Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine for making a pouch style package is provided, comprising an optional bulge forming station for forming a puff or bulge; a heating and filling station for creating seals and filling the pouch; and an optional flap making station comprising a folding mechanism for folding over a flap and sealing the inside portion of the flap to the front face of the pouch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool, especially in a packaging machine, for closing cavities in packaging and/or sealing and cutting packaging. The tool is raised and lowered by a lifting device. The invention also relates to a packaging machine comprising the tool and to a method for automatically adjusting the parameters of a packaging machine.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for paper and plastic packing comprising a machine pedestal with a plastic wrapping fixture, a plastic wrapper supplier, a cutter, a clip board and a heating board are installed on the machine pedestal. The major feature are as follows: more than one packing holes are on the plastic wrapping fixture, the packing holes corresponds to the shape of the bottom of the packing box, a plurality of small holes are on the packing holes to connect to a vacuum pump; the vacuum pump sucks air out, the air goes out through the small holes of the plastic wrapping fixture and the crevices on the packing boxes to have the PET wrapper with back glue attach closely on the surface by the shape of the packing boxes.

Abstract: A machine (M) for producing blister packs (10) includes unrolling means (3,7,21) for unrolling a band of heat-formable material from a bobbin (2) and for feeding the band (1) along a predetermined path (P) extending through subsequent stations (5,6,30,8,9,13), in which the band (1) is processed. The above-mentioned stations include a heating station (5), where the band (1) of heat-formable material is heated, a forming station (6), where a plurality of blisters (20) are formed on the band (1), a filling station (8), where the blisters (20) are filled with products, a sealing station (9), where the blister band (1a) is closed with a sealing band (11), and a cutting station (13), where the closed blister band (1ac) is cut into blister packs (10). A further heating station (30) is provided for heating the blister band (1a) along the path (P) upstream of the filling station (8), so as to heat the band (1a) to cause a thermal stabilization treatment of the blister band (1a).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the registration of one elongated continuous structure (e.g., plastic zipper) with attachments or formed features (e.g., sliders or pre-seals) as it is fed to a sealing station, where it is joined to another elongated continuous structure (e.g., packaging film) with formed features (e.g., thermoformed pockets). The latter elongated continuous structure will be intermittently advanced through the machine, pulling the former elongated continuous structure joined thereto forward. Registration is accomplished by tacking the respective elongated continuous structures together while the respective features on the elongated continuous structures are in proper registration. After tacking, the respective portions of the elongated continuous structures immediately downstream of the tack zone are advanced to the sealing station in proper registration.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for populating transport tapes with electronic components includes a mold support having at least one recess over which a flat plastic strip is disposed. A heater heats the mold support and/or the plastic strip in an area of the recesses. An embossing tool, which has the electronic component in its embossing area, together with the electronic component, is embossed into the plastic strip in the direction of the recess into the mold support to form a tape pocket.

Abstract: For packaging flat objects (4) using a packaging material (7) being supplied as a quasi-endless web, a string of bags (7?) being open on three sides and closed on one side is continuously formed and conveyed in a conveying direction. During conveyance the bags (7?) are each charged with at least one object (4), are severed from each other, and are then sealed with seams corresponding with the open bag sides. The depth of the bags during the step of forming the string of bags (7?) and/or the distance between the two lateral seams during the step of sealing are adjusted to the format of the object to be packaged (4), or to the width of the packaging material (7), respectively.

