Abstract:
Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/264,558 filed Nov. 4, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,870,705 which is a continuation of PCT/GB07/01687 filed May 4, 2007, which claims priority to United Kingdom Application No. 0608845.4 filed May 4, 2006. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application relates to the production of band-driven packages and of band-drive components for such packages, particularly packages exemplified by patents such as EP 1140639. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Packages exemplified by EP 1140639 are characterised by a band that extends around a supporting structure, such as a planar divider, to slide around that structure in use. The divider is typically supported within a sleeve defining the overall size and shape of the package; the divider and the sleeve may be integral panels of a common folded blank. Tab members are attached to the band, one each side of the divider, such that moving one tab member out of the package slides the band around the divider. That movement of the band, in turn, drives the other tab member to move out of the package in an opposite direction. Conversely, movement of one tab member back into the package also, via the band, drives the other tab member back into the package. The band therefore acts as a drive belt that couples the tab members for opposing movement into and out of the package. 
     One or both of the tab members can be trays or other structures such as blister packs adapted to support, and optionally to display, the contents of the package. It is also possible for one of the tab members simply to display information such as branding or instructions for use of the contents of the package. For example, a tab member can support an instruction leaflet which may fold out when that tab member is pulled out of the package to drive movement of the other tab, which other tab thereby carries the contents of the package out of the package in the opposite direction. 
     The subject matter of EP 1140639 is incorporated into this specification by reference. 
     SUMMARY 
     There are challenges for producing band-driven packages or cartons at high speed. In this context, ‘high speed’ implies production at a rate in excess of about 100 packages per minute, per single-lane or single-head machine, although the invention is not limited to any particular production rate. For example, embodiments of the invention can be applied to a machine that runs at a rate of less than 100 packages per minute; conversely, embodiments of the invention could work at production rates as high as 150 to 250 packages per minute, per machine. 
     These speeds are given merely by way of context and do not limit the invention. Thus, embodiments of the invention do not exclude machines or processes that may achieve production rates greater then 250 packages per minute, per machine. For example, embodiments of the invention encompass machines that may have more than one lane and more than one band-forming head: such parallel processing multiplies the speed of the machine. 
     Machines capable of high-speed production are advantageous to suit high-volume applications such as packaging for pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceutical applications will be used to exemplify the invention in this specification, with blister packs for tablets or capsules serving as one or both of the tab members of the package. However, embodiments of the invention are not limited to packages for any particular application. Nor are such embodiments limited to the production of complete packages: certain aspects of the invention relate to the production of band-drive components that can be made into, or incorporated into, packages in subsequent manufacturing operations. Those subsequent operations may be performed at a different manufacturing facility following transport of the band-drive components from one location to the other. 
     In mass production, there are difficult challenges in placing the band onto a blank or other supporting structure, while maintaining the close sliding fit that is essential to smooth running of the band when the package is in use. For lateral location, the band typically runs within the confines of cut-outs in the edges of the blank that define a relatively narrow neck portion of the blank. Bearing in mind the need for a close sliding fit of the band around the blank, this means that the overall width of the blank to the sides of the neck portion is greater than the length of the flattened band; consequently, it is not possible simply to slide an unbroken band over a flat blank. 
     In an existing manufacturing process, a continuous, unbroken band is produced by cutting orthogonally across a parallel-sided tube of plastics film. The tube can be extruded in that form or, more practically, longitudinally welded from a sheet. The band is then held in a loop and a flat elongate cardboard blank is bent resiliently about its central longitudinal axis to reduce its width, whereupon the blank is inserted into the looped band while the blank is held in that narrow curved shape. When released, the blank regains its flat shape and hence its full width to support the band in a close sliding fit for smooth running around the blank. 
     Whilst this existing manufacturing process works reasonably well for producing batches of band-driven packages, it does not lend itself to mechanized production and is usually performed by hand. This restricts production rates, involves high labour costs (or high transport costs to and from sources of inexpensive labour) and introduces quality-control challenges. 
     According to one aspect, a method of making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package is provided. That method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction. The webs are suitably identical strips of heat-weldable plastics material, and the substrate is suitably a flat panel such as a 
     carton blank that can be folded to make the band-driven package including a sleeve around the band and tab members attached to the band. 
     The method then comprehends joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins. Joining may be effected by welding. Once joined, the joined web portions are divided from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package. 
     Preferably the webs run parallel to each other in the feed direction where the substrate lies between the webs, and the webs are strips fed from reels. 
     For lateral location, the webs are advantageously aligned with a narrow neck portion of the substrate such that the band encircles the substrate at the neck portion. The band suitably slides in use around a leading edge of the substrate at the neck portion and a trailing edge of the substrate at the neck portion parallel to the leading edge, the edges being orthogonal to the feed direction of the webs. 
     Elegantly, the web portions may be divided from the web along a join, preferably immediately after making the join. For example, where the joins are effected by welding, the web portions may be divided from the web by melting through the web after welding. 
     To allow a join to be made as close as possible to an edge of the blank, the method of the invention contemplates pressing together the webs before joining. For example, a stripper bar may be advanced to press the webs together and then a welding head may be advanced into contact with the pressed-together webs to weld the webs together. 
     To minimise waste and to ensure a close sliding fit of the band around the substrate, it is preferred that relative longitudinal movement takes place between the substrate and webs such that the substrate moves closer to the first join after the first join has been made. That relative longitudinal movement ends when the substrate bears against the first join. 
     Relative longitudinal movement may be achieved in various ways. For example, the substrate may move more quickly in the feed direction than the webs. To that end, the substrate may be driven by a primary conveyor means and the webs may be driven by a secondary conveyor means moving at a lower speed than the primary conveyor means. Where the substrate is elongate, the primary conveyor means suitably supports one end of the substrate and the secondary conveyor means suitably supports the other end of the substrate. 
     It is preferred that the second join is made after the first join, in which case relative movement between the substrate and the first join advantageously takes place after the first join is made and before the second join is made. For example, the second join may be made when the substrate bears against the first join, immediately behind the substrate. 
     In mass-production, it is envisaged that a plurality of substrates will be fed successively between the webs, and that the webs will be joined in gaps between successive substrates of the plurality. Elegantly, the invention allows the second join behind one substrate also to serve as the first join ahead of the succeeding substrate. 
     Once formed, the band is preferably advanced around the substrate to move the joins inboard of leading and trailing edges of the substrate. This positions the joins for the attachment of tab members over the joins, which reinforces the joins and prevents snagging of the joins upon edges of the substrate. Such snagging could otherwise interrupt the smooth running of the band around the substrate, and could introduce a risk of breakage. For example, the band may be advanced by relative movement between the substrate and band drive means in contact with the band. The band drive means may be the secondary conveyor means. Alternatively, the band drive means may comprise pinch rollers that contra-rotate on opposite sides of the band. 
     Where a band is turned around a substrate to the extent that a weld or other join weld lies slightly inboard of one of the edges of the substrate, a tab member may then be glued to the band using adhesive applied over or on both sides of the weld. Applying adhesive over or on both sides of the weld has two advantages: firstly reinforcing the weld; and secondly ensuring that the weld cannot move to the extent of snagging on an edge of the substrate when the package is used. 
     The provision for advancing the band around the substrate may be used independently of the first aspect of the invention, as part-finished components produced in accordance with the first aspect may be provided to a separate facility for further processing. Accordingly, from another aspect, a method of making a band-driven package is provided, the method comprising: providing a substrate encircled by a band, the band being defined by web portions joined to each other at least one join outboard of an edge of the substrate; and advancing the band around the substrate to move the join inboard of said edge of the substrate. 
