A method and apparatus that blows a heated airstream at overhanging portions of overwrapping plastic film to diminish same to without curling a product that is overwrapped by the plastic film. The overhang conforms in shape to a neighboring portion of a product. A conveyor conveys the plastic-overwrapped product to a heating section where the heated airstream is directed onto the overhanging portions of the plastic film.

The present invention concerns a device for heating wrapped batches of products and a packaging installation provided with such a heating device, specifically comprising a manifold of heating means with lines of orifices and a means for blocking the orifices using a mobile plate comprising for each line of orifices openings, at least two successive openings having different lengths, to go said direction of movement a) from a position blocking at least a first line of orifices and opening at least a second line of orifices, b) to another position opening said first line of orifices whilst maintaining open said second line of orifices, and vice-versa.

An apparatus and method for the application of labels to packaging employing the application of superheated steam or other fluids in an enclosed space at atmospheric pressure are presented. Such an apparatus and method will more effectively, efficiently and safely attach shrink labeling to consumer packaged goods (CPG) with enhanced time, water and energy savings.

A packaging device for packaging products in batches, during which the products travel along a conveying direction in order to be packaged and related method. The batches include at least two products, arranged transversely to the conveying direction. The device includes a feeder for receiving products travelling in single file through an upstream pick-up area and conveying same to a set-down area for later packaging. The feeder includes: in the pick-up area, a transfer unit for transferring products arriving in single file to the unit; and at least one position-controlled movable collector for receiving and then moving at least one product in a controlled manner from the transfer unit to the set-down area. The device also includes a conveyor in the set-down area, on which the collector deposits the product collected from the pick-up area.

A heat sealing packaging machine and method for assembling that includes a package platform for supporting a package, a film carriage carrying a supply of film material, a sealing platform adjacent the package platform and including a conveyor for laterally moving the package to be sealed to a shrink tunnel. The carriage is laterally movable to adjust the position of the film material and a lifting mechanism raises and lowers the sealing platform and the shrink tunnel. The shrink tunnel is laterally movable with respect to the sealing platform and includes a latch mechanism for locking a lateral position of the shrink tunnel.

System, assemblies, and methods for heat shrink sealing open-topped containers wherein the system includes a two-part housing or enclosure wherein a majority of a bulk roll of film material is accessible when the cover is open. The system preferably includes a movable feed roll to improve the efficiency associated with reloading operations. In a preferred aspect, the system includes a movable sealing unit that accommodates use of the lidding system with open ended containers having various sizes and shapes. In a more preferred aspect, the system includes an indicia generating device operable to label sealed containers and a knife that generates a perforation in the film during sealing operations.

A shrink tunnel for shrinking shrink films on packages includes a transport path that passes through the treatment chamber. Arrays on opposite sides thereof have nozzles for dispensing hot gas. Each array has an associated guide plate and a lifting device for adjusting the guide plate. Adjusting the guide plates covers up certain nozzles, thus controlling the flow of air on the packages.

An example technique of forming a package includes retaining a package precursor in a support. The package precursor includes a shrink-formable composition and defines an interior volume configured to enclose a component, such as a medical supply. The package may be formed by at least directing a flow of heated medium from a nozzle toward at least one region of the package precursor to cause the at least one region to shrink faster than an adjacent region of the package precursor. In some examples, an example system for shrink-forming a package includes the support and the nozzle.

An example technique of forming a package includes retaining a package precursor in a support. The package precursor includes a shrink-formable composition and defines an interior volume configured to enclose a component, such as a medical supply. The package may be formed by at least directing a flow of heated medium from a nozzle toward at least one region of the package precursor to cause the at least one region to shrink faster than an adjacent region of the package precursor. In some examples, an example system for shrink-forming a package includes the support and the nozzle.

Heat shrink wrap product packaging oven or tunnel apparatus and processing methods are provided which incorporate or utilize a central divider mechanism. The central divider moves over a conveyor between a vertical, dual track position, and a retracted, single track position. The divider can additionally include a curved deflector that focuses and/or smooths air flow from the divider laterally across the dual track conveyance path.