Abstract: A filter assembly comprising a first body coupled to a second body via a hinged connection to rotatably couple the first and second bodies together. The assembly further comprises a releasable connection releasably coupling the first and second bodies together. The assembly further comprises a filter coupled to at least one of the first and second bodies and configured to prevent solids from flowing through the filter while allowing fluid flow through the filter. The filter assembly is configured to be coupled to a dispensing pipe of a dosing device and a fill pipe of a packaging system.

Abstract: A former assembly for forming and fabricating bags from flexible sheet material is provided. The former assembly can include a base plate having an aperture that extends from a first surface to a second surface thereof. A bracing post can be attached to the base plate on the first surface proximate the aperture. An annular space can be formed between the tube and the base plate. The annular space can be sized for the passage of the flexible sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a former assembly. The former assembly can include a base plate having an aperture that extends from a first surface to a second surface thereof. A bracing post can be attached to the base plate on the first surface proximate the aperture. The bracing post can have a receiving orifice formed therein. A substantially rigid tube can be adapted to extend through the aperture in the base plate. An annular space can be formed between the tube and the base plate. The annular space can be sized for the passage of the flexible sheet material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a former assembly. The former assembly can include a base plate having an aperture that extends from a first surface to a second surface thereof. A bracing post can be attached to the base plate on the first surface proximate the aperture. The bracing post can have a receiving orifice formed therein. A substantially rigid tube can be adapted to extend through the aperture in the base plate. An annular space can be formed between the tube and the base plate. The annular space can be sized for the passage of the flexible sheet material.

Abstract: A self-aligning former assembly has a single-point mount for attachment to an automated form/fill/seal packaging machine. Substantially rectangular apertures in a plurality of mounting brackets are configured to fit snugly on corresponding substantially rectangular shoulders formed on a mounting post. The configuration inhibits pivoting motion of the former on the mounting post. In an illustrated embodiment, the mounting post is attached to a base plate with a plurality of spaced-apart fasteners which prevent rotational movement of the mounting post relative to the base plate. Radial attachments are used in the illustrated embodiment to secure the funnel portion of a product feed tube to the mounting apparatus. Paired upper and lower mounting brackets permit precise alignment of the device prior to affixing the radial attachments to the mounting brackets.

Abstract: A former whose wing component incorporates periodic openings, a tube component (that may, or may not, incorporate periodic openings) and a base component (that is shaped to conform substantially to the former's tube geometry) is described. Such a former, may be significantly less heavy than prior art formers (for a given size package) while simultaneously providing improved performance and durability. A former assembly that includes the former, a cross-bar, a top-plate and spacers is also described. Each of the cross-bar, top-plate and spacers may use aluminum and/or incorporate hollowed pockets to further reduce the assemblies weight.