MXPA96001612A - Empaca device - Google Patents

Abstract

A packer device to pack products, such as contact lenses, into packaging such as bubble pack. The packer device includes an endless conveyor, linearly driven, which intermittently advances, including a plurality of identical supporting pallets, equally spaced along the endless conveyor. Each supporting pallet is designed to support and align a formation of individual packing bases. The device is of such a nature that each supporting platform, with a formation of individual packing bases on it, is sequentially stopped at a plurality of spaced work stations, along the sintered conveyor.

Description

PACKING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates, in general, to packaging devices for packaging products, such as contact lenses in packaging such as bubble packaging. More particularly, the present invention relates to a packer device having a linearly driven, intermittently advancing worm conveyor, which includes a plurality of identical supporting pallets, equally spaced along the movable conveyor. Each supporting platform is designed to support a formation of 2 x 5 individual packing bases on it, and it stops sequentially in work stations spaced along the packer device. In a first station a robotic loader arm loads the bases of bubble packings, each having a product deposited on them, in the supporting platform that is then in the first station. In subsequent spaced stations the packer device visually inspects the loaded pallet to see that the packing bases are not twisted (improperly located), optically verifies the presence of a packing base at each location of the pallet formation, deposits a dose Fixed saline solution in each packing base, optically verifies that an appropriate dose of solution has been deposited in each packing base, places a cover sheet of laminated metallic paper over each row of 1? 5 of the packing bases, mechanically advance each sheet of laminated cover to the proper position with respect to the row of packing bases, optically verify the presence and proper placement of each sheet of laminated cover, thermally seal each cover sheet laminated to a row of packing bases, optically inspects each laminated, thermally sealed laminate sheet, in its proper placement with respect to the row of packing bases, and finally unloads each row or strip of completed bubble packings, from the endless conveyor, for further processing, such as sterilization and secondary packaging. 2. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The prior art describes the use of linear conveyor devices and also stepper rotary advance tables in the packer equipment; the packaging of contact lenses in bubble packings with saline solution, and the checking of various packages through a variety of optical probes. In addition, the prior art also describes thermal seal covers or covers for the container bases.

However, in most of the prior art methods for thermal sealing, the temperature of the sealing heads is generally maintained at lower levels, and the sealing heads are generally applied for longer periods, compared to the present invention. In a prior art approach, a pneumatic cylinder pressed a hot sealing head against the covers that were applied to the packing bases, and a load cell feedback system measured the load applied to the pneumatic cylinder, which initiated a period of time control of the heater. The present invention relates to the patent application Serial No. 06 / 257,767, filed on June 10, 1991-., For a Packer Device, for packaging products such as contact lenses in bubble packagings. The packer device described herein includes a rotary table that advances in steps, which defines on its upper surface a plurality of identical, radially oriented supporting platforms, equi-spaced around the rotating table of stepped advance. Each supporting platform is designed to support in it a formation of individual packing bases, and is rotated sequentially to stop it in radially spaced radial positions, in the rotary packing machine. In a first radial position, bubble packing bases are placed, each of which has a product deposited therein, in the supporting platform which is then in the first radial position. In the subsequent radial positions, the rotary packing machine verifies the presence and alignment of each packing base, deposits a fixed dose of solution in each packing base, and verifies that a fixed dose of saline has been deposited in each base. of packaging, places a laminated cover, marked on the packing bases, thermally seals the laminated cover to the packing bases, verifies the proper position of the laminated cover on the packing bases and, finally, unloads the full bubble packagings of the rotary packing station, for its subsequent processing, such as sterilization and secondary packaging. Said rotary packing station has a plurality of angularly shifted work stations, some of which must interface with an external equipment, such as robotic anvil arms, which may present problems with the alignment of positions and the allocation of space. In contrast to this, the linearly operated auger conveyor of the present invention is much simpler and easier to design and interface with associated handling and supply equipment, such as a cartesian robotic manipulator (x, y) .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is a primary objective of the present invention to provide a packer device for packaging products, such as contact lenses, in packages such as bubble packagings. Another object of the present invention is to provide a packer device having an endless, linearly driven, intermittently advancing conveyor, including a plurality of identical supporting pallets, equally spaced along the movable conveyor. Each pallet is designed to support in it a formation of individual bubble packing bases, and is sequentially stopped at work stations spaced along the moving conveyor, where a sequence of packaging operations is performed on it. In accordance with the teachings herein, this invention provides a packer device for packaging products such as contact lenses in packaging such as bubble pack. The packer device includes an endless, linearly driven, intermittently advancing conveyor, which includes a plurality of identical supporting pallets, equally spaced along the endless conveyor. Each supporting pallet is designed to support and align a formation of individual packing bases. The device is such that each supporting platform with an arrangement of individual packing bases on it is sequentially stopped at a plurality of spaced work stations, along the endless conveyor. In greater detail, in an initial work station, a loader loads a formation of individual bubble packing bases, each of which has a contact lens therein, on the supporting platform which is stopped at the initial station. Each supporting pallet supports and aligns a plurality of adjacent rows of individual packing bases. In a preferred embodiment, each supporting platform supports a formation of 2 x 5 packing bases, arranged in two rows side by side. Then a cover sheet, made of laminated foil, is applied over a row of i? 5 rows of packing bases; The packing strip is approximately 150 mm long and 4-3 mm wide. However, it should be appreciated that alternative embodiments of the present invention can be designed with a different number of rows and a different number of packages in each row. The packer device receives individual packing bases, each of which has a product in it, which are aligned and advanced to pack in columns located side by side on an accumulating conveyor belt. The packing bases are located with precision, one with respect to the others, in the columns arranged side by side; so that a robotic manipulator arm, having a formation of vacuum manipulator cups, one for each individual packing base, can pick up a formation of 2? 