Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a dimension of a non-rigid object and using the dimension to pick and place the object. A first input device conveys a non-rigid object into contact with a feed forward unit, which contact causes a displacement of the feed forward unit. The displacement measures a dimension of the object. The measured dimension is transmitted via at least one line of communication.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a dimension of a non-rigid object and using the dimension to pick and place the object. A first input device conveys the object into contact with a feed forward unit, which contact conditions the object. A distance sensor is positioned over a gap in the feed forward unit to measure a distance to a surface of the conditioned object. The distance measures a dimension of the conditioned object. The measured dimension is transmitted via at least one line of communication.

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 and packaging a plurality of slugs of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form compact slugs of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber for each slug of product or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slugs can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the slugs of product are discharged to a multiple bagmaking packaging apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for depositing an ultra-thin inorganic coating on to a packaging film substrate is disclosed. Flame pretreatment enhances the quality of the inorganic coating. Multiple coating layers may be deposited onto the substrate by passing the substrate over various one or more flame head configurations in either a stand-alone or in-line manufacturing environment.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a co-filled product. A center layer is fed through a center channel of a die face and an outer layer is fed through an outer layer of a die face. The center channel is coupled to a fluid control device which controls the flow of the center layer. The position of the fluid control device is determined by the location of a cutting blade located downstream from the die face. In one embodiment the fluid control device is synchronized to ensure that when the product is cut by the cutting blade the cutting blade does not cut through the center layer.

Abstract: Composition and method for making a multi-layer bio-based film having one or more cavitated layers. In one aspect, the multilayer flexible film has polylactic acid, an inorganic filler, and a cavitation stabilizer making up at least one film layer. In one aspect, the barrier web has a cavitated bio-based film layer. In another aspect, the print web has a cavitated bio-based film layer.

Abstract: A sustainable method and system for producing bio-fuels from citrus peels and the recovery of limonene and pectin prior to fermentation of the peel solids. In one embodiment a sustainable method and system for the concurrent recovery of limonene and pectin from citrus peels is disclosed. The peels are optionally zested, mixed with water and an acid, and then exploded in a jet cooker or a pressurized extruder. The exploded peels are transferred to a flash vessel where the remaining limonene and water vapor are separated into water and limonene. The pectin fraction is removed from the flash tank and extracted by centrifuge, precipitation and/or filtration. The remaining peel solids are fermented in an anaerobic digester which produces methane, ethanol, acids, CO2 or other end products which can be used as fuel for power generation equipment sufficient to supply the processing system for sustainable operations as described herein.

Abstract: A package for consumable wrapped products, such as cereal bars, power bars, granola bars or other snacks. The package may include an elongated body and a fin seal on the elongated body that folds to the left side of the package. The fin seal may be located near the center of the package or on an edge of the package and may include one or more nicks on an edge of the fin seal. The package may include a top seal and a side seal. The package may also include a tear notch for propagating a tear across the package. The package may include one or more score lines extending across the package. The package may include a vertical score that prevents further tearing of the package.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for making a multi-compartment package on a form, fill, and seal machine. Two pairs of heat sealing jaws are provided below a product delivery tube.

Abstract: A method for making a food product with a low acrylamide content having organoleptical properties comparable to traditional food products. Potatoes containing a low reducing sugar concentration are used to make potato flakes. Dextrose is added to the low reducing sugar potato flakes to increase the total reducing sugar concentration.

Abstract: A continuous process for making a pita chip or other similar products using a continuous pressing step that occurs shortly after a continuous oven initial cooking step. Applicants' invention produces a final product with characteristics of a traditionally cooked pita chip using equipment that provides for significant increases in manufacturing throughput. The use of a continuous oven with the relatively concurrent pressing step allows for the production of a flat chip piece on a continuous product line.

Abstract: For use with the technique of transversely aligning the transducer in an ultrasonic welding assembly, the presently disclosed principles provide a unique ultrasonic sonotrode for use in ultrasonic welding assemblies having such a transversely aligned transducer. In one embodiment, an exemplary ultrasonic sonotrode comprises a body having nodal and anti-nodal regions, and configured to propagate ultrasonic waves received at a nodal region along a first direction. Such an exemplary sonotrode may further comprise a plurality of redirecting features formed in the body and configured to cause received ultrasonic waves propagating along the first direction to propagate along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, upon encountering one or more of the redirecting features. In such embodiments, the body is further configured to stretch and compress along the second direction based on corresponding peaks and valleys of the waves propagating along the second direction.