EP2953857A1 - Apparatus for compacting product&high speed bagmaking - Google Patents
Apparatus for compacting product&high speed bagmakingInfo
- Publication number
- EP2953857A1 EP2953857A1 EP14749584.0A EP14749584A EP2953857A1 EP 2953857 A1 EP2953857 A1 EP 2953857A1 EP 14749584 A EP14749584 A EP 14749584A EP 2953857 A1 EP2953857 A1 EP 2953857A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- product
- settling
- slugs
- chambers
- weigher
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B9/00—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
- B65B9/10—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs
- B65B9/20—Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, in preformed tubular webs, or in webs formed into tubes around filling nozzles, e.g. extruded tubular webs the webs being formed into tubes in situ around the filling nozzles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B37/00—Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged
- B65B37/16—Separating measured quantities from supply
- B65B37/18—Separating measured quantities from supply by weighing
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B65/00—Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
- B65B65/003—Packaging lines, e.g. general layout
- B65B65/006—Multiple parallel packaging lines
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B1/00—Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
- B65B1/20—Reducing volume of filled material
- B65B1/22—Reducing volume of filled material by vibration
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B1/00—Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
- B65B1/30—Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality or the material fed or filled
- B65B1/32—Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality or the material fed or filled by weighing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B2210/00—Specific aspects of the packaging machine
- B65B2210/02—Plurality of alternative input or output lines or plurality of alternative packaging units on the same packaging line for improving machine flexibility
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an apparatus for compacting a plurality of slugs of product and packing said product slugs at high speeds.
- FIG. 1 depicts a portion of a traditional vertical form, fill, and seal machine.
- the weighers 101 collect and discharge a specified charge of product. Each charge represents the amount of product which will occupy a single bag. Downstream from the weigher 101 is typically a funnel 102 or a series of funnels which directs the product.
- downstream and upstream refer to relative points or locations in the process or apparatus.
- an event taking place downstream occurs later in the process and follows events which took place upstream.
- Downstream from the funnel 102 is a product delivery cylinder 103.
- the product delivery cylinder 103 is often referred to as a former.
- the packaging film for the final package is wrapped around the product delivery cylinder 103 to form a tube. Once the lower portion of the tube is sealed, product is delivered through the product delivery cylinder 103 and into the sealed tube. Thereafter, the top portion of the tube is sealed, cut and separated from the upstream film, and a package is formed.
- the apparatus is a very effective bagmaker and can produce bag rates as high as 100 bags per minute.
- Another known method is partially filling the package with product, vibrating the package to settle the product within the package. Thereafter additional product is added to the package and the process repeated. Unfortunately, this process is very slow and cannot be conducted at high rates on a traditional vertical form, fill, and seal machine.
- one object of the instant invention is to provide an apparatus and method which results in increased compaction of product within a package. Furthermore, because many packages involve a vertical form, fill, and seal machine, it is desirable that the apparatus and method be easily adapted for use on such a machine, preferably with only minor modification and without significantly decreasing bag rates.
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a prior art filling apparatus
- Figure 2 is a perspective view of a filling apparatus employing one embodiment of the invention comprising a settling chamber;
- Figure 3 is a top profile view of a rotary settling device comprising multiple settling chambers in their discharging and receiving positions;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a rotary settling device comprising multiple settling chambers in a mid-rotation position
- Figure 5 is a perspective view of a filling apparatus employing one embodiment of the invention comprising a settling chamber and multiple bagmaker;
- Figure 6 is a top profile view of a rotary settling device comprising multiple settling chambers in their discharging and receiving positions.
- this invention relates to a method and apparatus for compacting a slug of product and increasing compaction of product within a package.
- Compaction refers to the density of product within a package.
- a goal is to form and compact an intermediate slug of product which is subsequently discharged into a packaging apparatus and eventually into a package.
- An additional goal in one embodiment is to ensure the increased compaction remains throughout the packaging operation. Applicants have found forming and compacting an intermediate slug and then discharging said slug for packaging results in increased product compaction.
- a slug of product refers to a collected charge of product.
- a bagmaker refers to any packaging apparatus.
- the method and apparatus can be utilized on a wide variety of bagmakers including but not limited to a vertical form, fill, and seal machine and horizontal form, fill, and seal machines, bag in a box apparatus, as well as boxing machines.
- a packaging apparatus referred to as a fill seal bagmaker, whereby premade bags are opened, filled, and sealed, can also be utilized.
