Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine in which a heated longitudinal seam sealer continuously forms a longitudinal lap seam along lapped edges of the tube being formed. This longitudinal lap seam sealer can be used in machines having conventional cross sealing jaws as well as in machines in which the cross sealing jaws move in the direction of the moving film during the cross sealing operation. The heated longitudinal seam sealer includes a wafer thin internal hot air dispenser that discharges hot air from both surfaces on the surfaces to be fused together. The heated longitudinal seam sealer also includes an external hot air dispenser that includes a plurality of hot air discharge jets through which hot air is discharges on the outer surface of one of the overlapped edges that not only provides necessary heat to cause fusion but also exerts sufficient pressure on the overlapped edge to insure proper sealing.

Abstract: The multi-layer film structure having an inner sealing layer which comprises metallocene resin, a core which includes polypropylene copolymer and an outer layer and wherein the multi-layer film structure has a thickness within a range between about 50 and 70 microns (2.0-2.75 mil). By utilizing this thin film with specific properties the sealers may be operated at lower temperatures thereby resulting in an energy saving and they produce seals having improved seal strength of 30% to 50% as compared with known prior mono-layer polyethylene film. The seal initiation temperature is reduced by 10° C. to 15° C. and the film exhibits an improved machine direction tensile strength of 25% to 40% and an improvement of 30% to 50% in puncture resistance as compared with a 76 microns (3 mil) mono-layer polyethylene film. This results in a reduction in the sealing cycle time and an increase in the throughput of the machine.

Abstract: A zipper sealer machine for use with a form, fill and seal machines and the method for bonding strips of reclosable fastener material to the film of a form fill and seal machine. Strips of reclosable fastener material arc cut and the cut ends fused together by cutter-fuser jaws. A sensor senses when the cutter-fuser jaws become fully closed and when they begin to open so that other steps in the operation can be based on when the jaws actually begin to open and when they are actually fully closed rather than when the signal is sent that causes them to open and close. The cutter-fuser jaws have been coated with an anti-stick substance to prevent sticking of the flanges to the cutter-fuser jaws. The cut strips of reclosable fastener material are held on an edge of the rotor that is remote from the film surface. Upon rotation of the rotor the held strip of reclosable fastener material is moved to a location adjacent to the film surface.

Abstract: A slide-zipper assembly, a method of attaching the slide-zipper assembly to thermoplastic film, and a method of making slide-zippered packages are provided. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the slide-zipper assembly is comprised of a reclosable zipper and an optional slider. The reclosable zipper includes a first profile interlockable with a second profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and a flange extending from the interlocking member on one side thereof at the bottom of the zipper. The interlocking members are interlockable with one another. The zipper flanges are wrapped around the zipper and joined together at the top of the zipper. The slider straddles the zipper and is adapted to open the zipper as it is moved therealong in an opening direction and to close the zipper as it is moved therealong in a closing direction.

Abstract: In a vertical form, fill, seal machine that produces liquid-filled stand-up pouches, a flat vertical fill tube is surrounded by an envelope of thermoplastic film that is closed along one longitudinal edge and open along the opposite longitudinal edge. A main drive assembly includes drive members that press opposite sides of the envelope against the flat fill tube. An auxiliary film drive assembly is responsive to film tension. Stand-up base cups are formed seriatim along the closed longitudinal edge of the envelope. Fitments are inserted seriatim into the open longitudinal edge, in correspondence with respective cups, and are sealed to the thermoplastic film, first by a spot-sealer and then by a top sealer. End seal/cut-off assemblies provide a seal transversely of the envelope that is bisected by a knife to release a leading pouch that has been formed, filled, and sealed.

Abstract: A pair of pull-down belts pulls longitudinally a tubularly formed elongated bag-making film along a filling cylinder of a bag maker-packaging machine. A pair of members supporting the pull-down belts can move towards or away from each other depending on the size of the former, and elastic springs for providing each of the pull-down belts with a force which depends on their relative positions with respect to the corresponding belt-supporting members. An adjustment motor moves the pull-down belts initially to specified reference positions separate from the tubularly formed film and therefrom towards the filling cylinder. The distance traveled by the pull-down belts from their reference positions towards the filling cylinder is monitored. The distance by which the pull-down belts must be moved for each of different kinds of former is measured and stored in a memory device.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a plurality of containers from a tube of flexible packaging material includes transversely severing the tube into a plurality of individual containers, each having a main body with two opposed pointed lower corners, pinching each pointed lower corner to collapse the corner into a flattened triangular shape while adding heat to the same in order to well the corner together in the flattened condition, and bending each flattened corner to lie under its respective main body, while the flattened corner still retains heat.

