Abstract: A forming member for controlling the volume of packages of pourable food products formed from a tube of packaging material and sealed at a number of sections of the tube crosswise to an axis of the tube; the forming member having: a main wall which cooperates cyclically with a first portion of the tube extending between two consecutive sections; and at least one flap extending alongside the wall. The flap is movable, with respect to the wall, between a first position, in which it cooperates with a second portion of the tube, extending between the two consecutive sections, to control the volume, between the two consecutive sections, of the package being formed, and a second position, in which it is detached from the second portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a foam-in-place cushion in which a foam-forming composition is dispensed between two plastic film portions in a predetermined fashion to selectively control the distribution of the foam in the cushion. A foam dispenser can be moved in a transverse direction as foam is dispensed. A dispersion device can be employed to apply pressure on predetermined areas of the film portions towards each other so as to cause the composition to be redistributed in position in a predetermined manner while the composition is in a less than fully expanded state. The plastic film can then be sealed closed to form an expanding foam cushion that can be placed into a shipping carton where the cushion expands to fill void space, or into a mold where the cushion expands and is molded into a desired shape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing machine 1 for the packing of packed items, in particular encompassing a deep drawing machine 3 with a mold and/or a sealing device with a sealing tool. The packing machine is distinguished in that a cleaning device is provided for the mold and/or the sealing tool. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a deep drawing machine and a sealing machine.

Abstract: A device for sealing packages comprises a sealing bar (1, 2). It is the object of the present invention to provide a sealing bar which solves the problems of lacking evenness of the sealing bar due to manufacturing tolerances. Advantageously, the quality of the sealing seam shall be enhanced. This object is solved by a compressible, heat conducting material (5) provided on the sealing bar (1, 2).

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for sealing packages 20 is to be mounted as a part of a larger packaging machine, which fills packages 20 with products or substances, preferably food or beverages but could be any other suitable substance, then closes and seals the packages using the sealing apparatus 10 by folding each package transversally, thereby closing it and sealing the transversal fold, and subsequently delivers the packages to a final folding station.

Abstract: A device for deflecting a loose fill product from the seal zone of a bag and sealing the bag is provided. The device includes a product stopper. The product stopper is adjacent to the sealing element of a bagging machine. The product stopper includes a mount that mounts the product stopper to a bagging machine and a pinching element that pinches a bag proximal to a sealing zone before the bag is sealed by the sealing element at the sealing zone. In one embodiment, the pincher includes a spring loaded mechanism for pinching the bag proximal to the sealing zone. In another embodiment, the pincher includes an air assist mechanism for pinching the bag proximal to the sealing zone.

Abstract: An appliance for evacuating a flexible container, the appliance including a base housing and a vacuum source disposed within the base housing. A drip retainer is removeably disposed in the base and is in communication with the vacuum source. The drip retainer includes a chamber for holding material. The drip retainer further including a nozzle projecting therefrom, the nozzle is engagable with an opening of the flexible container. A cover is rotatably connected to the base and movable to a closed position to cover the nozzle.

Abstract: An appliance for evacuating a flexible container, the appliance including a base housing and a vacuum source disposed within the base housing. A drip retainer is removeably disposed in the base and is in communication with the vacuum source. The drip retainer includes a chamber for holding material. The drip retainer further including a nozzle projecting therefrom, the nozzle is engagable with an opening of the flexible container. A cover is rotatably connected to the base and movable to a closed position to cover the nozzle.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for creating a vacuum in, and sealing containers for the preservation of vacuum packed products. It includes a plate or tray base (11, 41) forming at least a part of a suction chamber and having at the rear a couple of constraint means, and a top body (12, 42) which forms the remaining part of said suction chamber and which houses an aspirator group and holds a sealing bar and means for controlling the functions of the device. The body is movable above the plate or tray base between a raised open position and a lowered closed position and removable by means of a free and independent manipulation of the plate or tray.

