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AU2013201560B2 - Method for packing, packaging machine, computer program, and package - Google Patents

Method for packing, packaging machine, computer program, and package Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2013201560B2
AU2013201560B2 AU2013201560A AU2013201560A AU2013201560B2 AU 2013201560 B2 AU2013201560 B2 AU 2013201560B2 AU 2013201560 A AU2013201560 A AU 2013201560A AU 2013201560 A AU2013201560 A AU 2013201560A AU 2013201560 B2 AU2013201560 B2 AU 2013201560B2
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AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
film
container
package
information
printing
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
AU2013201560A
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AU2013201560A1 (en
Inventor
Fredrik GERSTNER
Anna LINDE
Alex VEDOVELLI
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Gambro Lundia AB
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Gambro Lundia AB
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Gambro Lundia AB filed Critical Gambro Lundia AB
Publication of AU2013201560A1 publication Critical patent/AU2013201560A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of AU2013201560B2 publication Critical patent/AU2013201560B2/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B9/00Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material, e.g. liquids or semiliquids, in flat, folded, or tubular webs of flexible sheet material; Subdividing filled flexible tubes to form packages
    • B65B9/02Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs
    • B65B9/04Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material
    • B65B9/045Enclosing successive articles, or quantities of material between opposed webs one or both webs being formed with pockets for the reception of the articles, or of the quantities of material for single articles, e.g. tablets
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65B31/021Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas the containers or wrappers being interconnected
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B41/00Supplying or feeding container-forming sheets or wrapping material
    • B65B41/18Registering sheets, blanks, or webs
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices
    • B65B57/02Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages
    • B65B57/04Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices responsive to absence, presence, abnormal feed, or misplacement of binding or wrapping material, containers, or packages and operating to control, or to stop, the feed of such material, containers, or packages
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B61/00Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
    • B65B61/02Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for perforating, scoring, slitting, or applying code or date marks on material prior to packaging
    • B65B61/025Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for perforating, scoring, slitting, or applying code or date marks on material prior to packaging for applying, e.g. printing, code or date marks on material prior to packaging
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/002Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers in shrink films
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/28Articles or materials wholly enclosed in composite wrappers, i.e. wrappers formed by associating or interconnecting two or more sheets or blanks
    • B65D75/30Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding
    • B65D75/32Articles or materials enclosed between two opposed sheets or blanks having their margins united, e.g. by pressure-sensitive adhesive, crimping, heat-sealing, or welding one or both sheets or blanks being recessed to accommodate contents
    • B65D75/321Both sheets being recessed
    • B65D75/322Both sheets being recessed and forming one compartment
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/38Articles or materials enclosed in two or more wrappers disposed one inside the other
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D75/00Packages comprising articles or materials partially or wholly enclosed in strips, sheets, blanks, tubes or webs of flexible sheet material, e.g. in folded wrappers
    • B65D75/52Details
    • B65D75/54Cards, coupons or other inserts or accessories
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B2220/00Specific aspects of the packaging operation
    • B65B2220/16Packaging contents into primary and secondary packaging
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2203/00Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65DCONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D2203/00Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
    • B65D2203/06Arrangements on packages concerning bar-codes

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Composite Materials (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Devices For And Details Of Packaging Control (AREA)
  • Containers And Plastic Fillers For Packaging (AREA)

Abstract

A method for packing a container is disclosed. The method comprises feeding (300) a first film; printing (302) information on the first film; feeding (304) a 5 second film, wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be packed; and sealing (306) the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package. The printing (302) of information comprises printing information configured for the container to be packed, and the printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the 10 package. packaging machine (100), a computer program for a controller of a packaging machine, and a package (126) for a container (102) are also disclosed. Fig. 4 elected for publication 106_ 107 o 1 1 Fig. 1 112-/ 106- 109 120)122) Fig. 2

Description

