A sealing system for food containers is disclosed. The sealing system comprises a frame and a conveyor system for conveying food containers through the sealing system, wherein the conveyor system is supported by the frame. A sealing unit is configured to receive food containers from the conveyor system, wherein the sealing unit comprises a first sealing tool and a second sealing tool configured to be pressed together in order to seal each food container positioned therebetween, wherein the sealing unit is supported by the frame, and wherein the conveyor system is further configured to convey sealed food containers away from the sealing unit. A power monitoring unit is configured to measure or estimate a power consumption of at least the sealing unit of the sealing system. A control unit is configured to calculate an energy consumption per sealed food container based on the power consumption and the number of sealing operations performed per unit time, and output an indication derived from the calculated energy consumption per sealed food container.
B65B 51/14 - Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
B65B 57/00 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices
B29C 65/00 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor
B65B 57/08 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages and operating to stop, or to control the speed of, the machine as a whole
B65B 59/00 - Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
B65B 59/02 - Arrangements to enable adjustments to be made while the machine is running
A food processing system for performing one or more actions of processing food items comprises a frame, the frame substantially surrounding a processing region within which one or more actions of processing food items takes place, the frame defining one or more openings through a side of the frame for an operator to access the processing region. A door is provided for selectively opening and closing at least one of said openings through the side of the frame. A hinge couples the door to the frame and defines a rotation axis such that the door may be rotated relative to the frame about said rotation axis. The door is restricted so as to be rotatable relative to the frame through a normal opening range of no more than 60° to a partially open position. The door comprises a panel for closing said at least one opening through the side of the frame when the door is in a closed position, and a sliding mechanism for sliding the panel along a direction of the door when the door is in the partially open position for fully opening the at least one opening through the side of the frame.
A method of identifying a defective dispersion feeder in a system suitable for supplying food product from a supply position to a plurality of batch measuring units comprises supplying product to a dispersion feeder configured to receive product at the supply position and distribute the product towards each of the plurality of batch measuring units, operating the dispersion feeder to distribute the product towards each of the plurality of batch measuring units, repeatedly measuring the amount of product at the dispersion feeder using a dispersion feeder measuring unit and supplying additional product to the dispersion feeder based on said measurements, receiving product in at least some of the plurality of batch measuring units, measuring the product received in the plurality of batch measuring units, and outputting an indication that the dispersion feeder is defective based on the measurements of the product received in the plurality of batch measuring units.
G01G 19/393 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for combinatorial weighing, i.e. selecting a combination of articles whose total weight or number is closest to a desired value using two or more weighing units
A container has a product in a product-receiving area and has a sealing area surrounding the product-receiving area. A length of film is arranged over the container. A space above the film is evacuated using an evacuating portion of an upper sealing module arranged over the film, so as to cause a portion of the film to conform to the upper sealing module. An area of the film is cut out by moving a cutting tool relative to the upper sealing module from a recessed position to a cutting position. The cut-out area of film includes the portion of the film conformed to the upper sealing module, is brought into contact with the sealing area of the container by moving the upper sealing module relative to the container, and is sealed to the sealing area of the container using a heat sealing portion of the upper sealing module.
B65B 7/16 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
B65B 31/02 - Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
Disclosed are a hopper, method and system comprising the hopper for separating slack (S) from a mixture of product and slack, the hopper comprising a first gate (12a) that is moveable between respective open and closed positions; and a slack removal body (20) the first gate and the slack removal body being arranged such that, when the first gate is in its closed position, they define a first product receiving volume therebetween wherein the slack removal body comprises a first internal chamber for receiving slack and a first filter wall that separates the first internal chamber from the first product receiving volume, the first filter wall being configured to prevent the passage of product therethrough, but to allow the passage of slack therethrough wherein the first gate is configured such that: when the first gate is in its open position a first path is provided for product to exit the first product receiving volume and when the first gate is in its closed position the first path is closed and product may be retained in the first product receiving volume and wherein the slack removal body is configured to remain substantially stationary as the first gate is moved between its respective open and closed positions.
B07B 13/04 - Grading or sorting solid materials by dry methods, not otherwise provided for; Sorting articles otherwise than by indirectly controlled devices according to size
B65B 1/06 - Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles by gravity flow
B65B 1/32 - Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality of the material fed or filled by weighing
B65D 88/28 - Construction or shape of discharge section
B65G 65/48 - Devices for emptying otherwise than from the top using other rotating means, e.g. rotating pressure sluices in pneumatic systems
B07B 13/00 - Grading or sorting solid materials by dry methods, not otherwise provided for; Sorting articles otherwise than by indirectly controlled devices
A system for sealing food containers comprises: a frame, a first sealing tool mounted to the frame at least at a first mounting point so as to be supported by the frame and a second sealing tool. The first and second sealing tools are configured to be pressed together in order to seal a food container positioned therebetween. At least one strain gauge is configured to measure the force transmitted through the frame as the first and second sealing tools are pressed together, the at least one strain gauge being attached to the frame.
A flavouring dispenser for dispensing doses of flavouring is disclosed. The flavouring dispenser comprises a flavouring chamber for containing flavouring; a dosing member having a dosing volume for receiving flavouring from the flavouring chamber, the dosing member defining an opening to the dosing volume through which flavouring is received from the flavouring chamber. A reciprocating member is movable relative to the dosing member between a closed position, at which the opening is isolated from the flavouring chamber by the reciprocating member, to a first open position, at which the opening is partially exposed to the flavouring chamber such that an amount of flavouring may enter into the dosing volume via the opening, and back to the closed position, such that the flavouring may be dispensed by the dosing member. The first open position of the reciprocating member is adjustable such that degree to which the opening is exposed to the flavouring chamber may be changed so as to adjust the amount of flavouring received in the dosing volume.
G01F 11/24 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber rotates or oscillates for fluent solid material
A23P 20/12 - Apparatus or processes for applying powders or particles to foodstuffs, e.g. for breading; Such apparatus combined with means for pre-moistening or battering
A47G 19/34 - Food containers with dispensing devices for bread, rolls, sugar, or the like; Food containers with movable covers dispensing a certain quantity of powdered or granulated foodstuffs, e.g. sugar
G01F 11/18 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber reciprocates for fluent solid material
G01F 11/40 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement with supply or discharge valves of the rectilinearly-moved slide type for fluent or solid material
G01F 11/46 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement with supply or discharge valves of the rotary or oscillatory type for fluent solid material
G01F 15/00 - MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW, OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
A dispersion system with an adjustable mounting assembly. The system comprises one or more feeders arranged to receive product at a product supply position and to distribute the product to a plurality of output positions. A plurality of fixed support points are provided for supporting one or more units over the one or more feeders, each fixed support point being substantially fixed relative to the one or more feeders. One or more vertically movable supports are provided, each for carrying one of the one or more units to be supported over the one or more feeders. Each vertically movable support is connected to one or more of the plurality of fixed support points via a respective adjustable connection. Each adjustable connection comprises a first connection element on the fixed support point and a second connection element on the vertically movable support. The first connection element may be connected to the second connection element in any one of a plurality of predetermined connection positions, each connection position corresponding to a different vertical position of the vertically movable support. Thus, the vertical position of the one or more units over the one or more feeders may be adjusted by changing the predetermined connection position of the corresponding adjustable connections.
