Product pusher with integrated nozzle for bag neck flattening

Abstract

An apparatus include a pusher assembly and a nozzle assembly. The pusher assembly has a pusher cap configured to push a product into a bag. The nozzle assembly is coupled to the pusher assembly. The nozzle assembly has a nozzle from which the nozzle assembly can selectively direct a stream of gas. The nozzle is arranged so that the stream of gas is directed from the nozzle toward an inner surface of a neck of the bag. When the nozzle assembly selectively directs the stream of gas from the nozzle toward the inner surface of the neck of the bag after the pusher cap has pushed the product into the bag, the stream of gas directed toward the inner surface of the neck of the bag flattens the neck of the bag with the product located in the bag.

Description

PRODUCT PUSHER WITH INTEGRATED NOZZLE FOR BAG NECK FLATTENINGSPECIFICATIONBACKGROUND

[0001] The present disclosure is in the technical field of pushers that push products into bags for packaging. More particularly, the present disclosure is directed to pushers that include a in integrated nozzle arranged to direct a stream of gas toward an inner surface of the bag to flatten the neck of the bag after the product is inserted.

[0002] In packaging machines, it is known to provide bag loading devices which take an empty bag and hold the bag open while a product is inserted into the bag. It is normal for the article to be inserted into the bag by a mechanically actuated pusher which reciprocates between a first, retracted position in which an article can be introduced into the space between the pusher and the bag loading table, and a second, extended position in which the pusher has advanced such an article onto the loading table and into the open bag.

[0003] As used herein, the term '‘bag” is intended to denote any open-ended flexible container of bag-like construction, and is not intended to limit the invention to any particular ty pe of bag-like container. Examples of bags include both gusseted bags and non-gusseted bags. Bags be single-layer bags or multi-layer bags. In some cases, multi-layer bags can have at least one layer to impart mechanical strength to the bag, at least one layer to impart sealability by thermal welding, and / or at least one gas-impervious barrier layer.

[0004] Such machines can load a bag, such as by a pusher arranged to push a product into the bag. After the product is loaded into the bag, the machine can then seal the bag. The bag can be sealed with or without atmospheric conditioning. The sealed bag can then be further processed for shipping and / or selling of the bagged product.SUMMARY

[0005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended toidentify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] In a first embodiment, an apparatus includes a pusher assembly having a pusher cap configured to push a product into a bag and a nozzle assembly coupled to the pusher assembly. The nozzle assembly includes a first nozzle and the nozzle assembly is configured to selectively direct a first stream of gas from the first nozzle. The first nozzle is arranged so that the first stream of gas is directed from the first nozzle toward an inner surface of a neck of the bag. When the nozzle assembly selectively directs the first stream of gas from the first nozzle toward the inner surface of the neck of the bag after the pusher cap has pushed the product into the bag, the first stream of gas directed toward the inner surface of the neck of the bag flattens the neck of the bag with the product located in the bag.

[0007] In a second embodiment, the apparatus of the preceding embodiment further includes an arm. The pusher assembly is coupled to an end of the arm.

[0008] In a third embodiment, the apparatus of the preceding embodiment further includes a controller configured to control movements of the arm to control the pushing of the product by the pusher cap.

[0009] In a fourth embodiment, the controller of the preceding embodiment is further configured to control the selective directing of the first stream of gas from the first nozzle.

[0010] In a fifth embodiment, apparatus of any of the preceding embodiments further includes a gas line in fluid communication with each of the first nozzle and a source of gas. The first stream of gas is supplied to the first nozzle from the source of gas via the gas line.

[0011] In a sixth embodiment, the nozzle assembly of any of the preceding embodiments includes a second nozzle. The nozzle assembly is configured to selectively direct a second stream of gas from the second nozzle.

[0012] In a seventh embodiment, the apparatus of the preceding embodiment is configured such that the first nozzle is arranged to direct the first stream of gas toward a first side of the inner surface of the neck of the bag, the second nozzle is arranged to direct the second stream of gas toward a second side of the inner surface of the neck of the bag, and the first and second streams of gas directed at the first and second sides of the inner surface of the neck ofthe bag exert forces on the first and second sides of the bag in opposite directions to flatten the neck of the bag.

[0013] In an eighth embodiment, the first and second nozzles of any of the sixth or seventh embodiments are fixedly coupled to the pusher assembly.

[0014] In a ninth embodiment, the pusher cap of the preceding embodiment is oriented on the pusher assembly in a pushing direction. The first and second nozzles are arranged on surfaces of the pusher assembly that are oriented at least partially in a direction that is opposite of the pushing direction.

[0015] In a tenth embodiment, the first and second nozzles of any of the sixth to ninth embodiments are movable with respect to the pusher cap.

[0016] In an eleventh embodiment, the nozzle assembly of the preceding embodiment is slidingly movable with respect to the pusher cap in a direction that is substantially parallel to a pushing direction.

[0017] In a twelfth embodiment, the apparatus of any of the tenth or eleventh embodiments further includes an actuator moveably coupled to the first and second nozzles and fixedly coupled to the pusher cap. The actuator is configured to move the first and second nozzles with respect to the pusher cap.

[0018] In a thirteenth embodiment, apparatus of the preceding embodiment further includes a controller configured to: cause the pusher assembly to push the product into the bag, cause the pusher assembly to retract from the location at which the pusher assembly had pushed the product into the bag. and cause the actuator to move the nozzle assembly with respect to the pusher assembly while the pusher assembly is retracting such that the nozzle assembly remains substantially in a fixed position with respect to the product and the bag while the pusher assembly is retracting.

[0019] In a fourteenth embodiment, after the pusher assembly of the preceding embodiment has been retracted to a predetermined retracted position, the controller is further configured to: cause the first nozzle to direct the first stream of gas toward a first side of the inner surface of the neck of the bag, and cause the second nozzle to direct the second stream of gas tow ard a second side of the inner surface of the neck of the bag.

[0020] In a fifteenth embodiment, the nozzle assembly of any of the tenth to fourteenth embodiments further includes a first gas conduit in fluid communication with the first nozzle and a second gas conduit in fluid communication with the second nozzle. The first gas conduit is configured to pass through a first slot in the pusher cap. The second gas conduit is configured to pass through a second slot in the pusher cap.

[0021] In a sixteenth embodiment, the apparatus of the preceding embodiment is arranged with the nozzle assembly is configured to be located with respect to the pusher assembly while the pusher assembly is pushing the product into the bag such that the first nozzle is located w ithin the first slot and the second nozzle is located within the second slot. The nozzle assembly further is configured to be located with respect to the pusher assembly while the first and second streams of gas are respectively directed from the first and second nozzles such that the first nozzle is located outside of the first slot and the second nozzle is located outside of the second slot.

