Abstract: A latitudinal seal mechanism includes seal jaws 78, fixed cams 75, cam followers 76, a pair of partial cams 88, partial cam followers 78a, rotational shafts 80, coupling members 79, and shaft support portions. The seal jaws 78 are heated, and move circularly such that the seal jaws 78 abut on and move away from tubular film. The fixed cams 75 have shapes that correspond to locuses of movement of the seal jaws 78. The cam followers 76 support the seal jaws 78, and move along the fixed cams 75. The rotational shafts 80 move the cam followers 76 relatively about rotational centers of the rotational shafts 80. The coupling members 79 couple the rotational shafts 80 and the cam followers 76. The shaft support portions rotatably support the rotational shafts 80. The partial cams 88 have a shape that corresponds to a locus of movement of the pair of seal jaws 78 when the pair of seal jaws 78 holds the tubular packaging films.

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 form-fill-seal packaging machine produces a dummy bag from a film by starting to move seal jaws after the film has been pulled over a specified length or for a specified length of time from the moment when an eye mark on the film is detected by a detector. If the position on the film at which it was cut is displaced from the intended position, this displacement is inputted such that the specified length or the specified length of time is automatically corrected. If any of the parameters defining the pattern of transverse sealing operation is changed, the specified length or the specified length of time can also be automatically adjusted.

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: The bag filling and forming machine employs a chute for conveying a flow of loose fill material, a form for enveloping a sheet of plastic film about the chute, a heat-seal roller for sealing the overlapped edges of the film to form a tube and heat-seal bars for sealing the tube at spaced apart positions to form the top and bottom of bags. A pair of conveyors are provided for continuously moving the formed tube relative to the chute and fingers are provided for spreading the tube into a flattened configuration for heat-sealing purposes. A hot wire or cutting knife is provided for cutting off a filled bag after heat-sealing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a reclosable profile element, or zipper, to a packaging film. The packaging film is formed into a tubular form about a forming tube. The zipper is received in a guide block formed along the interior of the forming tube. The extended flanges of each member of the zipper are urged flat against the outer circumference of the fill tube. The packaging film is applied over the flanges of the zipper and a header is created by a rod extending along the length of an initial portion of the fill tube. A heated seal bar secures the film to the flanges of the zipper. After the zipper has been attached to the film, the packaging material is urged out of the interior of the fill tube by a changing configuration of the guide block.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) packaging machine comprising a pair of sealing jaws (12; 100; 200, 202; 302, 304) mounted directly or indirectly on parallel shafts (10; 102; 206, 208; 300) for rotation in opposite directions on opposite sides of the path of the packaging material (36; 118; 204, 308) so that the jaws engage the packaging material simultaneously on opposite sides to form successive horizontal seals, and stripping means comprising, in association with the sealing jaw on each side of the path of the packaging material, a pair of stripper carriers (22; 54; 66; 116; 222, 224, 226, 228; 314) mounted for rotation around the corresponding shaft at or near the respective ends thereof, or about an axis parallel to the shaft, a horizontal stripper bar (18B; 40A; 50A; 62; 110; 234; 310) mounted at its respective ends on the two stripper carriers and arranged to be movable with respect to the stripper carriers so that the stripper bar can engage the packaging film along a predetermined vertical strip

Abstract: During automatic supply and packing of a liquid composition containing granular constituents, a master liquid, not containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is continuously supplied to a packing bag formed from a packing film by making bottom and top seals, in this order, on the packing bag with the packing film being stroked and squeezed to remove a part of the master liquid from bag portions where the bottom and top seals are to be formed, and a second liquid, containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is intermittently supplied into the packing bag between the bottom and top seals. Thereby, a liquid composition containing granular constituents can be packed with the nearly same efficiency as that in continuous supply and packing of a liquid.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal (VFFS) packaging machine comprising a pair of sealing jaws (12; 100; 200,202; 302,304) mounted directly or indirectly on parallel shafts (10; 102; 206,208; 300) for rotation in opposite directions on opposite sides of the path of the packaging material (36; 118; 204; 308) so that the jaws engage the packaging material simultaneously on opposite sides to form successive horizontal seals, and stripping means comprising, in association with the sealing jaw on each side of the path of the packaging material, a pair of stripper carriers (22; 54; 66; 116; 222,224,226,228; 314) mounted for rotation around the corresponding shaft at or near the respective ends thereof, or about an axis parallel to the shaft, a horizontal stripper bar (18B; 40A; 50A; 62; 110; 234; 310) mounted at its respective ends on the two stripper carriers and arranged to be movable with respect to the stripper carriers so that the stripper bar can engage the packaging film along a predetermined vertical stripping p