Abstract: A device and method for forming plastic pouches, the device including a source of at least two substantially superposed layers of plastic sheet, a pair of rollers for selectively advancing the layers of plastic sheet, a plastic filling element, and heat welding means for sealing open sides of the pouches, wherein portions of a longitudinal half of each of the rollers have a larger radius than the remainder of the roller whereby, when the larger radius portions of the rollers engage one another, they advance the plastic held between them, and when the smaller radius portions of the rollers are in registration with one another, they do not engage the plastic between them, so the plastic does not advance and can be heat sealed.

Abstract: Filler strips made of a solid layer of thermal sealable material, such as separate strips of polyethylene film or other suitable thermal sealable films, are sequentially spaced on one side of a thermal sealable plastic mesh web at equal distance from one another. The pre-prepared web is used on a conventional form, fill and seal machine to form mesh bags having top and bottom fin seals with enhanced strength. The bag is primarily mesh so the product within the bag breathes easily. A thermal sealable print band may be located on the second side of the mesh. Different types of bags can be formed on different types of automatic form, fill and seal machines by modifying the specific configuration of the pre-prepared mesh web for the particular automatic form, fill and seal machine design.

Abstract: In a vertical form, fill, seal machine that produces liquid-filled stand-up pouches, a flat vertical fill tube is surrounded by an envelope of thermoplastic film that is closed along one longitudinal edge and open along the opposite longitudinal edge. A main drive assembly includes drive members that press opposite sides of the envelope against the flat fill tube. An auxiliary film drive assembly is responsive to film tension. Stand-up base cups are formed seriatim along the closed longitudinal edge of the envelope. Fitments are inserted seriatim into the open longitudinal edge, in correspondence with respective cups, and are sealed to the thermoplastic film, first by a spot-sealer and then by a top sealer. End seal/cut-off assemblies provide a seal transversely of the envelope that is bisected by a knife to release a leading pouch that has been formed, filled, and sealed.

Abstract: A bag forming apparatus and method with single drive unit operating a drive roller and a cross-cut mechanism with the drive motor assembly being internalized within the drive roller. The apparatus is particularly designed for feeding, solely through use of a full film width contact drive roller, film material derived from a single supply roll of two ply film material. The arrangement avoids tracking problems, as well as any requirement for a supply roll driving, braking and tension monitoring. The supply roll can be laid in position on underlying, passive support rollers prevented from inertia induced over-rolling by a passive friction device which tension in the film material being fed between the single, cylindrical drive roller and an opposing pair of spaced, driven rollers in a pinching relationship with the film material being fed past the drive roller.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a control method for a box motion type end-sealing carried out by a longitudinal type or lateral type bag forming, filling and packaging machine, which can permit the end sealing time period to be set as long as possible even if a linear section (a sealing length of a predetermined stroke) is made constant. There is provided a method of controlling an end-sealing time period for a bag forming, filling and packaging machine.

Abstract: A container forming apparatus to form fluid filled containers from a tube of flexible packaging material includes a fluid delivery conduit to deliver fluid into the tube. A heat sealing mechanism receives the tube and forms spaced seals across the tube between which fluid is located. The seals are formed in a downstream to upstream succession and are non-orthogonal with respect to a longitudinal axis of the tube. Hydraulic equalization supports associated with the heat sealing mechanism support the tube indirections generally orthogonal to the longitudinal axis adjacent the seals as the seal is formed.

Abstract: A container for fluids or liquids is formed of flexible material such as plastic and includes a body having an internal reservoir and a tubular spout extending upwardly from the body. The spout has an internal passage in fluid communication with the body. A constriction in the container creates a low pressure zone in the passage downstream of the constriction as liquid flows along the internal passage. Means are also provided to inflate the spout as fluid flows along the internal passage. A method of forming fluid-filled containers from a tube of flexible material and a method of forming a self-supporting fluid-filled container are also disclosed.

