Abstract: A method for manufacturing packages (1) for liquid food products, includes a step in which a flexible sheet material member (2) is folded into a tubular shape so that longitudinal strips (6) extends outwardly, and are joined to each other. Along the joined longitudinal strips (6), suitable welding lines (7, 8) are made so as to form a portion (9) in the form of a channel compartment (10) that is closed at one end, and having its other end in communication with an inside of the package. A a longitudinal breaking line (12) is made in the strips to allow the portion (9) to be partially detached from the package. In the strips (6) a notch (13) is made which allows the detachable portion (9) to be opened at the end opposite to the one in communication with the inside of the package (1).

Abstract: A bag maker bends an elongated flexible bag-making film into a tubular form and transversely seals it by a transverse sealer while filling it with articles to produce packaged bags. The transverse sealer has two seal jaws at both sides of the film being pulled downwards. The seal jaws are each caused to move in a generally D-shaped trajectory with a vertically straight portion where they move along the film, sandwiching it therebetween. The seal jaws are operated so as to move faster than the film while on the top half of the straight portion of the trajectory where stripping takes place and more slowly than the film while on the bottom half of the straight portion such that the film will blouse to make it easier for articles to drop deeper inside the bag being produced. The speed of each seal jaw on the arcuate part of its trajectory is adjusted such that the period of the cyclic motion of the seal jaws need not be modified.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, products are contained within a continuous cylindrical sleeve in a low- or no-tension condition. Products are captured within the sleeve during its formation. The sleeve forms a continuous path encircling the product(s) in at least one plane through the products and package, defining an axial direction normal to the plane and a circumferential direction around the product(s) within the plane. One or more axially-extending pleats are unitarily formed from the material comprising the cylindrical wall of the sleeve, such that the circumference of the cylindrical sleeve is reduced. By reducing the circumference of the cylinder the interior volume of the sleeve, and thus the finished package, is reduced, thus subjecting the products within the package to a compressive force. The compressive force is imparted by a uniform reduction in circumference resulting in a uniform inwardly-directed product compression.

Abstract: A continuous flexible web (20) with mutually subsequently disposed package pockets (26) and a method of opening and filling these pockets. The web has two opposite walls (21a, b) and longitudinal first and second edges (22, 23) between which the pockets are located. Each respective wall (21a, b) includes, at a second edge region (23), two opposed edge portions (24a, b) with continuous retainer devices (43a, b) disposed in the longitudinal direction of the web for cooperating with mechanical devices for guiding the edge portions on movement of the web in an apparatus for the supply of material to the pockets (26). Between the pockets, there are disposed transverse slots (27) which, in the region of the edge portions (24a, b) merge into longitudinal slots (29). The edge portions (24a, b) include strip-like portions (14a, b) which extend from the retainer devices (43a, b) located between the longitudinal slots (29) and the second edge (23) of the web.

Abstract: A method for sealing the open end of two compartment containers which are filled through an opening in the lower terminal end of each compartment. The method consists of placing a steel platen between the compartments at the lower end terminal edges of each compartment so that the terminal edges confront the opposing side faces of the platen. The lower terminal edges are then heated and a pair of dies are activated towards and away from one another to apply pressure to the lower terminal edges to seal the edges against the platen.

Abstract: A blow molding method manufactures a sealed container and fills the container with a substance. The container body is connected to a head or top. A part of the head can be detached for opening of the container. A segment of an extruded tube is mounted in a blow mold having an axially movable mold base. The diameter of the extruded tube is slightly greater than the diameter of the head or top. Following the closing of the tube end forming the bottom of the container, air is blown into the tube and simultaneously the mold base is moved toward the top jaws of the blow mold forming the head. After filling of the container and possibly mounting of an insert body into the top segment of the tube forming the container head or top, the mold base is moved still further in the direction of the top jaws, until the container is free of air. Then, the head is formed and is sealed securely with the outer surface of the insert body.

Abstract: A method for heat sealing a film with a smooth seam which extends the transverse width of a wrapped package utilizes a mechanism having a cool clamping portion and a hot sealing portion which are sequentially actuated. The clamping portion, with segments upstream and downstream of a sealing position, is activated to firmly hold the film. The sealing portion is located between the upstream and downstream segments of the clamping portion. The heated sealing portion is brought into very brief, instantaneous contact with the film and retracted, leaving the clamping portion in contact with the film for a comparatively long time to allow longitudinal film shrinkage and prevent transverse film shrinkage of the film. Lastly, the clamping portion separates and the next package in a succession of film-enclosed packages is moved downstream of the sealing position.

