Abstract: A method of severing and sealing a film formed of a thermoplastic material includes heating a cutting edge implement to a temperature sufficient to melt but not to burn the thermoplastic material, feeding a plurality of layers of the film between the cutting edge implement and an opposing surface, and moving the cutting edge implement, which is preferably a supported hot wire, and the opposing surface relative to one another to pinch the plurality of layers of film therebetween. Thereafter, any relative lateral movement between the cutting edge implement, the film, and the opposing surface is suspended, while the cutting edge implement and the opposing surface are relatively biased together with the plurality of layers of film pinched therebetween, until the cutting edge implement cuts through the plurality of layers of film, contacts the opposing surface, and seals the plurality of layers of film together.

Abstract: A closure assembly includes a slider for opening and/or closing an elongate closure mechanism including a pair of opposing closure members. The slider includes a first separator finger and a second separator finger, each of which is articulably connected to a hinge member. The first and second separator fingers extend between the closure members and may be articulated between a closing position, in which the separator fingers are adjacent each other, and an opening position, in which the separator fingers are laterally spaced from each other. In the opening position, the separator fingers urge the members apart. Closing bars and retention members may also be included to facilitate re-closing the closure members and retaining the slider in an operative position thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus used in the manufacture of a thermoplastic zipper having a slider mounted thereon includes a pair of clamp arms disposed on opposing sides of a path of the zipper. The clamp arms are movable in directions substantially perpendicular to the zipper path so as to clamp the thermoplastic zipper to fuse a length thereof. A pair of fingers is disposed on opposing sides of the zipper path. The fingers are movable in directions substantially perpendicular to the zipper path and in directions substantially parallel with the zipper path relative to the clamp arms. The fingers push the slider along the zipper.

Abstract: A pouch production apparatus includes a pouch forming apparatus operable to form pouches from an elongate web of material and zipper tape and an extrusion apparatus responsive to operation of the pouch forming apparatus and operable to extrude zipper tape. A pneumatic transport apparatus is operable to transport the zipper tape from the extrusion apparatus to the pouch forming apparatus during operation of the pouch forming apparatus. A method of producing a pouch using such apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus, for moving sliders for opening and closing mating zipper elements along the mating zipper elements, includes a roller and a projection. The roller rotates about an axis substantially perpendicular with a path of a film including the mating zipper elements and contacts the film as the film moves in the film path at a speed equal to the speed of rotation of the roller. The projection rotates about an axis at a speed different than the rotational speed of the roller, with the projection rotating into proximity to the moving film along predetermined lengths of the film so as to be contactable with sliders mounted thereon. The projection comes into contact with sliders positioned along the mating zipper elements of the predetermined lengths of film and pushes those sliders along the mating zipper elements to respective registered positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring stacks of flexible products is disclosed including a flat plate base support structure having a top and bottom; at least a first pair of clamping means releasably attached to the top of the support structure for clamping a first stack of flexible products; and an actuating means releasably attached to said first pair of clamping means; said actuating means adapted for substantially simultaneously actuating the at least first pair of clamping means.