Abstract: An easy open pouch is formed from front and back thin films by a seal formed between the films. The seal defines a product storage chamber and a dispensing cavity between the films. The seal completely surrounds the product storage chamber. An opening to the exterior of the pouch is formed in the seal in the dispensing cavity. The product storage chamber and the dispensing cavity are located adjacent to one another with a common wall located between them. The common wall is formed as a part of the seal and is frangible in response to a pressure differential between the product storage chamber and the dispensing cavity. Upon creating a pressure differential between the product storage area and the dispensing cavity the seal across the common wall delaminates to join the product storage chamber to the dispensing cavity. Product can then be dispensed from the product storage chamber through the dispensing cavity and out of the dispensing cavity opening.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal pouch packaging machine has independent side and cross seals. A first prime mover driving a first output linkage moves the side seals. A second prime mover driving a second output linkage moves the cross seals. The first and second prime movers are independent of each other and as such the side seals can be operated independently of the cross seal. Because the cross seal is independent of the side seals, pouches of any desired length can be formed, filled and sealed on the pouch packaging machine.

Abstract: A free standing product pouch for containing a product as, for instance, a fluid product includes a pouch formed with an elongated edge having ends. The pouch is folded about a point on the edge to locate the ends of the edges together in proximity with one another. The ends of this edge are connected together to maintain the pouch in a folded configuration. The folded configuration of the pouch is free standing on a surface.

Abstract: For a form, fill and seal bagging machine a process and apparatus are provided whereby simultaneous with product discharged into the interior of the bag during the filling segment of the form, fill and seal cycle, a gas is also discharged into the interior of the bag to purge the interior of the bag and further, a low pressure area is created within the interior of the bag to remove excess purging gas and/or condensing fluids from the interior of the bag prior to sealing the bag.

Abstract: For use on a form, fill and seal bagging machine a left side bag gripping member and a right side bag gripping member are located in association with a movable component of the bagging machine as, for instance, the head seal. The bag grippers contact and grip the left and right respective sides of a bag and spread these sides apart from one another just prior to formation of a cross seal on the bag by the head seal. This insures that the heat sealable film utilized on the machines is not puckered or pinched by the head seal therefore leading to a defective seal between the front and rear films forming the bag.