EP1833725A1

EP1833725A1 - Method and system for producing a hermetically packed viscous product

Info

Publication number: EP1833725A1
Application number: EP05815788A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Renaud Vaillant; Pierre Peteuil
Original assignee: Cryolog SA
Current assignee: Cryolog SA
Priority date: 2004-10-25
Filing date: 2005-10-25
Publication date: 2007-09-19
Also published as: FR2876986A1; BRPI0516768A; CN101048316A; WO2006045984A1; AU2005298457A1; FR2876986B1; JP2008516860A

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a hermetically packed viscous product at a high rate, said method comprising the following steps: a first lower film is unwound, at a high speed, especially between twenty and fifty metres per minute; predetermined quantities of the viscous product are deposited on the first film at regular intervals; a second upper film is applied to the first film on which the viscous product is deposited; and the first film and the upper film are hermetically assembled in such a way as to enclose each determined quantity of viscous product in an individual package.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANUFACTURING A HERMETICALLY CONDITIONED VISQUEUX PRODUCT

The invention relates to a method and a system for producing, at high speed, a viscous product packaged hermetically. It also relates to the products obtained by the process for manufacturing packaged products. By viscous product, or pasty, in the present description means a product having a viscosity greater than that of liquid water. The preferred embodiment of the invention relates to the manufacture of indicators for determining whether a substance is able to be consumed or used, and whose evolution as a function of time and temperature is analogous to the evolution of the substance. When the substance is no longer able to be consumed or used, the optical properties of the indicator are changed. The viscous product used in the composition of the indicator is particularly rich in water and / or contains microorganisms. However, the invention is not limited to this application. It concerns all types of viscous products which may be, for example, medicines or cosmetics or hygiene products. The known processes for manufacturing packaged viscous products do not allow high speed production at a reasonable cost.

The invention overcomes this disadvantage. For this purpose, the method, according to the invention, which makes it possible to manufacture at high speed a viscous product hermetically packaged in an individual package, comprises the following steps: the step of unrolling a first film, called lower film, to high speed, in particular between twenty meters per minute and fifty meters per minute,

the step of depositing, at regular intervals, predetermined quantities of viscous product on the first film,

the step of applying a second film, said upper film, to the first film on which the viscous product is deposited, and

the step of hermetically assembling the first film and the upper film so as to trap each predetermined quantity of viscous product. In this way, individual doses of packaged viscous products can be manufactured with simple means, this production being carried out at a high rate. The rate can be even higher if, on the first sheet, is deposited, simultaneously, a plurality of doses of viscous products perpendicular to the scroll direction of the sheets.

In one embodiment, the viscous product is an active gel rich in water and / or containing microorganisms.

In one embodiment, the packaged product is in a thin layer, of thickness for example between 0.03 and 2 millimeters.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of shaping each package, the forming comprising at least one of the operations included in the group comprising: cutting according to a predetermined form of each packaging, pre-cutting according to a predetermined form of each packaging, cutting a predetermined number of components, precutting a predetermined number of packages.

Pre-cutting means here, either a partial cutting, or lines of weakness allowing, then, easy manual cutting.

In one embodiment, the shaping step of the packaged products is carried out by means of a rotating cylinder provided with knives. In one embodiment, prior to the removal of the predetermined amounts of viscous product, cavities are formed for receiving the viscous product in the lower film and / or prior to the application of the upper film to the lower film, the second film is deformed. to give it a non-planar shape for each predetermined quantity of viscous product.

Thanks to these deformations, the volume of the viscous product trapped between the two films can be relatively large without compromising the good application of the upper film on the lower film.

However, the application of the invention also relates to the manufacture of packages without deformation of the lower sheet and the topsheet. In one embodiment, the deformations of the first and second films are carried out by thermoforming and / or embossing and / or embossing.

In a preferred embodiment, after the removal of the predetermined amounts of viscous products, cools the latter so that they resist the stresses experienced during the application of the second film.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of implementing at least one lip nozzle to deposit the viscous product sequentially.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of depositing the predetermined amounts of viscous product on the first film by using a heliography cylinder.

