Abstract: An orientation device for vertically orienting products in a vertical form, fill and seal machine. It includes a product receipt station for receiving a plurality of unoriented products and a product discharge station for discharging a plurality of oriented products. The products are indexed in discrete groups from the product receipt station to the product discharge station, during which the products of each group are oriented with their longitudinal axes being essentially vertical.

Abstract: A platen seal for a vertical form fill and seal machine which uses unsupported polyethylene films to wrap products which require absolute seal integrity. The platen includes a set of lateral seal members in the form of wings on the top and bottom of the platen to seal gaps between platen segments without causing burn through of the film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming one or more longitudinal creases in a web of material. The web is formed into a tube in a vertical form, fill and seal apparatus, and then passed over an internal guide. A pair of pinch rolls are located adjacent the guide, and a portion of the web is directed between the pinch rolls to crease the film as it is advanced. Direction of the film between the pinch rolls is accomplished by a pair of protrusions extending from the internal guide on opposite sides of the pinch rolls. The thus-creased tube is then passed over opposite, spaced forming plates at the bottom of the guide and then tucked and sealed.