Separating devices for a blister tube include a blister tube feed device comprising a first transport means and an associated first transport means bearing, a blister discharging device arranged downstream of the blister tube feed device and comprising a second transport means and an associated second transport means bearing, a first drive coupled to the first transport means, and a second drive coupled to the second transport means, and a control device coupled to the first and second drives, the control device configured to temporarily exert a tensile force on the second portion of the blister tube in the transport direction with the aid of the second transport means, the tensile force being dimensioned in such a way that the second portion of the blister tube is separated from the first portion of the blister pouch at a separation aid. Methods and packaging devices using separating devices are also provided.

Separating devices for a blister tube include a blister tube feed device comprising a first transport means and an associated first transport means bearing, a blister discharging device arranged downstream of the blister tube feed device and comprising a second transport means and an associated second transport means bearing, a first drive coupled to the first transport means, and a second drive coupled to the second transport means, and a control device coupled to the first and second drives, the control device configured to temporarily exert a tensile force on the second portion of the blister tube in the transport direction with the aid of the second transport means, the tensile force being dimensioned in such a way that the second portion of the blister tube is separated from the first portion of the blister pouch at a separation aid. Methods and packaging devices using separating devices are also provided.

A packaging machine for producing blister packs has an inspection device with at least one detection device configured to optically detect individual blister packs. The upper side and the lower side of each blister pack is inspected by means of the at least one optical detection device.

A packaging machine for producing blister packs has an inspection device with at least one detection device configured to optically detect individual blister packs. The upper side and the lower side of each blister pack is inspected by means of the at least one optical detection device.

Flexible film packages having an easily opened package feature incorporated therein and method of producing such packages are provided. The package opening feature may be incorporated into a variety of package formats such as flow wrapped packages having a longitudinal seal (including fin seals or lap seals) or packages with side seals (including two-, three-, or four-side seal pouches). In one illustrative approach, the package opening feature is disposed adjacent or at a package seal, such as, for example, an end seal, a top seal, a bottom seal, a side seal, or a longitudinal seal. The flexible film laminate has at least first and second film layers, and at least one of the film layers defining an interior cavity configured to hold food products. In a number of configurations, the flexible film packages may be reclosable or resealable.

Flexible film packages having an easily opened package feature incorporated therein and method of producing such packages are provided. The package opening feature may be incorporated into a variety of package formats such as flow wrapped packages having a longitudinal seal (including fin seals or lap seals) or packages with side seals (including two-, three-, or four-side seal pouches). In one illustrative approach, the package opening feature is disposed adjacent or at a package seal, such as, for example, an end seal, a top seal, a bottom seal, a side seal, or a longitudinal seal. The flexible film laminate has at least first and second film layers, and at least one of the film layers defining an interior cavity configured to hold food products. In a number of configurations, the flexible film packages may be reclosable or resealable.

For transporting packaging bags (1), e.g. from a production facility to further processing, e.g. for being filled, the packaging bags (1) are connected to at least one flexible strip (13, 14). To this end, the packaging bags (1) are delivered one after another to a loading device where they are supported by their weld-in closures (4) on supporting and guiding means (9) and moved along these supporting and guiding means (9; 10). On the latter, the weld-in closures are connected to the strip (13, 14), e.g. by welding.

For transporting packaging bags (1), e.g. from a production facility to further processing, e.g. for being filled, the packaging bags (1) are connected to at least one flexible strip (13, 14). To this end, the packaging bags (1) are delivered one after another to a loading device where they are supported by their weld-in closures (4) on supporting and guiding means (9) and moved along these supporting and guiding means (9; 10). On the latter, the weld-in closures are connected to the strip (13, 14), e.g. by welding.

There is disclosed a method for packing articles, liquid or loose material in film bags which are conveyed through a filling station in a continuous web of bag items, wherein the bag openings are kept open for reception of articles, after which the bags are closed and separated from the web. In order to increase the filling rate and make the bags cheaper, the bag web is provided with a central support region extending longitudinally of the bag web and connecting bag items that are disposed side by side transversely of the web. The central support region is conveyed on a support rail along the conveyor path through the filling station and formed as an entirely or partially closed channel. The peripheral areas of the bag items at the outermost opposite bag opening edges of two juxtaposed bag items are brought into guiding connection with guide means adapted for retaining and guiding edge areas at opposing bag opening edges along a conveyor path through the filling station. In connection with this passage, the guide means will force the bag opening edges apart for successive opening of the bags in the filling station, and then, after filling the bags, joining the bag opening edges for closing the bags again.

There is disclosed a method for packing articles, liquid or loose material in film bags which are conveyed through a filling station in a continuous web of bag items, wherein the bag openings are kept open for reception of articles, after which the bags are closed and separated from the web. In order to increase the filling rate and make the bags cheaper, the bag web is provided with a central support region extending longitudinally of the bag web and connecting bag items that are disposed side by side transversely of the web. The central support region is conveyed on a support rail along the conveyor path through the filling station and formed as an entirely or partially closed channel. The peripheral areas of the bag items at the outermost opposite bag opening edges of two juxtaposed bag items are brought into guiding connection with guide means adapted for retaining and guiding edge areas at opposing bag opening edges along a conveyor path through the filling station. In connection with this passage, the guide means will force the bag opening edges apart for successive opening of the bags in the filling station, and then, after filling the bags, joining the bag opening edges for closing the bags again.