U.S. patent application number 10/968086 was filed with the patent office on 2006-04-20 for linear fitment applicator and method.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tetra Laval Holding & Finance, S.A.. Invention is credited to Stefan Annehed, Martin Fuzik, Steve Kendrick, Hisami Mitsuishi, Petr Sevcik.
Application Number | 20060080944 10/968086 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36179284 |
Filed Date | 2006-04-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060080944 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Annehed; Stefan ; et
al. |
April 20, 2006 |
LINEAR FITMENT APPLICATOR AND METHOD
Abstract
A linear fitment applicator for applying fitments to a series of
containers being conveyed along a form, fill, and seal packaging
machine includes an anvil, a fitment dispenser, a sealer, at least
one drive source for moving the anvil, and a wedge. The containers
are conveyed along the machine have at least one open end and at
least one pre-incised hole for receiving a fitment. The anvil
features a fitment engaging element and moves both vertically and
horizontally. The wedge locks the anvil into position while the
sealer fastens the fitments to the containers. A method for
applying the fitments to the containers also is disclosed.
Inventors: |
Annehed; Stefan; (Ham Lake,
MN) ; Mitsuishi; Hisami; (Blaine, MN) ; Fuzik;
Martin; (Eden Prairie, MN) ; Sevcik; Petr;
(Cambridge, MN) ; Kendrick; Steve; (Blaine,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
TETRA PAK US INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY DEPARTMENT;TETRA PAK INC.
101 COPORATE WOODS PARKWAY
VERNON HILLS
IL
60061
US
|
Assignee: |
Tetra Laval Holding & Finance,
S.A.
Pully
CH
|
Family ID: |
36179284 |
Appl. No.: |
10/968086 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/412 ;
53/133.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B29C 66/8242 20130101;
B29L 2031/7166 20130101; B29C 65/7838 20130101; B29C 66/53247
20130101; B29C 65/08 20130101; Y10S 53/02 20130101; B29C 66/63
20130101; B29C 66/112 20130101; B29C 66/131 20130101; B29K 2711/123
20130101; B31B 50/84 20170801; B29C 66/8322 20130101; B65B 61/186
20130101; B29C 66/72328 20130101; B29C 66/61 20130101; B29C 65/7841
20130101; B29L 2031/7162 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
053/412 ;
053/133.2 |
International
Class: |
B65B 61/20 20060101
B65B061/20 |
Claims
1. A linear fitment applicator for applying a fitment to a
container being conveyed along a form, fill, and seal packaging
machine, the container having an one open end and a pre-incised
hole for receiving the fitment, the fitment applicator comprising:
an anvil having a fitment engaging element for receiving and
engaging the fitment, the anvil being movable in a vertical plane
between a picking height and a welding height, and being movable in
a horizontal plane between a rearward conveying position and a
forward welding/picking position, which vertical and horizontal
movements are independent of one another; a fitment dispenser for
supplying a fitment to the anvil; a sealer for fastening the
fitment to the container; a vertical drive for moving the anvil
between the picking height and the welding height, a horizontal
drive for moving the anvil between the rearward conveying position
and the forward welding/picking position; and a wedge for locking
the anvil into the forward welding/picking position when the sealer
fastens the fitments to the containers.
2. The fitment applicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
fitment engaging element is a lobe or sealing disc used for holding
the fitment as the anvil moves from the fitment dispenser to the
container, and as the fitment is inserted into the pre-incised hole
in the carton, and holding the fitment while the sealer fastens the
fitment to the container.
3. The fitment applicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
fitment dispenser includes a pusher for urging the fitment onto the
fitment engaging element.
4. The fitment applicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
sealer is an ultrasonic welder.
5. The fitment applicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
vertical drive is a pneumatic cylinder.
6. The fitment applicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
horizontal drive is a pneumatic cylinder.
7. The fitment applicator in accordance with claim 1, including a
sealer drive for moving the sealer horizontally.
8. The fitment applicator in accordance with claim 7, wherein the
sealer drive is a pneumatic cylinder.
9. The fitment applicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
application of the fitments to the containers is indexed to the
conveyance of the containers along the machine.
10. The fitment applicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
fitments are spout-type resealable closures.
