Abstract: An apparatus for producing packaging, in particular composite packaging for liquid foodstuffs, having a cross-sectional area that decreases in the pour-out direction in the gable region. The packaging is composed of a sleeve having a gable region having a plurality of gable faces and a pouring element. The apparatus has at least one rotatable mandrel wheel having a plurality of mandrels for holding the sleeves. Additionally, a method for producing such packaging and a gable press for use with the aforementioned apparatus. In order to allow easier and more cost-effective production, it is proposed that the apparatus has a gable press, assigned to a single mandrel wheel position, for folding the gable region, for connecting all the gable faces of the gable region of the sleeve to the pouring element and for sealing the protruding ears in the same mandrel wheel position.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for sterilizing a sleeve that can shorten a sterilization process for a paper container sleeve and ensure a sterilization effect. In a method for sterilizing a sleeve in an aseptic filling system that molds the sleeve into a paper container having a bottomed tubular shape by closing surfaces of an open end part of the sleeve and performs sterilization, filling and sealing of the paper container, the sleeve being a tubular body having walls formed by laminating at least paper, in a state where the sleeve stands in a columnar shape, heated air containing a sterilizer is blasted to an inner surface of the sleeve that is to form a bottom part of the paper container to perform sterilization of the inner surface of the bottom part and heating for the closing at the same time.

Abstract: A heating unit is described and illustrated including at least two heating devices for at least partially heating with hot air end areas of package sleeves to be sealed, wherein the heating unit has an air supply device for supplying air to be heated to the heating devices, wherein the heating devices each have a heating element for producing hot air and a nozzle unit for blowing hot air produced in the heating device against the end area of the package sleeve. In order to be able to increase the leak tightness of the sealed end areas of the package sleeves without having to accept an excessive outlay and effort in terms of the equipment and/or in terms of the method for this, it has been proposed that the heating devices are each separately connected to the air supply device by means of at least one holder and are each separately held on the air supply device by means of the at least one holder.

Abstract: A device is depicted and described for the single-sided closure of packaging sleeves for the production of composite packages, in particular carton/plastic-composite packages, by forming by means of a mandrel wheel with a plurality of mandrels arranged distributed uniformly over the circumference and directed radially outwards, which pass successively through several processing stations in the circumferential direction of the mandrel wheel, wherein each mandrel has a head on its free end, on which the folding sections to be closed of the packaging sleeve slid onto the mandrel are folded and sealed in the closed position, and wherein the head of the mandrel is designed to be variable in its outer dimensions.

Abstract: An anvil device (10) is for insertion into an end closure of a partially formed container. The anvil device (10) comprises a bracket (12) and an anvil body (14) connected to one end of the bracket (12). The anvil body (14) comprises four corners (C1 to C4) where the distance between one pair of diagonally opposite corners (C1, C3) is less than the distance between the other pair of diagonally opposite corners (C2, C4). The anvil body (14) is asymmetric and one corner (C1) is closer to the centre of the anvil body (14) than each of the other three corners (C2 to C4).

Abstract: Apparatus including a forming anvil device for insertion into an end closure region of a partially formed container, the anvil device comprising a front edge region, a rear edge region, respective lateral edge regions extending between the front and rear edge regions and first and second forming portions each having a corner-forming zone including at the respective rear edge region and a lateral edge region arranged substantially orthogonal to each other, each lateral edge region, extending away from the corner-forming zone and towards the front edge region, also including an obliquely inwardly arranged portion.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for sealing packages 20 is to be mounted as a part of a larger packaging machine, which fills packages 20 with products or substances, preferably food or beverages but could be any other suitable substance, then closes and seals the packages using the sealing apparatus 10 by folding each package transversally, thereby closing it and sealing the transversal fold, and subsequently delivers the packages to a final folding station.

Abstract: A top sealer for a gable top package having a sealed top fin includes an arm support and a pair of opposing arms pivotally mounted to the arm support. The arms each have a sealing jaw at about an end thereof. The arms are pivotal to move the sealing jaws toward and away from one another through an arc. The arm support is linearly movable toward and away from the package, as the arms pivot, to move the sealing jaws downward, toward the package, to alter the arc of the pivoting sealing jaws.