Abstract: A packaging machine (11) in which tubular bag material (16) is driven through the machine and caused to vibrate in the general direction of movement of the tubular bag material to aid in settling products so that the product occupies a minimum volume during formation of bags containing the product.

Abstract: A funnel for a form-fill-seal (FFS) machine configured to make transverse-zippered reclosable packages from a continuous supply of thermoplastic film having a plurality of zipper strips transversely sealed thereto at package length intervals is provided. The funnel includes a lower surface a contoured to keep the zipper profiles substantially parallel to each other as the thermoplastic film is fed over the FFS machine forming collar and folded around the FFS machine filling tube. A method and apparatus for making transverse zippered reclosable packages is also provided.

Abstract: In the production of a strand-form hotmelt adhesive wrapped in a tubular film which is suitable for simultaneous melting with the hotmelt adhesive and which does not have any surface tackiness at normal storage temperatures, the heated liquid hotmelt adhesive is introduced into the cooled tubular film and the tube is subsequently cooled in a cooling bath. During introduction of the hotmelt adhesive, the shape of the tubular film is stabilized by providing an excess gas pressure and/or a guide inside the tube. The outside of the tube is cooled by a cooling liquid, the tubular film is brought into a substantially horizontal position after immersion in the cooling bath and is kept in that position in the cooling bath at least until the contents of the tubular film in proximity with said liquid hotmelt adhesive have at least partly solidified. Strands of any diameter and any length can readily be produced without significant effort in an economically and industrially useful manner.

Abstract: A protective foam cushion-making apparatus dispenses reactive foam components into an interior space between two panels of plastic film to form protective foam cushions. The apparatus includes a supply of plastic film and a film a driving assembly, such as two pliable rollers. A foam component dispensing assembly is interposed between the film panels and injects reactive foam components into the interior space where they are mixed together to form a mass of expandable foam. The plastic film forms a flexible mixing chamber in the area between the two pliable rollers in which the reactive foam components are mixed together after they are dispensed from the foam dispensing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of forming and closing bags, said method comprising steps consisting in delivering closure means comprising at least two complementary strips disposed on respective backing sheets, in delivering a film that is to constitute the walls of the bag, in heat-sealing a first backing sheet of the closure means to the film along at least one of the longitudinal edges of said sheet, with the closure means being angularly positioned transversely to the longitudinal direction of the film, in shaping the resulting film as equipped with the closure means into a tube, and in heat-sealing the second backing sheet of the closure means to an opposite face of the film along only one edge of said second sheet.

Abstract: The apparatus and method attaches a section of unsupported interlocking zipper transversely to portion of film drawn around a fill tube of a form fill and sea machine. This includes the steps of driving and guiding said zipper horizontally around the outside of the film formed around the tube in a direction transverse to direction of movement of the film, after the formation of the fin seal. An alternative embodiment drives and guides the zipper horizontally around the inside of the film formed around the tube prior to the formation of the fin seal. A retractable ledge may be used to guide the zipper in the alternative embodiment. A slider operated zipper can also be used in this alternative.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding substantially free flowing solid product charges (P'") in a continuous vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine (10) is disclosed. Improved transitional product flow from the computerized weigher (W) to the bag former and closer is obtained by tracking and sampling the charges along the flow path. In the method, the steps include sensing the presence of the charges along the flow path at two locations, comparing each sensed charge presence to a defined time target that has previously been determined and adjusting at least one operating step in accordance with any deviation found to cause the charge or charges to approach the defined time target for optimum operation. Either a predictive time adaptive control (77) requiring operator input, or computer control (76) can be incorporated into the method. A series of product charge flow enhancers (102, 103; 131; 121) are provided along the flow path to assist in maintaining the charges within the time target.

Abstract: The formation of a tubular web in a form-fill process is achieved by drawing the web along a tapering guide (6) and then along a forming tube (20) the axis of which is at a small angle to the guide plate and intersects the guide. The web is drawn along the guide and tube by opposed drive rollers (24) at a station along the length of the forming tube, the rollers gripping the edges of the web together. The side margins of the web are folded over from a central portion when the web travels along the guide plate but the side edges are brought together only after they reach the forming tube. The drive rollers (24) or sealing rollers (26) further along the forming tube seal the edges together to form a closed tube.