Abstract: An apparatus for producing re-closable bag packages has a device for delivering and securing a portion of a closure strip on a film web. To make greater output as well as continuous operation of the apparatus possible, it is proposed that the device be equipped with a horizontally movable securing device, which tacks the portions to a moving film web.

Abstract: The bag filling and forming machine employs a chute for conveying a flow of loose fill material, a form for enveloping a sheet of plastic film about the chute, a heat-seal roller for sealing the overlapped edges of the film to form a tube and heat-seal bars for sealing the tube at spaced apart positions to form the top and bottom of bags. A pair of conveyors are provided for continuously moving the formed tube relative to the chute and fingers are provided for spreading the tube into a flattened configuration for heat-sealing purposes. A hot wire or cutting knife is provided for cutting off a filled bag after heat-sealing.

Abstract: During automatic supply and packing of a liquid composition containing granular constituents, a master liquid, not containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is continuously supplied to a packing bag formed from a packing film by making bottom and top seals, in this order, on the packing bag with the packing film being stroked and squeezed to remove a part of the master liquid from bag portions where the bottom and top seals are to be formed, and a second liquid, containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is intermittently supplied into the packing bag between the bottom and top seals. Thereby, a liquid composition containing granular constituents can be packed with the nearly same efficiency as that in continuous supply and packing of a liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine to manufacture (1) bags (10) with bottom sealed edges, with a vertical bagging machine, without the film track (3) running, it is suggested, to arrange the filling pipe of the bagging machine (1) in such a manner, that the length of a first track (21) of an interlocking (14) of the film deductions (12, 20) over the outer surface (28) of the filling pipe (11) and over form items (15) for the figuration of the edges (16) until again to the interlocking (14) equal to a second distance (22) is, runs on the other side of the interlocking (14). The number of form items (15) per side is different thereby.

Abstract: A packaging machine for making a variety of types and styles of bags and seals, durable, substantially air-tight bags at high speed, different size and make of bags, and different amounts and types of product in the bags. The machine includes a film drive and pinch roll pair, a pair of film pull belts, and a pair of zipper drive rollers for pulling plastic film and zipper strip through the machine. The machine is convertible from one for producing reclosable edge fin seal bags to another for producing nonreclosable midline seal pillow type bags. Conversion from one to another is facilitated by having the pinch seal assembly mounted so that it can be pulled out of the machine, indexed 90°, and pushed back into the machine. The film pull belts are part of a self-contained pull belt unit which can be adjusted or removed from the machine, inverted and placed back into the machine. Different formers, fill tubes, and/or vertical sealing units are used to produce different types and styles of bags.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal packaging machine produces a dummy bag from a film by starting to move seal jaws after the film has been pulled over a specified length or for a specified length of time from the moment when an eye mark on the film is detected by a detector. If the position on the film at which it was cut is displaced from the intended position, this displacement is inputted such that the specified length or the specified length of time is automatically corrected. If any of the parameters defining the pattern of transverse sealing operation is changed, the specified length or the specified length of time can also be automatically adjusted.

