Patent Description:
HPP machines (presses), such as those made by JBT Avure and others, operate on batch cycles of <NUM> to <NUM> minutes. Plastic carriers or baskets are loaded by hand with food products already packaged into final retail form. Pack density of liquid bottles and similar liquid containers for these carriers can be typically no higher than <NUM>%, meaning that only <NUM>% of the volume of the carrier is filled with product. By increasing the packing density of the carrier up to <NUM>%, for example, capacity of the machine can be increased and processing costs can be reduced by the difference in packing density, in this case <NUM>%. The present disclosure seeks to increase the packing density of the carriers and in particular for bottles and similar containers in their final retail form.

<CIT> discloses a rotating transport cart and a method of using such cart.

<CIT> discloses a receptacle for flexible bulk-material packing drums as well as a filling module for bulk material containing the receptacle.

<CIT> discloses systems for protecting and securing bags in bulk HPP equipment and an associated method.

<CIT> discloses a method for durability treatment of a pumpable material as well as a device therefor.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a system with the features of claim <NUM> is provided for high pressure processing of a bulk, flowable product in a high-pressure processing chamber configured to receive the product in carriers. The system includes a flexible, disposable, collapsible product holding bag having a fitment for filling and emptying the bag with the flowable product, the bag sized to be receivable within the carrier with the fitment positioned to be accessible for filling and emptying the bag while in the carrier, a flow connector to connect with the fitment during filling and emptying of the bag, and the control system for controlling the filling of the bag through the flow connector and/or emptying the bag through the flow connector. The system is characterized in that the system further comprises a support for supporting the carrier in a tilted orientation during the filling and emptying the bag while disposed within the carrier.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the fitment extends through an opening in the carrier for attachment to the flow connector.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the fitment extends through an opening in an end of the carrier for attachment to the flow connector.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the fitment is at an end of the bag.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the support is tiltable relative to the horizontal.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the control system tilts the support system at any angle from between -<NUM> to +<NUM> degrees from the horizontal when filling or emptying the bag.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the control system alters the tilt of the bag as the bag is being filled and/or as the bag is being emptied.

A method with the features of claim <NUM> is provided for the high-pressure processing of a flowable product. The method includes placing a disposable, collapsible, product receiving bag into a longitudinally extending, high pressure processing carrier, the bag having a fitment; attaching a flow connector to the fitment; filling the bag with the product through the flow connector; processing the product in the bag within a high-pressure processing chamber; and attaching the flow connector to the fitment; emptying the product from the bag through the flow connector; using a control system to control the flow of product through the flow connector. The method is characterized by the steps of longitudinally tilting the carrier in a first tilted position to raise the elevation of the fitment when filling the bag, and longitudinally tilting the carrier in a second tilted position to lower the elevation of the fitment when emptying the bag.

In any of the embodiments described herein, wherein the fitment is located at an end of the bag.

In any of the embodiments described herein, comprising extending the fitment out through the carrier when filling or emptying the bag.

In any of the embodiments described herein, comprising extending the fitment out through an end of the carrier when filling or emptying the bag.

In any of the embodiments described herein, further comprising operating a control system to tilt the carrier into the first tilted position when filling the bag with the product and tilting the carrier into the second tilted position when emptying the product from the bag.

In any of the embodiments described herein, further comprising operating the control system to tilt the carrier up to <NUM> degrees when in first tilted position or when in second tilted position.

In any of the embodiments described herein, further comprising operating the control system to tilt one carrier up to <NUM> degrees when in first tilted position or when in second tilted position.

In any of the embodiments described herein, further comprising operating the control system to change the tilt of the carrier as the bag is being filled with the product and/or as the product is being emptied from the bag.

In the following description and in the accompanying drawings, corresponding systems, assemblies, apparatus, and units may be identified by the same part number, but with an alpha suffix. The descriptions of the parts/components of such systems assemblies, apparatus, and units that are the same or similar are not repeated so as to avoid redundancy in the present application.

The description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that many embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without some or all of the specific details. In some instances, well known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of features described herein.

The present application may include references to "directions," such as "forward," "rearward," "front," "back," "ahead," "behind," "upward," "downward," "above," "below," "horizontal," "vertical," "top," "bottom," "right hand," "left hand," "in," "out," "extended," "advanced," "retracted," "proximal," and "distal. " These references and other similar references in the present application are only to assist in helping describe and understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present invention to these directions.

