Abstract: An adjustable density control means is provided for a bagging machine designed for filling or packing material such as silage, compost or the like into an elongated flexible bag. The adjustable density control means comprises an elongated and flexible sheet or belt member which is selectively adjustable positioned beneath the bag being filled and the ground. The weight of the material in the bag on the sheet member resists the forward movement of the bagging machine away from the closed end of the bag. The density of the material being packed or bagged is varied by the length of the sheet member which is positioned beneath the bag being filled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling and sealing of containers, such as sealable valved bags are provided. A sealable valved bag is placed in an upright, erect position, with its sealable valve structure presented to the apparatus, in a slightly open position, amenable to receipt of a filling nozzle of a filling tube. A bag sealing apparatus is placed at the same position along a processing path as a filling apparatus. The filling apparatus and the sealing apparatus are both configured for reciprocable movement into and out of engagement with successive ones of the bags, to enable filling, and subsequent sealing of each of such bags, without intermediate indexing of bags from a filling station to a sealing station.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and a method for forming a packaging unit consisting of an endless hose, or for sealing a prefabricated packaging unit, comprising an ultrasonic welding device including an anvil and a sonotrode, which are movable towards each other, and a means for positioning the hose material to be welded between the anvil and the sonotrode. In accordance with the present invention it is suggested that the anvil comprises two anvil parts which are movable relative to one another in the direction of the sonotrode, one of said anvil parts being implemented as a sealing anvil and the other part being implemented as a separating anvil. Hence, the apparatus according to the present invention permits the production of packaging units which end directly at the weld, i.e. in the case of which no length section of the foil material projects outwardly beyond the weld.

Abstract: A machine for forming individual packages from a web of preopened and interconnected bags one at a time is disclosed. A web is fed along a path of travel from a supply to a load station. A pair of nip rolls are positioned along the path near the load station. A printer is positioned along the path between the supply and the nip rolls. A nip roll drive is provided for rotating the nip rolls selectively and one at a time at a printing rate for the feed of the web when the printer is operating and at a faster feed rate for positioning a bag at the load station when the printer is not operating. A supply station tensioner is provided for tensioning a web along the path such that the printer when operating prints a section of a tensioned web.

Abstract: A method for dispensing a fluent material to articles which receive the fluent material. The method comprises the steps of selectively dispensing fluent material to the articles through open ends of nipples of a first flexible bag positioned for dispensing fluent material to the articles by deforming the nipples to eject fluent material therefrom. The open ends of the nipples of the first flexible bag are sealed. A second flexible bag having nipples is positioned for dispensing fluent material from the nipples to the articles, and fluent material is selectively dispensed to the articles through open ends of the nipples of second flexible bag by deforming the nipples to eject fluent material therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to elastic coverings for an alpine sport equipment, specifically, skis, snowboards and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic covering is made from a stretchable, washable, water-permeable, elastic material and is formed into an elongated tube, similar in configuration to a sock. The piece of alpine sport equipment is inserted into the elastic covering, which stretches to fit snuggly over the equipment. The length of the covering, in conjunction with its elastic nature, allow the elastic covering to completely cover alpine sport equipment having a widely varying length. The open end of the elastic covering includes integral straps for tying the end closed after the sporting equipment has been placed therein. The elastic covering is preferably formed from material having a lower coefficient of friction on one side than the other, such that the low coefficient of friction side is oriented toward the interior of the covering.

Abstract: A vertical bagging apparatus [101] comprises a bag station [105] having multiple stations [403A, 403B, 403C, 403D] for holding a variety of wicket-supported bags. A tooling assembly [107] accepts product for a product line and dispenses the product into an opened bag from the bag station. A bag transfer assembly [109] lowers the filled bag to a bag seal assembly [111] located vertically below the tooling assembly. The apparatus allows high speeds and quick-change of bags and bagged product.

Abstract: A 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 flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by creating two vertical creases along opposite sides of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. These creases are formed using fixed or stationary modifications to prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines.

Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch 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 from a single sheet of packaging film by creating a vertical crease along one edge of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. Said vertical crease is formed using a stationary tucker bar positioned outside the packaging film tube and between two forming plates positioned inside the packaging film tube.