Abstract: A form and seal unit (1) for producing aseptic sealed packages from a tube (2) of packaging material filled with a pourable food product; the unit having a fixed structure (3), and two forming assemblies (5, 5′) interacting alternately and cyclically with the tube (2) of packaging material, and in turn having respective pairs of jaws (7) movable between an open position and a closed position in which the jaws grip the tube (2) of packing material between respective sealing members (13, 14), and respective forming flaps (21) having respective half-shell forming portions (22) which surround the tube (2) of packaging material to determine the shape and volume of the packages; the closing movement of the forming flaps (21) about the tube (2) of packaging material is controlled by cams (30) carried by the forming flaps (21) and interacting with rollers (64) fixed to the structure (3) of the unit (1).

Abstract: A heat sealing station for forming closely spaced heat seals across a tube of flexible packaging material includes a set of jaws moveable between an open position where the tube is free and a closed a position where the tube is trapped between the jaws. An electrically insulating backing is carried by a first jaw of the set. A pair of closely spaced, curved resistive heat sealing bands are vulcanized onto the backing. The heat sealing bands are energizable to form closely spaced heat seals across the tube when the first jaw is moved towards the tube to bring the backing into contact with the tube and when the heat sealing bands are energized. A backing is also provided on a second jaw of the set that corresponds in shape to the electrically insulating backing.

Abstract: This invention encompasses a heat seal die incorporating heat to 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 using such a heat seal die.

Abstract: The multi-layer film structure having an inner sealing layer which comprises metallocene catalyzed resin, a core which includes polypropylene copolymer and an outer layer and wherein the multi-layer film structure has a thickness within a range between about 50 and 70 microns. By utilizing this thin film with specific properties the sealers may be operated at lower temperatures thereby resulting in an energy saving and they produce seals having improved seal strength of 30% to 50% as compared with known prior mono-layer polyethylene film. The seal initiation temperature is reduced by 10° C. to 15° C. and the film exhibits an improved machine direction tensile strength of 25% to 40% and an improvement of 30% to 50% in puncture resistance as compared with a 76 microns mono-layer polyethylene film. This results in a reduction in the sealing cycle time and an increase in the throughput of the machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for aligning a packing material tube (1) with a treatment station in a packaging machine in which a tube (1) with a circular cross-section is produced from a strip of printed packaging material having embossed lines. Said tube is closed by longitudinally sealing it, filled and shaped in a cross-sealing unit (12) and divided into cuboid packages. The unit (12) is provided with an adjustable lift of stroke so that it intermittently convey the tube (1). It is also provided on diametrical sides with a folding flap (16) that can be pivoted about an axis (15). For feeling the position mark, a sensor is arranged. The aim of the invention is to facilitate a faster termination of the initial phase when the packaging machine is put into operation while at the same time producing less cuttings and to prevent the paper tube from being damaged. To this end, a folding finger (19) is arranged upstream of every folding flap (16).

Abstract: Apparatus for making packages having improved openable and reclosable interlocking seals from a continuous web of composite packaging film, the seal having male and female portions of arrowhead shape in cross section, snap detents, and being formed transversely to the direction of film flow during package formation at line speed. The packaging film is provided at package length intervals with thermoformable strips secured thereto transversely to the running length of the film, and is fed to a modified standard vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine where the film is formed into a bag with the thermoformable strip inside in ends abutting folded facing relationship at the upper end of the bag, product deposited into the bag, the bag sealed, the reclosable interlocking seal formed, and the bag severed from the next bag being formed.

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 diaper disposal system for packaging odorous waste objects in individual sealed (substantially air-tight) packages includes a body, base, hinged lid, flexible material, and a first sealing member and second sealing member. The sealing members are operable to seal or form a substantially air-tight seal in the flexible material to prevent the odor from escaping. The sealing members move between an open position and closed/sealing position by twisting an inner lid, closing the lid, or moving an activation arm. The sealing members preferably seal the tubing by thermally fusing the tubing. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A device for manufacturing tubular bag packages has a forming tube with a rectangular cross section. In order to produce reinforcing seams in a projection of the broad side walls of the tubular bag package, the device has a forming and folding device. The forming and folding device has two forming plates attached to the forming tube and a folding frame with folding plates. The relatively simply embodied device according to the invention makes it possible to form the reinforcing seams with less stress on the packaging material.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing tube-shaped packages made of flexible material, characterized in that an annular portion is pushed inward in a U-shaped arrangement at at least one closed end of a tube-shaped package, said annular portion being at least partially heat-sealed to the remaining part of the package at facing portions thereof. An apparatus for carrying out the method. A package obtained with the method and the apparatus.

