Adjustable, inline packaging machine for filling and sealing pouches and method of using same

Abstract

An inline packaging machine for automatically accommodating and filling different sized containers, such as pouches, to reduce changeover time and thereby improve operating efficiency of the machine. The machine includes stations disposed longitudinally along a center line of the machine, including a first carrier track opposing a second carrier track with respect to the center line. A first clamp is disposed on the first carrier track and at least a second clamp is disposed on the second carrier track wherein the clamps are configured to releasably secure first-sized pouches for filling. The pouches are advanced inline from a setup station through an opening station to a filling station for filling with contents. The filled pouches are then advanced to a sealing and discharging station. A control system automatically adjusts the distance between the corresponding clamps to accommodate second-sized and/or third-sized pouches for inline processing and filling.

Claims

1. An inline machine for filling pouches with contents and sealing the pouches after being filled, the inline machine comprising: a loading station having a conveyor with one or more magazines configured to store pouches in an unfilled state, wherein each of the one or more magazines comprise: one or more fingers; and one or more flanges spaced from the one or more fingers and extending at an angle from the conveyor; wherein the one or more flanges are adjustable to facilitate loading of the pouches arranged as a stack of flat pouches; wherein the one or more magazines comprise two or more magazines; and wherein the pouches comprise first pouches for a first magazine and second pouches for a second magazine, wherein the first pouches are a different size than the second pouches; and a processing system disposed inline with the loading station, the processing system including: a setup station configured to receive a pouch from the pouches in the loading station; one or more additional stations configured to fill and seal the pouch; and one or more tracks configured to advance the pouch from the setup station to the one or more additional stations.

2. The inline machine of claim 1, further comprising a transfer mechanism in the loading station or the processing system for transferring the pouch to the setup station.

3. The inline machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more tracks comprise a first carrier track opposing a second carrier track.

4. The inline machine of claim 3, wherein the first carrier track is in mechanical operation collectively with a first drive sprocket, a first driven sprocket, and a first chain, and the second carrier track is in mechanical operation collectively with a second drive sprocket, a second driven sprocket, and a second chain.

5. The inline machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more additional stations comprise an opening station, wherein the pouch is advanced inline from the setup station to the opening station for opening the pouches into an open pouch state.

6. The inline machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more additional stations comprise a filling station in line with the loading station and the setup station, wherein the pouch in an open pouch state is advanced inline from the setup station to the filling station for filling the pouch with contents.

7. The inline machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more additional stations comprise a sealing station in line with the loading station and the setup station, wherein the pouch filled with contents is advanced inline from the setup station to the sealing station for sealing the pouch.

8. The inline machine of claim 7, wherein the sealing station of the processing system includes a hot bar for sealing the pouch and one or more of a nitrogen gas flushing mechanism, a seal cooler, a hot puncher, a vibratory settler, or a pouch deflator.

9. The inline machine of claim 1, wherein the one or more additional stations comprise a printing station, wherein the printing station is configured to print codes or dates on the pouches.

10. The inline machine of claim 9, wherein the printing station includes a camera for verifying correct printing of the codes or the dates.

11. A method of filling pouches using an inline machine comprising a loading station having a conveyor with one or more magazines comprising one or more fingers, and one or more flanges spaced from the one or more fingers and extending at an angle from the conveyor, wherein the one or more flanges are adjustable to facilitate loading of the pouches arranged as a stack of flat pouches, and a processing system disposed inline with the loading station, the processing system having a setup station, one or more additional stations, and one or more tracks for advancing the pouches from the setup station to the one or more additional stations, wherein the method comprises: receiving a pouch in an unfilled state in the setup station from a plurality of pouches located in the one or more magazines in the loading station, wherein the one or more magazines comprise two or more magazines, and wherein the pouches comprise first pouches for a first magazine and second pouches for a second magazine, wherein the first pouches are a different size than the second pouches; advancing the pouch from the setup station to the one or more additional stations using the one or more tracks; filling the pouch with contents to place the pouch in a filled state; sealing the pouch with the contents therein; and discharging the pouch.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the inline machine further comprises a transfer mechanism in the loading station or the processing system, wherein receiving the pouch in the setup station occurs by transferring the pouch from the one or more magazines of the loading station to the setup station.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more tracks comprise a first carrier track opposing a second carrier track, and wherein advancing the pouch comprises driving the first carrier track and the second carrier track.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more additional stations comprise an opening station, wherein the pouch is advanced inline from the setup station to the opening station, and method further comprises opening the pouch into an open pouch state.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more additional stations comprise a filling station inline with the loading station and the setup station, wherein the pouch in an open pouch state is advanced inline to the filling station, and wherein filling the pouch with the contents occurs at the filling station.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more additional stations comprise a sealing station inline with the loading station and the setup station, wherein sealing the pouch occurs at the sealing station.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the sealing station of the processing system includes a hot bar for sealing the pouches filled with the contents and one or more of a nitrogen gas flushing mechanism, a seal cooler, a hot puncher, a vibratory settler, or a pouch deflator.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more additional stations comprise a printing station, wherein the printing station is configured to print codes or dates on the pouches.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the printing station includes a camera for verifying correct printing of the codes or dates.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an inline packaging machine for filling and sealing pouches of various sizes;

