Systems and methods for packaging appliances or other items with a bag manufacturing function

Abstract

A bag maker capable of interacting with the item processor is disclosed, the bag maker being configured to produce bags for packaging items, such as medical devices, for sterilization. The bag maker can include a controller capable of interacting with a bag-making device, the bag-making device including a bag cutter and a heat sealer, so that tubing can be sealed and cut to form a bag of a specified length. Operations of the bag maker include identifying tubing corresponding to a bag width of the bag, advancing the tubing to correspond to the bag length, sealing at least a first end of the tubing, and advancing and cutting the tubing; ejecting the bag from the bag maker and retracting the remaining uncut tubing, where the retraction and ejection can occur simultaneously or in alternating sequences.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims priority and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 008,277, filed Apr. 10, 2020, entitled "Systems and Methods for Packaging Instruments or Other Items with Bag Making Features", and claims priority and the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 225,839, filed Apr. 8, 2021, entitled "Systems and Methods for Packaging Instruments or Other Items with Bag Making Features", the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to bag, pouch, and / or peel pouch manufacturing apparatuses for manufacturing bags, pouches, and / or peel pouches for sterilizing and packaging various different devices, such as medical instruments, that may require bags, pouches, and / or peel pouches with various parameters including dimensions, materials, etc.

Background Art

[0003] In the manufacture of devices that need to meet strict sterilization requirements, such as medical instruments used in hospitals, the devices must be packaged and sterilized so that sterilization is not compromised during the final stages of pre - implementation manufacture, shipping, or storage. Thus, as part of the sterilization process, these devices are often packaged in bags, pouches, and / or peel pouches.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] As a result of the above and other deficiencies, there remain unmet needs for bag makers to automate bags, pouches, and / or peel pouches for packaging and sterilizing various different devices, where the devices include various different parameters such as dimensions and materials.

[0005] According to various aspects, the present disclosure describes, for example, a bag maker interoperable with an instrument processor, the bag maker being configured to manufacture bags, pouches, and / or peel pouches for packaging instruments such as medical instruments for sterilization. The bag maker can include a controller and a bag manufacturing apparatus, the controller and the bag manufacturing apparatus being interactable such that a selected amount of tubing is supplied to the bag manufacturing apparatus via a plurality of commands issued by the controller, cut to a specified length, and then heat sealed by the bag manufacturing apparatus. To cut and heat seal the tubing, the bag manufacturing apparatus can include a bag cutter and a heat sealing device. The bag maker can further include at least one roller, each roller being interactable with a motor such that one roller can supply tubing to the bag maker. The tubing can include the material from which bags, pouches, and / or peel pouches are made.

[0006] Furthermore, aspects of the present disclosure describe examples of various ways of using a bag maker. In one example, the method may include identifying a tube of the correct width to manufacture a bag of appropriate dimensions. The tube may then be advanced a length corresponding to the desired length of the bag such that the tube can be positioned correctly with respect to the heat sealer component of the bag maker. This may enable the bag maker to form a bag of the desired length. The method then further includes sealing a first end of the tube, which seal may be formed by the heat sealer component of the bag maker. Thereafter, the method of the present disclosure may include advancing the tube an additional length, which additional length may also correspond to the desired length of the bag. The cut in combination with the seal may produce bags, pouches, and / or peel pouches for instruments such as medical device instruments. The method then includes ejecting the bag, pouch, and / or peel pouch from the bag maker and retracting the remaining uncut tube, which retraction and ejection may occur simultaneously or alternately in an exchangeable order. In another example, the width and length of the bag may be determined based on the size and packaging of the instrument to be placed in the bag. An item may then be received, for example, within a second open end of the bag, pouch, and / or peel pouch, and the second end may be sealed, such as by reinsertion of the second end within the heat sealer component.

[0007] Additional advantages and novel features of these aspects will be partly described in the following description, and partly will become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended to be a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein can be implemented. The detailed description includes specific details for providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be implemented without these specific details.

[0010] Throughout the disclosure, the term "approximately" may be used as a modifier to a geometric relationship between elements or to the shape of an element or component. The term "approximately" is not limited to a particular variation, but may cover any variation that is understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to be an acceptable variation. Some examples are shown below. In one example, the term "approximately" may include a variation of less than 10% of the dimension of an object or component. In another example, the term "approximately" may include a variation of less than 5% of the dimension of an object or component. When the term "approximately" is used to define an angular relationship between one element and another element, one non-limiting example of the term "substantially" or "approximately" may include a variation of 5 degrees or less. These examples are not intended to be limiting and may be increased or decreased based on one of ordinary skill in the art's understanding of the tolerance limits.

[0011] For purposes of the disclosure, directional terms are generally expressed in relation to a standard frame of reference when the systems and devices described herein are installed in the orientation in which they are used. To provide context for the present disclosure, a general overview of the deficiencies found in various systems, implementation examples of the present disclosure, and the advantages provided by the disclosure are described below. For details of the implementation examples of the present disclosure, reference is made to the following figures for a detailed description.

[0012] In implementations that require resterilization of recently washed items or sterilization of items that have just been manufactured, the sterilization or resterilization process may include placing an item, such as a medical device, inside a semi-permeable bag, pouch, or peel pouch, and the bag, pouch, or peel pouch (hereinafter also interchangeably referred to as "packaging" herein), and the enclosed item can be sterilized by steam or another suitable chemical-based or other sterilization method. In one exemplary implementation, the bag, pouch, or peel pouch may include two different sides, one side including a semi-permeable (e.g., paper) material and the other side including a semi-permeable plastic material. In some implementations of the manufacture of this packaging for a device to be sterilized, to simplify and speed up the manufacturing process to maintain the required sterilization through the later stages of required pre-use manufacture, shipping, and storage, some producers of the devices to be manufactured may implement machine-automated bagging of items. However, mechanical automated bagging devices of the related art often have limitations in their use and usefulness. For example, in the related art, a large amount of the material used to form the bag is often wasted, and the mechanical automated bagging devices of the related art have limited bag sizes that can be manufactured. Often, the mechanical automated bagging devices of the related art are configured to be able to create only a bag for one type of item to be bagged. In another example, conventional bagging may require a pre-made pouch of a fixed size. An operator may manually trim a pre-made pouch to fit the instrument to be bagged. The trimmed portion of the pre-made pouch is not used for bagging the instrument and may be discarded. Thus, conventional bagging can be, among other drawbacks, tedious and wasteful. Accordingly, various aspects of the present disclosure may partially address these (and other) deficiencies through coordinated operation with the implementation of advanced machine vision technology.In particular, this technology can facilitate the identification of packaged items, devices, or other similar implements, and subsequently the creation of heat-sealed packages of corresponding sizes, which can not only shorten the manufacturing time of bags, pouches, and / or peel pouches, but also significantly reduce material waste.