Abstract: Multiple side-by-side packages are produced on a vertical form, fill, and seal machine by using a former/delivery tube assembly designed for this purpose. The front and back surfaces of the package are sealed together to form separate pouches. The technology is extendable to more than two pouches simultaneously and can handle pouches of the same or different sizes and food products that are either the same or unlike.

Abstract: A rotary mechanism for cutting and/or sealing a web has a pair of counter-rotating rotors mounted on parallel axes and having radially projecting arms between which the web is momentarily gripped for cutting and/or sealing. Sealing is performed by heated pressure outer faces on the rotor arms. Cutting is performed by cutter and anvil bars on the opposed arms engaging the web. Bearer faces on the arms beyond the pressure faces set a gap between the pressure faces and a rectangular-section tongue and groove in mating contact faces one side of the pressure faces locate the pressure faces laterally. The cutting means are adjusted by a wedge bar bearing on the inner face of the cutter bar or anvil. The wedge bar is movable in the direction of rotation and has an outer face inclined in the same direction. Means accessible from the leading and/or trailing faces of the rotor arms are provided for adjusting the wedge bar and clamping the cutter and anvil bars.

Abstract: The longitudinal-type bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus is an apparatus for packaging batches of articles being dropped. The longitudinal-type bag manufacturing and packaging apparatus includes a bag manufacturing and packaging unit, a film supply unit, photoelectric sensors and a controller. The photoelectric sensors detect a bottom end and a top end of batches of articles being dropped. The controller obtains a gap distance based on detected results detected by the photoelectric sensors. The gap distance is a distance between the top end of a preceding batch and the bottom end of a subsequent batch. Then, the controller compares the obtained gap distance with a predetermined value to automatically adjust the cycle time or to reduce the processing speed of the weighing unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to 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: 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 method and device are disclosed for forming and filling tubes containing a product, with the filling process taking place from the longer side of the tube, rather than the shorter side. An elongated product delivery tube contains product diverters that evenly spread out the product, allowing a clean seal in less time. An optional vibrator helps the product to settle quickly. Throughput is increased over the prior art, as well as facilitating improvements in opening the tube and in marketing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for the manufacture of bags and the fastening of same in groups on a hanger strip. The purpose is hereby attained according to the invention by the bag filled with the product being, after the formation of a first closing seam, subjected to a second method step such that after the advance of one bag length the second closing seam is formed, while at the same time a hanger strip is fastened on the first closing seam. Furthermore an apparatus for the manufacture of the bags and for grouping said bags on a hanger strip is described.

Abstract: A fill valve assembly for filling a flat bag with an inhomogeneous fluid or viscous product, comprises a valve head of a cross-section dimensioned to fit into the flat bag and having a an outlet for the product and an extension of the outlet, the outlet and outlet extension extending along a central longitudinal axis of the valve head, and at least two product supply passageways extending in the valve head substantially parallel to the outlet and outlet extension, each product supply passageway having an end section terminating in the outlet at an angle of 25° to 45°. A purging space adjoins the outlet extension along the central longitudinal axis. The purging space has a somewhat larger diameter than the outlet extension, and at least a part of the purging space is located in the valve head. A plunger comprising a piston and a piston rod moves the piston up and down through the outlet extension into three positions, the outlet and outlet extension having at least twice the length of the piston.

