Abstract: An apparatus (100) for manufacturing pods (M) for beverage extraction machines is described, comprising: movement means to advance a belt (110) of waterproof material in a predetermined rectilinear direction (A), a plurality of forming plates (125) arranged below the belt and provided with at least one cavity (135), movement means to advance said forming plates in a synchronized manner with the belt, and a plurality of operational devices (165, 200, 300, 400, 500) arranged in succession along the belt; wherein said operational devices comprise for example one device for pressing down a portion of the belt into the cavity of the forming plate, a device for releasing a dose of a powder substance inside a cap (C1), a device for compacting the dose, a device for applying a second cap (C2), a device for sealing the second cap to the belt.

Abstract: An inline packaging machine for automatically accommodating and filling different sized containers, such as pouches, to reduce changeover time and thereby improve operating efficiency of the machine. The machine includes stations disposed longitudinally along a center line of the machine, including a first carrier track opposing a second carrier track with respect to the center line. A first clamp is disposed on the first carrier track and at least a second clamp is disposed on the second carrier track wherein the clamps are configured to releasably secure first-sized pouches for filling. The pouches are advanced inline from a setup station through an opening station to a filling station for filling with contents. The filled pouches are then advanced to a sealing and discharging station. A control system automatically adjusts the distance between the corresponding clamps to accommodate second-sized and/or third-sized pouches for inline processing and filling.

Abstract: A sealing bar assembly for a packaging machine includes a mounting frame, first and second sealing bar carriages carried by the mounting frame, at least one of the first and second sealing bars being movable with respect to the mounting frame, first and second sealing bars mounted, respectively, to the first and second sealing bar carriages and movable therewith, the first and second bars including, respectively, first and second opposed sealing surfaces, at least a first electromagnet assembly arranged adjacent to the first sealing bar, and a controller configured to selectively energize the first electromagnet assembly to move the first and second opposed sealing surfaces into and out of engagement across a web of packaging material passing therebetween.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a structurally resilient package having a substantially box-shaped configuration is disclosed. A pillow pouch package is received onto a flighted conveyor. The pillow pouch package has a first squared end and an angular end located opposite to the first squared end. The pillow pouch package is received so that the first squared end rests on the flighted conveyor. Thereafter the pillow pouch package is conditioned at least in part by tamping the angular end with a tamping plate. The angular end of the package is subsequently heat treated to form a second squared end. A set of cooling plates is then applied to the second squared end to set the final shape and form the structurally resilient package having a substantially box-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a shaping device including a conveyor drive mechanism and a bottom tapping mechanism and shaping a packaging bag filled with article so that the bag has a predetermined thickness. The conveyor drive mechanism includes a pair of side conveyors movable forward and backward. The conveyors are capable of pressing the bag filled with the article when moved forward. The conveyors are configured to be run in parallel to the moving direction of the bag substantially in synchronization with movement of the bag. The tapping mechanism includes a receiving plate disposed over the filling step and one or more steps following the filling step. The receiving plate is moved up and down so that the bag bottom is tapped, when the bag filled with the article is stopped between the filling step and one or more steps following the filling step.

Abstract: A vibrating device for uniformly filling granular ornaments includes a base, a vibration platform, a motor, a first vibrating assembly for generating vibration in an up-down direction, and a second vibrating assembly for generating vibration in a left-right direction. The vibration platform is articulated at the base and provided with multiple through-holes for holding workpieces, such as pen caps. The motor is fixedly mounted at the base. The first vibrating assembly and the second vibrating assembly both are provided between the motor and the vibration platform. The motor drives the first vibrating assembly to make the vibration platform vibrate in the up-down direction, and at the same time drives the second vibrating assembly to make the vibration platform vibrate in the left-right direction. Thus, granular ornaments can fill the cavities of pen caps located within the through holes in the vibration platform.

Abstract: A method for compacting and packaging a plurality of slugs of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form compact slugs of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber for each slug of product or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slugs can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the slugs of product are discharged to a multiple bagmaking packaging apparatus.

Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing moisture and staining the web of a plurality of tobacco sachets. The apparatus includes a turret wheel assembly comprising a rotatable turret wheel having a plurality of cups for receiving containers for tobacco sachets, a sensor for verifying the presence a container within a cup of the rotatable turret wheel, a hydraulic injector for injecting water into a container having a plurality of tobacco sachets, means for tamping tobacco sachets, and means for agitating and stirring the plurality of tobacco sachets to lift and stir tobacco sachets from the bottom of the container. A method of distributing moisture and staining the web of a plurality of tobacco sachets is also provided.

