RU2597860C1 - Device for compaction of products and high-speed manufacture of packets - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: packaging industry.

SUBSTANCE: device is intended for compaction and packing of multiple portions of the product simultaneously and comprises a packets former with multiple product feeding cylinders, a weighing doser divided into sections, each of which doses and unloads a product portion into the corresponding loading funnel guiding the product into a deposition device containing at least two chambers, a gate and a vibrator. Herewith the deposition device is located between the weighing doser and the feeding cylinders. Method of compaction and packaging of multiple portions of the product is implemented in the device comprising multiple packets with multiple product feeding cylinders. Method includes weighing the multiple portions of the product in the weighing doser divided into several sections as per the number of the feeding cylinders, loading the portions of the product in the deposition device, compacting the portions of the product in the deposition device to form compacted portions, their unloading into the feeding cylinders, herewith each portion is unloaded into a separate cylinder and then the portions are packed from the cylinders in packages. Herewith the deposition device is located after the doser and before the feeding cylinder, and the stages of loading and unloading are carried out simultaneously.

EFFECT: group of inventions provides higher density of the packed products.

16 cl, 6 dwg

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cross reference to related applications

This application is a partial continuation of the pending application US 12/604748, filed October 23, 2009, the contents of which in its entirety by reference are incorporated into this application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for sealing multiple portions of a product and packaging them at high speed.

Description of the prior art

After packaging, the product often settles, which is why the packaging does not look completely filled. Accordingly, often the package looks full after manufacture, but after the product settles, it does not look completely filled. One example is a traditional flexible bag with snack foods such as potato chips. Such flexible bags are traditionally made and filled in a vertical molding-filling-capping machine. In FIG. 1 shows a part of a traditional molding and capping machine. First, the product is weighed and dosed on a weighing batcher 101. In the weighing batchers 101, a predetermined portion of the product is accumulated for packaging. Each serving contains the amount of product in one packet. After the weighing batcher 101, there is usually a funnel 102 or a series of funnels that guide the product. The terms “after” and “before” are used to mean relative points or positions of a process or device. So, the event that occurs after takes place later and follows the events that occurred before it. After the funnel 102, there is the product supply cylinder 103. The product product cylinder 103 used in the vertical forming, filling and capping machine is often called a shaper. A packaging film for wrapping the finished package is wrapped around the product supply cylinder 103 to form a sleeve. After capping the lower end of the sleeve, the product is fed through the product supply cylinder 103 to the capped sleeve. After that, the upper end of the sleeve is sealed, cut off and separated from the film located before it, as a result of which the package is formed. This device is a highly efficient packetizer at speeds up to 100 packets per minute.

During delivery and movement, the product inside the package begins to settle, increasing the empty space at the top of the package. Packaging on a store shelf after it is delivered and moved often looks less full than packaging immediately after leaving the bag former. This creates a variety of difficulties. Firstly, a package that looks and feels less full is less attractive to a buyer than a more full package. Secondly, many buyers are unpleasant to discover after opening the package that it is almost half empty. Thirdly, due to the increased volume of empty space after the product settles, the known packaging has a larger size than is required considering its contents. Such packaging unnecessarily takes up valuable space on store shelves, in trucks, in warehouses and in customers' cabinets. In addition, when forming such a package, materials for its manufacture, such as plastic films, are unproductive.

For these reasons, attempts have been made to reduce the empty space in the package. One such attempt is described in the publication of application US 2006/0165859 for a jointly owned invention, which says that products of arbitrary shape tend to less settle over time than products of the same shape, and accordingly, the manufacture of products of arbitrary shape is described. However, one of the disadvantages of this method is that the manufacture of products of arbitrary shape is not always desirable.

Another known method is to partially fill the package with the product and vibrate the package to cause the product to settle inside the package. After this, the product is added to the package and the process is repeated. Unfortunately, this method is very slow and can not be carried out at high speed on a traditional vertical molding-filling-capping machine.

