Abstract: This is a double acting, multi-lane machine and method for the forming, filling and sealing of plastic or paper film pouches of various sizes commonly used to hold liquid viscous, dry, particulated or powdery materials or other substances. The machine includes a four roll film dispensing station, a multi unit pump or dispensing station, one of each double acting stations such as side seal station, pull wheel station, cross seal station, and cross cut station. The invention provides for production of a multitude of pouches in a manner of two sets of two films allowing to double the production output of current machinery without any change to cycle time or increase of operational time. Coordination and movement of the various stations is accomplished through electronic computer control, working in conjunction with multiple motion controlling devices such as servo motors, air cylinders, belts, linkages and the like.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously or intermittently and vertically forming, filling and sealing packaging includes an infeed section, a pleating assembly, a forming tube and a sealing assembly. The pleating assembly imparts at least one pleat to the film. The forming tube receives the film from the infeed section after the pleat has been made. A film tube is formed about the forming tube. The film tube is vertically fed downward to the sealing assembly which imparts seals to the film tube, thereby forming packages. A hole punch punches holes in the film tube. The film travels a film path that includes the hole punch, the forming tube, the vertical seal assembly and the horizontal seal assembly.

Abstract: A chute assembly to be positioned between a weigher and a former of a packaging machine. The chute assembly includes a timing gate device including a plurality of timing gates that regulates the delivery of batches of product from the weigher to the former. The gates are driven between a first position at which they inhibit the delivery of batches of product to the former and a second position permitting the flow of batches of product to the former.

Abstract: A packaging machine moves its heater unit for longitudinal sealing of a tubularly formed film between a sealing position at which the heater unit contacts the film and a retracted position at which it is separated from the film. In addition to the mechanism for this motion, an air cylinder is provided for controlling the compressive force with which the heater unit at its sealing position compresses the film. A pressure controlling system regulates the air pressure supplied to the air cylinder. If the mechanism for moving the heater unit also employs another air cylinder, a higher pressure for moving the heater unit and a lower pressure for controlling its compressive force may be generated from a single air source and supplied to the two air cylinders by a switching mechanism. A single air cylinder with two air chambers may be used for the both functions.

Abstract: A flexible package having an integrated reclose strip, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The reclose strip comprises a length of tacky two-sided adhesive tape. The apparatus for applying a reclose strip is incorporated into the mechanism which supplies the continuous sheet of packaging material to the vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The invention involves producing a pillow pouch or vertical stand-up pouch having an integrated reclose strip from a single sheet of packaging film. In one aspect, the reclose strip comprises a release liner on one side after package formation. In one aspect, the reclose strip comprises no release liner and is attached along the longitudinal axis of the sheet of packaging material such that the reclose strip is disposed in a channel or recess in the fill tube. The reclose strip permits the package to be reclosed after initial opening without folding the package.

Abstract: To be able to weld different items, in particular films of different thickness and composition, in an optimized way in each case, it is proposed in the case of a welding jaw circulating along a closed path, for example a transverse welding jaw of a vertical tubular bag machine, to provide a sealing time factor (Kt) that can be set as desired within an open interval from zero to one and is equal to a quotient of a sealing time (ts) and a cycle time (tz) for a circulation of the welding jaw.