1 METHOD FOR PACKING, PACKAGING MACHINE, COMPUTER PROGRAM, AND PACKAGE Technical field 5 The present invention generally relates to a method for packing a container, a packaging machine for packing such a container, a computer program for controlling such a packaging machine, and a package. Background 10 Medical products, such as medical fluid containers, are sometimes packed with an overwrap. Proper marking of the products is important. However, sometimes the marking is subject to wear during transportation and other handling. Information can in such cases get lost, wherein the product cannot be used for security reasons. 15 It is therefore a desire to provide marking of such products where the marking is more resistant to wear. Summary The present invention is based on the understanding that printing the 20 information on the inside of the overwrap protects it from wear. In a first broad aspect the invention provides a method for packing a container comprising feeding a first film; printing information on the first film; 25 feeding a second film, wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be packed; sealing the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package, wherein the printing of information comprises 30 printing information configured for the container to be packed, and the printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package, wherein the first film is transparent, 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015 2 the printing is performed as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film, and the packing further comprises evacuating air between the first and 5 second polymer films and the bag at sealing. The printing may be performed as inverted information on the side becoming the inside of the package. The printing may be arranged to provide light absorbing or light reflecting print. The container may be a bag. The container may enclose a liquid 10 content. At least one of the first and second film may be transparent. At least one of the first and second film may comprise a polymer, preferably, the polymer is selected from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin, polyester, starch, and cellulose, or mixtures thereof. 15 The method may further comprise thermoforming at least one of the first and the second film. The thermoforming of the first film may be performed after the printing. The container may be placed on the second film after thermoforming of the second film. The printing position may be controlled by the occasion of a previous 20 sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. The printing position may be controlled by a feeding mechanism. The printing position may be controlled by a feeding mechanism being arranged between a printing module and sealing module. Alternatively, or additionally, the printing position may be controlled by an actuating mechanism 25 arranged to adjust the position of the printer. Alternatively, or additionally, the printing position may be controlled by time instant of the printing. The sealing position may be controlled by a position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. The container placement on the second film may be synchronized with 30 the position of the print. The printed information may be in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof. The sealing may comprise any of: welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof. 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015 3 In a second broad aspect the invention provides packaging machine for packing a container, the machine comprising a first feeder constructively arranged to feed a first film; a printer constructively arranged to print information on the first film; 5 a second feeder constructively arranged to feed a second film; a packing mechanism constructively arranged to cause the first and second films to enclose a container to be packed, wherein the packing mechanism comprises a sealer mechanism constructively arranged to close a package with a 10 seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container; and a controller constructively arranged to control operation of the machine, wherein the printer is controlled by the controller to print information configured the container to be packed, the first film is transparent, and the printer is constructively arranged on a side of the first film becoming the inside 15 of the package and the printer is controlled by the controller to print information as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film, and the packaging machine comprises an air evacuator constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at 20 sealing. The machine may further comprise a thermoforming station constructively arranged to thermoform at least one of the first and second films. The thermoforming station may be arranged such that thermoforming of the first film is performed downstream of the printer. 25 The machine may comprise a container feeder mechanism constructively arranged to place containers on the second film downstream of the thermoforming station. The printer may be controlled by the controller to print information as mirrored information. 30 The printer may be constructively arranged to print the information in form of any of: a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof. The machine may further comprise an air evacuator constructively arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at 35 sealing. 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015 4 The printing position may be controlled by the controller by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. The printing position may be controlled by the controller by controlling a feeding mechanism arranged between the printer and 5 sealer mechanism. Alternatively, or additionally, the printing position may be controlled by an actuating mechanism arranged to adjust the position of the printer. Alternatively or additionally the printing position may be controlled by time instant of the printing. The sealing position performed by the sealer mechanism may be 10 controlled by the controller from a position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. The machine may comprise a container feeder mechanism controlled by the controller to place containers on the second film synchronized with the position of the print. 15 The sealer mechanism may be constructively arranged to seal the first and second films by any of: welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof. In a third broad aspect the invention provides a computer program, for a controller of a packaging machine, comprising computer program code 20 including computer executable instructions, which computer program code, when downloaded and executed by a processor of the controller, causes the controller to control the machine to perform the method according to the first aspect. In a fourth broad aspect the invention provides a package for a 25 container, wherein the package is formed from a first and a second film being sealed by a seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container, wherein the package comprises printed information which is configured for the container to be packed and is printed on an inside of the first film, the first film is transparent, and the printed information is mirrored 30 information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film, and air is evacuated between the first and second films and the container at sealing. 