G01G 19/393 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for combinatorial weighing, i.e. selecting a combination of articles whose total weight or number is closest to a desired value using two or more weighing units
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for handling containers, especially containers for food products. There are provided methods for handling one or more containers performed by a system comprising a platen, an input conveyor and a transfer mechanism, wherein the platen and the input conveyor each comprise a moveable container bearing surface, the method comprising receiving the one or more containers on the input conveyor, lowering the container bearing surfaces of the input conveyor and the platen such that the containers are supported by the transfer mechanism over the input conveyor, transferring the containers from over the input conveyor to over the platen using the transfer mechanism, raising the container bearing surfaces of the input conveyor and the platen such that the containers are supported by the platen, and releasing the containers from the transfer mechanism.
B65B 7/16 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
B65B 43/46 - Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using grippers
B65B 43/48 - Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using reciprocating or oscillating pushers
B65G 47/90 - Devices for picking-up and depositing articles or materials
The present disclosure relates to a container transfer apparatus that includes opposed transfer arms (110), wherein at least one transfer arm is configured to move relative to the remaining transfer arm along a lateral direction (G) so as to secure one or more containers between said transfer arms (110), restricting relative movement between the transfer arms (110) and the containers, and wherein the transfer arms (110) are further configured to move along a transfer direction (C) so as to convey said secured containers, and a motor (120) configured to drive the at least one transfer arm in the lateral direction (G) and the transfer arms (110) in the transfer direction (C), wherein the transfer direction (C) is different from the lateral direction (G).
B65G 25/06 - Conveyors comprising a cyclically-moving, e.g. reciprocating, carrier or impeller which is disengaged from the load during the return part of its movement the carrier or impeller having identical forward and return paths of movement, e.g. reciprocating conveyors having carriers, e.g. belts
B65B 43/46 - Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using grippers
There are provided hoppers for separating slack from a mixture of product and slack, and systems and method using such hoppers. Each hopper comprises: an internal gate configured to prevent the passage of product therethrough, but to allow the passage of slack therethrough; and, an external gate configured to prevent the passage of product and the passage of slack therethrough; the internal gate and the external gate being moveable between respective open and closed positions; the hopper configured such that: when the internal gate and external gate are in their respective closed positions and the mixture is introduced into the hopper, product is retained by the internal gate whilst slack passes through the internal gate and is retained by the external gate; and, when the external gate and internal gate are each in their respective open positions, product may exit the hopper along a first path.
There is provided container sealing apparatuses and methods for sealing openings of containers with film. The apparatuses comprise: a pressing member configured to press a film into contact with a container; and a sealing beam source configured to emit one or more sealing beams, each of said sealing beams being incident on the container and/or the film, each of said sealing beams being incident local to a respective part of the pressing member which engages the container so as to join the film to the container; the container sealing apparatus being configured to move the container relative to the pressing member, such that a region of the container which is engaged by the pressing member changes.
B65B 7/16 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
B65B 51/14 - Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
B65B 57/02 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages
B65B 61/06 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages by cutting
A food product quality control system is provided. The system comprises a support structure, an inspection unit for detecting at least one property of a food product supplied to the inspection unit, the inspection unit being mounted on the support structure, and a conveyor system for conveying a food product through and/or past the inspection unit, the conveyor system being mounted on the support structure. The conveyor system comprises a conveying apparatus carried on a frame. The frame is movably mounted to the support structure such that the frame may move relative to the inspection unit between an operation position, at which the frame is laterally aligned with the inspection unit such that food product may be conveyed through and/or past the inspection unit, and a maintenance position, at which the frame is laterally offset from the inspection unit.
A22C 17/00 - Other devices for processing meat or bones
B65G 41/00 - Supporting frames or bases for conveyors as a whole, e.g. transportable conveyor frames
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
G01N 23/18 - Investigating the presence of defects or foreign matter
B65G 21/12 - Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors movable, or having interchangeable or relatively- movable parts; Devices for moving framework or parts thereof to allow adjustment of position of load-carrier or traction element as a whole
14.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING BREACHES IN CONTAINERS
A leak detection system for detecting breaches in sealed food containers is disclosed. The leak detection system comprises a first optical sensor configured to transmit a light signal across a first testing path, said first optical sensor being sensitive to gas composition variations. A permeable pressing member is configured to, in use, apply pressure to the sealed food container. The first optical sensor is arranged such that at least a portion of the first testing path along which the light signal is transmitted is located behind or within the permeable pressing member.
A flavouring dispenser for dispensing compacted doses of flavouring comprises a flavouring dosage unit configured to dispense a dose of flavouring and a plurality of compacting hoppers, each configured to receive and hold a dose of flavouring dispensed from the flavouring dosage unit and to subsequently dispense the dose of flavouring to a dispense position. The flavouring dosage unit and the plurality of compacting hoppers are configured such that the flavouring dosage unit sequentially supplies a dose of flavouring to each of the plurality of compacting hoppers.
A23P 20/12 - Apparatus or processes for applying powders or particles to foodstuffs, e.g. for breading; Such apparatus combined with means for pre-moistening or battering
B65D 83/06 - Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing powdered or granular material
A method of processing fish portions determines at a control unit a target weight of a cut fish portion; inspects a fish portion using an inspection unit to determine a mass distribution of said fish portion and providing said mass distribution to the control unit; calculates a cutting plan of the poultry fish portion based on the target weight and the mass distribution using the control unit; uses a mechanical gripper so as to grip the fish portion and arrange said poultry fish portion for execution of the cutting plan; and cuts the fish portion using a cutting unit in accordance with the cutting plan so as to produce a cut fish portion in accordance with the target weight. A system for processing fish portions is configured to perform the foregoing method, among others.
A dispersion feeder for distributing a product stream to a plurality of receiving devices arranged about the periphery of the dispersion feeder, the dispersion feeder comprising a dispersion table; wherein the dispersion table comprises: a product receiving region at the centre of the dispersion table configured to receive a product stream comprising product and slack, and a product dispensing region surrounding the product receiving region; wherein the dispersion table is configured to transfer the product radially from the product receiving region to the product dispensing region; characterised in that the dispersion table further comprises: one or more apertures extending through the dispersion table, the one or more apertures being positioned between the product receiving region and the product dispensing region.
