Packages made from flexible material, wherein the packages include one or more self-folds formed by applying activation energy to the flexible material are presented. The packages include a polymeric film, wherein the polymeric film is formed from one type of polymer, and wherein the flexible material defines an enclosed product volume. The packages include a first panel formed from the flexible material and a second panel formed from the flexible material. The packages include a self-fold that has an overall thickness that is about 5% to about 30% greater than a thickness of the flexible material outside of the self-fold. The self-fold has a differential thermal-mechanical set than the flexible material outside of the self-fold, and forms an angle of about 100 degrees to about 170 degrees between the first panel and the second panel.

In a method and apparatus for producing a small pouch with a predetermined amount of particulate material therein, a predetermined amount of the particulate material is portioned from a bulk supply and compacted into a single discrete caplet. The caplet is then deposited into an open hollow pouch closed at one end thereof, and the open end is then closed with the caplet between the closed ends of the pouch. The caplet in the pouch is then compressed to return it to its particulate form. The particulate material may be granular or shredded tobacco.

In a method and apparatus for producing a small pouch with a predetermined amount of particulate material therein, a predetermined amount of the particulate material is portioned from a bulk supply and compacted into a single discrete caplet. The caplet is then deposited into an open hollow pouch closed at one end thereof, and the open end is then closed with the caplet between the closed ends of the pouch. The caplet in the pouch is then compressed to return it to its particulate form. The particulate material may be granular or shredded tobacco.

A vertical flow-wrapper, for producing tubular bags from a foil web, with a frame/housing, at which a form-fill-tube, a longitudinal-sealing means and a cross-sealing means and a cutting means are provided. The vertical flow-wrapper includes a part of the frame/housing that is moveable relative to the frame/housing from an operation position into an inspection position and vice versa, and the cross-sealing means is provided on the part.

A vertical flow-wrapper, for producing tubular bags from a foil web, with a frame/housing, at which a form-fill-tube, a longitudinal-sealing means and a cross-sealing means and a cutting means are provided. The vertical flow-wrapper includes a part of the frame/housing that is moveable relative to the frame/housing from an operation position into an inspection position and vice versa, and the cross-sealing means is provided on the part.

Packaged viscoelastic polymer substances and methods for the production of the packaged viscoelastic polymer substances are provided. The packaged viscoelastic polymer substances are further processable under the influence of heat and shear.

Packaged viscoelastic polymer substances and methods for the production of the packaged viscoelastic polymer substances are provided. The packaged viscoelastic polymer substances are further processable under the influence of heat and shear.

A packaging material web stock is provided. The packaging material web stock can include first and second plies overlaid and sealed to each other at a plurality of seals that include a plurality of transverse seals extending transversely across the plies, wherein a plurality of interior cavities are defined between the plies and the transverse seals, the first and second plies arranged in a web that includes a plurality of packaging units arranged longitudinally in a series along the web, wherein the first and second plies form walls of the packaging units, and at least some of the packaging units include at least one of the interior cavities, and an expansion material disposed in the interior cavities in an unexpanded configuration, wherein the expansion material is arranged within the inner cavities such that, when expanded to the expanded configuration, the expansion material is configured to provide cushioning in the walls.

A device for shaping the gable surfaces of packages with a slanted gable is shown and described, including: a conveyor system with cells fixed to it to receive the packages, at least one gable folder to fold a fin seam in the gable region of the packages and at least two ear folders to fold ears in the gable region of the packages. In order to enable rapid and reliable shaping of the gable even in packages with slanted gables, it is proposed that both the gable folder and the ear folders be mounted movably relative to the conveyor system and the packages to be transported therewith. A method for shaping the gable surfaces of packages with a slanted gable is also shown and described.

A device for shaping the gable surfaces of packages with a slanted gable is shown and described, including: a conveyor system with cells fixed to it to receive the packages, at least one gable folder to fold a fin seam in the gable region of the packages and at least two ear folders to fold ears in the gable region of the packages. In order to enable rapid and reliable shaping of the gable even in packages with slanted gables, it is proposed that both the gable folder and the ear folders be mounted movably relative to the conveyor system and the packages to be transported therewith. A method for shaping the gable surfaces of packages with a slanted gable is also shown and described.