Abstract: A pair of sealing bars for a pouch packaging machine have sealing surfaces which are asymmetrical with respect to one another. The sealing surface on one of the sealing bars is flat and smooth, having linear edges in two perpendicular directions. The sealing surface on the other of the sealing bars is shaped as a portion of a curved cylindrical surface, defined by a linear edge in a first direction and an arcuate edge in a perpendicular direction. The bars are positioned with respect to one another such that the curved sealing surface on the one bar convexly projects toward the flat, planar sealing surface on the other bar. Seals formed with these asymmetrical sealing bars have a sealing bead which is thinner in the center and thickens outwardly toward both ends moving away from the center.

Abstract: A solar powered passive air filter system for filtering an air space polluted with particulate matter includes an elongated vertical chimney located in association with the polluted air space and in a position to be exposed to solar radiation. A duct connects the polluted air space to the base of the chimney. A filter medium is located in association with the duct for removing air pollutants from an air stream. An air stream is created in the duct by an ascending air stream in the chimney. The ascending air stream in the chimney is maintained in response to exposure of the chimney to solar radiation.

Abstract: An easy open pouch is formed from front and back thin films by a seal formed between the films. The seal defines a product storage chamber and a dispensing cavity between the films. The seal completely surrounds the product storage chamber. An opening to the exterior of the pouch is formed in the seal in the dispensing cavity. The product storage chamber and the dispensing cavity are located adjacent to one another with a common wall located between them. The common wall is formed as a part of the seal and is frangible in response to a pressure differential between the product storage chamber and the dispensing cavity. Upon creating a pressure differential between the product storage area and the dispensing cavity the seal across the common wall delaminates to join the product storage chamber to the dispensing cavity. Product can then be dispensed from the product storage chamber through the dispensing cavity and out of the dispensing cavity opening.

Abstract: A packaging cup formed from a resilient material has an integrally body having a product reservoir and a lip. The product reservoir includes a flat bottom wall and a continuous side wall integrally joined together about a smooth curve. The side wall extends upwardly from the bottom wall to join the lip. The joint between the lip and the side wall continuously surrounds and defines an opening through the lip to the interior of the reservoir. The lip extends in a plane outwardly from this opening completely around the periphery of this opening. The bottom wall is essentially circular in shape and the opening is essentially squarish in shape. First, second, third and fourth fluted areas are located in the side wall at the corners of the squarish shaped opening. Each of the fluted areas is shaped essentially as a conical surface generated from a cone which is truncated by a plane about a parabolic intersecton of the plane with the cone.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal pouch packaging machine has independent side and cross seals. A first prime mover driving a first output linkage moves the side seals. A second prime mover driving a second output linkage moves the cross seals. The first and second prime movers are independent of each other and as such the side seals can be operated independently of the cross seal. Because the cross seal is independent of the side seals, pouches of any desired length can be formed, filled and sealed on the pouch packaging machine.

Abstract: A free standing product pouch for containing a product as, for instance, a fluid product includes a pouch formed with an elongated edge having ends. The pouch is folded about a point on the edge to locate the ends of the edges together in proximity with one another. The ends of this edge are connected together to maintain the pouch in a folded configuration. The folded configuration of the pouch is free standing on a surface.

Abstract: For a form, fill and seal bagging machine a process and apparatus are provided whereby simultaneous with product discharged into the interior of the bag during the filling segment of the form, fill and seal cycle, a gas is also discharged into the interior of the bag to purge the interior of the bag and further, a low pressure area is created within the interior of the bag to remove excess purging gas and/or condensing fluids from the interior of the bag prior to sealing the bag.

Abstract: For use on a form, fill and seal bagging machine a left side bag gripping member and a right side bag gripping member are located in association with a movable component of the bagging machine as, for instance, the head seal. The bag grippers contact and grip the left and right respective sides of a bag and spread these sides apart from one another just prior to formation of a cross seal on the bag by the head seal. This insures that the heat sealable film utilized on the machines is not puckered or pinched by the head seal therefore leading to a defective seal between the front and rear films forming the bag.