B07B 13/04 - Grading or sorting solid materials by dry methods, not otherwise provided for; Sorting articles otherwise than by indirectly controlled devices according to size
G01G 13/02 - Means for automatically loading weigh-pans or other receptacles, e.g. disposable containers, under control of the weighing mechanism
G01G 19/393 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for combinatorial weighing, i.e. selecting a combination of articles whose total weight or number is closest to a desired value using two or more weighing units
A method of sealing a container with a film cover is disclosed. The method comprises providing a container having a product in a product-receiving area of the container and having a sealing area of the container surrounding the product-receiving area. A length of film is arranged over the container. Then, using an upper sealing module arranged over the film, a space above the film is evacuated using an evacuating portion of the upper sealing module so as to cause a portion of the film to conform to the upper sealing module. Using a cutting tool, an area of the film is cut out by moving the cutting tool relative to the upper sealing module from a recessed position to a cutting position. The cut-out area of film includes the portion of the film conformed to the upper sealing module. The cut-out area of film is brought into contact with the sealing area of the container by moving the upper sealing module relative to the container. The cut-out area of film is sealed to the sealing area of the container using a heat sealing portion of the upper sealing module.
B65B 7/16 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
B65B 31/02 - Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
B65B 61/06 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages by cutting
B29C 65/00 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor
B65B 51/14 - Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for separating excess slack out from a mixture of product and slack. For example, the slack could be a food product coating. According to one aspect, there is provided a hopper for diverting excess slack away from a mixture of product and slack, the hopper comprising a gate moveable between open and closed positions, wherein the gate is configured such that: when the gate is in the open position a first path is provided for contents of the hopper, comprising a mixture of product and slack, to exit the hopper; and when the gate is in the closed position the first path is closed by the gate so that product is retained in the hopper and a second path, different from the first path, is provided for slack to exit the hopper.
B07B 13/05 - Grading or sorting solid materials by dry methods, not otherwise provided for; Sorting articles otherwise than by indirectly controlled devices according to size using material mover cooperating with retainer, deflector or discharger
20.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING A LABEL ATTACHED TO A FOOD PACK
A method of inspecting a label attached to a food pack comprising: determining the location of a plurality of target portions of the label; inspecting the target portions to identify at least the presence of text and/or graphic information within each target portion; and determining whether or not each target portion successfully compares with corresponding predetermined criteria; and determining that the label is unacceptable if the total number of successful comparisons is below a predetermined acceptance threshold.
A flavouring dispenser for dispensing doses of flavouring is disclosed. The flavouring dispenser comprises a flavouring chamber for containing flavouring; a dosing member having a dosing volume for receiving flavouring from the flavouring chamber, the dosing member defining an opening to the dosing volume through which flavouring is received from the flavouring chamber. A reciprocating member is movable relative to the dosing member between a closed position, at which the opening is isolated from the flavouring chamber by the reciprocating member, to a first open position, at which the opening is partially exposed to the flavouring chamber such that an amount of flavouring may enter into the dosing volume via the opening, and back to the closed position, such that the flavouring may be dispensed by the dosing member. The first open position of the reciprocating member is adjustable such that degree to which the opening is exposed to the flavouring chamber may be changed so as to adjust the amount of flavouring received in the dosing volume.
A23P 20/13 - Apparatus or processes for applying powders or particles to foodstuffs, e.g. for breading; Such apparatus combined with means for pre-moistening or battering involving agitation of the foodstuff inside a rotating apparatus, e.g. a drum
G01F 11/42 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement with supply or discharge valves of the rotary or oscillatory type
G01F 11/46 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement with supply or discharge valves of the rotary or oscillatory type for fluent solid material
A47G 19/34 - Food containers with dispensing devices for bread, rolls, sugar, or the like; Food containers with movable covers dispensing a certain quantity of powdered or granulated foodstuffs, e.g. sugar
G01F 11/40 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement with supply or discharge valves of the rectilinearly-moved slide type for fluent or solid material
G01F 15/00 - MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW, OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
There are provided hoppers (30) for separating slack from a mixture of product and slack, and systems and method using such hoppers. Each hopper comprises: an internal gate (32) configured to prevent the passage of product therethrough, but to allow the passage of slack therethrough; and, an external gate (34) configured to prevent the passage of product and the passage of slack therethrough; the internal gate and the external gate being moveable between respective open and closed positions; the hopper configured such that: when the internal gate and external gate are in their respective closed positions and the mixture is introduced into the hopper, product is retained by the internal gate whilst slack passes through the internal gate and is retained by the external gate; and, when the external gate and internal gate are each in their respective open positions, product may exit the hopper along a first path.
A food product quality control system is provided. The system comprises a support structure, an inspection unit for detecting at least one property of a food product supplied to the inspection unit, the inspection unit being mounted on the support structure, and a conveyor system for conveying a food product through and/or past the inspection unit, the conveyor system being mounted on the support structure. The conveyor system comprises a conveying apparatus carried on a frame. The frame is movably mounted to the support structure such that the frame may move relative to the inspection unit between an operation position, at which the frame is laterally aligned with the inspection unit such that food product may be conveyed through and/or past the inspection unit, and a maintenance position, at which the frame is laterally offset from the inspection unit.
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
G01N 23/18 - Investigating the presence of defects or foreign matter
B65G 21/12 - Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors movable, or having interchangeable or relatively- movable parts; Devices for moving framework or parts thereof to allow adjustment of position of load-carrier or traction element as a whole
There is provided container sealing apparatuses and methods for sealing openings of containers with film. The apparatuses 100, 110, 120, 140 comprise: a pressing member 30, 36 configured to press a film 20 into contact with a container 10, 80; and a sealing beam source 40, 70 configured to emit one or more sealing beams, each of said sealing beams being incident on the container and/or the film, each of said sealing beams being incident local to a respective part of the pressing member which engages the container so as to join the film to the container; the container sealing apparatus being configured to move the container relative to the pressing member, such that a region of the container which is engaged by the pressing member changes.
A leak detection system for detecting breaches in sealed food containers is disclosed. The leak detection system comprises a first optical sensor configured to transmit a light signal across a first testing path, said first optical sensor being sensitive to gas composition variations. A permeable pressing member is configured to, in use, apply pressure to the sealed food container. The first optical sensor is arranged such that at least a portion of the first testing path along which the light signal is transmitted is located behind or within the permeable pressing member.
G01N 21/25 - Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
G01M 3/38 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using light
G01M 3/22 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for valves
A method of processing poultry portions determines at a control unit a target weight of a cut poultry portion; inspects a poultry portion using an inspection unit to determine a mass distribution of said poultry portion and providing said mass distribution to the control unit; calculates a cutting plan of the poultry portion based on the target weight and the mass distribution using the control unit; uses a mechanical gripper so as to grip the poultry portion and arrange said poultry portion for execution of the cutting plan; and cuts the poultry portion using a cutting unit in accordance with the cutting plan so as to produce a cut poultry portion in accordance with the target weight. A system for processing poultry portions is configured to perform the foregoing method, among others.
A flavouring dispenser for dispensing compacted doses of flavouring comprises a flavouring dosage unit configured to dispense a dose of flavouring and a plurality of compacting hoppers, each configured to receive and hold a dose of flavouring dispensed from the flavouring dosage unit and to subsequently dispense the dose of flavouring to a dispense position. The flavouring dosage unit and the plurality of compacting hoppers are configured such that the flavouring dosage unit sequentially supplies a dose of flavouring to each of the plurality of compacting hoppers.
