Bag for automated filling and sealing machine

A method of sealing a bag wherein the bag has an opening, a pair of upper corners at the edges of the opening, a sealing area, and pair of flanges that each define a stress relief notch intermediate the sealing area and the opening;

• the method comprising the steps of:
• engaging the upper corners of the bag with first and second members;
• moving the first and second members away from each other to tighten the opening of the bag;
• and
• forming a seal in the sealing area of the bag.

A method of sealing a bag wherein the bag has an opening, a pair of upper corners at the edges of the opening, a sealing area, and pair of flanges that each define a stress relief notch intermediate the sealing area and the opening;

• the stress relief notches defining upper and lower portions of the flanges;
• the method comprising the steps of:
• engaging the upper corners of the bag with first and second members;
• folding the upper portions of the flanges independent of the lower portions of the flanges when the upper corners of the bag are engaged;
• pulling the upper corners away from each other to tighten the opening of the bag;
• and
• forming a seal in the sealing area of the bag.