Patent ID: 7354387
Filing Date: 2008-04-08
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A folding device for sealing a flexible tubular container by adhering two facing portions on a same end edge of the tubular container, the folding device comprising: a first group of paddles; and a second group of paddles, wherein the first group of paddles and second group of paddles face one another, wherein, when a container to be processed is positioned between the first group of paddles and the second group of paddles, the paddles in the first group are configured to rotate simultaneously such that each of the paddles in the first group pushes a respective portion inside a side of the container, and the paddles in the second group are configured to rotate simultaneously such that each of the paddles in the second group pushes a respective portion inside another side of the container, wherein the paddles in the first group are configured to move towards or away from one another, and the paddles of the second group are configured to move towards or away from one another, wherein the paddles of each of the first and second groups are rotated by a first and second rotating axle, respectively, so that the paddles of each of the first and second groups can switch, simultaneously and alternately, rotating first in a direction of the container and subsequently in an opposite direction of the container in each operating cycle of the device, wherein the first and second rotating axles are parallel and positioned at the same height, wherein each of the first and second groups comprises two paddles, the two paddles of the first group are attached to the first rotating axle and can move freely along a length of the first rotating axle, each paddle of the first group being positioned on opposite ends of said length of the first rotating axle can be moved simultaneously in opposite directions towards one another, and subsequently moved in opposite directions away from one another, in each operating cycle of the device, the two paddles of the second group are attached to the second rotating axle and can move freely along a length of the second rotating axle, each paddle of the second group being positioned on opposite ends of said length of the second rotating axle can be moved simultaneously in opposite directions towards one another, and subsequently moved in opposite directions away from one another, in each operating cycle of the device.