[0013] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, FIG. 1 shows various features of an implementation example of a bag maker 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The bag maker 100 may include a controller 1001 and a bag manufacturing apparatus 1002, and the controller 1001 may communicate with the bag manufacturing apparatus 1002. In this implementation example, the controller 1001 may receive a plurality of commands 1003 from a command issuing device 1004. The commands 1003 may be transmitted using a USB protocol, RS-232, I2C, or other suitable electronic communication protocol. For example, the commands 1003 may be transmitted from another computer or microprocessor; however, in another example, the commands 1003 may be generated by user input via an external or built-in input mechanism such as a button, keypad, touch screen, barcode (e.g., having preset commands), voice command, or a handheld device such as a mobile phone. Further, the commands 1003 may be interpreted by the controller 1001 and implemented for the control of the bag manufacturing apparatus 1002.

[0014] As further shown in FIG. 1, the bag manufacturing apparatus 1002 can employ a tube 1005 of a range of sizes, such as one or more rolls. The tube 1005 can be for use in sterilization and can be obtainable from various manufacturers, such as Crosstex of Hauppauge, New York. In one example, as shown in FIG. 1, the tube 1005 can be configured to be in the form of one or more rolls. In use, for example, the tube 1005 can first be cut to a desired length, and subsequently, an item such as a medical device can be placed within the aforementioned cut tube 1005, and one or both ends of the cut tube 1005 can then be sealed, for example, with a heat sealing device, and as a result, a bag, pouch, and / or peel pouch can thereby be formed. The cut and sealed tube can be interchangeably referred to herein as a bag, pouch, or peel pouch. In one exemplary implementation, the command 1003 can instruct the controller 1001 regarding the tube size to be used, the desired length of the bag to be manufactured, and any other relevant information regarding bag manufacturing.

[0015] In the bag manufacturing apparatus 1002 of FIG. 1, internal electromagnets and / or other components can enable the bag manufacturing apparatus to manipulate, seal, and cut the tube 1005 from one or more rolls. Each internal electromagnet and / or other component can be individually addressable by the controller 1001. The controller 1001 can instruct the operation of the internal electromagnets and / or other components in response to commands transmitted from the command issuing device 1004. The transmitted command 1003 can include content that determines the operation of the addressed component.

[0016] Figure 2 shows an implementation example of the bag manufacturing apparatus 100, and the bag manufacturing apparatus 100 is shown with a part of its outer cover removed. As shown in Figure 2, the bag manufacturing apparatus 100 may further include a tube holder 1101, and the tube holder 1101 may be configured to hold the tube 1005 (Figure 1). Further, the tube 1005 may be configured to be selectively inserted into or supplied in another way to a plurality of module rollers 1102. The bag manufacturing apparatus 100 may also include a bag cutter 1103, a secondary roller 1104, and a heat sealer 1105. In one example, one module roller 1102 is provided for each roll of the tube 1005, and the module roller 1102 may be individually activateable so that, for example, any number of sterilization tubes 1005 can be operated simultaneously. The module roller 1102 and the secondary roller 1104 may control the selective insertion of the tube 1005. The bag cutter 1103 may cut the tube 1005 to form a bag, and the bag may be cut to a predetermined length. Finally, the heat sealer 1105 may be configured to seal the tube 1005 cut at each cut end to create an enclosed volume.

[0017] Figures 3A and 3B respectively show a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of various features of an exemplary module roller 300 for use in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The module roller 300 can be configured to interoperate with a bag of a selected or otherwise specified width, where the width of the bag can be determined by the size of the items contained therein and / or the available size of a tube, such as tube 1005 of FIG. 1, that engages the module roller 300. In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the bag maker 100 (FIG. 1) can include a plurality of module rollers (e.g., module roller 300), each of which can have a different width in some implementations. Each of the module rollers can be configured, for example, for a bag of a particular width. In one exemplary implementation, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the module roller 300 can be configured to interact with, for example, a tube 1005 configured to be 4 inches wide. However, in other exemplary implementations, the module roller 300 can be configured to interact with tubes of various different widths, such as tube 1005 of FIG. 1. The module roller 300 can include a body or housing 1201, which is configured to receive a drive shaft 1202 that engages an electromagnetic clutch and / or other engagement mechanism 1203. Further, the module roller 300 can also include a clutch gear or similar interoperating feature 1204, one or more roller gears 1205, one or more rollers 1206, and a bag feed slot 1207. In one example, the roller gear 1205 can be composed of a lower roller gear and an upper roller gear. In one example, the bag maker 100 can be configured to include one module roller 300. However, in an alternative example, the bag maker 100 can be configured to include a plurality of module rollers 300.In an example of incorporating a plurality of modular rollers 300, the plurality of modular rollers 300 can be configured to interact such that one of the plurality of modular rollers 300 can be designated and configured as a lead modular roller in other cases. The lead modular roller can interact with an electric motor 1208, and the electric motor 1208 can be coupled to a drive shaft using a timing belt and pulley drive, and / or other suitable mechanisms for transmitting rotational motion from the motor to the shaft. As a result, the plurality of modular rollers 300 can be configured to apply rotational motion via the lead modular roller such that the entire system can interact with only a single motor 1208. Specifically, the rotational motion applied to the drive shaft 1202 by the electric motor 1208 can be further applied to the drive shafts of additional modules (not shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B), for example, using a shaft coupler 1209. The shaft coupler 1209 can securely fix the trailing end of the drive shaft 1202 of the first modular roller to the leading end of the drive shaft of the second modular roller. The coupling of the modular roller shafts can enable the coupling of a series of a plurality of modular rollers, requiring only one motor.

[0018] When the electromagnetic clutch 1203 of the module roller 300 stops, the corresponding drive shaft 1202 can rotate freely. However, when the electromagnetic clutch 1203 is activated, the components that were previously rotating freely of the electromagnetic clutch 1203 can engage with the drive shaft 1202, and as a result, the electromagnetic clutch 1203 and the drive shaft 1202 can rotate simultaneously. Further, the clutch gear 1204 may be fixed to such a rotating component or may be engaged otherwise. Next, the clutch gear 1204 can engage with the lower roller gear 1205a, and as a result, the lower roller gear 1205a can then engage with the upper roller gear 1205b. The roller gears 1205 can be fixed to two rollers 1206, and as a result, the two rollers 1206 can rotate in opposite rotational directions.

[0019] In one example, the roll of the tube 1005 (FIG. 1) can be supplied to the module roller 300 via the bag feed slot 1207, and the bag feed slot 1207 can be constituted by an opening, and the opening can have a width slightly wider than the width of the tube 1005 (FIG. 1). Further, the height of the opening of the bag feed slot 1207 can be larger than the thickness of the tube 1005 (FIG. 1) and can be configured to be less than 1 / 16", and as a result, the tube can be maintained in a flat configuration while being supplied therethrough. In one example, when the bottom roller rotates counterclockwise, the roll is unspooled. When the bottom roller rotates clockwise, the unrolled tube 300 can be pushed toward the roll.

