Tape closure apparatus with digital encoder

A tape closure device for securing the neck of a bag with a tape closure during a closure cycle, the tape closure device comprising:

• an automated control system;
• a tape feed assembly configured to provide a continuous length of tape;
• wherein the tape feed assembly further comprises a shuttle indexer connected to the control system;
• and
• a closure application assembly.

A method for applying a tape closure to the neck of a bag, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing a continuous length of tape from a roll of tape to a guide rail of a closure application assembly;
• providing a continuous length of paper from a roll of paper to the guide rail of the closure application assembly;
• passing the neck of the bag through the closure application assembly to draw into the closure application assembly a length of tape from the roll of tape;
• measuring with the length of the tape drawn into the closure application assembly as the neck of the bag is passed through the closure application assembly;
• encoding the measured length of the tape drawn into the closure application assembly into a tape closure length signal;
• processing the tape closure length signal;
• and
• activating a motorized cutting mechanism to sever the continuous length of tape and the continuous length of paper in response to tape closure length signal.