Patent Publication Number: US-2011072764-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for sealing containers

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/247,350, filed Sep. 30, 2009, and titled “Modular Top Sealing Assembly,” the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for mating and/or sealing containers. The present disclosure also relates to an apparatus, a system and a method for transporting containers. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Thin film materials of a variety of sorts are being used in the packaging industry as a “lidding” material (or film). In many instances, the thin film is applied to the tops of rigid trays or cups in order to hermetically close and seal the contents of the trays or cups. The film may be applied by a heat sealing process, where a sealing die sandwiches a tray and a film for a predetermined period of time, with a predetermined pressure and a predetermined sealing temperature. 
     In cases where the lidding (or film) material is not a “Pre-die cut lid,” but, rather, a film that is unwound from a film roll, it may be necessary to trim the film after it has been mated to the trays or cups. In most of these cases, the film is trimmed along the contours of the trays or cups. In some cases, the characteristics of the lidding require a heated blade to be used to complete the cutting process or cut the lidding and shrink the lidding edge back so there is little or no “film overhang” over a tray contour. The current state of technology requires equipping the blades with a separate heater component, which is part of a separate electrical circuit, or attaching a plurality of blades to a single heating plate. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,965, issued Dec. 19, 1995 to Mondini, discloses a “Machine for Sealing Containers by Applying a Covering Film.” U.S. Pat. No. 7,017,321, issued Mar. 28, 2006 to Salvoni, also discloses a “Machine for Sealing Containers by Applying a Covering Film.” U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,939, issued Mar. 24, 1992 to Shanklin et al., discloses a “Synchronous Position Product Feed System.” 
     The present disclosure provides an apparatus, a system and a method for transporting, as well as mating and/or sealing containers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a sealing system is disclosed that is configured to receive a container and seal the container with a lidding. The system comprises: an in-feeder that is configured to receive a plurality of containers and transport a batch of containers that are selected from the plurality of containers; and a modular seal assembly that is configured to seal the batch of containers with a lidding, wherein the modular seal assembly comprises: a docking station that is configured to hold a plurality of sealing modules; and a sealing module that is configured to be removable from the docking station without removing any other one of the plurality of sealing modules. The docking station may comprise a docking station frame that is configured to supply a first gas to the sealing module. The docking station frame may comprise: an upper frame part; and a lower frame part. The sealing module may comprise a channel that is configured to receive the first gas from the docking station manifold and to supply the first gas to a lower tool cavity, or to receive a second gas from the lower tool cavity and to supply the second gas to the docking station frame. The channel may be configured to supply the first gas only to the lower tool cavity or to remove the second gas only from the lower tool cavity. The modular seal assembly may further comprise a channel duct that is configured to carry a first gas from a gas supply source. The docking station may comprise the channel duct. The channel duct may be further configured to supply the first gas to the sealing module. The modular seal assembly may attach to a top plate that is configured to carry a first gas from a gas supply source. The docking station may comprise: a docking station frame that is configured to hold the plurality of sealing modules, wherein the docking station frame comprises a mounting guide that is configured to slidably support the docking station frame, wherein the mounting guide is further configured to guide the docking station frame during removal of the docking station from the sealing system frame and during replacement of the docking station into the sealing system. The sealing system may further comprise a utility connector that is configured to be coupled to the sealing module and a docking station frame. 
     According to a further aspect of the disclosure, a sealing system is disclosed that is configured to receive a container and seal the container with a lidding. The system comprises: a container transferor that is configured to receive a batch of containers and transport the batch of containers to a sealing assembly; and a modular seal assembly that is configured to seal the batch of containers with a lidding, wherein the modular seal assembly comprises a sealing module that is configured to be removable from the modular seal assembly without removing any other one of a plurality of sealing modules in the modular seal assembly. The sealing module may comprise a piston that is coupled to one of a cutter and a sealer, and wherein the sealing module is configured to: supply a first gas to a head cavity, supply a second gas to a container cavity, and supply a third gas to a lower tool cavity, wherein the head cavity, the container cavity and the lower tool cavity are configured to prevent the first gas, the second gas, and the third gas from traveling between any of the head cavity, the container cavity and the lower tool cavity. 
     According to a still further aspect of the disclosure, a sealing system is disclosed that is configured to receive a container and seal the container with a lidding. The system comprises: a modular seal assembly that is configured to seal a batch of containers with a lidding; and an in-feeder that is configured to supply the batch of containers to the modular seal assembly, wherein the in-feeder comprises a spacing-pacing conveyor that is configured to receive a plurality of containers and positively space the plurality of containers to a predetermined pitch. The in-feeder may comprise an acceleration conveyor that is configured to carry the plurality of containers at varying speeds. The in-feeder may comprise a batching conveyor that is configured to provide a sufficient number of containers to complete the batch of containers. The in-feeder may further comprise: an acceleration conveyor that is configured to carry the plurality of containers at varying speeds; and a batching conveyor that is configured to provide a sufficient number of containers to complete the batch of containers, wherein the acceleration conveyor and the batching conveyor are configured to manipulate a spacing between each of the plurality of containers, without either the acceleration conveyor or the batching conveyor having to stop. The spacing-pacing conveyor may be configured to receive the plurality of containers from the acceleration conveyor and positively space the plurality of containers to a predetermined pitch. The sealing system may further comprise: a lidding feeder that includes a dancer roll assembly; and a counterweight lift assembly. The sealing system may be configured to engage and lift a batch of containers from the spacing-pacing conveyor on the fly, without stopping the spacing-pacing conveyor. 
     Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the disclosure may be set forth or apparent from consideration of the following attached detailed description and drawings. Moreover, it is to be understood that both the foregoing summary of the disclosure and the following attached detailed description are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation without limiting the scope of the invention as claimed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the detailed description serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. No attempt is made to show structural details of the disclosure in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamental understanding of the disclosure and the various ways in which it may be practiced. In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  shows an example of a sealing system, which is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  shows an example of an in-feed system that may be used with the sealing system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows an example of a multi-lane configuration of the in-feed system of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows another example of an in-feed system that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  shows an example of a multi-lane configuration of the in-feed system of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows a yet another example of an in-feed system that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the in-feed system of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  shows an example of a state of the art container transferor in an open configuration, which may be operated by a transferor drive process that is configured according to principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  shows an example of a transferor drive process, according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 10A to 10D  show various stages of operation of the container transferor of  FIG. 8  by the transferor drive process of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  shows an example of the container transferor that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 12  shows another example of a transferor drive process, according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 13  shows another example of a container transferor in an open configuration, which is constructed according to principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 14  shows yet another example of a container transferor that is constructed according to principles of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 15A to 15B  show two phases of operation of a still further example of a container transferor, constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 16  shows an example of a multi-lane configuration of the container transferor of  FIGS. 15A to 15B , constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 17A to 17C  show examples of an engaging member, constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 18A to 18B  show perspective top and bottom views, respectively, of an example of an upper tool, which is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 19A and 19B  show perspective views of opposite sides of an example of a sealing module that is constructed according to principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 20  shows a cross-section view of a state-of-the-art dual-zone head in contact with a lower tool, which may be used in the upper tool assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 21  shows an example of gas flow in the dual-zone head of  FIG. 20 ; 
         FIG. 22A  shows a cross-section view of the head of  FIG. 20  in contact with another example of a lower tool, according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 22B  shows a cross-section view of an example of a head and a lower tool, which are constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 22C  shows a cross-section view of an example of the head of  FIG. 22B  in contact with the lower tool of  FIG. 22B ; 
         FIG. 22D  shows a cross-section view of an example of the head of  FIG. 22B  and a portion of a docking station frame separated from a top plate, according to principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 22E  shows a cross-section view of another example of the head of  FIG. 22B  separated from the docking station frame that remains affixed to the top plate; 
         FIG. 22F  shows a cross-section front view of a plurality of heads mounted in the docking station frame and affixed to the top plate, according to principles of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 22G  shows a cross-section front view of an example of a docking station frame and plurality of heads removed from the top plate, according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 22H  shows a cross-section front view of one of the plurality of heads being removed from the docking station frame, according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 22I  shows a cross-section, detailed view of the sealing module body of  FIG. 22B ; 
         FIG. 22J  shows a cross-section, detailed view of another example of a sealing module body, which is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 23  shows an example of gas flow in the triple-zone head and lower tool configuration of  FIG. 22A ; 
         FIG. 24  shows a cross-section view of another example of a triple-zone head and lower tool configuration that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 25  shows a cross-section view of yet another example of a triple-zone head and lower tool configuration that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 26  shows a cross-section view of still further example of a triple-zone head and lower tool configuration that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 27  shows a perspective partial view of an example of a lower tool; 
         FIG. 28  shows a perspective exploded partial view of the example of the lower tool of  FIG. 27 ; 
         FIG. 29  shows a perspective partial underside view of an example of a carrier insert, constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 30A-30C  show various examples of existing, state-of-the-art cutting blades that may be used in the sealing assembly of  FIG. 18A ; 
         FIGS. 31A-31B  show various views of an example of a cutting blade, constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 32  shows another example of a cutting blade that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 33  shows yet another example of a cutting blade that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 34  shows an example of a blade clip that is constructed according to principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 35  shows a perspective partial view of an example of a blade that is fastened to a mounting base by means of one or more of the blade clips, according to principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 36  shows a partial cross-section view of the mounting base of  FIG. 35 ; 
         FIG. 37  shows another example of a blade clip that is constructed according to principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 38  shows a perspective partial view of another example of a blade that is fastened to a mounting base by means of a bridge, according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 39  shows a partial cross-section view of the blade of  FIG. 38  fastened to the mounting base by means of the blade clip; 
         FIG. 40  shows an example of a cutting assembly that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 41  shows an example of the cutting assembly of  FIG. 40  in a seal-cut position; 
         FIG. 42  shows a partial three-dimensional perspective view of an example of the cutting assembly of  FIG. 41  configured in a pre-seal and a pre-cut position, which is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 43  shows a partial three-dimensional perspective view of the cutting assembly of  FIG. 42  configured in a sealing and a cutting position; 
         FIG. 44  shows an example of a lift that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 45  shows the lift of  FIG. 44  in a full-lift position; 
         FIG. 46  shows another example of a lift that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 47  shows the lift of  FIG. 46  in a full-lift position; 
         FIG. 48  shows yet another example of a lift that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 49A  shows still a further example of a lift that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 49B  shows still a further example of a lift that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 49C  shows the lift of  FIG. 49B  in the lowered position; 
         FIG. 49D  shows still a further example of a lift that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 49E  shows the lift of  FIG. 49D  in the lowered position; 
         FIG. 50  shows a perspective view of an example of a lidding unwind system that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 51  shows a side view of the lidding unwind system of  FIG. 50  with a plurality of dancer rollers located at an upper position, that is above a predetermined lower end position; 
         FIG. 52  shows a side view of the lidding unwind system of  FIG. 50  with the dancer rollers located at the predetermined lower end position; 
         FIG. 53  shows a side view of the lidding unwind system of  FIG. 50  with the upper rollers and the dancer rollers configured in a threading configuration, according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 54  shows a perspective view of the lidding system of  FIG. 50  with the upper rollers and the dancer rollers configured in the threading configuration; 
         FIG. 55  shows an example of a lidding roll centering system that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 56  shows an exploded view of the lidding roll centering system of  FIG. 55 ; and 
         FIG. 57  shows a side view of the lidding roll centering system of  FIG. 55 . 
