Abstract: A device for production of bags that preferably consist mostly of paper includes a perforation device for cross perforation of a material web, a tube formation device for formation of a tube from the material web, a first separation device to separate individual tube sections, a device to form a bottom on one of the ends of the tube section, and a second separation device with which individual material sections can be torn off from the tube sections or bags.

Abstract: Provided herein are powder-free elastomeric articles exhibiting good antimicrobial and anti-blocking properties. Also provided herein are methods for the manufacture of such articles substantially free from antimicrobial interfering materials, as well as packaging means for maintaining antimicrobial efficacy.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus, for inserting documents into envelopes, comprising: an envelope holder for holding an envelope at least in a document inserting position, a document inserting path arranged upstream of the envelope holder for feeding a document to the envelope, an envelope opening device comprising an opening element adapted to be inserted in the envelope to move an envelope throat and an envelope body away from each other, the opening element comprising an opening element inserting finger arranged to be inserted in an inner space of the envelope, a sensor device with a primary sensor part mounted to the inserting finger and a secondary sensor part mounted to a base part or to the inserting finger of the opening element, wherein the sensor device is adapted to detect if the inserting finger is positioned in between the throat and the body.

Abstract: Automatic packaging machine (10) for continuously packaging products (P) each wrapped in a single envelope (B), comprising a conveyor (12) that defines a conveying plane (PT) for conveying a continuous sheet (F) of packaging material, in particular paper, along a conveying direction (DT), said conveying plane (PT) comprises an entrance end (12a) of the continuous sheet (F) and an exit end of a plurality of envelopes, each containing a product (P), in which the entrance end (12a) is associable with a feeding unit of a plurality of products (P) in succession one after the other and at a distance one from another on the continuous sheet (F) fed on the conveying plane (PT), a feeding unit (18) of the continuous sheet (F) on the conveying plane (PT) and that feeds the continuous sheet (F) along a feeding plane (PA) that extends below the conveying plane (PT), is orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the conveying direction (DT) and is defined at the entrance end (12a) of the conveying plane (PT), wherein the c

Abstract: In an apparatus for inserting a postal item into an envelope, the envelope is fed with its flap fold trailing its envelope body and its flap along a flap opener. A free flap opener edge enters between the flap and the envelope body until the flap fold abuts the free flap opener edge. While holding the flap against the flap opener, the flap is pivoted relative to the envelope body about the flap fold to an open position and subsequently the postal item is inserted into the envelope body. An apparatus for carrying such a method is also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a procedure for wrapping an item to be sterilized with two fabric sheets in such a way as to allow a rapid unwrapping of the item for use. This procedure saves time in unwrapping and reduces the risk of loss of sterility of the item and stress on medical personnel.

Abstract: A device for inserting sheets into an envelope comprises a holding device supporting the envelope. A support portion of the holding device is inserted into the envelope. The support portion has a fixed orientation and position relative to a feed device. The device further comprises a mechanism for preparing the envelope for accommodating the support portion of the holding device. The mechanism is upstream of the holding device and comprises a first interaction device, acting onto the envelope in a first direction during feeding of the envelope and a second interaction device downstream of the first interaction device, acting onto the envelope in a second, opposite direction. The second interaction device comprises at least one cam on a rotatable shaft. By rotation the shaft and cam may be brought into an interaction position, with the envelope, or an inactive position.

Abstract: A filling station for filling an envelope is configured to receive a filling material and an envelope. The filling station includes a filling area including at least one filling aid, an envelope feeder configured to receive an envelope and to hold the envelope at least partly at a position outside the filling area, and a transport device configured to move an envelope, which is arranged in the envelope feeder, to the filling aid. The envelope feeder is configured to receive a further envelope during a movement of the preceding envelope from the envelope feeder to the filling aid and/or during filling of the preceding envelope. The transport device is configured to move the further envelope from the envelope feeder to the filling aid once filling of the preceding envelope has been completed and before transporting of the filled envelope out of the filling station has been completed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting an object into an envelope in which the envelopes are stacked in a stacker. An envelope flap of the envelope is grasped by a lip on a rotary cam to open the envelope. The envelope flap of the envelope is brought into and maintained in contact with a surface of the rotary cam. The envelope is then pulled, via the envelope flap, so as to place and maintain the envelope in contact with the surface of the rotary cam. The rotary cam reverses the envelope to move the envelope into an inserting area where the envelope is detached from the surface of the rotary cam. An object is then inserted into the envelope and the envelope is then removed from the inserting area.

