Methods and apparatus described for forming individual packages in a food packaging machine comprising a plurality of sub-systems. One or more local variable values are received, which indicate measurements by the food packaging machine of one or more physical parameters for a local sub-system. One or more remote variable values are received, which indicate measurements by the food packaging machine of one or more physical parameters for one or remote sub-systems. One or more control parameter values are determined for the local sub-system of the food packaging machine, by processing the remote variable values and the local variable values using a reinforcement learning model and a local control model. One or more control parameters of the local sub-system are adjusted in accordance with the determined control parameter values. The formation of individual packages by the food packaging machine is controlled in accordance with the adjusted one or more control parameters.

Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are described for controlling web tensioning in a food packaging machine comprising a plurality of sub-systems. One or more local variable value are received, which indicate measurements by the food packaging machine of one or more physical parameters for a web tensioning sub-system. One or more remote variable values are received, which indicate measurements by the food packaging machine of one or more physical parameters for one or remote sub-systems. One or more control parameter values are determined for the web tensioning sub-system, by processing the remote and the local variable values using a reinforcement learning model and a local control model. One or more control parameters of the web tensioning sub-system are adjusted in accordance with the determined control parameter values.

A sheet post-processing device includes: a loading assist mechanism including a flapping member, a pressing member, a first power transmission mechanism that pivots the flapping member from a first ready-to-pivot position, a second power transmission mechanism that pivots the pressing member from a second ready-to-pivot position, a rotary member that transmits, during rotation in a first direction, power to the first power transmission mechanism, and transmits, during rotation in a second direction, power to the second power transmission mechanism, and a drive source that rotates the rotary member; and a control device that controls the drive source to control an angle of rotation of the rotary member in the first direction, thus controlling an angle of pivoting of the flapping member, and controls the drive source to control an angle of rotation of the rotary member in the second direction, thus controlling an angle of pivoting of the pressing member.