     
    
    
     The present disclosure is further described in the detailed description that follows. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The embodiments of the disclosure and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/or illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and detailed in the following attached description. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one example may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the disclosure. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the disclosure may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, which is defined solely by the appended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
     A “computer”, as used in this disclosure, means any machine, device, circuit, component, or module, or any system of machines, devices, circuits, components, modules, or the like, which are capable of manipulating data according to one or more instructions, such as, for example, without limitation, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a motion controller, a processor, a microprocessor, a central processing unit, a general purpose computer, a super computer, a personal computer, a laptop computer, a palmtop computer, a notebook computer, a desktop computer, a workstation computer, a server, or the like, or an array of processors, microprocessors, central processing units, general purpose computers, super computers, personal computers, laptop computers, palmtop computers, notebook computers, desktop computers, workstation computers, servers, or the like. Further, the computer may include an electronic device configured to communicate over a communication link. The electronic device may include, for example, but is not limited to, a mobile telephone, a smart telephone, a cellular telephone device, a satellite telephone device, a cordless telephone, a software defined radio (SDR), a two-way radio, a personal data assistant (PDA), a mobile computer, a stationary computer, mobile station, a game console, a game controller, user equipment, or the like. 
     A “network,” as used in this disclosure, means an arrangement of two or more communication links. A network may include, for example, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a personal area network (PAN), a campus area network, a corporate area network, a global area network (GAN), a broadband area network (BAN), any combination of the foregoing, or the like. The network may be configured to communicate data via a wireless and/or a wired communication medium. The network may include any one or more of the following topologies, including, for example, a point-to-point topology, a field bus topology, a bus topology, a linear bus topology, a distributed bus topology, a star topology, an extended star topology, a distributed star topology, a ring topology, a mesh topology, a tree topology, or the like. 
     A “communication link”, as used in this disclosure, means a wired and/or wireless medium that conveys data or information between at least two points. The wired or wireless medium may include, for example, a metallic conductor link, a radio frequency (RF) communication link, an Infrared (IR) communication link, an optical communication link, or the like, without limitation. The RF communication link may include, for example, WiFi, WiMAX, IEEE 802.11, DECT, 0G, 1G, 2G, 3G or 4G cellular standards, Bluetooth, or the like. 
     The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof, as used in this disclosure, mean “including, but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     The terms “a”, “an”, and “the”, as used in this disclosure, means “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
     Devices that are in communication with each other need not be in continuous communication with each other, unless expressly specified otherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication with each other may communicate directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries. 
     Although process steps, method steps, algorithms, or the like, may be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods and algorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order. The steps of the processes, methods or algorithms described herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously. 
     When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that more than one device or article may be used in place of a single device or article. Similarly, where more than one device or article is described herein, it will be readily apparent that a single device or article may be used in place of the more than one device or article. The functionality or the features of a device may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly described as having such functionality or features. 
     A “computer-readable medium”, as used in this disclosure, means any medium that participates in providing data (for example, instructions) which may be read by a computer. Such a medium may take many forms, including non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media may include dynamic random access memory (DRAM). Transmission media may include coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled to the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, a compact flash card, a thumb drive, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. 
     Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying sequences of instructions to a computer. For example, sequences of instruction (i) may be delivered from a RAM to a processor, (ii) may be carried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may be formatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, including, for example, WiFi, WiMAX, IEEE 802.11, DECT, 0G, 1G, 2G, 3G or 4G cellular standards, Bluetooth, or the like. 
       FIG. 1  shows an example of a sealing system (or sealer)  1 , which is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The sealing system  1  includes an input system  10 , an in-feed system (or in-feeder)  20 , a container sealer  30 , and an output system  40 . As seen in  FIG. 1 , unsealed containers (not shown) may be received via the input system  10  into the in-feed system in the direction of the arrow “IN.” The in-feed system transports the unsealed containers to the container sealer  30 , which then seals the containers with a lidding. The sealed containers may then be output from the container sealer  30  via the output system  40  in the direction of the arrow “OUT.” The lidding may include, for example, a film or a sheet that may be used to seal a container. 
     The input system  10  is configured to receive containers, such as, for example, trays, cups, cans, tubs, or the like, and forward the containers to the in-feed system  20 . The input system  10  may include a transport mechanism such as, for example, a conveyor belt, a slide, a plurality of rollers, or the like. 
     The output system  40  is configured to receive sealed containers from the container sealer  30  and forward the sealed containers for further processing (such as, e.g., labeling, transport, storage, or the like). 
     Alternatively, the input system  10  may be removed and the containers may be provided directly to the in-feed system  20 . Similarly, the output system  40  may be removed and the sealed containers maybe output directly from the container sealer  30  for further processing. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,392, issued Dec. 4, 1990 to Mondini, titled “Apparatus for Closing Containers with a Sealing Lamina,” describes an intermittent conveyor 3 and a continuous conveyor 7 that may be used to provide a predetermined spacing between a plurality of containers C prior to heat-sealing the containers. The continuous conveyor 7 and intermittent conveyors 3 and 7, which are described, for example, at column 2, lines 34-57 of the patent, may be included in the in-feed system  20 . 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,939, issued Mar. 24, 1992 to Shanklin et al., titled “Synchronous Position Product Feed System,” describes a controlled product feed system for delivering discrete products at high speed to a downstream industrial operation which requires accurate speed and position of delivery. 
       FIG. 2  shows an example of an in-feed system  20 . The in-feed system  20  may comprise a pair of conveyors, including a spacing-pacing conveyor  210  and an input conveyor  220 . The spacing-pacing conveyor  210  may be substantially similar to, or the same as the first (or intermittent) conveyor 3 In U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,392, and the input conveyor  220  may be substantially similar to, or the same as the continuous conveyor in U.S. Pat. No. 4,974,392. The in-feed system  20  may comprise an in-feed controller (not shown) that controls the in-feed system  20 . The in-feed system  20  may further comprise a plurality of sensors  215 ,  225 . The in-feed controller includes a computer (not shown). The sensors  215 ,  225 , may include transducers (not shown) that are configured to accurately and reliably sense the location of the containers  250  as a function of time. The sensors  215 ,  225  may be coupled to the in-feed controller via a communication link (not shown) that carries sensor data from the sensors  215 ,  225  to the in-feed controller. The communication link may carry control data from the in-feed controller to the sensors  215 ,  225 . The transducers may be constructed to sense and convert electrical, electro-mechanical, electromagnetic, photonic, or photovoltaic energy, so as to detect and track the position of each container  250  as it moves through the in-feed system  20 . 
     Alternatively, the in-feed system  20  may include the product feed system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,097,939. 
     The input conveyor  220  may include a plurality of conveyor rolls  222 ,  223 , including at least one drive roll  222  for driving the input conveyor  220 . The input conveyor  220  may receive a series of unsealed containers  250  traveling in the direction  230  from the input system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and transport the containers  250  to the spacing-pacing conveyor  210 . The input conveyor  220  may be part of the in-feed system  20  or a part of the input system  10 . 
     The spacing-pacing conveyor  210  may include a plurality of conveyor rolls  212 ,  213 , including at least one drive roll  212  for driving the spacing-pacing conveyor  210 . The spacing-pacing conveyor  210  may receive the containers  250  from the input conveyor  220  and positively space the containers  250  to a predetermined pitch, so that the containers  250  may be picked up by a container transferor  280  (for example, shown in  FIG. 8 ). In this regard, the drive roll  212  may be driven by a motor (not shown) under the control of the in-feed controller, which may track and ensure proper positioning and pitch of the containers  250  on the spacing-pacing conveyor  210 . 
     The sensor  225  may be located upstream of the spacing-pacing conveyor  210  and proximate to the input conveyor  220 . The sensor  225  may detect the incoming containers  250 , track the position of each container  250  and ensure via the in-feed controller (not shown) that there are enough containers  250  provided to the container transferor  280  to process a full batch. 
     The sensor  215  may be located proximate to the spacing-pacing conveyor  210 . The sensor  215  may detect the incoming containers  250  and send sensor data to the in-feed controller, which may process the sensor data and adjust a motion profile of the spacing-pacing conveyor  210 , so that a predetermined spacing (or pitch) may be achieved and maintained between the containers  250 . The motion profile may include, for example, a velocity magnitude, an acceleration magnitude, a deceleration magnitude, and the like. The spacing-pacing conveyor  210  may have a high coefficient of friction (sticky) to assist in maintaining the predetermined spacing between the containers  250  until the containers  250  are received by the container transferor  280 . 
     The sensors  215 ,  225  may be configured to sense and measure the velocity of the spacing-pacing conveyor  210  and the velocity of the input conveyor  220 . A steady, randomly spaced supply of containers  250  on the input conveyor  220  may be received and precisely positioned to a predetermined pitch by the spacing-pacing conveyor  210 . 
       FIG. 3  shows an example of an in-feed system  20 ′ constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. As seen, the in-feed system  20 ′ may include a pair of spacing-pacing conveyors  210  and a multi-lane (or multi-track) input conveyor  220 ′. The multi-lane input conveyor  220 ′ may include one or more lane dividers  227 , which are configured to separate the lanes, and a plurality of the sensors  225 , including at least one sensor  225  for each lane. The multi-lane input conveyor  220 ′ may also include a lane gate  228  that may be moved to direct the flow of containers  250  to a desired one or more of the lanes of the multi-lane input conveyor  220 ′. Although shown as comprising two lanes, it is noted that the multi-lane input conveyor  220 ′ may include three, four, or more lanes. 
       FIG. 4  shows another example of an in-feed system  20 ″ constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The in-feed system  20 ″ may include four conveyors, including the spacing-pacing conveyor  210 , an acceleration conveyor  260 , a batching conveyor  270 , and the input conveyor  220 . The acceleration conveyor  260  and the batching conveyor  270  may be configured to manipulate spacing of the containers  250  prior to forwarding the containers  250  to the spacing-pacing conveyor  210 . The in-feed system  20 ″ is configured to facilitate high throughput rates of the containers  250 , without any of the conveyors  210 ,  260 ,  270  or  220  having to stop. 
     The batching conveyor  270  may be configured to ensure that there are a sufficient number of containers  250  to complete a full batch. The batching conveyor  270  may be controlled by the in-feed controller, so that it may be actuated and driven to receive a random, intermittent supply of containers  250  from the input conveyor  220  and provide a reliable stream of containers to the acceleration conveyor  260 . The batching conveyor  270  may be actuated and controlled by the in-feed controller based on a motion detection signal received from a motion sensor (not shown) located proximate the input conveyor  220  or the sensor data received from the sensor  225 , which may include a motion detection signal. 
     The acceleration conveyor  260  may be configured to receive a substantially steady stream of containers  250  from the batching conveyor  270  and accelerate (or decelerate) the containers  250  so as to pull a gap, which may be substantially consistent, between the containers  250  before forwarding the spaced containers  250  to the spacing-pacing conveyor  210 . The acceleration conveyor  260  may be actuated and controlled by the in-feed controller based on a motion detection signal received from a motion sensor (not shown) located proximate the batching conveyor  270  and/or the input conveyor  220 . Alternatively (or additionally), the acceleration conveyor  260  may be controlled by the in-feed controller based on a motion detection signal received from the sensor  225  and/or sensor  215 . 