[0020] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, a further aspect 400 of an exemplary bag cutter (e.g., bag cutter 1103 of FIG. 2) is shown in FIG. 4. These aspects 400 include a body 1301 that may house or secure a motor 1302 that is operable with a drive belt 1303, a belt idler pulley 1308 and / or a roller (such as the rollers shown in FIGS. 1 and 3), a linear rail 1304 with a fixed gear rack 1305, a circular blade carriage assembly 1306, and a limit switch 1307.

[0021] FIG. 5 shows in more detail various features of the exemplary circular blade carriage assembly 1306 of FIG. 4 in various aspects. Specifically, the circular blade carriage assembly 1306 includes a carriage 1401 that may be matably engageable with the linear rail 1304 (FIG. 4). Further, the carriage 1401 may also include a circular blade 1402 and a gear 1403 attached to a shaft 1404, and as shown in FIG. 4, the gear 1403 may be matably connectable with a gear rack 1305. Additionally, the carriage 1401 may include one or more guides 1405 configured to position the tube 1005 (FIG. 1) for engagement with the blade 1402 for cutting the tube 1005, and a belt clamp 1406 configured to securely fix the blade carriage assembly 1306 to the drive belt 1303 (FIG. 4). In one aspect, the guide 1405 may be optional. When the motor 1302 (FIG. 4) rotates, the drive belt 1303 (FIG. 3) may move accordingly. The attachment point between the belt 1303 (FIG. 3) and the belt clamp 1405 may be repositioned and then pulled along the rail 1304 (FIG. 4). When the circular blade carriage assembly 1306 (FIG. 4) is pulled along the rail 1304 (FIG. 4), the gear 1403 meshes with the rack 1305 (FIG. 4), and as a result, the blade 1402 may rotate. Since the circular blade carriage assembly 1306 is disposed relative to the rail 1304 (FIG. 4), the carriage assembly 1306 engages the tube 1005 (FIG. 1) cuttably, and the tube 1005 (FIG. 1) may span the distance between the module roller 1102 (FIG. 2) and the secondary roller 1104 (FIG. 2). The guide 1405 may lift the tube 1005 (FIG. 1) to the rotating blade cutter 1402 so that the tube 1005 (FIG. 1) can be cut.

[0022] Figure 6 shows various features 600 of a secondary roller (e.g., secondary roller 1104 of FIG. 2) according to various aspects of the present disclosure. Such features 600 may include a body 1501, which may be configured to house or attach a motor thereto. The motor 1502 may be configured to power one or more drive components 1503, which may be configured to interact with a plurality of rollers 1504. In one example, the drive component 1503 may be configured to be a cylindrical rod extending between a first side portion 1501a and a second side portion 1501b, both side portions 1501a and 1501b being included in the body 1501. Further, the rollers 1504 may also be configured to have a generally cylindrical outer surface, and the rollers 1504 may also include a central indentation (not shown), such that the rollers 1504 may be received on the drive component 1503 via the central indentation. When the motor 1502 operates, the motor 1502 imparts a rotational movement to the drive component 1503, such that as a result, the upper roller and the lower roller may rotate in opposite directions of rotation. Further, a bag received via the secondary roller may be grasped between pairs of upper and lower rollers such that the tangential movement of the grasped bag is in the same direction as the rotational movement of the rollers.

[0023] FIG. 7 shows various aspects 700 of an exemplary heat sealer (e.g., heat sealer 1105 of FIG. 2) according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The illustrated heat sealer 700 may include a body 1601, which may house and / or interact with a drive unit 1602, compression bars 1603, one or more compression bar guides 1604, a hot bar 1605, and one or more hot bar mounts 1606. Further, the heat sealer 700 may also include a drive assembly, which may have a motor 1701, gears 1702, and a rotary cam 1705 or other similar operating mechanism, and the motor 1701, gears 1702, and rotary cam 1705 may be configured to interact. In one exemplary implementation, the compression bar guide 1604 may include a linear bearing. The compression bar guide 1604 may alternatively or additionally include other guide mechanisms such as slots (see also FIG. 9 and corresponding description) for receiving corresponding shafts that extend from or otherwise engage the compression bar 1603. The heat sealer 700 can apply a specific pressure to create a viable seal, and as the seal area gets longer, the applied force may need to be increased proportionally. As a result, the drive mechanism for the heat sealer 700 (e.g., a motor such as motor 1702 and drive assembly shown in FIG. 8) may need to be able to generate such force required to create a viable seal.

[0024] In FIG. 8, various features of the exemplary drive unit 1602 of the example of FIG. 7 are shown. As shown in FIG. 8, the drive unit 1602 may include a motor 1701, which may be attached to a rotating shaft extending therefrom or otherwise configured to engage a pinion gear 1702. Further, the drive unit 1602 may also include a main shaft 1704, which may be configured to have a spur gear 1703 received thereon and a rotating cam 1705. When the motor 1701 rotates, the pinion gear 1702 may rotate and engage with the spur gear 1703, and as a result, the rotating cam 1705 may rotate therewith. When the rotating cam 1705 rotates, the vertical radius 1704, defined as the outermost end of the rotating cam 1705 measured from the outer surface of the main shaft 1704, may increase in length, and as a result, may push up the compression bar 1603.

[0025] Figure 9 shows various features of an example of the compression bar 1603 of FIG. 7. The compression bar 1603 may have a cam roller 1801, which may be configured to interact with a structural element 1802. The structural element 1802 may further include a heat resistant non-stick surface 1803. Additionally, the compression bar 1603 may include one or more linear shafts 1804, which may be configured to slide within or engage with a corresponding compression bar guide 1604 (not shown). In some examples, the heat resistant non-stick surface 1803 may be or include a strip of silicone rubber. The cam roller 1801 may rest on or otherwise be engaged by the rotating cam 1705 (FIG. 8), and as the rotating cam 1705 rotates, the cam roller causes the structural element 1802 to move up and down by the linear shaft 1804 depending on the rotational position of the cam. To perform a seal, the rotating cam 1705 rotates until the compression bar 1603 presses against the hot bar 1605 such that the compression bar 1603 can be held for a predetermined time. Further, the rotating cam 1705 may then rotate to allow retraction of the compression bar 1603 (e.g., by gravity and / or a spring or other biasing element that biases the compression bar 1603 away from the hot bar 1605).

