Abstract: A heat sealing element and related self aligning support jaw, for sealing at least two layers of thermoplastic film is disclosed. It may be used with a vertical form, fill and seal machine for packaging flowable materials, e.g. chocolate fudge, sundae topping, in pouches. The heat sealing element has a spade end which extends from the electrical connection essentially to the edge of the thermoplastic film.

Abstract: A heat sealing element, for sealing and simultaneously cutting through at least two layers of thermoplastic film is disclosed. It is particularly adapted for use with a vertical form, fill and seal machine for packaging flowable materials, e.g. chocolate fudge sundae topping, in a lap seamed pouch. The heat sealing element has a portion, which has a greater electrical resistance than the remainder of the element, at the position where the lap seal is to be formed. The portion which has a greater electrical resistance is preferably a portion which is narrower than the remainder of the element, preferably 83 to 94% of the width of the remainder of the element.

Abstract: A heat sealing assembly, for sealing through at least two layers of thermoplastic film is disclosed. It is particularly adapted for use with a vertical form, fill and seal machine for packaging flowable materials. The heat sealing assembly comprises two jaws, resilient clamping elements and a heat sealing element, at least one of the jaws being capable of transverse motion and adapted to collapse a tubular film made from the thermoplastic film and passing between the jaws, each of said jaws having said element mounted thereon, said clamping elements being adapted to grip thermoplastic film which passes therebetween and urge said gripped film towards said jaws when the jaws close and to release said film when the jaws open. Clamping is accomplished without an activating device other than the jaws themselves. Preferably there are clamping elements on both sides of the jaws. Preferably the clamping elements are made of a flexible rubber.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal machine has a pair of transverse heat sealing jaws adapted to collapse a tubular film, a pair of spreader fingers, and at least one pair of detucker fingers to pinch a longitudinal edge of the tubular film and urge the pinched tubular film away from the other longitudinal edge of the film.