11. The fitment applicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein the
anvil, the fitment dispenser, the sealer, and the vertical and
horizontal drives, and the wedge all are positioned at a single
station of a multiple station form, fill, and seal packaging
machine.
12. A method for applying fitments to a series of containers being
conveyed along a form, fill, and seal packaging machine, each of
the containers having at least one open end and at least one
pre-incised hole for receiving a fitment, the method comprising the
following steps: dispensing a fitment from a fitment dispenser to a
picking position; moving an anvil having a fitment engaging element
forward to extend the fitment engaging element toward the picking
position linearly along a first level horizontal plane, the picking
position lying on the first horizontal plane; positioning the
fitment engaging element of the anvil into a fitment; moving the
anvil rearward, linearly along the first horizontal plane,
retracting the anvil to an upper vertical movement position; moving
the anvil vertically from the upper vertical movement position to a
lower vertical movement position, wherein the lower vertical
movement position is located along a second horizontal plane
through an upper open end of the container along a vertical line
perpendicular to the conveyance of the series of containers, the
second horizontal plane being aligned with the at least one
pre-incised hole; moving the anvil linearly forward along the
second horizontal plane to extend the anvil so that the fitment
mounted on the fitment engaging element is inserted through the at
least one pre-incised hole; moving a wedge into a locking position
behind the anvil, to secure the anvil in place horizontally
preventing rearward movement of the anvil and maintaining the anvil
in a static position along the second horizontal plane; sealing the
fitment to the container; and retracting the wedge to restore
rearward freedom of movement to the anvil.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of placing the fitment
onto the fitment engaging element of the anvil is accomplished by
thrusting the fitment onto the fitment engager with a pusher.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of sealing the fitment
to the container is accomplished by ultrasonically welding the
fitment to the container.
15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
retracting the anvil along the second horizontal plane to the lower
vertical movement position subsequent to the step of retracting the
wedge.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of raising
the anvil to the upper vertical movement position subsequent to the
step of retracting the anvil to the lower vertical movement
position.
17. The method of claim 12, wherein the application of the fitments
to the containers is indexed to the conveyance of the containers
along the machine.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method
for applying fitments to a container. More particularly, the
present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for linearly
applying fitments to a gable top carton.
[0002] Form, fill, and seal packaging machines have been used for
decades in the food packaging industry to package, for example,
liquid foods such as milk or juice. In operation, these machines
form or bottom seal containers from a blank (typically a
heat-sealable plastic and paperboard laminate), fill the containers
with a desired product and top seal the containers for subsequent
distribution. Gable top cartons are among the most common types of
containers formed, filled, and sealed by these machines.
[0003] Consumers have now come to expect that such containers
include a resealable spout o fitment. Typically, such fitments
include a cap to readily permit closing and sealing the container
after initial opening of the container. These fitments are
generally applied to the container at a station on the form, fill
and seal packaging machine. At the applicator station, fitments are
dispensed from a feed system to an applicator and moved into
contact with the carton. The applicator typically includes a
sealing device, such as an ultrasonic sealing or welding head,
which moves into contact with the carton (on an exterior surface of
the carton) while an accompanying fitment rests on an anvil that is
moved into contact with an interior surface of the carton. Energy
transmitted from the sealing device into the carton material above
the fitment seals the fitment to the carton. An example of a form,
fill, and seal packaging machine with such an applicator station is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,819,504 (the '504 patent), assigned to
the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by
reference.
[0004] Because many modern packaging machines operate at high
speeds (some at speeds up to about 14,000 packages per hour), the
spouts or fitments must be applied at a rate commensurate with the
overall speed of the packaging machine, as well as precisely and
accurately positioned. Many known fitment applicators are designed
to place fitments into holes pre-cut into cartons at one station,
and then to attach the fitments to the cartons at another station.
One clear disadvantage of such a dual station applicator is the
substantial additional space required to incorporate two additional
stations into the limited and confined space of the packaging
machine. Another disadvantage to dual station fitment applicators
is the potential for a fitment to become displaced from its carton
during transportation from the station at which the fitment is
inserted into the carton to the station at which the fitment is
attached to the carton.