In one embodiment, the step of hermetically joining the first and second films is performed by gluing, and / or heat age and / or ultrasound.

In one embodiment, there is provided a step of depositing at least one adhesive substance made by means of at least one nozzle and / or a flexographic roll. In one embodiment, the step of hermetically joining the first and the second film comprises

a step of positioning the second film with respect to the first, and

a pressure applying step of the second film on the first film outside the zone containing the viscous product.

In one embodiment, the shaping is performed simultaneously with the application of pressure.

In one embodiment, the lower film is coated with adhesive opposite the face on which the viscous product is deposited, so that the packaged product is an adhesive label, including self-adhesive.

In one embodiment, the lower film is secured to a support film whose surface state is such that it allows, on the one hand, the temporary assembly of the first film on the support film, and on the other hand , that almost all the glue remains on the first film after separation of the support.

In one embodiment, the individual packaging is hermetic during manufacture and permeable and / or workable for use. In one embodiment, after removal of the predetermined amounts of viscous products, the latter are subjected to an electric field to prevent their spreading.

The invention also relates to a high-speed manufacturing system for hermetically sealed viscous products, this system comprising: means for unwinding a first film, said lower film, at high speed, in particular between 20 m / min and 50 m / min, means for depositing, at regular intervals, predetermined quantities of viscous products on the first film, means for applying a second film, said upper film, to the first film on which the viscous product is deposited, and

means for hermetically joining the first film and the top film so as to trap each predetermined quantity of viscous product in an individual package. In one embodiment, the viscous product is an active gel rich in water and / or containing microorganisms.

In one embodiment, the packaged product is in a thin layer of thickness, for example between 0.03 and 2 mm. In one embodiment, the system comprises means for shaping each package, these forming means comprising cutting or pre-cutting means according to a predetermined form of each package and / or means for cutting or pre-cutting a predetermined number of packages. .

In one embodiment, the system comprises means for forming cavities for receiving the viscous product in the lower film, and / or means for conferring on the upper film, prior to the application of the latter on the lower film, means for confer a non-planar shape for each predetermined quantity of viscous product.

In one embodiment, the deformation means of the first and / or second film comprise means of thermoforming and / or stamping and / or embossing. In one embodiment, the system comprises means for cooling the predetermined quantities of viscous product after they are deposited on the first film, the cooling temperature being such that it allows the viscous product to withstand the stresses experienced during the application of the second movie.

In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one lip nozzle for depositing the viscous product sequentially.

In one embodiment, the system includes at least one heliography cylinder for depositing the predetermined amounts of viscous product on the first film.

In one embodiment, the hermetic assembly means of the first and second films comprise bonding and / or heat-sealing and / or ultrasound-type means. In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one nozzle and / or flexo roll for depositing at least one adhesive substance on the first and / or second film.

In one embodiment, the hermetic assembly means of the first and second films comprise: means for positioning the second film with respect to the first film, and pressure application means for the second film on the first film outside the film. zone containing the viscous product. In one embodiment, the shaping means are such that they allow simultaneous shaping and application of pressure.

In one embodiment, the means for shaping packaged products comprise a rotating cylinder provided with knives. In one embodiment, the system comprises means for coating with adhesive the face of the lower film which is opposite to the face on which the viscous product is deposited, so that the packaged product constitutes an adhesive label, in particular self-adhesive.

In one embodiment, the system comprises means for securing the lower film of a support film whose surface state is such that it allows, on the one hand, the temporary assembly of the first film on the support film and, on the other hand, that almost all the glue remains on the first film after separation of the support.

In one embodiment, the individual packaging is hermetic during manufacture and permeable and / or workable for use. In one embodiment, the system comprises means for, after the removal of the predetermined amounts of viscous products, subjecting them to an electric field to prevent their spreading.

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described in a nonlimiting manner in relation to the figures in which: FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a system implementing the steps of the method according to the invention, and FIG. cutting cylinder forming part of the system shown in Figure 1.