     Further embodiments comprise applying at least one tab member to the band, for example by adhesive attachment to the band. For reinforcement, the adhesive is suitably applied to overlay or straddle a join of the band. The adhesive may be applied to the tab member before application of the tab member and the adhesive to the band. Alternatively, the adhesive may be applied to the band before application of the tab member to the adhesive on the band. 
     In another aspect, a machine for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package is provided, the machine comprising: web feeders for feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; a web joiner for joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and a web divider for dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package. 
     For continuous production, the web joiner and/or the web divider preferably move with the webs during joining and separation. For example, the web joiner and/or the web divider preferably move with rotary motion, although box motion is also possible. 
     A welding and cutting head may serve as both the web joiner and the web divider. In general, therefore, the web joiner and the web divider may be the same component. 
     As aforesaid, the machine may further comprise a web presser such as a stripper bar associated with the web joiner for pressing together the webs before joining. That web presser is preferably movable relative to the web joiner but is also movable with the web joiner with respect to the webs. Where the web divider is separate from the web joiner, a web presser may be associated with the web divider. 
     The machine preferably includes a tab member application station for applying at least one tab member to the band. There may be first and second tab member application stations, one station being downstream of the other with respect to a flow direction through the machine. 
     Folding means are preferably included in the machine for folding the substrate. The folding means may comprise at least one plough folding guide, more preferably a plurality of plough folding guides arranged to perform successive folding operations on the substrate as the substrate moves through the machine. Such folding means may be disposed both upstream and downstream of a tab member application station, such that folding takes place both before and after the application of a tab member to the band. 
     A second aspect of the invention involving advancing the band around the substrate may also be expressed as a machine for making a band-driven package, the machine comprising: means for receiving a substrate encircled by a band, the band being defined by web portions joined to each other at least one join outboard of an edge of the substrate; means for supporting the substrate while permitting the band to slide around the substrate; and drive means for advancing the band around the supported substrate to move the join inboard of said edge of the substrate. As aforesaid, the drive means suitably comprises a conveyor or pinch rollers for advancing the band around the substrate. 
     Additional features and embodiments of the invention include: 
     A method of making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, the method comprising: feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package. 
     In one form, the webs run parallel to each other in the feed direction where the substrate is between the webs, and wherein the webs may be strips fed from reels. In one embodiment, the substrate is a flat panel or a carton blank. The panels of the carton blank subsequently folded around the band. The panels may define a sleeve of the package. 
     In an embodiment, the band can slide in use around a leading edge of the substrate and a trailing edge of the substrate parallel to the leading edge, the edges being orthogonal to the feed direction of the webs. The method may also include an embodiment wherein the webs are aligned with a neck portion of the substrate such that the band encircles the substrate at the neck portion. 
     In another embodiment, the web portions are divided from the web along a join. Alternatively, the web portions are divided from the web immediately after making a join. The joins may be effected by welding. In one aspect, the web portions are divided from the web by melting through the web after welding. 
     In another embodiment, the webs are pressed together before joining. In one aspect, such joining may be accomplished by advancing a stripper bar to press the webs together and then advancing a welding head into contact with the pressed-together webs to weld the webs together. 
     In yet another embodiment, relative longitudinal movement is caused between the substrate and webs such that the substrate moves closer to the first join after the first join has been made. The relative longitudinal movement between the substrate and the webs may end when the substrate bears against the first join. The substrate can move more quickly in the feed direction than the webs. In one aspect, the speed differential between the substrate and the webs is varied during the band-forming cycle. 
     In yet another embodiment, the substrate is driven by a primary conveyor and the webs are driven by a secondary conveyor moving at a lower speed than the primary conveyor. When the substrate is elongate, the primary conveyor may support one end of the substrate and the secondary conveyor may support the other end of the substrate. 
     In another embodiment, the second join is made after the first join. In one aspect, relative movement between the substrate and the first join takes place after the first join is made and before the second join is made. The second join may be made when the substrate bears against the first join. Alternatively, the second join may be made immediately behind the substrate. 
     In yet another embodiment, a plurality of substrates are fed successively between the webs, and the webs are joined in gaps between successive substrates of the plurality. In one aspect, the second join behind one substrate is also the first join ahead of the succeeding substrate. 
     In another embodiment, the band is advanced around the substrate to move the joins inboard of leading and trailing edges of the substrate. In one aspect, the band is advanced by relative movement between the substrate and band drive in contact with the band. The band drive may be the secondary conveyor. Alternatively, the band drive may comprise pinch rollers. In one aspect, the pinch rollers contra-rotate on opposite sides of the band. 
     In another embodiment, the method may further comprise applying at least one tab member or insert to the band. In one aspect, the tab member or insert is adhesively attached to the band. The adhesive may be applied to overlay or straddle a join of the band. Alternatively, the adhesive is applied to the tab member or insert before application of the tab member or insert and the adhesive to the band. The adhesive may also be applied to the band before application of the tab member or insert to the adhesive on the band. The tab member or insert may be pressed against the band for a bond-forming period. Alternatively, the tab member or insert may be held against the band as the band and the substrate move in the feed direction. 
     In another embodiment, a machine for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package is provided and comprises web feeders for feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; a web joiner for joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and a web divider for dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package. 
     In one embodiment, the web joiner and/or the web divider move with the webs during joining and separation. In one aspect, the web joiner and/or the web divider move with a circular motion or in a box motion. The web joiner and the web divider may be the same component. In one aspect, a welding and cutting head serves as both the web joiner and the web divider. Alternatively, the web joiner may comprise opposed blades for crimping the face-to-face webs. The blades may be heated. In one aspect, the blades are carried by respective drums, one each side of the substrate and the webs. Each drum may carry a plurality of blades. Each blade may be mounted resiliently to its drum for radial movement with respect to an axis of rotation of the drum. The drums may be cooled. 
     In another embodiment, the machine may include a web presser associated with the web joiner for pressing together the webs before joining. In one aspect, the web presser is movable relative to the web joiner. The web presser may also be movable with the web joiner with respect to the webs. 
     In yet another embodiment, the substrate and the webs are driven by respective drives, the drives bring arranged to effect relative movement between the substrate and the webs such that the substrate moves closer to the first join after the first join has been made. When in use, the substrate drive may move more quickly in the feed direction than the web drive. The speed differential between the substrate and the webs may be varied during the band-forming cycle. In another aspect, the substrate drive may be a primary conveyor and the web drive may be a secondary conveyor moving at a lower speed than the primary conveyor. The primary conveyor may be spaced from and runs substantially parallel to the secondary conveyor. In another aspect, the web drive continues to engage the web after the band is formed so as to advance the band around the substrate. The machine may include pinch rollers for advancing the band around the substrate. The pinch rollers may contra-rotate on opposite sides of the band. 
     In another embodiment, the machine further comprises an application station for applying at least one tab member or insert to the band. In one aspect, the application station attaches the tab member or insert to the band with adhesive. The application station may comprise means for applying adhesive to the tab member or insert before application of the tab member or insert and the adhesive to the band. Alternatively, the application station may comprise means for applying adhesive to the band before application of the tab member or insert to the adhesive on the band. In another aspect, the application station is adapted to press the tab member or insert against the band for a bond-forming period. The application station may comprises a carrier movable in the feed direction to hold the tab member or insert against the band as the band and the substrate move in the feed direction. The carrier may also be movable transverse to the feed direction, towards and away from the band and the substrate. In another aspect, the machine is arranged to attach the tab member to the band at the location of a join. The machine may comprise first and second tab member application stations, one station being downstream of the other with respect to a flow direction through the machine. 