- the final packages described herein can comprise traditional flex packages associated with snack product, vertical packages, box packaging, bag in a box packaging, and other products containing product which is subject to settling.
- the apparatus and method can be utilized to increase compaction of a variety of products including food products such as chips, pretzels, cookies, noodles, nuts, cereal, and seeds. Likewise, this invention also applies to individually wrapped products such as individually wrapped mints or other candies which are susceptible to settling. The apparatus and method also works for other various dry products including dog food, cat food, etc.
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a filling apparatus employing one embodiment of the invention comprising a settling chamber.
- a settling device 207 is located between the weigher 101 and the product delivery cylinder 103 of a vertical form, fill, and seal machine.
- the weigher 101 can comprise virtually any weigher known in the art.
- the weigher 101 is a statistical weigher.
- downstream of the weigher 101 is a receiving funnel 102.
- a receiving funnel 102, or a series of funnels, receives and guides product to the downstream bagmaker.
- a receiving funnel 102 refers to any device downstream of a weigher but upstream from a settling device which collects and directs product.
- the receiving funnel 102 can be attached and part of the weigher 101 and can comprise vertical or slanted walls. In one embodiment, there is a metal detector located between the weigher 101 and the receiving funnel 102 to monitor foreign debris. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a receiving funnel 102 is not necessary in all embodiments. Downstream of the receiving funnel 102 and the weigher 101 is the settling device 207.
- the settling device 207 comprises a single settling chamber 204, a vibrator 208, and a gate 206.
- a settling device refers to a device which receives and captures an amount of product in order to form an intermediate slug of compacted product.
- a settling chamber 204 is a distinct chamber which receives and retains product. In one embodiment the settling chamber 204 has four vertical walls and an open top and bottom.
- Applicants have found that collecting product discharged from the weigher 101 and holding product, for a period of time, in the settling chamber 204 facilitates settling of the product and increases compaction of the product. Increasing the settling of the product during packaging results in a decrease of post manufacturing settling.
- the settling chamber 204 can be jostled or vibrated via a vibrator 208 to facilitate and speed up the settling of the product.
- the time necessary and the amount of external energy, such as vibrations, required to facilitate settling is dependent upon many factors including but not limited to the geometry of the product, the size and geometry of the settling chamber, the size of the slug, and the level of compaction desired.
- the vibrator 208 which is optional, can comprise any device which vibrates the settling chamber 204.
- the vibrator 208 can be located in various places throughout the settling device 207.
- the geometry of the settling chamber 204 has an effect on the shape of the packaged slug as well as the shape of the final package, especially if the final package is a traditional flex bag.
- the cross-sectional shape of the settling chamber 204 is substantially similar to the desired shape of the slug.
- the settling chamber 204 has a substantially oval cross-section to mimic the substantially oval cross-section of a traditional flex bag.
- Other cross-sections may be utilized including but not limited to a circular and square cross-section.
- the height of the settling chamber 204 can be varied according to the desired size and shape of the intermediate slug which ultimately dictates the size and shape of the finished product.
- the size of the settling chamber 204 is approximately 0.5 to 2.5 times the height of the final package, and in one embodiment the settling chamber 204 is approximately 1.25 times the height of the final package.
- the size of the chamber is dependent upon a variety of factors including the amount of settling required.
- the height of the settling chamber 204 is chosen so as to properly fit between the weigher and the packing apparatus without raising the weigher.
- the bottom of the settling chamber 201 has a larger opening than the top of the settling chamber.
- having a larger exit diameter minimizes bridging. This helps the product maintain its desired compact shape and results in faster and more efficient discharges.
- the gate 206 can comprise many types of gates including sliding and swinging gates.
- the gate 206 is a sliding gate which allows for quick and efficient discharge of the product from the settling chamber 204.
- the product delivery cylinder 103 Downstream of the gate 206 is the product delivery cylinder 103.
- the intermediate funnel 209 can comprise one or more funnels which can comprise straight or slanted walls. Further, the intermediate funnel 209 can comprise a variety of shapes. In one embodiment, the intermediate funnel 209 has a shape similar to the shape of the settling chamber 204.
- each subsequent downstream transition point has a larger diameter than the upstream transition point.
- the intermediate funnel 209 has a larger diameter than the settling chamber 204 but a smaller diameter than the product delivery cylinder 103.