Abstract: A flexible polymeric container for holding albumin. The container is made of a sheet of flexible polymeric film formed into a bag having a cavity enclosed by a first wall, an opposing second wall, and seals about a periphery of the first and second walls. The seals join an interior portion of the opposing first and second walls and create a fluid-tight chamber within the cavity of the container for storing a concentration of the albumin. A method of packaging the albumin protein into a flexible polymeric container is also provided. Therein a flexible polymeric material is converted into bags, the bags are filled with a quantity of albumin by a filler, and a seal area of the bags is sealed to enclose the albumin within the bag.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable multilayer film comprises (A) a first layer, which is an outer layer, and which comprises polyolefin; (B) a second layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyolefin, polystyrene, and polyurethane; (C) a third layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of amorphous polyester and polyester having a melting point of from about 130° C. to about 260° C.; (D) a fourth layer, which is an outer layer, the fourth layer comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of polyester, polyamide and polyurethane. The first layer preferably serves as a seal layer in a heat-shrinkable bag. The third layer provides enhanced impact strength, optics, grease-resistance, and free-shrink of the film, and renders the tape more easily orientable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container system for flowable materials including a front wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a back wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. There is an opening in the front wall. The present invention further provides a patch attached to the back wall of the container, the patch opposite and in substantial registration with the opening.

Abstract: An in-line, continuously operating stand-up pouch forming, filling and sealing apparatus and process contemplates a continuously moving web and pouch train operating at rates in excess of 150 pouches or 500 to 600 web inches per minute, and at to at least about 1500 pouches or 4000 web inches per minute. Seal facilitating holes are continuously punched in a continuously moving web and side seams are formed by continuously sealing a continuous web. The stand-up pouches are positively opened by a continuous Coanda-Effect application or alternately by a combined vacuum/mechanical operation. Stand-up pouches are continuously formed, filled and sealed without intermittent web stops for web or pouch operations.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at a turntable-mounted point of fill. With rotation of the turntable, final sealing operations are performed.

Abstract: A plush assembly is stuffed with filler material to form a stuffed product. The plush assembly includes a plush defining an exterior and an aperture for receiving the filler material therein. The aperture is opened and closed or sealed with a zipper. The zipper includes a slide that is movable therealong. The slide includes a lock extendable out from the slide that engages the zipper to lock the slide in a position along the zipper. A string is used to prevent the slide from being locked until the plush is filled and the aperture is closed. Then the string is removed by cutting it, maintaining the slide in a locked state.

Abstract: A squeezable tube-shaped plastic container (10, 100) having a one-piece construction formed by extrusion blow-molding techniques. The container (10, 100) has a retractable end wall (26, 126) which is positionable into an outwardly projecting position and an inverted position. The end wall (26, 126), as blown, is in the outwardly projecting position and is thereafter inverted so that a tamper indicating covering (28, 128) can be attached to the end (14, 114) of the container (10, 100) thereby sealing the end wall (26, 126). The inverted end wall (26, 126) permits the container (10, 100) to be free standing on the standing ring (20, 120). In use, the flexible sidewall (12, 112) of the container (10, 100) is squeezed to snap the end wall (26, 126) from the inverted position to an outwardly projecting position to enable ready access to a dispensing opening (32, 132) on the end wall (26, 126).

