U.S. patent application number 14/760409 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-10 for method for packing, packaging machine, computer program, and package.
This patent application is currently assigned to Gambro Lundia AB. The applicant listed for this patent is GAMBRO LUNDIA AB. Invention is credited to Fredrik Gerstner, Anna Linde, Alex Vedovelli.
Application Number | 20150353214 14/760409 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51166542 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150353214 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gerstner; Fredrik ; et
al. |
December 10, 2015 |
METHOD FOR PACKING, PACKAGING MACHINE, COMPUTER PROGRAM, AND
PACKAGE
Abstract
A method for packing a container is disclosed. The method
comprises feeding (300) a first film; printing (302) information on
the first film; feeding (304) a second film, wherein the first and
second films encloses a container to be packed; and sealing (306)
the first and second films together along a line encircling the
container to form a package. The printing (302) of information
comprises printing information configured for the container to be
packed, and the printing is performed on a side of the first film
becoming the inside of the package. A packaging machine (100), a
computer program for a controller of a packaging machine, and a
package (126) for a container (102) are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Gerstner; Fredrik; (24
Helsingborg, SE) ; Linde; Anna; (63 Hjarup, SE)
; Vedovelli; Alex; (Tirano, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
GAMBRO LUNDIA AB |
Lund |
|
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Gambro Lundia AB
Lund
SE
|
Family ID: |
51166542 |
Appl. No.: |
14/760409 |
Filed: |
January 13, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
January 13, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2014/050477 |
371 Date: |
July 10, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61752074 |
Jan 14, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/411 ;
53/131.5; 53/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 9/045 20130101;
B65B 61/025 20130101; B65D 75/002 20130101; B65D 2203/06 20130101;
B65D 75/322 20130101; B65D 75/38 20130101; B65B 41/18 20130101;
B65B 31/021 20130101; B65B 2220/16 20130101; B65D 75/30 20130101;
B65B 57/04 20130101; B65D 2203/00 20130101; B65D 75/54
20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 9/04 20060101
B65B009/04; B65D 75/00 20060101 B65D075/00; B65D 75/30 20060101
B65D075/30; B65D 75/54 20060101 B65D075/54; B65B 31/02 20060101
B65B031/02; B65B 61/02 20060101 B65B061/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 14, 2013 |
SE |
1350038-4 |
Claims
1-31. (canceled)
32. A method for packing a container comprising: feeding a first
film; printing information on the first film; feeding a second
film, wherein the first and second films enclose a container to be
packed; evacuating air between the first and second films and the
container; and sealing the first and second films together along a
line encircling the container to form a package, wherein the
printing of information includes printing information configured
for the container to be packed, and wherein the printing is
performed (i) on a side of the first film becoming the inside of
the package, and wherein the printing is performed (ii) as mirrored
information on the side becoming the inside of the package such
that the printed information is readable through the first film,
and wherein the container is a bag enclosing a liquid content.
33. The method according to claim 31, further comprising
thermoforming at least one of the first and the second films,
wherein the container is placed on the second film after
thermoforming of the second film.
34. The method according to claim 33, wherein said thermoforming of
the first film is performed after the printing.
35. The method according to claim 31, which includes controlling
the position of the printing using a previous sealing operation
such that the printed information becomes positioned on a desired
position of the package.
36. The method according to claim 31, wherein the sealing position
is controlled using a position of the printing such that the
printed information becomes positioned on a desired position of the
package.
37. The method according to claim 31, wherein container placement
on the second film is synchronized using a position of the
printing.
38. The method according to claim 31, wherein the sealing includes
any one of: welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination
thereof.
39. A packaging machine for packing a container, the machine
comprising: a first feeder constructively arranged to feed a first
film; a printer constructively arranged to print information on the
first film; a second feeder constructively arranged to feed a
second film; a packing mechanism constructively arranged to cause
the first and second films to enclose the container to be packed,
wherein the container is a bag enclosing a liquid content; an air
evacuator constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first
and second films and the container, wherein the packing mechanism
includes a sealer mechanism constructively arranged to seal the
first and second films along a line encircling the container to
form a package; and a controller constructively arranged to control
operation of the machine, wherein the printer is controlled by the
controller to print information configured for the container to be
packed, and wherein the printer is constructively arranged to print
the information for the container on a side of the first film
becoming the inside of the package, and wherein the printer is
controlled by the controller to print information as mirrored
information such that the printed information is readable through
the first film.
