Abstract: The invention relates to an operating and vacuum packaging machine comprising a handling or processing machine for the handling or processing of a product to be vacuum packed, and a vacuum packing unit designed to work sequentially with said operating machine.

Abstract: A method and a system of transporting a commodity includes the step of placing the commodity in a flexible hermetic container. The commodity is stored in the flexible hermetic container for at least a specific time period. The commodity is then moved from the flexible hermetic container to a shipping container having an insect barrier liner. The commodity is transported in the shipping container. The specific time period is a sufficient time period to kill substantially all of the insects that have infested the commodity prior to placement in the flexible hermetic container. In one embodiment, a vacuum is drawn on the flexible hermetic container to reduce the specific time period and an optional small amount of pesticide can be injected into the flexible hermetic container to which a vacuum has been applied to further reduce the specific time period. An inert gas is used to reduce the specific time period.

Abstract: A system for sealing a load with film, where the load is placed on a pallet, includes a frame and a vertically moveable platform on which the pallet is received. A clamp is mounted to the frame and is configured to engage the load independently of the pallet when the pallet is received on the platform. A rack is mounted to the frame so as to be vertically movable, and a pair of cross members are mounted to the rack so as to be horizontally movable. An engagement subsystem configured to engage sides of the film and a sealing subsystem configured to seal the film are mounted to the cross members. In operation, when the pallet is placed on the platform, the sides of the film, which in the form of a sleeve where the sides define an inner space when separated, are engaged with the engagement subsystem when the rack is in the upper position. Thereafter, the cross members move outwardly to separate the sides of film and to define the inner space.

Abstract: An packaging apparatus and method to uncuff a package assembly is disclosed. The package assembly includes a container with at least one upstanding sidewall defining an open top. A bag is disposed within the container and a top portion of the bag is folded over the at least one sidewall at the open top to define a cuff. The packaging apparatus includes a first fluid jet directed substantially upward that is configured to uncuff the top portion of the bag from the container. An automatic bag closer gathers the top portion of the bag and applies a clip to close the bag. A second fluid jet is directed substantially downward and is configured to push the top portion of the bag substantially within the container.

Abstract: A multi-component bedding assembly, including a mattress or futon, is vacuum packaged in an air impermeable bag by drawing a vacuum at the open end of the bag and applying a ram or pushing force against the bedding assembly at the closed end of the bag. The pushing force may be intermittently cycled. The packaged bedding assembly also may be wrapped in a woven polyethylene overwrap and tied with bands before it is inserted into a shipping carton.

Abstract: A system for sealing thermoplastic film includes one or more bag sealing units, each comprising a lower vacuum platen and a vacuum chamber cover adapted for sealing engagement on the platen to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly includes a sealing bar designed for constant heated operation and a pair of cooling plates which function as heat sinks. The sealing bar assembly is pneumatically reciprocated between a raised, disengaged position and a lowered position with the sealing bar engaging the neck of a bag for hermetically sealing same. The cooling plates clamp the bag neck against a sealing support assembly. A method of sealing a thermoplastic film bag includes the steps of placing a packaging object in a thermoplastic bag and placing the bag on a cradle with the bag neck extending over a bag support assembly. A vacuum chamber cover is placed on the platen and evacuated to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly melds the thermoplastic to form a sealed area across the bag neck.

Abstract: In a web packaging machine (10) and method packaging a food product (P) between upper and lower webs (14 and 25), wherein the lower web (14) is transported through a series of stations which form the lower web (14) into a component of a package at a forming station (18), and receive the food product (P) at a loading station (20), and close the package with the upper web (25) at a closing station (26), a pasteurization station (300) is provided between the loading station (20) and the closing station (26) and pasteurizing the food product (P).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package are provided in which an evacuation device (26) and a fitment (20) are attached to a sheet of flexible material (16). The sheet of flexible material (16) is formed into a package that is filled and sealed.