Abstract: A quick change module operable for being removably attached to and extending below a forming tube of a conventional vertical form, fill, and seal machine to produce a wide assortment of differently sized vertical stand-up pouches or gusseted flat bottom bags. The quick change module comprises at least one pair of adjustable forming plates located below the forming tube. The lateral distance between each pair of forming plates can be adjusted by shifting the position of each forming plate along a corresponding slotted bracket. A gusseting mechanism mounted to the frame of the machine can be positioned between each pair of forming plates imparting a vertical crease along the length of the bag while it is being formed and advanced down the forming tube of the machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously or intermittently and vertically forming, filling and sealing packaging includes an infeed section, a pleating assembly, a forming tube and a sealing assembly. The pleating assembly imparts at least one pleat to the film. The film may be driven and measured at a nip following the pleating. The forming tube receives the film from the infeed section after the pleat has been made. A film tube is formed about the forming tube. The film tube is vertically fed downward to the sealing assembly which imparts seals to the film tube, thereby forming packages. A hole punch punches holes in the film tube. The film travels a film path that includes the hole punch, the forming tube, the vertical seal assembly and the horizontal seal assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a seasoning processing system capable of uniform seasoning and, moreover, having superior cleanability. A seasoning processing system (2) according to the present invention comprises a seasoning dispersion apparatus (20) and a vertical pillow-type bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus (30). The seasoning dispersion apparatus (20) disperses powdered seasoning to be adhered to supplied intermediate articles (X . . . X) from an end part (22b), which is a dispersing mouth, of a second conduit (22). The vertical pillow-type bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus (30) introduces and packages inside a bag shaped packaging material (Fc) seasoned articles (X2. . . X2) to which the powdered seasoning has been adhered. Furthermore, the end part (22b), which is the dispersing mouth,of the second conduit (22) is provided and arranged so that it is positioned inside the bag shaped packaging material (Fc).

Abstract: This invention encompasses a heat seal die incorporating heat tube technology for controlling the variation of temperature across a heat seal die. The invention also encompasses a system and method for portion control size packaging of flowable liquid-containing condiments in a portion size in the range from 1 to 5 ounces using such a heat seal die.

Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch, or flexible package having a zipper seal mechanism incorporated therein, and method for manufacturing same, constructed with a quick change module modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch from a single sheet of packaging film by inserting a zipper seal mechanism on a first side of the packaging film tube and creating a vertical crease along the tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The zipper seal mechanism is attached to the packaging film prior to sealing the sheet of the packaging film along its longitudinal seam forming a tube comprising, in part, a quick change module that easily installs on the base of a forming tube. Likewise, the crease is formed using fixed or stationary modifications to prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines comprising, in part, a quick change module that easily installs on the base of a forming tube.

Abstract: A device for producing tubular bags filled with bulk goods from continuous foil tubes. The device includes a pair of sealing tools that seal or weld the foil tubes in bag-length intervals. A pair of closing bars connected to the sealing tools are biased toward each other and press the foil tubes before the sealing tools are closed. A stripper is provided to remove the residue of the bulk goods from the area of the seal by a wiping motion in the direction of bag movement through the device. The closing bars are connected to the stripper so that through a closing movement of the closing bars, the stripper is pulled along in the run direction of the foil while touching the foil to strip the area to be sealed before the sealing tools close.

Abstract: A vertical form fill and seal continuous pouch machine includes a forming tube having a cross section area of CA is disclosed. A film tube is continuously formed about the forming tube and fed downward. A horizontal sealing assembly includes at least one pair of opposing sealing bars that make horizontal seals on the film, thereby forming pouches. The horizontal seals are formed in a horizontal sealing zone, and the vertical distance from a lower end of the forming tube to the center of the horizontal sealing zone is a transition distance that is (in inches) preferably no more than 0.5 multiplied by the cross-section area (in sq. inches).

Abstract: A method for making a vertical stand up package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a flat bottom bag that can stand upright having an internal compartment from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A different product can be placed into the compartment. The compartment can also be used as a dipping well. In one aspect a multi-compartment package can be made.

Abstract: The bag-manufacturing and packaging machine transverse sealing mechanism is for a bag-manufacturing and packaging machine that makes bags by sealing a tubular packaging material longitudinally and transversely while also filling the bags with items to be packaged. The transverse sealing mechanism functions to thermally seal the packaging material in a transverse direction, which is perpendicular to the direction in which the packaging material is conveyed. The transverse sealing mechanism is equipped with a plurality of sealing jaws and an adjusting part. The plurality of sealing jaws rotate about a rotational axis and execute thermal sealing by making contact with the tubular packaging material. The adjusting part adjusts a relative distance between the sealing jaws. The bag-manufacturing and packaging machine transverse sealing mechanism readily accommodates different bag sizes.

