Abstract: Nozzle is provided for heat sealing, as well as methods of use thereof. Nozzle includes blade with leading edge and trailing edge having an opening for air to exit. Opening communicates with hot air tool through internal channel of blade and bore of attachment for nozzle. Blade may be bent to improve interposition of blade between material(s) to be seamed or sealed. Linear edges, curvilinear edges, stepped edges, or any combination thereof, define air exit opening. Nozzle directs hot air downstream from nozzle and perpendicular to nozzle's trailing edge. With blade interposed between material(s), hot air is directed parallel to direction of flow of material(s) in process flow. Hot air heats material(s) to a fusion temperature, or a thermoset to its activation temperature, provided along a forming region of seal or seam. Compressive force applied to material downstream from nozzle assists contact of melted material to form seal or seam.

Abstract: Nozzle is provided for heat sealing, as well as methods of use thereof. Nozzle includes blade with leading edge and trailing edge having an opening for air to exit. Opening communicates with hot air tool through internal channel of blade and bore of attachment for nozzle. Blade may be bent to improve interposition of blade between material(s) to be seamed or sealed. Linear edges, curvilinear edges, stepped edges, or any combination thereof, define air exit opening. Nozzle directs hot air downstream from nozzle and perpendicular to nozzle's trailing edge. With blade interposed between material(s), hot air is directed parallel to direction of flow of material(s) in process flow. Hot air heats material(s) to a fusion temperature, or a thermoset to its activation temperature, provided along a forming region of seal or seam. Compressive force applied to material downstream from nozzle assists contact of melted material to form seal or seam.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for producing multi-packs of pouched pet food containing multiple varieties of a food product or different foods in a continuous production process. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of meat preparation modules in which each module contains a different variety of a food product or different kinds of food products. A selected meat mixture from a selected meat preparation module is process through a meat forming module. A continuous strip of flexible pouches is provided for filling. The continuous strip of flexible pouches is filled with the selected meat mixture and then the pouches are sealed. The filled flexible pouches are accumulated in a work box. Different varieties of a food product or different kinds of food products are accumulated in a plurality of work boxes.