Method of applying sliders, duplex packaging machine and slider applicator therefor

A duplex packaging machine comprising:

• a packaging film roll structured to feed package film;
• a folding board structured to fold said package film into a folded web;
• a zipper profile roll structured to feed a zipper profile;
• a slider applicator structured to apply a plurality of sliders to said zipper profile;
• substantially transverse sealing jaws structured to seal edges of said folded web in order to form a pair of adjacent pouches;
• a filling station including a pair of product hoppers structured to supply product for filling said adjacent pouches two at a time;
• sealing bars structured to seal said adjacent pouches proximate a third edge thereof;
• package separators structured to separate a series of said adjacent pouches, in order to form individual packages;
• a processor;
• and
• a memory, said memory storing one or more programmable functions executable by said processor, said one or more functions being adapted to:
• feed and fold said package film in order to form said folded web,
• feed said zipper profile,
• secure said zipper profile to said zipper profile,
• apply said plurality of sliders to said zipper profile sequentially as said zipper profile is moving,
• couple said zipper profile to said folded web,
• seal two edges of said folded web in order to form adjacent pouches each having one of said plurality of sliders,
• fill said adjacent pouches,
• seal said adjacent pouches proximate a third side thereof, and
• separate said adjacent pouches in order to form individual packages.

A slider applicator for a packaging machine employing a duplex running condition, said slider applicator assembly comprising:

• a single rotary slider applicator structured to apply a plurality of sliders to a moving zipper profile;
• a programmable servo motor structured to control said rotary slider applicator;
• a processor;
• and
• a memory, said memory storing one or more programmable functions executable by said processor, said one or more functions being adapted to:
• control the speed of said programmable servo motor and thus the speed of said rotary slider applicator in order to synchronize the application of said plurality of sliders to said zipper profile, with said duplex machine as it completes one or more form, fill, seal and separate packaging functions, two at a time.