40. The machine according to claim 39, further comprising a
thermoforming station constructively arranged to thermoform at
least one of the first and second films; and a container feeder
mechanism constructively arranged to place containers on the second
film downstream of the thermoforming station.
41. The machine according to claim 40, wherein the thermoforming
station is arranged such that thermoforming of the first film is
performed downstream of the printer.
42. The machine according to claim 39, wherein the position of the
printer is controlled by the controller using a previous sealing
operation such that the printed information becomes positioned on a
desired position of the package.
43. The machine according to claim 39, wherein the position of the
printer is controlled by the controller using a feeding mechanism
arranged between the printer and the sealer mechanism.
44. The machine according to claim 39, wherein the position of the
sealer mechanism is controlled by the controller from a position of
the printer such that the printed information becomes positioned on
a desired position of the package.
45. The machine according to claim 39, comprising a container
feeder mechanism controlled by the controller so as to place
containers on the second film in synchronization with the position
of the printer.
46. A computer program for a controller of a packaging machine, the
computer program comprising: computer program code including
computer executable instructions, which when downloaded and
executed by a processor of the controller, causes the controller to
control the packaging machine to: feed a first film; print
information on the first film; feed a second film, wherein the
first and second films enclose a container to be packed; evacuate
air between the first and second films and the container; and seal
the first and second films together along a line encircling the
container to form a package; wherein the printing of information
includes printing information configured for the container to be
packed, and wherein the printing is performed (i) on a side of the
first film becoming the inside of the package and (ii) as mirrored
information on the side becoming the inside of the package such
that the printed information is readable through the first film;
and wherein the container is a bag enclosing a liquid content.
47. A package for a container, the package comprising: first and
second films, wherein air is evacuated between the first and second
films and the container, the first and second films sealed along a
line encircling the container; wherein the package includes printed
information which is configured for the container to be packed and
is printed on an inside of the first film; wherein the printed
information includes mirrored information printed on the inside of
the package such that the printed information is readable through
the first film; and wherein the container is a bag with liquid
content.
48. The package according to claim 47, wherein the printed
information is a print arranged to provide (i) light reflecting
fields, (ii) light absorbing fields, or (iii) any combination
thereof.
49. The package according to claim 47, wherein the printed
information is configured to be read by a machine.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a method for
packing a container, a packaging machine for packing such a
container, a computer program for controlling such a packaging
machine, and a package.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Medical products, such as medical fluid containers, are
sometimes packed with an overwrap. Proper marking of the products
is important. However, sometimes the marking is subject to wear
during transportation and other handling. Information can in such
cases get lost, wherein the product cannot be used for security
reasons.
[0003] It is therefore a desire to provide marking of such products
where the marking is more resistant to wear.
SUMMARY
[0004] An object of the invention is to at least alleviate the
above stated problem. The present invention is based on the
understanding that printing the information on the inside of the
overwrap protects it from wear.
[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a method for
packing a container. The method comprises feeding a first film;
printing information on the first film; feeding a second film,
wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be
packed; evacuating air between the first and second films and the
container at sealing; and sealing the first and second films
together along a line encircling the container to form a package.
The printing of information comprises printing information
configured for the container to be packed, and the printing is
performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the
package. The printing is performed as mirrored information on the
side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed
information is readable through the first film. The container is a
bag and encloses a liquid content.
[0006] The printing may be performed as inverted information on the
side becoming the inside of the package. The printing may be
arranged to provide light absorbing or light reflecting print.
[0007] At least one of the first and second film may be
transparent. At least one of the first and second film may comprise
a polymer, preferably, the polymer is selected from polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), polyolefin, polyester, starch, and cellulose, or
mixtures thereof.
[0008] The method may further comprise thermoforming at least one
of the first and the second film. The thermoforming of the first
film may be performed after the printing. The container may be
placed on the second film after thermoforming of the second
film.
[0009] The printing position may be controlled by the occasion of a
previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned
on a desired position of the package. The printing position may be
controlled by a feeding mechanism. The printing position may be
controlled by a feeding mechanism being arranged between a printing
module and sealing module. Alternatively, or additionally, the
printing position may be controlled by an actuating mechanism
arranged to adjust the position of the printer. Alternatively, or
additionally, the printing position may be controlled by time
instant of the printing.
[0010] The sealing position may be controlled by a position of the
print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position
of the package.
