The lateral drive 455 includes a shaft 465 extend ing therefrom that engages the longitudinal mounting brack- ets 335 of the input carriage section 315, preferably at the 30 position of idle roller 330.

The illustrated embodiment of the row staging conveyor 65 comprises a unique modular arrangement of stop mem bers which readily lends itself to fast and easy customization for a particular product format.

The basic modular structure of the disclosed embodiment facilitates quick and inexpensive configuration of the con veyor system 25 to a variety of product formats.

The push rod 750 protrudes from the second half 755 of mounting block 745 to engage a corre- 5,810,149 sponding flag 760 that extends radially outward from a pivot cylinder 765.

Since the accumulator conveyor 695 is driven by a servo motor 790, its motion may be 60 accurately controlled to align subsequent rows of product longitudinally as needed by the packaging machine 35.

horizontal form/fill/seal machine was specified and developed (based on the Tiromat 3000) to provide HEB pouch packaging rates of 100 per minute and for integration into the Combat Ration Advanced Manufacturing Technology Demonstration.

Working closely with Reynolds to develop the film the material cost of the bottom formed foil laminate has been reduced by 30% due to mixing the ink color with the adhesive thereby saving a process step.

It is projects resulting In—r/r/s Demonstration unit (after development work is done) would offer small and large producers the following capability: l. Twice the capacity - at equivalent cost - of a vertical machine that handles pro—formed pouches.

Cook Coilaqo ~ Center for Advanced Food Technology CRAKTD Program SEecifications for INTERHITTENT HOTION HORIZONTAL FORfl-FILL-SEAL POUCH MACHINE This specification covers the requirements for an intermittent motion (I.H.}

QfifififllEILle Lam: “I“Iromat Formset Number 348-1 .1 Divided to 104-23 to package Beet Cube in Gravey using retort grade aluminum polypropylene material Includes: BDrnrn Maximum Draw Depth Forming Mold 104-2.:3 canted.

An example of a cutoff station for separating rows of packages formed on the continuous webs or bands may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,848,492 entitled APPARATUS FOR LON- 55

A vacuum packaging machine incorporating a sealing 20 station in accordance with the present invention is sche matically illustrated in FIG. 1 and generally designated by the numeral 10.

The product sizing plunger is moved downwardly into engagement with the central circular portions 54 of each cover 36 while the container continues being vacuumized.

An upper surface 470 of platform 468 is configured to conform to the bottom 45 and lower peripheral edge of a container positioned within chamber 466.

In view of the foregoing description, those of ordi nary skill in the art may envision various modifications which will not depart from the inventive concepts dis closed herein.

For plastically deformable items, such as patties made from ground meat, it is requested that they retain their original form during treatment.

In the packaging industry it is known to remove objects from a stream of supplied items using suction cups and to precisely align them in layers or deposit them otherwise.

The frame 60 bears, for example, three sensors 61, 62, 63 above the downstream end 30b of the conveyor belt 30, which react to inductive or capacitive field changes caused by an object G and generate a signal.

For reasons of simplification, the same parts were designated with the same reference characters, and sometimes installations, such as switching levers 54, contacts 55 - 58, and control box 51, are not shown, here.

Device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the individual transfer points are marked by sensors (61, 62, 63, 71, 72) to determine the presence of an object (G) at a specific location.

Still an- the same time, heat is transferred to a part oi‘the upper other limitation with this technique is that it sometimes web inboard of the seal line, to soften the plastic for has a tendency to produce thinning-out or puncturing ot' subsequent stretch-forming.

It is a principal object of this invention to provide improved techniques and apparatus for forming the top closure of a vacuum or gas-filled package, so as to avoid or minimize the disadvantages of the prior art such as discussed above.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, to be described hereinbelow in detail, two continuous plastic webs (the lower one formed into cups) are carried by an intermittently-indexed edge-clamp couveyor through two successive packaging stations.

completes'the proper forming of each top closure by pressing the still-heated film 32 intimately and tightly down against the surface of the product, so as to follow closely its contour or profile including any pockets or voids.

Such changeover in the pre- ferred embodiments discloeed does not require substitu- tion of a complete series of receptaclesupporting trays, since both webs of packaging material are supported by an edge-clamp conveyor adaptable to all kinds of pack- ages.

A POSA would have had a reasonable expectation of success when combining the teachings of Mahaffy535’s tamping Inter Partes Review of U.S. Patent No. 7,533,513 apparatus with the conveyor and packaging system of Honsberg and Hollymatic.

Specifically, I developed a Request for Proposal Inter Partes Review of U.S. Patent No. 7,533,513 (RFP) for Pretzilla for horizontalform-fill seal (hffs) modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) machinery and conveying systems into and out of the hffs machine and was responsible for specifying the requirements, defining machinery and conveyor suppliers, soliciting bids, screening options, interviewing potential suppliers, specifying details to adapt each machine to better meet the product needs, working with engineers to modify designs, and negotiating required adjustments.