     In another embodiment, the machine further comprises folding means for folding the substrate. In one aspect, the folding means comprises at least one plough folding guide. The machine may also comprise a plurality of folding means arranged to perform successive folding operations on the substrate as the substrate moves through the machine. In one aspect, the folding means are disposed upstream and downstream of a tab member application station. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method of making a band-driven package is provided and comprises providing a substrate encircled by a band, the band being defined by web portions joined to each other at least one join outboard of an edge of the substrate; and advancing the band around the substrate to move the join inboard of said edge of the substrate. In one aspect, the band is defined by web portions joined to each other at first and second joins mutually opposed about the substrate, outboard of mutually opposed edges of the substrate, and the band is advanced to move the joins inboard of said edges of the substrate. The band may be advanced by relative movement between the substrate and band drive means in contact with the band. In another aspect, the method further comprises applying at least one tab member to the band. The tab member may be attached to the band at the location of a join. Alternatively, the tab member may be attached to the band by adhesive extending along or straddling the join. In another aspect, the method includes folding the substrate around the band. 
     In another embodiment, a machine for making a band-driven package is provided and comprises means for receiving a substrate encircled by a band, the band being defined by web portions joined to each other at least one join outboard of an edge of the substrate; means for supporting the substrate while permitting the band to slide around the substrate; and drive means for advancing the band around the supported substrate to move the join inboard of said edge of the substrate. In one aspect, the band is defined by web portions joined to each other at first and second joins mutually opposed about the substrate, outboard of mutually opposed edges of the substrate, and the drive means advances the band to move the joins inboard of said edges of the substrate. The drive means may comprise a conveyor. Alternatively, the drive means comprises pinch rollers for advancing the band around the substrate. The pinch rollers may contra-rotate on opposite sides of the band. 
     In another embodiment, the machine may further comprise a tab member application station for applying at least one tab member to the band. In one aspect, the tab member application station comprises means for applying adhesive to the tab member before application of the tab member and the adhesive to the band. Alternatively, the tab member application station comprises means for applying adhesive to the band before application of the tab member to the adhesive on the band. The machine may be arranged to attach the tab member to the band at the location of a join. The machine may also include first and second tab member application stations, one station being downstream of the other with respect to a flow direction through the machine. 
     In another embodiment, the machine may further comprise folding means for folding the substrate. The folding means may comprise at least one plough folding guide. Alternatively, the machine may comprise a plurality of folding means arranged to perform successive folding operations on the substrate as the substrate moves through the machine. In one aspect, folding means are disposed upstream and downstream of a tab member application station. 
     In yet another embodiment, a method of making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package is provided and comprises feeding a substrate between flexible web portions with the substrate bearing against a boundary of the web portions ahead of the substrate in a feed direction; and joining the web portions at a join behind the substrate whereby the web portions form a band that encircles the substrate. In one aspect, the method includes feeding first and second flexible webs in the feed direction, one web being fed each side of the substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs to define the boundary ahead of the substrate and the join behind the substrate, the boundary and the join bounding the web portions that together form the band that encircles the substrate; and dividing the web portions from the remainder of the webs at the join behind the substrate, whereby the band may be slid around the substrate in use of the package. Relative longitudinal movement may take place between the substrate and the web portions such that the substrate advances with respect to the web portions before the join is made behind the substrate. The method may further include a plurality of substrates which are fed successively, and the joins are made in gaps between successive substrates of the plurality. The join behind one substrate may also be the boundary ahead of the succeeding substrate. The web portions may be portions of the same web. 
     In another embodiment, a machine for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package is provided and comprises a substrate feeder for feeding a substrate between flexible web portions in a feed direction; and a web joiner for joining the web portions at a join behind the substrate whereby the web portions form a band that encircles the substrate. In one aspect, the machine includes web feeders for feeding first and second flexible webs in the feed direction, one web being fed each side of the substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction, wherein the web joiner is adapted to join the face-to-face webs at a boundary ahead of the substrate and at the join behind the substrate, the boundary and the join bounding the web portions; and a web divider for dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package. In one aspect, the web joiner and/or the web divider move with the webs during joining and separation. The web joiner and/or the web divider may move with a circular motion or in a box motion. The web joiner and the web divider may be the same component. The substrate and the webs may be driven by respective drives, the drives bring arranged to effect relative longitudinal movement between the substrate and the web portions such that the substrate advances with respect to the web portions before the join is made behind the substrate. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the invention may be readily understood, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of the major process steps involved in making a band-driven package in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic plan view of a linear package-making machine illustrating the process steps of  FIG. 1  in the context of processing undergone by successive blanks flowing through the machine; 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic side view of the creation of a band around a blank to make a band-drive component, showing how the band is completed by welding and cutting through two overlaid strips of plastics material adjacent a trailing edge of the blank; 
         FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ) are schematic plan views showing successive manufacturing steps,  FIG. 4(   a ) corresponding to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4(   b ) showing the next manufacturing step, namely moving the next blank to bear against the weld made in  FIGS. 3 and 4(   a ); 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic side view corresponding to  FIG. 3  but showing a variant having a double-edged welding and cutting head that is currently not preferred; 
         FIGS. 6(   a ) and  6 ( b ) are schematic plan views corresponding to  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ) but showing how the double-edged cutting tool of  FIG. 5  generates waste of plastics film material; 
         FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ) are schematic side views showing how the band may be advanced around the blank to reposition the welds; 
         FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ) are schematic side views showing an alternative solution to that of  FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ); 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic sectional side view showing the application of an adhesive strip over one weld of the band; 
         FIG. 10  is a schematic sectional side view showing the attachment of a first tab member to the adhesive strip applied to the band in  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a schematic sectional side view showing the blank folded about the first tab member to invert the band and expose the other weld of the band; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic sectional side view showing the application of an adhesive strip over the weld of the band exposed in  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic sectional side view showing the attachment of a second tab member to the adhesive strip applied to the band in  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic sectional side view corresponding to  FIG. 13  but showing a panel of the blank folded over the second tab member to complete a sleeve of the package; 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic sectional side view, to reduced scale, of the package completed in  FIG. 14 , showing the package inverted and the first and second tab members extending from the sleeve in use; 
         FIGS. 16(   a ),  16 ( b ) and  16 ( c ) are schematic side views of a practical welding and cutting head arrangement including a dynamic stripper bar; 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic plan view of a rotary machine for performing the process steps of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a side view of a practical embodiment of a machine for making a package in accordance with the invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a plan view of the machine of  FIG. 18 ; 
         FIG. 20  is an enlarged detail perspective view of a supply station that supplies strips and blanks at an upstream end of the machine of  FIGS. 18 and 19 , and a crimping station of the machine downstream of the supply station; 
         FIG. 21  is an enlarged detail side view of a strip feed mechanism of the supply station of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22  is an enlarged detail side view of the crimping station shown in  FIG. 20 , downstream of the supply station; 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the crimping station corresponding to  FIG. 22 ; 
         FIG. 24  is a further enlarged detail perspective view of the crimping station shown in  FIGS. 21 to 23 ; and 
         FIG. 25  is an enlarged detail perspective view of contra-rotating rollers of the machine of  FIGS. 18 and 19 , for advancing bands around their associated blanks. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring firstly to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the process steps of  FIG. 1  are mirrored by the illustrations of  FIG. 2 , starting from the introduction of carton blanks  10  at the top of each figure to the production of finished band-driven packages  12  at the bottom of each figure. 