A dispersion feeder (10) for distributing a product stream to a plurality of receiving devices arranged about the periphery of the dispersion feeder (10), the dispersion feeder comprising a dispersion table (12); wherein the dispersion table comprises: a product receiving region (14) at the centre of the dispersion table configured to receive a product stream comprising product and slack, and a product dispensing region (16) surrounding the product receiving region; wherein the dispersion table (12) is configured to transfer the product radially from the product receiving region (14) to the product dispensing region (16); wherein the dispersion table (12) further comprises: one or more apertures (18) extending through the dispersion table, the one or more apertures (18) being positioned between the product receiving region (14) and the product dispensing region (16).
B07B 13/04 - Grading or sorting solid materials by dry methods, not otherwise provided for; Sorting articles otherwise than by indirectly controlled devices according to size
G01G 13/02 - Means for automatically loading weigh-pans or other receptacles, e.g. disposable containers, under control of the weighing mechanism
29.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INSPECTING A LABEL ATTACHED TO A FOOD PACK
A method of inspecting a label attached to a food pack comprising: determining the location of a plurality of target portions of the label; inspecting the target portions to identify at least the presence of text and/or graphic information within each target portion; and determining whether or not each target portion successfully compares with corresponding predetermined criteria; and determining that the label is unacceptable if the total number of successful comparisons is below a predetermined acceptance threshold.
Methods and apparatus (1000) for separating excess slack out from a mixture of product and slack. For example, the slack could be a food product coating. According to one aspect, there is provided a hopper (1100) for diverting excess slack away from a mixture of product and slack, the hopper (1100) comprising a gate (1110) moveable between open and closed positions, wherein the gate (1110) is configured such that: when the gate (1110) is in the open position a first path (P+S) is provided for contents of the hopper (1100), comprising a mixture of product and slack, to exit the hopper (1100); and when the gate (1110) is in the closed position the first path is closed by the gate so that product is retained in the hopper (1100) and a second path (S), different from the first path, is provided for slack to exit the hopper (1100).
B07B 13/05 - Grading or sorting solid materials by dry methods, not otherwise provided for; Sorting articles otherwise than by indirectly controlled devices according to size using material mover cooperating with retainer, deflector or discharger
B65B 57/14 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of articles or materials to be packaged and operating to control, or stop, the feed of articles or material to be packaged
31.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COATING PRODUCT IN FLAVOURING
A flavouring apparatus for coating product in flavouring is provided. The apparatus comprises a flavouring receptacle configured for receiving a portion of product and a dose of flavouring. The flavouring receptacle comprises an open first end arranged to receive the portion of product in use, a peripheral sidewall at least partly defining a flavouring volume extending from the first end of the flavouring receptacle, the flavouring volume for receiving the portion of product and dose of flavouring, and an ejecting member movable relative to the peripheral sidewall through the flavouring volume towards the first end for ejecting a flavoured portion of product out of the flavouring volume through the first end of the flavouring receptacle. The apparatus comprises a drive system configured to rotate at least the peripheral sidewall of the flavouring receptacle so as to cause mixing of the portion of product and the dose of flavouring in the flavouring volume. In use, the flavouring receptacle is arranged such that the portion of product and the dose of flavouring are retained in the flavouring volume during rotation of the peripheral sidewall. A corresponding method of coating product in flavouring is also provided.
A23P 20/13 - Apparatus or processes for applying powders or particles to foodstuffs, e.g. for breading; Such apparatus combined with means for pre-moistening or battering involving agitation of the foodstuff inside a rotating apparatus, e.g. a drum
A23P 20/15 - Apparatus or processes for coating with liquid or semi-liquid products
a) is configured to translate, raise and lower the feed device (14) relative to the packaging machine (12), and a packaging system comprising a packaging machine (12) with said lifting apparatus (16) wherein said packaging machine (12) is configured to detachably couple to a feed device (14), wherein the mass of the packaging machine (12) acts to counterbalance at least a portion of the mass of the feed device (14) whilst the feed device (14) is being translated, raised or lowered relative to the packaging machine (12). There is further provided methods of operating said packaging system for installing to and removing from the packaging machine (12) the feed device (14).
B65B 59/04 - Machines constructed with readily-detachable units or assemblies, e.g. to facilitate maintenance
B65B 1/02 - Machines characterised by the incorporation of means for making the containers or receptacles
B65B 1/12 - Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles by rotary feeders of screw type
B65B 1/32 - Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality of the material fed or filled by weighing
B65B 1/36 - Devices or methods for controlling or determining the quantity or quality of the material fed or filled by volumetric devices or methods
B65B 65/00 - MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING - Details peculiar to packaging machines and not otherwise provided for; Arrangements of such details
B65B 3/28 - Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled by weighing
B65B 3/30 - Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled by volumetric measurement
A method of processing poultry portions is disclosed. The method comprises: determining at a control unit a target weight of a cut poultry portion; inspecting a poultry portion using an inspection unit to determine a mass distribution of said poultry portion and providing said mass distribution to the control unit; calculating a cutting plan of the poultry portion based on the target weight and the mass distribution using the control unit; using a mechanical gripper so as to grip the poultry portion and arrange said poultry portion for execution of the cutting plan; and cutting the poultry portion using a cutting unit in accordance with the cutting plan so as to produce a cut poultry portion in accordance with the target weight. A corresponding system for processing poultry portions is also disclosed.
A22C 17/00 - Other devices for processing meat or bones
B26D 5/00 - Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
A blending apparatus for coating product in flavouring is provided. The blending apparatus comprises a product dispenser configured to dispense a falling stream of product, a flavouring dispenser configured to dispense a falling stream of flavouring, and a deflection surface. The deflection surface is configured to deflect at least one of the falling stream of product and falling stream of flavouring, thereby bringing the falling stream of product and the falling stream of flavouring together. A method for coating product in flavouring is also provided. The method comprises the steps of dispensing a falling stream of product from a product dispenser, dispensing a falling stream of flavouring from a flavouring dispenser, deflecting the falling stream of product and the falling stream of flavouring using a deflection surface so as to bring the falling stream of product and the falling stream of flavouring together, thereby coating the product in the flavouring.
A23P 20/13 - Apparatus or processes for applying powders or particles to foodstuffs, e.g. for breading; Such apparatus combined with means for pre-moistening or battering involving agitation of the foodstuff inside a rotating apparatus, e.g. a drum
A23P 20/18 - Apparatus or processes for coating with liquid or semi-liquid products by spray-coating, fluidised-bed coating or coating by casting
A23L 19/18 - Roasted or fried products, e.g. snacks or chips
A flavouring dispenser for dispensing doses of flavouring is provided. The flavouring dispenser comprises a flavouring chamber for containing flavouring; a dosing plate having an aperture therethrough; and a dispense opening. The dosing plate is movable relative to the dispense opening between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the aperture communicates with the flavouring chamber for receiving a predetermined dose of flavouring, and in the second position the aperture communicates with the dispense opening for dispensing the dose of flavouring.
