Apparatus and process for packaging products

Abstract

An apparatus for packaging a product on a support includes a packaging assembly that receives a film from a film supply assembly. The packaging assembly includes a lower tool having a seat for the support, an upper tool, and a heating mechanism. The packaging assembly can operate in one operating state in which the lower tool and the upper tool are spaced apart and another operating state in which the lower tool and the upper tool form a packaging chamber. The packaging assembly heats a portion of the film with the heating mechanism, closes the lower tool and the upper tool to form the packaging chamber, evacuates the packaging chamber, raises the seat, contacts the product and / or the support to the heated portion of the film, re-ventilates the packaging chamber to form a package in which the product is sealed between the support and the film, and then opens to allow the package to be removed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure pertains to the technical field of packaging products. More particularly, this disclosure relates to packaging products under vacuum to obtain vacuum skin packaging. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum skin packaging is a known process for packaging food, which involves placing the product on a support, such as a tray or flat cardboard support. In the prior art, the support containing the product moves toward a packaging assembly. The packaging assembly has a lower tool for receiving the support on which the product is arranged and an upper tool for receiving a packaging film. Specifically, the film is positioned at the upper tool and above the product placed on the support. Once the film and support are received, the lower and upper tools move toward each other to define and close a packaging chamber around the support and the product. The film is then pulled upward against a heated punch on the upper tool, such that the film is shaped and heated while being held in contact with the heated surface of the punch by suction. A vacuum is then applied to the packaging chamber below the film and around the supported product. Once the pressure in the packaging chamber reaches a pressure level suitable for packaging, the suction applied to the film is released, and the film is pulled downward to cover the contour of the product and contact the support. Thus, the film is tightly bonded to the support and forms a tight skin around the product.

[0003] Therefore, vacuum skin packaging is essentially a thermoforming process in which a film is formed within a punch above a support and the product. To support the suction within the punch and subsequent forming around the product contour, the film needs to exhibit elastic recovery. A drawback of existing systems is the need to use films exhibiting elastic recovery, which typically necessitates the use of cross-linked films.

[0004] Furthermore, when film forming occurs within a punch, film rupture is not uncommon due to insufficient heating, over-forming, or unsuitable mechanical and chemical properties of the film. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This overview is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, some concepts that will be further described in the detailed description below. This overview is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to help determine the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In a first embodiment, an apparatus for packaging a product disposed on a support includes a film supply assembly configured to supply film and a packaging assembly configured to receive film and couple film to the support. The packaging assembly includes a lower tool having a body and a seat, an upper tool having a body, a heating mechanism located within the body of the upper tool and configured to heat a portion of the film received by the packaging assembly, and a controller. The packaging assembly is configured to receive the support on which the product is disposed into the seat. The packaging assembly is configured to operate in a first operating state and a second operating state. In the first operating state, the bodies of the lower tool and the upper tool are separated from each other. In the second operating state, the lower tool and the upper tool are closed to form a packaging chamber. The controller is configured to: after the packaging assembly receives a support on which the product is disposed, move one or both of the lower and upper tools to change the packaging assembly from a first operating state to a second operating state, and the lower and upper tools form a packaging chamber thereon having the support and the product; evacuate the packaging chamber; raise the seat so that the heated portion of the film comes into contact with one or both of the product and the support; re-ventilate the packaging chamber to form a package in which the product is sealed between the support and the film; and after the package is formed, move one or both of the lower and upper tools to change the packaging assembly from the second operating state to the first operating state to allow the package to be removed from the packaging assembly.

[0007] In the second embodiment, the packaging component of the previous embodiment is configured to receive the film such that the film passes under the body of the upper tool and spans the width of the body of the upper tool.

[0008] In the third embodiment, the heating mechanism of any of the preceding embodiments can move vertically within the body of the upper tool, and the heating mechanism is biased downward toward the membrane.

[0009] In the fourth embodiment, the heating mechanism of the previous embodiment is biased toward the membrane by gravity.

[0010] In the fifth embodiment, the lower tool of any one of the third to fourth embodiments further includes a base movable relative to the body of the lower tool and a biasing mechanism configured to bias the base away from the body of the lower tool. When the packaging assembly is in the second operating state, the controller is configured to apply a force to the base to overcome the force of the biasing mechanism, causing the base to move toward the body of the lower tool.

[0011] In the sixth embodiment, the lower tool of the previous embodiment further includes a pusher fixedly coupled to the base. Movement of the base toward the body causes the pusher to be inserted into the upper tool and pushes the heating mechanism away from the membrane.

[0012] In the seventh embodiment, the movement of the base toward the body in any of the fifth to sixth embodiments further causes the base to be raised so that one or both of the product and the support come into contact with the heated portion of the membrane.

[0013] In the eighth embodiment, the packaging component of any of the preceding embodiments is configured to receive the film such that the film passes through both sides of the body of the upper tool and spans the width of the body of the upper tool.

[0014] In the ninth embodiment, the heating mechanism of the previous embodiment is vertically movable within the body of the upper tool, and the controller is configured to move the heating mechanism downward toward that portion of the membrane before that portion of the membrane is heated.

[0015] In the tenth embodiment, the controller of the previous embodiment is further configured to move the heating mechanism upward away from the portion of the membrane before the heated portion of the membrane comes into contact with one or both of the product and the support.

[0016] In the eleventh embodiment, the controller of any of the preceding embodiments is configured to activate the heating mechanism to cause heating of that portion of the membrane.

[0017] In the twelfth embodiment, during the heating of this portion of the membrane, the controller of the previous embodiment is configured to control one or more of the temperature of the heating mechanism or the amount of time during which the heating mechanism is activated.

[0018] In the thirteenth embodiment, during the heating of this portion of the membrane, the controller of the previous embodiment is configured to control the heating mechanism based on a signal indicating at least one of the temperature inside the body of the upper tool or the temperature of the heating mechanism.

[0019] In the fourteenth embodiment, the controller of any of the preceding embodiments is configured to re-ventilate the packaging chamber through the body of the upper tool, such that the heated portion of the film is forced downward around the product and against the portion of the support around the product.

[0020] In the fifteenth embodiment, the membrane in any of the foregoing embodiments is a low-crosslinked membrane or a non-crosslinked membrane.

[0021] In the sixteenth embodiment, the upper tool of any of the preceding embodiments further includes a cutting mechanism configured to cut the film around the support to form a package after the packaging chamber is reventilated.

[0022] In the seventeenth embodiment, the upper tool of the previous embodiment further includes a base and a biasing mechanism that are movable relative to the body of the upper tool, the biasing mechanism being configured to bias the base away from the body of the lower tool. The cutting mechanism is fixedly coupled to the base.

[0023] In the eighteenth embodiment, after the packaging has been formed, the controller of the previous embodiment is configured to apply force to the lower tool to overcome the force of the bias mechanism, causing the body of the upper tool to move toward the base, and the cutting mechanism to cut the film.

[0024] In a nineteenth embodiment, a method of forming a package uses an apparatus comprising a film supply assembly configured to supply film and a packaging assembly configured to receive film and couple film to a support. The packaging assembly includes a lower tool having a body and a seat, an upper tool having a body, and a heating mechanism located within the body of the upper tool. The method includes receiving film from the film supply assembly by the packaging assembly, and, when the packaging assembly is in a first operating state, receiving a support on which a product is disposed by the packaging assembly into the seat. When the packaging assembly is in the first operating state, the bodies of the lower tool and the upper tool are moved away from each other. The method further includes heating a portion of the film already received by the packaging assembly via the heating mechanism, and, after the packaging assembly receives the support on which the product is disposed, moving one or both of the lower and upper tools to transition the packaging assembly from the first operating state to a second operating state. When the packaging assembly is in the second operating state, the lower and upper tools close to form a packaging chamber. The method further includes evacuating the packaging chamber, raising the seat so that the heated portion of the film comes into contact with one or both of the product and the support, re-ventilating the packaging chamber to form a package in which the product is sealed between the support and the film, and after the package is formed, moving one or both of the lower and upper tools to change the packaging assembly from a second operating state to a first operating state to allow the package to be removed from the packaging assembly.

[0025] In the twentieth embodiment, the membrane of the foregoing embodiment is a low-crosslinking membrane or a non-crosslinking membrane.

[0026] In the twenty-first embodiment, re-ventilating the packaging chamber in any of the nineteenth to twentieth embodiments includes re-ventilating the packaging chamber through the body of the upper tool, such that the heated portion of the film is forced downward around the product and against the portion of the support member around the product.

[0027] In the twenty-second embodiment, the heating of said portion of the membrane in any of the nineteenth to twenty-first embodiments occurs when the membrane is substantially flat.

