Abstract: The present invention relates to a production machine for the production of collapsible pouches, which comprises an impulse sealing device with a first jaw and a second jaw for contacting bottom regions of walls of the pouches. Each jaw comprises a susceptor element comprising electrically conductive material, having a front surface that is at least shaped as an inverted T for sealing side edges and at least a portion of bottom edges of two adjacent interconnected pouches. Each jaw comprises an inductor which is electrically insulated from the respective susceptor element. The machine comprises a high frequency electric current source, which is connected to the inductors. At least one of the jaws comprises a cooling device for cooling down the respective inductor and susceptor element.

Abstract: A method for thermal management of a power trowel executable by an on-board logic controller allows operation of the trowel in normal mode in which rotor speed is determined by manual control and in which a sensed temperature of the trowel lies below a high temperature setpoint. In response to the sensed temperature exceeding the high temperature setpoint, the controller switches operation of the power trowel from normal mode to thermal management mode in which a maximum rotor speed achievable by manual control is reduced by the controller in incremental steps to allow the trowel to cool. In response to the sensed temperature reaching a low temperature setpoint, the controller increases rotor speed in incremental steps, and returns operation to normal mode when a desired rotor speed is maintained for sufficient time during which the sensed temperature remains below the low temperature setpoint.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a clamping device for clamping at least part of a zipper. The clamping device includes a base, a head including an upper jaw movably connected to a lower jaw, an arm at one end pivotably connected to the base and at another opposite end pivotably connected to the head; and at least one driving means suitable for pivoting the head with respect to the arm. The upper jaw includes a recession for accommodating at least part of a slider of the zipper. The head is movable from an open position, wherein the upper jaw and the lower jaw are spaced apart, to a closed position, wherein a cavity is formed by the recession and the lower jaw; and the slider is securable within the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for generating re-closable packages. According to one embodiment the machine includes a forming tube configured to impart a tubular shape to a continuous film, a driving module that moves the film tube in a forward movement direction at a first forward movement speed, a longitudinal sealing tool for sealing the longitudinal ends of the film with a tubular shape, a film tube being generated. The machine includes a first driving assembly for moving the film tube in the forward movement direction at a second forward movement speed, and a transverse sealing and cutting tool for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube, a package being obtained as a result. The machine also includes a second driving assembly located upstream the longitudinal sealing tool and configured for moving the re-closable strip at a third forward movement speed, the first, second and third forward movement speeds being equal.

Abstract: A pair of mating sealing jaws for forming a seal between opposing heatsealable surfaces includes a first jaw and a complementary second jaw. Each jaw has a sealing surface that includes at least two peaks separated by a valley. Each peak includes a first face and a second face. A phantom line bisecting the valley defines a first angle between the phantom line and the first face and defines a second angle between the phantom line and the second face such that the first angle differs from the second angle.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a modified atmosphere package is provided which comprises the steps of: providing a portion of packaging material; providing a portion of produce; forming, from the portion of packaging material and the portion of produce, a closed package defining a package volume and containing in the package volume the portion of produce and a modified atmosphere. The modified atmosphere is modified with respect to the ambient atmosphere. The method comprises providing the modified atmosphere in the package volume by providing a gas mixture of at least one atmosphere modification gas and pressurised air in the package volume. An associated apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A weighing and packaging apparatus (10) includes a packaging unit (14), a weighing unit (11), and a frame (70). The packaging unit (14) includes a film transport mechanism (30) that transports a film (F) in a film transport direction, a detachable former (22), a former seat (82) that supports the former (22), and a sealing mechanism (50). The weighing unit (11) is positioned on an upper side in a vertical direction of the packaging unit (14), and supplies articles (A) to be packaged to the packaging unit (14). The frame (70) supports at least the weighing unit (11), and includes legs including a first front leg (71a), a first back leg (71b), a second front leg (72a), and a second back leg (72b). A movable portion (89) including the former seat (82) moves in a maintenance mechanism movable space (PM) when the former (22) is detached. All of the legs are located so as to avoid a leg prohibited space (PP).

