Patent ID: 6484479
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A form, fill and seal packaging machine adapted to receive a carton blank having top flaps and bottom flaps, erect the carton blank into an open-top carton, fill and seal the open-top carton, each carton having a predetermined cross-sectional shape and size, the machine comprising:a frame; means for erecting the carton blank into an open-top carton; means for sealing bottom flaps of the open-top carton to form a sealed bottom; means for filling the open-top carton; means for sealing top flaps of the open-top carton; a drive assembly; a conveying assembly operably connected to the drive assembly for moving the cartons through the form, fill and seal packaging machine; a plurality of cavity bars carried by the conveying assembly, each of the cavity bars defining at least one cavity formed therein corresponding generally to the cross-sectional size and shape of the cartons, each of the cavities being defined by internal peripheral walls having a contiguous periphery, the cavity being configured to receive and support the carton as the carton is conveyed through the form, fill and seal packaging machine; said cavity bar comprises a collar portion having a cabity matching the cavity of the cavity bar; and the internl peripheral walls of said cavities in said bar and collar portion define a plurality of vacuum and vacuum legs with each of said legs having walls in both the cavities of said bar and said collar portion.