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015 5 The container may be a bag, preferably a bag with liquid content. The liquid content of the bag may comprise a medical solution, preferably any of a group comprising dialysis fluid and water. The printed information may be arranged in form of any of: a barcode, a 5 matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof. The printed information may be a print arranged to provide light reflecting fields. The printed information may be a print arranged to or be a print arranged to provide light absorbing fields. The printed information may also be a combination thereof. 10 The printed information may be configured for machine reading of the print. The printed information may either be inverted or be non-inverted. Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following detailed disclosure, from the attached dependent claims as well as 15 from the drawings. Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the [element, device, component, means, step, etc]" are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of said element, device, component, means, step, etc., 20 unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated. Brief description of the drawings The above, as well as additional features and advantages of the 25 present invention, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the appended drawings. Fig 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine, according to embodiments, for packaging containers. 30 Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine of Fig. 1 for packaging containers, regarded along the path of the containers through the machine. Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment. 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015 6 Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating printing operations according to embodiments. Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating forming of the package according to embodiments. 5 Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating synchronizing for packaging the container according to embodiments. Fig. 7 is a top view of a package according to an embodiment. Fig. 8 is a side view of a package according to an embodiment. Fig. 9 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine, according to 10 embodiments, for packaging containers. Fig. 10 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine of Fig. 9 for packaging containers, regarded along the path of the containers through the machine. Fig. 11 schematically illustrates a computer-readable medium and a 15 processor on which a computer program held by the computer-readable medium can be executed. Detailed description Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a machine 100, according 20 to embodiments, for packaging containers 102. Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a top view of the machine 100 of Fig. 1 regarded along the path of the containers through the machine. The machine 100 comprises a first feeder 104 arranged to feed a first film 106. The first feeder 104 can comprise a roll of film which can provide controlled feed, e.g. by servo motors, or can passively feed by keeping 25 a preferred stretch of the film as later stages of the machine pulls the film. The machine 100 also comprises a printer 108 arranged to print information on the first film 106. The printing operations will be further demonstrated below. The machine 100 also comprises a second feeder 110 arranged to feed 30 a second film 112. The two films 106, 112 will form the package. Thus, the machine 100 comprises a packing mechanism 114 arranged to cause the first and second films 106, 112 to enclose a container 102 to be packed. The machine also comprises a controller 124 arranged to control operation of the machine 100. Here, it should be noted that the controller 124 35 can comprise one or more controllers, and the illustration in Fig. 1 is only 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015 7 schematic. For example, the printer 108 can comprise its own controller for acquiring the information to be printed, and the printer 108 can also comprise a controller for controlling the position of the printing. Similar, the feeding mechanisms, and also the other elements that will be demonstrated below can 5 have dedicated controllers for each function. Alternatively, two or more functions can share controllers. Alternatively, or additionally, there can be a master controller. For example, the master controller can be logically arranged in hierarchy with controllers dedicated to specific functions. The packing mechanism 114 comprises a sealer mechanism 116, 118 10 arranged to close a package 126 with a seal 120, 122 of the first and second films 106, 112 along a line encircling the container 102. This can be made in numerous ways, e.g. depending on the geometry of the package 126 to be formed. For example, sealing in line with the path of the films 106, 112 can be made continuously by a first sealing means 116 as the films pass while 15 transversal sealing is performed by a second sealing means 114 at each occasion a transversal sealing position is at the second sealing means 114. Alternatively, the entire sealing around the container 102 can be performed in one step by the sealing means 114. The machine can also comprise an air evacuator 115 arranged to evacuate air between the first and second films and 20 the container at sealing. The overwrap formed by the first and second films 106, 112 will then be assured to fit tight to the container. Further advantages are that the content of the container can be further protected, and that a damage of the package is easily spotted before use of the content. The sealer mechanism 116, 118 can be constructively arranged to seal the first and second films 106, 112 25 by for example welding, gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof. The printer 108 is controlled by the controller 124 to print information configured for the container 102 to be packed. That is, information indicating or being linked to information about for example product identification, time and date, batch number, and/or package number, etc. for the particular package or 30 batch of packages is printed. The date can be production date and/or expiry date. The printing can be performed as heat printing, ink jet printing, laser printing, or any other printing technique suitable for the film used. The printing can be configured for machine reading of the print, e.g. by scanning. Here, the print can be either arranged to provide light reflecting print or light absorbing 35 print. For configuring to reflecting or absorbing print, the encoding of the print, 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015 8 e.g. of a (matrix) barcode, can be inverted or non-inverted to facilitate, improve or enable reading or scanning. For example, if liquid content of the container, or the container itself, is such that it provides poor reflection in the wavelengths used for scanning, it is preferable to use a light reflecting print, e.g. the ink or 5 the print technique provides light reflection at the fields printed in at the wavelengths used for the scanning, such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast between printed and non-printed fields, e.g. in a (matrix) barcode. In another example, the liquid of the container, or the container itself, is such that it provides good reflection in the wavelengths used for scanning. 