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 method of forming, filling and sealing a reclosable package 46. A thermoform film 14 is fed toward a forming station 18. A zipper length 20 having mated interlocking profiles 21 and 23 and a slider 28 is fed onto the thermoform film transverse to the feeding direction of the film and one of the profiles is sealed to the film. A pocket 18 is thermoformed in the film and product 32 is fed into the pocket. A cover sheet 34 is then fed over the thermoform film covering the pocket 18 and second profile 23. The cover sheet 34 is sealed to the thermoform film at seal lines 38 along the pocket, to the second profile and above the zipper to form a filled package and the bottom seal 44 for the next package.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool, especially in a packaging machine, for closing cavities in packaging and/or sealing and cutting packaging. Said tool is raised and lowered by means of a lifting device. The invention also relates to a packaging machine comprising said tool and to a method for automatically adjusting the parameters of a packaging machine.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing in which a fluent material is dispensed to an article such as a container from a flexible bag The fluent material is dispensed directly to the container without any intervening structure which contacts the fluent material. Accordingly, the apparatus can be constructed of less expensive materials and does not require frequent cleaning. The apparatus acts on the bag to dispense and does not act on the fluent material. Thus, the apparatus has particular application where aseptic conditions need to be maintained such as in the packaging of the food and medicine The flexible bag is preferably formed with multiple outlets permitting simultaneous dispensing to multiple containers.

Abstract: A machine for producing so-called strip packs includes: a station for feeding products to a packaging group, situated in cascade, which places and seals each of the products in relative heat-welded pockets, arranged on a continuous band; an operating station, situated in cascade with respect to the packaging group, equipped with: means for printing and/or applying codified data and/or information on each pocket; feeling detecting means for verifying the presence of corresponding products inside each pocket; pre-cutting groups for transversal precutting of the continuous band; cutting groups for longitudinal and transversal cutting of the continuous band; a compensation magazine, interposed between the packaging group and the operating station, and aimed at allowing, at least partial, accumulation of the continuous band. The continuous band is moved stepwise.

Abstract: The present provides a thermoforming system for film on blister packing machines that forms pockets without any extreme reduction of thickness of the sheet at the top face portion of the pocket and enables sheets to be placed one upon another without warping. The thermoforming system for film for blister packaging machines pinches and heats a film, fed intermittently in synchronization with an open/close drive of a pair of dies on a thermoforming system, between the dies of the thermoforming system, and partially extends the heated film along an inner circumferential face of the pocket holes of the forming die to form pockets. The dies of the thermoforming system are constructed with a forming die provided with pocket holes, a heating die provided with a plugs for locally heating only the pocket forming portion of the film F disposed facing the pocket holes of the forming die, and injecting mechanisms that inject compressed air disposed on the forming die side and the heating die side, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for populating transport tapes with electronic components includes a mold support having at least one recess over which a flat plastic strip is disposed. A heater heats the mold support and/or the plastic strip in an area of the recesses. An embossing tool, which has the electronic component in its embossing area, together with the electronic component, is embossed into the plastic strip in the direction of the recess into the mold support to form a tape pocket.

Abstract: In a unit for feeding articles to a blister band, a casing has two apertures for a blister band to enter and come out of the casing. The casing supports and contains operative means for feeding articles to blisters made in the blister band. The casing is connected to a blistering machine for feeding the articles, and is removed from the blistering machine for cleaning and/or sterilizing the casing and the operative means in a suitable area.

Abstract: According to a method for forming a blister band (1) for blister pack (10) in blistering machines (M), a band (1) of heat-formable material is moved stepwise through a preheating station (5), a forming station (6), where a regular series of blisters (20) is formed, a filling station (8), where the blisters (20) are filled with relative articles, a sealing station (9), in which the blister band is sealed with a covering band (11), and a cutting off station (13), where the blister band is cut into single blister packs (10). The method includes gradual heating, during the stepwise movement of the band (1) in the preheating station (5), of selected areas (24a, 24b, 24c) of the band (1). The areas (24a, 24b, 24c) are distributed regularly within a cold grid-like zone and have an extent suitably bigger than the extent of the blisters (2) made in the region of the heated areas (24a, 24b, 24c).

