Abstract: A vertical packaging machine for packaging products in a modified atmosphere. According to one embodiment, the vertical packaging machine includes a hopper through which the products to be packaged are introduced, a hollow forming element arranged downstream of the hopper, at least the hopper and the forming element forming a supply conduit through which the product to be packaged falls. The vertical packaging machine also includes an injection device configured for injecting a gaseous fluid into the supply conduit. A gas supply source is communicated with the inside of the supply conduit, the gas supplied to the supply conduit being suitable for packaging products in a modified atmosphere. A supply unit communicates the gas source with the inside of the supply conduit.

Abstract: A wetting unit for wetting a surface of one of a first and a second continuous water-soluble films to be coupled and sealingly joined to each other so as to delimit therebetween recesses containing dosed quantities of at least one fluid composition for producing unit dose articles. The wetting unit is configured to wet only surface areas of one of the first and second continuous water-soluble films which are to be joined to the other of the first and second continuous water-soluble films.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a thermoforming packaging machine (1) for producing sealed packages (2) having a planar surface (3) and a shaped recess (4) comprising a sealing station (6) with a lower sealing tool (7) comprising of a first part (8) provided with a first seal seam support (8a) for supporting a first sealed seam (9) at the outer perimeter (10) of the planar surface (3) of the moulded product (2a) and a second part (11) provided with a second support (11a) provided with a seal seam support opening (12). The second support (11a) supports a second sealed seam (12a) on the planar surface (3) of the moulded product (2a) following the perimeter (13) of the shaped recess (4). The first part (8) and the second part (11) are separate parts which are detachable connected.

Abstract: A method for forming sealed partially-filled packages filled with a pourable product comprises at least forming a tube from a web of packaging material, filling the pourable product into the tube for forming a product column within the tube, directing a sterile gas into the product column for forming and/or maintaining a gas cushion within the product column, and forming and transversally sealing the tube, for obtaining the packages containing the pourable product and a gas space formed from a defined volume of the sterile gas originating from the gas cushion.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a comestible includes providing a comestible mass (22), forming said comestible mass into a comestible structure (26) having a desired shape using a forming station (20), and applying a packaging material (54) to a surface of said comestible structure (26) while said comestible structure remains in contact with a portion of said forming station (20).

Abstract: A sealing station for sealing packaging units comprises a lower tool with at least one receptacle for a packaging unit and an upper tool. The lower tool and the upper tool are arranged to be movable relative to one another. The sealing station further comprises an edge extractor with at least one extraction opening for subjecting an interior of the packaging unit to a vacuum and/or a gas, and the lower tool comprises a lifting element for lifting a film cover of the packaging unit.

Abstract: Funnels are disclosed for use with filling packages with bulk product.

Abstract: Funnels are disclosed for use with filling packages with bulk product.

Abstract: Funnels are disclosed for use with filling packages with bulk product.

Abstract: A system for enhanced conveying of flexible packages includes a packaging system, an inflation system, and a conveying system. The packaging system is configured to place an object in a flexible package. The inflation system is configured to insert a gas into the flexible package. The packaging system is further configured to seal an edge of the flexible package in an inflated state with the object and the inserted gas inside the flexible package. The conveying system is configured to convey the flexible package while the flexible package is substantially in the inflated state. The flexible package is configured to permit gas to escape the flexible package at a controlled flow rate such that the flexible package remains substantially in the inflated state while being conveyed by the conveying system and the flexible package transitions to being substantially in a deflated state after being conveyed by the conveying system.

Abstract: A web of cleaning products and a method of manufacturing the same is disclosed. The web includes first and second carrier sheets and a plurality of pouches containing a cleaning composition. Each of the pouches is disposed in a respective depression formed in an upper surface of the first carrier sheet. A first internal atmosphere is enclosed within each of the pouches. The first carrier sheet is sealed to the second carrier sheet such that a second internal atmosphere exists between the second carrier sheet and the plurality of pouches. The second internal atmosphere has a greater absolute pressure than the first internal atmosphere so that the plurality of pouches and at least a portion of the cleaning composition in the plurality of pouches are compressed into the plurality of depressions in the first carrier sheet by the second internal atmosphere.