The present application may include modifiers such as the words "generally," "approximately," "about," or "substantially. " These terms are meant to serve as modifiers to indicate that the "dimension," "shape," "temperature," "time," or other physical parameter in question need not be exact, but may vary as long as the function that is required to be performed can be carried out. For example, in the phrase "generally circular in shape," the shape need not be exactly circular as long as the required function of the structure in question can be carried out.

The present application refers to "processing medium" used in the HPP system for applying high pressure to the product being processed. Such processing medium is also referred to in the application as processing fluid or processing water as well as referred to as pressurized/pressure medium, pressurized/pressure fluid or pressurized water. All of these terms are to be used interchangeably.

In addition, the present application refers to the pressure vessel of an HPP apparatus. Such pressure vessel is also referred to as wire wound vessel or simply vessel. These terms are to be considered as synonymous.

Also, in the present application the term "carrier" shall generically refer to both "load basket" or "basket.

Further, the present application refers to a "product" or "products" that are subjected to or treated by HPP using the bags and carriers of the present disclosure. Such product(s) may include all manner of foods, including flowable or pumpable foods or beverages, as well as non-food products, such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and organic materials and substances, wherein the control of pathogens is desirable.

The system and process of the present disclosure uses polymer based bags <NUM> (such as a common aseptic drum bag) to increase the amount of food product or other flowable product that can fit into a carrier <NUM>. Each bag <NUM> has a filling fitment, such as fitment <NUM>, to which a flow valve can be attached. The bag <NUM> is inserted into the existing standard carrier <NUM> and then the fitment is connected to a flow valve <NUM>. Thereafter, the product is pumped into the bag <NUM> through a hose or pipe <NUM> which is attached to the flow valve. Thereafter, the flow valve <NUM> is removed and the fitment closed, and then carrier <NUM> together with the bag is inserted into the HPP press for high pressure processing of the product.

Such high pressure press is filled with water which serves as the pressurizing medium. Once the press has been filled and closed, high capacity pumps introduce additional water into the pressure press so that the pressure therein is increased from about <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM> bar. This pressure is maintained for a sufficient length of time, from a few seconds to several minutes, to reduce the microbial load on the product being treated. The particular pressure level and the time duration of such pressure are specific to the product being processed.

When the pressure cycle is complete, the carrier <NUM> is removed from the HPP press and the flow valve <NUM>, with an attached hose or pipe, is connected to the fitment <NUM> on the bag <NUM>. The processed product is sucked out of the bag and pumped to a traditional filler as may be used for juices, milk, or other products.

A control system is used to control the flow of product into and out of the bag <NUM>. This may or may not be the same control system use to control the operation of the HPP press.

Also, during the filling and emptying of the bag <NUM>, the carrier <NUM> is supported by a tiltable support structure, for example, a tilting table <NUM> that is able to tilt the carrier to raise the elevation of the fitment, for example, when filling the bag with product, and to lower the elevation of the fitment, for example, when removing the processed product from the bag.

Next, describing the present disclosure in more detail, as shown in <FIG>, a carrier <NUM> for high pressure processing includes a generally cylindrical body <NUM> having first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> and a curvilinear sidewall <NUM> extending therebetween. The cylindrical body <NUM> may be constructed of any material suitable for high pressure processing, whether a metal or a polymer. While the body <NUM> is illustrated with a generally cylindrical shape with a generally circular cross-section, the body could have different cross-sectional forms such as square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, or any other suitable polygonal shape. As shown, the cylindrical body <NUM> defines an interior volume <NUM> for receiving the thin walled, collapsible liner bag <NUM> for bulk processing.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the carrier may include first and second top openings <NUM>, <NUM> in the sidewall <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>, through which the bag <NUM> may be inserted into and removed from the carrier. As shown, the first and second top openings <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a middle bridging portion <NUM> of the sidewall <NUM>, which may be used to provide a gripping point for lifting the carrier <NUM> or to add rigidity to the cylindrical shape of the carrier. The first and second top openings <NUM>, <NUM> may terminate at or near the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively.

As shown in <FIG>, first and second outer bridging portions <NUM>, <NUM> of the sidewall <NUM> are provided adjacent the first and second top openings <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, to assist in maintaining the generally cylindrical shape of the cylindrical body <NUM>, and/or to also provide stiffness or rigidity to the cylindrical body. As shown, the widths of the first and second outer bridging portions <NUM>, <NUM> may be different from each other. The bridging portions also may be used as a gripping point(s) for lifting or otherwise manipulating the cylindrical body <NUM>.

