Packaging apparatus, system, and method for forming filled cones
AssigneeMpi Corporation
InventorsMark W. Holderman, Gregory A. Russell
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The technology described herein generally relates to an automated packaging apparatus, system and method that packages loose particles into a conical container as well as the final folded packages. More specifically, loose plant matter, such as crumbled dried leaves, are supplied to successive paper cones. The apparatus uses a packing method to accurately fill the cones, pack the crumbled leaves into the cones, and close the wide top portion of the cone into a precise shape.
Claims20
A method of forming a folded substantially cone shaped package having an interior cavity at least partially defined by a circumferential distal end comprising:
- orienting the substantially cone shaped package in axial alignment with a folding tip;
- applying vacuum pressure to the exterior of the distal end of the package;
- forcing the folding tip and the package together so as to fold a distal rim of the distal end of the package into the interior cavity.
A method of forming a folded substantially cone shaped package having an interior cavity at least partially defined by a circumferential distal end comprising:
- orienting the substantially cone shaped package in axial alignment with a folding tip;
- applying positive air pressure to the interior cavity at the distal end;
- forcing the folding tip and the package together so as to fold a distal rim of the distal end of the package into the interior cavity.
A method of forming a folded substantially cone shaped package having an interior cavity at least partially defined by a circumferential distal end comprising:
- orienting the substantially cone shaped package in axial alignment with a folding tip;
- applying vacuum pressure to the exterior of the distal end;
- applying positive air pressure to the interior cavity at the distal end;
- forcing the folding tip and the package together so as to fold a distal rim of the distal end of the package into the interior cavity.
A method of forming a folded substantially cone shaped package having an interior cavity at least partially defined by a circumferential distal end comprising:
- Depositing a product into a substantially cone shaped package
- orienting the substantially cone shaped package in axial alignment with a folding tip;
- causing the folding tip to partially enter a distal end of the cone;
- applying compression to the distal end of the cone to compress the cone against an axial pin of the folding tip;
- releasing the compression of the distal end and forcing the folding tip and the cone together to fold the distal end of the cone
- removing the folding tip from the cone such that the cone exhibits a folded distal end having an axial hole;
- inserting a needle into the axial hole;
- heating a fluid by flowing the fluid through a heated fluid circuit terminating at the needle;
- injecting the fluid into the cone through the needle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.