Abstract: Time required for initial operation and operation immediately after wound body replacement is shortened. A packaging device packages an object to be packaged using a wound body. An elongated sheet-shaped packaging material is wound into the wound body. The wound body includes a recording medium that stores information. The information recorded in the recording medium includes remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of the packaging material in the wound body. The packaging device includes a drive unit that generates driving force in order to rotate the wound body, an information reader that reads the remaining amount information stored in the recording medium, and a controller that controls the packaging device. The controller sets a rotation speed of the wound body based on the remaining amount information read by the information reader.

Abstract: A seed germination medium includes a roll of matted laminate. The laminate includes at least one biodegradable and water-soluble paper binding layer. Additionally, seeds are disposed on the binding layer, and fertilizer dispersed therein. Furthermore, transmitters may be disposed across the laminate which are in wireless communication with a mobile device having a software application. the transmitter may also include sensors which record information regarding the soil environment of the seed germination medium and transmit that data to the mobile device. As a result, a user is notified of the health of the environment for which the seed germination strip was planted.

Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine includes sealing jaws, a horizontal moving device, a vertical moving device, and a control unit. The sealing jaws perform a transverse sealing operation. The vertical moving device moves the sealing jaws in a vertical direction. The vertical moving device includes a rotating shaft, a motor, and a link mechanism. The link mechanism transmits rotational force of the rotating shaft to the sealing jaws. The control unit performs first control or second control. The first control forwardly rotates and reversely rotates the rotating shaft during a period of time from a start of the transverse sealing operation to a start of a subsequent transverse sealing operation. The second control performs one of the transverse sealing operation and the subsequent transverse sealing operation with a forward rotation of the rotating shaft and the other with a reverse rotation of the rotating shaft.

Abstract: A system for packaging includes a continuous flow wrap machine, a product reader, and a labeling unit. The product reader is configured to sense each product of the series of products transported on the infeed conveyor of the continuous flow wrap machine and to provide detected information for facilitating access to unique product information associated with each sensed product of the series of products. The labeling unit is adapted to apply visual representation of the unique product information to the tube formed in the continuous flow wrap machine while the tube is moving or to the resulting packaged product while the packaged product is moving.

Abstract: A biaxially-oriented polyethylene (BOPE) multilayer film comprises a skin layer with a matte surface and a core, the skin layer with a matte surface comprising, in weight percent (wt %) based upon the weight of the skin layer: (1) from 20 to 80 wt % of an ethylene-based polymer, and (2) from 80 to 20 wt % of a propylene-based polymer; each of the ethylene-based polymer and the propylene-based polymer having a storage modulus, with a difference between the storage modulus of the ethylene-based polymer and the propylene-based polymer of greater than 40 megaPascals (MPa) at 110° C., and greater than 18 MPa at 120° C.

Abstract: Cross Seal Devices and related methods are provided. A cross seal device for forming ends of packages being formed in a packaging forming system can include an anvil configured to extend transverse to a product pathway of a packaging forming system along which top and bottom sheet materials travel. The cross seal device can also include a track positioned above the anvil transverse to the product pathway. Further, the cross seal device can include a carriage configured to operate along the track. The carriage can include one or more rollers configured to engage the anvil to form a pressure contact between the anvil and the roller so that the top and bottom sheet materials are joined together.

Abstract: A melt-blown fabric for pouching smokeless tobacco or a smokeless tobacco substitute can include melt-blown polymer fibers. The fabric can have a basis weight of less than 30 gsm and a tensile strength of at least 4mJ in at least one predetermined direction. Method of making the fabric can include melt-blowing a polymeric material against a support surface and bonding the fibers or arranging them in a predetermined orientation. Pouched smokeless tobacco or tobacco substitute products including the fabrics provided herein can provide desirable flavor and tactile experience.

Abstract: Provided herein is a furniture wrapping system. The furniture wrapping system includes a film roll support configured to unroll a first film across a path of the furniture article in a first direction, such that the film roll support positions a film barrier across the path. The furniture wrapping system includes a conveyor mechanism configured to carry the furniture article along the path and into the barrier. The furniture wrapping system includes a sealer configured to extend across the path to form a seal such that the furniture article is partially enclosed in the first film.