Abstract: A method for forming a top seal on a carton being conveyed along a processing path on a form, fill and seal packaging machine using a top sealer including opposing sealing jaws is provided. The carton includes top fin panels configured for sealing to one another to form a top seal. The method includes actuating a first control valve to provide communication between a first pressurized fluid source and a first port of an actuator for moving the actuator toward a first position. The actuator is operatively connected to the sealing jaws to move the sealing jaws in a clamping direction while moving toward the first position. A second control valve is actuated to inhibit fluid escape from the actuator through a second port of the actuator to inhibit movement of the sealing jaws in the clamping direction.

Abstract: There are disclosed by a process and apparatus for positioning and sealing photostimuable phosphor imaging plates within barriers envelope blanks therefore and formed on a roll thereof wherein a barrier envelope blank including a U-shaped heat sealed portion thereof of such roll is indexed to a positioning station whereat the barrier envelope blank is caused to be opened at a free end thereof thereby permitting insertion of a restored imaging plate into such barrier envelope whereupon the barrier envelope including restored imaging plate is indexed to a station whereat heat sealing of the free end of the U-shaped heat sealed is effected to thereby enclose the restored imaging plate therein and thereafter the thus heat sealed barrier envelope is indexed to a product station for removal from the roll of barrier envelope blanks.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance with a sealing sub-assembly including a latching mechanism and release mechanism is described. According to certain embodiments, the release mechanism, latch and sealing sub-assembly operate in an integrated fashion such that the vacuum packaging appliance can be easily opened or sealed.

Abstract: A packing device comprises a sealing apparatus (100) for sealing film bags, a packing apparatus (300) for packing workpieces and film, and a driving apparatus (200) for pulling the film and driving the sealing apparatus. The sealing apparatus comprises a pair of sealing blocks (10) and (20), the sealing blocks respectively comprise two pressing portions each defining a receiving hole therein, and the receiving holes respectively receive a heating pole (122) therein to supply heat.

Abstract: A system for evacuating containers. The system includes a base housing defining a recess having a vacuum inlet port in communication with a vacuum source. An inner door is hinged to the base housing and is sized to cover the recess when in a closed position, and an outer door having a sealing member is hinged to close over the inner door. A vacuum nozzle extends at least partially between the inner and outer doors and is in communication with the recess. The inner and outer doors cooperate to retain a flexible container therebetween and around the nozzle so that the nozzle is positioned for fluid communication with an inside of the container. A removable drip pan is positioned to retain fluids drawn by the nozzle.

Abstract: A rotary packaging machine 10 having rotatably driven stripper bars 17 and 18 that strip tubular bag material 36 prior to sealing of the bags being formed. To further inhibit material being located between the sealing jaws there is provided tube closer bars 28 and 29. The bar 28 has a longitudinally extending projection 34 that is received within a longitudinally extending recess 35 of the bar 29. The tubular bag material 36 by engagement within the recess 35 by the projection 34 laterally projects the bag material 36 and three longitudinally spaced locations 54.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine (10) is provided having a base (12) and a pivotally mounted lid (14) which cooperatively define a package air evacuation chamber (76) adapted to receive the open end (98) of a filled flexible package (100), thereby allowing evacuation of air from the package (100) and heat sealing of end (98). The machine (10) is characterized by an essentially flat and uninterrupted, easily cleanable base upper wall (28) which eliminates concavities in the like which can lead to unsanitary collection of fluids or solids. The machine (10) also has a vacuum source (16) and a vacuum conduit assembly (18) the latter having conduits within base (12) and lid (14).

Abstract: A vacuum sealer includes a base member formed with a hollow platform having a first sealing ring secured on the platform and a support. A drawing hole is defined in the top of the platform within the first sealing ring. A heating plate is laterally secured on a front edge of the platform. A pumping device is mounted on the support for drawing out the air in a plastic bag that is purposed to be sealed. A transparent presser has a rear side pivotally mounted on the platform and selectively pressed on the top of the platform. A second sealing ring is secured on a bottom of the presser and fully airtightly abuts the first sealing ring when the presser is pressed on the platform.