Abstract: Provided is packaging machine with a sealing station that includes a mold with an upper tool and a lower tool facing each other and suitable for cooperating with one another in an operative position of the mold, between which there is delimited an inner area. The lower tool includes a cavity that is configured to receive a tray. A gas injection opening is located adjacent to a first side of the cavity and communicated with the inner area. The upper tool includes a sealing tool and an actuator device facing an actuation region of the lower tool defined between the first side of the cavity and a contact location of the upper and lower tools, and being closer to the lower tool than the sealing tool.

Abstract: According to one embodiment a packaging machine and method for packaging a product is provided in which a cover film is arranged on the product and on a base film which supports the product and is narrower than the cover film; the superimposed films are moved in a first direction to a joining station where both films are attached to one another; and the attached films are moved in the first direction to a cutting station where the films are cut transversely and where the areas of the cover film projecting from the base film are cut longitudinally. The movement of the films is caused by acting on the cover film.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a vacuum sealing machine driven by air pressure. The inner cavity of a seat body is provided with a lifting seat that slides in the vertical direction. A positive air pressure pushing mechanism for driving the lifting seat to move up and down is installed above the lifting seat. A bottom platform is arranged at the lower part of the inner cavity of the seat body. A bag opening heat sealing device is arranged on the bottom surface of the lifting seat or the top surface of the bottom platform. A control circuit is electrically connected to the bag opening heat sealing device. The lifting seat after moving downward when vacuuming or sealing is pressed against the bottom platform. The utility model has the advantages of simple structure, stable and reliable action, and lower cost.

Abstract: A tray sealing machine is provided with a frame on which a sealing tool is arranged. The sealing tool comprises a lower tool in which a tray to be sealed can be received and an upper tool including a hood, a sealing component arranged in the interior of the hood, and a sealing component carrier on which the sealing component is arranged. The hood is movable relative to the sealing component and has a gas connection configured for connection to a corresponding gas connection of the tray sealing machine. The lower tool and the hood are configured to form a sealing chamber in a closed state of the sealing tool. The sealing tool further comprises a line connecting the gas connection to the sealing chamber in the closed state. The hood is movable relative to the frame and the sealing component carrier is unmovable relative to the frame.

Abstract: The seal plate assembly of this invention includes a base plate, an insulator pad positioned on the base plate, an electric heater pad positioned on the insulator pad and a pair of seal plates positioned on the electric heater pad, all of which have registering vacuum openings formed therein. The base plate, insulator pad, heater pad and seal plates are bolted together. The seal plates have spaced-apart cavities formed therein. A support plate is positioned in each of the cavities with each of the support plates having a length and width which is less than the length and width of the respective cavity to create a vacuum space at the perimeter of the support plates. The support plates are spaced above the bottom of the cavities.

Abstract: An apparatus can be used for packaging a product. The apparatus includes a frame, a conveyor, and a packaging station. The packaging station receives a support at a respective positioning seat, receives a portion of a film above the support so that, between the support and the film portion, a reception volume is defined, and sealingly constrains the film portion to the support. The packaging station comprises a penetrating tool having a first through opening and a second through opening. The penetrating tool is arranged in an advanced position in which a part of the tool crosses the support arranged in the positioning seat, accessing the reception volume. At the advanced position, the first through opening is arranged at least partly in the reception volume, beyond the base wall or beyond the lateral wall and the second through opening is arranged astride the base wall or the lateral wall.

Abstract: A method of operating a sealing station of a packaging machine for producing, in the case of possibly varying filling degrees, packages with at least substantially similar package appearances, the method comprising the execution of a comparison between a detected pressure curve and a reference pressure curve, and the calculation of a filling degree of the package positioned within the sealing station on the basis of the comparison between the detected pressure curve and the reference pressure curve, and/or the calculation of a volume flow with respect to the pressure curve or the reference pressure curve, and the setting of at least one process parameter at the packaging machine with due regard to the calculated filling degree and/or the volume flow.

Abstract: There is described a packaging assembly configured to form and seal a plurality of packs for containing a pourable food product starting from a tube of packaging material; the packaging assembly comprises a pair of tracks and at least a pair of moving elements, which are cyclically movable along the tracks, respectively; each moving element comprises one forming unit configured to cooperate with the tube so as to surround a portion of the tube destined to form a main portion of one respective pack; and one sealing unit configured to cooperate with the tube to sequentially seal the tube at predetermined consecutive cross sections, each pair of consecutive cross sections forming opposite sealing bands of one respective pack; each forming unit is mounted onto the respective moving element in a linearly movable manner towards and away from the sealing unit mounted onto the same moving element.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a flexible package can include a forming box having a first, second, and third portions that cooperate to define first, second, third, and fourth walls of the forming box, and one or more forming box actuators operatively coupled to the forming box to actuate the forming box between a first position for receiving a package, a second position for retaining a package, and a third position for releasing the package. The apparatus can also include a first flap folding bar disposed upstream and adjacent a first end of the forming box, and one or more first flap folding bar actuators operatively coupled to the first flap folding bar to actuate the first flap folding bar in a direction substantially transverse to a transport path of a flexible material.

