Abstract: A plastic film bag assembly includes a bag having front and back walls joined together and defining an opening leading to a cavity. A header portion extends from the back wall for supporting the bag on a structure. A severance line extends across the header and includes tear sections extending inwardly from each of the header side edges. The severance line also includes support sections adjacent and inwardly of the tear sections. The support sections have a strength per unit length of severance line which is greater than the tear sections strength per unit length of severance line whereby, when severing the bag away from the header, a greater force is required for severing along the severance line support sections than the force required for severing along the tear sections. In use, the bag front wall lip is grasped and pulled away from the header for separating complementary profiles and opening the bag. The header tear sections are severed until reaching the support sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing, loading and singularly dispensing bags in a bag bundle from a dispensing hook includes a bag bundle formed from a plurality of stacked bags. Each bag has apertures are defined in the front panel and the rear panel adjacent the open top, these apertures having an opening of a selected dimension normal to the vertical side walls with an upper edge. A dispensing hook is used having parallel sides separated by a width complimentary to the selected dimension of the apertures to provide a secure, snug fit when the bag bundle is placed on the dispensing hook at the registered apertures. The dispensing hook defining a bag holding surface complimentary to the upper edge of the apertures.

Abstract: A method, packaging system and packaging element for packaging a sterilizable item for aseptic presentation onto a sterile field wherein the vertical orientation of the sterilizable item does not need to be reversed during packaging, sterilization, unpackaging or presentation and instructions for handling are printed on the packaging element so that they are exposed when the packaging element is folded according to the packaging system and method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for introducing projecting elements (5) belonging to a section of a film (3) which surrounds laterally and at least partially the upper side of a stack of products (1) and which is adjacent to the stack of products in said area. In order to prevent the projecting elements, also known as tips or caps, from becoming fixed to the sides or to the upper side of the stacks of products, the triangular projecting elements, which are arranged in the region of two opposite-lying edges of the upper side of the stack of products and which emanate approximately in the corners of the stacks of products, are introduced into the area arranged between the stack of products and the section of the film, after the pile of products is enveloped.

Abstract: String of packing cushions formed by two superposed layers of flexible plastic film sealed together along transversely extending lines to form a series of closed chambers, loose fill packing material in the chambers, and perforations in the film between the chambers defining tear lines by which the cushions can be separated. In certain disclosed embodiments, the string of cushions is made by positioning an elongated length of flexible plastic tubing about a chute, drawing a section of the tubing from the chute, introducing loose fill packing material through the chute into the section of the tubing which has been drawn from the chute, sealing the walls of the tubing together along a transversely extending seal line above the loose fill packing material to close the section and form a cushion, perforating the tubing along a transversely extending tear line above the cushion, and repeating the process to form successive cushions separated by tear lines.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products having different shape and dimensions, such as for example food products of different size, into pre-formed bags of appropriate size, such as for example heat-shrinkable bags of thermoplastic material, comprises a conveyor for carrying in sequence a plurality of products to be packaged from a product loading portion to a product packaging bracket end portion thereof, means for detecting the dimensions of each product to be packaged while it moves from said product loading portion to said product packaging bracket end portion of said at least one conveyor and a plurality of bag dispensing devices for dispensing a plurality of bags varying in at least one dimension thereof.

Abstract: The method entails unwinding portion of film stored in roll form. The film is made of a heat-sealable single- or multilayer flexible material. The flaps for the unwound portion are folded until they are side by side or overlapped along a narrow band. The resulting new lateral edges are folded further so as to form longitudinal accordion-like portions and the bottom is then formed with a transverse heat-sealed portion which is produced simultaneously with a median cut relative to the heat-sealed portion, successively separating two pairs of adjacent containers. The heat-sealed bottom is inserted into the container by an extent which is equal to half the width of the lateral accordion-like portion and a longitudinal heat-sealed portion is then produced in the region where the flaps lie side by side and/or overlap, blocking the bottom and the accordion-like portion, simultaneously with a complete or partial cutting of the longitudinal heat-sealed portion.

