Patent ID: 7017322
Filing Date: 2006-03-28
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A dual train form, fill, and seal packaging machine for forming, filling, and sealing packages in two parallel form, fill and seal paths, the packages having a closure mounted thereto, comprising: a carton magazine; a carton erection station; a closure applicator station including a closure storage region and a first and second closure applicators, each of the applicators associated with a respective one of the form, fill and seal trains, the applicator station further including a closure feed system with an upper chute for conveying the closures from the storage region to a diverter/singulator, the upper chute defining an upper conveyance path, the closure feed system including first and second lower chutes defining first and second lower conveyance paths for conveying separated closures from the diverter/singulator to the respective applicators, wherein the diverter/singulator includes a laterally reciprocating plate having first and second main closure-holding grooves, the plate configured for sliding between the upper and lower chutes, so that when the first main groove is aligned with the upper chute the second main groove is aligned with the second lower chute, and when the second main groove is aligned with the upper chute, the first main groove is aligned with the first lower chute; first and second filing stations; and first and second top sealing stations.