Abstract: A top sealer for a gable top package having a sealed top fin includes an arm support and a pair of opposing arms pivotally mounted to the arm support. The arms each have a sealing jaw at about an end thereof. The arms are pivotal to move the sealing jaws toward and away from one another through an arc. The arm support is linearly movable toward and away from the package, as the arms pivot, to move the sealing jaws downward, toward the package, to alter the arc of the pivoting sealing jaws.

Abstract: A bulge reducer is configured for use on a form, fill and seal packaging machine for gable top packages. The machine has a drive element and plurality of discrete package carriers for conveying the packages along a conveyance path through the machine. The bulge reducer includes a drive member operably connected to the machine station chain. A reciprocating member is operably connected to the drive member for the reciprocation toward and away from the conveyance path. The reciprocating member contacts one of the package side walls as the package moves along the conveyance path to exert an inward force on and urge the side wall inwardly of the package.

Abstract: A bottom prefolding assembly prefolds the bottom panels of a package having a bottom wall formed with in-folded gusset tips. The prefolding assembly infolds the bottom gusset panels, leading and trailing panels of a carton and in-folds the gusset panel tips prior to forming the sealed carton bottom. The assembly includes a drive, first and second folding arms configured to contact and inwardly prefold the lead and trailing panels and a forming arm movable with the first and second folding arms. The forming arm has a pair of pivotable finger elements mounted thereto. The finger elements each having a carton engaging portion to engage the panel portions that form the gusset tips and fold the panel portions in a direction opposite of the folding of the gusset panels.

Abstract: Pressure pads useful in the closing and sealing of multiple components which define the bottom of a carton, particularly a gable-type carton, bottom having a square or rectangular footprint. The invention is especially useful in the closing of the bottom of cartons wherein the sealing fin of the carton bottom is non-handed.

Abstract: A gable top package for pourable food products comprising a gabled top portion including a front sloping top wall and a back sloping top wall joined together at a top transversal seal, wherein the gabled top portion includes a pair of lateral flaps adjacent to respective end portions of the top transversal seal and folded out of the package top volume available for the food product and delimited by the front and back sloping top walls.

Abstract: A bottom folding assembly for a packaging machine is configured to infold the bottom side panels, leading panel and trailing panel of a carton for forming a sealed carton bottom in such a manner as to reduce the contact of rotating elements with the carton material to reduce the generation of dust. The bottom folding assembly is positioned about a rotating turret that defines a turret plane. The mandrels are configured to receive a carton in the tubular form and to carry the carton with the carton positioned such that a bottom of the carton is positioned at a free end of the mandrel. The bottom folding apparatus, located between a carton bottom heater and a carton bottom sealer includes a rotating drive shaft mounted transverse to the turret plane and a pair of opposing rotating members are operably mounted to the drive shaft and are disposed on either side of the turret rotational path. The rotating member rotate in a plane transverse to the turret plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming the bottom end wall of a carton from a rectangular carton blank having oppositely disposed scored end panels and oppositely disposed unscored end panels includes a rotating mandrel assembly adapted to receive an open-ended carton blank through an open top end of the carton blank, a heating station, a folding station and a sealing station. The folding station has a pair of oppositely disposed reciprocating break fingers to contact and fold inwardly the scored bottom end panels and biasing means for folding inwardly down the unscored bottom end panels. The folding station is rotatable 90° between two functional orientations, a first orientation wherein the break fingers are aligned in the direction of mandrel movement, and a second orientation in which the break fingers are perpendicular to the direction of mandrel movement.

