摘要 |
Methods, systems, apparatus and computer program products for applying a non-metallic clip to a target package in an automated or semi-automated manner include: (a) directing a plurality of non-metallic clips, each respective clip having a unitary body with a crown and spaced apart first and second legs, to travel in a clip travel path having a forward direction that merges into a punch path; (b) punching a non-metallic clip in the punch path so that the first and second legs thereof span opposing sides of a trailing and/or leading edge portion of a target package; then (c) deforming the clip so that the leading edge portions of the legs reside proximate each other about the trailing and/or leading edge portion of the target package to thereby close the clip about the target package. The non-metallic clips can be provided as integral elastomeric clip magazines and devices with clip rails configured to hold the elastomeric clips are described.
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