of the continuous supply is pre-advance to a position adjacent to the rotor to minimize the time required for the final advance of the next strip of reclosable fastener material. A stand-by mode for the form, fill and seal machine has been developed during which the free end of the reclosable fastener material is drawn back into a track that protects it from the heat generated by the cutter-fuser jaws. An air cylinder brake has been provided that holds the flange of the reclosable fastener material after the cutter-fuser jaws have been closed to hold the severed strip and prevent it being pulled away from its location on the rotor by the opening cutter-fuser jaws.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim