Abstract: A form, fill and seal system having a product fill assembly, a tube forming assembly and a fitment securing assembly. The system allows for the relative positioning of the fitment that is to be applied to the film that forms the bags, at various points along the film by having the fitment securing assembly relatively positionable with respect to the tube forming assembly. In turn, with adjustments, a fitment can be located at a number of locations on a finished bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning and attaching a plurality of fitments to a film includes a guiding device for guiding a plurality of fitments; an attaching device for attaching the fitments to the film; a means for advancing the attached fitments and film; and an indexing device for indexing the fitments, the indexing device including a spring housing, a spring, and a fastener, the indexing device being configured such that when a first fitment has been attached to the film and then advances past the indexing device, the spring controllably releases the first fitment, and a second fitment is advanced into attaching position. A process and vertical form/fill/seal apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A machine for forming, filling, and sealing sacks has an unwinding device for a plastic tube, a cross-cutting device that cuts the tube perpendicularly to its principal axis of symmetry and creates tubular pieces in the process, a bottom forming means for forming a sack bottom at one end of the tubular piece, transport equipment to transport the resulting sacks through the machine, a filling station with a feeding element for filling the product in the sack, means of reducing the distance between the product discharge opening of the feed element and the bottom of the sack to be filled, and sealing means to seal the filled sack. The means of reducing the distance is a sack lifting device with which the sack can be lifted in the filling station such that an upper edge of the sack is located above the product discharge opening of the feed element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vertical bagging machine (1), equipped with a first linear motor (18) for displacing a transversal seal unit (10) in a first direction, preferably vertically (20), and a second linear motor (19) for executing a displacement in a second direction, preferably horizontally (21), in order to displace a heat-sealing jaw (11) in the latter direction or to cause two heat-sealing jaws (11, 12) to be displaced against one another by means of a gear (22). The linear motors (18, 19) are interconnected (23) by means of a cross formation. Each linear motor (18, 19) consists of a primary part (24, 26) and a secondary part (25, 27).

Abstract: A tool (4) is part of a bag forming machine (1) for deforming a plain web of wrapping material (33) into a tube for producing bags containing goods. The tool (4) includes a filling pipe (3) and a forming shoulder (2) including a movable first part (7), a movable second part (8), a stationary third part (13) and a channel (18) housing the filling pipe (3). The filling pipe (3) and the channel (18) form a passage gap (27) allowing for passage of the wrapping material (33). The first and second parts (7, 8) are pivotable with respect to one another such that they can be moved into a closed position and into an opened position while approximately moving in a radial direction (29 with respect to the surface of the filling pipe (3) and perpendicular to the tubular wrapping material (33) to prevent clamping or squeezing of the wrapping material (33).

Abstract: A method is described for sealing a continuous tubular packaging (20), which is fed in a vertical direction, the continuous tubular packaging (20) being shaped as a continuous tubular element (20) exhibiting with a closed bottom (5), in which products are contained, and a group (1) for actuating the method. The group (1) comprises: sealing means (4), configured such as to act in a transversal direction with respect to the continuous tubular packaging (20) in order to separate an inner volume thereof, such that a closed stick pack (2), containing said products, and a new closed bottom (5) are formed; and compression means (8, 9) arranged downstream of the sealing means (4) with respect to the feeding direction (W) of the continuous tubular packaging (20), which are configured such as to compress the continuous tubular packaging (20), consequently eliminating air fluid contained therein, and which are activatable prior to sealing the continuous tubular packaging (20) with the sealing means (4).

Abstract: An object is to enable a strip tape to be bonded to a packaging material at a proper position and enable longitudinal sealing to be performed well. A packaging-container manufacturing apparatus includes a bonding member, a first detection section which detects an edge of the packaging material, a second detection section which detects an edge of the strip tape (12), position determination processing means for determining the position of the strip tape (12) in relation to the packaging material, and position correction processing means for correcting the position of the strip tape (12) in relation to the packaging material. Since the position of the strip tape (12) in relation to the packaging material is determined on the basis of outputs of the first and second detection sections and the position of the strip tape (12) in relation to the packaging material is corrected on the basis of results of the determination on the position, the strip tape (12) is placed on the packaging material at a proper position.

Abstract: A process for forming a pouch having an evacuated headspace containing a flowable material is disclosed. The process includes the steps of: providing a continuous tube of flexible and sealable film; supplying the continuous tube with a predetermined amount of flowable material; pinching the continuous tube above a sealing region so as to form a pinched portion of the continuous tube; evacuating the headspace between the pinched portion and the predetermined amount of flowable material; and sealing the continuous tube at the sealing region to form a top seal of a previously formed pouch containing flowable material and a bottom seal of a next-to-be filled pouch. Also disclosed is a vertical form-fill-seal apparatus for forming a pouch containing a flowable material and having an evacuated headspace.

Abstract: A sorbent canister having a hollow body and porous end caps fused to opposite ends of the hollow body includes beveled surfaces at the fused sites to aid in the dispensing of the canisters into product packaging.

Abstract: A vertical form fill and seal continuous pouch machine includes a forming tube having a cross section area of CA is disclosed. A film tube is continuously formed about the forming tube and fed downward. A horizontal sealing assembly includes at least one pair of opposing sealing bars that make horizontal seals on the film, thereby forming pouches. The horizontal seals are formed in a horizontal sealing zone, and the vertical distance from a lower end of the forming tube to the center of the horizontal sealing zone is a transition distance that is (in inches) preferably no more than 0.5 multiplied by the cross-section area (in sq inches).

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package, comprises: a film unwind station for unwinding a web of flexible film from a roll of film; a folding station for folding the web into a pair of opposing walls; a strip unwind station for unwinding a strip of semi-rigid material from a roll of material and positioning the strip between the pair of opposing walls of the web; a metal buffer plate insertable between the strip and one of the opposing walls of the web; a first sealing station having a sealing bar for forming a seal between the strip and the other of the opposing walls; a second sealing station having a pair of sealing bars positioned to form a lower non-linear side seal between the opposing walls of the web of flexible film at spaced intervals; a third sealing station having a pair of sealing bars positioned to form an upper non-linear side seal between the opposing walls of the web of flexible film at spaced intervals to define connected pouches between adjacent lower and upper side seals; a

Abstract: A resilient backing member for use in cooperation with an impulse heating element comprises a resilient body having a longitudinal shoulder surface and a longitudinal intermittent raised edge protruding from the shoulder surface. The resilient backing member is for use in cooperation with an impulse heating element for sealing layers of thermoplastic film together and for either forming a sealed portion on the film, a rupturable portion on the film or severing the film. Accordingly, the resilient backing member can be used on a pouch filling machine to produce a string of sealed pouches connected by a rupturable portion or a sealed portion, and filled with flowable material without the use of a separate cutting blade.

Abstract: A bag packaging machine with vertical intermittent operation, which has a sealing station for the opposite pair of films that form the bags, in which two sealing plates operate in opposite position with respect to the symmetrical vertical axis Y-Y of the machine, which are supported with possibility of free sliding by corresponding frames fixed to free shafts that extend from the back to the front of the machine with forward inclination towards the front of the machine.

Abstract: Tandem, vertically-aligned vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) assemblies enable a method for manufacturing an ingredient package. An inner ingredient-bearing package is manufactured by a first superior VFFS assembly, which inner package is then downwardly displaced to a second inferior VFFS assembly. The inner package and a second ingredient are deposited (filled) into an open-ended outer packaging material being formed by the inferior VFFS assembly. After deposing the inner package and the second ingredient into the formed outer package, the outer package and inner package are sealed to one another at superior ends thereof to finally form an ingredient package. The finally formed package may be removed from partially formed packages in superior adjacency thereto. The finally formed package compartmentalizes the first and second ingredients for later consumer consumption.

Abstract: Pouches (2) of cohesionless material, typically a smokeless tobacco product, are manufactured on a machine equipped with feed components (101) by which the material is supplied to a conveyor (4) at a delivery station (8), then transferred by the conveyor (4) from this station (8) to a transfer station (9) where a forcing mechanism (14) directs measured portions (100) of the material from the conveyor into at least one duct (12) connecting with a form-fill-and-seal wrapping station (10) where the portions (100) are enclosed in a continuous succession (21) of pouches (2). Before being separated one from the next at a downstream cutting station (23), the single pouches (2) pass through an in-line quality control station (105) at which their weight is checked individually.

Abstract: A process for producing partitioned packages by which a first film is formed into an elongated inner tube and a second film is formed into an elongated outer tube surrounding the inner tube. Reactive components are filled into the inner and outer tubes as the tubes are formed to maintain the reactive components separate from each other. Only the outer tube is actively engaged to advance the tube longitudinally. Frictional forces from the advancing outer tube are applied to the component within the outer tube and, in turn, are applied to the inner tube thereby advancing the inner tube at a rate substantially the same as the outer tube.

Abstract: A reclosable package having a slider-operated zipper wherein the contents of the package are accessed through the front wall of the package, not through the top of the package. The reclosable package comprises: a bag body comprising front and rear walls of bag making material; a flexible zipper joined to the front wall and not joined to the rear wall; and a slider mounted to the zipper, the slider being movable in a first direction along the zipper for opening the zipper and movable in a second direction along the zipper for closing the zipper. Alternatively, the flexible zipper is joined to the front wall along first and second zones of joinder disposed at different heights on the front wall, and is joined to the rear wall only in zones of joinder where the zipper is joined to both of the front and rear walls.

Abstract: A method of manufacture comprising the following steps: (a) making a vent hole in a package; (b) loading product into a receptacle of the package via an opening; (c) closing the opening; (d) placing an air-permeable layer of material over the vent hole; (e) squeezing the receptacle after steps (a) through (d) have been performed to force air out the vent hole; and (f) after step (e) has been performed, sealing the package so that air cannot enter the receptacle via the vent hole. In accordance with some embodiments, the vent hole is formed in the receptacle and sealed by means of an air-impermeable patch or by joining two walls of the receptacle together. In accordance with other embodiments, the vent hole is formed in a zipper tape attached to the receptacle and various means can be used to seal the vent hole after air removal.

Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch, flat bottom bag, or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch or flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by forming one or two vertical creases along opposing sides of the packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The vertical crease is formed using a pivoting tucker mechanism positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube. A novel method is also disclosed for adjusting the orientation of labeling on the packaging film, which results in the production of innovative packages.

Abstract: The invention relates to a counter element (22) being adapted to apply a pressure to a first portion of a packaging material in association with heating of the packaging material in order to seal the first portion of the packaging material to a second portion of the packaging material. The element (22) being provided with an abutment surface (23) adapted to at least abut said first portion of the packaging material. The abutment surface (23) is provided with a plurality of indentations (24) adapted to entrap fluid or gas present in the vicinity of the abutment surface (23) and the first portion of the packaging material. The inventions also relates to a method of providing a counter element (22) as described above.

Abstract: A multi-substrate sheet for forming an at least partially open mesh fabric bag using a form, fill and seal machine and a bag formed of this sheet are provided. The sheet includes at least one strip formed of an open mesh polymeric fabric and at least one strip formed of a polymeric film. The fabric and film strips are secured to one another to form a web that can be formed into a roll and utilized with a form, fill and seal machine. The bag resulting from the processing of the web by the machine includes a substantial open mesh fabric portion to provide adequate ventilation to the product positioned within the bag and a printable film portion.

Abstract: A spooler for taking up a pouch package web output from a pouch package web source and a method for management of a pouch package web output from said source. In embodiments, the spooler comprises a support structure, a rotatable spindle secured with respect to the support structure, a drive apparatus in power-transmission relationship with the spindle for powering spindle rotation and control apparatus. A spool may be mounted on the spindle. Pouch package web output from the pouch package web source is wound onto the spool, providing a convenient and efficient means for managing the pouch package web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a transportable container for bulk goods. A bag is placed through a former opening of a slip frame former which surrounds a portion of the bag. The bag receives the bulk goods from a feed source. A stretch wrap is disposed radially about a bottom support and a portion of the slip frame former to initially form the transportable container. At least one of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods in the bag. During filling, the slip frame former is maintained at a position surrounding the fill level of the bulk goods in the bag. As the fill level increases in the bag, previously disposed portions of stretch wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the bag and lock together the bulk goods as additional portions of stretch wrap are disposed around the slip frame former.

Abstract: A body of an automated hand held tubing sealer encloses an electric motor, a drive train responsive to the electric motor, a source of RF energy, a switch for initiating operation of the electric motor and limit switches for controlling operation of the source of RF energy as a function of the drive train and a programmable microprocessor for controlling and varying any of numerous parameters. A sealing head assembly is formed by a fixed jaw and a movable jaw to compress tubing placed therebetween in response to operation of the drive train and to melt the compressed tubing as a function of operation of the source of RF energy. A fitting permits selectively detachably attaching the sealing head assembly with the body at any of more than one angularly displaced positions.