A plurality of fluid passage holes <NUM> may be provided through the sidewall <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM> to allow the pressure-transmitting medium of the high pressure processing chamber to fill the interior <NUM> with pressure media before the pressure increase initiates. In addition, or alternatively, the fluid passage holes <NUM> may allow the pressure-transmitting fluid to drain out of the interior volume <NUM> during and/or after processing. While the fluid passage holes <NUM> are shown as being positioned in a bottom portion of the cylindrical body <NUM>, it will be appreciated that the fluid passage holes <NUM> may be positioned at any suitable location, and in any suitable quantity.

In addition, or alternatively, auxiliary fluid passage holes <NUM> may be provided in at least one of the first or second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the cylindrical body <NUM>.

Further as shown in <FIG>, a plurality of longitudinal indentations <NUM> may extend along an exterior surface of the sidewall <NUM> between the first and second ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the body <NUM>. Such indentations provide the carrier <NUM> with increased stiffness and/or rigidity. Such indentations may also exist as longitudinal protrusions.

Next, referring to <FIG>, a typical bag <NUM> is illustrated. The bag is generally "pillow" shaped and composed of two planar panels <NUM> attached together along the perimeter to form a bag configuration. The panels <NUM> can be of multilayer or monolayer construction. Multilayer panels can include, for example, a polymer layer and a metal (foil) layer as well as one or more additional layers of various materials. Whether constructed of a single layer or of multiple layers, the panels <NUM> are of lightweight, flexible, collapsible construction, while being a sufficient structural integrity to securely retain the product in the bag during HPP processing.

Moreover, the construction of the bag is such that the bag is designed to be disposable. For example, the bag may be used during a single workday or a single work shift and then disposed of. This can reduce or eliminate the need to sterilize or otherwise clean the bag so that the bag remains hygienic during use.

Although the bag <NUM> is shown in a generally "pillow" shaped, the bag can be of other shapes, for example, cylindrical, with appropriate seams to form the specific shape.

The bag <NUM> can be of various sizes, and in particular of a size to correspond to the size of the carrier <NUM>. In this regard, the bag <NUM> can have a volume capacity of from about <NUM> liters to at least <NUM> liters. The structural strength of the material to form the bag <NUM> is sufficient to accommodate the capacity of the bag and the loads imposed on the bag during use.

As also shown in <FIG>, the fitment <NUM> is positioned toward one end of the bag <NUM> at a location intermediate the sides of the bag. As will be appreciated, this bag construction and fitment location corresponds to off-the-shelf bags used in thermal processing of flowable materials and products. For example, bags, such as bags <NUM>, may be sized to be placed within a standard size drama, for example, <NUM> liters (<NUM> gallons), and then filled with product for transportation and storage of the product. The use of a standard bag facilitates the economies of the present bulk HPP processing system and method.

Of course, the present system is not limited to using standard commercially available bags, rather bags can be configured and constructed specifically for use with the present system. For example, the product bag can be constructed with a fitment at one end of the bag so that the fitment can be accessed from the end of the carrier as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates the fitment <NUM> used in conjunction with bag <NUM>. The fitment is of a "press-pull" construction whereby, when the fitment is pulled or extended to the position shown in <FIG>, the fitment is in open position to allow product to flow in and out of the bag <NUM>. On the other hand, when the fitment is collapsed or pressed toward the opening in the bag, a valve internal within the fitment closes the internal passageway of the fitment to prevent the flow product therethrough. As shown in <FIG>, a circular flange <NUM> is positioned at the distal end of the fitment to be graspable to pull the fitment into the extended position as shown in <FIG>, and also to collapse and thereby close the fitment by pressing the flange toward the bag opening. The circular flange <NUM> can also serve as an attachment or interface with the flow valve <NUM> for secure attachment of the flow valve to the fitment <NUM>.

<FIG> discloses another embodiment of the fitment <NUM> which is known as a "cap-style" fitment. The fitment <NUM> includes a body <NUM> and a sealing <NUM>. The fitment body <NUM> may be molded from a suitable polymer material, such as high-density polyethylene. The fitment body <NUM> includes an upper clamping flange <NUM> and a lower clamping flange <NUM> to accommodate the clamping jaws of a flow valve or filling head. The fitment body <NUM> also includes a beveled clamping shoulder <NUM> for attachment to an opening formed in the bag <NUM>.

