Apparatus for producing packets

Abstract

An apparatus for attaching a tag and a thread length to a web of filter material with one end of the thread length secured to the tag and the other end being secured to the web adjacent one side edge of the web and the tag being attached to the web adjacent the opposite side edge. The apparatus has a gripper for drawing the tag, with the thread secured thereto, across the web from that one edge to an extended position beyond the opposite side edge before returning the tag to a final extended position over the web. The apparatus also has a mechanism for attaching the tag to the web in the final position, a displacement mechanism for the gripper means that has a first linear guide on which the gripper is slidable, and a second inner guide that is transverse to the first guide and fixedly located in the apparatus. The gripper is movable in the mutually transverse directions of the guides, both transversely across the web to the extended and final positions and longitudinally of the web away from the tag-attaching mechanism.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . Apparatus for attaching a tag and a thread length to a web of filter material with one end of the thread length secured to the tag and the other end being secured to the web adjacent one side edge of the web and the tag being attached to the web adjacent the opposite side edge, comprising gripper means for drawing the tag, with said thread secured thereto, across the web from said one edge to an extended position beyond the opposite side edge before returning the tag to a final extended position over the web, and means for attaching the tag to the web in said final position, a displacement mechanism for said gripper means comprising a first linear guide on which the gripper means is slidable, and a second inner guide transverse to said first guide on which said first guide is slidable, said second guide being fixedly located in the apparatus, whereby the gripper means is movable in the mutually transverse directions of the guides, both transversely across the web to said extended and final positions and longitudinally of the web away from the tag-attaching means.  
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein said first linear guide extends transversely across the web and said second linear guide extends longitudinally of the web.  
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 2  wherein a cam drive is provided to control said movements of the gripper means.  
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 3  wherein respective cams are provided for the displacements of the gripper means and its guide in the mutually transverse directions.  
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  wherein the tag attaching means comprises a sealing member and an opposed anvil between which the web and tag are clamped to be sealed together, a further sealing member and anvil being provided for attaching the thread adjacent said one side edge of the web, and respective drive means are provided for each sealing member and anvil for performing said attachment adjacent each side edge independently of the other.  
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 5  wherein the attachment of the thread adjacent said one side edge is arranged to be completed before said attachment of the tag to the web.  
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 6  comprising means between said sealing members and anvils but nearer said one side edge of the web for clamping the thread to the web when the thread has been drawn to said extended position and before the gripper means has returned to said final position.  
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 1  comprising holding means for engagement with the thread beyond said thread length and adjacent said one edge of the web when the tag has been drawn to its extended position.  
     
     
         9 . Packet forming apparatus comprising a forming tube and means for drawing a web of packet material along the tube to a cylindrical shape and means for sealing together opposite edges of the web to form a closed tube, transverse sealing and cutting means in the path of the web beyond the forming tube for forming a series of individual packets, the transverse sealing and cutting means comprising a pair of opposed jaws for flattening the web between them and sealing and cutting means displaceable across the flattened web for severing the web and sealing the edges to each side of the line of severance, the clamping means and the cutting and sealing means being mounted on a rotatable base so that each successive of the web is rotationally offset from the preceding severance with respect to the axis of the tubular web, each said cutting and sealing operation across the width of the web being made in a single pass whereby successive packets are sealed closed and separated by displacements of said sealing and cutting means in opposite directions.  
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 9  wherein a rotary drive motor is coupled to the turntable for rotation of the turntable in opposite directions for the successive cutting and sealing operations, the turntable carrying means providing a datum for said servo motor drive.