Method and apparatus for a product settler

An improved continuous motion form, fill and seal machine, said machine comprising a product conduit, a conveyor, and seal jaws;

• wherein the conveyor is positioned to convey a package material that is wrapped around the product conduit;
• wherein the conveyor moves the package material along the product conduit;
• wherein the seal jaws are positioned adjacent to opposite portions of the package material to form a first end seal on the package material, thereby forming a partially formed package;
• wherein the product conduit is positioned so that a product passing through the product conduit will enter the partially formed package after exiting the product conduit;
• and wherein the product conduit is positioned above the seal jaws;
• wherein the improvement comprises:
• a product settler comprising a first object positioned to cause an impact against the package material;
• wherein the impact agitates the package material and settles the product from an unsettled height to a settled height while the machine continuously conveys the package material along the product conduit.