[0026] The features of various examples of the hot bar 1605 in FIG. 7 are further shown in FIG. 10. The hot bar 1605 may include a structural element 1901, an insulator 1902, one or more spacers (not shown in FIG. 10 and which may be located, for example, between the structural element 1901 and the sealing bar 1903), a sealing bar 1903 including one or more heating elements 1904, and a temperature measuring device 1905. The sealing bar 1903 may be heated by one or more heating elements 1904. Further, the hot bar 1605 may be made of aluminum and / or any other suitable material capable of withstanding the temperature required for the sealing process. In some implementations, the heating element 1904 may be or include an insert heater powered, for example, by an alternating current (AC) voltage source, and the temperature measuring device 1905 may be or include a type K thermocouple (although other thermocouple types and / or other alternative devices and / or temperature measuring methods may be implemented), and the type K thermocouple may be fixed to the sealing bar 1903 by a fixing mechanism such as bolts or screws. The thermocouple or other temperature measuring device 1905 may be mounted or otherwise securely fixed in a position such that its reading accurately corresponds to the surface temperature of the seal surface 1906. Temperature control may be achieved by various temperature control mechanisms, which may include supplying temperature data from the temperature measuring device 1905 to a controller (e.g., the controller 1001 of FIG. 1) that may include algorithm-based operations. In one example, the algorithmic operation may convert the difference between the received temperature data and the desired temperature value into a pulse width modulation signal for the heating element 1904.

[0027] To implement the control of the control system of the bag maker device system, a plurality of setting parameters can be used. For example, the presence and position of different cross-sectional sizes ("widths") of the tube 1005 (FIG. 1) can be important for the manufacture of appropriately sized bags, pouches, and / or peel pouches for sterilization. Referring to FIG. 11, in an implementation example, four tube rolls 2001 shown at label positions 2002, "1", "2", "3", "4" can be used. The tube roll 2001 can be arranged at a position corresponding to the position of the roller module. In the implementation example shown in FIG. 11, the tube roll 2001 at position "2" can be, for example, about 4 inches wide and can be arranged in a 4-inch wide roller module accordingly; however, any appropriate tube size can be arranged anywhere. In one example, as further described in connection with FIG. 12, the presence and position of different sizes of the tube 1005 can be maintained as computer-readable data 210 within the configuration file 212. For each line of the configuration file 212 in FIG. 12, the left side of the equal sign can include the position 2101 (FIG. 11) of the tube roll 2001, and the data on the right side of the equal sign can correspond to the width (FIG. 11) of the bag 2102. Other features for storing data can also be implemented, for example, through the storage and / or access of this data or other data within a data repository as software variables or as other methods or features well known to those skilled in the art.

[0028] As further shown in FIG. 11, the position 2002 may also refer to various features associated with an electronic position for electrical and / or computer operation purposes. For example, an electronic one may include an electrical device location having corresponding electrical or electronic couplings for the purpose of operating the device(s) at the position 2002. In one example, the roller module may be actuated by an electromagnetic clutch and / or other engagement mechanism 1203 (FIG. 3A), and the electromagnetic clutch and / or other engagement mechanism 1203 (FIG. 3A) may be actuated by a current passing through an electrical coil and / or other operation control mechanism housed therein within the clutch and / or other engagement mechanism 1203 (FIG. 3A). The current to the coil or other such control mechanism may be managed by other suitable electronic components actuated via, for example, one or more transistors and / or a controller (e.g., controller 1001 of FIG. 1). Port pins that can be managed via controller 1001 (FIG. 1) or otherwise may correspond to, for example, electronic positions each assigned to a specific physical position (e.g., position 2002). In one exemplary implementation according to various aspects of the present disclosure, the port pins corresponding to a specific position have corresponding computer-readable data 220 within a configuration file 222 structured as shown in FIG. 13. As shown in FIG. 13, for each row of the configuration file 220, the left side of the equal sign corresponds to position 2201 (FIG. 11), and the right side of the equal sign may represent a port pin accessed by a controller (e.g., controller 1002 of FIG. 1) or otherwise correspond to a value corresponding to the port pin. However, in other implementation examples, other methods and / or functions for storing the aforementioned data may also be utilized via, for example, storage and / or access of this data or other data within a data repository as software variables, or via other methods or functions well known to those skilled in the art.

[0029] Other parameters that can be used in the manufacture of the bag include parameters related to the creation of the seal. Various such exemplary parameters shown in FIG. 14 can include, for example, the temperature of the hot bar (e.g., hot bar 1605 in FIGS. 7 and 10), the material of the bag, the pressure applied by the compression bar 1603, and some combinations of the length of time for which the desired seal pressure is maintained, or other variable parameters. In one example as shown in FIG. 14, the temperature of the hot bar 1605 (FIG. 10) can be set to a specific temperature 2301. In another example, the user can select the bag material, and the temperature of the hot bar (e.g., hot bar 1605 in FIG. 10) can be determined by referring to a look-up table including the corresponding recommended seal temperature or by operating in a similar manner with other methods used to determine the appropriate temperature. In yet another example, the pressure applied by the compression bar (e.g., compression bar 1603 in FIGS. 7 and 9) (e.g., pressure value 2302 shown in FIG. 14) can be set by the user or determined by the system, for example, based on the parameters of the relevant bag material / type. For example, the user can select the bag material, and a look-up table including the corresponding pressure can be used. Further, in one example, the length of time for which the desired seal pressure is maintained (e.g., seal time value 2303 shown in FIG. 14) can be set by the user or determined by the system.

[0030] Additionally, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, parameters for appropriately sizing the bag may also need to be utilized and / or considered with respect to various operations and / or functions. In one example, an instrument placed and sealed within a tube (e.g., tube 1005 of FIG. 1) is typically shown in FIG. 15. The formed bag may be configured to include a width of approximately 3 inches, for example, for a particular instrument; however, the usable width of the bag may be narrowed by the width of the factory-made seal 2401. Further, the length of the bag may be configured to be approximately 6 inches for a particular instrument in this example; however, the usable length may also be shortened by the width of the bag maker seal 2402. The usable length of the bag may be further shortened by padding required between the top and bottom of the instrument and the seal. Additionally, in some cases, a length of the bag beyond the seal opposite the contents of the sealed volume may be desired. The extra length beyond the seal may allow the sealed pouch to be opened more easily. In addition, in one example, some padding may be included within the formed bag between the packaged instrument and the seal 2403.