       FIG. 5  shows yet another example of an in-feed system  20 ″ constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The in-feed system  20 ″ may include a plurality of multi-lane conveyors, including a plurality of spacing-pacing conveyors  210 , a plurality of acceleration conveyors  260 , a plurality of batching conveyors  270 , and one or more input conveyors  220 ′. For example, as seen in the figure, the in-feed system  20 ′″ may include a pair of spacing-pacing conveyors  210 , a pair of acceleration conveyors  260 , a pair of batching conveyors  270 , and a multi-lane input conveyor  220 ′. 
       FIG. 6  shows still another example of an in-feed system  20 ″″ constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. Further to the above description of the in-feed system  20 ′″, the in-feed system  20 ″″ includes a gathering conveyor  290  and a sensor  235 . The gathering conveyor  290  may be configured to provide greater control and accommodate higher speeds, while requiring less energy, a smaller servomotor, and lower power consumption to operate. The sensor  235  may be positioned proximate a upstream end of the gathering conveyor  290 . The sensor  235  may be substantially the same (or different) as the sensor  225 . The sensor  235  (or the in-feed controller) may count the number of containers  250  and forward a data signal to the in-feed controller. The in-feed controller may determine the ideal time to stop (or slow) the acceleration conveyor  260 . The decision may be based on, for example, a detected disruption in the flow of containers  250 , or a determination of an inadequate number of containers to complete a full batch. 
     When an inadequate quantity of containers  250  is detected, the in-feed controller may stop (or slow) the acceleration conveyor  260  and allow the gathering conveyor  290  and the batching conveyor  270  to run, thereby causing any incoming container  250  to stop as it contacts the surface of the acceleration conveyor  260 . When a determination is made by the in-feed controller (or the sensor  235 ), based on, for example, the sensor data from the sensor  235 , that a sufficient quantity of containers  250  have been collected to complete a full batch, the acceleration conveyor  260  may be started (or accelerated) and pitching of the containers  250  may resume. 
       FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the in-feed system  20 ″″. 
       FIG. 8  shows an example of a state-of-the-art container transferor  280 , which may be operated according to the principles of the disclosure. The container transferor  280  comprises a pair of grippers  282 ,  284 , which may be configured to engage and transfer one or more of the containers  250  to the container sealer  30 , and to engage and transfer one or more sealed containers  250  from the container sealer  30  to the output system  40 . The grippers  282  and  284  are linked to each other and driven simultaneously. The grippers  282 ,  284  include gripper portions  2821 ,  2822  and  2841 ,  2842 . The gripper portions  2821 ,  2841  may be configured to engage and transfer one or more of the containers  250  from the spacing-pacing conveyor  210 . The gripper portions  2822 ,  2842  may be configured to engage and transfer one or more of the containers  250  from the container sealer  30  to the output system  40  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
       FIG. 9  shows an example of an on-the-fly transferor drive process  800 , according to principles of the disclosure. 
       FIGS. 10A-10D  show various stages of the container transferor  280  driven according to the drive process  800 . 
     Referring to FIGS.  9  and  10 A- 10 D, the grippers  282 ,  284  may be initially positioned in a home position, as shown in  FIG. 10A  (Step  805 ). As seen in the figure, the grippers  282 ,  284  may begin a machine cycle at the home position where the first distal ends  2832 ,  2834  of the grippers  282 ,  284 , respective, may be located past an upstream end portion of the accelerator conveyor  260 . 
     While the grippers  282 ,  284  are in the home position (shown in  FIG. 10A ), the in-feed system  20  may continue to transport the containers  250 , spacing the containers  250  at a predetermined pitch that corresponds substantially to the pitch of the recesses in the grippers  282 ,  284  (Step  810 ). When a complete batch of containers  250  is gathered and the batch of containers  250  has reached a predetermined point in the in-feed system  20 , as sensed by the sensor  215 , the grippers  282 ,  284  may be actuated, moving the grippers  282 ,  284  in the direction  230 , as shown in  FIG. 10B  (Step  815 ). The grippers  282 ,  284  are accelerated to a speed that substantially matches the speed of the pacing-spacing conveyor  210 , as shown in  FIG. 10C  (Step  820 ). When the recesses in the gripper portions  2821 ,  2841  are aligned with the batch of containers  250  and the speed of the moving grippers  282 ,  284  substantially matches the speed of the batch of containers  250 , the gripper portions  282 ,  284  may be actuated to close and engage the batch of containers  250 , as shown in  FIG. 10D  (Step  825 ). The point at which the grippers  282 ,  284  close may be timed such that the gripper portions  2821 ,  2841  are aligned with the containers  250  on the pacing-spacing conveyor  210  at substantially the same time that the gripper portions  2822 ,  2842  are aligned with the sealed containers  250  in the container sealer  30 . 
     The engaged batch of containers  250  may then be transported from the in-feed system  20  to the container sealer  30  (Step  830 ). Simultaneously, the batch of processed containers  250  may be engaged by the gripper portions  2822 ,  2842  and transported from the container sealer  30  to the output system  40 . The grippers  282 ,  284  may then be returned to the home position (shown in  FIG. 10A ) to engage the next batch of containers  250  on the conveyor  210  (Step  835 ). The gripper portions  2822 ,  2842  may be synchronized with the pacing-spacing conveyor  210  just before and during engagement of the batch of containers  250  on the conveyor  210 . After the batch of containers  250  have been lifted from the pacing-spacing conveyor  210 , the gripper portions  2822 ,  2842  may be accelerated (or decelerated) to move faster (or slower) than the pacing-spacing conveyor  210  as needed. 
     Optionally, the velocity of the conveyor (not shown) in the output system  40  may be synchronized to, for example, the container transferor  280 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 10A-10D , the grippers  282  and  284  may be configured such that they are operated at substantially the same time by a common drive mechanism (not shown). The drive mechanism may include a pneumatic, a hydraulic, an electromechanical, or the like, mechanism, as is known in the related arts. 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a computer readable medium may be provided that embodies a computer program, which, when executed on, for example, the computer in the in-feed controller, may cause each of the Steps  805  to  835  to be carried out. The computer readable medium may include a section (or segment) of code (or instructions) for each of the Steps  805  to  835 . 
       FIG. 11  shows an example of a container transferor  2900  that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The container transferor  2900  includes grippers  291 - 294 . The grippers  291  and  293  may be linked to each other and driven at substantially the same time by a common drive mechanism (not shown). The grippers  292  and  294  may be linked to each other and driven at substantially the same time by a common drive mechanism (not shown), which may be different from (or the same as) the drive mechanism that drives the grippers  291 ,  293 . The grippers  291 ,  293  may be driven independently of the grippers  292 ,  294 . For example, the grippers  291 ,  293  may be moved (or stopped) at different times than the grippers  292 ,  294 , and the grippers  291 ,  293  may be closed (or opened) at different times than the grippers  292 ,  294 . The drive mechanisms may include a pneumatic, a hydraulic, an electromechanical, or the like, mechanism, as is known in the related arts. 
     The container transferor  2900  is configured to buffer the containers  250  on the spacing-pacing conveyor  210  with regard to the containers  250  in the container sealer  30 . For example, a batch of containers  250  may be in position on the spacing-pacing conveyor  210  to be engaged by the grippers  291 ,  293  before the containers  250  in the container sealer  30  have been fully processed. In this instance, the grippers  291 ,  293  may be actuated to engage the containers  250  on the spacing-pacing conveyor  210  while the grippers  292 ,  294  remain open until the containers  250  in the container sealer  30  are ready to be removed. The grippers  291 ,  293  may begin transport of the containers  250  from the spacing-pacing conveyor  210  before the grippers  292 ,  294  engage the sealed containers  250 . 
     The grippers  291 ,  293  and  292 ,  294  may be equipped with a short stroke lift system where the containers  250  may be suspended for a time above the spacing-pacing conveyor  210  to allow time for the spacing-pacing conveyor  210  to process the next batch of containers  250 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an on-the-fly transferor drive process  800 ′, according to the principles of the disclosure. Steps  805  through  835  of the process  800 ′ may be carried out to operate the grippers  291 ,  293  (shown in  FIG. 11 ) in substantially the same manner described above with reference to  FIG. 9 . The grippers  292 ,  294 , however, may be operated independently of the grippers  291 ,  293 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11-12 , and further to the description provided above with regard to  FIG. 9 , a decision may be taken whether to move the grippers  292 ,  294  (Step  840 ), independent of the decision to move the grippers  291 ,  293  (Step  815 ). When the process of sealing the containers  250  has been determined to be completed (YES at Step  840 ), then the grippers  292 ,  294  may be actuated to engage the containers  250  in the container sealer  30  (Step  845 ). Optionally, after engaging the sealed containers  250  (Step  845 ), the speed of movement of the grippers  292 ,  294  may be matched to the speed of the output conveyor (not shown) in the output system  40  (Step  850 ). After engaging the sealed containers  250  (Step  845 ), the sealed containers  250  may be transferred from the container sealer  30  to the output system  40  (Step  855 ). The grippers  292 ,  294  may then be returned to their home position (shown in  FIG. 11 ) to engage the next batch of sealed containers  250  in the container sealer  30  (Step  860 ). 
     During the process of transferring the containers  250  from the pacing-spacing conveyor  210  (Step  830 ), or during the process of transferring the sealed containers  250  from the container sealer  30  (Step  855 ), the containers  250  may be lifted and suspended for a period of time before being transferred to the container sealer  30  or the output system  40 , respectively, thereby allowing buffering of the containers  250  on the input side of the container sealer  30  with regard to the sealed containers  250  on the output side of the container sealer  30 . 
     According to an aspect of the disclosure, a computer readable medium may be provided that embodies a computer program, which, when executed on the computer of, for example, the in-feed controller, may cause each of the Steps  805  to  860  of the process  800 ′ to be carried out. The computer readable medium may include a section (or segment) of code (or instructions) for each of the Steps  805  to  860 . 
       FIG. 13  shows another example of a container transferor  2900 ′ that is constructed according to principles of the disclosure. The transferor  2900 ′ includes a pair of grippers  295 ,  296 , which may be linked to each other and a common drive mechanism (not shown). The grippers  295 ,  296  may be moved at substantially the same time. The grippers  295 ,  296  may include gripper portions  291 ′,  293 ′ that are configured to correspond to the shape of the containers  250 , as seen in  FIG. 8 . The grippers  295 ,  296  may further include gripper portions  292 ′,  294 ′ that are not configured to correspond to the shape of the containers  250 , but instead have substantially smooth, flat, longitudinal surfaces, including a push edge  2921 ′,  2941 ′, and a lip  2922 ′,  2942 ′ to help support the sealed containers  250 . The gripper portions  292 ′, 294 ′ may include, for example, the engagement member  2990  (or  2990 ′) shown in  FIG. 17A . The configuration of the gripper portions  292 ′,  294 ′ may allow for quicker disengagement of the sealed containers  250 . Further, the speed of movement of the grippers  295 ,  296  may be substantially different from the speed of the conveyor (not shown) in the output system  40 . The container transferor  2900 ′ may be operated according to the drive process  800  shown in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 14  shows yet another example of a container transferor  2900 ″ that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The container transferor  2900 ″ is similar to the container transferor  2900  shown in  FIG. 11 , except that the engaging portions of the grippers  292 ″,  294 ″ are configured similar to those of the grippers  292 ′,  294 ′ shown in  FIG. 13 . The container transferor  2900 ″ may be operated according to the drive process  800 ′ shown in  FIG. 12 . 
