Abstract: A horizontal form, fill and seal machine has a hollow forming box into which a continuous film is longitudinally fed from a packaging film supply. The forming box has a top, sides and open inlet and outlet ends. A pair of guide bars extend from the outlet end of the forming box adjacent the forming box sides and extending away from the inlet end. The forming box transforms the flat packaging film into a film envelope that extends about the guide bars and has a product-receiving surface that rests on a conveyor between the guide bars. Sealing bars are provided to join the longitudinal edges of the packaging film together and to form seals across the envelope at package length intervals after each deposit of product onto the product-receiving surface. A zipper attaching mechanism applies zipper to the film upstream of the forming box.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing continuously fed elongate material, such as forming sealed bags from continuously fed film tubes, uses at least one pair of orbital tools that are cantilevered from tool drives (e.g., crank arms) at one edge of the material, extending transversely across the direction of material travel to engage opposite faces of the material. During material engagement the tools run synchronously with the moving material, but may be returned upstream rapidly to reengage the material for the next processing cycle. In order to achieve a higher throughput an additional pair of tools can be used, cantilevered and driven from the opposite edge of the material, maintaining the same processing (e.g., sealing) time. Through this arrangement the tools on opposing sides can alternate contact with the material and be run independently of each other.

Abstract: Disposed above a loading section (16), on which horizontally arranged strip-shaped packaging material (P) is longitudinally movable, is a shaping wheel (20), which has an, in relation to the loading section (16), transverse central axis (22) and is rotatable about the latter. The shaping wheel (20) has a cylindrical peripheral surface (24) and contains a plurality of moulds (32) which are disposed at angular intervals, starting from the cylindrical peripheral surface (24), radially in relation to the central axis (22). The peripheral speed of the shaping wheel (20) corresponds to a slip-free rolling of its peripheral surface (24) on the packaging material (P). Each of the moulds (32) contains a piston (50) which is movable back and forth between a retracted position for filling the mould (32) with substance (M) and an advanced position for ejecting the consolidated formed body (F) in a radially outward direction onto the packaging material (P).

Abstract: A packaging machine including a seal bar assembly for bonding layers of polymeric material together about a wrapped product to form an airtight package seal comprises a length of SILVERSTONE encapsulated, flat electrical resistance heating ribbon disposed upon a rigid seal bar having a smooth face surface. The seal bar is preferably constructed of thermally conductive and electrically insulating materials, such as virgin TEFLON. The heating ribbon is mounted onto the seal bar under nearly constant tension throughout its temperature range. Low resistance electrical leads provide a path for supplying electricity to the heating ribbon. A silicon rubber-backed seal bar mating assembly for providing pressure to the polymeric materials during bonding is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a string of bags provided with transverse closure strips by sequentially placing closure system segments transversely on a film for forming the walls of the bag, with each segment having two complementary closure strips. The support webs are fixed respectively to the inside faces of the two walls of the bag while taking care to provide sequential transverse openings in the film so as to give access to between the two strips. A machine for implementing the method and strings of bags obtained thereby are also included.

Abstract: Reclosable packaging systems are disclosed. The package construction comprises a single sheet or wrapper having a face panel extending between opposite sides and end edges, said sheet material being folded from opposite sides of the face panel into a tubular envelope shape and with longitudinal margins of the sheet material sealed into a seam opposite said face panel and extending between said end edges of the envelope, such that said seam is sealed at the edge to form a pilfer-proof seal and said seam comprises a zipper strip portion comprising reclosable separable fastener profiles aligned parallel to the sealed edge, and cross seals at said opposite end edges of the envelope. Also disclosed are methods and apparatus for forming, filling and sealing such packages. These packages can be used for packaging such products as disposable wipes and food products.