(3) FIG. 2 is a left view of an inline packaging machine of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is a top view of an inline packaging machine of FIG. 1

(5) FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view with perspective treatment of an inline packaging machine of FIG. 1 taken along the 4-4 line shown in FIG. 3.

(6) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view with perspective treatment of an inline packaging machine of FIG. 1 taken along the 5-5 line shown in FIG. 2.

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the inline packaging machine of FIG. 1 with external panels and frames removed to show internal components of the machine;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inline packaging machine of FIG. 6 with additional components removed to show further details of the machine;

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inline packaging machine of FIG. 7 with additional components removed to show further details of the machine;

(10) FIG. 9 is a top view of the inline packaging machine of FIG. 7 with additional components removed to show further details of the machine;

(11) FIG. 10 is side perspective view of the inline packaging machine illustrating a vacuum suction cup mechanism of an opening station, a filler assembly of a filling station, and a hot bar sealer of a sealing and discharge station;

(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the inline packaging machine of FIG. 10 with additional components removed to show further details of the machine;

(13) FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the inline packaging machine of FIG. 10 with additional components removed to show further details of the machine;

(14) FIG. 13 is a top view of the inline packaging machine of FIG. 12;

(15) FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the components and functionality of the inline packaging machine;

(16) FIG. 15 is a top view of a first pouch shown in an opened pouch state;

(17) FIG. 16 is a top view of a second pouch shown in an opened pouch state;

(18) FIG. 17 is a front view of the first pouch of FIG. 15 shown in a flat closed pouch state;

(19) FIG. 18 is a front view of the pouch P2 of FIG. 16 shown in a flat closed pouch state;

(20) FIG. 19 is a schematic top view of a first pouch advancing inline through the inline packaging machine; and

(21) FIG. 20 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary packaging operation of the inline packaging machine for two different sized pouches.

(22) In one or more implementations, not all of the depicted components in each figure may be required, and one or more implementations may include additional components not shown in a figure. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Variations in the arrangement and type of the components may be made without departing from the scope of the subject disclosure. Additional components, different components, or fewer components may be used within the scope of the subject disclosure. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

(23) This patent application contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(24) The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various implementations and is not intended to represent the only implementations in which the subject technology may be practiced. As those skilled in the art would realize, the described implementations may be modified in various different ways, all without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

(25) FIGS. 1-14 show an exemplary inline packaging machine 10 constructed in accordance with the present disclosure. The inline machine 10 is designed for filling and sealing containers, such as pouches, of different sizes with rapid, automated changeovers that improve the machine's operating efficiency and reduce down time. The inline machine 10 can automatically adjust for different sized containers, for example through container-related information inputted by an operator into the control assembly of the machine 10 and/or through a sensor assembly 210 (e.g., an optical sensor package including laser sensors). The machine 10 is considered an “inline machine” because its components are substantially linearly aligned and the packaging steps are performed by these aligned components. The machine 10 can accommodate, fill and seal different sized containers while still providing a compact overall footprint where the machine 10 has a width of less than 60 inches and a length of less than 160 inches, and where the machine 10 has a preferable width of 50 inches and a length of 140 inches. This compact overall footprint improves the utility of the machine 10 while providing the customer with significant options as to where to position the machine 10 in the customer's facility, especially as to facilities that are crowded with other machines and packaging equipment.

