MX343231B

Packaging related process, system & apparatus.

Abstract

A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacting by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.

MX343231B, drawing sheet 1 — Sheet 1 of 74

Term

4.1 yearsleft in the term

Expires 25 October 2030.

23 claims: 1 independent, 22 dependent

1
CLAIMS REIVINDICACIONES INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PROPIEDAD MEXICAN INSTITUTE OF PROPERTY INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIAL 1. Un aparato para compactar una pieza de trabajo, dicho aparato comprende:one. An apparatus for compacting a workpiece, said apparatus comprises: a weigher;un pesador;a product supply cylinder: a mounting device;un cilindro de suministro de producto: un dispositivo de montaje;en donde dicho dispositivo de montaje esta localizado entre dicho pesador y dicho cilindro de suministro de producto;y una puerta de rápido accionamiento, dicha puerta de rápido accionamiento localizada corriente arriba desde dicho cilindro de suministro de producto, en donde dicha puerta de rápido accionamiento puede estar completamente abierta en menos de aproximadamente 50 milisegundos, en donde dicho dispositivo de montaje comprende una cámara de descarga y en donde dicho aparato comprende un sensor localizado sobre dicha cámara de descarga y una varilla, en dond dicha varilla esta activamente acoplado a dicho sensor. wherein said mounting device is located between said weigher and said product supply cylinder;and a quick-acting door, said fast-acting door located upstream from said product supply cylinder, wherein said fast-acting door can be fully open in less than about 50 milliseconds, wherein said mounting device comprises a chamber. of discharge and wherein said apparatus comprises a sensor located on said discharge chamber and a rod, where said rod is actively coupled to said sensor.

325 paragraphs in 27 sections, as filed

(54) Title: PROCEDURE, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS RELATED TO PACKAGING.

(54) Title: PACKAGING RELATED PROCESS, SYSTEM & APPARATUS.

(57) Summary

A method of compacting a workpiece and apparatus for doing the same are described. The invention describes assembling arched products in an intermediate mounting device to form a compact piece of product. The device may comprise a single mounting chamber or may comprise multiple mounting chambers, which are axially rotatable. The product is then discharged into a packaging apparatus. Since the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be used thus reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.

(57) Abstract

A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacting by jostling and / or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.

PATENT TITLE NO. 343231 _SE_ αΟΚΒΑΛ Μ ΚΟΗβΜίΑ

Mexican Institute of Industrial Property

Owner (s): FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC .; DOUGLAS MACHINE INC.

Address: 7701 Legacy Drive, Plano, Texas, 75024-4099, USA

Name: PROCEDURE, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS RELATED TO PACKAGING.

Classification: lnt.CI.8: G01G13 / 00

Inventor (s): PATRICK J. BIERSCHENK; FRANK M. BRENKUS; AMELINDA MELANSON;

JERRY M. REAVES, LEON J, KRAUSE; RONALD M. GUST

Number:

MX / a / 2012/004720

Country:

US

REQUEST

International filing date;

October 2010

PRIORITY

Date: Number:

October 2009 12 / 604,748 February 2010 12 / 701,762 October 2010 12 / 9Q9,306

Validity: Twenty years; a: ss. v., -ί ,,,.

-Expiration Date: October 25, 2030 | a reference patent ^ otorg ^ on foundation in articles 1, 2 fraction V, 6 fraction lll, and 58 de'.l Industrial Property Law.

In accordance with article 23 of the Industrial Property Law, this patent will be valid for one year, non-extendable, effective as of the date of filing of your International application and will be subject to the payment of the fee. for current ma-ferier rights.

You who subscribe to the other title jjp make on the basis of the deposed few artfcutu6 ° fiaocibnes lll and 7 ° bis 2 * the Industrial Property Law (ϋψιο Federation Official (DOF) 06/27/1901, amended on 08/02 / 1894, 10/25/1996, 12/26/19 ^, 05/17/1999,> 1/6/2004, 06/16/2005 / 01/2010, 06/16/2010, 28 «6ft010 ¡77451/2012 and 04/09/2012); Articles 1, 3, fraction V (file a), 4, and 12, fracatenes I and ill of the Regulation of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 14/12/199 ^ amended on 01/07 / 2002,15 / 07 /2004.28/07/2064 and 7/09/2007); articles 1 «, 3» * ·, 5fftaetóÉnv »mo a), 16 fractions t and Itl and 30 of the Organic Eltotuto of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DOF 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007); 1, 3 and 5 Clause a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy Directors General, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Holders of the Regional Offices, Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999, amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007).

Issue Date: October 28, 2016

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

M and J α) or 12J00 9? or

PROCEDURE, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS RELACUDftfrft

INDUSTUÍAL

343^31

PACKING

This is an international application filed under 35 USE §363 that claims priority under 35 USC §120, from / to the United States Patent Application Serial Nos. 12 / 604,748, 12 / 701,762 and 12 / 909,306. , which has presentation dates of October 23, 2010 respectively, and titled METHOD AND APPARATUS TO COMPACT PRODUCT,

PROCEDURE, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS RELATED TO PACKAGING, AND METHOD AND APPARATUS TO COMPACT PRODUCT respectively, the descriptions of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to the field of packaging, more particularly, to any or all of the procedures, systems, and apparatus for assisting product packaging and / or for combined package and product packaging manufacturing, and more particularly in addition, but not exclusively, to procedures, systems and apparatus for at least mounting a measured load of a product reimburse before packing / bagging before achieving a volumetric reduction of the measured load of the settling product.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Procedures for packaging, eg, bagging, sealable products are well known and numerous. An illustrative, non-limiting class of commonly bagged sealable products is comprised of food products, more particularly, snacks.

Possibly the best-known member of the snack family are those food products characterized as “fryings,” for example, potato, corn, tortilla, etc., salty, seasoned, or otherwise. With documented sales of packaged snacks at $ 68 billion in 2008 (reportlinker.com), Packaged Facts of Rockville, Maryland (USA) projects sales approaching $ 82 billion for 2013, a total market increase! of about 20%. Without a doubt, despite the recent / current economic downturn and its impact on household budgets and the like, consumers are consuming snacks more than ever. Thus, a variety of plausible reasons are generally provided for the increased and rising sales of such food products, the fact remains that there is ample opportunity for increased revenue for manufacturers of such food products, and, it is hoped, increased profits. .

Beyond the introduction of new snacks (for example, 350 more new salty snack launches in the US on e!

2009 according to the Global New Database

Products from Nintel (NY, USA), one of several focus areas believed to be advantageous over what is expected to increase revenue and earnings is product packaging. For example, among other things, the sale of a fixed amount, that is, by volume, in a bag, brought out more than otherwise smaller, etc. (i.e. a smaller volume bag) reduces material packaging costs of product through reduced material / resource consumption, consequently contributing positively to a profit and loss statement.

As illustrated here, Figure 1, bag manufacturing and packaging procedures are generally characterized by a measuring station 20, a bag manufacturing and packaging station 22, and a bag transfer or transport station 24. Such hitherto known bag manufacturing and packaging systems are illustrated here, Figures 2 and 3 (US Patent No. 7,328,544 (Yokota et al., Figures 1 and 2 thereof), with a less "busy" illustration of a manufacturing and packing station illustrated here in FIG. 4 (US Patent No. 5,732,532 (Fujisaki et al.), Figure 1 thereof), another teaching incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Generally, a measured load (that is, a selected mass of product for packaging) leaves a measurement station (Figures 2 and 3), or a hopper (Figure 4). The measured load

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IKDUWTUAL targets a discharge tube, or channel (eg, a mandrel of a former (Figure 3)) for passage through it. The roll-fed film is directed towards and onto the mandrel, and finally onto it, where it is longitudinally sealed to form a film sleeve (Figure 4). Thereafter, the sleeve thus formed is transversely sealed through a sealant under the tube, to thereby receive and retain the measured product load, the similarly cut cross-seal portion, and a packing / product load. bagged thus formed and transferred from the station, through a cane conveyor! discharge or the like, for subsequent post-packing processing.