[0005] Still another disadvantage to dual station fitment
applicators is the necessity of indexed conveyance of the cartons
to two additional stations. Recent fitment applicators such as the
apparatus disclosed in the '504 patent have attempted to respond to
these disadvantages. Though such devices may succeed in reducing
the dual station fitment applicators to a single station they
remain complex constructions, requiring several separate moving
parts all subject to wear, and difficult to assemble and align.
[0006] Accordingly, there exists a need for a simple apparatus and
method for linearly applying fitments to a carton. Desirably, such
a fitment applicator for use with the method quickly and accurately
selects and applies fitments at a single station. Such a fitment
applicator is easy to assemble and align. More desirably, such a
fitment applicator requires little space and a minimum of moving
parts. Most desirably, such an fitment applicator also includes a
means for locking the apparatus into position while fitments are
sealed to the containers, increasing performance reliability and
ensuring that the fitments are properly aligned during the sealing
process.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] A linear fitment applicator for applying fitments to a
series of containers being conveyed along a form, fill, and seal
packaging machine includes an anvil, a fitment dispenser containing
a plurality of fitments, a sealer, at least one drive source for
moving the anvil, and a wedge. The containers being conveyed along
the machine have at least one open end and at least one pre-incised
hole for receiving a fitment. The anvil features a fitment engager,
and may move both vertically and horizontally. The wedge locks the
anvil into position while the sealer fastens the fitments to the
containers. Preferably, application of the fitments to the
containers is indexed to the conveyance of the containers along the
machine.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the fitment engager is a lobe or
sealing disc. The fitment engager is responsible for securely
transporting the fitments from the fitment dispenser to the
containers, inserting the fitments into the pre-incised holes of
the containers, and holding the fitments steady while the sealer
fastens the fitments to the containers. Most preferably, the
containers are gabled top cartons. The fitment dispenser may
include a pusher for placing the fitments onto the fitment engager.
Most preferably, the fitments are spouted closures.
[0009] The at least one drive source may be a pneumatic cylinder.
Preferably, the fitment applicator includes two drive sources: a
first drive source for moving the anvil vertically, and a second
drive source for moving the anvil horizontally. Most preferably,
these two drive sources are pneumatic cylinders. The fitment
applicator may further include a sealer drive source, for moving
the sealer horizontally. The sealer drive source preferably also is
a pneumatic cylinder. The sealer may be an ultrasonic welder.
[0010] A method for applying fitments to a series of containers
being conveyed along a form, fill, and seal packaging machine also
is disclosed. The containers used with the method each have at
least one open end and at least one pre-incised hold for receiving
a fitment. The method includes the steps of: (1) dispensing a
fitment from a fitment dispenser to a picking position; (2) moving
an anvil having a fitment engager toward the picking position
linearly along a first horizontal plane, the picking position lying
on the first horizontal plane; (3) moving the anvil linearly along
the first horizontal plane to an upper vertical movement position;
(4) moving the anvil vertically from the upper vertical movement
position to a lower vertical movement position located along a
second horizontal plane; (5) moving the anvil linearly along the
second horizontal plane until the fitment mounted on the fitment
engager is inserted through the at least one pre-incised hole; (6)
moving a wedge into a locking position behind the anvil, to force
the anvil to maintain a static position along the second horizontal
plane; (7) sealing the fitment to the container; and (8) retracting
the wedge to restore freedom of movement to the anvil.
[0011] The lower vertical movement position is located along a
second horizontal plane through an upper open end of the container,
along a vertical line perpendicular to the conveyance of the series
of containers. The second horizontal plane is aligned with the at
least one pre-incised hole. The step of placing the fitment onto
the fitment engager of the anvil may be accomplished by thrusting
the fitment onto the fitment engager with a pusher. Preferably, the
container is a partially formed gabled top carton, and the fitment
is a spouted closure.
[0012] Most preferably, the step of sealing the fitment to the
container is accomplished by ultrasonically welding the fitment to
the container. The method may include two additional steps. First,
the method may further include the step of retracting the anvil
along the second horizontal plane to the lower vertical movement
position subsequent to the step of retracting the wedge. Second,
the method may include the step of raising the anvil to the upper
vertical movement position subsequent to the step of retracting the
anvil to the lower vertical movement position.
