WO1998052861A1 - Appareil et procede permettant d'ouvrir et de vider un contenant, et utilisation de cet appareil - Google Patents

Appareil et procede permettant d'ouvrir et de vider un contenant, et utilisation de cet appareil Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1998052861A1
WO1998052861A1 PCT/DK1998/000206 DK9800206W WO9852861A1 WO 1998052861 A1 WO1998052861 A1 WO 1998052861A1 DK 9800206 W DK9800206 W DK 9800206W WO 9852861 A1 WO9852861 A1 WO 9852861A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
socket
cut
spout
seal membrane
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DK1998/000206
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Birger Josephsen
Kaj Nielsen
Original Assignee
Deltagraph A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Deltagraph A/S filed Critical Deltagraph A/S
Priority to EP98921370A priority Critical patent/EP1044158A1/fr
Priority to JP54982698A priority patent/JP2001526802A/ja
Priority to AU74253/98A priority patent/AU7425398A/en
Publication of WO1998052861A1 publication Critical patent/WO1998052861A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B7/00—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers
    • B67B7/38—Power-operated cutting devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67B—APPLYING CLOSURE MEMBERS TO BOTTLES JARS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; OPENING CLOSED CONTAINERS
    • B67B7/00—Hand- or power-operated devices for opening closed containers
    • B67B7/24—Hole-piercing devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03C—PHOTOSENSITIVE MATERIALS FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC PURPOSES; PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES, e.g. CINE, X-RAY, COLOUR, STEREO-PHOTOGRAPHIC PROCESSES; AUXILIARY PROCESSES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
    • G03C5/00—Photographic processes or agents therefor; Regeneration of such processing agents
    • G03C5/26—Processes using silver-salt-containing photosensitive materials or agents therefor
    • G03C5/264—Supplying of photographic processing chemicals; Preparation or packaging thereof
    • G03C5/267—Packaging; Storage