10 Then it is preferable to use a light absorbing print, e.g. the ink or the print technique provides light absorption at the fields printed in at the wavelengths used for the scanning, such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast between printed and non-printed fields. There can also be cases where the liquid of the container, or the container itself, is such that it provides indefinite 15 reflection in the wavelengths used for scanning, it is preferable to use a combination of light reflecting print and light absorbing print such that the scanner is provided with a proper contrast between the different fields provided to give the information. The printer 108 is constructively arranged on a side of the first film 106 becoming the inside of the package 126. This is particularly 20 advantageous since the print then is protected from wear when the package 126 is handled. Another advantage is that the printing is given an inherent protection against manipulation after production of the package 126. The printer 108 can be controlled by the controller 124 to print information as mirrored information. Thus, upon use of a transparent film 106, the printed information is 25 readily read the right way through the film 106. The printer 108 can be arranged to print the information in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof. The machine can also comprise a thermoforming station 111, 113 arranged to thermoform one or both of the first and second films 106, 112. This 30 provides for a desired form of the package. Upon thermoforming of the first film 106, the thermoforming station 111 is arranged such that thermoforming of the first film 106 is performed downstream of the printer 108. The containers 102 can me manually put into the machine 100, as indicated in Figs.1 and 2, on the second film 112. Alternatively, the machine can 35 comprise a container feeder mechanism 103, as depicted in Figs. 10 and 11, 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015 9 arranged to place containers 102 on the second film 112. The placement of the containers 102 is preferably made downstream of a thermoforming station 113 when that is used for the second film 112. Downstream the placement of the containers 102, the containers 102 will be enclosed between the first and 5 second films 106, 112 and then sealed to form the package 126, as demonstrated above. It is important that the printed information does not become in a position where it can be cut away at final trimming or cutting of the package. It is also advantageous if the print is placed such that it is readily read, by man or 10 machine, on the package. Therefore, the printing position can be controlled by the controller 124 by for example the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package 126. The printing position can also be controlled by the controller 124 by controlling a feeding mechanism 109, as illustrated in Fig. 10, arranged 15 between the printer and sealer mechanism. Here, the feeder mechanisms 104 and 109 introduce a certain slack before and after the printer 108. This slack is possible to vary, wherein the film can be kept still at printing. These mechanisms 104 can also relief control of elements with physical constraints, e.g. a heavy roll of film. Alternatively, the printing position is controlled by 20 adjusting the position of the printer, e.g. by an actuator 107 as illustrated in Fig. 1. This can also aid if printing takes some time, although small, but the first film 106 is moving during printing. This can improve printing quality. The printing position can also be controlled by the controller 124 by controlling a time instant of the printing such that the print is place in the desire 25 position. The controlling can also be made the other way around. For example, the sealing position performed by the sealer mechanism 118 can be controlled by the controller 124 from the position of the print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. Upon use of a container feeder 30 mechanism 103 as depicted in Fig. 10, the container feeder mechanism 103 can be controlled by the controller 124 to place containers 102 on the second film 112 synchronized with the position of the print. Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an embodiment. The method comprises feeding 300 a first film; printing 302 information on the 35 first film; feeding 304 a second film, wherein the first and second films encloses 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015 10 a container to be packed; and sealing 306 the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package. The printing 302 of the information comprises printing information configured for the container to be packed, for example product identification, date time, batch identification, 5 package identification, etc. or an identification enabling such information to be accessed. The printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package, which provides particular advantages as demonstrated above. Optionally, the packages can be cut 307 between transversal seals to form packages having one or a desired number of containers. 10 The container can be a bag. The container can enclose a liquid content. The first and/or second film can be transparent and comprise for example a polymer. The polymer can be for example polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyolefin, polyester, starch, cellulose, or mixtures thereof. Among these, PVC, polyolefin and polyester have shown to be particularly suitable for packing containers with 15 medical fluids. Fig. 4 is a flow chart illustrating printing operations, as of action 302 in Fig. 3, according to embodiments. The printing includes acquiring 400 information configured for the container or containers to be packed at the moment, which information then is to be printed. The information, which can be 20 in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, or pictogram, or any combination thereof, is printed on the side of the first film becoming the inside of the package. Therefore, it can be beneficial that the printing is performed 402 as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package. Optionally, the printing is synchronized 401 with other operations in packing, for 25 example transversal sealing, such that the print becomes placed on a desired position on the package. For example, the printing position is controlled by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package, the