Abstract: The invention relates to a method for wrapping a plurality of soft elements, comprising the steps of stacking the elements, compressing the stack in a direction of stacking, and thus forming a package, inserting in a feeding direction the package into a film, preferably a plastic film, which at least partly consists of a thermoplastic material and which in an at least partly overlapping manner surrounds the package, sealing the film in the feeding direction, and cutting and optionally sealing the film transversely of the feeding direction. The method is characterised in that the step of sealing the film in the feeding direction is carried out by supplying from a nozzle towards the film a pressurised heated gas towards the portions of the film that overlap each other, so that they change into an at least partly molten state and are joined. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A tube film grip-pressing time by a pair of seal bars is controlled to set longer. A crank mechanism allows a seal bar frame supported by a pair of rails to reciprocate along the rails. The crank mechanism includes an arm which supports one end support shaft and is capable of swinging, and a circular crank plate which is rotated by power of a center shaft. The crank mechanism is fixed to a crankshaft which rotatably supports a groove-like slide which is engaged with a slide guide formed along a longitudinal direction of a lower surface of the arm on an eccentric portion of the crank plate. A top dead center and a bottom dead center of the arm are formed respectively &thgr;1 and &thgr;2 beyond a 180° region connected across a center shaft that, is a. A servo motor which drives the center shaft controls speed in the point 55 to point 56 region having a radius of 180° to make the speed constant, and cause the frame to advance along rails and then move backward at a high speed.

Abstract: An inductive cap sealer for sealing an inner seal over an opening in a container includes a vented sealing head. The sealing head contains an induction coil for producing an electromagnetic field when energized by a power supply. Field focusing elements contain the coil and direct the electromagnetic field to a sealing region beneath the sealing head. The housing has openings and the field focusing elements are spaced to allow cooling air to flow around the field focusing elements and past the coil.

Abstract: A heating device for heat-sealing containers by heating an end forming portion 13 of a tubular container having a rectangular to square cross section, the end forming portion 13 having four generally quadrilateral first to fourth panels 21 to 24 continuous with one another and each having a heating region 31, 32, 33 or 34 to be heated on an inner surface thereof. The heating device has a hot air nozzle 71 in the form of a bottomed tube and fittable into the container end forming portion 13 for heating an inner surface of the container.

Abstract: An improved film sealing and cutting apparatus (10) for use with a shrink-wrap machine that individually wraps articles (219) sequentially with shrink-wrap film material (200) of different possible thickness and composition, especially thick, tough film which would be difficult to seal. The apparatus (10) includes two pairs of selectively heated rollers (97, 98). Overlapping layers (209) of film material wrapped around an article are passed between peripheral surfaces of each roller pair. The first roller pair forms a thermal conditioning pre-seal (208) between opposing surfaces of the overlapping layers by application of heat and pressure along the peripheral surfaces of the first roller pair. The second roller pair then completes the seal and cuts through the opposing surfaces, leaving a margin between a cutting path formed by the peripheral surfaces of the second roller pair and the seal.

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: The present invention is directed to regulating agglomeration of elastic material (e.g., elastic strand) by regulating exposure of the material to water or water vapor. In some versions of the invention, regulating agglomeration in this way decreases, minimizes, or eliminates strand breaks on a production machine using the strand as raw material. Representative embodiments encompass regulating the material's exposure to water or water vapor by regulating temperature, humidity, or both around the elastic material, or containers containing the elastic material, so that the elastic material remains substantially unagglomerated. Other representative embodiments encompass packaging the elastic material in a way that regulates the material's exposure to water or water vapor so that the material remains substantially unagglomerated.