Abstract: Methods of producing a laminated package with an opening which is sealed by a tear-off strip or a pouring element as well as a corresponding laminated package are described. To be able to produce a laminated package with such a closure inexpensively, the following steps are provided in the method punching out an opening in a packaging material, coating the packaging material at least in the area of the opening, creating a package sheathing from the coated packaging material, conveying the package sheathing to a filling machine or to an equipment unit from the filling machine, and attaching a tear-open strip to the opening in the package sheathing in the filling machine or in the equipment unit upstream from the filling machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a counter rail and a dolly, suitable for use in an apparatus for heat sealing a laminated packaging material for packaging of a liquid or flowing product, wherein the counter rail and the dolly each are made of a substantially plastics material. The invention also relates to an apparatus for heat sealing and to a sealing/cutting apparatus including said counter rail and dolly, as well as to a packaging machine including such a sealing apparatus and counter rail and dolly of the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method of producing said counter rail and dolly by means of co-injection molding.

Abstract: A defoaming apparatus (22) defoams a foamable product that is dispersed into a container such as a TETRA REX gable-top carton (80). The defoaming apparatus (22) creates a sonic shock wave (110) that destroys most if not all of the bubbles of the foamable product. The defoaming apparatus (22) has a body (100) that defines a recessed cavity (102). A pair of electrodes (106, 108) is located within the recessed cavity (102). The opening to the cavity (102) can include a radio frequency filter (114) covering to absorb radio waves created from the sonic shock wave (110). The defoaming apparatus (22) is preferably disposed immediately after the filling of the container (80).

Abstract: A head space inerting system is used in a packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing packages. The inerting system directly introduces an inerting gas into the head space of the formed package subsequent to filling and prior to sealing. The inerting system includes an inerting gas source, an inerting gas heater to heat the inerting gas and an inerting gas nozzle. The inerting gas nozzle is disposed within the form, fill and seal packaging machine to introduce the inerting gas directly into the head space of the packages. The nozzle is further disposed between the top heating station and the sealing station. A method for inerting an atmosphere in the package head space is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming the bottom end wall of a carton from a rectangular carton blank having oppositely disposed scored end panels and oppositely disposed unscored end panels includes a rotating mandrel assembly adapted to receive an open-ended carton blank through an open top end of the carton blank, a heating station, a folding station and a sealing station. The folding station has a pair of oppositely disposed reciprocating break fingers to contact and fold inwardly the scored bottom end panels and biasing means for folding inwardly down the unscored bottom end panels. The folding station is rotatable 90° between two functional orientations, a first orientation wherein the break fingers are aligned in the direction of mandrel movement, and a second orientation in which the break fingers are perpendicular to the direction of mandrel movement.

Abstract: In a packaging machine that includes an elongated mandrel for the formation of a blank into a carton, wherein the mandrel includes a secured end and a distal end, a method and apparatus are provided for correctly positioning the blank relative to the distal end of the mandrel. The carton stop comprises a selectively rotatable tool that includes an engagement segment and is operable from a remote location, an elongated threaded rod that includes a secured end rotatably secured to the packaging machine and a distal end, and an abutment member threadably mounted upon the rod for longitudinal movement along the threaded rod in response to rotation of said threaded rod. The threaded rod defines an engagement segment adapted to engage the engagement segment of the rotating tool.

Abstract: In an off-line, free standing, parts-orienting and feeding device, selected parts are fed by a hopper to and oriented in a centrifugal or vibratory parts feeder unit, and then discharged to a programmed transferring arrangement. The latter includes a slide shuttle unit for alternately receiving discharged parts in a plurality or passages and aligning the part receiving passages with one or more pressurized air passages to blow the parts through selected transfer tubes to pick and placement devices which serve to place the parts continually one at a time on packaging materials being processed on one or more packaging machines. Limit devices on each transfer tube signal the slide shuttle unit to realign the parts receiving passages with the pressurized air passages to provide parts as required by each machine.

Abstract: A form, fill and seal packaging machine is adapted to receive a carton blank, erect the carton blank into an open-top carton, fill and seal the open-top carton. The cartons have a predetermined cross-sectional shape and size. The packaging machine includes a frame, a plurality of stations carried by the frame including a carton erection station, a bottom flap sealing station, a filling station and a top flap sealing station, and a drive assembly. A conveying assembly is operably connected to the drive assembly for moving the cartons through the stations. A plurality of cavity bars are carried by the conveying assembly. Each of the cavity bars defines cavities formed therein that correspond generally to the cross-sectional size and shape of the cartons. Each of the cavities is defined by internal peripheral surfaces configured for receiving and securing the carton therein as the carton is conveyed between the stations of the machine.