Abstract: A heat-shrinkable, multilayer film suitable for use in fabricating bags for packaging primal and sub-primal meat cuts and processed meats. The multilayer film has a first outer layer of a first ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, a core layer of a barrier film comprising a polyvinylidene chloride copolymer, and a second outer layer of a second ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer. The multilayer film is preferably made by co-extrusion of the layers, and then it is biaxially stretched. After biaxial stretching, the multilayer film is irradiated to a dosage level of between 1 megarad and 5 megarads and heat-sealed in the form of a bag. The bag has improved toughness properties and heat-sealing characteristics.

Abstract: A packaging machine and method for simultaneously loading, sealing and severing bags. A first stepper motor, having an output, is coupled to a nip roll assembly. After a bag is loaded, a sealing mechanism is actuated to seal the loaded bag or bags. A sensor monitors movement in a pressure bar and terminates the sealing cycle if a jam is detected before the pressure bar engages a seal bar having a heater for sealing the bag. The stepper motor is used to retract bags and sever a leadmost bag that is clamped between the seal bar by the pressure bar. A second stepper motor withdraws the web from a supply at a controlled rate to maintain tension in the web between the first and second stepper motors. A dancer roll assembly includes an orientation sensor for controlling the second stepper motor to speed up, slow down or stop.

Abstract: A packaging machine that has improved features for feeding a web in the form of a continuous chain of bags through the machine while helping to maintain the web in proper alignment and proper tension, and having additional features for improved loading and sealing of the bags. The machine includes a jam prevention device having a prime mover driven damping sub-assembly which includes a seal bar and a reciprocatable seal pad and housing. The housing is spring-mounted on the clamping sub-assembly in a lost motion arrangement. Movement of the seal pad toward bring a loaded bag into contact with the heater bar sub-assembly is aborted if a sensor detects premature lost motion movement of the pad. Control structure either allows or disallows the sealing process to continue based upon sensor signals.

Abstract: A package for dispensing a substance that imparts a desirable property to a body of water. The dispensing package comprises a water permeable bag of non-woven fabric enclosing a predetermined quantity of particulated product, such as tea or coffee that releases a flavouring substance in steeping liquid. The non-woven fabric has a thermally activated bonding surface permitting to permanently close the bag by peripherally heat-sealing the bag walls to one another. The heat-sealing operation is performed by driving in the wall portions to be joined a multitude of heated projections that rapidly transfer heat to the thermally activated bonding layers in order to quickly effect the seal. The resulting joint area displays a plurality of perforations formed by the heated projections. The invention also extends to a method and apparatus for heat-sealing the dispensing package.

Abstract: A method of apparatus for heat sealing two portions of film associated with packaging of a product is based on bringing the two portions of film being joined together under pressure of mating sealing components, heating the juncture between the portions and during the time such pressure and heat is being applied, forcing one of the sealing components engaging the film to shift relative to the other of the sealing components in the direction of the seal whereby to improve the quality of the seal.

Abstract: A horizontal form-fill-seal packaging machine includes a former for forming a film into a tubular configuration, a conveyor for feeding articles into the tubular film one after another, a fin sealer for sealing lapped edges of the tubular film, an end sealer for sealing the tubular film in a crosswise direction thereof in a position between two adjacent articles, and a film feeding mechanism for feeding the film supplied from a film source into the end sealer via the former and the fin sealer. A plurality of pushers are mounted on the conveyor and equi-distantly spaced from each other in the feeding direction of the articles. Each of the pushers defines the position of a rear end of the article. A length detector sequentially detects the length of the articles in the feeding direction. A controller controls the conveyor and the end sealer in response to the length of each article detected by the length detector.

Abstract: A port is formed in a thermoplastic container wall by slitting the wall, inserting a thermoplastic tube through the slit, placing a mandrel in the tube, placing opposed dies defining a bore over the sheet and tube, and dielectrically heating the thermoplastic to fuse the tube and sheet. Preferably the bore defined by the dies is of a diameter slightly less than that of the tube, and has an enlarged central area which forms a thickened section of material over the slit.