[0022] In a seventeenth embodiment, the nozzle assembly of any of the tenth to sixteenth embodiments further includes a common gas conduit in fluid communication with each of the first and second nozzles, wherein the common gas conduit is configured to pass through a slot in the pusher cap.

[0023] In an eighteenth embodiment, the nozzle assembly of the preceding embodiment is configured to be located with respect to the pusher assembly while the pusher assembly is pushing the product into the bag such that the first and second nozzles are located within the conduit. The nozzle assembly is further configured to be located with respect to the pusher assembly while the first and second streams of gas are respectively directed from the first and second nozzles such that the first and second nozzles are located outside of the conduit.

[0024] In a nineteenth embodiment, a method of forming a package using the apparatus of any of the preceding embodiments includes pushing, by the pusher assembly, the product into the bag, flattening the neck of the bag. wherein the flattening comprises directing the first stream of gas from the first nozzle tow ard the inner surface of the bag, and after the flattening of the neck of the bag, sealing the flattened neck of the bag to seal the product within the bag.

[0025] In a twentieth embodiment, the method of the preceding embodiment is performed using the apparatus of any of the seventh to eighteenth embodiments. During the flatteningof the neck of the bag, the first stream of gas from the first nozzle is directed toward the first side of the inner surface of the bag. The flattening further comprises directing the second stream of gas from the second nozzle toward the second side of the inner surface of the bag.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0026] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of the disclosed subject matter will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0027] Figs. 1 and 2 depict an embodiment of an apparatus that is capable of pushing a product into a bag and flattening the neck of the back in preparation for sealing the bag, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0028] Figs. 3A and 3B depict top views of an embodiment of a method of using the apparatus shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to push a product into a bag and to flatten a neck of the bag, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0029] Fig. 4 depicts another embodiment of an apparatus that is capable of pushing a product into a bag and flattening the neck of the back in preparation for sealing the bag, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0030] Figs. 5A and 5B depict perspective views of an embodiment of a method of using the apparatus shown in Fig. 4 to push a product into a bag and to flatten a neck of the bag, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0031] Fig. 6 depicts another embodiment of an apparatus that is capable of pushing a product into a bag and flattening the neck of the back in preparation for sealing the bag, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0032] Figs. 7A and 7B depict perspective view s of an embodiment of a method of using the apparatus shown in Fig. 6 to push a product into a bag and to flatten a neck of the bag, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0033] Figs. 8A and 8B depict perspective views of an embodiment of an apparatus that is capable of pushing a product into a bag and flattening the neck of the back in preparation for sealing the bag, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0034] Figs. 8C and 8D depict perspective views of a pusher assembly of the apparatus shown in Figs. 8A and 8B. in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0035] Fig. 9 depicts a schematic view of an apparatus that includes a pusher assembly, an arm, a nozzle assembly, and a controller, in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0036] Fig. 10 depicts an example embodiment of a system that may be used to implement some or all of the embodiments described herein; and

[0037] Fig. 11 depicts a block diagram of an embodiment of a computing device, in accordance with the embodiments described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figs. 1 and 2 depict an embodiment of an apparatus 100 that is capable of pushing a product into a bag and flattening the neck of the back in preparation for sealing the bag. The apparatus 100 includes a pusher assembly 110. The pusher assembly 110 includes a pusher cap 112 configured to push a product into a bag. In the depicted embodiment, the pusher cap 112 has a pushing surface 114 configured to contact a product and to exert a force on the product to push the product. In the depicted embedment, the pusher assembly 110 further includes a coupler 116 that is configured to couple the pusher cap 112 to an arm 120. In Fig. 1, the pusher assembly 110 is coupled to the end of the arm 120. The arm 120 includes a distal coupler 122 on a distal end of the arm 120. The distal coupler 122 is configured to couple the distal end of the arm 120 to an actuator that is configured to impart movement to the arm 120. The movement of the arm 120 causes corresponding movement of the pusher assembly 110, which is coupled to the end of the arm 120.

[0039] The apparatus 100 also includes a nozzle assembly 130. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle 132. The nozzle 132 is arranged to selectively direct a stream of gas. As discussed in greater detail below, the nozzle 132 is arranged so that, after the pusher cap 112 pushes a product into a bag, the nozzle 132 selectively directs the stream of gas from the nozzle 132 toward the inner surface of the neck of the bag. In the depicted embodiment, the nozzle assembly 130 further includes a gas coupler 136 further that is capable of being coupled to a gas line 140. In Fig. 1. the gas coupler 136 is depicted as being coupled to thegas line 140. The gas line 140 can be further coupled to a source of gas (e.g. a container of compressed gas, a gas compressor, a gas blower, and the like) and configured to convey the gas from the source of gas to the nozzle 132 to provide the gas for the stream of gas that is directed from the nozzle 132.

[0040] Figs. 3A and 3B depict top views of an embodiment of a method of using the apparatus 100 to push a product 150 into a bag 152 and to flatten a neck 156 of the bag 152. Fig. 3 A depicts the apparatus 100, the product 150 and the bag 152. The product 150 can be any product, such as a food product (e.g., cheese, meat, produce, etc.). The bag 152 can be any open-ended flexible container. In the depicted embodiment, the bag 152 is depicted as being transparent. In other embodiments, the bag 152 can be partially transparent and partially opaque, fully opaque, translucent, or any other appearance. The bag 152 has an opening 154 and a neck 156 located between the product 150 and the opening 154.

[0041] In the instance shown in Fig. 3A, the product 150 has already been partially inserted into the bag 152. In particular, the product 150 has been inserted into the bag through the opening 154 and inserted to the position shown, which is not fully inserted to the closed end of the bag. In the instance shown in Fig. 3 A, a portion of the apparatus 100 has also been inserted into the bag 152 with the pusher cap 112 fully located inside of the bag 152. The pusher cap 112 is located with the pushing surface 114 proximate the product 150. As indicated by the arrow in Fig. 3 A a force may be exerted on the arm 120 to cause the pushing surface 114 to exert a force on the product 150 to push the product 150 farther into the bag 152. The force exerted on the arm 120 may be caused by an actuator (e.g., a solenoid, a pneumatic actuator, an hydraulic actuator, an electric motor, and the like). In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be in the process of pushing the product 150 through the bag 152 at the instance shown in Fig. 3 A. In some embodiments, a machine that includes the apparatus 100 may also include grippers that hold the opening 154 and / or the neck 156 of the bag 152 as the apparatus 100 is pushing the product 150 into the bag 152.

