SLIDER APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING SLIDERS
A method of making and filling reclosable packages using a duplex machine includes the steps of providing a zipper profile, package film and a plurality of sliders; feeding the zipper profile; applying the sliders to the zipper profile; coupling the zipper profile to the folded web; sealing two edges of the folded web to form adjacent pouches; filling the pouches; sealing the pouches proximate a third edge thereof; and separating the pouches in order to form individual packages. The method employs a single rotating slider applicator having a programmable servo motor which is programmed in order to synchronize the application of the sliders to the moving zipper profile with the two at a time form, fill, seal and separate packaging operations of the duplex machine. A duplex machine is also disclosed.
1 . A slider applicator for a packaging machine employing a duplex running condition, said slider applicator assembly comprising:
a single rotary slider applicator structured to apply a plurality of sliders to a moving zipper profile;
a programmable servo motor structured to control said rotary slider applicator;
a processor; and
a memory, said memory storing one or more programmable functions executable by said processor, said one or more functions being adapted to:
control the speed of said programmable servo motor and thus the speed of said rotary slider applicator in order to synchronize the application of said plurality of sliders to said zipper profile, with said duplex machine as it completes one or more form, fill, seal and separate packaging functions, two at a time.
2 . The slider applicator of claim 1 wherein said rotary slider applicator includes a slider supply and a wheel member having a plurality of extendable spokes with projections structured to engage said plurality of sliders supplied from said slider supply and apply them to said moving zipper profile.
3 . The slider applicator of claim 2 wherein said slider applicator further includes an expander track adjacent the location of said zipper profile; wherein each of said plurality of sliders has a pair of opposing foot portions; and wherein said function of applying said plurality of sliders to said zipper profile includes said projections of said wheel member engaging said sliders and guiding them through said expander track in order to spread said opposing foot portions thereof apart as said sliders are applied to said moving zipper profile.