Patents by Inventor Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO
Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11952156Abstract: A vertical packaging machine for packaging products in a modified atmosphere. According to one embodiment, the vertical packaging machine includes a hopper through which the products to be packaged are introduced, a hollow forming element arranged downstream of the hopper, at least the hopper and the forming element forming a supply conduit through which the product to be packaged falls. The vertical packaging machine also includes an injection device configured for injecting a gaseous fluid into the supply conduit. A gas supply source is communicated with the inside of the supply conduit, the gas supplied to the supply conduit being suitable for packaging products in a modified atmosphere. A supply unit communicates the gas source with the inside of the supply conduit.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2021Date of Patent: April 9, 2024Assignee: ULMA Packaging, S.Coop.Inventors: Alberto Otxoa-Aizpurua Calvo, Eneko Izquierdo Ereño
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Patent number: 11851227Abstract: A sealing apparatus including a sealing tool that is movable between an inactive position and a sealing position. The sealing tool includes two actuating elements, each with a respective actuating surface that face each other. The actuating elements are configured to allow the passage of a packaging material therebetween and for transversely sealing the packaging material when the sealing tool is in the sealing position. The actuating surfaces are configured to cooperate with one another to perform the sealing. The actuating surfaces are also configured to cooperate with one another during the change in position of the sealing tool to the sealing position, and for transversely cutting the packaging material during the change in position.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2021Date of Patent: December 26, 2023Assignee: ULMA PACKAGING, S. COOP.Inventor: Alberto Otxoa-Aizpurua Calvo
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Patent number: 11760517Abstract: Disclosed is a vertical packaging machine configured for packaging a product. The machine may include a supply conduit formed by at least one hopper through which the product to be packaged is introduced in the supply conduit. A tube is arranged downstream the hopper. The supply conduit includes at least a first passage conduit and a second passage conduit which are separated from one another such that each of the first and passage conduits offers a different path for the product to be packaged. Each of the first and second passage conduits includes a first injection opening and a second injection opening, the first injection openings being located at different heights and in different angular positions in reference to the second injection openings. The machine also includes one or more injection devices and that are configured to inject gas into the first and second gas injection openings.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2022Date of Patent: September 19, 2023Assignee: ULMA PACKAGING, S. COOPInventors: Alberto Otxoa-Aizpurua Calvo, Maitane Ayala Martín
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Publication number: 20230249859Abstract: A vertical packaging machine that includes a forming tube having an inner passage section and retaining means associated with the forming tube. The retaining means includes a retaining device configured to be displaced between a blocking position (P1) in which it at least partially blocks the inner passage section of the forming tube, and a release position (P2) in which it does not block said inner passage section of the forming tube. While in the blocking position (P1), the retaining device is arranged at a fixed specific height and is configured to prevent a product from passing through the inner passage section of the forming tube. Upon transitioning to the release position (P2), the retaining device is withdrawn from the path to be followed by the product.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 10, 2023Publication date: August 10, 2023Inventors: Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO, Eneko IZQUIERDO EREÑO
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Patent number: 11613390Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for generating re-closable packages. According to one embodiment the machine includes a forming tube configured to impart a tubular shape to a continuous film, a driving module that moves the film tube in a forward movement direction at a first forward movement speed, a longitudinal sealing tool for sealing the longitudinal ends of the film with a tubular shape, a film tube being generated. The machine includes a first driving assembly for moving the film tube in the forward movement direction at a second forward movement speed, and a transverse sealing and cutting tool for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube, a package being obtained as a result. The machine also includes a second driving assembly located upstream the longitudinal sealing tool and configured for moving the re-closable strip at a third forward movement speed, the first, second and third forward movement speeds being equal.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2020Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: ULMA PACKAGING, S. COOP.Inventor: Alberto Otxoa-Aizpurua Calvo
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Publication number: 20220363420Abstract: Disclosed is a vertical packaging machine configured for packaging a product. The machine may include a supply conduit formed by at least one hopper through which the product to be packaged is introduced in the supply conduit. A tube is arranged downstream the hopper. The supply conduit includes at least a first passage conduit and a second passage conduit which are separated from one another such that each of the first and passage conduits offers a different path for the product to be packaged. Each of the first and second passage conduits includes a first injection opening and a second injection opening, the first injection openings being located at different heights and in different angular positions in reference to the second injection openings. The machine also includes one or more injection devices and that are configured to inject gas into the first and second gas injection openings.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2022Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO, Maitane AYALA MARTÍN