Abstract: A lateral sealing mechanism for use in a bag-making and packaging machine includes movable rotary shafts. The movable rotary shafts are driven by a lateral drive mechanism so that the distance between the shafts is controllable. Support mechanisms are mounted on and rotatable about the shafts. The support mechanisms support sealing elements for forming lateral heat seals on a tubular packaging material from which the bags are formed. The support mechanisms are such that the sealing elements are tiltable with respect to the tubular packaging material, and so that two sealing elements can be maintained in directly opposed engagement to one another across the packaging material as the seal is formed. The machine includes a squeezing mechanism that operates to force the packaged material downward within the tubular material and out of a sealing region before the seal is formed.

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 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: 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: A method for automatically making bags equipped with matching closure profiles, including unwinding a supply of at least a film for forming the bag walls and unwinding a supply of closure assemblies having a W-shaped support sheet, constituting an inner U-shaped tear band provided on its inner surfaces opposite respectively matching closure profiles, and external side webs extending beyond the closure profiles and the U-shaped inner band. The closure assembly being further pre-equipped with a series of sliders actuating the closure profiles distributed over the length of the unwinding closure assembly, and fixing the resulting closure assembly, by the external side support webs on the film forming the bag wall.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated and integrated method and apparatus for packaging, loading, storing, and/or retrieving a specified product. A preferred embodiment of a system comprises a packager, a feeder device, a magazine, an unloading device, and a control unit. The packager is adapted to package a predetermined quantity of a product in a package. The feeder device has a loading screw which engages the package and transfers it to a storage screw in the magazine. The magazine preferably comprises multiple horizontal rows of storage screws. Each horizontal row of storage screws may be individually rotated about a central axis of the magazine. The control unit maintains a data base of the location and contents of each package in the magazine. The unloading device is adapted to retrieve a desired package from the magazine. The unloading device then transfers the desired package to a predetermined location such as a tote, bin, or patient specific drawer.

Abstract: A vertical pillow type form-fill-seal packaging machine with transverse sealers incorporates a timing controller for adjusting the timing for clamping a tubularly formed film with the sealers such that articles being dropping in to be packaged will not be caught in between. A display device displays a time axis or parallel axes along which markers indicate the times of arrival of the falling articles to be packaged and the sealers at the clamping position for the sealers. As the user moves the marker for indicating the arrival time of the sealers, the timing controller adjusts the operating mode of the sealers such that the sealers will clamp the film at the time specified by the user according to the displayed time of arrival of the articles.

Abstract: In a vertical form, fill, seal machine that produces liquid-filled stand-up pouches, a flat vertical fill tube is surrounded by an envelope of thermoplastic film that is closed along one longitudinal edge and open along the opposite longitudinal edge. A main drive assembly includes drive members that press opposite sides of the envelope against the flat fill tube. An auxiliary film drive assembly is responsive to film tension. Stand-up base cups are formed seriatim along the closed longitudinal edge of the envelope. Fitments are inserted seriatim into the open longitudinal edge, in correspondence with respective cups, and are sealed to the thermoplastic film, first by a spot-sealer and then by a top sealer. End seal/cut-off assemblies provide a seal transversely of the envelope that is bisected by a knife to release a leading pouch that has been formed, filled, and sealed.

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: A former for forming an elongated planar bag-making material into a tubular form is composed of a hollow cylindrical tubular part and a shoulder part which has a planar guide section and is connected to the tubular part along a connecting line surrounding the tubular part. Both the tubular and shoulder parts are formed by cutting a tube-forming piece and a shoulder-forming piece from a flat blank sheet in appropriate shapes and bending these pieces into the shapes of the tubular and shoulder parts. The connecting line is designed such that the angle between its tangent and the axial direction of the tubular part changes at a constant rate. Portions of the edges of the tube-forming and shoulder-forming pieces may be in a shape of a parabola or a hyperbolic function curve, and these pieces are obtained by making a numerical control program from the desired shapes of the curve and controlling a laser cutter by the program to cut a blank sheet in the desired shapes.