Abstract: A method of filling a flexible pouch having a base and sidewalls extending from the base to define a mouth. The method comprising the steps of delivering the pouches an infeed conveyor to a predetermined orientation and transporting the pouches in a controlled manner toward a filler station, and transferring the pouches from the infeed conveyor to a transport conveyor in which the pouch is gripped adjacent to the mouth so as to be suspended from the transport conveyor. Opening the mouth of the pouch to permit filling at the filling station passing the pouches through the filler station, closing the mouth and sealing the mouth prior to release from the transport conveyor.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for filling of a bag with a loose commodity comprises a bag filling station for dispensing commodity into a bag; a wicket for feeding a stacked and interconnected array of empty bags; and a conveyor for removing filled bags from the filling station. Reciprocating clamps grip the open mouths of the filled bags, and transfer the filled bags away from the filling station, with a subsequent bag being drawn into appropriate position for filling by means of the connection formed between the contacting bags.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an apparatus and a method for forming a packaging unit consisting of an endless hose, or for sealing a prefabricated packaging unit, comprising an ultrasonic welding device including an anvil and a sonotrode, which are movable towards each other, and a means for positioning the hose material to be welded between the anvil and the sonotrode. In accordance with the present invention it is suggested that the anvil comprises two anvil parts which are movable relative to one another in the direction of the sonotrode, one of said anvil parts being implemented as a sealing anvil and the other part being implemented as a separating anvil. Hence, the apparatus according to the present invention permits the production of packaging units which end directly at the weld, i.e. in the case of which no length section of the foil material projects outwardly beyond the weld.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a flexible intermediate bulk container bag is disclosed wherein the bag is suspended clear of an underlying platform by a lift (9) urged upwards by a counterweight (11) so that during filling the bag “B” the bag falls to the underlying platform to prepare a stable base. There is also disclosed a telescopic spout (8) for delivering fill to the bag (B) and a spout closure (24) for preventing spillage of fill from the spout after filling. Hooks (10) for suspending the bag from the lift may be articulated and overlooking to allow for automation of the bag release after filling. A base (1) and tower frame (2) of the apparatus can be pivotally connected to enable the apparatus height to be reduced for transport.

Abstract: A filling device for filling secondary containers within a primary container. The filling device includes a filling platform that includes a base and filling channels that are in fluid communication with the base. The filling device also includes a retention platform for retaining secondary containers in contact with the filling platform during filling. The filling device, with secondary containers attached thereto, is placed within a primary container and material is supplied to the filling platform in order to fill the secondary containers. When complete, the filling device is removed and the filled secondary containers remain within the primary container.

Abstract: A packaged liquid-filled plastic tube is provided to achieve a desirably long shelf life. The tube is formed from PET, polypropylene or otherknown plastics that exhibit high liquid permeability. A liquid additive of a specified volume, concentration and/or solubility is placed in the tube and the tube is sealed. Loss of liquid through the permeable tube is prevented by a moisture barrier film that is sealed around the tube. The moisture barrier film maintains a high relative humidity adjacent said tube and substantially minimizes transport of liquid vapor through the plastic of the tube.

Abstract: An improved can end bagging system comprises four subassemblies: (1) the end gathering and stick assembly apparatus, (2) the bag feeding, opening, and loading apparatus which places a predetermined number of stacked can ends into an open end bag, (3) the vertical positioner apparatus for moving the bagged sticks into a folding device, and (4) the bag folding, closing and transfer apparatus. The loading mechanism includes a servo controlled pusher which is driven with controlled acceleration and deceleration to avoid tipping of the ends making up a stick, to avoid bursting of the bags during filling, and to assure complete and uniform filling of each bag. Sponginess which results primarily from variations in compression of the rims of the ends pressing against each other in the gathering and counting process is avoided.

Abstract: A chemically inflated gas bag for mining is provided. This gas bag includes a modified PVA bag that contains sodium bicarbonate and an HDPE bag that contains acetic acid. The PVA bag and the HDPE bag are contained within a nylon/PE bag. Preferably, when the HDPE bag is broken, the flow of acetic acid onto the PVA bag is controlled by a second bag having small holes therein surrounding the HDPE bag, allowing the gas bag to be lowered into a borehole before it inflates. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of making this gas bag. This method includes pouring diluted acetic acid into an HDPE bag, putting sodium bicarbonate into a PVA bag, sealing these bags, and placing these bags within a nylon/PE bag. The gas bag is folded in such a manner as to easily inflate and completely seal the borehole.

Abstract: A packaging method and assembly includes a bag loading assembly operable to load single sized bags into a loading station at a plurality of distances and a cutter assembly operable to cut the single sized bag to a desired size. A bag manipulating assembly operable to open the bag to allow a package to be inserted into the bag and to seal the bag after the package has been inserted into the bag. The packaging method and assembly also preferably includes a tail remover that removes the cut tail of the bag from the packaging assembly.

Abstract: A shipping package for a floral grouping including a sheet of material bonded to a support member and wrapped upwardly and gathered at a portion above the floral grouping to enclose the floral grouping. A bonding material joins the gathered portion, and a plurality of perforations in the sheet of material provides for the detachment of a detachable portion above the floral grouping. The support member can be provided as a foldable member to form an outer enclosure about the floral grouping with the sheet of material forming a substantially water tight enclosure between the floral grouping and the outer enclosure.

