Abstract: The disclosure pertains to method for manufacturing reclosable packages, bags or pouches using a flow wrapper machine wherein, typically, a self-mating reclosure or zipper sealed inside of the package. In a first embodiment, self-mating reclosures are placed transversely on the web and a flow wrapping machine wraps the web around the food product thereby forming a machine direction fin seal. Transverse direction end seals are likewise formed. In a second embodiment, the web includes quad seals formed by a drag sealer at positions which will become corners of the package. Similar to the method of the first embodiment, the flow wrapping machine wraps the web around the food product thereby forming a fin seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging for patches made of a textile material, including a substrate provided with an adhesive coating on at least one of its surfaces, wherein the coating forms an adhesive film suitable to receive and hold a plurality of patches made of a textile material, the packaging further includes a plurality of patches arranged on the substrate according to a predefined pattern, and wherein the adhesive coating is a made of a cold seal adhesive. The invention also relates to a packaging method for the patches.

Abstract: A method for packaging products, such as candies, the method comprising the steps of positioning the products on a first sheet which is continuously moved in a transport direction, covering the products by a second sheet which is continuously moved in the same transport direction and which is aligned substantially plane-parallel to the first sheet, and sealing together the first and second sheets near the outer edges of the individual products or grouped products by a sealing device, wherein the sealing device comprises sealing ribs extending substantially transversely to the transport direction on one side of the moving sheets, wherein said sealing ribs are being moved at the same speed as the sheets and the sealing ribs seal the first and second sheets together in between the moving products.

Abstract: The film sealing and wrapping machine with a rotary cut and seal jaw is provided. The rotary cut and seal jaw has an internal sliding mechanism which provides for smooth and quiet operation. The rotational speed of the jaw may be varied to increase through put and to provide for a title bag around products. The rotary cut and seal jaw may comprise a seal bar and pressure pad may both be spring loaded to self align the seal bar and pressure pad during the sealing and cutting process. Lastly, a gap defined by a belt disposed upstream and downstream of the seal bar and pressure pad may be mechanically linked to the pressure pad through a control carriage.

Abstract: A reclosable flexible package for storing a food product and a method of manufacture thereof are provided. The package includes a flexible film side wall, a closed first end, a closed second end portion that can be separated from the side wall to provide an access opening, and a collar. The collar can be formed in the side wall or attached to the side wall. The collar is more rigid than adjacent portions of the side wall and is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the package to twist portions of the side wall and block access to the opening after removal of the second end portion.

Abstract: A pleated stand-up packaging pouch has a rib in a pinch form which is formed by adhering inner faces of end edges of the packaging material and at least one pleat which is formed by folding the pleated stand-up packaging material in a three-ply strip form in the orthogonal direction to its longitudinal direction and adhering inner faces of the folded portions, and is characterized in that the pleat formed on an edge between a folded bottom face portion and a peripheral portion extends from the peripheral portion in the same plane as the peripheral portion, and the bottom face portion and an upper end of an underside face of the pleat form a substantially right angle, and the pleat has a cut-off portion at the portion where the pleat and the rib cross.

Abstract: A supply group of a packing band from reels, with an automatic change of the reel for an object-packing machine, includes a supply conveyor along which the packing band runs, a device for transversally cutting the band located at a start of the supply conveyor, a device for supporting one reel of the band of slim packing material and a device for supporting a second reel of band of slim packing material. The group includes a first entry conveyor of the first band from the first reel to the supply conveyor, a second entrance conveyor of the second band from the second reel to the supply conveyor, a device for advancing for introducing or extracting the front end of the first band to or from the supply conveyor, and a device for advancing for introducing or extracting a front end of the second band into or from the supply conveyor.

Abstract: A method and packaging system for forming a sealed vacuum package having minimal residual air remaining. At least one vacuum lance is provided in the interior of a partially-formed package to withdraw the air, the package being closed on three sides and having a fourth side open for insertion of the vacuum lance. An air restriction can be provided along the fourth side to form a closed edge that prevents ingress of air into the package interior after the evacuation of air. In one aspect, the air restriction may comprise a pair of pinch rollers that compress the package at the fourth side edge to form a pinch seal that provides a relatively airtight air chamber inside of the package prior to and during sealing of the package. In another aspect, the air restriction may comprise a partial seal formed around the lances to prevent or minimize air from reentering the package.

Abstract: A package for containing and dispensing a product is disclosed. The package has a first layer, a second layer, and at least a first seal zone where the first layer is joined to the second layer by a peelable seal. The first seal zone has an inner perimeter that defines an unsealed pouch area for containing the sheet product. A tab cut is defined in the first layer that divides the package into a package zone and a tab zone. A method and relevant manufacturing equipment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sealant film for use in a film structure for the manufacture of pouches and bags for containing flowable materials, the sealant film comprising: (1) from about 2.0 to about 9.5 wt %, based on 100 wt % total composition, of an ethylene C4-C10-alpha-olefin interpolymer having a density of from 0.850 to 0.890 g/cc and a melt index of 0.3 to 5 g/10 min, the interpolymer being present in an amount that optimizes flex crack resistance as measured using a Gelbo Flex tester set up to test in accordance with ASTM F392, and minimizes reduction of thermal resistance, as measured using DSC (ASTM E794/E793) Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) which determines temperature and heat flow associated with material transitions as a function of time and temperature, and stiffness of the sealant film layer as measured using Tensile Modulus of the polyethylene films measured in accordance with ASTM Method D882; (2) from about 70.5 wt % to about 98.

Abstract: Laminated rolls of sealed graphite pouches and methods for making the same are provided. The laminated roll can include a first substrate having a length and a plurality of sealed pouches disposed on the substrate at predetermined intervals along its length. Each sealed pouch can include a graphite sheet having first and second sides, the first side affixed to the substrate, and a second substrate affixed to at least the second side of the graphite sheet and to a portion of the substrate to fully seal the graphite sheet within an enclosed space. In one embodiment, the roll of sealed graphite sheet pouches can be fixed to a roll of another substrate in a roll-to-roll fashion and the combined rolls can be cut into discrete portions for use in a particular application. For example, the roll of the other substrate can be a roll of enhanced spectral reflector (ESR).

Abstract: Multi-layer laminated structures are disclosed. Such structures include a multi-layer polymeric film having a Layer A that includes at least one polymer and a polymeric sealant layer adjacent to Layer A. The sealant layer has a surface roughness, Ra>5.0 and a Peak Count Value, Pc>50.0. The multi-layer laminated structures also include a substrate in surface contact with the multi-layer polymeric film, typically opposite the sealant layer. Such structures have a top seal and/or side seal of the polymeric sealant layer to itself has a seal strength of >5.00×102 grams/inch at 177° C. The multi-layer films may be transparent, contain a cavitating agent, or are pigmented to form an opaque film. Also, the multi-layer film may be metallized or coated with a barrier coating.

Abstract: There are provided a tea bag that can be easily taken out of a plastic bottle and excels in mass productivity, and a method for manufacturing the same. As for tea bag 1, a bag body 2 storing tea leaves 3 therein is put into the plastic bottle to brew tea essence from the tea leaves. The bag body 2 includes a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface formed of sheet members having water permeability. As for the first and the second lateral surfaces, a trapezoidal upper portion 21 tapered toward a distal direction thereof and a rectangular lower portion 22 are integrally formed to form the bag body 2 in a truncated home base shape.

Abstract: A method of shipping at least one child-resistant medicate container via a carrier includes providing or obtaining at least one child-resistant medicate container including a front sidewall, and an opposing rear sidewall, a right sidewall, an opposing left sidewall, and at least one locking mechanism. The method also includes creating or obtaining a flat-rate shipping package from a carrier, inserting the at least one child-resistant medicate container into the package, and closing the package to enclose the at least one child-resistant medicate container within the package so that the package is generally flat and acceptable by the carrier for a flat-rate shipping. The method also includes causing the closed package to be shipped or transported by the carrier at a flat-rate.

Abstract: Device for packaging goods, in particular a stack of goods with a tubular film having a film-feeding means with a welding and cutting array for producing and feeding a tubular film hood and having a film-fitting means that cooperates with the film-feeding means, can be translated up and down vertically and is designed to grip and fit the film hood over the goods, characterized in that the film-feeding means is disposed so that it is horizontally translatable between an operating position and a maintenance position.

Abstract: A sealant film for use in a film structure for the manufacture of pouches and bags for containing flowable materials, the sealant film comprising: (1) from about 2.0 to about 9.5 wt %, based on 100 wt % total composition, of an ethylene C4-C10-alpha-olefin interpolymer having a density of from 0.850 to 0.890 g/cc and a melt index of 0.3 to 5 g/10 min, the interpolymer being present in an amount that optimizes flex crack resistance as measured using a Gelbo Flex tester set up to test in accordance with ASTM F392, and minimizes reduction of thermal resistance, as measured using DSC (ASTM E794/E793) Differential Scanning calorimetry (DSC) which determines temperature and heat flow associated with material transitions as a function of time and temperature, and stiffness of the sealant film layer as measured using Tensile Modulus of the polyethylene films measured in accordance with ASTM Method D882; (2) from about 70.5 wt % to about 98.

Abstract: Packages and methods having a flexible film (12) defining an interior contents cavity and having a first pair of opposing edge portions forming a first end seal (18), a second pair of opposing edge portions forming a second end seal (20), and a third pair of opposing edge portions forming a longitudinal fin seal (14) extending from the first end seal to the second end seal; the body having a first side portion having the longitudinal fin seal and a second side portion generally opposite the first side portion; a score (42) formed in the flexible film at the second side portion and defining an opening to the contents cavity upon initial rupturing and configured to propagate film tear longitudinally towards the second end-seal; a closure label (40) covering at least portion of the score, but less than the entire score; and a pressure sensitive adhesive being between the closure layer and the flexible film.

Abstract: A method of making a packaged dressing involves coating a pattern of detachable high tack pressure sensitive adhesive on a cover material such that the cover material includes a tackless area; forming a release island on a backing material; and sandwiching a dressing between the cover material and the backing material such that the adhesive on the dressing abuts the release island, and the pattern of adhesive on the cover material adheres to and supports the dressing along its extent except for the portion overlying the tackless area and hermetically seals the dressing within the package.

Abstract: The presently disclosed and claimed inventive concept(s) relates generally to packaging materials for packaging articles. The packaging materials may include a substratum with a printed pattern disposed thereon that provides a grass-like appearance, and/or the packaging materials may include a plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of material bondably connected thereto.

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: A method of making a packaged dressing involves coating a pattern of detachable high tack pressure sensitive adhesive on a cover material such that the cover material includes a tackless area; forming a release island on a backing material; and sandwiching a dressing between the cover material and the backing material such that the adhesive on the dressing abuts the release island, and the pattern of adhesive on the cover material adheres to and supports the dressing along its extent except for the portion overlying the tackless area and hermetically seals the dressing within the package.

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: The present invention is directed to a waste packaging system, a method of storing waste and to a film for use in this system and method.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming flexible containers from a film web, dispensing fluid into the containers, and enclosing the fluid within the containers. The film web comprises a pair of juxtaposed film plies, a closed longitudinal edge at which the plies are joined, and an open longitudinal edge at which the plies are not joined.

Abstract: A cutter includes a male blade, a female blade, an advancement and retraction controller and a suction device. The male blade includes: a linear cutting portion linearly shaped with a predetermined thickness in a center part; a rounded cutting portion where a radius having a substantially arc shape in planar view is continuously formed from the linear cutting portion; and an end provided adjacent to the rounded cutting portion. The female blade has a fitting portion that is a hole conforming to the profile of the male blade in planar view and to which the male blade is fitted. On a lateral side of the female blade, an elongated hole for inserting a base film from one lateral side to the other lateral side is formed as an insertion portion.

Abstract: A machine for forming foam cushions comprises a web of film comprising a pair of film panels positioned face to face and having first and second lengthwise edges, and first and second foam dispensing assemblies positioned to dispense foam between the film panels, each foam dispensing assembly comprising first and second valves that dispense first and second foam components, respectively, the valves positioned so that respective foam component streams exiting the valves intersect.

Abstract: A packaging machine (1) comprises a device for the formation of a tube (5) of wrap material into which a succession of products (6) can be inserted; a sealing device (7) being active on said tube (5) to make a succession of seals (23) transverse to the direction of advancement “A” of tube (5) and to define a corresponding succession of pockets (11) for holding the products (6); an air-removing device (13) being active on each pocket (11) in correspondence of a respective aperture (25) to produce a vacuum inside each pocket (11); an additional sealing device (22) operatively located at least in correspondence of the air-removing device (13) for isolating said aperture (25) and hermetically sealing the pocket (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (1) for packaging a product in a packaging material. It also relates to packaged products obtained by packaging them in the packaging material that has been provided with one or more openings, in order to make it easy to open the package. The packaged products can also be provided with a cover element. A punching unit (5) is also described that comprises a rotatable backing roll (34), a rotatable punch roll (33) and a frame in which the backing roll (34) and the punch roll (33) are arranged with respect to each other, and where the punch roll (33) can rotate independently of the backing roll (34). The punch roll (33) can make one or more openings in the packaging material.

Abstract: An apparatus for stuffing a pasty food that includes an applicator sleeve arranged between the inlet end and the outlet end of a stuffing tube. At least a portion of the applicator sleeve surrounds the stuffing tube about part or its complete circumference and the applicator sleeve supplies one or more strips coated and/or impregnated with transferable additives to the stuffing tube, with the strips being ultimately applied to the pasty food. The innovation further relates to a foodstuff in a tubular casing (e.g. sausage skin), in which at least one strip is arranged between the foodstuff and the surrounding casing, the strip being coated and/or impregnated with at least one transferable additive.

Abstract: A method is described for manufacturing and/or packaging of multiple items simultaneously, in particular the handling and placement for packaging of the items on an assembly line. In particular, the method is for use in changing the center spacing of the simultaneously manufactured items between two locations on the assembly line.

Abstract: A water-soluble pouch suitable for use in machine dishwashing and which comprises a plurality of compartments in generally superposed or superposable relationship, each containing one or more detergent active or auxiliary components, and wherein the pouch has a volume of from about 5 to about 70 ml and a longitudinal/transverse aspect ratio in the range from about 2:1 to about 1:8, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:4. The water-soluble pouch allows for optimum delivery of dishwashing detergent. A process for the manufacture of multi-compartment pouches and a pack to contain the pouches are also disclosed.

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: An easy-open and reclosable package includes a pouch including a discrete strip, between first and second side panels, including a sealing segment, a backing segment, and an intermediate layer including a pressure sensitive adhesive; a first portion of the strip anchored to the first panel at a first location, and a second portion of the strip anchored to the first panel at a second location; a die cut in the first panel defining a die cut segment, so arranged that when the package is opened, the sealing segment is partially removed from the discrete strip, the intermediate layer comprising a pressure sensitive adhesive is partially exposed, and the package can be reclosed by adhering at least one of the first and second panels to the adhesive; and a product in the pouch.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a dosage material has a container with an outlet spout and a metering element adjoining the outlet spout. The metering element has an inlet opening on a side facing the container and an outlet opening on a side that faces away from the container. A wall of the metering element extends between the openings. A film material can be inserted into the device which passes at least through the inlet opening and the slot-shaped outlet opening and covers the inside of the wall. The device also has a feature that stretches a portion of a tube section of the film material. This stretching device includes at least two locations for fastening the portion to be stretched, the two locations being arranged on a stretch line that is at an angle to the lengthwise direction of the tube section.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an individual packaging for a liquid or solid product includes uninterruptedly unwinding a lower film while simultaneously unwinding an upper film with regard to the lower film. The process further includes continuously dispensing, between the two films, the product which is to be packaged and simultaneously forming and sealing the contour of each packaging by ultrasonic welding. This welding is carried out so that the ultrasound ejects the product from the zones being welded.