In Figure 1 are schematically the various steps of the manufacturing method according to the invention. A lower film is unwound at a speed between 20 and 50 meters per minute. The film used, polypropylene or polyethylene type, is of width 1 between 100 and 330 mm. He is transparent. This film is backed by a support film 11, or dorsal silicone, so as to form a self-adhesive complex. This complex can be assembled upstream on the same line of manufacturing, the assembly comprising a glue coating step of the silicone support film.

A first step A of coating the adhesive film 12 is performed. The glue is deposited at a given temperature, in the example greater than one hundred degrees Celsius. A second step B of crosslinking of this adhesive layer 12 is then performed, for example by means of ultraviolet radiation lamps 14. The action of ultraviolet (UV) is sterilizing, as is the step of coating at a temperature 100 ^° C. The sterilization of the film is particularly useful in the case where it is necessary to deposit a viscous product, such as a cosmetic product, susceptible to potential contamination, or in the case where one seeks to control the population of microorganisms contained in a label forming a substance conservation indicator.

Of course, it is possible to use glues of different natures, especially adhesives which do not require crosslinking with ultraviolet rays. In another variant, two types of glue having different properties can be used to combine the advantages of these glues. For example, use is made of a first glue characterized by substantial cohesion at the periphery of the package and a second glue characterized by an important tack closest to the gel. This second glue can also be used to maintain the gel on the film 10. It is recalled here that the "tack" of an adhesive is its instant adhesive power.

A step C of depositing individual doses (predetermined quantities) of gel 16 is then performed, by means of foil nozzles 18. Each nozzle 18 deposits a dose of substantially parallelepiped shape. The deposited gel is sufficiently viscous not to flow instantly. In order to limit the flow, it is possible to choose the temperature of the gel during the deposition. The number of foil nozzles distributed over the width of the lower film 10 determines the number of gel doses 16 deposited over a width of the lower film. The settings defining such predetermined amounts as length, width and thickness are controlled by means of foil nozzles 18. Such foil nozzles are, for example, those manufactured and dispensed by the North American company Nordson Corp.

A cooling step D is then performed. This step is intended to increase the resistance to mechanical stresses of the predetermined amounts of gel 16. This step is performed by means of the circulation of a cold gas, for example by implementing the expansion of a liquefied gas, such as than liquid nitrogen. Nitrogen is a naturally inert gas and significantly reduces the risk of contamination. This is sprayed near the gel, for example by means of conical nozzles 20. The liquid nitrogen must be sprayed by the conical nozzles 20 so as to vaporize at the outlet of the nozzles, thus the temperature of the gas stream (nitrogen and air) around the gel is controlled and maintained at a temperature close to -60 ^° C. The action of nitrogen gas avoids the inconveniences that would be caused if it remained in the liquid state; in particular, it avoids the denaturation of the glue and the gel, and the embrittlement of the lower film.

To ensure that the nitrogen is in a gaseous state when it comes into contact with the gel and to control the temperature of the enclosure mentioned later, one can play on many parameters, such as the diameter and the height, the angle of aperture and orientation of the conical nozzles, the pressure and flow rate of nitrogen in these nozzles, as well as the rate of air change. This cooling step is performed in an enclosure (not shown) whose temperature is regulated, as explained above. Indeed, without regulation, this chamber would gradually cool down, leading to the risk that the nitrogen retains its liquid state in the enclosure. Therefore, to regulate the temperature of this chamber, we also use a ventilation and air extraction device.

This cooling step is not necessary in some cases, especially when the gel thickness is very low, and / or when the gel is very viscous. Alternatively, the cooling is carried out by cooling a horizontal plate located under the lower film, before conditioning the gel.

In another variant, the cooling is carried out using a cylinder on which the lower film runs and in which a mixture circulates, in particular a mixture of water and glycol; the flow rate of circulation of this mixture and the diameter of the cylinder make it possible to adjust the kinetics of cooling.