Abstract: A device for the netting of trees, which device comprises a supply opening (1) and a device for the application of a net sleeving (5) around a tree when the latter is carried through the device. The device for the application of a net sleeving (5) around a tree is separated from the supply opening (1) and comprises a netting tube (4), on the outside of which the net (5) is located, the end of the net (5) being bent around that end (7) of the netting tube (4) that faces towards the supply opening (1) and extends into the netting tube (4). Also a method for the netting of trees, wherein the net (5) is applied to the tree inside a netting tube (4) located immediately after the supply opening (1).

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is placed in a cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: A continuous strip bag feeder and loader that includes an integrated printer assembly for printing information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is mounted to a support frame and receives a continuous strip of bags from a feed assembly. The printer assembly includes a print head that prints the desired information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is positioned relative to the loading assembly such that after each individual bag is printed, the bag is immediately loaded with a product at the loading assembly. Thus, no printed bags are positioned between the loading assembly and the printer assembly, thereby assuring each bag is loaded with a product prior to the printing of another bag.

Abstract: A portable pouch opener for countertop positioning for opening and filling a bag includes a portable housing positionable upon a desktop bench workspace. The housing has a magazine containing a supply of bags to be opened and filled. A first suction device is mounted for being moved into engagement with a bag in the magazine. The first suction device has a source of vacuum to activate the first suction device when placed into contact with one wall of the bag. Vacuum from the first suction device is withdrawn from the bag, attaching the bag to the first suction device, to remove the bag from the magazine and bring it to an opening position. An opposite facing wall of the bag is in contact with a second suction device having a source of vacuum, so that said opposite facing wall is engaged by said second suction device. Then the first suction device is retracted to separate the walls of the bag to produce an opening into the bag, allowing the bag to be filled and optionally sealed.

Abstract: A method, packaging system and packaging element for packaging a sterilizable item for aseptic presentation onto a sterile field wherein the vertical orientation of the sterilizable item does not need to be reversed during packaging, sterilization, unpackaging or presentation and instructions for handling are printed on the packaging element so that they are exposed when the packaging element is folded according to the packaging system and method.

Abstract: An improved agricultural feed stock loading apparatus that includes a feed tunnel. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a multi-part tunnel system that can be removed from the bagger and/or adjusted in width and/or length for shipping and moving convenience, and to accommodate different-sized bags. Other embodiments include a foldable brake beam and shaft mechanism that facilitates shipping and road travel. Other embodiments include a feed wagon portion with a large buffer table as a unitary part of the bagger, facilitating depositing a large amount of feed onto the bagger, and freeing the loading machinery for other duties.

Abstract: A bag manipulating method and assembly including a pair of bag grippers that receive and grip opposing side edges of a bag positioned in a loading station. The bag grippers are movable in a plane substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the loading station. The bag manipulating assembly also includes upper and lower bag spreader assemblies, each having a suction cup to apply suction to the bag and a spreader plate that is insertable into the bag and movable to spread apart the bag. Preferably, the bag grippers move toward each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis while the bag is being spread apart to facilitate opening the bag. To facilitate closing and sealing the bag, the bag grippers move away from each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis after the bag has been filled.

Abstract: A packaging bag comprises a first ply and a second ply joined along an edge defining the closed end of the bag and along side edges of the bag. A mouth of the bag has a first edge on the first ply and a second edge on the second ply, which projects beyond the first edge and comprises a folded over film portion. The margin of the second edge portion is disposed adjacent the first edge so as to provide a substantially constant thickness of the bag across the mouth and projecting portion.

Abstract: A plastic bag is supplied as a continuously attached length of plural bags, each bag being separated from adjacent bags along a supply length by a perforated tear line. A seal which runs codirectionally with the tear line forms a closed bottom for each bag, such that when a bag is separated along the tear line from a remainder of the supply, the bag is enclosed along three of its four edges enabling containment of produce or other items placed therein via the opening at the fourth, and remaining edge of the bag which is coextensive with the perforation line. The supply length of bags is advantageously stored on a roll, fan folded, bundlized or compactly stored in other suitable manner permitting advancement of consecutive bags when pulled out of the stored condition by a user.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for filling of a bag with a loose commodity comprises a bag filling station for dispensing commodity into a bag; a wicket for feeding a stacked and interconnected array of empty bags; and a conveyor for removing filled bags from the filling station. Reciprocating clamps grip the open mouths of the filled bags, and transfer the filled bags away from the filling station, with a subsequent bag being drawn into appropriate position for filling by means of the connection formed between the contacting bags.