Abstract: A packaging machine former (10) having a base (11) upon which there is mounted a former member (12). Strip bag material passes over the member (12) to be arranged from a strip configuration to a tubular configuration into which product to be packaged is delivered. The base (11) and member (12) have passages through which a gas is delivered to be included with the product in the bags being formed.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing a tube-shaped package having longitudinal sides and a bottom and made of flexible material, wherein the longitudinal sides of the package are sealed prior to forming the bottom and the bottom is formed by pushing an annular portion of the flexible material inward in a U-shaped arrangement at at least on closed end of the tube-shaped package.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus 10 including a cabinet 11 provided with a door 12 which is movable relative to an axis opening 13. Within the cabinet 11 is a packaging machine 15 with which there is associated a former 14. The former 14 is movably supported for movement between an operative position aligned with the packaging machine 15, and a service position spaced laterally toward the access opening 13.

Abstract: A packaging machine moves its heater unit for longitudinal sealing of a tubularly formed film between a sealing position at which the heater unit contacts the film and a retracted position at which it is separated from the film. In addition to the mechanism for this motion, an air cylinder is provided for controlling the compressive force with which the heater unit at its sealing position compresses the film. A pressure controlling system regulates the air pressure supplied to the air cylinder. If the mechanism for moving the heater unit also employs another air cylinder, a higher pressure for moving the heater unit and a lower pressure for controlling its compressive force may be generated from a single air source and supplied to the two air cylinders by a switching mechanism. A single air cylinder with two air chambers may be used for the both functions.

Abstract: A filling and packaging machine capable of supplementing the shortage of heat quality without lowering package speed when a film is heat-sealed while being pressurized by a vertical sealing mechanism, comprising a film folding mechanism having an inner surface guide member for guiding the film laterally, formed on the inner surface side of the film folded up into two parts, a pair of right and left pre-heating block members having tilted support surfaces or are support surfaces formed along the width-direction of the film on the outer surface side of the film through a specified interval from the inner surface guide member so that the interval on the upstream side of the film in feeding direction is larger than the interval on the downstream side, and heaters installed in the pre-heating block members.

Abstract: A forming jaw for producing a succession of sealed packages from a tube of sheet packaging material filled with a pourable food product and fed in a direction parallel to its longitudinal axis is disclosed. The jaw includes sealing structure that seals a cross section of the tube; and forming structure that imparts a predetermined shape to the tube between two successive sealed cross sections. The forming structure has first and second surfaces for interacting with the tube and which extend respectively in a direction crosswise to, and in a direction parallel to, the axis of the tube. The first surface has a convex portion which exerts pressure on, to control filling of, the packages being formed.

Abstract: A unit for sterilizing a web (2) of packaging material on a machine (1) for packaging pourable food products, the unit having a bath (7) containing a sterilizing agent, in which the web (2) is fed continuously; a process chamber (8) connected to an outlet (12) of the bath (7), and which houses wringing rollers (18) interacting with the web (2), and a nozzle (22) for directing a stream of air on to the web (2) and removing residual sterilizing agent from the web; an aseptic chamber (25) communicating with the process chamber (8) via an opening (27) for passage of the web (2), and in which the web (2) is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube (29) which is filled continuously with the product for packaging; and an air processing circuit (24) for controlling process conditions, and having a conduit (56) for feeding a first stream of sterile air into the aseptic chamber (25), a conduit (54) for feeding a second stream of sterile air to the nozzle (22) and housing a heater (69) for controlling the tempera

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming void-fill packaging wherein a tubular plastics material (11) is periodically fed via driver rollers (15) along a longitudinal guide path (12), first and second transverse spaced parallel heat seals are formed substantially across the plastics material via a transverse heat sealer (36, 38) to define a chamber (104) between the seals, a fluid is discharged into the chamber via a nozzle (20) positioned along the guide path and adapted to extend inside the tubular plastics material adjacent to one longitudinal edge of the plastic material, a third heat seal is formed via a longitudinal heat sealer (78) to seal the chamber (104), and the longitudinal edge of the tubular plastic material is cut via a cutting element (22) so that the movement of the tubular plastics material is not hindered by the nozzle.

