Heat sealer guide mount

Abstract

A guide mount including a first surface extending along an opening of a sealing apparatus when the guide mount is affixed to the sealing apparatus; a second surface formed with the first surface and extending away from the opening of the sealing apparatus; and a third surface formed with the second surface and extending toward the opening of the sealing apparatus, the third surface being configured to guide an opening of a pouch to be sealed by the sealing apparatus through the opening of the sealing apparatus, wherein a distance between the third surface and a flat surface perpendicular to and outside of the sealing apparatus is greater than a thickness of the opening of the pouch to be sealed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 766,048, filed March 3, 2025, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to guiding pouches into a sealing apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0003] Upon manufacturing, many devices, e.g., medical devices, are placed in pouches for sterilization, storage, and / or transport. The pouches are often heat sealed using a sealing apparatus, e.g., a heat sealer. The heat sealer may include a sealing component, such as a sealing bar, rollers, dies, etc. A user may guide a pouch to be sealed toward the sealing component. The heat sealer may be manual, automatic, or semiautomatic. The sealing component may press down on an opening of the pouch or otherwise seal the pouch.SUMMARY

[0004] In general, this disclosure describes example devices, systems, and techniques for guiding an opening of a pouch to be sealed by a sealing apparatus. In some examples, a guide mount may be configured to guide the opening of the pouch to be sealed by the sealing apparatus toward an opening of the sealing apparatus. A sealing component, such as a heating apparatus, e.g., sealing bars, rollers, or dies, may be situated within the opening of the sealing apparatus. The guide mount may be configured to be affixed to the sealing apparatus during operation of the sealing apparatus.

[0005] The guide mount may be shaped such that when attached to the sealing apparatus, the guide mount guides openings of pouches to be sealed toward the opening of the sealing apparatus. As an example, the guide mount may include a first surface extending along the opening of the sealing apparatus when the guide mount is affixed to the sealing apparatus. A second surface formed with the first surface may extend away from the opening of the sealing apparatus, and a third surface formed with the second surface may extend toward the opening of the sealing apparatus, with the third surface being configured to guide the opening of the pouch to be sealed by the sealing apparatus through the opening of the sealing apparatus. A distance between the third surface and a flat surface perpendicular to and outside of the sealing apparatus may be greater than a thickness of the opening of the pouch to be sealed. The pouch may contain any device, such as a medical device or one or more items associated with implantation of a medical device.

[0006] In one example, a guide mount includes: a first surface extending along an opening of a sealing apparatus when the guide mount is affixed to the sealing apparatus; a second surface formed with the first surface and extending away from the opening of the sealing apparatus; and a third surface formed with the second surface and extending toward the opening of the sealing apparatus, the third surface being configured to guide an opening of a pouch to be sealed by the sealing apparatus through the opening of the sealing apparatus, wherein a distance between the third surface and a flat surface perpendicular to and outside of the sealing apparatus is greater than a thickness of the opening of the pouch to be sealed.

[0007] In another example, a system includes: a sealing apparatus; a flat surface perpendicular to and outside of the sealing apparatus; and a guide mount comprising: a first surface extending along an opening of the sealing apparatus when the guiding mount is affixed to the sealing apparatus; a second surface formed with the first surface and extending away from the opening of the sealing apparatus; and a third surface formed with the second surface and extending toward the opening of the sealing apparatus, the third surface being configured to guide an opening of a pouch to be sealed by the sealing apparatus through the opening of the sealing apparatus, wherein a distance between the third surface and the flat surface is greater than a thickness of the opening of the pouch to be sealed.