Needless to say, a variety of real challenges were undoubtedly confronted, and overcome at least to some degree, in the course of developing the procedures, systems, and apparatus of Figures 1-4 and the like. Although Yokota and others appear to have focused on holding on to bags leaving the bag manufacturing and packing station (1: 49-67), and Fujisaki and others on blockages of the tubular chuck presentation step (2: 7-35) , little or nothing has been done in connection with the prepackaging of the product, in addition to establishing a measured supply of the product, to improve bag manufacturing and product packaging operations, and the quality and / or character of! product packaging. Thus, in view of at least the foregoing, it is believed that the challenges related to

- _ ΙΙΤΠΤΠΊΒ MEXICANO DE LaRROHEÍJAD lND'JSrtlAL

bag manufacturing and product packaging, with real and perceived benefits believed to be obtainable. Before, inter alia, reduction of packaging materials, the provision of a measured load of improved character and / or quality, and the production of a bagged snack or the like having a real and / or received improver character (for example, an increased ratio of mass to volume for the packaged product, a reduction in the amount of fine product particles or the like that accompany the packaged product, etc.), It remains advantageous and desirable to provide new and / or improved prepackage preparatory steps, and accompanying apparatus / systems, and thus an improved packaging related method, system, and apparatus for a sealable product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An apparatus is provided to facilitate the packaging of a sealable product, as well as a system incorporating the same, and an accompanying procedure. The apparatus includes a driveable turret assembly, a turret assembly base, and a turret assembly actuator operatively linked to the assembly to selectively drive the turret assembly relative to the turret assembly base. The actionable turret assembly is characterized by product settling vessels. Each product settling container from the

Product settling can be placed, via actuation of the operable turret assembly, to receive a measured load of the settling product. Successive actuation of the operable turret assembly seats the measured load of the sealable product before a discharge of a measured seated load of the sealable product from the apparatus to a packing station

The actionable turret assembly, or product seating containers thereof, is advantageous, but not necessarily, of a modular design, which is easily "changed", or in the case of containers, physically changed or altered through adaptation, to more efficiently handle the processing of a variety of sealable products, or a packaging goal of a selected sealable product. The turret assembly is generally driven, for example, through, among other alternatives, an indexed rotation, to compact or seat the sealable product retained by a container of the plurality of product seating containers. The drive is advantageous, but not necessarily, carried out by means of a selectively controlled mechanical system, more particularly, by means of a servo-drive.

The containers for product settling containers can be well characterized as tubes or sleeves, having opposite "open" ends. Containers generally include a metered cargo revenue portion and a portion of

discharged seated measured load, with the income portion characterized by a sectional area that exceeds a sectional area of the egress portion. In the context of rotary compaction, the containers are arranged circumferentially within the turret assembly or the assembly body, and can be placed in a biased condition to minimize "crowding" of product. A particular utility container is configured to include an inlet portion characterized by a channeled free end that delimits a metered cargo tank that "feeds" the remainder of the container with successive drives of the operable turret assembly.

The turret assembly base is generally adapted to selectively allow a seated measured load of seatable products to pass from a selected container, at, for example, a container emptying site. More particularly, the passage of the seated measured load of the sealable product from the container placed at the emptying site is accomplished through a selective actuation of a seated metered load discharge port, e.g., door assembly, onto the which can be filled with product settling containers prior to a discharge of a metered settled product load of settling product from the apparatus to a packing station, advantageously, towards a bag-forming mandrel having at least one segment comprising air passage vents.

Functionally, the turret assembly is operable, through

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Selective drive, moves rQri elation to the turret base and the measurement station above. More particularly, the drive, in the form of an index station, proceeds relative to a filling station / site bounded by the metering station, and an emptying site / location bounded by the turret base, primarily the port of download it. Preferably, the measured product will be received at the loading station and released at the unloading station at approximately the same time.

Since container "x" of "N" total containers of the driveable turret assembly is placed for emptying at the emptying station, container "x + 1" is advantageously positioned for initial presentation at the filling station near the emptying station, while container "x + 2" has undergone an initial settling / compaction repeat, and container "x-1" proceeds to a "ready and ready" position for emptying (ie, next in row for emptying). Indexing occurs each time a measured and settled product load is discharged from the turret assembly into or into the funnel / bag former,

Advantageously the lumen of a vented tube, with various loads of measured product introduced to the turret assembly through a drive cycle. Through such an operation, a settled load formed from a measured mass of seated product, primarily a mass of reduced volume product, is ready for packaging. More specific features and benefits

obtained in view of these characteristics will become more apparent with reference to the figures and the detailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates common processing steps of the known bag packing and manufacturing procedure;

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a known packaging / bagging system from Ishida Co., Ltd. (eg, US Patent No. 7,328,544), not inconsistent with the procedure of Figure 1;

Figure 4 illustrates a known House Foods Corp. bagging / packaging system (eg, US Patent No. 5,732,532), not inconsistent with the procedure of Figure 1;

Figure 5 illustrates an improved bag making and packaging procedure;

Figure 6 is a perspective view of a filling apparatus employing an embodiment of the invention comprising a mounting chamber;

Figure 7 illustrates a preferred non-limiting seating assembly, top isometric view, associated with the seating or seating / forming station of the improved bag making and bagging process of Figure 5;

Figure 8 is a flat view of the seating assembly

of Figure 7;

INSTITUTO MÍCICANi i LA noflUMP industiual ____

Figure 9 is a bottom isometric view of the seating assembly of Figure 7;

Figure 10 is a top profile view of a rotatable mounting device comprising multiple mounting chambers in their unloading and receiving positions;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rotatable mounting device comprising multiple mounting chambers in a middle rotating portion;

Figure 12 is a bottom perspective view of a subassembly of the seating assembly of Figure 7, see especially Figure 9, primarily, a door assembly;

Figure 13 is an exploded view of the sub-assembly of Figure 12;

Figure 14 is a top isometric view of the turret assembly of the seating assembly of Figure 7;

Figure 15 is a top isometric view of an alternate turret assembly, with Figure 15A directed at an alternate sleeve or container configuration;

Figure 16 is a top isometric view of the seating assembly of Figure 7 in combination with an improved tube / mandrel from a bag manufacturing station; and,

Figure 17 is a top isometric view of the seating assembly of Figure 7, with replaced turret assembly, in combination with an improved tube / mandrel from a filling station.

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Figure 18 is a perspective view of a filling apparatus similar to that of Figure 6 comprising a mounting chamber and vacuum release ports;

Figure 19 illustrates, in top isometric view, cooperative elements of a combined settling, settling / forming station and bag and packing manufacturing station, parts removed;

Figure 20 illustrates, in a lower isometric view, the combination of Figure 19; and,

Figure 21 is a view like Figure 20, with bag and packaging manufacturing station elements removed to show underlying details.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Generally, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for compacting a workpiece and increasing compaction of product within a package. Compaction refers to the density of the product within a package. One object is to form and compact an intermediate fragment of product that is subsequently discharged into a packaging apparatus and eventually into a package. A further object in one embodiment is to ensure that the increased compaction remains through the baling operation. Applicants have

found to form and compact an intermediate fragment and then unloading the part for packaging results in increased product compaction. A workpiece refers to a collected product load.

Because the resulting increased compaction of the product at the bag manufacturer, less settlement occurs during shipping, handling, and subsequent package presentation. Thus, the apparatus and method of this Invention ensure that the package presented on the shelf will more closely resemble the package as observed in the bag manufacturer. As used herein, a bag maker refers to any packaging apparatus. The method and apparatus can be used in a wide variety of bag manufacturers including but not limited to a vertical form, fill, and seal machine and horizontal form, fill, and seal machines in a box apparatus, as well as box packing machines. Similarly, a packaging apparatus termed as a seal, fill bag manufacturer, whereby pre-made bags are opened, filled, and sealed, can also be used. The final packages described herein may comprise traditional flexible packaging associated with snack product, vertical packaging, box packaging, bag in a box packaging, and other products containing product that is subject to settling.

The apparatus and method can be used to increase the

ΙΜΡΪ

MEXICAN INSTITUTE C *. THE FROFIEDAD

Industrial

compaction of a variety of products including food products such as fried foods, pretzel (type of baked bun), cookies, noodles, nuts, cereals, and seeds. Similarly, this Invention also applies to individually wrapped products such as individually wrapped mints or other sweets that are susceptible to settling. The apparatus and method also work for various dry products including dog food, cat food, etc.

The description below immediately proceeds with general reference to Figure 5, and Figures 6-11 of Figures 521. The processing steps of an improved bag manufacturing and packaging procedure are generally illustrated in Figure 5, primarily the adding a product settling station, more particularly, a measured product settling station and measured product load deformation, to the procedure of Figure 1. Non-limiting, preferred apparatuses for facilitating packing (ie improved packing) of settling solids are generally illustrated in Figure 6 and the various views in Figures 7-11. Details regarding subassemblies thereof, primarily, a door assembly, as advantageously illustrated but not necessarily in the views of Figures 12 and 13, and turret assemblies, as illustrated advantageously but not necessarily in Figures 14 and 15 are provided in a similar way. Finally, the devices contemplated, equipped with the alternate turret assemblies of

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ΙΝ * ΤΤΠΠΌ MEXICAN · (THE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

Figures 14 and 15 are illustrated in combination with an improved tube / bag forming mandrel in Figures 16 and 17 respectively, as well as the major procedure elements of Figures 6 similarly equipped in Figure 18. Before proceed with the detailed description, several preliminary issues deserve mention.