Accordingly, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide a device and method for providing a higher density of the product inside the package. In addition, since many packages are manufactured on a vertical molding-filling-capping machine, it is desirable that the device and method are easily adapted for use on such a machine, preferably only with a slight modification and without significantly reducing the speed of production of the bags.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The appended claims set forth the alleged novelty features characterizing the invention. However, the invention itself, as well as the preferred method of its application, its additional tasks and advantages will be best understood from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

in FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a known filling device,

in FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a filling device according to one embodiment of the invention with a deposition chamber,

in FIG. 3 shows a horizontal side view of a rotary deposition device with a plurality of deposition chambers in their unloading and loading positions,

in FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rotary deposition apparatus, with a plurality of deposition chambers in a half-turned position,

in FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a filling device according to one embodiment of the invention with a deposition chamber and a multiple bag former, and

in FIG. 6 shows a horizontal side view of a rotary deposition device with a plurality of deposition chambers in their unloading and loading positions.

Detailed description

Next, with reference to the drawings, several embodiments of the invention are described. Unless otherwise indicated, similar elements in all the drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for densifying a portion of a product and providing a higher density of the product inside the package. Seal means the density of the product inside the package. One of the tasks is the formation and compaction of an intermediate portion of the product, which is then unloaded into the packaging device and then into the packaging. One of the additional tasks in one of the embodiments is to ensure that a higher density is maintained during the packaging operation. The applicant has found that due to the formation and compaction of an intermediate portion of the product, and then its unloading for packaging, the density of the product increases. A portion of the product is the cumulative amount of the product.

Due to the higher density of the product provided in the bag former, its subsidence during subsequent transportation, movement and packaging demonstration is reduced. Thus, due to the device and method according to the present invention, packaging on a store shelf is more like packaging in a bag former. Used the term "packetizer" refers to any packaging device. The method and device can be used in a variety of bag formers, including, without limitation, a vertical forming-filling-capping machine and horizontal forming-filling-capping machines, a box former with an insert in the form of a bag, and also machines for packing into boxes. Similarly, a packaging device called a filling and capping device for filling and capping prefabricated bags can also be used. The finished packaging described in the invention may be conventional flexible packaging for snack foods, vertical packaging, a box, a box with a package-shaped insert, and other articles for packaging a product prone to settling.

The device and method can be used to provide a higher density of a variety of products, including food products such as chips, pretzels, cookies, noodles, nuts, cereals and grains. Similarly, the present invention is applicable to individually packaged products, such as individually packaged peppermint candy canes or other sweets that are prone to settling. The device and method are also applicable to other dry products, including dog food, cat food, etc.

In FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a filling device according to one embodiment of the invention with a deposition chamber. As shown in FIG. 2, a deposition device 207 is disposed between the weighing batcher 101 and the product feeding cylinder 103 of the vertical forming-filling-capping machine. The weight batcher 101 can be virtually any weight batcher known in the art. In one embodiment, the weight dispenser 101 is a static weight dispenser. As shown, after the weighing batcher 101, a loading funnel 102 is located. The product enters the loading funnel 102 or a series of funnels that direct it to the packet former located after them. Used by the term "loading funnel" 102 refers to any device located after the weighing batcher, but before the deposition device, for collecting and directing the product. The feed hopper 102 may be attached to the weighing batcher 101 and may have vertical or inclined walls. In one embodiment, a metal detector is provided between the weighing batcher 101 and the hopper 102 to detect foreign particles. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a hopper 102 is not required in all embodiments. After the loading funnel 102 and the weighing batcher 101, a deposition device 207 is located.

As shown, the deposition device 207 includes one deposition chamber 204, a vibrator 208, and a shutter 206. The term “deposition device” is used to mean a device for loading and capturing a certain amount of product to form an intermediate portion of the densified product. The deposition chamber 204 is a separate chamber for loading and holding the product. In one embodiment, the deposition chamber 204 has four vertical walls and open top and bottom.