Abstract: A system and method of continuously forming, sealing, and filling flexible packages with sterile beverages is disclosed wherein the forming, sealing, and filling is performed without stopping or indexing the packages in order to achieve high throughput rates and efficiency. A web feeding device inputs sheet material into the system, which is continuously formed into a series of juxtaposed shaped packages in a forming unit. The packages are formed by a folding technique resulting in top and bottom gussets, and sealed side seams with an open top for filling thereof with liquid. The entire web of formed packages is transported through a filling device, which continuously fills the packages while in web form. The top fill openings of the packages are then sealed in a continuous process, and fabrication within an aseptic or ultra-clean environment is thereby completed. Post-treatment of the packages outside of the aseptic environment, but in a clean environment, then may proceed.

Abstract: A sorting and conveying line provided at an X-ray film cutting and collection operation includes a defective sheet gate, a collection gate and a sample gate for sorting X-ray film sheets, which have been cut to a predetermined size at a cutting section, while the X-ray film sheets are conveyed. Film detection sensors are disposed at entrance and exit sides of each of the defective sheet gate, the collection gate and the sample gate, and each film detection sensor detects the X-ray film sheet at times when the X-ray film sheet should be conveyed and sorted. Based on the results of detection, a determination is made as to whether or not there is any failure in control on a number of produced X-ray film sheets, and the like, as well as conveyance and sorting operations. This allows smooth and quick handling in the event of a failure.

Abstract: An automatic high speed packaging machine (10) for wrapping packages (P) in polymer film (32) is disclosed wherein the film seal at the sides and ends of the packages (P) is made at a high rate of speed as the packages (P) travel through the machine (10). The packages (P) travel continuously in a straight lien through the machine (10). The packages (P) are delivered at the input end of the machine (10) by an in-feed conveyor (20) into a film inverting head (40) where the packages (P) are surrounded by longitudinally half-folded polymer film (32). Thereafter, the packages (P) are transported to a side sealing mechanism (50) which forms a longitudinal seal in the film (32) on the side opposite the fold. Finally, the packages (P) are transported to a travelling end sealing mechanism (70) where a lateral seal is formed at each end of the package (P) and the film web (32) connecting succeeding packages (P) is severed.

Abstract: A string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is formed by inserting compressed springs between upper and lower plies of a folded, preferably thermally weldable fabric (16). The springs are maintaned in a compressed configuration while a longitudinal seam (54) joins the free edges of the thermally welded fabric (16) together. Subsequently, the compressed springs (14) are allowed to relax into an expanded configuration after which a transverse seam (80) is formed in the fabric (16) between the adjacent springs (14) thereby encapsulating each spring (14) within a fabric pocket (86). The string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is advantageously formed without the need for reorienting the springs (14) after being inserted between the plies (24,26) of the fabric (16) and thereby avoiding the disadvantages and complications associated with turning or reorienting the pocketed coil spring (14).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing bag packages, in which netting material of bags to be formed is connected to at least two foil strips which are each provided with a printing repeating in the longitudinal direction of the strip, with the foil strips being supplied in a coupled manner from one stock. The foil strips are preferably obtained from a foil stock comprising a single strip of foil with at least two repeating printing patterns with concurrent repeat which are applied next to each other, with the single strip being divided into sub-strips each bearing a repeating printing pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing bags including complementary closure strips, the method comprising the steps consisting in: separately feeding a film and closure strips having sequential thin zones at the same pitch as the bags; and fixing the strips to the film; the method further comprising the steps consisting in: detecting loss of synchronization between the closure strips and means acting in the assembly station; and in the event of loss of synchronization being detected, modifying the size of the sequential thin zones provided in the strips so as to reestablish synchronization. The present invention also relates to a machine for implementing the method, and to the bags obtained thereby.

