Abstract: The present invention relates to a simplified device and a process-technically simplified and also more rapidly applicable method for transporting readily cut and filled hose pieces within a machine for producing pouches filled with brewable material. The device according to the invention has a transport wheel which has several supports distributed over its circumference, each holding a pouch which are pivotally mounted on the transport wheel. In the method according to the invention, a hose piece for forming a pouch with at least one chamber between a head and a bottom is inserted in the radial direction into a support of the transport wheel. In a removal station the pouch is removed radially from the transport wheel with the bottom leading.

Abstract: A machine for making filter bags for infusion products includes a first carousel for continuous rotary movement about a first axis and having first operating stations movable therewith, each first operating station configured to operate on a corresponding piece of filter material fed along an angular stretch of the first carousel, to lift two chambers to a position side by side. A second carousel positioned alongside the first carousel and rotating continuously about a second axis parallel to the first axis has a plurality of joining elements positioned along, and continuously movable with, the second carousel. Each joining element is connected to corresponding control devices for actuating, in a synchronized fashion, a succession of movements of the joining element to intercept free ends of erect filter material, positioned on an operating station and joining them, towards one of the two chambers containing a dose of product.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making pouches is disclosed. It includes using one or more of the following features: using two servo motors to drive a platen, providing a calibration routine is run at start-up and/or after the machine has been operating; controlling in response to feed back from the servo motor(s) such as feedback indicative of the distance the platen travels; the feedback is not of force exerted by the platen; and/or the platen is controlled to prevent unacceptable fracturing of the film laminate.

Abstract: An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a discrete tape including a base strip between first and second side panels; at least a first portion of the first surface of the strip coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive and adhered by the adhesive to the inner surface of the first panel at a first location, and the second surface of the strip anchored to the inner surface of the second side panel; a die cut in the first panel, defining a primary die cut segment so arranged that when the package is opened, it can be reclosed by adhering the adhesive to the first panel; and a product in the pouch. A secondary die cut segment can be disposed between the primary die cut segment and an end of the package. This secondary die cut can be at least partially underlain by the adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a row of lids (1) defining an unbroken sheet material having a longitudinal direction, the sheet material being shaped so that the rim of the sheet material defines first rims section (3) of the lids (2) and so that second rims sections (4) of two lids (2) being adjacent to each other in the row of lids are defined by one cut in a direction being different from perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (5) of the sheet material.

Abstract: An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a discrete laminate including a tape including a base strip coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive, and a panel section having a die cut defining a die cut segment, the panel section adhered by the PSA to the base strip; the panel section anchored to a first side panel; the second surface of the base strip anchored to the inner surface of a second side panel; and a product in the pouch. The die cut segment is so arranged with respect to the pressure sensitive adhesive that when the package is opened, the package can be reclosed by adhering the pressure sensitive adhesive to the first side panel.

Abstract: A process for placing a tube spout fitment within a flexible pouch container is provided. The process can include providing a front panel and a back panel, each panel having a top edge, a side edge, and a bottom edge. In addition, the front panel can also have an aperture. A fitment having a fitment base and a spout extending from the fitment base is provided and placed through the aperture using a plate with a channel and a channel stop.

Abstract: A package and method for opening the package are disclosed. The method may include applying pressure to at least one tab area of the package. The at least one tab area may include a first tab portion and a second tab portion, the first tab portion and the second tab portion being disposed in a first position substantially sealed from each other. The method may further include breaching a first breachable bubble, the first breachable bubble being formed within the first tab portion, and breaching a second breachable bubble, the second breachable bubble being formed within the second tab portion. Further, the method may include causing the first tab portion and the second tab portion to shift from the first position to a second position in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.

Abstract: A reclosable package includes a tray, a top sheet, and a fastener. The tray has a well for receiving contents and a peripheral flange surrounding the well. The top sheet is attached to the peripheral flange. The fastener has two interlocking members, one attached to the peripheral flange and the other attached to the top sheet. A tamper-evident feature located on the package prevents access to the fastener and is connected thereto by one or two lines of weaknesses. In one embodiment with one or two lines of weakness in the top sheet, the fastener remains adjacent to the tray's peripheral flange, which is intact after the tamper-evident feature is removed by tearing along these lines of weakness. In a second embodiment with two lines of weakness, the tamper-evident feature, comprised of portions of the peripheral flange and the top sheet, is torn from the package along both lines of weakness.