5 rows of packing bases of the accumulator bands and deposit them on a supporting platform in the first station on the conveyor circuit. The supporting platform spans the side of each packing base at a nominal distance, on a scale of 200 to "+00 micrometers, from the side of each adjacent packing base on the supporting platform, to prevent the sides of the bases from overlapping. Adjacent product bases Columns arranged side by side on the accumulating conveyor belt accumulate the packing bases at positions where the packing bases directly touch the adjacent packing bases To compensate for the slight difference in separation from The accumulator conveyor belt to the stage, the robotic arm, after placing a formation of packing bases on a platform, relieves the vacuum in each vacuum cup to allow the packing bases to fall inside the supporting platform. robotic raise and lower the formation of suction cups to lightly tap each packing base so that it is in an appropriately aligned position in the supporting platform. Each packing base includes a round product cavity and alignment notches on its opposite sides. The supporting platform defines a round cavity to receive each product cavity of A Each packing base and alignment rods that fit within and align with the alignment notches in the base of the package. A sliding unit is supported on the endless conveyor to effect reciprocal movement upstream and downstream, with respect to the endless conveyor, and supports a formation of operating mechanisms for effecting operation functions on a formation of individual packing bases, supported on a platform arranged below it. The sliding unit reciprocates by means of movements upstream and downstream, at a distance equal to the distance between the adjacent rows, so that the formation of operation mechanisms is placed, successively, on each row of 1? 5 packing bases in each supporting platform. The sliding unit supports a plurality of different formations of operating mechanisms, spaced apart at the distance separating the adjacent pallets on the conveyor, so that each formation of operating mechanisms is placed on a different pallet on the conveyor, and each formation of operating mechanisms perform a different operation function on the individual packing bases. A first training of operating mechanisms includes forming optical sensor probes to perform an optical detection function on the individual packing bases, such as verifying the presence of a packing base at each location of the pallet formation. In greater detail, each optical sensor probe preferably comprises a double fiber optic arrangement, wherein an optical fiber carries light to illuminate the packaging base and a second optical fiber carries the reflected light from the packaging base, to a photodetector. A second formation of operating mechanisms includes a formation of dosing tubes to deliver given doses of saline within the individual packing bases. Each dosing tube is fed by a separate metering pump, to deposit a precisely measured dose of saline solution, inside each packing base, so that each contact lens is immersed in saline. A third formation of operation mechanisms includes a training of? optical sensor probes, located above the auger conveyor, downstream of the formation of dosing tubes, to verify that a given dose (solution level) of saline solution has been deposited inside each packing base. The movable sliding unit supports the first formation of optical verification probes, located at a forward increasing platform of the dosing tubes on the endless conveyor, which are placed at a forward platform increment of the formation of the optical probes of dose verification. After the robotic arm deposits the packing bases on the supporting platform, at one input end of the packer device, the endless conveyor moves forward a pallet increment. Then the sliding unit places each formation of operating mechanisms above the 1 x 5 rows upstream of packing bases on adjacent pallets, the probes and dosing tubes perform their respective functions, and the sliding unit then places them on top. of the 1 x 5 rows downstream of packing bases in the same adjacent pallets, where they repeat their respective functions, after which a pallet increment is advanced by the endless conveyor. The optical verification probes of the presence of bases are at an increase of the forward platform of the dosing tubes, to verify that the packing bases are present, before the dosing tubes fill the bases of the saline solution with saline solution. packaging, and the optical probes for the presence of solution are located on an increase platform behind the dosing tubes. After the packing bases are loaded on the supporting platform at the initial station, an alignment probe verifies the alignment of the packing bases on the supporting platform to ensure that no packing base is twisted or overturned. The alignment probe includes at least one transverse beam detector, which directs a beam of light along the length of, and just above, a row of packing bases supported on the pallet, to a detector at the other end of the column, so that a packing base that is twisted or overturned on the pallet, interrupts the transverse beam and the photodetector, at the extreme end of the transverse beam, as indicated. In a subsequent station of metallic paper placement, a metallic paper collecting and placing unit, which has a suction cup formation, places a sheet in strip of laminated metallic paper covers on each 1 x 5 rows of the formation of packing bases In a subsequent mechanical assembly station, at least one movable mounting arm mechanically assembles each sheet covered with laminated metallic paper to ensure that the sheet is properly positioned and aligned with respect to the formation of the packing bases. The arrangement preferably includes two movable mounting arms, disposed at opposite ends of a row of packing bases. Each movable mounting arm includes a U-bracket, arranged at an angle, which engages and centers one end of the sheet of laminated metal foil covers, with respect to a row of e-packs. An optical inspection station is located downstream of the mechanical saddle station, to determine the presence and proper general position of each sheet or sheet of laminated metallic paper covers, over the formation of the packing bases. The optical inspection station includes a plurality of optical sensor probes that examine the outer edges of each cover sheet to determine that each sheet of laminated metal foil covers is present and positioned appropriately with respect to the row of packaging bases. The optical sensing probes are preferably located with a probe at each end (along the 45 mm side) and a probe along the longitudinal edge (along the 150 mm side) of a properly located sheet of the laminated metallic paper cover, on each row of 1 x 5. Each optical sensor probe preferably is a type of triangulation probe, wherein an optical beam, coming from an emitter, is triangulated and reflected by the metallic paper cover or to a angularly located fiber optic detector, such as those commercially available from O ron. This optical inspection station guarantees the presence and general position of a laminated metal foil cover sheet on each row of packing bases, to ensure that a hot sealing head, in a subsequent thermal sealing station, does not press down on a uncovered row of packing bases, which could melt them and cause the hot sealing head to fail. In a subsequent thermal sealing station, a hot sealing head thermally seals the