Abstract: A multilayer film including a barrier layer, a sealing layer, and an alcohol barrier layer. The alcohol barrier layer includes cyclic olefin copolymer and is positioned between the barrier layer and the sealing layer. The multilayer film can be used to form a pouch for containing an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Abstract: A purgeable fill needle for dispensing pharmaceutical fluid into a pharmaceutical container comprises a fill needle hub, a fill needle tubing extending through the fill needle hub; a fill needle dispensing tip; a fill needle sheath removably mated with and seal aseptically to the fill needle hub to form an aseptically sealed volume enclosing the dispensing tip; and a terminal fluid ejector for removing fluid retained by the tip after halting dispensing of pharmaceutical fluid. The terminal fluid ejector may be based on automatic injection of an aseptic gas into the fill needle tubing, automated action of a gas bladder at the dispensing tip, or the automated operation of a compression actuator at the dispensing tip. The removal of terminal fluid retained at the tip after halting dispensing of the fluid may also be effected by automatically blowing attached droplets off the tip and automatically shaking the fill needle tubing.

Abstract: A method for producing packaging, in particular tubular bags, by means of a packaging machine (1) having a PLC control (20). The packaging machine (1) includes several electronic drive units (3, 6) capable of being controlled independently of each other by the PLC control (20) and which can drive the different functional elements (8) of the packaging machine (1) in a manner synchronous to a clock cycle when trailing predefined movement trajectories, and several setting parameters of the production process, in particular the number of objects to be packed per time unit, the packaging dimensions, the sealing times, being predefined, the capturing of the setting parameters at the PLC control (20), which controls the drive units (3, 6) of the packaging machine (1), being followed by the transfer of the setting parameters from the PLC control (20) to a PC control (23).

Abstract: Packaging forming system and related methods are provided. A packaging forming system can include a controller and nip rollers in communication with the controller. The nip rollers are positioned on either side of a product pathway on which products being packaged travel. The packaging forming system can include a top sheet material guide system that is configured to feed a top sheet material and a bottom sheet material guide system that is configured to feed a bottom sheet material to the nip rollers to form sides of packages around one or more products traveling along the pathway. The packaging forming system can include an adjustable table in communication with the controller and positioned along the pathway to provide support to the product being packaged such that the height of the table is movable to adjust a height position of each individual product to be packaged relative to the nip rollers.

Abstract: A melt-blown fabric for pouching smokeless tobacco or a smokeless tobacco substitute can include melt-blown polymer fibers. The fabric can have a basis weight of less than 30 gsm and a tensile strength of at least 4 mJ in at least one predetermined direction. Method of making the fabric can include melt-blowing a polymeric material against a support surface and bonding the fibers or arranging them in a predetermined orientation. Pouched smokeless tobacco or tobacco substitute products including the fabrics provided herein can provide desirable flavor and tactile experience.

Abstract: A cutting, or crimping, apparatus having first and second opposed jaw members which are mounted on a frame and are movable relative to each other from a first axial position to a second axial position along an axis so as to respectively cut, or crimp, wrapping material extending between adjacent articles wherein at least one of the jaw members is rotatably mounted to the frame such that it is rotatable from a first rotational position to a second rotational position, in the first rotational position the jaw members are movable relative to each other along a first said axis and in the second rotational position the jaw members are movable relative to each other along a second said axis that is inclined relative to the first axis.

Abstract: Cross Seal Devices and related methods are provided. A cross seal device for forming ends of packages being formed in a packaging forming system can include an anvil configured to extend transverse to a product pathway of a packaging forming system along which top and bottom sheet materials travel. The cross seal device can also include a track positioned above the anvil transverse to the product pathway. Further, the cross seal device can include a carriage configured to operate along the track. The carriage can include one or more rollers configured to engage the anvil to form a pressure contact between the anvil and the roller so that the top and bottom sheet materials are joined together.