(26) The inline machine 10 includes a number of stations where various packaging functions are performed on the containers, such as pouches 12. For purposes of explaining the operation of the machine 10, the pouches 12 described below are of the “pre-made” variety and have an openable upper mouth that can be sealed shut after filling, a closed gusseted bottom and sealed side edges extending upward from the bottom to the sealable mouth. Specifically, the machine 10 includes a loading or in-feed station 100 for receiving pouches 12 having different dimensions, including heights, widths and opening widths (see FIGS. 15-18) and a processing system 14 operably connected, preferably mechanically linked, with the loading station 100. The inline machine 10 further includes a control system 16 in mechanical and electrical communication with both the loading station 100 and the processing system 14. The control system 16 is configured to control and monitor all operations of the inline machine 10, in general, and control and monitor both the loading station 100 and the processing system 14, in particular. The control system 16 is programmed to provide for rapid changeovers, which means equal to or less than 30 seconds, preferably less than 20 seconds, and most preferably less than 15 seconds, between various sized and configured pouches that are supplied to the loading station 100. This programming of the control system 16 can include “presets” for commonly sized pouches 12 to make changeover even faster. An operator of the machine 10 can enter pouch-related size information into the control system 16 for different sized pouches, including activating the presets for commonly sized pouches 12. The control system 16 can also be configured to include a sensor assembly 210 that automatically senses the presence of different sized pouches 12 and then makes the necessary adjustments, including to the processing system 14, to allow for the handling and filling of these different pouches 12 by the machine 10. A hood 18 substantially encloses the processing system 14 to protect the processing system 14 during operation of the inline machine 10.

(27) With the hood 18 and other enclosures or paneling 19 removed from the inline machine 10 in FIGS. 4-14, a number of function-specific inline stations of the processing system 14 are shown. In particular, the processing system 14 includes a setup station 200 for receiving the different sized pouches 12 from the loading station 100, an opening station 300 for opening the pouches 12, a filling station 400 for filling the pouches 12 with content, and a sealing and discharging station 500 for sealing the pouches 12 after being filled with content and discharging the pouches 12 after being sealed. The inline machine 10 includes a longitudinal center line C (see FIGS. 3 and 13) which extends along the loading station 100 through the processing system 14 and through to the sealing and discharging station 500. The longitudinal center line C essentially bisects the machine 10 into left and right halves. The stations 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 of the processing system 14 are substantially aligned on the center line C, wherein the machine 10 has an inline configuration.

(28) With particular reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 6-9, the loading station 100 includes a plurality of magazine receptacles 102 for receiving the first plurality of pouches 12. Each magazine receptacle 102 is defined by at least one finger 104 extending upward from a conveyer belt 106 of the loading station 100 and by at least one adjustable flange 108 extending upward from the conveyor belt 106 and being longitudinally spaced apart from the fingers 104. The flange 108 can upwardly extend from the belt 106 at an angle to create a sloped support surface for the pouches 12 to be placed in the receptacle 102. The fingers 104 are equally spaced apart from each other along the conveyer belt 106, with the flanges 108 being disposed there between. The distance between the fingers 104 and the flanges 108 can be selectively adjusted to facilitate the precise loading positions for the pouches 12 in each magazine receptacle 102. Each magazine receptacle 102 is configured to receive the first plurality of pouches 12 arranged as a stack of flat, unopened pouches. As such, in contrast to conventional techniques, the first plurality of pouches 12 does not require time consuming “shingling” at the loading station 100 or at any time during operation of the inline machine 10. Moreover, the adjustability of the plurality of magazine receptacles 102 via the adjustable angled flanges 108 allows for varying sized and configured pouches to be loaded at the loading station 100, as will be described in more detail below. Unfilled, flat pouches 12 are loaded into the receptacles 102, namely placed on the angled flanges 108, with the openable end of the pouch 12 in a leading position oriented towards the setup station 200 for receiving and the bottom, closed end of the pouch 12 in a trailing position. Because the flanges 108 are sloped, the stacked pouches 12 are oriented at an angle to the conveyor belt 106 within the receptacle 102. The loading station 100 further includes a transfer mechanism 110 for transferring an individual flat pouch P1 (see FIGS. 4 and 6-9) of the first plurality of pouches 12 from the plurality of magazine receptacles 102 to the setup station 200 of the processing system 14. The transfer mechanism 110 uses suction to engage a portion of the pouch 12 and then transfer it, in a closed state, from the receptacle 102 onto a staging conveyor belt to arrive at a “home” position, that functions as a standardized position, within the setup station 200 for further handling by the processing system 14.