     According to a further aspect of the disclosure, the container transferors  280  (shown in  FIG. 8 ),  2900  (shown in  FIG. 11 ),  2900 ′ (shown in  FIG. 13 ) or  2900 ″ (shown in  FIG. 14 ) may be implemented with a multi-lane configuration, such as, for example, the multi-lane configuration shown in  FIG. 5 , or any other multi-lane configuration that will be obvious to those having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. 
       FIGS. 15A to 15B  show two phases of operation of an example of a container transferor  2900 ′″ having grippers  2861 ,  2862 , constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The grippers  2861 ,  2862  are configured to engage and transport the containers  250  from the spacing-pacing conveyor  210  to the container sealer  30 , as well as engage and transport sealed containers  250  from the container sealer  30  to the output conveyor  410 . The grippers  2861 ,  2862  may be controlled and moved at a velocity that is matched to the velocity of the spacing-pacing conveyor  210  just before and during engaging of the containers  250  on the spacing-pacing conveyor  210 . 
       FIG. 16  shows an example of a container transferor  2900 ″″ having a plurality of multi-lane grippers  282 ′,  284 ′, constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. As seen, the container transferor  2900 ″″ may be configured to simultaneously (or independently) engage a plurality of batches of containers  250  on a plurality of spacing-pacing conveyors  210  and/or in the container sealer  30 . 
       FIGS. 17A to 17C  show examples of engaging members  2990  and  2990 ′ constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The engaging members  2990  or  2990 ′ may be used in the grippers of the container transferor  280 ,  2900 ,  2900 ′,  2900 ′″, or  2900 ″″ described above. The engaging member  2990  ( 2990 ′) may be configured to engage the container  250  and provide a high degree of static friction to prevent the container  250  from moving while it is transported, such as, e.g., to, or from the container sealer  30 . The engaging member  2990  ( 2990 ′) may be constructed to minimize its weight while optimizing performance. In this regard, the engaging member  2990  may be constructed as two or more engaging member portions  2990 ′ to facilitate easier removal, installation, or handling of the engaging member  2990 . 
       FIG. 17A  shows a perspective front view of the engaging member  2990 . The engaging member  2990  may include a plurality of longitudinal ribs  2995  to facilitate optimal engagement with the containers  250  while maintaining a lighter weight construction of the engaging member  2990 . The longitudinal ribs  2995  may be configured to handle containers  250  of varying heights. In particular, the channels between the ribs may be configured to receive and engage a flange of the varying height containers  250  to be transported. The engaging member  2990  (or  2990 ′) may be constructed from a lightweight, durable material such as, for example, aluminum, plastic, fiberglass, or the like. The engaging member  2990  may be configured to be easily affixed to (or removed from), for example, a gripper (such as, for example, the grippers  2861 ,  2862 , shown in  FIG. 15A , or the grippers  292 ′,  294 ′,  292 ″,  294 ″, shown in FIGS.  13 ,  14 ). Alternatively, the engaging member  2990  may be affixed directly to the transferor as a gripper. 
       FIG. 17B  shows a perspective front view of a pair of engaging member portions  2990 ′ that may be assembled instead of a single engaging member  2990 , according to the principles of the disclosure. As seen, the engaging member  2990  may be assembled from a plurality of smaller engaging member portions  2990 ′. This configuration may be practical where the engaging members  2990  are large and difficult for an operator to handle alone.  FIG. 17C  shows a perspective exploded view of the engaging member portions  2990 ′. 
     While the transferor of the examples shown in  FIGS. 8 ,  10 A- 11 , and  13 - 16  may include a single set of grippers (for example, shown in  FIGS. 15A ,  15 B) or a double set of grippers (for example, shown in  FIG. 8 ,  10 A- 11 , or  13 - 16 ), it is noted that the transferor may include three or more sets of grippers, as will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIG. 18A  shows a perspective top view of an example of an upper tool  3100 , which is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The upper tool  3100  may be included, for example, in the container sealer  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The upper tool  3100  includes a docking station frame  3120  that may be removed from, for example, the container sealer  30  and one or more sealing modules  3110 . The docking station frame  3120  includes a lower frame part  3130 , and an upper frame part  3140 . The lower frame part  3130  and the upper frame part  3140  may be integrally formed with, or coupled to form the docking station frame  3120  by means of, for example, fasteners (not shown), seals (not shown), and the like. The docking station frame  3120  may include a pair of mounting guides  3150  at each end of the docking station frame  3120 , as seen in  FIG. 18A . The mounting guides  3150  may be configured to slide into complementary grooves (not shown) in the container sealer  30 . 
     The upper tool  3100  is configured to allow easy swap-out of the individual sealing modules  3110  from the docking station frame  3120 , as well as to allow easy swap-out of the docking station frame  3120  from the container sealer  30 . The docking station frame  3120  may include one or more sealing module receivers (not shown) for receiving and holding a respective one or more removable sealing modules  3110 . The sealing modules  3110  may be removably coupled to the docking station frame  3120  by a sealing module fastener (not shown), which may include, for example, a head receiver guide (not shown), a tongue, a groove, a bolt, a nut, a screw, a pin, a clip, or the like. 
     The lower frame part  3130  (or upper frame part  3140 ) may include, for example, pneumatic supply/return lines, vacuum supply/return lines, fluid supply/return lines, and the like. The upper frame part  3140  (or lower frame part  3130 ) may include, for example, electric power supply lines, control lines, data lines, and the like. The lower frame part  3130  may be configured to align with a top plate (not shown) in the container sealer  30 . The top plate may include a plurality of channels (not shown) for supplying or returning a gas, a fluid, a communication link, a power supply, or the like. The channels may align with corresponding channels in the lower frame part  3130  (or upper frame part  3140 ). 
     Each of the sealing modules  3110  may be coupled to a utility connector  3115  (shown in  FIG. 18B ). The sealing module fastener (not shown) may be configured to securely attach the sealing module  3110  in the docking station frame  3120 . All of the sealing modules  3110  may be substantially the same and interchangeable with each other, so that any of the sealing modules  3110  may be placed in any of the sealing module receivers of the docking station frame  3120 . Hence, the sealing modules  3110  are not position-sensitive with regard to the docking station frame  3120 , or the upper tool  3100 . Should any one or more of the sealing modules  3110  require repair or replacement, the sealing module(s)  3110  may be readily removed from the docking station frame  3120  (or upper tool  3100 ) and repaired or replaced. 
     While all of the sealing modules  3110  may be substantially the same in a given upper tool assembly  3100 , the sealing modules  3110  may vary significantly between any different upper tool assemblies  3100 . In this regard, the outer configurations of the associated docking station frames  3120  may be substantially the same to facilitate interchangeability in the container sealer  30 , but the inner configurations of the docking station frames  3120  may vary significantly to accommodate the different sizes, types, and configurations of the sealing modules  3110  that may be used. Accordingly, the different sizes, types, and configurations of containers  250  may be processed in the container sealer  30  by simply replacing one upper tool assembly  3100  having a first set of sealing modules  3110  with a second upper tool assembly  3100  having a second set of sealing modules that are optimal for sealing the containers  250 . It is noted that it may be necessary to also replace the transferor and/or lower tool to match the sealing modules  3110  in the second upper tool assembly  3100 . 
     A plurality of the upper tool assemblies  3100  may be included in the container sealer  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). Where the container sealer  30  includes a plurality of upper tool assemblies  3100 , all of the corresponding docking station frames  3120  may be substantially the same and interchangeable with each other, so that any of the docking station frames  3120  may be placed in any docking station receiver (not shown) in the container sealer  30 . 
     Although shown as having an in-line configuration, it is noted that the upper tool  3100  may have any configuration, including, e.g., a planar configuration (e.g., n×m matrix of sealing modules  3110 , where n and m are non-zero positive integers that may have the same or different values), or a multi-planar array structure (e.g., n×m×p, where p is an integer greater than 1), or any other configuration, as understood by those having ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 18B  shows a perspective bottom view of the upper tool  3100 . As seen, the up per tool  3100  may include a plurality of sealing modules  3110  coupled to the docking station frame  3120 . 
       FIGS. 19A and 19B  show perspective views of opposite sides of an example of a sealing module  3110  that is constructed according to principles of the disclosure. The sealing module  3110  includes a tower  3111 , a chamber  3112 , a utility connector  3117 , and a port  31155  for connection to the utility connector  3115 . The sealing module  3110  may further include a recess or groove  3125  to reduce the weight and cost of the sealing module  3110 , as well as provide a handle for manipulation of the sealing module  3110 . The utility connector  3117  may supply a gas to the sealing module  3110  and/or extract a gas from the sealing module  3110 . The utility connector  3115  may include a communication link that may carry, for example, data signals, control signals, electric power, and the like. The chamber  3112  may include a plurality of seals  3128 ,  31281  for providing a hermetic seal between the chamber  3112  and a container carrier, such as, for example, the container carrier  4120 ′ shown in  FIG. 22C . 
     The tower  3111  and chamber  3112  may be constructed from two or more pieces, as seen in  FIGS. 19A ,  19 B. In this case, the tower  3111  and chamber  3112  may include seals sandwiched there-between to prevent gas or fluid leaks. 
     Alternatively, the tower  3111  and chamber  3112  may be machined from a single piece, thereby avoiding any need for seals, as seen, for example, in  FIG. 22I . 
     The utility connector  3117  (or  3115 ) may be integrated into the tower  3111  and chamber  3112 . 
       FIG. 20  shows a cross-section view of an existing, state-of-the-art dual-zone head  4100  in contact with a lower tool  4101 , which may be used in the upper tool assembly  3100  (shown in  FIGS. 18A-18B ). A similar dual-zone head assembly may be found in INPACK S Series Tray Sealers™ made by Ross® Industries, Inc., and specially designed for modified atmosphere packages (MAP). The head  4100  includes a sealing module body  4110 , which houses a sealer  4140  and an optional cutter  4150 . The sealer  4140  may be operated to seal a lidding  4170  to a container  250 . The sealer  4140  may use, for example, temperature, time and/or pressure to affix the lidding  4170  to the container  250 . The cutter  4150  may be included and implemented where it is desirable to cut the lidding  4170 . 
     The container  250  may be nested in the lower tool  4101 , which may include a container carrier  4120  and a chamber block  4130 . The container  250  may be supported by a lift table  253 . The container carrier  4120  may be hermetically (or airtight) sealed to the chamber block  4130  by, for example, a seal  4138  (such as, for example, a gasket, or the like). The container  250  may include a flange  251 , which may rest on, for example, a container seal  4122  (such as, for example, a gasket formed of rubber, silicone, or the like). A contact seal  4128  may be provided on the container carrier  4120  (and/or the sealing module body  4110 ) to provide a hermetic (or airtight) seal between the sealing module body  4110  and the container carrier  4120  when the sealing module body  4110  and the lower tool  4101  are positioned in the sealing position (shown in  FIG. 20 ). 