Abstract: A bag loading method and assembly including a bag tray for holding a stack of bags and a conveyor assembly positioned above the bag tray. The conveyor assembly is movable between a first position, where the conveyor assembly engages a bag, and a second position, where the conveyor assembly is inclined with respect to the bag tray. Preferably, the conveyor assembly includes first and second rollers, a body portion between the first and second rollers, at least one vacuum generator communicating with the body portion for providing vacuum to the conveyor assembly, and an endless belt encircling portions of the rollers and the body portion. The endless belt engages the bag from the bag tray when the conveyor assembly is in the first position, and moves the bag to a position where the bag can be opened and filled when the conveyor assembly is in the second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging items, such as meat, non-meat products and non-food products, using ultrasound or heat is disclosed herein. In a preferred embodiment, a continuous thermoplastic tubular mesh material is used to package multiple meat products. The preferred packaging method does not use metal clips as in conventional packaging, and instead uses thermal energy, ultrasonic energy, or other types of energy to create seals in the packaging material itself. The method advantageously causes one seal to be formed between each pair of adjacently packaged products. This single seal can be cut in half thereby creating two seals, one seal for each adjacently packaged product.

Abstract: Introduction of a reinforcement strip into the folded edge area in the method for producing a bag with introduced goods to be packaged and with a suspension with suspension hole, wherein the goods to be packaged are introduced into a foil semi-hose which is supplied transverse to the transport direction, is deflected by a deflection device, and is further transported in the transport direction together with the goods to be packaged on a transport path and is then separated from the foil hose by a transverse welding unit and simultaneously welded.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the shape of the pot, thereby providing a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing packs (1) characterised in that it comprises steps according to which:

Abstract: A device and a method for continuously manufacturing foam cushions for packaging purposes. The device comprising a supply station and a foam dispensing station, said supply station being provided for continuously supplying to the dispensing station a web of envelope forming material positioned in a face to face relationship so as to form a folded-over edge. The dispensing station comprising a dispensing member provided for supplying a foaming substance into said envelope forming material. The device further transporting said material through said dispensing station according to a substantially horizontal direction and comprises a guiding and clamping unit provided for guiding said edge along said direction and clamping said material over a predetermined stroke extending from said edge in a direction substantially perpendicular to said direction.

Abstract: Method for packaging products being prone to decay, such as food products, more particularly vegetables and/or fruit in a synthetic foil, wherein the synthetic foil is perforated in an operation step, converted into a package and filled. The foil is thereby conveyed through a punching device, whereby perforations are punched in the synthetic foil, the perforated synthetic foil is formed as packages having the desired dimensions and these packages are filled with the products and closed.

Abstract: A web of bags for use in an automatic bagging machine is formed from a single layer of plastic film or a flattened tubular plastic film. When formed from the tubular material, the bags are doubled walled. The bags have lateral slits therein to accomodate opening of the bags in an automatic bagger. The bags are further configured to be received upon a track having an expandable portion that laterally displaces the bags in the web, causing them to open beneath a filling head for receipt of articles. A latter portion of the track allows the bags to resume their normally closed posture, where they are sealed and separated from each other.

Abstract: A back-up pad is provided over an anvil surface of a back-up plate, and between the anvil surface and a sealing surface of a sealing die, in an apparatus for forming seals between layers of film material. The back-up pad has a slip layer on one side thereof and a firm polymeric support layer on an opposite side thereof, the slip layer opposing the sealing face of the die so that the layers of film material pass between the sealing die and the back-up pad during seal formation. The polymeric support layer may have a Shore-A hardness of at least 10 at 20° C. and a dynamic loss tangent of less than 0.1 from 20° C. to 80° C. An example of a support layer is a polycarbonate pad, and an example of slip layer is a glass cloth coated with Teflon™. The back-up pad is particularly useful for forming lap seals in relatively thick film materials, such as laminated films having multi-layered films laminated together.