Abstract: The sealability of a thermoplastic, mono- or multi-layer film having an irradiated sealing layer comprising a polyethylene and/or an ethylene-x-olefin copolymer with a density ≧0.915 g/cm3 is improved by corona treating said sealing layer. The integrity of the obtained sealed container is maintained under pasteurizing or cook-in conditions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to regulating agglomeration of elastic material (e.g., elastic strand) by regulating exposure of the material to water or water vapor. In some versions of the invention, regulating agglomeration in this way decreases, minimizes, or eliminates strand breaks on a production machine using the strand as raw material. Representative embodiments encompass regulating the material's exposure to water or water vapor by regulating temperature, humidity, or both around the elastic material, or containers containing the elastic material, so that the elastic material remains substantially unagglomerated. Other representative embodiments encompass packaging the elastic material in a way that regulates the material's exposure to water or water vapor so that the material remains substantially unagglomerated.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sealing apparatus is provided for transversely ultrasonically sealing a packing material comprised of a laminated body including at least a thermoplastic resin layer having a tubular form and containing a fluid. The apparatus includes a horn having an elongated and flat sealing face and an opposing jaw with an action face including a pressing portion for pressing the packing material in cooperation with the sealing face of the horn to a define at least one transverse sealing zone of the tubular packing material. At least one groove is disposed on the action face of the opposing jaw for forming a molten thermoplastic resin bulge in a vicinal area of the at least one sealing zone on a side in contact with the fluid in the tubular packing material.

Abstract: We have determined that strength characteristics of elastic strand improve when the strand is heated. Thus, the present invention is directed to improving strength characteristics of an elastic strand by heating the strand. The strand may be heated by thermal conduction and/or convection, by irradiative methods using, for example, infrared or microwave radiation, or some combination of these. If the elastic strand is made at a location different from the location where the strand is used as a raw material, the strand may be heated at either location, or both locations. Furthermore, the strand may be heated in-line, i.e. as part of the process that makes the strand or the process that uses the strand as a raw material, or off-line, i.e. in a step separate from either of the aforementioned processes. Finally, in addition to heat treating the strand, the strand's exposure to water or water vapor may be regulated to reduce or eliminate strength degradation.

Abstract: A method and device for treating plastic film, according to which method plastic film web used as packaging material is wrapped around the object to be packaged. According to the method, the plastic film layers are seamed together and the plastic film web is cut off by heating the seaming point and cutting-off point by means of a heat radiator. Heat-absorbent counterpieces are preferably placed at both the seaming point and the cutting-off point, the said counterpieces being heated through the plastic layers. When the counterpieces absorb heat from the heating radiator, they heat up and at the same time heat the plastic films to be seamed and cut off. In the most advantageous embodiment, the infrared heat radiator is placed inside a tubular gripping counterpiece, which gripping counterpiece comprises slots through which the heat radiation is able to pass to the counterpieces.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing tube-shaped packages made of flexible material, characterized in that an annular portion is pushed inward in a U-shaped arrangement at at least one closed end of a tube-shaped package, said annular portion being at least partially heat-sealed to the remaining part of the package at facing portions thereof. An apparatus for carrying out the method. A package obtained with the method and the apparatus.

Abstract: A tray-type package is disclosed which includes a polyester support member, a product contained on the support member, and a lidding film containing the product and sealed to the periphery of the support member, the lidding film including a sealant layer of a polyester copolymer having greater than about 50% by mole of glycol polymerization units. Preferably, the support member is a foamed or nonfoamed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tray and the lidding film is a multilayer film which includes a glycol-modified PET sealant layer. Also disclosed is a lidding film having a sealant layer of a blend of a glycol-modified PET and at least one further polymeric component.

Abstract: A lottery product comprises a row of pouches formed by an upper and lower layer of heat sealable plastics material which is sealed along both edges and at spaced transverse heat sealed lines to define a series of separate pouches each containing a lottery ticket. The pouches are perforated in the transverse heat sealed lines to allow separation by tearing. The tickets are numbered consecutively in the row. The pouches are folded at each perforation line so as to form a fan folded structure with each ticket lying on top of the next adjacent ticket. A tear notch is provided at the top of each pouch between the heat seal and the top of the ticket to allow transverse tearing to remove the ticket from the pouch. The row of tickets is supplied in a dispensing machine and the strength of the perforations and the tear notch is arranged so that the row can remain intact while it is dispensed and can be easily manually separated without effecting tearing at the notch.