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for opening and emptying a container.
  • the invention more particularly relates to the field of opening and emptying containers holding powdered or particulate matter, and still more specifically to the field of handling of photographic chemicals.
  • the invention further relates to the use of an apparatus for the dispensing of powdered chemicals.
  • the invention relates to the opening and emptying of containers holding matter which must be kept within a sealed envelope prior to use, and which preferably is handled without direct human contact.
  • One apparatus available on the market for photograhic processing equipment is designed for automatic opening and emptying of a container, which container exhibits a reduced neck terminated in a spout, sealed with a pierceable septum.
  • This prior art apparatus comprises a socket adapted for retaining the container, a cutting means formed as part of a cylinder with a toothed edge, and means for forcing this cutting means into the septum to tear open the septum along a line which extends generally adjacent an inner edge of the spout along the greater part of one revolution so as to leave an unbroken portion with the result that the part of the septum cut loose forms a flap which flexes downwardly.
  • the cutting means is operated by pivoting about a horizontal axis, and it performs several impact motions in order to effect the piercing operation.
  • An apparatus of this kind is mechanically complicated.
  • the cut made in the septum leaves a relatively wide unbroken rim along the inner edge of the spout which may have the tendency to retain powdered matter with the effect that not all of the container contents are emptied.
  • the impact type motion necessitates a sturdy retention of the container, and may in case of a container of a pliable material cause folding or wrinkling of such a container in a way which may intercept the outflow of contents.
  • the prior art container may, in case of powdered chemicals for photographic applications susceptible to some degree of agglomeration, permit such powdered matter to form bridges inside the container.
  • a partial emptying of the container is a substantial disadvantage in case of photographic chemicals, as this may lead to an uncorrect dosage of chemicals.
  • Another disadvantage may be requirements for added safety precautions in discarding emptied containers due to the potential hazards by chemical residues.
  • German published application DE 31 50 209 Al discloses a toner cartridge for a copying machine, which cartridge comprises a spout sealed with a membrane and adapted for being introduced into a socket on the photocopying machine.
  • the socket is provided with stationary stud which breaks the septum sealing the cartridge by the motion of the axial introduction of the cartridge into the socket.
  • puncturing the seal is coupled to the introduction of the cartridge into the socket, which complicates the operation and which has the undesirable effect that the seal will be punctured before the cartridge has reached its final position in the socket.
  • US patent 3 080 078 describes an apparatus for dispensing of hot foods, which comprises means for opening and emptying cans. This comprises means for piercing the lid of the can and for drawing a knife to form a circular cut and subsequently for turning the can upside down to empty the contents.
  • This prior art apparatus is considered to be quite complicated.
  • the invention in a first aspect provides an apparatus as recited in claim 1.
  • the socket guides the spout and supports it in a steady position, held by the weight of the container and, optionally, by dedicated retention means.
  • the cutting means preferably comprises a pointed device capable of puncturing the seal membrane, and a knife edge.
  • the cutting means may be stationary in a way to effect the piercing by the motion of introducing the cartridge into the socket, or the cutting means may be adapted for a controlled motion in the way that the cartridge is installed in the socket prior to piercing the septum, whereafter the cutting means and the socket are moved to approach each other to the point of puncturing the septum.
  • This apparatus obtains a gentle handling of the cartridge with a minimum of shaking motions, and it produces a seal opening which produces the optimal conditions for permitting the cartridge contents to flow out. Gentle handling is an important point in case of containers comprising very pliable or flexible pouches which may be susceptible to form wrinkles or folds in an irregular manner if they are shaken during the emptying step.
  • a container which is well adapted for opening and emptying in the apparatus according to the invention is the subject of a co-pending international patent application filed in the name of the same applicant and with a claim of priority from Danish patent application No. 590/97.
  • the first drive means is adapted to effect a course by which the cut traces part of a circle on the seal membrane of the container. This may be implemented by making a knife pierce the septum and by performing a circular motion, stopping a little short of one full revolution, or it may be implemented by performing several revolutions while moving the knife in and out of the plane of the seal membrane in a manner controlled in synchronism with the rotation.
  • the apparatus comprises second drive means for moving the cutting means to pierce the pierceable section. This permits the complete automation of the opening and emptying procedure. This also permits retracting the knife during the stages of installing and removing the container so as to avoid any hazard to the operator.
  • the second drive means is adapted for effecting oscillatory movements so as to create a shearing effect by said cutting means. This creates a saw action which is more effective in cutting the septum, and this also has the advantage of distributing any wear over a section of the cutting edge, thereby minimizing localized wear on the cutting edge.
  • the second drive means is adapted for moving the cutting means away to rest position, wherein the cutting means is shielded by a protective cover.
  • the apparatus comprises a nozzle adapted for injecting a jet of gas or liquid through the opening cut in the septum in order to purge the inside of the container. This permits the cleaning of the container in order to remove all residue of the contents.
  • the second drive means is adapted for moving the cutting means in the direction substantially transverse to the socket. This eases the requirements to positive retention of the spout, as the reaction force caused by the engagement by the knife will mainly be applied transversely to the socket, thus with no tendency to move the cartridge away from its position in the socket.
  • the invention in a further aspect provides a method as recited in claim 9.
  • the cut is traced along a course which involves motion in a direction along the plane of the seal membrane as well as motion tranverse to the plane of the seal membrane.
  • These definitions in case of non-planar seal mebranes, refer to a tangent plane to the membrane at the point of contact between the membrane and the knife edge.
  • the motion in the direction along the plane of the seal membrane has the purpose of tracing an extended cut in the membrane.
  • the motion transverse to the plane of the seal membrane has the purpose of creating a shearing or saw action by the knife in order to enhance the cutting and in order to distribute any wear on the knife edge.
  • the invention in still another aspect provides a use of an apparatus is recited in claim 10.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a vertical, axial section in an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a plan section taken along the line 2-2 in Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 3 illustrates a plan section of a container in order to illustrate a cut formed by an apparatus according to a first embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 4 illustrates a vertical, axial section through an apparatus according to a second embodiment of the invention