Abstract: A thin-walled laminated synthetic resin body for a liquid container according to the invention comprises first and second thin-walled synthetic resin layers (10, 20), each having a curved surface portion (11, 21) and a projection (12, 22) extending outwardly from a predetermined region at an edge of the curved surface portion (11, 21). The first and second layers (10, 20) are laminated to each other with the curved surface portions (11, 21) bulging out in the same direction, are integrated with each other at the edges (13, 23) of the curved surface portions (11, 21) and projections (12, 22), and are separable from each other at regions exclusive of the edges (13, 23). When a liquid is charged, the curved surface portion (21) of one of the first and second layers (20) is separated from the curved surface portion (11) of the other layer (10) and reversed.

Abstract: A bag filling apparatus comprises a filling head, a structure providing suspension points for suspending a bag in registry with the filling head and a rigging arrangement for sealing the bag with the filling head. The rigging arrangement includes a rigging ring for use in locating an inlet of the bag. The support structure and the rigging ring are movable independently of the filling head between a lower position facilitating rigging of the bag loops and the bag inlet to the suspension points and the rigging ring and an upper position in which the bag loops are raised and the rigging ring is registered with the filling head.

Abstract: String of packing cushions formed by two superposed layers of flexible plastic film sealed together along transversely extending lines to form a series of closed chambers, loose fill packing material in the chambers, and perforations in the film between the chambers defining tear lines by which the cushions can be separated. In certain disclosed embodiments, the string of cushions is made by positioning an elongated length of flexible plastic tubing about a chute, drawing a section of the tubing from the chute, introducing loose fill packing material through the chute into the section of the tubing which has been drawn from the chute, sealing the walls of the tubing together along a transversely extending seal line above the loose fill packing material to close the section and form a cushion, perforating the tubing along a transversely extending tear line above the cushion, and repeating the process to form successive cushions separated by tear lines.

Abstract: A bag filling and sealing machine includes a bag holder, a bag opening and filling station, and a sealing station. The bag holder holds wicketed bags in a manner that allows the bags to be easily torn from the holder. A funnel assembly successively opens each bag, tears the bag from the bag holder, fills the bag with material, and releases the bag to a grabber assembly. The grabber assembly engages the sides of the bag while the bag is attached to a funnel assembly and later pulls the sides of the bag away from each other so that the top of the bag is closed and ready to seal when the bag is delivered to a sealing apparatus. The grabber assembly moves in a manner so as to minimize the lost height when moving from the filling station to the sealing station.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for filling a container main body at least whose drum body is made of a flexible film, with a viscous material. A viscous material is charged by the charging means into container main bodies conveyed by the container conveying means, the drum body of the container main body is pressed by the pressing means to cause the surface of the viscous material to bulge, and the opening of the reinforcing component of the container main body is capped by the capping means, allowing the opening to be capped in an air-tight manner with a lid member while virtually all of the air inside the container main body is evacuated, and preventing air from being left over in the container main body so as to prevent hardening, curing and deterioration in the quality of the viscous material that can be caused by such remaining air.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evacuating and sealing a bag made of a sealable material and containing a comminuted product. The bag is positioned with its open upper end around a sleeve through which a hollow probe can be extended. A pair of upper jaw members close to form an outer temporary seal above an intermediate region of the bag above the level of the surface of the charge in the bag where a permanent seal is to be formed. A pair of lower jaws members close to form an inner temporary seal about a lower region of the bag above the surface of the charge. With the probe extended through the sleeve into the bag, the bag is evacuated through the probe. After evacuation is completed and after withdrawal of the hollow probe, a pair of sealing members close against the intermediate region of the bag in order to form a permanent seal for the bag.

Abstract: There is provided an improved method for filling a tube with a paste, ointment, gel or cream along with a device therefore which comprises simultaneously reducing the internal volume of the filled tube with the flattening and closure of the filling orifice.

Abstract: A package fabricated from a flexible sheet material capable of being sealed for closing off the interior of the package from ambient atmosphere is disclosed. The package has two or more side walls and a like number of side seams. The package has an open upper end portion terminating in a free edge. The inner surface of the side walls has a releasably securable adhesive adjacent the upper end portion in a pattern wherein the adhesive does not extend into the area of the side seams, thus increasing the structural integrity of the package.