[0031] When forming a bag for packaging a sterilizable device such as a medical device, other parameters related to the dimensional characteristics of the bag manufacturing apparatus may also be considered and / or taken into account. For example, according to various aspects of the present disclosure, FIG. 16 typically shows a cross-sectional view of various features 160 of an exemplary bag maker (e.g., the bag maker 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2), such features 160 may include a module roller roll 2501, a cutter blade 2502, a secondary roller roll 2503, and a heat sealer surface 2504. In one example, as a first step of bag manufacturing, a first end of a roll of tube (e.g., the tube 1005 of FIG. 1) may engage with the module roller roll 2501 at a certain distance away from the cutter blade 2502. Thereafter, the end of the bag engaged by the module roller roll 2501 may be pulled out to a distance to the sealer 2504, and the distance to the sealer 2504 may be defined as the distance from the start position of the tube within the module roller roll 2501 to a position where the end of the tube can at least slightly exceed the distal end of the sealer surface 2504 (e.g., the left side of the sealer surface 2504 as shown in FIG. 16). After the tube is cut (e.g., by the cutter blade 2502), the cut portion of the tube for forming the bag may be discharged from the bag manufacturing apparatus (e.g., the bag maker 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2). Thus, the cut end of the tube may move a discharge distance, which may be defined as the distance from at least the cutter blade 2502 to the point where the bag is no longer engaged by the secondary roller 2503. Additionally, after the tube is cut, it may be desirable for the remaining tube pulled through the module roller roll 2501 to be retracted from the path of the cutter blade 2502. As a result, the end of the remaining tube extending through the module roller roll 2501 may be actuated a retraction distance, which may be defined as the distance from the cutter blade 2502 to the point where the remaining tube is still engaged by the module roller roll 2501.

[0032] FIG. 17 shows various elements of a flowchart 170 of an exemplary method of manufacturing a bag by a bag maker according to an aspect of the present disclosure. At 2601, a clutch corresponding to a desired bag width can be actuated. At 2602, the actuated module and the second roller can advance the tube to a sealer. When the tube 1005 (FIG. 1) is positioned by the actuated module and advanced by the second roller, a seal can be made by a heat sealer or the like. At 2604, the tube 1005 (FIG. 1) can be advanced to its full length for cutting. For example, along a line as shown in FIG. 16, the actuated module and the second roller can further advance the tube such that the length of the tube from the path of the cutter to the distal end of the seal is approximately equal to the overall desired bag length. For example, the desired bag length can include a length determined based on an object to be housed within the bag, such as a surgical instrument. The bag length can be determined based on one or more dimensions of the surgical instrument, which can be received, for example, from an instrument inventory system. For additional details related to the instrument inventory system, reference is made, for example, to the applicant's co-pending U.S. patent applications, each incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 620,084, filed on Feb. 11, 2015, entitled “Instrument Inventory System and Methods” with inventors Russell BAKER et al.; U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 068,420, filed on Mar. 11, 2016, entitled “System and Methods for Packaging Instruments” with inventors Russell BAKER et al.; and U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 397,178, filed on Mar. 29, 2019, entitled “Object Recognition and Data Retrieval System” with inventors Russell BAKER et al.

[0033] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an instrument inventory system may include at least one user interface, at least one instrument interface, an instrument processor, and a database for storing instrument records. The instrument inventory system may include a training function that enables the system to create data records, such as when the system encounters a new instrument or for new instruments. The at least one instrument interface may include one or more of an identification reader capable of reading instrument identification information such as a label or an electronic tag, a physical data interface capable of identifying the instrument by the physical movement of the instrument, and / or a visual instrument identification system. In some implementations, the instrument system may receive sensor data. In some implementations, the instrument system may also receive data input by a user. The instrument processor analyzes data associated with the instrument being processed, and the instrument system may add it to the instrument data in the database.

[0034] Aspects of the present disclosure can include an object recognition and data search system and / or a method of operating the same. Implementations of an object recognition and data search system can be provided that use a digital representation of a physical object to obtain data associated with that object. For example, the system may compare a stored digital representation of the physical object to the object being inspected (e.g., imaging / image feature recognition) to determine the type of the object. Once the type is identified, data associated with the object can be obtained. The object recognition and data search system can be configured, for example, to create and manipulate specific portions of the retrieved data. The object recognition and data search system can be configured to share object data with other target storage systems and / or other functions. The shared object data can be used, for example, by a target storage system to store the object.

[0035] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a system for packaging an instrument. The system for packaging an instrument may include an input for receiving instrument identification data. The system may further include an instrument processor coupled to the input. The instrument processor may include a database and an instrument analyzer. The database may store instrument type data, instrument packaging data, and package labeling data. The instrument analyzer may identify the instrument type and determine instrument packaging and labeling, for example, using the data stored in the database. The instrument analyzer may further determine handling, packaging, and labeling instructions for the instrument. An output coupled to the instrument processor may send handling, packaging, and labeling instructions to at least one external device. The at least one external device in various implementations may include a labeler, a packager, and an instrument transport device.

[0036] When positioned via the advancement of 2604, at 2605, the tube may be cut. For example, a cutter may be used to cut the tube at the determined position. At 2606, the tube 1005 (FIG. 1) may be discharged. For example, a second roller may discharge the freshly created bag portion of the tube 1005 by advancing the tube 1005 a discharge distance. At 2607, the remaining uncut portion of the tube 1005 may be retracted. For example, a modular roller roll may retract the uncut tube 1005 by pulling back the tube 1005 a retraction distance. Although the above elements 2606 and 2607 have been described in order above, such elements may occur, for example, simultaneously or in reverse order. At 2608, the clutch may be deactivated.

[0037] Figure 18 shows various aspects of flowchart 180 for an exemplary method of bag manufacturing, in which double bagging techniques may be used. Specifically, double bagging refers to placing an item inside a first pouch, and both the item and the first pouch inside the first pouch are then additionally placed inside a second pouch. At 2701 in flowchart 180, the cutter is adjacent to the inner bag module but may be positioned distal to the outer bag. At 2702, clutches for both the inner and outer bags may be actuated. At 2703, the second roller and both actuated module rollers may advance both bags to a distance suitable for the operation of the heat sealer. At 2704, the heat sealer may seal both bags simultaneously. At 2705, the second roller and both actuated module rollers may further advance both sizes of tube 1005 (Figure 1) such that the length of tube 1005 (Figure 1) from the path of the cutter to the distal end of the previously created seal is approximately equal to the desired length of the inner bag. At 2706, the cutter may traverse a distance to cut only the inner bag and stop the circular blade assembly before meeting the second bag. At 2707, the clutch for the inner bag may be deactivated. At 2708, the second roller and the module rollers corresponding to the outer bag may advance the outer bag tube 1005 by an additional length factor sufficient for the inner bag to fit inside the outer bag. If the additional length factor is equal to or exceeds the discharge distance, the first bag may also be discharged at 2708. At 2709, the cutter may cut the second bag. At 2710, the clutch for the module roller of the inner bag may be actuated. When both clutches are actuated again, the second roller may discharge the second bag at 2711 and the actuated module may retract both bags at 2712. Flowchart 180 may be concluded by deactivating the clutches for both bags at 2713.