Abstract: A circular filling machine particularly for slender and elongated products, comprising a carousel assembly which supports a plurality of filling funnels which can be inserted in corresponding containers supported by transfer pans, the filling machine further comprising vibration elements for the funnels, vibration elements for the containers, and a tamping assembly for the insertion and final packing of the product in the containers.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling a container (7), particularly an open bag, with a powdery product has the following features” a net scale (1) situated above a tube arrangement and/or hopper arrangement (2), which terminates in a filler neck (6) above the container (7) to be filled while preferably projecting into this container. An intermediate chamber (3) is arranged downstream of the net scale and upstream of the container (7) to temporarily hold at least a portion of the product released by the net scale, and a compacting device (8, 9) is provided for compacting the product placed inside the container (7).

Abstract: A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacting by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling a container (7), particularly an open bag, with a powdery product has the following features” a net scale (1) situated above a tube arrangement and/or hopper arrangement (2), which terminates in a filler neck (6) above the container (7) to be filled while preferably projecting into this container. An intermediate chamber (3) is arranged downstream of the net scale and upstream of the container (7) to temporarily hold at least a portion of the product released by the net scale, and a compacting device (8, 9) is provided for compacting the product placed inside the container (7).

Abstract: The invention provides techniques for treating or conditioning powders subsequent to their packaging to facilitate extraction of the powders from their packaging.

Abstract: A method for packing and/or mixing particulate materials, e.g., aerogel particles, includes combining materials having different particle sizes and applying a negative pressure differential in the presence of a sound field. A negative pressure differential in the presence of vibration also can be used. The method increases mixing and packing density.

Abstract: Disclosed is a unit (1) for filling receptacles (B) with filling materials, especially for filling bag-shaped or tubular cases. Said filling unit (1) comprises a worm conveyor (F) which moves inside a housing (2) and is provided with at least two axially parallel worms (3, 4, 11) that run in the same direction or in opposite directions and encompass screw elements. The screw elements of the worms (3, 4, 11), which are arranged around each shaft (5, 6, 10), radially engage into one another and press the filling material from a feed opening (E) into the receptacles (B) that are removably fastened to an outlet orifice (A). The peripheral edges (7, 8, 12) of the screw elements have a minimum amount of clearance (S) relative to the internal surfaces of the housing (2) and the circumferences of the shafts (5, 6, 10). A duct (9) that receives and conveys coarse components of the filling material is disposed on the top surface of the housing (2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a medicine pouch arranging device capable of uniformly spreading tablets of medicine packed in a medicine pouch, enabling inspection to determine whether a correct medicine has been packed in a series of medicine pouches which have been automatically packed on a per dose basis and successively discharged from an automatic medicine packing machine. The medicine pouch arranging device includes a transfer roller to transfer the medicine pouches, a guide plate to support the medicine pouches that are being transferred thereon, the guide plate having at least one opening, a vibrator to vibrate each of the medicine pouches that are being transferred on the guide plate by applying shock or vibration to the medicine pouch, and a sponge roller arranged above the guide plate to press each of the medicine pouches so that some vertically or obliquely erected tablets of medicine packed in the medicine pouch are laid flat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling a continuous air filling type air enclosure with air comprises moving first an air cylinder film sheet onto a working platform, hot-sealing two outer films of the air cylinder film sheet using a hot sealing device to form an air filling passageway, moving an air filling head into the air filling passageway and then using a clamping apparatus to press the two outer films tightly to attach onto the air filling head to allow air in the air filling head to be filled into the air filling passageway and enter an air cylinder of the air cylinder film sheet via an air inlet of the air cylinder film sheet to cause the air cylinder to be filled with air and expanded.

Abstract: A circular filling machine particularly for slender and elongated products, comprising a carousel assembly which supports a plurality of filling funnels which can be inserted in corresponding containers supported by transfer pans, the filling machine further comprising vibration elements for the funnels, vibration elements for the containers, and a tamping assembly for the insertion and final packing of the product in the containers.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a food dispensing magazine located in a freezer. Food is dispensed from the magazine to a secondary container located within the freezer for containing a plurality of pieces dispensed from the food magazine. A device is provided for determining the number of food pieces in the container located in the secondary container and for dumping the secondary container so that food pieces contained in the secondary container are dumped to a location outside of the freezer.