I also understand that when there is a design need or market pressure to Inter Partes Review of U.S. Patent No. 7,533,513 solve a problem and there are a finite number of identified, predictable solutions, a skilled person has good reason to pursue the known options within his or her technical grasp.

Finally, a POSA would have had a reasonable expectation of success when combining Honsberg’s and Hollymatic’s withdraw conveyor with Mello’s sealing system because Mello itself Inter Partes Review of U.S. Patent No. 7,533,513 describes using an “automatic” loading mechanism to fill the container portions.

As demonstrated above, Honsberg and Hollymatic disclose the limitation of repositioning said end region to a position arranged to deposit a food product draft Inter Partes Review of U.S. Patent No. 7,533,513 carried on said conveying surface into said a container portion of said second row.

at the peripheral flanges, of each cup, they are indexed further in a generally horizontal plane toward the left where they are removed from the chain clips to pass along a discharge ramp 36 (see also FIGS. 2 and 3), still in an interconnected relationship.

With cups madeofrelatively rigid material, they will move along this ramp in an accurately spaced relationship without additional outside support, although conveyor means (not shown) may of course be provided where ap- propriate.

length of approximately 9 inches, and with the knife- It may be advantageous to form the knife 58 from supporting block 54 heated to a temperature of approx- two or more strips to facilitate branching (see also imately 250° F., a displacement from the center of the FIGS. 12 and 13).

Cutting pressures required at normal ambient tive thereto, A mating slot 84 is arranged within the temperatures, are reduced to a fraction by heating the working surface to receive the knife.

face is contoured andelevated above the platen 62 suf- It should be apparent to oneskilled in the art that 60 various modifications may be madein the method and ficiently to clear formed cups of maximum depth, and is sufficiently narrow in width to pass betweenadjacent the meansdisclosed by the presentinvention,e.g.

For plastically deformable items, such as patties made from ground meat, it is requested that they retain their original form during treatment.

In the packaging industry it is known to remove objects from a stream of supplied items using suction cups and to precisely align them in layers or deposit them otherwise.

The frame 60 bears, for example, three sensors 61, 62, 63 above the downstream end 30b of the conveyor belt 30, which react to inductive or capacitive field changes caused by an object G and generate a signal.

For reasons of simplification, the same parts were designated with the same reference characters, and sometimes installations, such as switching levers 54, contacts 55 - 58, and control box 51, are not shown, here.

Device according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the individual transfer points are marked by sensors (61, 62, 63, 71, 72) to determine the presence of an object (G) at a specific location.

If the specification and drawings exceed 100 sheets of paper (excluding electronically filed sequence or computer listings under 37 CFR 1.52(e)), the application size fee due is $250 ($125 for small entity) for each additional 50

plural namesare listed) of the subject matter which is claimed and for which a patent is sought on the invention entitled: Fill And Packaging Apparatus,the specification of which: Oo is attached hereto; or wasfiled on 12/18/2002 as Application Serial No. 10/323,618.

The connection between the tamping mechanism and the conveyoris described in the specification, (pages 7- 9) as amended, as follows, with particularly significant description shown in bold: Figures 2 and 3 illustrate that the shuttle conveyor 52 includes an endless belt 80.

i herebycertify that this correspondence andall referenced documents are being facsimile transmitted to the USPTO or deposited with the United States Postal Service with sufficient postage asfirst class mail in an envelope addressed to: Commissionerfor Patents, P.O.

| hereby certify that this correspondence is being facsimile transmitted to the USPTO or deposited with the United States Postal Service with sufficient postage asfirst class mail jp-an-envelope addressed to: Commissionerfor Patents, P.O.

The 198/369.1, 369.2, 435 conveyor for acceptable groups has a pivotal outboard section to allow for service of packaging equipment without ‘ References Cited moving the system.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a takeaway/correction To minimize waste,it is desirable to correct any out-of- conveyor system constructed in accordance with a preferred tolerance or “reject” food product groups.

No. 08/320,749,filed Oct. 11, 1994, inventors Arthur A. Johnson, Scott A. Lindee and Glenn A. Sandberg, entitled “Conveyor/Classifier System for Versatile Hi-Speed Food Loaf Slicing Machine”; Ser.

No. 08/320,750, filed Oct. 11, 1994, inventors Scott A. Lindee, Wilbur A. Janssen and Thomas C. Wolcott, entitled “Method of Manufacturing Food Loaf Slice Groups”.

When the food product (slicing) machine 11 and the takeaway/correction conveyor system 10 are placed in operation they are aligned with each other and with utiliza- tion position 49 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

(75) Inventors: Robert J. Albrecht, River Edge; Albert A. Pinto, White Plains; John J. Palermo, Glen Rock; Edward J. Mystowski, Westwood, all of N.J. 73 Assignee: Nabisco, Inc., East Hanover, N.J. 21 Appl.

A photoelectric unit 40 is attached to the bar 38 to energized, the armature winding 82 produces a mag count the number of articles which are transferred in netic field which pulls the annular member 94 against one column.

