Abstract: A method and apparatus for settling a product in a partially formed package. In one aspect, the invention comprises the steps: providing a partially formed package; filling the partially formed package with a product; and settling the product in the partially formed package. The settling step comprises rotating a paddle wheel comprising at least one paddle against the partially formed package. In a second aspect, the invention comprises an improved product settler for settling product in a partially formed package. The improved product settler comprises a paddle wheel. The paddle wheel comprises at least one paddle that is positioned to cause an impact against the partially formed package. The impact agitates the partially formed package and thereby settles the product.

Abstract: A snack food container having a square base, side walls substantially consisting of four right triangular panels and two isosceles triangular panels, and a flat, two dimensional end seal. The container is opened by use of a tear feature just below the end seal. The container is of paperboard construction and is resealable by virtue of a score line on each side of the container located below the end seal in combination with a horizontal cut through the container located below one score line. After opening, the container can be resealed by folding the container over the score lines towards the horizontal cut. An edge of the container is then secured in the horizontal cut.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing stress marks and pleats on a package. The apparatus includes the use of an elongated filling tube. The dimensions of the elongated filling tube reduce the stress on the film as it is being formed around the filling tube. Further, the dimensions of the elongated filling tube prevent the formation of pleats as the sealing jaws must travel a decreased distance to seal, and the filling tube cross section better resembles the final package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for settling a product in a package made on a form, fill and seal machine. In one aspect the invention comprises the steps: providing a package material on a product conduit of a form, fill and seal machine; forming a first end seal on the package material to form a partially formed package; filling the partially formed package with product; and settling the product in the partially formed package while continuously conveying the package material along the product conduit. In a second aspect, the invention comprises a product settler comprising a first object positioned to cause an impact against a package material. The impact agitates the package material and settles a product from an unsettled height to a settled height while the package material is continuously conveyed.

Abstract: A molded pulp base container sprayed with a barrier and a sealant layer, used as a heat-able package for on-the-go (OTG) food products is disclosed. The container by itself, in one embodiment, is used for microwave/oven heating the food contents in the container, eliminating the need for a separate susceptor or an additional package for heating. The inside surface of the container is spray coated with a food safe poly layer to create a moisture/oxygen barrier for shelf life stability. A sealant layer is directly applied on top of the barrier layer to provide hermesicity for the container. Adding a brine solution and a percentage of sodium to the finished package formulation, selectively heats the food contents of the package while keeping the package itself cool enough to handle. In another system embodiment, a condiment package is fitted to a formed top of the container.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal machine includes a pair of reciprocating jaws, located below the product delivery conduit of the machine. The jaws are spaced apart to permit the film tube coming off the product delivery conduit to pass between the jaws after the film tube separates from the product delivery conduit. One of the reciprocating jaws has a toothed blade with a leading edge of the toothed blade extending beyond a leading edge of the one jaw. When the pair of jaws closes, teeth of the blade cut a transversely extending series of perforations adjacent to a transverse seal. Accordingly, the machine outputs a continuous string of connected sealed packages having a transversely extending perforation between adjacent packages is formed.

Abstract: A molded pulp base container sprayed with a barrier and a sealant layer, used as a heatable package for on-the-go (OTG) food products is disclosed. The container by itself, in one embodiment, is used for microwave/oven heating the food contents in the container, eliminating the need for a separate susceptor or an additional package for heating. The inside surface of the container is spray coated with a food safe poly layer to create a moisture/oxygen barrier for shelf life stability. A sealant layer is directly applied on top of the barrier layer to provide hermesicity for the container. Adding a brine solution and a percentage of sodium to the finished package formulation, selectively heats the food contents of the package while keeping the package itself cool enough to handle. In another system embodiment, a condiment package is fitted to a formed top of the container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for settling a product in a package made on a form, fill and seal machine. In one aspect the invention comprises the steps: providing a package material on a product conduit of a form, fill and seal machine; forming a first end seal on the package material to form a partially formed package; filling the partially formed package with product; and settling the product in the partially formed package while continuously conveying the package material along the product conduit. In a second aspect, the invention comprises a product settler comprising a first object positioned to cause an impact against a package material. The impact agitates the package material and settles a product from an unsettled height to a settled height while the package material is continuously conveyed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for settling a product in a partially formed package. In one aspect, the invention comprises the steps: providing a partially formed package; filling the partially formed package with a product; and settling the product in the partially formed package. The settling step comprises rotating a paddle wheel comprising at least one paddle against the partially formed package. In a second aspect, the invention comprises an improved product settler for settling product in a partially formed package. The improved product settler comprises a paddle wheel. The paddle wheel comprises at least one paddle that is positioned to cause an impact against the partially formed package. The impact agitates the partially formed package and thereby settles the product.

Abstract: A snack food container having a square base, side walls substantially consisting of four right triangular panels and two isosceles triangular panels, and a flat, two dimensional end seal. The container is opened by use of a tear feature just below the end seal. The container is of paperboard construction and is resealable by virtue of a score line on each side of the container located below the end seal in combination with a horizontal cut through the container located below one score line. After opening, the container can be resealed by folding the container over the score lines towards the horizontal cut. An edge of the container is then secured in the horizontal cut.

Abstract: A snack food container having a square base, side walls substantially consisting of four right triangular panels and two isosceles triangular panels, and a flat, two dimensional end seal. The container is opened by use of a tear feature just below the end seal. The container is of paperboard construction with a barrier lining.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for making a multi-compartment package on a form, fill, and seal machine. Two pairs of heat sealing jaws are provided below a product delivery tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing stress marks and pleats on a package. The apparatus includes the use of an elongated filling tube. The dimensions of the elongated filling tube reduce the stress on the film as it is being formed around the filling tube. Further, the dimensions of the elongated filling tube prevent the formation of pleats as the sealing jaws must travel a decreased distance to seal, and the filling tube cross section better resembles the final package.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing stress marks and pleats on a package. The apparatus includes the use of an elongated filling tube. The dimensions of the elongated filling tube reduce the stress on the film as it is being formed around the filling tube. Further, the dimensions of the elongated filling tube prevent the formation of pleats as the sealing jaws must travel a decreased distance to seal, and the filling tube cross section better resembles the final package.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for making a multi-compartment package on a form, fill, and seal machine. Two pairs of heat sealing jaws are provided which produce seals having different sealing strengths.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for making a multi-compartment package on a form, fill, and seal machine. Two pairs of heat sealing jaws are provided below a product delivery tube.

Abstract: An easy open bag and method for making the same. A film is fed into a jaw assembly comprising a first seal jaw comprising a blade gap and a second seal jaw comprising a removable insert. The removable insert comprises a blade pin. When the first and second seal jaws are mated, a notch is formed. The film also comprises a score line in the outer layer. Upon tearing the notch the tear propagates along the score line. Thus, the package can be easily opened by initiating a tear at a tear notch.

Abstract: An easy open bag and method for making the same. A film is fed into a jaw assembly comprising a first seal jaw comprising a blade gap and a second seal jaw comprising a removable insert. The removable insert comprises a blade pin. When the first and second seal jaws are mated, a notch is formed. The film also comprises a score line in the outer layer. Upon tearing the notch the tear propagates along the score line. Thus, the package can be easily opened by initiating a tear at a tear notch.