Abstract: A sealing device producing sealed packages filled with pourable food product from sheet packaging material comprises a supporting frame, a forming mechanism movable with respect to the frame along a path to fold the sheet packaging material, a sealing arrangement carried by the forming mechanism to seal the sheet packaging material and form the packages, and an electromagnetic power device supplying electric energy to the sealing arrangement. The power device comprises at least one primary winding fixed to the frame and connectable to an electric energy source, and a secondary winding movable along the path, powering the sealing arrangement, and receiving electric energy by electromagnetic induction from the primary winding as the secondary winding travels past the primary winding. When interconnected by electromagnetic induction, the primary and secondary windings are so arranged as to have respective adjacent portions interjacent in a first direction crosswise to the forming mechanism movement path.

Abstract: A method and a device for packaging product portions in a wrapper are proposed, wherein at least two webs of a packaging material are aligned parallel, with the longitudinal edges facing each other overlapping, and each transported towards one upwardly open folding shaft, the webs are severed transverse to the overlapping longitudinal edges, creating flat blanks of the wrappers, and the blanks are folded into the folding shaft by means of a folding stamp, insertable into the folding shaft, creating an upwardly open wrapper, whereupon the product portion is placed in the open wrappers and the upwardly protruding sections of the wrappers are then turned inward while overlapping.

Abstract: A tubular bagging machine includes an innovative indentation-forming device and a modified cross-sealing device. The innovative indentation-forming device includes two punches that form two indentations in the foil web. The machine then forms the foil web into a foil tube with the indentations aligned directly opposite each other and bowed outward. The cross-sealing device includes two opposing sealing jaws each having a blank formed in it. The jaws are closed together to form transverse seal zones in the foil tube. The blanks are aligned with each other and receive the aligned indentations so that they are not sealed together, resulting in the formation of an air bubble in one of the seal zones. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing the bags, bags produced by the disclosed machines and methods, and retrofit kits for upgrading existing tubular bagging machines.

Abstract: When viewing in the direction of material flow of a flat film web of a packaging machine for tubular bags, a film conveying device is situated behind a shaping shoulder of a packaging machine for tubular bags. The film conveying device enables the film web to be drawn off from a film delivery device and pulled over the shaping shoulder. The film web can be shaped by means of the shaping shoulder into a bag extending in the direction of material flow. When viewing in the direction of material flow, a film joining device is situated behind the shaping shoulder. This film joining device can join together opposite lying edge areas of the film web. An incorrect position of the film web perpendicular to the direction of material flow can be detected and transmitted to a control device by a sensor device located, when viewing in the direction of material flow, between the shaping shoulder and the film joining device.

Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch, flat bottom bag, or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch or flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by forming one or two vertical creases along opposing sides of the packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The vertical crease is formed using a pivoting tucker mechanism positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube. A novel method is also disclosed for adjusting the orientation of labeling on the packaging film, which results in the production of innovative packages.

Abstract: A forming apparatus is provided for forming a film into a sleeve around a filling tube. The forming apparatus has contact surface geometry that is contacted by the film as it travels thereacross configured to ensure smooth forming of the film into the sleeve. Smooth forming of the film into the sleeve is achieved, in part, by reducing longitudinal tensile forces in the film, by selecting the contact surface geometry to minimize transverse variations in tensile forces in the film, and by having contact edges of the contact surfaces shaped to reduce unnecessary stresses in the film.

Abstract: A self-aligning former assembly has a single-point mount for attachment to an automated form/fill/seal packaging machine. Substantially rectangular apertures in a plurality of mounting brackets are configured to fit snugly on corresponding substantially rectangular shoulders formed on a mounting post. The configuration inhibits pivoting motion of the former on the mounting post. In an illustrated embodiment, the mounting post is attached to a base plate with a plurality of spaced-apart fasteners which prevent rotational movement of the mounting post relative to the base plate. Radial attachments are used in the illustrated embodiment to secure the funnel portion of a product feed tube to the mounting apparatus. Paired upper and lower mounting brackets permit precise alignment of the device prior to affixing the radial attachments to the mounting brackets.

