Patent ID: 6629404
Filing Date: 2003-10-07
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A system for packaging articles, said articles having ends and sides, which comprises:an article handler for handling articles to be packaged, said article handler including a first gripper arranged to grip said articles to be packaged; a film handler positioned adjacent said article handler, said film handler including: a film roll holder for holding a film roll, said film having a length and a width, said film being folded along the length thereof to have an open side and closed side; a film holding arrangement positioned to receive film from said film roll holder, said film holding arrangement being adapted to hold open said film along said open side; a cross cutter positioned to receive film from said film holding arrangement, said cross cutter including an end cutting and sealing blade arrangement positioned transverse to the length of said film and adapted to cut and seal an end of said film adjacent an end of said article; and, a side sealer positioned adjacent said article handler, said side sealer including a side cutting and sealing blade arrangement positioned to cut and seal said open side of said film adjacent a side of said article, said side sealer including a second gripper positioned to receive an article from said first gripper with said film being sealed on either end of said article, said second gripper being arranged to position the side of said article adjacent said open side of said film adjacent said side cutting and sealing blade arrangement.