First of all, regarding the issue, the packaging / packaging procedure improvements originate from food products, more particularly, snacks, and more particularly still, those well characterized as “frying”, the procedure, the system, and the apparatus described. subsequently they need not be limited to such a "product". The sealable solid or semi-solid product, otherwise food product, desired for measurement and subsequent packaging, especially bagging, is contemplated for, inter alia, an advantageous volume reduction through settlement or advance compaction of the packaging. Nationally, a product load (i.e., a predetermined weight (i.e., mass) of product sought for packaging) is to be reduced volumetrically without any deviation in the quality or character of the product (for example, in the case of frying or similar, appreciable breakdown of the same). Volume reductions within a range of approximately 15-20% have been achieved, and, as should be readily appreciated, are a function of, among other things, the character and quality of the “product”.

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MHIICAN INSTITUTE • E LA PRONIDAD

INDUSTRIAL

Second, in that the following description proceeds with respect to hitherto known procedures and systems, it is not necessarily so limited. Commercially, it is believed to be advantageous and / or desirable, and to discuss a need in relation to current "in-plant" operations, to provide a space for settlement or settlement / load formation of products within the framework to the structure of a manufacturing station bag and existing packaging. A settlement system is best (i.e., a modular or ready-to-use station, which in turn can be adapted to have a modular character) intended to fit over or within an existing bag maker frame in the area over a funnel / existing product builder, with minimal bag manufacturer modifications. Furthermore, it is believed advantageous that the same station is treatable for adaptation to incorporate the processing of a variety of products, product styles, and / or product loads (ie, measured quantities of product as manifested in a "small" package or "Large" (eg bags) volume).

Third, in connection with a desire to produce a variety of different product "sizes", and again, as noted above, to process a variety of products or product styles, product loss will be minimized (it is that is, the entire product load is to be packed or bagged). For example, and without limitation, processing fries for the production of single-portion bags has greater potential loss than

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iNousrSiAi processing fries for the production of family-size bags ”. So it has been found advantageous to form a seated metered product load, it has been especially advantageous to produce and maintain a seated metered load, primarily to produce a seated and formed metered load that is packaged or bagged. Even more particularly, through the following processing steps, systems, and apparatus, a seated measured load is advantageously formed in the shape of the bag (i.e., the formed and seated measured load is generally configured to mimic a bag configuration within which you will receive, advantageously, but not excessively or even necessarily, a seated and formed section of the measured load dimensionally mimics the section of a bag former or bag forming mandrel). Thus, in view of the above, a more consistent and complete bagging operation is performed.

Referring now to Figure 5, an improved bag making and packaging method is described, primarily, a method characterized by a settling or settling / forming step, more particularly, a settling or settling / product loading step measured 21. Instead of a metered product load going directly to a bag making and packing station, for example, introducing the metered product load to pass through a bag former (i.e. to

Through a lumen of a mandrel or bag-forming tube (Figure 4)), the present procedure advantageously includes an intervention step, mainly, that of compacting, settling, and / or forming a pre-arranged set-up arrangement of the product load. measured. As will be further detailed in connection with a presentation of system and apparatus details, an improved, non-limiting bag manufacturing and packaging procedure can be well characterized by the step of agitating a load of measured product, such as by one or more loads of Inertia imparted with respect to an operable assembly that retains, through at least one mounting chamber or individual settlement / formation, the measured product load. As should be readily appreciated, for a treatable or settling-prone product or products, for example, frying, as opposed to, for example, peeled walnuts, a volumetric reduction of a given product mass (i.e. product load) is achieved. measured), and results in, among other things, a corresponding reduction in packaging materials (eg bagging).

Figure 6 provides a perspective view of a filling apparatus employing an embodiment of the invention comprising a mounting chamber. In Figure 6, a mounting device 30 is located between a measuring station 20, characterized by a pin 23 and a receiving funnel 25, and the product supply cylinder 60 of a vertical forming, filling, and

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE

Of industrial property

sealed. Weigher 23 can comprise virtually any weigher known in the art. In one embodiment, the weigher 23 is a statistical weigher. As illustrated, downstream of the weigher 23 is a receiving funnel 25. A receiving funnel 25, or series of funnels, receives and guides the product to the manufacturer of the descending bag. As used herein a receiver funnel 25 refers to any device downstream of a weigher but upstream from a mounting device that collects and directs the product. Receiving funnel 25 can be attached and part of weigher 23 can comprise vertical or sloping walls. In one embodiment, there is a metal detector located between the weigher 23 and the receiving funnel 25 to verify external waste. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a receiving funnel 25 is not necessary in all modalities. Downstream of receiving funnel 25 and weigher 23 is mounting device

30.

As illustrated, the mounting device 30 comprises a single mounting chamber 40, a vibrator 31, and a door 72 of a door assembly 38. A mounting device, as used herein, refers to a device that receives and captures a quantity of product in order to form an intermediate fragment of compacted product. A mounting camera 40 is a separate camera that receives and holds the product. In one embodiment, mounting chamber 40 has four vertical walls and an open top and bottom.

The applicants have found that re'SSVé ^ ta ^ —product discharged from the weigher 23 and retaining the product, ÜUiai'ite for a period of time, in the mounting chamber 4 0 facilitates product settling and increases product compaction. Increasing the slump of the product during packaging results in a decrease in slump after manufacturing. The mounting chamber 40 can be pushed or vibrated through a vibrator 31 to facilitate and accelerate settlement of the product. The time required and the amount of external energy, such as vibrations, required to facilitate settlement depend on many factors including but not limited to product geometry, mounting chamber geometry and size, size of the piece, and the level of compaction desired. Those skilled in the art will be able to determine the amount of time and energy required to generate a desired level of compaction. Other movements such as vertical, horizontal, rotating, vibrating, and mixtures thereof can also be imparted to the mounting chamber to facilitate product settling resulting in increased compaction. The vibrator 31, which is optional, can comprise any device that vibrates the mounting chamber 40. The vibrator 31 can be located in various places through the mounting device 30.

Applicants have found that the geometry of the mounting chamber 40 has an effect on the shape of the packing part as well as the shape of the final package, especially if

IMPI Mexican msnnnro Γ »LA MOÍltDAft iNDüjrdjAt tradIcIanal Fn one modality, assembly 40 is substantially piece. For example, in one has a cross section the final package is a flexible bag the transverse shape of the chamber similar to the desired shape of the embodiment, the substantially oval mounting chamber 40 to mimic the substantially oval cross section of a flexible bag traditional. Other cross sections can be used that include but are not limited to circular and square cross sections.

The height of the mounting chamber 40 can vary according to the size and desired shape of the intermediate piece which ultimately dictates the size and shape of the finished product. In one embodiment the size of the mounting chamber 40 is approximately 0.5 to 2.5 times the height of the final package, and in one embodiment the mounting chamber 40 is approximately 1.25 times the height of the final package. Chamber size depends on a variety of factors, including the amount of settlement required. In one embodiment, the height of the mounting chamber 40 is chosen to properly fit between the weigher and the packing apparatus without lifting the weigher.

In one embodiment, the bottom of the mounting chamber 40 has a larger opening than the top of the mounting chamber. For some products susceptible to bonding, which have a larger outlet diameter, bonding is minimized. This helps the product maintain its desired compact shape and results in faster and more efficient downloads.

At the bottom of mounting chamber 40 is door 72. Door 72 can comprise many types of doors including sliding and swinging doors. In one embodiment, door 72 is a sliding door that allows quick and efficient discharge of product from mounting chamber 40.

Downstream of door 72 is product supply cylinder 60. In some embodiments, there is an intermediate funnel 99 that directs the product discharged from door 72 into product supply cylinder 60. Intermediate funnel 99 may comprise one or more funnels that can comprise straight or sloping walls. Furthermore, intermediate funnel 99 can comprise a variety of shapes. In one embodiment, the intermediate funnel 99 has a shape similar to the shape of the mounting chamber 40.

In some embodiments, as the process moves downstream from the receiving funnel 25 toward the product supply cylinder 60, each subsequent downstream transition point has a larger diameter than the upstream transition point. Thus, in such an embodiment, the intermediate funnel 99 has a larger diameter than the mounting chamber 40 but a smaller diameter than the product supply cylinder 60. Such an arrangement minimizes attachment and other disruption to the attached fragment.

Thus, the method of compacting a workpiece begins by weighing a quantity of product in a weigher.

INSTITUTO méXiCani Dt la nannjAu INDUSmiAL

The product is then routed and receives a mounting device inside. Once the product is in the mounting device, the product is compacted to form a workpiece. As discussed, this can be done by temporarily storing the product, or by pushing, rotating, and / or vibrating the mounting device. After compacting the product, the product is discharged into a product supply cylinder. It should be noted that the product can be discharged directly into the product supply cylinder or it can be discharged into an intermediate funnel or discharge channel before reaching the product supply cylinder. After that the part is deposited from the product supply cylinder into a package. As discussed above, the mounting device is located downstream of a weigher and upstream of the product supply cylinder. Furthermore, the mounting device may comprise only a single mounting chamber, or the device may comprise more than one mounting chamber.