[0013] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent from the following detailed description,
in conjunction with the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The benefits and advantages of the present invention will
become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary form, fill, and
seal packaging machine having a linear fitment applicator embodying
the principles of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a side view of a linear fitment applicator
embodying the principles of the present invention, the applicator
shown at a starting, or neutral position;
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the applicator of FIG. 1
at a first point in time;
[0018] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the applicator of FIG. 1 at a
second point in time;
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of the applicator of FIG. 1
at a third point in time;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a side view of the applicator of FIG. 1 at a
fourth point in time;
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the applicator of FIG. 1 at a
fifth point in time;
[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the applicator of FIG. 1
at a sixth point in time;
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side view of the applicator of FIG. 1 at a
seventh point in time;
[0024] FIG. 10 shows a side view of the applicator of FIG. 1 at an
eighth point in time; and
[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary fitment suitable for use
with the present fitment applicator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter
be described a presently preferred embodiment with the
understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an
exemplification of the invention and is not intended to limit the
invention to the specific embodiment illustrated.
[0027] It should be further understood that the title of this
section of this specification, namely, "Detailed Description Of The
Invention", relates to a requirement of the United States Patent
Office, and does not imply, nor should be inferred to limit the
subject matter disclosed herein.
[0028] The present invention is designed to be a component of a
form, fill, and seal machine, whether as an integrated component of
a new machine or as an add-on component to an existing machine.
Preferably, the present invention may be positioned between a
station where containers are erected and a station where containers
are filled. The fitment applicator disclosed herein has been
designed to minimize the time and space necessary for its use, and
to maximize the reliability of its function. To this end, the
present fitment applicator provides for minimal translational
movement and longitudinal oscillation of its components.
[0029] Referring to the figures and in particular FIG. 1, there is
shown a typical form, fill, and seal packaging machine 10. The
packaging machine 10 includes a linear fitment applicator,
indicated generally at 12, embodying the principles of the present
invention. A typical form, fill, and seal packaging machine 10
includes a carton magazine 14 for storing flat, folded cartons
prior to erection. The machine 10 further includes a carton
erection station 16, a bottom flap sealing station 18, and a
closure applicator station 20. The closure applicator station 20
preferably includes a closure storage region 22, a closure
applicator 12, and a closure feed system or fitment dispenser 24.
Subsequent to closure application, cartons may be sterilized,
filled at a filling station 26, and sealed at a top sealing station
28 to form a well-known gable-top shape. Finally, cartons or
containers are off-loaded from the machine 10. The construction and
design of an exemplary machine is disclosed in Katsumata, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,012,267, which patent is assigned to the assignee of the
present invention, and which patent is incorporated herein by
reference for purposes of that patent's disclosure of such a
machine. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the
illustrated machine 10 is a dual-line machine in which two lines or
trains of cartons are processed side-by-side and
simultaneously.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a side view of a
linear fitment applicator 12 of the present invention. The
applicator 12 has an anvil or sealing disk 30, which is capable of
translational movement and longitudinal oscillation. The anvil 30
has a fitment engaging element 32 extending from one surface of the
anvil 30. The fitment engaging element 32 may be a lobe or sealing
disc, used for securely holding fitments or closures 34.
Preferably, the fitments or closures 34 are spouted-type
closures.
[0031] The anvil 30 is operably mounted or connected from above to
a first drive 36. The first drive 36 provides for longitudinal
movement of the anvil 30 from a first horizontal plane H.sub.1
(FIG. 2) to a second horizontal plane H.sub.2 (FIG. 5).
Translational movement of the anvil 30 is accomplished by a second
drive 38, which also is operably mounted or connected to the anvil
30. In a present applicator, the first and second drives 36, 38 are
pneumatic cylinders and are actuatable independent of each other.
The anvil 30 may be moved along either horizontal plane H.sub.1,
H.sub.2 from a forward position (as exemplified in FIG. 3) to a
vertical pathway position (as exemplified in FIG. 2). Though the
embodiment detailed in the diagrams includes two separate drive
sources 36, 38, one for moving the anvil 30 horizontally and the
other for moving the anvil 30 vertically, a single drive source
that moves the anvil both horizontally and vertically could be
substituted. The movement of the anvil 30 will be more thoroughly
described in FIGS. 3-10.