Abstract: A method for adjusting at least one means of an inserting apparatus adjusted for processing envelopes according to at least one predetermined dimension of the envelope is described. A plurality of envelopes is measured, while the envelopes are moved to obtain at least one predetermined dimension of the envelope. Depending on a comparison of the obtained dimension with the adjusted dimension and/or with one or several previously obtained dimensions, at least one means of the inserting apparatus is adjusted for processing the envelopes.

Abstract: A system for assembling a shipping package includes a feeder feeding an envelope from a supply of envelopes and a transport mechanism that transports a shipping container from a supply of shipping containers and places the shipping container in position for the feeder to insert the envelope into the shipping container. The envelope contains a replacement presentation instrument and a shipping indicator, and the shipping indicator includes a shipping address visible through a first substantially clear window in the envelope. Each shipping container has a second substantially clear window, and when the envelope has been inserted into the shipping container, the shipping address is visible through the second substantially clear window.

Abstract: A method for wrapping at least a portion of an article (22) including folding the wrapper material (60) to cover at least one first peripheral face (24, 30) such that each one of at least two first wrapper sections extends beyond a respective first lateral edge (32) of the at least one first peripheral face (24, 30) and such that each one of at least one second wrapper section extends beyond an upper edge (38, 40) of a respective one of at least one second peripheral face (30, 24), folding and securing each first section against one of the at least one second peripheral face (30, 24), and folding and securing each second section against the respective second peripheral face (30, 24). The wrapper material (60) remaining at least partially grabbed until at least one of the at least one second section is secured.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus is equipped with a circulatable member arranged downstream of an envelope feeding path and rotatable about an axis transverse to the envelope feeding path. The circulatable member has envelope flap catcher members, each having a free edge arranged for entering between a flap and a body of an envelope fed along the envelope feeding path for engaging the flap and for holding the flap while the circulatable member is circulated so as to turn the flap to an opened position. An envelope support is provided for holding an envelope of which the opened flap is held by one of the catcher members of the circulatable member in an inserting position.

Abstract: A method and resulting multi-layered media product including a printed layer and a liner layer having inner surfaces adhered together with a clear poly material sandwiched therebetween. The multi-layered media product includes a first section separable from a remainder of the product and containing printed indicia thereon, a second section separable from a remainder of the product and having a removable printed label thereon, and a third section convertible to an envelope. The third section contains printed indicia on one side thereof and a window of the clear poly material on another side thereof. In operation, the sections of the multi-layered media product are separated and a labeled container can be placed in the envelope and the envelope sealed to prevent tampering.

Abstract: A method for creating mailpieces from a single web of printed material. The web of printed material includes printed matter to be used on envelopes, and other printed matter to be used on mail content to be included in the envelopes. The method starts with cutting consecutive sections of the web into separated sheets. Some of the separated sheets are envelope sheets including envelope printed matter, and some of the sheets are mail content sheets including mail content printed matter. The method includes cutting variable sized sheets depending on whether a sheet is a mail content sheet, or an envelope sheet. The method further includes cutting variable sized envelope sheets depending on the size of the mailpieces.

Abstract: In an apparatus for inserting postal items into an envelope, the envelope is brought in an inserting position where the flap of the envelope is held open. A postal item is transported along a postal item transport path towards the inserting position and inserted into the envelope in the inserting position. The envelope with the postal item inserted therein is transported away from the inserting position and closed. A gummed portion of the flap is moistened, wherein the moistening is at least started before the transportation of the envelope away from the inserting position. An apparatus for carrying out such a method is also described.

Abstract: A personal hygiene containing apparatus includes a folded matchbook-like envelope structure and at least one plurality dental cleaning devices detachably secured to the envelope structure. The outside of the envelope includes advertising materials. The dental cleaning devices may be floss toothpicks having a reflective surface and may be individually sealed.

