Abstract: Sealant cartridge press fixtures are disclosed. The fixtures include a bracket comprising first and second side arms that receive a sealant cartridge therebetween. A transverse support bar connected to the first and second side arm is attached to a sealant filling nozzle. An air pressure cylinder mounted on the bracket includes a reciprocating piston rod that contacts and deforms a sidewall of the sealant cartridge at the beginning of a filling operation to allow trapped air to escape from the cartridge. An empty sealant cartridge having a slidable plunger therein is mounted at its front end on the sealant filling nozzle. The sealant is initially dispensed into the cartridge in the space between the front end of the cartridge and the plunger. While pressing and deforming the sidewall, it temporarily creates a gap between an interior surface of the sidewall and a plunger. The gap allows unwanted trapped air to escape from the sealant cartridge.

Abstract: Package having a flexible inner sheet, a flexible secondary inner sheet, a flexible secondary outer sheet, and an outer sheet. The inner sheet and secondary inner sheet are joined together at least an outer seam and forming one or more primary expansion chambers. The package also has a flexible secondary outer sheet and an outer sheet, joined together at least an outer seam and forming one or more secondary expansion chambers. The secondary outer sheet and the outer sheet also form one or more non-expansion chambers that can be a label surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a foil liner to a container. The apparatus comprises a seal head that includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an axis extending through the first and second ends. The body further includes a sealing surface at the second end thereof facing away from the first end. The seal head further includes fluid path(s) for passing fluid through and out of the seal head and onto the foil liner. A method for sealing a foil liner to a container is also provided wherein a sealing surface of a seal head is aligned with a sealing surface of the container, wherein a peripheral edge of the foil liner is disposed between the sealing surfaces of the seal head and the container. Fluid is then passed through fluid path(s) in the seal head and out of the seal head and onto the foil liner.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical pack and the method for making the same are provided. The pharmaceutical pack includes a blister layer and a lidding sheet disposed over the blister layer. The blister layer defines at least one opening. The lidding sheet includes a first layer and optionally a second layer. The first layer includes at least one hologram, and is disposed on the second layer, which is a plastic film. The blister layer and the lidding sheet define at least one cavity so as to hold at least one pharmaceutical dosage form therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a vessel with a multicomponent filling product includes a filler having at least one filling unit set up to introduce the filling product into the vessel, and a filler tank set up for intermediate buffering of the filling product and in fluid connection with the filling unit via a product conduit to supply the filling unit with the filling product; and a mixer set up to blend the filling product from at least two filling product components, wherein the mixer has a circulation conduit; and the mixer has at least one dosage branch set up to introduce one filling product component into the circulation conduit, wherein the mixer has a heat exchanger set up to adjust the temperature of the filling product in the circulation conduit.

Abstract: A packaged product has a product surrounded by a vacuum skin package. The vacuum skin package has a support member and an implosion-resistant thermoplastic top web. The top web conforms with both the upper surface of the product, and an uncovered portion of the upper surface of the support member. The thermoplastic top web comprises an ethylene/?-olefin copolymer in an amount of from 55 wt % to 85 wt %, based on total weight of top web, and/or a blend of ethylene/?-olefin copolymer and cyclic olefin copolymer. Also disclosed is a vacuum skin package containing the implosion-resistant top web.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein can provide a thermal interface for an electronic device including: obtaining an enclosure and a circuit within the enclosure, wherein the circuit is disposed within the enclosure such that there is space between the circuit and an internal surface of the enclosure; and positioning a thermally conductive material in the space between the circuit and an internal surface of the enclosure such that the thermally conductive material is in physical contact with an outer surface of the circuit and the internal surface of the enclosure to provide heat transfer from the circuit to the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for aseptically filling of flexible packages containing dry cloth. Such a method may include a first stage that is performed in a non-sterile environment. The first stage may include cutting a first substantially dry cloth to a predetermined size; inserting the first cloth into a flexible package; sealing a first end of the flexible package; and sterilizing the flexible package. The method may also include a second stage performed in a sterile environment. The second stage may include filling the flexible package with a medical solution such that the substantially dry cloth absorbs at least a portion of the medical solution; and sealing the open end of the flexible package.