Abstract: An injection and solidification operation as well as a kneading and solidification operation can be performed by a single facility. A decreased amount of radioactive secondary waste is generated. A solidifying agent paste is prepared by kneading a solidifying agent and additive water. The solidifying agent paste is injected into a solidifying container. The radioactive waste is charged into the solidifying container and kneaded.

Abstract: A thermoformable, RF-sealable material for use in packaging. The material is produced from a blend including between approximately 5% and 50% by weight of PETG, and between approximately 50% and 95% by weight of PET. A small amount of color concentrate may be added to the blend. The blend may be extruded into sheets and thermoformed to produce packaging material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling a flexible intermediate bulk container bag is disclosed wherein the bag is suspended clear of an underlying platform by a lift (9) urged upwards by a counterweight (11) so that during filling the bag “B” the bag falls to the underlying platform to prepare a stable base. There is also disclosed a telescopic spout (8) for delivering fill to the bag (B) and a spout closure (24) for preventing spillage of fill from the spout after filling. Hooks (10) for suspending the bag from the lift may be articulated and overlooking to allow for automation of the bag release after filling. A base (1) and tower frame (2) of the apparatus can be pivotally connected to enable the apparatus height to be reduced for transport.

Abstract: A system for heating and dispensing foam-in-bag packaging bags comprises a housing that rotatably supports a roll of a continuous web of interconnected foam-in-bag packaging bags, and at least one heater for heating bags to an elevated temperature prior to the bags being dispensed from the housing. A heated bag is dispensed and is detached from the web, and is then manipulated to mix foam precursor chemicals contained in separate compartments in the bag to begin a foam-forming reaction in the bag.

Abstract: An injection and solidification operation as well as a kneading and solidification operation can be performed by a single facility. A decreased amount of radioactive secondary waste is generated. A solidifying agent paste is prepared by kneading a solidifying agent and additive water. The solidifying agent paste is injected into a solidifying container. The radioactive waste is charged into the solidifying container and kneaded.

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 method and apparatus for filling a flexible intermediate bulk container bag is disclosed wherein the bag is suspended clear of an underlying platform by a lift (9) urged upwards by a counterweight (11) so that during filling the bag “B” the bag falls to the underlying platform to prepare a stable base. There is also disclosed a telescopic spout (8) for delivering fill to the bag (B) and a spout closure (24) for preventing spillage of fill from the spout after filling. Hooks (10) for suspending the bag from the lift may be articulated and overlooking to allow for automation of the bag release after filling. A base (1) and tower frame (2) of the apparatus can be pivotally connected to enable the apparatus height to be reduced for transport.

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: A method and apparatus for settling product in a servo-controlled vertical form, fill and seal machine where the product, when inserted into a partially-formed tubular bag, normally does not adequately settle without further action by the machine. The invention utilizes motion control of a servo motor to provide a settling action for product inside the partially-formed bag to introduce instability to cause settling in the bag at a very high frequency during continuous motion of the film and the film tube.

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 method is disclosed for of enhancing the mixing of foam precursors in foam-in-bag precursor systems, to thereby enhance the quality of the resulting foam. The method comprises externally agitating a bag formed from plastic film material and containing separated foam-forming precursors, to thereby mix the precursors and form foam, and wherein the bag has been warmed to a temperature above ambient temperature prior to the agitation.

Abstract: An assembly for handling and packaging pharmaceutical dosage forms includes an infeed structure, a laning structure, and a plenum structure extending from the infeed structure to the laning structure. The infeed, laning and plenum structures guide dosage forms as they are carried in a downstream direction by a surface movable with downstream direction. A guide portion guides the dosage forms into the laning structure to avoid jamming of tablets. A form handling device receives dosage forms and transports the dosage forms to a packaging device. A timed controller and dump gate operate so that debris is carried out of the assembly. The assembly is particularly useful for fragile dosage forms. A packaging device having a bottom plate with floatably supported blocks is provided for sealing dosage forms into packages.

Abstract: Packaging containers for liquid contents, for example milk, are normally manufactured from laminated packaging material including a carrier or core layer of fibre material which is coated on each side with plastic layers. In order to facilitate folding of the material, this is normally provided with a pattern of weakening crease lines which facilitate the reforming into the desired packaging container configuration. A method of retroforming or calibrating a packaging container for realising more accurate final configuration, sharper fold lines and thereby for imparting to the packaging container improved steadiness and stability comprises the steps of surrounding the packaging container with a forming device adapted to the final configuration of the packaging container, and of displacing parts of the forming device towards one another so that the free space for the packaging container is briefly reduced.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine for forming and filling a latching flip-top box uses a two part mandrel which are joined by a hinge. One of the two hinged parts has a roller thereon for following a cam track having a quarter turn spiral therein. As the roller follows the spiral causing one hinged part to move through a quarter turn causing the flip-top to fold over and be formed. A somewhat loose tab on the top edge of the bottom of the box is a latch tab which is caught when the flip-top folds over.