[0028] In the twenty-third embodiment, when the product of the previous embodiment is on the support, the product protrudes above the support such that when the seat is raised, the product initially contacts the heated portion of the substantially flat membrane, and wherein, after the initial contact, further raising of the seat causes the heated portion of the membrane to deflect, so that the heated portion of the membrane is no longer substantially flat.

[0029] In the twenty-fourth embodiment, the vacuuming in the packaging chamber of any one of the nineteenth to twenty-third embodiments occurs when the heated portion of the film is substantially flat. Attached Figure Description

[0030] When taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the foregoing aspects and numerous accompanying advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily understood and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description, wherein: Figure 1 Embodiments of an apparatus for packaging products arranged on a support, according to embodiments described herein, are depicted. Figures 2A to 2F The embodiments described herein are depicted. Figure 1 Examples of embodiments of a method for forming packaging around a product using the illustrated apparatus; Figure 3 An embodiment according to the description herein is depicted. Figure 1 The system shown also includes a controller configured to control the operation of system components; Figure 4 Embodiments of an apparatus for packaging products arranged on a support, according to embodiments described herein, are depicted. Figures 5A to 5M The embodiments described herein are depicted. Figure 4 Examples of embodiments of a method for forming packaging around a product using the illustrated apparatus; Figure 6 The embodiments described herein are depicted. Figure 4 The system shown also includes a controller configured to control the operation of system components; Figure 7 Example embodiments of systems that can be used to implement some or all of the embodiments described herein are depicted; and Figure 8 A block diagram depicts an embodiment of a computing device according to the embodiments described herein. Detailed Implementation

[0031] As used herein, the term "product" means an article or a complex of articles of any kind. For example, a product can be a food type and can be in solid, liquid, or gel form. In the food sector, products may include: meat, fish, cheese, processed meats, and various prepared and frozen meals.

[0032] The packaging system described herein includes a controller configured to perform steps of a process for making packaging. Depending on design choices and operational needs, the control unit may obviously be a single controller or comprised of multiple different controllers. The term "controller" refers to an electronic component that may include at least one of the following: a digital processor (e.g., including at least one selected from the group consisting of a CPU, GPU, GPGPU), a memory (or multiple memories), analog circuitry, or a combination of one or more digital processing units and one or more analog circuits. The controller may be configured (e.g., programmed) to perform several steps. This configuration can be accomplished by any means that allows the control unit to be configured or programmed. For example, in the case where the control unit includes one or more CPUs and one or more memories, one or more programs may be stored in a suitable group of memories connected to one or more CPUs; the one or more programs contain instructions that, when executed by one or more CPUs, program or configure the control unit to perform the operations described with respect to the control unit. Alternatively, if the controller is analog circuitry or includes analog circuitry, the control unit circuitry may be designed to include circuitry configured in use to process electrical signals in order to perform steps associated with the control unit. The controller may include one or more digital units, such as microprocessor-type digital units, or one or more analog units, or a suitable combination of digital and analog units; the control unit may be configured to coordinate all actions required to execute instructions and instruction sets.

[0033] As used herein, the term "support" can refer to any base supporting a product. For example, a support can be in the form of a tray having base walls, sidewalls, and a top edge that optionally extends radially from the sidewalls. In another example, a support can be flat (e.g., a board). In some embodiments, a support can have a rectangular shape or any other suitable shape, such as circular, square, elliptical, or any other shape. In some embodiments, a support can be manufactured by thermoforming, injection molding, extrusion, co-extrusion, lamination, etc. In some embodiments, the manufacture of a support can include cutting the support to size after forming. A support can be formed from a paper material (e.g., paper or cardboard), a single-layer polymer material, a multi-layer polymer material, any other suitable material, or any combination thereof.

[0034] In some cases, the packaging embodiments disclosed herein can be formed from recyclable supports and recyclable films. In some cases, the packaging forming methods disclosed herein enable the packaging to be formed using recyclable supports and recyclable films. In some cases, the disclosed packaging forming methods can form packaging with a reduced error rate by reducing the film breakage rate. In some cases, the packaging embodiments disclosed herein can be formed from a wide variety of film materials, including low-crosslinked films or non-crosslinked films.

[0035] In some embodiments, crosslinking of the polymer film occurs when the film is exposed to ionizing radiation. Exposure to ionizing radiation affects the polymer bonds in the film. For example, ionizing radiation can break bonds in polymer chains and form new bonds between chains, resulting in improved physical properties. In other embodiments, a chemical crosslinking process can form a crosslinked film with improved physical properties. Historically, crosslinked films have been desirable for vacuum packaging because the improved physical properties of crosslinked films reduce the film failure rate during the vacuum packaging process. However, crosslinked films are also disadvantageous in many cases because highly crosslinked films are difficult to recycle or impractical to recycle. It would be advantageous to use non-crosslinked or low-crosslinked films in vacuum packaging if the high failure rate of non-crosslinked and low-crosslinked films could be overcome.

[0036] As used herein, the term “low crosslinking” membrane means a polymer membrane that meets any of the following criteria: (1) the membrane has been exposed to ionizing radiation of less than or equal to 50 kGy, and (2) the membrane has a gel content of less than or equal to 10%. In the case of gel content criteria, the gel content can be determined according to ASTM D2765.

[0037] As used herein, the term "non-crosslinked" membrane refers to a polymer membrane that is substantially free of any crosslinks. For example, a membrane that has not been exposed to ionizing radiation or any chemical crosslinking is a non-crosslinked membrane.

[0038] Figure 1 An embodiment of an apparatus 100 for packaging a product arranged on a support is depicted. The apparatus 100 includes a packaging assembly 102 and a film supply assembly 104 configured to supply a film 106 to the packaging apparatus 102. In the depicted embodiment, the film supply assembly 104 includes a roll of film 106. In some embodiments, the film supply assembly 104 may include an unwinding mechanism configured to unwind the film 106 from the roll.

[0039] Film 106 may be a packaging film. Film 106 may be applied to a support to form a lid or a patch layer associated with the support. In some embodiments, film 106 is flexible and capable of conforming to the contours of the product and / or the support. Film 106 may be a single-layer material or a flexible multilayer material, comprising at least a first external heat-sealable layer, an optional internal gas barrier layer, and a second external heat-resistant layer. Film 106 may also include other layers, such as adhesive layers or body layers, to increase the thickness of film 106 and / or improve its casual use properties. Any layer of film 106 may contain additives. In some embodiments, any of the following additives may be added to any layer of film 106: slip agents and anti-blackening agents, antioxidants, stabilizers, plasticizers, fillers, pigments, dyes, crosslinking inhibitors, crosslinking enhancers, UV absorbers, odor absorbers, oxygen scavengers, bactericides, antistatic agents, etc. One or more layers of film 106 may be crosslinked to improve the strength and / or heat resistance of the film. However, it may be advantageous for membrane 106 to be a low-crosslinked or non-crosslinked membrane (e.g., so that membrane 106 is recyclable).

[0040] The packaging assembly includes a lower tool 108 and an upper tool 110 configured to cooperate with each other. Specifically, the lower tool 108 and the upper tool 110 are configured to cooperate to define a packaging chamber surrounding the product and support. In some embodiments, the lower tool 108 includes a body 112, and the upper tool 110 includes a body 114. When the bodies 112 of the lower tool 108 and the bodies 114 of the upper tool 110 contact each other, the bodies 112 and 114 form a packaging chamber. At least one of the lower tool 108 and the upper tool 110 is configured to move toward and away from the other. In some embodiments, both the lower tool 108 and the upper tool 110 are configured to move toward and away from each other. In other words, when the lower tool 108 is stationary, the upper tool 110 can move toward and away from the lower tool 108, or when the upper tool 110 is stationary, the lower tool 108 can move toward and away from the upper tool 110, or both the lower tool 108 and the upper tool 110 can move toward and away from each other.

[0041] The packaging assembly 102 of the apparatus 100 is configured to receive a film 106 from a film supply assembly 104 and couple the film 106 to a support. In the depicted embodiment, the film 106 is received by an upper tool 110. Specifically, the film 106 passes through two sides of the body 114 of the upper tool 110 such that the film 106 spans the width of the body 114 of the upper tool 110. In other embodiments, the packaging assembly 102 may receive the film 106 by passing it between a lower tool 108 and an upper tool 110. In the depicted embodiment, the film supply assembly 104 includes a feed roller 116 configured to feed the film 106 to the packaging assembly 102 at a uniform angle, regardless of how much film 106 remains on the roll, as indicated by the dashed lines.