[0008] The details of one or more examples of the techniques of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example system including a sealing apparatus, a guide mount, and a table, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are conceptual diagrams illustrating detailed views of the example system of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example guide mount, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a bottom view of the guide mount of FIG. 3, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cross-section view of the guide mount of FIG. 3, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] This disclosure describes example devices, systems, and techniques relating to guiding a pouch toward a sealing component, e.g., a heating apparatus, of a sealing apparatus to seal the pouch. In some examples, the devices described in this disclosure include a guide mount configured to be affixed to the sealing apparatus and configured to guide an opening of the pouch toward the heat sealing apparatus. A user may slide the pouch along a flat surface, e.g., a table, and underneath a surface of the guide mount and toward the heat sealing apparatus. As the user slides the pouch underneath the surface of the guide mount and toward the heat sealing apparatus, the guide mount may keep the opening of the pouch from folding in on itself or otherwise disrupting the sealing process.

[0015] In some examples, the guide mount may be configured to guide the opening of the pouch to be sealed by the sealing apparatus toward an opening of the sealing apparatus. The heating apparatus, e.g., sealing bars, rollers, or dies, may be situated within the opening of the sealing apparatus. The guide mount may be configured to be affixed to the sealing apparatus during operation of the sealing apparatus.

[0016] The guide mount may be shaped such that when attached to the sealing apparatus, the guide mount guides the opening of the pouch to be sealed toward the opening of the sealing apparatus. As an example, the guide mount may include a first surface extending along the opening of the sealing apparatus when the guide mount is affixed to the sealing apparatus. A second surface formed with the first surface may extend away from the opening of the sealing apparatus, and a third surface formed with the second surface may extend toward the opening of the sealing apparatus, with the third surface being configured to guide the opening of the pouch to be sealed by the sealing apparatus through the opening of the sealing apparatus. A distance between the third surface and a flat surface perpendicular to and outside of the sealing apparatus may be greater than a thickness of the opening of the pouch to be sealed.

[0017] The pouch may contain any device, such as medical equipment, e.g., a medical device or one or more items associated with implantation of a medical device. In some examples, the sealing apparatus may be configured to hermetically seal the pouch. The pouch and its contents, e.g., a medical device, can be transported, e.g., shipped, and / or stored upon sealing the pouch and performing any post-packaging procedures, such as terminal sterilization. The pouch may be sterilizable, e.g., ethylene oxide (EtO) gas sterilizable, gamma irradiation sterilizable, electron beam sterilizable, or steam sterilizable. The pouch may be configured to maintain sterility until an end user, e.g., a clinician, opens the pouch.

[0018] In some examples, the guide mount may be a plastic guide mount, e.g., a thermoplastic guide mount. In some examples, the thermoplastic guide mount may be a polycarbonate guide mount. The guide mount may be clear. In some examples, when the guide mount is clear, the user is able to see through the guide mount and check for appropriate placement of the opening of the pouch to be sealed before sealing the pouch.

[0019] The guide mount may be formed via ejection molding, 3D printing, or another manufacturing method. The guide mount may be made of a heat resistant material and / or may include a heat resistant coating. In some examples, the guide mount may extend within the opening of the sealing apparatus and may be close to the heating apparatus. The heat resistant guide mount may be less likely to deform than a non-heat resistant guide mount.

[0020] The devices, systems, and techniques of this disclosure may improve an efficiency of sealing pouches. For example, by guiding the opening of the pouch into the opening of the sealing apparatus, the guide mount may allow the user to interact with the sealing apparatus more easily. As an example, in systems without the guide mount, the user may have to be mindful of corners of the opening of the pouch rolling up and may have to slowly slide the pouch along the flat surface and hold the corners of the opening of the pouch down as the pouch approaches the sealing apparatus. If the corners of the pouch roll up, the pouch may not be sealed correctly. The guide mount described herein prevents the corners of the pouch from rolling up, which may allow the user to slide the pouch along the flat surface more quickly.

[0021] Additionally, by guiding the opening of the pouch toward the heating apparatus, the guide mount may prevent the user from placing their fingers near the heating apparatus of the sealing apparatus. Preventing users from placing their fingers near the heating apparatus can improve user safety.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example system 100 including a sealing apparatus 106, a guide mount 104, and a table 102, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. In the example of FIG. 1, sealing apparatus 106 is a hot pouch sealer. However, the techniques of this disclosure are not so limited. System 100 may include any sealing apparatus, such as a heat sealer, a pressure sealer, or an impression sealer.