Abstract: In a unit for feeding articles to a blister band, a casing has two apertures for a blister band to enter and come out of the casing. The casing supports and contains operative means for feeding articles to blisters made in the blister band. The casing is connected to a blistering machine for feeding the articles, and is removed from the blistering machine for cleaning and/or sterilizing the casing and the operative means in a suitable area.

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: The method and the installation of the invention enable re-entrant receptacles to be thermoformed, filled, and closed, the rim of each receptacle having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of its body. Prior to thermoforming a row of receptacles, preliminary cuts separated by attachment points are made in a transverse stripe of the strip of the thermoplastic strip that is to be used for thermoforming in a subsequent cycle, and for each receptacle that is to be thermoformed, the cuts define practically the entire final periphery of the rim of said receptacle, the attachment points being broken when the receptacles are separated in a subsequent cycle after the filled receptacles have been closed.

Abstract: In a device for recovering exceeding articles from a blister band on a blistering machine, the blister band is moved in a forward movement direction through a station for feeding the articles to the blisters. A displacing device is situated very close to the blister band for removing exceeding articles while a conveying device recovers the exceeding articles removed from the blister band by the use of a rotating drum. The rotating drum is hollow and has a plurality of radial separating plates defining a number of niches. The niches receive the exceeding articles removed from the blister band and a transport conveyor receives the exceeding articles present in the niches and brings the articles to the feeding station.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for populating transport tapes with electronic components includes a mold support having at least one recess over which a flat plastic strip is disposed. A heater heats the mold support and/or the plastic strip in an area of the recesses. An embossing tool, which has the electronic component in its embossing area, together with the electronic component, is embossed into the plastic strip in the direction of the recess into the mold support to form a tape pocket.

Abstract: The present invention, intended for providing a thermoforming system for film on blister packing machines realized in such a way as to form pockets without any extreme reduction of thickness of the sheet at the top face portion of the pocket, and enable to place the sheets one upon another without warping, is a thermoforming system for film for blister packaging machines, realized in such a way as to pinch and heat a film F, fed intermittently in synchronization with the open/close drive of the dies 5A, 5B on a thermoforming system, between the dies 5A, 5B of the thermoforming system, and partially extend said heated film F along the inner circumferential face of the pocket holes 52 of the forming die 5A to form pockets, characterized in that the dies of the thermoforming system are constructed with a forming die 5A provided with pocket holes 52, a heating die 5B provided with a plug 58 for locally heating only the pocket forming portion of the film F disposed facing the pocket hole 52 of the forming die 5A,

Abstract: The wrapper which surrounds the product is formed from two pieces, for example, of thin aluminium foil. The first piece is shaped to a generally cup-shaped configuration so as to house the product substantially completely also leaving a projecting edge in the region of the mouth portion of the cup-shaped configuration. The second piece, which retains a substantially flat configuration, is applied and welded to the projecting edge. The rim formed as a result of the connection of the two pieces is then subjected to a shaping operation against the product, conferring on the rim a generally case-like configuration. A case-like housing body with a flat base wall which can support the product is thus formed, the case-like housing body being constituted by an integral part of the wrapper.

Abstract: According to a method for forming a blister band (1) for blister packs (10) in blistering machines (M), a band (1) of heat-formable material is moved stepwise through a preheating station (5), a forming station (6), where a regular series of blisters (20) is formed, a filling station (8), where which said blisters (20) are filled with relative articles, a sealing station (9), in which the blister band is sealed with a covering band (11), and a cutting off station (13), where the blister band is cut into single blister packs (10). The method includes gradual heating, during the stepwise movement of the band (1) in the preheating station (5), of respective areas (24a,24b,24c) of the band (1). The areas (24a,24b,24c) are distributed regularly within a cold grid-like zone and have extension suitably bigger than the extension of the blisters (20) made in the region of the heated areas (24a,24b,24c).