The applicant has found that by collecting the product coming out of the weight batcher 101 and holding it for a certain time in the deposition chamber 204, the product settles and density increases. As a result of increased settling of the product during packaging, it subsequently less settles. Vibrator 208 may report rolling or vibration to the deposition chamber 204 to accelerate product settling. The necessary time and amount of external energy, such as the vibration required to allow settling, depends on many factors, including without limitation the geometry of the product, the size and geometry of the deposition chamber, the portion size and the desired degree of compaction. Those skilled in the art are able to determine the amount of time and energy required to achieve the desired degree of compaction. In order to ensure settling and achieve a higher density of the product, another movement may be imparted to the deposition chamber, such as vertically, horizontally, rotationally, vibrationally, and combinations thereof. The vibrator 208, which is optional, may be any device that vibrates the deposition chamber 204. The vibrator 208 may be in various positions throughout the deposition device 207.

Applicant has discovered that the geometry of the deposition chamber 204 affects the shape of the packaged portion as well as the shape of the finished package, especially if the finished package is a traditional flexible bag. In one embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the deposition chamber 204 is predominantly similar to the desired serving form. For example, in one embodiment, the deposition chamber 204 has a predominantly oval cross-section that mimics a predominantly oval cross-section of a conventional flexible bag. Cross sections of other shapes may be used, including, but not limited to, circular and square cross sections.

The height of the deposition chamber 204 may vary depending on the desired size and shape of the intermediate portion, which ultimately dictates the size and shape of the finished product. In one embodiment, the size of the deposition chamber 204 is approximately 0.5 to 2.5 times the height of the finished package, and in one embodiment, approximately 1.25 times the height of the finished package. The size of the chamber depends on a variety of factors, including the required degree of subsidence. In one embodiment, the height of the deposition chamber 204 is selected so that it is placed between the weight dispenser and the packaging device and does not lift the weight dispenser.

In one embodiment, the bottom of the deposition chamber 204 has an opening of a larger diameter than its top. Due to the outlet of larger diameter, the adhesion of some products subject to adhesion is minimized. This helps the product maintain its desired compact shape and provides faster and more efficient product discharge.

At the bottom of the deposition chamber 204 is a shutter 206. The shutter 206 can be a variety of types of shutters, including gate valves and butterfly valves. In one of the embodiments, the shutter 206 is a valve, which allows you to quickly and efficiently unload the product from the deposition chamber 204.

After the shutter 206, the product supply cylinder 103 is located. In some embodiments, an intermediate funnel 209 is provided that directs the product discharged through the shutter 206 to the product supply cylinder 103. The intermediate funnel 209 can be one or more funnels that can be straight or inclined the walls. In addition, the intermediate funnel 209 can have a variety of shapes. In one embodiment, the intermediate funnel 209 has a shape similar to that of the deposition chamber 204.

In some embodiments, each subsequent transition portion along the path from the feed funnel 102 to the product feed cylinder 103 has a larger diameter than the previous transition portion. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, the intermediate funnel 209 has a larger diameter than the deposition chamber 204, but a smaller diameter than the product supply cylinder 103. Due to this design, adhesion and any other destruction of the formed portion are minimized.

Accordingly, the method of densifying a portion of a product begins with weighing a certain amount of product in a weight doser. The product is then sent to a precipitation device. After the product enters the deposition device, it is compacted in order to form a portion of the product. As described, this can be done by storing the product for a certain time or by swinging, rotating and / or vibrating the deposition device. After compaction of the product, it is discharged into the supply cylinder. It should be noted that the product can be discharged directly into the cylinder feeding the product or into an intermediate funnel or tray before loading into the cylinder feeding the product. After that, a portion is unloaded from the product supply cylinder to the package. As described above, the deposition device is located after the weighing batcher and up to the product feed cylinder. In addition, the deposition device may contain only one deposition chamber or several deposition chambers.