- the method for compacting a slug of product begins by weighing an amount of product in a weigher. Then, the product is directed and received into a settling device. Once the product is in the settling device, the product is compacted to form a slug of product. As discussed, this can be accomplished by storing the product for a time, or by jostling, rotating, and/or vibrating the settling device. After compacting the product, the product is discharged to a product delivery cylinder. It should be noted that the product can be directly discharged into the product delivery cylinder or it can be discharged into an intermediate funnel or chute before reaching the product delivery cylinder. Thereafter the slug is deposited from the product delivery cylinder into a package. As discussed above, the settling device is located downstream from a weigher and upstream from the product delivery cylinder. Further, the settling device can comprise only a single settling chamber, or the device can comprise more than one settling chamber.
- the settling device 207 comprises only a single settling chamber 204. However, in other embodiments the settling device 207 comprises more than one settling chamber 204. In one embodiment, two or more settling chambers 204 act in parallel, each discharging its slug to the downstream product delivery cylinder 103. In other embodiments at least two chambers 204 act in series whereby a first chamber is located below a second chamber and product is partially settled in a first chamber before being deposited for further settling in a second chamber. In one embodiment, one or more settling chambers 204 are located on a rotary settling device. In one embodiment each subsequent chamber results in increased settling.
- Figure 3 is a top profile view of a rotary settling device comprising multiple settling chambers in their discharging and receiving positions.
- a rotary settling device 304 is a device comprising more than one settling chamber whereby the settling chambers are axially rotatable within the settling device.
- Figure 3 illustrates a rotary settling device 304 comprising eight settling chambers 204a-h located above the stationary turret table 305, a gate 306, and a vibrator 208. While the figure illustrates eight settling chambers 204a-h, other numbers of settling chambers may also be utilized.
- the number of required settling chambers is dependent upon a variety of factors including but not limited to the geometry of the product, the desired size and weight of each slug, and the desired throughput in bags per minute, amount of settling time required, etc.
- the settling chambers 204a-h can be arranged in a variety of positions.
- the centers of each settling chamber are evenly spaced along the turret table 305.
- the chambers are evenly spaced and oriented like a wagon spoke.
- the settling chambers 204 are angled relative to the turret table 305 to maximize the number of chambers which will fit on the turret table 305.
- the settling chambers 204 have an open top and bottom so the product is maintained within the settling chambers 204 by the presence of the stationary turret table 305.
- the settling chambers 204 glide and rotate over the turret table 305.
- the shape of the opening corresponds to the shape of the settling chamber 204.
- the chamber located in the position above the gate 306, and aligned with the opening 308, is referred to as the discharge chamber 204a.
- the product in the discharge chamber 204a is maintained by the gate 306. Accordingly, when the gate 306 is opened, via sliding or otherwise, the product falls through the opening 308 in the turret table 305 and passes the open gate 306.
- Those skilled in the art will understand that there are other ways of maintaining product within each settling chamber such as having a separate gate for each settling chamber.
- downstream and below the gate 306 is the product delivery cylinder 103 downstream and below the gate 306.
- the compacted slug is discharged from the discharge chamber and into the product delivery cylinder 103 where it is subsequently packaged in a bagmaker.
- the settling chambers 204 can be filled in a variety of locations.
- the discharge chamber 204a is also the same settling chamber which receives product, called the receiving chamber.
- the gate 306 will close. Thereafter, the discharge chamber 204a will then receive product. All of the settling chambers 204 in turn will then move one spot in the progression, during which time the product in the settling chamber settles and becomes more compact. Thus, in some embodiments the receiving and discharging do not take place simultaneously.
- Figures 3 and 4 depict an embodiment in which the receiving and discharging does not take place in the same chamber.
- the discharging chamber 204a discharges product and a different chamber, the receiving chamber 204c receives product from the receiving funnel 102.
- the discharging and the receiving takes place simultaneously.
- the discharge chamber 204a discharges its product, it rotates two positions to become the receiving chamber 204c at which time it receives product.
- the discharge chamber 204a will only rotate one spot before becoming the receiving chamber whereas in other embodiments the discharge chamber will rotate multiple positions before becoming 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 102 and the product delivery cylinder 103 and the required amount of settling.
- the receiving chamber 204c After the receiving chamber 204c has received its product, it rotates clockwise throughout the positions until it again becomes the discharge chamber 204a. While the example has been described as rotating clockwise, this should not be deemed limiting as the device can also rotate counterclockwise.
- a vibrator 208 vibrates the product within the settling chambers 204 to facilitate settling of the product.
- the vibrator 208 can be placed on a variety of places, including but not limited to, on the stationary turret table 305, attached to the chambers 204, or otherwise attached to the rotary settling device 304 or other supporting structure.