Abstract: Digital tampons carrying strings are surrounded in tubular envelopes while being confined in and advancing with upright cylindrical carriers. The envelopes are formed around the carriers so that their lower ends extend beyond the lower ends of the respective carriers. The lower ends of successive envelopes are closed by providing them with at least partially overlapping panels. Prior to being separated from the respective carriers, the closed ends of the envelopes are deformed by heated profiled tools which provide the outer sides of the closed ends with centrally located recesses surrounded by smooth ring-shaped portions. The strings are automatically curled along the marginal portions at the upper sides of the respective closed ends in response to downward movement of the tampons in their carriers not later than in the course of the deforming step.

Abstract: A method for filling an FIBC includes causing particulate material to flow from a container under gravity through a filling duct into a liner of the FIBC. The particulate material is caused to adopt a free fall generally laminar flow stream which over substantially all of its length does not contact the wall of the filling duct. Accordingly formed adjacent such stream is an air passage through which passage at least part of air displaced from the interior of the liner by the particulate material can escape without significantly disrupting the flow of particulate material.

Abstract: Method for angularly positioning an axially asymmetrical sealing device relative to a flexible tube for dispensing a substance with a liquid-to-pasty consistency. A neck of the tube supports the sealing device and dispenses the substance through a dispensing channel. The tube is provided with indicia relative to which the sealing device is located on the tube. The tube is adapted to be filled via its open bottom with the sealing device in place and then sealed by flattening and heat sealing its end opposite the neck. The tube also includes at least one reference marking and the sealing device is located on the tube relative to the reference marking, this reference marking being printed on the tube concurrently with the indicia. The reference marking is also used when squeezing and heat sealing the open end of the filled tube.

Abstract: A machine and method for forming, filling and sealing closed individual pinch pouches includes a support for holding a continuous supply of material having a solid bleached sulfate board or paper board surface and a heat sealable plastic coating on one side. A folding apparatus folds the web material onto itself with the heat sealable surface facing itself with a gusset at the fold. Drive rollers pull the material from the source through the folding apparatus. Heating bars form a seal between selected portions of the material by sealing the heat sealable surfaces at intermittent portions. A cutter cuts the material through the seal and forms a blank having opposed sealed edges extending to the gusset and an open edge opposite the gusset. A hammer pushes the gusset of the blank inward to spread apart opposed surfaces of the blank. An injector forces a flowable substance into the blank through the open edge.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method and apparatus for closing a filled vacuum pack package. The open end of the package, which is made from a thin-wall, flexible foil, is folded above the height of the product in the package. The package is placed in a vacuum chamber, a vacuum is drawn on the contents of the package, and the open end of the packaged is closed airtightly by a closing mechanism. While in the vacuum chamber, the open end of the package, which is not yet completely folded, is folded by a flexible part of the vacuum chamber wall facing the open end of the package. The flexible part of the vacuum chamber is folded inwardly by applying a pressure on its exterior which is greater than the vacuum pressure therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for forming a package with heat tack seals for a slice of a food item. A web of thermoplastic material is first formed into a tubular arrangement with a longitudinal heat tack seal. To form the tubular arrangement, means are provided for folding a continuous web of thermoplastic material into a tube and for continuously forming a heat seal along the longitudinal face of the folded web. 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 heat tack cross-seal which is disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal forward moving direction of the web.

Abstract: A form fill packaging and sealing apparatus comprises a film dispenser and a film forming plow which, together with a roller guide, forms the film to be sealed into a tube with the free edges at the side. The object to be packaged is inserted into the film tube. The free edges of the film are longitudinally sealed together at the side of the package by a rotary heat sealer and immediately cooled to approximate impulse sealing. The quality and width of the longitudinal seal can be adjusted by changing the amount that the film is preheated before sealing. A cross seal is made at the front and back of the object to be packaged. The excess gas in the package is pressed out by a presser before the back cross seal is made.

Abstract: A jam prevention device comprises a light beam source that emits a light beam and is located on a main frame structure of a packaging machine in the machine's sealing section. During operation, the light beam is reflected off two reflective surfaces located on a moveable support operably connected to a prime mover. The reflected beam is received by a receiver located opposite the source. A clamping sub-assembly includes a seal bar and a reciprocatable seal pad housing. The housing is spring-mounted on the clamping sub-assembly and substantially surrounds the seal bar. The reflective devices are mounted on the housing. The prime mover moves the clamping sub-assembly towards a heater bar sub-assembly. The housing defines two cavities for receiving the reflective devices. The movement of the clamping sub-assembly brings a loaded bag into contact with the heater bar sub-assembly for the purpose of effectuating a seal of the bag.