Abstract: A zipper strip for a reclosable package having a transverse zipper is provided. The zipper strip comprises a male interlocking profile and a female interlocking profile. Each profile includes an interlocking member and an integral web which defines a trailing flange. One or both of the profiles are provided with high compression members which allow one or both of the interlocking members to be sealed to thermoplastic film without being crushed or distorted.

Abstract: A tube of plastic material is cut at a bag length interval from a free end to define an open mouth. The free end is sealed to form a bag and a reclosable fastener strip is affixed to the open mouth after the tube is cut. Prior to affixing the reclosable fastener strip, but after the tube section is cut, the bag is moved away from the remainder of the tube. The side edges of the bag adjacent to the open mouth are slit and the slits and reclosable fastener strip are joined after the reclosable fastener strip is positioned in the slits. The bag may be filled after the free end of the tube is sealed but before cutting the bag length interval from the tube.

Abstract: The action pattern of the amount of web feeding by the lug folding flaps is made optimal in accordance with deviations of detection marks, such as specified printing patterns on the printing surface on web W, from the reference values when they are detected, and the pressing force applied onto web W by dancer roller 9 is stepwise or continuously adjusted according to the detection of the patterns. Therefore, in comparison with the conventional examples, it is possible to widen the corrective range for the amount of web feeding. Thus, the tolerance for printing errors on web W can be increased, and it is possible to operate the equipment without stopping. Furthermore, it is possible to produce packaging containers with printing patterns applied at appointed positions, and faulty products are eliminated.

Abstract: Bags containing a particle, powder or granule product are packed inside a wrapper formed from an elongated laminar wrapping of thermo-bonding plastic. The wrapping is sealed along longitudinal seams to form a sleeve. The bags of product are advanced on a transporter and pressed to a compact and even shape. A first bag is placed on a temporary support and the wrapping formed into a sleeve about the bag. The first bag is allowed to fall into the sleeve. The sleeve and bag are caused to ascend at the same time, and the sleeve is closed with seams during its descent. The process is then repeated for successive bags until the sleeve contains a set number of bags. The sleeve is then closed into a welded wrapping about the bags.

Abstract: A packaging container production method for forming tubular web from sheet-like web and producing hexahedral packaging containers, wherein in order to secure a prescribed web W feeding amount, the operating amount of lug folding flaps, which forms a sealing part on tubular web by pressing both sides of the tubular web while folding the same, is set an idealistic position, pressure is generated at a cylinder 16 by a control device 23 via a control valve 31, in compliance with the deviation of the detection mark such as a specified printing pattern on the printing surface on web W from the reference position when the same is detected, and the tension applied onto web W is adjusted by the dancer roller 9.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a hermetically sealed package for a slice of a food item. A web of thermoplastic material is first formed into a tubular arrangement with a hermetic longitudinal seal. To form the tubular arrangement, means are provided for folding a continuous web of thermoplastic material into V-folded condition and for continuously forming a hermetic seal along the open longitudinal edge of the V-folded web. The hermetic seal is formed between the inner surfaces of the front and rear faces of the web to define a tubular web member. The food item which has been formed into a soft mass, is then inserted into the tubular member and the tubular member is flattened to form a thin film tube. Means are provided for forming a hermetically sealed cross-seal which are disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal forward moving direction of the web.

Abstract: A multilayer film has a first outer layer, an inner layer, and a second outer layer. The first outer layer comprises a homogeneous ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. The inner layer comprises a thermoplastic elastomer. The second outer layer comprises a second ethylene/alpha-olefin copolymer. The inner layer is between the first outer layer and the second outer layer, and is chemically different from the first outer layer and the second outer layer. The multilayer film has an O.sub.2 -transmission rate of from about 500 to 50,000 cc/m.sup.2 24hr STP, and a modulus of at least 60,000 psi. The multilayer film is especially useful for the packaging of O.sub.2 -sensitive products, such as produce. The high modulus of the film enhances its performance in form-fill-and-seal operations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stripping the end seal area in a vertical form, fill and seal machine. First and second wiper members are secured to the sealing jaws and extend toward the film tube being formed, filled and sealed. The wiper members have engagement portions vertically staggered or offset from one another which engage opposite sides of the film tube for the purposes of stripping. The stripping apparatus and process can be used with intermittent machines which use film reversal for stripping, as well as continuous motion machines which always advance the film in the forward direction.

