Simplified lift mechanism for a packaging machine

A method of moving a component of a machine between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein the machine includes a support structure having a pair of spaced apart side support members, and wherein the component of the machine is located between the side support members, comprising the acts of:

• rotating an input shaft in response to operation of a motor, wherein the input shaft extends between and is rotatably supported by the side support members, wherein at least one drive member is located between the side support members and has a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the drive member is non-rotatably secured to the input shaft such that the drive member is pivotable about a pivot axis defined by the input shaft upon movement of the input shaft;
• moving at least one actuator arm via movement of the drive member, wherein the actuator arm is located between the side support members and has an upper end and a lower end, wherein the lower end of the actuator arm is rotatably secured to the second end of the drive member, and wherein the upper end of the actuator alit is secured to the component of the machine, wherein rotation of the input shaft in response to operation of the motor is translated into movement of the component of the machine through the drive member and the actuator arm;
• and
• guiding movement of the component of the machine between a raised position and a lowered position via a guide arrangement associated with the support structure of the machine and engaged with the component of the machine, upon movement of the component of the machine through the drive member and the actuator arm;
• operating the motor to provide reciprocating movement of the input shaft between a first rotational position in which the drive member and the actuator arm place the component of the machine in the raised position and a second rotational position in which the drive member and the actuator arm place the component of the machine in the lowered position;
• and
• wherein the actuator arm defines an input shaft receiving area within which the input shaft is positioned when the input shaft is in the second rotational position wherein the lower end of the actuator arm is positioned below the actuator shaft.