Abstract: A top sealer for a form, fill and seal packaging machine includes first and second anvils disposed on opposing sides of a processing path of the machine. The anvils are configured to move transverse to the processing path for engaging the top fins of each of the cartons and compressing the fins for forming the carton top seal portion. A first wedge section is mounted to the first anvil and a second wedge section is mounted to the second anvil. The first wedge section includes a raised portion extending from a face of the wedge. The first wedge is mounted to the anvil to contact the raised portion with a first vertical panel/extended gable panel juncture contemporaneous with the anvils engaging the top fins. Contact of the raised portion with the first vertical panel/extended gable panel juncture forms a crease at that juncture. A method for forming a top seal at the fin panels and a crease at the juncture is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a container sealed in sterile manner by a foil and which comprises a container body and at least one closure placed over the foil, wherein prior to the closure of the container with the closure, a foil is laminated on the side of the closure facing the container interior after closing. The closure container closed with the closure undergoes a heat treatment at a temperature adequate to bond the foil to the wall of the container body in the vicinity of the closure and so extensively detach it from the closure that during a subsequent removal of the closure the foil remains adhering to the container body and a container manufacturable by said method.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus includes a plurality of pairs of upper and lower sealing die assemblies which travel around upper and lower pairs of oval tracks. Each of the oval tracks includes upper and lower horizontal portions and front and rear curved end portions. Each pair of die assemblies is driven independently of the other pairs. Each of the die assemblies includes a pair of carriages which are supported by the tracks and a sealing die which extends between the carriages. A pair of bogie arms are pivotally mounted on each of the carriages, and a pair of rollers which are rotatably mounted on each bogie arm ride on one of the tracks. The sealing apparatus seals a series of products in a plastic film as the products and film are advanced along a horizontal path which extends between the upper tracks and between the lower tracks.

Abstract: The apparatus for dispensing change of the present invention comprises: a data input device for inputting change data; a base sheet supplier for supplying a base sheet; a top sheet supplier for supplying a top sheet; a cash deliverer for delivering cash based on the change data input to the data input device; and a change pack producer for producing a change pack by packing the cash delivered by the cash deliverer between the base sheet supplied by the base sheet supplier and the top sheet supplied by the top sheet supplier.

Abstract: A bag packaging apparatus includes a forming mechanism, a pull down belt mechanism, a longitudinal seal mechanism, a latitudinal seal mechanism, and a settling mechanism. The forming mechanism forms films into tubular shape. The pull down belt mechanism conveys the tubular film F. The longitudinal seal mechanism seals the tubular film F in a longitudinal direction. The latitudinal seal mechanism seals the tubular film F in a latitudinal direction. The settling mechanism is disposed between the forming mechanism and the latitudinal seal mechanism, and between the longitudinal mechanism and the latitudinal mechanism. The settling mechanism presses a portion of the tubular film F that is going to become an upper end of a bag and a bottom end of a following bag, while seal jaws 78 seal the tubular film F. The sealed portion becomes a bottom end of the bag. The following bag follows the bag, whose bottom end is the sealed portion.

Abstract: A machine for activating cutting members included in sealing dies carried by a rotating wheel to cause the cutting members to sever a tube of material held within the sealing dies. The machine includes a striker assembly and an actuator. The striker assembly includes a base and a striker element movable relative to the base between first and second location. The actuator is connected to the base to move the striker assembly between first and second positions. When the striker assembly is moved from the first position to the second position, the striker element is moved into operative engagement with a moving sealing die being carried by the rotating wheel to cause the cutting member of the engaged sealing die to shift from a retracted position to a cutting position to sever the tube. While in operative engagement with the moving sealing die, the striker element moves with the sealing die and relative to the base from the first location to the second location in a direction generally tangential to the wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for forming differentially frangible seals (FS) in a final closed pouch (FCP) are described. The method involves differential cooling a seal portions of pouch forming dies (15, 15A) with a fluid directed at or in a portion of the die. The method is useful for forming pouches with dual chambers separated by a frangible seal and surrounded by a hard seal, one chamber for a liquid (L) and the other chamber for another material (M). Single pouches are also described.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a condiment cup teaches the use of a thermoplastic material having a means for resisting oxygen permeation. The thermoplastic material is then thermoformed into the condiment cup having a base and an upwardly extending sidewall that together define a storage space, the upwardly extending sidewall terminating in a perimeter lip that defines an opening for accessing the storage space. The condiment cup further includes a horizontal attachment arm extending outwardly from the perimeter lip. The horizontal attachment arm is then bent downwardly to form an attachment arm extending downwardly from the perimeter flange.

