Abstract: A method of forming, filling, and sealing a flexible pouch with a guide pocket includes the steps of forming the pouch, and forming a first crease and second crease in the pouch that each projects outwardly and extends longitudinally from the upper edge, tapering in the direction of the lower edge. The method further includes the steps of opening and filling the pouch with the product and closing the pouch by sealing the upper edge transversely through the guide pocket, such that the first and second crease is eliminated as the upper edge is sealed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a pouch with a straw hole is provided that includes the steps of feeding a front-side film forming one panel of the pouch and a back-side film forming an other panel, from a roll of material, and punching a straw hole in one panel of the pouch. The method also includes the steps of feeding a seal material tape with a plurality of temporally punched portions, and each temporal punched portion has a size slightly larger than that of the straw hole, to a rear side of the panel with the straw hole. The method further includes the steps of temporally sealing the temporally punched portion of the seal material tape over the straw hole by aligning one temporally punched portion of the seal material tape with the straw hole, separating the temporally punched portion from the seal material tape and temporally sealing the temporally punched portion to the one panel.

Abstract: A multi-compartment flexible pouch with an insulated compartment and method of forming includes a pouch body formed from a panel of material, and the pouch body has at least one compartment for a product. An opening means for accessing the product is disposed in the pouch body. A first insulating compartment seal having a predetermined shape is applied to the pouch body and a second insulating compartment seal having a predetermined shape is applied to the pouch body and spaced a predetermined distance apart from the first seal to form the insulated compartment. The insulated compartment contains a pressurized gas and a surface temperature of the insulated compartment is less than a surface temperature of the product compartment after the pouch is heated.

Abstract: A stand-up flexible pouch for packaging a product and a method of forming and filling the pouch is provided. The pouch includes a panel forming a body of the pouch using a flexible material having an inner surface and an outer surface. A rib is integrally formed in the pouch body, and the rib is spaced a predetermined distance from an edge of the pouch body. The pouch also includes opening means integral with the panel for accessing a product contained within the pouch. The method of forming the pouch thermoforms a rib in each panel of material across multiple lanes of a high speed machine.

Abstract: A flexible pouch for packaging a product having a hanging aperture for receiving a fastener and a method of forming is provided. The flexible pouch includes a panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, and an upper edge, an opposed lower edge and a side edge. The edges are sealed, and a hanging aperture for receiving a fastener is formed in the sealed edge. The pouch also includes an opening means disposed in the panel for accessing the product. The method includes the steps of forming a body of the pouch from a roll of laminate material, and sealing the lower edge, side edge, applying an opening means to the panel, closing the pouch and forming the hanging aperture.

Abstract: A tamper-evident outer cap for a tube spout fitment with push-pull cap for a flexible pouch is provided. The tube spout fitment is sealed to the pouch body, and includes a base portion having a seal-engaging surface disposed within the pouch body and a centrally located passageway. An internal tubular spout projects upwardly from the base portion and has a centrally located passageway. A push-pull cap is slidably retained on the internal tube spout, and is a generally cylindrical member having an outer wall, an inner wall parallel to the outer wall, and an upper wall having a central opening formed therein interconnecting the outer wall to the inner wall. A tamper-evident outer cap is disposed over the push-pull cap, and includes an openable portion, a collar portion permanently retained on the tube spout fitment, and a first connecting member interconnecting the openable portion and the collar portion.

Abstract: A package for a product having a multi-purpose valve includes a valve having a tubular body that defines a recess between open and closed ends, and the closed end includes an aperture for venting a pressurized gases therethrough. A retaining member operative for snap-fit engagement with the tubular body is spaced from the closed end of the tubular body. A breathable membrane element is positioned between the tubular body closed end tubular body and the retaining member. The breathable membrane element is positioned adjacent the closed end for respiring a gas from the product through the membrane to maintain a predetermined a concentration of oxygen and a predetermined concentration of carbon dioxide within the package. The membrane element is displaceable from the closed end to allow pressurized gases to pass through the closed end aperture during heating of the package.

Abstract: An apparatus, machine and method for continuous unloading and loading of an object includes an unloading station with in-feed device, frame and transport device disposed thereon that moves an object between a unload end and a load end of the in-feed device. A robotic transfer means is positioned at the unload end of the in-feed device. The robotic transfer device includes a base portion, an arm attached to the base portion and a gripping member located on a distal end of the arm. An object storage device is positioned adjacent the unload end of the in-feed device for holding a plurality of objects arranged in a predetermined manner. The robotic transfer device operatively unloads the object from the storage device and places the object on the unload end of the transport device, which transport the object to the load end of the in-feed device for loading onto another device.

Abstract: A flexible pouch for packaging a product includes a front panel and a back panel, each having an upper edge, a lower edge opposite the upper edge, and side edges extending therebetween the upper and lower edges, that are joined together at the side edges and the lower edges to contain the product. The front and back panels include an outwardly projecting crease that forms a guide pocket for separating the panels, prior to filling the pouch with the product, and the crease is straightened out when the upper edges of the front panel and back panel are sealed together. A method of forming and filling the flexible pouch includes the steps of forming the panel, and forming a crease in each of the panels that projects outwardly and extends longitudinally along each of the panels.