     For completeness, this specification will describe all of the process steps involved in making a package  12  in a continuous process in a single manufacturing facility, as summarized in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, it is emphasised that the invention does not necessarily require all of these steps to be performed, either in the order shown or indeed, in some cases, at all. Nor does the invention exclude other process steps that have been omitted from  FIGS. 1 and 2  for brevity and clarity: such operations may include printing or customizing the package  12 , or inserting an instruction booklet into the package  12 . The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 18 to 25  shows one way of inserting an instruction booklet into a package. 
     It is particularly envisaged that the process summarized in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may be interrupted such that some operations are performed at a later time or at a different manufacturing facility, following storage or transport of part-processed blanks. In particular, after a band  20  has been applied to a blank  10  to make a band-drive component, the remainder of the blank  10  is folded and glued to create a band-driven package  12  including that band-drive component. However, those subsequent folding and gluing operations are not essential to the invention in its broad sense. 
     Briefly, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the process and machine  14  that will be described herein takes blanks  10  and then introduces strips of film  34 ,  36 , one each side of a blank  10  to sandwich the blank  10  between the strips  34 ,  36 . The provision and relative disposition of the strips  34 ,  36  and the blank  10  will be described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 . The strips  34 ,  36  are then welded together and cut to create a band  20  around the blank  10 , the band  20  including one weld immediately ahead of the blank  10 , i.e. downstream of the blank  10  and one weld immediately behind the blank  10 , i.e. upstream of the blank  10 . This will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ). 
     Once the second weld and cut have been made to complete the band  20 , the band  20  is advanced around the blank  10  to reposition the welds inboard of leading and trailing edges of the blank  10 . Reference will be made to  FIGS. 7(   a ),  7 ( b ),  8 ( a ) and  8 ( b ) in this respect. This allows a first tab member such as a blister pack to be applied to one weld of the band  20 , as shown in  FIG. 10 , whereupon the blank  10  is folded around the first tab member to invert the band  20 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . This presents the other weld of the band  20 , whereupon a second tab member such as another blister pack may be applied to that other weld, as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     When the second tab member has been put in position, final folds are made as shown in  FIG. 14  to complete the package  12 , in which the blank  10  defines a sleeve around the tab members and also defines a divider that supports the band  20  to drive relative opposed movement of the tab members in use. 
     Referring now specifically to  FIG. 2 , a machine  14  embodying the invention processes cardboard blanks  10  that are generally oblong save for opposed cut-outs  16  in the long sides of the oblong, offset close to one end of the blank  10 . As acknowledged in the introduction, such cut-outs  16  are already known: they define a relatively narrow neck portion  18  of the blank  10  around which a band  20  runs. Cut-outs  16  are not essential to the present invention but they are preferred as the resulting neck portion  18  provides desirable lateral location for the band  20  in use. 
     The blanks  10  shown in  FIG. 2  each have two major faces  22 ,  24 , one uppermost  22  being visible in this figure and one lowermost  25  being hidden underneath the blanks  10 . The blanks  10  also each have a leading edge  26  and a trailing edge  28  parallel to the leading edge  26 . The terms ‘leading edge’ and ‘trailing edge’ have regard to the flow direction of successive blanks  10  through the machine  14 , which direction is from top to bottom in  FIG. 2  and from left to right in succeeding figures. In this embodiment, each of the leading and trailing edges  26 ,  28  includes the base of a respective one of the cut-outs  16 . 
     A succession of blanks  10  are presented to the machine  14 , the blanks being mutually spaced in transverse orientation such that their long sides including the cut-outs  16  are orthogonal to the flow direction. The blanks  10  may be supplied from interchangeable cartridges upstream of the machine of  FIG. 2 , in which blanks  10  are stacked to be dispensed from the cartridges one by-one at regular intervals in the desired orientation. The blanks  10  preferably pass through the machine  14  in a generally horizontal plane with the lowermost face  24  of each blank  10  facing vertically down, although this orientation is not essential. 
     The blanks  10  are carried through the machine  14  by a horizontal primary conveyor  30  that grips the full-width major portion of each blank  10  opposed to the offset neck portion  18 . A vacuum conveyor is preferred, although other conveyor means will be known to those skilled in the art and are not excluded from the invention. 
     In the much-simplified schematic view of  FIG. 2 , the blanks  10  are shown as being carried through the entire machine  14  by a single continuous primary conveyor. Whilst best practice in automation suggests that blanks  10  should not be released once they are under control, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that the blanks  10  may be passed from one conveyor means to another as they undergo the processes that will be described herein. Indeed, as mentioned above, the process summarized in  FIGS. 1 and 2  may be interrupted, to be completed after an interval during which part-processed blanks  10  are stored or transported. 
     It is also possible for supplementary location means to be provided at any stage, such as clamping means or pinch rollers to press the blanks against the primary conveyor  30  during the folding steps. Those folding steps could otherwise cause the blanks  10  to slip relative to the conveyor  30 , as vacuum belt location is relatively weak in shear under the moment loads imposed by folding. As the provision of supplementary location means such as pinch rollers will be routine to those skilled in the art, such means have been omitted from most of the drawings for clarity. However the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 18 to 25  employs supplementary location means which are visible in the plan view of the machine shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     A secondary vacuum conveyor  32  runs parallel to and spaced from the primary conveyor  30 , running under the neck portions  18  of the blanks  10  whose major portions are supported and gripped by the primary conveyor  30 . The secondary conveyor  32  defines a drive surface in the same generally horizontal plane as that of the primary conveyor  30 , such that each blank  10  is supported in that generally horizontal plane as it travels through the machine  14 . 
     With reference now also to  FIG. 3 , two identical strips  34 ,  36  of flexible plastics film are drawn from respective reels  38 ,  40  and fed to a welding and cutting station  42  in the machine  14 . Specifically, an upper strip  34  is fed parallel to the flow direction, in a generally horizontal plane above the upper faces  22  of the blanks  10  and in alignment with the neck portions  18  of the blanks  10 . A lower strip  36  is fed in a parallel plane under the lower faces  24  of the blanks  10  between the blanks  10  and the secondary conveyor  32 . The secondary conveyor  32  therefore grips the lower strip  36 . The lower strip  36  is also aligned with the neck portions  18  of the blanks  10  and thus is in alignment with the upper strip  34 , with the neck portions  18  of the blanks  10  sandwiched between the strips  34 ,  36 . Thus, only the upper strip  34  is visible in the top plan view of  FIG. 2  as the lower strip  36  is completely hidden underneath. 
     In practice, tension is maintained in the strips by tensioning means upstream of the welding and cutting station  42 . The tensioning means have been omitted from  FIG. 3  of the drawings for clarity but an example is shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 18 to 25 , particularly in  FIGS. 20 and 21 . The tensioning means may brake the reels  38 ,  40  as they rotate or, preferably, the strips  34 ,  36  are passed in zigzag fashion through tensioners before the strips  34 ,  36  enter the welding and cutting station  42 . Such tensioners preferably also define a reserve of strip material whereby the reels  38 ,  40  can be replaced without interrupting the preferably continuous operation of the machine  14 . Fly splicing of strip material is possible, albeit with rejection of some packages  12  during the changeover process. 