In one embodiment the mounting device 30 comprises only a single mounting chamber 40. In other embodiments, however, the mounting device 30 comprises more than one mounting camera 40. In one embodiment, two or more mounting cameras 40 operate in parallel, each discharging its fragment to the downstream product supply cylinder 60. In other embodiments, at least two cameras 40 act in series whereby a first camera is located under a second camera and the

Product settles partially in a first chamber before being deposited for further settlement in a second chamber. In one embodiment, one or more mounting chambers 40 are located on a rotatable mounting device. In one embodiment each subsequent chamber results in increased settlement.

Referring now to Figures 7-11, an apparatus 30 is generally shown to facilitate packaging, ie, improved packaging, or sealable product by rotary load compaction. The apparatus, alone or in selected combination with additional process related components, can be characterized as either a product settling or settling system or station. Advantageously, but not necessarily, as previously noted, the apparatus or general assembly of Figures 7-11 is easily configured, dimensioned and / or adapted or adaptable for inclusion or incorporation, as by improvement, in or within systems of Known bag and packaging manufacturing, for example, and without limitation, those of Ishida Co., (Japan).

Generally, apparatus 30 includes a driveable assembly, eg, driveable turret assembly 32 (also referring to Figures 11 and 12), a turret assembly base 34, a turret assembly actuator 36 operatively linked to the turret assembly operable 32 to selectively actuate the actuatable turret assembly 32 relative to the turret base

3. 4. In addition, a door sub-assembly 38 (reference also to

ΙΝΤΠΤυτν »MiXICANO Μ la pkofifDAD INDUSTRIAL

Figures 9 and 10) advantageously, primarily, a selectively operable door assembly is provided to allow egTesting of a measured product load seated and formed from the operable turret assembly 32, through the turret assembly base 34.

Operable turret assembly 32 generally comprises product settling containers and containers 40, advantageously open-ended containers (i.e. sleeves or tubes) to be detailed below, and an assembly body 42, eg, plates or separators of mounting, upper 44 and lower 46 as shown, to retain product settling containers and consequently define assembly. Each product settling container 40 of the product settling containers can be selectively positioned, through the selected actuation of the controllable turret assembly 32 (for example, as by a mechanical, pneumatic hydraulic drive, and advantageously, as shown, through a servo-impeller 48), to receive a measured load of sealable product. Through a drive, otherwise reversible, the driveable turret assembly 32, for example, indexed rotation, or more generally, a sequential or sequential agitation drive, settling of the measured product load of the settable product prior to a discharge of a measured seated and formed load of sealable product from the apparatus to a packing station is achieved.

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INSITO.Te msxicaw, Dt IA fROWDAP INDUSTRIAL

Ideally, with respect to settling and measured product formation vessels, a preselected equilibrium or pseudo-equilibrium state for ingress and egress of product to and from the turret assembly is preferable but not necessary. As will be detailed later in connection with a discussion of a preferred sequence of operation, a container for content discharge at time t0 it is redistributed after that, via turret assembly drive, to place below a metering station discharge, and fills in time ti. A “fill” container (FB) is preferable, but not necessarily immediately adjacent (ie “downstream” from) an “empty” (EB) container. , see for example, Figure 9 (i.e. container emptying and filling operations are advantageous, but not necessarily adjacent to each other). Since the next fill container above, which essentially retains the measured settled and formed charge, is positioned relative to the turret assembly base for content discharge, the initially “filled container proceeds correspondingly relative to the assembly base turret, and through a change of inertia, can be well characterized as having changed from an initially filled state or condition to an initially settled state or condition, settled and formed.

Operable turret assembly 32 is generally supported, more particularly and advantageously, supported

rotatable with respect to the turret assembly base or base plate 34. A servo motor 50 of the servo-driver 48 is operatively linked, through a shaft, 52 a shaft hub 54, and a shaft hub 56 as primarily to assembly assembly 42 is indicated to or to selectively impart movement thereto.

The turret assembly base 34 is generally adapted to allow the passage of measured product loads processed from the containers 40 of the turret assembly 32. Towards that end, and with specific reference to Figure 9, turret base 34 includes an egress port, for example, a cutout or opening 58 as shown, which is (see for example, Figure 16) or may be ( Figure 9) operatively linked to a bag former / mandrel 60, and a grooved peripheral edge 61 (i.e., a slot 62) that allows and / or adapts reversible translation or reciprocity of the door subassembly 38 of Figure 12. Additional non-limiting advantageous features of turret assembly base 34 Include, but need not be limited to, the inclusion of an elongated through hole, eg, a slot 64, extending adjacent and parallel to egress port 58, a top surface gap, more particularly, a grooved gap 66 as shown, and the addition of a track or track segment 68 depending or otherwise extending from a bottom surface 70 of turret base 34 to be adjacent and parallel to slot 62 of slotted peripheral edge 61. As should be appreciated with reference to the

INSITO ΠΌ MEXICANO DE 'A l'R JEIEL.AU

INDUSTRIAL

Figures 8 and 9, the inner turret base slot 64 is positioned "downstream" from the inlet port 58, and is generally dimensioned and configured to selectively receive and pass fine particles, product crumbs, etc.

Referring now to Figure 10, a rotary mounting device 30 is illustrated comprising eight mounting chambers 40a-h located on the stationary turret table 34, a door 72, and a vibrator 31. Although the figures illustrate eight chambers of 40a-h mount, other numbers of mounting cameras can also be used. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of mounting chambers required depends on a variety of factors including but not limited to the geometry of the product, the desired size and weight of each fragment, and the desired result in bags per minute. , amount of settling time required, etc.

In a rotatable mounting device 30, mounting chambers 40a-h can be arranged in a variety of positions. In one embodiment, the centers of each mounting chamber are uniformly spaced along turret table 34. In one embodiment, the chambers are spaced and oriented uniformly like a wagon radius. As illustrated, mounting cameras 40 are angled relative to turret table 34 to maximize the number of cameras that fit on turret table 34.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting chambers 40 have an upper part and a lower part open for

INSTITUTE Μ (X ICA NO I * IA TROFirnAlj INDeSUlm keep the product inside the mounting chambers 40 due to the presence of the stationary turret table 34. In this mode the mounting chambers 40 slide and rotate on the turret table

3. 4. There is an opening 92 in turret table 34 located on door 72. In one embodiment, the shape of the opening corresponds to the shape of mounting chamber 40. The camera located in position on door 72, and aligned with opening 92 is called discharge chamber 40a. The product in the discharge chamber 40a is held by the door 72. Accordingly, when door 72 is opened, by sliding or otherwise, the product falls through opening 92 in turret table 34 and passes to open door 72. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are other ways to keep the product inside each mounting chamber such as obtaining a separate door for each mounting chamber.

In one embodiment, downstream and downstream of gate 72 is product supply cylinder 60. In such embodiment, the compacted part is discharged from the discharge chamber and into product supply cylinder 60 where it is subsequently packed. at a bag maker.

Mounting chambers 40 can be filled at a variety of locations. In one embodiment, the discharge chamber 40a is also the same assembly chamber that receives the product, called the receiving chamber. In such an embodiment, after unloading the product in the discharge chamber 40a, the door 72 will be closed.

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After that, the discharge chamber 40a will then receive the product. All mounting chambers 40 in turn will then move a point in progress, during which time the product in the mounting chamber settles and becomes more compact. Thus, in some modalities, reception and unloading are not carried out simultaneously.

However, Figures 10 and 11 illustrate an embodiment in which reception and unloading are not carried out in the same chamber. As illustrated in Figure 10, the product discharge chamber 40a discharges and a different chamber, the receiver chamber 40c receives product from the receiver funnel 25. In one embodiment, the discharge and the reception are carried out simultaneously. Thus, after the discharge chamber 40a unloads its product, it rotates two positions to become the receiving chamber 40c at which time it receives the product. In other embodiments the discharge chamber 40a will only rotate one point before turning to the receiving chamber while in other embodiments the discharge chamber will rotate multiple positions before turning to the receiving chamber. The location of the receiving and discharging positions depends on a variety of factors including but not limited to the location of the receiving funnel 25 and the product supply cylinder 60 and the required amount of settlement.

After the receiving chamber 40c has received its product, it rotates clockwise through the positions until the discharge chamber 40a again becomes.

INDUSTRIAL

While the example has been described as turning clockwise, a limitation must be claimed since the SITTVo device can also rotate counterclockwise.

While the mounting chambers 40 are rotating, the product becomes more compact. In one embodiment, a vibrator 31 vibrates the product within the mounting chambers 40 to facilitate seating of the product. The vibrator 31 can be placed in a variety of locations, including, but not limited to, on the stationary turret table 44, attached to cameras 40, or otherwise attached to rotary mounting device 30 or other support structure.