[0023] Sealing apparatus 106 can include one or more heating apparatuses, e.g., an upper and / or lower sealing bar, upper and / or lower rollers, or upper and / or lower die, located within an opening of sealing apparatus 106. In some examples, sealing apparatus 106 includes controls 108. A user, e.g., a technician, can adjust the temperature settings for, as examples, an upper sealing bar, a lower sealing bar, a pressure associated with the upper sealing bar and / or the lower sealing bar, and / or a cycle time.

[0024] Sealing apparatus 106 of system 100 may be configured to operate manually, semi-automatically, or automatically. In examples in which sealing apparatus 106 is semi-automatic, system 100 may include a foot pedal or another mechanism the user can manually interact with to cause the heating apparatus(es) to seal an opening of a package (not depicted).

[0025] In some examples, table 102 can comprise a conveyor belt. Table 102 may serve as a flat surface along which the user can slide a pouch to be sealed toward sealing apparatus 106. Table 102 may form a plane along the X-Z axis plane. A surface of table 102 may be along a same plane as a plane along which the opening of the pouch is sealed. In examples in which sealing apparatus 106 includes an upper sealing bar and a lower sealing bar, the plane may be the plane along which the upper and lower sealing bar meet when in a deployed, sealing position. The upper and lower sealing bar may move toward the plane when the user presses the foot pedal and may release away from one another and into an undeployed position when the user releases the foot pedal and / or when the cycle time ends.

[0026] As illustrated, guide mount 104 may extend along a length of sealing apparatus 106 and / or along an opening of sealing apparatus 106. The length of sealing apparatus 106 is illustrated as dashed line 110 along the X-axis. Guide mount 104 may be affixed to sealing apparatus 106. In some examples, guide mount 104 may be affixed to sealing apparatus 106 via an adhesive and / or using other fixation techniques, such as using one or more fixation elements, e.g., screws. The user may slide the pouch along table 102 and underneath a lower surface of guide mount 104 toward sealing apparatus 106. The opening of the pouch can be sealed via heating apparatuses of sealing apparatus 106 before being moved away from system 100 for subsequent sterilization, transport, or storage.

[0027] Guide mount 104 can be comprised of a clear plastic, such as polycarbonate, which may allow the user to look inside the opening of sealing apparatus 106. In examples in which sealing apparatus 106 comprises a hot pouch sealer, guide mount 104 may be heat resistant.

[0028] FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B are conceptual diagrams illustrating detailed views of the example system 100 of FIG. 1, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. As depicted in FIG. 2A, guide mount 104 includes first surface 202, second surface 204, and third surface 206. First surface 202 may be affixed to sealing apparatus 106, and may extend along the X-Y axis plane, using the orientation of FIG. 1. In some examples, first surface 202 extends along a length of opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106. First surface 202 may be affixed to sealing apparatus 106. In some examples, first surface 202 is permanently affixed to sealing apparatus 106. In some examples, guide mount 104 is removable. First surface 202 may be affixed to sealing apparatus 106 using an adhesive or another fixation technique, such as using one or more fixation elements, e.g., screws.