Abstract: An appliance for evacuating a flexible container, the appliance including a base housing and a vacuum source disposed within the base housing. A drip retainer is removeably disposed in the base and is in communication with the vacuum source. The drip retainer includes a chamber for holding material. The drip retainer further including a nozzle projecting therefrom, the nozzle is engagable with an opening of the flexible container. A cover is rotatably connected to the base and movable to a closed position to cover the nozzle.

Abstract: A method and device for end closing tubular wrappings of products, whereby the arms of a scissor-type parting device, once inserted in a closed position inside an end portion of a tubular wrapping, are allowed to part, and are pushed by springs into a fully open position throughout an extraction stroke to crease the end portion and enable the end portion to be pressed taut and accurately by the opposing thrust of two folding-sealing members.

Abstract: A method for hermetically sealing a bulk article wherein a strip of wrapping material is initially positioned onto an article such that extending ends of the wrapping material strip extend from away from an edge of the article, each end having a different length. The article is rotated to cause the ends of the strip to cover an uncovered side of the article with a fin-like section extending therefrom away from the article which can be sealed without contacting the article. The fin-like section is cooled and folded onto the top of the article so as to form an axial seam. Lateral ends of the wrapping material strip are then sealed to complete the hermetic sealing process.

Abstract: A sealing machine for sealing a pack filled with one or more objects, including a main case; a first sealing member provided in the main case; a second sealing member facing the first sealing member; a movable supporting part supporting the second sealing member and allowing the second sealing member to move near to, and away from, the first sealing member; and a heater provided in at least one of the first sealing member and the second sealing member to heat and melt the pack interposed therebetween.

Abstract: A sealing machine for sealing plant material disposed within a heat-sensitive bag comprises a first platen, a second platen movable with respect to the first platen between open and closed positions, and a compressible member disposed in a gap between said first and second platens. As the second member moves towards the closed position, the compressible member contacts and applies a pressure to bag, and evacuates substantially all of the air from within the bag without damaging the plant material. A sealing strip heats the bag, while an opposing pressure strip directs a pressure to the bag.

Abstract: A vertical bagging apparatus includes a vertically mounted spool for dispensing a roll of centerfold plastic film with the fold in the upper position. A pair of vertical metering rollers are mounted adjacent to the spool for advancing the film from the spool. An adjustable generally inverted-V-shaped film inverted is mounted downstream from the metering rollers. A sealing and severing system is located beneath the film invertor and a trim spool is located beneath the sealing and severing system. The film invertor turns the film inside out, relocating the fold from the horizontal axis to the vertical axis. The film invertor also causes the open end of the folded film to be accessible from either above or the side. The film invertor is adjustable by raising and lowering the apex of the inverted-V which relocates the horizontal location of the fold in the film. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the film invertor is made from flexible wire and the free ends of the wire are attached to a takeup shaft.