Abstract: A multi-layer, water-soluble film, a method of producing such film, and a method of packaging a chemical in such film are provided. The multi-layer film comprises a continuous layer of water-soluble material suitable for forming an outer layer of a bag, and a barrier coating affixed to discrete areas of the continuous layer, leaving a plurality of uncoated intervals occurring at repeating distances on the continuous layer. The continuous layer is of sufficient thickness and strength to provide sufficient structural integrity for use as a bag. The barrier coating, suitable for forming the inner surface of a bag, lacks sufficient structural integrity to contain the contents of the bag once the outer layer is substantially dissolved.

Abstract: A method for wrapping an elongated, substantially parallelepiped product (2) having two opposite longitudinal end bases (8), by engaging the bases (8) of the product (2) by a conveyor head (6) fed continuously by a conveyor (7) along a wrapping path (P1) and folding a sheet (3) of wrapping material into a U about the product (2) along a first portion of the wrapping path and further folding the material along a second portion of the wrapping path to stabilize the fold and form a tubular wrapping (10). The conveyor comprises a wheel (17) and a plurality of conveyor heads on the wheel, each head being movable with respect to the wheel (17) to cause the sheet (3) of wrapping material to cooperate, along the second portion of the wrapping path (P1), with at least one passive fixture (58, 61) operating on the sheet (3) to form the tubular wrapping (10).

Abstract: A pressure pad for sealing a carton made from paperboard. The pressure pad comprises a top surface having a variety of components lying in a first plane, and a variety of recesses being formed within the pressure pad, on a base lower surface of the pressure pad all lie within a third plane. A remainder of the pressure pad components lies in an intermediate plane. The pressure sealing surfaces of the pressure pad arrange to form an H-shaped sealing configuration in the paperboard carton to be sealed. The pressure pad, according to the present invention, provides an improved seal for the carton, manufactured from paperboard, to prevent the exposed raw edges of the paperboard of wicking moisture either into or out of a container. The improved sealing design, achieved by the pressure pad, according to the present invention, increases the shelf life of products being stored in containers manufactured from the improved pressure pad.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing tool for sealing a package trough with a covering film, which tool consists of a bottom part, side parts oriented transversely and side parts oriented parallel to the direction of package trough feed, wherein at least one side part oriented parallel to the direction of feed is fixed in its spatial position in relation to the machine frame whereas the other parts of the matrix can be displaced vertically downwards.

Abstract: A foam bag cushion forming system for forming foam bag cushions with a vertical side edge sealer that forms vertical side edge seals in the film material with the foam introduction preferably occurring after the downstream side seal is formed, before the upstream side edge seal is formed, and while the film material is being shifted from one to the other. An upper edge sealer operates to seal the upper end of the film material downstream from the dispenser and preferably also downstream from the side edge sealer. Through operation of the end and side edge sealers and the foam dispenser, a foam bag cushion chain is formed. A bag cushion moving and confinement assembly is positioned to receive the bag chain and features two elongated members defining a bag cushion confinement space between them. At least one of the elongated members supports or represents a bag cushion movement device (e.g.

Abstract: A method and machine for wrapping a product in a sheet of heat-seal wrapping material, whereby the sheet of wrapping material is folded by a fixed folding device onto a wall of the product so as to superimpose at least two portions of the sheet of wrapping material; the sheet of wrapping material, once folded, is gradually released from the fixed folding device; and a sealing surface of a sealing head is brought gradually into a position facing the superimposed portions as the superimposed portions are gradually released from the folding device.

Abstract: A method and machine for wrapping products in respective sheets of heat-seal material, whereby the products are fed successively along a first wrapping path to form, about each product, a tubular wrapping having two opposite open ends, and are then fed successively along a second wrapping path to close and seal the respective open ends; the products being fed with a first spacing along the first wrapping path, and with a second spacing, smaller than the first spacing, along the second wrapping path.

Abstract: A method for producing and coating melt portions includes two sheet strips, which form coating material layers, being continually fed. The melt portions embedded between the sheet strips are cooled and calibrated according to their thickness. The sheet strips are longitudinally and transversely separated in the region of their connection points such that the melt portions become isolated and the sheet strips are connected to each other such that each melt portion is embraced tightly.

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 biological sample storage package includes a pouch formed of a material that is impermeable to water vapor and a container formed of a material that is permeable to water vapor and/or oxygen. The container is filled with an absorbent material such as a desiccant, and the container is disposed in the pouch and secured to the pouch such that the desiccant container cannot be removed from the pouch inadvertently. A resealable closure is provided to seal the pouch after a biological sample has been placed in the pouch. The desiccant container can be heat sealed along two opposed sides and one end between the sheets that form the pouch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method (400) for packaging sponge or porous polymeric devices, e.g., scrubbing brush. The method includes a step of providing a porous polymeric member (401), which has an outer surface and may also include inner surfaces. The member is substantially free from impurities (e.g., ions, particles) that may be distributed on the surface and through the member. Preferably, the method treats the devices using a preservative to prevent bacteria growth during storage or shipping of the devices. The brushes are removed from the wash treatment and placed within containment packages.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bag arrangement and packaging method for packaging bone-in cuts of meat using two bags to provide a double wall of film surrounding the cut of meat for bone puncture resistance. Both bags are bottom sealed bags formed of a heat shrink film, the inner bag has an interrupted bottom seal to provide an opening for venting air between the bags and the outer bag has a continuous bottom seal. The outer bag is longer than the inner bag so the outer bag can be closed without involving any portion of the inner bag in the closure. The bone-in cut of meat is inserted first into the first bag and then the first bag and its contents are inserted into the second bag, the bags are evacuated and then the outer bag is closed.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus is provided with a sealing block and inductors embedded in the sealing block. Each of the inductors is partially exposed above the surface of the sealing block and is provided with a first pressing portion for pressing the packaging material. The sealing apparatus also includes counter elements, each of which is disposed in opposing relation to the inductors so that packaging material can be squeezed between the counter elements and the inductors. In addition, a voltage applying device is provided for inductors and the counter elements are provided with a second pressing portion at a position corresponding to the portion of the packaging material that is nearer to a liquid food than to the sealing zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for transversely sealing and severing a thermoplastic wrapper sleeve to obtain individual packages, includes a first welding and severing unit movable back and forth in a first direction and having a first holder; a heated rail and a first clamping mechanism, both supported by the first holder. The first clamping mechanism has first and second clamping components movable toward and away from one another in a second direction oriented transversely to the first direction. A second welding and severing unit is movable back and forth in the first direction and having a second holder; a spring-loaded counter holder mounted on the second holder for cooperating with the rail; and a second clamping mechanism supported by the second holder and having third and fourth clamping components movable toward and away from one another in the second direction.

Abstract: A cap sealing unit for securing foil-polymer laminate innerseals to containers has an air cooled electronics cabinet that may be sealed in accordance with NEMA 4 standards. Heat sinks in the bottom of the electronics cabinet and the top of the sealing head are cooled by two external, wash-down safe fans disposed between the cabinet and the sealing head. The fans draw air in opposite directions, one toward the cabinet and the other toward the sealing head. The cap sealer can be operated with interchangeable flat or tunnel sealing heads of various sizes and coil windings that can be connected to the power supply with plug-in shielded connector assemblies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and an apparatus for sorting cylindrical articles such as dry cells and certainly cutting and heat-sealing a cylindrical film of thermal shrinkage resin at a boundary between a film portion enclosing one group and a film portion enclosing the next group in the course of carrying the article groups while keeping each interval between the two adjacent groups. Front side and rear side carrying conveyor belts disposed in front of and behind the upper and lower end sealers in the carrying direction are taken as holding conveyor belts capable of pressing from above the articles. At least one of the holding conveyor belts is movable forwardly and rearwardly relative to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for cross sealing a continuously moving plastic tube, such as to form bags for packaging in a form-fill-seal packaging machine is disclosed, along with a related method. The tube is fed continuously between a pair of opposed sealing jaws that move toward and away from each other in a polygonal path. Substantially continuous sealing pressure is provided between the jaws during a sealing pattern of movement along the path, with the remainder of the path including a return pattern of movement away and back towards the sealing zone. Each sealing jaw is carried on a bridge extending between dual gear assemblies. The sealing pattern of movement along the path is substantially linear so as to provide highly efficient sealing. The polygonal path is established by an offset point on an output shaft/pinion; the locus defining the path being selected from the group of hypotrochoids and epitrochoids.