(29) With reference to FIGS. 5, 8, 9-10, and 12-13, the processing system 14 includes a first carrier track assembly 30 and a second carrier track assembly 32 that are arranged about the longitudinal center line C. The first carrier track 30 and the second carrier track 32 are operably configured to provide for inline movement of the pouches 12 through the processing system 14. In particular and referring to FIGS. 8-10 and 12-13, the first carrier track 30 is in mechanical operation with a first drive sprocket 34 disposed proximate the setup station 200 and with a first driven sprocket 36 disposed proximate the sealing and discharging station 500. The first drive sprocket 34 and the first driven sprocket 36 are enmeshed with a first chain (not shown). As such, the first drive sprocket 34, the first driven sprocket 36, and the first chain are collectively configured to drive the first carrier track 30 in a counter-clockwise direction. Similarly, the second carrier track 32 is in mechanical operation with a second drive sprocket 40 disposed proximate the setup station 200 and with a second driven sprocket 42 disposed proximate the sealing and discharging station 500. The second drive sprocket 40 and the second driven sprocket 42 are enmeshed with a second chain (not shown). The second drive sprocket 40, the second driven sprocket 42, and the second chain 44 are collectively configured to drive the second track carrier 32 in a clockwise direction.

(30) A first plurality of clamps 46 is coupled to the first carrier track 30 such that each clamp 46 is disposed equally spaced apart from adjacent clamps 46 along the first carrier track 30. In one embodiment of the machine 10, the first plurality of clamps 46 includes twelve clamps, for example, although it should be understood that any number of clamps 46 are within the scope of this disclosure. Similarly, a second plurality of clamps 48 is coupled to the second carrier track 32 such that each clamp 48 is disposed equally spaced apart from adjacent clamps 48 along the second carrier track 32. The second plurality of clamps 48 includes twelve clamps, for example, although it should be understood that any number of clamps 48 are within the scope of this disclosure. Each clamp 46 of the first plurality of clamps 46 corresponds to a clamp 48 of the second plurality of clamps 48 so that the corresponding clamps 46,48 align with each other across the longitudinal center line C at each of the setup station 200, the opening station 300, the filling station 400, and the sealing and discharging station 500. The first plurality of clamps 46 and the second plurality of clamps 48 are configured to releasably secure a peripheral extent of the pouches 12 such that they hang between corresponding clamps 46, 48. In this way, the corresponding clamps 46, 48 remain aligned as they are advanced, via driven actuation of the first and the second carrier tracks 30, 32, to each of the setup station 200, the opening station 300, the filling station 400, and the sealing and discharging station 500 such that the pouches 12 are received at each of the stations 200-500 for particular processing, as described in more detail below.

(31) The first carrier track 30 and the second carrier track 32 are supported by a first frame 50 and a second frame 52, respectively. An adjusting mechanism 54 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 13) of the processing system 14 mechanically and adjustably couples the first frame 50 to the second frame 52. The adjusting mechanism 54 is configured to adjust a separation distance 56, which is defined as the distance between corresponding clamps 46, 48 of the first plurality of clamps 46 and the second plurality of clamps 48. The adjusting mechanism 54 can include pneumatic cylinders or actuators, or hydraulic cylinders or actuators to adjust the separation distance 56. In the configuration of the machine 10 shown in the Figures, the separation distance 56 extends across the longitudinal center line C. For example, with this commercial embodiment, the adjusting mechanism 54 laterally actuates the first frame 50 and the second frame 52, independently of each other, with respect to the longitudinal center line C, and in turn, the first carrier track 30 and the second carrier track 32, to moveably adjust the separation distance 56 between corresponding clamps 46, 48 of the first plurality of clamps 46 and the second plurality of clamps 48. To accommodate pouches 12 or containers having different dimensions and configurations, the separation distance 56 is adjustable between 3.5 inches to 16 inches. Moreover, the adjusting mechanism 54 is configured to adjust the separation distance 56 relatively quickly within 30 seconds and preferably within 15 seconds.

(32) As shown in FIGS. 3, 7, and 9-11, the opening station 300 includes a vacuum suction cup mechanism 302. The vacuum suction cup mechanism 302 is designed to open the pouches 12 while each is secured between the clamps 46, 48. In particular the vacuum suction cup mechanism 302 includes opposed suction cups 304. The suction cups 304 are opposed from each other across an intersecting line 306 that is orthogonal to the longitudinal center line C. When the pouch 12 is positioned at the opening station 300, the vacuum suction cup mechanism 302 is lowered so that the pouch 12 is arranged between the opposed suction cups 304. The opposed suction cups 304 are then actuated to move towards each other to engage the pouch 12 with a suction force so that the pouch 12 is opened when the opposed suction cups 304 are subsequently actuated to move away from each other. A hexagonal spreader (not shown) can be utilized to further open and/or maintain the pouches 12 in an open state prior to and during the filling of contents. The spreader includes a plurality of fingers or actuators that descend from above to open the pouch 12 in into a hexagonal shape, when viewed from above. For example, the spreader includes four fingers that are inserted into at least the mouth of the pouch 12 and that exert an outwardly directed force to maintain the pouch 12 in an open hexagonal shape for filling, as described below. Due to the outwardly directed force exerted by the fingers, the upper edge of the pouch 12 forms six distinct segments that provide the open hexagonal shape mentioned above.

