Fill-accuracy during pouch formation
AssigneeLiqui-Box Corporation
InventorsSimon Weagant, Jason G. Peterson, James W. Sadler
Life of this patent
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Abstract
In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to a process for forming a flexible liquid-packaging pouch. This process improves fill-accuracy of the flowable material contained in the pouch. Specifically, the invention relates to a process for improving the fill-accuracy of a pouch by incorporating at least one stand-pipe in a balance tank that feeds the pouch with flowable material to be packaged. This invention also relates to such apparatus for improving the fill-accuracy of the flexible liquid-packaging pouch.
Claims9
A process for forming a pouch with improved fill-accuracy, said process comprising the steps of:
- (A) providing a continuous tube of flexible and sealable film;
- (B) supplying the continuous tube with a predetermined flow-rate of flowable material fed from an external balance tank;
- wherein said balance tank comprises an inlet for said flowable material, at least one outlet for said flowable material, and at least one stand-pipe within said balance tank and over said at least one outlet, wherein said stand-pipe is flowably attached to said at least one outlet, such that the inside of said balance tank is at a steady state and localized disturbances are reduced and wherein said balance tank feeds at least one continuous flexible tube and wherein the height of said stand-pipe, measured as a percentage of the level of said flowable material in said balance tank is in the range from about 1% to about 99%.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.