Abstract: The invention is to provide a method and a device, etc. for molding tubes, free from any fear of the web being broken, which do not generate any wrinkle on a web when molding a plate-like web to rectangular parallelpiped packaging containers via a tubular web. In a tube molding method of the invention for molding a plate-like web to a tubular web while transferring the former along the roller surface formed by a plurality of rollers 11 through 13 of the molding roller 4, a roller supporting plate 16 is turned by a tightening member 29 while being position-regulated by a roller 25 attached to the roller attaching arm 23 so that web is transferred on the basis of the hypothetical center axis line (Point X) of the tubular web, which is formed by the roller surface constituted by the rollers 11 through 13, wherein the web in the lengthwise direction can be accurately transferred so that the same web takes a predetermined orientation of the rollers 11 through 13.

Abstract: Accelerating the processing speed of a form-fill-seal packaging machine by continuously running a strip-like film, even if using a printing device of an intermittent printing type. Arm members (35) pivot around support axes (36) and are provided on a feed path of a strip-like film (F). Rollers (37,38) guiding the film (F) are provided at front and rear end portions of the arm members (35) whereby portions of the film (F) meander. A stopper member (32) stops the running of the film (F) and is disposed between accumulating portions (A, B). Printing is carried out on the film (F) by a printer (28) of an intermittent printing type in a period of time during which a portion of the film (F) is stopped by the stopper member (32). The continuous running of the film (F) is not hampered during this stoppage period since a portion of the film (F) is accumulated at the accumulating portion (A) on the downstream side.

Abstract: A breakable sachet and method of manufacturing same is described. The sachet is formed from layers (11, 12, 13) of plastics film sealed so as to form a reservoir (19). The sachet further incorporates a semi-rigid layer (11) which is scored or weakened (15) so that when the semi-rigid layer is bent, it fractures along the score (15) and the contents of the reservoir can be expelled via a hole (16), formed proximate the fracture point, in controlled manner. A method of manufacturing the sachets includes forming a vertical reservoir which includes a semi-rigid layer (33), the reservoir is partitioned by means of a hot roller (34, 35) and the webs (31, 32, 33) forming the reservoir and sealed to the semi-rigid layer (33) include a hole (16) formed therein. The semi-rigid layer (33) includes a score or weak point (15).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an article to the interior surface of a flexible package is provided which includes the application of articles to a flexible web of packaging material at a point along a web feed path which minimizes the likelihood of article separation downstream. Specifically, the present method and apparatus includes a driving system for pulling a web of material through a feed path, a tube former having an inlet positioned along the feed path for receiving the web of material and an article applicator for applying articles onto an interior package surface of the web of material at the inlet of the tube former. In this manner, the article is delivered to the web downstream of the upper edge of the tube former thereby minimizing inadvertent separation of the article from the web as experienced in conventional machines as the web passes over the upper edge of the tube former.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine for forming packaging on the basis of film that includes complementary closure strips, the machine comprising: feeder means for feeding onto the film a closure means comprising two support webs provided with at least a first longitudinal assembly constituted by two complementary strips and with a second longitudinal assembly disposed at a distance from the first, urging means for urging the support webs towards each other between the two longitudinal assemblies, and two rectilinear guides suitable for penetrating respectively into the gaps between each pair of lateral edges of the support webs. The present invention also provides a method, the resulting packages, and closure means for this purpose.

Abstract: A method and means of detecting the seals of a package is disclosed herein. The invention includes coloring the inner coating of a laminated material that is used to create a package on a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The invention also discloses coloring the longitudinal strip of the package. The coloring of the inner coating allows an operator to distinguish between an acceptable seal and a defective seal since a delamination, which is acceptable, may appear to be a defective seal without the inner coating coloring. The colored longitudinal strip also allows one to distinguish between a defective longitudinal seal and a delamination of the longitudinal strip.