[0042] In the depicted embodiment, the lower tool 108 has a seat 118 arranged to receive a support on which a product is disposed. In other embodiments, the lower tool 108 may have multiple seats, each configured to receive a corresponding support on which a product is disposed. In some embodiments, the lower tool 108 may be configured to receive its product-bearing support from a feeder or other conveying mechanism to the seat 118, the feeder or other conveying mechanism supplying its product-bearing support to the lower tool 108 of the device 100. Where the lower tool 108 has multiple seats, the feeder or conveying mechanism may be configured to supply multiple supports to the multiple seats of the lower tool 108, each support having a product thereon.

[0043] In the depicted embodiment, the lower tool 108 also has a lifting mechanism 120 arranged to lift a seat 118. A rod of the seat 118 passes through the rod of the lifting mechanism 120. The upper portion of the lifting mechanism 120 is located below the upper portion of the seat 118 and above the bottom of the body 112 of the lower tool 108. The lower portion of the lifting mechanism 120 is located below the bottom of the body 112 of the lower tool 108 and above the lower portion of the seat 118. The seat 118 can be vertically moved relative to each of the body 112 and the lifting mechanism 120 until any contact occurs: the lower portion of the seat 118 contacts the lower portion of the lifting mechanism 120, or the upper portion of the seat 118 contacts the upper portion of the lifting mechanism 120. The lifting mechanism 120 can move vertically relative to each of the main body 112 and the seat 118 until any of the following contacts are made: the lower portion of the lifting mechanism 120 contacts the lower portion of the seat 118, the lower portion of the lifting mechanism 120 contacts the bottom of the main body 112, the upper portion of the lifting mechanism 120 contacts the bottom of the main body 112, or the upper portion of the lifting mechanism 120 contacts the upper portion of the seat 118.

[0044] The upper tool 110 includes a cutting mechanism 122 configured to cut the membrane 106. It will be apparent that in other embodiments, the cutting mechanism 122 may be located in the lower tool 108. In some embodiments, the cutting mechanism 122 may include a blade, a set of blades, a knife, a set of knives, any other cutting mechanism, or any combination thereof. In the depicted embodiment, the cutting mechanism 122 is retracted from the membrane 122 and is selectively movable downwards to contact and cut the membrane 106. In some embodiments, the cutting mechanism 122 is directed towards... Figure 1 The position shown is biased, and it is able to overcome the bias force and be pushed downward to cut the membrane 106.

[0045] The upper tool 110 also includes a heating mechanism 124. The heating mechanism 124 is configured to move vertically relative to the body 114 of the upper tool 110. Specifically, the heating mechanism 124 is configured to move between the top of the body 114 and the membrane 106. When the heating mechanism 124 is positioned near a portion of the membrane 106, that portion of the membrane 106 can be heated. For example, the heating mechanism 124 can heat that portion of the membrane 106 by heat conduction, heat convection, or heat radiation. In the case of heat conduction, the heating mechanism 124 can contact that portion of the membrane 106 to allow conduction. In the case of convection or radiation, the heating mechanism 124 can be positioned close to that portion of the membrane 106 to allow convection or radiation. Optionally, in the case of convection or radiation heating, the position of the heating mechanism 124 can be fixed relative to the body 114 of the upper tool 110. In some embodiments, the heating mechanism 124 may include a resistor that generates heat to heat that portion of the membrane 106.

[0046] Equipment 100 can be used to form packaging around a product; Figures 2A to 2F Examples of embodiments of a method for forming packaging around a product using equipment 100 are described. Figure 2A A first example of a method for forming packaging around a product using device 100 is depicted. In this first example, packaging component 102 is positioned in relation to... Figure 1 The same operating states are shown. Specifically, the packaging assembly 102 is in a first operating state, wherein the upper tool 108 and the lower tool 110 are retracted to each other, causing the packaging assembly 102 to open. In the open position of the depicted embodiment, the lower portion of the seat 118 abuts a surface, the lower portion of the lifting mechanism 120 abuts the lower portion of the seat 118, and the bottom of the body 112 abuts the lower portion of the lifting mechanism 120. In this arrangement, the upper portion of the seat 118 is located at or above the top of the body 112.

[0047] Figure 2AA support 150 is also depicted positioned on top of seat 118, and product 152 is arranged on the support 150. In some embodiments, when packaging assembly 102 is in a first operating position, lower tool 108 is capable of receiving the support 150 with product 152 on it into seat 118. For example, the support 150 with product 152 on it can be received from a feeder or any other conveying mechanism. In the depicted embodiment, support 150 is in the form of a tray, having a base, sidewalls, and edges extending from the sidewalls. In other embodiments, support 150 may be flat (e.g., a board), another form of tray, or any other form of support. Product 152 may be any type of product, such as food.

[0048] Figure 2B A second example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 100 is depicted. From the first example to the second example, an upward force has been applied to the body 112 of the lower tool 108. This upward force has lifted the body 112 of the lower tool 108 until it contacts the body 114 of the upper tool 110. In this arrangement, the packaging assembly 102 is in a second operating state, wherein the upper tool 108 and the lower tool 110 form a packaging chamber 126, in which the support 150 and the product 152 are located. The lifting of the body 112 also raises the lifting mechanism 120 such that the side of the lifting mechanism 120 contacts the bottom side of the horizontal edge of the support 150. In this position, when any downward pressure is applied to the horizontal edge, such as during sealing the film 106 to the support 150 and cutting the film 106, the side of the lifting mechanism 120 can support the horizontal edge, as described below.

[0049] In some embodiments, the packaging chamber 126 surrounding the support 150 and the product 152 allows the product 152 to be packaged in a reduced pressure and oxygen environment to package the product 152 in vacuum packaging or vacuum skin packaging. Figure 2B In the second example shown, a vacuum can be drawn inside the packaging chamber 126 to reduce the pressure inside the packaging chamber 126 to below the pressure of the external environment and to reduce the oxygen content inside the packaging chamber 126 to below the oxygen content level of the external environment. In some embodiments, the packaging assembly 102 can continue to draw a vacuum in the packaging chamber 126 until the pressure inside the packaging chamber 126 has reached a predetermined pressure.

[0050] Additionally, from the first example to the second example, a downward force has been applied to the heating mechanism 124, causing it to move downwards towards the film 106. As the heating mechanism 124 approaches the film 106, it can be activated to generate heat, thereby heating the portion of the film above the support 150 and the product 152. While the film 106 is heated, the packaging assembly 102 can hold the heating mechanism 124 close to the film 106 for a period of time. In some examples, the packaging assembly 102 can hold the heating mechanism 124 close to the film 106 for a predetermined amount of time. In other examples, the packaging assembly 102 can hold the heating mechanism 124 close to the film 106 until the film 106 reaches a predetermined temperature. In some embodiments, the packaging assembly 102 may also include a temperature sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor inside the body 114 of the upper tool 110, a temperature sensor associated with the heating mechanism 124, etc.), which can provide a signal indicating temperature and can be used to control the heating mechanism 124.

[0051] Figure 2C A third example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 100 is depicted. From the second to the third example, the heating mechanism 124 has been lifted upwards away from the film 106. In the depicted embodiment, the heating mechanism 124 has been lifted until it approaches the top of the body 114. Additionally, from the second to the third example, a force has been applied to the lifting mechanism 120 to lift it, lifting the seat 118, the support 150, and the product 152 upwards. In the depicted embodiment, the lifting mechanism 120 has been lifted until its lower portion has contacted the bottom of the body 112.

[0052] In the depicted embodiment, the lifting mechanism 120 has brought the product 152 into contact with the heated portion of the film 106. The product 152 has deflected the film 106 from its previous planar form. Specifically, the film 106 has begun to conform to the contours of the product 152. The prior heating of the film 106 by the heating mechanism 124 greatly reduces the likelihood that the conformation of the film 106 to the product 152 would cause the film 106 to break or otherwise render the film 106 unsuitable for forming vacuum packaging or vacuum skin packaging around the product 152. In the depicted embodiment, the support 150 has been lifted to a point where the horizontal edge of the support 150 is still below the original plane of the film 106. In other embodiments, the support 150 may be raised until the horizontal edge of the support 150 contacts the film 106.