       FIG. 3  shows a retractable welding and cutting head  44  at the welding and cutting station  42 . The head  44  reciprocates up and down in use, in this embodiment with a box motion as shown to suit continuous rather than intermittent movement of blanks  10  through the machine  14 . On its down stroke, the head  44  bears down upon the upper strip  34  closely behind or upstream of the trailing edge of the neck portion  18  of a blank  10 , and presses the upper strip  34  into contact with the lower strip  36 .  FIG. 3  shows the lower strip  36  also raised against the upper strip  34 ; this may be achieved by a movable anvil (not shown in this figure) opposed to the head  44 , although this is not essential. 
     The head  44  has a straight heated welding edge  46  that lies orthogonally with respect to the flow direction through the machine  14  and in parallel to the planes of the strips  34 ,  36  as they pass through the welding and cutting station  42 . By way of example, the welding edge  46  of the head  44  has a land of 0.5 mm in width: this dimension is not critical but is currently preferred. It is also preferred, but not essential, that the welding edge  46  of the head  44  is of stainless steel. The edge  46  may be coated with PTFE to resist the accumulation of welding residues. A wide range of alternatives to PTFE will be apparent to the skilled reader. 
     When the hot welding edge  46  of the head  44  presses the upper strip  34  into contact with the lower strip  36 , the upper strip  34  is firstly welded to the lower strip  36  at that location and then the welding edge  46  cuts through the welded-together strips  34 ,  36 , which part under the tension in the strips  34 ,  36 . This leaves an outwardly-protruding weld  48  between the joined strips  34 ,  36 , parallel to the trailing edge of the blank  10 : this may be seen from the preceding weld downstream of the head  44 , to the right in  FIG. 3 . Welding and cutting the strips  34 ,  36  in this manner completes a band  20  around the blank  10  and frees the blank  10  from the strips  34 ,  36  that remain attached to the reels  38 ,  40 . The weld  48  also becomes the first weld  48  that will define a band  20  around the succeeding blank  10 , which blank is not shown in  FIG. 3  but is shown in  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ) to be described below. 
     Details of a welding and cutting head will be described later in relation to  FIGS. 16(   a ),  16 ( b ) and  16 ( c ) of the drawings and particularly in the practical embodiment shown in  FIGS. 18 to 25 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4(   a ) and  4 ( b ), these show an advantageous refinement of preferred embodiments of the invention, in which relative movement takes place between blanks  10  and the surrounding strips  34 ,  36  between one weld  48  and the next. As will be explained, this relative movement has two main purposes, the first of which is to ensure that the band  20  is a close sliding fit around the neck portion  18  of the blank  10  and the second of which is to reduce the number of welds  48  and to avoid waste of the strip material. 
       FIG. 4(   a ) shows the same situation as in  FIG. 3 , save for the presence of a second, succeeding blank  10   b . Here, a band  20  around a first blank  10   a  is completed by welding and cutting through the overlaid strips  34 ,  36  along a cut line  50  situated closely behind or upstream of the trailing edge of the neck portion  18  of that blank  10   a . It will be noted that there is a substantial gap between that cut line  50  and the leading edge of the neck portion  18  of the second blank  10   b . That gap is largely due to the combined depth of the opposed cut-outs  16  that define the neck portions  18  of the blanks  10   a ,  10   b.    
       FIG. 4(   b ) shows the next step, in which the second blank  10   b  has been advanced relative to the strips  34 ,  36  as the blanks  10  and the strips  34 ,  36  advance together through the machine  14 , such that the leading edge of the neck portion  18  of the second blank  10   b  lies adjacent to, and preferably bears against, the weld  48  made in  FIG. 4(   a ). A band  20  may then be completed around the second blank  10   b  by welding and cutting along the cut line  50  as in  FIG. 4(   a ). 
     Relative movement between the blanks  10  and the strips  34 ,  36  may be achieved by running the primary conveyor  30  slightly faster than the secondary conveyor  32 , the blanks  10  moving at the speed of the primary conveyor  30  and the strips  34 ,  36  moving at the speed of the secondary conveyor  32 . Such an arrangement is preferred in the machine  14  of  FIG. 2  that relies upon continuous production, although other machines could achieve the necessary relative movement in different ways. The speed difference between the primary conveyor  30  and the secondary conveyor  32  may be varied in pulses, with the speed difference being increased to a maximum after each weld in a manner synchronised with the arrival of blanks  10  at the welding and cutting station  42 . 
     The relative movement between the blanks  10  and the strips  34 ,  36  between one weld  48  and the next ensures that the welds  48  are as close as possible to the leading and trailing edges  26 ,  28  of the blank  10  so that the resulting band  20  is a close sliding fit around the neck portion  18  of the blank  10 . A further benefit is to reduce the number of welds and especially to avoid waste of the strip material. In this regard, the cut-outs  16  that define the neck portion  18  of the blank  10  present a challenge because without relative movement between the blanks  10  and the strips  34 ,  36 , a weld that completes one band  20  cannot also serve as the first weld of the succeeding band  20 : instead, two welds would be necessary, and the strip material between those welds would be wasted. Whilst waste is best avoided for economic and environmental reasons, the main problem is how to handle the waste material in an automated process. If handling waste, the machine would inevitably become more complex and so more expensive and, potentially, less reliable. 
     To illustrate the problem of waste,  FIGS. 5 ,  6 ( a ) and  6 ( b ) correspond to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ( a ) and  4 ( b ) but show an alternative embodiment without relative movement between the blanks  10  and the strips  34 ,  36  from one weld to the next. In this embodiment, a welding and cutting head  44   a  has two parallel edges  46   a ,  46   b  spaced apart slightly less than the gap between the trailing edge  28  of the first blank  10   a  and the leading edge  26  of the second blank  10   b . Two welds and cuts may be made simultaneously by the head  44   a  along two parallel cut lines  50   a ,  50   b , one  50   b  completing a band  20  around the first blank  10   a  and the other  50   a  being the first weld  48  of a band  20  around the second blank  10   b . However, the result is a piece of waste strip material between the blanks  10   a ,  10   b , which piece must be removed, handled and discarded. 
     Returning to the embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 2 , when a band  20  has been completed around the neck portion  18  of a blank  10  by a second weld  48  as described above, the blank  10  may then continue on the machine  14  for further processing or may be removed from the machine  14  for storage or transportation before further processing takes place. Whenever and wherever that further processing happens, the next processing step is to turn the band  20  around the blank  10  to the extent that the welds  48  lie slightly inboard of the leading and trailing edges  26 ,  28  of the blank  10 . Tab members such as blister packs may then be attached to the band  20  using adhesive applied over the welds  48 , which reinforces the welds  48  and prevents the welds  48  snagging on the leading and trailing edges  26 ,  28  of the blank  10  when the package  12  is used. 
     In an automated process, it is necessary to determine the location of the welds  48  with respect to the leading and trailing edges  26 ,  28 . It is therefore desirable that the welds  48  do not move until they are deliberately caused to do so, especially where the blanks  10  are removed from the machine  14  for storage or transport which may cause the band  20  to slip around the blank  10 . In this regard, the initial position of the welds  48  outboard of the leading and trailing edges  26 ,  28  helps to lock the band  20  against angular movement around the neck portion  18  of the blank  10 , presenting resistance which needs to be overcome before the band  20  can slide freely. Thus, during storage and transport, the welds  48  are unlikely to slip from their initial outboard positions, especially when blanks  10  are stacked to sandwich the associated bands  20  between the blanks  10  of the stack. 
     If the positions of the welds  48  were to slip from their initial outboard positions, not only would the location of the welds  48  be unknown but also, over time, the band material would be likely to take a set and crease where it bends acutely around the leading and trailing edges  26 ,  28  of the blank  10 . Such a set could also interrupt smooth running of the band  20  around the blank  10 . 