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: A convertible computer controlled form, fill and seal bagging machine comprising a film drive drawing a film sheet about a pouch former with the film sheet being folded and overlapped along longitudinal edge portions; a first sealer heat fusing the overlapped edge portions together to form a hollow film tube; a temperature and a pressure controller controlling the temperature and pressure of the first sealer; a transverse sealer forming a transverse seal across the hollow film tube; a feeder supplying a predetermined content in the hollow tube at a pouch forming station; a computer controller controlling the temperature and pressure of the first sealer to progressively form a seal along the longitudinal edge portions based on a selected predetermined programmed pouch size and the length of the seal bar of the first sealer.

Abstract: In order to be able to easily exchange the fill pipe in a vertical tubular bagging machine, where a flat foil web is reshaped on a forming shoulder into a foil tube running over a fill pipe, a forming shoulder is suggested which can be opened. A shoulder sleeve out of two separate sleeve parts is formed by this forming shoulder, a shoulder connection consists of two separate connection parts, each one sleeve part and adjoining connection part form one component, the two components describe the forming shoulder, and one component can be removed from the other component in order to be able to remove the fill pipe transversely with respect to the transport direction from the forming shoulder.

Abstract: A device for producing tubular bags filled with bulk goods from continuous foil tubes. The device includes a pair of sealing tools that seal or weld the foil tubes in bag-length intervals. A pair of closing bars connected to the sealing tools are biased toward each other and press the foil tubes before the sealing tools are closed. A stripper is provided to remove the residue of the bulk goods from the area of the seal by a wiping motion in the direction of bag movement through the device. The closing bars are connected to the stripper so that through a closing movement of the closing bars, the stripper is pulled along in the run direction of the foil while touching the foil to strip the area to be sealed before the sealing tools close.

Abstract: A standup bag for granular products or the like and a method of manufacturing the bag. The standup bag is manufactured from an extruded heat scalable material and includes both an integral handle and a perforation to facilitate opening and pouring out the contents of the bag.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing reclosable bags (30) by forming a film (50) includes moving the film (50) and attaching to the film (50) sequentially and crosswise with reference to the direction of movement of the film (50), a fastener (1) including a first strip (2) supporting at least one reclosable profile (10) engaged with another reclosable profile (12) that is complementary thereto and supported by a second strip (4) or a part of the first strip (2), which will subsequently be attached to the film (50). Each strip (2, 4) includes at least one web (6, 8) extending substantially mostly sideways on one side of the profiles (12). The above arrangements make possible special fasteners (1) that include sliders (9), gasket membranes (26), fasteners inverted within the bag (30), peel seals (18, 20, 21) and hinged fasteners (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for defining a loop handle in a tubular covering, such as an expanded mesh plastic covering, for a food. The apparatus of the present invention includes a frame for supporting the various assemblies that comprise the apparatus and for engaging a support surface such as a floor. The apparatus of the present invention further includes a conveyor assembly, which conveys the food product from a production line and into the slide area or chute. Positioned proximate the distal end of the chute is a voider assembly defined by a stationary set of voider gates and a movable set of voider gates.

Abstract: In order to be able to realize complicated jaw movements in a device for welding of a foil tube, comprising two welding jaws, which can be moved opposingly and clamp the foil tube between one another, whereby a linear motor is provided as the jaw drive, it is suggested that the gearing houses a cam plate connected to a movable part of the linear drive, that the cam plate has two separate curves, and that each one cam connected to a jaw carrier is guided along a curve.

Abstract: In order to be able to remove in a vertical tubular bagging machine in a simple manner a worm-dosing means stored in a fill pipe, it is suggested that the fill pipe is formed out of two troughs aligned against one another with their insides, and that a trough is releasably connected to the other trough. One trough is in a preferred embodiment connected to the other trough via a swivel joint, and a fastening device is provided for locking the trough, which can be swung away, in a position supported by the other trough, so that the swingable trough can be swung away in order to remove the worm-dosing means laterally out of the opened fill pipe.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided suitable for dispensing at least first and second components in desired ratios especially for multi-component packaged food products. The apparatus comprises a hopper having an outlet at its lower end and a first auger having a hollow shaft disposed within the hopper having component conveying flights and a drive means for rotating the auger. A first component is conveyed by the auger flights and dispensed at an outlet while a second component is conveyed though a hollow shaft of the auger. The apparatus can include a second rotationally driven auger that is positioned within the hollow shaft of the first auger having conveying flights. The second component can be conveyed via the second auger within the hollow shaft. The second auger's shaft also can be hollow whereby a third component can be conveyed through the second hollow shaft of the second auger.

