Abstract: A system for remote maintenance for a machine. The system includes a database having information for a plurality of machines. A customer accesses the database in order to receive an illustration of at least one of said plurality of machines. Thereafter, the customer identifies a position of the machine illustration and is provided with ordering data for that portion of the machine (e.g., a machine component, sub-component or part). Using this ordering data the customer can order parts of its machine. Additionally, using an imaging device, such as a digital camera, the customer can transmit images of the machine to an off-site expert and receive real-time information related to the assembly, installation, repair or maintenance of the machine.

Abstract: A system for remote maintenance for a machine. The system includes a database having information for a plurality of machines. A customer accesses the database in order to receive an illustration of at least one of said plurality of machines. Thereafter, the customer identifies a position of the machine illustration and is provided with ordering data for that portion of the machine (e.g., a machine component, sub-component or part). Using this ordering data the customer can order parts of its machine. Additionally, using an imaging device, such as a digital camera, the customer can transmit images of the machine to an off-site expert and receive real-time information related to the assembly, installation, repair or maintenance of the machine.

Abstract: A package and method of making and filling it in the form of a tubular flexible bag of laminated plastic sheet material with a dispensing fitment including a spout and a removable closure mechanically fastened to a flat wall at one end of the tubular bag with the method of making the filled package being continuous starting with a flat sheet of material and ending with a filled and closed package.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a form, fill, and seal packaging machine using preprinted web. The punch apparatus includes a registration sensor, a controller, a punch mechanism, a secondary servo feed drive and a dancer system. The registration sensor reads a registration mark on the web to send a signal to the controller which stops the secondary servo feed drive in a position one panel pitch downstream from the registration sensor. The punch is activated to punch holes along a cut line. The secondary feed drive is activated to advance the punched web to a dancer system. The web is moved from the dancer system to a conventional pouch forming machine by a primary feed drive.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling flexible pouches with products such as beverages, shredded cheese, and chips. The filling apparatus includes a hood having a dispersion plate for delivering jets of gas such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide over the tops of empty, open, flexible pouches. The pouches are moved under the hood by a turret. Diving nozzles are lowered into the pouches to purge oxygen from the pouches. The pouches are moved by the turret to a fill tube which dispenses liquid into the pouch and then to a downstream purging station where a second diving nozzle is lowered to the top of the pouch to purge any remaining oxygen from the pouch.

Abstract: A double pouch package and method of making it in which a pair of stand-up pouches, each with a supporting base and front and rear panels extending from opposite sides of the base are closed at their upper ends to form a flat band in each pouch. The rear panels of a pair of pouches are positioned adjacent to each other and the front panels have portions at the upper edges of the bands which are fused together to form a unitary double pouch package. Holes are formed in the upper band for receiving support members for transporting the pouches during manufacture or for displaying the filled pouches at the market place. Also, the holes can form part of a handle for carrying the double pouch package.

Abstract: A package for a plurality of stand-up pouches in which a rectilinear container holds the pouches with closed top portions of the pouch and is arranged between adjacent base portions of the pouches in the second row to occupy a minimum space. The container can be opened by separating portions along lines of weakening to form display trays which are separate from each other or which are attached to each other in side by side or end to end relationship, all without requiring unpacking or rearranging of the pouches within the container.

Abstract: A plastic, pouch-type package with a recloseable, zipper-like closure and the method of making it in which the mass of the plastic closure is reduced at opposite side edges of the pouch by forming holes passing through the interlocking tongue and groove portions so that the subsequent application of heat and pressure along parting lines at the side edges of the pouch accomplishes fusion and sealing of the closure to the pouch with less time and heat than would otherwise be required.