laminated foil covers to the packing bases. In the thermal sealing station an electrically heated sealing head is pressed by a pneumatic cylinder against the laminated covers disposed on the packing bases. A thermal transducer measures the temperature of the sealing head to maintain the temperature at 214 ° C ± 1.5 ° C. An in-line load cell measures the force generated by the pneumatic cylinder; and when a predetermined force is reached, which is approximately 75% of a normal total operating force, a time controller is started. The time controller controls the time of a relatively short period of time, from about 1.0 to 1.4 seconds, after which the pressure in the pneumatic cylinder is relieved, thereby forming a seal between each laminated cover and the packing base. which is both removable and friendly to the consumer. The predetermined force is a given percentage, v. gr., from 60 to 75%, of normal, full normal operating force, which is capable of general pneumatic cylinder. The auger conveyor is reinforced by a die retainer support, below the thermal sealing station, to resist the forces imparted to it by the pneumatic sealing cylinder. A second optical inspection station is located downstream of the thermal sealing station and also includes a plurality of optical sensing probes that examine the outer edges of each sheet of laminated metal foil covers on the formation of packing bases, to determine that the sheet is properly and precisely located and thermally sealed in relation to the formation of the packing bases. The optical sensing probes are preferably located with five probes along the longitudinal edge (along the 150 mm side) of a laminated metallic paper cover sheet, located in an analogous manner, on each row of 1 x 5. Each detector probe Optical is preferably a triangulation type probe, wherein an optical beam, from an emitter, is triangulated and reflected by the metal foil cover, to an angular optical detector located therein, and are commercially available from Omron. According to an advantageous aspect of the present invention, each pallet includes a plurality of alignment cones which are aligned with a plurality of conical alignment cavities, carried by the equipment in the work stations, spaced along the endless conveyor, to help accurately align the equipment with respect to each stage and the formation of packing bases carried by it. Each pallet has a rectangular shape and, preferably, includes an alignment cone in at least two diagonally spaced corners of the rectangular pallet. The thermal sealing station includes a pneumatic drive cylinder and a hot sealing head, which is driven by the pneumatic drive cylinder. Conical alignment cavities are carried therein to align the hot sealing head with a pallet, and the hot sealing head is engaged with the pneumatic driving cylinder by a plurality of float joints to allow the hot sealing head to move laterally in an amount minimum, while the alignment cones are engaging with the conical alignment cavities to accurately align the hot sealing head with a pallet. The two optical inspection stations (before and after the thermal seal.) Also include a pneumatic drive cylinder and an inspection head that is driven by the pneumatic drive cylinder.They also have conical alignment cavities to align the inspection head with a pallet and the inspection head is coupled with the pneumatic drive cylinder by means of several float joints to allow the inspection head to move laterally in a minimum amount while the alignment cones and the alignment conical cavities are engaged, to align with precision The inspection head with a pallet The robotic arm loader at the beginning of the auger conveyor, a robotic arm unloader at the end of the auger conveyor, and also the metal paper collecting and placing unit at the metal paper laying station, preferably include cavities conical alignment in the the, to align the device with each platform. According to another advantageous aspect of the present invention, each of the supporting pallets is designed to support and align a formation comprising at least two rows of packing bases. An optical inspection station is located downstream of the thermal sealing station and determines whether or not each laminated metal foil cover sheet is appropriately positioned relative to a row of packing bases. The rows of covered packages that pass the inspection are transferred by a robotic transfer arm from the conveyor to an outlet for final secondary packaging, while the rows of covered packages, which do not pass the inspection are not removed, and the controller of the The system responds to the inspection station and controls the transfer equipment to discriminate between the approved and unapproved rows, even on the same supporting platform. In more detail, the robotic arm applies a vacuum to a pneumatically driven robotic arm, which has three vacuum suction cups for each individual training package of 1 x 5, raises each formation of ix 5 packings from the supporting platform, and transfers the approved rows of covered packaging from the auger to an outlet, for secondary packaging, while vacuum is not applied to the suction cups for non-approved packages. A reject hopper is located below the downstream end of the endless conveyor, and the unapproved rows of covered packages remain on the end conveyor and are emptied into the reject hopper. The rows of covered packages that are from the same supporting platform are discriminated by applying vacuum to the three suction cups for that row, or not applying it.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above objects and advantages of the present invention for a packer device can be more readily understood by one skilled in the art once reference has been made to the following detailed description of several preferred embodiments thereof, taken in conjunction with the drawings. annexes, in which like elements are designated by identical reference numerals in the various views, and wherein: Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of the device, schematic, of a packer device constructed in accordance with the teachings herein invention Figure 2 is a front elevational view illustrating some of the components (several components have been omitted for the sake of clarity) of a designated embodiment of a worm conveyor packer constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention . Figure 3 is an elevational view from the right side of the designed embodiment of the worm conveyor packer device illustrated in Figure 2.

Figures 4 and 5 are perspective and top plan views, respectively, of a representative bubble packing base. Fig. 6 is a fragmentary end view of a half of a supporting pallet, illustrating a bubble packing base supported therein. Figure 7 is an elevation view of a formation of 1? 5 dosing nozzles, supported on a movable sliding unit, on top of the endless conveyor, to supply a metered dose of saline solution to each of the packing bases supported in a 1 x 5 row on the supporting platform below. Figure 6 is a top plan view of the movable sliding unit that supports the formation of 1? 5 dosing nozzles of figure 7, and which also supports a formation of 1? 5 optical probes for the verification of the presence of a packing base, so that they perform reciprocal linear movements on top of the adjacent supporting platforms, on the endless conveyor. Figures 9 and 9A are, respectively, a side elevational view and a sectional view of the mechanical assembling station in which the locating arms mechanically assemble each of the laminated metal foil covers to ensure that each is properly positioned. in relation to a row of 1 x 5 packing bases in the supporting platform.