Abstract: Simulated commercial envelopes and methods of making the same are disclosed. An example envelope includes a first envelope portion having a front panel including a top edge and a bottom edge parallel to the top edge, connected by a pair of side edges. A top flap is integrally formed with the top edge of the front panel about a first fold line and a bottom flap is integrally formed with the bottom edge of the front panel about a second fold line. A second envelope portion having a rear panel is adapted to be secured to the front panel to form a pocket for a mailer insert. The bottom flap foldable about the second fold line and is secured to the rear panel on a side opposite the formed pocket, and the top flap is foldable about the first fold line and is also secured to the rear panel or the bottom flap on the side opposite the formed pocket to form the example envelope.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for using a packaging system for a sterilizable item. The packaging system includes a first sleeve that is elongated and a second sleeve that encloses one end of the first sleeve. The first sleeve is an elongated open ended tube or pouch. The second sleeve is an open ended tube or pocket. The sides of the first sleeve and the sides of the second sleeve are proximate each other with the closed end of the first sleeve proximate a closed end of the second sleeve. The open end of the first sleeve is folded into a cuff that covers the open end of the second sleeve. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sterilization indicator affixed to the outside of the packaging system.

Abstract: A thru-beam sensor is positioned such that the beam passes through the crease line of the envelope when the envelope is parked in the insertion area. As the envelope enters the insertion area, the through beam sensor is set to current level A. The sensor is used to accurately position the envelope based on the passing of the lead edge. Once the envelope is in position, the current in the thru-beam emitter pair is raised until the envelope is no longer obstructing the line of sight of the sensor. From this state, the insert or plurality of inserts that are entering the accumulator can be detected, as the presence of the inserts will inhibit light transmission between the emitter and receiver. Using the sensor system proposed here, the inserts trailing edge can be detected at the crease line of the envelope.

Abstract: Multiple print streams destined for individual print stream processing modules are optimized prior to printing. The process of optimizing includes receiving an input representing a plurality of documents to be printed and determining an attribute of each document of the plurality of documents represented by the input. The attribute relates to processing of the respective document through the document processing system. Optimization involves balancing an operation time of a first print stream processing module with an operation time of a second print stream processing module, by assigning each document to one of the print stream processing modules based on its determined attribute.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic device which is used to envelope small items and which can be used to perform very-high-speed enveloping. The inventive device comprises a frame (11) having the following components mounted thereto, namely: a storage bin (12) containing a pile of stacked envelopes (15) which are disposed such that they can be removed one by one from the base of the bin, and a control drum (13) which is associated with a rotary cam (14). The aforementioned control drum (13) is arranged such as to move the envelopes (15) individually and successively from the storage bin (12) towards an area where a document is inserted therein and such as to open the envelope when the rotary cam (14) has unfolded the flap of same. The documents (30) to be inserted into the envelopes (15) are conveyed by way of cogs (32) which are solidly connected to a continuously-moving transport chain (31).

Abstract: An information sheet is held between an adhesive sheet and an adherend, and is partitioned into a first and second sheet portion by a first perforated-line. When the second sheet portion is folded at the first perforated-line position and overlapped on the first sheet portion, the edge portion side of the first sheet portion is protruded a predetermined amount out of the edge border of the second sheet portion to form an adhesive margin. The adhesive margin and a contra mating surface of the second sheet portion are stuck to an adhesive layer of the adhesive sheet. Respective surfaces on the mating side of the first and second sheet portions are printed with confidential information capable of being cut off along the first and second perforated-lines.

Abstract: A package for an optical storage medium, comprising first and second parts; a window located in the first part; a third part sandwiched in a region between the first and second parts; wherein the first, second and third parts define a receptacle in a further region where the third part is not sandwiched between the first and second parts; wherein the window and the third part are arranged such that when the optical storage medium is placed in the receptacle, the optical storage medium abuts the third part and a predefined area of the optical storage medium is perceptible through the window.

Abstract: A face mask combination includes: an envelope having two interconnected sheet layers that confine a space therebetween, an opening formed in one of the sheet layers, and a closure sheet closing openably the opening and attached adhesively and releasably to the sheet layer formed with the opening; and at least one face mask disposed in the space and having two opposite ends, one of the opposite ends being disposed in proximity to the opening so as to be exposed from the opening when the closure sheet is opened. An automatic packaging method for face masks is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for generating a customized, printed, three-dimensional object accesses a data record for a selected recipient and prints objects on a substrate based on the data record. The method and system then generates die lines based on the data record, and finishes the substrate by cutting, perforating, creasing, folding or otherwise finishing the substrate along the die lines to yield a customized, three-dimensional printed object.

