Urania

The four (4) position PouchPro typically consists of the following functions:

Position 1: Pick up pouch(es) from magazine.

Position 2: May be used for labeling, marking, or component loading.

Position 3: Usually used for component loading but may be used for various options.

Position 4: Used for processing the loaded pouch(es) into the sealer. Component loading or vacuum/gas flush may be added to this position prior to processing the pouch(es) into the sealer.

PRODUCT LOADING

A customer's product may be loaded by four (4) different methods:

1. Manual: An operator simply places the component into the pre-opened pouch and depresses a footswitch or button to signal that loading has been successfully completed. There is usually very low or no additional cost associated with this loading method.

2. Manual Assist: A loading station may be fitted with an appropriate tray and device such as a chute or tube. This may improve the speed and ergonomics of the manual loading process. This method usually requires a compatibility review. The components of a manual assist station are custom designed with respect to the product being loaded. The costs associated with a manual assist load station are usually low.

3. Semi-Automatic: This method of loading utilizes a nest or escapement that can be pre-loaded with a product. The operator may load the component into the escapement any time it is empty. The PouchPro will control the escapement or placement of the component into the pouch when the pouch is successfully opened and available for loading. This relieves the operator of the responsibility of determining if a pouch is successfully opened and ready to be loaded. It is not necessary for the operator to determine the stage of the PouchPro cycle. The operator's responsibility is to simply reload an empty nest or escapement. This usually results in a significant increase in output as preloading the device may take place when a pouch is not ready. This compatibility of a customer's product for loading must be determined before any quote may be submitted. Designs for common products such as Elisa/Titration plates, glass slides, etc... have been completed numerous times. Quotations for semi-automatic loading of these common products are available upon request.

4. Fully Automatic Loading: This method of loading involves depositing the product into a pouch or pouches with no operator involvement. After a product compatibility evaluation, a concept of loading may involve commercially available devices such as weigh/dump systems, auger fillers, parts counters, parts feeders, desiccant dispensers, etc... The loading concept may also include integration into the existing product manufacturing cycle. This means utilizing the customer's existing equipment and integrating to take advantage of parts being presented to the PouchPro in an oriented and orderly fashion. A process and compatibility evaluation is required for consideration of automatic loading.