Abstract: Vertical packaging machine for generating packages from a film that according to one embodiment includes a film feeder and a forming tube with a longitudinal axis. The forming tube configured to impart a tubular shape to the film. The machine is configured for incorporating a longitudinal tool for longitudinally sealing the longitudinal ends of the tubular-shaped film together and generating a film tube. The machine also includes a module for moving the film tube, and a transverse tool for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube. The module is configured for rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis of the forming tube, being arranged in different operating positions, such that it allows arranging the longitudinal tool required in different positions for generating packages having different topologies and/or different sizes without the need of moving the transverse tool.

Abstract: A forming tube for making filter bags of tetrahedral shape for infusion products including a forming element, which is elongate and hollow, which defines a longitudinal axis and which has a first opening through which the product enters in the forming element, a second opening through which the product leaves from the forming element to be dosed inside a filter bag being formed, and an inner through cavity which connects the first opening to the second opening and inside of which flows the infusion product. The forming element includes a main body substantially tubular including the first opening and a forming end including the second opening and mobile in rotation with respect to the main body about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A packaging assembly (10) including a weighing machine (11) that is located above a former (22). Located below the former (22) is a packaging machine (29), with strip bag material (25) being pulled through the assembly by a film drive assembly (46) that pulls the bag material past the former (22) to form tubular bag material (26) that is delivered to the packaging machine (29) together with product to form bags of the product.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods with thin walled sizing mandrels that are capable of packaging low temperature explosives emulsions at high volumes and lower pressures. The packaging systems can include a rotating table having a vertical column comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart clippers; a pump; and a tubular sizing mandrel in fluid communication with the pump. The tubular sizing mandrel has a downstream end segment that merges into a segment with a plurality of radially spaced apart, longitudinally extending flat outer surfaces, the flat surfaces can be bounded laterally (circumferentially) by chamfered edges.

Abstract: A forming station for forming pairs of three side seal pouches including a shaped outer top surface and an inner forming slot. The inner forming slot has an upper portion extending from an upper entry edge, and a transition portion. The inner forming slot may further include a lower portion.

Abstract: An oral tobacco pouch product includes a pouch wrapper formed of a web having a longitudinal integrated fin and lap seal. The pouch wrapper contains a filling material including tobacco material and optional additives. The longitudinal integrated fin and lap seal is formed on a forming collar.

Abstract: A drive assembly (17) to move tubular bag material past a former and deliver a tubular bag material to a packaging machine. The drive assembly (17) includes a pair of drive belts (6) that are parallel and driven in unison by means of a drive pulley (29) and either pulleys (30, 31).

Abstract: A vertical filling and packaging machine of the present invention includes tension devices (11) that are disposed near positions of ironing rollers (5) and that pull both sides of cylindrical film (1) laterally outward. Tension devices (11) pull both sides of cylindrical film (1) laterally outward to flatten a portion of cylindrical film (1) before the pair of ironing rollers (5) sandwiches the portion of cylindrical film (1), wherein the content has been injected into the cylindrical film (1). As a result, when lateral seal part (1e) is formed on cylindrical film (1) by lateral seal device (6), lateral seal part (1e) is not easily wrinkled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing stress marks and pleats on a package. The apparatus includes the use of an elongated filling tube. The dimensions of the elongated filling tube reduce the stress on the film as it is being formed around the filling tube. Further, the dimensions of the elongated filling tube prevent the formation of pleats as the sealing jaws must travel a decreased distance to seal, and the filling tube cross section better resembles the final package.

Abstract: A packaging assembly (10) including a weighing machine (11) that includes buckets (12, 13) to provide batches of product to be delivered to a former (41), with the former (41) delivering tubular bag material with product to a packaging machine (18). The tubular bag material is delivered to the packaging machine (18) by means of a film drive assembly (17).