[0029] Second surface 204 may be formed with first surface 202 (e.g., along a X-Z axis plane using the orientation of FIG. 1). An interface between second surface 204 and first surface 202 may be rounded. In some examples, second surface 204 may be approximately orthogonal to first surface 204, but may be acutely or obtusely angled relative to first surface 204 in other examples. Second surface 204 may extend away from opening 208 (e.g., along the X-Z axis plane) of sealing apparatus 106. In some examples, second surface 204 extends away from opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106 by at least a distance longer than a maximum distance, e.g., 99th percentile distance, between a first knuckle of an adult human finger, e.g., an index or middle finger, and a fingertip of the human finger. For example, second surface 204 may extend 1.1 inches away from opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106. Second surface 204 may be parallel to or approximately parallel, e.g., within a 5 degree angular deviation from parallel, to a surface of table 102 along which a pouch to be sealed can slide. Third surface 206 may be formed with second surface 204 (e.g., looping back along the X-Z axis relative to second surface 204). Third surface 206 extends toward the opening of sealing apparatus 106 and may be configured to guide an opening of the pouch to be sealed by sealing apparatus 106 through opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106. In some examples, an interface between third surface 206 and second surface 204 may be U-shaped. A distance between third surface 206 and the surface of table 102 may be greater than a thickness of the opening of the pouch to be sealed. In some examples, the distance between third surface 206 and the surface of table 102 may be less than a minimum thickness, e.g., a 1st percentile thickness, of an adult human finger, e.g., a human index finger, at a first knuckle of the human finger. For example, the distance may be 0.4 inches or less. Each of first surface 202, second surface 204, and third surface 206 may include a respective first side and second side, e.g., a front side and a back side. In some examples, each of first surface 202, second surface 204, and third surface 206 has a respective thickness. In some examples, each of first surface 202, second surface 204, and third surface 206 have the same thickness.

[0030] FIG. 2B is a conceptual diagram illustrating a detailed view of system 100 when a pouch 210 is situated on the surface of table 102. As depicted in FIG. 2B, pouch 210 may include a paper layer and a plastic layer. Package 210 can also include two plastic layers. Pouch 210 can include any number of layers and / or any layer materials that can be sealed together using a sealing apparatus, e.g., sealing apparatus 106. In some examples, the material(s) of pouch 210 may depend on the type of sterilization selected for the contents of pouch 210, if any. As an example, if EtO sterilization is selected, pouch 210 may be paperback packaging.

[0031] Pouch 210 may include labels or some other identification of the contents of pouch 210 for user review. The user, e.g., the technician, can slide an opening of pouch 210 underneath third surface 206 of guide mount 104 toward sealing apparatus 106. Once the opening of pouch 210 is situated within opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106, the user can press the foot pedal to compress the upper and / or lower sealing bars and seal pouch 210. The user can then pull pouch 210 away from sealing apparatus 106 and seal a second pouch.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an example guide mount 300, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. Guide mount 300 may be substantially similar to or the same as guide mount 104 of FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. Guide mount 300 includes a first surface 302, a second surface 304, and a third surface 306. First surface may be substantially similar to or the same as first surface 202. Second surface 304 may be substantially similar to or the same as second surface 204. Third surface 306 may be substantially similar to or the same as third surface 206. Third surface 306 has a first end 310 at the interface of third surface 306 and second surface 304. In some examples, third surface 306 additionally has a second end 308. When guide mount 300 is affixed to a sealing apparatus, e.g., sealing apparatus 106, second end 308 may extend within opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106. In some examples, second end 308 is shorter than first end 310. However, in some examples, second end 380 and first end 310 are the same length. Each of first surface 302, second surface 304, and third surface 306 may include a respective first side and second side, e.g., a front side and a back side. In some examples, each of first surface 302, second surface 304, and third surface 306 has a respective thickness. In some examples, each of first surface 302, second surface 304, and third surface 306 have the same thickness.

[0033] In some examples, first end 310 extends along a length of sealing apparatus 106. A length of opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106 may be shorter than the length of sealing apparatus 106. Second end 308 may have a same length as opening 208 or a length shorter than the length of opening 208. By forming second end 308 and first end 310 to have different lengths corresponding to the lengths of opening 208 and sealing apparatus 106, respectively, the techniques of this disclosure may improve safety and efficiency of heat sealing pouches. For example, when first end 310 has a length corresponding to the length of sealing apparatus 106, third surface 306 may prevent user injury associated with the user accidentally placing a finger within opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106. As another example, the relatively shorter length of second end 308, which extends along opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106, allows third surface 306 to extend within opening 208, thereby ensuring that third surface 306 guides a pouch, e.g., pouch 210, all the way to the heating apparatus(es) of sealing apparatus 106. By ensuring that third surface 306 guide pouch 210 all the way to the heating apparatus(es) of sealing apparatus 106, the techniques of this disclosure facilitate efficient and effective use of sealing apparatus 106 and may prevent incorrect or incomplete sealing of the opening of pouch 210.

