Frito-lay North America, Inc.

Recot Inc.

Douglas Machine Inc.

Recct, Inc.

Patrick Joseph Bierschenk

John Joseph Michels

Jerry Mike Reaves

Edward Anthony Bezek

Frank Mathew Brenkus

Ronald Matthew Gust

John L Center

Martin Bernhard Dierl

Chad Arthur Huebner

Amelinda Melanson

Robert J Croft

Steven Kenneth Tucker

Jim Frances Warner

Leon J Krause

Steven D Braithwaite

Ronald M Gust

Kevin Lauren Cote

Joseph Paul Sagel

Irvan Leo Pazdernik

Sunitha Nair

Frank M Brenkus

Boderick Gerard Hall

Center John L

Jerry M Reaves

A vertical fill, form and seal (VFFS) apparatus for particulates that facilitates the close-packing ('settling') of the particulates such that a smaller package is needed to contain a mass of particulates in a charge to the VFFS apparatus. The former of the VFFS apparatus, and an associated film driver, move up and down synchronously and in a controlled manner. A partially formed bag, below the former, containing particulates is shaken up and down as the former moves up and down, while the packaging film travels downward continuously in the apparatus. The shaking causes the particulates to settle, and to increase in bulk density. This allows use of less packaging, and lowers use of transportation fuel. In an embodiment, an actuator is in mechanical communication with the former (and its associated film driver) to apply a vertical reciprocating force to the former.

Apparatus and methods of packaging particulates for settling

A vertical form fill and seal apparatus, for packaging particulates, includes a package sealing assembly that has opposed sealing jaws operatively coupled to each other by mechanical connection at a common pivot point. A first jaw actuator is mechanically coupled to the opposed sealing jaws to pivot the jaws in a controlled manner about the common pivot point. A second actuator is mechanically coupled to the package sealing assembly and is configured to impart controlled reciprocating motion to the package sealing assembly. A controller is configured to control the first actuator and to control the second actuator thereby causing the jaws to describe a preset locus of travel, allowing flexibility of type of bag being made without change-out of jaws. The packaging film may move continuously, or may optionally be controlled to move intermittently through the VFFS.

Flexible jaws for vertical fill form and seal apparatus and methods of use

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

Apparatus for compacting product and high speed bagmaking

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

Method and apparatus for compacting product

The present invention discloses a flat bottom pillow pouch that can stand upright on its bottom transverse seal. The flat bottom pillow bag can be made from the same film as a standard pillow pouch and requires less film than prior art stand up packages. The flat bottom pillow pouch disclosed herein has no gussets.

Apparatus for making a flat bottom pillow pouch

A method and apparatus for making a structurally resilient package with a desired shape on a vertical form, fill, and seal machine. The method comprises sealing a film to form a back seal; forming a first end seal to form a partially formed first package; flattening a first side of the partially formed first package to form a flat first side; filling the partially formed first package with product; forming a second end seal on the partially formed first package to form a first package from the partially formed first package; flattening the second side of the first package to form a flat second side, wherein the flattening the first side and the flattening the second side occur on a first machine.

Method and apparatus for making a structurally resilient package

Method for making a flat bottom pillow pouch

Method and apparatus for making a flat bottom pillow pouch

A semi-rigid flexible film pack for multi-packs, and method for manufacturing same, constructed from a gusseted bag. The invention provides for modifying a gusseted bag, heat sealing the gussets to their respective side walls, loading said gusseted bag with product, and then sealing the open end of the gusseted bag with a single sheet or web. The method of making this package is economical yet provides for a semi-rigid container ideal for use with single-serve pillow bags.

Semi-rigid flexible film pack for multi-packs

Method for making a semi-rigid flexible film pack for multi-packs

Growing community of inventors

Dallas, TX, United States of America

Patrick Joseph Bierschenk