  • Fig. 5 illustrates a plan section with the line
  • Fig. 1 illustrates the dispenser in vertical axial section
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a plan section with a line 2-2 in Fig. 1
  • Fig. 3 illustrates part of a container with indication of the cut effected by the action of the dispenser according to the first embodiment.
  • the dispenser 1 basically comprises base plate 6, which base plate defines a circular race 7 which receives a rim 2 in rotatable fashion.
  • the race 7 in the base plate 6 defines an axis of rotation 26 about which the rim may rotate.
  • the rim 2 defines a hollow socket 3 comprising an interior, generally cylindrical hollow with two opposite, radially extending recesses 4 (refer to Fig. 2) .
  • the socket 3 is adapted for receiving a container 17 by means of a container spout 19 being inserted inside the socket.
  • the spout 19 has a generally cylindrical tubular shape with two opposite, outwardly extending lobes or salients 20 adapted for being received in the socket recesses 4.
  • the mating interaction between the spout lobes 20 and the socket recesses 4 provides a non- rotatable engagement between the spout and the rim.
  • the socket recesses 4 may be adapted for permitting locking the lobes by axial insertion of the spout followed by a twist.
  • Rim 2 is provided with an exterior worm gear 5 which meshes with pinion 8 on drive shaft 9 driven by motor 10.
  • the motor 10 is provided with suitable control means for controlling its operation so as to start it and to stop it, and to operate the rotation through a predetermined angle as referred to the rim.
  • suitable control means is considered to lie within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.
  • the dispenser further comprises a knife 11 supported by a knife fixture 12 which is in turn structurally supported by the base plate 6.
  • the knife 11 comprises an upwardly oriented point and a knife edge suitably oriented and designed to perform the operations to be explained below.
  • the dispenser further comprises a chute 13 adapted for collecting and funnelling any matter discharged from the container once opened.
  • a nozzle 14 is arranged adjacent the chute and oriented upwardly adjacent the axis of rotation 26. The nozzle is communicated with a pipe conduit 15 in order to provide a means by which a jet of fluid, such as gas or liquid, may be injected towards the container interior with the purpose of purging the inside container walls.
  • Operation of the dispenser generally takes place as follows : A cartridge comprising a container 17 holding powdered matter and sealed by a membrane 21 is oriented with the spout downwardly and held with the spout above the socket. Once the lobes have been registrered with the recesses, the spout is pushed downwards to reach a position of engagement, illustrated in Fig. 1. During the axial introduction of the spout, the membrane 21 which seals the spout opening is pierced by the pointed knife.
  • the motor is operated to turn the rim.
  • the spout 19 and the entire container turns by way of the interaction between the lobes and the recesses.
  • the drive motor is operated to turn the rim over the greater part of one revolution.
  • the knife traces a cut 16 in the membrane 21 as illustrated in Fig. 3 wherein the cut is indicated in phantom by reference 16. This cuts out of the mebrane a flap 18 which stays attached to the edge by a small part and which bends downwardly under the action of its own weight and possibly under the weight of the container contents.
  • the base plate comprises an axially inwardly protruding sectored edge adapted in order that the spout with the lobes may simply be introduced axially and then by the rotation be moved under sectored edge parts to be retained securely within the rim. This provides for simple installation and for positive retention during rotation of the container.
  • a second embodiment (not shown) comprises a movable knife which may be activated to pierce the membrane while the container is held by the socket.
  • FIG. 1 comprises a rotatable container socket together with a non-rotating knife
  • another embodiment (not shown) comprises a fixed socket and a rotating knife fixture adapted for rotating the knife in a controlled manner so as to trace a membrane cut similar to the one illustrated in Fig. 3.
  • Transverse motions may comprise small pertubations or undulating movements having the purpose of distributing any knife edge wear, to further the cutting, and possibly to shake the container to enhance outflow of powder.
  • Another purpose of transverse motion may be to take the knife away from the plane of the membrane to control the length of the cut.
  • the motor preferably comprises means for stopping rotation always in an orientation where the knife has been lifted away from the membrane plane. This has the purpose of permitting entering and removing of the container without engaging the knife. Thus the membrane will only be pierced upon starting rotation by the effect of the rotating motion and the transverse motion.
  • the dispenser 22 according to the second embodiment of the invention comprises a knife 23 secured to a linear actuator 24 by which the knife may be displaced in a direction generally transverse to the axis of container rotation 26.
  • the knife 23 according to the second embodiment is adapted for engaging and forming an incision in a peripheral, tubular wall of the container spout, which wall, in this case, provides the seal membrane.
  • the linear actuator 24 is adapted for retracting the knife into a sheath or protective cover 25 wherein the edge and the point of the knife is safely protected.
  • Rotation of the rim 2 is similar to what is explained in respect of the first embodiment.
  • the incision formed in the container by the dispenser 22 according to the second embodiment takes the shape of the greater part of a circle around the periphery of a tubular part of the spout. The cut stops just short of a full revolution of the rim in order not to sever the bottom part of the container completely from the spout .
  • the linear actuator 24 is adapted for effecting undulating motions of the knife during the rotation of the rim so as to impart a shearing action by the knife during rotation of the container.
  • Other parts of the dispenser according to the second embodiment are similar to parts of the dispenser according to the first embodiment; therefore reference may be made to the explanation given above.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil (1, 22) permettant d'ouvrir et de vider un contenant (17) qui comporte un ergot scellé à un élément comprenant une membrane de scellement. Cet appareil comprend un manchon (3) conçu pour recevoir l'ergot et pour supporter le contenant, un dispositif de coupe (23) conçu pour percer ladite section et pour faire une entaille dedans, un premier moyen d'entraînement (10) permettant de déplacer le manchon par rapport au moyen de coupe afin de réaliser une entaille dans ladite membrane de scellement, qui recouvre sensiblement toute l'ouverture du bec de coulée. L'invention concerne également un procédé permettant d'ouvrir et de vider un contenant.
PCT/DK1998/000206 1997-05-23 1998-05-22 Appareil et procede permettant d'ouvrir et de vider un contenant, et utilisation de cet appareil WO1998052861A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP98921370A EP1044158A1 (fr) 1997-05-23 1998-05-22 Appareil et procede permettant d'ouvrir et de vider un contenant, et utilisation de cet appareil
JP54982698A JP2001526802A (ja) 1997-05-23 1998-05-22 容器を開封して空にする装置及び方法、並びに該装置の用途
AU74253/98A AU7425398A (en) 1997-05-23 1998-05-22 An apparatus and a method for opening and emptying a container, and a use of an apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DK0589/97 1997-05-23
DK58997A DK173298B1 (da) 1997-05-23 1997-05-23 Apparat og fremgangsmåde til åbning og tømning af en beholder