In one embodiment, the deposition device 207 comprises only one deposition chamber 204. However, in other embodiments, the deposition apparatus 207 comprises several deposition chambers 204. In one embodiment, two or more deposition chambers 204 operate in parallel, each of which unloads a portion of the product into a subsequent product supply cylinder 103. In other embodiments, at least two chambers 204 act sequentially, the first chamber being located below the second chamber, and the product partially settles in the first chamber before being loaded into the second chamber for further settling. In one embodiment, one or more deposition chambers 204 are mounted on a rotary deposition device. In one embodiment, each subsequent chamber provides an increasing subsidence.

In FIG. 3 shows a horizontal side view of a rotary deposition device with a plurality of deposition chambers in their unloading and loading positions. A rotary deposition device 304 is a device comprising several deposition chambers capable of pivoting about an axis within the deposition device. In FIG. 3, a rotary deposition apparatus 304 is shown comprising eight deposition chambers 204a-h located above a stationary rotary table 305, a shutter 306, and a vibrator 208. Although eight deposition chambers 204a-h are shown, a different number of deposition chambers may also be used. Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of deposition chambers required depends on a variety of factors, including without limitation the product geometry, the desired size and weight of each batch, the desired throughput in bags per minute, the required settling time, etc.

The deposition chambers 204a-h may be in various positions in the rotary deposition apparatus 304. In one embodiment, the centers of each deposition chamber are uniformly spaced around the turntable 305. In one embodiment, the chambers are uniformly spaced and oriented like wheel spokes. It is shown that the deposition chambers 204 are located at an angle to the turntable 305 to maximize the number of chambers that fit on the turntable 305.

Since, in the illustrated embodiment, the deposition chambers 204 have open top and bottom, the product is held inside the deposition chambers 204 by a stationary turntable 305. In this embodiment, the deposition chambers 204 smoothly move on the turntable 305 and rotate. In the turntable 305 there is a hole 308 located above the shutter 306. In one embodiment, the shape of the hole corresponds to the shape of the deposition chamber 204. A camera located in a position above the shutter 306 and aligned with the hole 308 is called a discharge chamber 204a. The product in the discharge chamber 204a is held by the shutter 306. Accordingly, when the shutter 306 is opened by sliding movement or otherwise, the product falls through the hole 308 onto the turntable 305 and passes through the open shutter 306. Those skilled in the art will understand that there are other methods of holding product inside each deposition chamber, for example, using a separate shutter for each deposition chamber.

In one embodiment, a product supply cylinder 103 is located after and below the shutter 306. In such an embodiment, a compacted portion of the product is discharged from the discharge chamber into a product supply cylinder 103, in which it is then packed in a bag former.

Deposition chambers 204 may be populated at a variety of locations. In one embodiment, the discharge chamber 204a is also a deposition chamber into which the product enters, and is called a loading chamber. In such an embodiment, after unloading the product from the unloading chamber 204a, the shutter 306 closes the shutter. After that, the product enters the discharge chamber 204a. All deposition chambers 204 alternately move one position forward, and at this time, the product in the deposition chamber settles and becomes denser. Thus, in some embodiments, loading and unloading of the product does not occur simultaneously.

However, in FIG. 3 and 4, an embodiment is illustrated in which loading and unloading of the product do not occur in the same chamber. As shown in FIG. 3, the product is unloaded from the unloading chamber 204a, with the product coming from the loading funnel 102 to another chamber, namely, the loading chamber 204c. In one embodiment, the loading and unloading of the product occur simultaneously. So, after unloading the product, the unloading chamber 204a rotates into two positions and becomes the loading chamber 204c into which the product enters. In some embodiments, the discharge chamber 204a rotates only one position to become a loading chamber, and in other embodiments, the discharge chamber rotates many positions to become a loading chamber. The location of the loading and unloading positions depends on a variety of factors, including without limitation the location of the loading funnel 102 and the product supply cylinder 103, as well as the required degree of subsidence.

After loading the product into the loading chamber 204c, it rotates clockwise so many positions to become the unloading chamber 204a again. Although the example describes clockwise rotation, this should not be considered a limitation, since the device can also be rotated counterclockwise.

