IP Library Granted Patent US 12,686,515
Granted Patent B2
US 12,686,515 · App. 18/911,918 · Granted Jul 21, 2026

Zero vent pouch filler

Inventor: William D. Rogers (Shakopee, MN)
Assignee: BBC Packaging, LLC
B65B39/10B65B43/12B65B43/30B65B43/465B65B61/186
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,686,515
App. No.
18/911,918
Filed
Oct 10, 2024
Granted
Jul 21, 2026
Kind
B2
Art Unit
3753
USPC
141/314
Abstract

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.

Claims (42)

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inserting a fitment into the stand-up pouch after the fill spout is withdrawn from the stand-up pouch.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

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Oct 14, 2024
From: ROGERS, WILLIAM D.
To: BBC PACKAGING, LLC
Reel/Frame 068887/0888 →
Continuity (3)
Continuation 17746004 · May 17, 2022
Provisional Application 63189537 · May 17, 2021
Related Publication 20250033816A1 · Jan 30, 2025
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