Abstract: A sealing machine for sealing plant material disposed within a heat-sensitive bag comprises a first platen, a second platen movable with respect to the first platen between open and closed positions, and a compressible member disposed in a gap between said first and second platens. As the second member moves towards the closed position, the compressible member contacts and applies a pressure to bag, and evacuates substantially all of the air from within the bag without damaging the plant material. A sealing strip heats the bag, while an opposing pressure strip directs a pressure to the bag.

Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.

Abstract: A combined cutting blade and heat bar for use with a vacuum packaging device having a lid for sealing over the cavity of a base is disclosed. The cutting blade and heat bar are connected to one another and movable via a single actuating mechanism mounted to the lid. In use, in one step the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar unheated and the cutting element cuts slits in the bag for evacuation of the air. After air evacuation, the combined mechanism is lowered with the heat bar heated, melting the bag closed behind the slitted area of the bag.

Abstract: A method of packaging a plastic balloon preferably includes steps of sealing the plastic balloon within a substantially airtight package and maintaining the environment within the package in such a condition as to maintain the plastic balloon in a hydrated state that will optimize the performance characteristics of the plastic balloon when it is inflated. Antifungal and antibacterial agents are preferably also provided within the package to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus has an arraying and supplying station, a sorting station and a packaging station. The arraying and supplying station forcibly arrays and supplies encased products to orient their caps in one direction. The sorting station selectively sorts the arrayed encased products to a first feed path for feeding the encased products to package the encased products in a abreast-arrayed attitude and a second feed path for feeding the encased products to package the encased products in a tandem-arrayed attitude. The packaging station automatically packages the encased products by a shrink sheet in the abreast-arrayed attitude or the tandem-arrayed attitude.

Abstract: A positive-pressure packaging system is provided to seal a product within an open package. The system includes a pressure chamber which encloses the product and package and is configured to expel atmosphere gases initially present within the package. The system includes a seal assembly for straitening the opening of the package so as to prevent the passage of particulate and other matter from within the open package. The system also includes a pressure source configured to increase pressure within the pressure chamber so as to expel the atmosphere gases by compression of the open package. A method of using the positive-pressure packaging system is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine includes a vacuum chamber and a sealing mechanism within the chamber. A product-filled package can be supported within the chamber with its open end disposed between sealing bars of a sealing mechanism. At least one of the sealing bars is continuously heated including as the package is placed within the chamber, as a vacuum is drawn in the chamber, as the sealing bars are closed around the open end of the package and as the package is removed after sealing is complete.

Abstract: A process for the external decontamination of a packaged object, the latter comprising the object proper, at least the external surface of which is in the decontaminated state, for example sterile, a closed wrapper containing said object, the interior of which is in the decontaminated state, for example sterile, as well as a means of filtration, said process comprising a step of decontaminating the external surface of the wrapper, wherein, before the step of decontaminating the external surface of the wrapper: a) at least two parts and are formed in the wrapper, these respectively determining two compartments and which are leaktight with respect to one another, a first part containing said object, and a second part comprising the whole of the filtration means; b) the second part is separated from the first part, while preserving the leaktightness of the first compartment; then the first part alone is subjected to the step of decontaminating the external surface of the wrapper.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vacuum bag sealing machine used for vacuumizing and sealing plastic bag containing food or the like therein so as to keep the food or the like fresh. The vacuum bag sealing machine comprises a main body consisted of a top cover and a base connected pivotally with the top cover; a static sealing unit including an upper and a lower sealing strip which are disposed on the front portion of the main body, the lower sealing strip being provided with a predetermined number of through holes; a vacuum generating unit including a vacuum pump and an exhaust tubule mounted on the base, the vacuum pump being communicated with the predetermined number of through holes formed in the lower sealing strip through the exhaust tubule; and a heating and opening-sealing unit. The vacuum bag sealing machine is improved in the static sealing unit and the vacuum generating unit, so that it has an increased sealing reliability and a quickened vacuumizing speed.