As the deposition chambers 204 rotate, the product becomes denser. In one embodiment, the vibrator 208 imparts vibration to the product inside the deposition chambers 204 to facilitate settling. The vibrator 208 can be placed in various places, including without limitation the stationary rotary table 305, can be attached to the camera 204 or to the rotary deposition device 304 or other supporting structure.

As shown in FIG. 3 and 4, a feed hopper 102 is located on top of the rotary deposition apparatus 304. The feed hopper 102 directs the product to the feed chamber. As noted above, the loading funnel 102 may be located directly below the weighing batcher 101 or under another funnel or row of funnels.

In FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rotary deposition apparatus with a plurality of deposition chambers in a half-turned position. In FIG. 4 also illustrates the hole 308 in the stationary table 305. Since the chambers are half-turned, the product is not loaded into the chambers or unloaded from the chambers. However, in other embodiments, during rotation, the product is loaded into and / or unloaded from the chambers. However, in some embodiments, it is desirable that the dense portion remains in this state after it is formed.

In FIG. 4 shows the stationary top 409. The top 409 does not allow the product inside the deposition chambers 204 to exit. In addition, the top 409 prevents foreign objects from entering the deposition apparatus and then into the packaging. Top 409 is optional in all embodiments, and those skilled in the art will understand that under what processing conditions such top is required.

As shown, the intermediate funnel 209 and the product supply cylinder 103 are located after the opening 308. In FIG. 4 shows that the product supply cylinder 103 is part of a bag former in a vertical forming-filling-capping machine. In one embodiment, the product supply cylinder 103 is directly connected to the rotary device 304. In other embodiments, the product product cylinder 103 is not directly connected to the rotary device 304. The product supply cylinder 103 can be separated by a gap or can be connected to it. through other equipment, such as an intermediate funnel 209.

In one embodiment, the product package is a product from only one deposition chamber. In such an embodiment, the amount of product entering the loading chamber is equal to the amount of product in the finished package.

In other embodiments, the finished package contains two servings of the product. In one embodiment, the package comprises a product of at least two deposition chambers. In other embodiments, the package contains two servings of product from the same chamber. In such an embodiment, the first portion is first formed and unloaded from the chamber in the chamber, and then the second portion is formed and unloaded from the chamber in the same chamber.

The Applicant has found that some products are additionally sealed if they are individually sealed with two or more smaller servings, and then placed in the same package. For example, if the finished product must contain two servings, the portions formed in two different chambers are placed in one package. As shown in FIG. 3, in such an embodiment, one package contains both the product from the unloading chamber 204a and the product from the chamber 204h located one position behind the unloading chamber 204a. Accordingly, the product from both chambers 204a / 204h enters the vertical forming-filling-capping machine for packaging in one package.

In one embodiment, the height of each chamber is selected so that existing equipment can be retrofitted with a sealing device, for example, without lifting the weight dispenser. For example, in one embodiment, due to the presence of a plurality of deposition chambers, their height can be reduced since it is distributed among the plurality of chambers, as a result of which it is not necessary to move the weight batcher. Thus, a reduction in capital costs for the retooling of existing equipment is achieved.

The applicant found that after the initiation of sedimentation, a portion of the product retains its shape and density during packaging. Due to this, settling after packaging is reduced, and the buyer acquires a more filled package, which is more like a filled package in a bag former. As described previously, due to greater settling during packaging, settling after packaging is reduced to provide several benefits. One such benefit is the ability to use a relatively smaller package for a product of this weight. Due to this, production costs are reduced, since less material is required for packaging. In addition, due to this, transportation costs are reduced, since more packages can be placed in a given volume. In addition, more packages can be placed on a store shelf, since smaller packages take up less space. Similarly, a customer can store the same amount of product in smaller packages in a smaller space, which frees up valuable storage space.

As described, the device and method according to the invention allow packaging such an amount of product in a relatively smaller package. A smaller package may have a reduced height, width, or a combination thereof in comparison with a known package. In one embodiment, it is not the width that is changed, but only the height of the package. In such an embodiment, the required modifications to the packetizer are minimized.

The effectiveness of one of the embodiments of the present invention is demonstrated in the following examples, given for illustrative purposes only. Accordingly, the following examples should not be considered as limiting the invention.

Control test

The product was tested using chips weighing 21.5 ounces. Wheat chips were thin ribbed plates. In the test, a deposition device was used. The bags had a width of 12 inches, a total height of 18.75 inches and a usable height of 17.75 inches minus one inch on the upper and lower seals. The empty space in each package was measured and the degree of filling of each bag was calculated. Product empty space was measured by determining the average level of product in the package. Packages removed from the bag former, which was a vertical form-filling-capping machine, were filled at an average of 86% to an average of 15.25 inches. To determine the condition of the packages after being on the shelf of the store, they imitated the process of selling packages, including transportation, movement and storage time. After that, the empty space of the product was measured and it was calculated that the filling of each bag with the product averaged approximately 78% to a level of 13.85 inches. Accordingly, after simulating storage, the degree of filling of the packages decreased on average by about 8%, and the level of the product decreased by an average of 1.4 inches.

Single load

Used a non-rotating deposition device with one deposition chamber, similar in operation to the device shown in FIG. 2, in the next single loading test, when each package contains one serving of product. The deposition apparatus had deposition chambers mainly with an oval cross section and a width of 12 inches. Given the settling of the product, a smaller bag was used. This package had a width of 12 inches, a height of 16.75 inches and a usable height of about 15.75 inches. Product filling in the bag former was approximately 86% to about 13.55 inches. Accordingly, due to the deposition device, the product level decreased from 15.25 inches to 13.55 inches in the bag former with the same amount of product in the bag of the same width. After simulating storage, the packages were approximately 82% filled to 12.85 inches. Accordingly, the filling of the package decreased by only about 4%, and the package was filled more than during the control test. The decrease in product level was only about 0.7 inches, or about half the decrease in the control test.

Multiple download

Used the same device in the next test by the method of multiple loading, when the finished package contains two servings of the product. Accordingly, in the embodiment, a portion of the product was formed in the deposition chamber and unloaded from it, and then a second portion of the product was formed in the same deposition chamber and unloaded into the same package as the first portion. In a multiple-load test, a package of the same size as that of a single-load was also used. Product filling in the bag former was approximately 87% to about 13.65 inches. After simulating storage, the packaging was approximately 83% filled to approximately 13.15 inches. Accordingly, in comparison with the single-load method, the multiple-load method provides greater filling of packages both in the packetizer and after simulation of storage.

In tests both by the single loading method and by the multiple loading method, a smaller package was used, which contained the same amount of product as the control package of a larger size, but which required less material to be manufactured. Accordingly, product compaction provides a reduction in production and transportation costs, an increase in the number of packages placed in a given space, a decrease in the required space for storage of the package, and a package that looks more full for the customer.

In one embodiment, the compaction of the product is combined with the use of a multiple bag former to significantly increase packaging speed and efficiency. Any known shaper of many packages can be used, the invention being described with reference to a duplex vertical forming-filling-capping machine. Specialists in the art will understand that the necessary modifications to the weighing batcher and device for sealing the product are dictated by the number of bags manufactured by the shaper of multiple bags at a time.

In FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of a device in which a multiple bag former comprises a device for densifying a product according to one embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 5, a duplex vertical molding-filling-capping machine with feed cylinders 103 and 113 is used. The weight batcher 101 is divided into two sections, each of which measures half the weight of a portion of the product and unloads into the corresponding half of the loading funnel 102, which directs the product to the device 207 deposition. As shown, the deposition device 207 contains two deposition chambers 204, 214 each for one portion of the product, a vibrator 208 and a gate gate 206. The product is unloaded from the deposition chambers 204, 214 through the shutter 206 into the product supply cylinders 103, 113, respectively. Although the example describes the use of a duplex vertical molding-filling-capping machine, this should not be considered a limitation, since the device can be adapted to any number of packet formers.