(33) The filling station 400 includes a funnel 402 terminating at a feeding claw 404. An extent of the feeding claw 404 is designed to be received by the pouch 12 in the opened pouched state for filling the pouch 12 with content, such as a powder, liquid, gel or other similar substance. In particular, with the content loaded into the funnel 402 and the feeding claw 404 inserted into the pouch 12, the feeding claw 404 is actuated to release the content into the pouch 12 in order to sufficiently fill it. The sealing and discharge station 500 includes a sealer 502 designed to seal the pouch 12 after the content is contained in the pouch 12. The sealer 502 includes a hot bar 504 and a brace bar 506. When the pouch 12 is positioned at the sealing and discharge station 500, the sealer 502 is actuated to be lowered downwardly such that the pouch 12, filled with content, is arranged between the hot bar 504 and the brace bar 506. With the pouch 12 arranged in this manner, the hot bar 504 and the brace bar 506 are actuated to compress the top of the pouch P1, thereby sealing it.

(34) FIGS. 14-20 collectively show the inline functionality and operation of the inline machine 10. At the loading station 100, the first plurality of pouches 12 are loaded into a magazine receptacle M1 of the plurality of magazine receptacles 102 and a second plurality of pouches 58 are loaded into an adjacent magazine receptacle M2 of the plurality of magazine receptacles 102. The first plurality of pouches 12 and the second plurality of pouches 58 are single gusset pouches that include an elliptical shaped opening at the top and a gusset at the bottom. Moreover, the first plurality of pouches 12 is smaller in size and configuration than the second plurality of pouches 58. For example, in the opened pouch state, the pouch P1 of the first plurality of pouches 12 includes a first opening area 60 (shown in FIG. 15) that is less than a second opening area 62 (shown in FIG. 16) of a pouch P2 of the second plurality of pouches 58. In particular, the first opening area 60 includes a first opened width OW1 along a first major axis 64 that is less than a second opened width OW2 along a second major axis 66 of the second opening area 62. To further illustrate the size and configuration differential between the pouch P1 and the pouch P2, in the flat closed pouch states, the pouch P1 includes an upper most width W1 at a first upper closed section 68 corresponding to the first opening area 60 of the pouch P1 in the opened pouch state that is less than an upper most width W2 at a second upper closed section 70 corresponding to the second opening area 62 of the pouch P2 in the opened pouch state, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, respectively. The upper most widths W1, W2 are in the approximate range of 4 inches to 6 inches. Furthermore, the pouch P1 also includes a height H1 that is less than a height H2 of the pouch P2. The heights H1, H2 are in the approximate range of 6 inches to 21 inches.

(35) FIG. 17 provides a schematic representation of the first-sized pouches P1 and the second sized pouches P2 moving inline through each station of the inline machine 10. Referring to the left side of FIGS. 7 and 20 a plurality of first-sized pouches P1 are loaded into magazine receptacle M1 and arranged as a stack of flat, unopened pouches P1 at the loading station 100. The transfer mechanism 110 transfers the first-sized pouch P1 inline to a home position in the setup station 200 so that a pair of corresponding clamps of the first plurality of clamps 46 and the second plurality of clamps 48 simultaneously secure a peripheral extent of the pouch P1. In this way, the pouch P1 is aligned along the longitudinal center line C with the long side or width W1 leading in the direction of inline movement through the machine 10. The term “long side leading” is generally recognized in the industry to refer to the upper most width of the pouch P1, being aligned orthogonally to the longitudinal center line C for movement through the inline machine 10. The pouch P1 is then advanced inline from the setup station 200 to the opening station 300 for opening the pouch P1 from the flat closed pouch state to the opened pouch state. The vacuum suction cup mechanism 302 is utilized to open the first-sized pouch P1, wherein a lateral force that is oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal center line C is applied to pen the pouch P1. The spreader mechanism, through the insertion of its fingers into the mouth of the pouch P1, can also be utilized to maintain the pouch P1 in the open hexagonal shape for filling of contents in the filling station 400.

