Device for sealing lids onto packages

An apparatus for sealing tops (2) onto openings (3) of packs (1) arranged at a distance (m) from each other, said apparatus comprising:

• (a) a first conveying means (6) for intermittently conveying the packs in a first direction of travel (7) through a row (5′) of at least three sealing stations (5) spaced a machine pitch (m) from each other;
• (b) transport means (9, 11, 12, 18, 30) for transporting the tops (2) in a row (4) behind each other and transversely to the first direction of travel (7) of the packs (1) intermittently over the openings (3) of packs (1) situated in the row (5′) of sealing stations (5), said transport means (9, 11, 12, 18, 30) comprising a tops belt (12) guided over drive rollers (9, 11) to which the tops (2) are detachably attached behind each other by means of holding bridges (13) spaced a belt pitch (t) from each other, said tops belt being provided with positioning apparatuses for properly positioning the tops over the openings;
• and
• (c) sensing means (15′, 17) attached in front of and behind the row (5′) of sealing stations (5) for providing data permitting a predetermined length of belt over the openings of the packs in the row of sealing stations so that the center of each top, on the belt cover the openings, lies over the center of a pack opening.