Sealing device for food bags

Abstract

Device for sealing food bags, comprising: i) a pair of elongated rectangular plates 101 which are attached to each other by a hinge connection 102, wherein the plates 101 are configured with drawer mechanisms 201 to allow adjustment of the lengths of the plates 101; ii) elongated ribs provided on the inner surfaces of the plates 101 to press and grip an open end of a food bag; iii) an ultrasonic sensor provided on the plate detects a width of the open end of the food bag in order to trigger a microcontroller which actuates the drawer mechanisms 201 to extend or retract the plates 101 according to the detected width of the food bag; iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, installed on the plate and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images near the plate, to determine the complete insertion of the open end of the food bag between the pair of plates 101, in order to cause the microcontroller to actuate the hinge to rotate the plates 101 to close and seal the open end; v) an ultraviolet emitter 104, which is arranged on the plate, emits ultraviolet light into the food bag to eliminate microorganisms; vi) a nozzle 105 attached to a linear actuator mounted on a lower edge of the plate, the nozzle 105 being connected to a nitrogen tank attached to the plate by a conduit to fill the food bag with nitrogen to prevent spoilage of the food; and vii) a weight sensor provided on the plate detects a weight of food in the bag to trigger the microcontroller to actuate a loudspeaker 106 provided on the plate to generate an audible warning to a user regarding the need to refill the bag when the detected weight is below a threshold weight.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a food bag sealing device capable of attenuating microorganisms inside the food bag to prolong the shelf life of the food and prevent spoilage of the food by filling nitrogen into the bag so that it can be used until the specified expiration date. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Food is a primary source of energy for our bodies and provides essential nutrients that our bodies need to function optimally and are important for survival, growth, and overall well-being. Food includes carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. Each nutrient plays a specific role in supporting bodily functions, growth, and overall health. A balanced diet with a variety of foods ensures we get all the necessary nutrients to stay healthy and avoid deficiencies or illness. A food sealer helps extend the shelf life of perishable foods by removing air from the bags. Properly sealed bags protect food from freezer burn, which occurs when moisture evaporates from food surfaces in the freezer.Vacuum sealing removes air pockets that cause freezer burn, preserving the texture, taste and quality of frozen foods.

[0003] Conventional methods, while useful, have their limitations. Clothespins or wooden pegs were used to clamp the bag's opening, or a piece of string or twine was used to tie off the bag's opening. Sometimes the bags were wrapped several times with the string around the twisted end and secured with a knot. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a device capable of disinfecting the bag used for food storage, as well as easily filling the device with nitrogen to preserve the food for a long time.

[0004] US7503696B2 discloses a method and apparatus for sealing packages, in which a slitted tubular member is wound around a rod member around a wrapped portion of a package, bag, or wrapper made of a different material having a different size and shape, which is formed as a portion of the package near an opening of the package, in a state where a different liquid, gas, or solid material or object is introduced into the package through the opening. The rod member is firmly connected to the inner or outer surface of the package or separated from the package. If the package is a zippered package, the zipper functions as the rod member.US'696 is capable of sealing the opening of a package, but the device is not capable of attenuating microorganisms, thus ensuring long-term preservation of food.

[0005] US20090152261A1 discloses a packaging machine for packaging preferably tub-shaped packages to be filled with goods, wherein a heating system is provided. The packaging machine is characterized in that the heating system is designed as an induction heating unit associated with a processing tool, and wherein the induction heating unit is provided such that inductively generated eddy currents can be generated in the processing tool by the induction heating unit in order to directly heat the processing tool. US'261 is capable of packaging food, but lacks the nitrogen filling of the food bag to prevent food spoilage.

[0006] Conventionally, many sealing devices have been developed that are capable of sealing the food to be used after a certain period of time. However, these devices lack the attenuated microorganisms inside the food bag to preserve the food for a long time, as well as the nitrogen inside the food bag to prevent spoilage.