(36) At the filling station 400, the opened state pouch P1 is filled with contents such as, but not limited to, nuts, chips, granola, powder, trail mix, other food products, medication, and other products. As shown in FIG. 14, the filling station 400 can include an auger filler 406 for filling the pouch P1 with non-free flowing products and products that generate dust such as, but not limited to, coffee, flour, and other similar powders; a multi-head scale 408 for improved weighing accuracy of products such as, but not limited to, cereals and the like, which can allow for more pouches per weight of product and more pouches per shift; a robotic arm 410 for sensitive and fragile products that demand delicate product handling such as, but not limited to, electronics, glass, or other delicate products; a vibratory counter 412 for packaging or filling applications where measuring precision and accuracy are crucial and for products that are uneven such as, but not limited to wafers, grains, nuts, and other uneven products; and/or a volumetric cup filler 414 for free-flowing solids such as, but not limited to, rice, candies, frozen peas, powders that do not generate dust, and other free-flowing products.

(37) After the pouch P1 is filled with product at the filling station 400, the pouch P1 is advanced inline to the sealing and discharging station 500. The sealing and discharging station 500 seals the pouch P1. At the sealing and discharging station 500, the pouch P1 is hot sealed with the sealer 502. Either before or after hot sealing the pouch P1, the sealing and discharging station 500 can optionally perform other functions, as shown in FIG. 14. For example, the sealing and discharging station 500 optionally includes a nitrogen gas flushing mechanism 508 for filling the pouch P1 with nitrogen gas right before sealing to keep the product fresh; a seal cooler 510 for cooling the pouch P1 after it is heat sealed by the sealer 502; a puncher 512, such as, but not limited to, a hole punch, a die cut, and a hot puncher, for punching an aperture through the pouch P1 after it is sealed so the pouch P1 can be hung for display; a vibratory settler 514 for settling the product inside the pouch P1 after sealing; and/or a pouch deflator 516 for eliminating excessive air from the pouch P1 before sealing. After the pouch P1 is fully processed at the sealing and discharging station 500, the pouch P1 is discharged therefrom for further downstream processing. This multi-step inline process continues for the entire quantity of first-sized pouches P1 that are inserted into the loading station 100, such that the entire quantity of first-sized pouches P1 are sequentially advanced from the loading station 100 to the setup station 200 and then advanced through the other stations of the inline machine 10.

(38) As the last pouch of the first-sized pouches P1 are transferred from the loading station 100 to the setup station 200, the plurality of second-sized pouches P2 of the second plurality of pouches 58 are advanced into position on the loading station 100 for transfer to the setup station 200. With the sized pouches P2 in position for transfer to the setup station 200 and after the last of the first-sized pouches P1 discharges from the sealing and discharging station 500, the adjusting mechanism 54 of the processing system 14 independently actuates the first frame 50 and the second frame 52, and thus actuates the first carrier track 30 and the second carrier track 32. This actuation adjusts the distance 56 between the corresponding pair of clamps of the first plurality of clamps 46 and the second plurality of clamps 48 to accommodate the width W2 of the second-sized pouch P2 of the second plurality of pouches 58. In this scenario, the complete adjustment to accommodate the pouch P2 is completed in 30 seconds or less, and preferably within 15 seconds. After the corresponding clamp of the first plurality of clamps 46 and the second plurality of clamp 48 are properly positioned, the transfer mechanism 110 transfers the pouch P2 of the second plurality of pouches 58 inline to the setup station 200 so that the corresponding clamps of the first plurality of clamps 46 and the second plurality of clamps 48 simultaneously releasably secure or clamp the pouch P2. From here, the pouch P2 is advanced through the processing system 14 in a similar manner as described above in regards to the pouch P1, as well as the rest of the pouches of the second plurality of pouches 58.

(39) The inline functionality of the inline machine provides fast throughput and can reach maxim speeds of processing of up to 40 pouches 12, 58 per minute. While the adjusting mechanism 54 is actuated in this scenario because the second plurality of pouches 58 differ in size and configuration from the first plurality of pouches 12, it should be understood that if the second plurality of pouches 58 is the same size and configuration as the first plurality of pouches 12, then no adjustment is required and the pouch P2 can be immediately transferred, without any lag time, from the loading station 100 to the setup station 200 after the last pouch of the first plurality of pouches 12 is advanced from the setup station 200 to the opening station 300.