Abstract: A rotary closure applicator applies two closures contemporaneously to two respective cartons on a form, fill and seal packaging machine. The closures are applied into openings and secured to the respective cartons. The applicator includes a body, a rotating shaft having a first longitudinally stationary section and a second longitudinally movable section. The first and second shaft sections are rotatable with one another independent of longitudinal movement of the movable section. A drive is operably connected to one of the shaft sections for rotating the shaft. A spoked applicator member is operably connected to the longitudinally movable section for moving the applicator member toward and away from the cartons. The applicator includes at least four closure supporting elements mounted thereto for supporting closures for movement into engagement with their respective cartons.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming the bottom of a carton on a form, fill and seal packaging machine such as the TETRA REX® packaging machine includes a sealing station for a bottom forming station that includes a pair of rotating spindles. Each spindle has a pre-folding member and a final folding member for infolding the bottom panels of the carton. The sealing station also includes a guide plate for guiding the final folded bottom panels of the carton to a sealing plate for permanent sealing. The bottom formed carton provides a tight seal, particularly for an over-folded carton, for use in packaging a product.

Abstract: A packaging machine has a folding rail 36 for guiding a prefolded bottom forming portion 14 of a container 11 fitted around a mandrel 31 from a first process station to a second process station during the movement of the mandrel 31 from the first to the second station while folding the bottom forming portion flat by contact therewith. The folding rail 36 comprises right and left two rail members 71, 72, with a clearance C formed therebetween for permitting an outer end of the prefolded bottom forming portion 14 of the container 11 fitted around the mandrel 31 to be inserted thereinto during the movement from the first to the second station. An unfolding preventing guide member 73 is disposed in the rail clearance C so as to come into contact with a required part of the bottom forming portion 14 during movement through the clearance.

Abstract: A high-frequency heat-sealing apparatus is provided which is capable of achieving a satisfactory seal in which a sealed zone is narrower in its width than at its central portion and in which contaminants such as liquid beverages are not present between thermoplastic material layers over the longitudinal direction of the sealed zone. The apparatus transversely heat-seals a tubular packing material made of a laminate including a synthetic resin layer and a conductive material layer in the presence of a fluid. A ridge shaped to contain an arcuate partial curve in its transverse contour is formed on the action face of a high-frequency coil flush with the flat action face of one of the pressing members for pressing the central portion of a sealed zone having two rounded and narrowed right and left sides. A flash portion for a molten thermoplastic resin is formed adjacent to the outer side of the high-frequency on the cutting side of the coil.

Abstract: A vacuum spud supports an associated closure for transport and mounting to an associated package. The closure has a spout integral with an outwardly extending flange. The spud includes a main body portion having a central region and an outer support surface for supporting the closure at the flange. The outer support surface is generally planar. The spud defines a vacuum region formed in the main body portion extending below the support surface. The vacuum region is in flow communication with a vacuum manifold formed generally centrally disposed in the main body portion and configured for connecting to an associated vacuum source for establishing a vacuum in the vacuum manifold and vacuum region. When the closure is disposed on the spud, the closure is held on the spud by the vacuum exerted on the closure at the flange.

Abstract: A packaging machine for processing a carton blank received from a magazine into a formed, filled and sealed carton package. The packaging machine includes an infeed sterilizer mechanism, a carton lift, a form and fill carousel and a sealing mechanism. The infeed sterilizer sterilizes an erected carton blank having an open top end and an open bottom end, and is disposed on a first level of the packaging machine. The carton lift lifts sterilized cartons from the infeed sterilizer mechanism on the first level to a second level. The form and fill carousel is located on the second level and has a central turret with a plurality of filling mandrels connected thereto. Each of the filling mandrels is in flow communication with a product supply and fills the carton as it is lowered for sealing. The sealing jaw mechanism is disposed to receive a filled carton from a mandrel on the form and fill carousel and to seal an open end of the carton.