[0034] The difference in length between first end 310 and second end 308 may be achieved via cutouts 312A and 312B. Cutouts 312A and 312B may have the same or different dimensions. In some examples, cutouts 312A and 312B have rounded edges. In some examples, cutouts 312A and 312B may have different geometries than depicted in the example of FIG. 3.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a bottom view of guide mount 300 of FIG. 3, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. First length 402 may correspond to a length of each of first surface 302, second surface 304, and first end 310 of third surface 306. In some examples, lengths of first surface 302, second surface 304, and first end 310 may be different from one another. In some examples, the bottom view of guide mount 300 depicted in FIG. 4 comprises a view of guide mount 300 along an X-Z plane, e.g., the X-Z plane of FIG. 1, and viewed along the Y axis from the -Y to Y direction. First length 402 may be the same as or approximately the same length as a length of sealing apparatus 106. For example, first length 402 may be the same length or longer, e.g., 0.5 inches longer, than the length of sealing apparatus 106. Second length 404 may correspond to a length of second end 308 of third surface 306. In some examples, first length 402 may vary based on dimensions of sealing apparatus 106. In the example of FIG. 4, first length 402 is 16.0 inches. In some examples, second length 404 may vary based on a length of opening 208. In the example of FIG. 4, second length 404 is 13.5 inches. The dimensions of first length 402 and second length 404 may depend on dimensions of sealing apparatus 106 and / or opening 208. Corners 406A and 406B of second length 404 may be rounded. In some examples, the radius of the rounded corners 406A and 406B may be 0.3 inches.

[0036] Although first length 402 and second length 404 are different in the example of FIG. 4, in some examples, first length 402 and second length 404 may be the same. For example, first length 402 and second length 404 may each correspond to a length of opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106, e.g., 13.5 inches. As another example, first length 402 and second length 404 may each correspond to a length of sealing apparatus 106, e.g., 16.0 inches. In examples in which first length 402 and second length 404 each correspond to the length of sealing apparatus 106, third surface 306 may not extend within opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a cross-section view of the guide mount 300 of FIG. 3, in accordance with one or more aspects of this disclosure. First surface 520, second surface 516, and third surface 518 may be substantially similar to or the same as first surface 302, second surface 304, and third surface 306, respectively. In some examples, first surface 520 is approximately perpendicular to second surface 516. For example, an interface between first surface 520 and second surface 516 may define an approximately 90 degree angle, e.g., within a ±5 degree tolerance.

[0038] Each of first surface 520, second surface 516, and third surface 518 may have a same thickness 504. Thickness 504 can range from 0.1 inches to 0.125 inches, e.g., 0.1 inches. In some examples, thickness 504 can vary along any of first surface 520, second surface 516, and third surface 518. As an example, a thickness of third surface 518 can increase as third surface 518 extends away from second surface 516. In some examples, when the thickness of third surface 518 increases as the third surface 518 extends away from second surface 516, a distance between the surface of table 102 of FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B decreases approaching opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106. In some examples, decreasing the distance between the surface of table 102 and third surface 518 may facilitate appropriate and complete sealing of pouch 210. For example, decreasing the distance may facilitate preventing corners of pouch 210 from shifting or rolling, which may help to ensure that pouch 210 seals completely. In some examples, the thickness of third surface 518 may stay the same as third surface 518 extends away from second surface 516 and may achieve the decrease in distance between the surface of table 102 and third surface 518 as third surface 518 approaches opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106 by angling third surface 518. For example, instead of being parallel to one another, as depicted in the example of FIG. 5, second surface 516 and third surface 518 may define an obtuse angle at interface 514 between second surface 516 and third surface 518.