Abstract: A zipper sealer machine for use with a form, fill and seal machines and the method for bonding strips of reclosable fastener material to the film of a form fill and seal machine. Strips of reclosable fastener material are cut and the cut ends fused together by cutter-fuser jaws. A sensor senses when the cutter-fuser jaws become fully closed and when they begin to open so that other steps in the operation can be based on when the jaws actually begin to open and when they are actually fully closed rather than when the signal is sent that causes them to open and close. Relief area that have been coated with an anti-stick substance have been provide in the engaging surfaces of the cutter-fuser jaws to avoid fusing of the flanges and to prevent sticking of the flanges to the cutter-fuser jaws. The cut strips of reclosable fastener material are held on an edge of the rotor that is remote from the film surface.

Abstract: A zipper sealer machine for use with form, fill and seal machines and the method for bonding strips of reclosable fastener material strip fastener material to the film of a form fill and seal machine. The zipper sealer machine is adapted to be mounted within in the form, fill and seal machine and coordinate with the components of the form, fill and seal machine such as its film control mechanism. The zipper sealer machine includes a substantially symmetrically formed rotor having a pair of outer edges. Reclosable fastener material strip fastener material is fed to an outer edge of the rotor and cut to length. The cutting process also fuses the cut ends of the reclosable fastener material strip fastener material . The rotor is rotated 180 degrees, which locates the strip of reclosable fastener material strip fastener material adjacent to the film course at which it is bonded to the film.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine having at least one multi-channel former therein for forming a pair of streams of three side sealed pouches. The at least one multi-channel former includes a shaped top and an open central forming area in which a strip of material brought to the former by a drive means from a roller is bent over and is then folded into a unique figure 8 or infinity sign, tubular configuration as it exits from the bottom. The unique configuration is then side sealed and cut into two tubular elements, which are then bottom sealed, filled, top sealed and cut-off in the machine to form two separate streams of three side sealed pouches. The machine may have a number of separate forming areas therein and the unique tubular configuration from which the pouches are formed is provided by the unique shaped top, open central and exit configurations of the formers, over and through, which the strip of material is bent and folded.

Abstract: There is provided a superhigh-speed filling and packaging apparatus having a high performance capable of manufacturing more than 8,000 packs per hour without leaving fluid at sealed parts of the containers. The filling and packaging apparatus fills a packaging material web formed in a tubular shape with fluid to manufacture package containers. The apparatus includes a lateral sealing apparatus for laterally sealing the tubular web filled with the fluid at intervals, each corresponding to one container, and a cutting apparatus, disposed under and remote from the lateral sealing apparatus, for cutting sealed parts of the containers while the containers are suspended to separate the containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a vertical form, fill and seal machine to protect the longitudinal back seal. A pair of clamps retains the plastic film against the forming tube on either side of the back seal and on either side of a sealing platen if the platen is used for forming the back seal. The clamps extend for at least the length of the platen, and the clamps are operated together in unison.

Abstract: A film for a multiple bag which film is a multiple film comprising at least two sheets of film put one on another and having scattered along its both-side edge portions spot-fused portions by which the at least two sheets of film is partially united.

Abstract: A package container forming flap apparatus capable of forming a tubular packaging material in a rectangular shape in cross section with reliability and accuracy. The package container forming flap apparatus lateral seal bars for laterally sealing a tubular packaging material, a pair of opposing fixed plates which are disposed respectively over each lateral seal bar in parallel with a seal surface thereof, forming arms for turning about axes which are parallel to a longitudinal direction of the tubular packaging material, and movable plates which are secured to the forming arms and together with the fixed plates to shape the tubular packaging material in a rectangular shape in cross section.

