Abstract A form-fill-seal type of packaging machine in which a pair of rolls of plastic are used in respectively forming and sealing containers is provided with a pair of utilization tanks through which the two webs of plastic material are fed in order to sterilize the webs or sheets due to contact with a sterilizing liquid such as hydrogen peroxide contained in the two tanks. Should the machine be shut down either deliberately or by inadvertence for any reason, the germicidal agent may affect the plastic material immersed therein in an adverse manner. Thus means are provided for draining the germicidal liquid from the utilization tanks into a reservoir tank thereby to preclude any possible undesired effects by controlling suitable valves in the supply and return conduits or by other means.
A system according to claim 1 wherein means responsive to an interruption of the packaging operation effects draining said utilization tanks into said reservoir tank.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
19 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein said means for heating said solution is associated with said reservoir tank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
71 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein one of said utilization tanks comprises a bottom wall of generally arcuate configuration whose side edges protrude upwardly and whose mid portion is bowed downwardly, a similarly configured top wall spaced above said bottom wall, a pair of end walls secured to the opposite arcuate edges of said bottom and top walls to define a liquid retaining cavity of generally arcuate cross sectional configuration.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
A system according to claim 1 wherein each of said utilization tanks includes an outlet through which the associated web is fed and wherein enclosing structure is interconnected with said outlets so as to receive and maintain the associated web under asceptic conditions.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
175 words
In a packaging machine of the form-fill-seal type whereby receptacles are formed from a first web of packaging material at a forming station, filled with a product at a filling station, and provided with a cover supplied from a second web of packaging material at a sealing station, the system for treating said first and second web of packaging material with a sterilizing solution, comprising a. a reservoir tank containing a supply of sterilizing Solution, b. means (associated with said reservoir tank) for heating said solution to a desired temperature, c. a first utilization tank for treating said first web of packaging material, d. a second utilization tank for treating said second web of packaging material, e. means for continuously circulating said solution from said reservoir tank to said first and second utilization tanks, f. means for maintaining a desired level of solution in said first and second utilization tanks, g. and means responsive to an interruption of the packaging operation for draining said utilization tanks and returning said solution therefrom to said reservoir tank.