     The lidding  4170  may be stretched between the lower tool  4101  and the sealing module body  4110 , thereby separating a head cavity (or zone)  4142  from a container cavity (or zone)  4144 . The container cavity  4144  may include the container  250 . 
     In the sealing position, gas (for example, air) may be evacuated from the lower tool cavity  4146 , the container cavity  4144  and the head cavity  4142 . A gas may be received from, for example, channels in the top plate  4190 , which is part of the container sealer (for example, container sealer  30 , shown in  FIG. 1 ) and injected to the container cavity  4144  and the head cavity  4142  to preserve or enhance certain characteristics of the contents of the container  250 . In some applications, the gas may be allowed to enter the head cavity  4142  to equalize the pressure above and beneath the lidding  4170 . The gas is injected into the container cavity  4144  indirectly through the lower tool cavity  4146 . The injected gas may include an inert gas, such as, for example, nitrogen, a blended gas, or the like. In the case of food products, the injected gas may preserve and enhance characteristics, such as, for example, freshness, color, shelf life, or the like. The gas may be evacuated from the head cavity  4142 , the container cavity  4144  and the lower tool cavity  4146  through channels  4196  and  4198 . The channel  4192  may be used to inject the replacement gas to the container cavity  4144  thru the lower tool cavity  4146 . 
       FIG. 20  shows an example of a vertical configuration of gas evacuation and injection channels  4192 ,  4194 ,  4195 ,  4196 , and  4198  in the sealing module body  4110  and the top plate  4190 . The channel  4194  provides a conduit for evacuating (or removing) gases from, and injecting (or supplying) gases to a cavity  4162  above a piston  4160 , which is rendered substantially air-tight by a piston seal  4168 . The channel  4195  provides a conduit for evacuating gases from, and injecting gases to a cavity  4164  below the piston  4160 . The channel  4196  provides a conduit for evacuating gases from, and injecting gases to the head cavity  4142 . The channel  4198  provides a conduit for evacuating gases from the lower tool cavity  4146  and the container cavity  4144 . The cavities  4142  and  4146  may be sealed from each other to prevent gases from flowing freely between the cavities. The cavities  4144  and  4146  are sealed from the cavity  4142  by the lidding  4170 . The piston cavity  4164  is sealed from the head cavity  4142  with a piston seal (not shown). As seen in  FIG. 20 , the top plate  4190  may be hermetically sealed to the sealing module body  4110  by means of, for example, a plurality of seals  4180 . 
       FIG. 21  shows an example of gas flow in the dual-zone head  4100  and the lower tool  4101 . For example, air from the container cavity  4144  may be evacuated through the channel  4198  and up through the top plate  4190  (not shown in  FIG. 21 ) to a vacuum valve (not shown). A replacement gas may be injected from, for example, a gas valve (not shown) through the top plate  4190  and down through the channel  4192  to the container cavity  4144  through the lower tool cavity  4146 . The channel configuration shown in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , however, may render the head  4100  susceptible to restrictions on gas flow due to the configurations of the channels  4192  and  4198 . Furthermore, a disadvantage of the dual-zone configuration may be that the container cavity  4144  is not separated from the lower tool cavity  4146  that is formed under the container  250  and within the chamber block  4130 . In this regard, the entire volume of the gas in the cavities  4144  and  4146  should be evacuated and replaced with a replacement gas. Accordingly, every cycle of the sealing process, gas in the cavity  4146  is unnecessarily vented to the surrounding atmosphere and replacement gas is injected into the cavity  4146 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 21 , in a MAP process the air is substantially always evacuated from the lower tool cavity  4146 , as well as the container cavity  4144 . In this dual zone approach, replacement gases, such as, for example, are supplied to both the container cavity  4144  and lower tool cavity  4146 , thereby resulting in unnecessary waste of the replacement gas and larger resource needs to supply and remove the wasted replacement gas. 
       FIG. 22A  shows a cross-section view of the head  4100  in contact with another example of a lower tool  4201 , according to the principles of the disclosure. The lower tool  4201  configuration allows for the creation and maintenance of three separate zones (or cavities)  4142 ,  4144 ,  4146 , each of which may have a different (or the same) pressure from the other two zones. 
     Further to the description provided above with regard to  FIG. 20 , the channel configuration of the lower tool  4201  differs from that of the lower tool  4101 . For instance, the portion of the channels  4192 ′ and  4198 ′ in the container carrier  4120 ′ are configured so that three separate cavities (or zones)  4142 ,  4144 , and  4146 , may be formed when the head  4100  contacts the lower tool  4201 . The lower tool cavity  4146 , which includes portions of the container carrier  4120 ′ and the chamber block  4130 ′, is configured to include a port  4132  for evacuating (or releasing) or injecting (or supplying) gas into the lower tool cavity  4146 . Furthermore, the channels  4192 ′ and  4198 ′ may be provided with plugs  4123  (as seen in  FIG. 22A ) to allow for selection between dual-zone and triple-zone operation of the head  4100  when it contacts the lower tool  4201 . 
     Where only triple-zone operation is desired, the container carrier  4120 ′ may be formed to eliminate the ports  4125 . 
     It is noted that while the port  4132  is shown in the lower chamber block  4130  for simplicity, the port  4130  may be located in the sealing module body  4110 . 
     In triple-zone operation, the plugs  4123  may be placed in the channel ports  4125  of the channels  4192 ′ and  4198 ′ (as seen in  FIG. 22A ), thereby closing access to the channels  4192 ′ and  4198 ′ from lower tool cavity  4146  and preventing gas from escaping or being injected through the ports  4125 . The lidding  4170 , when stretched between the sealing module body  4110  and the container carrier  4120 ′, may create a membrane that separates the head cavity  4142  from the container cavity  4144 . Since there are no open airways through the carrier  4120 ′ from the lower tool cavity  4146 , and because the container  250  is nested in the container carrier  4120 ′ and is supported by the seal  4122 , the container  250  may function as a barrier that seals the container cavity  4144  from the lower tool cavity  4146 . A sealing pressure may be created when the gas (e.g., air) begins to evacuate from the lower tool cavity  4146 . Small differences in pressures between the container cavity  4144  and the lower tool cavity  4146  may be sufficient to pull the container  250  against the seal  4122  and hermetically seal off the cavities  4144  and  4146  from each other. 
       FIG. 22B  shows a cross-section view of an example of a head  4200  and a lower tool  42011 , which are constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. A sealing module body  41101 , a channel duct  4210 , and a top plate  41901  may include a horizontal configuration of gas evacuation and injection channels  41921 ,  41941 ,  41951 ,  41961 , and  41981 , as seen in the figure. The head  4200  may include a cutter  41501 . The channels  41921 ,  41941 ,  41951 ,  41961 , and  41981 , may be formed in the sealing module body  41101 , the channel duct  4210 , and the top plate  41901 . The channel duct  4210  may be a part of, or formed in, for example, the lower frame part  3130  (or upper frame part  3140 ) of the docking station frame (shown in  FIGS. 18A ,  18 B). The top plate  41901  may be a part of the container sealer  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The channels  41921 ,  41941 ,  41951 ,  41961 , and  41981  may perform substantially the same function as the channels  4192 ′,  4194 ,  4195 ,  4196 , and  4198  (shown in  FIG. 22A ). 
     It is noted that some or all of the channels  41921 ,  41941 ,  41951 ,  41961 , and  41981 , may be formed in only the lower tool  42011 . 
     Referring back to  FIGS. 18A-18B , either the lower frame part  3130  or the upper frame part  3140  may include the channel duct  4210 . The channel duct  4210  may be coupled to all of the sealing modules  3110  in the docking station frame  3120 . The channel duct  4210 , which may be “gun-drilled” throughout its entire length, may provide all (or some) of the gas (or fluid) supply/return lines to the sealing modules  3110 . 
     The head  4200  may contact the lower tool  42011  to seal the lidding  4170  to the container  250 . The lower tool  42011  may include a container carrier  41201 , which may include portions of the channels  41921  and  41981 , and a chamber block  41301 . 
       FIG. 22C  shows a cross-section view of an example of the head  4200  in contact with the lower tool  42011 , according to the principles of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 22D  shows a cross-section side view of an example of the head  4200  and docking station frame  3120  (shown in  FIGS. 18A ,  18 B) separated from the top plate  41901 . In this example, the channel duct  4210  is provided with the head  4200  when the head  4200  contacts the top plate  41901 . The channel duct  4210  may be integrally formed with, or in the lower frame part  3130  (or upper frame part  3140 ) of the docking station frame  3120 , or affixed to the lower frame part  3130  (or upper frame part  3140 ) by means of fasteners, such as, for example, screws, bolts, pins, rivets, nuts, spot welds, adhesives, or the like. A seal  41908  may be provided between the channel duct  4210  and the top plate  41901  to provide a hermetic seal of the channels  41921 ,  41941 ,  41951 ,  41961 ,  41981 . 
       FIG. 22E  shows a cross-section side view of another example of the head  4200  being removed from the channel duct  4210  and the top plate  41901 . In this example, the docking station frame  3120  (shown in  FIGS. 18A ,  18 B) remains in place with regard to the top plate  41901 , but the sealing module associated with the head  4200  is removed from the docking station frame  3120 . A seal  41907  may be provided between the channel duct  4210  and the sealing module body  41101 . 
       FIG. 22F  shows a cross-section, front view of the plurality of heads  4200  (shown in  FIG. 22B ) mounted in, for example, the docking station frame  3120 , which is attached to the top plate  4190  of the container sealer  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The upper tool assembly includes three separate heads, each of which may be connected to the channel duct  4210 . 
       FIG. 22G  shows a cross-section front view of the plurality of heads  4200  (shown in  FIG. 22D ) removed from the top plate  41901  together with the channel duct  4210 . The docking station frame  3120  may include the common channel duct  4210  that may be removed from the top plate  4190 . In this example, the channel duct  4210  is a single structure comprising channels (not shown) for each of the plurality of heads. As seen, the channel duct  4210  is separable with the heads. 
       FIG. 22H  shows a cross-section front view of one of the plurality of heads  4200  (shown in  FIG. 22E ) removed from the channel duct  4210 . Each of the heads  4200  may be configured to be removable from the channel duct  4210 . Meanwhile, the docking station frame  3120 , including the channel duct  4210 , is configured to be removable from the top plate  4190 . 
       FIG. 22I  shows a cross-section, detailed view of the sealing module body  41101 , which is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. 
       FIG. 22J  shows a cross-section, detailed view of another example of a sealing module body  41102 , which is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The sealing module body  41102  may include an upper portion  41103  and a lower portion  41104 , which may be affixed to each other by a fastener (not shown). The fastener may include, for example, a screw, a bolt, a pin, a rivet, a nut, a spot weld, an adhesive, or the like. 