Figures 10 and 11 are, respectively, front and side elevational views of an optical inspection station, including an inspection plate mounting a plurality of optical sensor probes, their alignment and the pneumatic pulse for them; and Figure 12 is a side elevational view of a thermal sealing station having a thermal sealing head and a pneumatic press for it.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings in greater detail, Figure 11 is a schematic illustration of the device, schematic, of a packer device or machine 10, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, for packaging products, such as contact lenses. , in packaging such as bubble packaging. The packaging machine 10 includes an endless conveyor having a plurality of pallets. 14, spaced along it. The pallets are connected by chain links 12, figures 7, 11 and 12, and the assembly forms an endless circuit, as best shown in Figures 1 and 2, which is intermittently driven, so that the pallets stop at work stations, spaced sequentially along the upper surface of the packer device 10. The packer device defines an upper surface, on which a pair of spaced supporting rails 11, figure 7, are supported by frame members 13. The pallets 14, connected together by the chain links 12, slide along the spaced rails 11. Each pallet has a conical alignment ear 15, located in two diagonally opposite corners, which cooperate with conical, dependent locaters 17, which depend on the various apparatuses in the work stations,; such that, when the various devices are lowered, or the e > robotic equipment, in the work stations, in relation to the pallet, the conical alignment lugs 15 serve to align the conical locating members 17 of the apparatus, in order to properly place the apparatus, with respect to the pallet 14 and the packing bases supported by it. A robotic loader arm 19, at the beginning of the auger conveyor, a robotic unloading arm 21 at the end of the endless conveyor, a unit 23 for collecting and placing metallic paper at the metal foil station, a mechanical mounter station 74, a thermal sealing unit 25 and also the optical inspection stations 27, 29, before and after the thermal sealing unit, all preferably include conical alignment cavities to align the movable apparatus therein, with each pallet. Each supporting platform 14 is particularly designed to support a formation of 2 x 5 individual bubble packing bases 16, arranged in two adjacent rows of 1 x 5, as illustrated in Figure 6. However, it should be appreciated that the alternative embodiments of the present invention can be designed with a different number of rows and a different number of packages in each row. Each bubble packing base 16, as depicted in greater detail in Figures 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings, includes a flat flange 16, essentially rectangular in shape, having an integral wall portion 20, which is angularly dependent. , in one of its extremes. A cavity 24 is formed, biased towards an opposite edge 22 of the flange 16, which is essentially hemispherical in shape, generally coinciding with the curvilinear shape of a contact slow 26, FIG. 5, adapted to be stored there in a sealed condition , while it is submerged in a sterile, adequate saline solution. The height of the wall-to-angle portion 20, which depends on the flat flange 16, is somewhat analogous to the height or depth of the cavity 24, which contains the contact lens, as can be more clearly determined from the Figure 6 of the drawings. Each packing base additionally includes dependent legs 26 at each corner of the side 22, opposite the side that carries the depending wall portion 20, and alignment notches 30 on opposite sides of the flat flange 16. Each supporting deck 14 defines a rounded cavity 32 for receiving each product cavity 24 from each packing base, and reinforcements 36 receiving the dependent legs 26 from the adjacent packing bases 26, as best illustrated in Figures 6 and 6. Each bubble packing base 16 it can be a plastic structure molded by injection to give it shape, which can be made of polypropylene, and with a generally rigid or semi-rigid configuration. A cover is adapted to be secured or bonded, such as by thermal sealing, to the surfaces of the flange 16 that surround the product receiving cavity. Each cover may comprise a laminate structure of multilayer metal foil, as described in the application. US patent 06 / 442,234 (case of attorney 9013), filed May 15, 1995. The laminated structure of metal foil preferably? includes a polypropylene bottom layer, which is adapted to be attached to adjoining sealing surfaces on the plastic injection molded base, to shape it, such as by heat sealing or the like, to form a complete packing structure, such as It is well known in packaging technology. A bubble pack of this type is described, for example, in U.S. Patent 4,691,620, assigned as is the present to the successor in title of this application. By means of thermal transfer printing, appropriately variable and changeable printed data are imparted to an outer surface of the laminated metallic paper structure. When the laminated structure is cut to cover forming labels, for the respective packages, the data may consist of exchangeable, suitable lot numbers, expiration dates and other physical data, representative of the specific product lodged in the package, for example, the data referring to the power of the contact lens which is packaged in a cavity of the bubble pack, while it is immersed in a sterile, protective, adequate saline solution. Referring to Figure 1, at an initial work station 40, a robotic loader arm 19 transfers a 2? 5 packing bases 16, each of which is secured to the robotic loader arm by means of a suction cup, and places the packing bases on the support platform 14, which is then in the first work station. The lens packing station receives the individual bubble packing bases, each of which has a contact lens in it, which are aligned and advanced for packing in two accumulating columns, side by side, on a conveyor belt . The packing bases are accumulated with precision in the accumulator columns, side by side, so that the robotic handling arm that has a formation of 2? 5 vacuum manipulator cups, one for each individual bubble packing base, can pick up a 2? 5 individual bubble packing bases 16, and load the bubble packing bases on a platform 14, on the endless conveyor. Each supporting platform 14 has a unique design with respect to the supporting pallets of the prior art, since the packaging bases are nominally located on the supporting platform by receiving cavities 32 with a separation in the range of 200 to 400 μm between shoulders of the adjacent packing bases. The separation also helps the subsequent separation of the resulting adjacent bubble packages. The supporting platform 14 spans the side of each packing base 16 at a nominal distance, on the scale of 200 to 400 μm, from the side of each adjacent packing base on the supporting pallet, to prevent the edges of the bases from Adjacent products overlap. However, the accumulating columns arranged side by side accumulate packing bases 16 in positions in which the packing bases directly touch the adjacent packing bases 16. To compensate for the slight difference between the nominal distance between the bases of adjacent packets, arranged on the platform, the robotic arm 19, after placing a formation of packaging bases on a stage 14, initially relieves the vacuum in each vacuum cup 36 to allow the packing bases to rest on the supporting platform 14. Then the robotic arm 19 raises and lowers the formation of suction cups 36 slightly to strike each packing base 16, to an appropriately aligned position on the supporting platform 14, as provided by the rounded product cavity, which is aligns with respect to the cavity 32 and the legs 26 that are aligned with respect to the inserts 36. The linear conveyor is then intermittently advanced. , through the successive work stations, stopping it appropriately for 5 to 6 seconds in each workstation, so that all the operations described here can be carried out simultaneously in the successive workstations. At a second workstation 42, an alignment check is performed to verify that no packing base 16 is twisted or overturned on the support deck 14. The alignment check is carried out by means of two transverse beam detectors, which s >e can be obtained