(40) It should be understood that the inline functionality of the inline machine 10 provides a compact footprint that takes up less space on the work floor compared to conventional packaging machines. In addition, the inline machine 10 is also contrasted from conventional packaging machines in that the changeover time between different pouch sizes is greatly reduced, which increases the efficiency and effectiveness of machine throughput.

(41) FIG. 20 illustrates a flowchart 1300 showing a sequence of steps which may be performed to operate the inline machine 10 for filling and sealing pouches of varying sizes and configurations with rapid, automated changeovers that improves the machine's operating efficiency. Block 1310 depicts the step of loading, at the loading station 100, the pouches P1 and the pouches P2 into magazine receptacles M1 and M2, respectively, which are a collection of magazine receptacles 102. Pouches P1 have a different size and configuration than the size and configuration of pouches P2. Pouches P1, P2 are simply stacked, openable end leading and on angle due to the sloped support surface of flanges 108, in the receptacles 102. The pouches P1, P2 are not shingled in the receptacles 102. Accordingly, magazine receptacle M1 includes a large number of stacked pouches P1 in receptacles 102, and magazine receptacle M2 includes a large number of stacked pouches P2 in receptacles 102.

(42) Block 1312 depicts the step of using the transfer mechanism 110 to transfer the pouch P1 inline from the loading station 100 onto a conveyor to arrive at a home position within the setup station 200, where the openable end of the pouch P1 is leading and the closed, lower end of the pouch P1 is trailing. At the setup station 200, an engaging arm grasps the pouch P1 and pivots it such that the openable end of the pouch P1 is upwardly oriented. The pouch P1 is secured between one of the first plurality of clamps 46 and one of the second plurality of clamps 48, as depicted in block 1314. In other words, the first and second clamps 46, 48 engage and secure the pouch P1, preferably at opposite upper ends of the openable portion of the pouch P1. Block 1316 depicts the inline advancing of the pouch P1 from the setup station 200 to the opening station 300. The opening of the pouch P1 at the opening station 300 is depicted in block 1318. The spreader mechanism, as detailed above, can be utilized to maintain the pouch P1 in the open position. With the pouch P1 opened, the pouch P1 is advanced inline to filling station 400, as depicted in block 1320. Filling the pouch P1 with content(s) at the filling station 400 is depicted in block 1322. Block 1324 depicts the inline advancing of the pouch P1 from the filling station 400 to the sealing and discharging station 500. As depicted in block 1326, at the sealing and discharging station 500, the hot bar 502 seals the pouch P1 whereupon the pouch P1 is then discharged after sealing.

(43) As mentioned above, magazine receptacle M1 includes a large number of stacked pouches P1 in receptacles 102, and magazine receptacle M2 includes a large number of stacked pouches P2 in receptacles 102. When the inline processing of the first-sized pouches P1 is completed, the transfer mechanism 110 transfers the second-sized pouches P2 from the loading station 100 onto the conveyor to arrive at a home position (which can be different than the home position for the different sized pouch P1) within the setup station 200, where the openable end of the pouch P2 is leading. The control system 16 is constantly monitoring operation of the machine 10, and when it detects the larger pouches P2 with the sensor assembly, the control system 16 initiates a preset program(s) that automatically adjusts the separation distance 56 between corresponding clamps 46, 48 of the first plurality of clamps 46 and the second plurality of clamps 48 to accommodate the width W2 of the pouch P2, as depicted in block 1328. Alternatively, an operator of the machine 10 manually activates the preset program(s) loaded into the control system 16 to allow for adjustment between the separation distance 56 and enable inline processing of the second-sized pouches P2. In some embodiments, adjusting the separation distance 56 involves the adjusting mechanism 54 independently actuating the first frame 50 supporting the first carrier track 30 and the second frame 52 supporting the second carrier track 32, whereby the separation distance 56 between the first and second frames 50, 52 is altered. In other embodiments, adjusting the separation distance 56 involves the adjusting mechanism 54 only actuating the first frame 50 supporting the first carrier track 30. In yet other embodiments, adjusting the separation distance 56 involves the adjusting mechanism 54 only actuating the second frame 52 supporting the second carrier track 32.