Abstract: A water-soluble pouch suitable for use in machine dishwashing and which comprises a plurality of compartments in generally superposed or superposable relationship, each containing one or more detergent active or auxiliary components, and wherein the pouch has a volume of from about 5 to about 70 ml and a longitudinal/transverse aspect ratio in the range from about 2:1 to about 1:8, preferably from about 1:1 to about 1:4. The water-soluble pouch allows for optimum delivery of dishwashing detergent. A process for the manufacture of multi-compartment pouches and a pack to contain the pouches are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention includes following the steps of: In a first step, first and second breast milk absorbent pads 2(i), 3(i) are fed onto wrapping sheet web 29. In a second step, the first breast milk absorbent pad 2(ii) is fed so as to be displaced from a transverse center line 32 toward an upper end 30 by ¼ of a dimension H thereof as measured in a longitudinal direction Y, and the second breast milk absorbent pad 2(ii) is fed so as to be displaced from a transverse center line 32 toward an lower end 30 by ¼ of a dimension H thereof as measured in a longitudinal direction Y. In a third step, the first and second breast milk absorbent pads 2, 3(iii) are respectively folded back from the upper and lower ends 30, 31 toward the transverse center line 32 in two-ply fashion. In a fourth step, the upper and lower ends of the wrapping sheet web 29 are folded back toward the transverse center line 32.

Abstract: A laser welding system for sealing or cutting polymeric sheets is described. The system comprises a laser source capable of delivering a laser beam. The laser beam is projected onto a region of the polymeric sheets where the sealing or cutting is to be performed. An optical device is provided to image the sealing or cutting as it is performed. An image analyser asserts the sealing or cutting quality. An integrated control means is provided to control the laser source, the projection of the laser beam, the optical device and the image analyser.

Abstract: The film sealing and wrapping machine with a rotary cut and seal jaw is provided. The rotary cut and seal jaw has an internal sliding mechanism which provides for smooth and quiet operation. The rotational speed of the jaw may be varied to increase through put and to provide for a title bag around products. The rotary cut and seal jaw may comprise a seal bar and pressure pad may both be spring loaded to self align the seal bar and pressure pad during the sealing and cutting process. Lastly, a gap defined by a belt disposed upstream and downstream of the seal bar and pressure pad may be mechanically linked to the pressure pad through a control carriage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making packages with internal headers from an elongated web of preformed interconnected bags. The packages with internal headers are made by inserting a product or a header into a bag. The bag is sealed to form a first compartment that contains the inserted bag or header. The other of the product and the header is inserted into the bag. The bag is sealed to form a second compartment that contains other of the product or header. The package is separated from the elongated web of interconnected bags.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of flexible strips of material integrally interconnected to one another along one end thereof so as to form a unitary mass and so that the strips of material are intertwineable with one another to form a resilient tuft. The strips of material interconnected via a border have a bonding material disposed thereon for bondingly connecting the packaging material to a container.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to the a wide mouth gusseted package wherein four machine direction edge seals are formed on the film, and the zipper is applied in the transverse direction on the opposite side of the film from where the machine direction edge seals are formed. In the resulting package, the edge seals are at the exterior of the four corners of the package, and the resulting gussets can be folded inwardly or outwardly. The package may further include a sealing strip with a peel seal layer and a sealant layer whereby a hermetic package may be produced at higher production rates and lower productions costs.

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.

