Inner pouch sealing apparatus and method
US5111641A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 1991 |
| Grant date | May 12, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B57/10
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A novel method and apparatus for sealing an inner pouch containing surgical instruments and/or elements in an outer breather pouch is provided. The method involves sequentially transporting a series of open inner pouches contained in an outer breather pouch to a viewing station wherein positioning data is obtained concerning the precise location of the inner pouch relative to a base position. Thereafter positioning data is transmitted to a sealing apparatus which adjustably positions a sealing means to consistently seal the inner pouch through the outer pouch material. The apparatus includes viewing mechanisms for determining the position of an inner pouch disposed in an outer pouch relative to a base position. Adjustable sealing apparatus communicates with the viewing mechanism to receive positioning information relating to the inner pouch. Based on this information the viewing apparatus is adjusted so as to be able to effect accurate sealing of the inner pouch disposed within the outer pouch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.