[0038] FIG. 19 shows a flowchart 190 of an exemplary method 190 for manufacturing a bag from a tube stock, the method may include an input device configured to receive commands from a human user, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In one example, the system includes a bag maker, and the bag maker may include a command issuing device configured for selective user input. Thereby, the command issuing device may enable human control of the system. The human interaction with the user input device may generate the content of a plurality of commands (e.g., also the commands 1003 of FIG. 1) or other similar information that can be interpreted by a controller (e.g., the controller 1001 of FIG. 1). In one example, the user input device may be incorporated into the body of the bag manufacturing device and may include input or output devices such as buttons, keypads, touchscreens, LCD screens, microphones or other voice inputs, or any combination thereof. To initiate the exemplary method 190 shown in FIG. 19, a message may be displayed 2801 requesting the user to select a width of the bag to be consumed. The system may then be configured to display one or more widths that are installed and set. At 2802, the user may select the desired width. Next, at 2803, the system may display a message requesting the user to input the desired length of the bag. At 2804, the user may input the desired length of the bag. At 2805, the system may request the user to input a quantity value of the number of bags to be manufactured. At 2806, the user may input the quantity value. At the end of the bag standard input, the user input device may send a command to the controller to create a bag, for example, according to aspects of the bag manufacturing process described in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0039] FIG. 20 shows a flowchart 200 of an exemplary method 200 for automating peel pouch manufacturing. At 2901, an item such as an instrument or other similar device can be determined. Next, at 2902, the required pouch size can be determined. At 2903, the content of the command sent from the command issuing device to the controller can be generated from the desired pouch size. Thereafter, at 2904, a bag can be manufactured. Finally, at 2905, either the success or failure of the manufacture of the bag of the appropriate size can be confirmed.

[0040] FIG. 21 shows representative views of various aspects of a system 210 for operating an exemplary bag maker for automating the packaging of items such as surgical instruments in bags or pouches, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The system 210 for operating the bag maker 3010 of FIG. 21 is similar to the features associated with the operation of the bag maker 100 of FIG. 1 but may include additional features such as a graphical user interface (GUI) 3001, which may be configured to receive user input and display system messages. Further, the GUI 3001 may also interact with a data repository 3002 for storing system data and a processor 3003 for issuing a command 3014 to a controller 3012, which may be similar to the controller 1001 of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 22 shows various features of an exemplary GUI interface screen for the GUI 3001 of FIG. 21, such features may include, for example, multiple search criteria. In one implementation example, the search criteria may be input using an external keyboard, a touch screen keyboard, voice operation, or other suitable devices and / or methods for sending text to the computer. Next, the search results may be shown in a matching results area 3102 that includes one or more match buttons 3103, and the match buttons 3103 may provide selectable results from the search. For example, one or more of the match buttons 3103 may be selected by a mouse click, a touch screen button press, or other input. Or, for example, the search results of the match buttons 3103 may be numbered to allow selection using a numeric keypad or other numeric selection methods and functions.

[0042] Figure 23 illustratively shows various features of an exemplary database configuration 230 for use in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Database 230 may utilize a database management system such as MySQL, made by Oracle Corporation of Cupertino, California. However, in other examples, other database management systems may be used. Figure 23 shows two data repositories 3201, 3202, including a first data repository 3201 configured for item and / or appliance data and a second data repository 3202 configured for appliance manufacturer identification numbers (IMINs). The item and / or appliance data repository 3201 may include, for example, a first column 3203 for item and / or appliance names, a second column 3204 for preferred bag widths, a third column 3205 for preferred bag lengths, and a fourth column 3206 for item and / or appliance identification (ID). In alternative examples, any number of columns (or other suitable data organizational structures) may be implemented to account for multiple pieces of information. The IMIN data repository 3202 may be configured to include multiple columns such as, for example, a first column 3207 for identification numbers, a second column 3208 for manufacturer identification information, and a third column 3209 for item and / or appliance identification information, such that column 3209 may be configured to associate entries in the IMIN data repository 3202 with appliance types within the item and / or appliance data repository 3201.

[0043] An implementation example of the system shown in Figure 23 may be used, for example, in accordance with the flowchart shown in Figure 20.

[0044] FIG. 24 shows a flowchart 240 of an exemplary method for performing exemplary search and selection processing. The flowchart 240 begins at 3301, where a user may enter a series of characters into the search bar 3101. At 3302, as each character is entered, a processor (e.g., processor 3003 of FIG. 21) may search an appliance and / or item data table (e.g., appliance table 3201 of FIG. 23) for appliance names and / or item names that match the character string. However, in other implementations, the processor may simultaneously search an IMIN table (e.g., IMIN table 3202 of FIG. 23) for identification numbers that include the character string. Appliances and / or items that match the character string may be collected and sorted at 3303. In one example, the sorting may be alphabetical. However, in other examples, sorting by frequency may be implemented. In yet another example, the sort order may be determined by usage frequency, time of day, or a combination thereof. Next, at 3304, the sorted appliances and / or items may be presented (e.g., match button area 3102 of FIG. 22). Finally, at 3305, the user may select an appliance and / or item type, and in one example, the selected appliance and / or item may be the desired appliance and / or item type.

[0045] FIG. 25 shows a flowchart 250 illustrating an exemplary method for determining bag size. The method shown in flowchart 250 may start at 3401, and a determination may be made (e.g., by software) as to whether the selected appliance and / or item type has a preferred bag size stored in the appliance and / or item table. If it is determined that the selected appliance and / or item type has a preferred bag size stored in the appliance and / or item table, data may be retrieved (e.g., by software) 3402. However, if it is determined that the selected appliance and / or item type does not have a stored bag size, a request for a desired bag width may be made at 3403. For example, the processor may instruct the GUI to display a numeric keypad along with a popup requesting the user to enter the desired bag width. Next, at 3404, a value for the desired bag width may be entered. At 3405, a value for the desired bag length may be requested. For example, the processor may instruct the GUI to display a numeric keypad along with a popup requesting the user to enter the desired bag length, and a value for the bag length may be entered following 3406. At 3407, a determination may be made as to whether the bag maker has a tube width within the desired range. If the bag maker has a tube width within the desired width range, the determined width and the entered length may be stored for use in bag manufacturing 3408. If the bag maker does not have a tube width within the desired width range, it is determined that the bag manufacturing size is not available 3409.

[0046] FIG. 26 shows a flowchart of an exemplary process 260 for generating appropriate content of controller commands from a desired bag size. In one example, the bag module rollers may share a motor. Further, for example, the module rollers may have electromagnetic clutches, which may be actuated to utilize the rotational movement of the shared motor. In this example, at 3501, the software may refer to a roll position setting file, such as the roll position setting file as shown in FIG. 11. At 3502, the software may search the roll position setting file for a width corresponding to the desired bag width. When a matching width is found, the corresponding position may be recorded at 3503. Next, at 3504, the software may access the position of a port pin setting file, such as the port pin setting file as shown in FIG. 12. Next, at 3505, the software may obtain the port pins corresponding to the recorded position. A command to activate the obtained port pins may be sent to the controller for using the module rollers to process the desired bag width.