Instead of or in addition to the cooling, it is possible to prevent the spreading of the gel by applying an electric field to it. It is also possible to prevent the spreading of the gel by first carrying out a pressure or a coating which delimits in relief the contour of the gel dose. This relief consists of an ink or glue which will then be used to assemble the film 10 with the upper film described below. The following step is a step E of application and positioning on the first film 10 of a second film, or upper film 22, so as to trap the predetermined amounts of gel 16. This upper film 22 is, in the example, of the same nature as the lower film. It is therefore also transparent.

During this step, the upper film 22 is subjected to the minimum application pressure so that it comes into contact and adheres to the lower film.

The upper film is previously braked and stressed by two guide rollers 21 and 23 so as to stretch it. The stretching of the upper film 22 is necessary to avoid undesired displacement of this film with respect to the lower film when it is applied to the lower film 10, such displacement being able to cause the formation of folds. A positioning cylinder 24 allows the application of the upper film 22 on the lower film 10 with a slight pressure. The pressure thus applied is controlled: if it is insufficient, the upper film 22 does not come into contact with the lower film; if it is too large, it may form wrinkles on the film 22 or creep of the gel under pressure. This cylinder 22 is covered with a foam whose parameters of thickness and hardness make it possible in particular to control the pressure applied by this cylinder.

A sealing and cutting step F is then performed, by means of a cutting cylinder 26 and a support cylinder 27 between which the films 10, 11 and 22 and the doses 16 pass. This rotary cutting cylinder 26 is provided with a plurality of cutting patterns 28 adapted to the shape of the gel dose packs. The pressure exerted by the cylinder 26 on the cylinder 27 is chosen so as to seal the upper film on the lower film around the gel and so as to cut the packaging (i.e. the films 10 and 22), without cutting the dorsal 11.

The role of the support cylinder is to allow the application of a high pressure by the cylinder 26 without deforming the films 10, 11 and 22.

The cutting cylinder 26 rotates at a speed adjusted according to the running speed of the lower film. A detection cell (not shown) is used to locate the position of the cutting patterns 28 on the cylinder 26 and provides a control signal of the removal of the gel, so as to ensure the synchronization of this deposit with the cutout, it is ie the desired positioning of the knives in relation to the gel dose considered. Figure 2 shows a cutting cylinder 26. The surface 260 of the cylinder, with the exception of the cutting patterns 28, is covered with a foam film of a certain thickness and hardness. Each cutting pattern 28 comprises a cutting net 30, drawing the shape of the cut or pre-cut that is desired. Within the contour delimited by each cutting thread 30, there is disposed a foam liner 32. The foam lining 32 is in the example of the same nature and the same thickness as the foam covering the surface 260 of the cylinder. This thickness is such that, when the foam is not stressed, the cutting edges are below the free surface of this foam. In other words, the height of the blades (knives) is less than the thickness of the unconstrained foam. When a zone of the cylinder 26 comes into contact with the film 22, resting on the cylinder 27, the foam covering the surface 260 of the cylinder and the liners 32 provide the pressure necessary for sealing the two films. During this pressurization, the foam deforms and is compressed (compressed) to reveal cutting threads which in turn come into contact with the films to cut or precut the generatrices of the cylinders 26 and 27 simultaneously in contact with the films.

To avoid crushing the gel, each liner 32 has at its center a recess 34 in which is housed the location of the gel dose during pressurization.

To improve the "tack" and / or cohesion kinetics of the adhesive, during this sealing step, it is advantageous to heat the cylinder. The adhesive may be deposited on the entire surface of either the lower film or the upper film or on the two film thicknesses, and before the viscous liquid is deposited. The effectiveness of the bonding depends on the amount of total adhesive deposited and its intrinsic qualities. The amount of said adhesive will not exceed, in most cases, 30 grams per m ^2.

Alternatively, thermal and / or ultrasonic welding is used.

Heat and / or ultrasonic welding can be used instead of or in addition to bonding. In the case where this type of welding is used in addition to the bonding, the welding widths can be reduced to the contour of the dose, which allows to maintain a high production rate; in this case, the weld improves the seal and / or increase the pressure of the gel in the packaging, and therefore its thickness.

If thermal welding and ultrasonic welding are used, because of the different speeds of each welding technique, it is preferable that the thermal weld be transverse to the direction of travel of the films and that the ultrasonic weld be in the direction of scrolling movies.

The quality of the seal depends on the sealing temperature, ie the vibration frequency in the case of ultrasonic welding, the speed of the films, the width of the weld and the thickness of the weld. thickness of the films.

It is specified that in the case of a thermal or ultrasonic welding, the lower film is not backed (complexed) to the silicone film beforehand but at the end of the production line. As a variant, the films 10 and / or 11 and / or 22 comprise prints made online or in advance.

In another variant, step F may be carried out in two sub-steps. The first sub-step consists of applying a sealing pressure and the second sub-step consists of cutting or precutting.

Tests carried out made it possible to draw the following conclusions:

The quality of the packaging is constant, in particular the size of the gel, the thickness of the gel, the rectilinear shape of the contours of the doses of viscous product, the tightness of the label. Good stability of the temperature is obtained during step D.

The equipment used to carry out these tests was the following: - a winding and unrolling machine Horizontal type printing press MARK ANDY 4000, equipped in order of scrolling film:

- a NORDSON Curting Coated BC 70 glue dispensing module,

- a NORDSON EPlI gel dispensing module,

a tunnel (enclosure) for cryogenics comprising two continuous extractions and an air inlet for regulating the temperature; a liquid nitrogen spray bar comprising two rows of two NPT nozzles positioned at 12 mm in height; passage of the film,

a cylinder 24 equipped with foam of thickness lmm,

- Tension rollers 21 and 23, - cutting cylinders 26 and support 27 on gluing area, the cylinder 26 being covered with a 2 mm thick foam.

The raw materials used comprise: the lower film 10, 11 formed by a Raflatac HD70 / RH01 / PP30 self-adhesive complex in a width of 260 mm.

the upper film 22 is of the OPP Mobil 52μ SBWR type in width of 260mm. - the glue is brand HENKEL Hot MeIt UV type PS

4110.

The gel is deposited at 28 ^° C .; its viscosity is 4.8 pa / sec, its density is 1.0404.

The compressed liquid nitrogen is at a temperature of -196 ^° C. It was supplied by the company AIR LIQUIDE on a mobile installation OPEX 4000 liters.

The production parameters are as follows:

- The number of pavers (doses) on the width is four. - The thickness of the gel blocks is 450μ. - The size of each block is 30 mm by 25mm.

- The size of the finished label is 38 mm by 38 mm.

- The adhesive coating is carried out on 250 mm wide at 20gr / m ² on the lower film.

The temperature in the cryogenic enclosure is regulated between -40 ^° C. and -60 ^° C., depending on the viscosity of the gel.

- The surface temperature of the gel and the adhesive after passing through the chamber is between 0 ⁰ C and ⁴⁰ C.

- The temperature of the production chamber is between 22 ⁰ C +/- 5 ⁰ C.

Testing of lip nozzles and industrial glues has made it possible to validate the feasibility of depositing viscous liquid product, in particular a water-rich gel, for example containing microorganisms, with nozzle technology. lipstick used in glue coating. These tests made it possible to validate the behavior of the product on a film moving at least 40 meters per minute. This coating system is suitable for depositing a viscous liquid and especially a medium rich in water. This system does not destroy the microorganisms contained in the label and does not substantially modify their behavior.

It is thus possible, using this technology, to work at a high rate with an adjusted nozzle foil. The foil, internal part of the nozzle, determines the volume and the quality of the cut behind the deposit. Deposition accuracy can be improved by a suction nozzle system, which also helps to control pressures and prevent emulsion.

In addition, the dimensions of the doses are controlled by varying the shape of the click and the opening time of the foil and the pressure in the base as a function of the speed of movement of the foil. movie. Tests for depositing a viscous product, and in particular a water-rich gel, with a heliography cylinder were carried out. The realization of these tests made it possible to validate the deposition of a viscous product and in particular of a gel rich in water, containing for example microorganisms, with a gravure device on a film moving at 50 meters per minute continuously. The deposit is at least 300 microns thick.

The rotogravure deposit not only allows the desired quantity to be accurately metered on a high-speed film, but also enables this deposit to be made with a high precision in the deposit contour.

In one embodiment, a neutral gas injection system has been adapted to limit the problems of adhesion of the product to the heliography cylinder and thus increase the thickness of the deposit. The thickness could reach significant thicknesses, for example 2 millimeters.

Watertight closure tests by gluing around a viscous liquid or a gel rich in water previously deposited have also been conducted. The tests carried out made it possible to:

- Select and validate glues that do not denature a viscous liquid, especially a water-based gel, and especially those that do not significantly limit the growth of microorganisms, which can be deposited in the gel, and select and validate the glues which allow a tight and definitive closure not compromised by the important presence of water contained in the medium. For example, polyurethane (PU) glues and UV and non-UV hot melt adhesives have been selected which provide sufficient sealing, with very high tack, strong cohesion and stable tack resistance over time. and not sensitive to water. It has been validated that PU adhesives can be applied by cold flexography plate and smear all over the surface, which is also an assurance of efficiency for the final waterproofing; hot melt adhesives are easily applied with "curting coated" coating systems developed by NORDSON CORP.

PU adhesives are two-component compounds consisting of a resin and a hardener that are mixed at the time of use. They are recognized as compatible with food use by the Food and Drug Administration of the United States of America; they are indeed commonly used in laminating films, for example in the packaging of "chips" (aluminum and polypropylene complex). In addition, they support inks.

Hot melt glues are rubber-based or acrylic glues, and therefore pose no risk to human health and the environment.

The tests carried out thus confirmed that the selected adhesives make it possible to achieve a perfectly transparent tight seal, stable over time and respecting the properties of a viscous liquid, in particular a gel rich in water, containing for example microorganisms.

The conduct of tight sealing tests by ultrasonic welding around a water-rich gel, previously deposited, has allowed:

to validate that in continuous running of a film at high speed, the ultrasonic welding ensures a perfect seal, even with contact times of less than a tenth of a second, to validate that the plastic flexible films selected are welded to the ultrasound,

- To validate that ultrasound does not denature the texture and properties of a viscous product, including an active gel rich in water, and containing for example microorganisms. It has been confirmed in particular that a contact time of less than 5 hundredths of a second, with an ultrasound head to produce a transverse weld, was not only sufficient to ensure a perfect and definitive seal but also allowed the welding of flexible films, thickness between 20 and 80 microns containing coatings and / or a barrier complex layer.

The results of the exposure of packaged and ultrasonically sealed products at a frequency of 20kHz have demonstrated that there is no influence on the texture and properties of a viscous liquid, especially a water-rich gel and have demonstrated, for example, a non-significant mortality in the population of microorganisms contained in the gel.

A feasibility study was carried out on the integration of final shaping for packaging in the form of an adhesive label or not, integrated directly into the production line. Given the pressure sensitivity of a viscous liquid, especially a gel rich in water, and in particular a gel containing microorganisms, it is important that this pressure is perfectly controlled to be constant and the lowest possible during windings, cuts, squatting and other passages in counterpressure cylinders. After study, it has been validated that a forming module can be integrated in the production of an adhesive label.

The cutting, the stripping and thus the final shaping in labels are carried out using a module that can be integrated into the high-speed manufacturing process of a product containing a viscous liquid and in particular a deposited water-rich gel. thin layer or thick, the gel may itself contain or not microorganisms.

Environment related to the application considered in The example. For optimal removal of a viscous liquid in a tight label it should be noted that:

the mechanical kinetics of the process requires a specific quality control adapted for evaluating the influence of the process on the texture and the properties of the viscous liquid or the water-rich gel, and, for example, the monitoring of the stresses experienced by the microorganisms that can contain the gel, this control intervening between each stage of the process. - High rates require a continuous gel preparation plant, connected to the rest of the production tool, to ensure sufficient flow.

- The sensitivity to contaminations related to the high proportion of water in the gel requires the protection of sensitive parts via laminar flow.

Whatever the embodiment of the invention, the applications for this type of manufacturing system are multiple and relate to all sectors of activity that need to condition a viscous liquid in very large series and with a cost price most low possible.

The sector of time-temperature integrators, indicators of threshold crossing, indicators of freshness, is an industry particularly interested in this type of industrial tool. In cosmetics, the development of mini or micro dosages, require manufacturers to review their production line to meet the demand of a more and more nomadic clientele, in search of practicality and to respond to regulatory changes in the market. sector. Indeed, cosmetics manufacturers now have the legal obligation, for reasons of hygiene and safety, to include on their products a limited period of use after opening, regardless of the intrinsic stability of the product. The unit dose conditioning meets this double expectation. These applications can also help to achieve very low cost samples, which can be distributed in particular with the press, to condition a cream or a perfume.

Industrial packaging small room fragrances will also benefit from high productivity, but also from this new packaging mode that is the adhesive label.

More generally, and in particular in the health sector, the technical functionalities of the invention can be applied to patches, poultices, dressings, or any other packaging of an active ingredient in the form of a label. More particularly, the following applications will be noted: the manufacture of patches for quitting smoking contraceptive patches, healing dressings. Companies manufacturing rapid detection kits, for example culture media for revealing the presence of a pathogenic microorganism (detection of listeria, salmonella), and more generally, kits of developers, or reagents or bio-reagents , used in the medical sector, are interested in these production tools.

Of course, to allow the distribution of doses of cosmetics, perfumes or other products, it is necessary to provide means to open each dose or allow its dissemination. These means are for example a permeable film. In this case, each dose can be conditioned by providing a double layer comprising a permeable film and an impermeable film (gas and water vapor), the impermeable film being detectable for diffusion.

Claims

REVENDIC-VTIONS

1. A method for manufacturing, at a high rate, a viscous product packaged hermetically, the method comprising the following steps: the step of unwinding a first film, said lower film (10), at high speed, in particular between twenty meters per minute and fifty meters per minute,

the step of depositing, at regular intervals, predetermined quantities (16) of viscous product on the first film

(10), the step of applying a second film, said upper film (22), to the first film (10) on which the viscous product is deposited, and

the step of hermetically joining the first film (10) and the upper film (22) so as to trap each predetermined quantity (16) of viscous product in an individual package (17).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the viscous product is an active gel rich in water and / or containing microorganisms.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the packaged product is in a thin layer, of thickness for example between 0.03 millimeters and 2 millimeters.

Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a step of shaping each package (17), the shaping comprising at least one of the operations included in the group comprising:

cutting according to a predetermined shape of each packaging (17),

pre-cutting according to a predetermined form of each packaging (17),

cutting a predetermined number of components (17),

- The pre-cut of a predetermined number of packages (17).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, prior to the removal of the predetermined amounts (16) of viscous product, forming cavities for receiving the viscous product in the lower film (10), and / or prior to applying the upper film (22) to the lower film (10), the upper film (22) is deformed so as to impart a non-planar shape for each predetermined quantity (16) of viscous product.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the deformations of the first and / or second films are performed by thermoforming and / or stamping and / or embossing.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, after the removal of the predetermined amounts of viscous products, the latter are cooled so that they resist the stresses experienced during the application of the second film (22).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of implementing at least one nozzle (18) to lip to deposit the viscous product.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the step of depositing the predetermined amounts of viscous product on the first film (10) by implementing a heliography cylinder.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of hermetically assembling the first and second films is performed by gluing, and / or heat sealing and / or ultrasound.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising a step of depositing at least one adhesive substance (12) performed by means of at least one nozzle and / or a flexographic cylinder.

The method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of hermetically joining the first and second films comprises: a step of positioning the second film (22) by to the first, and a pressure applying step of the second film (22) on the first film (10) outside the area containing the viscous product.

13. The method of claims 4 and 12, wherein the shaping is performed simultaneously with the application of pressure.

14. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein the shaping step of the packaged products is performed by means of a rotating cylinder (26) provided with knives.