printing position is controlled by time instant of the printing, or the printing position is controlled by a feeding 30 mechanism or a printer position adjusting mechanism. Fig. 5 is a flow chart illustrating forming of the package according to embodiments. Here, most of the actions illustrated in Fig. 5 are to be considered as options which can be combined in any combination. For example, the first film can be thermoformed 500 to gain a desired form of the 35 package. The thermoforming of the first film is preferably performed after 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015 11 printing. Similarly the second film can be thermoformed 502. Upon thermoforming 502 of the second film, the container is preferably placed 504 according to the forming on the second film, i.e. after thermoforming 502, such that the container becomes in the right position in the package. The first and 5 second films can then be joined 506 around the container. Air is optionally evacuated 508 between the films and the container such that the films fit tight to the container. The films can then be welded 510 to seal the package. The sealing can also comprise, instead of or in addition to welding 510, any of gluing, heat sealing, or any combination thereof. 10 Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating synchronizing for packaging the container according to embodiments. As of Fig. 5, the actions illustrated in Fig. 6 are to be considered as options which can be combined in any combination. Fig. 6 is further to be considered as an alternative approach to controlling printing position to other operations by letting the printing position control the 15 succeeding operations. For this, optical approach, such as vision technology, can be used for the control where the observed print controls the timing and/or position of other operations. The container placement can for example be synchronized 600 with the position of the printed information. Transversal sealing can also be synchronized 602 with the printed information placement. 20 The methods according to the present invention are suitable for implementation with aid of processing means, such as computers and/or processors, especially for the case where operations of a packaging machine are controlled by digital controllers such as programmable logic controllers, processors or computers. Therefore, there is provided computer programs, 25 comprising instructions arranged to cause the programmable logic controllers, processors or computers to perform the steps of any of the methods according to any of the embodiments described with reference to Figs 3 to 6. The computer programs preferably comprises program code which is stored on a computer readable medium 1100, as illustrated in Fig. 11, which can be loaded 30 and executed by a programmable logic controller, processor or computer 1102 to cause it to perform the methods, respectively, according to embodiments of the present invention, preferably as any of the embodiments described with reference to any of Figs. 3 to 6. The programmable logic controller, processor or computer 1102 and computer program product 1100 can be arranged to 35 execute the program code sequentially where actions of the any of the methods 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015 12 are performed stepwise. The programmable logic controllers, processors or computers 1102 are preferably what normally is referred to as an embedded system. Thus, the depicted computer readable medium 1100 and programmable logic controllers, processors or computers 1102 in Fig. 11 should 5 be construed to be for illustrative purposes only to provide understanding of the principle, and not to be construed as any direct illustration of the elements. Fig. 7 is a top view of a package 126 according to an embodiment. The inner rectangle with rounded corners is here illustrating the enclosed container and the area outside that illustrates the parts where the two films are joined and 10 sealed together. The printed information 109 is here given as example as a matrix barcode. Fig. 8 is a side view of the package 126. The rounded part is here illustrating the enclosed container and the line illustrates the parts where the two films are joined and sealed together. The printed information 109 is here 15 seen to be on the package 126. The package 126 is suitable for a container, for example a bag, preferably a bag with liquid content. The liquid content of the bag can comprise a medical solution. The medical solution can for example be dialysis fluid or water for use in medical applications. The package 126 is formed from a first 20 and a second film being sealed by a seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container. The package 126 comprises printed information 109 which is configured for the container to be packed, such as product, date, time, batch, and/or packet identification. The information is printed on an inside of the first film. Thereby is the printed information protected from for example 25 wear during transportation and handling of the product. The printed information is arranged in form of for example a barcode, a matrix barcode, text, pictogram, or any combination thereof. While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical embodiments, it is to be 30 understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalents included within the spirit and the scope of the appended claims. In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language 35 or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015 13 or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to 5 herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 6314398 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18/03/2015

Claims (20)

1. A method for packing a container comprising feeding a first film; 5 printing information on the first film; feeding a second film, wherein the first and second films encloses a container to be packed; sealing the first and second films together along a line encircling the container to form a package, 10 wherein the printing of information comprises printing information configured for the container to be packed, and the printing is performed on a side of the first film becoming the inside of the package, wherein the first film is transparent, 15 the printing is performed as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film, and the packing further comprises evacuating air between the first and second polymer films and the bag at sealing. 20
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising thermoforming at least one of the first and the second film. 6356758 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 15
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein thermoforming of the first film is performed after printing.