Abstract: A method and a system of transporting a commodity includes the step of placing the commodity in a flexible hermetic container. The commodity is stored in the flexible hermetic container for at least a specific time period. The commodity is then moved from the flexible hermetic container to a shipping container having an insect barrier liner. The commodity is transported in the shipping container. The specific time period is a sufficient time period to kill substantially all of the insects that have infested the commodity prior to placement in the flexible hermetic container. In one embodiment, a vacuum is drawn on the flexible hermetic container to reduce the specific time period and an optional small amount of pesticide can be injected into the flexible hermetic container to which a vacuum has been applied to further reduce the specific time period. An inert gas is used to reduce the specific time period.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sealing device and method, in which an ultrasonic sealing device is disposed near a bag take-out position of a rotary type vacuum processing device that has a plurality of vacuum chambers disposed at equal intervals on the circumference of an intermittently rotating table, a degassed bag is taken out of the interior of a vacuum chamber stopped at the bag take-out position and is transported to and positioned in the sealing position of the ultrasonic sealing device, a horn element and an anvil are caused to advance and press-hold a predetermined position on the bag mouth and perform ultrasonic sealing to the bag. The temporary sealing to the bag mouth is preferably performed in the rotary type vacuum processing device so that the degassed state inside the bag is maintained when the vacuum chamber is placed in an atmospheric pressure state.

Abstract: A deaerating method and deaerating apparatus in a bag-filling packaging machine, using a pair of press-holding members with one of them having a main body and a slide element that fits in the main body. A vacuum passage is formed between the upper portion of the slide element and the main body, and a groove is formed on a press-holding surface side when the slide element is moved backward; and with this groove, a passage leading from the inside to the outside of a bag is formed. Air and excess liquid matter inside the bag are sucked out of the bag through the passage and are removed through the vacuum passage. When the slide element is moved forward and press-holds the portion of the mouth that corresponds to the passage, the liquid matter inside such portion is pushed and is removed through the vacuum passage.

Abstract: At least one base plate, at least one fill tube, at least one bag liner tube slidably coupled to the fill tube and capable of receiving a bag thereon, at least one ram that slides within the fill tube, at least one feed tube attached to the fill tube, at least one distribution bin attached to the feed tube, and at least one rotating pin assembly within the distribution bin. With the bag liner tube being inside the bag it may be filled with fibers and the fibers compacted therein without the bag bursting from the resulting forces thereon. A method of mounting a bag over a slidable bag liner tube, lowering the bag and bag liner tube to a base plate, and compacting fibers therein. An article produced by the method comprising a bag of compacted fibers.

Abstract: A package of a strip of material has a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip. Preferably, the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip can be continuous through each stack and connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. To reduce the height of the stacks, the package is compressed and maintained in the compressed condition by, for example, an evacuated sealed bag. The strip of each stack is formed to have a varying width, for example to form diaper inserts when the strip is cut into individual strip elements. The length of each strip portion of the stack is arranged to equal a whole number of strip elements so that the cut lines can be arranged at the fold lines.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for removing excess fluid, and specifically gas, from a flexible container and sealing the container are provided. The apparatus comprises a device for receiving a flexible container including a product and having a first open end and a second sealed end located at an opposite end of the container from the first open end. The device includes an interior designed to receive at least a portion of the flexible container. The interior is defined, at least in part, by a compressible member that is so constructed and arranged so as to progressively squeeze excess gas located in the interior of the flexible container from the second sealed end out the first open end of the flexible container. The device also includes an integral sealing member that seals the first open end of the flexible container after the compressible member squeezes fluid from the interior of the flexible container.

Abstract: A system for triggering an oxygen scavenging film includes the means for emitting UV-C light, means associated with said light defining a film path, means for feeding an oxygen scavenging film into the system to trigger the oxygen scavenging film, means for feeding the triggered film to packaging means. The film may comprise an oxidizable organic compound and a transition metal catalyst.