Abstract: A sealing machine for sealing a pack filled with one or more objects, including a main case; a first sealing member provided in the main case; a second sealing member facing the first sealing member; a movable supporting part supporting the second sealing member and allowing the second sealing member to move near to, and away from, the first sealing member; and a heater provided in at least one of the first sealing member and the second sealing member to heat and melt the pack interposed therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is a seal bar for use in connection with a vacuum packaging machine, the seal bar being actuated by an air bladder and moved over floating guide shafts. The guide shafts provide the primary electrical connection to the seal bar, thereby eliminating the need for a direct electrical connection to the seal bar.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing thermoplastic sheet materials or for closing packs, such as bags, made of such sheet materials with the aid of heated sealing jaws (22) and mating jaws (25), which accommodate between them the sheet materials and/or folding or closing flaps which are to be connected, the (non-heated) mating jaw (25) having an elastically deformable abutment surface for the sheet materials which are to be sealed, such that any possible elevations produced by a multi-layered design of the folding or closing flaps are compensated for by the elasticity of the abutment surface of the mating jaw. The sealing jaw (22) and/or mating jaw (25) can be moved by a special, oil-free actuating mechanism which, during continuous driving, brings about a standstill phase of the sealing jaw or mating jaw, which can be moved back and forth.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a machine chassis and a sealing device supported on the machine chassis. The sealing device includes upper and lower movable members each carrying heat-sealing blades for performing heat-sealing operation of a package film enclosing an article to be packaged. A driving system is arranged in the machine chassis, including a power cylinder or a solenoid mechanically coupled to the upper and lower movable members by a linkage for reciprocally driving the upper and lower members between an open position where the members are separated from each other at a predetermined distance and a closed position where the heat-sealing blades engage each other. An adjustment device includes a screw rod threadingly engaging the machine chassis and a platform attached to an end of the screw rod.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a machine chassis and a sealing device supported on the machine chassis. The sealing device includes upper and lower movable members each carrying heat-sealing blades for performing heat-sealing operation of a package film enclosing an article to be packaged. A driving system is arranged in the machine chassis, including a power cylinder or a solenoid mechanically coupled to the upper and lower movable members by a linkage for reciprocally driving the upper and lower members between an open position where the members are separated from each other at a predetermined distance and a closed position where the heat-sealing blades engage each other. An adjustment device includes a screw rod threadingly engaging the machine chassis and a platform attached to an end of the screw rod.

Abstract: A heat-sealing apparatus includes a packing bag stretcher adapted to stretch open the mouth of the loaded packing bag, and a vacuum pump adapted to draw air out of the loaded packing bag before sealing the loaded packing bag.

Abstract: A heat-sealing apparatus includes a packing bag stretcher adapted to stretch open the mouth of the loaded packing bag, and a vacuum pump adapted to draw air out of the loaded packing bag before sealing the loaded packing bag.

Abstract: A mail-handling machine comprising at least firstly a postage-metering or “franking” module comprising at least print means for printing a postage imprint on a mail item and conveyor means for conveying said mail item along a mail item conveyor path defined by top and bottom guide plates, which conveyor means comprise at least mail item engagement means including bottom means mounted to move vertically, which engagement means are disposed at the inlet of the franking module, and secondly a mail item feed module disposed immediately upstream from the franking module and comprising at least conveyor means for conveying the mail items, and a moistener device, support means further being provided for supporting the mail items as they move between the feed module and the franking module, which support means are suitable for being moved in a manner synchronized with the vertical movement of the bottom engagement means.

Abstract: An integrated and compact bag filling machine comprising a material dispensing spout, a slip tube suspended in substantially vertical alignment with the spout, and a bag sealing apparatus comprising a pair of opposable forming bars and a pair of independently actuable and opposable sealing bars is herein disclosed. The bag filling machine is capable of bottom filling and sealing both paper and plastic bags having gusseted or flat sides with little or no modification.

Abstract: An integrated and compact bag filling machine comprising a material dispensing spout, a slip tube suspended in substantially vertical alignment with the spout, and a bag sealing apparatus comprising a pair of opposable forming bars and a pair of independently actuable and opposable sealing bars is herein disclosed. The bag filling machine is capable of bottom filling and sealing both paper and plastic bags having gusseted or flat sides with little or no modification.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing thermoplastic sheet materials or for closing packs, such as bags, made of such sheet materials with the aid of heated sealing jaws (22) and mating jaws (25), which accommodate between them the sheet materials and/or folding or closing flaps which are to be connected, the (non-heated) mating jaw (25) having an elastically deformable abutment surface for the sheet materials which are to be sealed, such that any possible elevations produced by a multi-layered design of the folding or closing flaps are compensated for by the elasticity of the abutment surface of the mating jaw. The sealing jaw (22) and/or mating jaw (25) can be moved by a special, oil-free actuating mechanism which, during continuous driving, brings about a standstill phase of the sealing jaw or mating jaw, which can be moved back and forth.