Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing stress marks and pleats on a package. The apparatus includes the use of an elongated filling tube. The dimensions of the elongated filling tube reduce the stress on the film as it is being formed around the filling tube. Further, the dimensions of the elongated filling tube prevent the formation of pleats as the sealing jaws must travel a decreased distance to seal, and the filling tube cross section better resembles the final package.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for making a multi-compartment package on a form, fill, and seal machine. Two pairs of heat sealing jaws are provided below a product delivery tube.

Abstract: An improved package for heating dry food products is provided. The present invention allows a dry food product to be heated in a microwave oven. The package has barrier properties and at least a portion of an outer surface that is water absorbent, so that the food package may be wetted prior to being heated in the microwave in order to prevent burning of the food products inside.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing stress marks and pleats on a package. The apparatus includes the use of an elongated filling tube. The dimensions of the elongated filling tube reduce the stress on the film as it is being formed around the filling tube. Further, the dimensions of the elongated filling tube prevent the formation of pleats as the sealing jaws must travel a decreased distance to seal, and the filling tube cross section better resembles the final package.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing stress marks and pleats on a package. The apparatus includes the use of an elongated filling tube. The dimensions of the elongated filling tube reduce the stress on the film as it is being formed around the filling tube. Further, the dimensions of the elongated filling tube prevent the formation of pleats as the sealing jaws must travel a decreased distance to seal, and the filling tube cross section better resembles the final package.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for making a multi-compartment package on a form, fill, and seal machine. Two pairs of heat sealing jaws are provided below a product delivery tube.

Abstract: An easy open bag and method for making the same. A film is fed into a jaw assembly comprising a first seal jaw comprising a blade gap and a second seal jaw comprising a removable insert. The removable insert comprises a blade pin. When the first and second seal jaws are mated, a notch is formed. The film also comprises a score line in the outer layer. Upon tearing the notch the tear propagates along the score line. Thus, the package can be easily opened by initiating a tear at a tear notch.

Abstract: An easy open bag and method for making the same. A film is fed into a jaw assembly comprising a first seal jaw comprising a blade gap and a second seal jaw comprising a removable insert. The removable insert comprises a blade pin. When the first and second seal jaws are mated, a notch is formed. The film also comprises a score line in the outer layer. Upon tearing the notch the tear propagates along the score line. Thus, the package can be easily opened by initiating a tear at a tear notch.

Abstract: An improved package for heating dry food products is provided. The present invention allows a dry food product to be heated in a microwave oven. The package has barrier properties and at least a portion of an outer surface that is water absorbent, so that the food package may be wetted prior to being heated in the microwave in order to prevent burning of the food products inside.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing stress marks and pleats on a package. The apparatus includes the use of an elongated filling tube. The dimensions of the elongated filling tube reduce the stress on the film as it is being formed around the filling tube. Further, the dimensions of the elongated filling tube prevent the formation of pleats as the sealing jaws must travel a decreased distance to seal, and the filling tube cross section better resembles the final package.

Abstract: A retail package having a shelf-stable crispy food product and at least one packet of a complimentary shelf-stable topping and a method for preparing a microwave heated snack. The present invention allows a consumer to purchase together and heat a crispy food product and a complimentary topping simultaneously in a microwave oven. The package is ideal for combinations of chips and cheese or any other compatible crispy and non-crispy food products that are desirably kept in separate containers and heated shortly before consuming.

Abstract: An easy open bag and method for making the same. A film is fed into a jaw assembly comprising a first seal jaw comprising a blade gap and a second seal jaw comprising a removable insert. The removable insert comprises a blade pin. When the first and second seal jaws are mated, a notch is formed. The film also comprises a score line in the outer layer. Upon tearing the notch the tear propagates along the score line. Thus, the package can be easily opened by initiating a tear at a tear notch.

Abstract: Snack products are cooled after stacking in a rigid container by blowing cooled, dry area into the containers. The process provides sufficient cooling to prevent implosion of the rigid containers under conditions of changing temperature and pressure yet requires much less space than conventional cooling.

Abstract: An improved package for heating two complimentary food products is provided. The present invention allows a crispy food product and a non-crispy food product to be heated simultaneously in a microwave oven. The package is ideal for combinations of chips and salsa, chips and cheese, or any other compatible crispy and non-crispy food products that are desirably kept in separate containers and heated shortly before consuming.

Abstract: A method for making a vertical stand up package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a flat bottom bag that can stand upright having an internal compartment from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A different product can be placed into the compartment. The compartment can also be used as a dipping well. In one aspect a multi-compartment package can be made.