Abstract: A system for producing a mailpiece for delivery in accordance with a Value Added (VA) service. The system comprises a computer processor having Value Added Services (VAS) program code adapted to operate in combination with the processor's print driver code. Further, the VAS program code is operative to receive operator input data in connection with a Value Added Service. Additionally, the system includes at least one peripheral device, operating in combination with the VAS program code, for (i) determining charges in connection with the mailpiece based upon the VA service and (ii) printing VAS data/postage indicia on the mailpiece. In one embodiment of the invention, the system includes a VAS database for collecting VAS data and performing various accounting services (e.g., charge-back, financial tracking) or producing a manifest document when using a Manifest Mailing System.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to methods and systems for preparing an integrated mailpiece using a document processing system such as a wrapping document processing system. The manufactured mailpiece is an integrated bidirectional mailpiece having outgoing and return envelope functionality. In the outgoing format, the integrated mailpiece may optionally contain advertisements, coupons, inserted documents, statements or payment coupons.

Abstract: A method for producing a ready-to-distribute distribution assembly comprising a data carrier in a single production line is disclosed. The method includes providing a foldable cover panel having a basin for receiving a data carrier, inserting a data carrier, folding the cover panel, sealing the cover panel, and printing identification information on the cover panel.

Abstract: A method, system and article for producing an envelope having improved seal integrity. A method includes the steps of: disposing at least one material at the interface of the adhesive seal between the flap and the body portion of the envelope, which material radiates thermal energy when combined with an activating agent. The envelope is then sealed by closing the flap onto the body portion of the envelope and combining the material with the activating agent at the sealing interface so as to change the thermal energy radiated therefrom. The seal is then inspected to determine whether the thermal energy radiated from the activated material has changed thereby confirming that a seal has been produced between the flap and body portion of the envelope. The system and article are directed to the various modules of a mailpiece fabrication system employed to produce the mailpiece including an inspection module for confirming that a seal has been formed.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing physical documents, comprising: at least two processing modules, at least two module control units, each arranged for controlling a processing module. The module control units are each provided with a function memory for storing function data and limitation parameters. The function data represent processing functions to be performed by the processing module. The limitation parameters represent limitations of the processing functions. The module control units are further arranged for receiving function control data and controlling the separate functions of the respective processing module on the basis of the function control data. The apparatus further comprises a central control unit which is arranged for sending the function control data to the module control units.

Abstract: An envelope closing mechanism with a deflector (11; 61) for urging a flap (6) of an envelope (3) from the transport path (20; 70); and a moistener (7) for moistening at least a portion of the flap (6) of an envelope (3). The deflector (11; 61) is movable between a position of rest on a side of the transport path (20; 70) located opposite the moistener, and a deflecting position on the other side of the transport path (20; 70) for urging the flap (6) of the envelope (3) against the moistener (7). If the deflector (11, 61) is in the deflecting position, it releases the transport path (20; 70) for transporting the envelope (3) along the deflector (11, 61). From a position in which the flap (6) of the envelope (3) extends between the moistener (7) and the deflector (11) in a deflecting position, the envelope (3), following the transport path (20; 70) is transported along the deflector (11) in the deflecting position with the fold leading. A method for closing envelopes is also described.

Abstract: A method for forming individual letters provided with envelopes from printed same-size sheets, includes pre-printed envelope forms for forming the envelopes, and in the immediate vicinity of each envelope form one or more letter forms for forming a letter or letters and inserting them in the envelope. The envelope form is led as such to envelope formation; the letter forms are cut at least on one side into letters which are smaller than the letter forms; the letters are brought to contact with the envelope form; the envelope form is folded in two around the letters and glued at the side edges to form an open envelope; and the open flap of the envelope is glued and folded so that a sealed letter provided with an envelope is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first feed path configured to transport an envelope from an input at an envelope supply to an insertion location, and a second feed path configured to transport the envelope with a mail piece insert therein from the insertion location to an output. The first and second feed paths intersect at an intersection spaced from the insertion location. The paths are angled relative to each other at the intersection.