commercially from Keyence, each of which includes a light source 44, Figure 9, which directs a beam of light along the length of, and just above, a column of 1 x 5 bases. of packaging, supported on stage 14-, to a detecto 46, at the other end of the column. If a packing base 16 is twisted or overturned on the platform 14, it will interrupt the transverse beam and the photodetector 46, at the other end of the transverse beam, as indicated. A third, a fourth and a cinch positions 46, 50 and 64, a sliding unit 52, figures 1 and 6, is movable along sliding rails 54, which have end limiters 56, on top of the endless conveyor, by means of a cylinder pneumatic impeller, to perform reciprocal movements back and forth, following the direction of travel of the endless conveyor, between upstream and downstream positions, which are spaced at the distance between the two rows of each pallet. The deflection unit supports a formation of operating mechanisms to perform operating functions on a formation of individual packing bases, supported on a pallet 14, located below. The sliding unit moves reciprocally through movements upstream and downstream, at a distance equal to the distance between the adjacent rows, in such a way that the formation of operating mechanisms is successively placed on each row of 1 x 5 packing bases in each supporting platform. The sliding unit supports a plurality of different arrangements of operating mechanisms, spaced at a distance equal to that which separates the adjacent pallets on the conveyor, so that each row of operating mechanisms is located on a different pallet 14, on the endless conveyor, and each formation of operating mechanisms perform a different operation function on the individual packing bases. The sliding unit supports a supporting arm 57 for a formation of 1 x 5 optical probes 56, located above the third station 46, a formation of 1? 5 dosing tubes 60 located above the fourth station, and a row of 1 x 5 optical dose verification probes, located above the fifth station 64. I In the third station 46 a formation of 1 x 5 fiber optic probes 56, Figures 2 and 9, are sequentially located above each row of 1 x 5 of the formation of 2 x 5 packing bases, to verify the presence of each packing base 16 in the formation of packing cavities 32 of the pallet. Each fiber optic probe 56 is centrally located on the open flange area 16, illustrated on the right side of FIG. 5, of each bubble pack base 16, and the fiber optic probe 56 illuminates each packing base 16 and it then detects the radiation reflected from it to verify the presence of each bubble pack base 16. The fiber optic probes 56 may be of a type commercially available from Omron. Each of said fiber optic sensor probes 56 comprises a double optical fiber arrangement, in which an optical fiber carries light to illuminate the flange 16 of each packing base 16 and a second optical fiber carries the reflected light from the base of the optical fiber. pack a photodetector. In the fourth station 50, referring to FIGS. 1, 7 and 6, the sliding unit 52 supports a carrier arm 59 that supports a formation of 1? 5 dosing tubes 60, each of which is fed by a separate metering pump 62. Each dosing tube 60 deposits an accurate dose of saline solution into the cavity 24 in each bubble packing base 16, so that each lens 26 is completely submerged in saline solution. The rate of pumping of the saline solution and the diameter of each dosing tube 60 are selected in such a way that no solution splashes from any of the cavities of any of the bubble packings, which is very important since any salt solution splashed on any surface of the sealing flange 16 would interfere with the subsequent operations of sealing and packing. The diameter of each dosing tube 60, figure 7, and the rate of pumping through it have been determined empirically, with the internal diameter of each dosing tube 60, at the exit orifice, approximately 3.17 mm, and the pumps 62 are positive displacement piston metering pumps with a diameter of 9.52 mm (or possibly 12.5 mm), such as those obtainable from Oyster Bay Pu p Works. The amount of saline pumped into each packing base is 950 μl ± 50 μl. The saline solution is available in the installation of the building in which the packing station is located, to feed the dosing pumps. The optical verification probes 56 are an increase of a platform in front of the dosing tubes 60 to verify that the packing bases are present before the dosing tubes fill the packing bases with saline solution. In a fifth dose verification station 64, subsequent, referring to Figure 1, the sliding unit 52 supports a formation of 1 x 5 optical probes 66 arranged above the formation of bubble packing bases, which verify the presence of a measured dose (given level) of saline in each bubble pack base. The operation of the sliding unit 52 is the same as that previously described. Each detector can be a reflective sensor such as those that can be obtained commercially from O ron, or it could be an ultrasonic detector, or it could be a proximity sensor or it could be a fiber optic probe, such as that which can be obtained co er. eially, like the 24W-V25R model, used with an amplifier, model 24W-AA1C. Each detector checks and verifies an appropriate height of saline in each bubble packing base. The verification of a measured dose of saline solution can be considered optional, particularly if the reliability of the dosing equipment is high. The device is such that after the conveyor is stopped, the sliding unit 52 is moved to its upstream position, which disposes the detectors 56, the tubes 60 and the detectors 66 on the row of 1 x 6 packing bases, arranged in a current above, to perform their respective functions, after which the sliding unit 52 is moved to its downstream position which locates the detectors 56, the tubes 60 and the detectors 66 on the row of 1 x 5 packing bases disposed downstream to perform their respective functions, after which the conveyor is advanced in increments, so that the next series of pallets advances, and then the operation cycle described above is repeated. In a subsequent station 70, for collecting and placing metallic paper, a pair of strips of sheet metal laminated sheeting sheets is placed on the formation of 2? 5 packing bases Each laminated top sheet covers a column of 1 x 5 bases, and has printed on it all the identification information necessary for the final packaging. The laminated top cover sheets are produced by a metal paper labeling machine, according to the description of the patent application No. (case of the proxy 9013), filed on. The metallic paper labeling machine is disposed at a right angle with respect to the linear packing machine, as indicated by the arrow F0IL of figure 1. The pair of laminated upper cover sheets, coming from the labeling machine, it is positioned by the metal paper collecting and depositing unit 23, illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, having a suction cup formation 72 for lifting and placing a laminated top sheet on top of each row of 1 x 5 the formation of 2? 5 packing bases Each top cover sheet for each row of 1? 5 has an approximate length of 150 mm and a width of approximately 45 mm. Referring to figures 1, 9 and 9A, in a subsequent mechanical saddle station 74, setter arms 76 mechanically assemble each laminated metal paper cover to ensure that it is positioned and aligned appropriately with respect to the packing bases, on the supporting pallet. Preferably the arrangement includes two movable mounting arms 76, located at opposite ends of a row of packing bases. Each movable mounting arm includes two angled U-shaped brackets 76, which engage and center an end of the foil laminated paper sheet with respect to a row of packing bases. An upper supporting plate 73, movable, is driven vertically between upper and lower positions by a pneumatic cylinder 75. The conical alignment locating members 17, with conical alignment cavities, are also carried at 77 by a lower supporting plate 79 to align the bottom supporting plate 79 with a pallet 14. The lower supporting plate 79 is coupled to the upper supporting plate 73 by a plurality of floating joints 61 to allow the inspection head to move laterally in a minimal amount, while the alignment cones They are coupling with the conical alignment cavities to precisely align the mechanical head with a pallet.