Abstract: An anvil device (1) for a fitment applicator is described, where the anvil device (1) includes one or more arms (2), where each arm is equipped with a carrier (5) for the positioning of a closure (22) against a contact surface (6) for co-operation with a welding head (21) during fixation of a closure to a cartoon, where the carrier (5) and the contact surface (6) are aligned on a contact device (4) which is adjustably fastened to the anvil device (1).

Abstract: A flexible packaging structure has built-in opening features in a laminate with a first structure adhesively joined to a second structure. A tear area is formed by laser ablation of the laminate along a junction between the first and second portions preferably prior to assembling the laminate into the package. Laser ablation begins at the center of the tear area and progressively moves the laser in a direction radially outward from the center of the tear area. During assembly of the package, a seal is formed between end portions of the first and second portions of the laminate. A score line and a sealant reduction area are also introduced to the package to facilitate opening. The package is opened by pulling the seal near the tear area in a direction along the score line until the contents of the package are accessible.

Abstract: A packaging for reams of cut paper involving tear tapes made of plastic or paper maternal inserted into the ream wrap. The tear tapes may be pulled to tear off and open one end of the wrapped ream, leaving the remaining packaging intact to serve as a storage and dispenser for partial reams of paper.

Abstract: A heat-sealing device for sheet packages includes: a pressure heat-sealing part that presses and heat seals a lid unit component placed on a moving bag-forming film; a heat-sealing mechanism having a frame body to support the pressure heat-sealing part; a drive mechanism having a linear motor that serves as a drive source to move the heat-sealing mechanism back and forth; and a link mechanism that links the two mechanisms, wherein the heat-sealing mechanism includes double heat-sealing mechanisms having two units of the heat-sealing mechanism installed side by side in parallel at positions vertical to the moving direction of the bag-forming film.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.

Abstract: A modular unit for applying opening devices to packages of pourable food products includes a first conveyor for feeding the opening devices successively along a first path, a second conveyor for feeding the packages successively along a second path, a transfer mechanism for transferring the opening devices along a third path from a pickup station located along the first path, to an application station for applying the opening devices to respective packages and located along the second path, and a processing device for performing specific operations on the opening devices prior to application of the opening devices to the respective packages. The transfer mechanism defines a base module of the unit, and the processing device includes different types of processing devices forming part of different auxiliary modules selectively connectable to the base module to define different units for applying the opening devices to respective packages.

Abstract: A composite laminar tape (1) for mass-sealing bottles (15) or similar containers consists, according to the invention, of at least one extensible laminar tape (16), made of an extensible plastomeric film, which is possibly provided with closed lines for a predetermined separation of areas being meant to act as sealing membranes. The invention also relates to an apparatus for mass-sealing containers with said tape, and to an apparatus for mass-unsealing the containers sealed with said tape.

Abstract: A method of making tetrahedron packages having substantially uniform tear zones is disclosed. The method includes printing a first image at a first location of a sheet material and a second image at a second location of the sheet material, such that the first image is oriented 180° from and longitudinally arranged with respect to the second image. A tube is formed from the sheet material. The tube runs through a package forming machine to form a first tetrahedron package including the first image and a second tetrahedron package including the second image from the tube. The first tetrahedron package and the second tetrahedron package are connected by a seal zone. Substantially uniform tear zones are formed in the seal zone using a laser or a knife. The substantially uniform tear zones are at the same location with respect to a side edge of the first and second tetrahedron packages.

Abstract: This vertical packager comprises a packing sheet (2) marking mechanism (3), along the path of said packing sheet (2) from the reel (21) towards the cutting, filling, and package sealing sections (11). Said mechanism (3) includes a laser beam generator that upon application to the packing sheet (2) creates a tear line (9) of varying adjustable shapes and depths and systems for focussing of the laser beam onto the packing sheet (2), a housing mounted on movable guide sections of the focussing system, a protective casing, ventilation apparatus for the removal of smoke created and a control system for movement of the housing and for the operation of the laser beam generator.