As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the receiving funnel 25 is located on the rotary mounting device 30. The receiving funnel 25 directs the product into the receiving chamber. As noted above, the receiving funnel 25 may be directly below the weigher 23 or it may be below another funnel or series of funnels.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a rotatable mounting device comprising multiple mounting chambers in a mid-rotation position, the opening 92 located on the parked table 44 similarly visible. As illustrated, the cameras are in medium rotation so that the cameras are not receiving or unloading the product. In other modalities, however, the product is received and / or unloaded during rotation. In some modalities, however, it is desired that the

Mexican IMPI »E THE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

compact part in its compact state after the part has been formed.

In Figure 11, a stationary upper part 35 is illustrated. The upper part 35 acts to ensure that the product within the mounting chambers 40 does not escape from the mounting chambers 40. In addition, the upper part 35 acts to prevent External items enter the mounting device and are subsequently packaged. Top 35 is not necessary in all modalities, and those skilled in the art will understand that processing conditions will justify such top.

As illustrated, the intermediate funnel 99 and the product receiving cylinder 60 are illustrated downstream of the opening 92. In Figure 11, the product receiving cylinder 60 is part of the bagger in a vertical forming, filling, and sealed.

In one embodiment, the product receiver cylinder 60 is directly connected to the rotary device 30. In other embodiments, the product receiver cylinder 60 is not directly attached to the rotary device 30. The product receiver cylinder 60 may be separate from the rotary device 30 through a space or may be connected through other equipment such as intermediate funnel 99.

In one embodiment, the product in the package comprises product only from an individual mounting chamber. In such an embodiment, the quantity of product received in the receiving chamber is equal to the quantity of product in the final package. Even in

Other modalities, the final package includes two product fragments. In one embodiment, the package comprises product from at least two different mounting chambers. In other modalities, the package includes two fragments of product from the same chamber. In such an embodiment the first fragment is formed and unloaded first and then subsequently a second fragment is formed in the same chamber and then unloaded.

Applicants have found that in some products compaction is further increased when two or more smaller fragments are compacted separately and then added in a single package. For example, if the final product is to comprise two product fragments, then the fragments formed from two different chambers will be deposited into a single package. Referring again to Figure 10 in such an embodiment a single package will comprise products downloaded from the discharge chamber 40a as well as product from the chamber 40h located a point behind the discharge chamber 40a. In this way, the product from both chambers 40a / 40h is deposited in a vertical forming, filling, and sealing machine to be packaged in an individual package.

In one embodiment, the height of each chamber is selected so that existing appliances can be improved with load compaction without, for example, lifting the weigher. As an example, in one embodiment, due to the multiple loading method, the mounting chambers may be made shorter in height, because the

height is expanded between multiple chambers, and as a result the weigher does not have to move. This results in decreased capital costs to upgrade an existing appliance.

The applicants have found that after inducing settlement the part maintains its shape and compaction as it is packed. This results in less settling after packing giving the consumer a fuller package that is more like the filled appearance of a bag at the bag manufacturer. As previously discussed, increasing settlement during packing reduces post-pack settlement that results in several benefits. One of those benefits is the ability to use a comparatively smaller package for the same weight of product. This results in decreased production cost as less material is required to make the package. Additionally this results in decreased shipping costs as more packages can be adjusted in a given volume. In addition, this allows more packages to be presented on the shelf as smaller packages take up less space. Similarly, a smaller package allows a consumer to store the same amount of product in a smaller space, thereby freeing up valuable pantry space.

As discussed, this apparatus and method provide the opportunity to package the same amount of product in a comparatively smaller package. The smallest package may have a height, a decreased width, or combinations of the

industrial themselves compared to the previous package. In one modality the width of the package is not altered and only the height dimension is changed. Such modality minimizes the modifications required for the bag manufacturer.

The following examples demonstrate the effectiveness of an embodiment of the present invention and are for illustrative purposes only. Therefore, the following examples should not be claimed as limiting.

Control

A test was conducted using chips with a product weight of 609.51 g. Wheat fries are thin wafers that have edges. A mounting device was not used in the control. The bags had a width of 30.48 cm, a total height of 47.62 cm, and a useful height of 45.08 inches, after subtracting 2.54 cm for the top and bottom seals. The empty space in each package was measured and the level of fullness of each bag was calculated. The empty space was measured by measuring the average level of product in the package. Packages removed from the bag manufacturer, which has a vertical forming, filling, and sealing machine, were approximately 86% filled on average and had an average product level of 38.73 cm. After determining the condition of the packages after shelf placement, the packages underwent a simulated retail procedure that included simulating the transportation, handling, and service life of a

IMPI ικπτυτο mexican muaoniíAD INDUSTRIAL

typical package. After the simulation, the gap was measured and the fullness of each bag was calculated to be approximately 78% on average with a product level of 35.17 cm. Thus, the fullness of the packages decreased by approximately 8% on average after the simulation on the shelf, and the product level decreased by an average of 3.55 cm.

Individual Load

In the following test, a non-rotating settling apparatus comprising an individual mounting chamber, similar to that of Figure 2 in operation, was used, using the individual loading method whereby each package comprised an individual fragment of product. The mounting device had mounting chambers comprising the substantially oval cross section and a width of 30.48 cm. Due to product settling, a smaller bag was used. The smallest bag had a width of 30.48 cm and a height of 42.54 cm with approximately 40,005 cm of usable space. At the bag manufacturer the packages were approximately 86% full and had a product level of approximately 34.41 cm. Thus, the mounting device decreased the same amount of product in a bag with the same width from a product level of 38.73 cm to a product level of 34.41 cm at the bag manufacturer. After the shelf simulation, the packages were approximately 82% full and had a level

of product of approximately 32.63 cm. Thus, the fullness of the package decreased by only about 4% and resulted in a fuller bag compared to the control. Furthermore, the product level dropped only about 1.77 cm which is about half the drop experienced in the control.

Multiple Load

In the following test, the same apparatus was used using the multiple loading method where the final package comprised two product fragments. Thus, in this embodiment, the mounting chamber formed and unloaded a fragment, and then the same mounting chamber subsequently formed and unloaded a second fragment in the same package as the first downloaded fragment. The bag of the same size as the individual load was also used in the multiple load test. At the bag manufacturer the packages were approximately 87% full and had product levels of approximately 34.67 cm. After the shelf simulation, the packages were approximately 83% full and had a product level of approximately 33.40 cm. Thus, compared to the single-load method, the multiple-load method resulted in a fuller bag both at the bag manufacturer and after shelf simulations.

In both single and double load, a smaller package was produced that kept the same amount of product as the larger bag in control, but required less

ΙΗΤΠΤΙΓΓΐ MEXICAN OF INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY

material to manufacture. Consequently, compacting the product results in decreased manufacturing costs, decreased shipping costs, an increased number of packages available for a given amount of retail space, one package that required less

<td>space of</td><td>pantry, and a</td><td>package</td><td>than</td><td>it seemed rather</td><td>for him</td>

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<td>With</td><td colspan="3">renewed general reference</td><td>to the Figures</td><td>7-11, and</td>

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advantageous, non-limiting door assembly, more particularly, a selectively operable door sub-assembly 38. The selectively operable door subassembly 38 generally includes a door 72, and a door base 74 operatively supporting door 72. Door base 74 in turn generally, but not necessarily, includes an upper door guide or tray 76, attached to door 72, for sliding or reversible retention within door path 66 (Figure 9), and a Lower door guide, primarily, a track guide 78 for travel on the track or track segment 68 before operatively supporting the upper door guide 76 / door 72. Although a non-limiting "sliding" door is indicated, alternate door solutions or regulation (ie actions) can be adequately provided.

As shown, the selectively operable door subassembly 38 is advantageously driven by an additional servo drive 48 ', primarily a servo motor 50' and a link arm 80 that converts rotary motion to translation or

IMPI

ΙΝΓΓΓΠΓΤΌ MEXICANO BE LA H (OMB> AO iNoueniAi

reciprocity to provide, among other things, irreversible rapid door movement. Link arm 80 generally includes a pivot segment or member 82, attached to the servo drive shaft 53 to extend therefrom, and a joint 84, a first end portion thereof secured to a free end of the pivot segment, and a second end portion thereof anchored on a portion of the lower door guide 78. As should be readily appreciated, and as is evident from reference for example to Figure 7, one or more structural elements, or a support element 86 as illustrated, retain the servo drive 48 'in operational proximity to turret assembly base 34.