Abstract: A process for manufacturing packaging (12) with good barrier properties against passage of water vapor and gases is such that recesses are shape-formed in a film-shaped material (22) to act as containers (26) to accommodate contents. After cutting the shape-formed film into individual units of packaging (12), these are coated in vacuum with materials exhibiting the desired barrier properties. A device for carrying out the process comprises a shaping station (14) for shape-forming the containers (26) from the film-shaped material (22), a cutting station (16) for cutting the packaging (12) out of the shape-formed, film-shaped material (22), and a vacuum-coating station (18) for coating the packaging (12). The process and the device make it possible to manufacture e.g. light-transparent blister packs within a packaging line, whereby the good barrier properties against passage of water vapor and gases can be achieved using relatively cost-favorable starting materials.

Abstract: Machine for manufacturing consumable goods containers, including a structure in which four modules are located, two supply modules (1) and (2), one dosage module (3) and the other a cutting module (4). It includes thermo-plastic material reels (5) and (6) of a variable band width, provided with winding means (7) and (21) and heating means (8) and (22), as well as shaping matrixes (9) and (23) that function when heated under pressure and result in concave shapes on the bands applicable as halves of the containers to be obtained.

Abstract: The invention provides an embossed carrier tape molding and sealing apparatus which is devised so that the molding of the embossed carrier tape and the sealing of electronic parts can be efficiently performed.

Abstract: A method for producing stand-up blister packages, and in particular a stable, easy-to-fill stand-up blister package that has no undercut of the blister dome, and can be produced with a high cycle number, without malfunctions and with a good, reproducible quality, in hot-seal machines. For this purpose, a fold line is produced through the heating of a linear region, independently of the heating during the process of sealing the blister edges with the carrier part. The apparatus has a corresponding heating station for heating and creating a fold line in the blister dome.

Abstract: A process for producing a thermoformed package comprises the steps of placing a first sheet of film over a forming die having at least one cavity, heating the film to mold the film into the at least one cavity thereby forming at least one recess in the film, placing a composition in the at least one formed recess; and sealing a second sheet of film across the at least one formed recess to produce at least one closed package. The film is heated by a heating plate having at least one concave depression which in use overlies the at least one cavity, wherein the heating step involves the step of bringing the film into intimate contact with the or each depression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging machine having at least one working station which has a lower and/or an upper tool, being vertically movable on lifting tables and the lifting table having

Abstract: An apparatus for producing packages having a heating device for heating a bottom sheeting strip, a forming device, a filling device, a sealing device for sealing on a top strip, and a cutting device for separating the packages. For forming downward-drawn rims on the packages that make them easy to drink from, additional recesses are embodied in the forming device, and the bottom sheeting strip is pressed by means of protrusions into recesses disposed on the upper part of the forming device. The cutting device also has a stamping knife, which cuts the package out of the foil composite in the region of the downward-drawn rim.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing packaging containers of plastics, a packaging container, in particular produced according to said method, a method of producing filled and closed packaging containers, a molding station for a plastic packaging container and a packaging machine having such a molding station. According to the invention a packaging container is produced in a continuous method and an associated packaging machine in a combined deep-drawing/blow-molding operation with undercuts and is subsequently filled in a continuous process with a packaging material and sealed, wherein the closed packaging containers are subsequently separated from one another and discharged, optionally provided with a reclosable cover.

Abstract: A sealing tool for sealing a package trough with a covering film includes a bottom part, side parts oriented transverse and side parts oriented parallel to the direction of package trough feed, wherein the side parts oriented transverse to the direction of feed can be displaced downwardly, while the other parts of the bottom sealing tool are fixed in their spatial arrangement, relative to the frame of the machine.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for blow-molding, sterilizing, filling and capping plastic containers under conditions of positive control in a close-coupled, compact machine to enhance operational efficiency.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a base frame having an input side and an output side as well as a transport path from the input side to the output side. A plurality of tray carriers for holding trays are arranged in succession from the input side to the output side along the transport path. A drive means advances the tray carriers in an advancement plane. Further, feed means are provided for feeding a cover film for covering the filled trays. Successive tray carriers are pivotally interconnected by means of pivoting coupling links. Each tray carrier has engagement elements provided at its forward and rearward side. The drive means is formed as a drive chain with a chain strand trained over chain wheels and the engagement elements engage the chain strand when in a position adjacent thereto.