Abstract: A sequencing unit operating along a feed path of a number of opening devices for attachment to respective sealed packages of pourable food products includes a conveyor for conveying the opening devices arranged in at least one line, and a releasable stop mechanism interacting with the opening devices downstream from the conveyor along the path. The stop mechanisms are normally set to a first configuration, in which they arrest the opening devices along the path, and are movable into a second configuration allowing travel of the opening devices. The unit also has a push mechanism traveling at predetermined intervals past the stop mechanism to move the stop mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration, so that the opening devices are fed in sequence and at a predetermined rate through the stop mechanism.

Abstract: A package having a reclosable pour spout is disclosed, with the package including front and rear package panels which may be joined at respective side edges thereof by inwardly extending side gussets. An upper edge portion of the package is removable, including one of the side gussets, to form a pour spout for dispensing the contents of the package. A fastener strip, which can be detachably connected to itself, extends between confronting inside surfaces of the front and rear package panels, adjacent to the pour spout, whereby the pour spout can be conveniently closed after the package is initially opened. A method of forming the present package is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing unit (8) for applying a plastic foil (7) to a planar substrate material (1) by means of heat and pressure using a sealing plate (11) with a heated active surface and a back plate (9) which is movable relative thereto. In accordance with the invention, sealed material from the sealing unit is provided to a die cutting unit (16) and preferably the sealing unit (8) is linked to the die cutting unit (16). The die cutting unit is provided with at least one die cutting knife (15) and a counter plate (21) for subsequently making die cuts (6) at selected locations in the planar substrate material (1) in the region of the applied plastic film (7).

Abstract: A method of manufacture comprising the following steps: (a) guiding a web material in a machine direction through a vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) machine with a portion of the web material being wrapped around a tube; (b) joining first and second portions of a closure tape to first and second fin portions of the web material that do not form part of the portion of the web material that is wrapped around the tube, the closure tape being rupturable and not reclosable; (c) cross sealing the web material at a location downstream from the tube; and (d) dropping product through the tube and onto the most recently formed cross seal.

Abstract: A product packaging apparatus that includes a notch former and a tab setter for creating an integrated tab on a product package. The notch former and tab setter are capable of forming a tab or an exposed area at any location of the product package, including creating a tab or an exposed area adjacent a longitudinal edge of the package. The notch former and the tab setter allow a tab to be created that has a length that extends beyond the longitudinal edge of the package. As a result, the present invention is capable of generating simple, easy to open packages that may also be re-used for re-mailing purposes.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine for making a pouch style package is provided, comprising an optional bulge forming station for forming a puff or bulge; a heating and filling station for creating seals and filling the pouch; and an optional flap making station comprising a mechanism for folding over a flap and sealing the inside portion of the flap to the front face of the pouch.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for manufacturing, through a vacuum skin packaging (VSP) method, an easy-to-open package provided with a device for initiating the opening thereof. The apparatus includes a sealing station (115) wherein a top web (113) is sealed to a bottom web (104) in a first area (A) all around a product (P) arranged on the bottom web by providing heat and vacuum in a fundamentally closed chamber. The apparatus further includes a local sealing inhibition unit (130) including at least one removable local sealing inhibition tool (150) for inhibiting the sealing between the top and bottom webs in at least a second area (B). A method is also disclosed including the step of inhibiting the sealing between the top and bottom webs by arranging at least one removable local sealing inhibition tool between the top and bottom webs in at least a second area.

Abstract: A method of filling a bag includes holding the bag open to define a fill path extending past an obverse side of a closure strip, between the closure strip and an opposed wall of the bag, and pouring contents into the open bag through the fill path.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine for making a pouch style package is provided, comprising an optional bulge forming station for forming a puff or bulge; a heating and filling station for creating seals and filling the pouch; and an optional flap making station comprising a folding mechanism for folding over a flap and sealing the inside portion of the flap to the front face of the pouch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for opening sealed containers includes, in a container with a removable seal, container packaging, with a removal end and a closed end, conformed to receive and removably retain the container. The seal has a front end and a rear end. A connector connects the seal and the container packaging. In another aspect of the invention, a connector extension is attached to the connector and to the seal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for making reclosable packages having slider-actuated string zippers. More specifically, the apparatus is a form-fill-seal machine having means for placing product on a web of packaging film; means for forming a receptacle having an interior volume and a mouth, with the product in the interior volume and a string zipper installed in the mouth, the web of packaging film forming at least one wall of the receptacle; a slider insertion device for inserting sliders on the string zipper; and means for sealing the receptacle so that ambient air cannot enter the interior volume. The form-fill-seal machine may further include either means for aligning an edge of the web with a flangeless zipper strip of the zipper strip before the web is joined to the flangeless zipper strip or means for trimming an edge of the web after a portion of the web proximal to the edge has been joined to a flangeless zipper strip of the string zipper.