Operationally, and referring to Figure 9, as the free end of pivot segment 82 is removed distally from turret assembly base 34, clockwise rotation of the servo drive shaft 53 In the figure as indicated, the joint 84 similarly responds as a result of a pulling movement or action (ie, retraction or "door opening") or imparted to the door sub-assembly 38. Contrary to product release / egress, the free end of pivot segment 82 is drawn proximally toward turret assembly base 84, counterclockwise rotation of the servo-drive shaft 53 in the figure, joint 84 similarly responds to result in a

39 IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

OE EROfWDAD

INBUWRIAL push movement or action (ie, door "closing") imparted to the door subassembly. It should be noted that extremely fast door actuation is advantageous as it avoids interruption of the seated and formed measured product load and allows the contents of the discharge container to maintain their state or condition as they pass from the tray to / into the lumen of the bag former / bag forming mandrel.

Applicants have found that a slow moving door 72 decreases the compaction of the part while a fast acting door 72 allows the part to remain compact. As used here a snap gate is a gate that opens fully in less than approximately 50 ms. There are a variety of ways to minimize the effect door 72 has on the compaction of the part. In one embodiment the speed of part 72 increases. In another embodiment, gate 72 opens fully in as little as about 40 milliseconds. As discussed, this snap door 72 acts to minimize the decrease in compaction. In one embodiment the length of gate 72 increases. This allows the speed of door 72 to increase before opening 92 opens. Also, as illustrated, door 72 and opening 92 are positioned so that the shortest distance from opening 92 is in the same direction that door 72 is opened. Snap action door 72 can be implemented in any device here

described.

With particular reference now to Figures 14 and 15, there are shown two advantageous, non-limiting, operable turret assemblies 32, 132, primarily assemblies made to produce "large" and formed "small" measured and formed loads (Figure 14) Figure 15). As previously referenced, it is not uncommon during product processing to alter the mass of the measured cargo for packaging. As is evident from a review of grocery shelves, a variety of packaging sizes are available, ranging from multiple single-serving packages to 'family' or 'party' size bags. Through a modular aspect, a driveable turret assembly can easily be exchanged for another driveable turret assembly, or alternatively, an exchange or upgrade of the vessels of the given assembly is contemplated to incorporate variable production targets. Before a presentation of the details of the actionable turret assemblies of Figures 14 and 15, mainly, characteristic details regarding product settling / settling vessels and product formation thereof, some general remarks are ensured.

A plurality of settling / settling and product forming vessels 40, 140 is generally shown limiting one axis of rotation, primarily one axis corresponding to an axial centerline 88 of shaft 52 of turret assembly conductor ri "mrwFAujiioM * ·· ttí »»; ·! · s? » .? · 'Νι-ΛΝ «ι.( >· Χ<<3', ΊΤ48. The product settling / settling and product forming containers of the preferred apparatus can be characterized either as vertical tubes or vertically oriented sleeves (ie, a structure having an "open" top and bottom). Each container or tube is characterized by a metered product charge inlet portion 90, 190, and a seated metered product charge egress portion 92, 192 opposite thereto, and may be well characterized as having a centerline 94, 194 axially extending. Preferably, but not necessarily, the cross-sectional area of the container generally increases toward the egress portion from the inlet portion (for example, the inlet portion of the set-up / set-up chamber narrows toward the egress portion thereof. ). Similarly, a maximum dimension of or for the container generally increases toward the egress portion from the ingress portion. Furthermore, the containers are advantageously configured to be well characterized by a cross section selected from the group consisting of circular, oblong, or oval sections, however other cross sections may prove beneficial.

With continued and general reference to FIG. 14, and with particular reference to FIG. 8, it should be noted that the circumferentially arranged vessels 40 appear to be biased within the turret assembly body 42. The settling and solids containers 40 are circumferentially

disposed within the turret assembly body 42 so that a deflection angle Θ is defined by an intersection of an axis of elongation 96 for each settling and solid-forming container between a beam 98 that an axial centerline of the turret assembly actuated (i.e., axial centerline 88 of shaft 52) and a midpoint of elongation axis 96 (i.e., previously observed axially extending centerline 94 of container 40). Through such an arrangement or configuration, a substantially uniform fill / fill level or height of measured product load is generally maintained within the sleeve as the turret assembly is periodically and / or selectively actuated (eg, stopped or stops abruptly) as it rotates from a metered product fill location to a seated and formed metered product discharge location close (ie, "stacking" of product, due to changes to centrifugal forces / changes in inertia, it is greatly and advantageously reduced, if not eliminated). As should be appreciated in view of the foregoing, the details of the turret assembly of Figure 14, more particularly the containers and their arrangement within the assembly, facilitate the formation of a seated and formed measured product for subsequent packaging. Although it is believed that a deviation angle θ of up to 45E may be sufficient before the aforementioned objective, a deviation angle Θ within the range of about 20-40E is believed to be advantageous.

Referring again and specifically to Figure 15, a

plurality of settlement / settlement sleeves 140, characterized by a plurality of substantially circular cross-section, is shown circumferentially disposed on axis 88 of turret assembly rotation. The sleeves 140, as shown, generally include an upper portion or segment characterized by a more particularly pronounced reduction cross-sectional area, and advantageously, the inlet portion 190 of the settling / settling and information sleeves 140 includes a channeled free end for example, a metered cargo tank 189 that receives at least one initial metered product load. Subsequent actuation of turret assembly 132, for example, indexed rotation resulting in sequential or sequential displacement and stop of the initially loaded sleeve, transfers at least a portion of the initial measured load from reservoir 189 to a sleeve segment 191 of reduced and generally reduced cross-sectional area that includes the egress portion 192.

Through selected actuation of the operable turret assembly 132, and prior to discharge or discharge of contents prior to packaging, a measured and settled product load results in the reduction diameter portion of the sleeve. Advantageously, but not necessarily, the cross-sectional area of the inlet portion (i.e. the measured cargo tank 189) is within a range of approximately 1.25-2.5 times more than a cross-sectional area of the charge-forming portion and / or or exit settled imri

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Referring now to Figure 15A, a portion of an alternate settlement and formation / formation sleeve is primarily illustrated as a metered cargo reservoir 189 '. The deposit has an entrance of 190 ', well characterized as a triangle with rounded apexes. In relation to this arrangement within the turret assembly, a "protrusion" of the reservoir is intended to be directed toward axial centerline 88. A narrowing characterizes the transition from reservoir 189 'to the seated load portion of the sleeve that includes egress portion (not shown). The lower sleeve portion of the reservoir 189 'can be configured to obtain an oval cross section as will be appreciated with reference to the lower portion thereof, however this portion is not intended to be so limited.

Referring now to Figures 16 and 17, measured product settling systems are illustrated, contemplated in combination with product transfer means, primarily, an improved bag former or bag forming mandrel 60, 160 (also referring to Figure 18, and generally Figures 4 and 6). In maintaining the foregoing details, the combination of Figure 16 is characterized by the turret assembly of Figure 14, while the combination of Figure 17 is characterized by the turret assembly of Figure 15, more particularly, the containers / mangroves measured load receivers of Figures 14 and 15 respectively. As indicated, the

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INftUSriUAL cross section of bag forming mandrel generally mimics the cross section of the egress portion of product settling vessels, eg oblong (Figure 14), and circular (Figure 15).

With respect to the bag forming mandrel 60, 160 it is well characterized as a sleeve defining a lumen 63, 163 for receiving and passing, in the present description, a settled and formed measured product load. Although not shown, it is contemplated that the mandrel supports and is equipped with a gas charging tube (s) or the like to facilitate the introduction of a gas charge, eg, nitrogen, into the product package prior to closure. The mandrel 60, 160, more particularly, the sleeve as shown, advantageously includes at least its longitudinal segment with passage therethrough. As far as perforations or openings 65, 165 are shown, the passages need not be so limited. As part of the film processing prior to the formation of a film / bag sleeve on the mandrel, the bag forming operations, primarily, cross-sealing / sealing cutting before forming the closed upper and lower bag sleeve portions for thereby defining an upper / lower part of the bag, results in air displacement within the lumen of the mandrel in an upward direction (i.e. towards measured load forming operations). A mandrel comprising an open or otherwise vented tube or a sleeve / sleeve segment allows for the

Unavoidable "upward movement" for short circuit before finding the falling load of the measured product settled and formed so that the compacted load remains substantially compact.

Now referring to Figure 18, a perspective view of an additional filling apparatus is shown that employs a mounting chamber and vacuum release ports. Figure 18 is similar to Figure 6 except that Figure 18 also illustrates vacuum release holes 65 in a portion of the bag forming mandrel 60. Figure 18 illustrates the mounting device 30 located downstream of a weigher 23 and upstream of a product supply cylinder 60, wherein the product supply cylinder 60 comprises a forming collar 2 7, and wherein the Product supply 60 comprises vacuum release holes 65 located on the forming collar 27.