Abstract: Netting chutes suitable for use with manual and automatic packaging operations to enclose product in netting packaging include a non-circular cross-sectional cavity shape.

Abstract: In a machine for obtaining strip packages a station feeds products to a packaging group, which places and seals each of the products in a relative welded pockets distributed along a continuous strip. In a working station, situated in cascade with the packaging group, a feeler group, a printing group, a working group, a drawing group, a cutting group cooperate to supply at the outlet a plurality of strip packages. The packaging group is arranged in a vertical configuration and the configuration of the working group is horizontal. Direction-changing means make the continuous strip pass from a vertical configuration to a horizontal one.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a filling apparatus capable of reliably correcting the position of an overlap portion. The filling apparatus includes a forming ring including a plurality of forming rollers and disposed at a predetermined position along the traveling direction of a packaging material (11) in order to deform the packaging material (11) from a web-like shape to a tubular shape, and a longitudinal sealing device (41) for longitudinally sealing opposite side edges of the tubular packaging material (11). One of the forming rollers includes a flange (71 or 84) which is moved axially by means of a moving mechanism section (72). In this case, even when, within the forming ring, a side edge portion of the packaging material (11) of a certain size impinges on the flange (71 or 84), the flange (71 or 84) is caused to move accordingly to thereby avoid interfering with correction on the position of the overlap portion (LP).

Abstract: A unit for sterilizing a web (2) of packaging material on a machine (1) for packaging pourable food products, the unit having a bath (7) containing a sterilizing agent, in which the web (2) is fed continuously; a process chamber (8) connected to an outlet (12) of the bath (7), and housing drying means (17) for removing residual sterilizing agent from the web (2); an aseptic chamber (25) communicating with the process chamber (8) via an opening (27) for passage of the web (2), and in which the web (2) is folded and sealed longitudinally to form a tube (29) which is filled continuously with the product for packaging; and an air processing circuit (24) for controlling process conditions; the circuit (24) draws air from the process chamber (8) through an orifice (54), the opening of which is adjustable, during operation of the machine, by a shutter (55) to maintain a pressure value greater than a predetermined minimum value in the aseptic chamber (25).

Abstract: A forming apparatus is provided for forming a film into a sleeve around a filling tube. The forming apparatus has contact surface geometry that is contacted by the film as it travels thereacross configured to ensure smooth forming of the film into the sleeve. Smooth forming of the film into the sleeve is achieved, in part, by reducing longitudinal tensile forces in the film, by selecting the contact surface geometry to minimize transverse variations in tensile forces in the film, and by having contact edges of the contact surfaces shaped to reduce unnecessary stresses in the film.

Abstract: This is a high-speed, multi-lane machine and method for the continuous forming, filling and sealing of plastic or film pouches of various sizes commonly used to hold fluids, liquids, and viscous materials or other substances. The machine includes a film roll station, a pump station, a side seal station, a pull wheel station, a cross seal station, and a cross cut station. The invention provides for continuous production of pluralities of pouches without stops or delays by utilizing one or more moveable reciprocating carriages that travel with the flow of film through the machine, the carriages supporting each of the side sealing, cross sealing, and cross cutting stations. Coordination of the various stations is accomplished through electronic computer control, working in conjunction with a plurality of motion imparting devices such as servo motors, cam systems, linkages and the like.

Abstract: A system to form, fill and seal (FFS) flexible bags including the steps of: a total printing of the film as it winds off the supply reel; a dry cleaning; a gimballed aligning for the folding of the printed and washed film; a hot-bar welding of the folded film; a valve welding controlled by an algorithm; a humidification treatment of the valve cavity; a shaping of the bags by hot tools also controlled by an algorithm; and a high precision dosage of the filling liquid.

