Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for folding and sealing a web of material to form an item with a contoured seal such as a valve bag. Folding apparatus form the web of film into a continuous tubular web having upper and lower sections, a closed side and an open side. The open side has two folded flaps that extend into an inside area of the tubular web. A longitudinal sealer includes a floating sealer located inside the tubular web. The floating sealer and its contoured heating element are selectively and intermittently pressed against the overlapping flaps to form a contoured seal that bonds the flaps together. The contoured seal defines a self-sealing valve port through which product is poured to fill the bag. Pairs of repelling magnets biasingly elevate the floating sealer above the overlapping flaps when the longitudinal sealer is in its release position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for folding and sealing a web of material to form an item with a contoured seal such as a valve bag. Folding apparatus form the web of film into a continuous tubular web having upper and lower sections, a closed side and an open side. The open side has two folded flaps that extend into an inside area of the tubular web. A longitudinal sealer includes a floating sealer located inside the tubular web. The floating sealer and its contoured heating element are selectively and intermittently pressed against the overlapping flaps to form a contoured seal that bonds the flaps together. The contoured seal defines a self-sealing valve port through which product is poured to fill the bag. Pairs of repelling magnets biasingly elevate the floating sealer above the overlapping flaps when the longitudinal sealer is in its release position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically separating interfolded sheets from an interfolder into bundles having a predetermined count. Two separator plates are inserted into the stack of sheets at the proper sheet count, defining a bundle. An elevator and one of the separator plates take the bundle away from the discharge area of the interfolders.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for interfolding a pair of webs into a plurality of bundles, the process comprising conveying the webs through cutting means, a first web-directing means, and a folding means in a first path to form a first bundle, and conveying the webs through cutting means, a second web-directing means, and folding means in a second path to form a second bundle.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes for receiving sheets from a sheet stacker, separating them into bundles, and removing the bundles from the discharge area of the sheet stacking apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame, a rotatable receiving means mounted on the frame, means for separating the bundles of sheets being received, and means for rotating the rotatable receiving means. The receiving means may include a plurality of sheet receiving chambers, each chamber having an elevator which may be lowered in the respective chamber. The apparatus also has means for raising each elevator. The separating means accumulates the sheets being received from the sheet stacker while the receiving means is being rotated.