Abstract: A product package formed from a vertical form, fill, seal process includes a single piece of film arranged and configured to define a container portion. The container includes a top seal portion, a bottom seal portion, and one side seal portion. Additionally, the container includes at least one folded side edge. The top and bottom seal portions include concave edges defining convex profiles of the container portion. The convex profiles of the container portion intersect the side seals to advantageously blunt corners of the product package to advantageously reduce localized stresses.

Abstract: The bag-making packaging machine 20 comprises a tubular former 23 having a former surface for aligning a packaging film 11, a pull-down mechanism 24, a vertical seal mechanism 21, a horizontal seal mechanism 22, and a molding apparatus 25 for molding three dimensional designs, in which the tubular former 23 has a molding surface 30 for molding the three dimensional designs at any position of the former surface, and the molding apparatus 25 is provided at the position opposite to the molding surface 30 of the former. As specific examples of the molding apparatus 25, a heater, a light irradiation apparatus, a mold, and pressing machine can be exemplified. When the molding apparatus 25 is the heater or the optical irradiation apparatus, a foamable ink is contained in the printing layer of the packaging film 11 to foam. When the molding apparatus 25 is the mold, the embossing is performed by further laminating the reinforcement sheet or the sheet for the three dimensional designs on the packaging film 11.

Abstract: A product and method for producing a string of individual sealed, filled packages separated by perforations. A string of separate packages optionally may be enclosed in a cardboard or other container designed to sit in a pantry or other location for dispensing of individual units. Perforations in the packaging film between separate packages provide a tear point to aid in separating one package from the next. There are several advantages to this format including easy placement of the string of packages into a carton for shipping or dispensing, and the ability to hang a string of packages in locations without the need to attach the packages to a backing strip. The perforations between packages facilitate the packaging and transportation of the entire string or bandolier, and facilitate the removal and use of a separate package.

Abstract: A tube package system, includes a closure attached to a body that defines a reservoir for retaining and dispensing product.

Abstract: A quick change module operable for being removably attached to and extending below a forming tube of a conventional vertical form, fill, and seal machine to produce a wide assortment of differently sized vertical stand-up pouches or gusseted flat bottom bags. The quick change module comprises at least one pair of adjustable forming plates located below the forming tube. The lateral distance between each pair of forming plates can be adjusted by shifting the position of each forming plate along a corresponding slotted bracket. A gusseting mechanism mounted to the frame of the machine can be positioned between each pair of forming plates imparting a vertical crease along the length of the bag while it is being formed and advanced down the forming tube of the machine.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for automated manufacture of block bottom pillow top bags.

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 and filling apparatus fills a tube of a web of a packaging material with a fluid product, forms lateral seal bands, cuts each seal band of a series of pillow-like preformed bodies with a cutting device to form a packaging and filling container of the final form. The cutting device comprises a resistance measuring device for measuring a cutting resistance pressure that a packaging material cutting blade receives from the packaging material, and then outputting a measurement value obtained, and a blade monitoring device for monitoring the condition of the packaging material cutting blade based upon based upon a comparison of a difference between a maximum measured cutting resistance pressure and a constant measured cutting resistance pressure following the maximum measured cutting resistance pressure with a predetermined pressure difference reference value.

Abstract: A forming device and method for use in a packaging machine of the type where packages are produced from a tube. The forming device comprises two opposing sealing elements between which the tube is arranged to be flat-laid and squeezed to heat the thermoplastic and obtain a first transverse seal of the tube. It further comprises two volume control elements. The forming device is arranged to displace the first transverse seal off-center in relation a longitudinal axis of the first portion of the tube in a displacement direction essentially perpendicular to the first transverse seal to enable later shaping of a corresponding final package with a wall arranged with a predetermined angle of inclination in relation to the displacement direction. Also disclosed is a machine, a process and a packaging laminate.

Abstract: A vacuum belt assembly (10) to drive tubular bag material (11) through a packaging machine. The assembly (10) includes three belts (19, 20, 21) with the belts (19, 20, 21) being driven by rollers (22). The belts (20, 21) have respectively lengths (28, 29) being located in planes inclined by an angle greater than 0° but less than 180°, preferably an obtuse angle.

Abstract: A method of forming, filling, and sealing a flexible pouch with a guide pocket includes the steps of forming the pouch, and forming a first crease and second crease in the pouch that each projects outwardly and extends longitudinally from the upper edge, tapering in the direction of the lower edge. The method further includes the steps of opening and filling the pouch with the product and closing the pouch by sealing the upper edge transversely through the guide pocket, such that the first and second crease is eliminated as the upper edge is sealed.