Abstract: A system (10) for processing pliable, sealed bags (16) includes an inlet section (176) for transferring the bags (16) onto a lower conveyor (152) with the lower end being downstream of the bag upper end and allowing product not contained by the bags (16) to fall through the inlet section (176). The bags (16) on the lower conveyor (152) pass beneath an overhead conveyor (194), with product being dispersed inside of the bag (16) as the result of the rotation of a conditioning roller (168) engaging and flexing the belting (158) of the lower conveyor (152). The endless carrier of the overhead conveyor (194) is deflected by first and second support plates (216, 220) slideably received in flexible guides (212). The first support plates (216) places pressure on the bags (16) to force air out of improperly sealed bags (16) while the movement of the second support plates (220) is detected to determine whether the bags (16) are within a tolerable thickness.

Abstract: A movable retaining wall is used in a first position in a compression baler to retain a compressed mass, such as microfibers, and is then moved to a second position into an opening in a wall of a packaging chamber filling the opening such that a gap between the edges of the interior surface of the retaining wall and the edges of the opening is too small to allow the compressed material to enter the gap when it passes through the packaging chamber and past the gap. To accomplish this requires the use of hidden hinges to guide the retaining wall as it moves from the first position to the second position and back to the first position. The hidden hinges allow the retaining wall to move essentially straight out of the opening in the wall of the packaging chamber before it begins to pivot towards the second position, thus allowing the tight fit.

Abstract: An orientation device for vertically orienting products in a vertical form, fill and seal machine. It includes a product receipt station for receiving a plurality of unoriented products and a product discharge station for discharging a plurality of oriented products. The products are indexed in discrete groups from the product receipt station to the product discharge station, during which the products of each group are oriented with their longitudinal axes being essentially vertical.

Abstract: Device for subjecting a container containing products in bulk form to a movement, in which a set of movement means is provided for said movement, said movement means consisting of toss-up means which are formed by a set of bellows which are controllable in a predetermined way, which is such that the container for placing on a frame of the device with which the bellows interact is subjected to a toss-up movement in a particular sequence at various sides thereof, in order to rearrange the products in said container and method therefor.

Abstract: A process for thermally treating a product in a container having a headspace above the product, in which the container is subjected to a heated or cooled environment and is simultaneously agitated. The acceleration to which the container is subjected by the agitation is of sufficient magnitude to cause the process to operate in a regime in which the heating or cooling time required for the product to reach a predetermined temperature is very substantially reduced and moreover is substantially insensitive to changes in the acceleration.

Abstract: An apparatus for shouldering and deaerating filled bags provides rapid expulsion of excess gas from flexible top-closure bags containing particulate material. The automated apparatus permits completely controlled handling of the filled bags from the filling station through their movement to a bag closing station. The filled bag is transported to the shouldering and deaerating station where a portion of its top edge is clamped and held by upwardly-biased bag grippers while the contents are settled, compacted and degasified by vibration. Pressure rollers mounted on the front and rear of the bag below the bag grippers compressively roll downward to collapse the bag top and expel gas upwardly therefrom. Downward movement of the rollers ceases when indirect contact with the bag contents activates a limit switch or servo mechanism.

Abstract: Between a machine that manufactures bags of variable volume containing cohesionless material (exemplified by tea bags), and a packing machine which packs the bags as stacks, an indexing rotor with pockets in its outer periphery acts, in cooperation with a loading mechanism and an unloading mechanism at respective angularly distributed stations, at which each bag is respectively oriented bottom down and bottom up, to tend to redistribute the cohesionless material away from each bag bottom and to cause individual bags to be generally equally thick relative to one another.