4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the container is placed on 5 the second film after thermoforming of the second film.
5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein a printing position is controlled by the occasion of a previous sealing operation such that print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. 10
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the printing position is controlled by a feeding mechanism.
7. The method according to claim 4, wherein the printing position is 15 controlled by a feeding mechanism being arranged between a printing module and sealing module.
8. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein a sealing position is controlled by a position of print such that the print becomes positioned on 20 a desired position of the package.
9. The method according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein container placement on the second film is synchronized with the position of print. 6356758 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 16
10. A packaging machine for packing a container, the machine comprising a first feeder constructively arranged to feed a first film; a printer constructively arranged to print information on the first film; 5 a second feeder constructively arranged to feed a second film; a packing mechanism constructively arranged to cause the first and second films to enclose a container to be packed, wherein the packing mechanism comprises a sealer mechanism constructively arranged to close a package with a seal 10 of the first and second films along a line encircling the container; and a controller constructively arranged to control operation of the machine, wherein the printer is controlled by the controller to print information configured the container to be packed, the first film is transparent, and the printer is constructively arranged on a side of the first film becoming the 15 inside of the package and the printer is controlled by the controller to print information as mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film, and the packaging machine comprises an air evacuator constructively arranged 20 to evacuate air between the first and second films and the container at sealing. 6356758 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 17
11. The machine according to claim 10, further comprising a thermoforming station constructively arranged to thermoform at least one of the first and second films. 5
12. The machine according to claim 11, wherein the thermoforming station is arranged such that thermoforming of the first film is performed downstream of the printer.
13. The machine according to claim 11 or 12, comprising a container feeder 10 mechanism constructively arranged to place containers on the second film downstream of the thermoforming station.
14. The machine according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein a printing position is controlled by the controller by the occasion of a previous sealing 15 operation such that print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package.
15. The machine according to any of claims 10 to 13, wherein a sealing position performed by the sealer mechanism is controlled by the controller 20 from a position of print such that the print becomes positioned on a desired position of the package. 6356758 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 18
16. The machine according to any of claims 10 to 15, comprising a container feeder mechanism controlled by the controller to place containers on the second film synchronized with the position of print. 5
17. A computer program, for a controller of a packaging machine, comprising computer program code including computer executable instructions, which computer program code, when downloaded and executed by a processor of the controller, causes the controller to control the machine to perform the method according to any of claims 1 to 9. 10
18. A package for a container, wherein the package is formed from a first and a second film being sealed by a seal of the first and second films along a line encircling the container, wherein the package comprises printed information which is configured for the container to be packed and is printed 15 on an inside of the first film, the first film is transparent, and the printed information is mirrored information on the side becoming the inside of the package such that the printed information is readable through the first film, and air is evacuated between the first and second films and the container at 20 sealing.
19. The package according to claim 18 wherein the container is a bag, preferably a bag with liquid content, wherein the liquid content of the bag 6356758 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF 19 comprises a medical solution, preferably any of a group comprising dialysis fluid and water.
20. The package according to either claim 18 or 19, wherein the printed 5 information is a print arranged to provide light reflecting fields or a print arranged to provide light absorbing fields, or a combination thereof, wherein the printed information is configured for machine reading of the printed information. 6356758 1 (GHMatters) P92961.AU MILESF
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US20150353214A1 (en) 2015-12-10
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