[0011] The container placement on the second film may be
synchronized with the position of the print.
[0012] The printed information may be in form of any of: a barcode,
a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof. The
printed information may be unique for each package.
[0013] The sealing may comprise any of: welding, gluing, heat
sealing, or any combination thereof.
[0014] According to a second aspect, there is provided a packaging
machine for packing a container. The machine comprises a first
feeder constructively arranged to feed a first film; a printer
constructively arranged to print information on the first film; a
second feeder constructively arranged to feed a second film; a
packing mechanism constructively arranged to cause the first and
second films to enclose a container to be packed, wherein the
container is a bag and encloses a liquid content; an air evacuator
constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first and
second films and the container at sealing; and a controller
constructively arranged to control operation of the machine. The
packing mechanism comprises a sealer mechanism constructively
arranged to close a package with a seal of the first and second
films along a line encircling the container. The printer is
controlled by the controller to print information configured for
the container to be packed, and the printer is constructively
arranged on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the
package. The printer is controlled by the controller to print
information as mirrored information such that the printed
information is readable through the first film.
[0015] The machine may further comprise a thermoforming station
constructively arranged to thermoform at least one of the first and
second films. The thermoforming station may be arranged such that
thermoforming of the first film is performed downstream of the
printer.
[0016] The machine may comprise a container feeder mechanism
constructively arranged to place containers on the second film
downstream of the thermoforming station.
[0017] The printer may be controlled by the controller to print
information as mirrored information.
[0018] The printer may be constructively arranged to print the
information in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text,
pictogram, or any combination thereof.
[0019] The machine may further comprise an air evacuator
constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first and
second films and the container at sealing.
[0020] The printing position may be controlled by the controller by
the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print
becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. The
printing position may be controlled by the controller by
controlling a feeding mechanism arranged between the printer and
sealer mechanism. Alternatively, or additionally, the printing
position may be controlled by an actuating mechanism arranged to
adjust the position of the printer. Alternatively or additionally
the printing position may be controlled by time instant of the
printing.
[0021] The sealing position performed by the sealer mechanism may
be controlled by the controller from a position of the print such
that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the
package.
[0022] The machine may comprise a container feeder mechanism
controlled by the controller to place containers on the second film
synchronized with the position of the print.
[0023] The sealer mechanism may be constructively arranged to seal
the first and second films by any of: welding, gluing, heat
sealing, or any combination thereof.
[0024] According to a third aspect, there is provided a computer
program, for a controller of a packaging machine, comprising
computer program code including computer executable instructions,
which computer program code, when downloaded and executed by a
processor of the controller, causes the controller to control the
machine to perform the method according to the first aspect.
[0025] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a package
for a container, wherein the package is formed from a first and a
second film being evacuated from air between the first and second
films and the container and sealed by a seal of the first and
second films along a line encircling the container. The package
comprises printed information which is configured for the container
to be packed and is printed on an inside of the first film. The
printing is performed as mirrored information on the side becoming
the inside of the package such that the printed information is
readable through the first film. The container is a bag with liquid
content.
[0026] The container may be a bag, preferably a bag with liquid
content. The liquid content of the bag may comprise a medical
solution, preferably any of a group comprising dialysis fluid and
water.
[0027] The printed information may be arranged in form of any of: a
barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination
thereof.
[0028] The printed information may be a print arranged to provide
light reflecting fields. The printed information may be a print
arranged to or be a print arranged to provide light absorbing
fields. The printed information may also be a combination
thereof.
[0029] The printed information may be configured for machine
reading of the print.
[0030] The printed information may either be inverted or be
non-inverted.
[0031] The printed information may be mirrored information on the
side becoming the inside of the package.
[0032] Other objectives, features and advantages of the present
invention will appear from the following detailed disclosure, from
the attached dependent claims as well as from the drawings.
Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted
according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless
explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the
[element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be
interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said
element, device, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly
stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not
have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless
explicitly stated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] The above, as well as additional objects, features and
advantages of the present invention, will be better understood
through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed
description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with
reference to the appended drawings.
[0034] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine,
according to embodiments, for packaging containers.
[0035] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine
of FIG. 1 for packaging containers, regarded along the path of the
containers through the machine.
[0036] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an
embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating printing operations
according to embodiments.
[0038] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating forming of the package
according to embodiments.
[0039] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating synchronizing for
packaging the container according to embodiments.
