Apparatus for flushing packages with gas

Abstract

An apparatus for flushing a plurality of randomly spaced packages with an inert gas includes a linear conveyor for conveying the packages, a linear servo motor, comprising a closed loop, positioned generally above the linear conveyor. The arrangement includes a plurality of gas-flushing nozzles which are mounted on the linear servo motor for movement in concert with the packages on the conveyor. Each nozzle can be selectively angularly positioned and articulated with respect to the linear servo motor to facilitate insertion into, and withdrawal from, each package to effect flushing of the contents of each package with an inert gas.

Claims

1. A method of flushing packages with gas, comprising the steps of: linearly conveying a plurality of packages each having an open mouth, including randomly spacing said packages from each other; providing a linear servo motor, having a plurality of independently positionable driven modules, positioned generally above said packages; providing a plurality of gas nozzles each mounted on a respective one of said driven modules, and independently moving said gas nozzles on said linear servo motor; inserting each of said gas nozzles into a respective one of said packages through the open mouth thereof while the gas nozzle is moved on said linear servo motor by the respective one of said driven modules in concert with the respective package; and flushing the respective package with gas, and thereafter removing each said nozzle from the respective package.

2. A method of flushing packages with gas in accordance with claim 1, including: selectively adjusting the relative angle of each said gas nozzle with respect to said linear servo motor.

3. A method of flushing packages with gas in accordance with claim 2, including: providing a pair of driven modules on said linear servo motor for each of said gas nozzles, and adjusting the relative spacing between said pair of driven modules for adjusting the relative angle of each gas nozzle with respect to said linear servo motor.

4. A method of flushing packages with gas in accordance with claim 2, including providing a cam-track arrangement positioned adjacent to said linear servo motor, and providing each of said gas nozzles with a least one cam follower for operative engagement with said cam track arrangement for selectively adjusting the relative angle of each said gas nozzle respect to the linear servo motor.

5. A method of flushing packages with gas in accordance with claim 1, including: vibrating each of said packages during insertion of each said gas nozzle to facilitate insertion of each gas nozzle into contents of each said package.

6. A method of flushing packages with gas in accordance with claim 1, including: detecting the position of each of said packages to coordinate insertion of a respective one of said gas nozzles into each said package.

7. A method of flushing packages with gas in accordance with claim 1, wherein said linear servo motor comprises a closed loop positioned generally above said linearly conveyed packages, each of said gas nozzles being independently movable about said closed loop.

8. An apparatus for flushing a plurality of packages with gas, comprising: a linear conveyor for linearly conveying a plurality of said packages in randomly spaced relationship to each other; a linear servo motor positioned generally above said conveyor; a plurality of gas nozzle assemblies, each including a gas nozzle, mounted on said linear servo drive for independent movement relative thereto; and sensors for sensing the position of each said package on said linear conveyor, so that as each said package is conveyed beneath said linear servo motor, and the position of the package is determined by said sensors, so that a respective one of said nozzle assemblies is moved relative to said linear servo motor so that the gas nozzle of the nozzle assembly is inserted into the package to flush the interior with gas while each said package and the respective one of said nozzles are moved in concert with each other.

9. An apparatus for flushing a plurality of packages with gas in accordance with claim 8, wherein said linear servo motor comprises a plurality of independently positionable driven modules, each of said gas nozzles assemblies including a pair of interconnected ones of said driven modules, so that movement of each said pair of driven modules with respect to each other selectively adjusts the angle of the respective gas nozzle with respect to the linear servo motor.

10. An apparatus for flushing a plurality of packages with gas in accordance with claim 8, wherein said linear servo motor comprises a plurality of independently positionable driven modules, each of said gas nozzles being mounted on a respective one of said driven modules, said apparatus including a cam arrangement positioned in operative association with said linear servo motor, each of said gas nozzles being moved relative to the respective one of said driven modules by movement relative to said cam arrangement.

11. An apparatus for processing a plurality of packages, comprising: a linear conveyor for linearly conveying a plurality of said packages in randomly spaced relationship to each other; a linear servo motor positioned generally above said conveyor; a plurality of processing members mounted on said linear servo motor for independent movement relative thereto; and sensors for sensing the position of each said package on said linear conveyor, so that as each said package is conveyed beneath said linear servo motor the position of the package is determined by said sensors, so that a respective one of said processing members is moved relative to said linear servo motor, so that the processing member operatively engages a respective one of said packages while each said package and the respective one of said processing members are moved in concert with each other.

12. An apparatus for processing a plurality of packages in accordance with claim 11, wherein said linear servo motor comprises a plurality of independently position driven modules, each of said gas nozzles assemblies including a pair of interconnected ones of said driven modules, so that movement of each said pair of driven modules with respect to each other selectively adjusts the angle of the respective gas nozzle with respect to the linear servo motor.