Abstract: A method of verifying seal quality of a packaging material includes providing packaging material, and applying a thermochromic ink to at least one portion of the packaging material. The method also includes applying heat to the at least one portion of packaging material to form a seal, and inspecting the packaging material to determine the quality of the seal.

Abstract: A vertical form fill and seal continuous pouch machine includes a forming tube having a cross section area of CA is disclosed. A film tube is continuously formed about the forming tube and fed downward. A horizontal sealing assembly includes at least one pair of opposing sealing bars that make horizontal seals on the film, thereby forming pouches. The horizontal seals are formed in a horizontal sealing zone, and the vertical distance from a lower end of the forming tube to the center of the horizontal sealing zone is a transition distance that is (in inches) preferably no more than 0.5 multiplied by the cross-section area (in sq inches).

Abstract: A method for making a multi-compartment microwavable package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a multi-compartment bag having an internal permeable wall between compartments from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A food product can be placed into the first compartment and steam pack can be placed into the second compartment.

Abstract: A package formed via a vertical-form-fill-and-seal process includes a web material with edge portions sealed to create a vertical sleeve. The package also includes a first sealed end and a second sealed end at either end of the vertical sleeve to create a sealed package. The package includes a laser scribed ablation pattern extending across the web material with ablated portions having an about one to about three millimeter length separated by non-ablated portions of about 0.25 and about 0.75 millimeter length. The package has increased tensile strength to avoid breaking during the vertical-form-fill-and-seal process and provides a high likelihood that an outer edge and vertical seal of the package include ablated portions to provide an easy-to-start tear area to open the package. Also, the short spaces between ablated portions increase the likelihood of tear propagation along the ablation pattern, all the way across the package.

Abstract: A process for forming a pouch having an evacuated headspace containing a flowable material is disclosed. The process includes the steps of: providing a continuous tube of flexible and sealable film; supplying the continuous tube with a predetermined amount of flowable material; pinching the continuous tube above a sealing region so as to form a pinched portion of the continuous tube; evacuating the headspace between the pinched portion and the predetermined amount of flowable material; and sealing the continuous tube at the sealing region to form a top seal of a previously formed pouch containing flowable material and a bottom seal of a next-to-be filled pouch. Also disclosed is a vertical form-fill-seal apparatus for forming a pouch containing a flowable material and having an evacuated headspace.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a reclosable package having a hooded slider-operated zipper, comprising the following steps: (a) interlocking profiled closure members of first and second flanged zipper strips; (b) inserting a slider on the zipper strips; (c) folding zipper flanges of the first and second flanged zipper strips so that respective portions of the zipper flanges confront each other at a position above the profiled closure members; (d) joining the mutually confronting portions of the zipper flanges to each other to form a hood over the profiled closure members; (e) guiding first and second portions of web material into mutual confrontation; (f) guiding the mutually interlocked first and second zipper strips to positions whereat a portion of one zipper flange confronts the first portion of web material and a portion of the other zipper flange confronts the second portion of web material; and (g) joining respective portions of the zipper flanges to the first and second portions of web material respectivel

Abstract: A vertical form fill and seal continuous pouch machine includes a forming tube having a cross section area of CA is disclosed. A film tube is continuously formed about the forming tube and fed downward. A horizontal sealing assembly includes at least one pair of opposing sealing bars that make horizontal seals on the film, thereby forming pouches. The horizontal seals are formed in a horizontal sealing zone, and the vertical distance from a lower end of the forming tube to the center of the horizontal sealing zone is a transition distance that is (in inches) preferably no more than 0.5 multiplied by the cross-section area (in sq inches).

Abstract: A method of fabricating reclosable bags comprising: disposing a releasably engaged closure between a first and a second bag film portions, the closure including a loop-engageable fastener strip comprising an array of loop-engageable fastener elements integrally molded with a sheet-form resin substrate, and a loop strip comprising a plurality of loops carried on a sheet-form resin base; and applying energy to bond the resin substrate of the loop-engageable fastener strip to the first bag film portion and to bond the resin base of the loop strip to the second bag film portion; wherein the loop-engageable fastener strip is not bonded to the loop strip when the energy is applied.