METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING AND FILLING A POUCH WITH A FITMENT

摘要

A pouch (26) having a fitment is formed, filled and sealed in a sterilized chamber (36). A film web (24) passes from a sterilized bath into the chamber. A drive moves the film web through the chamber where several steps occur to form the pouch. The web (24) is folded in half therein defining an upper edge at the fold with the selvage edges being positioned in close proximity to each other. After folding, the web defines a pair of parallel walls. A pocket is formed in each of the walls of the film in alignment with each other and in proximity to the selvage edge by stretching the film web. A fitment (98) is inserted between the two pockets and the walls (66) are sealed together to retain the fitment. The two walls are sealed together forming a pouch having a reservoir portion. A "U" shaped peelable seal (144) is formed between the two walls below and around the fitment. The formed pouch is then cut from the film web. The pouch with the folded upper edge is moved into a partial sterilized chamber (164) that surrounds the upper portion of the pouch. The partial chamber is connected to the sterilized forming chamber. The lower portion of the pouch depends below the chamber. The pouch is moved through the partial chamber by a mechanism located below the chamber. Within the chamber, the upper edge of the pouch is slit and the pouch is filled. Thereafter, the pouch is sealed at the upper edge.