[0053] Figure 2DA fourth example of a method for forming packaging around a product using apparatus 100 is described. From the third to the fourth example, the upper portion of the packaging chamber 126 (i.e., the portion of the packaging chamber 126 above the membrane 106) has been reventilated with a gas (e.g., air) under external ambient pressure. For example, the body 114 of the upper tool 110 may have a valve that is opened to allow the upper portion of the packaging chamber 126 to be reventilated with air at atmospheric pressure. In other examples, the packaging chamber 126 may be reventilated with pressurized gas. The reventilation of the upper portion of the packaging chamber 126 has forced the membrane 106 downwards around the product 152 and against the portion of the support 150 surrounding the product 152. Thus, the product 152 has been sealed between the membrane 106 and the support 150 in an environment with a low oxygen level that can prolong the lifespan of the product 152. The prior heating of the film 106 by the heating mechanism 124 greatly reduces the likelihood that conforming the film 106 to the shape of the product 152 and / or the support 150 would cause the film 106 to rupture or otherwise render the film 106 unsuitable for forming vacuum packaging or vacuum skin packaging around the product 152. In the case of a low-crosslinked or non-crosslinked film, re-ventilating the packaging chamber with compressed gas can be beneficial because low-crosslinked and non-crosslinked films cannot be heated to the same temperatures as high-crosslinked films, which would result in poor sealing; however, the higher re-ventilation pressure increases the likelihood of a proper seal between the film 106 and the support 150.

[0054] Figure 2E A fifth example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 100 is depicted. From the fourth to the fifth example, a cutting mechanism 122 has been activated to cut the film 106 on the side of a support 150. The cutting by the cutting mechanism 122 separates the packaging 154 of the product 152 on the support 150 from the film 106. The cutting also generates a sheet of film waste 107 from the film 106.

[0055] Figure 2F A sixth example of a method for forming packaging around a product using a device 100 is depicted. From the fifth to the sixth example, the lower tool 108 and the upper tool 110 have moved away from each other, causing the packaging assembly 102 to be opened and returned to its original position. Figure 2A The first operating state is shown. Package 154 remains on seat 118. As the main body 112 and lifting mechanism 120 descend, package 154 on seat 118 is positioned above the main body 112. From Figure 2F Starting from the point shown, packaging assembly 102 is in a first operating position, and lower tool 108 is capable of conveying package 154 in which product 152 is sealed. For example, package 154 in which product 152 is sealed can be conveyed on a discharge conveyor or any other conveying mechanism.

[0056] exist Figure 2F Following the sixth example shown, package 154 can be conveyed from packaging assembly 102, and membrane waste 107 can be removed from the packaging assembly. Then, membrane 106 can be... Figure 2F The position shown was pulled across the width of the upper tool 110 until the membrane returned to its original position. Figure 2A In the location shown. In some embodiments, membrane waste 107 remains attached to membrane 106 (in Figure 2F (In areas not visible in the packaging assembly 102), this is useful for advancing the film 106 by pulling the film waste 107 before forming the next package. After the film waste 107 is pulled out of the packaging assembly 102 and the film 106 has advanced across the width of the upper tool 110 to form a new package, the film waste 107 can be cut off from the film 106, wound onto a waste rewinding device, or otherwise removed from the operation of the packaging assembly 102. Additionally, the packaging assembly 102 can receive a new support on which the product is loaded. At this point, the process can be repeated. Figures 2A-2F The entire process described herein is used to form another package.

[0057] Figures 2A to 2F The process described herein can be partially or fully automated by implementing a controller. Figure 3 An apparatus 100 is depicted that further includes a controller 128 configured to control the operation of elements of the apparatus 100. The apparatus 100 includes one or more actuators 130 configured to move one or both of the body 112 of the lower tool 108 and the body 114 of the upper tool 110 toward or away from each other. The apparatus 100 also includes one or more actuators 132 configured to move a lifting mechanism 120 relative to the body 112 of the lower tool 108. The apparatus 100 also includes one or more actuators 134 configured to move and / or activate a heating mechanism 124. The apparatus 100 also includes one or more actuators 136 configured to move a cutting mechanism 122 relative to the body 114 of the upper tool 110. The system also includes one or more actuators 138 configured to advance or retract a membrane 106 from a membrane supply assembly 104.

[0058] It will be understood that any actuator described herein can be of any type. For example, any actuator configured to move an element can be an electric actuator (e.g., a solenoid, electric motor, etc.), a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or any other type of moving actuator. In other examples, an actuator configured to activate an element may include a power regulating unit configured to control the amount of power supplied to the element (e.g., the amount of current supplied to the heating mechanism 124) to activate or deactivate the element. Any other type of actuator may be used.

[0059] The controller can be configured to cause Figures 2A to 2F The method is illustrated. For example, between the first and second instances, controller 128 can move the body 112 of the lower tool 108 from a first operating position to a second operating position by sending a corresponding signal to one or more actuators 130. Similarly, controller 128 can move heating mechanism 124 toward membrane 106 and activate it by sending a corresponding signal to one or more actuators 134. Controller 128 can be configured to cause the above reference by sending an appropriate signal to each of one or more actuators 130, 132, 134, 136 and / or 138. Figures 2A-2F All other movements and actions of the described device 100.

[0060] Figure 4 An embodiment of an apparatus 200 for packaging a product arranged on a support is depicted. The apparatus 200 includes a packaging assembly 202 and a film supply assembly 204 configured to supply a film 206 to the packaging apparatus 202. In the depicted embodiment, the film supply assembly 204 includes a roll of film 206. In some embodiments, the film supply assembly 204 may include an unwinding mechanism configured to unwind the film 206 from the roll.

[0061] Membrane 206 may be a packaging film. Membrane 206 may be applied to a support to form a lid or a patch layer associated with the support. In some embodiments, membrane 206 is flexible and capable of conforming to the contours of the product and / or the support. Membrane 206 may be a single-layer material or a flexible multilayer material, comprising at least a first external heat-sealable layer, an optional internal gas barrier layer, and a second external heat-resistant layer. Membrane 206 may also include other layers, such as adhesive layers or body layers, to increase the thickness of membrane 206 and / or improve its abuse resistance. Any layer of membrane 206 may contain additives. In some embodiments, any of the following additives may be added to any layer of membrane 206: slip agents and anti-blackening agents, antioxidants, stabilizers, plasticizers, fillers, pigments, dyes, crosslinking inhibitors, crosslinking enhancers, UV absorbers, odor absorbers, oxygen scavengers, bactericides, antistatic agents, etc. One or more layers of membrane 206 may be crosslinked to improve the strength and / or heat resistance of the membrane. However, it may be advantageous for membrane 206 to be a low-crosslinked or non-crosslinked membrane (e.g., membrane 206 is recyclable).

[0062] The packaging assembly includes a lower tool 208 and an upper tool 210 configured to cooperate with each other. Specifically, the lower tool 208 and the upper tool 210 are configured to cooperate to define a packaging chamber surrounding the product and support. In some embodiments, the lower tool 208 includes a body 212, and the upper tool 210 includes a body 214. When the bodies 212 of the lower tool 208 and the bodies 214 of the upper tool 210 contact each other, the bodies 212 and 214 form a packaging chamber. At least one of the lower tool 208 and the upper tool 210 is configured to move toward and away from the other. In some embodiments, both the lower tool 208 and the upper tool 210 are configured to move toward and away from each other. In other words, when the lower tool 208 is stationary, the upper tool 210 can move toward and away from the lower tool 208, or when the upper tool 210 is stationary, the lower tool 208 can move toward and away from the upper tool 210, or both the lower tool 208 and the upper tool 210 can move toward and away from each other.

[0063] The packaging assembly 202 of the apparatus 200 is configured to receive a film 206 from a film supply assembly 204 and couple the film 206 to a support. In the depicted embodiment, the film 206 is received by an upper tool 210. Specifically, the film 206 passes beneath the body 214 of the upper tool 210 such that the film 206 spans the width of the body 214 of the upper tool 210. Specifically, the packaging assembly 202 receives the film 206 by passing it between a lower tool 208 and an upper tool 210. In the depicted embodiment, the film supply assembly 204 includes a feed roller 216 configured to feed the film 206 to the packaging assembly 202 at a uniform angle, regardless of how much film 206 remains on the roll, as indicated by the dashed lines.

[0064] In the depicted embodiment, the lower tool 208 has a seat 218 arranged to receive a support on which a product is disposed. In other embodiments, the lower tool 208 may have multiple seats, each configured to receive a corresponding support on which a product is disposed. In some embodiments, the lower tool 208 may be configured to receive a support with a product on it from a feeder or any other conveying mechanism to the seat 218, the feeder or other conveying mechanism supplying the support with the product on it to the lower tool 208 of the device 200. Where the lower tool 208 has multiple seats, the feeder or conveying mechanism may be configured to supply multiple supports, each with a product on it, to the multiple seats of the lower tool 208.