Abstract: The ultrasonic sealing device (50) may be integrated on a packaging machine (20) such as a TETRA REX.RTM. packaging machine and used for sealing one end of a carton (200). The ultrasonic sealing device (50) includes a frame (52), an anvil (56), a horn (54) and a plurality of adjustable shafts (60-65). The anvil (56) is disposed on one side of a carton pathway (32) and moveably attached to the frame (52). The ultrasonic horn (54) is disposed on another side of the carton pathway (32) opposite the anvil (56) and moveably attached to the frame (52). The plurality of adjustable shafts (60-65) includes a first plurality of adjustable shafts (60,61) connected to the frame (52), and allowing for vertical adjustment of the frame (52) relative to the carton pathway (32). It also includes a second plurality of adjustable shafts (62,63) connected to the frame (52) and allowing for transversal adjustment of the frame (52) relative to the carton pathway (32).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for sterilizing cartons with vapor-phase hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet radiation on a packaging machine. A partially formed carton is first sprayed at a bottom forming station with a sterilant. Then, the carton is transported to a sterilization station where the carton is sprayed with gaseous hydrogen peroxide thereby allowing the gas to condense on the packaging material. The carton is then conveyed to a UV radiation source for irradiation of the packaging material. The carton is then dried with heated air to flush/remove any residual hydrogen peroxide. The present invention sterilizes the carton allowing for filling of the packaging material with a desired product such as milk, juice or water. The invention allows for the efficacious use of hydrogen peroxide having a concentration of up to 53% while providing a packaging material having less than 0.5 ppm hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A packaging system having a multiple magazine for providing different carton blanks to a single form, fill and seal packaging machine is disclosed in the present invention. The packaging system has the multiple magazine apparatus, the packaging machine, a carton opener and optionally an automatic carton loader. The present invention also discloses the multiple magazine apparatus having a plurality of magazines, and means for retrieving blanks therefrom.

Abstract: A packaging that is capable to simultaneously process cartons having two different cross-sections, or to convert from processing a carton having one cross-section to a processing cartons having another cross-section. Using TETRA REX.RTM. gable top cartons as an example, a dual line packaging machine may process cartons having a 95 mm.times.70 mm cross-section on one line and process cartons having a 95 mm.times.95 mm cross-section on the other line. The packaging machine may have eccentric housing column for simple adjustments of the width of the lines.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement for sealing overlapped edge portions of laminates folded onto a support member. The arrangement includes a pressure pad assembly and a drive member. An elastomeric disk is retained compressed between the drive member and the pressure pad assembly. A drive unit serves to extend the drive member to thereby urge the pressure pad via the elastomeric disk into pressure sealing engagement with the overlapped laminates on the support member.

Abstract: A packaging machine under control of an electronic control system is set forth. The packaging machine includes a plurality of servo driven packaging stations that execute the processes required to fill and seal a carton. Each of the packaging stations is driven by one or more servomotors associated therewith. A plurality of servo amplifiers are connected to the servomotors to control the rotational movement of the servomotors thereby to effect control of the motion of the various components associated with each if the packaging stations. The packaging machine further includes at least two programmable devices connected for communication over a common bus. A programmable axis manager (PAM) is connected to control the plurality of servo amplifiers and, thus, the motion profiles of the servomotors and components of the respective processing station. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is connected to receive and transmit input/output signals associated with the plurality of packaging stations.

Abstract: A method of forming a container including the steps of: providing a sheet material defining a peripheral wall structure bounding a receptacle with an open end, and a closure portion having gable panels and a plurality of fins for closing the open end of the receptacle; reconfiguring the closure portion to place the closure portion in a closed state wherein the plurality of fins are in overlying relationship and the gable panels reside between the fins and the peripheral wall structure; effecting a seal between a plurality of the fins using a first sealing pattern; and after effecting the seal using the first sealing pattern effecting a seal between a plurality of the fins using a second sealing pattern.

