US 12,330,834 B2
Machine and method for packaging in a sterile environment a product into flexible packages
Pietro Donati, San Giovanni in Marignano (IT)
Assigned to UNIVERSAL PACK S.R.L., San Giovanni in Marignano (IT)
Filed by UNIVERSAL PACK S.R.L., San Giovanni in Marignano (IT)
Filed on Jul. 6, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/218,768.
Claims priority of application No. 102022000014335 (IT), filed on Jul. 6, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0010371 A1, Jan. 11, 2024
Int. Cl. B65B 9/04 (2006.01); B65B 9/15 (2006.01); B65B 31/04 (2006.01); B65B 51/26 (2006.01); B65B 51/28 (2006.01); B65B 55/10 (2006.01); B65B 61/04 (2006.01); B65B 61/06 (2006.01)
CPC B65B 9/15 (2013.01) [B65B 9/04 (2013.01); B65B 51/28 (2013.01); B65B 55/103 (2013.01); B65B 61/06 (2013.01)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A machine for packaging in a sterile environment a product into flexible packages, wherein the machine comprises one or more forming and filling units for forming and filling said packages; wherein each of said forming and filling units extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein said forming and filling units comprises:
at least one nozzle provided with a first duct configured to deliver said product and a second duct configured to deliver a sterilizing agent,
feed members configured to make one or more sheets advance in a direction of advance, parallel to said longitudinal axis, said one or more sheets defining a tubular casing around said nozzle which has an internal surface facing toward said nozzle and delimiting a semi-closed chamber, wherein said tubular casing is centered in said longitudinal axis,
first longitudinal welding means configured to form at least a first longitudinal weld that joins said sheets at a respective longitudinal edge of said package,
the machine comprising second longitudinal welding means, disposed downstream of said first longitudinal welding means with reference to said direction of advance, to make at least one second longitudinal weld that joins together at least two portions of said internal surface, wherein the position of said second longitudinal welding means is such that said second longitudinal weld is made at a respective marginal end volume of said semi-closed chamber adjacent to said first longitudinal weld so as to be closer to said center of the tubular casing with respect to the first longitudinal weld wherein said first longitudinal welding means are disposed at a first minimum distance from said center of the tubular casing which is greater than a second minimum distance at which said second longitudinal welding means are placed with respect to said center of the tubular casing, and wherein the machine also comprises cutting means disposed downstream of said second longitudinal welding means with reference to said direction of advance and configured at least to perforate said tubular casing at said marginal end volume, in an intermediate position between said first and second longitudinal weld.