Abstract: A method according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, compressing a cell stack, which itself includes at least one battery cell and a support plate spaced-apart from an upper surface of the cell(s). The method further includes inserting the cell stack into a pocket of a structural assembly by applying a force to the support plate. A battery assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A structure accurately detects biting of a foreign object in a packaging machine. A control apparatus controls a packaging machine that sequentially seals and/or cuts a packaging material transported in a first direction using a rotor. The rotor is arranged to have a tangent to its outer circumference portion in contact with the packaging material extending in the first direction. The rotor is drivable and rotatable by a driver. The control apparatus includes an information obtaining unit that obtains information indicating a rotational position of the rotor and a status value of the driver in predetermined cycles, and a determination unit that determines a presence of an abnormality in a sealed portion of the packaging material using, from the information obtained by the information obtaining unit, a status value of the driver corresponding to a rotational position of the rotor falling within a predetermined range or being a predetermined position.

Abstract: Printing devices include a media supply storing print media, a luminescent belt positioned adjacent the media supply in a location to move sheets of the print media from the media supply, a print engine positioned adjacent the luminescent belt in a location to receive the sheets from the luminescent belt, an optical sensor positioned adjacent the belt in a location to receive belt-emitted light from the luminescent belt, and a processor electrically connected to the optical sensor. The processor receives the image from the optical sensor and identifies locations of the sheets on the belt based on where the sheets block the belt-emitted light from the luminescent belt.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing preformed bags having an open end and a closed end over an insertion tube for inserting a bale therethrough and into the bag. A plurality of fingers are inserted into the bag open end and are extended for engaging the bag. The fingers and bag opening are traversed to the tube thereby inserting the tube end into the bag opening. The fingers are retracted and removed from the bag. The insertion tube is expanded thereby engaging the interior surface of the bag. Roller drive wheels are placed on the bag over the insertion tube and are rotatably driven and are traversed along the insertion tube for collecting the bag thereon. The roller drive wheels and the plurality of fingers are carried on a common assembly movable along the insertion tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a horizontal transverse sealing unit, in particular for a horizontal tubular bag machine for sealing at least one tubular film around at least one object to be packaged, having a first and a second rotational axis (18a, 20a) which are parallel to each other and at least two sealing jaw pairs (26a, 28a and 30a, 32a) which are each formed by at least one sealing jaw (26a, 30a) rotating around the first rotation axis (18a) and at least one sealing jaw (28a, 32a) rotating around the second rotation axis (20a), such that, during a sealing process, the sealing jaws (26a, 28a) of a sealing jaw pair (26a, 28a) approach each other and material layers can be sealed between the sealing jaws (26a, 28a) under exertion of pressure. According to the invention, at least two independently drivable sealing drives of the horizontal transverse sealing unit are provided to drive at least two sealing jaw pairs (pair 26a, 28a and pair 30a, 32a) independently of each other.

Abstract: An assembly for extending the shelf-life of a pressurized resin cartridge. The assembly includes at least one pressurized resin cartridge comprising a first compartment for holding a catalyst and a second compartment for holding a resin mastic. The assembly has a pressurized container sealingly disposed about the pressurized resin cartridge. Such assembly minimizes depressurization of the pressurized resin cartridge and extends the shelf-life of the pressurized resin cartridge. An assembly for extending the shelf-life of a depressurized resin cartridge. The assembly includes at least one depressurized resin cartridge comprising a first compartment for holding a catalyst and a second compartment for holding a resin mastic. The assembly has a pressurized container sealingly disposed about the depressurized resin cartridge. Such assembly increases pressurization of the depressurized resin cartridge and extends the shelf-life of the depressurized resin cartridge.

Abstract: A waste storage device includes a waste storage part for storing a waste item and a packaging device arranged in an upper part of the waste storage part. The packaging device includes two film feed rollers, two waste sealing rollers which pull out films and are arranged in parallel that the peripheral surfaces thereof are in contact via the pulled out respective films in a normal state and at least one of which has the peripheral surface that is elastically deformed along the shape of the waste item, and a driving part which rotates the rollers. Two friction rollers which are driven and rotated to sandwich the films sealing the waste item having passed between the waste sealing rollers and pull them downward are provided below the waste sealing rollers. The device prevents a waste item sealed with resin films from being caught in rollers such as waste sealing rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for automatically adhering seeds (hereinafter “seeds” shall refer to pre-germination seed rice when adhered to the mulching film, and to seeds which have germinated and divided after being planted and growing deeper roots in a rice paddy) to a biodegradable mulching film having an anti-blocking function, and to a method for adhering the seeds by using the apparatus. More specifically, the present invention relates to the apparatus for automatically adhering the seeds, which forms by means of a cutting means or a punching means through-holes or germination gaps on the mulching film on which germination holes have not been punched, can process adhesive coating and seed adhering in an accurate, swift, and automatic manner, and which is provided with a releasing agent so as to coat the releasing agent after coating the adhesive, thereby preventing blocking due to overlapping of the mulching film when winding same.