In a station 60 for verifying the presence of the cover, subsequent, optical probes 62, 64 in an optical inspection station 27, verify the presence and correct general positioning of each metal foil cover sheet on the packing bases , on the supporting platform. An optical inspection station is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 10 and 11, and optically verifies the presence and the correct general position of the two laminated upper sheets on the two f-1's? 5 product bases ,. The optical inspection station includes an optical inspection plate 66 carrying the plurality of optical probes 62, 64- positioned to examine the outer edges of each metal foil cover sheet. Optical sensor probes are preferably located with a probe 62 at each end (along the 45 mm side) and a probe 64 along the longitudinal edge (along the 150 mm side) of a cover sheet laminated metallic paper, appropriately positioned, on each row of ix 5. Each optical sensor probe preferably is a type of triangulation probe, wherein an optical beam from an optical fiber is triangulated and reflected by the metallic paper cover, up to a angularly located fiber optic detector, such as those obtainable coercively from O ron. The optical inspection station 27 ensures the presence and general condition of a laminated metal foil cover sheet on each row of packing bases, to ensure that the hot sealing head, in a subsequent thermal sealing station, does not press downwardly. on a row not covered with e-pack bases, which would melt them then and cause the hot sealing head to fail. A movable inspection head 67, which carries the sensor plate 66, is driven vertically between upper and lower positions by a pneumatic cylinder 66, while moving along arrows 90 of four corners. The conical alignment positioning members 17, with conical alignment cavities, are also carried by the inspection head 67 for aligning the inspection head with a pallet 14, and the inspection head is coupled with the pneumatic drive cylinder by a plurality of floating joints 92, to allow the inspection head to move laterally a minimum amount, while the alignment cones are engaging with the conical alignment cavities, to accurately align the inspection head with a pallet. In an alternative embodiment, the optical probes 62, 64 may be mounted, preferably, in apertures of an optical inspection plate 94, as generally indicated in FIG. 1. In a subsequent work station, designated 96, referring to 1 and 13, the upper sheet is thermally sealed to the base containers of the bubble pack. A hot sealing head 96, heated by a plurality of five electric heaters 100, is mounted at spaced intervals along the entire length of the heater head plate 96. The heater head plate 96 is secured to the back of a die or head 102 of thermal seal, and is supported by a pneumatic cylinder or press 104, which presses the hot seal head 102 against the laminated upper sheets on the packing bases 16, which are supported by the pallet 14, in such a way that the structure Laminated metallic paper and the tabs of the base container are tightened between the thermal sealing head and the pallet. The thermal sealing head is heated electrically and its temperature is measured by thermal transducers 106 on each side of the sealing head 102, to maintain the correct temperature. The temperature is maintained on a scale of 214 ° C ± 1.5 ° C, which is high compared to similar arrangements, of the prior art. The hot sealing head comprises a formation of 2 x 5 elements 106 cylindrical sealants, each of which secures the top laminated sheet to each packing base 16 with a seal emulating around the cavity 24 in the packing base 16. The conical alignment locating members 17, with conical alignment qualities are also carried over the hot sealing head 96, for aligning the sealing head with a pallet 14, and the sealing head 96 is coupled with a pneumatic driving cylinder 104 by a plurality of floating joints 110 to allow the sealing head to move laterally a minimum amount while the Alignment cones are coupling with the conical alignment cavities to precisely align the sealing head with a pallet. During operation, the opposite or opposite force, generated by the pneumatic cylinder is measured by an on-line load cell 114, and a solid-state tie controller 116, FIG. 1, is started when a force is reached which is a given percentage, for example, from 60 to 75%, of the maximum force that the pneumatic cylinder is capable of. The solid-state time controller counts the time of a relatively short period of time, approximately 1.0 to 1.4 seconds, after which the pressure in the pneumatic cylinder 106 is relieved. This approach, when compared to the approaches of the previous technique, similar, is very hot, very hard and very short, which creates a seal that is detachable and at the same time, is friendly to the consumer. The auger conveyor is reinforced below the thermal sealing station to withstand the thermal sealing forces imparted to it by the pneumatic cylinder 106. The pneumatic cylinder 106 in the thermal sealing station applies a substantial force to the supporting platform and, consequently, is reinforced the endless conveyor by means of a die limiter supporting block 116, supported on bolts 116 projecting from the frame 13, below the pneumatic press, to resist the forces imparted to it by the pneumatic press. A second optical inspection station 29 is located downstream of the thermal sealing station 96 and also includes a plurality of optical sensing probes 116, which examine the outer edges of each sheet of laminated metal foil covers on the formation of packing bases , to determine that the sheet is properly and accurately located and is thermally sealed with respect to the formation of packing bases. The optical sensor classes are preferably located with five probes 116 along the longitudinal edge (following the 150 mm side) of an appropriately placed sheet of laminated metal foil cover, on each row of 1? 5. Each optical sensor probe is preferably a triangulation type probe, in which an optical beam from an optical fiber is triangulated and reflected by the metal foil cover, to an angularly located fiber optic detector, such as that can be obtained commercially from Omron. In the last position, referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a robotic arm 21, pneumatically operated, having three vacuum suction cups 122, for each formation of 1 x 5 bubble packages, each formation of 1 x 5 bubble packs of the supporting platform 14 and deposits the formation of bubble packs in an exit position.

The second optical inspection station 29 determines whether each sheet of laminated metal foil covers is positioned appropriately or not with respect to a row of packing bases. The rows of covered packages, which approve the inspection, are transferred by the robotic transfer arm 21 from the conveyor to an outlet for final secondary packaging; while the rows of packages that do not approve the inspection are not withdrawn and the system controller responds to the inspection station and controls the transfer equipment 21 to discriminate between the approved and unapproved rows, even on the same supporting platform. In more detail, the robotic arm 21 applies a vacuum to the suction cups 122 and transfers the approved rows of covered packages, from. the auger conveyor to an outlet for secondary packaging, while no vacuum is applied to the suction cups 122 for non-approved packages. A reject hopper and a reservoir 124 are disposed below the downstream end of the endless conveyor, and the unapproved rows of covered packets remain on the varied conveyor and conveyor within the reject hopper and reservoir. After being deposited in the exit position, the approved packages can be subjected to sterilization, as in the case where the product housed therein is intended to be used in a medical capacity, for example, a product such as a lens contact, which is adapted to be packaged in a sterile saline solution and sealed in a compartment or cavity of the package. The bubble packs can then be subjected to a secondary packing operation, such as one in which the packages of 1? 5 bubble packs are placed in a final outer package. It should be noted that the verification of the dosage can be eliminated in some modalities. In addition, in other embodiments, the endless conveyor could be designed with less (or more) supporting platforms 14, located around it, depending on the number of different functions that are to be performed by the pacher device. In addition, linear packer devices having linear conveyor lines, with stations linearly spaced therealong, are also contemplated in alternative embodiments of the present invention. Although various embodiments and variations of the present invention are described in detail herein for a rotary packing station, it should be apparent that the description and teachings of the present invention will suggest many alternative designs for those skilled in the art.