[0039] Interface 514 may be U-shaped. In some examples, interface 514 may have a radius of 0.2 inches. Interface 506 between first surface 520 and second surface 526 may be rounded and may have a radius of 0.2 inches.

[0040] Guide mount 300 may have an overall height 502 of 2.0 inches. A height 512 of first surface 520 may be 1.6 inches. Guide mount 300 may have an overall width 510 of 2.0 inches. A portion of third surface 518, which may have a similar length to that of second end 308, may have a width 508 of 1.0 inches. Width 508 may correspond to a length of third surface 518 that extends within opening 208 of sealing apparatus 106 when guide mount 300 is affixed to sealing apparatus 106. Each of the dimensions described herein serve as example dimensions. In some examples, the dimensions for guide mount 300 may depend on a size, a geometry, and / or one or more dimensions of sealing apparatus 106.

[0041] Example 1. A guide mount comprising: a first surface extending along an opening of a sealing apparatus when the guide mount is affixed to the sealing apparatus; a second surface formed with the first surface and extending away from the opening of the sealing apparatus; and a third surface formed with the second surface and extending toward the opening of the sealing apparatus, the third surface being configured to guide an opening of a pouch to be sealed by the sealing apparatus through the opening of the sealing apparatus, wherein a distance between the third surface and a flat surface perpendicular to and outside of the sealing apparatus is greater than a thickness of the opening of the pouch to be sealed.

[0042] Example 2. The guide mount of example 1, wherein the distance between the third surface and the flat surface decreases as the third surface approaches a sealing component of the sealing apparatus within the opening of the sealing apparatus.

[0043] Example 3. The guide mount of example 1, wherein the sealing component comprises one or more sealing bars.

[0044] Example 4. The guide mount of any of examples 1–3, wherein the first surface and the second surface are approximately perpendicular.

[0045] Example 5. The guide mount of any of examples 1–4, wherein an interface between the second surface and the third surface is a U-shaped interface.

[0046] Example 6. The guide mount of example 5, wherein the U-shaped interface has a radius of 0.2 inches.

[0047] Example 7. The guide mount of any of examples 1–5, wherein an interface between the first surface and the second surface is rounded.

[0048] Example 8. The guide mount of any of examples 1–7, wherein the guide mount is clear.

[0049] Example 9. The guide mount of any of examples 1–8, wherein at an interface between the second surface and the third surface, the third surface has a first end, and wherein the third surface includes a second end shorter than the first end, the second end being within the opening of the opening of the sealing apparatus when the guide mount is affixed to the sealing apparatus.

[0050] Example 10. The guide mount of any of examples 1–9, wherein a distance between an interface of the second surface and the third surface and an end of the third surface closest to rollers of the sealing apparatus is 2 inches.

[0051] Example 11. The guide mount of any of examples 1–10, wherein a distance between an interface of the first surface and the second surface and an end of the third surface closest to rollers of the sealing apparatus is 1 inch.

[0052] Example 12. The guide mount of any of examples 1–11, wherein a thickness of each of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface is 0.1 inches.

[0053] Example 13. The guide mount of any of examples 1–12, wherein the distance between the third surface and the flat surface is less than 0.4 inches.

[0054] Example 14. The guide mount of any of examples 1–13, wherein a distance between an edge of the first surface, when affixed to the sealing apparatus, and an interface of the second surface and the third surface is 1 inch.

[0055] Example 15. The guide mount of any of examples 1–14, wherein the sealing apparatus comprises a heat sealing apparatus.

[0056] Example 16. The guide mount of example 15, wherein the heat sealing apparatus comprises a semi-automatic heat sealing apparatus.

[0057] Example 17. The guide mount of any of examples 1–16, wherein the flat surface comprises a flat surface of a table or a conveyor belt.