Abstract: Disclosed is a product pouch arrangement and method of (for) manufacture thereof. The product pouch arrangement includes at least a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment in use includes a plurality of shock cushioning elements that cushion the one or more products, and also optically protect the one or more products, the second compartment accommodates in use the one or more products, at least one of the first and second compartments are resealable so that the one or more products and/or the plurality of cushioning elements are user-accessible and the first and second compartments have surrounding walls that are fabricated from at least one flexible plastics material that transmits electromagnetic radiation in a wavelength range to which a human eye responds but attenuates radiation in an ultra violet (UV) electromagnetic wavelength range.

Abstract: A method for operating a sealing station of a packaging machine, wherein the method may include one or more of the following steps: filling a packing volume of a package with a gas to create a desired atmosphere to a preset gassing target pressure for a finished package, wherein the packaging volume may be defined by a lower and an upper packaging material; discharging a partial amount of the gas introduced into the packaging volume from the packaging volume into a collection volume while retaining the packaging volume generated by the preceding filling, which reduces the pressure within the packaging volume; and reducing the packaging volume by moving the upper packaging material to an end position that corresponds to a desired appearance such that the pressure inside the package increases again to near the gassing target pressure. A sealing station that performs this method is also described.

Abstract: A container production method including a preform setup step of disposing a preform in a blow molding mold and engaging a filling nozzle with a mouth of the preform; a blow molding step of liquid blow molding the preform by supplying a pressurized liquid into the preform; a liquid discharge step of releasing the blow molding mold and pressing a trunk of the container after molding with a pressing portion that is inserted from a clearance between separated mold pieces adjacent to each other to discharge a liquid in the container to the outside of the container by a predetermined amount; and a headspace forming step of forming a headspace in the container by separating the filling nozzle from a mouth of the container.

Abstract: A sterilizer-filler nozzle assembly for an aseptic packaging machine comprises a form section 40, a product supply duct that has a product outlet portion 4 which lies downstream of a distal end of the form section 40, a sterilization medium supply duct that has a sterilization medium outlet portion 16 which lies between the distal end of the form section 40 and the product outlet portion 4, and an exhaust duct that has an exhaust inlet portion 22 which lies between the distal end of the form section 40 and the product outlet portion 4. A gas supply duct is provided that has a gas outlet portion 10 which lies between the sterilization medium outlet portion 16 and the product outlet portion 4.

Abstract: Methods of forming a tobacco pouch having two or more compartments are disclosed. The methods include forming a multi-compartment tobacco pouch with a vertical form fill seal machine.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for vacuum packaging drilling fluid additives and is particularly effective for low bulk density material. Vacuum sealing technology is employed to decrease the volume of the additive, thereby enabling packaging of larger quantity of additive per bag, effective utilization of storage space and reduced transportation costs. The invention overcomes the drawback of conventional vacuum packing machines where the material being packaged drifts out of the packaging bag into the vacuum chamber on vacuum creation and further deposits on the sealable portion at the open end of the bag leading to ineffective sealing of the bag opening. The apparatus of the invention is modified to increase the headspace between the sealing element of the apparatus and drilling fluid additive being sealed, thereby eliminating the movement of the additive into the vacuuming chamber and deposit on the bag opening.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for embossing a pattern into a varnish on a sheet-like substrate are provided. The method applies a planar stamp using a roller, while the apparatus includes a roller having a planar stamp.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical order filling system receives pharmaceutical orders and uses a packing device to package pharmaceutical orders. The packing device is configured with at least one cutter that generates tailings and dust. A tailing collection device is provided that collects the tailings and dust generated by the packing device into and through an intake tube and into a collection assembly. The collection assembly includes a hood with at least one air filter, a frame, and a bin removably received within the frame. The frame supports the hood and aligns the bin to be in fluid communication with the hood. A gas motive device is positioned intermediate the ends of an intake tub before the hood and is configured to suction the tailings and/or dust.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dynamic loading device for horizontal form, fill and seal machine (“HFFS”) and in particular the loading of fresh hamburger patties into a package in an HFFS machine and sealing of said package. This invention involves a dynamic loading device in a form, fill and seal machine for packaging and stacking fresh meat patties. The HFFS machine involves opposing rolls of film wherein the bottom film is drawn to form a package or pocket for food product. The product is dropped into the pocket by a shuttle conveyor while a cylinder raises the base of the pocket to minimize the product drop into the precisely dimensioned pocket. After the product is placed in the package, an upper film is introduced for covering. Before the cover is sealed, the package is generally evacuated of atmosphere. The package is then sealed by the opposing rolls of film.

