Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. The apparatus also includes processing stations for loading the pouches, transferring fluids (typically gases) into and out of the pouches, and sealing the pouches. Various alternative methods and devices are provided for separating each sealed pouch from the web by either making a continuous cut across a connecting strip of web material downline of the processing stations or pre-perforating the connecting strip upline of the processing stations. When the connecting strip is pre-perforated, a sealed pouch of sufficient weight may be separated from the web passively by a takeaway conveyor, and a lighter sealed pouch may be separated from the web by a tear-off mechanism that grips and pulls the web.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. The apparatus also includes processing stations for loading the pouches, transferring fluids (typically gases) into and out of the pouches, and sealing the pouches. Various alternative methods and devices are provided for separating each sealed pouch from the web by either making a continuous cut across a connecting strip of web material downline of the processing stations or pre-perforating the connecting strip upline of the processing stations. When the connecting strip is pre-perforated, a sealed pouch of sufficient weight may be separated from the web passively by a takeaway conveyor, and a lighter sealed pouch may be separated from the web by a tear-off mechanism that grips and pulls the web.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. The apparatus also includes processing stations for loading the pouches, transferring fluids (typically gases) into and out of the pouches, and sealing the pouches. Various alternative methods and devices are provided for separating each sealed pouch from the web by either making a continuous cut across a connecting strip of web material downline of the processing stations or pre-perforating the connecting strip upline of the processing stations. When the connecting strip is pre-perforated, a sealed pouch of sufficient weight may be separated from the web passively by a takeaway conveyor, and a lighter sealed pouch may be separated from the web by a tear-off mechanism that grips and pulls the web.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. The apparatus also includes processing stations for loading the pouches, transferring fluids (typically gases) into and out of the pouches, and sealing the pouches. Various alternative methods and devices are provided for separating each sealed pouch from the web by either making a continuous cut across a connecting strip of web material downline of the processing stations or pre-perforating the connecting strip upline of the processing stations. When the connecting strip is pre-perforated, a sealed pouch of sufficient weight may be separated from the web passively by a takeaway conveyor, and a lighter sealed pouch may be separated from the web by a tear-off mechanism that grips and pulls the web.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, and cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. Each flexible pouch has an open end and an overlap portion specifically suitable for operation with the apparatus of this invention. The open end is separated and a load is inserted into one of the flexible pouches. After the load is inserted, air is withdrawn and a gas is preferably injected into the flexible pouch by a plurality of flat-profile snorkels, or a single, wider snorkel. The flexible pouch is then heat sealed to form a gas-tight seal. Controls, preferably including a servo mechanism, are used to simultaneously operate the cutting, sealing, fluid transfer and product infeed stations of the automatic packaging apparatus. As the flexible pouch moves from the fluid transfer station to the sealing station, the gas-tight seal is maintained.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, and cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. Each flexible pouch has an open end and an overlap portion specifically suitable for operation with the apparatus of this invention. The open end is separated and a load is inserted into one of the flexible pouches. After the load is inserted, air is withdrawn and a gas is preferably injected into the flexible pouch by a plurality of flat-profile snorkels, or a single, wider snorkel. The flexible pouch is then heat sealed to form a gas-tight seal. Controls, preferably including a servo mechanism, are used to simultaneously operate the cutting, sealing, fluid transfer and product infeed stations of the automatic packaging apparatus. As the flexible pouch moves from the fluid transfer station to the sealing station, the gas-tight seal is maintained.