Apparatus for feeding packaging machines

An apparatus for periodically feeding a packaging machine with semi-finished packages formed from flat blanks (2), provided with a magazine (6) for storing such blanks (2), a feed path (11) extending in a feed plane (13) with a pair of feed dogs (16), spaced from each other at a distance corresponding to the size of the blank (B), periodically entering the feed path. In cooperation with a transfer apparatus (24-34) reciprocally moving in the feed direction (A) the pair of feed dogs (16) shapes a blank (2) withdrawn from the magazine (6) to a semi-finished package suitable for being filled, and then feeds the semi-finished package to stations in the packaging machine where it is filled and completed. To prevent faulty transfers or deposits, the blanks (2) are stored within their magazine (6) in an upright orientation such that those blank sections (B,F) first entering into the feed path (11) extend above the feed plane (13). In a first terminal position the transfer apparatus (24-34) seizes the blank section (F,D) extending above the plane (13) of the feed path (11), moves it between the pair of feed dogs (16) and releases the blank (2) when in its other terminal position. At the area (17) at which the feed dogs (16) enter into the feed path (11), means (20,21,23) are provided for positively holding the side margins (S) of the blank section (B) immediately following the seized blank section (F) in the plane (13) of the feed path (11).