Apparatus and process for inspecting sealed packages

Patent 6105419 Issued on August 22, 2000. Estimated Expiration Date:

July 14, 2017. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.

Abstract Claims Description Full Text

Patent References

4090610

Horizontal packaging apparatus
Patent #: 4110954
Issued on: 09/05/1978
Inventor: Olsson , et al.

Apparatus for discarding leaky packages from a row of filled sealed packages
Patent #: 4148213
Issued on: 04/10/1979
Inventor: Prakken

Apparatus for transporting layers of sheets
Patent #: 4230218
Issued on: 10/28/1980
Inventor: Kunzmann

Broken package culling system
Patent #: 4330064
Issued on: 05/18/1982
Inventor: Weinert

Horizontal packaging apparatus
Patent #: 4377061
Issued on: 03/22/1983
Inventor: Olson , et al.

Apparatus for assorting articles according to size
Patent #: 4380294
Issued on: 04/19/1983
Inventor: Morris

Apparatus for seal-testing sachets, packets and the like
Patent #: 4510730
Issued on: 04/16/1985
Inventor: Edmondson

Apparatus and method for testing for leakages in hermetically-sealed packages
Patent #: 4517827
Issued on: 05/21/1985
Inventor: Tapscott

Apparatus for and method of testing for leaks in packages
Patent #: 4649740
Issued on: 03/17/1987
Inventor: Franklin

More ...

Inventors

Assignee

Recot, Inc.

Application

No. 892316 filed on 07/14/1997

US Classes:

73/49.3, Sealed73/41, Conveyor feed73/45.4Sealed receptacle

Examiners

Primary: Larkin, Daniel S.

Attorney, Agent or Firm

Rothwell, Figg, Ernst & Kurz, P.C.

Foreign Patent References

238102 AT 01/13/1965
540148 EP 05/13/1993
2162648 GB 02/13/1986
2172402 GB 09/13/1986
2259776 GB 03/13/1993

International Class

G01M 003/34

Abstract

An apparatus for inspecting sealed packages of product includes a conveyor belt for receiving the packages. An inspection belt contacts the packages and moves away from the conveyor belt a particular distance depending on whether the packages are properly sealed. When engaged by a package with a good seal, the inspection belt is moved a first distance which causes an indicator carried thereon to send a signal which prevents removal of the good package from the conveyor belt. However, when a leaky bag contacts the inspection belt, the inspection belt is moved a second distance which is insufficient to cause the indicator to send a signal. Consequently, the improperly sealed package is removed from the conveyor belt. The inspection belt may be mounted for linear or pivotal movement upon being contacted by the packages carried by the conveyor belt. In addition, a package engaging member can be used to press the packages prior to passing under the inspection belt to facilitate the discharge of air from leaky packages, e.g., pre-squeezing the packages.