Abstract: The combination of a carrier for a container, a squaring plate, a drive for the squaring plate, and a sealing assembly. The carrier accepts a container having first and second spaced flat walls that are substantially parallel to each other with the container in an erected state and third and fourth walls each connecting between the first and second flat walls. The carrier has a first edge against which the first wall of the container can be abutted so that the first wall is thereby supported in a first orientation with the container operatively held by the carrier. The squaring plate is guided in movement relative to the carrier towards the first edge.

Abstract: A method for producing ultrasonic vibrations at a preselected amplitude in a workpiece.

Abstract: An anvil system including a plurality of anvils having an interconnected cooling system. Each of the anvils has a means for acoustically insulating the anvil body from ultrasonic energy which originates from a ultrasonic horn. The insulation means may be a airspace slot essentially separating the vibrating portion of the anvil from the anvil body. The anvil may also have an adjustable sealing pattern which allows for facilitated exchange of sealing patterns. The anvil may also have a plurality of projecting pads which reduces damage to the ultrasonic sealing equipment and to the object to be sealed.

Abstract: A packaging machine under control of an electronic control system is set forth. The packaging machine includes a plurality of servo driven packaging stations that execute the processes required to fill and seal a carton. Each of the packaging stations is driven by one or more servomotors associated therewith. A plurality of servo amplifiers are connected to the servomotors to control the rotational movement of the servomotors thereby to effect control of the motion of the various components associated with each if the packaging stations. The packaging machine further includes at least two programmable devices connected for communication over a common bus. A programmable axis manager (PAM) is connected to control the plurality of servo amplifiers and, thus, the motion profiles of the servomotors and components of the respective processing station. A programmable logic controller (PLC) is connected to receive and transmit input/output signals associated with the plurality of packaging stations.

Abstract: A hollow heating head for insertion into an open, spouted, top end closure of a carton comprises an interior chamber with slot-form outlets for hot air supplied to the chamber. The slots include a U-shaped, narrow slot, or its equivalent, extending generally horizontally around two lateral vertical walls and an end vertical wall of the head. Each limb of the U-shape includes horizontal, upper and lower sections and a vertical intermediate section. The base of the U-shape is adjacent the lower sections, is at substantially the same level as the lower sections and is of a shallow V-shape in a vertical plane. The slots also include several vertically extending slots above each of the base and the lower sections of the U-shaped slot.

Abstract: A feeding and loading mechanism for use in pulling carton side-seam-sealed blanks from a magazine, opening same into tubes, and loading the latter onto mandrels of an indexing turret on a liquid-carrying container forming, filling, and sealing machine. The feeding and loading mechanism includes a slidably mounted carrier having at least one vacuum cup mounted at each end thereof aligned with oppositely disposed magazines, a forming shoe fixedly secured between each magazine and adjacent mandrel for opening each tubular flat side-seam-sealed blank into a tube as the blank moves therepast, a loading finger for loading each tube onto the respective mandrel, and a drive assembly operatively connected to the carrier for reciprocally moving same to alternately remove blanks from the oppositely disposed magazines to alternately process same.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for packaging containers includes an anvil (23) for supporting a sealing fin portion (21), a horn (35) composed of a columnar portion and a converging portion (35b), and means for pressing said sealing fin portion (21) against the anvil (23) through the tip of the horn (35) and for transmitting ultrasonic vibration to the sealing fin portion (21). Ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to the packaging material through the horn (35) so that each pair of opposing sealant layers is fused and sealed. In addition, means for absorbing ultrasonic vibration is disposed between the tip of the horn (35) and an edge portion (25) of the sealing fin portion (21) so that ultrasonic vibration is absorbed. When the ultrasonic vibration is transmitted to the sealing fin portion (21), the sealing fin portion (21) is excited to transmit the vibration toward the edge portion (25).