[0040] FIG. 7 is a top view of a package according to an
embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 8 is a side view of a package according to an
embodiment.
[0042] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine,
according to embodiments, for packaging containers.
[0043] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine
of FIG. 9 for packaging containers, regarded along the path of the
containers through the machine.
[0044] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates a computer-readable medium
and a processor on which a computer program held by the
computer-readable medium can be executed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0045] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine
100, according to embodiments, for packaging containers 102. FIG. 2
schematically illustrates a top view of the machine 100 of FIG. 1
regarded along the path of the containers through the machine. The
machine 100 comprises a first feeder 104 arranged to feed a first
film 106. The first feeder 104 can comprise a roll of film which
can provide controlled feed, e.g. by servo motors, or can passively
feed by keeping a preferred stretch of the film as later stages of
the machine pulls the film.
[0046] The machine 100 also comprises a printer 108 arranged to
print information on the first film 106. The printing operations
will be further demonstrated below.
[0047] The machine 100 also comprises a second feeder 110 arranged
to feed a second film 112. The two films 106, 112 will form the
package. Thus, the machine 100 comprises a packing mechanism 114
arranged to cause the first and second films 106, 112 to enclose a
container 102 to be packed.
[0048] The machine also comprises a controller 124 arranged to
control operation of the machine 100. Here, it should be noted that
the controller 124 can comprise one or more controllers, and the
illustration in FIG. 1 is only schematic. For example, the printer
108 can comprise its own controller for acquiring the information
to be printed, and the printer 108 can also comprise a controller
for controlling the position of the printing. Similar, the feeding
mechanisms, and also the other elements that will be demonstrated
below can have dedicated controllers for each function.
Alternatively, two or more functions can share controllers.
Alternatively, or additionally, there can be a master controller.
For example, the master controller can be logically arranged in
hierarchy with controllers dedicated to specific functions.
[0049] The packing mechanism 114 comprises a sealer mechanism 116,
118 arranged to close a package 126 with a seal 120, 122 of the
first and second films 106, 112 along a line encircling the
container 102. This can be made in numerous ways, e.g. depending on
the geometry of the package 126 to be formed. For example, sealing
in line with the path of the films 106, 112 can be made
continuously by a first sealing means 116 as the films pass while
transversal sealing is performed by a second sealing means 114 at
each occasion a transversal sealing position is at the second
sealing means 114. Alternatively, the entire sealing around the
container 102 can be performed in one step by the sealing means
114. The machine can also comprise an air evacuator 115 arranged to
evacuate air between the first and second films and the container
at sealing. The overwrap formed by the first and second films 106,
112 will then be assured to fit tight to the container. An
advantage is that reading of the printed information may be
enhanced since the lack of air between the container 102 and the
first film 106 may make the printed area flat, and the ensured
contact between the container 102 and the first film 106 at the
printed area may enhance reflecting and/or absorbing properties of
the print, as will be discussed below. Further advantages are that
the content of the container can be further protected, and that a
damage of the package is easily spotted before use of the content.
The sealer mechanism 116, 118 can be constructively arranged to
seal the first and second films 106, 112 by for example welding,
gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof.
[0050] The printer 108 is controlled by the controller 124 to print
information configured for the container 102 to be packed. That is,
information indicating or being linked to information about for
example product identification, time and date, batch number, and/or
package number, etc. for the particular package or batch of
packages is printed. The date can be production date and/or expiry
date. The printing can be performed as heat printing, ink jet
printing, laser printing, or any other printing technique suitable
for the film used. The printing can be configured for machine
reading of the print, e.g. by scanning. Here, the print can be
either arranged to provide light reflecting print or light
absorbing print. For configuring to reflecting or absorbing print,
the encoding of the print, e.g. of a (matrix) barcode, can be
inverted or non-inverted to facilitate, improve or enable reading
or scanning. For example, if liquid content of the container, or
the container itself, is such that it provides poor reflection in
the wavelengths used for scanning, it is preferable to use a light
reflecting print, e.g. the ink or the print technique provides
light reflection at the fields printed in at the wavelengths used
for the scanning, such that the scanner is provided with a proper
contrast between printed and non-printed fields, e.g. in a (matrix)
barcode. In another example, the liquid of the container, or the
container itself, is such that it provides good reflection in the
wavelengths used for scanning. Then it is preferable to use a light
absorbing print, e.g. the ink or the print technique provides light
absorption at the fields printed in at the wavelengths used for the
scanning, such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast
between printed and non-printed fields. There can also be cases
where the liquid of the container, or the container itself, is such
that it provides indefinite reflection in the wavelengths used for
scanning, it is preferable to use a combination of light reflecting
print and light absorbing print such that the scanner is provided
with a proper contrast between the different fields provided to
give the information. The printer 108 is constructively arranged on
a side of the first film 106 becoming the inside of the package
126. This is particularly advantageous since the print then is
protected from wear when the package 126 is handled. Another
advantage is that the printing is given an inherent protection
against manipulation after production of the package 126. The
printer 108 can be controlled by the controller 124 to print
information as mirrored information. Thus, upon use of a
transparent film 106, the printed information is readily read the
right way through the film 106. The printer 108 can be arranged to
print the information in form of for example a barcode, a matrix
barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
[0051] The machine can also comprise a thermoforming station 111,
113 arranged to thermoform one or both of the first and second
films 106, 112. This provides for a desired form of the package.