[0042] From the instance shown in Fig. 3A to the instance shown in Fig. 3B, the apparatus 100 has pushed the product 150 through the bag 152 to the point shown in Fig. 3B where the product 150 is proximate the closed end of the bag 152. In many cases, the pushing of the product 150 into the bag 152 to the point shown in Fig. 3B causes the neck 156 of the bag 152 to be crumpled, wrinkled, folded, or otherwise unsuitable for ideal sealing of the opening154 of the bag 152. At the instance shown in Fig. 3B, the nozzle 132 is directing a stream of gas toward the neck 156 of the bag 152. In particular, the nozzle 132 is directed the stream of gas toward the inner surface of the neck 156 of the bag 152. The stream of gas from the nozzle 132 can cause the neck 156 of the bag 152 to flatten from a crumpled state to a flattened stated or a substantially -flattened state. In addition, the streams of gas from the nozzles 132 and 134 create a low pressure condition within bag 152 so that, if the bag 152 is closed when the low pressure condition exists, the product 150 is packaged in a vacuum or a partial vacuum state inside of the bag 152.

[0043] As shown in Figs. 3A and 3B, the gas line 140 that is coupled to the gas coupler 136 and the gas line 140 is in fluid communication with the nozzle 132 via a gas conduit in the pusher cap 112. The stream of gas from the nozzle 132 can be selectively controlled by controlling flow of gas through the gas line 140. In some embodiments, the gas supplied to the nozzle 132 is clean air and the flow of the gas through the gas line 140 is controlled with a solenoid valve. In some embodiments, the timing and / or duration of the stream of gas flowing out of the nozzle 132 is controlled so that the stream of gas is directed from the nozzle 132 only when the product 150 is loaded into the bag, 152. In some embodiments, the stream of gas can be controlled to be directed from the nozzle 132 only when the product 150 and the bag 152 are located in a particular location within a machine that includes the apparatus 100, such as an outfeed conveyor of the machine. In some embodiments, the stream of gas from the nozzle 132 is controlled to stop directing gas from the nozzle before the pusher cap 112 is removed from the bag 152; in such cases, the apparatus may be configured to withdraw in the pusher cap 112 from the bag in a linear direction to avoid crumpling the bag after the stream of gas is no longer being directed from the nozzle 132.

[0044] As shown in the embodiment in Figs. 3 A and 3B, the nozzle assembly 130 further incudes a nozzle 134. In the depicted embodiment, the nozzles 132 and 134 are located on opposite sides of the pusher cap 112. The nozzles 132 and 132 are fluidly coupled in parallel to the gas line 140 via gas conduit in the pusher cap 112. As shown in Fig. 3B, the nozzle 132 is arranged to direct a stream of gas toward the inner surface of the neck 156 on the right side of the bag 152 and the nozzle 134 is arranged to direct a stream of gas toward the inner surface of the neck 156 on the left side of the bag 152. The streams of gas from the nozzles 132 and 134 toward opposite sides of the bag 152 tends to flatten the neck 156 of the bag. Insome embodiments, the nozzles 132 and 134 are positioned substantially in the middle of the thickness of the product 150 in the vertical direction so that the flattened neck 156 of the bag 152 is substantially centered with respect to the vertical thickness of the product 150. In some embodiments, the sides of the bag 152 have seams (e.g., folded seams or heat-sealed seams) and the streams of gas from the nozzles 132 and 134 are substantially aligned with the seams on the sides of the bag 152.

[0045] Fig. 4 depicts an embodiment of an apparatus 200 that is capable of pushing a product into a bag and flattening the neck of the back in preparation for sealing the bag. The apparatus 200 includes a pusher assembly 210. The pusher assembly 210 includes a pusher cap 212 configured to push a product into a bag. In the depicted embodiment, the pusher cap 212 has a pushing surface 214 configured to contact a product and to exert a force on the product to push the product. In the depicted embedment, the pusher cap 212 is coupled to an end of an arm 220. The arm 220 includes a distal coupler 222 on a distal end of the arm 220. The distal coupler 222 is configured to couple the distal end of the arm 220 to an actuator that is configured to impart movement to the arm 220. The movement of the arm 220 causes corresponding movement of the pusher assembly 210, which is coupled to the end of the arm 220.

[0046] The apparatus 200 also includes a nozzle assembly 230. In the depicted embodiment, the nozzle assembly 230 includes a nozzle 232 and a nozzle 234. Each of the nozzles 232 and 234 is arranged to selectively direct a stream of gas. As discussed in greater detail below, the nozzles 232 and 234 is arranged so that, after the pusher cap 212 pushes a product into a bag, the nozzles 232 and 234 selectively direct streams of gas from the nozzles 232 and 234 toward the inner surface of the neck of the bag. In the depicted embodiment, the nozzle assembly 230 further includes a gas coupler 236 further that is capable of being coupled to a gas line. The gas line 240 can be further coupled to a source of gas (e.g. a container of compressed gas, a gas compressor, a gas blower, and the like) and configured to convey the gas from the source of gas to the gas coupler 236. The nozzle assembly 230 further includes gas conduits 231 and 233 that fluidly couple the nozzles 232 and 234, respectively, to the gas coupler 236.

[0047] In the depicted embodiment, the nozzles 232 and 234 are capable of movement with respect to the pusher cap 212. In the depicted embodiment, the apparatus 200 includes anactuator 235 that is fixedly coupled to the pusher cap 212 and / or the arm 220. The nozzles 232 and 234 are fixedly coupled to the gas coupler 236 via the gas conduits 231 and 233, respectively. The actuator 235 is configured to slidingly move the gas coupler 236 with respect to the actuator 235. The movement of the gas coupler 236 by the actuator 235 causes a corresponding sliding movement of the nozzles 232 and 234 with respect to the pusher cap 212. In particular, the actuator 235 can cause sliding movement of the nozzles 232 and 234 and the gas conduits 231 and 233 in a direction that is substantially parallel to a pushing direction in which the pusher cap 212 can push a product.

[0048] In the arrangement shown in Fig. 4, the nozzles 232 and 234 and portions of the gas conduits 231 and 233 are located in slots 216 of the pusher cap 212. In this position, the nozzles 232 and 234 and the portions of the gas conduits 231 and 233 in slots 216 would not affect the ability of the pusher cap 212 and the pushing surface 214 to push a product into a bag. As discussed in detail below, the actuator 235 can cause the nozzles 232 and 234 to slidingly move with respect to the pusher cap 212 so that the nozzles 232 and 234 are located in front of the pushing surface 214 of the pusher cap 212.

[0049] Figs. 5 A and 5B depict perspective views of an embodiment of a method of using the apparatus 200 to push a product 250 into a bag 252 and to flatten a neck 256 of the bag 252. Fig. 5A depicts the apparatus 200, the product 250 and the bag 252. The product 250 can be any product, such as a food product (e.g., cheese, meat, produce, etc.). The bag 252 can be any open-ended flexible container. In the depicted embodiment, the bag 252 is depicted as being transparent. In other embodiments, the bag 252 can be partially transparent and partially opaque, fully opaque, translucent, or any other appearance. The bag 252 has an opening 254 and a neck 256 located between the product 250 and the opening 254.