[0007] In order to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages, there is a need in the field of technology to develop a product capable of attenuating microorganisms inside the food bag to extend the shelf life of the food and replenish the nitrogen inside the food bag to prevent spoilage. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The main object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of attenuating microorganisms inside the food bag to extend the shelf life of the food and prevent food-related problems such as food poisoning, etc.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device capable of filling nitrogen into the interior of the food bag to prevent the food from spoiling until the specified expiration date.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is inherently reliable.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon closer examination of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a food bag sealing device capable of attenuating microorganisms inside the food bag to preserve the food for a long time and prevent the food from spoiling by filling nitrogen into the bag to use it until the specified expiration date.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a food bag sealing device comprises a pair of elongated rectangular plates connected to each other by a hinge connection, the plates being configured with drawer mechanisms to allow adjustment of the length of the plates, elongated ribs provided on the inner surfaces of the plates to press and grip an open end of a food bag, an ultrasonic sensor provided on the plate that detects the width of the open end of the food bag, a microcontroller that actuates the drawer mechanisms to extend or retract the plates according to the detected width of the food bag, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the plate and integrated with a processor to capture and process images in the vicinity of the plate,to determine complete insertion of the open end of the food bag, an ultraviolet emitter arranged on the plate radiates ultraviolet light into the food bag to eliminate microorganisms, a nozzle mounted on a lower edge of the plate and connected by a pipe to a nitrogen tank to fill the food bag with nitrogen to prevent food spoilage,

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device comprises a weight sensor provided on the plate and detecting a weight of food, a speaker provided on the plate to generate an audible alarm for a user regarding refilling the bag, a microphone provided on the plate to receive an audio command from a user regarding closing the food bag, a wireless communication module connected to the microcontroller is provided on the plate to enable the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller, a touch-enabled display unit mounted on the plate to enable the user to provide a touch input to remotely trigger the microcontroller to actuate the ultrasonic sensor,to detect the width of the open end of the food bag, a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

[0016] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations are possible which would fall within the scope of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will be better understood from the following description, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a food bag sealing device; and Fig. Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a drawer mechanism associated with the proposed device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The following description contains the preferred best mode of carrying out an embodiment of the present invention. It will be apparent from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments, but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0019] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms “comprising,” “comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with “including,” “with,” and “characterized by”) may be replaced by the respective partially closed terms “consisting essentially of,” “consists essentially of,” and the like, or the respective closed terms “consisting of,” “consists of,” and the like.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” refer to both the singular and the plural unless it is expressly stated that only the singular is meant.

[0021] The present invention relates to a food bag sealing device capable of eliminating microorganisms inside the food bag to preserve the food for a long time and prevent the food from spoiling by filling nitrogen into the bag to use it until the specified expiration date.

[0022] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig.2, an isometric view of a device for sealing food bags and an isometric view of a drawer mechanism associated with the proposed device are shown, each comprising a pair of elongated rectangular plates 101 connected to each other by a hinge connection 102, the plates 101 being configured with drawer mechanisms 201, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the plate, an ultraviolet emitter 104 arranged on the plate, a nozzle 105 attached to a lower edge of the plate, a speaker 106 provided on the plate, a microphone 107 provided on the plate, and a touch-enabled display unit 108 mounted on the plate.

[0023] The disclosed device consists of a pair of elongated rectangular plates 101 connected by a hinge joint 102. The plates 101 are equipped with drawer mechanisms 201 to enable the length adjustment of the plates 101. The hinge 102 described here is a motorized hinge 102 consisting of a pair of wings bolted to the surfaces of the frame and the elements. The wings are connected by a cylindrical element incorporating a shaft coupled to a DC motor to impart the required movement to the hinge. Clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the shaft assists in opening and closing the hinge as required.

[0024] Since the drawer mechanisms 201 consist of a plurality of plates 101 overlapping each other with a sliding unit, when the drawer mechanisms 201 are actuated by the microcontroller, the motor in the sliding unit begins to rotate a wheel coupled via a shaft clockwise, causing the plates 101 to move to adjust the lengths of the plates 101. After adjusting the lengths of the plates 101, elongated ribs provided on the inner surfaces of the plates 101 press and grip an open end of a food bag.