[0058] Example 18. The guide mount of any of examples 1–17, wherein the pouch comprises a pouch configured to enclose a medical device for one or more of storage or shipment.

[0059] Example 19. The guide mount of any of examples 1–18, wherein the guide mount comprises a polycarbonate guide mount.

[0060] Example 20. A system comprising: a sealing apparatus; a flat surface perpendicular to and outside of the sealing apparatus; and a guide mount comprising: a first surface extending along an opening of the sealing apparatus when the guiding mount is affixed to the sealing apparatus; a second surface formed with the first surface and extending away from the opening of the sealing apparatus; and a third surface formed with the second surface and extending toward the opening of the sealing apparatus, the third surface being configured to guide an opening of a pouch to be sealed by the sealing apparatus through the opening of the sealing apparatus, wherein a distance between the third surface and the flat surface is greater than a thickness of the opening of the pouch to be sealed.

[0061] Example 21. The system of example 20, wherein the guide mount comprises the guide mount according to any of examples 2–19.

[0062] Various examples have been described. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A guide mount comprising:a first surface extending along an opening of a sealing apparatus when the guide mount is affixed to the sealing apparatus;a second surface formed with the first surface and extending away from the opening of the sealing apparatus; anda third surface formed with the second surface and extending toward the opening of the sealing apparatus, the third surface being configured to guide an opening of a pouch to be sealed by the sealing apparatus through the opening of the sealing apparatus, wherein a distance between the third surface and a flat surface perpendicular to and outside of the sealing apparatus is greater than a thickness of the opening of the pouch to be sealed.

2. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein the distance between the third surface and the flat surface decreases as the third surface approaches a sealing component of the sealing apparatus within the opening of the sealing apparatus.

3. The guide mount of claim 2, wherein the sealing component comprises one or more sealing bars.

4. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein the first surface and the second surface are approximately perpendicular.

5. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein an interface between the second surface and the third surface is a U-shaped interface.

6. The guide mount of claim 5, wherein the U-shaped interface has a radius of 0.2 inches.

7. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein an interface between the first surface and the second surface is rounded.

8. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein the guide mount is clear.

9. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein at an interface between the second surface and the third surface, the third surface has a first end, and wherein the third surface includes a second end shorter than the first end, the second end being within the opening of the opening of the sealing apparatus when the guide mount is affixed to the sealing apparatus.

10. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein a distance between an interface of the second surface and the third surface and an end of the third surface closest to rollers of the sealing apparatus is 2 inches.

11. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein a distance between an interface of the first surface and the second surface and an end of the third surface closest to rollers of the sealing apparatus is 1 inch.

12. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein a thickness of each of the first surface, the second surface, and the third surface is 0.1 inches.

13. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein the distance between the third surface and the flat surface is less than 0.4 inches.

14. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein a distance between an edge of the first surface, when affixed to the sealing apparatus, and an interface of the second surface and the third surface is 1 inch.

15. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein the sealing apparatus comprises a heat sealing apparatus.

16. The guide mount of claim 15, wherein the heat sealing apparatus comprises a semi-automatic heat sealing apparatus.

17. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein the flat surface comprises a flat surface of a table or a conveyor belt.

18. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein the pouch comprises a pouch configured to enclose a medical device for one or more of storage or shipment.

19. The guide mount of claim 1, wherein the guide mount comprises a polycarbonate guide mount.

20. A system comprising:a sealing apparatus;a flat surface perpendicular to and outside of the sealing apparatus; anda guide mount comprising:a first surface extending along an opening of the sealing apparatus when the guiding mount is affixed to the sealing apparatus;a second surface formed with the first surface and extending away from the opening of the sealing apparatus; anda third surface formed with the second surface and extending toward the opening of the sealing apparatus, the third surface being configured to guide an opening of a pouch to be sealed by the sealing apparatus through the opening of the sealing apparatus, wherein a distance between the third surface and the flat surface is greater than a thickness of the opening of the pouch to be sealed.

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