[0050] In the instance shown in Fig. 5A, the product 250 has already been fully pushed into the bag 252. In particular, the product 250 has been inserted into the bag through the opening 254 and inserted to the position shown, where the product 250 is proximate the closed end of the bag 252. In the instance shown in Fig. 5A, a portion of the apparatus 200 is inside of the bag 252 with the pusher cap 212 fully located inside of the bag 252. The pusher cap 212 is located with the pushing surface 214 proximate the product 250. The pushing surface 214 is in contact with the product 250 such that movement of the apparatus 200 toward the product 250 will cause the pushing surface to exert a force on the product 250 to push the product 250farther into the bag 252. The force exerted on the arm 220 may be caused by an actuator (e.g., a solenoid, a pneumatic actuator, an hydraulic actuator, an electric motor, and the like). In some embodiments, the apparatus 200 may be at the end of the process of pushing the product 250 through the bag 252 to the position shown in Fig. 5A. In some embodiments, a machine that includes the apparatus 200 may also include grippers that hold the opening 254 and / or the neck 256 of the bag 252 as the apparatus 200 is pushing the product 250 into the bag 252.

[0051] From the instance shown in Fig. 5A to the instance shown in Fig. 5B, the apparatus 200 the arm 220 has been withdrawn from the product 250 in a direction that is opposite to the pushing direction. The movement of the arm 220 has caused the pusher cap 212 to withdraw from the product 250. Also, the actuator 235 has caused a respective movement of the nozzles 232 and 234 with respect to the pusher cap 212 such that the nozzles 232 and 234 have remained in substantially the same location with respect to the product 250 while the pusher cap 212 is withdrawn from the product 250. In many cases, the pushing of the product 250 into the bag 252 to the point shown in Figs. 5A and 5B causes the neck 256 of the bag 252 to be crumpled, wrinkled, folded, or otherwise unsuitable for ideal sealing of the opening 254 of the bag 252.

[0052] At the instance shown in Fig. 5B, each of the nozzles 232 and 234 is directing a stream of gas toward the neck 256 of the bag 252. In particular, the nozzle 232 is directing a stream of gas toward the inner surface of one side of the neck 256 of the bag 252 and the nozzle 234 is directing a stream of gas toward the inner surface of the other side of the neck 256 of the bag 252. The streams of gas from the nozzles 232 and 234 can cause the neck 256 of the bag 252 to flatten from a crumpled state to a flattened stated or a substantially-flattened state. In some embodiments, the gas coupler 236 is coupled to a gas line and the nozzles 232 and 234 are fluidly coupled to the gas coupler 236 respectively via the gas conduits 231 and 233. The streams of gas from the nozzles 232 and 234 can be selectively controlled by controlling flow of gas through the gas line. In some embodiments, the gas supplied to the nozzles 232 and 234 is clean air and the flow of the gas through the gas line is controlled with a solenoid valve. In some embodiments, the timing and / or duration of the streams of gas flowing out of the nozzles 232 and 234 is controlled so that the streams of gas are directed from the nozzles 232 and 234 only when the product 250 is loaded into the bag 252. In someembodiments, the streams of gas from the nozzle 232 is controlled to stop directing gas from the nozzles 232 and 234 before the nozzles 232 and 234 are removed from the bag 252; in such cases, the apparatus may be configured to withdraw the nozzles 232 and 234 from the bag in a linear direction to avoid crumpling the bag after the streams of gas are no longer being directed from the nozzles 232 and 234. In addition, the streams of gas from the nozzles 232 and 234 create a low pressure condition within bag 252 so that, if the bag 252 is closed when the low pressure condition exists, the product 250 is packaged in a vacuum or a partial vacuum state inside of the bag 252.

[0053] Fig. 6 depicts an embodiment of an apparatus 300 that is capable of pushing a product into a bag and flattening the neck of the back in preparation for sealing the bag. The apparatus 300 includes a pusher assembly 310. The pusher assembly 310 includes a pusher cap 312 configured to push a product into a bag. In the depicted embodiment, the pusher cap 312 has a pushing surface 314 configured to contact a product and to exert a force on the product to push the product. In the depicted embedment, the pusher cap 312 is coupled to an end of an arm 320. The arm 320 includes a distal coupler 322 on a distal end of the arm 320. The distal coupler 322 is configured to couple the distal end of the arm 320 to an actuator that is configured to impart movement to the arm 320. The movement of the arm 320 causes corresponding movement of the pusher assembly 310, which is coupled to the end of the arm 320.

[0054] The apparatus 300 also includes a nozzle assembly 330. In the depicted embodiment, the nozzle assembly 330 includes a nozzle 332 and a nozzle 334. Each of the nozzles 332 and 334 is arranged to selectively direct a stream of gas. As discussed in greater detail below, the nozzles 332 and 334 is arranged so that, after the pusher cap 312 pushes a product into a bag, the nozzles 332 and 334 selectively direct streams of gas from the nozzles 332 and 334 toward the inner surface of the neck of the bag. In the depicted embodiment, the nozzle assembly 330 further includes a gas coupler 336 further that is capable of being coupled to a gas line. The gas line 340 can be further coupled to a source of gas (e.g. a container of compressed gas, a gas compressor, a gas blower, and the like) and configured to convey the gas from the source of gas to the gas coupler 336. The nozzle assembly 330 further includes a gas conduit 331 that fluidly couples the nozzles 332 and 334 in parallel to the gas coupler 336.

[0055] In the depicted embodiment, the nozzles 332 and 334 are capable of movement with respect to the pusher cap 312. In the depicted embodiment, the apparatus 300 includes an actuator 335 that is fixedly coupled to the pusher cap 312 and / or the arm 320. The nozzles 332 and 334 are fixedly coupled to the gas coupler 336 via the gas conduits 331 and 333, respectively. The actuator 335 is configured to slidingly move the pusher cap 312 with respect to the actuator 335. The movement of the pusher cap 312 by the actuator 335 causes a corresponding sliding movement of the pusher cap 312 with respect to the nozzles 332 and 334. In particular, the actuator 335 can cause a sliding movement of the pusher cap 312 with respect to the nozzles 332 and 334 in a direction that is substantially parallel to a pushing direction in which the pusher cap 312 can push a product.

[0056] In the arrangement show n in Fig. 6, the nozzles 332 and 334 and portions of the gas conduits 331 and 333 are located in a slot 316 of the pusher cap 312. In this position, the nozzles 332 and 334 and the portions of the gas conduit 331 in the slot 316 would not affect the ability of the pusher cap 312 and the pushing surface 314 to push a product into a bag. As discussed in detail below, the actuator 335 can cause the pusher cap 312 to slidingly move with respect to the nozzles 332 and 334 so that the nozzles 332 and 334 are located in front of the pushing surface 314 of the pusher cap 312.

[0057] Figs. 7A and 7B depict perspective views of an embodiment of a method of using the apparatus 300 to push a product 350 into a bag 352 and to flatten a neck 356 of the bag 352. Fig. 7A depicts the apparatus 300, the product 350 and the bag 352. The product 350 can be any product, such as a food product (e.g., cheese, meat, produce, etc.). The bag 352 can be any open-ended flexible container. In the depicted embodiment, the bag 352 is depicted as being transparent. In other embodiments, the bag 352 can be partially transparent and partially opaque, fully opaque, translucent, or any other appearance. The bag 352 has an opening 354 and a neck 356 located between the product 350 and the opening 354.

[0058] In the instance shown in Fig. 7A, the product 350 has already been fully pushed into the bag 352. In particular, the product 350 has been inserted into the bag through the opening 354 and inserted to the position shown, where the product 350 is proximate the closed end of the bag 352. In the instance shown in Fig. 7A, a portion of the apparatus 300 is inside of the bag 352 with the pusher cap 312 fully located inside of the bag 352. The pusher cap 312 is located with the pushing surface 314 proximate the product 350. The pushing surface 314 isin contact w ith the product 350 such that movement of the apparatus 300 toward the product 350 will cause the pushing surface to exert a force on the product 350 to push the product 350 farther into the bag 352. The force exerted on the arm 320 may be caused by an actuator (e.g., a solenoid, a pneumatic actuator, an hydraulic actuator, an electric motor, and the like). In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 may be at the end of the process of pushing the product 350 through the bag 352 to the position shown in Fig. 7A. In some embodiments, a machine that includes the apparatus 300 may also include grippers that hold the opening 354 and / or the neck 356 of the bag 352 as the apparatus 300 is pushing the product 350 into the bag 352. In many cases, the pushing of the product 350 into the bag 352 to the point show n in Figs. 7A and 7B causes the neck 356 of the bag 352 to be crumpled, wrinkled, folded, or otherwise unsuitable for ideal sealing of the opening 354 of the bag 352

[0059] From the instance shown in Fig. 7A to the instance shown in Fig. 7B, the arm 320 remains in the same location with respect to the product 350 and the actuator 335 has caused the pusher cap 312 to withdraw from the product 350 in a direction that is opposite to the pushing direction. The movement of the pusher cap 312 by the actuator 335 has not affected the location of the nozzles 332 and 334 with respect to the product 350. At the instance shown in Fig. 7B, each of the nozzles 332 and 334 is directing a stream of gas toward the neck 356 of the bag 352. In particular, the nozzle 332 is directing a stream of gas toward the inner surface of one side of the neck 356 of the bag 352 and the nozzle 334 is directing a stream of gas tow ard the inner surface of the other side of the neck 356 of the bag 352. The streams of gas from the nozzles 332 and 334 can cause the neck 356 of the bag 352 to flatten from a crumpled state to a flattened stated or a substantially-flattened state. In addition, the streams of gas from the nozzles 332 and 334 create a low pressure condition within bag 352 so that, if the bag 352 is closed when the low pressure condition exists, the product 350 is packaged in a vacuum or a partial vacuum state inside of the bag 352.

[0060] In some embodiments, the gas coupler 336 is coupled to a gas line and the nozzles 332 and 334 are fluidly coupled to the gas coupler 336 respectively via the gas conduits 331 and 333. The streams of gas from the nozzles 332 and 334 can be selectively controlled bycontrolling flow of gas through the gas line. In some embodiments, the gas supplied to the nozzles 332 and 334 is clean air and the flow of the gas through the gas line is controlled with a solenoid valve. In some embodiments, the timing and / or duration of the streams of gasflowing out of the nozzles 332 and 334 is controlled so that the streams of gas are directed from the nozzles 332 and 334 only when the product 350 is loaded into the bag 352. In some embodiments, the streams of gas from the nozzle 332 is controlled to stop directing gas from the nozzles 332 and 334 before the nozzles 332 and 334 are removed from the bag 352; in such cases, the apparatus may be configured to withdraw the nozzles 332 and 334 from the bag in a linear direction to avoid crumpling the bag after the streams of gas are no longer being directed from the nozzles 332 and 334.

[0061] Figs. 8A and 8B depict perspective views of an embodiment of an apparatus 400 that is capable of pushing a product into a bag and flattening the neck of the back in preparation for sealing the bag. The apparatus 400 includes a pusher assembly 410. Figs. 8C and 8D depict perspective views of the pusher assembly 410 of the apparatus 400. The pusher assembly 410 includes a pusher cap 412 configured to push a product into a bag. In the depicted embodiment, the pusher cap 412 has a pushing surface 414 configured to contact a product and to exert a force on the product to push the product. In the depicted embedment, the pusher cap 412 is coupled to an end of an arm 420 via a coupler 416. The arm 420 includes a distal coupler 422 on a distal end of the arm 420. The distal coupler 422 is configured to couple the distal end of the arm 420 to an actuator that is configured to impart movement to the arm 420. The movement of the arm 420 causes corresponding movement of the pusher assembly 410, which is coupled to the end of the arm 420.

[0062] The apparatus 400 also includes a nozzle assembly 430. In the depicted embodiment, the nozzle assembly 430 includes a nozzle 432 and a nozzle 434. Each of the nozzles 432 and 434 is arranged to selectively direct a stream of gas. The nozzles 432 and 434 are arranged so that, after the pusher cap 412 pushes a product into a bag, the nozzles 432 and 434 selectively direct streams of gas from the nozzles 432 and 434 toward the inner surface of the neck of the bag. In the depicted embodiment, the nozzles 432 and 434 are fixedly coupled to the sides of the pusher cap 412.

[0063] In the depicted embodiment, the nozzle assembly 430 further includes a gas coupler 436. The gas coupler 436 is located on the distal coupler 422. The gas coupler 436 is fluidly coupled in parallel to the nozzles 432 and 434 via a gas passageway 440 that passes internally through the arm 420. The gas coupler 436 can be coupled to a source of gas (e.g. a container of compressed gas, a gas compressor, a gas blower, and the like), such as via a gas lineconfigured to convey the gas from the source of gas to the gas coupler 436. The gas passageway 440 can include a single gas passageway through the arm 420 and one or more gas conduits in the pusher cap 412 so that gas can pass from the gas coupler 436 to the nozzles 432 and 434. It will be apparent that any of the embodiments of apparatuses described herein can include an internal gas passageway, such as in the case of the gas passageway 440 in the arm 420 of the apparatus 400, or an external gas passageway, such as in the case of the gas line 140 that is outside of the arm 120 in the apparatus 100.

[0064] Fig. 9 depicts a schematic view of an apparatus 500 that includes a pusher assembly 510, an arm 520. and a nozzle assembly 530. The apparatus 500 can be any of the other apparatuses disclosed herein or any other similar apparatus. The pusher assembly 510 includes a pusher cap 512 configured to push a product into a bag. For example, the pusher cap 512 can have a pushing surface configured to contact a product and to exert a force on the product to push the product into the bag. The pusher cap 512 is coupled to an end of the arm 520. A distal end of the arm 520 is coupled to an actuator 524 (e.g., coupled via a distal coupler). The actuator 524 is configured to impart movement to the arm 520. The movement of the arm 520 causes corresponding movement of the pusher assembly 510, which is coupled to the other end of the arm 520.

[0065] The nozzle assembly 530 can include one or more nozzles that are arranged to selectively direct a stream of gas toward the inner surface of the neck of the bag after the product has been pushed into the bag. In the depicted embodiment, the apparatus includes a gas line that is fluidly coupled to the one or more nozzles of the nozzle assembly 530. The gas line 540 is also coupled to a source of gas 542. The source of gas 542 can be a container of compressed gas. a gas compressor, a gas blower, or any other source of gas. The gas line 540 is configured to convey gas from the source of gas to the nozzle assembly 530 when the one or more nozzles direct a stream of gas toward the inner surface of the neck of the bag. The source of gas 542 can be controlled to selectively deliver gas to the gas line 540. For example, the source of gas 542 can include a valve that can be selectively opened to deliver gas to the gas line, the source of gas 542 can be selectively turned on and off to control when gas is delivered to the gas line 540, or the source of gas 542 can be controlled in any other way to selectively deliver gas to the gas line 540.

[0066] The apparatus 500 further includes an actuator 535. The actuator 535 is configured to move at least one of the pusher cap 512 or the one or more nozzles of the nozzle assembly 530 to effect a respective movement (e.g.. a sliding movement) of the pusher cap 512 or the one or more nozzles so separate the one or more nozzles from the pusher cap 512 before the stream of gas is directed from the one or more nozzles (e.g., as shown in Figs. 5A and 5B, as shown in Figs. 7A and 7B, etc ). The actuator 535 can be selectively operated to effect a respective movement of the pusher cap 512 or the one or more nozzles of the nozzle assembly 530. It will be appreciated that some embodiments of apparatus disclosed herein have an actuator similar to the actuator 535 of the apparatus 500 (e.g., the actuator 235 of the apparatus 200, and the actuator 335 of the apparatus 300). It will also be appreciated that a variation of the apparatus 500 can omit the actuator 535, such as in the case of the apparatus 100 that does not have a similar actuator.

[0067] The apparatus 500 further includes a controller 460. The controller 460 is communicatively coupled with each of the actuator 524, the actuator 535, and the source of gas 542. The communications between the controller 460 and each of the actuator 524, the actuator 535, and the source of gas 542 can be accomplished by type of communication, such as wired communication (e.g., communication via a serial connection, a LAN connection, etc.) or wireless communication (e.g., communication via Bluetooth, WiFi. etc.). In some embodiments, the communications between the controller 460 and each of the actuator 524, the actuator 535, and the source of gas 542 can be accomplished indirectly, such as via a network, or directly, such as via Bluetooth or a serial communication line.

[0068] The controller 460 is configured to cause the actuator 524, the actuator 535, and the source of gas 542 to perform actions. For example, the controller 460 can send instructions to any of the actuator 524. the actuator 535, and the source of gas 542. The actuator 524, the actuator 535, and the source of gas 542 are configured to perform those actions in response to receiving instructions from the controller 460. In one example, the controller 460 can send instructions to the actuator 524 to move the arm 520, which will cause a corresponding movement of the pusher cap 512 (e.g.. to push a product into a bag. to withdraw the pusher cap 512 from the bag, etc ). In another example, the controller 460 can send instructions to the source of gas 542 to control an amount of gas to flow through the gas line 540 to the nozzle assembly 530 (e.g., to stop the flow of gas, to permit gas to flow at a particular flowrate, to open a valve that permits gas to flow through the gas line 540, etc.). In another example, the controller 460 can send instructions to the actuator 535 to cause respective movement of the pusher cap 512 and the one or more nozzles (e.g.. to maintain the position of the one or more nozzles with respect to a product in a bag while the pusher cap is withdrawn from product, etc.). It will be understood that the controller 460 can cause the actuator 524, the actuator 535, and the source of gas 542 to perform any particular action. It will also be apparent that the controller 460 can be communicatively coupled to any component of the apparatus 500 or any component of a machine in which the apparatus 500 is located to control such component.

[0069] Fig. 10 depicts an example embodiment of a system 610 that may be used to implement some or all of the embodiments described herein. In the depicted embodiment, the system 610 includes computing devices 620i, 6202, 6203, and 6204 (collectively computing devices 620). In the depicted embodiment, the computing device 620i is a tablet, the computing device 6202 is a mobile phone, the computing device 620? is a desktop computer, and the computing device 6204 is a laptop computer. In other embodiments, the computing devices 620 include one or more of a desktop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, a phablet, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a distributed system, a gaming console (e.g.. Xbox, Play Station, Wii), a watch, a pair of glasses, a key fob, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, an ear piece, a scanner, a television, a dongle, a camera, a wristband, a wearable item, a kiosk, an input terminal, a server, a server network, a blade, a gatew ay, a switch, a processing device, a processing entity, a set-top box, a relay, a router, a network access point, a base station, any other device configured to perform the functions, operations, and / or processes described herein, or any combination thereof.

[0070] The computing devices 620 are communicatively coupled to each other via one or more networks 630 and 632. Each of the networks 630 and 632 may include one or more wired or wireless networks (e.g., a 3G network, the Internet, an internal network, a proprietary network, a secured network). The computing devices 620 are capable of communicating with each other and / or any other computing devices via one or more wired or wireless networks. While the particular system 610 in Fig. 10 depicts that the computing devices 620 communicatively coupled via the network 630 include four computing devices, any number of computing devices may be communicatively coupled via the netw ork 630.

[0071] In the depicted embodiment, the computing device 620s is communicatively coupled with a peripheral device 640 via the network 632. In the depicted embodiment, the peripheral device 640 is a scanner, such as a barcode scanner, an optical scanner, a computer vision device, and the like. In some embodiments, the network 632 is a wired network (e.g., a direct wired connection betw een the peripheral device 640 and the computing device 620s), a wireless netw ork (e.g., a Bluetooth connection or a WiFi connection), or a combination of wired and wireless networks (e.g., a Bluetooth connection between the peripheral device 640 and a cradle of the peripheral device 640 and a wired connection between the peripheral device 640 and the computing device 620s). In some embodiments, the peripheral device 640 is itself a computing device (sometimes called a “smart'’ device). In other embodiments, the peripheral device 640 is not a computing device (sometimes called a “dumb" device).