G01F 11/18 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber reciprocates for fluent solid material
G01F 11/24 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber rotates or oscillates for fluent solid material
G01F 11/40 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with stationary measuring chambers having constant volume during measurement with supply or discharge valves of the rectilinearly-moved slide type for fluent or solid material
A23P 20/12 - Apparatus or processes for applying powders or particles to foodstuffs, e.g. for breading; Such apparatus combined with means for pre-moistening or battering
A23L 19/18 - Roasted or fried products, e.g. snacks or chips
A23L 27/00 - Spices; Flavouring agents or condiments; Artificial sweetening agents; Table salts; Dietetic salt substitutes; Preparation or treatment thereof
There is provided a leak detection system for detecting breaches in sealed food containers. The leak detection system comprises air-sample testing equipment configured to test the composition of an air sample provided to the air-sample testing equipment. At least one pressing member is provided configured to, in use, apply pressure to the sealed food container located in an air-sampling region. At least one air-sampling port is located in the air-sampling region. An air sample conduit is provided extending between the at least one air-sampling port and the air-sample testing equipment. In use, the at least one air-sampling port takes an air sample from the air-sampling region at least during or after the at least one pressing member applies pressure to the sealed food container in the air-sampling region and communicates said air sample through the air sample conduit to the air-sample testing equipment.
G01M 3/22 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for valves
B07C 5/34 - Sorting according to other particular properties
37.
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE INTEGRITY OF CONTAINERS BY OPTICAL MEASUREMENT
A method or system of determining integrity of a closed container comprising at least one gas. The determination is based on applying a mechanical force to at least one side of the container and transmitting a light signal across at least a portion of an outside surface of at least one side of the container using an optical sensor. The optical sensor is sensitive to the at least one gas inside the container. Detecting a transmitted light signal and determining, based on the detected light signal, if the at least one gas inside the container has been detected outside of the container.
A weighing apparatus for weighing batches of food product is provided. The weighing apparatus comprises a product supply unit arranged to supply food product to be weighed, a weighing unit arranged to receive and weigh a batch of food product, and a product delivery unit arranged to receive the food product from the product supply unit and to deliver a batch of food product to the weighing unit. The product delivery unit comprises a trough extending between a product supply position, at which food product is received from the product supply unit, and a product delivery position, at which the food product is delivered for receipt in the weighing unit, and a transport screw arranged in the trough and configured to rotate in the trough for conveying food product from the product supply position to the product delivery position. The transport screw comprises at least two helical members. A primary helical member extends along a length of the trough substantially from the product supply position to the product delivery position. A secondary helical member extends along a length of the trough substantially from the product supply position to a termination position of the secondary helical member, the termination position of the secondary helical member being between the product supply position and the product delivery position.
G01G 19/393 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for combinatorial weighing, i.e. selecting a combination of articles whose total weight or number is closest to a desired value using two or more weighing units
A LIFTING APPARATUS FOR A PACKAGING SYSTEM, A PACKAGING SYSTEM WITH SAID LIFT AND METHODS OF OPERATING SAID SYSTEM TO INSTALL A FEED DEVICE TO OR TO REMOVE A FEED DEVICE FROM A PACKAGING MACHINE.
There is provided a lifting apparatus (16) comprising a lifting frame (16a) configured to be mechanically coupled to a packaging machine (12), and configured to couple with a feed device (14), wherein the lifting frame (16a) is configured to translate, raise and lower the feed device (14) relative to the packaging machine (12), and a packaging system comprising a packaging machine (12) with said lifting apparatus (16) wherein said packaging machine (12) is configured to detachably couple to a feed device (14), wherein the mass of the packaging machine (12) acts to counterbalance at least a portion of the mass of the feed device (14) whilst the feed device (14) is being translated, raised or lowered relative to the packaging machine (12). There is further provided methods of operating said packaging system for installing to and removing from the packaging machine (12) the feed device (14).
A flavouring apparatus for coating product in flavouring is provided. The apparatus comprises a flavouring receptacle configured for receiving a portion of product and a dose of flavouring. The flavouring receptacle comprises an open first end arranged to receive the portion of product in use, a peripheral sidewall at least partly defining a flavouring volume extending from the first end of the flavouring receptacle, the flavouring volume for receiving the portion of product and dose of flavouring, and an ejecting member movable relative to the peripheral sidewall through the flavouring volume towards the first end for ejecting a flavoured portion of product out of the flavouring volume through the first end of the flavouring receptacle. The apparatus comprises a drive system configured to rotate at least the peripheral sidewall of the flavouring receptacle so as to cause mixing of the portion of product and the dose of flavouring in the flavouring volume. In use, the flavouring receptacle is arranged such that the portion of product and the dose of flavouring are retained in the flavouring volume during rotation of the peripheral sidewall. A corresponding method of coating product in flavouring is also provided.
A23P 20/18 - Apparatus or processes for coating with liquid or semi-liquid products by spray-coating, fluidised-bed coating or coating by casting
A23P 20/13 - Apparatus or processes for applying powders or particles to foodstuffs, e.g. for breading; Such apparatus combined with means for pre-moistening or battering involving agitation of the foodstuff inside a rotating apparatus, e.g. a drum
A blending apparatus for coating product in flavouring is provided. The blending apparatus comprises a product dispenser configured to dispense a falling stream of product, a flavouring dispenser configured to dispense a falling stream of flavouring, and a deflection surface. The deflection surface is configured to deflect at least one of the falling stream of product and falling stream of flavouring, thereby bringing the falling stream of product and the falling stream of flavouring together. A method for coating product in flavouring is also provided. The method comprises the steps of dispensing a falling stream of product from a product dispenser, dispensing a falling stream of flavouring from a flavouring dispenser, deflecting the falling stream of product and the falling stream of flavouring using a deflection surface so as to bring the falling stream of product and the falling stream of flavouring together, thereby coating the product in the flavouring.
A23P 20/12 - Apparatus or processes for applying powders or particles to foodstuffs, e.g. for breading; Such apparatus combined with means for pre-moistening or battering
A23P 20/18 - Apparatus or processes for coating with liquid or semi-liquid products by spray-coating, fluidised-bed coating or coating by casting
A flavouring dispenser for dispensing doses of flavouring is provided. The flavouring dispenser comprises a flavouring chamber for containing flavouring; a dosing plate having an aperture therethrough; and a dispense opening. The dosing plate is movable relative to the dispense opening between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the aperture communicates with the flavouring chamber for receiving a predetermined dose of flavouring, and in the second position the aperture communicates with the dispense opening for dispensing the dose of flavouring.