Abstract: A carton end closure score line breaker mechanism for pre-breaking the top closure score lines before the filling and closing and sealing steps does not include a center post, or any components which extend into the inside of a carton end closure, eliminating any chance for contamination inside the end panels. The center-free breaker mechanism includes a pair of blades each having an arcuate center section for caving in the adjacent end panel and, thereby, bulging the side end panels and pulling in the oppositely disposed panel, and a blade fork and another pair of blades, wherein the blade fork includes two longitudinal, parallel blades which slide across the side body panels, and each blade of the other pair is a flat-faced bar for engaging the adjacent end panel and causing the side end panels to project outwardly completing the pre-breaking of all end closure score lines.

Abstract: A linear drive apparatus for moving a canon in a packaging machine from a first position to a second position is set forth. The apparatus includes first and second spaced apart guide rods and an engagement assembly that is disposed between and slidably engages the first and second guide rods. The engagement assembly is adapted to engage one or more cartons for movement between the first and second positions. The apparatus further includes a drive shall onto which a drive roller is disposed for co-rotation. A first drive belt is connected to the drive roller and disposed about the drive roller in a clockwise direction at a first end thereof while a second end of the first drive belt is connected to a first portion of the engagement assembly.

Abstract: A sealing device is set forth which assists in overcoming the foregoing problems. The sealing device includes a first sealing jaw for sealing a fin of the gabled container. A second sealing jaw is disposed opposite the first sealing jaw. Both the first and second sealing jaws include a generally flat face portion. The second sealing jaw further includes a sealing bar extending from a mid-region of its generally flat face portion lengthwise along at least a portion thereof for sealing the fin of the gabled container with, for example, ultrasonic energy. A ridge extends respectively from each of the generally flat face portions at a position to form a fin base crease at the base of the fin, for example, over the existing weak crease at the base of the fin. The fin base crease assists in preventing separation at the base of the fin below the principal horizontal seal formed by the sealing bar.

Abstract: A pressure sealing mechanism having a yoke into which a mandrel is positioned while having a carton tube mounted thereon with overlapped end closure panels, the yoke including side walls, a closed outer end wall, oppositely disposed, inwardly extending flanges formed on the inner ends of the side walls, with cooperating slots formed in the mandrel, and an expansible bladder and a pressure pad mounted in the yoke for sealing the panels upon expansion of the bladder by forcing the yoke radially outwardly such that the flanges engage the slots providing a compressive force on the panels.

Abstract: A liquid food product packaging process and apparatus is disclosed. The process may be employed for filling gable top cartons with high acid liquids such as orange juice. The product is heated to a sufficiently high temperature to sterilize the product for a short period of time and then cooled to an intermediate temperature that is sufficiently high to avoid the growth of bacteria, and at the intermediate temperature, the product is placed in unsealed gable top cartons. The cartons are sealed and allowed to cool to room temperature. This process produces a food package that has high seal integrity and relatively low carton distortion.

Abstract: A gable-bottom carton gripper is disclosed for lifting and transporting container blanks between various positions within a packaging machine. Container blanks are sealed in a gable-bottom configuration using predesigned sealing jaws. The sealing jaws feature strategically placed ribs which, during ultrasonic sealing of the container bottoms, cause the formation of a longitudinal bubble disposed along a bottom fin of each gable-bottom container. A carton gripper is adapted to grip the bottom fin while supporting the bottom panels of the container. The gripper includes a rigid member bent to conform to the shape of a gable-bottom container, with a gripping edge defining a fin channel to secure the bottom fin within a fin chamber. The longitudinal bubble prevents the fin from being displaced from the fin chamber during the lifting and transporting process.

Abstract: A packaging machine for manufacturing packaging containers for liquid contents, e.g., milk or juice, from tubular packaging container blanks of laminated paper and plastic material. The blanks are fed through the machine by means of a main conveyor along which is disposed various stations for performing operations such as sealing the bottom ends of the blanks to form bottom-sealed packaging containers, filling the bottom-sealed packaging containers, and top-sealing the filled containers. A station can also be provided to transfer blanks from an infeed conveyor located below the main convey to the main conveyor. The stations are jointly controlled but individually driven and replaceable, which makes for a flexible and compact machine.