Abstract: This invention relates to a method for sealing film layers to form a sealed portion and a notch within the sealed portion, comprising: providing film layers between sealing jaws comprising a heat sealing element, with a sealing face having a length and a protrusion extending partly along the length of its sealing face; inducing a temperature gradient along the of sealing face length, wherein the temperature proximate to the protrusion is higher than at a distance from the protrusion; closing the jaws and simultaneously clamping the film at a location adjacent to the sealing face; holding the jaws closed for a period of time; and opening the jaws to release the layers of film.

Abstract: This invention relates to a heat sealing element for use in a heat sealing jaw in cooperation with an opposing backing jaw for sealing layers of film together to form a sealed portion and a notch within the sealed portion, the heat sealing element comprising: a sealing face for pressing the layers of film together against the opposing backing jaw and forming the sealed portion, the sealing face having a protrusion for forming the notch within the sealed portion; and a clamping portion adjacent to the sealing face, the clamping portion being disposed at an orientation diverging from a plane along which the layers of film are sealed together.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for sealing film layers to form a sealed portion and a notch within the sealed portion, comprising: providing film layers between sealing jaws comprising a heat sealing element, with a sealing face having a length and a protrusion extending partly along the length of its sealing face; inducing a temperature gradient along the of sealing face length, wherein the temperature proximate to the protrusion is higher than at a distance from the protrusion; closing the jaws and simultaneously clamping the film at a location adjacent to the sealing face; holding the jaws closed for a period of time; and opening the jaws to release the layers of film.

Abstract: A heat sealing jaw for use in cooperation with an opposing backing jaw for sealing layers of film together is described. The heat sealing jaw may be suitable for forming an easy-open feature on a packaging pouch used to contain flowable material. In certain embodiments the heat sealing jaw comprises a jaw body, a heat sealing element secured to the jaw body, a support surface for clamping the layers of film together against the opposing backing jaw, and, a heat sink coupled to the heat sealing element for inducing a temperature gradient along a sealing face of the heat sealing element. The sealing face may have a protrusion for forming a notch within the layers of film. Related apparatuses and methods are also described.

Abstract: A heat sealing jaw for use in cooperation with an opposing backing jaw for sealing layers of film together is described. The heat sealing jaw may be suitable for forming an easy-open feature on a packaging pouch used to contain flowable material. In certain embodiments the heat sealing jaw comprises a jaw body, a heat sealing element secured to the jaw body, a support surface for clamping the layers of film together against the opposing backing jaw, and, a heat sink coupled to the heat sealing element for inducing a temperature gradient along a sealing face of the heat sealing element. The sealing face may have a protrusion for forming a notch within the layers of film. Related apparatuses and methods are also described.