Abstract: Provided is a tablet packing method including: a step of conveying a long sheet material that is a material of a packing bag in a longitudinal direction; a step of introducing all of a same kind of tablets of the tablets prescribed to each patient to a packing space formed by the conveyed long sheet material; a step of sealing the long sheet material to form a section in which the packing space provided with the tablets is airtight; and a step of cutting the long sheet material provided with one or a plurality of the sections, in predetermined units in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A machine for packaging articles includes a frame; a feeder feeding film to a packaging station to wrap articles. A sealing unit includes at least two sealing elements movable relative to each other between a spaced-apart position and a close-together position where the two sealing elements cooperate to seal the film interposed between them. First and second mechanisms having first and second motors move the sealing unit. The second motor is operatively coupled to at least one of the two sealing elements. The first and/or the second mechanisms include at least one articulated arm, respectively. A control unit is operatively connected to the first motor and to the second motor drive them in proper relationship to move the two sealing elements relative to each other and relative to the frame according to a predetermined law of motion.

Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The sheet engagement device may comprise one or more engagement rollers which may have a plurality of teeth thereon. A first plurality of rollers and a second plurality of rollers comprising the engagement rollers may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The engagement device may include a first belt and an opposing second belt which may each have a plurality of teeth thereon. The teeth may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A vertical bag-manufacturing and packaging machine includes a feeding unit having an upstream tube portion, an opening/closing mechanism, and a downstream tube portion. The upstream tube portion is configured and arranged to downwardly convey the article. The opening/closing mechanism is disposed on a downstream side of the upstream tube portion with a gap being formed between a downstream end of the upstream tube portion and an upstream end of the opening/closing mechanism, and configured and arranged to selectively open or close to selectively discharge or hold the article discharged by the upstream tube portion. The downstream tube portion is disposed on a downstream side of the opening/closing mechanism, and configured and arranged to downwardly convey the article discharged by the opening/closing mechanism, the downstream tube portion having an internal diameter that is larger than an internal diameter of the upstream tube portion.

Abstract: A packaging container including a top wall and a bottom wall that are substantially horizontal when the packaging container is straight, and side walls. The top wall and the bottom wall have a triangular shape and a rectangular shape, respectively, a section of a transverse direction of a main body of the packaging container formed in four ridgelines which connect three corner points of the top wall and four corner points of the bottom wall has a trapezoidal shape, and the horizontal top wall overhangs a front side wall.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for packaging flat objects into a packaging material web (110). The device includes a conveyor device (30) with an essentially plane conveyor surface (34) which is capable of conveying the flat objects (100) one after the other and distanced to one another in a conveyor direction (F). Moreover, at least one processing tool (10) with a processing-active zone (12) is present. The processing tool (10) is capable of processing the packaging material web (110) in the region between two objects (100) in a processing region (B) of the device (1). Thereby, the packaging material web (110) covers the objects (100) on both sides. The processing tool (10) is movable for processing at least perpendicularly to the conveyor surface (34).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, wherein a product flow of polysilicon chunks is transported via a feed channel, separated by at least one screen into coarse and fine chunks, weighed and dosed to a target weight by a dosing balance, discharged via a discharge channel and transported to a packaging unit where a first plastic bag is filled with the polysilicon chunks and sealed, the plastic bag containing polysilicon chunks being packaged with a further plastic bag which is formed by a shaper and subsequently welded, wherein the at least one screen and the dosing balance at least partially include a hard metal on their surfaces and the shaper for forming the plastic bag includes a wear-resistant coating. Also disclosed are a dosing unit, a packaging unit and a device for dosing and packaging polysilicon chunks, which contains a dosing unit and a packaging unit.