- the receiving funnel 102 is located atop the rotary settling device 304.
- the receiving funnel 102 directs product to the receiving chamber.
- the receiving funnel 102 may be directly below the weigher 101 or it may be below another funnel or series of funnels.
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a rotary settling device comprising multiple settling chambers in a mid-rotation position.
- Figure 4 also illustrates the opening 308 located on the stationary table 305.
- the chambers are in mid-rotation so the chambers are not receiving or discharging product. In other embodiments, however, product is received and/or discharged during rotation. In some embodiments, however, it is desired that the compact slug is maintained in its compact state after the slug has been formed.
- a stationary top 409 is depicted.
- the top 409 acts to ensure that the product within the settling chambers 204 does not escape the settling chambers 204. Further, the top 409 acts to keep external items from entering the settling device and subsequently becoming packaged.
- the top 409 is not necessary in all embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand which processing conditions will warrant such a top.
- the intermediate funnel 209 and the product receiving cylinder 103 are depicted downstream of the opening 308.
- the product receiving cylinder 103 is part of the bag former in a vertical form, fill, and seal, machine.
- the product receiving cylinder 103 is directly connected to the rotary device 304.
- the product receiving cylinder 103 is not directly attached to the rotary device 304.
- the product receiving cylinder 103 may be separated from the rotary device 304 by a gap or it may be connected via other equipment such as the intermediate funnel 209.
- the product in the package comprises product from only a single settling chamber.
- the amount of product received in the receiving chamber is equal to the amount of product in the final package.
- the final package comprises two slugs of product.
- the package comprises product from at least two different settling chambers.
- the package comprises two slugs of product from the same chamber. In such an embodiment a first slug is first formed and discharged and then subsequently a second slug is formed in the same chamber and then discharged.
- Applicants have found that in some products the compaction is further increased when two or more smaller slugs are compacted separately and then added into a single package. For example, if the final product is to comprise two slugs of product, then the slugs formed from two different chambers will both be deposited to a single package. Referring back to Figure 3, in such an embodiment a single package will comprise product discharged from the discharge chamber 204a as well as product from the chamber 204h located one spot behind the discharge chamber 204a. Thus, product from both chambers 204a/204h is deposited to a vertical form, fill, and seal machine to be packaged in a single package.
- the height of each chamber is selected so that existing apparatuses can be retrofitted with charge compaction without, for example, raising the weigher.
- the settling chambers can be made shorter in height, due to the height being spread amongst multiple chambers, and as a result the weigher does not have to be moved. This results in decreased capital costs to retrofit an existing apparatus.
- Applicants have found that after inducing settling the slug maintains its shape and compaction as it is packaged. This results in less settling after packaging giving the consumer a fuller package which more resembles the fuller look of a bag at the bagmaker. As previously discussed, increasing settling during packaging reduces post package settling which results in several benefits.
- One such benefit is the ability to use a comparatively smaller package for the same product weight. This results in decreased production costs as less material is required to manufacture the package. Additionally this results in decreased shipping costs as more packages can fit in a given volume. Further, this allows more packages to be displayed on the retail shelf as smaller packages occupy less space. Likewise, a smaller package allows a consumer to store the same amount of product in a smaller space, thus freeing valuable pantry space.
- this apparatus and method provide the opportunity to package the same quantity of product in a comparatively smaller package.
- the smaller package can have a decreased height, width, or combinations thereof compared to the previous package.
- the width of the package is not altered and only the height dimension is changed. Such an embodiment minimizes the modifications required to the bagmaker.
- a trial was conducted using chips with a product weight of 21.5 ounces.
- the wheat chips were thin wafers having ridges.
- a settling device was not used on the control.
- the bags had a width of 12 inches, a total height of 18.75 inches and a usable height of 17.75 inches after deducting one inch for the top and bottom seals.
- the void space in each package was measured and the fullness level of each bag calculated.
- the void space was measured by measuring the average level of product in the package.
- the packages removed from the bagmaker which was a vertical form, fill, and seal machine, were approximately 86% full on average and had an average product level of 15.25 inches.
- the packages were subjected to a simulated retail process which included simulating the transporting, handling, and shelf time of a typical package.
- the void space was measured and the fullness of each bag was calculated to be approximately 78% on average with a product level of 13.85 inches.
- the fullness of the packages decreased by about 8% on average after the shelf simulation, and the product level decreased by an average of 1.4 inches.
