Alfred C Monaghan

48584169, Aug 22, 1989

Aug 4, 1987

7/081697

Alfred C. Monaghan - Simpsonville SC

Siempelkamp Corporation - Greenville SC

B65B 6302

53439

A packaging machine is provided for packaging bundles, optionally under compression, with tensionless cross-seals. One problem of conventional devices is that movable sealing bars tend to rupture film as it is pulled together around materials to be packaged, particularly if the materials are relatively high or heavy. Packaging products under compression is an additional challenge. In this instance, packages are generally fed substantially at a predetermined speed between upper and lower webs of film, which are then sealed at their sides. Compression of the products being packaged may be optionally practiced during such side seal formation, and later during cross seal formation. Subsequently, the products enclosed in the side-sealed web of films move into a cross seal area, optionally including a reciprocatable carriage, operation of which in effect causes the product being sealed to move backwards relative to seal bars forming a cross seal therefor. Such operation causes a reduction or elimination of tension in the films as the cross seal is created. Thereafter, the fully enclosed package is accelerated above its former predetermined speed so as to generally re-establish an original degree of longitudinal separation between products moving through the packaging machine.