Abstract: An apparatus for swinging a last hopper of an automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system having a tablet cassette and a deck, includes a last hopper, a shutter controller, and a last hopper swinging device. The last hopper, for collecting one or more tablets falling from the tablet cassette, has a top opening, a bottom orifice, and a shutter provided at the bottom orifice. The shutter controller is provided for opening the shutter to release the tablets collected in the last hopper. The last hopper swinging device is provided for swinging the last hopper in order for the tablets in the last hopper to be aligned in a predetermined direction. The tablets aligned by the last hopper swinging device drop into a wrapping paper in the predetermined direction to be packaged.

Abstract: A method for making pods (1) for products for infusion comprises the steps of: feeding a first portion (5) of filter material; making a compressed disk (2) of product, the disk being equivalent to a single dose of the product, at respective dosing and forming stations (3, 4); placing the compressed disk (2) on the first portion (5) of filter material; and superimposing a second portion (6) of filter material over the first portion (5) of filter material with the compressed disk (2) on it in such a way as to form the pod (1). The invention also relates to an apparatus that embodies this method.

Abstract: A blistering machine for producing blister packs has a production line, which includes consecutively: at least one thermoforming station of a first continuous band of thermoformable material; a station for feeding the products and filling the blister band; a feeding station of a second band, feeding the second band over the blister band; a closing station, including two opposite rollers; and a cutting station, in which the blister pack band is cut into respective blister packs. A tension mechanism is situated upstream of the closing station, to cooperate with the rollers of the closing station, to perform a selected tension on at least the first band.

Abstract: A machine and method for printing and feeding a top web onto a bottom web in a form, fill and seal machine without stressing the bond formed between the two webs.

Abstract: The present invention automatically and continuously packs women's sanitary products, paper diapers, and the like in a sealed manner and is installed in toilets of hotels, public toilets, and the like used by general public. When a trash is put in, film pull-out rollers (50), (60) are rotated by a motor (70) and films (31), (41) are pulled out from film feed rollers (30), (40). When passing between film pull-out rollers (50), (60), the trash is sealingly packed between the two films (31), (41). Therefore, since the trash can be automatically packed in a sealed manner and a clean state is maintained, the present invention is suitable for installation in toilets of hotels, public toilets, and the like used by general public.

Abstract: An apparatus for making inflated articles from a film web having two juxtaposed film plies. One version of the apparatus generally includes a first rotary sealing device for producing transverse seals that bond the film plies together, an inflation assembly for directing gas between the film plies, and a second rotary sealing device for producing a longitudinal seal between the film plies. The longitudinal seal intersects the transverse seals so that the gas is enclosed between the longitudinal seal, transverse seals, and film plies to thereby form an inflated article.

Abstract: A packaging machine for packaging a product. The machine has a frame for supporting the product and a source of packaging material for supplying packaging material into a position to be engaged by and at least partially surround the product. At least one upper sealing assembly is adapted to move between an actuated position and a non-actuated position. The upper sealing assembly comprises at least one sealing element for forming a seal along adjacent edges of the packaging material. At least one lower sealing assembly is adapted for cooperating engagement with the upper sealing assembly in its actuated position. The at least one upper and lower sealing assemblies are positioned for clamping engagement of the packaging material therebetween for forming the seal when the upper sealing assembly is moved to its actuated position in engagement with the lower sealing assembly.

Abstract: A filter paper pod packaging machine is disclosed which includes a polygonal prismatic wheel with a horizontal axis for intermittently rotating the wheel, each flat face of the prismatic wheel directly incorporating at least one recess matching size and shape of pods to be produced, wherein a first web of filter paper, fed from a spool and overlaid by a second web of filter paper fed from another spool, is wrapped around the flat faces of the polygonal prismatic wheel, and wherein a series of cuts are made by a cutting device in the first web of filter paper in appropriate positions around a central zone corresponding to the at least one recess impressed in the prismatic wheel.

