Method and apparatus for guiding a fastener in a bag making machine

The present application is being filed concurrently with U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/636,244 entitled "Injection-Molded End Stop for a Slider-Operated Fastener," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/636,421 entitled "Slider-Operated Fastener With Spaced Notches and Associated Preseals," U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/637,037 entitled "Method of Applying a Slider to a Fastener-Carrying Plastic Web," and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/637,038 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Making Reclosable Plastic Bags Using a Pre-Applied Slider-Operated Fastener," all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. A method and apparatus for guiding a fastener in a bag making machine includes a stationary support, an elongated internal guide, and a slitting mechanism. The elongated internal guide is mounted to the support and positioned within an enclosed space defined by the fastener. The fastener is moved downstream with the internal guide within the enclosed space. The fastener is slit upstream from the support. While the fastener is guided, a sealer may seal the fastener to a moving web of plastic film along a seal adjacent to the internal guide.