[0025] When an open end of a food bag is pressed and grasped, a touch-enabled display unit 108, attached to the board and connected to the microcontroller, allows the user to provide touch input to remotely trigger the microcontroller and activate the ultrasonic sensor. The touch-sensitive display unit 108 consists of a display panel, as mentioned herein, typically an LCD (liquid crystal display), which presents the output in a visible form. The screen is equipped with touch-sensitive technology that allows the user to directly interact with the display using their fingers. A touch controller IC (integrated circuit) is responsible for processing the analog signals generated when the user inputs input to actuate the ultrasonic sensor.A touch controller is typically connected to a microcontroller embedded in the board via various interfaces, which may include SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) or I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) to actuate the ultrasonic sensor.

[0026] When the ultrasonic sensor is activated, it detects the width of the open end of the food bag and accordingly activates the drawer mechanisms 201 to extend or retract the plates 101 according to the detected width of the food bag. The ultrasonic sensor works by emitting ultrasonic waves and then measuring the time it takes these waves to bounce back after hitting the surface of the food bag. The ultrasonic sensor consists of two main parts: a transmitter and a receiver that detects the width of the food bag. The transmitter emits a short ultrasonic pulse to the surface of the food bag, which travels through the air at the speed of sound and is reflected back to the transmitter as an echo once the pulse hits the food bag.The transmitter then detects the echo reflected from the surface of the food bag, and the sensor performs calculations based on the time interval between the transmitted signal and the reception of the echo to determine the width of the food bag. Simultaneously, a microphone 107 and a wireless communication module on the plate connected to the microcontroller actuate the ultrasonic sensor to detect the width of the open end of the food bag and actuate the drawer mechanisms 201 to extend or retract the plates 101 according to the detected width of the food bag.Simultaneously, a microphone 107 and a wireless communication module connected to the microcontroller, provided on the board, actuate the ultrasonic sensor to detect the width of the open end of the food bag and actuate the drawer mechanisms 201 to extend or retract the plates 101 according to the detected width of the food bag. The microphone 107 contains a small diaphragm connected to a voice coil. When the user's sound waves hit the diaphragm, the coil vibrates. This causes the coil to move back and forth in the field of the magnet, generating an electric current. The signal is sent to the microcontroller, which processes the electric current to detect the width of the open end of the food bag.

[0027] After detecting the width of the food bag, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103, installed on the plate and integrated with a processor, captures images near the plate and processes them to determine complete insertion of the open end of the food bag between the pair of plates 101, causing the microcontroller to actuate the hinge to rotate the plates 101 and close and seal the open end. An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 consists of a camera lens and a processor. The 360-degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the plate, and the processor then performs a series of steps, including preprocessing, feature extraction, and segmentation.During preprocessing, unwanted data such as noise and background are removed and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. Features such as pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and passed for classification to determine the full insertion of the open end of the food bag and actuate the hinge to rotate the plates 101, closing and sealing the open end.

[0028] After the open end of the food bag is fully inserted and the hinge is actuated to rotate the plates 101 to close and seal the open end, an ultraviolet emitter 104 disposed on the plate shines ultraviolet light into the food bag to kill microorganisms. The ultraviolet emitter 104 works by penetrating disease-causing pathogens and destroying their DNA with ultraviolet light. Since DNA is the basis for an organism's ability to function and reproduce, destroying it prevents these organisms from becoming active and spreading, eliminating the microorganisms from the food bag.

[0029] Furthermore, the nozzle 105, which is attached to a linear actuator mounted on a lower edge of the plate and connected via a line to a nitrogen tank mounted on the plate, fills the food bag with nitrogen to prevent food spoilage. The nozzle 105 presented here is an electronic nozzle 105 that operates using electrical energy to automate the flow solution in a controlled flow pattern by converting the pressure energy of a fluid into kinetic energy, which increases the fluid's velocity to fill the food bag with nitrogen. When the nozzle 105 is actuated by the microcontroller, the electric motor or pump pressurizes the incoming fill nitrogen, significantly increasing its pressure.

[0030] After nitrogen is introduced into the food bag, a weight sensor on the plate detects the weight of the food in the bag. The weight sensor consists of a coiled membrane and a sensor module. The membrane changes in size based on the weight of the food in the bag, which is detected by the sensor module. The sensor module detects the food in the bag, and based on the changes in the membrane's size, the detected data is transmitted to the microcontroller in the form of a signal.

