________________________

Operator Manual

Model BP500

M

Tape Dispenser

Meets UL, CE AND CSA Electrical and Safety Standards

BETTER

PACKAGES

®

255 Canal Street, Shelton, CT 06484

Web-site: www.betterpackages.com

BP P/N: MAN-500M-OPR File Name:BP500M Operator Manual

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This manual is a non-controlled document.

Information in this manual does not constitute a warranty of performance.

Furthermore, Better Packages reserves the right to revise this publication and make changes from time to time, in its content.

Better Packages assumes no liability whatsoever for any losses or damages incurred as a result of information contained in this manual.

Proprietary Notice

This publication contains information proprietary and confidential to Better

Packages. Any reproduction, disclosure or use of this publication is expressly prohibited except as Better Packages may otherwise authorize in writing.

Better Packages, Inc.

255 Canal Street

Shelton, CT 06484

Telephone: 800/237-9151

Web-site: www.betterpackages.com

E-mail: [email protected]

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Precautions ……………………………………………… Page 5

Page 6 Technical Data ……………………………………………………

Unpacking Notice ……………………………………………….. Page 7

Preparing for Operation …………………………………………. Page 8

Operating Instructions …………………………………………… Page 12

Recommended Maintenance …………………………………... Page 14

Warranty Information ……………………………………………… Page 16

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SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Must read before operating or servicing equipment.

Always unplug the machine before performing any maintenance or repair. Line voltage may be present even with the power switch in the OFF position.

ƒ This machine is designed for sealing cartons with water activated paper tape. Any other use will void all warranties and any responsibilities or liability of Better Packages, Inc.

ƒ Read all Safety Precautions and Operating Instructions before powering on and using the machine.

ƒ Any operation, repair or servicing of this machine must be performed by properly trained personnel.

ƒ In the event of malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a low resistance path for electric current to reduce the risk of electrical shock.

This machine is equipped with an electric cord having an equippedgrounding conductor and grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into a matching outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with local codes and ordinances.

ƒ Before connecting the machine to the power mains, verify that the electrical ratings of the machine match the electrical supply intended for connection, otherwise do not connect. If the correct power is not available, contact the reseller.

ƒ The electrical safety of this machine is guaranteed only when it is correctly connected to a grounded electrical system as prescribed by the present electrical safety rules.

ƒ Before maintenance or repair, disconnect the power cords from the electrical supply and protect the cables from any possible accidental connection carried out by unauthorized personnel.

ƒ Keep the machine away from children and personnel who are not authorized or adequately instructed in the use of the machine.

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TECHNICAL DATA

Size:

Dispensing Speed:

Water Bottle Capacity:

Tape Width:

Maximum Roll Size:

Tape Length Dispensed:

45.7 cm L x 30.5cm W x 31.75 cm H

Up to 114 cm per second

1 Liter

3.8 cm to 7.62 cm

17.78 cm diameter roll

10 cm to 228 cm

Power Requirements: BP500M: 220 VAC, 50 Hz, 2.0 Amps

All specifications subject to change without notice.

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UNPACKING

When unpacking your new Better Packages electric machine, check to make sure you have the following items before discarding the packing material:

Bottle

• Water Tank and Brush

• Upper Tape Plate

Cord

Note: The upper tape plate is held in position by tape. The tape must be removed prior to the operation of the machine.

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PREPARING THE MACHINE FOR OPERATION

1. If the upper tape plate has been dislodged in shipping, it must be replaced. It will fit directly under the feedwheel mechanism as shown

below.

Upper Tape Plate

2. Remove tank and brushes. Wash brushes thoroughly in warm water and soap, or mild detergent. Replace brushes in water tank. Note the brushes are beveled. Replace them in tank, being sure each brush is positioned with the high side toward the front of the tank. Replace tank and brushes in the machine.

Water

Tank

Brush

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3. Fill bottle with water and place bottle on brackets on the side of machine. The spout of the tank will fit into tank reservoir.

Water Bottle

Brackets

Water Level Adj.

The amount of water required for proper moistening of different grades and types of tape will differ. Heavier adhesives or reinforced tapes will normally require a high water level. Lighter tapes require less water and a

The water level is controlled by an adjusting knob on the water tank.

Loosen or tighten the knob depending on the level of water you desire.

4. Adjust roll guides inside rear of machine to proper width of tape

Tape Guides

The tape roll guides should be properly set for the width of the tape being dispensed. The roll of tape should be center in the basket area and the roll guides adjusted loosely by lifting them and setting them on the desired

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5. Loading Tape: (wound adhesive side in) Lift the rear cover and place the roll of tape in the basket area so that the strip unwinds off the rear of the roll as the leading end is brought up toward the front of the machine. Be sure the tape is brought over the upper roller and fed toward the front of the machine. Close the rear cover and open the front cover and proceed to feed the tape under the tape guide. When the tape can go no further, you have properly loaded the tape.

Insert roll in basket Feed tape over roller Feed tape under upper plate

a. Plug machine into 220 volt 50 Hz current only.

WARNING

FOR YOUR SAFETY all the metal parts of this machine are electrically grounded through a 3-wire power supply cord and a 3-prong grounding type plug which must be plugged into a 3-wire grounded type receptacle.

If you are not sure the electrical system in your building is properly grounded, call a licensed electrician. b. When all connections have been made, turn on the power switch at the left side of the machine. The pilot light will light, indicating the machine is ready for operation.

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7. Adjustable Moistening

To give the most efficient moistening for all kinds of tapes, your machine is equipped with an adjustable water level and adjustable weights on the thermostatically controlled heater and pressure plate assembly.

Increasing the height of the water level increases the amount of water applied to the tape.