[0065] In the depicted embodiment, the lower tool 208 further includes a lifting mechanism 220 arranged to lift a seat 218. A rod of the seat 218 passes through the rod of the lifting mechanism 220. The upper portion of the lifting mechanism 220 is located below the upper portion of the seat 218 and above the bottom of the body 212 of the lower tool 208. The lower portion of the lifting mechanism 220 is located below the bottom of the body 212 of the lower tool 208 and above the lower portion of the seat 218. The lower tool 208 also includes a base 240 located below the body 212. In the depicted embodiment, the seat 218 and the lower portion of the lifting mechanism 220 pass through the base 240. Similarly, in the depicted embodiment, the base 240 is positioned on a surface, and the lower portion of the seat 218 passes through the base 240 such that the lower portion of the seat 217 also contacts the surface.

[0066] The seat 218 can be vertically moved relative to each of the body 212, the lifting mechanism 220, and the base 240 until any of the following contacts occur: the lower portion of the seat 218 contacts the surface, or the lower portion of the seat 218 contacts the lower portion of the lifting mechanism 220, or the upper portion of the seat 218 contacts the upper portion of the lifting mechanism 220. The lifting mechanism 220 can be vertically moved relative to each of the body 212, the seat 218, and the base 240 until any of the following contacts occur: the lower portion of the lifting mechanism 220 contacts the lower portion of the seat 218, the collar of the lifting mechanism 220 contacts the bottom of the body 212 or the base 240, the upper portion of the lifting mechanism 220 contacts the bottom of the body 212, or the upper portion of the lifting mechanism 220 contacts the upper portion of the seat 218.

[0067] The base 240 includes a pusher 242 extending upward through the body 212. The pusher 242 is fixedly coupled to the base 240 and is slidably movable relative to the body 212. As discussed in more detail below, the pusher 242 can passively allow proper movement of elements in the upper tool 210.

[0068] In some embodiments, the lower tool 208 further includes a biasing mechanism 244 configured to bias the body 212 away from the base 240. In the depicted embodiment, the biasing mechanism 244 is a compression spring. The biasing mechanism 244 is configured to bias the body 212 away from the base 240 into Figure 4 The position is shown. A force can be applied to one or both of the body 212 and the base 240 to overcome the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 244 and cause the body 212 and the base 240 to move toward each other accordingly.

[0069] The upper tool 210 includes a cutting mechanism 222 configured to cut the membrane 206. It will be apparent that in other embodiments, the cutting mechanism 222 may be located in the lower tool 208. In some embodiments, the cutting mechanism 222 may include a blade, a set of blades, a single knife, a set of knives, any other cutting mechanism, or any combination thereof. In the depicted embodiment, the cutting mechanism 222 is retracted from the membrane 206 and is selectively movable downwards to contact and cut the membrane 206. In the depicted embodiment, the upper tool 110 includes a base 246, and the cutting mechanism 222 is fixedly coupled to the base 246. The upper tool 210 also includes a biasing mechanism 248 configured to bias the body 214 away from the base 246 to... Figure 4 The position is shown. In the depicted embodiment, the biasing mechanism 244 is a compression spring. A force can be applied to one or both of the body 214 and the base 246 to overcome the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 248 and cause corresponding movement of the body 214 and the base 246 toward each other. The movement of the base 246 toward the body 214 will cause the cutting mechanism 222 to move toward the membrane 206.

[0070] The upper tool 210 also includes a heating mechanism 224. The heating mechanism 224 is configured to move vertically relative to the body 214 of the upper tool 210. Specifically, the heating mechanism 224 is biased downwards by gravity. Figure 4 The heating mechanism 224 is positioned as shown, and is configured to be selectively pushed upward within the body 214. While the depicted embodiment shows the heating mechanism 224 being biased downward by gravity, in other embodiments, the heating mechanism 224 may be biased downward by a spring, solenoid, or any other biasing mechanism. When the heating mechanism 224 is positioned near a portion of the membrane 206, that portion of the membrane 206 can be heated. For example, the heating mechanism 224 can heat that portion of the membrane 206 by heat conduction, heat convection, or heat radiation. In the case of heat conduction, the heating mechanism 224 may contact that portion of the membrane 206 to allow conduction. In the case of convection or radiation, the heating mechanism 224 may be positioned close to that portion of the membrane 206 to allow convection or radiation. Optionally, in the case of convection or radiation heating, the position of the heating mechanism 224 may be fixed relative to the body 214 of the upper tool 210. In some embodiments, the heating mechanism 224 may include a resistor that generates heat to heat that portion of the membrane 206.

[0071] Equipment 200 can be used to form packaging around a product. Figures 5A to 5M Examples of embodiments of a method for forming packaging around a product are described. Figure 5AA first example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 200 is depicted. In this first example, the packaging component 202 is positioned with... Figure 4 The same operating state is shown. Specifically, the packaging assembly 202 is in a first operating state, wherein the upper tool 208 and the lower tool 210 are retracted to each other, causing the packaging assembly 202 to open. In the open position of the depicted embodiment, the base 240 is located on a surface, the lower portion of the seat 218 is in contact with this surface, the lower portion of the lifting mechanism 220 is adjacent to the lower portion of the seat 218, and the bottom of the body 212 rests on the collar of the lifting mechanism 220. In this arrangement, the upper portion of the seat 218 is close to the top of the body 212.

[0072] Figure 5A A support 250 is also depicted positioned on top of seat 218, with product 252 arranged on it. In some embodiments, when packaging assembly 202 is in a first operating position, lower tool 208 is capable of receiving the support 250 with product 252 on it into seat 218. For example, the support 250 with product 252 on it may be received from a feeder or any other conveying mechanism. In the depicted embodiment, support 250 is in the form of a tray, having a base, sidewalls, and edges extending from the sidewalls. In other embodiments, support 250 may be flat (e.g., a plate), another form of tray, or any other form of support. Product 252 may be any type of product, such as food.

[0073] Figure 5B A second example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 200 is depicted. From the first example to the second example, an upward force has been applied to the base 240 of the lower tool 208. The force on the base has caused the base 240 to be lifted off the surface. In the depicted embodiment, the base 240 has been raised until it has made contact with the collar of the lifting mechanism. The biasing mechanism 244 has maintained a corresponding distance between the base 240 and the body 212, such that the lifting of the base 240 has also caused the body 212 of the lower tool 208 to be lifted. The lower portion of the seat 218 has remained in contact with the surface, and the lower portion of the lifting mechanism 220 remains in contact with the lower portion of the seat 218.

[0074] Figure 5CA third example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 200 is depicted. From the second to the third example, an upward force is further applied to the base 240 of the lower tool 208 to further raise the base 240. The biasing mechanism 244 has maintained a corresponding distance between the base 240 and the body 212, such that the raising of the base 240 also causes the raising of the body 212 of the lower tool 208. The interaction between the base 240 and the collar of the lifting mechanism 220 also causes the lifting device 220 to be raised, so that the lower portion of the lifting device 220 is no longer in contact with the lower portion of the seat 218.

[0075] In the depicted embodiment, in the third instance, the base 240 has been raised to the point where the lifting mechanism 220 is as high as possible relative to the seat 218, while the seat 218 remains in contact with the surface. In the depicted embodiment, in the third instance, the upper portion of the lifting mechanism 220 contacts the lower side of the edge of the support 250. Between the second and third instances, the lower tool 208 has moved closer to the upper tool 210, but neither the lower tool 208 nor the upper tool 210 is yet in the closed position.

[0076] Figure 5D A fourth example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 200 is depicted. From the third to the fourth example, an upward force is further applied to the base 240 of the lower tool 208 to further raise the base 240 and the remainder of the lower tool 208. Specifically, the lower portion of the seat 218 has been lifted off the surface. Similarly, an upward force has been applied to the lower tool 208 until the body 212 of the lower tool 208 comes into contact with the body 214 of the upper tool 210. In this arrangement, the packaging assembly 202 is in a second operating state, wherein the upper tool 208 and the lower tool 210 form a packaging chamber 226 in which the support 250 and the product 252 are located. In some embodiments, the packaging chamber 226 surrounding the support 250 and the product 252 allows the product 252 to be packaged in a reduced pressure and oxygen environment for packaging the product 252 in vacuum packaging or vacuum skin packaging. Additionally, the pusher 242 of the base 240 has been raised until the top of the pusher 242 is positioned directly below the heating mechanism 224. In some embodiments, in Figure 2D In the fourth example shown, the top of the pusher 242 is in contact with the heating mechanism 224.