Abstract: A bag suitable for use in microwave cooking is constructed of an elongated tube of flexible material closed at one end by a cold seal closure and having a heat seal adhesive deposit applied to the other end thereof for use in closing the bag after filling thereof to form a package. In another embodiment, a package suitable for use in microwave cooking is constructed of an elongated tube of flexible material closed at one end by a cold seal closure and having a cold seal adhesive deposit applied to the other end thereof for use in closing the bag after filling thereof. Methods for making bags and packages including methods for making rolls from which bags and packages may be made.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal packing machine and method for making recloseable bags having a safety seal exterior to a recloseable seal. The machine produces durable, substantially air-tight bags at high speed and provides for the production of different size and make of bags and different amounts and types of product in the bags. The machine includes a film drive and pinch roll pair, a pair of film pull belts, and a pair of zipper drive rollers for pulling the plastic film and zipper strip through the machine. The production of different size bags is facilitated by having the film drive roll, pull belts, and zipper drive rollers simultaneously driven in bag length increments by a common drive source. Also, to accommodate the production of different size bags, the machine includes a programmable control system, an optical mark sensor, and an adjustable film path length.

Abstract: Filler strips made of a solid layer of thermal sealable material, such as separate strips of polyethylene film or other suitable thermal sealable films, are sequentially spaced on one side of a thermal sealable plastic mesh web at equal distance from one another. The pre-prepared web is used on a conventional form, fill and seal machine to form mesh bags having top and bottom fin seals with enhanced strength. The bag is primarily mesh so the product within the bag breathes easily. A thermal sealable print band may be located on the second side of the mesh. Different types of bags can be formed on different types of automatic form, fill and seal machines by modifying the specific configuration of the pre-prepared mesh web for the particular automatic form, fill and seal machine design.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically forming and filling sandbags. The apparatus has an excavator for obtaining fill material for the sandbags. The fill is transported from the excavating means to a hopper which dispenses the proper amount of fill into a bag. The bag is formed from two webs of bag forming material which are joined along their edges to form a tube. A clamping, cutting and stitching mechanism clamps and cuts the tube, forming the tops and bottoms of the sandbags. A stitching mechanism stitches the cut top and bottom. The clamping, cutting and stitching mechanism is operated by a hydraulic piston which pulls the sandbag web material from rolls and moves the web from the filling area to the discharge area. A conveyor system moves the formed sandbags from the device for stacking or use. The entire apparatus is mounted on a tractor-type frame so that it can be transported from one location to another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of automatically forming, filling, and closing reclosable packaging bags based on a film of flexible material, e.g. a thermoplastic material, provided with added-on strips and in particular complementary male and female slideway closure strips, the method comprising the steps consisting in: providing a feed of flexible film; providing a feed of strips; and fixing the strips on the film by heat sealing; wherein: the step of feeding strips consists in providing a tape of flexible material carrying the complementary strips; and the step of fixing consists in heat sealing the tape onto the film prior to feeding the resulting assembly to the tube-forming neck of an automatic machine for forming, filling, and closing packaging bags. The invention also relates to machines for implementing the method and to the resulting bags.

Abstract: A multiple compartment package having a connecting bridge with a frangible internal barrier is made from two composite or thermoplastic sheets or webs welded together to form the front and back walls of the package, and the central bridge portion is defined by one or more partitions spanning the short distance between the webs. In the preferred embodiment, multiple partitions form a plurality of parallel compartment strips to create an obstruction to penetration of substances from one packet to the other. One process for making the invention uses a comb-shaped mask and a thermoplastic insert strip interwoven between the tines of the comb. The tines are extended down between the welding heads of the packaging machine, preventing welding from taking place between the thermoplastic sheets wherever the comb mash is, with the result that the welding occurs between the strip and an alternating one of the side webs creating a zig-zag pattern that forms the vacant barrier compartments.

Abstract: A self-venting package (A) contains peracetic acid or other strong oxidants in a unit dose that assures sterilization of instruments and equipment in an automated sterilizing apparatus (FIG. 3) or of biological wastes in a biological waste comminuting apparatus (FIG. 4). The self-venting package is constructed of a cylindrical body having first and second vent apertures (12, 14) 180.degree. offset adjacent a first edge (20) and third and fourth vent apertures (16, 18) 180.degree. offset adjacent a second edge (26). The first and second vent apertures are 90.degree. offset relative to the third and fourth vent apertures. The first edge is flattened and sealed forming a pair of corners (40, 42) such that the first and second vent apertures are disposed closely adjacent the first and second corners. The container is filled with peracetic acid or other liquids which liberate gas or vapors. A second end (26) of the container is flattened and sealed in a direction transverse to the first edge.