Abstract: A horizontal sealer for a vertical pillow type form-fill-seal packaging machine has a pair of horizontally elongated heater assemblies which are supported such that they remain horizontal as they individually rotate around mutually parallel axes. The distance between these axes are varied as the heater assemblies rotate around them such that the heater assemblies have generally D-shaped trajectories as they horizontally seal a tubularly formed thermoplastic flexible film material to make a bag. Mechanisms are provided whereby the heating surfaces of the assemblies remain oriented in the same direction, the pressure applied to the film material can be controlled and the bag can be squeezed before the horizontal sealing such that articles being packaged will settle inside the bag. A similarly structured vertical sealer may be provided to a horizontal pillow type packaging machine.

Abstract: A transverse seal bar produces triangular air pockets between straight, parallel transverse seals. providing stress supports as well as rigidity to the seal The seal is fail-proof and is applied to plastic or other materials laminated to plastic such as; aluminum, paper or metallized materials. The seal bar is adaptable to commercial bag seal machines or other such commercial sealing machines.

Abstract: This invention is for a process for making a formed, and compressed food material into a toroidal shape, between two continuous sheets of food grade plastic film, which are sealed to each other around the inner and outer perimeters of the toroidal shape. The process employs two polygonal forming cylinders which are translatable towards each other to perform the the forming, compressing, and sealing steps by translational motion of at least one of the cylinders, and thereafter to advance the food package formed thereby by the rotation of the polygonal cylinders. The process is characterized by its capability to preserve the purity of the food materials passing through the process.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for the production of packages each comprising a unit of product having opposite ends and a wrapper wrapped around the unit, the wrapper being wider than the length of the unit from end-to-end and initially extending outwardly beyond the ends of the unit, each end of the wrapper being folded over on said end of the product to form four closure flaps overlying said end, a first flap constituting a first side flap, a second flap constituting a first end flap, a third flap constituting a second end flap, and a fourth flap constituting a second side flap, the method of folding over the second end flap, wherein packages are fed forward one after another with the ends of the wrapper extending laterally outwardly at opposite sides of their path of travel, and the second end flaps are folded over at both ends of the package by flexible folding members which are brought into engagement with the trailing side of the trailing portion of each extending end of the wrapper and moved forward at hig

Abstract: A breather package for surgical elements such as sutures or suture-needle assemblies having a layer of fibrous material and a layer of plastic material forming a pocket therebetween. Longitudinal heat seals and transverse top and bottom seals are provided which form the package. The layer of fibrous material is provided with longitudinal strips of release agent material through which the longitudinal heat seals are formed. An apparatus for forming such a package is also disclosed.

Abstract: Vacuum packaging apparatus and method for evacuating and heat sealing bags employs a clamp, swingable over substantially the full length of the bagged product, to effect a temporary air-tight seal of an evacuated bag during transport of the evacuated bag from an evacuating zone to a heat sealing zone. The apparatus also includes a platen having a shallow V-shaped configuration to cradle the bagged product and the V-shaped being flattened to a plane and the platen being elevated to facilitate automatic removal of the bagged product from the platen.

Abstract: The open end of a plastics bag or like container is sealed by inserting the open end into the mouth of a sealer which welds the plastics film by the application of heat and pressure. Upon detection of the presence of a bag in the mouth a control unit initiates a sealing cycle. The user has available a film selection switch, linked to the control unit, to enable different film materials to be sealed satisfactorily. The sealing pressure, the sealing temperature and the duration of the sealing action are parameters which affect the sealing. These are independently controllable and presettable to cater for different film materials. The choice of the switch setting causes the control unit to initiate a sealing cycle with appropriate values for each of these parameters.

Abstract: A detection apparatus is provided in a form, fill and seal operation to detect the position of sealing jaws with respect to one another during the sealing process.

Abstract: A method of packaging a liquid or a paste in a flexible tube comprising a bottom (14) and a head provided with a dispensing valve (10), comprises at least the following steps: 1) the liquid or paste (13) is inserted into the tube via its bottom (14); and 2) an air vacuum is established inside the tube, and the tube is the closed in sealed manner by welding its bottom (14). Advantageously there is an intermediate step of initially welding the bottom of the paste-filled up-side-down tube only in part. Then, during step 2), after the air has been evacuated, the weld is immediately finished off. In this preferred implementation of the present invention, step 2) is preferably entirely performed by means of apparatus (50) comprising two groups of parts slidably mounted relative to each other and mounted on a press (90) which is connected to a vacuum pump (91).