Abstract: Described is a machine (5) for making and packaging articles (1) containing infusion product, the machine (5) being of the type defined by a production line (A) comprising a plurality of operating stations located one after the other and designed to make at least one continuous strip (S) by superposing and sealing two webs of filter paper with measured quantities or charges (4) of infusion product interposed between them at regular intervals; and at least one cutting station (6) for dividing up the strip (S) to form a succession of individual articles (1). The machine (5) further comprises at least one built-in packaging station (8, 8a) for packaging groups of the articles (1) in bag-like packets (10).

Abstract: A product packaging apparatus that includes a notch former and a tab setter for creating an integrated tab on a product package. The notch former and tab setter are capable of forming a tab or an exposed area at any location of the product package, including creating a tab or an exposed area adjacent a longitudinal edge of the package. The notch former and the tab setter allow a tab to be created that has a length that extends beyond the longitudinal edge of the package. As a result, the present invention is capable of generating simple, easy to open packages that may also be re-used for re-mailing purposes.

Abstract: A product packaging apparatus that includes a notch former and a tab setter for creating an integrated tab on a product package. The notch former and tab setter are capable of forming a tab or an exposed area at any location of the product package, including creating a tab or an exposed area adjacent a longitudinal edge of the package. The notch former and the tab setter allow a tab to be created that has a length that extends beyond the longitudinal edge of the package. As a result, the present invention is capable of generating simple, easy to open packages that may also be re-used for re-mailing purposes.

Abstract: For processing flat objects (10), in particular for packing printed products or small groups thereof, using a continuous packing material, the objects are conveyed in a conveying stream in which they are arranged in succession and essentially parallel to the conveying direction, and possibly between two layers of packing material, along a part of the periphery of a processing drum (1). The processing drum (1) has axially extending support elements (2) and tool elements (3) regularly alternating around its periphery. A radial position of the supporting and tool elements is adjustable, to accommodate varying formats of the objects to be processed. The processing drum also includes a pressing belt (4) extending from an entry point (A) to an exit point (B) on the drum periphery and holding and pressing the objects being conveyed on the drum periphery against the tool elements.

Abstract: A sanitary refuse collecting and packaging device having a housing unit that can be positioned on or over a waste basket. The housing unit can be configured to have a door and opening for permitting entry of refuse and can include a movement mechanism, material shaft rollers for dispensing replaceable collection pouch material, formation rollers, and a cutting unit. The movement mechanism drives the formation rollers causing the refuse to be enveloped and sealed in the collection pouch material. The cutting unit thereafter severs the sealed pouch, which passes through the housing unit into the waste basket.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for individually packing sheet or film-type materials in an automatic manner, said materials consisting of at least one material layer, in a packing unit with marked contents. A marking (40) made of a waxy marking material is applied to a warmed first packing material strip (20). The sheet or film-type material (10) is fixed to the marking wit surface thereof, whereby the roughness of the surface thereof is greater than the roughness of the surface of the first packing material strip. A second packing material strip (30) is applied to the sheet or film-type material and is connected to the first packing material strip in order to form a closed packing unit. The packing unit (35) is cooled and the marking is separated from the first packing material strip. A secure packing method and a marking for sheet or film-type materials are developed according to said inventive method.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a package include: a package-joining belt forming step for forming a package-joining belt (PC) in which packages (P) each containing a material filled in between superposed films and each sealed by joint portions (PA) and a side edge portion (PF) are joined with each other by the joint portions (PA), the package-joining belt forming step including: a superposing process of forming superposed films; a joint portion forming process of forming band-shaped joint portions (PA); a side edge portion forming process of forming band-shaped side edge portion (PF); and a filling process of filling the material; and a scar forming step for forming plural elongate scars (100) each extending adjacent and substantially perpendicularly to the side edge in the side edge portion (PF), wherein the package-joining belt forming step and the scar forming step are carried out, while the package-joining belt is drawn.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of wrapping products in films, including the steps of: positioning the products on a first sheet of film which is continuously advanced in one transport direction; covering the products with a second sheet of film, which is continuously advanced in the transport direction and which is aligned plane-parallel to the first sheet of film; ultrasonically welding the first and second films on the outer edges of the products in each case and ultrasonically separating the overlapping films at selected positions; separating the wrapped products or groups of wrapped products.