Abstract: A packaging unit for producing sealed packages from a tube of a sheet packaging material fed along a feed path having a first axis; unit comprises: jaws movable cyclically along path between a seal position in which they grip and seal tube to form sealing bands of packages, and a rest position in which they are detached from tube; and folding flaps fitted movably to jaws; folding flaps are movable between: an open position in which they are detached from tube, and a fully closed position in which they cooperate with tube for forming folded flaps in package; jaw means are also cyclically movable in an intermediate position, which is arranged between rest position and seal position; folding flaps are movable relative to jaws means into a partly closed position, which is arranged between open position and fully closed position, when jaw means are set in intermediate position.

Abstract: A packaging assembly (10) that includes a weighing machine (11) that delivers batches of product to a packaging machine (18). A film drive assembly (17) pulls strip bag material pass a former shoulder (41), to form tubular bag material into which batches of product are to be delivered, with the tubular bag material being longitudinally sealed, transversely sealed and transversely cut by the packaging machine (18).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a structurally resilient package with a desired shape on a vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The method comprises sealing a film to form a back seal; forming a first end seal to form a partially formed first package; flattening a first side of the partially formed first package to form a flat first side; filling the partially formed first package with product; forming a second end seal on the partially formed first package to form a first package from the partially formed first package; flattening the second side of the first package to form a flat second side, wherein the flattening the first side and the flattening the second side occur on a first machine.

Abstract: A packaging and filling apparatus for keeping pressure of filled liquid food in a tube at positive pressure, facilitating preformation by a forming flap, and preventing an external ambient substance from entering the tube even if the liquid food pressure lowers to negative pressure by a fluctuation of the liquid food pressure is described. The apparatus has a pressure flange provided below a liquid level in a tubular packaging material and along an outer periphery of a filling pipe. The pressure flange prevents the liquid food in the tube from freely flowing up from the lower part to keep the pressure of the liquid food positive in the tube below the pressure flange thereby facilitating the preformation by the forming flap. The apparatus closes a gap occurring on a seam serving as a vertical sealed part or a portion where the gap might occur.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine includes a vertical sealing mechanism, a first film detection sensor, and a controller. The vertical sealing mechanism has a horn, an anvil, and an ultrasonic transmitter. The vertical sealing mechanism sandwiches a cylindrical film conveyed by a pull-down belt mechanism, by the horn and the anvil, and seals the cylindrical film by applying ultrasonic vibrations to the cylindrical film. The first film detection sensor detects whether the cylindrical film is sandwiched by the horn and the anvil. The controller stops the ultrasonic transmitter in a circumstance in which the first film detection sensor detects that the cylindrical film is not sandwiched by the horn and the anvil.

Abstract: A VFFS bag is provided that is dimensionally stable, aesthetically pleasing, and renders items stored in it highly visible. The bag includes first and second gusseted side walls that span a depth of the bag and front and rear walls that span a width of the bag. The bag has a substantially rectangular closed bottom end. In order to maximize the viewabilty of stored items and reduce the amount of film material in the bag, the bag has a depth to width ratio of at least 1.5:1 at the bottom of the bag. Stability is enhanced by sizing the gussets such that they closely approach but do not overlap a line longitudinally bisecting the bag. A VFFS machine and its method of operation also are disclosed.

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

Abstract: A packaging and filling machine is capable of easily preforming with the forming flaps by keeping the pressure of the filled liquid food in the tube the 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 up-and-down of the liquid food pressure, and capable of preventing outside atmosphere materials from invading into the tube. A positive pressure keeping means absorbs fluctuation of the pressure of the liquid food in the tube below the pressure flange, and prevents the liquid food pressure from dropping in negative pressure to keep the pressure of the liquid food in the tube below the pressure flange a positive pressure.

Abstract: Provided is a multitrack filling machine configured to obtain closed bags from a plurality of packing ribbons, including conveying means for the packing ribbon and a plurality of sacking stations, each including forming means, sealing means, filling means, cutting means, in which each sacking station includes driving means for the packing ribbon separated from the sealing means and including a dragging surface of high friction configured to interact by contact with the ribbon and to drag it along in the advancing direction.

Abstract: A method of producing a sealed package of a pourable food product involving feeding a tube of packaging material along an axis; moving a pair of first jaws and a pair of second jaws cyclically and alternately along sealing paths parallel to the axis, and along repositioning paths; moving the jaws, as they travel along the sealing paths, into a closed position in which the sealing members grip the tube and respectively form, at different times, a first and a second seal sealing the tube and defining respective opposite ends of the package; and moving the jaws, as they travel along the respective repositioning paths, into an open position, in which they are detached from the tube; acquiring a desired value of a quantity related to the package weight; and forming the second seal at a distance, which is a function of the value, from the first seal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular bag machine for filling a product into bags (9), comprising a vertical filling tube (2), a transverse sealing unit (3), a control unit (4) for controlling the tubular bag machine, and a sensor device (5) for detecting the product in the filling tube (2), which is designed to detect the product falling through the filling tube (2), wherein the sensor device (5) has a sensor (51) for emitting electromagnetic waves, and which is connected to the control unit (4), wherein the electromagnetic waves emitted by the sensor (51) remain in a detection space (E) which is confined to one region at the filling tube (2).

Abstract: A dispensing and sealing system generally includes a film-feed assembly with a support mechanism for a supply of film and a film-drive mechanism to advance the film along a path, a dispenser with an outlet port for dispensing fluid into the film, and a transverse seal mechanism for forming a seal in the film transversely of the path. A calendering device and a movable structure for the support mechanism are also described.

Abstract: A sealing element for heat sealing packaging material for producing sealed packages of food products which are pourable within a tube of packaging material; sealing element comprises a heater adapted to heat-seal the packaging material at spaced cross sections of tube so as to form a plurality of sealed packages, and a groove which may be engaged by a cutting element carried by a counter sealing element during a cutting operation in which a sealed package is separated from tube; sealing element comprises at least a slot which extends between groove and a first outer wall of sealing element.

Abstract: There is described a folding unit for producing folded packages of pourable food products from relative sealed packs. The folding unit comprises conveying means fed with a plurality of packs at an input station and advancing the packs along a forming path to an output station, and folding means cooperating, in use, with each pack to perform at least one folding operation on the pack; the conveying means comprise an endless transport element formed by a plurality of mutually hinged rigid modules and looped about at least one driving sprocket and at least one idler element; the idler element comprises cam means cooperating with respective cam followers of the modules and so shaped to compensate the periodical variation of the radius of the modules on the driving sprocket due to their rigidity.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine is adapted to manufacture a bag having a gusset section, and includes a conveying part, a plurality of splitters and an inward-folding member. The conveying part is configured and arranged to convey a tubular packaging material. The splitters extend along a conveyance direction of the tubular packaging material to contact with the tubular packaging material from an interior side. The inward-folding member has a pressing part including a plurality of contacting portions that are three-dimensionally arranged to generally correspond to a shape of the gusset section. The inward-folding member is configured and arranged to press the contacting portions of the pressing part from an external side of the tubular packaging material against an outer surface of a gusset formation area of the tubular packaging material located between the splitters to form the gusset section.

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

Abstract: A packaging method comprises dispensing a material continuously from a roll, forming a plurality of packages from the material, filling each package with contents and sealing each package once filled. A hanging aperture is created for each package, prior to it being formed into the package, the material having been folded or creased in the area in which the aperture is to be created.

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

Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine includes a forming mechanism, a vertical sealing mechanism, a transverse sealing mechanism and a receiving member. The forming mechanism is configured to roll a sheet-shaped packaging material into a cylindrical shape to form a cylindrical packaging material. The vertical sealing mechanism is configured and arranged to seal an overlapping portion of the cylindrical packaging material with heat vertically along a direction in which the cylindrical packaging material extends. The receiving member is attached to the forming mechanism in a position facing the vertical sealing mechanism, and configured and arranged to sandwich the overlapping portion together with the vertical sealing mechanism. The receiving member has elasticity with which the receiving member presses the overlapping portion toward the vertical sealing mechanism.

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

Abstract: A packing and filling machine produces a container by forming web-shaped packing material into a tube, filling the tube with liquid food up to a liquid level, and laterally sealing the tube with a seal jaw and a counter jaw under the liquid level. The machine includes a diagnostic device having a pressure flange above the position of the lateral sealing under the liquid level and including sterilized gas to detect a vibration propagated when the packing material is clamped by the seal jaw and counter jaw and to diagnose the residual quantity of sterilized gas from the vibration thus detected. The packing and filling machine operating at high speed does not damage the external surface or the longitudinal sealing portion of a packing container, and even the forming/lateral sealing pressing from the opposite sides at high speed does not have a tendency to vary or oscillate the liquid level.

Abstract: A bag making and packaging machine includes a conveying unit, a transverse sealing mechanism, and a gusset forming mechanism. The conveying unit is configured and arranged to continuously convey a tubular packaging material. The transverse sealing mechanism has a pair of sealing jaws configured and arranged to revolvingly move while following annular loci to seal the tubular packaging material in a transverse direction with respect to a conveyance direction of the tubular packaging material. The gusset forming mechanism has a pair of folding members configured and arranged to be pressed against side portions of the tubular packaging material to form gussets in the side portions of the tubular packaging material while the folding members move along the conveyance direction of the tubular packaging material before the transverse sealing mechanism seals the tubular packaging material.

Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a pouch for containing a product includes a pair of sealing bars configured to move toward each other along a first direction and to engage a web inserted therebetween, a linear cam configured to move along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a coupling between the linear cam and the sealing bars for transforming motion along the second direction into motion along the first direction.

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: A sonotrode comprising: a head defining a sealing surface elongated along a first direction; and a first and a second drive unit distinct from one another, each comprising at least one piezo-electric element; wherein first and second drive unit may be electrically fed by an unique generator to cause oscillation of head; the height of head measured along a second direction transversal to sealing surface being substantially equal to half the wavelength of wave oscillating in second direction; at least one slot extending through head transversally to first and second direction; a finite number of nodal points at which amplitude of oscillation of head is substantially equal to zero; and a plane on which at least some nodal points lie and which divides head in a first portion and second portion; the slot extends completely within one only between first and second portion and at a certain distance by plane.

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

Abstract: A 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: The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.

Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.

Abstract: A method for forming a bag includes moving a film at a first velocity, forming a seal on the moving film with a sealing device moving at the first velocity, moving the film and the sealing device relative to each other and thereby moving the sealing device out of alignment with the seal, aligning a film separation device with the seal on the moving film, moving the film separation device with the moving film, and separating the film across the seal with the film separation device. A sealing and cutting device includes a carriage moveable along a longitudinal axis and upper and lower grippers coupled to the carriage. A sealing device and a cutting device are positioned between the upper and lower grippers.

Abstract: There is described a forming member for controlling the volume of packs of pourable food products formed from a tube of packaging material and sealed at a number of sections of tube crosswise to an axis of tube, comprising: a wall comprising, in turn, a first surface which is adapted to interact with a first portion of tube; and a pair of sidewalls protruding from wall on the same side of wall, and comprising respective second surfaces which are adapted to interact with relative second portions of tube; first surface is at least partially concave.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a packaging machine main body, a film transport unit, a former and a former insertion guide assembly. The film transport unit is coupled to the packaging main body to transport a film from a first end part of the packaging main body towards a second end part of the packaging main body opposite from the first end part. The former is disposed in the second end part of the packaging main body to form the film transported by the film transport unit into a cylindrical shape and to direct the film downwards. The former insertion guide assembly is configured and arranged to guide the former to a predetermined position in the second end part of the packaging machine main body while the former is rotated from a lateral side of the packaging machine main body when the former is mounted to the packaging machine main body.