Apparatus for making, handling, and filling pouches

Abstract

A conveyor for a pouch-filling machine has an endless track with a working stretch and a return stretch extending from a downstream end of the working stretch to an upstream end of the working stretch. A plurality of carriages each carrying at least one permanent magnet and a clamp ride on the track for movement through the stations on the working stretch and for movement from the downstream end of the working stretch along the return stretch back to the upstream end of the working stretch. An array of electromagnets on the track only along the working stretch and an electronic controller connected to the electromagnets together constitute a frequency-controlled linear direct drive that advances the carriages downstream through the working stretch while varying the travel speeds of at least half of the carriages in the working stretch. A mechanical or frequency-driven conveyor is provided in the return stretch.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to an apparatus for making, handling, and filling pouches.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]A typical apparatus for producing packages each comprising a mass of granules or particles in a sealed plastic pouch typically has, spaced apart along a production path, an intake station, a pouch-puckering station, a pouch-depuckering station, a filling station, a sealing station, and a discharge station at a downstream end of the path.[0003]The intake station can simply receive premade pouches. Alternately at least partially thermoplastic synthetic-resin film is formed with a longitudinal fold then subdivided by pairs of transverse welds into a succession of normally rectangular pouches that are joined together and advanced longitudinally downstream as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,272,815 whose entire disclosure is herewith incorporated by reference. The film constituting the pouches is typically made of polypropylene, polyethylene, m...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention simplifies the transport system of a pouch-making and -filling machine by using an electronic drive on the critical working stretch. This allows for easy variation of the spacing and speed of carriages as they move through the various stations. A simple conveyor is used for the return stretch, which allows for faster movement of carriages and reduces the number of carriages needed. Overall, the invention reduces the complexity of the machine and improves efficiency.

Problems solved by technology

All such equipment is very expensive, very complex, very hard to maintain and operate and, above all, extremely difficult to adjust to pouches of different sizes.

It has the considerable disadvantage that it is very expensive in that track with its row of coils is a very pricey item and each electromagnet coil must be connected to the controller.

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