Patents by Inventor Elmar Ehrmann

Elmar Ehrmann 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).

  • Patent number: 11485534
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a packaging machine, which comprises a control unit having a process parameter generator designed to determine specific process parameters for a production process of the packaging machine. The control unit of the packaging machine also comprises a recipe generator for an adjustment process of the packaging machine preceding the production process or can be connected to a recipe generator of the apparatus, which generator is designed as a separate unit. The respective recipe generator comprises a set of rules for determining recipe variables for the adjustment process of the packaging machine and is designed to generate the recipe variables with reference to a plurality of data and to form therefrom a recipe data set for the adjustment process of the packaging machine. A method for using the apparatus is also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMÜLLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Elmar Ehrmann, Claus Botzenhardt, Christian Lau, Natalie Schmid, Florian Felch, Thorsten Remmele
  • Patent number: 11418359
    Abstract: In a packaging machine, a work station has an interior, which is surrounded by a wall and which has arranged therein a tool with at least one heating element or actor. The invention is characterized by a bus node assembly that is attached to the outside of the wall facing away from the interior and which comprises a housing cap, a circuit board and an interface connected to the circuit board and used for connection to a communication bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Elmar Ehrmann, Christian Lau, Thomas Pfalzer, Florian Felch, Claus Botzenhardt, Andreas Kurz, Michael Rädler, Thorsten Remmele
  • Patent number: 11319100
    Abstract: A packaging machine comprising a control unit, a plurality of measuring devices and a plurality of working units for different process. The control unit is functionally connected to the working units and to the measuring devices. The measuring devices may detect actual process values at the respective working units and forwarding these values to the control unit for monitoring the respective working units. The control unit may create a specific program sequence for each of the individual working units and/or a program sequence coordinated with respect to the working units, by comparing the actual process values from the respective measuring devices with associated target process values from a memory. The individual working units may function according to this program sequence, depending on the actual process values detected at these working units, and/or the working units are coordinated with one another based on the actual process values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Elmar Ehrmann, Claus Botzenhardt
  • Patent number: 11260999
    Abstract: A thermoforming packaging machine that includes a film holder for receiving a lower film supply roll and one behind the other in a sequential arrangement along a production direction a pretreatment station for pretreating the lower film web, a forming station for forming troughs in the lower film web by thermoforming, an insertion line for filling the troughs with products and a sealing station for sealing the troughs with a top film. A transport device is configured to transport the lower film web along the production direction through the pretreatment station, further to the forming station, further to the insertion line and finally to the sealing station. A deflection unit arranged at least partially below the pretreatment station is configured to deflect the lower film web before reaching the pretreatment station. The pretreatment station may include a punching or slitting unit to punch or slit the lower film web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventor: Elmar Ehrmann
  • Patent number: 10843834
    Abstract: A packaging machine, comprising a control unit, at least one measurement device and a plurality of work units for different processes. One of the work units is designed as a sealing station which comprises at least one moisture sensor designed as the measurement device which is functionally connected to the control unit and is designed to detect moisture within the sealing station as a time-dependent measured variable during a program sequence of the sealing station. The program sequence may comprise an evacuation process, wherein the control unit is designed to calculate a rate of change in the moisture during the evacuation process of the sealing station. The control unit may abort the evacuation process performed on the sealing station, based on the rate of change, before reaching a target vacuum pressure within the sealing station, immediately or after a specified delay time elapses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Elmar Ehrmann, Claus Botzenhardt, Thomas Holderied, Florian Felch, Tobias Enderle
  • Patent number: 10766655
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoform packaging machine, comprising a controller and a film punch, which includes a lever mechanism, a tool, upper part and a tool lower part. At least one of the tool upper part and the tool lower part are movable by means of the lever mechanism such that the tool upper part and the tool lower part approach each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Elmar Ehrmann, Robert Maier
  • Patent number: 10689141