[0077] During the first through fourth instances, the heating mechanism 224 remains close to the film 206. At any interval between the first and fourth instances, the heating mechanism 224 can be activated to generate heat. In some embodiments, the heating mechanism 224 can remain active at any time during the operation of the packaging assembly 102, in which case the heating mechanism 224 will be active throughout the entire process of the first through fourth instances. The heat generated by the heating mechanism 224 heats the portion of the film 206 above the support 250 and the product 252. The temperature of the heating mechanism 224 and / or the amount of time it is activated when close to the film 206 can be controlled to provide the desired heating of the film 206. In some embodiments, the packaging assembly 202 may also include temperature sensors that can provide signals indicating temperature (e.g., a temperature sensor inside the body 214 of the upper tool 210, a temperature sensor associated with the heating mechanism 224, etc.), and the heating mechanism 224 can be controlled based on signals from the temperature sensors.

[0078] Figure 5E A fifth example of a method for forming packaging around a product using apparatus 200 is described. In both the fourth and fifth examples, a vacuum has been evacuated from the packaging chamber 226 to reduce the pressure within the packaging chamber 226 to below the pressure of the external environment and to reduce the oxygen content within the packaging chamber 226 to below the oxygen content level of the external environment. In some embodiments, the packaging assembly 202 may continue to evacuate the vacuum from the packaging chamber 226 until the pressure inside the packaging chamber 226 has reached a predetermined pressure.

[0079] Figure 5F A sixth example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 200 is depicted. From the fifth to the sixth example, a vacuum continues to be applied in the packaging chamber 226. An upward force has been applied to the base 240 while the upper tool 210 is held in place relative to the lower tool 208. This upward force on the base 240 overcomes the force of the biasing mechanism 244, causing the base 240 to move upward until it contacts the underside of the body 212. This corresponding movement of the base 240 and the body 212 results in the insertion of the pusher 242 into the upper tool 210, pushing the heating mechanism 224 upward relative to the body 214 of the upper tool 210. Similarly, due to the interaction between the collar of the lifting mechanism 220 and the base 240, the corresponding movement of the base 240 and the body 212 results in the upward movement of the seat 218, the support 250, and the product 252.

[0080] In the depicted embodiment, the lifting mechanism 220 has brought the product 252 into contact with the heated portion of the film 206. The product 252 has caused the film 206 to deflect from its previous planar form. Specifically, the film 206 has begun to conform to the contours of the product 252. The prior heating of the film 206 by the heating mechanism 224 greatly reduces the likelihood that conforming the film 206 to the shape of the product 252 would cause the film 206 to rupture or otherwise render the film 206 unsuitable for forming vacuum packaging or vacuum skin packaging around the product 252. In the depicted embodiment, the support 250 has been raised to a point where the horizontal edge of the support 250 is aligned with the original plane of the film 206. Specifically, the support 250 has been raised until the horizontal edge of the support 250 has made contact with the film 206.

[0081] In embodiments where the horizontal edge of the support 250 contacts the membrane 206, such as in Figure 5F In the sixth scenario shown, the vacuum drawn in the lower tool 208 can be stopped during the re-ventilation that occurs through the upper tool 210. Alternatively, the vacuum drawn in the lower tool 208 can continue during the re-ventilation that occurs through the upper tool 210 without further removing the air between the support 250 and the membrane 206. In some embodiments, the time for stopping the vacuum drawing in the lower tool 208 can be selected within the range from the start of re-ventilation through the upper tool 210 to the time when the membrane 206 is cut to form a package.

[0082] Figure 5G A seventh example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 200 is depicted. From the sixth to the seventh example, the upper portion of the packaging chamber 226 (i.e., the portion of the packaging chamber 226 above the membrane 206) has been reventilated with a gas (e.g., air) at ambient pressure. For example, the body 214 of the upper tool 210 may have a valve that is opened to reventilate the upper portion of the packaging chamber 226 with air at atmospheric pressure. In other examples, the packaging chamber 226 may be reventilated with pressurized gas. The reventilation of the upper portion of the packaging chamber 226 forces the membrane 206 downwards around the product 252 and against the portion of the support 250 surrounding the product 252. In this way, the product 252 is sealed between the membrane 206 and the support 250 in an environment with a low oxygen level that can prolong the life of the product 252. The prior heating of the film 206 by the heating mechanism 224 greatly reduces the possibility that adapting the film 206 to the shape of the product 252 and / or the support 250 would cause the film 206 to rupture or otherwise make the film 206 unsuitable for forming vacuum packaging or vacuum skin packaging around the product 252.

[0083] Figure 5HAn eighth example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 200 is depicted. From the seventh to the eighth example, a further upward force has been applied to the base 240 of the lower tool 208, while the base 246 of the upper tool has been held in place. This further upward force on the base 240 has overcome the force of the biasing mechanism 248, causing the body 214 to move toward the base 246. This corresponding movement of the base 246 and the body 214 has caused the cutting mechanism 222 to move downward relative to the body 214 and the film 206 to cut the film 206 around the support 250. The cut performed by the cutting mechanism 222 has separated the packaging 254 of the product 252 on the support 250 from the film 206. This cut also generates a sheet of film waste 207 from the film 206.

[0084] Figure 5I This is the ninth example of a method for forming packaging around a product using equipment 200. From the eighth to the ninth example, the further upward force on the base 240 has ceased, causing the force of the biasing mechanism 248 to push the body 214 away from the base 246 and back. Figures 5A to 5G The relative positions of the base 246 and the body 214 are shown. The relative movement of the base 246 relative to the body 214 has caused the cutting mechanism 222 to retract from the membrane 206.

[0085] Figure 5J A tenth example of a method for forming packaging around a product using equipment 200 is described. From the ninth to the tenth example, the upward force on the base 240 has been reduced, causing the force of the biasing mechanism 244 to lower the base 240 relative to the body 212 back to its original position. Figures 5A to 5E The relative positions of the base 240 and the body 212 are shown. The relative movement of the base 240 relative to the body 212 has caused the lifting mechanism 220, the seat 118 and the package 254 to be lowered so that the package is completely inside the body 212 of the lower tool 208.

[0086] Figure 5K Eleventh example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 200 is described. From the tenth to the eleventh example, the upward force on the base 240 has been reduced to the point where the lower portion of the seat 218 contacts the surface. Furthermore, the packaging assembly 202 is no longer in the second operating state because the lower tool 208 is no longer in contact with the upper tool 210.

[0087] Figure 5L A twelfth example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 200 is depicted. From the eleventh to the twelfth example, the upward force on the base 240 has been reduced to the point where the lower portion of the lifting mechanism 220 contacts the lower portion of the seat 218. This movement of the lifting mechanism 220 and the body 212 relative to the seat 218 has also caused the packaging to begin to emerge through the top of the body 212.

[0088] Figure 5M This describes a thirteenth example of a method for forming packaging around a product using an apparatus 200. From the twelfth to the thirteenth example, the upward force on the base 240 has decreased to the point where the base 240 is in contact with the surface again. This causes the lower tool 208 and the upper tool 210 to move away from each other, so that the packaging assembly 202 has been opened and returned to its original position. Figure 5A The first operating state is shown. Package 254 remains on seat 218. As the main body 212 and lifting mechanism 220 descend, package 254 on seat 218 is positioned above the main body 212. From Figure 5M Starting from the point shown, packaging assembly 202 is in a first operating position, and lower tool 208 is capable of conveying package 254 containing product 252. For example, package 254 containing product 252 can be conveyed on a discharge conveyor or any other conveying mechanism.

[0089] exist Figure 5M Following the thirteenth example shown, package 254 can be conveyed from packaging assembly 202, and waste film 207 can be removed from the packaging assembly. Then, film 206 can be... Figure 5M The position shown was pulled across the width of the upper tool 210 until the membrane returned to its original position. Figure 5A The location shown. In some embodiments, membrane waste 207 remains attached to membrane 206 (in the position shown). Figure 5M (In areas not visible in the packaging assembly 202), this is useful for advancing the membrane 206 by pulling the membrane waste 207 before forming the next package. After the membrane waste 207 is pulled out of the packaging assembly 202 and the membrane 206 has advanced across the width of the upper tool 210 for forming a new package, the membrane waste 207 can be cut from the membrane 206, wound onto a waste rewinding device, or otherwise removed from the operation of the packaging assembly 202. Additionally, the packaging assembly 202 can receive a new support on which the product is loaded. At this point, the process can be repeated. Figures 5A to 5M The entire process described herein is to form another package.

[0090] Figures 5A to 5M The process described herein can be partially or fully automated by implementing a controller. Figure 6An apparatus 200 is depicted that further includes a controller 228 configured to control the operation of elements of the apparatus 200. The apparatus 200 includes one or more actuators 230 configured to apply force to a base 240 of a lower tool 208. The apparatus 200 also includes one or more actuators 232 configured to apply force to a base 246 of the lower tool 208. The apparatus 200 also includes one or more actuators 234 configured to activate a heating mechanism 224. The system also includes one or more actuators 238 configured to advance or retract a membrane 206 from a membrane supply assembly 204.