(44) After the separation distance 56 is properly adjusted to accommodate the width W2 of the second-sized pouches P2, the inline transferring of second-sized pouches P2 from the loading station 100 to the setup station 200 is depicted in block 1330. As mentioned above, the control system 16 is utilized to adjust the separation distance 56 and permit handling of the different-sized pouch P2. This adjustment process is referred to as a “changeover” and the inventive machine 10, including the control system 16, rapidly accomplishes the changeover in 30 seconds or less, preferably less than 20 seconds, most preferably less than 15 seconds. The rapid changeover minimizes the downtime of the machine 10 while maintaining its operating efficiency as compared to conventional packaging machines that suffer from lengthy downtime and reduced operating efficiency as a result of time consuming changeovers. At the setup station 200, the engaging arm grasps the second-sized pouch P2 and pivots it such that the openable end of the pouch P2 is upwardly oriented and then places the second-sized pouch P2 between corresponding clamps 46, 48 of the first plurality of clamps 46 and the second plurality of clamps 48 for securement there between, as depicted in block 1332. Block 1334 depicts the inline advancing of the pouch P2 from the setup station 200 to the opening station 300. The opening of the pouch P2 at the opening station 300 is depicted in block 1336. With the pouch P2 opened, the pouch P2 is advanced inline to filling station 400, as depicted in block 1338. Filling the pouch P2 with content at the filling station 400 is depicted in block 1340. Block 1342 depicts the inline advancing of the pouch P2 from the filling station 400 to the sealing and discharging station 500. As depicted in block 1344, at the sealing and discharging station 500, the hot bar 502 seals the pouch P2 and the pouch P2 is then discharged after sealing.

(45) In the event first-sized pouches P1 are loaded into the magazine receptacle M1 while second-sized pouches P2 are being handled and filled, the machine 10 processes and handles first-sized pouches P1 in the manner discussed in the foregoing paragraphs. If third-sized pouches P3 (not shown), having different dimensions than the first and second pouches P1, P2 are loaded into the loading station 100, then the control system 16 alone, or with input provided by an operator, detects the differing third pouches and automatically adjusts the separation distance 56 between corresponding clamps 46, 48 to allow for inline processing of the third pouches consistent with the foregoing paragraphs.

(46) In a first alternative embodiment, the structure and operation of the inline machine 10 is substantially the same as the commercial embodiment described above except that the adjusting mechanism 54 of the processing system 14 is configured to operate in a slightly different manner. For instance, the first frame 50 supporting the first carrier track 30 is fixed in position so that the adjusting mechanism 54 is configured to laterally actuate the second frame 52 supporting the second carrier track 32 with respect to the longitudinal center line C to moveably adjust the separation distance 56 between corresponding clamps of the first plurality of clamps 46 and the second plurality of clamps 48. In a similar embodiment, the second frame 52 supporting the second carrier track 32 is fixed in position, instead, so that the adjusting mechanism 54 is configured to laterally actuate the first frame 50 supporting the first carrier track 30 with respect to the longitudinal center line C to movably adjust the separation distance 56 between corresponding clamps of the first plurality of clamps 46 and the second plurality of clamps 48.

(47) In any of the previously described embodiments, the processing system 14 of the inline machine 10 optionally or additionally includes a printing station 600 (see FIG. 14) for printing codes and/or dates on the pouches. In such embodiments, the printing station 600 is disposed inline between the setup station 200 and the opening station 300. In addition, the printing station 600 optionally includes a camera 602 for verifying correct printing of the codes and/or dates.

(48) Additionally, with any of the previously described embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the inline machine 10 is configured to optionally include various inline upstream or downstream sub-stations including, but not limited to, a checkweigher 702 for improving weight control and verification; a labeler 704 for automatically applying labels to the pouches of the first plurality of pouches 12 and the second plurality of pouches 58; a metal detector 706 for detecting unwanted metal particles inadvertently contained in the pouches; a case packer 708 for packing pouches in a variety of cases and/or boxes; a rejection substation 710 for automatically discovering and removing scrap pouches; and a palletizer 712, which is either robotic or traditional, for stacking ready-to-ship pallets.

(49) Furthermore, in any of the previously described embodiments, the inline machine 10 also optionally includes a bottom pouch support 714 for providing additional support for pouches with heavier product. The bottom pouch support 714 is a conveyer system disposed between the first frame 50 and the second frame 52 below the first carrier track 30 and the second carrier track 32. The enclosures or panels 19 of the inline machine 10 are optionally NEMA 4× enclosures or panels for providing efficient and safe cleaning without concern of rust or damaging electrical components.

(50) While the present disclosure has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Further, a person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the examples could be provided in any combination with the other examples disclosed herein. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. as may be used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. The term “plurality” as used herein indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number. The word “including” as used herein is utilized in an open-ended manner.

(51) While the foregoing has described what are considered to be the best mode and/or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in various forms and examples, and that the teachings may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim any and all applications, modifications, and variations that fall within the true scope of the present teachings.