Abstract: A vertical type forming, filling and sealing machine according to the present invention includes a film shaping mechanism for forming long lengths of film into tubular shapes, a vertical sealing mechanism for heat sealing the edges of the film formed by the film shaping mechanism in the longitudinal direction of the film to form tubular film, a supply nozzle for supplying contents into the tubular film, and two horizontal sealing mechanisms for heat sealing the tubular film in its width direction. A first horizontal sealing mechanism heat seals opposing inner surfaces of the tubular film except for a portion in the width direction. A second horizontal sealing mechanism is placed below the first horizontal sealing mechanism and heat seals the area which is not heat sealed by the first horizontal sealing mechanism.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at a turntable-mounted point of fill. With rotation of the turntable, final sealing operations are performed.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus for wrapping a continuous elongated article, such as a continuous stack of interfolded paper towels, includes a web supply section that supplies a pair of continuous webs of wrapping material, and a wrapping section for applying the continuous pair of webs about the article. The web supply section includes a pair of web supply stations for each web of wrapping material, and a source of wrapping material, such as a supply roll, is located at each web supply station. The web supply section includes a splicing mechanism for each pair of web supply stations, for splicing together the trailing end of a web from an exhausted supply roll of wrapping material with the leading end of a web from a fresh supply roll of wrapping material, to provide a continuous web of wrapping material to the wrapping section. The web supply section includes a festoon-type web storage mechanism in which the web downstream of the splicing mechanism is trained about a series of rollers in a serpentine path.

Abstract: Form-fill-seal machine includes parts for moving a web of packaging material through the machine according to a process path and parts for transforming the web into filled bags, as well as a zipper strip applicator device for supplying a zipper strip for each bag transverse to the process path, by use of a first and a second conveyor, which in the supply direction of the zipper strip are placed one behind the other and are both provided with parts for retaining the zipper strip during supply, a blade being placed between the first and the second conveyor for cutting the zipper strip and the first and the second conveyor being provided with their own first and second drive.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at the point of fill.

Abstract: An exemplary pocket spring assembly comprises a plurality of elongate fabric tubes disposed adjacent each other. Each fabric tube has a plurality of pockets, with at least some of the pockets of adjacent fabric tubes being welded together at midpoints on the adjacent pocket. Further, a spring is disposed in each of the pockets.

Abstract: An in-line, continuously operating stand-up pouch forming, filling and sealing apparatus and process contemplates a continuously moving web and pouch train operating at rates in excess of 150 pouches or 500 to 600 web inches per minute, and at to at least about 1500 pouches or 4000 web inches per minute. Seal facilitating holes are continuously punched in a continuously moving web and side seams are formed by continuously sealing a continuous web. The stand-up pouches are positively opened by a continuous Coanda-Effect application or alternately by a combined vacuum/mechanical operation. Stand-up pouches are continuously formed, filled and sealed without intermittent web stops for web or pouch operations.

Abstract: A spring unit comprises a continuous coil spring (5) contained within a sleeve (26) of strong, yet flexible, material. The unit is produced by providing a folding attachment device (2) having oppositely inclined spaced walls (13, 14) which converge from a feed end (3) to an outlet end (4), and simultaneously drawing the flexible material and the coil spring through the folding attachment device from the feed end to the outlet end with the spaced walls acting to fold the material over the coil spring and to apply a substantially uniform compressive force to the coil spring. As the material and the spring are drawn through the outlet end (4), overlapping edges of the flexible material are joined together to complete the spring unit.

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

Abstract: An assembly for packaging a discontinuously supplied stream of products, comprising a packaging apparatus provided with folding means for folding the longitudinal edges of the continuous packaging web around the products in longitudinal direction to form a tubular packaging sleeve, connecting means and separating means for breaking the tubular packaging sleeve between the products in a transverse direction for forming separated packaged products, wherein the assembly comprises a conveyor chain which is provided with grippers for clamping therein the products to be conveyed, the assembly further comprising an intermediate conveyor built up from a number of mutually aligning conveying sections drivable independently of each other and with variable speed, the intermediate conveyor being provided with a control adapted to drive the various conveying sections of the intermediate conveyor such that the mutual distances between discontinuously supplied products are reduced to a standard distance.