[0091] It will be understood that any actuator described herein can be of any type. For example, any actuator configured to move an element can be an electric actuator (e.g., a solenoid, electric motor, etc.), a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, or any other type of moving actuator. In other examples, an actuator configured to activate an element may include a power regulating unit configured to control the amount of power supplied to the element (e.g., the amount of current supplied to heating mechanism 224) to activate or deactivate the element. Any other type of actuator may be used.

[0092] The controller can be configured to cause Figures 5A to 5M The method is illustrated. For example, between the first and second instances, controller 228 can move the base 240 of the lower tool 208 upward by sending a corresponding signal to one or more actuators 230 to apply an upward force on the base 240. Similarly, controller 228 can activate heating mechanism 224 and begin heating membrane 206 by sending a corresponding signal to one or more actuators 234 to power the heating element in heating mechanism 224. Controller 228 can be configured to cause the above reference by sending an appropriate signal to each of one or more actuators 230, 232, 234 and / or 238. Figures 5A to 5M All other movements and actions of the described device 200.

[0093] Figure 7Example embodiments of system 310 are depicted, which can be used to implement some or all of the embodiments described herein. In the depicted embodiments, system 310 includes computing devices 3201, 3202, 3203, and 3204 (collectively referred to as computing device 320). In the depicted embodiments, computing device 3201 is a tablet computer, computing device 3202 is a mobile phone, computing device 3203 is a desktop computer, and computing device 3204 is a laptop computer. In other embodiments, computing device 320 includes a desktop computer, mobile phone, tablet computer, phablet, laptop computer, distributed system, game console (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, Wii), watch, glasses, keychain, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, headset, scanner, television, dongle, camera, wristband, wearable item, kiosk, input terminal, server, server network, blade server, gateway, switch, processing device, processing entity, set-top box, repeater, router, network access point, base station, any other device configured to perform the functions, operations and / or processes described herein, or any combination thereof.

[0094] Computing device 320 is communicatively coupled to each other via one or more networks 330 and 332. Each of networks 330 and 332 may include one or more wired or wireless networks (e.g., 3G network, Internet, internal network, private network, secure network). Computing device 320 is capable of communicating with each other and / or with any other computing device via one or more wired or wireless networks. Although Figure 7 The specific system 310 depicts a computing device 320 communicatively coupled via a network 330, comprising four computing devices, but any number of computing devices can be communicatively coupled via the network 330.

[0095] In the depicted embodiments, computing device 3203 is communicatively coupled to peripheral device 340 via network 332. In the depicted embodiments, peripheral device 340 is a scanner, such as a barcode scanner, optical scanner, computer vision device, etc. In some embodiments, network 332 is a wired network (e.g., a direct wired connection between peripheral device 340 and computing device 3203), a wireless network (e.g., a Bluetooth connection or a WiFi connection), or a combination of wired and wireless networks (e.g., a Bluetooth connection between peripheral device 340 and its docking station, and a wired connection between peripheral device 340 and computing device 3203). In some embodiments, peripheral device 340 itself is a computing device (sometimes referred to as a "smart" device). In other embodiments, peripheral device 340 is not a computing device (sometimes referred to as a "dumb" device).

[0096] Figure 8 The diagram depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of computing device 400. Any computing device 320 and / or any other computing device described herein may include some or all of the components and features of computing device 400. In some embodiments, computing device 400 is a desktop computer, mobile phone, tablet computer, phablet, laptop computer, distributed system, game console (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, Wii), watch, a pair of glasses, keychain, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, headset, scanner, television, dongle, camera, wristband, wearable item, kiosk, input terminal, server, server network, blade server, gateway, switch, processing device, processing entity, set-top box, repeater, router, network access point, base station, any other device configured to perform the functions, operations, and / or processes described herein, or any combination thereof. Such functions, operations, and / or processes may include, for example, sending, receiving, operating, processing, displaying, storing, determining, creating / generating, monitoring, evaluating, comparing, and / or similar terms used herein. In one embodiment, these functions, operations, and / or processes may be performed on data, content, information, and / or similar terms used herein.

[0097] In the depicted embodiment, computing device 400 includes processing element 405, memory 410, user interface 415, and communication interface 420. Processing element 405, memory 410, user interface 415, and communication interface 420 are capable of communicating via communication bus 425 by reading data from and / or writing data to communication bus 425. Computing device 400 may include other components capable of communicating via communication bus 425. In other embodiments, the computing device does not include communication bus 425, and components of computing device 400 are capable of communicating with each other in some other manner.

[0098] Processing element 405 (also referred to as one or more processors, processing circuitry, and / or similar terms as used herein) is capable of performing operations on some external data source. For example, the processing element may perform operations on data in memory 410, data received via user interface 415, and / or data received via communication interface 420. As will be understood, processing element 405 may be implemented in several different ways. In some embodiments, processing element 405 includes one or more complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), microprocessors, multi-core processors, coprocessor entities, application-specific instruction set processors (ASIPs), microcontrollers, controllers, integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), hardware accelerators, any other circuitry, or any combination thereof. The term "circuitry" may refer to a completely hardware embodiment or a combination of hardware and computer program products. In some embodiments, processing element 405 is configured for a particular purpose or is configured to execute instructions stored in volatile or non-volatile media or accessible to processing element 405. Thus, whether configured by hardware or computer program products, or by a combination thereof, the processing element 405 can perform steps or operations when configured accordingly.

[0099] The memory 410 in the computing device 400 is configured to store data, computer-executable instructions, and / or any other information. In some embodiments, the memory 410 includes volatile memory (also referred to as volatile memory, volatile medium, volatile memory circuitry, etc.), non-volatile memory (also referred to as non-volatile memory, non-volatile medium, non-volatile memory circuitry, etc.), or some combination thereof.

[0100] In some embodiments, volatile memory includes random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), fast page mode dynamic random access memory (FPM DRAM), extended data output dynamic random access memory (EDO DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDRSDRAM), double data rate type 2 synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR2 SDRAM), double data rate type 3 synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR3 SDRAM), Rambus dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), dual transistor RAM (TTRAM), thyristor RAM (T-RAM), zero capacitor (Z-RAM), Rambus through-hole memory module (RIMM), dual in-line memory module (DIMM), single in-line memory module (SIMM), video random access memory (VRAM), cache memory (including various levels), flash memory, any other memory that requires power to store information, or any combination thereof.

[0101] In some embodiments, non-volatile memory includes one or more of the following: hard disk, floppy disk, solid-state storage (SSS) (e.g., solid-state drive (SSD)), solid-state card (SSC), solid-state module (SSM), enterprise flash drive, magnetic tape, any other non-transitory magnetic media, optical disc read-only memory (CD). ROM), rewritable optical disc (CD-RW), digital versatile optical disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (BD), any other non-transitory optical media, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory (e.g., serial, NAND, NOR and / or similar memory), multimedia memory card (MMC), secure digital (SD) memory card, memory stick, conductive bridged random access memory (CBRAM), phase change random access memory (PRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM), resistive random access memory (RRAM), silicon oxide-nitride-oxide-silicon memory (SONOS), floating junction gate random access memory (FJG RAM), memristor memory, track memory, or any other memory that can store information without power, or any combination thereof.

[0102] In some embodiments, memory 410 can store one or more of the following: database, database instance, database management system, data, application, program, program module, script, source code, object code, bytecode, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, or any other information. As used herein, the terms database, database instance, database management system, and / or similar terms can refer to a collection of records or data stored in a computer-readable storage medium using one or more database models, such as hierarchical database models, network models, relational models, entity-relationship models, object models, document models, semantic models, graphical models, or any other models.

[0103] The user interface 415 of the computing device 400 communicates with one or more input or output devices capable of receiving input from and / or outputting any output to the computing device 400. Examples of input devices include a keyboard, mouse, touchscreen display, touchpad, motion input device, mobile input device, audio input, pointing device input, joystick input, keypad input, peripheral device 340, foot switch, etc. Examples of output devices include audio output device, video output device, display device, motion output device, mobile output device, printing device, etc. In some embodiments, the user interface 415 includes hardware configured to communicate with one or more input and / or output devices via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0104] The communication interface 420 is capable of communicating with various computing devices and / or networks. In some embodiments, the communication interface 420 is capable of transmitting data, content, and / or any other information, which can be sent, received, manipulated, processed, displayed, stored, etc. Communication via the communication interface 420 can be performed using wired data transmission protocols, such as Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Ethernet, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay, Cable Data Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), or any other wired transmission protocol. Similarly, communication via communication interface 420 can be performed using wireless data transmission protocols such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), CDMA2000 1X (1xRTT), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (EDGE), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), High Speed ​​Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), WiFiDirect, 802.16 (WiMAX), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Infrared (IR) protocol, Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, Wibree, Bluetooth protocol, Wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol, or any other wireless protocol.