- a non-rotary settling apparatus comprising a single settling chamber, similar to that of Figure 2 in operation, was utilized using the single charge method whereby each package comprised a single slug of product.
- the settling device had settling chambers comprising a substantially oval cross section and a width of 12 inches. Because of the settling of the product, a smaller bag was utilized. The smaller bag had a width of 12 inches and a height of 16.75 inches with about 15.75 inches of useable space. At the bagmaker the packages were approximately 86% full and had a product level of about 13.55 inches. Thus, the settling device decreased the same quantity of product in a bag with the same width from a product level of 15.25 inches to a product level of 13.55 inches at the bagmaker.
- the packages were approximately 82% full and had a product level of about 12.85 inches.
- the fullness of the package decreased by only about 4% and resulted in a fuller bag compared to the control.
- the product level dropped only about 0.7 inches which is about half of the drop experienced in the control.
- the same apparatus was utilized using the multi-charge method wherein the final package comprised two slugs of product.
- the settling chamber formed and discharged a slug, and then the same settling chamber subsequently formed and discharged a second slug into the same package as the first discharged slug.
- the same size bag as the single charge was also used in the multi-charge trial. At the bagmaker the packages were approximately 87% full and had product levels of about 13.65 inches. After the shelf simulation, the packages were approximately 83% full and had a product level of about 13.15 inches.
- the multi-charge method resulted in a fuller bag both at the bagmaker and after shelf-simulations.
- charge compaction is combined with a multiple bagmaker to significantly increase the packaging speed and efficiency.
- Any multiple bagmaker known in the art can be used, and Applicants will describe the invention in relation to a duplex vertical form, fill and seal machine. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of bags the multiple bagmaker produces at one time will dictate the necessary modifications to the weigher and charge compaction device.
- FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an apparatus with a multiple bagmaker incorporating charge compaction in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- a duplex vertical form, fill and seal machine with delivery cylinders 103 and 113 is utilized.
- the weigher 101 is split into two sections with each half weighing and discharging a slug of product into its corresponding half of the receiving funnel 102 which guides the product into the settling device 207.
- the settling device 207 comprises two settling chambers 204, 214, each for a slug of product, a vibrator 208, and a gate 206.
- the product is discharged from the settling chambers 204, 214 through the gate 206 to the product delivery cylinders 103 and 113, respectively. While the example has been described as using a duplex vertical form, fill and seal machine, this should not be deemed limiting as the device can be adapted for any number of bagmakers.
- the method for compacting and packaging a plurality of slugs of product simultaneously is substantially similar to that described above in relation to a single slug of product.
- a plurality of slugs of product is weighed in a split weigher.
- the number of sections into which the weigher is split is determined by the number of product delivery cylinders of the multiple bagmaker. Thus, for a duplex bagmaker the weigher is split into two sections, three sections for a triplex bagmaker and so on.
- the slugs of product are then directed from the weigher and received into a settling device. Once the slugs of product are in the settling device, the slugs are compacted to form compacted slugs of product.
- the settling device 207 comprises only the settling chambers 204, 214 for each slug of product to be packaged. In other embodiments, the settling device 207 comprises multiple settling chambers 204, 214 that act in parallel, each discharging its slug of product to the downstream product delivery cylinders 103, 113.
- Figure 6 is a top profile view of a rotary settling device comprising multiple settling chambers in their discharging and receiving positions.
- the rotary settling device 304 shown in Figure 6 comprises twelve settling chambers 204a- f, 214a-f located above the stationary turret table 305, a gate 306, and a vibrator 208.
- the number of settling chambers in a single position is dependent upon the number of product delivery cylinders of the multiple bagmaker and the settling chambers grouped at a position rotate together such that they receive and discharge product simultaneously.
- a triplex bagmaker were being used, there would be a third settling chamber (not shown) at each position a-f.
- the multiple-chamber rotary settling device operates as described above in reference to compacting and packaging a single slug of product.
- An apparatus for compacting and packaging a plurality of product slugs simultaneously comprising:
- a multiple bagmaker said bagmaker having a number of product delivery cylinders
- said settling device is located between said weigher and said product delivery cylinder.
- said settling chambers comprise a cross- sectional shape substantially similar to the desired shape of the product slug.
- said settling chambers comprise a substantially oval cross-section.
- said settling chambers comprise a top end and a bottom end, and wherein said bottom end comprises a larger opening than said top end.
- said settling device further comprises a gate.
- said settling devices comprise at least four settling chambers and at least one gate, wherein said settling chambers are axially rotatable within the settling device, and wherein a number of said settling chambers equal to said number of said product delivery cylinders are grouped at a single position.