As discussed, in one embodiment a compact piece of product is formed prior to depositing the product in the product supply cylinder 60. As previously observed, this compact fragment creates a vacuum in the product supply cylinder 60 as it falls into the product supply cylinder 60. This did not occur in the prior art since the product had sufficient dispersion to prevent the formation of a vacuum. Additionally, there was no sliding door 72 to cut off the air flow and thereby form a vacuum. However, the compact part creates a vacuum on the part inside the

IMPI

H »ΐ» LHU MKlgANO ww hSmimd industrial product supply 60 when product supply cylinder 60 is sealed. In one mode product supply cylinder 60 is sealed when upstream door 72 is closed. This vacuum slows down with which the piece can fall.

To minimize the vacuum created, the vacuum release holes 65 are positioned on the forming collar 27 that directs the packing material. Vacuum release ports 65 allow air to be pulled into product supply cylinder 60 and break the vacuum. Vacuum release holes 65 may comprise a single hole or may comprise two or more holes. In one embodiment the holes are from about 0.31 cm to about 0.63 cm in size.

In one modality the holes do not start in the first

7.62 cm of product supply cylinder 60. Applicants have found that some product comprising edges or corners can be trapped in holes 65, thereby interrupting the flow of the product. To overcome this problem, in one embodiment the product is allowed to impulse into a section of the product supply cylinder 60 that does not comprise holes before introducing the product into a section of the product supply cylinder 60 that comprises holes 65 In another embodiment, the holes 65 are dimensioned to minimize the capture of product in the holes 65. As illustrated in Figure 18 it does not comprise an intermediate funnel 99, however other modalities include an intermediate funnel 99. Such a piece

that also

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Of 'A' R'.WHJA INIXiarHIAl intermediate allows the product to form an impulse can reduce the possibility of the product getting caught or trapped in the holes 65.

Vacuum ports 65 can be implemented in any bag manufacturer comprising a product supply cylinder 60 comprising a collar 27. In one embodiment, the bag manufacturer comprises a vertical forming, filling, and sealing bag manufacturer comprising a weigher and product supply cylinder.

By referencing generally to, for example, the

Figures 6-11, another embodiment of the invention is now discussed. In one embodiment the discharge chamber 40a is verified with a sensor. A sensor can comprise any sensor known in the art. In one embodiment the sensor comprises a digital or analog sensor. In another embodiment the sensor comprises an optical sensor. As an example, in one embodiment a sensor is located on the discharge chamber 40a. The sensor can determine the presence of product in the chamber that would indicate that not all of the product has exited the discharge chamber 40a. With such a detected condition, a rod can help clean the remaining product from the discharge chamber 40a. A rod can comprise any mechanical device that can forcefully remove product from a chamber. In one embodiment, the rod comprises a mechanical bar that forces the product from the chamber. In another embodiment, the rod comprises a piston that forces the product from the chamber. In other

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modality the rod comprises a jet Hp g¡r <a. nitróqpnn píp.

to force the remaining product to discharge the discharge chamber 204a. Furthermore it should be noted that a sensing and shaking functionality can easily be associated with a variety of the contemplated settling, settlement / formation approaches discussed and / or previously or subsequently contemplated.

The rod can be located in the discharge chamber 40a, or it can be located adjacent to the discharge chamber 40. Furthermore, in connection with the containers or mounting chambers characterized by a tank, it is believed advantageous to provide agitation directed both to the tank and to the seated load portion thereof (see for example, the chambers of Figures 15 / 15A). In one embodiment the rod is located above the discharge chamber 40a and can be configured and / or actuated to "push" the product placed in a chamber, or the rod can be configured and / or actuated to move, from top to bottom if desired , through at least an upper portion of the camera. In one embodiment the rod is actively coupled to the sensor. As used here actively paired refers to a device that receives a signal from another device. In this way, the rod receives a signal, either directly or indirectly, from the sensor. Finally, as regards perception or functionality on demand, the rod actuation can similarly coincide with the observed discharge cycle, it is

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MEXICAN INSTITUTE r> F. LA FROHtOAÍ ·

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say a given operation instead of selected.

Referring now to Figures 19-21, attention is particularly directed to structural deviations of selected sub-assemblies, structures and / or elements of the settlement apparatus 30 (eg, those of Figure 7). Before further details, it should be noted that a portion of the base 34, see for example, Figure 7, is absent from the illustration of Figure 19 to facilitate a view of structures / features not otherwise visible from "above". Further, in that Figure 20 is a bottom view of the apparatus of Figure 19 which, among other things, illustrates operatively positioned bag forming elements of the bag forming / bag filling station, Figure 21 illustrates a Detailed view as Figure 20 with the bag forming elements of the bag forming / bag filling station absent to facilitate a view of otherwise invisible structures / features.

In the present embodiment, the assembly body 42 comprises selectively configured assembly body plates, more particularly, stylized upper 44 'and lower 46' assembly plates that can be well characterized as "star wheels". Generally, the plates include peripheral U-shaped "cutouts" 45, the "legs" thereof extending outwardly, ie, away from axial centerline 88. As a hub and wagon wheel arrangement radius is illustrated, a corresponding arrangement with the container arrangement deviated from

either Figure 8 or 10 is similarly contemplated.

Although the peripheral profile of the illustrated plate can be treated for direct reception of an accompanying settlement container within the U-shaped recesses, indirect reception of a variety of alternately dimensioned and / or configured settlement containers is contemplated. To that end, one or more alternative configured “groups” of sleeves are provided, such as sleeves 47 of a “first” group of sleeves to allow quick, easy reception and retention of a variety of various seating container configurations by the assembly plates. In the sleeve shown, an opening 101 is positioned adjacent an end or runway edge 103 of sleeve 47 to receive and retain a portion of the seating container 40, for example, as shown, container segment 191, while one end or Channeled reservoir 189 is, through such a sleeve configuration, selectively spaced from axial centerline 88. The sleeves, a "top" and a "bottom" for each container as shown, in turn are easily received and reliably retained with the blood body plates, more particularly, by each of the peripheral cutouts with U shape. As for the formation of the wholesale change of a turret assembly it is contemplated, through the observed adaptation of the assembly body plates, to alternatively equip the turret assembly with one or more settlement containers

I Ivf. ] P i jNsjmrro Mexican (W i4 noFiEiMr

INDUSTRY!,

selected is done hereby.

Before reducing processing or line downtime, additional features will be noted. Mainly, a quick and safe reversible release assembly is provided, characterized by clamp 105 (for example, Figure 20) to reversibly retain the bag forming mandrel (Figures 20 and 21), and an access 107 to incorporate the passage Settling container to and from the turret assembly body from below.

As should be appreciated in connection with a contrast from the views of Figures 20 and 21, the turret base 34 includes a passage in the form of an opening or cutout 58, generally provided to allow / facilitate the egress of the load (s) Measured product (s) seated, seated and formed from the settling, settling and forming station to the bag and packing manufacturing station (see Figure 5). As illustrated, a portion of opening 58 is traversed, which can be traversed or otherwise placed above prior to selective discharge of a seated product load from a settling container, such as by door 72 (Figure 19). which, as previously described, circulates rapidly between the first and second operating positions before allowing the seated product load to pass through, into and through the underlying bag-forming mandrel through the protected / restricted portion of the opening. In connection with the arrangement

In Figure 19, the door is in an egress locking position relative to an opening 109 in open plate 111 retained on underside 70 of turret base 34 (Figure 20, see especially Figure 21) and is in general alignment with the bag forming mandrel (Figure 20).

Adjacent to the door from above and the plate open from below, and thus essentially delimited (Figures 19 and 21 respectively), is the remainder "of the opening (ie, the opening portion not placed at the top with the open door / plate) that serves as an access or access point (Figures 20 or 21) to facilitate transformations or selective mounting chamber changes. More particularly, as should be appreciated with inspection of either of Figures 20 or 21, the passage of a settling container through turret base 34, for securing within the assembly body plates is possible through access .

As for a preferred sequence of operation, the operable turret assembly rotates selectively relative to the turret base and top metering station. More particularly, the drive, in the form of an indexed rotation, proceeds relative to the filling station / location delimited by the metering station, and an emptying station / location delimited by the turret base. Preferably, the measured product will be received at the loading station and released at the unloading station at approximately the same time.

Since tube "x" of "N" tubes tntalss .rlsl assembly which is positioned for emptying from the emptying station, tube "x + 1" is advantageously positioned for initial filling in the filling station near the filling station emptied while tube "x + 2" has undergone an initial settling / compaction repeat, and tube "x-1" proceeds to a "ready-ready" position for emptying (ie, next in line for emptying) . Indexing occurs each time a seated and formed measured product load is discharged from the turret assembly into and into the funnel / bag former, advantageously the lumen of the vented tube according to Figures 16 or 17, with various product changes measured introduced to the turret assembly through a drive cycle. By way of non-limiting example, they are the adjacent or nearby filling and emptying stations, and no other of the "empty" assembly and formation chambers, the number of "stops" of displacement for the turret assembly will be equal to N -2, that is, two less than the number of containers.