Abstract: Two vacuum-type suction bells are movable towards and away from a bag for opening the bag. When open, a feed pipe is inserted into the bag for filling the bag with fluid. Sealing elements move toward the bag for sealing the same about the feed pipe. The sealing elements have a recess into which is received the suction bells as the sealing elements abut the feed pipe. The suction bells may move relative to the sealing elements.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for sealing an inner pouch containing surgical instruments and/or elements in an outer breather pouch is provided. The method involves sequentially transporting a series of open inner pouches contained in an outer breather pouch to a viewing station wherein positioning data is obtained concerning the precise location of the inner pouch relative to a base position. Thereafter positioning data is transmitted to a sealing apparatus which adjustably positions a sealing means to consistently seal the inner pouch through the outer pouch material. The apparatus includes viewing mechanisms for determining the position of an inner pouch disposed in an outer pouch relative to a base position. Adjustable sealing apparatus communicates with the viewing mechanism to receive positioning information relating to the inner pouch. Based on this information the viewing apparatus is adjusted so as to be able to effect accurate sealing of the inner pouch disposed within the outer pouch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture, filling and sealing of bags starting with a flat web of tubular foil preferably provided with side folds of thermoplastic synthetic resin in the case of which the respectively leading end of the tubular foil web is provided with a transverse weld seam and then a section in the form of an open bag is severed from the tubular foil web and wherein the bag is then filled and the open end of the bag is drawn taut and closed by means of a transverse weld.

Abstract: A packaging method, and an apparatus for carrying out the method, comprises the operation of a conveyor for conveying articles to be packaged, the supply of a packaging film to be formed into a tubular-shaped package for enclosing or packaging the articles to be packaged, and the provision of end sealing mechanisms for sealing the ends of the tubular packages.

Abstract: Vacuum packaging method and apparatus for heat sealable bags in which a clamp is used to effect a temporary air-tight seal of an evacuated bag while the bag is transported through a region of atmospheric pressure to a heat sealer. After heat sealing to effect a permanent air-tight closure, the clamp is open and the bag removed.

Abstract: An improved microwavable package of laminar construction, having its inner layer constructed of a film whose inherent seal strength is sufficiently high that the inside of the package need not have extraneous reinforcement to maintain its integrity filling, storage, distribution and cooking. The microwavable package is ventable and easily opened by virture of a strip of heat sealable adhesive coated along its top edge immediately inside the opening of the bag and having a seal strength less than that of the package formed seals, to mask the package's normal seal strength.

Abstract: System for cutting and sealing overlapped film for packaging objects by a blade projecting between heated bars, with means movable along slots in the blade to adjust the blade projection.

Abstract: This invention relates to the vacuum packaging of products and involves the use of a heat sealable thermoplastic bag in conjunction with a vacuum dome having a sealing edge disposed around its periphery and being connected to a source of vacuum, the thermoplastic bag being entirely closed except for an integral flat vent passage disposed at one peripheral location on the bag. One half of the vent passage is made up of material from one portion of the bag, and the other half of the vent passage is made up of a precisely equal amount of material from an opposite portion of the bag, such that the interior surfaces of said vent passage can tend to adhere together.

Abstract: Bags having a spout opening defined by a spout edge surface affixed within the bags are sealed with a spout closure membrane first by pressing the closure membrane against the spout edge surface with a cooled plate. A heating unit which includes a heating element, which has a surface which corresponds in size and shape with the spout edge surface, then is moved adjacent the cooled plate to heat a portion of the cooled plate for sealing the closure membrane to the spout edge surface. After heating the closure membrane for sealing the spout edge surface to the closure membrane, the heating element is moved away from the plate whereby the heated portion of the plate then cools and cools the seal. After the seal is cooled, the plate then is moved away from the sealed spout and bag.

Abstract: The first object of the invention is a process for closing or sealing a flexible tube filled with a liquid, creamy or semi-pasty product (7), in which its skirt (2) is nipped below its open end so as to bring about a closure (10) allowing the escape of the air contained in the tube when the latter is transversely compressed and then after compression the closure (10) is transformed into a tight closure and the open end (17) of the tube is sealed. According to the invention, skirt (2) is nipped with elastically tightened parallel surfaces (10) and the skirt (2) is compressed to the right of the product contained (7), in such a way that the upper level of said product (7) remains below or at the lower limit of closure (10) and the end portion (17) of the tube (1) passing beyond said closure (10) is sealed, so as to avoid any pollution by the product deteriorating the seal. The second object of the invention is an apparatus for performing this process.

