Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine (1) for producing a packaging bag (20), in particular a packaging bag for bulk material, and for closing a filled packaging bag, comprising: a feed device (2) for feeding in a packaging material (22); at least one connecting device (30) for producing the packaging bag by connection of at least two layers of the packaging material, wherein, during the connection, the packaging material is conveyed substantially continuously, in particular without acceleration; and at least one closure device (40) for closing the produced and filled packaging bag (20).

Abstract: In the valve-plate of a disc-valve, frictionless guides are arranged in a balanced configuration from web center to web center, each guide situated above and between the edges of an adjacent seat-plate ring segment, so that the valve-plate is balanced against shaking movement during operation and the guides experience a balanced, and small, mechanical stress. In practice, the seat-plate and the catch-plate are pre-stressed elastically and convexly toward one another, so that the net deformation of the seat-plate during closure operation is reduced.