Abstract: An automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system for processing a prescription input into tablet containing serial paper bags comprises a tablet dropping unit having a hopper guiding each tablet batch from the unit to drop therethrough, and shafts each having top and below-top peripheries and an axial line between the bottom and below-top peripheries. A top roller extends from the top periphery to have a top radius, an axial plate radially extends from the axial line to intermittently seal substantially folded paper sheet in a sidewise sealing format by mutual engagement rolling of the top rollers. Below-top rollers extend from the below-top periphery to have a below-top radius less than the top radius. Edge rollers provided below the below-top rollers to seal therebetween lengthwise sealing portions of the widthwisely sealed paper sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process used for packaging a product in a web of material that has a zipper attached thereto. The process includes providing a web of material having first and second edges and a zipper including first and second interlocking members. The first and second interlocking members of the zipper are interlocked together. The first interlocking member of the zipper is attached to the web at an intermediate portion of the web between the first and second edges of the web. The second interlocking member has an attachment region that is facing away from the web. One edge of the web is folded away from the zipper and toward the other edge of the web. Unit operations are performed on the zipper to create zipper segments from the zipper while the zipper is exposed. Each of the zipper segments is associated with an individual food package made from the web.

Abstract: A device for stretching a film in an automatic product packaging machine, in particular products (12) of any thickness and size, spaced from each other at a pre-set distance, which are fed by a first conveyor belt (14) to a second conveyor belt (19) combined with a wrapping film feeder (26, 28) and elements (34, 35) for sealing the film wrapped over the products (12), in which the device comprises elements (25) for stretching the film (26) at the inlet of the second conveyor belt (19) and an element (29-33) that engages the stretched film (26) on the second conveyor belt (19).

Abstract: A system for packaging articles, such as stacks of greeting cards or the like, includes an article handler, a group of film handlers, and a side sealer. Each of the film handlers includes a film roll holder, which is adapted to hold a roll of folded over film having a closed side and an open side. The film handler also includes a film holding arrangement adapted to hold open the film along an open side, and cross cutter including an end cutting and sealing blade arrangement positioned transverse to the length of the film and adapted to cut and seal an end of the film adjacent an end of an article. The article handler is positioned adjacent the film handlers.

Abstract: A filling device of a dual-layered filling and packing device having a cotton paper device within the packing device which guides cotton paper via a guide rack to fold the paper and to fill a paper bag with fixed amount of tea leaves, by means of a roller, the paper bag with tea leaves being sealed at the edges thereof, and by means of a gripping structure, the tea bag being held to a funnel tube of the folding structure, a plurality of rollers delivered packing foil from an insertion section through space between a folding slot and the funnel tube, characterized in that the gripping structure composes a magnetic cylinder interconnected to a Y-shaped pneumatic cylinder and the gripping section is extended with two corresponding folding board and the folding structure comprises a folding slot covered a gap outside the funnel tube, the cross-section of the funnel tube has a flat body and the folding slot is a U-shaped plate body having a top end folded outward to form the insertion section.

Abstract: A belt-like film 18 is moved along a plate 15 folded to be rectangular in section, so that the film 18 is formed into a continuous tube by a tubular frame of the plate 15. A spring piece 30 having an anvil 31 bulged out therefrom is securely held on the inner side edge 16 of the aforementioned plate 15, and an ultrasonic hammer 32 is located face to face with said anvil 31, so that both side edges of the belt-like film 18 formed into a tube are placed on the anvil 31 to be melded by the ultrasonic vibration of the hammer 32.

Abstract: In a folding and guiding apparatus for use in a filling and packing machine, film F that is drawn out and guided from a film winding core and fed continuously is double-folded up along the longitudinal direction thereof, and pack-target material is filled and packed while the four sides of the double-folded film are sealed. A film guide member 12 for regulating and holding the outer surface portions of the folded portions of the double-folded film is provided between a film folding mechanism 4 and a longitudinal sealing mechanism 5 so as to be adjacent to the longitudinal sealing mechanism 5.

