Packaging machine with reject pouch conveyor

Abstract

A fill/seal machine for a flexible pouch having at least one gripper for holding the pouch. The machine having turret for moving the pouch and at least gripper and pouch through a plurality of stations. The machine having a camera at one of the plurality of stations for providing a video image. The machine having a control module for comparing the video image of the pouch to at least one parameter to determine whether the pouch is to be accepted or rejected. The control module operable to generate a signal to open the at least one gripper if the pouch is rejected. The machine having a conveyor positioned to receive the pouch is rejected and released by the at least one gripper.

1 . A machine for filing and sealing a flexible pouch; the machine comprising:
 a turret having at least one gripper, the machine operable to rotate the at least one gripper through a plurality of stations; one of the plurality of stations being an inspection station having a camera, the camera producing a video image of the pouch;   a control module connected to camera, the control module operable to compare the video image with at least one selected parameter to determine whether the pouch is accepted or rejected, if rejected, the control module opens the at least one gripper to release the pouch.   
     
     
         2 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a conveyor positioned at the inspection station below the at least one gripper to receive the pouch, if released by the at least one gripper.   
     
     
         3 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising an exit station positioned downstream of the inspection station, the exit station having a second conveyor for receiving a pouch that is not rejected. 
     
     
         4 . The machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a marking station which applies marking including a date to the pouch. 
     
     
         5 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one selected parameter relates to the marking. 
     
     
         6 . The machine of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one selected parameter is quality of the seal. 
     
     
         7 . The machine of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one parameter is the length of the marking.