Abstract: An apparatus for making inflated articles from a film web having two juxtaposed film plies. One version of the apparatus generally includes a first rotary sealing device for producing transverse seals that bond the film plies together, an inflation assembly for directing gas between the film plies, and a second rotary sealing device for producing a longitudinal seal between the film plies. The longitudinal seal intersects the transverse seals so that the gas is enclosed between the longitudinal seal, transverse seals, and film plies to thereby form an inflated article.

Abstract: A compact and efficient continuous wrapping machine capable of measuring out certain amounts of a magnetic powder automatically and wrapping them in wrapping film, the continuous wrapping machine comprising a measuring drum, a sealing drum, and a sealing device. The measuring drum includes a means for retaining measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder on its periphery and a means for cutting off the retaining force of the retaining means to transfer the measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder to the sealing drum. The sealing drum includes a means for retaining the measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder on a first continuous wrapping film fed onto its periphery. The sealing device seals the first continuous wrapping film and a second continuous wrapping film, which is fed onto the measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder on the sealing drum, together around each of the measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the automatic packaging of one or more articles. An adjustable web guide structure that guides the webs of film into a configuration that mimics the geometry of a package to be wrapped is provided. The webs are conveyed over the guide structure, which structure provides an appropriate predetermined shape defining a web envelope for proper package entry and flow through the wrapping system. The position and geometry of the guides causes the web envelope to form around the corners of the product to be package to minimize film requirement, and allows for fluid transition from web supply rolls to package shape. External tension rods can be used to assist in preventing or minimizing web wrinkling. Guide rolls can be used in conjunction with the guide structure to assist in guiding and tracking the web material, as well as to provide axial transverse tension for proper web forming.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for extracting and polywrapping articles stored in a pocket of a container. The container may be part of a DPP machine. In operation, a separator sheet is extracted, the bottom of the pocket opened so as to allow the articles therein to drop into a polywrapping device, and the polywrapping device sequentially polywraps the articles. After the articles are dropped from the pocket, the separator sheet is reinserted. Rollers and cross sealer bars, appropriately placed, facilitate the polywrapping. Optional use of an H-belt is possible as well as a tracked sheet bottom transporting the pockets to the polywrapping device.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser generally includes a housing and a valving rod disposed in and movable within the housing, the valving rod including a central bore, at least one inlet for receiving a cleaning solvent, and one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the bore, wherein the outlet ports are capable of directing cleaning solvent radially outwards from the bore and against an interior surface of the dispenser to facilitate the removal of at least a portion of any fluid product or derivatives thereof that may be in adherence with such interior surface.