G01F 11/18 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber reciprocates for fluent solid material
G01F 11/24 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers moved during operation of the valve type, i.e. the separating being effected by fluid-tight or powder-tight movements wherein the measuring chamber rotates or oscillates for fluent solid material
A sealing tool module (100) is provided. The sealing tool module (100) comprises a housing; a heat-sealing plate (120); and a first actuator for use in moving said heat-sealing plate between a retracted position and a heat-sealing position, the first actuator being movably mounted with respect to the housing; wherein the first actuator is a first shaft on the end of which the heat-sealing plate (120) is mounted, the first shaft being axially movable relative to the housing; and the first shaft comprises a channel configured to guide wiring through the housing and to the rear of the heat-sealing plate (120). A sealing tool assembly (1) for heat sealing a cover film to a container is also provided. The assembly comprises a sealing module support (10) having a plurality of openings therethrough and a plurality of sealing modules each disposed in a respective one of the plurality of openings and configured to independently perform heat sealing, wherein each of the plurality of sealing modules is removable from the sealing module support independently of the other sealing modules.
B29C 65/74 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor by welding and severing
B29C 65/78 - Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles
B65B 7/16 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
B65B 57/00 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices
B65B 59/04 - Machines constructed with readily-detachable units or assemblies, e.g. to facilitate maintenance
B65B 61/06 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages by cutting
There is provided a leak detection system for detecting breaches in sealed food containers. The leak detection system comprises air-sample testing equipment configured to test the composition of an air sample provided to the air-sample testing equipment. At least one pressing member is provided configured to, in use, apply pressure to the sealed food container located in an air-sampling region. At least one air-sampling port is located in the air-sampling region. An air sample conduit is provided extending between the at least one air-sampling port and the air- sample testing equipment. In use, the at least one air-sampling port takes an air sample from the air-sampling region at least during or after the at least one pressing member applies pressure to the sealed food container in the air-sampling region and communicates said air sample through the air sample conduit to the air-sample testing equipment.
G01M 3/22 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using special tracer materials, e.g. dye, fluorescent material, radioactive material for valves
G01N 21/39 - Investigating relative effect of material at wavelengths characteristic of specific elements or molecules, e.g. atomic absorption spectrometry using tunable lasers
B07C 5/34 - Sorting according to other particular properties
45.
Method and apparatus for removing foreign objects from food pieces
A method of removing a foreign object from a food piece detects the location of a foreign object in a food piece (10); conveys the food piece to a cutting tool (42); and operates the cutting tool to cut around the detected location of the foreign object and subsequently to engage and eject the foreign object from the food piece.
B26D 5/00 - Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting
B26D 7/06 - Arrangements for feeding or delivering work of other than sheet, web, or filamentary form
A22C 17/00 - Other devices for processing meat or bones
B26D 5/32 - Arrangements for operating and controlling machines or devices for cutting, cutting-out, stamping-out, punching, perforating, or severing by means other than cutting with interrelated action between the cutting member and work feed having the cutting member controlled by scanning a record carrier with the record carrier formed by the work itself
B26F 3/00 - Severing by means other than cutting; Apparatus therefor
G01B 15/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons
G01N 23/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or
A hopper comprising at least three product storage sections is provided, the product storage sections being annularly spaced about a central axis, each storage section having a discharge door at its lower end, the discharge doors being adapted to open in use so as to guide product falling out of the corresponding section along the central axis.
B65B 37/02 - Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged by gravity flow
B65B 39/00 - Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
B65B 1/06 - Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles by gravity flow
B65B 5/10 - Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
G01G 19/393 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for combinatorial weighing, i.e. selecting a combination of articles whose total weight or number is closest to a desired value using two or more weighing units
47.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING FOREIGN OBJECTS FROM FOOD PIECES
A method of removing a foreign object from a food piece is provided. The method comprises detecting the location of a foreign object in a food piece (10); conveying the food piece to a cutting tool (42); operating the cutting tool to cut around the detected location of the foreign object and subsequently to engage and eject the foreign object from the food piece.
A batching system (200) for use in a food packaging system comprises a batching table (202) having a plurality of filling stations (206) positioned around an axis of a predefined delivery position. A weigher (204) is operable to provide food product in predefined batches at the delivery position; and a conveyor (230) is provided for transporting said batches provided from the weigher (204) to at least one of said plurality of filling stations.
G01G 19/393 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for combinatorial weighing, i.e. selecting a combination of articles whose total weight or number is closest to a desired value using two or more weighing units
B65B 5/06 - Packaging groups of articles, the groups being treated as single articles
B65B 35/32 - Arranging and feeding articles in groups by gravity
Apparatus for controlling a poultry packaging system includes a first receiving unit operable to receive a plurality of orders for poultry product, wherein the poultry product is either a whole or a portion of a poultry bird; a second receiving unit operable to receive at least one measurable parameter of at least one poultry bird from a measurement unit; a recommendation unit operable to determine which of the plurality of received orders best corresponds to the received at least one measurable parameter, and a control unit operable transmit a signal to a poultry processing system such that the poultry processing system processes the at least one poultry bird in accordance with the determined order.
An apparatus (100) for seasoning food product is provided. The apparatus comprises a supply part (107) operable to receive a food product to be seasoned; a discharge part (109) spaced from the supply part operable to discharge seasoned food product; a plurality of sections (110)arranged between said supply part and discharge part operable to contain seasoning product when in use; and, transfer means (115) operable to transfer food product from the supply part to the discharge part through each of said plurality of sections when in use, such that the food product is substantially coated with seasoning product.
A traysealing apparatus (100) is provided. The traysealing apparatus (100) comprises a traysealing machine (10) comprising first (11) and second (13) traysealing tools operable to perform respective first and second traysealing processes on trays (20, 22) to be sealed, wherein the first (11) and second (13) traysealing tools are located side by side, first (1) and second (5) infeed lanes and first (3) and second (7) outfeed lanes for transferring trays (20, 22, 24) to and away from their respective traysealing tool (11, 13), and transfer means (9) for transferring trays (22) that have been subjected to the first sealing process from the first outfeed lane (3) to the second infeed lane (5), wherein in use the movement of trays (20, 22, 24) through the first (11) and second (13) traysealing tools is in opposite directions.
B65D 65/00 - Wrappers or flexible covers; Packaging materials of special type or form
B65B 7/16 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
B65B 11/52 - Enclosing articles, or quantities of material, by disposing contents between two sheets, e.g. pocketed sheets, and securing their opposed free margins one sheet being rendered plastic, e.g. by heating, and forced by fluid pressure, e.g. vacuum, into engagement with the other sheet and contents, e.g. skin-packaging
B65B 9/04 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
B65B 31/02 - Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
A multi-head weigher has a plurality of heads operable to hold and discharge product; first and second discharge chutes arranged to receive product discharged from respective first and second subsets of the plurality of heads and each operable to selectively deliver said product to a first location or a second location; and a combinational weight determining system operable to determine a combination of one or more heads which meets a target criterion, and to discharge product from the determined combination through their respective discharge chute(s) to the first location. When a predetermined condition has occurred, the combinational weight determining system can discharge product from that head(s) to the second location via the discharge chute arranged to receive product from that head(s), when said discharge chute is not being used to deliver product to the first location.
