A film tensioning and steering system can be configured to extract a film from a film source. One or more film characteristics can require that the film tensioning and steering system be isolated from the film source so that a film tension can be maintained within the film tensioning and steering system. A first drive roller pair and a second drive roller pair can be configured to secure the film and enable a dampening roller to maintain the film tension between the first drive roller pair and the second drive roller pair. Additionally, the dampening roller can store an amount of the film as a film buffer. Accordingly, the film tensioning and steering system can maintain the film tension such that a steering system can align the film before the first drive roller pair provides the film at a proper alignment to a downstream system.

A film tensioning and steering system can be configured to extract a film from a film source. One or more film characteristics can require that the film tensioning and steering system be isolated from the film source so that a film tension can be maintained within the film tensioning and steering system. A first drive roller pair and a second drive roller pair can be configured to secure the film and enable a dampening roller to maintain the film tension between the first drive roller pair and the second drive roller pair. Additionally, the dampening roller can store an amount of the film as a film buffer. Accordingly, the film tensioning and steering system can maintain the film tension such that a steering system can align the film before the first drive roller pair provides the film at a proper alignment to a downstream system.

The present invention relates to a system for the compact packaging of microfibrillated cellulose, which comprises a packaging, which comprises at least one polymer material. Said packaging encompasses a content that essentially consists of microfibrillated cellulose (“MFC”) that is present as a suspension in a solvent. The resulting system is of an essentially round or essentially rectangular or oval outer circumference, as defined by the dimensions of the packaging once fully filled out by the content. The system of the invention has the advantage, among others, to provide a solid and firm essentially round packaging shape. The resulting units of packaged MFC can be easily stacked on a pallet. The packaging maintains the water retention capacity of the suspension (paste). The present invention also relates to a process for making such a system.

The present invention relates to a system for the compact packaging of microfibrillated cellulose, which comprises a packaging, which comprises at least one polymer material. Said packaging encompasses a content that essentially consists of microfibrillated cellulose (“MFC”) that is present as a suspension in a solvent. The resulting system is of an essentially round or essentially rectangular or oval outer circumference, as defined by the dimensions of the packaging once fully filled out by the content. The system of the invention has the advantage, among others, to provide a solid and firm essentially round packaging shape. The resulting units of packaged MFC can be easily stacked on a pallet. The packaging maintains the water retention capacity of the suspension (paste). The present invention also relates to a process for making such a system.

There is described a forming assembly (10b) for forming a plurality of sealed packs (3) starting from a tube (2) of packaging material, comprising first conveying means (15b) movable along a first path (Q) comprising: a first operative branch (Q1), which has a main elongation direction parallel to an advancing direction (A) of the tube (2); and a first return branch (Q2) comprising an initial portion (35b) which is arranged immediately downstream of the operative branch (Q1) and extends transversally to the advancing direction (A); first conveying means (14b, 15b, 14b′) comprise one of a sealing element (22b) or a counter-sealing element (22a); and a first half-shell (21b), which is movable along the operative branch (Q1) between: a first rest position, in which it is detached from the tube (2) or the formed pack (3); and a first operative position, in which it grips the tube (2) or the formed pack (3); the first half-shell (21b) is arranged in the first operative position along a first portion (34b) of the first operative branch (Q1); the first half-shell (21b) is kept in the first operative position along an initial portion (35b), so as to grip and convey the pack (3) in a staggered position with respect to the advancing direction (A); and moves, from the first operative position to the rest position at an end (36b) of the initial portion (35b) opposite to the first portion (34b), so as to discharge the pack (3) in a staggered position with respect to the advancing direction (A).

There is described a forming assembly (10b) for forming a plurality of sealed packs (3) starting from a tube (2) of packaging material, comprising first conveying means (15b) movable along a first path (Q) comprising: a first operative branch (Q1), which has a main elongation direction parallel to an advancing direction (A) of the tube (2); and a first return branch (Q2) comprising an initial portion (35b) which is arranged immediately downstream of the operative branch (Q1) and extends transversally to the advancing direction (A); first conveying means (14b, 15b, 14b′) comprise one of a sealing element (22b) or a counter-sealing element (22a); and a first half-shell (21b), which is movable along the operative branch (Q1) between: a first rest position, in which it is detached from the tube (2) or the formed pack (3); and a first operative position, in which it grips the tube (2) or the formed pack (3); the first half-shell (21b) is arranged in the first operative position along a first portion (34b) of the first operative branch (Q1); the first half-shell (21b) is kept in the first operative position along an initial portion (35b), so as to grip and convey the pack (3) in a staggered position with respect to the advancing direction (A); and moves, from the first operative position to the rest position at an end (36b) of the initial portion (35b) opposite to the first portion (34b), so as to discharge the pack (3) in a staggered position with respect to the advancing direction (A).

A multi-layer film includes a first-seal layer and a second-seal layer. The multi-layer film may be used to form a package for consumer-care products.

A folding unit includes componentry for folding a continuous sheet of a film material fed along an infeeding direction, to form a tubular wrapping. The folding unit has a base structure, a first pair of folding plates and a second pair of folding plates. Folding edges of the plates of the first pair of folding plates form, with the base structure, a first angle, while folding edges of the plates of the second pair of plates form, with a longitudinal axis of the base structure, a second angle, where the first angle and the second angle differ from one another by ±2°.

A folding unit includes componentry for folding a continuous sheet of a film material fed along an infeeding direction, to form a tubular wrapping. The folding unit has a base structure, a first pair of folding plates and a second pair of folding plates. Folding edges of the plates of the first pair of folding plates form, with the base structure, a first angle, while folding edges of the plates of the second pair of plates form, with a longitudinal axis of the base structure, a second angle, where the first angle and the second angle differ from one another by ±2°.

Disclosed is a hygienic clamp attachable to conveying chains used in horizontal, form, fill, and seal, packaging machines. The clamp is used for holding the packing film, which is conveyed between various work stations of the machine. The clamp assembly comprises of three components: stanchion, gripper, spring. The clamp eliminates the use of a rivet, previously used for holding the spring, and guiding vertical moment of the gripper during the clamping process. The hygienic clamp replaces the rivet with a mortise and tenon connection. The mortise is located inside the stanchion and the tenent is located inside the gripper. The hygienic clamp also incorporates a ridge (attached to the stanchion) which interacts with the tenon (protruding from the gripper). The interaction between these two parts enables delayed closure of the clamp, independent of the cam's actions, which functions as the primary opening and closing mechanism for the hygienic clamp.