Upon thermoforming of the first film 106, the thermoforming station
111 is arranged such that thermoforming of the first film 106 is
performed downstream of the printer 108.
[0052] The containers 102 can me manually put into the machine 100,
as indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, on the second film 112.
Alternatively, the machine can comprise a container feeder
mechanism 103, as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11, arranged to place
containers 102 on the second film 112. The placement of the
containers 102 is preferably made downstream of a thermoforming
station 113 when that is used for the second film 112. Downstream
the placement of the containers 102, the containers 102 will be
enclosed between the first and second films 106, 112 and then
sealed to form the package 126, as demonstrated above.
[0053] It is important that the printed information does not become
in a position where it can be cut away at final trimming or cutting
of the package. It is also advantageous if the print is placed such
that it is readily read, by man or machine, on the package.
Therefore, the printing position can be controlled by the
controller 124 by for example the occasion of a previous sealing
operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired
position of the package 126. The printing position can also be
controlled by the controller 124 by controlling a feeding mechanism
109, as illustrated in FIG. 10, arranged between the printer and
sealer mechanism. Here, the feeder mechanisms 104 and 109 introduce
a certain slack before and after the printer 108. This slack is
possible to vary, wherein the film can be kept still at printing.
These mechanisms 104 can also relief control of elements with
physical constraints, e.g. a heavy roll of film. Alternatively, the
printing position is controlled by adjusting the position of the
printer, e.g. by an actuator 107 as illustrated in FIG. 1. This can
also aid if printing takes some time, although small, but the first
film 106 is moving during printing. This can improve printing
quality.
[0054] The printing position can also be controlled by the
controller 124 by controlling a time instant of the printing such
that the print is place in the desire position.
[0055] The controlling can also be made the other way around. For
example, the sealing position performed by the sealer mechanism 118
can be controlled by the controller 124 from the position of the
print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position
of the package. Upon use of a container feeder mechanism 103 as
depicted in FIG. 10, the container feeder mechanism 103 can be
controlled by the controller 124 to place containers 102 on the
second film 112 synchronized with the position of the print.
[0056] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an
embodiment. The method comprises feeding 300 a first film; printing
302 information on the first film; feeding 304 a second film,
wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be
packed; and sealing 306 the first and second films together along a
line encircling the container to form a package. The printing 302
of the information comprises printing information configured for
the container to be packed, for example product identification,
date time, batch identification, package identification, etc. or an
identification enabling such information to be accessed. The
printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the
inside of the package, which provides particular advantages as
demonstrated above. Optionally, the packages can be cut 307 between
transversal seals to form packages having one or a desired number
of containers.
[0057] The container can be a bag. The container can enclose a
liquid content. The first and/or second film can be transparent and
comprise for example a polymer. The polymer can be for example
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin, polyester, starch, cellulose,
or mixtures thereof. Among these, PVC, polyolefin and polyester
have shown to be particularly suitable for packing containers with
medical fluids.
[0058] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating printing operations, as
of action 302 in FIG. 3, according to embodiments. The printing
includes acquiring 400 information configured for the container or
containers to be packed at the moment, which information then is to
be printed. The information, which can be in form of for example a
barcode, a matrix barcode, text, or pictogram, or any combination
thereof, is printed on the side of the first film becoming the
inside of the package. Therefore, it can be beneficial that the
printing is performed 402 as mirrored information on the side
becoming the inside of the package. Optionally, the printing is
synchronized 401 with other operations in packing, for example
transversal sealing, such that the print becomes placed on a
desired position on the package. For example, the printing position
is controlled by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such
that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the
package, the printing position is controlled by time instant of the
printing, or the printing position is controlled by a feeding
mechanism or a printer position adjusting mechanism.