Claims (7)

1. NOVELTY of the INVENTION CLAIMS 1. - A packaging device for packaging products, characterized in that it comprises: a. a movable endless conveyor, comprising a plurality of substantially identical supporting pallets, equally spaced along the endless conveyor; each of which is designed to support and align a formation of individual packing bases; b. means for intermittently moving the worm conveyor through substantially equal incremental movements, from an upstream direction to a downstream direction; with stops between each movement, in such a way that each supporting platform with a formation of individual packing bases on it, is stopped sequentially in spaced stations, in the packer device; and c. a sliding unit, supported on the endless conveyor, for reciprocally moving upstream and downstream with respect to the endless conveyor; said sliding unit supporting a formation of operating means for performing operating functions on a formation of individual packing bases supported on a platform located below the sliding unit.
2. 2. A packer device according to claim 1, further characterized in that, in an initial station, a loader loads a formation of individual bubble packing bases, each of which has a contact lens thereon, on a supporting platform stopped at the initial station, and the packer device packs the contact lenses in bubble packings.
3. 3. A packer device according to claim 1, further characterized in that each supporting platform supports and aligns a plurality of adjacent rows of individual packing bases; and the sliding unit is supported to move reciprocally upstream and downstream at a distance equal to the distance between the adjacent rows, so that the sliding unit locates the formation of operating means on the successive rows on each supporting platform.
4. 4. A packer device according to claim 1, further characterized in that the sliding unit supports a plurality of different formations of operating means, spaced along the endless conveyor; each forming of operating means effecting a different operation function on the individual packing bases.
5. 5. A packer device according to claim 4, m further characterized in that the plurality of formations of operating means are spaced at a distance equal to the distance separating the adjacent pallets in the endless conveyor; so that each formation of operating means is located on a different platform on the endless conveyor.
6. 6. A packer device according to claim 5, further characterized in that a first formation of operating means includes a formation of optical sensor probes for effecting an optical sensing function on the individual packing bases; and a second formation of operating means includes a formation of dispensing nozzles to deliver given doses of saline within? the individual packing bases; and a third array of optical detector probes to verify that given doses of saline have been dispensed into the individual packing bases.
7. 7. A packer device according to claim 4, further characterized in that the plurality of different formations of operating means include a formation of optical sensor probes that verify the presence of each packing base in the formation of packing bases supported by the stage 6. A packer device according to claim 4, further characterized in that the plurality of different formations of operating means includes a formation of dispensing nozzles located above the packing bases, to dispense a given dose of saline solution within each packing base. 9. - A packer device according to claim 6, further characterized in that the plurality of different formations of operating means includes a formation of optical sensing probes located above the endless conveyor, downstream of the formation of dispensing nozzles, to verify that it has been deposited a dose of saline solution inside each packing base. 10. A packer device according to claim 2, further characterized in that, after loading the packing bases on a supporting platform in the initial station, an alignment probe verifies the alignment of the packing bases in the supporting platform for Check that no packing base is twisted or overturned on the supporting platform. 11. A packer device according to claim 10, wherein the alignment probe includes at least one transverse beam detector that directs a beam of light along the length of, and just above, a row of packing bases. supported on the platform, up to a detector on the other end of the column, such that a packing base that is twisted or overturned on the platform interrupts the transverse beam, and the photodetector at the other end of the transverse beam, as indicated. 12.- A packer device in accordance with rei indication 1, also characterized because: a. in an initial station, a loader loads a formation of packing bases in the supporting platform that is then in the initial station; b. in a subsequent station of metallic paper placement a laying unit places at least one sheet of laminated metallic paper covers on the formation of packing bases; c. in a subsequent mechanical mounting station, at least one movable mounting arm mechanically assembles each laminated metal foil cover sheet, to ensure that the laminated foil cover sheet is appropriately positioned and properly aligned with respect to base formation of packing; and d. in a subsequent thermal sealing station a hot sealing head thermally seals the rolled metal foil covers to the packing bases. 13. A packer device according to claim 12, further characterized in that each movable mounting arm includes an angle U-bracket, which engages and centers one end of a laminated metal foil cover sheet with respect to a row of packing bases. 14. A packer device according to claim 12, further characterized in that it includes two movable mounting arms, arranged at opposite ends of a row of packing bases, and each movable mounting arm includes a U-angle bracket, which engages with and centers one end of a laminated metal foil cover sheet, with respect to a row of packing bases. 15. A packer device according to claim 12, further characterized in that a first optical inspection station is located upstream of the thermal sealing station, and includes a plurality of optical sensor probes that examine the outer edges of each sheet of the laminated metallic paper covers on the formation of packing bases, to determine that the laminated metal paper cover sheet is properly positioned with respect to the formation of packing bases. 16. A packer device according to claim 15, further characterized in that the first optical inspection station is located downstream of the mechanical mounting station, to determine the presence and proper placement of a laminated metal paper cover sheet on the formation of packing bases. 17. A packer device according to claim 15, further characterized in that a second optical inspection station is located downstream of the thermal sealing station and includes a plurality of optical sensor probes that eminate the outer edges of each Laminated metallic paper cover sheet on the formation of packing bases, to determine that the sheet of laminated metal foil cover is properly positioned with respect to the formation of the packing bases. 16. A packer device according to claim 12, further characterized in that in the metal paper placement station a metal paper collecting and placing unit, having a suction cup formation, lifts and places at least one sheet of laminated metallic paper cover on the formation of packing bases. 19. A packaging device for packaging products, characterized in that it comprises: a. a movable auger conveyor, comprising a plurality of substantially identical supporting pallets, equally spaced along the endless conveyor; each of which is designed to support and align a formation of individual packing bases; b. means for intermittently moving the endless conveyor through substantially equal incremental movements, from an upstream direction to a downstream direction, with stops between each movement; so that each supporting pallet with a formation of individual packing bases on it is stopped sequentially at stations spaced on the packaged device; and c. each pallet includes a plurality of alignment cones that align with a plurality of conical alignment cavities in equipment at the stations along the endless conveyor to precisely align the equipment with respect to each pallet. 20. A packer device according to claim 19, further characterized in that each pallet has a rectangular shape and includes an alignment cone in at least two diagonal corners of the rectangular pallet. 21. A packer device according to claim 19, characterized in that it includes a thermal sealing station having a pneumatic driving cylinder and a hot sealing head which is driven by the pneumatic driving cylinder; and conical alignment cavities to align the hot sealing head with a pallet; and the hot sealing head is coupled to the pneumatic driving cylinder by a plurality of floating joints to allow the hot sealing head to deviate laterally a slight amount while the alignment cones are engaging with the conical alignment cavities, to accurately align the hot sealing head with a pallet. 22. A packer device according to claim 19, further characterized in that it includes an optical inspection station that includes a pneumatic drive cylinder and an inspection head that is driven by the pneumatic drive cylinder; and conical alignment cavities to align the inspection head with a pallet; and the inspection head is coupled to the pneumatic drive cylinder by a plurality of floating joints to allow the inspection head to deviate laterally a slight amount while the alignment cones are engaging with the conical alignment cavities to accurately align the head of inspection with a pallet. 23. A packer device according to claim 19, further characterized in that in an initial station a loader loads a formation of individual packing bases in a support platform stopped at the initial station; and the conical alignment cavities align the magazine with a pallet. 24. A packaging device for packaging products, characterized in that it comprises: a. a movable auger comprising a plurality of substantially identical supporting pallets, equally spaced along the endless conveyor; each of which is designed to support and align a formation of individual packing bases; b. means for intermittently moving the worm conveyor through substantially equal incremental movements, from an upstream direction to a downstream direction, with stops between each movement, so that each supporting pallet with a formation of individual packing bases thereon is stop sequentially in stations spaced in the packer device; c. in an initial station, a loader loads a formation of packing bases in the supporting platform that is then in the initial station; d. in a subsequent metal foil laying station, a laying unit places at least one foil sheet of laminated foil paper on the formation of foil bases; and. in a subsequent mechanical mounting station, at least one movable mounting arm mechanically assembles each laminated metal foil cover sheet to ensure that the laminated foil cover sheet is properly positioned and properly aligned with respect to the formation of the foundations of the foil. packing; and f. in a subsequent thermal sealing station a hot sealing head thermally seals the rolled metal foil covers to the packing bases. 25. A packer device according to claim 24, further characterized in that each movable mounting arm includes an angle U-bracket, which engages and centers one end of a laminated metal foil cover sheet with respect to a row of packing bases. 26. A packer device according to claim 24, further characterized in that it includes two movable mounting arms, located at opposite ends of a row of packing bases; and each movable mounting arm includes a U-angle bracket, which engages and centers one end of a > laminated metallic paper cover, with respect to a row of packing bases. 27. - A packer device according to claim 24, further characterized in that an optical inspection station is located upstream of the thermal sealing station and includes a plurality of optical sensing standards that examine the outer edges of each sheet of laminated metal foil cover , in the formation of packing bases, to determine that the laminated metal foil cover sheet is properly positioned with respect to the formation of packing bases. 26. A device according to claim 27, characterized in that a second optical inspection station is located downstream of the thermal sealing station, and includes a plurality of optical sensor probes that examine the outer edges of each sheet laminated metallic paper cover, on the formation of packing bases, to determine that the laminated metallic paper cover sheet is properly positioned with respect to the formation of the packing bases. 29. A packaging device for packaging products, characterized in that it comprises: a. a movable auger comprising a plurality of substantially identical supporting pallets, equally spaced along the endless conveyor; each of which is designed to support and align a formation of individual packing bases, comprising at least two rows of packing bases; b. means for intermittently moving the worm conveyor through substantially equal incremental movements, from an upstream direction to a downstream direction, with stops between each movement, so that each supporting pallet with a formation of individual packing bases thereon is stop sequentially in stations spaced in the packer device; c. in an initial station, a loader loads a formation of packing bases in the supporting platform that is then in the initial station; d. in a subsequent station, metal paper depositor, a placing unit places at least two sheets of metallic paper covers laminated on at least two rows of the formation of packing bases; and. in a subsequent thermal sealing station, a hot sealing head thermally seals the laminated foil covers to the packing bases; F. an optical inspection station is located downstream of the thermal sealing station and includes a plurality of optical sensor probes that examine the outer edges of each laminated metal foil cover sheet, on the formation of packing bases, to determine which sheet of laminated metallic paper cover is appropriately positioned with respect to the formation of packing bases; g. means for transferring rows of covered packages, which have approved the inspection of the optical inspection station, to an outlet for secondary packaging; and h. means for removing rows of covered packaging bases that have not approved the inspection of the optical inspection station, so that some approved rows of a supporting platform can be passed to a secondary packaging and some unapproved rows of the same supporting platform can be eliminated. 30. A packer device according to claim 29, further characterized in that the means for passing include a discharger that transfers the approved covered packages to an outlet for secondary packaging. A packer device according to claim 30, further characterized in that it includes a reject hopper mounted below the downstream end of the worm conveyor, where the unloader does not transfer the unapproved covered packings remaining on the worm conveyor and are emptied in the reject hopper, under the end or downstream of the endless conveyor. PACKING DEVICE SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A packer device to pack products, such as contact lenses, into packaging such as bubble pack. The packer device includes a linearly driven endless conveyor, which advances intermittently, including a plurality of identical supporting platforms, equally spaced along the endless conveyor. Each supporting pallet is designed to support and align a formation of individual packing bases. The device is of such a nature that each supporting platform, with a formation of individual packing bases on it, is sequentially stopped at a plurality of spaced work stations, along the endless conveyor. In an initial station, a robotic loader loads a formation of packing bases into a supporting platform that is then in the first station. In a subsequent station, situation tester, optical probes verify that the packing bases are not twisted (inappropriately positioned) on the supporting platform; In a subsequent station, to verify the presence of a packing base, optical probes verify the presence of each packing base in the supporting platform. In a subsequent station, saline dosing, some dosifiers deposit a given dose of saline solution in each packing base, after which the optical probes verify that the packing bases have received doses of saline solution. At a subsequent metal foil station, a pick and place unit places a pair of sheets of rolled metal foil over the formation of packing bases. In a subsequent mounting station, positioner arms mechanically mount the laminated foil cover to ensure that it is properly positioned with respect to the packing bases on the supporting stage. In a subsequent station, to verify the presence of the cover, an optical probes verify the presence and correct placement of the metallic paper cover on the packing bases, on the supporting platform. In a subsequent station, the thermal sealer, a hot sealing head thermally seals the laminated covers to the packing bases. Finally, at a discharging station, a discharging arm unloads the sealed packings from the packer device, for subsequent processing. CR