       FIG. 23  shows an example of gas flow in the triple-zone head  4100  and lower tool body  4201 , shown in  FIG. 22A . For example, air from the container cavity  4144  may be evacuated through the channel  4198 ′ and up through the top plate  4190  (shown in  FIG. 22A ) to a vacuum valve (not shown). The vacuum valve may be connected to the lower frame part  3130  (shown in  FIGS. 18A ,  18 B). A replacement gas may be injected from, for example, a gas valve (not shown), through the top plate  4190  and down through the channel  4192 ′ to the container cavity  4144 . Gas may be prevented from flowing from (or to) the channels  4192 ′,  4198 ′ and/or the container cavity  4144  to (or from) the lower tool cavity  4146  by placement of the plugs  4123  in the channel ports  4125 . Gas may be permitted to flow into and out from the lower tool cavity  4146  through the port  4132 . The plugs  4123  are provided in the instance where a portion of channel  4198 ′ is drilled from the side into the carrier  4120 ′. However, the carrier  4120 ′ may be machined such that the plugs  4123  are not necessary, as understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     The option of removable plugs  4123  may offer a channel configuration, as seen in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , that allows for selection between dual-zone and triple-zone operation of the sealing assembly, should it be desired. 
       FIG. 24  shows an example of gas flow in the triple-zone head  4200  and lower tool body  42011 , shown in  FIG. 22B . Further to the description provided above with regard to  FIG. 22B , the channel configuration of the lower tool body  42011  may differ from that the lower tool body shown in  FIGS. 22-23  in that the portions of the channels  4192 ″ and  4198 ″ in the carrier  4120 ″ may be configured to inject (or evacuate) gas to (or from) the container cavity  4144  with minimal restrictions to the flow of gas through the channels  4192 ″ and  4198 ″. Although shown as including a “sharp” 90° elbow in the portions of each of the channels  4192 ″ and  4198 ″ in the carrier  4120 ″, the 90° elbow may be configured to include a “soft” 90° turn that gradually changes the direction of the gas flow through the channels  4192 ″ and  4198 ″, thereby minimizing disturbances to the flowing gas in the channels  4192 ″ and  4198 ″. 
       FIG. 25  shows a cross-section view of yet another example of a triple-zone head  4100 ″ and a lower tool that are constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. Further to the description provided above with regard to  FIGS. 20-24 , the channel configuration of the lower tool body may differ from that of the lower tool body shown in  FIG. 24  in that it may further include a gas plate  4121 , which may be sandwiched between the sealing module body  4110  and the carrier  4120 ′″. Seal  4128 ′ may be placed between the sealing module body  4110  and a first surface of the gas plate  4121  to provide a substantially air-tight seal. Seals  4128  may be placed between a second surface of the gas plate  4121  and the carrier  4120 ′″ to provide a substantially air-tight seal. 
     As seen in  FIG. 25 , the 90° elbows of the channels  4192 ′″ and  4198 ′″ may be provided in the gas plate  4121 . For example, the gas plate  4121  may be machined from one side to provide channels with optimal gas flow. The carrier  4120 ′″ may not include any portion of the channels  4192 ′″ or  4198 ′″. The gas plate  4121  may be affixed to the carrier  4120 ′″ by means of, for example, bolts, screws, pins, nuts, or the like. The channel configuration shown in  FIG. 25  may be practical where it is difficult or impossible to machine channels in the carrier  4120 ′″ due to, for example, space or tool restrictions, or where it may be desirable to alter the channel configuration proximate the container cavity  4144 . Furthermore, this channel configuration offers the advantage of easy disassembly (or assembly) and removal (or replacement) of the gas plate  4121  for cleaning purposes, such as, for cleaning of the portions of the channels  4192 ′″ and  4198 ′″ in the gas plate  4121 . 
       FIG. 26  shows a cross-section view of still further example of a triple-zone head  4100 ′″ and the lower tool body constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. Further to the description provided above with regard to  FIGS. 20-25 , the channel configuration of the lower tool body may differ from that shown, for example, in  FIG. 24 , in that it may further include a carrier insert  4124 , which may be placed in a complementary carrier recess  4126  provided in the carrier  4120 ″″. The carrier insert  4124  may be removed from the carrier recess  4126  and the portions of the channels  4192 ″″ and  4198 ″″ cleaned before replacement, or the carrier insert  4124  may be replaced with another carrier insert  4124 , where the carrier insert  4124  has been damaged or a different channel configuration is desired for the portions of the channels  4192 ″″ and  4198 ″″ in the carrier insert  4124 . 
     The carrier insert  4124  may be fastened or interlocked to the carrier  4120 ″″ to help maintain the position of the carrier insert  4124  in the carrier recess  4126  during operation of the head  4100 ′″. The carrier insert  4124  may be fastened to or interlocked with the carrier  4120 ″″ by means of, for example, an adhesive, a tongue-and-groove coupling, or the like. The carrier insert  4124  may be made from a material such as, for example, a metal, a plastic, a rubber, or the like, or a combination of the foregoing. Further, the material may include an elastic material, such as, for example, silicone, or similar material, to enable the carrier insert  4124  to function as a seal and thereby prevent gas from escaping to the outside of the container cavity  4144 . 
     It is noted that the sealer  4140  and/or cutter  4150  may be driven by the piston  4160 , or any other mechanism capable of driving the sealer  4140  and/or cutter  4150 , including, for example, a servomotor, a linear actuator, a linear motor, a pneumatic actuator, or the like. 
       FIG. 27  shows a perspective partial view of an example of the lower tool  4300 , constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. As seen in  FIG. 27 , the carrier insert  4124  may include a plurality of channel portions  4198 ″″ and a corresponding plurality of inlet/outlet ports  4127 . 
       FIG. 28  shows a perspective exploded partial view of the example of the lower tool  4300 . The carrier insert  4124  may be provided with a tongue portion  41241  and the carrier recess  4126  may be provided with a complementary groove  41261 , which is configured to receive the tongue portion  41241 . 
       FIG. 29  shows a perspective partial underside view of an example of the carrier insert  4124 , constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. It is noted that the cross-section of the area of the outlet and inlet ports may vary. For example, the carrier insert  4124  on the gas injection side may have smaller channels  4127  than the channels  4127  on the gas vacuuming side of the carrier insert  4124 . In this regard, a venturi effect may be created, causing the gas to increase speed while flowing above the product in the container  250 . A higher flow speed of the gas will result in lower pressure of the gas stream, which would assist in removing the air at the bottom of the container  250  and therefore speed up the “MAP” process. 
       FIGS. 30A-30C  show various examples of existing, state-of-the-art cutting blade assemblies  450 ,  450 ′,  450 ″, respectively, any of which may be used in the upper tool  3100  (shown in  FIG. 18A ). 
     Referring  FIG. 30A , the cutting blade assembly  450  includes a mounting base  452 , at least one piece of blade  456  and bolts  454  for securing the blade(s)  456  to the mounting base  452 . 
     Referring  FIG. 30B , the cutting blade  450 ′ includes a mounting base  452 ′, at least one piece of blade  456 ′, bolts  454 ′, and mounting tabs  458 . The mounting tabs  458  are a part of, or attached to the blades  456 ′. The mounting tabs  458  are attached to the mounting base  452 ′ by means of the bolts  454 ′. 
     Referring to  FIG. 30C , the cutting blade  450 ″ includes the mounting base  452 , at least one piece of blade  456 ″, and a pair of set-screws  454 ″ for securing the blades  456 ″ to the mounting base  452 . 
       FIGS. 31A-31B  show two views of an example of a cutting blade assembly  4500 , constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. Referring to  FIG. 31A , the cutting blade assembly  4500  may include a mounting base  4510 , a blade  4520 , a blade clip  4530 , and a fastener  4540 . The fastener  4540  may include, for example, a bolt, a pin, a set-screw, a nut, or the like. One end of the blade clip  4530  may be secured to the mounting base  4510  by means of the fastener  4540 . The other end  4535  of the blade clip  4530  may be inserted into an opening  4525  of the corresponding blade  4520 . 
       FIG. 31B  shows an example where a pair of blade clip ends  4535  are removed from the openings  4525  in the blade  4520 , thereby releasing the blade  4520  for removal from the cutting blade assembly  4500 . The blade clip ends  4535  may be configured to fit into and through the openings  4525  to engage and fasten to the mounting base portions  4515  of the mounting base  4510 . The blade clips  4530  may be manufactured from, for example, sheet metal with spring-like properties, or from a variety of materials, such as, for example plastic, metal, or the like. The blade clips  4530  may be pulled from the openings  4525  without removing the fastener  4540 . 
       FIG. 32  shows another example of a cutting blade assembly  4500 ′ constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The cutting blade assembly  4500 ′ may include a mounting base  4510 ′, a blade  4520 ′, a blade clip  4530 ′, and a fastener  4540 ′. The fastener  4540 ′ may include, for example, a bolt, a pin, a set-screw, a nut, or the like. One end of the blade clip  4530 ′ may be secured to the mounting base  4510 ′ by means of the fastener  4540 ′. The other end  4535 ′ of the blade clip  4530 ′ may be inserted into and through the opening  4525 ′ to engage and fasten to the blade portion  4522  of the blade  4520 ′. 
       FIG. 33  shows yet another example of a cutting blade assembly  4500 ″ constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The cutting blade assembly  4500 ″ may include a mounting base  4510 ″, a blade  4520 ″, a blade clip  4530 ″, and a fastener  4540 ″. The fastener  4540 ″ may include, for example, a bolt, a pin, a set-screw, a nut, or the like. One end of the blade clip  4530 ″ may be inserted into and through an opening  4512  of the mounting base  4510 ″ and secured to the mounting based  4510 ″ by means of the fastener  4540 ″. The other end  4535 ″ of the blade clip  4530 ″ may be inserted into and through the opening  4525 ″ to engage and fasten to the blade portion  4522 ′ of the blade  4520 ″. 
       FIG. 34  shows an example of a blade clip  453  constructed according to principles of the disclosure. The blade clip  453  may have an elongated rod-like configuration. The blade clip  453  may include a mounting hole  4531 , a mounting base engagement portion  4534  and a blade engagement portion  4532 . The mounting hole  4531  may be configured to receive a fastener  4536  (shown in  FIG. 35 ), such as, for example, a bolt, a screw, a pin, or the like. The mounting base engagement portion  4534  and the blade engagement portion  4532  may form a recess  4533  therebetween. 
       FIG. 35  shows a perspective partial view of an example of a blade  4520 ′″ fastened to a mounting base  4510 ′″ by means of one or more of the blade clips  453 , according to principles of the disclosure. The mounting base  4510 ′″ may include an opening  4517  for receiving and engaging the mounting base portion  4534 , and the blade  4520 ′″ may include an opening  4525 ′″ for receiving and engaging the blade engagement portion  4532  of the blade clip  453 . The blade clip  453  may be secured in position by the fastener  4536 . 
       FIG. 36  shows a partial cross-section view of the blade  4520 ′″ fastened to the mounting base  4510 ′″ by means of the blade clip  453 , including a cross-section view of the blade clip  453 . 
       FIG. 37  shows another example of a blade clip  453 ′ constructed according to principles of the disclosure. The blade clip  453 ′ may have a generally planar shape. The blade clip  453 ′ may include an opening  4531 ′, a mounting base engagement portion  4534 ′ and a blade engagement portion  4532 ′. The opening  4531 ′ may be configured to receive a fastener  4536 ′ (shown in  FIG. 38 ), such as, for example, a bolt, a screw, a pin, or the like. 
