Flow wrap packaging machine

An end sealing apparatus for a flow wrap packaging machine comprising a cam track 1301. A plurality of carriages (fig 5 1507) follow the cam track each with a drive means (fig 5 700) to independently drive each carriage. Preferably the carriages may be driven at variable speeds. Optionally the end sealing apparatus may comprise a second cam track with a second plurality of carriages (fig 5 1508). This second track may lie parallel to the first. Each carriage of the first track may be paired with a corresponding carriage from the second track, this pair of carriages may be synchronised. Also disclosed is an end sealing apparatus for a flow wrap packaging machine, comprising a pair of carousels each with a set of carriages, a first drive means for driving the first carriage on both carousels, and a second drive means for driving the second carriage on both carousels. Each drive means is independently controllable.

Improvements to packaging machines

A packaging machine comprising: a first conveyor 103; a plurality of pockets 104; a means for urging pockets across the conveyor; and a means for urging the pockets along the conveyor which allows the speed of each pocket to be individually controlled. Secondary containers are carried on a second conveyor, which are movable at a variable speed and are synchronised with the pockets on the first conveyor. The pockets are carried pocket carriage 105 and are movable with respect to the carriage, and are guided by a cam track 107 towards second conveyor. Preferably, the cam track has a transitional portion extending between two portions extending along the X axis. The packages 101 are pushed from the first conveyor to the second conveyor by a pusher beam mounted on an overhead gantry which can be independently controlled in the X and Y axis and is synchronised with the first conveyor.

Packing machine with individually controllable pockets

Improvements to packaging machines

A packaging machine comprises a first conveyor (103); a plurality of pockets (104) moveable along a length of said first conveyor; means for urging said pockets to move along said first conveyor; a second conveyor (106) for carrying a plurality of containers; and means (107) for moving said pockets in a direction towards or away from said second conveyor; wherein said means for urging said pockets along said first conveyor is controllable to move each individual said pocket separately at a speed corresponding to said individual pocket.

Flow wrap packaging machine