13. An apparatus for processing a plurality of packages in accordance with claim 11, wherein said linear servo motor comprises a plurality of independently positionable driven modules, each of said processing members being mounted on a respective one of said driven modules, said apparatus including a cam arrangement positioned in operative association with said linear servo motor, each of said gas nozzles being moved relative to the respective one of said driven modules by movement relative to said cam arrangement.

14. An apparatus for processing a plurality of packages in accordance with claim 11, wherein each of said processing members comprises a gas flushing nozzle for insertion into a respective on of said packages.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing an apparatus for flushing packages with gas, embodying the principles of the present invention;

(2) FIG. 2, is a detailed, diagrammatic view taken where indicated in FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 is a detailed, diagrammatic view taken where indicated in FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view illustrating a gas rotary union of the present apparatus;

(5) FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view showing an alternative embodiment of the present apparatus; and

(6) FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view illustrating features of the alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(7) While the present invention is susceptible with the embodiment in various forms, they are shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described a presently preferred embodiment, with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

(8) The present invention is directed to an apparatus, and a method of operation, which is particularly suited for introducing a relatively inert gas, such as nitrogen, argon, carbon dioxide or the like, into a package, during packaging, in order to promote the freshness of the contents of the packages. By introducing the inert gas, or flushing the contents of each package, oxygen-containing air from each package can be displaced, thus promoting the freshness of the contents. The specific composition of the gas which is introduced, and the quantity introduced, can be selectively varied to control the oxygen content of each package, facilitating the usual storage and shipment of packages prior to retail sale.

(9) In development of the present invention, certain performance criteria became evident in order to promote packaging efficiency and product quality. One problem to be addressed concerns the manner in which filled packages are typically presented for closing and sealing in a randomly spaced fashion, requiring coordination of a gas-flushing arrangement with the random package spacing. Additionally, the nature of the package contents, frequently granular in nature, presented issues, since insertion of a gas nozzle or the like into the granular product could be problematic, and even distribution of the flushing gas within the package needed to be ensured.

(10) Notably, the present invention specifically addresses these issues, while promoting packaging efficiency. In particular, a linear servo motor, configured as a closed loop, includes individually programmable and positionable driven modules, which can be controlled in a manner to coordinate their movement with respective packages, even if randomly spaced. Additionally, inclusion of a vibratory drive in the region of gas-flushing desirably acts to fluidize the granular package contents, facilitating nozzle insertion, and promoting the desired distribution of the inert gas within the interior of the package.

(11) As will be further described, one embodiment of the present invention is operated by having pairs of the driven modules of the linear servo motor act together for articulating a gas nozzle with respect to the servo motor. In an alternative embodiment, a cam arrangement is provided in operative association with the linear servo motor to effect the desired articulation of the gas nozzles, so that they are each inserted into a respective one of the packages being filled and sealed.

(12) As will be appreciated, the present invention is particularly suited for effecting gas-flushing of packages attendant to filling. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the present apparatus, and method, can be practiced for some other type of package processing, such as for insertion of coupons, tokens, or other articles into each package, or for the introduction of other compounds or ingredients, such as flavoring, into each package. Thus, in the illustrated embodiments, the package processing members of the apparatus are shown in the form of gas-flushing nozzles which supply inert gas to respective ones of the packages being filled.

(13) With reference now to FIGS. 1-4, a first embodiment of the present gas-flushing apparatus, designated 10, will be described. A frame 12 supports a product conveyor 14 upon which a plurality of packages P are linearly conveyed. As shown in FIG. 1, the packages P which are conveyed by conveyor 12 have been filled with product, with each package having an open mouth which will be sealed to complete packaging. The present invention functions by introduction of an inert gas through the open mouth of each package, with package sealing completed in conjunction with, or just subsequent to, gas-flushing.

(14) Packages P are conveyed by linear conveyor 14 generally through frame 12, between a pair of spaced-apart, converging, package forming belts 16. Forming belts 16 act to shape and square each package to facilitate palletizing, and provide generally uniform filling of the package contents.

(15) Notably, vibratory drives 15 are provided in operative association with linear conveyor 14, generally behind forming belts 16, and beneath conveyor 14 (not shown) to vibrate and fluidize the granular contents of each package P. This facilitates insertion of a gas nozzle into each package, as will be described, and promotes uniform distribution of the inert flushing gas within each package.

(16) Insertion of a gas-flushing nozzle into each package is effected by the provision of linear servo motor 20 mounted on frame 12 generally above linear conveyor 14. Linear servo motor 20, provided in the form of a closed loop positioned above the linear conveyor 14, includes a plurality of individually programmable and positionable driven modules 22. Driven modules 22 can be advanced around the closed loop of the linear servo motor 20 in order to permit insertion and withdrawal of a gas-flushing nozzle into each package P, while permitting the gas-flushing nozzle to be moved in concert a respective one of the packages P as inert gas is introduced into the package.