The method of simultaneously sealing and packaging multiple portions of a product is predominantly similar to the method described above for a single portion of a product. A plurality of servings of the product is weighed in a divided weigher. The number of sections into which the weight batcher is divided is determined by the number of product cylinders for the shaper of the plurality of packages. So, in the case of a duplex packetizer, the weight batcher is divided into two sections, into three sections in the case of a triplex packetizer and so on. Portions of the product are then sent from the weight dispenser to the deposition device. After portions of the product enter the precipitation device, they are sealed to form densified portions of the product. After compaction, the portions are unloaded into several cylinder feed products. Then pack portions from the product supply cylinders with the appropriate number of packages.

In one embodiment, the deposition apparatus 207 comprises only deposition chambers 204, 214 for each packaged portion of the product. In other embodiments, the deposition apparatus 207 comprises a plurality of deposition chambers 204, 214 that operate in parallel, with a portion of the product from each of them unloading into the downstream product supply cylinders 103, 113. FIG. 6 shows a horizontal side view of a rotary deposition device with a plurality of deposition chambers in their unloading and loading positions. Shown in FIG. 6, the rotary deposition device 304 comprises twelve deposition chambers 204a-f, 214a-f located above the stationary rotary table 305, a shutter 306, and a vibrator 208. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the number of deposition chambers in any one position depends on the number of product feed cylinders of the shaper of a plurality of packages, while the deposition chambers, grouped in any position, rotate together, as a result of which the product is loaded into and unloaded from them simultaneously. So, if a triplex packetizer were used, a third deposition chamber (not shown) would be provided at each a-f position. A multi-chamber rotary deposition apparatus operates as described above with respect to compaction and packaging of one portion of a product.

Although the invention has been specifically considered and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detailed contents may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Additional description

The following paragraphs are provided as a further description of the disclosed invention.

1. A device for the simultaneous compaction and packaging of multiple servings of the product, containing:

a multiple bag former having multiple product supply cylinders,

weight dispenser and

deposition device

however, the deposition device is located between the weighing batcher and the feed product cylinder.

2. The device according to any preceding paragraph, in which the weighing batcher is divided into several sections according to the number of product supply cylinders.

3. The device according to any preceding paragraph, in which the shaper of the plurality of packages is a duplex vertical molding-filling-capping machine.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deposition device comprises at least two deposition chambers.

5. The device according to claim 4, in which the deposition chamber has a cross-sectional shape, predominantly similar to the desired portion shape of the product.

6. The device according to any preceding paragraph, in which the deposition chambers have a predominantly oval cross-section.

7. The device according to any preceding paragraph, in which the deposition chambers have an upper end and a lower end, while in the lower end there is an opening of a larger diameter than the upper end.

8. The device according to any preceding paragraph, in which the deposition device further comprises a shutter.

9. The device according to any preceding paragraph, in which the deposition apparatus comprises at least four deposition chambers and at least one shutter, the deposition chambers being able to rotate about an axis inside the deposition apparatus, and the number of deposition chambers is equal to the number of product supply cylinders grouped in any one position.

10. The device according to any preceding paragraph, further comprising a stationary rotary table, which is located below the deposition chamber.

11. The device according to any preceding paragraph, in which the stationary rotary table has an opening located above the shutter.

12. The device according to any preceding paragraph, further comprising a stationary table located at least over four rotary deposition chambers.

13. The device according to any preceding paragraph, further comprising at least one funnel located at least two rotary deposition chambers.