Abstract: A core panel or box of rigid plastics microporous foam is provided with parallel spaced passages or thin grooves and is placed within an envelope or bag of flexible multi-layer barrier film impervious to the passage of gas. The bag includes an integral evacuation tubular portion which is releasably coupled to an evacuation nozzle connected by a manifold with solenoid valves to a vacuum pump. After air is substantially evacuated from the foam core and the bag to collapse the bag against the foam core and into the grooves, a vacuum sensor operates a computer which controls the valves for checking the vacuum level within the bag and for optionally admitting an additive gas. Closely spaced grooves within opposite sides of the foam panel provide for bending the evacuated panel, and a thin layer of foam is applied to the outer surface of the vacuum insulated panel to provide a protective outer surface.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for producing a package containing high moisture content particulate plant material intended for human consumption or for use as animal feed stock which will preserve same without the particulate plant material undergoing a drying process, the method involving either providing a flexible walled container or alternatively forming such a container from a web of plastics material cling film (15), at least partially filling the flexible walled container with particulate plant material via a delivery chute (17) into an upper open mouth of the flexible walled container, pressing the particulate plant material to expel air therefrom, closing the flexible walled container and preferably applying two circumferentially extending bands (22, 23) of plastics material film overlapping one another at 90° around the closed flexible walled container with sufficient web thicknesses and tension to compress the flexible walls of said container inwardly.

Abstract: Method and device for packing bags filled with product in a box. The bags are made gas-permeable and after the bags have been filled with product the residual volume of gas therein is removed by drawing off the gases present in the bag by means of suction. This is achieved by conveying the bags over a belt on which vacuum is acting. Prior to this step the bags can be subjected to a vibratory treatment in order to optimise the position of the product in the bags.

Abstract: A bag sealing apparatus including a frame having a fixed bag insertion slot into a vacuum chamber, a heat sealer connected to the frame, and means forming a vacuum connected to the vacuum chamber. The heat sealer is for sealing a bag located in the slot.

Abstract: A device for compacting, on a first conveyor belt which is permeable to air, a solid substance consisting of loose particles, deposited in doses at regular intervals by dosing means which are synchronized with the first conveyor belt, comprises a second conveyor belt which moves at the same speed as and is located below the first belt, the second belt having through-holes at intervals along its length corresponding with the intervals used to deposit the doses of the substance; and vacuum means which are in continuous communication with the holes so that, through the first conveyor belt, they exert suction on the doses of the substance, keeping the particles of the substance together and in contact with the conveyor belt below them.

Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vacuum bag sealing machine used for vacuumizing and sealing plastic bag containing food or the like therein so as to keep the food or the like fresh. The vacuum bag sealing machine comprises a main body consisted of a top cover and a base connected pivotally with the top cover; a static sealing unit including an upper and a lower sealing strip which are disposed on the front portion of the main body, the lower sealing strip being provided with a predetermined number of through holes; a vacuum generating unit including a vacuum pump and an exhaust tubule mounted on the base, the vacuum pump being communicated with the predetermined number of through holes formed in the lower sealing strip through the exhaust tubule; and a heating and opening-sealing unit. The vacuum bag sealing machine is improved in the static sealing unit and the vacuum generating unit, so that it has an increased sealing reliability and a quickened vacuumizing speed.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for sealing a bag enclosure around a work piece. The apparatus comprises a frame defining a reference surface adapted for supporting the bag and the work piece, wherein the bag is disposed around the work piece and open on a side. A sealing head is supported by the frame and moveable between a retracted position and an engaged position, whereat the engaged position the sealing head is adjacent the open portion of the bag. A conduit is supported by the frame and comprises a distal end insertable into the open side of the bag in the engaged position of the sealing head. A negative pressure source is fluidly connected to the conduit to impart a negative pressure to the distal end, drawing air out of the bag. A stretching member is supported by the frame so as to be insertable into an open end of the bag in the engaged position of the sealing head, and is moveable to stretch the open end of the bag taut.

Abstract: Device (10) for achieving communication, via a coupling means, between a first chamber (1) and a second chamber (2). The coupling means comprises, on the same side as the first chamber (1), a first shut-off member (41), and, on the same side as the second chamber (2), a second shut-off member (4) comprising a second flange (52) forming a seat for a second removable shutter element (72). The coupling means further comprises means of sealed connection between two flanges (51) and (52). The second chamber (2) being defined by the inside of a flexible and sealed bag (15), the border of the mouth of which is connected in a sealed way to the second flange (52). When the coupling, means is in an uncoupled position, the flexible bag (15) comprises a band (15d) extending the bag (15) continuously beyond the second flange (52), defining a closed (15f) and sealed, but openable envelope (12) for protecting the second shut-off member (42).

