Apparatus for producing pouches

Abstract

Apparatus for producing pouches including a source of printed water-soluble PVOH film, a second source of film, a source of composition, a pouch making unit comprising a filing system to form pouches from the first film, the second film, and the composition, a control system for monitoring and adjusting the position of the pattern onto the pouches. Pouches made by the apparatus.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . Apparatus according for producing pouches, the apparatus comprising:
 a first source of film supplying a first film, the first film being water-soluble and comprising polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) or a copolymer thereof resin and a pattern being printed onto the first film,   a second source of film supplying a second film,   a source of composition,   a pouch making unit comprising a filling system to form pouches from the first film, the second film, and the composition,   a control system for monitoring and adjusting the position of the pattern onto the pouches.   
     
     
         2 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the pouch making unit comprises an endless rotating system, the first film being applied onto the endless rotating system at a lay down point. 
     
     
         3 . Apparatus according to  claim 2 , wherein the control system comprises a registration sensor for monitoring the registration between the pouch and the printed pattern and at least one adjustment system for adjusting the position of the pattern onto the pouch. 
     
     
         4 . Apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the distance between the lay down point and the registration sensor is less than about 2 meters. 
     
     
         5 . Apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the distance between the lay down point and the adjustment system is less than about 2 meters. 
     
     
         6 . Apparatus according to  claim 3 , wherein the distance between the registration sensor and the adjustment system is less than about 2 meters. 
     
     
         7 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , further comprising a printing system, the printing system comprising a plurality of separate printing stations. 
     
     
         8 . Apparatus according to  claim 7 , further comprising an adjustment system for adjusting the registration between the plurality of separate printing stations. 
     
     
         9 . Apparatus according to  claim 7 , further comprising a rotating drum, wherein a plurality of separate printing stations are arranged on the drum. 
     
     
         10 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the pouches comprise from about 15 g to about 50 g of composition. 
     
     
         11 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the pouches form a compartment comprising the composition at least partially enclosed by the water-soluble film on which a pattern is printed, said pattern being on the side of the film facing the inside of the pouches. 
     
     
         12 . Apparatus according to  claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is a thermoforming apparatus. 
     
     
         13 . Pouches made by the apparatus according to  claim 1 . 
     
     
         14 . Process to prepare a pouch according to  claim 13 , wherein the printed pattern on the pouch has a different shape than the printed pattern on the first film.