14. The device according to any preceding paragraph, in which the deposition device further comprises a vibrator.

15. A method of sealing and packaging a plurality of portions of a product in a device comprising a shaper of a plurality of bags with a plurality of product supply cylinders, including:

a) weighing multiple servings of the product in a weight batcher, which is divided into several sections according to the number of product supply cylinders,

b) loading multiple portions of the product into a precipitation device,

c) sealing a plurality of portions of a product in a deposition apparatus to form densified portions of a product

d) unloading the compacted portions of the product into several product feed cylinders, wherein each compacted portion of the product is unloaded into a separate product supply cylinder, and

d) packaging portions of the product from the product supply cylinders into packages,

however, the deposition device is located after the weighing batcher and to the product feed cylinder.

16. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the loading step comprises loading at least four deposition chambers, wherein the number of deposition chambers is equal to the number of grouped product supply cylinders.

17. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the compaction step comprises communicating rotation of the product in the four deposition chambers, the deposition chambers being able to rotate about an axis inside the deposition apparatus.

18. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which the compaction step comprises communicating vibration to the deposition device.

19. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which the stage of packaging includes the packaging of portions of the product in a duplex vertical forming-filling-capping machine.

20. The method according to any preceding paragraph, in which the loading stage and the unloading stage occur simultaneously.

21. The method according to any preceding claim, wherein the loading step comprises loading the product in at least one deposition chamber, and the packaging step comprising packaging at least two portions of the product from at least one deposition chamber in a package.

Claims (16)

1. A device for sealing and packaging multiple portions of a product at the same time, comprising:
a multiple bag former having multiple product supply cylinders,
a weight dispenser divided into sections, each section measures and unloads a portion of the product into a suitable feed funnel, which directs the product to a deposition device containing at least two deposition chambers, a shutter and a vibrator, and
however, the deposition device is located between the weighing batcher and the specified product supply cylinders. 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein said weight dispenser is divided into several sections according to the number of product supply cylinders. 3. The device according to claim 1, wherein said shaper of a plurality of packets comprises a duplex vertical molding-filling-capping machine. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein said deposition chambers have a cross-sectional shape predominantly similar to the desired portion shape of the product. 5. The device according to claim 4, wherein said deposition chambers have a predominantly oval cross-section. 6. The device according to claim 1, wherein said deposition chambers have an upper end and a lower end, while the lower end has an opening of a larger diameter than the upper end. 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein said deposition devices comprise at least four deposition chambers and at least one shutter, the deposition chambers being able to rotate around an axis inside the deposition apparatus, and the number of deposition chambers is equal to the number of product supply cylinders grouped in one position. 8. The device according to claim 7, additionally containing a stationary rotary table, which is located below the deposition chambers. 9. The device according to claim 8, in which the stationary rotary table has an opening located above the shutter. 10. The device according to claim 7, further comprising a stationary table located at least over four rotary deposition chambers. 11. A method of sealing and packaging multiple portions of a product in a device containing a shaper of multiple packages with many product supply cylinders, comprising the steps of:
a) weighing multiple portions of the product in a weight dispenser, which is divided into several sections according to the number of product supply cylinders,
b) loading multiple portions of the product into the deposition device,
C) compaction of multiple portions of the product in the deposition device for forming densified portions of the product,
d) unloading the compacted portions of the product into several product supply cylinders, wherein each compacted portion of the product is unloaded into a separate product supply cylinder, and
d) packaging portions of the product from the product supply cylinders into packages,
however, the deposition device is located after the weighing batcher and to the product feeding cylinder, and the loading stage and the unloading stage are carried out simultaneously. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the loading step comprises loading the product into at least four deposition chambers, wherein the number of deposition chambers is equal to the number of product supply cylinders grouped together. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the compaction step comprises communicating rotation of the product in the four deposition chambers, the deposition chambers being able to rotate about an axis within the deposition apparatus. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the compaction step comprises communicating vibration to the deposition apparatus. 15. The method according to p. 11, in which the stage of packaging includes the packaging of portions of the product in a duplex vertical molding-filling-capping machine. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the loading step comprises loading the product into at least one deposition chamber, and the packaging step comprising packaging at least two portions of the product from at least one deposition chamber into a package.

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