Abstract: Packaging (10) comprising a wrapper of flexible material (14) folded about a product (12) into a sleeve with opposed longitudinal side edge regions overlapping and sealed together to form a longitudinal seal, the ends of the sleeve being closed by transverse end seals (24, 26). An opening arrangement comprises an aperture in a main body (28) of the wrapper adjacent one of the end seals (24). The wrapper has a flap portion (32) integrally formed with the main body for closing the aperture. The flap portion includes an opening tab portion (62) located at least partially within or on said one end seal (24) that can be grasped by a user to initiate opening of the package. The flap portion (32) may be bonded to the main body (28) by means of a peelable and re-sealable adhesive.

Abstract: A product wrapping machine with a plurality of counter-jaws homogenously distributed in a forward movement direction (X), a plurality of jaws moving perpendicular to the forward movement direction (X) from an open position to a closed position against the counter-jaws for sealing together the films wrapping the product to one another and cutting them. The machine also includes a jaw actuator for each jaw causing the corresponding jaw to move in the closing direction. The jaws move together simultaneously in the forward movement direction (X) and move independently from one another in the closing direction. The machine further includes a tensioner suitable for collecting part of the film wrapping the product when a jaw leaves the closed position.

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 which produce seals having different sealing strengths.

Abstract: A package for a food product is provided and includes a fin seal, where the package is configured for controlled opening using an opening feature. The opening feature may include an integral flap separable from the remainder of the package to form an access opening to an interior of the package. The flap may be defined by one or more score or scribed lines that extend only partially through the package. The flap may have a portion extending into the fin seal area. Opening of the flap may expose adhesive of the fin seal area which can be utilized for attaching the flap to reclose the package.

Abstract: A method for forming a flexible pouch having a fitment, the method including the steps of sealing the bottom, top and one side of a material to form a pouch. The pouch is formed around a forming tube, leaving one side of the flexible pouch unsealed. A fitment is installed on the flexible pouch, either on the corner (45 degree angle) or on the top of the pouch. The product filled through the unsealed side of the flexible pouch while continuously moving the flexible pouch down the forming tube, the forming tube also continuously supplying product to fill the flexible pouch and sealing the unsealed side of the flexible pouch. An apparatus for forming a flexible pouch is provided having a forming tube. The forming tube is adapted to allow material to wrap around the forming tube to form a flexible pouch, the forming tube also operable to dispense product into the flexible pouch through an exit of the forming tube.

Abstract: A flexible package is formed and filled in an in-line process by directing a web of film and a semi-rigid strip in a machine direction; folding the web of film into a pair of opposing walls with the semi-rigid strip there between; and selectively attaching the strip to only one of the opposing walls by controlling applied heating to opposing walls of the pair to seal one wall but not the other to the semi-rigid strip to define an opening between upper edges of the opposing walls.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tube (54) of pocket material (22) for manufacturing a pocket spring string includes a cartridge (30) for guiding the pocket material (22). The cartridge (30) has at least one first element (61) and at least one second element (62). A relative position between the at least one first element (61) and the at least one second element (62) may be set in a direction (60) perpendicular to an axis (50) of the cartridge (30), in order to adjust a spacing between sides of the cartridge (30).

Abstract: This invention is directed to multiple sealing bars to seal articles moving on a conveyor 2 inside a sleeve 4 that forms a continuous film tube 5. Retracting conveyors act to collapse the tube between the articles so that the collapsed portion of the tube can be sealed. The synchronization of the sealing bars with the movement of retracting conveyors allows for a continuous motion machine where the products inside the film do not stop.

Abstract: Provided is a method for forming a bag around an article, the method comprising: providing an oriented film; cauterizing the film at a temperature sufficient to de-orient a portion of the film to create a cauterized area on the continuous film; placing an article(s) on the film between adjacent cauterized areas; heat-sealing the film around the article(s) such that at least a portion of the film between the heat-sealed area and the article comprises the cauterized area. Also, provided is a form, fill, and seal apparatus comprising a heat sealer and a cauterizer, both having a temperature control, the heat sealer positioned to allow the heat sealer to form a seal between two edges of film having an article wrapped therein, and the cauterizer positioned to cauterize an area of the sealed film in an area adjacent to the sealed edges and the article.