Abstract: A packaging machine has a former with a guiding member and tube for forming an elongated bag-making material into a tubular form, a longitudinal sealer disposed on the front side of the tube for sealing mutually overlapping side edge parts of the tubularly formed bag-making material in a longitudinal direction and a transverse sealer for sealing the longitudinally sealed bag-making material in a transverse direction transverse to the longitudinal direction to thereby package articles dropped down. The tube has a conical part at the top and a cylindrical part extending downward from the conical part. The cylindrical part has an opening on the back side such that articles dropped through the interior of the tube can directly contact the bag-making material and will be prevented from becoming clogged. An unopened part may be provided to the cylindrical part of the tube below the opening in order to maintain a circular cross-sectional shape of the bag-making material.

Abstract: An apparatus for defining a loop handle in a tubular covering, such as an expanded mesh plastic covering, for a food. The apparatus of the present invention includes a frame for supporting the various assemblies that comprise the apparatus and for engaging a support surface such as a floor. The apparatus of the present invention further includes a conveyor assembly, which conveys the food product from a production line and into the slide area or chute. Positioned proximate the distal end of the chute is a voider assembly defined by a stationary set of voider gates and a moveable set of voider gates.

Abstract: Vertical 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. Prior to assembly at the fill station a series of spaced-apart stop members are formed along the fastener tracks.

Abstract: A double-bag package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines and perforation knives. In a preferred embodiment, the invention involves producing a double-bag package from a single sheet of packaging film by feeding a roll of film having graphics printed sideways rather than vertically into a vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine and using a novel perforating/cutting knife to alternately cut and perforate transverse seals. The perforating/cutting knife has teeth in the shape of oblique triangular pyramids, with each tooth having three cutting edges. The perforating/cutting knife produces self-correcting T-shaped perforation patterns capable of capturing and redirecting errant tears for fail-safe directional separation.

Abstract: A machine for forming filled sealed pouches from a continuously moving sealable web of material includes a first sealing station for forming a longitudinal seal along a side edge of the web, and a horizontal sealing station for forming a plurality of transverse seals in the web. The horizontal sealing station includes a pair of conveyors each carrying jaws that mate along a sealing path to form the transverse seals. A method of forming filled sealed pouches from a continuously moving sealable web of material is also described.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is provided suitable for dispensing at least first and second components in desired ratios especially for multi-component packaged food products. The apparatus comprises a hopper having an outlet at its lower end and a first auger having a hollow shaft disposed within the hopper having component conveying flights and a drive means for rotating the auger. A first component is conveyed by the auger flights and dispensed at an outlet while a second component is conveyed though a hollow shaft of the auger. The apparatus can include a second rotationally driven auger that is positioned within the hollow shaft of the first auger having conveying flights. The second component can be conveyed via the second auger within the hollow shaft. The second auger's shaft also can be hollow whereby a third component can be conveyed through the second hollow shaft of the second auger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a bag provides a tube of material that is passed over a former. A portion of the tube is folded over the former to define the rim of the bag. Portions of the rim are then welded. The apparatus includes arms that move transverse to the tube. The arms carry crimping fingers that pivot to fold the tube up and in over the former.

Abstract: A flat bottom bag or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by creating two vertical creases along opposite sides of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. These creases are formed using fixed or stationary modifications to prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines.

Abstract: A continuous process for forming a transdermal patch which comprises the steps of: continuously feeding a strip of material comprising a layer of permeable membrane; continuously feeding into close proximity and in face-to-face relationship with the first strip a second strip formed of impermeable backing material; passing the first and second strips together through a filling and sealing station in which the material containing an active substance is introduced between the strips and pouches are formed by first sealing devices which seal the strips together in a longitudinal direction of the strips and second sealing devices which seal the strips together in a transverse direction of the strips; the size of the pouches being adjusted by adjusting the number position and/or frequency of operation of the first sealing devices and/or by adjusting the number position and/or frequency of operation of the second sealing devices.

Abstract: An installation for manufacturing and filling multiple-cavity bags made from a sheet of plastic material, includes a forming column for forming a multiple-cavity bag, with the column being divided into three zones, a first zone forming a single tubular sleeve by a longitudinal seal of sheet edges thereof, a second zone for forming a bottom and cavities of the bag, and a third zone for filling and closing the bag and moving the closed bag away from the column, and a film feed mechanism for feeding plastic film to the forming column.