Abstract: A vertical pillow type form-fill-seal packaging machine with transverse sealers incorporates a timing controller for adjusting the timing for clamping a tubularly formed film with the sealers such that articles being dropping in to be packaged will not be caught in between. A display device displays a time axis or parallel axes. along which markers indicate the times of arrival of the falling articles to be packaged and the sealers at the clamping position for the sealers. As the user moves the marker for indicating the arrival time of the sealers, the timing controller adjusts the operating mode of the sealers such that the sealers will clamp the film at the time specified by the user according to the displayed time of arrival of the articles.

Abstract: A latitudinal seal mechanism includes seal jaws 78, fixed cams 75, cam followers 76, a pair of partial cams 88, partial cam followers 78a, rotational shafts 80, coupling members 79, and shaft support portions. The seal jaws 78 are heated, and move circularly such that the seal jaws 78 abut on and move away from tubular film. The fixed cams 75 have shapes that correspond to locuses of movement of the seal jaws 78. The cam followers 76 support the seal jaws 78, and move along the fixed cams 75. The rotational shafts 80 move the cam followers 76 relatively about rotational centers of the rotational shafts 80. The coupling members 79 couple the rotational shafts 80 and the cam followers 76. The shaft support portions rotatably support the rotational shafts 80. The partial cams 88 have a shape that corresponds to a locus of movement of the pair of seal jaws 78 when the pair of seal jaws 78 holds the tubular packaging films.

Abstract: A stripping/sealing assembly and method for a vertical form, fill and seal machine. The stripping assembly comprises a rotatable master axis including a pair of oppositely rotating primary axes. A stripper may be associated with each of the primary axes, each stripper being located in a mount. A slave axis, comprising a pair of rotatable cranks mounted on central axes, is provided for displacement of the mounts in unison toward and away from the primary axes during rotation. By judicious retarding and then accelerating of the rotation of the cranks in relation to the primary axes, the stripper/sealer dies traverse linear paths along the tubular film to strip and seal the tubular film. The method provides adjustable seal dwell time, stripping and seal cooling time all programmable in software.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal packaging machine produces a dummy bag from a film by starting to move seal jaws after the film has been pulled over a specified length or for a specified length of time from the moment when an eye mark on the film is detected by a detector. If the position on the film at which it was cut is displaced from the intended position, this displacement is inputted such that the specified length or the specified length of time is automatically corrected. If any of the parameters defining the pattern of transverse sealing operation is changed, the specified length or the specified length of time can also be automatically adjusted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a tubular package is disclosed. A longitudinally advancing strip of film material is guided about a mandrel so as to form a tubular body. As the film advances, margins of the film at the longitudinal edges are guided together into a fin and the fin is guided against the tubular body portion. The edge margins are then welded to each other and to the tubular body portion to form a tube closed cylinder. Individual packages may be formed and filled using conventional form, fill and sealing equipment.

Abstract: A latitudinal seal mechanism includes seal jaws 78, fixed cams 75, cam followers 76, a pair of partial cams 88, partial cam followers 78a, rotational shafts 80, coupling members 79, and shaft support portions. The seal jaws 78 are heated, and move circularly such that the seal jaws 78 abut on and move away from tubular film. The fixed cams 75 have shapes that correspond to locuses of movement of the seal jaws 78. The cam followers 76 support the seal jaws 78, and move along the fixed cams 75. The rotational shafts 80 move the cam followers 76 relatively about rotational centers of the rotational shafts 80. The coupling members 79 couple the rotational shafts 80 and the cam followers 76. The shaft support portions rotatably support the rotational shafts 80. The partial cams 88 have a shape that corresponds to a locus of movement of the pair of seal jaws 78 when the pair of seal jaws 78 holds the tubular packaging films.

Abstract: A packaging machine former apparatus 10 through which a film 11 passes to be formed into a tube 12. The apparatus 10 includes a shoulder 15 over which the film 11 passes, the shoulder 15 including an approach member 16 that leads to a crown 17. The member 16 includes a passage 20 terminating in an aperture 21 to which a gas under pressure is delivered so as to create an “air cushion” over which the film passes, thereby aids in movement of the film 11 over the surface 18 of the approach member 16.