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for storing rolls of material so that a user can create individual bags from the rolls. For example, the device may store vacuum bag material suitable for filling with food and vacuum sealing. The apparatus has a support platform, a storage unit and a base for transporting two rolls of material simultaneously to the front of the apparatus. The storage unit has two rollers for storing up to two rolls. The apparatus also has a cutting mechanism for creating straight edges.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evacuating and sealing a bag made of a sealable material and containing a comminuted product. The bag is positioned with its open upper end around a sleeve through which a hollow probe can be extended. A pair of upper jaw members close to form an outer temporary seal above an intermediate region of the bag above the level of the surface of the charge in the bag where a permanent seal is to be formed. A pair of lower jaws members close to form an inner temporary seal about a lower region of the bag above the surface of the charge. With the probe extended through the sleeve into the bag, the bag is evacuated through the probe. After evacuation is completed and after withdrawal of the hollow probe, a pair of sealing members close against the intermediate region of the bag in order to form a permanent seal for the bag.

Abstract: Means to sequentially transfer packaged bodies (30) carried by a conveyor (32) onto surface plates (40) rotated at equal intervals along a circular route (41) and vacuum-package the packaged bodies (30) in a vacuum chamber formed with cover materials covering the surface plates (40), wherein the feed pitch of each surface plate (40) is input into a controller (58) with pulses from an encoder (56), and a pitch between the front end sides of packaged matter (18) inside the packaged bodies is detected by an optical sensor (59) and input to the controller (58) so as to control the speed of an adjustment conveyor (35) according to a pitch displacement of the packaged matter (18) relative to the pitch between the surface plates (40).

Abstract: Accordingly in a first aspect the invention consists in a packaging apparatus for sealing products or case ready product in a package in vacuum-gas packaging or thermoforming machines, the apparatus includes a first chamber chamber for housing the product or packaged product and at least one second chamber, the first chamber has entry or exit elements, the second chamber is at least attachedly covering the entry or exit elements such that any leakage or change in pressure is detected in the second chamber during gas injection or before sealing. The apparatus is particularly useful for detecting leaks prior to sealing in vacuum packaging for modified or controlled atmosphere preservation systems.

Abstract: A vacuum sealer is disclosed which makes use of a flexible flap (24.2) secured along one of its edges to a base plate (12.2). The base plate (12.2) on which the bag (B) to be evacuated and sealed is placed has a vacuum port (16.2) in it so that air can be sucked out from between the base plate (12.2) and flap (24.2). A groove (36.2) is provided in the base plate (12.2). This assists in keeping the bag mouth from being sucked shut before evacuation is complete. An anvil (26.2) and a sealer bar (14.2) form a weld across the bag adjacent its open mouth after evacuation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, apparatus, and system for loading, vacuumizing, and sealing bagged articles. The invention includes placing a bagged article onto a subplaten, and advancing the loaded subplaten through a synchronizing assembly which allows synchronized placement of the loaded subplaten onto the platen of a vacuum/seal apparatus. The invention provides improved automation of the entire loading/vacuumizing/sealing process for a wide variety of bagged articles, especially food articles such as meat, poultry, cheese, and the like.

Abstract: A heat-sealing apparatus includes a packing bag stretcher adapted to stretch open the mouth of the loaded packing bag, and a vacuum pump adapted to draw air out of the loaded packing bag before sealing the loaded packing bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum packing a product (1) in a flexible enclosure (2) therefor, the apparatus comprising means (6, 7) for evacuating air from within the unsealed enclosure (2), the product (1) being disposed within the unsealed enclosure (2), means (18, 19) for restraining sealable meeting portions (3a, 3b) of the unsealed enclosure (2), during the said evacuation of air, in a configuration whereby the said sealable meeting portions (3a, 3b) can be sealed without substantial rucking thereof and means (33, 34) for sealing the sealable meeting portions (3a, 3b) of the unsealed enclosure (2) in an airtight manner in the said configuration thereof, after the said evacuation of air.