The sealing <NUM> includes an upper contact ring <NUM> and the lower contact ring <NUM> sealing with the fitment body <NUM>. Prior to filling the bag, as shown in <FIG>, for example, the sealing <NUM> has been partially pushed into the fitment body <NUM> so that the lower contact ring <NUM> is in sealing contact with a corresponding recess in the fitment body.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate various embodiments of flow valves 26A, 26B, 26C, <NUM> D connected to the fitments of bag <NUM>. Each of the flow valves functions to connect to the fitment <NUM> to introduce product into the bag when filling the bag, and also connect to the fitment when emptying the product from the bag. Each of the flow valves functions as an automatic or manual control to open and close the flow valve to initiate flow to and from the bag and to terminate the flow of the product to and from the bag. Each of the flow control valves is connected to a hose <NUM> or tube <NUM> for directing product to the flow valve, and thus the bag, and for directing product from the flow valve, and thus the bag, during filling and emptying, respectively, the bag. As will be appreciated, the flow valves can be of various construction while performing the same function. In this regard, each of the flow valves includes an interface appropriate for the configuration of the fitment <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate that access to the fitment by the flow valve <NUM> is through the top opening of the carrier <NUM>. On the other hand, in <FIG> and <FIG> the fitment extends outward from the end of the carriers <NUM> and <NUM> for convenient attachment to flow valves 26C and 26D. Such access to the fitments, such as fitments <NUM>, is both for the purpose of filling and emptying project from the bag <NUM>.

However, the bag <NUM> can be fitted with more than one fitment. For example, the fitment can be attached to both panels <NUM> of the bag <NUM> or to both ends of the bag. In this regard, when the bag is positioned within the carrier, one of the fitments will be disposed nominally upwardly and the other of the fitment's will be disposed nominally downwardly. In this regard, the fitment disposed nominally upwardly could be used for filling the bag, and the fitment disposed nominally downwardly could be used for emptying the bag. Access to the nominally downwardly disclose fitment can be through an opening formed in the end for the lower portion of the carrier.

Although in <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG> the fitment is shown as positioned adjacent one end of the bag <NUM>, the fitment could be located elsewhere on the bag. For example, the fitment can be located in one corner of the bag, or centrally along a longitudinal side of the bag, or centrally relative to one of the panels <NUM> of the bag.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate the carrier <NUM>, with the bag disposed therein, is mounted on a tilting table <NUM>. The table <NUM> includes a pedestal <NUM> extending upwardly from the base <NUM>. A longitudinal platform or top <NUM> is mounted to the top of the pedestal <NUM> so as to be tiltable relative to its length. A series of rollers <NUM> are mounted along each side of the platform <NUM> for bearing against the exterior side portion of the carrier <NUM> for conveniently loading and unloading the carrier from the table <NUM>. The control system <NUM> functions to control the tilt of the table platform <NUM>. In this regard, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the table is tilted so that the fitment is lowered relative to the bag, which facilitates emptying of the bag.

In <FIG>, the flow control valve is located within a housing <NUM> projecting from the end of the carrier <NUM>. In this regard, it is possible to employ one or more sterilizing fluids to pressurize the environment of the flow valve and fitment when attaching the flow valve to the fitment to empty the bag, and also while emptying the bag. The sterilizing fluids can include steam and an inert gas to maintain a hygienic environment.

It will be appreciated that the table platform <NUM> can be tilted in the opposite direction as shown in <FIG> and <FIG> so that the fitment is at a higher elevation relative to its elevation when the carrier is in a horizontal position, which can facilitate the filling of the bag.

<FIG> illustrates an entire system for high pressure processing of the flowable product including storage tanks pumps in instrumentation. The carrier <NUM>, flow control valve <NUM>, and HPP press are shown as part of the overall system. The components of the system and the steps and system process are set forth in the text of <FIG>.

Also, the control system <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. In this regard, the control system <NUM> includes a computer or processor <NUM>, an input device <NUM> (keyboard, mouse, touchscreen, etc.), and an output device <NUM> (touchscreen, monitored, printer, etc.). The control system <NUM> also includes a memory unit <NUM> and an input/output interface <NUM> for receiving and sending signals and information from and to the HPP press, the flow control valve <NUM>, and the tilting table <NUM>, among other components. The control system <NUM> may be connected to a network <NUM>. Rather than employing the local control system <NUM>, a network computing/control system can be used for this purpose.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the bag <NUM> can be fitted with fitments at opposite ends thereof, with one fitment used for primarily filling the bag and the other fitment used primarily for emptying the bag. In this regard, the fitment used to fill the bag can be located on the upper side of the bag, and the fitment used to empty the bag can be located on the underside of the bag. This configuration of bag can be used whether or not the bag is tilted to fill and empty.