(17) The inert gas to be introduced into each package P is inserted into the packages by the provision of a plurality of gas-flushing nozzles 24 which are mounted on the driven modules 22 for insertion into each package, and for movement together with the package as it is conveyed on linear conveyor 14. Each gas flushing nozzle 24 is each mounted on a respective one of driven modules 22, preferably for pivotal movement with respect to the driven module. By providing articulated, pivotal movement of each gas nozzle 24 with respect to the driven module 22 of the linear conveyor 20, each nozzle can be positioned for insertion into a respective one of the packages P as the package is passed generally beneath the linear servo motor 20.

(18) In this embodiment, each gas nozzle 24 is articulated by way of a linkage 26 operatively connected to an adjacent one of the drive modules 20. As best shown in FIG. 2, this arrangement functions such that changing the relative spacing between the driven modules 22 acts through linkage 26 to selectively vary the angle and articulate the gas nozzle 24. The pair of adjacent driven modules 22 and the associated gas nozzle 24 thus function together as a gas nozzle assembly which can be selectively positioned on the linear servo motor 20. As noted, the vibratory drive of the apparatus desirably acts to fluidize the granular contents of each package, thereby facilitating the insertion of each gas nozzle 24 into a respective one of the packages.

(19) FIG. 3 illustrates the insertion of one of the gas nozzles 24 into a respective one of the packages P as the driven modules 22 and the gas nozzle 24 are moved in concert with the package P as it is conveyed on a linear conveyor 14.

(20) The flow of insert gas to each of the gas-flushing nozzles 24 is effected by the provision of a multiple-passage rotary union 30, as shown in FIG. 4. The rotary union 30, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, directs gas to a plurality of single passage rotary unions 32, each connected by a suitable flexible conduit (shown at 33 in diagrammatic FIG. 5) to a respective one of the gas nozzles 24. A servo motor 36 operates rotary union 30 in conjunction with operation of driven modules 22 on linear servo motor 20, so that flow of inert gas to the nozzles 24 is coordinated with the movement of driven modules 22 and packages P as they are conveyed on conveyor 14.

(21) In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of bag closing belts 40 are provided generally above package forming belts 16. As will be observed, closing belts 40 converge generally toward each other from the area in which gas flushing is effected, to a region downstream thereof, at which point gas flushing is complete. Each nozzle 24 is removed from a respective one of the packages P generally upstream of the convergence of the closing belts 40, with each package P having a generally upright configuration, with the open mouth of each package closed for subsequent sealing. Sealing is preferably effected immediately downstream of the gas-flushing apparatus in order to minimize leakage of the flushing gas from within each package.

(22) An important aspect of the present invention is the provision of sensors for detecting and monitoring the position of each package P, and thereby coordinating movement of driven modules 22 with the packages to effect the desired insertion, and removal, of nozzles 24 into and out of each package P. A bag position sensor 25, and a conveyor encoder 27, operate in conjunction with the linear servo motor drive 20, and in coordination with a valve bank 37 which is operated to selectively supply inert gas to the rotary union 30. An important aspect of the present invention is detecting the leading edge of each package, which may be randomly spaced, and controlling the position of the gas-flushing nozzle to facilitate insertion into a respective one of the packages. The linear servo motor 20 is then operated so that the nozzle is moved in concert with the package to effect gas flushing.

(23) As noted, in this embodiment, a second driven module 22 of the linear servo motor 20 is controlled to articulate and alter the radial orientation of the nozzle, to thereby facilitate optimum insertion of the nozzle into the open mouth of each package. Linkage 26 connecting the nozzle 24 with the second driven module 22 thus functions to articulate the nozzle 24 with respect to the driven module 22 on which the nozzle is pivotally mounted.

(24) Further features of the present method include the use of multiple, linear servo driven modules, controlled by a controller, to move in independent and predetermined ways to insert respective inflation nozzles into a stream of randomly spaced, linear moving open top bags. The use of a multi-port rotary union to supply fluid to the respective nozzles, with rotation of the union, desirably acts to coordinate the motion of each nozzle with respect to each package, while preventing entanglement of the fluid supply hoses. As noted, a vibratory drive desirably acts to fluidize the contents of each package, thereby facilitating insertion of the nozzle into the contents without damaging the contents.

(25) With reference now to FIGS. 5 and 6, therein is illustrated an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, each gas flushing nozzle 24 is mounted on a respective driven module 22, wherein the driven modules are positioned singularly (rather than in pairs, as in the previous embodiment). In this embodiment, the linkage 26 for articulating and altering the relative angle of each nozzle 24 with respect to the linear servo motor is effected by the provision of cam followers 42,43 on each linkage 26, and a cam track arrangement 44 positioned in operative association with the linear servo motor 20, including cam tracks 45,46.

(26) By this arrangement, as each driven module 22 is moved along the closed loop of linear servo motor 20, cam follower 42 engages the cam arrangement 44 to alter the relative angular position of each nozzle 24 with respect to the driven module 22.

(27) From the foregoing, it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention.