초록 ▼

The present invention relates to an apparatus, automated system and method for packaging food products. The system has a novel arrangement for transferring the product from a receiving station to a bagging station which arrangement includes mechanical devices for pulling a bag over the product. The

The present invention relates to an apparatus, automated system and method for packaging food products. The system has a novel arrangement for transferring the product from a receiving station to a bagging station which arrangement includes mechanical devices for pulling a bag over the product. The system further includes a unique platen system for transporting the bagged product to various stations where it is vacuumized, sealed, trimmed, and finished. Optionally, the system includes a plurality of needles for injecting a fluid such as a basting fluid into the product.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for packaging products which comprises: a) transporting a product to a position where a product can be loaded into a bag having a bag neck; b) loading said product into the bag to form a package; c) providing a platen comprising a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a longitudinal ce

A method for packaging products which comprises: a) transporting a product to a position where a product can be loaded into a bag having a bag neck; b) loading said product into the bag to form a package; c) providing a platen comprising a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a longitudinal centerline between the first and second lateral edges, a first half of the platen defined by the first lateral edge and the longitudinal centerline, a second half of the platen defined by the second lateral edge and the longitudinal centerline, an upper surface, and a lower surface; d) providing a means for clamping the bag neck, the means comprising a first clamp disposed on the first half of the platen, and a second clamp, discrete from the first clamp, disposed on the second half of the platen; e) clamping the bag neck of said package to the platen at a first station by moving each of the first and second clamps to clamp the bag neck to the platen, and hold the bag neck on the platen; f) moving said platen with said package clamped thereto to a vacuum chamber located at a second station; g) vacuumizing said package in said vacuum chamber to form a vacuumized package; and h) sealing said vacuumized package to form a sealed package attached to said platen.