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Publication number: 20220306328Abstract: A vertical packaging machine that includes a hopper with a hopper inlet mouth and at least one hopper outlet mouth, a tube arranged downstream of the hopper with a tube inlet mouth and a tube outlet mouth. A supply conduit is formed by at least the hopper and the tube. Acceleration means is provided and configured for injecting a gaseous fluid into the supply conduit through two injection ports arranged in the supply conduit at different heights with respect to the tube outlet mouth and for causing, with said injection, part of the air present in said supply conduit above the corresponding injection port to follow the injected flow.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2022Publication date: September 29, 2022Inventors: Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO, Oier OLALDE ARREGUI, Eneko IZQUIERDO EREÑO
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Patent number: 11344037Abstract: A vertical packaging machine for packaging products is provided that includes a forming element with an upper mouth and a hopper upstream of the forming element. At least the hopper and the forming element form a conduit through which the product falls. A flow generator includes an injection device for injecting a gaseous fluid through a distributor for directing the fluid to the conduit. The distributer has an inlet mouth for receiving the gaseous fluid and an outlet mouth with an area smaller than the area of the inlet mouth. The injection device is controlled by a control device that is configured to cause the injection device to perform an injection for each product to be packaged in one and the same package, the start and end of which depend on the position of the product with respect to the upper mouth and the outlet mouth.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2019Date of Patent: May 31, 2022Assignee: ULMA Packaging Technological Center, S. Coop.Inventors: Alberto Otxoa-Aizpurua Calvo, Oier Olalde Arregui
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Patent number: 11247790Abstract: According to one embodiment a packaging method is provided in which a tube is supplied in a forward movement direction. The method includes a folding step in which the tube is acted on in a manner that is transverse to the forward movement direction, folding part of the tube in a folding direction, and a sealing and cutting step after which a tube closed at one end and a package closed and separated from the tube are obtained. During the folding step the tube is held transversely, and a tear is generated in the folding direction between the acted on and held parts of the tube. The tube is sealed on both sides of the tear and cut at the height of the tear. Packaging machines for carrying out the method are also disclosed. Suitable.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2019Date of Patent: February 15, 2022Assignee: ULMA Packaging Technological Center, S. Coop.Inventors: Alberto Otxoa-Aizpurua Calvo, Oier Olalde Arregui, Eneko Izquierdo Ereño
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Publication number: 20210362895Abstract: A vertical packaging machine for packaging products in a modified atmosphere. According to one embodiment, the vertical packaging machine includes a hopper through which the products to be packaged are introduced, a hollow forming element arranged downstream of the hopper, at least the hopper and the forming element forming a supply conduit through which the product to be packaged falls. The vertical packaging machine also includes an injection device configured for injecting a gaseous fluid into the supply conduit. A gas supply source is communicated with the inside of the supply conduit, the gas supplied to the supply conduit being suitable for packaging products in a modified atmosphere. A supply unit communicates the gas source with the inside of the supply conduit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO, Eneko IZQUIERDO EREÑO
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Publication number: 20210362897Abstract: A sealing apparatus including a sealing tool that is movable between an inactive position and a sealing position. The sealing tool includes two actuating elements, each with a respective actuating surface that face each other. The actuating elements are configured to allow the passage of a packaging material therebetween and for transversely sealing the packaging material when the sealing tool is in the sealing position. The actuating surfaces are configured to cooperate with one another to perform the sealing. The actuating surfaces are also configured to cooperate with one another during the change in position of the sealing tool to the sealing position, and for transversely cutting the packaging material during the change in position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventor: Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO
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Publication number: 20210155354Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for generating re-closable packages. According to one embodiment the machine includes a forming tube configured to impart a tubular shape to a continuous film, a driving module that moves the film tube in a forward movement direction at a first forward movement speed, a longitudinal sealing tool for sealing the longitudinal ends of the film with a tubular shape, a film tube being generated. The machine includes a first driving assembly for moving the film tube in the forward movement direction at a second forward movement speed, and a transverse sealing and cutting tool for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube, a package being obtained as a result. The machine also includes a second driving assembly located upstream the longitudinal sealing tool and configured for moving the re-closable strip at a third forward movement speed, the first, second and third forward movement speeds being equal.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2020Publication date: May 27, 2021Inventor: Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO
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Patent number: 10946998Abstract: Vertical packaging machine for generating packages from a film that according to one embodiment includes a film feeder and a forming tube with a longitudinal axis. The forming tube configured to impart a tubular shape to the film. The machine is configured for incorporating a longitudinal tool for longitudinally sealing the longitudinal ends of the tubular-shaped film together and generating a film tube. The machine also includes a module for moving the film tube, and a transverse tool for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube. The module is configured for rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis of the forming tube, being arranged in different operating positions, such that it allows arranging the longitudinal tool required in different positions for generating packages having different topologies and/or different sizes without the need of moving the transverse tool.Type: GrantFiled: July 3, 2018Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: ULMA PACKAGING TECHNOLOGICAL CENTER, S. COOP.Inventors: Alberto Otxoa-Aizpurua Calvo, Maitane Ayala Martin, Eneko Izquierdo Ereño