Abstract: A packaging method and assembly includes a bag loading assembly operable to load single sized bags into a loading station at a plurality of distances and a cutter assembly operable to cut the single sized bag to a desired size. A bag manipulating assembly operable to open the bag to allow a package to be inserted into the bag and to seal the bag after the package has been inserted into the bag. The packaging method and assembly also preferably includes a tail remover that removes the cut tail of the bag from the packaging assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for wrapping unit loads or packaged goods (2) using a section of elastic film (8) that is at least approximately hood-shaped, whereby the section of film is gathered and pulled over the unit load or packaged goods. The invention aims to provide a significantly faster packaging method of this type, which can be used in branches of industry with high production figures, e.g. white goods (dishwashers, refrigerators etc.). To achieve this, the section of film is gathered by a gathering device (3), then taken by a covering device (6) that can be displaced separately and subsequently pulled over the unit load or packaged goods, in particular being stretched beforehand. Another section of film can be gathered by the gathering device, while the previous section of film is still being pulled over the unit load or packaged goods.

Abstract: A rolling apparatus including a first elongated projection, and a second elongated projection connected to a rotatably mounted shaft. The shaft is attached to a crank, motor or other device that can be used to manually or automatically rotate the shaft about an axis. A leading end of an elongated sheet of material is positioned between the elongated projections, and the elongated projections are then rotated with respect to one another about the axis of the shaft to form a rolled item. The rolled item is removed from the elongated projections by sliding the rolled item in a direction parallel to the axis. The rolled item is then inserted within an open end of a receptacle. Alternatively, the receptacle is slid over the rolled item following the rolling procedure, and prior to removal of the rolled item from the projections. Then the rolled item with the receptacle is slid smoothly off the elongated projections for further processing or sealing of the receptacle.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to cover a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A bagging device (6) including at least two bag forming means (2, 3) capable of forming bags of a selected variable length from a supply of the material (4) from which the bags are to be formed, transporting means (7, 8, 10) to, in use convey item of differing dimensions to a selected position (5) or to one of a range of available selected positions, sizing means (15) to determine the size of each individual item, and production means to cause in use a bag of desired length to be formed by a selected one of said bag forming means (2, 3).

Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened state and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a concave lower end having an inwardly curved lower edge, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which, when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The concave lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming inflated containers generally includes a mechanism that conveys a web of film along a path of travel, the film web including one or more pre-formed flexible containers; an inflation assembly positioned adjacent the travel path to direct gas into the containers, thereby forming inflated containers; and a device for sealing closed each inflated container. Various features for improving the reliability and consistency of inflation of the containers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened state and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a concave lower end having an inwardly curved lower edge, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which, when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve. The concave lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.

Abstract: In connection with the packaging of items or loose material in sheet packings it is known to use a web of cohering flat bag members, which is successively conveyed to a filling station, in which the bag members are opened, one by one, for filling and subsequent closing and separation from the web. The free mouth edges of the bag members or the web are profiled for supported conveyance on opposed carrier rods, tubes or gripping chains which, just before the filling station, diverge from each other for effecting opening of the bag members. The invention provides for a flat bag web, the upright edge strip portions of which are caused to be folded down over respective opposed carrier chains.

Abstract: A cassette for use in dispensing a pleated tubing to collect waste material is formed of an annular body having a U-shaped cross-section in which is packed the pleated tubing in layered form and of an annular flange which extends over the housing. The flange has an inner portion that extends downwardly to engage the upper part of the inner wall of the annular body and an outwardly projecting portion that extends over the housing. The outwardly projecting portion has an annular funnel area to assist in the sliding of the pleated tubing when pulled through the central core of the annular body.

Abstract: A method, packaging system and packaging element for packaging a sterilizable item for aseptic presentation onto a sterile field wherein the vertical orientation of the sterilizable item does not need to be reversed during packaging, sterilization, unpackaging or presentation and instructions for handling are printed on the packaging element so that they are exposed when the packaging element is folded according to the packaging system and method.

Abstract: A method of covering a pot wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve which comprises a base portion tapered to fit a pot and may have a skirt having an edge and having a lower end having excess material therein for forming a bottom. The cover may be bondingly connected to or crimped about the pot.