A relay 138 operates a predeter The winding 115W is connected in series with a nor mined counter 139 each time an article passes under the mally open start switch 116 and normally closed stop photoelectric unit 40.

upon the eddy current clutch 119 is dependent upon the When the counter 139 has received input pulses equal to setting of a potentiometer which is connected between the predetermined count, a relay 141 is activated to the leads 120B and 120C with the adjustable contact reverse the direction of movement of the carriage.

The clutch 80 is energized through the nor are oriented so that the light beam is reflected directly mally closed relay contacts and drives the carriage 30 to into the photo cell from the surface of the belt, how the left, over the conveyor 12, to extend the noser ar ever, when an article such as a cookie passes under the rangement 11.

Wednesday, December 28, 2016 Event Honors Six Industry Leaders and Features Presentation of Environmental Recognition and Achievement Awards Washington, D.C. – The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) will honor industry leaders at its Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon during the 2017 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) in Atlanta, Georgia.

The luncheon, which is scheduled to take place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on January 31, 2017, at the Georgia World Congress Center, will feature Meat Institute Board of Directors, key industry leaders, representatives from packer and processor companies and award recipients and their families.

“The Annual Awards Ceremony and Luncheon will celebrate the enormous talent and showcase the significant contributions of Meat Institute members and industry leaders,” said NAMI President and CEO Barry Carpenter.

The Edward C. Jones Community Service Award will be given to John Link, founder and chairman of the board of Jack Link’s Protein Snacks, in recognition of his significant contributions to, and active participation supporting, the people and families of Minong, Wisconsin, and additional communities in the Midwest where Jack Link’s operates.

The Supplier of the Year Award will be presented to Provisur Technologies in recognition of the company’s leadership in developing innovative, advanced equipment systems that provide meat and poultry customers with cost-effective, cutting-edge manufacturing.

By switching on the conveyor belt, the food product is transported in a forward direction, following the downward sloping surface, and finally stopped at the deposit point.

09 12 89 Furthermore, the main advantage of the present innovation is that the arrangement of a carriage with a narrow knife edge strip now ensures a transport level with only a slight inclination, so that there is no longer any risk of the foodstuff slipping.

The dipping spout 8 essentially consists of two support parts 34, 35, which are mounted in a movable and adjustable manner relative to each other by means of corresponding clamping screws 44.

Insertion device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the dipping spout (8) consists of two carrier parts (34, 35), which are attached in a displaceable and adjustable manner relative to one another by means of corresponding clamping screws (44).

Der Eintauchschnabel 8 besteht im wesentlichen aus zwei Tragerteilen 34,35, die verschiebbar und einstellbar zueinander Uber entsprechende Spannschrauben 44 befestigt sind.

Provisur manages global brands of food processing technology that make and sell an array of market-leading forming, slicing, defrosting, marinating, tenderizing, injecting, grinding, mixing, separation, coating, frying, cooking, and smoking products.

Weber, Inc. also maintains a North American Technology Center in Kansas City, Missouri, to, among other things, market, demonstrate, and educate customers from throughout United States about its products.

U.S. Patent No. 9,399,531 (“the ‘531 patent”), entitled “Sheet Interleaver For Slicing Apparatus,” was duly issued by the USPTO on July 26, 2016, and lists named inventors Glen F. Pryor, Scott A. Lindee, and James E. Pasek.

U.S. Patent No. 7,065,936 (“the ‘936 patent”), entitled “Fill and Packaging Apparatus,” was duly issued by the USPTO on June 27, 2006, and lists named inventors Scott A. Lindee, Glenn Sandberg, and James E. Pasek.

U.S. Patent No. 6,997,089 (“the ‘089 patent”), entitled “Optical Grading System For Slicer Apparatus,” was duly issued by the USPTO on February 14, 2006, and lists named inventors Scott A. Lindee and Thomas C. Wolcott.

ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words) the To satisfy requirements for productivity, versatility and flexibility, horizontal form/fill/seal machine was specified and developed (based on the Tiromat 3000) to provide MRE pouch packaging rates of 100 per minute and for integration into the Combat Ration Advanced Manufacturing Technology Demonstration.

Working closely with Reynolds to develop the film the materiai cost of the bottom formed foil laminate bas been reduced by 30% due to mixing the ink color with the adhesive thereby saving a process step.

Key features include; audittrail, automatic diagnostic/test- ing, preventative maintenance prompting,statistical analyses, Tiromat control func- tions (individual functions and complete operating programs), equipmentutilization reporting and network capability.

addendum #1 to RPP #0-2-7-1 Intermittent MoLicn Hertzenctal Term PLll-feal ouch Machine Dear Siz: The information contained herein revises, supplements and/or supercedes the apeacific parts of tha documents referred to as Requast for Proposal Number 0-2=7-1.

fFenN> Electrical Compressed Air Water Vacuum Pump 220 Valts, 3 Phase, 60 Cycle, 35 arnos 100 PSI @ 50 CFM DryAir 45 Liters per Hour/12 Gallons per Hour Requires separate three-phase connection