Abstract: A system for reducing oxygen in a package of produce product using a lance manifold. The lance manifold has a first end adapted to receive an input gas flow and a second end adapted for placement in a partially-enclosed cavity containing the produce product. The second end of the lance manifold includes a plurality of exit ports adapted to produce an output gas flow and a sampling port for taking an air sample from the partially-enclosed cavity. The system also includes an oxygen analyzer for detecting oxygen content of gas inside the partially-enclosed cavity using the sampling port. The system is configured to produce an output gas flow with the following properties: a substantially oxygen-free composition; a flow rate of at least 100 standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH); and a flow direction substantially 90 degrees to a cavity opening of the partially-enclosed cavity.

Abstract: Methods of laminating a multilayer substrate may utilize particular lamination systems to perform the methods. The methods may include providing the multilayer substrate, which may include a base, in a feed direction through a laminating system. The base may support segments of a material, each segment characterized by a height past the base in a direction normal to the feed direction. Each segment may define a leading edge at an intersection of a second surface and a third surface, and the segments may be separated from one another along the base by a spacing length. The methods may include contacting a first segment with a set of pinch rollers. The contacting may limit interaction with the third surface at the leading edge of the first segment. The methods may include compressing the first segment against the base in a direction normal to the feed direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the specific weight of a dry particulate bulk commodity while said commodity is within a transportation vessel, using an array of pokers, these pokers equipped with the means of emitting lateral vibrations into the surrounding commodity and simultaneously creating an air flow through that dry commodity towards the nearest poker of the array.

Abstract: [Technical Problem] A distance of a front free end portion of the gas nozzle being weighed down due to its own weight is alleviated or eliminated to suppress contact between the gas nozzle and a product. [Solution to Problem] The present invention provides a packaging apparatus equipped with gas replacement function. In the packaging apparatus, a gas nozzle 43 is inserted into a tubular film 20, and inert gas is ejected from the gas nozzle, thereby replacing the gas inside the tubular film with the inert gas. After gas replacement, a top sealing device 30 seals and cuts the tubular film to form a packaged body. The gas nozzle is formed of magnetic material. A permanent magnet 35 is disposed inside an endless belt 34 of an upper holding belt device 28. The gas nozzle formed of magnet material is drawn to be raised due to magnetic force of the permanent magnet. Due to this contact between the gas nozzle and a product is suppressed.

Abstract: A feeding device is provided for a belt drying installation for dump or sewage sludge material dewatered down to a pasty consistency. In the conveying path of the sludge material, a first roller having transverse grooves that are set back relative to the outer diameter of the roller and a guide device are arranged relative to the outer diameter of the first roller such that when the roller is rotated the sludge material is drawn into the transverse grooves and is shaped to elongated extrudates. The first roller is associated with a comb which has teeth that rigidly engage the transverse grooves and which sweeps the extrudates from the transverse grooves, wherein the tips of the teeth which rigidly engage the transverse grooves define a line of engagement. The tooth tips which rigidly engage the transverse grooves are beveled towards the tooth neck.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoform packaging machine and a method of operating a thermoform packaging machine, which comprises an infeed station and a pre-sealing station, so as to feed elongate products into troughs and retain them therein until a cover film has been fixed so as to cover the troughs.

Abstract: Processes, methods, systems, containers, and apparatus for making and processing pasta filata cheese in dome containers that are packaged in plastic. The novel invention uses a rigid see through plastic dome to safely store the cheese within and can be heat sealed in a bag with a plastic film across the top of the bag and open end of the dome. Another embodiment uses only a plastic film to seal off the open end of the dome without using a bag. The process eliminates the need for a water tank to hold the cheese balls before packaging, where water has allowed for cross contamination of all the balls if one ball is contaminated with bacteria and germs. The plastic dome allows for an aesthetically appearing cheese package that maintains a semi-spherical ball shape with the dents and deformations that occur with the prior art plastic bag packaged cheeses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a former assembly. The former assembly can include a base plate having an aperture that extends from a first surface to a second surface thereof. A bracing post can be attached to the base plate on the first surface proximate the aperture. The bracing post can have a receiving orifice formed therein. A substantially rigid tube can be adapted to extend through the aperture in the base plate. An annular space can be formed between the tube and the base plate. The annular space can be sized for the passage of the flexible sheet material.