Abstract: Packaging machine for packaging products in plastic packaging having at least one sealing station for receiving a plastic packaging to be sealed in a reception region within the sealing station. The packaging machine includes a supply line capable to supply a gas to the reception region, a discharge line capable to discharge a gas from the reception region. A valve may be disposed in the discharge line. Further, a vacuum pump may be connected to the discharge line to pump gas out of the reception region through the discharge line valve. A measuring line may be connected to the reception region at a connection point and may be connected to the discharge line in a region between the valve and the vacuum pump via a connecting line. A first shut-off valve may disposed in the connecting line and a second shut-off valve may be disposed in the measuring line.

Abstract: A device for sealing sample tubes comprises a tool assembly configured to interface with a rack (10) holding a plurality of sample storage tubes (20), the tool assembly holding a plurality of punches (322) and a die plate (324) including a plurality of cutting holes, with each of the plurality of cutting holes accepting one of the plurality of punches (322). The tool assembly receives a foil sheet (131) between the punches (322) and the die plate (324). The device includes an actuator enabling linear movement of the tool assembly. Linear movement of the tool assembly towards the rack (10) engages the die plate (324) against the rack (10) and punches the punches (322) through the cutting holes of the die plate (324) to punch a plurality of sealing sections from the foil sheet (131) and to press and seal each of the sealing sections against a top end of each of the plurality of sample storage tubes (20) in the rack (10).

Abstract: A food product gathering and dispensing system is disclosed. The food product is generally a flat disc shaped article dispensed onto a consumable strip of food product conveyer material. The food product is fed to single, or series related, spools that wind up the consumable conveyer material and food product into a removable roll. The roll is placed into a dispenser pack, optionally subject to further environmental treatment, and refrigeration. The pack is then installed within a refrigerated dispenser system where the food product and consumable material are collectively unwound and separated, as the food product is fed into a processing system, i.e., a cooking device. The consumable conveyer material is collected and separately discarded.

Abstract: An appliance includes a panel having a raised landing outwardly extending from a first surface of the panel. A vacuum port is disposed on the raised landing. A system of channels is disposed over the first surface of the panel and outwardly extends therefrom. The system of channels substantially covers the first surface of the panel. The first surface of the panel is covered with a filter member that covers the system of channels. The raised landing, and vacuum port thereof, is fluidically coupled to the system of channels at multiple connecting locations.

Abstract: A thermo-forming packaging machine having a transport device that is configured to convey a lower film in a film transport surface along a transport direction from a forming station for forming troughs in the lower film via an inserting track for filling the troughs with products to a sealing station for sealing the troughs with an upper film and further to a cutting station for separating the sealed troughs. The film transport surface may include an area that ascends along the transport direction, either between the forming station and the sealing station or following the sealing station. The ascending areas may be followed in the transport direction by an even area. As a result, one of a product feeding device for feeding of products or a packaging discharge device for leading away packages may be positioned particularly close to the lower film.

Abstract: A thermo-forming packaging machine having a transport device that is configured to convey a lower film in a film transport surface along a transport direction from a forming station for forming troughs in the lower film through an inserting track for filling the troughs with products to a sealing station for sealing the troughs with an upper film and further to a cutting station for separating the closed troughs. In one embodiment, the film transport surface comprises a first ascending area and a first descending area that is arranged downstream of the ascending area between the forming station and the sealing station. Alternatively or in addition, the film transport surface comprises between the sealing station and the cutting station a second ascending area and after the cutting station a second descending area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packing system including a transporting device, an erecting device, and a guiding device. The packing system is configured to reduce the number of packing operations and to simplify the packing process, thereby improving production efficiency, compared with a conventional system. The packing system is configured to minimize wrinkling of a packing material and to adjust position of ends of the packing material in a way that the packing material is always supplied to a predetermined position, thereby reducing a failure rate of a packed product. It is possible to pack various sizes of packing target objects using a single system.

Abstract: Method, machine and installation for vacuum packaging of products, where a plurality of individual bags closed at one end and open at the opposite end with at least one product therein are generated. For generating the bags, a transverse cut and a complete transverse seal on both sides of the transverse cut are made on the film tube, and a transverse cut without complete transverse seals on the sides thereof is made at a distance (L) substantially equal to the desired length of the bag to be generated from the transverse cut and seal on both sides. Each bag is oriented at 180 degrees with respect to the bag previously generated in the forward movement direction.

