Abstract: Improved reliability of packaging metered batches of difficult-to-pack products is achieved by a method which includes pushing the trailing end of each metered batch of product out of the bottom of a hopper by an extendible member operating in synchronism with a form-fill-and-seal packaging machine. The extendible member comprises a double-acting rodless cylinder moving a support for a double-acting rod cylinder along the slideway, the cylinder rod carrying the head of a compacting member. The extendible member is thus made small enough to be located in the upper part of the hopper, yet has sufficient stroke length to cause the compacting head to reach down through the lower end of the hopper.