Abstract: A heat-sealing apparatus includes a packing bag stretcher adapted to stretch open the mouth of the loaded packing bag, and a vacuum pump adapted to draw air out of the loaded packing bag before sealing the loaded packing bag.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus has an arraying and supplying station, a sorting station and a packaging station. The arraying and supplying station forcibly arrays and supplies encased products to orient their caps in one direction. The sorting station selectively sorts the arrayed encased products to a first feed path for feeding the encased products to package the encased products in a abreast-arrayed attitude and a second feed path for feeding the encased products to package the encased products in a tandem-arrayed attitude. The packaging station automatically packages the encased products by a shrink sheet in the abreast-arrayed attitude or the tandem-arrayed attitude.

Abstract: A closure system for attachment to and use in gas flushing a container of fresh produce includes a body portion, a closure connected to the body portion, and a pressure-sensitive mechanism connected to the body portion and to the closure that moves the closure to an open position or to a closed position, depending on the pressure exerted on said mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlled or modified atmosphere packaging of products such as foodstuffs, whereby the product (17) is weighed prior to or in the packaging machine and regulating the amount of gas inserted into the package in proportion to the weight of the product. User controlled variables may be used to determine the amount of gas to be injected into a package for a given weight or size of package, typically 1.5 to 1.75 liters of Carbon Dioxide per Kg of meat cut depending upon the type of meat, number/size of voids and bag size.

Abstract: The invention is a food preserver device for evacuating air from plastic zipper bags by mere, oral suction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for evacuating and sealing a bag (133) made of a sealable material and containing a charge (134) of a comminuted or other flowable product, such as roasted and ground coffee. The bag (133) is positioned with its open upper end around a sleeve (12) through which a hollow probe (14) can be extended. A pair of upper jaw members (UJ) close to form an outer temporary seal about an upper region of the bag above an intermediate region of the bag which is also above the level of the surface of the charge (134) in the bag (133) where a permanent seal is to be formed. A pair of lower jaw members (LJ) close to form an inner temporary seal about a lower region of the bag below the upper and intermediate regions and above the surface of the charge (134) in the bag (133). With the probe (14) extended through the sleeve (12) into the bag (133), the bag (133) is evacuated through the probe (14).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evacuating and sealing a bag made of a sealable material and containing a comminuted product. The bag is positioned with its open upper end around a sleeve through which a hollow probe can be extended. A pair of upper jaw members close to form an outer temporary seal above an intermediate region of the bag above the level of the surface of the charge in the bag where a permanent seal is to be formed. A pair of lower jaws members close to form an inner temporary seal about a lower region of the bag above the surface of the charge. With the probe extended through the sleeve into the bag, the bag is evacuated through the probe. After evacuation is completed and after withdrawal of the hollow probe, a pair of sealing members close against the intermediate region of the bag in order to form a permanent seal for the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for evacuating and sealing a bag (133) made of a sealable material and containing a charge (134) of a comminuted or other flowable product, such as roasted and ground coffee. The bag (133) is positioned with its open upper end around a sleeve (12) through which a hollow probe (14) can be extended. A pair of upper jaw members (UJ) close to form an outer temporary seal about an upper region of the bag above an intermediate region of the bag which is also above the level of the surface of the charge (134) in the bag (133) where a permanent seal is to be formed. A pair of lower jaws members (LJ) close to form an inner temporary seal about a lower region of the bag below the upper and intermediate regions and above the surface of the charge (134) in the bag (133). With the probe (14) extended through the sleeve (12) into the bag (133), the bag (133) is evacuated through the probe (14).

Abstract: A package of a strip of material has a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip. Preferably, the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip can be continuous through each stack and connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. To reduce the height of the stacks, the package is compressed and maintained in the compressed condition by, for example, an evacuated sealed bag. The strip of each stack is formed to have a varying width, for example to form diaper inserts when the strip is cut into individual strip elements. The length of each strip portion of the stack is arranged to equal a whole number of strip elements so that the cut lines can be arranged at the fold lines.