Abstract: A machine for forming individual packages from a web of preopened and interconnected bags one at a time is disclosed. A web is fed along a path of travel from a supply to a load station. A pair of nip rolls are positioned along the path near the load station. A printer is positioned along the path between the supply and the nip rolls. A nip roll drive is provided for rotating the nip rolls selectively and one at a time at a printing rate for the feed of the web when the printer is operating and at a faster feed rate for positioning a bag at the load station when the printer is not operating. A supply station tensioner is provided for tensioning a web along the path such that the printer when operating prints a section of a tensioned web.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasonic sealing of food product packaging is provided. The ultrasonic sealing system preferably includes a food product packaging-positioning system that delivers food product packaging and food product into direct on-item-packaging forming box. The direct on-item-packaging forming box then receives the food product packaging and forms it directly around the supplied food product forming a partially packaged food product. The partially packaged food product is then ultrasonically edge sealed around the food product by an ultrasonic food product packaging fin-sealing unit forming a partially sealed food product packaging. The partially sealed food product packaging then enters a food product packaging end-sealing unit which ultrasonically seals and crimps the ends of the food product packaging resulting in a fully packaged and ultrasonically sealed food product.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants or comestibles. The sleeve has a closed curved bottom. The sleeve may also have an expansion element such as a gusset, pleats, random folds or elastic material for enabling the lower portion of the sleeve to conform to the outer and bottom surfaces of the pot to provide a decorative cover about the pot. The sleeve optionally has a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: String of packing cushions formed by two superposed layers of flexible plastic film sealed together along transversely extending lines to form a series of closed chambers, loose fill packing material in the chambers, and perforations in the film between the chambers defining tear lines by which the cushions can be separated. In certain disclosed embodiments, the string of cushions is made by positioning an elongated length of flexible plastic tubing about a chute, drawing a section of the tubing from the chute, introducing loose fill packing material through the chute into the section of the tubing which has been drawn from the chute, sealing the walls of the tubing together along a transversely extending seal line above the loose fill packing material to close the section and form a cushion, perforating the tubing along a transversely extending tear line above the cushion, and repeating the process to form successive cushions separated by tear lines.

Abstract: An improved pouch-filling machine includes a pouch-opening apparatus for opening with closure strips such as zipper type locks in a continuous operation. The pouches are supported by continuously moving carriers, and the pouch-opening apparatus includes first and second stages wherein the first stage performs a preliminary opening of the upper edges of the pouch to permit gripping of the upper edges in the second stage. After this preliminary opening, the carrier carries the pouch to the second stage wherein a gripper arrangement grips and pulls the upper pouch edges outwardly to open the zipper lock. Further, the machine includes a transfer conveyor which continuously feeds the pouches to the pouch-opening apparatus in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of forming a bag having a bottom seal from a web of sealable sheet material which is formed into a tube (12) by sealing opposite longitudinal edge portions of the sheet material one to another.

Abstract: A bag filling and sealing machine includes a bag holder, a bag opening and filling station, and a sealing station. The bag holder holds wicketed bags in a manner that allows the bags to be easily torn from the holder. A funnel assembly successively opens each bag, tears the bag from the bag holder, fills the bag with material, and releases the bag to a grabber assembly. The grabber assembly engages the sides of the bag while the bag is attached to a funnel assembly and later pulls the sides of the bag away from each other so that the top of the bag is closed and ready to seal when the bag is delivered to a sealing apparatus. The grabber assembly moves in a manner so as to minimize the lost height when moving from the filling station to the sealing station.

Abstract: An agricultural bagger apparatus and method for compacting feed into a horizontally deployed bag including a compression mechanism and an input hopper that receives agricultural feed. The hopper has a sloping wall and a lower end exit chute located to transfer the feed into the primary compression mechanism (e.g., a rotating toothed cylinder). The tapered hopper causes the feed to bridge, stopping the feed from falling through the chute. A new distribution mechanism in the hopper sweeps the feed adjacent to the sloping wall to prevent feed bridging. By preventing the feed from clogging, there is less reason to risk one's safety by foolishly inserting their limb into the hopper. Some embodiments also compact feed in the upper portion of the tunnel, for example, by reciprocating a hinged piston above the primary compression mechanism. This increases the compaction on the top portion of the tunnel without unduly juicing the feed.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is placed in a cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is placed in a cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: A package fabricated from a flexible sheet material capable of being sealed for closing off the interior of the package from ambient atmosphere is disclosed. The package has two or more side walls and a like number of side seams. The package has an open upper end portion terminating in a free edge. The inner surface of the side walls has a releasably securable adhesive adjacent the upper end portion in a pattern wherein the adhesive does not extend into the area of the side seams, thus increasing the structural integrity of the package.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to fit a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.