Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal machine in conjunction with a product supply apparatus provides a continuous, heat sealable plastic film and zipper tape and provides separate, product filled, reclosable, top opening sealed bags. The apparatus includes a means for supplying the continuous plastic film, a means for supplying zipper tape, a means for sealing the zipper tape sections to the film, a vertical fill tube assembly, a feeding means including a film drive roll upstream, film pull belts adjacent the vertical fill tube, a vertical sealing means for sealing the edges of the continuous film to the edges of the continuous zippered cap strip, a horizontal sealing, perforating, and severing means for severing the plastic tube between the first and second horizontal seals, and a tensioning means for horizontally elongating the flexible plastic tube transverse to its length prior to formation of the horizontal seals.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal machine in conjunction with a product supply apparatus provides a continuous, heat sealable plastic film and zipper tape and provides separate, product filled, reclosable, top opening sealed bags. The apparatus includes a means for supplying the continuous plastic film, a means for supplying zipper tape, a means for sealing the zipper tape sections to the film, a vertical fill tube assembly, a feeding means including a film drive roll upstream, film pull belts adjacent the vertical fill tube, a vertical sealing means for sealing the edges of the continuous film to the edges of the continuous zippered cap strip, a horizontal sealing, perforating, and severing means for severing the plastic tube between the first and second horizontal seals, and a tensioning means for horizontally elongating the flexible plastic tube transverse to its length prior to formation of the horizontal seals.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a reclosable fastener to a web of flexible material primarily intended for use with a host packaging machine to form a reclosable container. The attaching apparatus is operatively connected to and driven by a programmable motor and function controller in cooperative relation with the host machine and guides the web of flexible material from which the containers will ultimately be formed along a first path through the attaching apparatus. A supply of reclosable zipper-type fasteners is also provided, and the fasteners are guided along a second path of the apparatus. Individual zipper-type fasteners are removed from the fastener supply path and disposed in juxtaposition to a segment of the flexible material in overlying relation to a cut which has been formed through a predetermined segment of the flexible material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an improved bag for the cultivation of mushroom spawn is provided. The bags have continuous gas permeable sealing strips sealed to the inside walls of the bags which cover openings in the bag, so as to allow the bag to be vented without loss of moisture. The openings and sealing strips are positioned close to the top and bottom of the bag so as to maximize air flow through the mushroom spawn without creating dry spots, thereby improving spawn yield. The apparatus includes rollers for dispensing plastic film and at least one continuous hydrophobic strip of material. A series of apertures are punched by cutting dies in the film, and a vacuum system removes the cut out portions. The strip of material is positioned over the apertures and sealed by sealing dies over them, so as to enclose the apertures. A cutting dies cuts off the film and strips. A conventional bag making machine then forms the bags.

Abstract: An improved bag for the cultivation of mushroom spawn is provided the bag has continuous gas permeable sealing strips sealed to the inside walls of the bags which covering openings in the bag, so as to allow the bag to be vented without loss of moisture. The openings and sealing strips are positioned close to the top and bottom of the bag so as to maximize air flow through the mushroom spawn without creating dry spots, thereby improving spawn yield.