Abstract: A lifting device for the movement of a chamber upper part of a chamber conveyor belt machine, the lifting device having first and second lifting mechanisms. The first lifting mechanism may be driven by a motorized drive, and the second lifting mechanism may be driven by an adjusting cylinder. The lifting device may further include a connection element for coupling the two lifting mechanisms.

Abstract: A packaging and filling machine that is capable of easily preforming with the forming flaps by keeping the pressure of the filled liquid food in the tube at positive pressure, capable of preventing the pressure of the liquid food from dropping to negative pressure, even if the pressure of the liquid food decreases due to the change in the liquid food pressure, and capable of preventing outside atmosphere materials from invading into the tube. A pressure flange fixed on a periphery of the filling pipe absorbs fluctuation of the pressure of the liquid food in the tube below the pressure flange, and prevents the liquid food pressure from dropping to negative pressure to keep the pressure of the liquid food in the tube below the pressure flange at a positive pressure.

Abstract: A device for molding plastic blanks to give plastic containers with a blow mold may include a cavity within which a plastic blank may be molded to give a plastic container. The blow mold has a base part to form a base section of the container. The base part defines the cavity. The device may include a filling device for introducing a gaseous medium into the plastic blank via the mouth thereof, in order to expand the plastic blank within the blow mold, with a rod-like body, which may be moved relative to the blow mold in order to draw the plastic blank during the molding process. The base part has a forming section defining the cavity, for forming the base section of the container which matches the shape of the base section of the container, and the forming section has a projection running in the direction of the cavity in a central region.

Abstract: Systems and methods for vacuum compensation in hot-filled and cooled containers. Each container reduces, via one or more vacuum panels, a first portion of a vacuum created in the container. Each container also has a repositionable portion to reduce a second portion of the vacuum. During hot-filling, no portion of the repositionable portion extends below a standing or bearing surface of the container.

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: An apparatus for obtaining containers from a sheet material includes an operating unit for processing the sheet material. The operating unit includes an upper operating part for interacting with an upper surface of the sheet material and a lower operating part for interacting with a lower surface of the sheet material. The apparatus further includes a sterilizing arrangement for sterilizing a space adjacent to the upper operating part and to the lower operating part, so as to create a substantially aseptic environment above and below the sheet material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoform packaging machine for manufacturing a multilayer package, to methods for manufacturing a multilayer package comprising three or four product layers as well as to multilayer packages comprising three or four product layers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum packaging machine for producing an evacuated packaging of a product, which is disposed between an upper film and a lower film, and which can also be reliably used for thicker cover films or hard packaging. This is solved by means of a vacuum packaging machine which contains a forming station and at least one tool lifter (10) with tools, comprising an upper tool part (13) and a lower tool part (12) and a lifting system, which enables a first and a second lifting or closing movement, wherein at least one tool lifting cylinder (19) for a vertical lift of the lower tool part (12) as well as a cylinder shaft (15) passed through the lower tool part (12) and having a locking cam (16) is provided, and the cylinder shaft (15) is passed through an opening (17) of the lower tool part (12), the cross-section of said opening corresponding to that of the locking cam (16).

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 includes: 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; sealing stations, separating stations and filling stations.

Abstract: Machine for packaging in capsules, also in a vacuum and/or in a controlled atmosphere, characterized by the fact that a cylindrical wheel (G) with horizontal axis (R), peripherally provided with rows (S) of cavities (A), parallel to said axis (R) and angularly equally distanced by the step (P), preset to be interchangeably equipped with molds (F,-F?) having different formats and geometrically congruent to the format of the capsules to be used (C; C).