- the apparatus according to any preceding clause further comprising a stationary turret table, wherein said stationary turret table is located below said settling chambers.
- said stationary turret table comprises an opening located above said gate.
- the apparatus according to any preceding clause further comprising a stationary table located above said at least four rotating settling chambers.
- the apparatus according to any preceding clause further comprising at least one funnel located above said at least two rotating settling chambers.
- said settling device further comprises a vibrator.
- said settling device is located downstream from said weigher and upstream from said product delivery cylinder.
- said receiving step comprises receiving product into at least four settling chambers, wherein a number of said settling chambers equal to said number of said product delivery cylinders are grouped together.
- said compacting step comprises rotating said product in four settling chambers, wherein said settling chambers are axially rotatable within the settling device.
- said compacting step comprises vibrating said settling device.
- said depositing step comprises depositing said slugs into a duplex vertical form, fill, and seal machine.
- receiving step and said discharging step occur simultaneously.
- receiving step comprises receiving product into at least one settling chamber
- depositing step comprises depositing at least two slugs from at least one settling chambers into a package.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
- Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)
- Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
- Supply Of Fluid Materials To The Packaging Location (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/764,133 US9284075B2 (en) | 2009-10-23 | 2013-02-11 | Apparatus for compacting product and high speed bagmaking |
PCT/US2014/015608 WO2014124383A1 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2014-02-10 | Apparatus for compacting product & high speed bagmaking |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2953857A1 true EP2953857A1 (en) | 2015-12-16 |
EP2953857A4 EP2953857A4 (en) | 2016-11-02 |
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ID=51300180
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP14749584.0A Withdrawn EP2953857A4 (en) | 2013-02-11 | 2014-02-10 | Apparatus for compacting product&high speed bagmaking |
Country Status (8)
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EP (1) | EP2953857A4 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104995091B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2014214638B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112015018977A2 (en) |
CA (2) | CA2899729C (en) |
MX (1) | MX366101B (en) |
RU (1) | RU2597860C1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014124383A1 (en) |
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US10960994B2 (en) * | 2017-02-17 | 2021-03-30 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Apparatus and methods of packaging particulates for settling |
CN109168983B (en) * | 2018-09-28 | 2023-10-24 | 郑州治世长云科技有限公司 | Layered inoculation type multi-station bagging machine |
JP7212356B2 (en) * | 2018-12-27 | 2023-01-25 | 株式会社イシダ | bag making and packaging machine |
US11193042B2 (en) * | 2019-03-18 | 2021-12-07 | Purdue Research Foundation | Process for manufacturing a sub-nanometer-thick coating on an amorphous material, exhibiting nanometer-scale chemical patterns |
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SU1507647A1 (en) * | 1986-12-08 | 1989-09-15 | Всесоюзный научно-исследовательский и проектный институт титана | Device for packaging metal powders |
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US8567165B2 (en) * | 2009-10-23 | 2013-10-29 | Frito-Lay North America, Inc. | Method and apparatus for compacting product |
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-
2014
- 2014-02-10 MX MX2015010107A patent/MX366101B/en active IP Right Grant
- 2014-02-10 WO PCT/US2014/015608 patent/WO2014124383A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-02-10 CN CN201480008320.XA patent/CN104995091B/en active Active
- 2014-02-10 CA CA2899729A patent/CA2899729C/en active Active
- 2014-02-10 AU AU2014214638A patent/AU2014214638B2/en active Active
- 2014-02-10 BR BR112015018977A patent/BR112015018977A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2014-02-10 EP EP14749584.0A patent/EP2953857A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-02-10 RU RU2015137949/13A patent/RU2597860C1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2014-02-10 CA CA2934400A patent/CA2934400A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
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CA2899729C (en) | 2016-08-23 |
AU2014214638A1 (en) | 2015-09-03 |
BR112015018977A2 (en) | 2017-07-18 |
CN104995091B (en) | 2016-05-18 |
AU2014214638B2 (en) | 2016-01-28 |
EP2953857A4 (en) | 2016-11-02 |
CA2899729A1 (en) | 2014-08-14 |
MX2015010107A (en) | 2016-04-27 |
MX366101B (en) | 2019-06-27 |
CN104995091A (en) | 2015-10-21 |
RU2597860C1 (en) | 2016-09-20 |
WO2014124383A1 (en) | 2014-08-14 |
CA2934400A1 (en) | 2014-08-14 |
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