Abstract: A method of opening a bag mounted on a tape includes the steps of providing a bag including a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth; gripping the bag between a first means for vacuumizing and a second means for vacuumizing; and moving the first and second means for vacuumizing such that the bag disengages from the tape, and the bag mouth opens. The first and second means for vacuumizing are activated before or during the gripping step, or after these means have been moved, but before the bag mouth opens. An apparatus for transporting a bag, and loading a bag, are also disclosed.

Abstract: In the packaging of a wide variety of products in flexible film bags, problems with edge tear and incomplete bag cut-off have been encountered. The edge tear and incomplete cut-off are worse for films containing low melting polymers, such as metallocene-catalyzed ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymers. These problems can be solved using a clamp-cut-seal process, as opposed to a clamp-seal-cut process. By cutting before sealing, the film is still cool, and the strain on the film due to the cutting does not pull on the seal area enough to cause edge tearing (i.e., tearing at the seal). The higher resistance to elongation of the cool, clamped film also serves to reduce or prevent incomplete bag tail cutoff. Also, by providing a means for sealing which clamps the film before it is cut, defective seals from bag “pull back” can be avoided.

Abstract: A bag includes a first panel with at least one access hole in it, and a second panel without a hole corresponding to the at least one hole of the first panel. Preferably, two holes are present, preferably near the bag mouth. The panels are substantially equal in length. The bag can be easily opened by described bag opening means, without the need for vacuum or air to open the bag. The bag can be used in conjuction with otherwise conventional taped bag systems. A metod of making the bag, a bag opening system, a method of opening the bag, and a packaging system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of opening a bag mounted on a tape includes the steps of providing a bag including a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, a second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth; gripping the bag between a first means for vacuumizing and a second means for vacuumizing; and moving the first and second means for vacuumizing such that the bag disengages from the tape, and the bag mouth opens. The first and second means for vacuumizing are activated before or during the gripping step, or after these means have been moved, but before the bag mouth opens. An apparatus for transporting a bag, and loading a bag, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of opening a bag includes the steps of providing a bag including a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, a second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth; holding the bag mouth between a first means for vacuumizing and a second means for vacuumizing; moving the first and second means for vacuumizing such that the bag mouth disengages from the tape; activating the first and second means for vacuumizing to draw a vacuum through said means; and further moving the first means for vacuumizing such that the bag mouth opens. In an alternative method, instead of holding the bag mouth with the vacuumizing means, the vacuumizing means can be brought into close proximity to the bag mouth, and activated to draw each panel of the bag mouth to a respective vacuumizing means. Thereafter, both vacuumizing means can be moved upward, and the bag mouth opened. An apparatus for opening a bag is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bag includes a first panel with at least one access hole in it, and a second panel without a hole corresponding to the at least one hole of the first panel. Preferably, two holes are present, preferably near the bag mouth. The panels are substantially equal in length. The bag can be easily opened by described bag opening means, without the need for vacuum or air to open the bag. The bag can be used in conjunction with otherwise conventional taped bag systems. A method of making the bag, a bag opening system, a method of opening the bag, and a packaging system are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, automated system and method for packaging food products. The system has a novel arrangement for transferring the product from a receiving station to a bagging station which arrangement includes mechanical devices for pulling a bag over the product. The system further includes a unique platen system for transporting the bagged product to various stations where it is vacuumized, sealed, trimmed, and finished. Optionally, the system includes a plurality of needles for injecting a fluid such as a basting fluid into the product.

Abstract: A method of opening a bag includes the steps of providing a bag having a first lip and a second lip defining a substantially flat bag opening, the first lip being secured to adhesive strips for positioning the bag and the second lip having an extending portion extending beyond the first lip; and applying a force to the extending portion of the second lip of the bag so as to displace the second lip away from the first lip, thereby opening the bag opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of heat sealing fitment tubes to pouches or bags of flexible film using a pair of hot bars. Also disclosed is the use of warm bars or cold bars to cool the hot bar seal. An apparatus for producing pouches with fitment tubes sealed thereto as well as the pouches so produced is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automated packaging machine for packaging poultry products and a method for packing poultry products using the machine. The machine includes a loading station wherein the product is loaded into a bag and a sealing station for closing the bag. A first clamp arrangement is used to capture and control edges of the bag during the loading operation and to move the bag with the product therein to the sealing station. The machine also includes guides for supporting the product during loading, a plunger for breaking the hocks, and a mechanism for introducing a vacuum into the bag before sealing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of heat sealing fitment tubes to pouches or bags of flexible film using a pair of hot bars. Also disclosed is the use of warm bars or cold bars to cool the hot bar seal. An apparatus for producing pouches with fitment tubes sealed thereto as well as the pouches so produced is also disclosed.