    Abstract: A thermoform packaging machine comprising a forming station for thermoforming troughs in a bottom film web adapted to be conveyed in the thermoform packaging machine in a conveying direction, as well as a closing station for closing the troughs with a cover film. The machine further comprises a machine frame that includes a plurality of interconnected vertical members, longitudinal members, cross members, and machine feet. At least one substantially U-shaped or O-shaped portal is rigidly integrated in the machine frame, the portal comprising two columns and a crossbar extending between the two columns and above a conveying plane of the bottom film web transversely to the conveying direction, wherein the portal has a 2-axis robot mounted thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG
    Inventors: Johannes Mühlschlegel, Martin Drechsler, Elmar Ehrmann
  • Patent number: 10689136
    Abstract: A thermo-forming packaging machine having a transport device that is configured to convey a lower film in a film transport surface along a transport direction from a forming station for forming troughs in the lower film via an inserting track for filling the troughs with products to a sealing station for sealing the troughs with an upper film and further to a cutting station for separating the sealed troughs. The film transport surface may include an area that ascends along the transport direction, either between the forming station and the sealing station or following the sealing station. The ascending areas may be followed in the transport direction by an even area. As a result, one of a product feeding device for feeding of products or a packaging discharge device for leading away packages may be positioned particularly close to the lower film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Elmar Ehrmann
  • Patent number: 10683111
    Abstract: A thermo-forming packaging machine having a transport device that is configured to convey a lower film in a film transport surface along a transport direction from a forming station for forming troughs in the lower film through an inserting track for filling the troughs with products to a sealing station for sealing the troughs with an upper film and further to a cutting station for separating the closed troughs. In one embodiment, the film transport surface comprises a first ascending area and a first descending area that is arranged downstream of the ascending area between the forming station and the sealing station. Alternatively or in addition, the film transport surface comprises between the sealing station and the cutting station a second ascending area and after the cutting station a second descending area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Elmar Ehrmann, Michael Lang
  • Publication number: 20200136856
    Abstract: In a packaging machine, a work station has an interior, which is surrounded by a wall and which has arranged therein a tool with at least one heating element or actor. The invention is characterized by a bus node assembly that is attached to the outside of the wall facing away from the interior and which comprises a housing cap, a circuit board and an interface connected to the circuit board and used for connection to a communication bus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2017
    Publication date: April 30, 2020
    Inventors: Elmar EHRMANN, Christian LAU, Thomas PFALZER, Florian FELCH, Claus BOTZENHARDT, Andreas KURZ, Michael RÄDLER, Thorsten REMMELE
  • Patent number: 10472112
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoform packaging machine comprising a film punch unit that includes a stroke drive for moving a die and a punch. The die and punch are movable, by means of the stroke drive, towards and away from each other orthogonally to a film conveying plane. The stroke drive is arranged above the film conveying plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Elmar Ehrmann
  • Publication number: 20190283913
    Abstract: A thermoforming packaging machine that includes a film holder for receiving a lower film supply roll and one behind the other in a sequential arrangement along a production direction a pretreatment station for pretreating the lower film web, a forming station for forming troughs in the lower film web by thermoforming, an insertion line for filling the troughs with products and a sealing station for sealing the troughs with a top film. A transport device is configured to transport the lower film web along the production direction through the pretreatment station, further to the forming station, further to the insertion line and finally to the sealing station. A deflection unit arranged at least partially below the pretreatment station is configured to deflect the lower film web before reaching the pretreatment station. The pretreatment station may include a punching or slitting unit to punch or slit the lower film web.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2019
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventor: Elmar EHRMANN
  • Patent number: 10407197
    Abstract: The thermo-forming packaging machine according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a sealing station, a first forming station for forming trays into a lower film web that is in a first forming plane clamped in the first forming station, and a second forming station for forming lids into an upper film web that is in a second forming plane clamped in the second forming station. The sealing station can be configured to create a sealing seam in a sealing plane. The thermo-forming packaging machine may be characterized in that the first forming plane is provided at least 200 mm below the second forming plane, wherein the first and the second forming planes are at least approximately parallel to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Elmar Ehrmann
