There is described a packaging apparatus for forming a plurality of sealed packages-comprising conveyor for advancing a web of packaging material along an advancement path, an isolation chamber, a tube forming device adapted to form a tube from the, in use, advancing web of packaging material, a sealing device adapted to longitudinally seal the tube, a support structure carrying at least the tube forming device, a filling device for continuously filling the tube formed by the tube forming device, a package forming unit adapted to form and seal the packages from the, in use, advancing tube formed by the tube forming device and filled by the filling device. The support structure comprises at least one support column at least indirectly carrying the tube forming device and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube forming device.

There is described a packaging apparatus for forming a plurality of sealed packages-comprising conveyor for advancing a web of packaging material along an advancement path, an isolation chamber, a tube forming device adapted to form a tube from the, in use, advancing web of packaging material, a sealing device adapted to longitudinally seal the tube, a support structure carrying at least the tube forming device, a filling device for continuously filling the tube formed by the tube forming device, a package forming unit adapted to form and seal the packages from the, in use, advancing tube formed by the tube forming device and filled by the filling device. The support structure comprises at least one support column at least indirectly carrying the tube forming device and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tube forming device.

An inflatable web is disclosed. The web includes first and second film plies sealed together via a plurality of generally transverse seals to define a first and second inflatable chambers and an inflation region. The chambers are inflatable with a fluid and operable to contain the fluid. The sealed plies have a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The web defines a separation region extending at least partially transversely across the web between the first and second inflatable chambers and is configured to facilitate separation thereof. The separation region includes a tear propagation line extending transversely across at least a portion of the web with an end of the tear propagation line terminating proximal to the first longitudinal edge of the web. The separation region includes a tear initiation feature including edges spaced apart from one another longitudinally to form a permanent opening in the web.

A system and method that causes at least one item to be placed within a portion of an elastic film positioned across a top surface of a container, the portion including a center portion in which the at least one item is placed. Air may be extracted from the container to create a vacuum within the cavity and to expand the center portion to create a void in the center portion within the cavity. Air may flow into the container to release the vacuum and contract the center portion of the elastic film as the void is decreased and eliminated.

A system and method that causes at least one item to be placed within a portion of an elastic film positioned across a top surface of a container, the portion including a center portion in which the at least one item is placed. Air may be extracted from the container to create a vacuum within the cavity and to expand the center portion to create a void in the center portion within the cavity. Air may flow into the container to release the vacuum and contract the center portion of the elastic film as the void is decreased and eliminated.

A sealing machine for the sealing of packages comprises a sealing chamber in which packages can be sealed. The sealing chamber comprises a working platform on which packages can be conveyed; a chamber lid movable relative to the working platform between an open position and a closed position; a sealing mechanism for the sealing of packages; and a suction unit for suction of gas from a volume enclosed by the chamber lid and the working platform. The sealing machine further comprises a protective frame kinematically connected to the chamber lid, and the protective frame has apertures through which gas can flow from the outer space into the enclosed volume.

An automated system for the preparation and distribution of food, comprises: at least one supply station of at least one container adapted to contain a plurality of food ingredients; at least one filling station of the at least one container with the food ingredients; at least one pressurization station intended to apply an vacuum to the at least one container; at least one microwave cooking station of the food ingredients inside the at least one container; and a distribution apparatus/system(s)/component(s)/structure(s) (or the like) of the at least one container to an end consumer.

A sealed plastic container having an airtight chamber. The container includes an elongated body portion having at least one opening and at least one enclosure portion welded to the opening of the body portion, thereby hermetically sealing the chamber. The chamber may have a pressure above atmospheric pressure. The enclosure portion and the body portion may be biodegradable.

The disclosure relates to a sealing station with a product protection plate fastened thereto, wherein a fastening mechanism used for fastening the product protection plate comprises a magnetic locking unit, a hook-in locking unit or a gravity locking unit.

A fluid dispenser device including a body; a reservoir containing one or two doses of a fluid, the reservoir including a stopper that closes the reservoir in leaktight manner before actuation; a dispenser head that is provided with a dispenser orifice; and dispenser mechanism for dispensing at least a portion of the fluid through the dispenser orifice during actuation. The device further includes a needle having a tip that is adapted to pierce the stopper during actuation, the reservoir being filled with the fluid and being closed with the stopper under a vacuum, so that the residual volume of air present in the reservoir between the fluid and the stopper is substantially zero.