Abstract: Different ways are disclosed for manufacturing air cell dunnage in which the variation in thickness of the individual bubble walls is significantly reduced. In one embodiment, the bubbles are formed from a plastic sheet having regions which vary in thickness so that when these regions are vacuum formed into bubbles, they result in bubbles having an approximately uniform wall thickness. The sheets are extruded through a die which is shaped to profile the thickness of the sheet from side to side. Longitudinal profiling of the thickness is provided by means of shaping bars which move vertically with respect to the extruded sheet. The variation in wall thickness also can be reduced using flat plastic sheet by controlling the application of the vacuum to the hemispherical dies which form the bubbles. The vacuum may be applied progressively through rings of apertures from the bottom or opening of the bubble to the top or apex of the bubble.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a matrix for the production of a package trough having at least one undercut, consisting of a bottom part, side parts oriented transversely and side parts oriented parallel to the direction of package trough feed, wherein at least one side part oriented parallel to the direction of feed serves as a mold for the undercut, and wherein said side part is fixed in its spatial position in relation to the machine frame whereas the other parts of the matrix can be displaced vertically downwards.

Abstract: The band 10 which stores little parts 20 in many storing dents 14 arranged along a longitudinal direction and packs the little parts 20 by covering surfaces of the storing dents 14 with a cover tape 30, and is made of a flexible material having a compress-forming nature, and comprises storing dents 14 which are compress-formed from a surface to a fixed depth in a thickness direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing tool for sealing a package trough with a covering film, which tool consists of a bottom part, side parts oriented transversely and side parts oriented parallel to the direction of package trough feed, wherein at least one side part oriented parallel to the direction of feed is fixed in its spatial position in relation to the machine frame whereas the other parts of the matrix can be displaced vertically downwards.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus for use in the formation of shrink film packages is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a bottom seal tool with a plurality of peninsula regions forming a plurality of window areas. Each pair of window areas has a knife receiving area to receive a knife retaining block. The retaining block contains a perforation knife that extends beyond the surface of the sealing tool a sufficient distance to perforate the packages. At least one screw member extends through the peninsula, contacting the retaining block and securing the retaining block within the retaining channel. A change plate, having slots dimensioned and located to receive the knife blades is placed over the sealing tool surface. The packages are placed on the change plate and sealed by contacting the package with the upper platen. The upper platen is provided with a nonconductive material positioned to receive the knife blade.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus for delivering tablets or performs to an encapsulating machine includes a number of vertically extending chutes, each capable of holding a number of tablets aligned in a row along the respective chute. A plunger mechanism temporary engages one of the tablets in the chute so as to prevent downward movement of the tablet and all pills located above it in the chute. A rotatable feed roll is located adjacent a bottom end section of the chutes and this roll has a number of tablet cavities, each capable of holding an individual tablet. Pivotable stop members are used to prevent temporarily downward movement of the bottom pill in each chute, this pill being located downstream of the plunger. These stop members move to a pill releasing position when the plungers are engaging their respective tablets in the chutes. Each stop member prevents downward movement of its respective row of pills in the chute past the stop member when the plunger is moved to a position of disengagement.

Abstract: A packaging device for continuously forming and filling a package having a plurality of separate sealed cavities comprises a plastic film winding barrel, a vacuum cavity forming device, a filling means, an aluminum foil winding barrel, a pressing sealing means, and a cutting machine. The vacuum cavity forming device causes the plastic film to be formed with a plurality of cavities. The filling means pumps liquid material into each of the cavities holes. Aluminum foil is adhered to the strip plastic casing by a pressing sealing means. Finally, the cutting machine serves to the cut the strip casing to complete a packaging process.