G01G 19/387 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for combinatorial weighing, i.e. selecting a combination of articles whose total weight or number is closest to a desired value
G01G 13/04 - Means for automatically loading weigh-pans or other receptacles, e.g. disposable containers, under control of the weighing mechanism involving dribble-feed means controlled by the weighing mechanism to top up the receptacle to the target weight
G01G 19/393 - Weighing apparatus or methods adapted for special purposes not provided for in groups for combinatorial weighing, i.e. selecting a combination of articles whose total weight or number is closest to a desired value using two or more weighing units
A container sealing apparatus is provided, comprising a sealing tool having a lower tool half and an upper tool half; a feed lane for transferring one or more containers to and away from means for transferring containers on to the lower tool half of the sealing tool; and a lifting mechanism for moving the lower tool half towards the upper tool half. The container sealing apparatus also comprises an elongate container guide extending along the feed lane and sealing tool to laterally locate containers as they are transported along the teed lane and sealing tool, and control apparatus adapted to adjust the lateral position of at least the part of said container guide extending along said feed lane.
B65B 7/16 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
B65B 61/06 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for severing webs, or for separating joined packages by cutting
B29C 65/18 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tool
B29C 65/78 - Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles
B29C 65/00 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor
A batching system (200) for use in a food packaging system comprises a batching table (202) having a plurality of filling stations (206) positioned around an axis of a predefined delivery position. A weigher (204) is operable to provide food product in predefined batches at the delivery position; and a conveyor (230) is provided for transporting said batches provided from the weigher(204)to at least one of said plurality of filling stations.
Apparatus for controlling a poultry packaging system is provided. The apparatus comprises a first receiving unit operable to receive a plurality of orders for poultry product, wherein said poultry product is either a whole or a portion of a poultry bird;a second receiving unit operable to receive at least one measurable parameter of at least one poultry bird from a measurement unit;a recommendation unit operable to determine which of the plurality of received orders best corresponds to the received at least one measurable parameter, and a control unit operable transmit a signal to a poultry processing system such that said poultry processing system processes the at least one poultry bird in accordance with the determined order.
A tool handling system (200) for transporting a sealing tool is provided. The tool handling system comprises a trolley (2) comprising a vertical height adjustment member (22a) operable to move between a first position and a second position; and a support table (3) for supporting a sealing tool, said support table comprising a first attachment member (34a) complimentary to said vertical height adjustment member (22a), wherein the trolley (2) is arranged to receive the support table (3) in an attachment position that aligns the first attachment member (34a) with the vertical height adjustment member (22a), such that when the vertical height adjustment member is moved from the first position to the second position, the first attachment member (34a) engages with the vertical height adjustment (22a) member and the support table (3) attaches to the trolley (2).
B65B 59/04 - Machines constructed with readily-detachable units or assemblies, e.g. to facilitate maintenance
B62B 3/06 - Hand carts having more than one axis carrying transport wheels; Steering devices therefor; Equipment therefor involving means for grappling or securing in place objects to be carried; Load handling equipment for simply clearing the load from the ground, e.g. low-lift trucks
b), each aligned with a respective one of the tray feed lanes and on to which one or more trays can be transferred. The tray sealing apparatus further comprises a common upper plate (65) having heaters aligned respectively in use with each tray on the lower support members; and means for selectively moving the lower support members towards the upper plate so as to bring the tray(s) on that lower support member into contact with the corresponding film, whereby the upper plate heat seals the film to the tray(s).
B32B 38/10 - Removing layers, or parts of layers, mechanically or chemically
B30B 5/02 - Presses characterised by the use of pressing means other than those mentioned in groups and wherein the pressing means is in the form of a flexible element, e.g. diaphragm, urged by fluid pressure
B30B 5/04 - Presses characterised by the use of pressing means other than those mentioned in groups and wherein the pressing means is in the form of an endless band
B30B 15/34 - Heating or cooling presses or parts thereof
B65B 1/00 - Packaging fluent solid material, e.g. powders, granular or loose fibrous material, loose masses of small articles, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans or jars
B65B 3/00 - Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans or jars
B65B 5/00 - Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
A61J 3/07 - Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use
B65B 51/10 - Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
B67B 5/00 - Applying protective or decorative covers to closures; Devices for securing bottle closures with wire
B65B 7/28 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
B65B 57/00 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices
B65B 7/16 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
B65B 51/14 - Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof by reciprocating or oscillating members
B65B 57/04 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages and operating to control, or to stop, the feed of such material, containers, or packages
B65B 59/04 - Machines constructed with readily-detachable units or assemblies, e.g. to facilitate maintenance
B65B 25/00 - Packaging other articles presenting special problems
B29C 65/18 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tool
B29C 65/78 - Means for handling the parts to be joined, e.g. for making containers or hollow articles
A method for filling a container (1) with a food product (20) is provided. The method comprises: delivering a food product into a hopper (2a, 2b, 35); tamping, by means of a first tamping block (7), said food product whilst it is in said hopper; locating a container (1), having an upwardly facing opening, beneath said hopper; and opening the hopper such that the tamped food product falls from the hopper into the container.
B65B 39/00 - Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
B65B 39/12 - Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers movable towards, or away from, container or wrapper during filling or depositing
B65B 1/24 - Reducing volume of filled material by mechanical compression
A conveyor system for conveying articles is provided, comprising a plurality of indexing flights (4) rotatably coupled to and spaced along a conveyor, wherein each of the plurality of indexing flights has a first laterally protruding guiding member (7) and a second laterally protruding guiding member (8); first and second grooves (20,21) laterally spaced from said conveyor and arranged to receive said first and second guiding members respectively; and adjustment means (19) for adjusting, in use, the first protruding member (7) of each flight to a leading or trailing position with respect to its second protruding member (8) such that each flight (4) is positioned either to a protruding position or to a retracted position with respect to the conveyor.
A container sealing apparatus is provided, comprising a sealing tool having a lower tool half (6) and an upper tool half (6a); a feed lane (3) for transferring one or more containers to and away from means for transferring containers on to the lower tool half of the sealing tool; and a lifting mechanism for moving the lower tool half towards the upper tool half. The container sealing apparatus also comprises an elongate container guide (5) extending along the feed lane and sealing tool to laterally locate containers as they are transported along the feed lane and sealing tool, and control apparatus (2) adapted to adjust the lateral position of at least the part of said container guide extending along said feed lane.
The present application relates to a lifting apparatus comprising a first member and a second member; a lifting mechanism coupled to said first member adapted to move said first member towards said second member; and a third member coupled to said first member, the third member slideably moveable through said second member when said first member is moved towards said second member. When a predetermined compressive force is applied to said third member, a latching mechanism responds by latching said second member to said third member, such that when a further compressive force is applied to said third member, said first member and lifting mechanism are isolated from said further compressive force.