[0072] Depicted in Fig. 11 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a computing device 700. Any of the computing devices 620 and / or any other computing device described herein may include some or all of the components and features of the computing device 700. In some embodiments, the computing device 700 is one or more of a desktop computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, a phablet, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, a distributed system, a gaming console (e.g., an Xbox, a Play Station, a Wii). a watch, a pair of glasses, a key fob. a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. an ear piece, a scanner, a television, a dongle, a camera, a wristband, a wearable item, a kiosk, an input terminal, a server, a server network, a blade, a gatew ay, a switch, a processing device, a processing entity, a set-top box, a relay, a router, a netw ork access point, a base station, any other device configured to perform the functions, operations, and / or processes described herein, or any combination thereof. Such functions, operations, and / or processes may include, for example, transmitting, receiving, operating on, processing, displaying, storing, determining, creating / generating, monitoring, evaluating, comparing, and / or similar terms used herein. In one embodiment, these functions, operations, and / or processes can be performed on data, content, information, and / or similar terms used herein.

[0073] In the depicted embodiment, the computing device 700 includes a processing element 705, memory 710, a user interface 715, and a communications interface 720. The processing element 705, memory 710, a user interface 715, and a communications interface 720 are capable of communicating via a communication bus 725 by reading data from and / or w ritingdata to the communication bus 725. The computing device 700 may include other components that are capable of communicating via the communication bus 725. In other embodiments, the computing device does not include the communication bus 725 and the components of the computing device 700 are capable of communicating with each other in some other way.

[0074] The processing element 705 (also referred to as one or more processors, processing circuitry, and / or similar terms used herein) is capable of performing operations on some external data source. For example, the processing element may perform operations on data in the memory 710. data receives via the user interface 715, and / or data received via the communications interface 720. As will be understood, the processing element 705 may be embodied in a number of different ways. In some embodiments, the processing element 705 includes one or more complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs). microprocessors, multicore processors, co processing entities, application-specific instruction-set processors (ASIPs), microcontrollers, controllers, integrated circuits, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), hardware accelerators, any other circuitry, or any combination thereof. The term circuitry may refer to an entirely hardware embodiment or a combination of hardware and computer program products. In some embodiments, the processing element 705 is configured for a particular use or configured to execute instructions stored in volatile or nonvolatile media or otherwise accessible to the processing element 705. As such, whether configured by hardware or computer program products, or by a combination thereof, the processing element 705 may be capable of performing steps or operations when configured accordingly.

[0075] The memory 710 in the computing device 700 is configured to store data, computerexecutable instructions, and / or any other information. In some embodiments, the memory 710 includes volatile memory (also referred to as volatile storage, volatile media, volatile memory circuitry', and the like), non-volatile memory' (also referred to as non-volatile storage, non-volatile media, non-volatile memory' circuitry, and the like), or some combination thereof.

[0076] In some embodiments, volatile memory includes one or more of random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory' (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), fast page mode dynamic random access memory (FPM DRAM), extended data-outdynamic random access memory' (EDO DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), double data rate type two synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR2 SDRAM), double data rate type three synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR3 SDRAM), Rambus dynamic random access memory7(RDRAM), Twin Transistor RAM (TTRAM), Thyristor RAM (T-RAM), Zero-capacitor (Z-RAM), Rambus in-line memory' module (RIMM), dual in-line memory module (DIMM), single in-line memory module (SIMM), video random access memory (VRAM), cache memory (including various levels), flash memory, any7other memory that requires power to store information, or any combination thereof.

[0077] In some embodiments, non-volatile memory' includes one or more of hard disks, floppy disks, flexible disks, solid-state storage (SSS) (e.g., a solid state drive (SSD)). solid state cards (SSC), solid state modules (SSM), enterprise flash drives, magnetic tapes, any other non-transitory magnetic media, compact disc read only memory' (CD ROM), compact disc-rewritable (CD-RW), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray disc (BD), any7other non- transitory optical media, read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory7(EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory (e.g.. Serial, NAND. NOR, and / or the like), multimedia memory cards (MMC), secure digital (SD) memory cards, Memory7Sticks, conductive-bridging random access memory7(CBRAM), phase-change random access memory' (PRAM), ferroelectric random-access memory (FeRAM), nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM), magneto-resistive random access memory (MRAM), resistive random-access memory (RRAM), Silicon Oxide-Nitride-Oxide-Silicon memory (SONOS), floating junction gate random access memory' (FJG RAM), Millipede memory7, racetrack memory', any other memory that does not require power to store information, or any combination thereof.

[0078] In some embodiments, memory' 710 is capable of storing one or more of databases, database instances, database management systems, data, applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, or any other information. The term database, database instance, database management system, and / or similar terms used herein may refer to acollection of records or data that is stored in a computer-readable storage medium using one or more database models, such as a hierarchical database model, network model, relational model, entity relationship model, object model, document model, semantic model, graph model, or any other model.

[0079] The user interface 715 of the computing device 700 is in communication with one or more input or output devices that are capable of receiving inputs into and / or outputting any outputs from the computing device 700. Embodiments of input devices include a keyboard, a mouse, a touchscreen display, a touch sensitive pad, a motion input device, movement input device, an audio input, a pointing device input, a joystick input, a keypad input, peripheral device 640, foot switch, and the like. Embodiments of output devices include an audio output device, a video output, a display device, a motion output device, a movement output device, a printing device, and the like. In some embodiments, the user interface 715 includes hardware that is configured to communicate with one or more input devices and / or output devices via wired and / or wireless connections.

[0080] The communications interface 720 is capable of communicating with various computing devices and / or networks. In some embodiments, the communications interface 720 is capable of communicating data, content, and / or any other information, that can be transmitted, received, operated on. processed, displayed, stored, and the like.Communication via the communications interface 720 may be executed using a wired data transmission protocol, such as fiber distributed data interface (FDDI), digital subscriber line (DSL), Ethernet, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM), frame relay, data over cable service interface specification (DOCSIS), or any other wired transmission protocol. Similarly, communication via the communications interface 720 may be executed using a wireless data transmission protocol, such as general packet radio service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), CDMA2000 IX (IxRTT), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Evolution-Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA), High-Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), IEEE 802.11 (WiFi), WiFi Direct, 802.16 (WiMAX),ultra wideband (UWB), infrared (IR) protocols, near field communication (NFC) protocols, Wibree, Bluetooth protocols, wireless universal serial bus (USB) protocols, or any other wireless protocol.

[0081] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, one or more components of the computing device 700 may be located remotely from other components of the computing device 700 components, such as in a distributed system. Furthermore, one or more of the components may be combined and additional components performing functions described herein may be included in the computing device 700. Thus, the computing device 700 can be adapted to accommodate a variety of needs and circumstances. The depicted and described architectures and descriptions are provided for exemplary purposes only and are not limiting to the various embodiments described herein.