Abstract: Volumetric container filling apparatus comprises a revolving carousel including a product bowl provided with a plurality of openings, volume-defining tubular sections provided with sliding gates and pedestals for supporting containers to be filled. A tubular extension extends below each sliding gate. A vibrating cam imparts a vibration in a vertical direction to the pedestals and any container disposed on a pedestal. A container chuck engages an upper edge of a container on a pedestal. The container chuck and tubular extension together define an enclosed collection area for temporarily retaining product while the contents of the container is settled by the vertical vibration. The carousel further includes a vibrating outer cup in each opening of the product bowl to reduce bridging which tends to occur with low density product. Each outer cup is connected by means of vertically-extending rods to a corresponding container chuck.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing bag packages which includes an oscillation generator, a bearing frame which transmits oscillations in the longitudinal and/or crosswise direction to a forming pipe. The forming pipe and a forming shoulder of the apparatus are rigidly joined to one another. A longitudinal seam sealing device is also joined to the bearing frame. The oscillations serve the purpose of both low-friction transport of a tube via the forming shoulder and the forming pipe and of compacting the product.

Abstract: Bag pick up and feed assembles pick up a flat folded bag from a magazine and direct the picked up bag to a bag positioner assembly, the feed assembly including a first set of rollers moved away from a second set before the bag is moved therebetween and thence together to feed the bag. The positioner assembly moves the bag to extend vertically for top edge portions being clampingly engaged by a carriage assembly and thereby forwardly conveyed to beneath a hopper spout. Bag top side wall portions of the clamped bags are spread by vacuum cups of the carriage assembly. Power operated linkage mechanism moves closed spout jaws downwardly between the spread side wall portions and thence open the jaws to spread the bag side walls as product is discharged through opening jaws to open the clamped bag.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing strapless bales of highly compressible textile fibers is disclosed, wherein a compressed block of the fibers is ejected and expanded into a flexible bag. The apparatus includes a supply chamber for supplying loose fibers to a tramping chamber which is stationary. A ram assembly repeatedly tramps the fibers to form a compacted fiber mass which is then formed into a compressed fiber block within a stationary compression chamber disposed in fiber transfer relation to the stationary tramping chamber. The compressed fiber block is ejected transverse to the compression chamber through an ejection sleeve about which an oversized flexible bag is fitted. Due to the fact that the bag is of a greater size than the cross section of the ejection sleeve and due to the stretch and flexibility of the bag, the compressible fibers in the compressed fiber block undergo an expansion process wherein the flexible bag is filled with the compressible fibers to form a strapless bale.

Abstract: A scoop assembly capable of being lifted through a granular material to a headspace of an upright container from a location in the container below the headspace when the granular material is fluidized by shaking the container along a substantially vertical axis. A scoop assembly has a handle portion connected to a measuring portion. The measuring portion has a cavity which is covered by a removable cover which prevents granular material entering the cavity before the scoop assembly is lifted into the headspace. The scoop assembly has an outer shape which is streamlined to enhance lifting speed.

Abstract: Described is a yarn packaging station and method. Yarn spools are fed to an inclined table where they slide down into a predetermined configuration. A moveable yarn bagging station is adjacent the inclined table and between the inclined table and a boxing station. The apparatus and method are designed such that a yarn spool can be bagged and boxed in one fluid movement of the human operator's arm.

Abstract: A machine and process for more efficient closing of a filled clamshell package at a faster rate than previous machines or processes intended for the same purpose. The machine is most useful for packaging agricultural products such as berries.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of maintaining tension in the film over the forming shoulder in the forward and reverse directions of a package formed in a vertical form, fill and seal machine and stripping and/or settling products out of the sealing and severing area of a partially formed package. The machine includes a source of film, a measuring axis, a forming shoulder, a pull axis, and a finishing system for stripping, sealing and severing successive packages from a formed tube. The measuring axis and the pull axis are operated in the forward direction to form a film tube while tension is maintained on the tube. After a predetermined length of tubing has been pulled, the measuring axis is operated in the reverse direction while the tube is retained in tension downstream of the forming shoulder. Stripping of product entrained in the film seal area can occur in the reverse direction.

Abstract: An improved packaging machine is provided for vacuum packing elongated products such as french fries into a succession of sealed bags. The packaging machine includes a weigh station for dropping pre-weighed product charges through a vertical column for product free-fall into a bag at a fill station, with the bag being formed from a sheet of film material drawn downwardly about the column. A divider vane subdivides the vertical column and the fill station into a pair of passages of elongated cross section, whereby the products falling through the column passages are substantially aligned as they fall into the bag. The bag is transferred from the fill station to a settling station, preferably by displacement of the divider vane and fill station. The settling station includes vibratory members to achieve substantial product settling. The bag film material may also be retracted a short stroke through a seal jaw assembly, resulting in stripping and squaring of an open end of the bag.