Abstract: A flexible container for liquids including an outer shell, an inner liner and an intermediate structure in which the intermediate liner is coupled to the outer shell to maintain a cross-sectional profile and the volume of the inner liner is greater than the enclosed volume of the intermediate structure. Liquids are loaded into a flexible container wherein the container is lifted by straps so that the container hangs freely, the container is filled with the liquid, the filling tube is sealed, the sealed tube is placed between the outer shell and stabilizing straps on the outside surface of the outer shell and the flexible container is then rested on a surface, trapping the filling tube between the outside surface and strap so that the container is securely sealed.

Abstract: A method of making a personalized stuffed toy for a purchaser by providing an unstuffed toy and stuffing it through an opening in the presence of a purchaser thereof, thereby to cause the same to assume the shape of the stuffed toy and then delivering the personalized stuffed toy to the purchaser. The resultant stuffed toy has a safety barrier between the stuffing and the closed opening.

Abstract: A bag manipulating method and assembly including a pair of bag grippers that receive and grip opposing side edges of a bag positioned in a loading station. The bag grippers are movable in a plane substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the loading station. The bag manipulating assembly also includes upper and lower bag spreader assemblies, each having a suction cup to apply suction to the bag and a spreader plate that is insertable into the bag and movable to spread apart the bag. Preferably, the bag grippers move toward each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis while the bag is being spread apart to facilitate opening the bag. To facilitate closing and sealing the bag, the bag grippers move away from each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis after the bag has been filled.

Abstract: Plastic bag opening method enables to open plastic bags, one by one, without tearing at pin hole portion, where each plastic bag has one edge of opening portion elongated and the plastic bags are held together with pin being inserted into the pin holes. Lower edge (2) of opening portion (0) of plastic bag (1) is elongated and two pin holes (3) are formed there. Pin (4) is inserted into the pin holes (3) and the plastic bags (1) are held together in multi-layer state, Holding member (5) presses the edge (2) portion between the pin holes (3). In this state, air (7) is blown from air nozzle (6) to open partially the opening portion (0) of the plastic bag (1). Opening member (9) is inserted thereinto to enlarge the opening. The edge (2) is released from the pin (4) without being torn.

Abstract: A sheathing method includes the steps of depositing a bale on a sheathing carrier. The bale is pushed onto the carrier and slides on the carrier base plate against the preceding bale using a pusher-ejector device. A pushing motion of the pusher-ejector device causes a handling equipment to simultaneously move the tractor attached to the handling in a direction opposite to the direction of the pushing motion. The movement of the tractor is caused by a cross piece arranged beneath the frame of the pusher-ejector device. The carrier has a stop integral with the two rails that define the base plate. The cross piece contacts the stop to move the carrier by a step corresponding to a length of the bale in the same direction as the tractor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing a drainage line unit. The apparatus includes a mandrel having an inner cavity. Rear, upper and front openings communicate with the mandrel cavity. Preferably, a controller connected to at least one sensor is operably positioned to control the apparatus. A pipe feeder feeds perforated vent pipe through the inner cavity of the mandrel from the rear opening to the front opening and therethrough. The pipe is positioned within the inner tube cavity so as to define a void space between the pipe and the wall of the mandrel. A hopper assembly has an exit port positioned for feeding a plurality of plastic bodies into the cavity. A blower produces a sufficient air flow through the mandrel cavity for moving the plurality of plastic bodies to substantially fill the void space so that the pipe emerges from the front opening of the mandrel surrounded by the plurality of plastic bodies.

Abstract: In surface packaging of thin resin packages such as resin molded memory ICs or the like, cracks of the package occur frequently at a solder reflow step where thermal impact is applied to the package because the resin has absorbed moisture before packaging.