Abstract: A flexible stand-up liquid pouch is formed from a sheet of foil film laminate material whereby opposed side walls of the material are folded together with sealed circumferential edges to form an enclosed chamber. A liquid is provided in the chamber, and the side walls of the sheet material which form the container have raised portions which, when sealed together, cooperatively form an internal straw restraining passage inside the container. The straw restraining passage communicates with the liquid chamber and a straw is held loosely captive inside the straw restraining passage and is axially displaceable therein. The straw restraining passage defines a reduced cross-sectional area of the chamber, and the pouch is manufactured with a weakened portion on an upper portion of the pouch, whereby the weakened portion can be torn by a user, thus enabling the internal straw to emerge, due to the buoyancy of the straw, from the interior of the pouch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a slider-equipped zipper on a pouch in a form/fill/seal operation. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a foldable slider is employed, and is shifted from an open configuration to a closed configuration for installation on zipper strips on the pouch. Stops are preferably provided at the ends of the zipper strips by application of heat and pressure to form a boss on one side and a corresponding recess on the other, without requiring additional material. A hermetic peelable seal preferably is provided beneath the zipper strips. The slider preferably is applied to the zipper strips immediately before or immediately after filling, or immediately after formation of the peelable seal. Means may be provided to shift the position of the slider to close the zipper.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine for making a pouch style package is provided, comprising an aperture means creating station; an optional bulge forming station for thermoforming a puff or bulge; a heating and filling station for create a lower seal and edge seals and filling the pouch; and a flap making station comprising means for folding over a flap and sealing the inside portion of the flap to the front face of the pouch, covering the aperture means.

Abstract: A machine for installing a zipper slider to a plastic zipper bag comprises a vibrating device, a zipper slider feed, an aligning tower, an urging device, an injecting device and a pressing device. The machine automatically couples zipper sliders with zipper bags in large amounts while taking little time, thereby significantly enhancing production efficiency.

Abstract: Methods of producing a laminated package with an opening which is sealed by a tear-off strip or a pouring element as well as a corresponding laminated package are described. To be able to produce a laminated package with such a closure inexpensively, the following steps are provided in the method punching out an opening in a packaging material, coating the packaging material at least in the area of the opening, creating a package sheathing from the coated packaging material, conveying the package sheathing to a filling machine or to an equipment unit from the filling machine, and attaching a tear-open strip to the opening in the package sheathing in the filling machine or in the equipment unit upstream from the filling machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a re-closable packaging featuring a container and a cover. The container features a support layer bearing two opposed faces, the innermost face of which is joined to a complexable layer by optionally deposing the face on an outermost face of an optional bonding layer bearing two opposed faces. The optional bonding layer is placed adjacent to a structure featuring: (1) a complexable layer bearing two opposed faces, the innermost face of the optional bonding layer being placed adjacent to the outermost face of the complexable layer, the innermost face of the complexable layer is placed adjacent to an outermost face of (2) a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer bearing two opposed faces, the innermost face of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is placed adjacent to a first face of (3) a tearable-welding layer bearing two opposed faces.