Abstract: A method for blow molding and filling sterile containers of preforms in a container treatment device containing a blow module, in which the preforms are transferred from a heating device to the blow module via transport devices, and the containers are transported to a filling machine and filled, where a sterilization treatment is performed each at the preforms and the containers, a main sterilization treatment is performed at the preforms between the heating device and the blow module, and only a subsequent sterilization treatment is performed at the containers on the transport path to the filling machine. Further, a device having a main sterilization module between the heating device and the blow module, and a subsequent sterilization module between the blow module and the filling machine.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a vacuum skin package where the lower support member is formed in a suitably selected shape which process comprises feeding a flat lower web (3) of thermoplastic material with the product (6) to be packaged loaded thereon and an upper thermoplastic web (27), to a vacuum chamber (8) for skin packaging that comprises an upper element (9) comprising a heated upper concavity (11) and a lower element (10) comprising a female vacuum forming mould (16) suitably shaped to match the desired shape for the support member of the end package, closing the vacuum chamber (8) and drawing the upper web (27) toward the upper concavity (11) by differential pressure; evacuating air or gases from the space between the lower web (3) and the upper web (27), in the closed vacuum chamber (8), while maintaining the vacuum from above the upper web and from below the lower supporting web; and reintroducing air from above the upper film, thus moving the heated upper web (27) against the product (6) and the

Abstract: A water balloon packaging unit and methods are provided. The water balloon packaging unit includes a packaging structure for receiving filled water balloons. The packaging structure is transitionable between a finished state and an unfinished state. In the finished state, the packaging structure and filled water balloons form the packaging unit. The water balloons are held by the packaging structure in a tight cluster by virtue of a vacuum seal implemented on the packaging structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging machine having an ultrasonic device (1), the ultrasonic device (1) comprising: an ultrasonic generator (2) which generates electric vibrations; an ultrasonic converter (3) which converts the generated electric vibrations into mechanical vibrations of the same frequency; a transformation intermediate piece (4) which transfers the mechanical vibrations to a sonotrode (5); the sonotrode (5) comprising a sound-radiating end surface (6) at which it reflects the mechanical vibrations, so that a standing wave to be passed into a packaging foil (18, 19) is formed, and the sound-radiating end surface (6) being disposed in a vacuum and/or in a modified atmosphere.

Abstract: The evacuation device is configured to remove air from a container via a one-way valve element attached to the container. The evacuation device includes a motor with a rotating shaft that extends along an axis line. The shaft is operably interconnected to a reciprocating element reciprocally movable within a chamber along a direction parallel to the axis line. Reciprocal motion of the reciprocal element draws air into and exhausts air from the chamber. To facilitate the operable interconnection, the evacuation device includes a cam having a cylindrical sidewall mounted to the rotating shaft. Disposed circumferentially into the cylindrical sidewall is a channel. The evacuation device further includes a yoke connected to the reciprocal element and having a follower element received in the channel. Rotation of the cam causes the follower element to move with respect to the channel, thereby converting rotational motion to linear translation. The evacuation device may also include a pressure adjustment feature.

Abstract: A packaging device (1) for bulk goods (3), particularly for use for foods such as coffee beans, cocoa beans, rice, spices and seeds in general, includes at least one vacuum bag (2) defining an open side (2d) for insertion of the bulk goods (3) therein and hermetically sealable at the open side (2d) subsequent to evacuation of the air contained therein.

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: Machine for manufacturing flexible sheet material packagings, including an area for feeding a continuous web of flexible sheet material, a preforming area including an area for folding a bottom wall of the packaging, a welding area, an area for filling the packagings, an area for outputting the packagings, a first chemical decontamination treatment area using a gas, arranged between the preforming area and the filling area, and an outside chamber that surrounds the machine at least partially and is depressed atmospherically with respect to the first area. The outside chamber acts as an additional barrier between the first area and the outside.

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 method or a device, respectively, for packaging of bulk goods in bags (26) comprises a lid (5) which forms a chamber (4) together with a lower portion (25), or the method is carried out in the chamber (4), respectively. It is the object of the method or the device, respectively, to package bulk goods in a chamber machine under vacuum. For this purpose a bag (26) is perforated in the chamber (4) or is inserted into the chamber (4) already perforated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine comprising at least one working station, in which a film is acted upon by means of underpressure or overpressure, characterized in that the pressure and/or the volume flow is regulated by means of a proportional controller.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for shaping, filling and closing expanded polymer containers, comprising a lower unwinder (1) for an expanded polymer web (4), a preheating station (3) for preheating the web, a container thermoforming station (5), a filling area (6) for filling the containers, an upper unwinder (7) for a closing film for closing shaped containers, a container closing station (10), a cutting station (11) and a drag system (12) for dragging the web (4) along the different stations.