Abstract: A machine for forming filled sealed pouches from a continuously moving sealable web of material includes a first sealing station for forming a longitudinal seal along a side edge of the web, and a horizontal sealing station for forming a plurality of transverse seals in the web. The horizontal sealing station includes a pair of conveyors each carrying jaws that mate along a sealing path to form the transverse seals. A method of forming filled sealed pouches from a continuously moving sealable web of material is also described.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a pair of rolls forming a nip through which two web portions are passed with an item to be packaged between the web portions. The rolls include resiliently compliant roll portions that deform to accommodate the thickness of the item, and the roll portions press the web portions to seal them together in peripheral regions surrounding the item and to center the item between the webs in the thickness direction. The apparatus also includes side seal devices that traverse inwardly toward the item to seal the webs together close to the item's opposite side edges to prevent the item from laterally shifting. The web portions may have cohesive disposed on their facing surfaces such that the web portions adhere to each other with pressure but tend not to adhere to the packaged item or other surfaces.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus for wrapping a continuous elongated article, such as a continuous stack of interfolded paper towels, includes a web supply section that supplies a pair of continuous webs of wrapping material, and a wrapping section for applying the continuous pair of webs about the article. The web supply section includes a pair of web supply stations for each web of wrapping material, and a source of wrapping material, such as a supply roll, is located at each web supply station. The web supply section includes a splicing mechanism for each pair of web supply stations, for splicing together the trailing end of a web from an exhausted supply roll of wrapping material with the leading end of a web from a fresh supply roll of wrapping material, to provide a continuous web of wrapping material to the wrapping section. The web supply section includes a festoon-type web storage mechanism in which the web downstream of the splicing mechanism is trained about a series of rollers in a serpentine path.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the tension of one continuous material (e.g., plastic zipper) with attachments or formed features (e.g., sliders or formed slider end stops) as it is fed to a sealing station, where it is joined to and later pulled by another continuous material (e.g., packaging film). The tension control scheme can be applied in cases wherein the packaging film advances a single package length per advancement as well as cases wherein the packaging film advances a distance equal to multiple package lengths per advancement. A tension control zone is created between a pair of nip rollers disposed in zipper processing equipment and a zipper sealing station inside a thermoforming packaging machine by applying a predetermined torque to one of the nip rollers using a torque control device. The zipper processing equipment may comprise a zipper shaping station and a slider insertion station.

Abstract: A compact and efficient continuous wrapping machine capable of measuring out certain amounts of a magnetic powder automatically and wrapping them in wrapping film, the continuous wrapping machine comprising a measuring drum, a sealing drum, and a sealing device. The measuring drum includes a means for retaining measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder on its periphery and a means for cutting off the retaining force of the retaining means to transfer the measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder to the sealing drum. The sealing drum includes a means for retaining the measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder on a first continuous wrapping film fed onto its periphery. The sealing device seals the first continuous wrapping film and a second continuous wrapping film, which is fed onto the measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder on the sealing drum, together around each of the measured-out amounts of the magnetic powder.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the automatic packaging of one or more articles. An adjustable web guide structure that guides the webs of film into a configuration that mimics the geometry of a package to be wrapped is provided. The webs are conveyed over the guide structure, which structure provides an appropriate predetermined shape defining a web envelope for proper package entry and flow through the wrapping system. The position and geometry of the guides causes the web envelope to form around the corners of the product to be package to minimize film requirement, and allows for fluid transition from web supply rolls to package shape. External tension rods can be used to assist in preventing or minimizing web wrinkling. Guide rolls can be used in conjunction with the guide structure to assist in guiding and tracking the web material, as well as to provide axial transverse tension for proper web forming.

Abstract: A continuous wrapping apparatus includes a web supply section that supplies a pair of continuous webs, and a wrapping section for applying the webs about the article. The web supply section includes a pair of web supply stations for each web, and a supply roll is located at each web supply station. Each web supply station includes a splicing mechanism for splicing together the trailing end of a web from an exhausted roll with the leading end of a web from a fresh roll. A storage mechanism is located downstream of each splicing mechanism, and includes rollers that are movable toward and away from each other to continuously supply the web during the splicing operation, which maintains the web ends stationary. The webs are applied to the elongated article such that side areas of the webs overlap each other, and adhesive is applied between the overlapping areas of the webs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously forming and filling slider operated reclosable plastic bags two at a time. A base film of plastic bag making material is horizontally advanced in a longitudinal direction and product is loaded onto the base film in two lines. First and second continuous slider operated zippers are then applied onto the base film between the lines of product and a cover film is placed over the base film covering the lines of product and the zippers. The composite is sealed to the base film along longitudinally extending lines disposed on sides of the product opposite to the two zippers and between the zippers. The base film is then sealed to the cover film along transverse seal sections on opposite sides of each row of product and the thus formed filled packages are separated by longitudinally cutting through the base film between the zippers and cutting through the transverse seal sections.

Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.

Abstract: This is a high-speed, multi-lane machine and method for the continuous forming, filling and sealing of plastic or film pouches of various sizes commonly used to hold fluids, liquids, and viscous materials or other substances. The machine includes a film roll station, a pump station, a side seal station, a pull wheel station, a cross seal station, and a cross cut station. The invention provides for continuous production of pluralities of pouches without stops or delays by utilizing one or more moveable reciprocating carriages that travel with the flow of film through the machine, the carriages supporting each of the side sealing, cross sealing, and cross cutting stations. Coordination of the various stations is accomplished through electronic computer control, working in conjunction with a plurality of motion imparting devices such as servo motors, cam systems, linkages and the like.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser generally includes a housing and a valving rod disposed in and movable within the housing, the valving rod including a central bore, at least one inlet for receiving a cleaning fluid composed of a solvent and a gas, and one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the bore, wherein the outlet ports are capable of directing cleaning fluid radially outwards from the bore and against an interior surface of the dispenser to facilitate the removal of at least a portion of any fluid product or derivatives thereof that may be in adherence with such interior surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for positioning webs of film of a packaging device, according to which goods are introduced into a first web of film in troughs, a second web of film is withdrawn from a supply of web against the resistance of a brake and is placed on the first web of film and interlinked with the same, the advance of the second web downstream of the supply of web being detected by a first optical recognition means. In order to exactly position the two films one on the other, a second recognition means is provided that detects any dimensional errors, thereby changing the position of the first recognition means relative to the direction of conveyance of the second web of film.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing bag packages, in which netting material of bags to be formed is connected to at least two foil strips which are each provided with a printing repeating in the longitudinal direction of the strip, with the foil strips being supplied in a coupled manner from one stock. The foil strips are preferably obtained from a foil stock comprising a single strip of foil with at least two repeating printing patterns with concurrent repeat which are applied next to each other, with the single strip being divided into sub-strips each bearing a repeating printing pattern.

Abstract: A bagging conveyor quickly positions two-dimensional arrayed layers of objects inside a sealed, flexible bag prior to the layers of objects being delivered by the bagging conveyor to a palletizer. The bagging conveyor receives continuous films of packaging material from below and above the conveying surface of the bagging conveyor and positions the films of packaging material below and above the layer of objects being conveyed by the conveyor. The bagging conveyor then forms seams along the laterally opposite side edges of the packing material films at the sides of the conveyed layer of objects and forms seams laterally across the upper and lower films of packaging material in front of and behind the conveyed layer of objects, thereby quickly enclosing the conveyed layer of objects in a sealed bag as they are conveyed through the bagging conveyor.

Abstract: An easy-opening feature in a flexible package is provided by forming a tear feature in the package material by slitting, perforating, or otherwise forming a stress riser in the material, and affixing a label to the package material so that the label adheres to the tear feature. The formation of the tear feature and affixing of the label are performed prior to wrapping a product in the package material and sealing the material, and preferably are performed while the package material is moving along a path in a packaging apparatus. The label in one embodiment includes a detachable middle portion that tears free of the rest of the label upon pulling the detachable portion, such that remaining portions of the label remain on the package adjacent the opening created by the tear feature.

Abstract: A compact form-fill-seal machine capable of the high speed production, collation and loading into cartons of a variety of small dispensing packages with instant opening features including fault lines in the lower containment formation. It can make a variety of formations in the upper cover member as well as fault lines. It also produces simple cups and tubs. The machine operates at extremely high efficiency with practically every known thermoformable plastic film.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a pair of rolls forming a nip through which two web portions are passed with an item to be packaged between the web portions. The rolls include resiliently compliant roll portions that deform to accommodate the thickness of the item, and the roll portions press the web portions to seal them together in peripheral regions surrounding the item and to center the item between the webs in the thickness direction. The apparatus also includes side seal devices that traverse inwardly toward the item to seal the webs together close to the item's opposite side edges to prevent the item from laterally shifting. The web portions may have cohesive disposed on their facing surfaces such that the web portions adhere to each other with pressure but tend not to adhere to the packaged item or other surfaces.