Abstract: A machine for producing so-called strip packs includes: a station for feeding products to a packaging group, situated in cascade, which places and seals each of the products in relative heat-welded pockets, arranged on a continuous band; an operating station, situated in cascade with respect to the packaging group, equipped with: means for printing and/or applying codified data and/or information on each pocket; feeling detecting means for verifying the presence of corresponding products inside each pocket; pre-cutting groups for transversal precutting of the continuous band; cutting groups for longitudinal and transversal cutting of the continuous band; a compensation magazine, interposed between the packaging group and the operating station, and aimed at allowing, at least partial, accumulation of the continuous band. The continuous band is moved stepwise.

Abstract: A rotary packaging machine 10 having rotatably driven stripper bars 17 and 18 that strip tubular bag material 36 prior to sealing of the bags being formed. To further inhibit material being located between the sealing jaws there is provided tube closer bars 28 and 29. The bar 28 has a longitudinally extending projection 34 that is received within a longitudinally extending recess 35 of the bar 29. The tubular bag material 36 by engagement within the recess 35 by the projection 34 laterally projects the bag material 36 and three longitudinally spaced locations 54.

Abstract: A packaging line and method for packaging separate products such as, for instance, magazines, CDs, DVDs and combinations thereof in a continuous manner, comprising:

Abstract: Disposed above a loading section (16), on which horizontally arranged strip-shaped packaging material (P) is longitudinally movable, is a shaping wheel (20), which has an, in relation to the loading section (16), transverse central axis (22) and is rotatable about the latter. The shaping wheel (20) has a cylindrical peripheral surface (24) and contains a plurality of moulds (32) which are disposed at angular intervals, starting from the cylindrical peripheral surface (24), radially in relation to the central axis (22). The peripheral speed of the shaping wheel (20) corresponds to a slip-free rolling of its peripheral surface (24) on the packaging material (P). Each of the moulds (32) contains a piston (50) which is movable back and forth between a retracted position for filling the mould (32) with substance (M) and an advanced position for ejecting the consolidated formed body (F) in a radially outward direction onto the packaging material (P).

Abstract: A device and a system are disclosed that are adapted to perform a process for automatically continuously packaging products (4) through heat-sealed plastic films (2) comprising the steps of: inserting and supplying the products (4) downstream in a timed way and along a horizontal direction; applying a plastic film (2) to the products (4); heat-sealing a first end of each one of the products (4) and simultaneously advancing each one of the products (4) horizontally; heat-sealing a second end of each one of the products (4) and simultaneously advancing each one of the products (4) horizontally; and collecting and unloading the heat-sealed products (4). In particular, the device (1) is equipped with pairs of pliers (3, 5) for sealing and handling with a mutually opposite reciprocating movement.

Abstract: A web of film is folded lengthwise, and its superposed sections are joined together along transverse lines to form a series of pockets. A hole is then cut in each pocket near the fold line. The film is shaped and clamped between two curved shaping parts, and a blade in one of the parts is advanced toward a counter blade on the other part. A shoulder element having a pouring spout and a flange is introduced into the pocket and the spout is inserted through the hole, whereafter the flange is joined to the pocket.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasonic sealing of food product packaging is provided. The ultrasonic sealing system preferably includes a food product packaging-positioning system that delivers food product packaging and food product into direct on-item-packaging forming box. The direct on-item-packaging forming box then receives the food product packaging and forms it directly around the supplied food product forming a partially packaged food product. The partially packaged food product is then ultrasonically edge sealed around the food product by an ultrasonic food product packaging fin-sealing unit forming a partially sealed food product packaging. The partially sealed food product packaging then enters a food product packaging end-sealing unit which ultrasonically seals and crimps the ends of the food product packaging resulting in a fully packaged and ultrasonically sealed food product.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a wrapper sleeve includes a first peripheral surface rotating about a first axis and having a generatrix parallel to and at a maximum distance from, the first axis and a radius of curvature smaller throughout the circumferential surface length than the maximum distance. A second peripheral surface rotates about a second axis oriented parallel to the first axis. The first and second peripheral surfaces define a line of contact with the wrapper sleeve therebetween. The first and second surfaces rotate in synchronism and roll on one another effecting sealing of the wrapper sleeve as the wrapper sleeve is advanced. A device displaces the first axis relative to the second axis in a direction transverse to the advancing direction of the wrapper sleeve for effecting displacement of the line of contact in the advancing direction as the first and second surfaces rotate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a slider-equipped zipper on a pouch in a form/fill/seal operation. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, a foldable slider is employed, and is shifted from an open configuration to a closed configuration for installation on zipper strips on the pouch. Stops are preferably provided at the ends of the zipper strips by application of heat and pressure to form a boss on one side and a corresponding recess on the other, without requiring additional material. A hermetic peelable seal preferably is provided beneath the zipper strips. The slider preferably is applied to the zipper strips immediately before or immediately after filling, or immediately after formation of the peelable seal. Means may be provided to shift the position of the slider to close the zipper.