For the largest / largest bag size (s) there are preferably 7 or 8 vessels / tubes retained in the turret assembly body receiving loads of measured product, one at a time / sequentially , from the measuring station. The number of sleeves or tubes is variable, a function of, among other things, the type of product for processing and the processing objectives for the product, for example, the quantity or number could possibly double when κ ς «ϊττηιτο is contemplated Mexican JJ Μ ΙΑ WOFIEDAD V ^ eS & fcfeí ·

INft '.' SnUAL ^ Ά, ϋ --- '·· smaller bags. The insertion or change of containers, through a mixing and matching approach, can be used to satisfy one or more alternate product processing objectives.

As the turret rotates, it seats the product in the turret by stopping and quickly restarting one-way motion. As far as the contemplated movement is "started / stopped, and the movement is one-way rotation, it need not be limited in that way. For example, inertial changes are believed to be generally satisfactory to aid and / or perform the set-up operation, for example, changes in speed or acceleration of the turret assembly, and back-to-front movement of the turret assembly, since either through forward and backward rotation of the assembly illustrated here, or through bi-directional movement through a modified or alternatively configured turret assembly, it is similarly a contemplated option.

Thus, since the packaging-related steps, assemblies, and / or process structures, apparatus, and apparatus described herein can be represented in other specific ways without departing from the spirit or general characteristics thereof, some of those forms have been indicated, the features described and illustrated here / are to be considered in all respects illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosed invention is as defined in the language of the appended claims and includes equivalents 11 De Ira I inconsistent therewith.

IMPI wrmrrc mexicana KIA ÍMIMÍDAO industriai

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

IMPI ικπτητο msucano »E LA INDUSTRIAL REOFItnAP

The following clauses are offered as a further description of the described invention.

1 - An apparatus for compacting a workpiece, said apparatus comprising:

a weigher;

a product supply cylinder; a mounting device;

wherein said mounting device is located between said weigher and said product supply cylinder; and a quick-acting door, said fast-acting door located upstream from said product supply cylinder, and wherein said fast-acting door can be fully opened in less than about 50 milliseconds.

2 - A machine vertically, filling, and sealing, comprising:

an upstream weigher from a product supply cylinder, wherein said product supply cylinder comprises a forming collar, and a product supply cylinder comprising at least one vacuum release port located on said forming collar.

3, - The machine vertically, filling, and sealing of „IMPI

8 ικτητυτυ muucano

OE THE PROPERTY

INDUSTRIAL in accordance with clause 2, which also includes a door located upstream from said product supply cylinder.

4 - An apparatus for compacting a workpiece, said apparatus comprises:

a weigher;

a product supply cylinder; a mounting device; and a door;

wherein said mounting device is located between said weigher and said product supply cylinder; wherein said door is located upstream from said product supply cylinder, wherein said product supply cylinder comprises a forming collar, and wherein said product delivery cylinder comprising at least one vacuum release port located on said forming collar.

5 - The apparatus according to clause 4, wherein said at least one vacuum release hole is located 7.62 cm from the top of said product supply cylinder.

6, - An apparatus for compacting a workpiece, said apparatus comprises:

a weigher;

a product supply cylinder;

at least one mounting device, wherein said at least one mounting device comprises a discharge chamber;

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OT. THE PROMITY

INDUSTRIAL a sensor located on said discharge chamber; and _ a rod, wherein said rod is actively coupled to said sensor;

wherein said mounting device is located between said weigher and said product supply cylinder.

7. - The apparatus according to clause 6, wherein said rod is located on said discharge chamber.

8. - The apparatus according to clause 6, wherein said rod comprises a nitrogen explosion.

9. - The apparatus according to clause 6, wherein said rod comprises a mechanical bar.

75 members in 15 offices

This recordMember, by publication datePriority claim5 more offices are in the list below

Priority claims15

Priority claims
Document	Office	Kind	Date
12604748	United States of America	–	2009-10-23
60474809	United States of America	A	2009-10-23
12701762	United States of America	–	2010-02-08
70176210	United States of America	A	2010-02-08
12909306	United States of America	–	2010-10-21
90930610	United States of America	A	2010-10-21
2010053928	United States of America	W	2010-10-25
12604748	–	–	–
12701762	–	–	–
12909306	–	–	–
PCTUS2010053928	–	–	–
US20090604748	–	–	–
US20100701762	–	–	–
US20100909306	–	–	–
WO2010US53928	–	–	–

Members75

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CA2778008A1	Canada	A1	2011-04-28
CA2778715A1	Canada	A1	2011-04-28
CA2779319A1	Canada	A1	2011-04-28
CA2957511A1	Canada	A1	2011-04-28
US2011094192A1	United States of America	A1	2011-04-28
WO2011050354A1	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A1	2011-04-28
WO2011050355A1	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A1	2011-04-28
WO2011050361A1	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A1	2011-04-28
US2011131934A1	United States of America	A1	2011-06-09
US2011154783A1	United States of America	A1	2011-06-30
TW201139213A	Taiwan Province of China	A	2011-11-16
AR078723A1	Argentina	A1	2011-11-30
AR078724A1	Argentina	A1	2011-11-30
TW201215540A	Taiwan Province of China	A	2012-04-16
AU2010310478A1	Australia	A1	2012-05-17
AU2010310479A1	Australia	A1	2012-05-17
MX2012004720A	Mexico	A	2012-06-28
CL2012001032A1	Chile	A1	2012-07-13
CL2012001033A1	Chile	A1	2012-07-13
MX2012004785A	Mexico	A	2012-07-17
MX2012004607A	Mexico	A	2012-08-15
EP2490941A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2012-08-29
EP2491356A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2012-08-29
CN102666283A	China	A	2012-09-12
CN102713537A	China	A	2012-10-03
CO6551694A2	Colombia	A2	2012-10-31
CO6551695A2	Colombia	A2	2012-10-31
US2012297738A1	United States of America	A1	2012-11-29
US8371094B2	United States of America	B2	2013-02-12
US2013104502A1	United States of America	A1	2013-05-02
US2013125511A1	United States of America	A1	2013-05-23
US2013152509A1	United States of America	A1	2013-06-20
US8567165B2	United States of America	B2	2013-10-29
US2014020336A1	United States of America	A1	2014-01-23
US8656690B2	United States of America	B2	2014-02-25
EP2490941A4	European Patent Office (EPO)	A4	2014-06-18
EP2491356A4	European Patent Office (EPO)	A4	2014-06-18
CA2899729A1	Canada	A1	2014-08-14
CA2934400A1	Canada	A1	2014-08-14
WO2014124383A1	World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	A1	2014-08-14
AU2014214638A1	Australia	A1	2015-09-03
CN104995091A	China	A	2015-10-21
EP2953857A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2015-12-16
CA2778715C	Canada	C	2015-12-29
AU2014214638B2	Australia	B2	2016-01-28
US9284075B2	United States of America	B2	2016-03-15
MX2015010107A	Mexico	A	2016-04-27
CN104995091B	China	B	2016-05-18
US2016152357A1	United States of America	A1	2016-06-02
CA2899729C	Canada	C	2016-08-23
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MX343231BThis record	Mexico	B	2016-10-28
EP2953857A4	European Patent Office (EPO)	A4	2016-11-02
EP2491356B1	European Patent Office (EPO)	B1	2016-12-07
EP2490941B1	European Patent Office (EPO)	B1	2017-03-15
CA2779319C	Canada	C	2017-03-21
ES2613526T3	Spain	T3	2017-05-24
EP3176548A1	European Patent Office (EPO)	A1	2017-06-07
PL2491356T3	Poland	T3	2017-06-30
BR112015018977A2	Brazil	A2	2017-07-18
ES2626311T3	Spain	T3	2017-07-24
BR112012009625A2	Brazil	A2	2017-08-08
PL2490941T3	Poland	T3	2017-09-29
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US10308379B2	United States of America	B2	2019-06-04
US10308385B2	United States of America	B2	2019-06-04
EP3176548B1	European Patent Office (EPO)	B1	2019-06-19
MX366101B	Mexico	B	2019-06-27
US10370128B2	United States of America	B2	2019-08-06
US2019315502A1	United States of America	A1	2019-10-17
BR112012009625B1	Brazil	B1	2019-12-31
ES2738773T3	Spain	T3	2020-01-27
BR122019018611B1	Brazil	B1	2020-12-22

Packaging related process, system & apparatus.

Abstract

Term

JERRY M. REAVES, LEON J, KRAUSE; RONALD M. GUST

US

US

US

REQUEST

PRIORITY

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

PACKING

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

IMPI

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

IMPI

IMPI

INDUSTRIAL

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

INDUSTRIAL

INDUSTRIAL

IMPI

MEXICAN INSTITUTE

IMPI

IMPI

ADDITIONAL DESCRIPTION

OE THE PROPERTY

MEXICAN INSTITUTE OT. THE PROMITY

Priority claims15

Members75

Events

Numbers

Titles

Classification