Abstract: A flexible package having a main package compartment and a segregated internal compartment package. The main package generally includes a plurality of outer panel portions. These panel portions can include a front panel portion, a back panel portion, and a bottom panel portion. The formation of these panels into the main package defines an internal cavity for holding material contents. Any of the panels can be gusseted with the processes and techniques known to one skilled in the art. The main package includes the segregated internal compartment package, wherein the compartment package can include at least one internal panel portion having a transverse edge portion adapted joined to an inner surface of one of the main package panels, i.e. the front or back panels, within the internal cavity to define a second compartment cavity distinct from the internal cavity of the main package.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus for wrapping a continuous elongated article, such as a continuous stack of interfolded paper towels, includes a web supply section that supplies a pair of continuous webs of wrapping material, and a wrapping section for applying the continuous pair of webs about the article. The web supply section includes a pair of web supply stations for each web of wrapping material, and a source of wrapping material, such as a supply roll, is located at each web supply station. The web supply section includes a splicing mechanism for each pair of web supply stations, for splicing together the trailing end of a web from an exhausted supply roll of wrapping material with the leading end of a web from a fresh supply roll of wrapping material, to provide a continuous web of wrapping material to the wrapping section. The web supply section includes a festoon-type web storage mechanism in which the web downstream of the splicing mechanism is trained about a series of rollers in a serpentine path.

Abstract: A rotary heat sealing system heat seals top and bottom webs to each other around discrete articles held in predetermined alignments and spacings between the webs. The rotary heat sealing system comprises a sealing station at which the heat sealing occurs, and a tensioning station upstream of the sealing station. The tensioning station produces a tension in the top and bottom webs and the articles by wrapping them in a reverse bend so as to maintain the predetermined alignments and spacings of the articles as they enter the sealing station. The sealing station includes an anvil and a heating die with a heat sealing grid and pockets between circumferential rails. The articles enter the pockets, and the webs are sealed to each other at areas corresponding to the heat sealing grid. A force mechanism applies a predetermined force between the heating die rails and the anvil.

Abstract: A rotary heat sealing system heat seals top and bottom webs to each other around discrete articles held in predetermined alignments and spacings between the webs. The rotary heat sealing system comprises a sealing station at which the heat sealing occurs, and a tensioning station upstream of the sealing station. The tensioning station produces a tension in the top and bottom webs and the articles by wrapping them in a reverse bend so as to maintain the predetermined alignments and spacings of the articles as they enter the sealing station. The sealing station includes an anvil and a heating die with a heat sealing grid and pockets between circumferential rails. The articles enter the pockets, and the webs are sealed to each other at areas corresponding to the heat sealing grid. A force mechanism applies a predetermined force between the heating die rails and the anvil.

Abstract: A primary packaging unit for film-like or wafer-like administration forms for oral application with an off-cut of an upper web of packaging material and of an lower web of packaging material is characterized in that a plurality of dosage units of a film-like or wafer-like administration form, individually sealed in flat compartments formed without cold or hot forming of the packaging material and spaced at a distance to one another, are present in a primary packaging unit, and there are perforations between the compartments which enable the separation of individual compartments, if necessary.

Abstract: A filling device of a dual-layered filling and packing device having a cotton paper device within the packing device which guides cotton paper via a guide rack to fold the paper and to fill a paper bag with fixed amount of tea leaves, by means of a roller, the paper bag with tea leaves being sealed at the edges thereof, and by means of a gripping structure, the tea bag being held to a funnel tube of the folding structure, a plurality of rollers delivered packing foil from an insertion section through space between a folding slot and the funnel tube, characterized in that the gripping structure composes a magnetic cylinder interconnected to a Y-shaped pneumatic cylinder and the gripping section is extended with two corresponding folding board and the folding structure comprises a folding slot covered a gap outside the funnel tube, the cross-section of the funnel tube has a flat body and the folding slot is a U-shaped plate body having a top end folded outward to form the insertion section.