Increasing the weight on the top heater and pressure plate assembly spreads the water evenly on the tape. The weights (3 in number) are attached to the front end of the top heater and pressure plate assembly and held in place by 2 screws. To remove, loosen the screws slightly and lift out the weights as required. Lightest pressure is with all weights removed. Maximum pressure is with all weights in place.

For example, certain paper tapes have adhesives which normally require somewhat less water for best moistening results. With such tapes very little weight is required and all weights at front of pressure plate and top heater assembly are generally removed. Other tapes requiring slightly more water usually work best with medium weight pressure. Only one or two weights should be at the front of the top heater and pressure plate

assembly.

Other tapes may have as much as two or three times the amount of adhesive to be moistened.

8. Top Heater Settings

Finding the correct setting for the tape you are using is a matter of simple testing. Turn the adjustment knob (clockwise) to the highest setting, then back off slightly to the lowest temperature setting that best meets your

needs.

Heater Knob Heater

Assembly

Remove

Adjust

Weights

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OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

Be sure the power cord is properly inserted into the back of the machine and it is plugged into the proper electrical outlet

Turn the machine on with the on/off button on the left front of the machine. A pilot light will come on when unit is powered up.

The machine will not operate if the front cover is open. There is a safety interlock switch that will only engage when the front cover is closed.

Cord Connection On/Off Switch Interlock Switch

1. After following the setting-up instructions and adjusting the machine for correct water level, pressure plate weight and top heater temperature, load machine with tape (as noted on page 10) and you will be ready to operate the machine.

2. To feed the tape, just lightly touch the “button” for the length of tape you wish to dispense. Only light momentary pressure is needed on the dispensing “button”. The “button” controls an individual switch which resets when the proper length of tape is dispensed.

3. This machine has the ability to dispense lengths of tape from 10 cm to 228 cm long. Just lightly touch the keypad for your desired length.

4. To double the length of your desired tape length, simply press the 2X on the keypad and then the number on the keypad you wish to double. For example, if you desire a 90 cm piece of tape, press the 2X keypad number and the 45 keypad number and a 90 cm piece of tape will be dispensed.

5. To “Repeat” your previous length of tape, simply lightly press the “Repeat” on the keypad and the same length of tape will be dispensed. This can be performed continuously until a new number is pressed on the keypad.

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6. To dispense a “Random” length of tape, press the “Random” keypad with the “arrow” and hold your finger with slight pressure and a length of tape will be dispensed as long as you are pressing the “arrow” keypad. The maximum length of tape in the “random” feature is 304 cm. This key is at the right front of the keypad

2X Key

Key

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RECOMMENDED MAINTENANCE

Clean Brushes

Clean the brushes on a weekly basis or when adhesive build-up effects proper moistening of the tape. The adhesive can prevent sufficient and even water flow to the tape causing poor moistening of the tape. Regular cleaning will extend the life of the brushes and ensure that adhesive build-up will not cause performance to deteriorate.

Procedure:

1. Unplug power from the machine! Remove the water bottle and water tank. Caution: Heater may stay hot for a period of time after

machine is off.

2. Remove the brushes from the tank and remove any dried adhesive from the tank and brush. Note how brushes are set into the tank as they must be reset properly.

3. Wash the brushes with warm water and soap.

4. Place the brushes back into the water tank. It is extremely important that they are positioned correctly. Brushes must be sloped toward the front of the dispenser in order to work properly. The top of the brushes are cut on an angle. Shorter brushes go in the back. The longer length bristles must be toward the front of the machine (tank).

Notice: Installing the brushes in backwards will cause excessive tape jams. Never cut the brushes tips to remove adhesive as they are cut at a specific angle and flagged to facilitate proper moistening and cutting will most likely cause poor

Cleaning the Shear Blades

When using reinforced tapes laminated with adhesive or resin, this material can accumulate on the blades and interfere with the cutting of the tape. Even paper tape with no reinforcement can cause an accumulation of dust and adhesive on the blades. Use a small brush and a suitable solvent to remove accumulation.

Never scrap the cutting edge with a hard object because the blade may become dull and need replacement.

Warning: Be sure the dispenser is unplugged before performing and cleaning procedures.

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General Machine Cleaning

The feed wheel pushes tape through the machine. Obstructions such as dirt or dried adhesive can divert the tape and cause it to jam. Periodical cleaning of the tape path will reduce tape jams.

Procedure

1. Remove the upper tape plate that sets on the tape. Pull tape off from the lower tape plate if it hasn’t already been removed. Clean any dirt and adhesive from the upper and lower tape plates.

2. Lift the heater up and clean the bottom of it. Under the heater is a plate that the tape rides over. Lift the heater and clean between the plates.

3. With fingers, lift blade to clear any tape jam that may have obstructed the cutting area. As you lift the blade, simply remove any tape that was jammed in the tape path. Caution: blade is very sharp, keep finger clear of blade edge.

Lift blade and remove any tape jam

Lubrication

1. All vital moving parts of this machine have oil retaining porous bushings and should NOT require additional oil for the average life of the machine.

2. FEED WHEEL SHAFT: Do NOT oil this shaft! Oil can creep in through the bearings and effect internal parts.

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Warranty Information

Limited Warranty

The manufacturer warrants each new Better Packages machine and accessory to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal and proper use, its obligation under this warranty being limited to making good any defective parts within one year and labor for 90 days after delivery to the original purchaser.

The company will replace any defective parts within the warranty, on a no-charge basis. The distributor will furnish for the first 90 days, without charge necessary to labor, or instruct the customer’s maintenance department in servicing the machine.

For service under this warranty call or write your nearest Better Packages distributor or Better Packages, Inc. Shelton, CT at (800) 237-9151.

(Transportation charges on machines or parts returned for service or purchase should be prepaid).

April 4, 2005

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