[0032] Still referring to FIG. 2, a fitment dispenser or closure
feed system is generally designated 24. As illustrated with the
present embodiment, the fitment dispenser 24 is composed of a chute
40 that transports fitments 34 from a fitments feeder 42 (not
shown) to a picking position 44 located on the first horizontal
plane H.sub.1 at one end of the chute 40. Upon arrival at the
picking position 44, the closure 34 is ready to be received on the
fitment engaging element 32. Optionally, the fitment dispenser 24
may include a pusher 46 for urging the fitments 34 into engagement
with the fitment engaging element 32. Though a specific variety of
fitment dispenser 24 is shown with the fitment applicator 12 of the
present invention, many different styles of fitment dispensers or
closure feed systems may be used.
[0033] Preferably, a sealer 48 for fastening a fitment 34 to a
container 50 is an ultrasonic welder. Other types of sealers, such
as heaters for heat sealing the fitment 34 to the container 50,
also may be used. The sealer 48 is operably mounted or connected to
a sealer drive source 52, which preferably is a pneumatic cylinder.
The sealer drive source 52 moves the sealer 48 horizontally, both
toward and away from the container 50 (fitment 34) to be
sealed.
[0034] The containers 50 are conveyed to a position below the
fitment applicator 12 by a conveyor belt or chain drive 54.
Preferably, each container 50 is a partially constructed gable top
carton, and has an open top end 56 to permit passage of the anvil
30. Each container 50 also has a pre-incised hole 58 formed in the
container for placement of the fitment 34. A typical fitment 34 has
a flanged end 60 (see FIG. 11) for positioning against an interior
wall of the container, so that a spout 62 protrudes through the
hole 58. The fitment applicator 12 further includes a wedge 64 that
is located behind the anvil 30. The wedge 64 locks the anvil 30
into position while the sealer 48 moves into contact with the
container 50 as the fitment 34 is sealed to the container 50.
[0035] A method of using the fitment application 12 of the present
invention to apply fitments 34 to a series of containers 50 is
illustrated in FIGS. 2-10. FIG. 2 shows the fitment applicator 12
at rest in a neutral, or zero position. FIG. 3 illustrates the
fitment applicator 12 at a first point in time (a picking
position). At this first point in time, the second drive 38 has
moved the anvil 30 horizontally to a picking position (as indicated
at 44) along the first horizontal plane Hi. The protruding fitment
engaging element 32 receives a fitment 34 that has been dispensed
by the fitment dispenser 24 at the picking position 44 by coupling
itself with (in) a cavity 66 (see FIG. 11) formed inside of the
fitment spout 62. Alternately, a pusher 46 may be used to urge the
fitment 34 onto the fitment engaging element 32. The fitment 34
thus is firmly secured to the fitment engaging element 32,
permitting the engaging element 32 to securely transport the
fitment 34.
[0036] Turning now to FIG. 4, the second drive 38 has retracted the
anvil 30, with a fitment 34 covering its fitment engaging element
32, linearly along the first horizontal plane H.sub.1 to an upper
vertical movement position at a second point in time. At the upper
vertical movement position, the anvil 30 is positioned on a
longitudinal pathway in preparation for descent through the open
end 56 of the container 50. The time and space saving features of
the present invention are apparent from the minimal distance the
anvil 30 retracts from the picking position 44 to the upper
vertical movement position. In addition, the potential for fitment
34 loss from the fitment engaging element 32 is significantly
reduced because the anvil 30 is subject to minimal movement.
[0037] In FIG. 5, the first drive 36 actuates to lower the anvil 30
along a vertical line perpendicular to the conveyance of the series
of containers 50 at a third point in time. The anvil 30 has passed
through the open end 56 of a container 50 to a lower vertical
movement position located in the interior of the container. The
lower vertical movement position falls along the second horizontal
plane H.sub.2, and is aligned with the pre-incised hole 58 of the
container 50. The anvil 30 descends to the lower vertical movement
position substantially without any translational (e.g., horizontal)
movement. As noted above, the time and space saving features of the
present invention are apparent from the minimal distances the anvil
30 is moved (along a vertical pathway in this instance as opposed
to the previously addressed horizontal pathway). Again, the
potential for fitment 34 loss is greatly decreased because the
anvil 30 and fitment engaging element 32 travel only minimal
distances.