[0047] According to various aspects of the present disclosure, FIG. 27 is a flowchart 270 showing an exemplary method of a bag verification process. As shown in FIG. 27, at 3701, a message indicating that the job is completed may be displayed. At 3702, an input may be made as to whether the manufactured bag is usable. If the bag is usable, the method proceeds to 3703, where data processing of the just-processed item and the manufactured bag may be stored in the data repository, and at 3703, the inventory may be updated to reflect the completed product. If it is determined at 3702 that the manufactured bag is not usable, a reason for non-usability may be input at 3707. At 3704, a determination may be made as to whether the just-processed item type has the value of the bag size stored in the data repository. If the just-processed item type does not have the value of the bag size stored in the data repository, the method proceeds to 3705, where the just-used and verified bag dimensions may be stored in the data repository. In one example, after successful manufacture of the bag, a label may be printed for placement on the just-manufactured pouch at 3706.

[0048] FIG. 28 shows various aspects of an exemplary system 280 for automating the packaging of items, such as surgical instruments, into bags or pouches, where the packaged items may be sterilized. The bag maker shown in FIG. 28 may include a command issuing device, which may include a GUI 3801, which may be configured to receive user input and display system messages, a data repository 3802, which is configured to store system data, an item imaging device 3804, which is configured to acquire imaging data of the instrumentation of the item, and a processor 3803, which is configured to control the GUI 3801, access the data repository 3802, control and interpret data from the item imaging device, and issue commands to a controller 3001.

[0049] Furthermore, the various components of system 280 of FIG. 28 may perform the functions reflected in the various flowcharts herein. In addition to that functionality, the GUI of the example shown in FIG. 28 may have process buttons such as those shown in FIG. 29, and the process buttons may capture an image of an object and initiate procedures for collecting data. Additionally, in addition to the functionality of data repository 3802, the exemplary system 280 shown in FIG. 28 may include a recognition data table 300 as shown in FIG. 30. The columns stored in recognition data table 300 may include, but are not limited to, item ID 4001 and various values 4002, and the values 4002 may describe the shape of the item such as length, width, etc.

[0050] In the exemplary system 280 shown in FIG. 28, item image recognition may additionally be used for item determination 2901 (FIG. 20), and various aspects of a flowchart of an exemplary item image recognition process are shown in FIG. 31. As shown in FIG. 31, at 4101, an item may be selected and subsequently placed on an item platform. Subsequently, at 4102, a process button may be used, such as by the user pressing process button 290 shown in FIG. 29. In response to the user's action, the method proceeds to 4103, where the processor may receive imaging data from an appliance imaging device. At 4104, the processor may analyze the image data and generate recognition data. Subsequently, at 4105, the processor may retrieve one or more item types from the data repository that include recognition data similar to that of the just-imaged item. The retrieved item types may then be scored and sorted by highest score and / or other similar value measurements. During sorting, the retrieved item types may be displayed in the determined order, such as in match button area 3102 of FIG. 22 at 4106. Finally, at 4107, an appliance that matches the just-processed appliance may be selected.

[0051] Figure 32 shows a flowchart 320 of an exemplary method for determining visual identification of item type and bag size. First, at 4201, a determination can be made as to whether the selected item type has a preferred bag size stored in memory. If the selected item type has a preferred bag size stored in memory, corresponding data can be received at 4202. However, if the selected item type does not have a preferred bag size stored, the length and width characteristics of the item can be obtained from the image at 4203. Next, at 4204, these values, along with the seal width seal and the minimum and maximum stuffing values, can be used to create a desired range of bag width and length. At 4205, a determination can be made as to whether the bag maker has a tube width within the desired range for making the bag. If it is determined that there is a desired range of tube width, the width and the calculated length are stored for use in bag manufacturing at 4206. If it is not determined at 4205 that a desired range of tube width is available, it can be determined at step 4207 that no bag manufacturing size is available.

[0052] Aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented using hardware, software, or combinations thereof, and can be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the features are directed to one or more computer systems capable of performing the functions described herein. Various aspects of an example of such a computer system 4300 are shown in FIG. 33.

[0053] Computer system 4300 includes one or more processors such as processor 4304. Processor 4304 may be coupled to a communication infrastructure 4320 (e.g., a communication bus, crossover bar, or network). Various software aspects are described with respect to this exemplary computer system. After reading this description, those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s) will understand how to implement the aspects described herein using other computer systems and / or architectures.

[0054] Computer system 4300 may include a display interface 4330 that transfers graphics, text, and other data from communication infrastructure 4320 (or a frame buffer not shown) for display on display unit 4340. Computer system 4300 may include main memory 4350, such as random access memory (RAM), and may include secondary memory 4360. Secondary memory 4360 may include, for example, a hard disk drive 4370 and / or a removable storage drive 4380 representing a floppy (registered trademark) disk drive, magnetic tape drive, optical disk drive, etc. Removable storage drive 4380 may read from and / or write to a removable storage unit 4390 in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit 4390 represents a floppy (registered trademark) disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., and may be read from and written to by removable storage drive 4380. As is understood, removable storage unit 4318 may include a computer-usable storage medium storing computer software and / or data.

[0055] Another aspect may include a secondary memory 4360 and may include other similar devices for enabling a computer program or other instructions to be loaded into the computer system 4300. Such devices may include, for example, a removable storage unit 4390 and an interface 4395. Examples of such may include a program cartridge and a cartridge interface (such as those found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), or a programmable read-only memory (PROM)) and associated socket, and other removable storage unit 4390 and interface 4395, which enable software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit 4390 to the computer system 4300.

[0056] Computer system 4300 may also include a communication interface 4324. The communication interface 4234 may enable software and data to be transferred between the computer system 4300 and external devices. Examples of the communication interface 4324 may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet (registered trademark) card), a communication port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, and the like. The software and data transferred via the communication interface 4324 may be in the form of signals 4328 that may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals that can be received by the communication interface 4324. These signals 4328 are provided to the communication interface 4324 via a communication path (e.g., a channel) 4326. This path 4326 may transmit the signals 4328 and may be implemented using wires or cables, fiber optics, telephone lines, cellular links, radio frequency (RF) links, and / or other communication channels. As used herein, the terms "computer program medium" and "computer-usable medium" generally refer to media such as a removable storage drive 4380, a hard disk attached to the hard disk drive 4370, and / or signals 4328. These computer program products may provide software to the computer system 4300. Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to such computer program products.

[0057] A computer program (also referred to as computer control logic) may be stored in the main memory 4350 and / or the secondary memory 4360. The computer program may also be received via the communication interface 4324. Such a computer program, when executed, may enable the computer system 4300 to perform functions according to the various aspects discussed herein. In particular, the computer program, when executed, may enable the processor 4310 to perform functions according to aspects of the present disclosure. Thus, such a computer program may represent a controller of the computer system 4300.