Abstract: A filling machine for thermoplastic cups, with a cyclically operating conveying section which takes over a cup sheet web with thermoformed cups from a thermoforming station, there being provided, for the simultaneous filling of a batch of cups, for each cup of the batch, a filling unit with a filling cylinder and a filling pipe for a pasty filling product, the filling cylinder containing a filling piston on the product side. The technical problem is to provide a filling machine which is easily adjustable in terms of volume, works without a sucking action, and is easy to clean and sterilize. An air piston (31) is connected, on the drive side, to the filling piston (24) by a piston rod (40) and the filling cylinder (23) is closed off above the air piston (31) by a cylinder head (32) which is connected to a pressure compensation reservoir via a compensation pipe (35).

Abstract: Methods of making slide-zippered reclosable packages are provided. In one embodiment, a pair of opposing film extensions are provided on each package between which a zipper and slider are attached. In another embodiment, sliders are inserted on to zippered packages output from a form-fill-seal machine or the like. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and then a slider is inserted on to the zipper. In yet another embodiment, during package formation a reclosable zipper is sealed to each package and a slider is inserted on to each zipper, either before or after zipper sealing.

Abstract: A system and method for sterile packaging of beverages in plastic containers forms the plastic containers and fills them with sterile beverages in a common sterile environment. The containers are formed from a blow molding process in which the containers reach elevated temperatures sufficient to at least in-part sterilize the interior of the containers, are filled with sterile beverages immediately after the containers are formed in the same sterile environment. This eliminates the need for heavy use of sterilizing fluids for the plastic containers such as hydrogen peroxide or the like.

Abstract: A covering band (12) is pre-heated and then definitively heated in two subsequent areas (P,Z), and is subjected to primary pulling, in an area (T), where the covering band is pulled and applied to a blister band (1), and to secondary pulling in an area (R) which coincides with the pre-heating area (P). The speed of the covering band (12) is lower in the secondary pulling area (R), so as to determine a lengthening which corresponds at least to its maximum lengthening resulting from pre-heating. Cyclical detecting of reference marks (20) printed on the covering band determines temporary reducing of the covering band (12) speed in the secondary pulling point (R), so as to provoke an additional lengthening. The device includes pulling means (5,11) of the blister band (1) and covering band (12), pre-heating means (11) and heating means (13) for the covering band (12), detecting means (16), and driving means (30) acting with different speeds, controlled by the detecting means (16).

Abstract: The band 10 which stores little parts 20 in many storing dents 14 arranged along a longitudinal direction and packs the little parts 20 by covering surfaces of the storing dents 14 with a cover tape 30, and is made of a flexible material having a compress-forming nature, and comprises storing dents 14 which are compress-formed from a surface to a fixed depth in a thickness direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a receptacle from a generally flat thermoplastic blank has an upstream conveyor extending along a path in a transport direction through a loading station, a heating station downstream of the loading station, and a forming station downstream from the heating station. The conveyor has a plurality of supports forming a plurality of respective throughgoing apertures spaced apart in the direction. A supply at the loading station positions a respective blank atop each of the apertures of the conveyor with a central region of each blank exposed through the respective aperture and a periphery of each blank engaging and supported by the respective support A drive connected to the conveyor advances it and the blanks carried on it step-wise through the heating and forming stations. At the heating station at least the central region of each blank is heated to a softening point.

Abstract: A working station of a packaging machine comprises a first tool member and a second tool member which can be lowered to a lowered position relative to the first tool member and lifted to a raised position relative to the first tool member. Both tool members are disposed on opposite sides of a material web conveyed through the packaging machine. A lifting device comprises a first lifting member for moving the second tool member relative to the first tool member and a second lifting member coupled to the second tool member for moving the first tool member away from the material web when lowering the second tool member into the lowered position.