Abstract: A package for an optical storage medium, comprising first and second parts; a window located in the first part; a third part sandwiched in a region between the first and second parts; wherein the first, second and third parts define a receptacle in a further region where the third part is not sandwiched between the first and second parts; wherein the window and the third part are arranged such that when the optical storage medium is placed in the receptacle, the optical storage medium abuts the third part and a predefined area of the optical storage medium is perceptible through the window.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying envelopes traveling in a travel direction in a generally upright orientation. The apparatus includes a first pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and configured to engage lateral edges of the envelopes, and configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction. The apparatus includes a second pair of conveyor assemblies disposed opposite one another and positioned downstream of the first pair of conveyor assemblies in the travel direction, with the second pair of conveyor assemblies being configured to move the envelopes in the travel direction independently of the first pair of conveyor assemblies.

Abstract: Postal mailing assembly capable of being processed by postal processing equipment without causing damage to the article held by the mailer. The mailing assembly includes a pocket holding the article inside the mailer is offset relative to one edge of the assembly by a distance sufficient to prevent damage when the mailer is oriented and processed by postal equipment.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing a carrier card on which a transaction card is mounted and to which an envelope is integrally but detachably attached are described. According to one aspect, a carrier card arrangement that is suitable for carrying a transaction card includes a carrier portion and an envelope portion that is integrally formed with an edge of the carrier portion. The edge of the carrier portion is at least partially defined by at least one perforation. The carrier portion includes a first surface that is on an opposite side of the carrier portion from a second surface. The envelope portion has a third surface that at least partially abuts the second surface, and is sized to accommodate the transaction card.

Abstract: A surgical suture package for storing at least one surgical suture includes an outer jacket having a plurality of panels foldably connected to each other and adapted to fold upon each other to form an inner pocket and an inner retainer for positioning within the pocket of the outer jacket. The inner retainer includes a row of support panels having a main support panel for supporting the at least one suture, and a pair of side support panels foldably connected to the main support panel along respective opposed major sides of the main support panel. The side support panels are adapted to be folded onto the main support panel to at least partially enclose the at least one suture. A cover panel is foldably connected to the main support panel along a minor side of the main support panel, and is adapted to be folded onto the support panels.

Abstract: A surgical suture package for storing at least one surgical suture includes an outer jacket having a plurality of panels foldably connected to each other and adapted to fold upon each other to form an inner pocket and an inner retainer for positioning within the pocket of the outer jacket. The inner retainer includes a row of support panels having a main support panel for supporting the at least one suture, and a pair of side support panels foldably connected to the main support panel along respective opposed major sides of the main support panel. The side support panels are adapted to be folded onto the main support panel to at least partially enclose the at least one suture. A cover panel is foldably connected to the main support panel along a minor side of the main support panel, and is adapted to be folded onto the support panels.

Abstract: Simulated commercial envelopes and methods of making the same are disclosed. An example envelope includes a first envelope portion having a front panel including a top edge and a bottom edge parallel to the top edge, connected by a pair of side edges. A top flap is integrally formed with the top edge of the front panel about a first fold line and a bottom flap is integrally formed with the bottom edge of the front panel about a second fold line. A second envelope portion having a rear panel is adapted to be secured to the front panel to form a pocket for a mailer insert. The bottom flap foldable about the second fold line and is secured to the rear panel on a side opposite the formed pocket, and the top flap is foldable about the first fold line and is also secured to the rear panel or the bottom flap on the side opposite the formed pocket to form the example envelope.

Abstract: A packaging unit and a method for wrapping flat articles which are arranged in particular in an on-edge position is provided. The packaging unit comprises a feeding region, in particular a feeding table, and a dispensing unit for packet-type arrangements of flat articles, and furthermore comprises a stock of wrapping material present in tape form, such as, for example, bands. An articulated arm forms a processing plane in which the wrapping material is fixed, and the articulated arm guides the wrapping material around the item to be packaged, in particular flat articles.

