Apparatus, Processes, and Systems for Heat Sealing

摘要

Nozzle is provided for heat sealing, as well as methods of use thereof. Nozzle includes blade with leading edge and trailing edge having an opening for air to exit. Opening communicates with hot air tool through internal channel of blade and bore of attachment for nozzle. Blade may be bent to improve interposition of blade between material(s) to be seamed or sealed. Linear edges, curvilinear edges, stepped edges, or any combination thereof, define air exit opening. Nozzle directs hot air downstream from nozzle and perpendicular to nozzle's trailing edge. With blade interposed between material(s), hot air is directed parallel to direction of flow of material(s) in process flow. Hot air heats material(s) to a fusion temperature, or a thermoset to its activation temperature, provided along a forming region of seal or seam. Compressive force applied to material downstream from nozzle assists contact of melted material to form seal or seam.

主权项

1. A method for heat sealing an open end of a bag comprising:
providing a folding mechanism configured to form a fold along said open end of said bag while said bag passes downstream along said folding mechanism; positioning a nozzle under said folding mechanism at a location where said nozzle does not extend beyond a downstream end of said folding mechanism and where said fold is formed with said bag, said nozzle comprising:
a blade with a trailing edge having an opening in communication with an internal channel that receives heated air from an air heating tool; directing an airstream of heated air through said opening in a direction downstream from said trailing edge of said nozzle as said fold of said bag passes over and downstream from said trailing edge of said nozzle interposed within said fold, whereby said airstream heats a portion of inner side surfaces of said fold to a fusion temperature; and compressing said fold downstream from said folding mechanism.