[0105] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, one or more components of computing device 400 may be located remotely from other components of computing device 400, such as in a distributed system. Furthermore, one or more of these components may be combined, and additional components performing the functions described herein may be included in computing device 400. Therefore, computing device 400 can be adapted to various needs and environments. The architectures and descriptions depicted and described are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not limited to the various embodiments described herein.

[0106] The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways, including as a computer program product containing an article of art. A computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing application programs, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, program code, object code, bytecode, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions and / or the like (also referred to herein as executable instructions, instructions for execution, computer program product, program code and / or similar terms used interchangeably herein). Such non-transitory computer-readable storage medium includes all computer-readable media (including volatile and non-volatile media).

[0107] As will be understood, the various embodiments described herein can also be implemented as methods, apparatuses, systems, computing devices, etc. Thus, the embodiments described herein can take the form of an apparatus, system, computing device, etc., that executes instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium to perform certain steps or operations. Therefore, the embodiments described herein can be implemented entirely in hardware, entirely in a computer program product, or in embodiments comprising a combination of a computer program product and hardware performing certain steps or operations.

[0108] The embodiments described herein can be implemented with reference to the block diagrams and flowcharts. Therefore, it should be understood that the blocks in the block diagrams and flowcharts can be implemented in the form of a computer program product, in a completely hardware embodiment, in a combination of hardware and a computer program product, or in a device, system, computing device, etc., that implements instructions, operations, or steps. Such instructions, operations, or steps can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium for execution by a processing element in a computing device. For example, code retrieval, loading, and execution can be performed sequentially, such that one instruction is retrieved, loaded, and executed at a time. In some exemplary embodiments, retrieval, loading, and / or execution can be performed in parallel, such that multiple instructions are retrieved, loaded, and / or executed together. Therefore, such embodiments can produce machines specifically configured to perform the steps or operations specified in the block diagrams and flowcharts. Thus, the block diagrams and flowcharts support various combinations of embodiments for performing specified instructions, operations, or steps.

[0109] For the purposes of this disclosure, terms such as “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inward,” “outward,” “internal,” “external,” “front,” and “back” should be interpreted as descriptive and do not limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” and variations thereof herein is intended to cover the items listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional items. Unless otherwise specified, the terms “connection,” “coupling,” and “installation,” and variations thereof, are used extensively herein and cover both direct and indirect connections, couplings, and installations. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” etc., are used to indicate a target value of less than 5%.

[0110] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of this disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, the aspects intended to be protected by this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Furthermore, the embodiments described herein are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be made and equivalents can be adopted without departing from the spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, all such variations, modifications, and equivalents clearly fall within the spirit and scope of this disclosure as described in the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for packaging products arranged on a support, the apparatus comprising: A membrane supply assembly configured to supply a membrane; and A packaging assembly configured to receive the film and couple the film to the support, the packaging assembly comprising: A lower tool having a body and a seat, wherein the packaging assembly is configured to receive a support on which a product is disposed, into the seat. The upper tool, which has a main body, A heating mechanism, located within the main body of the upper tool, is configured to heat a portion of the film that has been received by the packaging assembly. Controller; The packaging component is configured to operate in a first operating state and a second operating state. In the first operating state, the body of the lower tool and the body of the upper tool are far apart from each other; In the second operating state, the lower tool and the upper tool are closed to form a packaging chamber; The controller is configured to: After the packaging assembly receives a support on which the product is arranged, one or both of the lower and upper tools are moved, causing the packaging assembly to change from a first operating state to a second operating state, and the lower and upper tools form a packaging chamber thereon containing the support and the product. The packaging chamber is evacuated. The seat is raised so that the heated portion of the membrane comes into contact with one or both of the product and the support. The packaging chamber is reventilated to form a package, wherein the product is sealed between the support and the film. After the packaging is formed, one or both of the lower and upper tools are moved to change the packaging assembly from a second operating state to a first operating state, allowing the packaging to be removed from the packaging assembly.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The packaging assembly is configured to receive the film such that the film passes beneath the body of the upper tool and spans the width of the body of the upper tool.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein, The heating mechanism is capable of vertical movement within the body of the upper tool, and wherein the heating mechanism is biased downward toward the membrane.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein, The heating mechanism is biased downward toward the membrane by gravity.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein, The lower tool also includes: A base capable of moving relative to the main body of the lower tool; and A biasing mechanism configured to bias the base away from the body of the lower tool; When the packaging assembly is in the second operating state, the controller is configured to apply a force to the base to overcome the force of the biasing mechanism, causing the base to move toward the body of the lower tool.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The lower tool further includes a pusher fixedly coupled to the base, wherein movement of the base toward the body causes the pusher to insert into the upper tool and push the heating mechanism away from the membrane.

7. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The movement of the base toward the body further raises the base so that one or both of the product and the support come into contact with the heated portion of the membrane.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The packaging assembly is configured to receive the film such that the film passes through two sides of the body of the upper tool and spans the width of the body of the upper tool.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein, The heating mechanism is capable of vertical movement within the body of the upper tool, and the controller is configured to move the heating mechanism downward toward the portion of the membrane before the portion of the membrane is heated.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, The controller is also configured to move the heating mechanism upward away from the portion of the membrane before the heated portion of the membrane comes into contact with one or both of the product and the support.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to activate the heating mechanism to cause heating of the portion of the membrane.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein, During the heating of the portion of the membrane, the controller is configured to control one or more of the temperature of the heating mechanism or the duration for which the heating mechanism is activated.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein, During the heating of the portion of the membrane, the controller is configured to control the heating mechanism based on a signal indicating at least one of the temperature inside the body of the upper tool or the temperature of the heating mechanism.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The controller is configured to re-ventilate the packaging chamber through the body of the upper tool, such that the heated portion of the film is forced downward around the product and against the portion of the support member surrounding the product.

15. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The membrane is a low-crosslinked membrane or a non-crosslinked membrane.

16. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The upper tool also includes a cutting mechanism configured to cut the film around the support after re-ventilation of the packaging chamber to form the packaging.

17. The device according to claim 16, wherein, The upper tool also includes: A base capable of moving relative to the main body of the upper tool; and A biasing mechanism configured to bias the base away from the body of the lower tool; The cutting mechanism is fixedly coupled to the base.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein, After the packaging has been formed, the controller is configured to apply force to the lower tool to overcome the force of the biasing mechanism, causing the body of the upper tool to move toward the base, and the cutting mechanism to cut the film.

19. A method of forming packaging using equipment, said equipment comprising a film supply assembly configured to supply film and a packaging assembly configured to receive film and couple film to a support, wherein, The packaging assembly includes a lower tool having a body and a seat, an upper tool having a body, and a heating mechanism located within the body of the upper tool, wherein the method includes: The packaging assembly receives the film from the film supply assembly; When the packaging assembly is in the first operating state, the packaging assembly receives the support member on which the product is arranged into a seat, wherein when the packaging assembly is in the first operating state, the body of the lower tool and the body of the upper tool are far apart from each other; A portion of the film already received by the packaging assembly is heated by the heating mechanism; After the packaging assembly receives the support on which the product is arranged, one or both of the lower tool and the upper tool are moved, causing the packaging assembly to change from a first operating state to a second operating state, wherein when the packaging assembly is in the second operating state, the lower tool and the upper tool are closed to form a packaging chamber. Vacuuming is performed in the packaging room; Raise the seat so that the heated portion of the membrane comes into contact with one or both of the product and the support. The packaging chamber is reventilated to form a package, wherein the product is sealed between the support and the film; and After the packaging is formed, one or both of the lower tool and the upper tool are moved to change the packaging assembly from the second operating state to the first operating state, so as to allow the packaging to be removed from the packaging assembly.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The membrane is a low-crosslinked membrane or a non-crosslinked membrane.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein, Re-ventilating the packaging chamber involves re-ventilating the packaging chamber via the body of the upper tool, such that the heated portion of the film is forced downward around the product and against the portion of the support member surrounding the product.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein, Heating of the portion of the membrane occurs when the membrane is substantially flat.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, When the product is on the support, the product protrudes above the support such that when the seat is raised, the product initially contacts the heated portion of the substantially flat membrane, and wherein, after the initial contact, further raising of the seat causes the heated portion of the membrane to deflect, so that the heated portion of the membrane is no longer substantially flat.

24. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The vacuum is drawn in the packaging chamber when the heated portion of the film is substantially flat.

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