Abstract: A rotary heat sealing system heat seals top and bottom webs to each other around discrete articles held in predetermined alignments and spacings between the webs. The rotary heat sealing system comprises a sealing station at which the heat sealing occurs, and a tensioning station upstream of the sealing station. The tensioning station produces a tension in the top and bottom webs and the articles by wrapping them in a reverse bend so as to maintain the predetermined alignments and spacings of the articles as they enter the sealing station. The sealing station includes an anvil and a heating die with a heat sealing grid and pockets between circumferential rails. The articles enter the pockets, and the webs are sealed to each other at areas corresponding to the heat sealing grid. A force mechanism applies a predetermined force between the heating die rails and the anvil.

Abstract: A perforation forming module for a packaging machine of the type converting strip material into a strip of interconnected packets, the module comprising first and second punch die assemblies disposed along a strip feed path and reciprocally moveable between a retracted position away from the feed path and closed mutual engagement on the feed path. The movement of the punch assemblies into their operative closed positions is synchronized with upstream clamping engagement between sealing jaws and the strip material so that the perforation operation occurs while the strip material is held in tension between upstream clamping jaws and downstream pull-down rollers.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus (30) for forming multi-compartmental packs comprises a first feed mechanism for feeding packaging material (31) to a forming station (12) adapted to form compartments in said material (31). The packaging apparatus (30) further comprises means for loading product into the compartments. a second feed mechanism for feeding a sealing material (32) to a sealing station (19), a peripheral sealing member (33) to secure the sealing material (32) to the packaging material (31) to form a peripheral seal, and one or more compartmental sealing members for forming at least one compartmental seal. Control means control the speed, position and seal parameters of the packaging apparatus (30).

Abstract: A fill valve assembly for filling a flat bag with an inhomogeneous fluid or viscous product, comprises a valve head of a cross-section dimensioned to fit into the flat bag and having a an outlet for the product and an extension of the outlet, the outlet and outlet extension extending along a central longitudinal axis of the valve head, and at least two product supply passageways extending in the valve head substantially parallel to the outlet and outlet extension, each product supply passageway having an end section terminating in the outlet at an angle of 25° to 45°. A purging space adjoins the outlet extension along the central longitudinal axis. The purging space has a somewhat larger diameter than the outlet extension, and at least a part of the purging space is located in the valve head. A plunger comprising a piston and a piston rod moves the piston up and down through the outlet extension into three positions, the outlet and outlet extension having at least twice the length of the piston.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser generally includes a housing and a valving rod disposed in and movable within the housing, the valving rod including a central bore, at least one inlet for receiving a cleaning solvent, and one or more outlet ports in fluid communication with the bore, wherein the outlet ports are capable of directing cleaning solvent radially outwards from the bore and against an interior surface of the dispenser to facilitate the removal of at least a portion of any fluid product or derivatives thereof that may be in adherence with such interior surface.

Abstract: A machine for forming molded foam cushions, including an apparatus for enclosing a foamable composition in a flexible bag; a mold having a cavity and a closure mechanism and being movable between an open position and a closed position such that, when in the closed position, the closure mechanism and the cavity define an enclosed three-dimensional shape, the mold comprising a material capable of transferring sufficient heat to or from the cavity to maintain the cavity at a desired temperature; a device for controlling the temperature of the mold cavity; means for placing the bag in the mold cavity while the mold is in the open position, whereby, when the mold assumes the closed position, the foamable composition expands within the cavity to form a foam cushion that substantially conforms to the three-dimensional shape; and means for pulling the foam cushion from the mold cavity.