[0059] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating forming of the package
according to embodiments. Here, most of the actions illustrated in
FIG. 5 are to be considered as options which can be combined in any
combination. For example, the first film can be thermoformed 500 to
gain a desired form of the package. The thermoforming of the first
film is preferably performed after printing. Similarly the second
film can be thermoformed 502. Upon thermoforming 502 of the second
film, the container is preferably placed 504 according to the
forming on the second film, i.e. after thermoforming 502, such that
the container becomes in the right position in the package. The
first and second films can then be joined 506 around the container.
Air is optionally evacuated 508 between the films and the container
such that the films fit tight to the container. The films can then
be welded 510 to seal the package. The sealing can also comprise,
instead of or in addition to welding 510, any of gluing, heat
sealing, or any combination thereof.
[0060] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating synchronizing for
packaging the container according to embodiments. As of FIG. 5, the
actions illustrated in FIG. 6 are to be considered as options which
can be combined in any combination. FIG. 6 is further to be
considered as an alternative approach to controlling printing
position to other operations by letting the printing position
control the succeeding operations. For this, optical approach, such
as vision technology, can be used for the control where the
observed print controls the timing and/or position of other
operations. The container placement can for example be synchronized
600 with the position of the printed information. Transversal
sealing can also be synchronized 602 with the printed information
placement.
[0061] The methods according to the present invention are suitable
for implementation with aid of processing means, such as computers
and/or processors, especially for the case where operations of a
packaging machine are controlled by digital controllers such as
programmable logic controllers, processors or computers. Therefore,
there is provided computer programs, comprising instructions
arranged to cause the programmable logic controllers, processors or
computers to perform the steps of any of the methods according to
any of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6.
The computer programs preferably comprises program code which is
stored on a computer readable medium 1100, as illustrated in FIG.
11, which can be loaded and executed by a programmable logic
controller, processor or computer 1102 to cause it to perform the
methods, respectively, according to embodiments of the present
invention, preferably as any of the embodiments described with
reference to any of FIGS. 3 to 6. The programmable logic
controller, processor or computer 1102 and computer program product
1100 can be arranged to execute the program code sequentially where
actions of the any of the methods are performed stepwise. The
programmable logic controllers, processors or computers 1102 are
preferably what normally is referred to as an embedded system.
Thus, the depicted computer readable medium 1100 and programmable
logic controllers, processors or computers 1102 in FIG. 11 should
be construed to be for illustrative purposes only to provide
understanding of the principle, and not to be construed as any
direct illustration of the elements.
[0062] FIG. 7 is a top view of a package 126 according to an
embodiment. The inner rectangle with rounded corners is here
illustrating the enclosed container and the area outside that
illustrates the parts where the two films are joined and sealed
together. The printed information 109 is here given as example as a
matrix barcode.
[0063] FIG. 8 is a side view of the package 126. The rounded part
is here illustrating the enclosed container and the line
illustrates the parts where the two films are joined and sealed
together. The printed information 109 is here seen to be on the
package 126.
[0064] The package 126 is suitable for a container, for example a
bag, preferably a bag with liquid content. The liquid content of
the bag can comprise a medical solution. The medical solution can
for example be dialysis fluid or water for use in medical
applications. The package 126 is formed from a first and a second
film being sealed by a seal of the first and second films along a
line encircling the container. The package 126 comprises printed
information 109 which is configured for the container to be packed,
such as product, date, time, batch, and/or packet identification.
Thus, the printed information may enable unique identification of
the product, the batch or even the single package. The controller
controlling the printing may store information accordingly in a
database, wherein data corresponding to the printed information,
e.g. a metadata file, and thus the product, batch and/or package
may be retrieved, e.g. upon use of the product of the package or
any found issues regarding the product of the package. The
information is printed on an inside of the first film. Thereby is
the printed information protected from for example wear during
transportation and handling of the product. The printed information
is arranged in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode,
text, pictogram, or any combination thereof.
[0065] While the invention has been described in connection with
what is presently considered to be the most practical embodiments,
it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to
the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to
cover various modifications and equivalents included within the
spirit and the scope of the appended claims.
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