15. Method according to one of the preceding claims wherein the lower film (10) is coated with adhesive opposite the face on which the viscous product is deposited, so that the packaged product is an adhesive label.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the lower film (10) is secured to a support film (11) whose surface state is such that it allows, on the one hand, the temporary assembly of the first film (10) on the support film (11), and, secondly, that almost all of the adhesive remains on the first film (10) after separation of the support (11).

17. A high-speed manufacturing system for viscous products packaged hermetically, this system comprising: means for unwinding a first film, said lower film (10), at high speed, in particular between 20 m / min and 50 m / min, means for depositing, at regular intervals, predetermined quantities (16) of viscous products on the first film, means for applying a second film, said upper film (22), to the first film (10) on which the viscous product is deposited, and

means for hermetically joining the first film (10) and the upper film (22) so as to trap each predetermined amount (16) of viscous product in an individual package (17).

The system of claim 17, wherein the viscous product is an active gel rich in water and / or containing microorganisms.

19. The system of claim 17 or 18, wherein the packaged product is in a thin layer of thickness for example between 0.03 and 2 millimeters.

20. System according to one of claims 17 to 19, comprising means for shaping each package (17), these forming means comprising cutting means or precut according to a predetermined form of each packaging and / or means of cutting or pre-cutting a predetermined number of packages (17).

21. System according to one of claims 17 to 20, comprising means for, prior to the removal of the predetermined amounts (16) of viscous product, forming receiving cavities of the viscous product in the lower film (10), and / or means for imparting to the upper film (22), prior to the application of the latter on the lower film (10), a non-planar shape for each predetermined quantity of viscous product.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the deformation means of the first and / or second film comprises means for thermoforming and / or stamping and / or embossing.

23. System according to one of claims 17 to 22, comprising means for cooling the predetermined amounts (16) of viscous product after they are deposited on the first film (10), the cooling temperature being such that it allows the product viscous to withstand the stresses experienced when applying the second film (22).

24. System according to one of claims 17 to 23, comprising at least one nozzle (18) with lips for depositing the viscous product.

25. System according to one of claims 17 to 24 comprising at least one heliography cylinder for depositing the predetermined amounts (16) of viscous product on the first film.

26. System according to one of claims 17 to 25, wherein the hermetic assembly means of the first and second film comprise gluing and / or heat sealing means and / or ultrasound type.

27. The system of claim 26 comprising at least one nozzle and / or a flexo roll for depositing at least one adhesive substance (12) on the first and / or second film.

28. System according to one of claims 17 to 27, wherein the hermetic assembly means of the first and second film comprise:

positioning means of the second film (22) with respect to the first, and

- Pressure application means of the second film (22) on the first film (10) outside the zone containing the viscous product.

29. System according to claims 20 and 28, wherein the shaping means are such that they enable simultaneous shaping and application of pressure.

30. The system of claim 20 or 21 wherein the conditioning product forming means comprises a rotating cylinder (26) provided with knives.

31. System according to one of claims 17 to 30 comprising means for coating the bottom face of the film (10) which is opposite to the face on which the viscous product is deposited, so that the packaged product constitutes a label. adhesive.

32. System according to claim 31, comprising means for securing the lower film (10) of a support film.

(11) the surface condition of which is such as to allow, on the one hand, the temporary assembly of the first film (10) on the support film (11) and, secondly, that almost all the adhesive remains on the first film (10) after separation of the support (11).

33. Method according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the individual package (17) is hermetic during manufacture and permeable and / or operable for use.

34. Method according to one of claims 1 to 16 and 33 wherein, after the removal of the predetermined amounts (16) of viscous products, subjecting them to an electric field to prevent their spreading.

35. System according to one of claims 17 to 32, wherein the individual package (17) is hermetic during manufacture and permeable and / or operable for use.

36. System according to one of claims 17 to 32 and 35, comprising means for, after the removal of the predetermined amounts (16) of viscous products, subjecting them to an electric field to prevent their spreading.