Abstract: A device for assuring substantial smoothness in bags formed on a form, fill and seal machine comprising structure engageable with a closure along one edge of flattened bag making material below a forming and filling tube, and cooperating members operating cyclically from a position at the stabilizer in a flattening stroke across the material. The flattening members are desirably rollers which may be heated to effect a flatness retaining seal across the flattened material.

Abstract: A multiwall bag and method of packaging using a multiwall bag are described. The multiwall bag includes an outer paper bag having an uncoated inner surface. One or more thermoplastic bags containing one or more bulk materials are ultrasonically sealed closed, simultaneously green tacking a small portion of the outer surface of such thermoplastic bags to the inner surface of the paper bag. The open end of the paper bag is then closed and folded back on itself with a small amount of adhesive being applied to keep the paper bag closed. As a result, the paper bag is easily opened and the thermoplastic bags can be quickly removed therefrom for wholesale use in compatible processes.

Abstract: In a process and apparatus for seaming and cutting off a wrapping film wrapped about a product, a wrapping film holder moves the wrapping film against the film already wrapped about the product. Then, hot air from within the film holder is blown against the wrapping film for seaming and cutting off the film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing and closing an end of a sleeve, more particularly an apparatus and method for bag making, filling, and packaging for intermittently delivering a packaging film of a predetermined length, while forming the film into a tubular shape by a bag making cylindrical body; filling the tubular packaging film with a material to be packaged; and clamping the tubular film by closing a pair of opposed sealing devices to heat seal the tubular film. Apparatus is provided for cooling the heat sealed end of the tubular film by a device which is independent of the sealing device. The heat sealed end of the tubular sleeve is positioned and directly engaged by the cooling members which serves to shorten the cooling time, yet provides an improved seal with an improved appearance.

Abstract: A bag filling method and apparatus for preparing pharmaceutical steril solutions in a plurality of sterile flexible bags in a non-sterile environment, which method and apparatus comprise providing a pre-sterilized tubular bag having a single inlet, introducing a solution through a sterilizing filter and introducing the sterile solution into the inlet of the tubular bag and sealing defined sections of the tubular bag after filling to a defined volume of the sterile solution to form a plurality of separate, flexible, sterile bags thereby providing a rapid, inexpensive, automated method and apparatus to prepare sterile solutions in bags.

Abstract: A pair of sealing bars for a pouch packaging machine have sealing surfaces which are asymmetrical with respect to one another. The sealing surface on one of the sealing bars is flat and smooth, having linear edges in two perpendicular directions. The sealing surface on the other of the sealing bars is shaped as a portion of a curved cylindrical surface, defined by a linear edge in a first direction and an arcuate edge in a perpendicular direction. The bars are positioned with respect to one another such that the curved sealing surface on the one bar convexly projects toward the flat, planar sealing surface on the other bar. Seals formed with these asymmetrical sealing bars have a sealing bead which is thinner in the center and thickens outwardly toward both ends moving away from the center.

Abstract: A method for making easily openable foil packages. The method comprises the step of forming a longitudinal seam and a transverse seam intersecting with each other, thereby providing grip surfaces which, when pulled apart, break the seal. The apparatus for forming the seam comprises bifurcated tool elements which come together in two orthogonal steps. The package so formed by the apparatus operating in accordance with the method is also novel.

Abstract: The continuously formed wrapping material tube traversing a horizontal wrapping machine, and containing articles to be wrapped therein, is sequentially passed between a first pair of opposed, counter-rotating heat sealing bar sets, and then between a second pair of opposed, counter-rotating combination heat sealing and cutting bar sets, to heat seal and cut spaced apart longitudinal sections of the tube, each positioned between an adjacent pair of articles, to form individual, article-containing packages. As each of these longitudinal tube sections passes through the first bar set, corrugated outer ends of two bars therein mesh to compress and heat seal the tube section along a corrugated heat seal area whose ridges and valleys extend transversely to the tube length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in form, fill, and seal machines wherein a polyfoil material is compressed between two jaws, one jaw having a secondary induction coil which passes through an electromagnetic field and induces a current in the metallic layer of the polyfoil, to heat and then seal the polyfoil.