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1998052861A1 true WO1998052861A1 (fr) 1998-11-26

Family

ID=8095282

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/DK1998/000206 WO1998052861A1 (fr) 1997-05-23 1998-05-22 Appareil et procede permettant d'ouvrir et de vider un contenant, et utilisation de cet appareil

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1044158A1 (fr)
JP (1) JP2001526802A (fr)
AU (1) AU7425398A (fr)
DK (1) DK173298B1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998052861A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19922902A1 (de) * 1999-05-19 2000-11-30 Gpc Ag Genome Pharmaceuticals Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Öffnen von mit einer Siegelfolie verschlossenen Behältern
FR2959491A1 (fr) * 2010-05-03 2011-11-04 Idi Pharma Dispositif pour l'extraction du contenu d'un sachet, tel qu'un sachet contenant au moins un produit pharmaceutique en poudre
US20180154407A1 (en) * 2016-12-06 2018-06-07 Bourgault Industries Ltd. Draining and rinsing containers

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3276631A (en) * 1964-10-26 1966-10-04 Owens Odell Dispenser with means to support and puncture a container
DE1943923A1 (de) * 1968-08-30 1970-03-05 Eastman Kodak Co Vorrichtung zum Beschicken eines Geraetes mit pulverfoermigem Material,insbesondere zum Beschicken eines elektrographischen Geraetes mit Toner
GB2082540A (en) * 1980-08-05 1982-03-10 Mid Anglia Project Engineering Apparatus for emptying drums
US4561567A (en) * 1984-01-20 1985-12-31 Pitney Bowes Inc. Toner loading apparatus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3276631A (en) * 1964-10-26 1966-10-04 Owens Odell Dispenser with means to support and puncture a container
DE1943923A1 (de) * 1968-08-30 1970-03-05 Eastman Kodak Co Vorrichtung zum Beschicken eines Geraetes mit pulverfoermigem Material,insbesondere zum Beschicken eines elektrographischen Geraetes mit Toner
GB2082540A (en) * 1980-08-05 1982-03-10 Mid Anglia Project Engineering Apparatus for emptying drums
US4561567A (en) * 1984-01-20 1985-12-31 Pitney Bowes Inc. Toner loading apparatus

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN, Vol. 10, No. 183, (P-472); & JP,A,61 029 870 (KONISHIROKU PHOTO IND CO LTD) 10 February 1986. *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN; & JP,A,57 208 576 (MINOLTA CAMERA KK) 21 December 1982. *

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE19922902A1 (de) * 1999-05-19 2000-11-30 Gpc Ag Genome Pharmaceuticals Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Öffnen von mit einer Siegelfolie verschlossenen Behältern
WO2000071425A1 (fr) 1999-05-19 2000-11-30 Gpc Biotech Ag Procede et dispositif d'ouverture de recipients fermes par un film d'etancheite
FR2959491A1 (fr) * 2010-05-03 2011-11-04 Idi Pharma Dispositif pour l'extraction du contenu d'un sachet, tel qu'un sachet contenant au moins un produit pharmaceutique en poudre
EP2384983A1 (fr) * 2010-05-03 2011-11-09 IDI Pharma Dispositif pour l'extraction du contenu d'un sachet, tel qu'un sachet contenant au moins un produit pharmaceutique en poudre
US20180154407A1 (en) * 2016-12-06 2018-06-07 Bourgault Industries Ltd. Draining and rinsing containers
US10639684B2 (en) * 2016-12-06 2020-05-05 Bourgault Industries Ltd. Draining and rinsing containers

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK173298B1 (da) 2000-06-19
DK58997A (da) 1998-11-24
JP2001526802A (ja) 2001-12-18
AU7425398A (en) 1998-12-11
EP1044158A1 (fr) 2000-10-18

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