Patent ID: 7779605
Filing Date: 2010-08-24
Classification: B31B,B65B,B65D,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A unit operation station for use in a web processing machine, comprising: a shuttle system including an input roller, a connecting element, and an output roller, said input roller for receiving a web and an attached zipper, said web and said attached zipper having a continuous input feed rate, said connecting element for maintaining said input roller and said output roller in a fixed position relative to each other; a plurality of stations performing distinct operations for mechanically altering said attached zipper, one of the plurality of stations including a a slider-insertion mechanism for placing a slider onto said zipper; a web path located beyond said input roller and including said plurality of stations; means for providing reciprocating movement to said shuttle system to cause intermittent movement of said web and said attached zipper along said web path, wherein said output roller releases said web and said attached zipper at a rate substantially equal to said input feed rate, said output roller being at an end of said web path; wherein said shuttle system moves at a speed substantially equal to the feed rate of said web as it enters and exits the plurality of stations.