     For the purposes of this description, it is assumed that the blanks  10  continue on the machine  14  so that the band  20  can be turned around the blank  10 . Reference is therefore made to  FIGS. 7(   a ) and  7 ( b ) which show what happens downstream of the welding and cutting station  42 .  FIG. 7(   a ) shows a blank  10  encircled by a completed band  20 , the band  20  having welds  48  initially outboard of the leading and trailing edges  26 ,  28  of the blank  10 . The band  20  remains in contact with the secondary conveyor  32  whereas the blank  10  remains driven by the primary conveyor  30  which moves slightly faster than the secondary conveyor  32  as aforesaid. In consequence, the band  20  tends to turn around the blank  10 . Once the initial resistance caused by the interaction between the welds  48  and the leading and trailing edges  26 ,  28  has been overcome, the band  20  is driven around the blank  10 , clockwise in the view of  FIG. 7(   b ), to the extent that the welds  48  lie slightly inboard of the leading and trailing edges  26 ,  28  as shown. The band  20  can then be disengaged from the secondary conveyor  32 , for example by locally releasing vacuum applied by the secondary conveyor  32  or upon reaching the end of the secondary conveyor  32 . 
     Thus, in the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 ( a ),  4 ( b ),  7 ( a ) and  7 ( b ), the differential speeds of the primary and secondary conveyors  30 ,  32  ensure a close sliding fit of the band  20  around a blank  10 , avoids waste of the plastics strip material, and optimally positions the welds  48  for further processing. 
       FIGS. 8(   a ) and  8 ( b ) show another way of advancing the band  20  around the blank  10  to reposition the welds  48 , in this case by counter-rotating rollers  52  that engage the band  20  above and below the blank  10  and index the angular position of the band  20  to the necessary extent. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 18 to 25  uses similar rollers, which are particularly illustrated in  FIG. 25 . 
       FIG. 9  shows an adhesive strip  54  applied to the band  20  over one of the welds  48 . The strip  54  is a double-sided label of pressure-sensitive adhesive for precise dimensional control and for ease of handling: the labels may be supplied on a transfer tape. A tab member  56  such as a blister pack may then be applied to the adhesive strip  54  as shown in  FIG. 10 . It is also possible, and may be preferred, for adhesive  54  to be applied to the tab member  56  and for the tab member  56 , with the applied adhesive  54 , to be pressed onto the band  20  such that the adhesive overlies the weld  48 . 
     Adhesive may alternatively be applied in gel or semi-solid form, for example by the application of a line of hot-melt adhesive or an array of dots of such adhesive. The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 18 to 25  contemplates such a solution, for example parallel lines of adhesive dots applied parallel to each weld  48  with at least one line of dots being disposed to each side of the weld  48 . In this way, a tab member attached to the band  20  bridges and strengthens the weld  48 . Heat sealing and cyanoacrylate adhesives are possible alternatives. 
     The blister pack  56  constituting the tab member in  FIG. 10  comprises rows of blisters  58  containing capsules or tablets of medicines or vitamins (not shown), these contents being dispensed by being pressed through a foil-covered base of the blister pack  56  in well-known manner. The blister pack  56  also has moulded-in stiffening formations  58   b  along its edge aligned with the adhesive strip. The stiffening formations  58   b  help to prevent the blister pack  56  sagging when slid out of the package  12 , and can be vacuum-formed with the blisters  58 . The stiffening formations  58   b  also serve as a spacer whereby a second blister pack  70 , serving as a second tab member, can be applied to the band  20  in the same orientation as the first blister pack  56 . This will be explained in more detail below with reference to  FIG. 13 . However, the second tab member could alternatively be applied in an orientation that is opposite to that of the first tab member. 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the next process after the application of the first blister pack  56  is folding about that blister pack  56  to invert the band. Folding is achieved by a succession of static plough folding guides  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66  that act upon the passing blanks  10  as they flow through the machine  14 , each guide being located successively inwardly to effect another fold. In essence, the plough folding guides  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66  are ramps, preferably of hardened steel to resist the abrasiveness of the cardboard blanks  10 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a simplified set of plough folding guides  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66  to achieve four folds: more folds may be necessary in practice. Each blank  10  is preferably pre-creased or scored to ease folding, and overfolding or pinch rollers may be employed to create sharp folded corners. The plough folding guides  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66  may be movable laterally to reconfigure the machine  14  for differently-sized blanks. 
     The first plough folding guide  60  lifts an edge portion  68  of the blank  10  beside the first blister pack  56 . That edge portion  68  will become a side of the package  12 . The second plough folding guide  62  then lifts the neck portion  18  of the blank  10  together with the first blister pack  56  attached to the band  20  at that location, folding the blank  10  about the first blister pack  56  such that the first blister pack  56  is inverted and lies upon the adjacent panel of the blank  10  as shown in  FIG. 11 . 
     Inverting the first blister pack  56  as shown in  FIG. 11  also inverts the band  20  and exposes the second weld  48  of the band  20 . A strip  54  of pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied over that weld  48  as shown in  FIG. 12  and then a second tab member in the form of a second blister pack  70  is attached to the adhesive  54  as shown in  FIG. 13 . For economies of scale, the second blister pack  70  is preferably identical to the first blister pack  56 . As mentioned above in relation to  FIG. 10 , the stiffening formations  58   b  of the second blister pack  70  also serve as a spacer whereby the second blister pack  70  can be applied to the band  20  in the same orientation as the first blister pack  56 , the spacer allowing for the depth of the blisters  58 . This arrangement is preferred because when the pack  12  is opened as shown in  FIG. 15 , both blister packs  56 ,  70  are then exposed in the same orientation. However it is also possible to create the spacer in other ways, for example with a strip of foam coated on opposite sides with pressure-sensitive adhesive. 
     The package  12  is completed in  FIG. 14  where another panel of the blank  10  is folded over the second blister pack  70  and glued down to the remainder of the folded blank  10  to create a sleeve  72 . The package  12  is then ready for use, as shown in  FIG. 15  in which the package  2  has been inverted and one of the blister packs  56  has been pulled out of the sleeve  72 , driving the other blister pack  70  out of the sleeve  72  in the opposite direction by virtue of the band  20  connecting the blister packs  56 ,  70 . 
       FIGS. 16(   a ),  16 ( b ) and  16 ( c ) show details of a possible welding and cutting head  44 . In proof-of-concept testing, it was found that merely pressing a single heated welding edge against aligned strips  34 ,  36  may produce unreliable results. This is largely due to the difficulty of pressing together the strips  34 ,  36  very close to the trailing edge  28  of a blank  10 . The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 16(   a ),  16 ( b ) and  16 ( c ) therefore employs a dynamic stripper bar  74  that is floatingly attached to the head  44  for relative vertical movement with respect to the head  44 . The stripper bar  74  is biased downwardly with respect to the head  44  by a spring  76  around a rod  78  that supports the stripper bar  74  for sliding vertical movement with respect to the head  44 . 
     When the head  44  initially shown in  FIG. 16(   a ) moves downwardly during a downward stroke, the stripper bar  74  moves ahead of the heated edge  46  of the head  44  to trap the aligned strips  34 ,  36  against an edge of an anvil  80  under the lower strip  36 , opposed to the head  44 . This state is shown in  FIG. 16(   b ). Continued downward movement of the head  44  compresses the spring  76  between the stripper bar  74  and the head  44 , allowing the heated edge  46  into welding and cutting contact with the strips  34 ,  36  as shown in  FIG. 16(   c ). 
