Method and apparatus for compacting product
AssigneeFrito-Lay North America, Inc.
InventorsPatrick J. Bierschenk, Frank M. Brenkus, Kevin Cote, Amelinda Melanson, Jerry M. Reaves
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method for compacting a slug of product and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The invention describes collecting weighed product in an intermediate settling device to form a compact slug of product. The device can comprise a single settling chamber or can comprise multiple settling chambers which are axially rotatable. The slug can be compacted by jostling and/or vibrating the settling device. Thereafter, the product is discharged to a packaging apparatus. Because the product in the final package is denser, a smaller package can be utilized reducing manufacturing and shipping costs.
Claims9
A vertical form, fill, and seal machine, said vertical form, fill and seal machine comprising:
- a settling device,
- a weigher,
- a product delivery cylinder,
- wherein said settling device is located downstream from said weigher and upstream from said product delivery cylinder on said vertical form, fill, and seal machine such that a compact slug of product is formed in said settling device prior to said slug being discharged to said product delivery cylinder, wherein said product delivery cylinder comprises a forming collar, and wherein said product delivery cylinder is in fluid communication with a nitrogen source, wherein said product delivery cylinder has at least one hole which is in fluid communication with said nitrogen.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.