Abstract: An airtight pouch or packaging (10,20) made of synthetic material for the preservation of food products (12) is obtained by sealing (13, 14, 15) and cutting said synthetic material by an automatic packaging machine with a horizontal or vertical motioning of the product. The packaging (10,20) is constituted by a single peelable type film (11) consisting of an oriented polyamide layer coupled with a coextruded peelable polyethylene layer, the film being folded once on the polyethylene layer side in order to form the inner part of the packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) for securing a fastening strip (58) to a web (18) of packaging material comprises an anvil (100) which defines a support surface for the web. The support surface has an elongate recess (104) for receiving the fastening strip. There is a moveable sealing device (116) disposed opposite and below the support surface and a retractable support element (130) disposed between the support surface and sealing device. A feeding arrangement feeds the fastening strip along the recess and between the support element and the support surface arrangement. Suction is applied via a vacuum chamber (102) to hold the fastening strip in the recess and permit the support element to be retracted to a position which permits the sealing device to move the web into engagement with the support surface and the fastening strip with the fastening strip received in the recess to permit sealing of the fastening strip to the web.

Abstract: A method and a machine for making a plastic film bag with opposed closable end openings as well as a double compartment bag is described. The bags may be formed from J-folded, U-folded or tubular film sheets. In one embodiment, a bag is formed with a gusseted end adjacent which a zipper closure and a detachable end is provided and at the other end of the bag there is provided an opening which is closable by a closure tag. The method and machine are also adaptable to form double-ended closure bags having two distinct compartments, each accessible by a respective one of the end closure. The bags formed by the method and machine have various uses such as carrying two separate articles, each article being accessible from one of the opposed ends of the bags. The double compartment bags may also contain two different products, each accessible separately through a zipper closure. The bags may also be formed with a flap provided with wicket holes to support the bag in an automatic bag filling machine.

Abstract: A composite laminar tape (1) for mass-sealing bottles (15) of similar containers consists, according to the invention, of at least one extensible laminar tape (16), made of an extensible plastomeric film, which is possibly provided with closed lines for a predetermined separation of areas being meant to act as sealing membranes. The invention also relates to an apparatus for mass-sealing containers with said tape, and to an apparatus for mass-unsealing the containers sealed with tape.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding a filled and sealed liner to an interior wall of a carton. The carton having the filled liner therein is heated under vacuum such that the pressure difference between the atmosphere under vacuum and the filled liner allows the liner to expand and bond to an interior wall of the carton by means of an adhesive provided there between.

Abstract: A method and a machine for making a plastic film bag with opposed closable end openings as well as a double compartment bag is described. The bags may be formed from J-folded, U-folded or tubular film sheets. In one embodiment, a bag is formed with a gusseted end adjacent which a zipper closure and a detachable end is provided and at the other end of the bag there is provided an opening which is closable by a closure tag. The method and machine are also adaptable to form double-ended closure bags having two distinct compartments, each accessible by a respective one of the end closure. The bags formed by the method and machine have various uses such as carrying two separate articles, each article being accessible from one of the opposed ends of the bags. The double compartment bags may also contain two different products, each accessible separately through a zipper closure. The bags may also be formed with a flap provided with wicket holes to support the bag in an automatic bag filling machine.

Abstract: An opening feature for a beverage container with at least one extrusion over void area, a pull tab affixed to the package in the perimeter of the void area, and a perforation of the package film in the perimeter of the pull tab to allow for a simple low cost structure.

Abstract: In order to produce (cigarette) packs with an (inner) wrapper made of heat-sealable sheet material and with folding tabs which are connected to one another by sealing, first of all a cigarette group (11) is enclosed by a wrapper blank and following completion of the necessary folding operations, is fed to a sealing turret (48). In the region of the latter, folding tabs on sideways directed side walls and on radially outwardly directed end walls of the folded wrapper are sealed.

Abstract: In an automatic filling and closing process for flexible package in which a film is supplied while being longitudinally fused, and the respective steps of filling the longitudinally fused film with contents, laterally fusing the film and cutting the laterally fused area are performed, a slit or a hole is intermittently formed in the supplied film, at a site from unwinding of the film to the longitudinal fusing, during interruption of the supply of the film in the steps of lateral fusing and cutting, and an opening fusing tape is placed over the slit or hole to weld around the perimeter of the slit or hole, thereby obtaining a tape-sealed bag which is easily openable in an opening direction approximately parallel with the laterally fused area.

Abstract: An improved breakaway container for food and other perishable products comprising a simple construction and reliable breakage mechanism using a thumb cut scoring. By applying pressure to the thumb cut scoring, a tear is initiated in a circumferential scoring, thereby allowing for the separation of excess container wall from the container.