Forming and filling flexible plastic packaging
US4918907A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 1988 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B47/08
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for automatically assembling and packaging articles including an assembler at which the articles are assembled and discharged one after another, a form and fill packaging line including a vacuum thermoformer where a plastic web is formed to provide receptacles for receiving the articles, a filling station where articles are placed in the formed receptacles, and a sealer where a sheet seals closed the filled receptacles, a transporting line receiving the articles from the assembler and transporting them to the filling station, the articles being presented in a group at a location spaced from the web at the filling station, and a first transfer mechanism for engaging the articles one group at a time and transferring them to a corresponding group of the receptacles at the filling station. Also disclosed are inspecting articles prior to filling receptacles so as to fill receptacles with only defect-free articles; changing spacing between finished products during transfer from a conveyor to another location; and forming the receptacles by providing a first pressure difference on opposite sides of the plastic web when heated to provide an initial contour with uniform stretching…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.