Abstract: A vertical bagging machine including a spindle for receiving and supporting a roll of stock material, the spindle defining a spindle axis, wherein the stock material is unwindable as a sheet, a folding plate defining a folding plate plane that is substantially parallel with the spindle axis, the folding plate including a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first and second edges are generally equal in length and connect at a central peak, a spreader chute including a first guide plate and a second guide plate, the second guide plate being generally parallel with and spaced apart from the first guide plate, wherein the first and second guide plates are substantially perpendicular to the folding plate plane, and first and second folding rollers defining a nip therebetween, the first and second folding rollers being generally parallel with the folding plate plane and disposed between the folding plate and the spreader chute, wherein the sheet is moveable over the central peak, through the nip, and over the

Abstract: A forming, filling and sealing machine for producing bags from semifinished products, and for filling and closing the bags, includes a plurality of processing stations. At least two processing stations of at least one first group are successively, largely linearly, arranged in the horizontal plane (x, z) in the transport direction (z) of the bags. The bags or semifinished products are transported between the processing stations by transport devices which generally include gripping devices. The machine also includes at least one second group having at least one processing station that is not linearly arranged behind the first group in the horizontal plane (x, z) in the processing direction (z) of the bags.

Abstract: The present invention is a corrugated wrapper for a water heater folded to form a plurality of panels. Inserts attached to an interior face of some of the side panels of the corrugated wrapper provide cushioning for the water heater. The configured corrugated wrapper provides better product protection, reducing damage that may occur during shipping and handling thereafter.

Abstract: A vertical bagging machine including a spindle for receiving and supporting a roll of stock material, the spindle defining a spindle axis, wherein the stock material is unwindable as a sheet, a folding plate defining a folding plate plane that is substantially parallel with the spindle axis, the folding plate including a first edge and a second edge, wherein the first and second edges are generally equal in length and connect at a central peak, a spreader chute including a first guide plate and a second guide plate, the second guide plate being generally parallel with and spaced apart from the first guide plate, wherein the first and second guide plates are substantially perpendicular to the folding plate plane, and first and second folding rollers defining a nip therebetween, the first and second folding rollers being generally parallel with the folding plate plane and disposed between the folding plate and the spreader chute, wherein the sheet is moveable over the central peak, through the nip, and over the

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flavor pouch containing flavorant selected from one or more of tea, coffee, rose hips, honey, royal jelly, fruit extracts, mint, sweeteners, exotic flavors, and the like includes feeding a strip of fabric along a feed path, placing preselected amounts of flavorant material at spaced apart locations along the strip, forming flavor pouches by sealing portions of the strip together to enclose each preselected amount of flavorant material, and separating the flavor pouches from the strip. The pouches can have various shapes including crescent and oval shapes.

Abstract: An integrated disposable includes a test strip and a lancet packet coupled to the test strip. The lancet packet includes a sterility sheet enclosing at least a portion of a lancet to maintain the sterility of the lancet. The lancet packet and the sterility sheet, in particular, allow the lancet to be sterilized separately from the test strip. The lancet in one form is incorporated into a lancet tape that is sterilized in a continuous, reel-to-reel sterilization process. The lancet tape in one form is sterilized using an electron beam sterilization process. With electron beam sterilization, sterilization is enhanced by irradiating both sides of the tape with electron beams. Sterilization can adversely affect chemical reagents in the test strip. To alleviate this chemistry degradation issue, the lancet packet is attached to the test strip after the lancet is sterilized.

Abstract: A slurry product is packaged into a plastic bag using a modified form-fill-seal apparatus and method of using it. The apparatus has preferably been modified to select the appropriate amount of product slurry by weight. Bags are filled using a dual auger system that includes a bulk auger and a precision auger that fill a bag simultaneously. The augers work together for a first period to rapidly load slurry into a large part of the bag. During a second period, the bulk auger shuts down, allowing the precision auger alone to top-off the bags. The periods are determined either by time or by the volume or weight of the product that has entered the bag.