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: An electrode pad packaging system including an electrode pouch, an electrode pad (e.g., a defibrillation electrode pad) and a sacrificial source of moisture is disclosed. The electrode pad and the sacrificial source of moisture are each disposed at least partially within the electrode pouch.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine is capable of reducing poor sealing caused by a packaged article catching in lateral seal portions. The form-fill-seal machine is provided with an upper tube, a lower tube disposed therebelow, a former, a lateral sealing mechanism below the lower tube, and opening and closing sliding members. A packaged article is dropped through the interiors of the upper tube and the lower tube. The former winds a sheet of a film F around the circumference of the lower tube to convert same into a tubular film. The lateral sealing mechanism laterally seals the tubular film. The opening and closing sliding members, which are disposed between the upper tube and the lower tube, shut off an upwardly oriented flow of gas from the interior of the lower tube when in a closed state.

Abstract: A device for wrapping an article, the device comprising a first feeder for a first sheet of plastics film, a second feeder for a second sheet of plastics film, a carriage for positioning the article between the first and second sheets of plastics film and a sealing mechanism for sealing the first and second sheets of plastics film together adjacent the periphery of the article.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for combining units from among a plurality of packages are disclosed. In some embodiments, units are combined from a plurality of single-variety packages to provide one or more variety packs. For example, a plurality of single-variety packages arranged in repeating order of variety can be provided. The single-variety packages being so arranged can define at least two lanes extending among the plurality of single-variety packages. At least one single-variety group of units can be selected from at least one of the plurality of single-variety packages. Each of the selected at least one single-variety group of units can be positioned in one of the lanes. The selected at least one single-variety group of units can be repositioned to another package and within the one of the lanes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for subdividing a fed tubular packaging sleeve into packaging units, having two displacer groups which are intended for constricting the tubular packaging sleeve, it being possible for the rear displacer group, as seen in respect of the movement of the tubular packaging sleeve, to be moved in the longitudinal direction of the tubular packaging sleeve, and the apparatus comprises a supporting element which is connected to the rear displacer group and is intended for supporting the tubular packaging sleeve. The supporting element allows the tubular packaging sleeve to be transported away reliably.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine has a tube, a sailor-collar-shaped part, and a vertical sealing mechanism. The sailor-collar-shaped part wraps a sheet-shaped film around the tube so that two edges thereof define overlapping portions. The vertical sealing mechanism ultrasonically seals the overlapping portions of the sheet-shaped film in the vertical direction. The vertical sealing mechanism has an oscillator and a roller. The oscillator generates ultrasonic waves. The roller is disposed downstream of the oscillator along the advancing direction of the film. The roller holds down the film while rotating in the advancing direction of the film after the film has passed the oscillator.

Abstract: A process for a continuous production of an encapsulated component web by conveying at least two continuous encapsulation films along a longitudinal axis of a production line with at least one of the two continuous encapsulation films having an adhesive layer on an inner face thereof; inserting at least one encapsulatable component between the two continuous encapsulation films; conveying an assembly including the two continuous encapsulation films with the at least one encapsulatable component extending therebetween in a nip defined in between at least two contiguous rolls; and laminating the assembly to encapsulate the at least one encapsulatable component between the two continuous encapsulation films. There is also provided an apparatus for carrying out the process.

Abstract: A package for an article (1) comprises a pressurized outer bag (5) having gas-tight seals (7) at opposite ends, and an inner web for supporting the article within the outer bag. The web extends along the length of the outer bag and is secured to the outer bag only at the gas-tight seals (7). The web is maintained under sufficient tension by the pressure within the outer bag to suspend the article within the bag and to maintain a space between the article and the outer bag on all sides of the article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a non-rectilinear flexible package comprising an in-line process including application and selective sealing of a semi-rigid strip to an inner wall of the package and further including a dual-stage die-cutting technique to remove and cut a non-linear shape into a formed web of film. The semi-rigid strip is sealed to one interior wall of the package but not the other to provide a reinforced opening to the package through which a material can be dispensed. Additionally, the dual stage die-cutting method comprises first cutting and removing a portion of the web material prior to filling the package and again cutting and removing a portion of the web material after filling, resulting in a package having a narrowed neck adjacent the closed reinforced opening at an upper portion of the package and a body of the package that is tapered towards the reinforced opening.