Zero vent pouch filler
Example embodiments relate to a system for filling a stand-up pouch. The system includes a pouch fill injector having a pouch fill spout, a seal jaw assembly having a first jaw and second jaw with receiving areas to interface with the pouch fill tube, and a pouch opening device to open an end of a pouch. Unlike prior art systems, the system of example embodiments does not require a vacuum assist to fill a stand-up pouch.
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 movable pouch fill spout, a moveable seal jaw assembly, and a moveable pouch opening device;
opening a top end of the stand-up pouch using the moveable pouch opening device while the stand-up pouch is in motion;
inserting the movable pouch fill spout into the stand-up pouch while the stand-up pouch is moving;
clamping the top end of the stand-up pouch to the pouch fill spout using the moveable seal jaw assembly while the stand-up pouch is moving;
filling the stand-up pouch while the pouch is moving, while the pouch fill spout is inserted into the stand-up pouch, while the top end of the stand-up pouch is clamped, and while the stand-up pouch is in a substantially collapsed condition;
unclamping the stand-up pouch;
withdrawing the pouch fill spout;
inserting a fitment into the stand-up pouch after the pouch fill spout is withdrawn from the stand-up pouch.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the seal jaw assembly is configured to clamp a pouch to the pouch fill injector so that as the pouch is filled air is not vented from the pouch.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein clamping the top end of the stand-up pouch to the pouch fill tube prevents air from being vented from the pouch when stand-up pouch is filled.
4. The method of claim 2 , further comprising:
passing an item through the movable pouch fill spout.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the item is liquid.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the liquid is juice.
7. The method of claim 4 , wherein the item is a solid.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the solid is at least one of food and medication.
9. 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 flat 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 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, wherein an initial filling of the stand-up pouch occurs by passing the product through the pouch fill spout and into the stand-up pouch while the stand-up pouch is in a substantially flat condition.
10. The method of claim 9 , wherein the product is liquid.
11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the liquid is juice.
12. The method of claim 9 , wherein the product is at least one of food and medication.