Abstract: A device for molding a container having a first member including an opening defined therein. A manifold member, operatively attached to the first member for channeling a plastic fluid to an insert device is included. The insert devices are positioned within the opening located within the first member, with the insert containing a first slide and a second slide. The first slide and second slide will have an extended position and a contracted position, and wherein the contracted position defines a cavity profile. The second member will have a first end that contains a plurality of core pins. A piston is adapted to the second end of the second member for reciprocating the second member into engagement with the insert so that the first slide and second slide are moved to the contracted position. During the reciprocating motion, the plurality of core pins are received in the cavity profile. The apparatus will further comprise heater means for suppling a heat to the fluidized plastic.

Abstract: The end folds of cellophane wrappings applied to products advancing along a given feed direction are heat-sealed by a device appearing substantially as a feed channel. The channel coincides with the feed direction and is compassed at least on one side by a conveyor belt extending parallel with a fixed path followed by the products and equipped with a succession of heated pads positioned to enter into contact with selected portions of the end folds; during their passage along the path, only the pads occupying one or more limited sections of the feed channel will be heated, according to the amount of thermal energy that needs effectively to be transferred to the pads in order to seal the folds.

Abstract: A sealing mechanism for sealing the open end of a container being processed on a packaging machine. The sealing mechanism includes a first and second jaw assembly positioned on opposite sides of a longitudinal pathway. Each jaw assembly includes a pair of sealing jaws, a plurality of grippers, a platform and a platform guide. The jaw assemblies operate along a continuous loop about the longitudinal pathway removing containers from filling mandrels during filling and sealing the open end thereof of the previously removed container.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.

Abstract: A paper container for a liquid including a base material including: a paper layer, a polyolefin type resin layer disposed on one side of the paper layer, for providing an outer surface, and a saturated polyester resin layer disposed on the other side of the paper layer by the medium of a polyolefin type resin layer, for providing an inner surface; the paper container being formed from the base material so that the polyolefin type resin layer for providing the outer surface provides an outer peripheral surface of the container, wherein the saturated polyester resin layer for providing the inner surface comprises an amorphous or low crystallinity saturated polyester resin having a glass transition point of not lower than 40.degree. C., and a portion of the base material to be disposed on the inner side of the paper container with respect to the paper layer has a water vapor permeability of not higher than 25 g/m.sup.2 .multidot.24 hr.multidot.1 atm.

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 method is provided for bagging produce in sealed bags in an automated manner. The method comprises the following steps. A pair of thermoplastic sheets are advanced along a process line with the sheets being in parallel, abutting relation. A longitudinal seal line is formed between the sheets near to but spaced from the lower edges thereof to define a bag header. Transverse slits are formed in both of the sheets together, with the edges of the slits being heat sealed, as with a hot knife, to form separate bags between the slits. The slits extend across the lower edges of the sheets, but are spaced from the upper edges. Thus, the sheets remain integral despite the formation of multiple bags therein. Produce is dropped between the thermoplastic sheet upper edges into the bag. The bags then may be horizontally slit to substantially intersect the transverse slits and to separate a horizontal strip of the sheets including the upper edges, while bottom-supporting the bags.

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: A transferring device for transferring filled tea bags from a single track tea packaging machine to a two-track processing machine has a pivoting device with a pivot arm and a tea bag receptacle for receiving a vertically positioned tea bag. The pivoting device has a pivot drive for alternatingly pivoting the receptacle to the left and to the right about 90.degree. into a first and a second end position. A first swiveling device is provided for swiveling a tea bag, contained in the receptacle in the first end position, into a horizontal position. A second swiveling device is provided for swiveling a tea bag, contained in the receptacle in the second end position, into a horizontal position. A first tea bag pusher for moving the tea bag from the first swiveling device onto a first track of a two-track transport device for transporting the tea bag to a processing machine is provided.

Abstract: A gable top for a carton formed from a carton blank having an outer layer bonded to an intermediate layer by a first strength and an inner layer bonded to the intermediate layer by a second strength less than by a first strength and wherein the intermediate layer is of an esthetically pleasing color and formed into a gable top by sealing together facing portions of the inner layer so that when the gable top is separated to form a pour spout the inner surface of the pour spout will be aesthetically pleasing.