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Publication number: 20200031507Abstract: Method and machine for generating packages from a continuous film. In the method, the quality of the seals formed when generating packages on the film is furthermore verified, and to that end, a chamber is closed around an area of a film tube comprising an actuation area, a transverse cut and a transverse seal on each side of the transverse cut being generated in the actuation area. For the verification, pressure in the chamber is reduced, a property of the fluid present in the chamber or in the part of the tube present in the chamber is detected, and the quality of at least one of the seals present in the chamber is determined depending on the detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2019Publication date: January 30, 2020Inventors: Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO, Eneko IZQUIERDO ERENO
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Publication number: 20190337651Abstract: According to one embodiment a packaging method is provided in which a tube is supplied in a forward movement direction. The method includes a folding step in which the tube is acted on in a manner that is transverse to the forward movement direction, folding part of the tube in a folding direction, and a sealing and cutting step after which a tube closed at one end and a package closed and separated from the tube are obtained. During the folding step the tube is held transversely, and a tear is generated in the folding direction between the acted on and held parts of the tube. The tube is sealed on both sides of the tear and cut at the height of the tear. Packaging machines for carrying out the method are also disclosed. Suitable.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2019Publication date: November 7, 2019Inventors: Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO, Oier OLALDE ARREGUI, Eneko IZQUIERDO EREÑO
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Publication number: 20190254296Abstract: A vertical packaging machine for packaging products is provided that includes a forming element with an upper mouth and a hopper upstream of the forming element. At least the hopper and the forming element form a conduit through which the product falls. A flow generator includes an injection device for injecting a gaseous fluid through a distributor for directing the fluid to the conduit. The distributer has an inlet mouth for receiving the gaseous fluid and an outlet mouth with an area smaller than the area of the inlet mouth. The injection device is controlled by a control device that is configured to cause the injection device to perform an injection for each product to be packaged in one and the same package, the start and end of which depend on the position of the product with respect to the upper mouth and the outlet mouth.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 21, 2019Publication date: August 22, 2019Inventors: Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO, Oier OLALDE ARREGUI
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Patent number: 10301047Abstract: A method and apparatus for vacuum packaging a product. According to one embodiment a film tube is generated, and, in the film tube a product (P) is introduced and at least one cut is made. In the method, a vacuum may also applied inside the film tube, and a transverse seal is formed therein, a film tube closed at one end being obtained upstream of the cut and a package closed at both ends being obtained downstream. Furthermore, the film tube is transversely pinched, a portion the inside of the film tube which is isolated from the inside of the rest of the film tube being obtained, and a chamber is demarcated around at least part of said portion, the vacuum being applied and the transverse sealing operation being performed inside said chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2016Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: ULMA PACKAGING TECHNOLOGICAL CENTER, S.COOP.Inventors: Alberto Otxoa-Aizpurua Calvo, Gerardo Mendizabal Altuna, Eneko Izquierdo Ereño
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Publication number: 20190009936Abstract: Vertical packaging machine for generating packages from a film that according to one embodiment includes a film feeder and a forming tube with a longitudinal axis. The forming tube configured to impart a tubular shape to the film. The machine is configured for incorporating a longitudinal tool for longitudinally sealing the longitudinal ends of the tubular-shaped film together and generating a film tube. The machine also includes a module for moving the film tube, and a transverse tool for transversely sealing and cutting the film tube. The module is configured for rotating with respect to the longitudinal axis of the forming tube, being arranged in different operating positions, such that it allows arranging the longitudinal tool required in different positions for generating packages having different topologies and/or different sizes without the need of moving the transverse tool.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2018Publication date: January 10, 2019Inventors: Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO, Maitane AYALA MARTIN, Eneko IZQUIERDO EREÑO
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Publication number: 20180354665Abstract: According to one embodiment a packaging method is provided in which a film is fed to a vertical forming tube, whereby the film is formed into a tubular shape, the ends of the tubular-shaped film are longitudinally sealed to one another by applying pressure on said ends, the product to be packaged is introduced into the forming tube and the film formed downstream of the forming tube is transversely sealed and cut. Furthermore, in the method, the ends of the film are pressed to one another with a force that keeps both ends static, the drop of the product upstream of the transverse seal is stopped or limited, and by maintaining said pressure and said stop or limitation, an airflow is generated inside the forming tube.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2018Publication date: December 13, 2018Inventors: Alberto OTXOA-AIZPURUA CALVO, Oier OLALDE ARREGUI
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Patent number: 9511883Abstract: According to some implementations a packaging operation is provided that includes a stage for the continuous feeding of a laminar film, a stage for the forming of the laminar film with a laminar tube being obtained, and a drive stage in which by means of at least two drive belts the movement of the laminar tube is caused. The packaging operation also includes a control operation in which the position of the drive belt in relation to the forming tool is controlled when slippage or risk of slippage of at least one of the drive belts with respect to the laminar tube is detected.Type: GrantFiled: May 13, 2013Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: ULMA Packaging Technological Center S. CoopInventors: Alberto Otxoa-Aizpurua Calvo, Mikel Orobengoa Crucelaegui