Packaging apparatus, system, and method for forming filled cones

Abstract

The present apparatus and system relate to a machine and components thereof adapted to fill packages and which may be utilized according to a method. The machine progresses a package via a conveyor through sub-stations, such as a cone trimmer, product conveyor, packing head, folding station, and injection station. The cone trimmer trims the package to a desired length, the product conveyor deposits product into the packing head, the packing head packs the product in the package, the folding station folds the package, and the injecting station injects the package.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A packaging apparatus comprising:
 a cone trimming station comprising a conveyor adapted to support a cone, a blade, and an actuator adapted to adjust the position of a cone supported by the conveyor relative to the blade;   packing head comprising a hollow chamber an outlet in communication with the hollow chamber, and inlet in communication with the hollow chamber, and a packing rod adapted to slide within the outlet;   a folding station comprising a folding tip connected to an actuator, one or more folding fingers adapted to apply pressure to an exterior surface of the folding tip; and   a die conveyor comprising a plurality of dies, each die adapted to accommodate a cone.   
     
     
         2 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the die conveyor is adapted to move a die from the cone trimming station to the packing head, and from the packing head to the folding station. 
     
     
         3 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 1  further including a cone having a proximal end and a distal end and wherein a support is in contact with the proximal end to position the distal end in relation to the blade. 
     
     
         4 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the packing head includes one or more gates, an evacuation pathway in communication with the hollow chamber and an exhaust port in communication with the chamber. 
     
     
         5 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 4  comprising an inlet gate and an evacuation gate, wherein the evacuation gate separates the evacuation pathway from the hollow chamber and the inlet gate separates the inlet from the hollow chamber. 
     
     
         6 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 4  further comprising a chimney connected to the exhaust port. 
     
     
         7 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the chimney is approximately 10-20 inches in length. 
     
     
         8 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising one or more cooling elements, wherein the cooling elements are adapted to maintain the temperature of the packing head within a range of 35° F. and 40° F. 
     
     
         9 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 4  further comprising a vacuum filter connected to the evacuation pathway, wherein the vacuum filter comprises a housing, a fluid inlet, a vacuum inlet, a vacuum outlet, a fluid retention chamber, a fluid drainage chamber, and a valve separating the fluid retention chamber from the drainage chamber. 
     
     
         10 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the valve comprises a plug attached to an actuator, wherein the plug includes an angled upper portion forms a fluid tight seal against a chamber wall disposed within the housing, and the plug includes a conical bottom portion terminating in a rounded tip. 
     
     
         11 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the upper portion of the plug is angled at 40°-50° and the bottom portion of the plug is angled at 50°-60°. 
     
     
         12 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the vacuum inlet is connected to a vacuum diffuser having outlet positioned above a fluid level of fluid within the retention chamber. 
     
     
         13 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a hopper associated with a product conveyor, the product conveyor being positioned proximally to the packing head, and a dynamic gate positioned at an end of the conveyor proximal to the packing head. 
     
     
         14 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the dynamic gate comprises a plate and an actuator connected to the plate such that actuation of the actuator moves the plate relative to the end of the conveyor. 
     
     
         15 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the hopper exhibits an hourglass shaped cross-section. 
     
     
         16 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 15  wherein the hopper includes an upper portion with a maximum upper width and a lower portion with a maximum lower width, and where the maximum upper width is greater than the maximum lower width. 
     
     
         17 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 13  further including a bush positioned downstream from the dynamic gate and along the conveyor, wherein the brush is adapted to rub against the conveyor. 
     
     
         18 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 13  further including one or more cooling elements adapted to cool the conveyor, the hopper, and the dynamic gate. 
     
     
         19 . The packaging apparatus of  claim 18  wherein at least one of the one or more cooling elements maintains a temperature in the range of 35° F. and 40° F.