Abstract: In an apparatus for inserting postal items into an envelope, the envelope is brought in an inserting position where the flap of the envelope is held open. A postal item is transported along a postal item transport path towards the inserting position and inserted into the envelope in the inserting position. The envelope with the postal item inserted therein is transported away from the inserting position and closed. A gummed portion of the flap is moistened, wherein the moistening is at least started before the transportation of the envelope away from the inserting position. An apparatus for carrying out such a method is also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming individual letters provided with envelopes from printed same-size sheets, comprising pre-printed envelope forms for forming the envelopes, and in the immediate vicinity of each envelope form one or more letter forms for forming a letter or letters and inserting them in the envelope. In accordance with the invention, the envelope form is led as such to envelope formation; the letter forms are cut at least on one side into letters which are smaller than the letter forms; the letters are brought to contact with the envelop form; the envelope form is folded in two around the letters and glued at the side edges to form an open envelope; and the open flap of the envelope is glued and folded so that a sealed letter provided with an envelope is formed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a continuous strip of detachable consecutive interconnected products manufactured by folding, such as envelopes and the like, and to a process for manufacturing the said strip, two of those consecutive products being interconnected through a joint (22) which is not part of the products themselves and links up detachably, through successive lines of demarcation, with each of those two consecutive products in such a way that, on removing this joint (22), the said two consecutive products are entirely separated.

Abstract: A method for creating mailpieces from a single web of printed material. The web of printed material includes a continuous web having a width and a length, the length comprised of a series of attached sheets. The series of attached sheets is comprised of envelope sheets and content pages. The content pages are rectangular in shape and may be oriented relative to the envelope sheets in a number of different configurations. In some configurations, two sets of content pages and/or envelope sheets can be printed across the width of the web. The method starts with cutting consecutive attached sheets into separated sheets. The content pages belonging to a same mailpiece are accumulated together. The separated envelope sheet is transported, bypassing the accumulating and turning steps. The accumulated and turned content pages are then merged with the envelope sheet, and the envelope sheet is folded and closed around the accumulated content pages to form a finished enclosing envelope.

Abstract: A system for providing real-time, integrated production of individually addressed sealed envelopes containing personalized printed material matched to individual addresses, the system including at least one printing controller capable of receiving personalized printing data from at least one data source, the personalized printing data including envelope address information for a multiplicity of envelopes and personalized envelope contents information which varies for the multiplicity of envelopes and is matched to individual envelope addresses, the at least one printing controller being operative to merge and order the personalized printing data from the at least one data source such that it is printed in a desired distribution sorting order, selected to optimize postal savings in bulk mailings and at least one production facility for the individually addressed sealed envelopes containing personalized printed material matched to individual addresses, each of the at least one production facility including at l

Abstract: A soft shell, flexible storage tank is provided, including corners of an improved configuration adapted to resist leaks. The walls of the tank and the corners are relatively more rounded and larger in radius than those of conventional flexible tanks. The walls and the improved corners act together to resist leaks. The rounded corners tend to reduce the effective pressure in the tank walls by loading the seams predominantly in shearing stress when the tank is filled with a liquid. The rounded corners are developed as panels, which are thermally bonded to produce secure and reliable liquid-tight seams. Each of the panels is bonded by lapped seams to others of the panels. Each of the rounded corners includes a generally triangular corner that is bonded to at least three other panels. In effect, the flexible storage tank functions as a pressure vessel, which tends to resist leakage.

Abstract: A mailpiece fabrication system including a source for providing sheet material having mailpiece data printed thereon. The mailpiece fabrication system further includes at least one spatial positioning device adapted to direct the sheet material along one of two fabrication paths. Each fabrication path includes a fabrication assembly for producing one of at least two mailpiece configurations. In one embodiment, the spatial positioning device includes an orbiting nip roller for changing the elevation of the sheet material while, furthermore, providing an accurate and controlled mechanism for stacking and aligning sheet material to produce a flats mailpiece. In another embodiment, the spatial positioning device includes a routing roller in combination with the orbit nip roller to change the orientation of the sheet material. The routing roller is employed to change the direction of the sheet material relative to the feed path.

Abstract: A side sealing apparatus for a shrink packaging machine comprising closed loop temperature control of a heater for maintaining an optimum temperature for cutting and sealing two layers of thermoplastic film. The heater comprises a cable or cartridge heater with an internal thermocouple, and it is connected to an automatic temperature controller. The heater is mounted on the side sealer apparatus between two sets of top and bottom V-belts mounted around drive rolls and idler rolls. The V-belts provide nip pressure against the film in order to drive the film. Nip pressure is generated by nip rolls on the scrap side of the film, and by belt support plates on the package side of the film.