[0038] As seen in FIG. 6, at a fourth point in time, the second
drive 38 has actuated to move the anvil 30 linearly forward along
the second horizontal plane H.sub.2 until the flange 60 of the
fitment 34 (as it is secured to the fitment engaging element 32)
rests firmly against an interior wall of the container 50, with the
spout 62 protruding through the pre-incised hole 58 of the
container. Once the closure 34 is in this position, it is ready for
permanent attachment (i.e., sealing) to the container 50. The
distance the anvil 30 travels along the second horizontal plane
H.sub.2 from the lower vertical movement position to the
pre-incised hole 58 is substantially equal to the distance the
anvil 30 travels from the picking position 44 rearward to the upper
vertical movement position (as show in FIGS. 3-4). This design
significantly simplifies the programming required for the second
drive 38, as all translational movement occurs substantially
between only two points.
[0039] FIG. 7 depicts the next step at a fifth point in time. The
wedge 64 has risen and occupies a locking position 68 behind the
anvil 30, forcing the anvil to maintain a static position (a
welding position) along the second horizontal plane H.sub.2. The
wedge 64 assists secures the anvil 30 in the welding position by
interfering with or preventing rearward movement of the anvil 30. A
present wedge 64 has an inclined face 65 (see FIG. 6) that
cooperates with an inclined face 67 (also shown in FIG. 6) on the
anvil arm 69 to lock the anvil in the welding position.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 8, a sixth point in time, the sealer
48 has been moved forward along the second horizontal plane H.sub.2
by the sealer drive 52, so that the sealer is positioned firmly
against an exterior wall of the container 50, generally over the
fitment spout 62. Once placed against the container 50, the sealer
48 is actuated to seal the fitment 34 to the container 50. In a
present machine 10, the sealer 48 is an ultrasonic sealer that
emits ultrasonic energy that vibrates for a predetermined time, at
a frequency sufficient to weld the flange 60 of the fitment 34 to
the interior wall of the container. The flange 60 of the fitment 34
is buttressed by the anvil 30, which has sufficient inertia to
allow for proper welding of the flange of the fitment 34 to the
interior wall of the container 50. The fitment engaging element 32
holds the fitment 34 steady while the sealer 48 operates
(vibrates), ensuring that the fitment is welded securely to the
container 50. Once the fitment 34 is properly welded to the
container 50, the sealer drive 52 retracts the sealer 48, and the
wedge 64 retracts from its locking position 68 behind the anvil 30,
permitting the anvil to once again move freely (FIG. 9).
[0041] In FIG. 10, the second drive 38 has actuated, retracting the
anvil 30 along the second horizontal plane H.sub.2 to the lower
vertical movement position, thereby disengaging the fitment 34,
which now is welded to the container 50, from the fitment engager
32. Finally, the first drive 36 actuates to return the anvil 30
along the vertical line to the upper vertical movement position,
which is the neutral, or "zero" position of the anvil, as seen in
FIG. 2. Once the anvil 30 has been removed from the interior of the
container 50 and ascended to its neutral position, the container 50
is conveyed down the line to a subsequent station on the form,
fill, and seal machine 10. A subsequent container 50 is then moved
into place at the applicator 12. Preferably, the anvil 30, the
fitment dispenser 24, the sealer 48, the first and second drives
36, 38, and the wedge 64 all are positioned at a single machine
station. Most preferably, the application of the fitments 34 to the
containers 50 is indexed to the conveyance of the containers along
the machine 10.
[0042] Advantageously, the present applicator 12 requires less
moving parts than known applicators, and has been shown to be
capable of operating at desired line speeds. Moreover, it has also
been found that the present applicator, because of its short
stroke, and because it does not include or use pivot points (i.e.,
does not use rotational movement), is more reliable than known
applicators.
[0043] All patents referred to herein, are hereby incorporated
herein by reference, whether or not specifically done so within the
text of this disclosure.
[0044] In the present disclosure, the words "a" or "an" are to be
taken to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any
reference to plural items shall, where appropriate, include the
singular.
[0045] From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous
modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing
from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present
invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect
to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be
inferred. The disclosure is intended to cover by the appended
claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the
claims.
* * * * *