Patent ID: 8646247

Claim:
A method for applying a tape closure to a bag, the method comprising the steps of: securing a leading portion of a continuous length of adhesive tape to a contact surface of a taping arm configured for rotation in a first geometric plane; gathering the neck of the bag between first and second opposing plungers configured for rotation in the first geometric plane; moving the gathered neck of the bag against a trailing portion of the continuous length of adhesive tape; forcing the gathered neck of the bag and the trailing portion of the continuous length of adhesive tape into a notch in a receiving block sized to accept the neck of the bag; rotating the taping arm and the leading portion of the adhesive tape behind the neck of the bag; closing the tape closure by wiping the leading portion of the adhesive tape onto the trailing portion of the continuous length of adhesive tape; severing the trailing portion of the continuous length of adhesive tape; and securing the continuous length of adhesive tape to the taping arm in preparation for a subsequent cycle of operation.