Abstract: A bonding target object and a film including a layer having lower toughness than the bonding target object are disposed between a set of pressurization molds, which have pressurization surfaces disposed so as to face each other and in which opening holes are formed in the pressurization surfaces. A first edge on the opening hole side of the pressurization surface of a first pressurization mold, out of the set of pressurization molds, which faces the film is positioned further inside the opening hole than a second edge on the opening hole side of the pressurization surface of a second pressurization mold which faces the bonding target object. The pressing target portion of the film which is pressed by the set of pressurization molds is bonded to the bonding target object by sandwiching the bonding target object and the film with the set of pressurization molds to be pressed.

Abstract: A product arranged in a support can be packaged. A film is unrolled, a number of supports are progressively moved inside the packaging chamber of a packaging assembly, the packaging chamber is kept open for a time sufficient for a number of supports and for the film or for film sheets to properly position inside the packaging chamber, causing the film sheets or film portions to adapt to the shape of a cavity formed in the upper tool of the packaging assembly and the film sheets or film portions are sealed to respective supports. An apparatus can perform the above process.

Abstract: A method for the production and filling of an application package for a liquid pharmaceutical product. A thermoforming film made of thermoplastics laminated together is heated in order to plasticize the thermoforming film at least in partial areas. The plasticized areas are thermoformed in a mold in order to form a chamber for the liquid pharmaceutical product and a tube-shaped application duct opening into this chamber, with the chamber and the application duct being enclosed by a non-thermoformed, essentially flat bonding area of the thermoforming film. The liquid pharmaceutical product is filled into the chamber, and the chamber and the application duct are sealed by covering the thermoformed and filled thermoforming film with an essentially flat covering film. The covering film is directly bonded to the bonding area of the thermoforming film by thermal ring sealing, enclosing the chamber and the application duct.

Abstract: A process of packaging a product (P) comprising driving at least the precursor body in a machine direction along the operating path, forming into it one or more longitudinal rows of adjacent tray-shaped elements (8), loading one or more of said products (P) into a respective cavity of said tray-shaped elements; forming a through opening at the corner regions of the tray-elements; tightly fixing a plastic film (11) to close the top opening of said tray-shaped elements (8); transversely separating the closed tray-shaped elements forming closed trays. An apparatus (1) for performing the above process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A modified atmosphere flow-wrap system and method and components thereof are provided for packaging a food product in a reduced oxygen atmosphere in a continuous or partially-continuous process. In one aspect, the flow-wrap system includes a saturation tunnel for saturating the food products with modified gas to reduce an amount of residual oxygen therein. In another aspect, the flow-wrap system includes a flow-wrapping station with a modified gas lance that extends into film webbing used to form the food product packages to insert modified gas into the film webbing and restrict oxygen from entering the food packages.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for producing at extremely high production speeds small pouches filled with tobacco or other granular, powdered or solid content. An endless web substrate, with or without flavor film thereon, is formed into a tubular shape with a longitudinal seam. The tube is cut to individual lengths, and a procession of tubes is crimp-closed at one end, filled and crimp-closed at the other end to complete pouch production. During production, the seams formed at the crimped ends of the pouch are parallel to one another and the longitudinal seam of the pouch is midway between the sides of the pouch and orthogonal to the seams formed at the crimped ends of the pouch.

Abstract: A tool changing device of a work station in a thermoform packaging machine allows a tool insert to be removed from the work station laterally relative to a working direction of material conveyed through the work station. A position of the tool insert is moveable to a position above a chain guide on at least one side to allow the tool insert to be removed from the work station above the chain guide.

Abstract: A packaging machine is disclosed that includes a deep-drawing station, a filling station, a sealing station, or a combination thereof. The deep-drawing station, the sealing station, or both have an upper tool including a supporting top part. The supporting top is pivotable via a pivot mechanism, and the pivot mechanism is detachable from the supporting top part.

Abstract: A device for packaging preferably two-dimensional products is designed for forming a bag-like tube by way of a longitudinal connection device, from a web of packaging material. The bag-like tube, with respect to a conveying direction of the packaging material, is open in a region in front of the longitudinal connection device and is closed in the region after the longitudinal connection device. The device includes a suction device which leads into the still open bag-like tube, and in the closed region includes a suction opening, through which gas can be sucked out of the region after the longitudinal connection device, out of the bag-like tube and through the suction device.

Abstract: A dispensing device for a flowable, in particular powdery product, includes at least one screw conveyor discharging the product, a drive for rotating the screw conveyor about its longitudinal axis, and a forming tube for guiding a tubular film. The screw conveyor protrudes with its longitudinal axis into the forming tube, wherein at least one screw guide, in which the screw conveyor is guided transversally to its longitudinal axis, is formed by the inner wall of at least one cylindrical recess in the forming tube.

Abstract: It is disclosed a plate for a mould station to form a flanged hollow plastic container by shaping a flat billet, the plate comprising a base, a frame, an outer core to form a container of a first size and an inner core to form a container of a second size, smaller than the first size, wherein the frame is integral with the base and wherein the frame defines a frame upper surface; wherein the outer core, in a first configuration, is held elastically with its upper surface flush with the frame upper surface and, in a second molding configuration, is held with its upper surface recessed with respect to the frame upper surface; wherein the inner core, in a first configuration, is held elastically with its upper surface flush with the frame upper surface and, in a second molding configuration, is held with its upper surface recessed with respect to the frame upper surface; and wherein a retention system is provided to retain said billet substantially adhering to at least the upper surface of the inner core.

Abstract: A thermo-forming packaging machine having a machine frame and a film advance device for gripping one side of a film web and for transporting the film web through one or more workstations in the thermo-forming packaging machine. The film advance device may be provided only on one side of the machine frame allowing the present packaging machine to utilize packaging film webs of different widths. The thermo-forming packaging machine may also include an alignment device to align an edge of the packaging film with the film advance device. The thermo-forming packaging machine may also include one or more counter supports to prevent the film from being displaced by a forming tool lower part of the forming station.

Abstract: The present disclosure is concerned with forming and non-forming webs with improved puncture resistance suitable for use in semi-automatic horizontal form fill and seal (HFFS) packaging machines and a process for packaging hard food items with sharp angular surfaces using such webs in such machines. The webs have a double wall partially laminated structure. The structure is conveniently formed by adhesively laminating two component films in a face to face configuration using a pattern of adhesive which leaves a substantial portion of the two facing surfaces unlaminated. The lamination just needs to be sufficient that the two component films will hot form together when they are vacuum drawn into a die to form a cavity for packaging the food items. The webs comprise at least a first thermoplastic component film having substantial stored shrink forces and a second thermoplastic component film having no substantial stored shrink forces.

Abstract: A filling assembly for filling of a tube of packaging material having a seal starting at a first level, comprises a conduit arranged to lead liquid into the tube of packaging material below said first level and a passage arranged to eject gas through openings into the tube of packaging material below said first level. The filling assembly is characterized in that a gasket is arranged to provide a seal between said filling assembly and said tube of packaging material upstream said openings such that the overpressure P1 downstream the gasket may exceed an ambient pressure Pa upstream the gasket.

Abstract: Between the two housings each having a recess and below and parallel to the film, there is provided a frame having openings greater in plain view than the underlying trays to be packaged, supported such that, during the closure of the housings the frame interacts with seal and contributes to the formation of a main chamber delimited by the upper edge of the tray and by the film above this edge. Air is removed from these recesses to form the desired level of vacuum therein, while, in the main chamber is isolated from the recesses of the two housings, so that the process gases can be injected directly into the main chamber, while a corresponding quantity of atmospheric air is directed into the recesses to balance the pressures on the opposite faces of the film When the process gases have been fed in, the film is welded to the edge of the tray and is cut outside this edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for unfolding folded plastic film having a first side joined to a second side along a longitudinal folded edge for use in forming a packaging tube. The folded film travels through a slot and the folded sides are separated at their respective outer longitudinal edges. The longitudinal left side is conveyed toward and over a guide plate left side edge and then over a left form tube section. The longitudinal right side is conveyed toward and over a guide plate right side edge and then over a right form tube section. The longitudinal middle section including the longitudinal folded edge and part of both the first and second sides adjacent the longitudinal folded edge is conveyed toward and over guide plate angular edges and then onto a carrying surface.

Abstract: A lifting device for the movement of a chamber upper part of a chamber conveyor belt machine, the lifting device having first and second lifting mechanisms. The first lifting mechanism may be driven by a motorized drive, and the second lifting mechanism may be driven by an adjusting cylinder. The lifting device may further include a connection element for coupling the two lifting mechanisms.

Abstract: A lid, having an opening area encased by one of the variety of shaped sidewalls with a flexible ribbed portion extending downwardly to one of the variety of shaped bases is provided for completely purging of atmospheric gases out of a container upon installation so as to eliminate head space by forming an airtight barrier with the container and the lid. A lid rim, having an inside portion connected to the top of the one of the variety of shaped with the flexible ribbed portion and an outside portion is provided for seating the lid to the container. The dome shaped base is connected to the bottom of the one of the variety of shaped side walls forming a circular base of the lid.

Abstract: A method for forming a flexible pouch having a fitment, the method including the steps of sealing the bottom, top and one side of a material to form a pouch. The pouch is formed around a forming tube, leaving one side of the flexible pouch unsealed. A fitment is installed on the flexible pouch, either on the corner (45 degree angle) or on the top of the pouch. The product filled through the unsealed side of the flexible pouch while continuously moving the flexible pouch down the forming tube, the forming tube also continuously supplying product to fill the flexible pouch and sealing the unsealed side of the flexible pouch. An apparatus for forming a flexible pouch is provided having a forming tube. The forming tube is adapted to allow material to wrap around the forming tube to form a flexible pouch, the forming tube also operable to dispense product into the flexible pouch through an exit of the forming tube.

Abstract: A unit dose package of a liquid nutritional product comprises a form-stable, cup shaped container with a capacity of less than 70 ml having a rim, a frustoconical sidewall and a base. A quantity of the nutritional product is enclosed within the container and a foil closure is sealed to the rim. The container is formed of a laminate comprising a barrier layer of highly 5 orientable EVOH having an ethylene content of less than 31 mol %, preferably around 27 mol %, and an oxygen transmission of less than 0.0068 ml/ml/year, between an inner carrier layer and an outer carrier layer. The package is especially adapted for long term storage of oxygen sensitive products.

Abstract: A filter paper cup manufacturing machine produces filter paper cups containing a brewing material. The filter paper cups have similar depth and diameter. The machine exercises ordered steps of first cutting a receptacle portion and then forming a recess in the receptacle portion for receiving the brewing material. Performing the cutting step first facilitates forming the recess because surrounding filter paper which would resist forming the recess has been eliminated.

Abstract: A device for molding plastic blanks to give plastic containers with a blow mold may include a cavity within which a plastic blank may be molded to give a plastic container. The blow mold has a base part to form a base section of the container. The base part defines the cavity. The device may include a filling device for introducing a gaseous medium into the plastic blank via the mouth thereof, in order to expand the plastic blank within the blow mold, with a rod-like body, which may be moved relative to the blow mold in order to draw the plastic blank during the molding process. The base part has a forming section defining the cavity, for forming the base section of the container which matches the shape of the base section of the container, and the forming section has a projection running in the direction of the cavity in a central region.

Abstract: A method and an installation seeking to create a controlled atmosphere in the head space of a product storage container in an installation of the type in which the following measures are taken continuously: —the container is partially filled with the product to a given fill level; —the upper part of the container is placed in contact with a treatment gaseous atmosphere aimed at removing all or some of the air present in the container above said fill level and at installing the required controlled atmosphere above said level; —the upper edge of the container is sealed or closed using a suitable means; —the controlled atmosphere being installed upstream of and/or during sealing, characterized in that the controlled atmosphere is installed in an uncontained injection zone by using at least one injector of tubular type oriented in the injection zone in such a way that at least one of the components of the velocity of the sprayed gas is the opposite to the direction of travel of the containers, and in that the inj

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a non-rectilinear flexible package comprising an in-line process including application and selective sealing of a semi-rigid strip to an inner wall of the package and further including a dual-stage die-cutting technique to remove and cut a non-linear shape into a formed web of film. The semi-rigid strip is sealed to one interior wall of the package but not the other to provide a reinforced opening to the package through which a material can be dispensed. Additionally, the dual stage die-cutting method comprises first cutting and removing a portion of the web material prior to filling the package and again cutting and removing a portion of the web material after filling, resulting in a package having a narrowed neck adjacent the closed reinforced opening at an upper portion of the package and a body of the package that is tapered towards the reinforced opening.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus is provided, having a conveyor, a continuous longitudinally folded web, and cutting and sealing mechanisms for forming flexible pouches from the web. Each flexible pouch has an open end and an overlap portion specifically suitable for operation with the apparatus of this invention. The open end is separated and a load is inserted into one of the flexible pouches. After the load is inserted, air is withdrawn and a gas is preferably injected into the flexible pouch by a plurality of flat-profile snorkels, or a single, wider snorkel. The flexible pouch is then heat sealed to form a gas-tight seal. Controls, preferably including a servo mechanism, are used to simultaneously operate the cutting, sealing, fluid transfer and product infeed stations of the automatic packaging apparatus. As the flexible pouch moves from the fluid transfer station to the sealing station, the gas-tight seal is maintained.