     It will be noted that the heated edge  46  is received in a trough  82  of the anvil  80  and that contact between the head  44  and the anvil  80  is not necessary to weld or to cut through the strips  34 ,  36 , which are supported above the trough  82  by virtue of their tension. It will also be noted that the heated edge  46  lies between the stripper bar  74  and the trailing edge  28  of the blank  10 , so that the weld  48  can be made as close to the blank  10  as possible. 
     As  FIG. 16(   c ) shows, the head  44  with its associated stripper bar  74  moves with a box motion to suit continuous production in the machine  14 . The anvil  80  must reciprocate horizontally to remain in alignment with the heated edge  46  of the head  44  during a welding and cutting stroke. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 17  of the drawings, this shows that the invention may be embodied in a rotary machine  84  as well as the linear machine  14  illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Rotary machines tend to be faster than linear machines but they are less flexible as they are more difficult to adjust for different packages. 
     The flow is anti-clockwise in  FIG. 17 . The first operation is introduction of the lower strip  36 . Moving anti-clockwise from there, this is followed by introduction of the blanks  10 , then by introduction of the upper strip  34 , followed by welding and cutting to form the bands  20 . The packages  12  are then assembled by applying adhesive strip labels  54  from transfer tape  86 , applying first blister packs  56  to one side of the bands  20 , applying further adhesive strip labels  54 , applying second blister packs  70  to the other side of the bands  20 , and finally outfeeding the packages  12 . Folding steps take place during the assembly operations but have been omitted from  FIG. 17  for brevity. 
     Referring finally to  FIGS. 18 to 25  of the drawings, these drawings show a practical embodiment of a machine for making a package in accordance with the invention. Where appropriate, like numerals are used for like parts. 
       FIGS. 18 and 19  show that the machine  88  comprises, in upstream to downstream order:
         a supply station  90  for supplying strips  34 ,  36  and blanks  10 ;   a crimping station  92  at which the strips  34 ,  36  are brought together around the blanks  10 , joined and cut to form a band  20  around each blank  10 ;   a reject station  94  for rejecting imperfect products of the crimping station  92 ;   a preliminary folding station  96  at which initial folds or creases are made in each blank  10 ;   a band-advancing station  98  for advancing each band  20  around its associated blank  10  to bring the welds  48  inboard of the leading and trailing edges of the blank  10 ;   a booklet-applying station  100  for applying a booklet to the band  20  around each blank  10 ;   a reject station  102  for rejecting imperfect products of the booklet-applying station  100 ;   a secondary folding station  104  at which further folds are made in each blank  10 ;   a first tab-applying station  106  for applying a first blister pack  56 , a pull or other tab member to the band  20  around each blank  10 ;   a reject station  108  for rejecting imperfect products of the first tab-applying station  106 ;   a second tab-applying station  110  for applying a second blister pack  70 , a pull or other tab member to the band  20  around each blank  10 ;   a reject station  112  for rejecting imperfect products of the second tab-applying station  110 ;   a finishing station  114  for finishing the package, for example by making final folds and applying batch indicia to the package; and   a reject station  116  for rejecting imperfect products of the finishing station  114 .       

     The supply station  90  shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21  is at the upstream end of the machine  88  shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19 . At the supply station  90 , strips  34 ,  36  and blanks  10  are supplied from respective buffers and the strips  34 ,  36  converge around the blanks  10  in between. 
     The blanks  10  are supplied from cartridges (not shown) containing stacks of blanks. A friction feeder, for example as supplied by RonTech AG (trade mark), draws the blanks  10  from the cartridges and presents them to the machine  88 , the blanks  10  being mutually spaced in transverse orientation. A horizontal primary conveyor  30  grips the full-width major portion of each blank  10 . As before, a vacuum conveyor is preferred; the retaining force of the vacuum may be supplemented by fingers (not shown) upstanding from the belt of the conveyor  30  that embrace each blank  10 . 
     At intervals, supplementary location means  118  cooperate with the primary conveyor  30  to prevent slippage of the blanks  10  with respect to the belt of the conveyor  30  during operations such as folding and placement of blister packs  56 ,  70 . The supplementary location means  118 —in this example, supplementary belts opposed to the belt of the primary conveyor  30 —are visible in the plan view of the machine shown in  FIG. 19 . 
     As best understood with reference to the side view of  FIG. 18  and the detail views of  FIGS. 20 and 21 , two identical strips  34 ,  36  of flexible plastics film are drawn from respective reels  38 ,  40  and fed to the crimping station  92  of the machine  88 . One strip  34  is fed above the incoming blanks  10  and the other strip  36  is fed below, both in alignment with the neck portions  18  of the blanks  10 . 
     Tension is maintained in the strips  34 ,  36  by respective tensioners  120  upstream of the crimping station  92 . Each tensioner  120  passes a respective one of the strips  34 ,  36  in zigzag fashion through a set of rollers  122  before the strip  34 ,  36  enters the crimping station  92 . In  FIG. 20 , the upper strip  34  is shown threaded through the rollers  122  of the upper tensioner  120  but the lower strip  36  visible in  FIG. 18  has been omitted Comparison of the upper and lower tensioners  120  shows how in each case, two of the rollers  122  of each set are mounted on a swinging arm  124  for vertical movement relative to the other rollers  122  of the set, which are fixed to the structure  126  of the machine  88 . Controlled relative movement between the rollers  122  imparts controllable tension to the strips  34 ,  36 . 
     Immediately downstream of the tensioners  120 , opposed vacuum-belt secondary conveyors  32  draw the strips  34 ,  36  from the tensioners  120  and into the crimping station  92 . The relative speeds of the primary and secondary conveyors  30 ,  32  are varied dynamically to advance each blank  10  against the weld at the leading edge of the blank as explained previously. This can be achieved by momentarily accelerating the primary conveyor  30  or by momentarily decelerating the secondary conveyors  32   
     Moving on now to  FIGS. 22 to 24 , these show that the crimping station  92  of the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 18 to 25  takes a different approach to the design of the welding and cutting head. In this embodiment, opposed heated blades  128  are mounted on cooled contra-rotating drums  130  between which blanks  10  and strips  34 ,  36  are fed. The drums  130  are mounted for rotation about parallel horizontal axes in brackets  132  attached to the structure  126  of the machine  88  and are cooled in conventional fashion by a refrigerant which enters the drums via a respective inlets  200 . 
     In this example, each drum  130  carries two blades  128 , 180° apart. The rotation of the drums  130  is synchronised with the speed of the incoming blanks  10  and strips  34 ,  36  so that the blades crimp the strips  34 ,  36  between each blank  10 . The rotation of the drums  130  is also mutually synchronised so that the blades  128  of the opposed drums come together in pairs to crimp, weld and cut through the aligned strips  34 ,  36  from above and below simultaneously. To permit the blades  128  to apply inward pressure on the strips  34 ,  36  for long enough to achieve welding and cutting without interrupting the flow of blanks  10  through the machine  88 , the blades  128  are mounted resiliently to the drums. This permits inward radial movement of the blades  128  with respect to the drums  130  as the opposed blades  128  of each pair come together on each rotation of the drums  130 . Thus, the blades  128  of each pair can apply inward pressure on the strips  34 ,  36  for longer than the instantaneous period that would otherwise be possible. The cooling of the drums ensures that there is no undesired melting or deformation of the strips  34 ,  36  between the welds formed by the opposed blades  128 . 