[0031] Upon receiving the signal, the microcontroller controls a speaker 106 mounted on the plate to generate an audible warning to the user regarding bag refilling when the detected weight is below a threshold. The speaker 106 receives signals from the microcontroller, converts them into sound waves by vibrating a membrane, and, with the help of amplification and control circuitry, generates audible sounds to inform the user that the bag needs refilling.

[0032] Finally, a battery is installed in the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies power to all the electrically operated components that require a certain amount of electrical energy to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery used here is usually a dry battery, which is made of lithium-ion material and provides the device with a long lifespan along with an efficient direct current that helps all the components to function properly and efficiently. Since the device is battery-operated, it does not require any electrical voltage for its operation. The presence of a battery leads to the portability of the device, meaning the user can carry and move the device from one place to another as per their need.

[0033] The following invention works best when consisting of a pair of elongated rectangular plates 101. The elongated ribs press and grip the open end of the food bag. Furthermore, the touch-activated display allows the user to provide touch input to remotely trigger the microcontroller to activate the ultrasonic sensor to detect the width of the open end of the food bag and operate the drawer mechanisms 201 to extend or retract the plates 101 according to the detected width of the food bag.After detecting the width of the food bag, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 captures and processes images near the plate to determine whether the open end of the food bag has been fully inserted and causes the microcontroller to operate the hinge to rotate the plates 101 and close and seal the open end. Furthermore, the ultraviolet emitter 104 emits ultraviolet light into the food bag to kill microorganisms. After the microorganisms are killed, the nozzle 105 injects nitrogen into the food bag to prevent food spoilage. Furthermore, the weight sensor detects the weight of the food in the bag and activates the speaker 106 to alert the user to refill the bag with an audible signal when the detected weight is below the threshold.

[0034] Although the scope of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 7503696B2

[0004] US 20090152261A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Device for sealing food bags, comprising: i) a pair of elongated rectangular panels 101 secured to each other by a hinged joint 102, the panels 101 being configured with drawer mechanisms 201 to allow adjustment of the lengths of the panels 101; ii) elongated ribs provided on the inner surfaces of the plates 101 for pressing and gripping an open end of a food bag; iii) an ultrasonic sensor provided on the plate detects a width of the open end of the food bag to trigger a microcontroller that operates the drawer mechanisms 201 to extend or retract the plates 101 according to the detected width of the food bag; iv) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 installed on the plate and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images near the plate to determine full insertion of the open end of the food bag between the pair of plates 101 to cause the microcontroller to actuate the hinge to rotate the plates 101 to close and seal the open end; v) an ultraviolet emitter 104 arranged on the plate radiates ultraviolet light into the food bag to eliminate microorganisms; vi) a nozzle 105 attached to a linear actuator mounted on a lower edge of the plate, the nozzle 105 being connected to a nitrogen tank attached to the plate by a conduit for filling the food bag with nitrogen to prevent food spoilage; and vii) a weight sensor provided on the plate detects a weight of food in the bag to trigger the microcontroller to actuate a speaker 106 provided on the plate to generate an audible warning to a user regarding refilling of the bag when the detected weight is below a threshold weight. [2] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a microphone 107 connected to the microcontroller is provided on the board to receive an audio command from a user regarding the closure of the food bag to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the ultrasonic sensor to detect the width of the open end of the food bag to actuate the drawer mechanisms 201 to extend or retract the plates 101 according to the detected width of the food bag. [3] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module connected to the microcontroller is provided on the board to enable the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller by connecting it to a computing unit to actuate the ultrasonic sensor to detect the width of the open end of the food bag to actuate the drawer mechanisms 201 to extend or retract the plates 101 according to the detected width of the food bag. [4] The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a touch-enabled display unit 108 is mounted on the panel and connected to the microcontroller to enable the user to provide a touch input to remotely trigger the microcontroller to actuate the ultrasonic sensor to detect the width of the open end of the food bag to actuate the drawer mechanisms 201 to extend or retract the panels 101 according to the detected width of the food bag. [5] The device of claim 1, wherein a battery is connected to the device to power electrical and electronically operated components connected to the device.

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