Abstract: An automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system includes a tablet packaging unit, a base cabinet, a swing cabinet, tablet cassettes in each cabinet and tablet passages for dropping tablets. The base cabinet is mounted on top of the packaging unit. The swing cabinet is swingably engaged to the base cabinet so the swing cabinet becomes swingable to and from the front surface of the base cabinet, whereby the first swing cabinet is attached to and swiveled on the base cabinet to open when required. The tablet cassettes are detachably racked in said each cabinet in columns and rows. When the swing cabinet is swung open, the tablet passages of the swing cabinet are externally exposed to facilitate either cleaning or vacuuming of the tablet passages.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a conveyor belt having a carrying surface for carrying an article to be packaged by a package film and an end sealing device including spaced upper and lower sealing blocks between which the article passes. A recessed chamber is formed in the carrying surface by extending the conveyor belt around specially arranged rollers. The end sealing device includes a machine frame slidably supported on rails. A driving system includes a motor and a reciprocating mechanism having an adjustable stroke coupling the machine frame to the motor. The rollers of the recessed chamber are attached to the machine frame to be movable therewith. The upper and lower sealing blocks are movably supported on the machine frame by upright posts with the lower sealing block accommodated in the chamber of the conveyor. Racks extend from the upper and lower sealing blocks with a toothed wheel matingly interposed therebetween for mechanically coupling the sealing blocks together.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for grasping and advancing adjacent layers of thermoplastic film through the side sealing mechanism of a packaging machine includes a plurality of belts which travel about two sets of cooperating pulleys. Each pulley has two circumferential belt grooves defined within it, each belt groove being functionally adapted to allow the travel of a belt along it. A first line of travel is defined along a path which is parallel with the line of travel for articles moving along the wrapping machine. The second line of travel diverges away at a slight angle. The belts are truncated V-belts, the “truncated V” portion of the belts being disposed outwardly of the pulleys. Each set of pulleys is offset such that the belts cooperate in tooth-meshing fashion. A tail pulley of each set is mounted in an offset cam fashion and is spring loaded to apply tension to the belts. Disposed between the belt paths is a hot wire assembly having a similarly longitudinally diverging hot wire.

Abstract: A device for partitioning portion packages from a filled casing string by constricting it and applying at least one closing clip onto the casing string, which consists of two sets of displacement elements and a clipping apparatus consisting of two interacting elements that can move between the displacement element sets in mutually opposite directions, wherein he displacement elements and the elements of the closing apparatus are connected via rotating joints to the cranks driven in the same direction and are guided via a joint guiding element, which is seated in a swiveling manner about the (virtual) casing axis on a carrier holding also the cranks.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding piece goods (P) to a tubular-bag packaging station (4) has a feed conveyer (1) for feeding the piece goods (P) and a packaging-material-web conveyer (5) for conveying the packaging-material web (50) to the packaging station (4). A position-detecting unit (2) serves for detecting the piece goods (P) conveyed on the feed conveyer (1). Furthermore, at least one gripping unit (3) is provided for removing the piece goods (P) from the feed conveyer (1) and for depositing the piece goods (P′) directly or indirectly in a predetermined position on the packaging-material web (50), it being possible to convey the piece goods (P′) from the packaging-material web (50) to the packaging station (4).