B65B 31/02 - Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
The present application relates to tray sealing apparatus (100) comprising a heat sealing tool (6), a pair of laterally spaced transfer mechanisms (66) for transferring trays to and away from the heat sealing tool along corresponding laterally spaced tray feed lanes, film supply apparatus for supplying respective heat sealable films to the sealing tool one in alignment with each tray feed lane. The sealing tool comprises a pair of lower support members (61a, 61b), each aligned with a respective one of the tray feed lanes and on to which one or more trays can be transferred. The tray sealing apparatus further comprises a common upper plate (65) having heaters aligned respectively in use with each tray on the lower support members; and means for selectively moving the lower support members towards the upper plate so as to bring the tray(s) on that lower support member into contact with the corresponding film, whereby the upper plate heat seals the film to the tray(s).
B65B 7/16 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
B65B 9/04 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
B65B 51/10 - Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
B65B 57/04 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages and operating to control, or to stop, the feed of such material, containers, or packages
B65B 59/00 - Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
The application relates to a twin lane tray sealer (100) comprising a pair of conveyors aligned with respective lanes for conveying trays to a heat sealing tool (6) and a pair of transfer mechanisms (66) each for transferring a known plurality of trays together and at a known separation from the respective conveyors to the heat sealing tool wherein the heat sealing tool (6) comprises a plurality of individually operable heaters (61a, 61b), each aligned with a respective tray in the tool in use. Control means is utilised to determine if a tray is missing from a group of trays transferred by the transfer mechanism. If a tray is determined as missing the control means is configured to not activate the heater aligned with the position of the determined missing tray in the tool.
B65B 7/16 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
B65B 9/04 - Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
B65B 51/10 - Applying or generating heat or pressure or combinations thereof
B65B 57/04 - Automatic control, checking, warning or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages and operating to control, or to stop, the feed of such material, containers, or packages
B65B 59/00 - Arrangements to enable machines to handle articles of different sizes, to produce packages of different sizes, to vary the contents of packages or to give access for cleaning or maintenance purposes
A food packaging method comprises placing a food item in a container (30); and heat sealing a film (41) on a container using a heated plate so as to seal the food item in the container. A plate identifier (2d) is formed in the film (41) during the heat sealing process, the identifier identifying the heated plate used in the heat sealing process.
B29C 65/00 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor
B29C 65/18 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor by heating, with or without pressure using heated tool
B65B 7/16 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
B65B 25/06 - Packaging slices or specially-shaped pieces of meat, cheese, or other plastic or tacky products
B65B 31/02 - Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
B65B 61/02 - Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for perforating, scoring, or applying code or date marks on material prior to packaging
A processing line comprises a number of processing stations (14,15,16) spaced apart along the line; a conveyor system (3) for conveying items to be processed along the line; and a conduit (30) supporting the conveyor system (3) and the processing stations and through which services for the processing stations extend.
B65B 59/04 - Machines constructed with readily-detachable units or assemblies, e.g. to facilitate maintenance
H01R 13/00 - ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS - Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups or
H01R 25/16 - Rails or bus-bars provided with a plurality of discrete connecting locations for counterparts
A method of monitoring a food packaging process, the method comprising performing (30-38,42-48) a number of processes to create a packaged food item including sealing the item in a package; generating (40) an identifier for the package and recording the identifier on the package; and storing (50) data items relating to the packaging process in one or more storage locations in a database addressed by the said identifier.
G05B 19/408 - Numerical control (NC), i.e. automatically operating machines, in particular machine tools, e.g. in a manufacturing environment, so as to execute positioning, movement or co-ordinated operations by means of programme data in numerical form characterised by data handling or data format, e.g. reading, buffering or conversion of data
G05B 19/418 - Total factory control, i.e. centrally controlling a plurality of machines, e.g. direct or distributed numerical control (DNC), flexible manufacturing systems (FMS), integrated manufacturing systems (IMS), computer integrated manufacturing (CIM)
A gripper assembly for a tray sealing machine. The gripper assembly includes a carriage movable between extended and retracted positions; at least one gripper arm attached to the carriage and movable between gripping and releasing positions; and first and second independently operable drives separate from the carriage but coupled thereto via respective first and second drive train assemblies. The first drive train assembly is adapted to move the carriage between the first and second positions in response to the operation of the first drive, and the second drive train assembly is further adapted to cause the at least one gripper arm to move between the open and closed positions in response to operation of the first and second drives at differing speeds.
A container sealing unit (2) comprising a support carrying a plurality of sealing heads (3-5,9) for heat sealing a plastics cover to a container, and a corresponding plurality of temperature sensors (40,43) for monitoring the temperature of each sealing head. A communications interface unit (10) is mounted to the support and adapted to be connected by a communications channel to a remote control unit, whereby communication between the sealing heads and temperature sensors and the remote control unit is via the communications unit and communications channel; and a power connector (25) is mounted to the support and having a single input for connection to a remote power supply and outputs connected to the sealing heads.
A transport system for transporting articles along a transport path having a plurality of pusher members coupled to a control mechanism for moving the pusher members along the transport path. A support for supporting articles as they are pushed by the pusher members extends along the transport path, and a weighing system includes a weighing member supported on a weight detection device. The weighing member is adapted to transfer an article from the support to the weighing member and out of contact with the pusher members.
A method of handling food pieces, comprises subjecting a food piece to an X-ray analysis at an analysis position (1) to detect a foreign object in the food piece. If a foreign object is detected, the food piece is transported from the analysis position (1) to an operator (5A, 5B) and the operator is provided with an indication of the location of the foreign object in the food piece, characterised in that the step of providing an indication comprises providing a mark on the food piece.
A gripper assembly for a tray sealing machine is disclosed. The gripper assembly comprises a carriage (40) movable between extended and retracted positions; at least one gripper arm (41) attached to the carriage (40) and movable between gripping and releasing positions; and first and second independently operable drives separate from the carriage but coupled thereto via respective first and second drive train assemblies. The first drive train assembly is adapted to move the carriage between the first and second positions in response to the operation of the first drive, and the second drive train assembly is further adapted to cause the at least one gripper arm to move between the open and closed positions in response to operation of the first and second drives at differing speeds.
B65B 43/46 - Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using grippers
B65G 47/88 - Separating or stopping elements, e.g. fingers
B65G 21/06 - Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors consisting essentially of struts, ties, or like structural elements constructed to facilitate rapid assembly or dismantling
B65B 59/04 - Machines constructed with readily-detachable units or assemblies, e.g. to facilitate maintenance
B29C 65/00 - Joining of preformed parts; Apparatus therefor
B65B 7/16 - Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
B65B 31/06 - Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzle being arranged for insertion into, and withdrawal from, the mouth of a filled container and operating in conjunction with means for sealing the container mouth
A transport system for transporting articles along a transport path comprises a plurality of pusher members coupled to a control mechanism for moving the pusher members along the transport path. A support for supporting articles as they are pushed by the pusher members extends along the transport path, and a weighing system includes a weighing member supported on a weight detection device. The weighing member is adapted to transfer an article from the support to the weighing member and out of contact with the pusher members.
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