       FIG. 38  shows a perspective partial view of another example of a blade  4520 ″″ fastened to a mounting base  4510 ″″ by means of a bridge, which includes one or more of the blade clips  453 ′ and a mounting base leg  4539 , according to the principles of the disclosure. The mounting base  4510 ″″ may include an opening  4517 ′ for receiving and engaging the mounting base portion  4534 ′, and the blade  4520 ″″ may include an opening  4525 ″″ for receiving and engaging the blade engagement portion  4532 ′ of the blade clip  453 ′. The blade clip  453 ′ may be affixed to the mounting base leg  4539 , which may affixed to the mounting base  4510 ″″ at an upper portion and a blade support frame  45209  on a lower portion. The blade  4520 ″″ may be attached to and supported by the blade support frame  45209 . The blade clip  453 ′ may be secured in position by the fastener  4536 . The mounting base leg  4539  may also be secured in position by the fastener  4536 . 
     It is noted that the mounting leg  4539  may be left out. The mounting leg  4539  is not needed for the blade clip  453  to function. The blade  4520 ″″ may be attached directly to the mounting base  4510 ″″. 
       FIG. 39  shows a partial cross-section view of the mounting base  4510 ″″ fastened to the blade support frame  45209  by means of the blade clip  453 , including a cross-section view of the blade clip  453 . 
       FIG. 40  shows an example of a cutting/sealing assembly  4600  that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The cutting/sealing assembly  4600  is shown in a pre-cut, pre-seal position, before the heat-seal die  4640  or the blade  4620  have engaged the lidding  4170 . The cutting/sealing assembly  4600  may include a mounting base  4610 , a blade  4620 , a bridge  4630 , and a heat-seal die  4640 . The heat-seal die  4640  may include an imbedded heater element  4645 . The cutting/sealing assembly  4600  may include a blade support frame  4650  that is configured to hold the blade  4620 . The cutting/sealing assembly  4600  may be used in operations where the lidding  4170  is not, for example, a “Pre-die cut lid”, but a lidding that is unwound from, for example, a roll and should be trimmed along outer contours of the container  250 . The blade  4620  may be configured to the contours of the container  250 . 
       FIG. 41  shows an example of the cutting/sealing assembly  4600  in the seal-cut position, after the heat-seal die  4640  and the blade  4620  have engaged the lidding  4170 . 
       FIG. 42  shows a partial three-dimensional perspective view of an example of the cutting/sealing assembly  4600 , which is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The heat-seal die  4640  is shown in this figure in a seal, pre-cut (or post-cut) configuration, where an engaging portion  4642  of the heat-seal die  4640  extends below the blade  4620  to engage and heat the lidding  4170 , thereby causing the lidding  4170  to adhere to, and hermetically seal the contents of the container  250 . 
     The mounting base  4610  may include a substantially planar surface  4612 , and the heat-seal die  4640  may include, for example, substantially planar surfaces  4644  and  4646  (shown in  FIG. 43 ). Alternatively, non-planar surfaces  4612 ,  4644 ,  4646  may be used. In the cut position (shown in  FIG. 43 ), when the blade  4620  is completely extended as seen in the figure, the heat-seal die assembly surface  4644  may contact the mounting base surface  4612  to ensure that no gaps exist between the mounting base surface  4612  and the heat-seal die assembly surface  4644 . The heat-seal die assembly surface  4644  may include, for example, a material that is a poor heat conductor to minimize the transfer of heat from the heat-seal die  4640  to the mounting base  4610 . The bridges  4630  may also be made from a good thermo-insulating material to minimize the transfer of heat from the blade support frame  4650  to the mounting base  4610 . 
     Further, the heat-seal die  4640  may include, for example, the substantially planar surface  4646 , and the blade support frame  4650  may include, for example, a substantially planar surface  4652 . In the pre-cut position (shown in  FIG. 42 ), when the blade  4620  is completely retracted as seen in the figure, the heat-seal die surface  4646  may contact the blade support surface  4652  to ensure that no gaps exist between the blade support surface  4652  and the heat-seal die surface  4646 . The blade support frame  4650  and the blade  4620  may be made from materials that have good heat conductive characteristics to ensure rapid heating of the blades  4620  when the blade support surface  4652  contacts the heat-seal die surface  4646 . Furthermore, the blade support frame  4650  may be configured to be as small as possible to maximize the efficiency of transfer of heat from heat-seal die  4640  to the blade  4620 . Thus, the blade  4620  may be heated by the heat-seal die  4640  while resting in the pre-cut position (shown in  FIG. 42 ), so as to provide a hot-cut of the lidding  4170 . In this regard, the blade  4620  may receive heat from the heat-seal die  4640  through the blade support frame  4650 , as well as heat received directly from the heat-seal die  4640  by the proximity of the heated engaging portion  4642  to the blade  4620 . 
     The contact between the blade support surface  4652  and heat-seal die surface  4646 , as well as the contact between the mounting base surface  4612  and heat-seal die assembly surface  4644 , may be facilitated or carried out using mechanical components (not shown), pneumatic components (not shown), hydraulic components (not shown), electromechanical components (not shown), or the like, as known in the relevant arts. 
       FIG. 43  shows a partial three-dimensional perspective view of the cutting/sealing assembly  4600  of  FIG. 42  configured in a post-seal, cut configuration, where the heat-seal die  4640  is retracted and the blade  4620  is extended to engage and cut the lidding  4170 . The cutting/sealing assembly  4600  may be used in operations where the lidding  4170  is not, for example, a “Pre-die cut lid”, but a lidding that is unwound from, for example, a roll and should be trimmed along outer contours of the container  250 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 40-43 , the heat-seal die  4640 , including the imbedded heater element  4645 , may be connected to and powered by a remote power source (not shown), which may be located, for example, on the docking station  3120  (shown in  FIG. 18A ). The power source may include an electrical power source, which may supply power to multiple cutting assemblies provided in the sealing modules  3110  (shown in  FIG. 18A ). 
       FIG. 44  shows an example of a lift  4700  that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The lift  4700  may include a top lift member  4710 , a base lift member  4720 , a weight lever  4730  and a weight  4740 . The lift  4700  may further include a plurality of linear guides (or actuators)  4712 ,  4723 , a plurality of shafts  4722 ,  4713 , a top scissor member  4715 , a base scissor member  4725 , a weight support member  4732 , a weight guide member  4734 , and a weight lever guide  4736 . The weight lever guide  4736  may include, for example, a cam roller (shown in  FIG. 44 ), a rod, or the like, that is positioned in a guide  4738  of the weight guide member  4734 , where the guide  4738  may include, for example, a groove, a bearing, or the like. The weight support member  4732  may include, for example, a column that is pivotally affixed to the weight lever  4730 . The weight support member  4732  may include, for example, bearings to reduce the friction experienced by the weight lever  4730  while pivoting on the weight support member  4732 . The linear guides  4712 ,  4723  may include, for example, electromagnetic actuators that cause the shafts  4722 ,  4713 , respectively, to move up or down the longitudinal axis of the guides  4712 ,  4723 . Alternatively (or additionally), the scissor members  4715 ,  4725  may be coupled to, for example, a motor shaft, a gear box, or the like, to drive the scissor members  4715 ,  4725  to expand or contract. The shaft  4722  may be configured as a linear shaft and the linear guide  4712  may be configured as a linear bearing, or the like. 
     As seen in  FIG. 44 , the lift  4700  may include counterweights  4740  on either side of the lift  4700 . The mass of the counterweights  4740  may be matched to the mass that is to be lifted by, for example, the top lift member  4710 . While two counterweights  4740  are shown in  FIG. 44 , the number of counterweights and their location in the lift  4700  may vary, as recognized by those having ordinary skill in the art. Further, the mass of the counterweights  4740  may depend on the length of the weight lever  4730  used and the point at which the weight lever  4730  is pivotally affixed to the weight support member  4732 . 
     For instance, in the example shown in  FIG. 44 , the weight lever  4730  is pivotally affixed to the weight support member  4732  to provide about a 1:2 lever ratio, thereby cutting down the mass of the counterweight  4740  by about one-half. For example, if a total mass to be lifted is about 400 lbs and the lever ratio is about 1:1, then each of a pair of counterweights  4740  should be about 200 lbs. However, if a 1:2 lever ratio is used, then each of the pair of counterweights  4740  should be about 100 lbs to counterbalance the 400 lb mass to be lifted. 
       FIG. 45  shows the lift  4700  in a full-lift position, where the scissor members  4715 ,  4725  are substantially fully extended. The scissor members  4715 ,  4725  may be locked in the upper position by a locking mechanism (not shown). 
       FIG. 46  shows another example of a lift  4700 ′ that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. As seen, the lift  4700 ′ may include a scissor linkage  4726  that links a first pair of scissor members  4715 ,  4725  to a second pair of scissor members  4715 ,  4725 . One end of the scissor linkage  4726  may be pivotally coupled to an end of the shaft  4713 . The linear guide  4723  may be pivotally coupled to a guide support  4727 . It is noted that the guide support  4727  may be attached to the top lift member  4710  or the base lift member  4720 . 
       FIG. 47  shows the lift  4700 ′ in a full-lift position, where the scissor members  4715 ,  4725  are substantially fully extended. The scissor members  4715 ,  4725  may be locked in the upper position by a locking mechanism (not shown). 
       FIG. 48  shows yet another example of a lift  4700 ″ that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. Further to the description provided above with regard to  FIG. 44 , the lift  4700 ″ may include a pivot member  4735  instead of the weight guide member  4734  and the weight lever guide  4736 . 
       FIG. 49A  shows still a further example of a lift  4700 ′″ that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. Further to the description provided above with regard to  FIG. 46 , the lift  4700 ′″ may include the pivot member  4735  instead of the weight guide member  4734  and the weight lever guide  4736 . 
       FIG. 49B  shows still a further example of a lift  4700 ″″ that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The lift  4700 ″″ is shown in the lift position. Further to the description provided above with regard to  FIGS. 45 and 48 , the lift  4700 ″″ may include the scissor linkage  4726 , the linear guide  4723  and the guide support  4727 .  FIG. 49C  shows the lift  4700 ″″ in the lowered position. 
       FIG. 49D  shows still a further example of a lift  4700 ′″″ that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The lift  4700 ′″″ is shown in the lift position. Further to the description provided above with regard to  FIG. 45 , the lift  4700 ′″″ may include the scissor linkage  4726 , a locking and releasing actuator  4723 ′ and the guide support  4727 .  FIG. 49E  shows the lift  4700 ′″″ in the lowered position. 
       FIG. 50  shows a perspective view of an example of a lidding unwind system  4800  that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The lidding unwind system  4800  includes a lidding roll  4810  mounted to a lidding unwind mandrel (not shown), which may protrude through the lidding roll core  4820 . Alternatively, the lidding roll  4810  may be placed atop a plurality of cradle rollers (not shown). The lidding roll  4810  is wound with a lidding  4830  that may be unwound in, for example, a direction  4835 . In this regard, the lidding unwind mandrel (or plurality of cradle rollers) may be driven so as to spin a predetermined number of revolutions, depending on the lidding length needed, and supply the lidding  4830  to, for example, a sealing assembly (not shown) to seal a plurality of containers  250 . 
     The lidding unwind system  4800  further includes a plurality of free rotating upper rollers  4840  (including upper rollers  4842 ,  4844 ,  4846 ), a plurality of free rotating dancer rollers  4850  (including dancer rollers  4852 ,  4854 ), a driven free feeding roller  4860 , and a pincher roller  4870 . The feeding roller  4860  and the pincher roller  4870  may function together as a pair of feeding rollers  4860 ,  4870 . An apparatus for sealing a container  250 , such as, for example, the container sealer  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), may require a predetermined length of the lidding  4830  for operation. The feeding roller  4860  may be coupled to a driver (not shown), such as, for example, a motor, to draw the lidding  4830  from the upper rollers  4840  and the dancer rollers  4850 . 