[0082] Embodiments described herein may be implemented in various w ays, including as computer program products that comprise articles of manufacture. A computer program product may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, program code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, and / or the like (also referred to herein as executable instructions, instructions for execution, computer program products, program code, and / or similar terms used herein interchangeably). Such non- transitory computer-readable storage media include all computer-readable media (including volatile and non-volatile media).

[0083] As should be appreciated, various embodiments of the embodiments described herein may also be implemented as methods, apparatus, systems, computing devices, and the like. As such, embodiments described herein may take the form of an apparatus, system, computing device, and the like executing instructions stored on a computer readable storage medium to perform certain steps or operations. Thus, embodiments described herein may be implemented entirely in hardw are, entirely in a computer program product, or in an embodiment that comprises combination of computer program products and hardw are performing certain steps or operations.

[0084] Embodiments described herein may be made with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations. Thus, it should be understood that blocks of a block diagram and flowchart illustrations may be implemented in the form of a computer program product, in anentirely hardware embodiment, in a combination of hardware and computer program products, or in apparatus, systems, computing devices, and the like carrying out instructions, operations, or steps. Such instructions, operations, or steps may be stored on a computer readable storage medium for execution buy a processing element in a computing device. For example, retrieval, loading, and execution of code may be performed sequentially such that one instruction is retrieved, loaded, and executed at a time. In some exemplary embodiments, retrieval, loading, and / or execution may be performed in parallel such that multiple instructions are retrieved, loaded, and / or executed together. Thus, such embodiments can produce specifically configured machines performing the steps or operations specified in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations. Accordingly, the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support various combinations of embodiments for performing the specified instructions, operations, or steps.

[0085] For purposes of this disclosure, terminology such as ‘"upper;’ “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “inner,” “outer,” “front,” “rear,” and the like, should be construed as descriptive and not limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter. Further, the use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected.” “coupled.” and “mounted” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. Unless stated otherwise, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and the like are used to mean within 5% of a target value.

[0086] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure which are intended to be protected are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An apparatus comprising: a pusher assembly having a pusher cap configured to push a product into a bag; a nozzle assembly coupled to the pusher assembly, wherein the nozzle assembly includes a first nozzle, and wherein the nozzle assembly is configured to selectively direct a first stream of gas from the first nozzle; wherein the first nozzle is arranged so that the first stream of gas is directed from the first nozzle toward an inner surface of a neck of the bag; wherein, when the nozzle assembly selectively directs the first stream of gas from the first nozzle toward the inner surface of the neck of the bag after the pusher cap has pushed the product into the bag. the first stream of gas directed toward the inner surface of the neck of the bag flattens the neck of the bag with the product located in the bag.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising: an arm, wherein the pusher assembly is coupled to an end of the arm.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising: a controller configured to control movements of the arm to control the pushing of the product by the pusher cap.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the controller is further configured to control the selective directing of the first stream of gas from the first nozzle.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a gas line in fluid communication with each of the first nozzle and a source of gas, wherein the first stream of gas is supplied to the first nozzle from the source of gas via the gas line.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the nozzle assembly includes a second nozzle, wherein the nozzle assembly is configured to selectively direct a second stream of gas from the second nozzle.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein: the first nozzle is arranged to direct the first stream of gas toward a first side of the inner surface of the neck of the bag; the second nozzle is arranged to direct the second stream of gas toward a second side of the inner surface of the neck of the bag; and the first and second streams of gas directed at the first and second sides of the inner surface of the neck of the bag exert forces on the first and second sides of the bag in opposite directions to flatten the neck of the bag.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first and second nozzles are fixedly coupled to the pusher assembly.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pusher cap is oriented on the pusher assembly in a pushing direction, wherein the first and second nozzles are arranged on surfaces of the pusher assembly that are oriented at least partially in a direction that is opposite of the pushing direction.

10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first and second nozzles are movable with respect to the pusher cap.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the nozzle assembly is slidingly movable with respect to the pusher cap in a direction that is substantially parallel to a pushing direction.

12. The apparatus of claim 10. further comprising: an actuator moveably coupled to the first and second nozzles and fixedly coupled to the pusher cap, wherein the actuator is configured to move the first and second nozzles with respect to the pusher cap.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:a controller configured to: cause the pusher assembly to push the product into the bag; cause the pusher assembly to retract from the location at which the pusher assembly had pushed the product into the bag; and cause the actuator to move the nozzle assembly with respect to the pusher assembly while the pusher assembly is retracting such that the nozzle assembly remains substantially in a fixed position with respect to the product and the bag while the pusher assembly is retracting.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, after the pusher assembly has been retracted to a predetermined retracted position, the controller is further configured to: cause the first nozzle to direct the first stream of gas toward a first side of the inner surface of the neck of the bag; and cause the second nozzle to direct the second stream of gas toward a second side of the inner surface of the neck of the bag.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises: a first gas conduit in fluid communication with the first nozzle, wherein the first gas conduit is configured to pass through a first slot in the pusher cap; and a second gas conduit in fluid communication with the second nozzle, wherein the second gas conduit is configured to pass through a second slot in the pusher cap.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: the nozzle assembly is configured to be located with respect to the pusher assembly while the pusher assembly is pushing the product into the bag such that the first nozzle is located within the first slot and the second nozzle is located within the second slot; and the nozzle assembly is configured to be located with respect to the pusher assembly while the first and second streams of gas are respectively directed from the first and second nozzles such that the first nozzle is located outside of the first slot and the second nozzle is located outside of the second slot.

17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the nozzle assembly further comprises:a common gas conduit in fluid communication with each of the first and second nozzles, wherein the common gas conduit is configured to pass through a slot in the pusher cap.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: the nozzle assembly is configured to be located with respect to the pusher assembly while the pusher assembly is pushing the product into the bag such that the first and second nozzles are located within the conduit: and the nozzle assembly is configured to be located with respect to the pusher assembly while the first and second streams of gas are respectively directed from the first and second nozzles such that the first and second nozzles are located outside of the conduit.

19. A method of forming a package using the apparatus of claim 1, the method comprising: pushing, by the pusher assembly, the product into the bag; flattening the neck of the bag, wherein the flattening comprises directing the first stream of gas from the first nozzle toward the inner surface of the bag; and after the flattening of the neck of the bag, sealing the flattened neck of the bag to seal the product within the bag.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the method is performed using the apparatus of claim 7; during the flattening of the neck of the bag, the first stream of gas from the first nozzle is directed toward the first side of the inner surface of the bag; and the flattening further comprises directing the second stream of gas from the second nozzle toward the second side of the inner surface of the bag.

Images