Abstract: A horizontal form, fill and seal machine has a hollow forming box into which a continuous film is longitudinally fed from a packaging film supply. The forming box has a top, sides and open inlet and outlet ends. A pair of guide bars extend from the outlet end of the forming box adjacent the forming box sides and extending away from the inlet end. The forming box transforms the flat packaging film into a film envelope that extends about the guide bars and has a product-receiving surface that rests on a conveyor between the guide bars. Sealing bars are provided to join the longitudinal edges of the packaging film together and to form seals across the envelope at package length intervals after each deposit of product onto the product-receiving surface. A zipper attaching mechanism applies zipper to the film upstream of the forming box.

Abstract: A method and system for ultrasonic sealing of food product packaging is provided. The ultrasonic sealing system preferably includes a food product packaging-positioning system that delivers food product packaging and food product into direct on-item-packaging forming box. The direct on-item-packaging forming box then receives the food product packaging and forms it directly around the supplied food product forming a partially packaged food product. The partially packaged food product is then ultrasonically edge sealed around the food product by an ultrasonic food product packaging fin-sealing unit forming a partially sealed food product packaging. The partially sealed food product packaging then enters a food product packaging end-sealing unit which ultrasonically seals and crimps the ends of the food product packaging resulting in a fully packaged and ultrasonically sealed food product.

Abstract: In order to handle bag configurations having extra layers in some portions, especially where thicker materials are used, the facings of the sealing jaws are relieved in the area of the extra layers, so that even pressure is applied to the material across the entire seal area. An improved transverse seal is obtained using this method.

Abstract: A packaging system for causing articles M to fall downward along a predetermined falling route A and filling the articles M into a tubular film F. The packaging system is provided with an auxiliary device 205 operating on the falling route A at predetermined timing and facilitating or improving the flow of the articles M, determination unit 21a determining whether a state of the flow of the articles M on the falling route A is normal or abnormal, and a change unit 21b changing the operating timing of the auxiliary device 205 according to the state of the flow of the articles M determined by the determination unit 21a. With this configuration, the state of the flow of the articles M is improved and the high productivity (yield) and/or operativity of the packaging system can be maintained.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a plastic film guiding device of a packaging machine, which comprises a frame, a screw rod, a walking block, a positioning rod, a pair of slanting rods, and a pair of slide bodies. The plastic film guiding device of the present invention is arranged in suspended way to reduce its contact with the surface of a machine table so that the present invention suffers less heat to facilitate the adjustment. Most importantly, the present invention has instant width-adjusting function, and can simultaneously perform identical adjustments to the widths of both sides. The adjustment is fast, and the positions of movement are exact. Moreover, fine adjustment of width can be performed at any time during the operation of the machine.

Abstract: There is described a packaging machine (1) for producing sealed aseptic packages (2) of a pourable food product from a tube (3) of packaging material fed along a vertical path (A) and filled continuously with the food product. The machine (1) has gripping means (13, 14) for gripping the tube (3) at equally spaced cross sections (15); and sealing means (23, 24; 34, 35) for sealing the packaging material of the tube (3) along the cross sections (15), and in turn having a first and a second sealing device (23, 24; 34, 35) forming part of respective distinct, successive units (10, 20) of the machine (1). The first sealing device (23, 24) interacts with the cross sections (15) of the tube (3) for a time (T1) shorter than the time (T) required to achieve complete sealing of the cross sections (15), but sufficient to form respective temporary aseptic transverse sealing bands (25); and the second sealing device (34, 35) interacts with said temporary sealing bands (25) to seal them completely. (FIGS.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for covering printed products with a packaging material in the form of a continuous packaging material web, especially a plastic film. In each case, at least two printed products are deposited beside each other on the packaging material web by means of a feed device. In each case, at least two printed products lying beside each other are covered simultaneously with the packaging material and subsequently divided from each other. The invention permits the packaging rate to be doubled in a simple way, without having to carry out complicated modifications to the packaging apparatus.