     The upper rollers  4840  and the dancer rollers  4850  are configured to function as a buffer between the lidding roll  4810  and the feeding rollers  4860 ,  4870 , to store a predetermined length of lidding  4830 . In particular, the dancer rollers  4850  may be configured to freely move with gravity or to be actively driven, moving downwards (as shown in  FIG. 50 ) with the unwinding lidding  4830  under light tension until the dancer rollers  4850  reach a predetermined lower end position (shown in  FIG. 52 ), thereby storing a predetermined length of lidding  4830  between the dancer rollers  4850  and the upper rollers  4840 . Thus, dancer rollers  4850  function to buffer differences in the rate of unwinding of the lidding  4830  from the lidding roller  4810  with respect to the rate of lidding  4830  required by the apparatus, with the dancer rollers  4850  moving downward when the unwind speed of the lidding roller  4810  is great than the in-feed speed of the lidding  4830  fed into the apparatus, and the dancer rollers  4850  moving upward when the unwind speed of the lidding roller  4810  is less than the in-feed speed of the lidding  4830  fed into the apparatus. 
     During operation, the feeding rollers  4860  and  4870  may turn and feed the lidding  4830  into the apparatus after the length of lidding  4830  that is needed is generated by the dancer rollers  4850 . The buffering of the lidding  4830  may take place while the apparatus is sealing the containers  250  and the feeding roller  4860  is standing still. Should the machine cycle of the apparatus be short, the lidding  4830  may be buffered while the feeding roller  4860  feeds the lidding  4830  to the container sealer, as described above. 
     The lidding unwind system  4800  may further include a dancer roller position sensor (not shown) that may be configured to sense when the dancer rollers  4850  reach the predetermined lower end position. The dancer roller position sensor also may be configured to sense when the dancer rollers  4850  are in an uppermost position. The dancer roller position sensor may be coupled to a lidding feed controller (not shown) via a communication link. The lidding feed controller may be configured to stop the lidding roller  4810  from supplying additional lidding  4830  when the dancer rollers  4850  reach the predetermined lower end position, or start the lidding roller  4810  to supply additional lidding  4830  when the dancer rollers  4850  reach the uppermost position. The lidding feed controller may include a computer. Further, the lidding feed controller may be separate from, or integral with the in-feed controller. 
     The example of the lidding unwind system  4800  shown in  FIG. 50  includes a pair of dancer rollers  4852 ,  4854 . It is noted, however, that the lidding unwind system  4800  may include more than two dancer rollers  4850  to provide additional buffering capacity for the lidding  4830 . 
     It is known in the art to use a single dancer roller moving vertically or horizontally, or a pair of rollers mounted on a single pivoting lever that are configured to move in an arc. For example, the INPACK S Series Tray Sealers™ made by Ross® Industries, Inc., includes a single dancer roller. However, a single dancer roller can only buffer half of the length of the lidding  4830  as compared to the dual dancer rollers  4852 ,  4854  for the same length of travel of the dancer rollers. Furthermore, the single dancer roller would have to move at twice the speed of the dual dancer rollers  4852 ,  4854  to provide the same length of lidding  4830  to the apparatus, thereby increasing a likelihood of overstretching or tearing of the lidding  4830 . 
     The dancer rollers  4850  (e.g.,  4852 ,  4854 ) may be connected together and guided in a substantially vertical direction in order to ensure substantially simultaneous sinking and rising of the dancer rollers  4850 . Alternatively, the dancer rollers  4850  may be independent from each other. The dancer rollers  4850  may be guided by means of, for example, linear bearings (not shown), gears and racks (not shown), guide rollers or cams (not shown), guide blocks (not shown), linear actuators (not shown), or the like. It is noted that any number greater than or equal to two dancer rollers  4850  may be used, depending on the desired buffering capacity for the lidding  4830  and available space for travel of the dancer rollers  4850 . 
     Although the lidding unwind system  4800  is disclosed as a supply source for the lidding  4830  used by an apparatus, such as, for example, the container sealer  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), it is noted that substantially the same system  4800  may be used to rewind (or take up) used up lidding  4830  from the apparatus, except that the direction of movement of the used up lidding  4830  would be in a direction that is opposite to the direction  4835  (shown in  FIG. 50 ). The rewind dancer assembly (not shown) may optionally leave out the driven feeding roller  4860  and the pincher roller  4870 . 
       FIG. 51  shows a side view of the lidding unwind system  4800  with the dancer rollers  4850  located at an upper position, that is above the predetermined lower end position. 
       FIG. 52  shows a side view of the lidding unwind system  4800  with the dancer rollers  4850  located at the predetermined lower end position. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 51 and 52 , before the lidding  4830  is fed via the feeding rollers  4860 ,  4870 , to the apparatus (e.g., the container sealer  30 , shown in  FIG. 1 ), the dancer rollers  4850  may be retracted (or lifted) to their upper position(s) (shown in  FIG. 51 ), so that the dancer rollers  4850  will have capacity to store a predetermined length of the lidding  4830  between the dancer rollers  4850  and the upper rollers  4840 . The lidding roller  4810  may be unwound until the dancer rollers  4850  reach the predetermined lower end position. 
     As soon as the feeding rollers  4860 ,  4870  start to pull the lidding  4830 , with the feeding roller  4860  being driven in a direction  4635 , the dancer rollers  4850  may start to move upward and the lidding roller  4810  may be controlled to increase its rotational speed in the direction  4835 . When the dancer rollers  4850  move downward and reach the predetermined lower end position, the lidding roller  4810  may be controlled to stop or slow down its rotational speed in the direction  4835 . 
       FIG. 53  shows a side view of the lidding unwind system  4800  with the upper rollers  4840  and the dancer rollers  4850  configured in a threading configuration. As seen in the figure, the upper rollers  4840  may be fixed while the dancer rollers  4850  may be configured to move above the threading axis T, to allow for the lidding  4830  to be drawn between the upper rollers  4840  and the dancer rollers  4850 . The upper rollers  4840  may be configured as fixed rotating rollers that do not move up or down. The dancer rollers  4850  may be configured to be lifted above the upper rollers  4840 . After a length of lidding  4830  is drawn from the lidding roll  4810  and fed into the feeding rollers  4860 ,  4870 , the dancer rollers  4850  may be lowered below the upper rollers  4840 . 
     According to an alternative embodiment of the lidding unwind system  4800 , the upper rollers  4840  may be configured to move up or down. 
       FIG. 54  shows a perspective view of the lidding system  4800  with the upper rollers  4840  and the dancer rollers  4850  configured in the threading configuration. 
       FIG. 55  shows an example of a lidding roll centering system  4900  that is constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The lidding roll centering system  4900  may include a set of cradle rollers  4910 ,  4920 , a common bar  4930 , and a pair of guide rollers  4940 ,  4950  (shown in  FIG. 56 ). The cradler roller  4910 ,  4920  may be part of the container sealer  30  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The guide rollers  4940 ,  4950  may be vertically aligned and rotationally affixed to the common bar  4930  so as to provide a desired space between the vertically oriented rollers  4940 ,  4950  for the lidding roll  4810  and to guide the lidding roll  4810  as it unwinds (or winds). Each of the guide rollers  4940 ,  4950  may be configured to rotate about its respective longitudinal axis without imposing any kind of negative resistance to the lidding roll  4810  as it spins. As seen in the figure, the guide rollers  4940 ,  4950  are configured to contact a side portion of the lidding roll  4810 , and the contact area of the guide rollers  4940 ,  4950  is configured to move in substantially the same direction as the area on the lidding roll  4810  that is contacted by the guide roller  4940  (or  4950 ). 
       FIG. 56  shows an exploded view of the lidding roll centering system  4900 . The common bar  4930  may include a pair of guide openings  4945  that are configured to receive and hold the guide rollers  4940 ,  4950 . In particular, each of the guide rollers  4940 ,  4950  may have an engaging portion  4942 ,  4952 , respectively that may be inserted into and held in place by the guide opening  4945 . The guide openings  4945  may include, for example, bearings to minimize friction between the engaging portions  4942 ,  4952  and the common bar  4930 . 
     Alternatively (or additionally), the engaging portions  4942 ,  4952  may be fixedly inserted into the guide openings  4945  (or affixed to the common bar  4930 ). In this regard, each of the guide rollers  4940 ,  4950  may include at least two separate portions, including a rotating contact portion that is rotationally mounted to a respective engaging portion  4942 ,  4952 , and the fixed engaging portion  4942 ,  4952 . Each of the rotating contact portions may include, for example, a bearing. 
       FIG. 57  shows a side view of the lidding roll centering system  4900 . As seen in  FIG. 57 , the longitudinal axis of each of the guide rollers  4940 ,  4950  may be aligned with the central axis of the lidding roll  4810 , which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the guide rollers  4940 ,  4950 . 
     The guide rollers  4940 ,  4950  may be configured to be easily removed, so as to allow for efficient replacement in case one (or both) of the guide rollers  4940 ,  4950  is defective, damaged, or a guide roller of a different dimension is desired (e.g., a larger/smaller diameter and/or a longer/shorter length). The removable configuration of the guide rollers  4940 ,  4950  may assist in loading the lidding roll  4810  into the lidding roll centering system  4900 . For example, the guide roller  4940  may be removed and the lidding roll  4810  inserted into the lidding roll centering system  4900 , with the other guide roller  4950  functioning as a stop to prevent the lidding roll  4810  from moving further than the contact surface of the guide roller  4950 . Then, the guide roller  4940  may be affixed to the common bar  4930 . 
     Although the example of the lidding roll centering system  4900  is disclosed to include a pair of cradle rollers  4910 ,  4920 , the system may, instead, include a mandrel (not shown) which protrudes through the center core of the lidding role  4810 . In this alternative embodiment, different types of spacers may be used to center the lidding roll  4810  on the mandrel, as understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. 
     It is noted that container transferors, grippers, and the like, described herein may be operated using various types of actuators, including pneumatic, hydraulic, servo-motoric, or the like. It is further noted that the in-feed controller and/or the lidding feed controller may be coupled to a network to allow for remote monitoring and/or control. Further, the in-feed controller and/or the lidding feed controller may be configured to receive a computer-readable medium comprising a computer program, which, when executed on the in-feed controller and/or the lidding feed controller may cause each of the processes described herein to be carried out. The computer-readable medium may include a dedicated section of code for each of the processes described herein. 
     It is further noted that some of the parts disclosed herein, which include, for example, stainless steel, steel, aluminum, or the like, may be coated with, for example, NEDOX® from General Mangaplate Corp., of New Jersey, and 202 series coatings such as, for example, 202P from Endura Coatings LLC. These coatings may give, for example, aluminum parts the appearance of stainless steel, high resistance against harsh chemicals, high resistance against wear, exceptional harness (e.g., up to Rc 68), very low friction (e.g., as low as 0.09), and the like. 
     While the disclosure has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure can be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of the appended claim, drawings and attachment. The examples provided herein are merely illustrative and are not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs, embodiments, applications or modifications of the disclosure.