       FIG. 24  shows how the perforated secondary conveyors  32  feed the strips  34 ,  36  between opposed guide plates  134  immediately upstream of where the blades  128  of the drums  130  come together. As the leading edge of each blank  10  is pressed against the adjacent weld before the next weld is made behind the blank  10  to create a band  20 , tension is maintained in the strips  34 ,  36  up to the point where the band  20  of each blank  10  is created. 
     In the reject station  94  for rejecting imperfect products of the crimping station  92 , vision sensors (not shown) determine whether a band  20  has been correctly formed around each blank  10 . If a band  20  has not been correctly formed, that blank  10  is rejected at the reject station  94 . Additionally, the machine  88  may be programmed to stop if a set number of consecutive bands  20  is not correctly formed so that a failure analysis can take place. Similar vision sensors systems are used to implement the remaining reject stations  102 ,  108 ,  112 ,  116  of the machine  88 . 
     If a band  20  has been correctly formed, the blank  10  is carried by the primary conveyor  30  through the preliminary folding station  96  at which initial folds or creases are made in each blank  10 . From there, the blank  10  passes through the band-advancing station  98  at which contra-rotating rollers  52  shown in  FIG. 25  advance the band  20  around the blank  10  to bring the welds inboard of the leading and trailing edges of the blank  10 . The rollers  52  are driven by respective servos so that their speeds of rotation can be individually adjusted to advance the bands as desired. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 18 to 25 , there is provision to apply a booklet and two tab members such as blisters packs  56 ,  70  to the band  20  of each blank  10 . It is emphasised that a booklet is optional and that one or both of the blister packs  56 ,  70  could be replaced by a pull member or other tab member. 
     The booklet is applied first at the booklet-applying station  100 . The operation of the booklet-applying station  100  is similar to that of the first and second tab-applying stations  106 ,  110 . The following description will therefore suffice for each station  100 ,  106 ,  110 . At each station, hot-melt glue is applied in dots to the band  20  of each blank by gluing apparatus as supplied by, for example, Robatech AG. Booklets or tab members are then applied to the glue under downward pressure maintained long enough for a sufficient bond to form before the blanks are released for downstream processing. 
     As best shown in the plan view of the machine  88  in  FIG. 19 , the booklets and tab members are fed in transversely by respective supply conveyors  136  disposed orthogonally to the primary conveyor  30 . Buffers  138  are shown at the upstream ends of the supply conveyors  136  associated with the first and second tab-applying stations  106 ,  110 . Booklets and tab members are spaced along the respective supply conveyors  136  to arrive in synchronism with the flow of blanks  10  past the downstream ends of the supply conveyors  136 . 
     At the downstream end of each supply conveyor  136 , a pick-and-place carousel  140  picks each booklet or tab member off its respective supply conveyor  136 , reorients the booklet or tab member to suit the blanks  10 , places the booklet or tab member upon the glue dots associated with each blank  10  and presses down the booklet or tab member for the necessary duration without interrupting the flow of blanks  10 . To do this, the pick-and-place carousel  140  follows the general principle disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,578,614 to Loewenthal, Assignee Sigpack Systems AG. 
     Each pick-and-place carousel  140  comprises a belt  142  that supports carriers  144  spaced to correspond to the pitch from blank to blank on the primary conveyor  30 . The belt  142  turns anti-clockwise about vertical-axis rollers on a triangular path in plan view. The triangular path comprises: a pick section  146  extending over and parallel to the associated supply conveyor  136 ; a place section  148  orthogonal to the pick section  146  and extending over and parallel to the primary conveyor  30 ; and a return section  150  being the hypotenuse of the triangular path. The carriers  144  are mounted for vertical movement with respect to the belt  142 . 
     At the pick section, each carrier  144  is driven down with respect to the belt  142  to pick up a respective booklet or tab member. The carrier  144  is then raised to lift the booklet or tab member off the supply conveyor  136 . As the belt  142  turns the corner between the mutually-orthogonal pick and place sections  146 ,  148 , the carrier  144  turns through 90° to reorient the booklet or tab member to match the orientation of the blanks  10 . At the upstream end of the place section  148 , the carrier  144  is again driven down with respect to the belt  142  to press the booklet or tab member against the waiting glue dots and to maintain that downward pressure for the length of the place section  148 . At the downstream end of the place section  148 , the carrier  144  is raised away from the booklet or tab member. The carrier  144  then returns along the return section  150  to start again at the pick section  146 . 
     Cam surfaces (not shown) may be used to drive the upward and downward movements of the carriers  144  with respect to the belt  142  on the pick and place sections  146 ,  148  of the path. 
     The blanks are suitably of cardboard although other materials such as plastics are possible. The invention has been tested to proof-of-concept stage with cardboard blanks of 0.38 mm thickness and a density of approximately 290 g/m 2 . A stack of 1500 of such blanks would be 570 mm high and would permit five minutes of machine running at 300 packages per minute—a rate somewhat faster than a single-lane, single-head machine of the invention would be expected to operate. 
     The plastics film used in the strips is suitably polypropylene film as sold under the trade mark Treofan GND. Alternatively, polyethylene film may be used, although this is more prone to stretching. Proof-of-concept testing has been performed with Treofan GND film of 30 μm thickness, with a tension of 38 grams and with a welding and cutting tool temperature of 250±5 Celsius and a stainless steel welding edge with a land of 0.5 mm, this effecting welding and cutting in 0.15 seconds. Treofan GND film of 25 μm thickness has also been tested successfully. In these tests, the width of the strips was 46 mm and the cut length between successive welds was 88 mm. 
     Reels of Treofan GND of 30 μm thickness are available with a length of 1175 metres. At 300 packs per minute, the time between reel changes would be approximately 45 minutes. Larger reels of Treofan GND are available, allowing correspondingly longer times between reel changes. 
     Many variations are possible without departing from the inventive concept. For instance, the way in which the blank is folded in the foregoing description is merely for illustration and can readily be varied in practice: folding means other than plough folding guides will be known to those familiar with the packaging field. Both the blanks and the film may be of different materials or of different thicknesses or compositions. 
     The welding edge of the welding and cutting head may be replaced by a hot wire, which may be of PTFE-coated stainless steel. An advantage of a wire is that the wire can be advanced to present a fresh welding surface from time to time. The wire may be recirculated after passing through a scraper to remove any welding residues that may have adhered to the wire. 
     It is possible for the welding edge of the head simply to weld the strips but not to cut through them, such that the strips can subsequently be cut or broken along the weld. Other variants are possible in which joining of the strips is effected by a laser, by adhesive, by ultrasound or under fusing pressure. Similarly, cutting can be achieved by means other than a hot edge, such as a sharp blade or a laser. 
     Whilst the head is shown with one stripper bar in  FIGS. 16(   a ) to  16 ( c ), it is possible for more than one stripper bar to be used, for example one stripper bar to each side of the head. 
     The use of two blister packs as tab members is merely an illustrative option. There may be only one blister pack, with the other tab member simply being a pull-out tab that drives the blister pack out of the sleeve in the opposite direction. That pull-out tab may, nevertheless, bear marketing material or product information, and may comprise or consist of a fold-out leaflet that may be attached in broadly the same manner as the second blister pack described above. 
     It is possible for more than one band to be applied to a single blank or other substrate. It is also possible for the blank to be folded to produce a carton and for the tab members to be attached subsequently to the band through the open ends of the carton sleeve. 
     In view of these and other variants of the invention, reference should be made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing specific description to determine the scope of the invention.