[0058] If aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into the computer system 4300 using a removable storage drive 4314, a hard drive 4312, or a communication interface 4320. When the control logic (software) is executed by the processor 404, it may cause the processor 404 to perform the functions described herein. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the system may be implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementations of hardware state machines for performing the functions described herein will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art(s).

[0059] In yet another variation, aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented using a combination of both hardware and software.

[0060] Figure 34 is a block diagram of various exemplary system components for use in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 34 shows a communication system 4400 that can be used in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. The communication system 4400 shown in Figure 34 includes one or more accessors 4460 (also referred to herein as one or more "users") and one or more terminals 4442. In one aspect, data for use in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is coupled to a processor and repository for the data and / or a server 4443 such as a personal computer (PC), a command issuing device including a graphical user interface (GUI), a minicomputer, a mainframe computer, a microcomputer, a telephone device, or a personal digital assistant (PDA), a smartphone, or other portable wireless devices such as other portable wireless devices coupled to a PC, minicomputer, mainframe computer, microcomputer, or other device having a connection to a repository for the data via a network 4444 such as the Internet or an intranet, and is input and / or accessed by the accessor 4460 via couplings 4445, 4446, 4464. The couplings 4445, 4446, 4464 include, for example, wired, wireless, or fiber optic links. In one example, a bag cutter 4466 can be coupled to the network 4444 via the coupling 4464 and thus receive input data from the user 4460 so that the user can input, for example, parameters of the bag size such as a desired length and width, and other data for operation of the cutter. In another variation, the methods and systems in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure can operate in a stand-alone environment such as on a single terminal. The aspects described herein are described in conjunction with the exemplary aspects outlined above, but various alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents may become apparent to at least those of ordinary skill in the art, whether known, not currently foreseen, or possible. Accordingly, the exemplary aspects described above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting.Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to cover all known or later-developed alternatives, modifications, variations, improvements, and / or substantial equivalents.

[0061] Accordingly, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather the full scope consistent with the claim language should be given, and references to elements in the singular are not intended to mean "only one" unless specifically stated otherwise, but rather "one or more." All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Further, what is disclosed herein is not intended to be provided to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims. An element of a claim is not to be construed as a means-plus-function unless expressly recited using the phrase "means."

[0062] Furthermore, "example" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, illustration, or instance". Any aspect described herein as an "example" should not necessarily be construed as more preferred or advantageous than other aspects. Unless otherwise specified, the term "a part" refers to one or more. Combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" include any combination of A, B, and / or C, and may include multiple A's, multiple B's, or multiple C's. Specifically, combinations such as "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one of A, B, and C", and "A, B, C, or any combination thereof" can be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A, B, and C, and such combinations may include one or more members of A, B, or C. What is disclosed herein is not intended to be made available to the public, whether or not such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A system for making a bag, the system comprising: A bag maker, the bag maker comprising: At least two modular rollers for feeding and directing the supply of tubes of multiple widths; A motor configured to selectively cause the operation of one of the at least two modular rollers, wherein the selected modular roller of the at least two modular rollers is capable of interacting with the selected tube of the multiple widths of tubes to form a bag of a determined width from the corresponding selected tube, the determined width corresponding to the size of an item to be accommodated in the bag, the motor; A bag cutter; A heat sealing device; and A controller, wherein: Feeds the selected tube of a selected length and forms the bag of the determined width from the selected tube; Cuts the selected tube; Heat seals the selected tube to form at least one closed and sealed end; A controller configured to selectively control the operation of the bag maker. Including System.

2. The controller further: Feeds an additional selected length of the tube corresponding to the selected length of the tube before cutting the tube; After cutting the tube, discharges the cut and heat-sealed tube from the bag maker; Retracts the remaining uncut portion of the tube; A system as claimed in claim 1, configured to selectively control the operation of the bag maker. The system according to claim 1.

3. The system is configured to interact with an appliance processor. The system according to claim 1.

4. The appliance processor includes a device for optically identifying the appliance. The system according to claim 3.

5. The controller is selectively controlled by a command issuing device, the command issuing device accessing a processor and a data repository. The system according to claim 1.

6. Each of the modular rollers is for making a bag of its respective width. The system according to claim 1.

7. One of the at least two modular rollers: Body; A drive shaft located within the body; and A shaft engagement mechanism for selectively engaging the drive shaft; having The system according to claim 1.

8. The bag cutter is: A body; A drive belt; A linear rail; and A blade carriage selectively movable along the linear rail by the drive belt; having The system according to claim 1.

9. The heat sealing device is: A housing; A hot bar; A compression bar; A heat sealer drive unit having a rotatable drive shaft; and A cam operable by the rotatable drive shaft; having The compression bar is selectively movably interactable with the hot bar via engagement of the cam with the compression bar. The system according to claim 1.

10. The cam converts the rotational movement of the rotatable drive shaft into linear movement of the compression bar. The system according to claim 9.

11. The first width of the first module roller of the at least two module rollers is different from the second width of the second module roller of the at least two module rollers. The system according to claim 1.

12. Further having a graphical user interface (GUI) interactable with at least one of the bag maker or the controller, the GUI being configured to receive input from a user for controlling the bag maker. The system according to claim 1.

13. The controller is further configured to determine the selected length of the tube. The system according to claim 1.

14. A method of manufacturing a bag using a bag maker, the method comprising: Identifying a tube having a width corresponding to the width of an item to be received within the bag to be manufactured; Advancing the length of the tube corresponding to the length of the item to be received within the bag to be manufactured; Sealing a first end of the tube; Advancing an additional length of the tube corresponding to the length of the bag to be manufactured; Cutting the tube to form a second end such that the bag is formed from the cut tube sealed at the first end; Discharging the bag from the bag maker; and retreating even the remaining uncut portion of the tube; including, Method.

15. The manufactured bag is discharged from the bag maker by a roller mechanism, The method according to claim 14.

16. The tube is advanced by a roller mechanism for said sealing, The method according to claim 14.

17. further comprising optically identifying an instrument to be sealed to the bag, The method according to claim 14.

18. Advancing the length of the tube includes advancing the length of the tube by a module roller, the module roller comprising: Body; A drive shaft located within the body; and A shaft engagement mechanism for selectively engaging the drive shaft; having, The method according to claim 14.

19. Cutting the tube includes cutting the tube by a bag cutter, the bag cutter comprising: Body; Drive belt; Linear rail; and A blade carriage selectively movable along the linear rail by the drive belt; having, The method according to claim 14.

20. Sealing the first end includes sealing the first end by a heat sealing device, the heat sealing device comprising: Housing; Hot bar; Compression bar; A heat sealer drive having a rotatable drive shaft; and A cam operable by the rotatable drive shaft; having, The compression bar is selectively movably interactable with the hot bar through engagement of the cam with the compression bar, The method according to claim 14.

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