Abstract: A packaging apparatus (1) for heat sealing packages (P) comprising a vacuum chamber (4) having an elongated opening (5) extending along or parallel to a longitudinal axis (L) of the vacuum chamber (4) and a conveyor (8) configured for receiving semi-sealed packages (P) and for moving the semi-sealed packages (P) relative to the vacuum chamber (4) along a main movement direction (M) such that each semi-sealed package (P) positioned on the conveyor (8) may have, during the relative movement of the semi-sealed package (P) with respect to the vacuum chamber (4), a terminal portion (TP) passing through the elongated opening (5) with its opening relatively moving within the vacuum chamber (4), while the main portion (MP) relatively moves outside the vacuum chamber (4). The packaging apparatus (1) further comprises evacuation means (9) fluidly communicating with the vacuum chamber (4) for evacuating gas present in the semi-sealed packages (P) and forming evacuated semi-sealed packages (P).

Abstract: A heat sealer module for a heat-sealing station of a packaging apparatus has a sealing belt for contacting a terminal portion of semi-sealed packages and for guiding the terminal portion of the semi-sealed packages along a main movement direction; the heat sealer module also has a first driving belt and a second driving belt to assist in accompanying the packages in proper position for sealing. A heat sealer having opposed heat sealer modules. A packaging apparatus for heat sealing packages having a vacuum chamber with an elongated opening and a conveyor for receiving semi-sealed packages and for moving the semi-sealed packages relative to the vacuum chamber is disclosed. The packaging apparatus includes evacuation means for evacuating gas present in the semi-sealed packages and forming evacuated semi-sealed packages. The packaging apparatus includes the heat sealer for heat sealing the terminal portion of each evacuated semi-sealed package thereby forming heat sealed packages.

Abstract: A composite belt assembly for a band sealer is provided. The composite belt assembly comprises a belt comprising a main belt; a first layer; and a second layer; wherein the first layer is arranged in contact with the main belt, preferably between the second layer and the main belt; and the first layer includes an attachment portion, configured to contact the main belt and the second layer. There is also provided a band sealer comprising a composite belt assembly and a packaging line comprising the band sealer. There is further provided a method for heat sealing a package, comprising providing a composite belt assembly, gripping a bag neck of the package using the composite belt assembly, guiding the bag neck of the package along a movement plane using the composite belt assembly providing a sealing element configured for heat sealing a plastic material of the bag neck, and applying heat to at least part of the bag neck through the first layer of the composite belt assembly using the sealing element.