Abstract: The present invention is a system for filling a container main body at least whose drum body is made of a flexible film, with a viscous material. A viscous material is charged by the charging means into container main bodies conveyed by the container conveying means, the drum body of the container main body is pressed by the pressing means to cause the surface of the viscous material to bulge, and the opening of the reinforcing component of the container main body is capped by the capping means, allowing the opening to be capped in an air-tight manner with a lid member while virtually all of the air inside the container main body is evacuated, and preventing air from being left over in the container main body so as to prevent hardening, curing and deterioration in the quality of the viscous material that can be caused by such remaining air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for transporting, testing, filling and sealing a bag which is comprised of a bag body that can be spread out to form a rectangular cross section, said bag body being made up of two wider first and two narrower second bag walls, a bag bottom sealing the bag body at the bottom, a bag opening bordering the bag body at the top, and an opened bag seal, whereby the bag seal itself comprises first sealing flaps which are connected to the first bag walls respectively and stick out horizontally from the bag opening outwards, and towards the first bag walls at right angles, second sealing flaps which are connected to the second bag walls respectively and which lie—especially when folded inwards onto the bag opening—horizontally so that the first sealing flaps and the second sealing flaps form a frame-shaped sealing collar lying on a horizontal plane, by which during transporting, testing, filling and sealing the outer areas of the first sealing flaps are he

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a heating device which is capable of generating heat when exposed to oxygen. The heat generating element comprises activated carbon and iron is used to generate an exothermic oxidation reaction within the heating device. Introducing an oxidation inhibitor during the manufacturing process allows the manufacturing of the device to take place in ambient atmospheric conditions. The present invention also includes a loading facilitator which allows the heat generating medium to be more easily and efficiently loaded into the heat generating device. When appropriate, the oxidation inhibitor and loading facilitator can be removed.

Abstract: A package for a sterilizable item is provided. The package includes a tubular member having an open end and a closed end. A reinforcing panel encompassing the closed end is secured to the tubular member proximate the closed end such that the reinforcing panel includes an open end. A cuff portion is attached to the tubular member proximate the open end of the tubular member. The cuff portion includes a first edge secured to the tubular member and a second edge in spaced relation from the first edge, wherein in the cuff portion extends from the open end of the tubular member and substantially overlaps the open end of said reinforcing panel. A portion of the inside surface of the tubular member is thus exposed and defines the width of the cuff portion. In the preferred embodiment, the cuff portion is integral with the tubular member.

Abstract: A bag welding method and assembly includes an upper jaw movable in a substantially vertical plane and a lower jaw movable in the same substantially vertical plane as the upper jaw and supported on the frame via two support members. A pressure sensor is coupled to the jaws for measuring a welding pressure between the jaws. A processor coupled to the pressure sensor receives a signal from the pressure sensor to determine the conditions under which the weld was created. Preferably, the pressure sensor is mounted on one of the support members, or alternatively, can be mounted in a recess in one of the upper and the lower jaws. The welding assembly also preferably includes a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature between the welding jaws during sealing. The welding assembly can also include a timer for determining the length of time in which the welding jaws seal the bag.

Abstract: A bag manipulating method and assembly including a pair of bag grippers that receive and grip opposing side edges of a bag positioned in a loading station. The bag grippers are movable in a plane substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the loading station. The bag manipulating assembly also includes upper and lower bag spreader assemblies, each having a suction cup to apply suction to the bag and a spreader plate that is insertable into the bag and movable to spread apart the bag. Preferably, the bag grippers move toward each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis while the bag is being spread apart to facilitate opening the bag. To facilitate closing and sealing the bag, the bag grippers move away from each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis after the bag has been filled.

Abstract: A filter package having a long shelf-life and containing substantially no contaminants comprises a filter cartridge, a flexible bag surrounding the filter cartridge having walls comprising a polymeric material impervious to microorganisms and liquid water, a venting mechanism formed in a wall of the flexible bag, and sanitized water sealed inside the flexible bag and immersing substantially 100% of a volume of the filter cartridge. The filter cartridge includes a porous filter medium having a plurality of pores through which a fluid can pass between an upstream side and a downstream side of the filter cartridge and the sanitized water substantially permeates the pores of the filter medium. The venting mechanism includes a vent filter preventing the passage of microorganisms into the flexible bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fluid into pre-formed, flexible containers and enclosing the fluid within the containers includes a web of film comprising a series of pre-formed flexible containers, each of the pre-formed containers being capable of holding therein a quantity of fluid and having an opening for receiving such fluid. After fluid is placed in each pre-formed container, the opening is sealed closed to thereby enclose the fluid within the container.