Zero vent pouch filler

1 . A method of filling a stand-up pouch, the method comprising:

securing a stand-up pouch in a clamp conveyor;

moving the stand-up pouch to a system having a fill spout, a seal jaw assembly, and a pouch opening device;

opening a top end of the stand-up pouch using the pouch opening device;

inserting the fill spout into the stand-up pouch, wherein the fill spout is inserted into the stand-up pouch when the stand-up pouch is in substantially flat unopened condition;

clamping the top end of the stand-up pouch to the fill spout using the seal jaw assembly;

filling the stand-up pouch;

unclamping the stand-up pouch;

withdrawing the fill spout;

inserting a fitment into the stand-up pouch after the fill spout is withdrawn from the stand-up pouch.

2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the fill spout is movable, the seal jaw assembly is movable, and the pouch opening device is movable.

3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein a top end of the stand-up pouch is opened while the stand-up pouch is in motion.

4 . The method of claim 3 , wherein the fill spout is inserted into top of the stand-up pouch while the stand-up pouch is in motion.

5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the seal jaw assembly clamps the fill spout so that as the stand-up pouch is filled air is not vented from the stand-up pouch.

6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising:

passing an item through the pouch fill spout.

7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the item is liquid.

8 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the liquid is juice.

9 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the item is a solid.

10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the solid is at least one of food and medication.

11 . A method of filling a stand-up pouch, the method comprising:

moving a stand-up pouch to a system having a pouch fill spout, a seal jaw assembly, and a pouch opening device;

opening a top end of the stand-up pouch using the pouch opening device;

inserting the pouch fill spout into the stand-up pouch while the stand-up pouch is in a substantially unopened condition;

clamping the top end of the stand-up pouch to the pouch fill spout using the seal jaw assembly;

filling the stand-up pouch with a product while the pouch fill spout is inserted into the stand-up pouch;

unclamping the stand-up pouch;

withdrawing the pouch fill spout; and

inserting a fitment into the stand-up pouch after the pouch fill spout is withdrawn from the stand-up pouch.

12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the product is liquid.

13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the stand-up pouch is in a substantially flat state while initially is being filled with the product.

14 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the liquid is juice.

15 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the product is at least one of food and medication.

16 . A method of filling a stand-up pouch, the method comprising:

receiving the stand-up pouch;

opening an end of the stand-up pouch while keeping the stand-up pouch in a substantially collapsed condition;

clamping the opened end of the stand-up pouch;

filling the stand-up, wherein filling the stand-up pouch inflates the stand-up pouch without venting air from the stand-up pouch.

17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein filling the stand-up pouch includes filling the stand-up pouch with a liquid.

18 . The method of claim 17 , wherein the liquid is a juice.

19 . The method of claim 17 , wherein a fill spout is inserted into the end of the stand-up pouch prior to filling the stand-up pouch.

20 . The method of claim 17 , wherein clamping the unopened end of the stand-up pouch prevents air from leaving the stand-up pouch during filling.