  • Patent number: 10384820
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermoform packaging machine as well as to a method for producing a skin pack, comprising the steps of preforming a skin film prior to a sealing station and subjecting it to a further forming step in the sealing station, so that the skin film can wrap around a product protruding far beyond a packaging trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Bernhard Grimm, Elmar Ehrmann
  • Publication number: 20190193887
    Abstract: Storage trolley for receiving at least two protective covers of a packaging machine, preferably a thermoforming packaging machine, for example, for cleaning or maintenance purposes. The storage trolley has a plurality of movable holders for receiving protective covers of the packaging machine. The holders are moveable between a parking position and a receiving position. The storage trolley is configured to be stored below a machine frame of the packaging machine when the holders are in the parking position. The holders receive one or more protective covers in the receiving position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Christian LAU, Elmar EHRMANN
  • Patent number: 10315795
    Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging system comprising a work station with a tool component, a loading station with a side panel component, and a thermal system conveying heatable fluid. The thermal system comprises cooling section and/or a heating section. The cooling section conveys the heatable fluid to the tool component and has an actuator configured for regulating the flow volume of the heatable fluid to the tool component. The heating section conveys the heatable fluid to the side panel component and is coupled at least in sections to the side panel component in order to heat the side panel component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmüller SE & Co. KG
    Inventor: Elmar Ehrmann
  • Patent number: 10315375
    Abstract: A work station for a packaging machine comprises a tool structure and a tool movable relative to the tool structure by means of a drive. The drive comprises at least one countermagnet which is operatively connectable to an electromagnet and movable relative to the electromagnet. The drive further comprises a mechanism by means of which the movement of the tool is unidirectionally coupled to the relative movement of the countermagnet relative to the electromagnet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMÜLLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventors: Luciano Capriotti, Elmar Ehrmann
  • Patent number: 10118719
    Abstract: A thermoforming packaging machine with a top film forming station, wherein the forming tool upper part and the foaming tool lower part of the top film forming station are disposed above a transportation plane of a lower film. One of the forming tool upper part or the forming tool lower part are operably connected to a lifting mechanism by a traverse system. The lifting mechanism is disposed below the transportation plane of the lower film. The traverse system transfers a lifting force from the lifting device to one of the forming tool upper part or lower part through the transportation plane of the lower film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER SE & CO. KG
    Inventor: Elmar Ehrmann
  • Publication number: 20180297730
    Abstract: An apparatus comprising a packaging machine, which comprises a control unit having a process parameter generator designed to determine specific process parameters for a production process of the packaging machine. The control unit of the packaging machine also comprises a recipe generator for an adjustment process of the packaging machine preceding the production process or can be connected to a recipe generator of the apparatus, which generator is designed as a separate unit. The respective recipe generator comprises a set of rules for determining recipe variables for the adjustment process of the packaging machine and is designed to generate the recipe variables with reference to a plurality of data and to form therefrom a recipe data set for the adjustment process of the packaging machine. A method for using the apparatus is also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Inventors: Elmar Ehrmann, Claus Botzenhardt, Christian Lau, Natalie Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20180273225
    Abstract: A packaging machine comprising a control unit, a plurality of measuring devices and a plurality of working units for different process. The control unit is functionally connected to the working units and to the measuring devices. The measuring devices may detect actual process values at the respective working units and forwarding these values to the control unit for monitoring the respective working units. The control unit may create a specific program sequence for each of the individual working units and/or a program sequence coordinated with respect to the working units, by comparing the actual process values from the respective measuring devices with associated target process values from a memory. The individual working units may function according to this program sequence, depending on the actual process values detected at these working units, and/or the working units are coordinated with one another based on the actual process values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2016
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Elmar Ehrmann, Claus Botzenhardt