Alternatively, both fitments can be used for both filling and emptying the bag. In this case, both fitments can be on the same side (upper) of the bag or on opposite sides of the bag. Further, when emptying the bag one fitment can be used for drawing the product from the bag and the second fitment can be used to pump an inert gas into the bag to help facilitate the emptying of the bag.

As noted above, two fitments can be located on the bag, with one fitment mounted to one panel of the bag and the second fitment mounted to the second panel of the bag to facilitate filling the bag and emptying the bag using the upper and lower nominally positioned fitments, respectively. However, one or more fitments can be positioned either adjacent to each other on one panel of the bag or at multiple locations about the panel of the bag for use in filling and/or emptying the bag at a faster rate than possible via the use of a singular fitment. In each of these situations, the bag is of the construction described above, which permits the bag to be disposed of rather than attempting to clean the bag so that the bag remains in hygienic condition.

Although the carrier <NUM> is illustrated as being of "open" construction with relatively large top openings <NUM> and <NUM>, the carrier can be of other constructions. For example, the carrier can be constructed with fewer or smaller openings or can be substantially closed. In this situation, one or both of the ends of the carrier may be removable to facilitate placement of the bag <NUM> within the carrier as well as removal of the bag from the carrier. In such a closed configuration carrier, the one or more fitments of the bag may be accessible through openings formed in the carrier.

Next referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, another embodiment of a carrier <NUM> of the present disclosure is illustrated. Carrier <NUM> is constructed similarly to carrier <NUM> shown in <FIG>, as well as described above. The components of carrier <NUM> that are similar or the same as the components of carrier <NUM> are identified with the same part number but in the <NUM> series. Further, many of the similar or same components are not redescribed here so as to avoid redundancy. Rather, the description above regarding carrier <NUM> also applies to carrier <NUM>.

As in carrier <NUM>, carrier <NUM> does include a generally cylindrical body <NUM> having first and second ends panels <NUM> and <NUM>, as well as a curvilinear sidewall <NUM> extending there between. The cylindrical body <NUM> defines an interior volume <NUM> for receiving a collapsible, reusable liner bag, which may be similar to liner bag <NUM>, suitable for bulk processing products.

One or both of the ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the carrier <NUM> may be recessed relative to the cylindrical body <NUM>. A rim <NUM> extends around end of the cylindrical body to which the recessed end <NUM> is attached, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The recess of the end <NUM> protects a fitment, such as fitment <NUM>, that is positioned to the exterior of the body. Thus, even if the end of the carrier <NUM> abuts the end of other part of another carrier, the fitment will not be damaged.

The carrier body <NUM> may include a top opening <NUM> through which the liner bag may be inserted into and removed from the interior <NUM> of the carrier. Although not essential, the opening may be located at or near end panel <NUM>.

Additional openings may be located in the carrier body <NUM>, for example, transverse openings <NUM>, which are shown as located intermediate the ends <NUM> and <NUM> of the carrier. These openings can facilitate processing medium from entering and exiting the interior of the carrier, provide visual access to the liner bag, and/or serve other purposes. Also, although two openings <NUM> are shown, a fewer number or a greater number of openings may be used.

<FIG> illustrates the carrier <NUM> is mounted on a tilting table structure <NUM>. The table structure <NUM> includes a longitudinal platform <NUM> on which the carrier <NUM> is supported. A series of rollers can be mounted along each side of the platform <NUM>, as well as elsewhere along the platform for bearing against the exterior side portion of the carrier <NUM> for assisting in the loading and unloading the carrier from the table structure <NUM>.

The platform <NUM> is pivotally mounted by bearings <NUM> about a transverse axis <NUM> to the upper ends of upright support posts <NUM> that extend upwardly from a base structure <NUM>. Diagonal bars <NUM> extend from the corners of the base structure <NUM> to the upper ends of the support posts <NUM> for enhanced structural integrity of the table structure <NUM>. A strap like structure <NUM> extends around the carrier <NUM> to interconnect the upper ends of the posts <NUM> also for the structural integrity of the table structure <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A system for high pressure processing of a bulk, flowable product in a high-pressure processing chamber configured to receive the product in carriers (<NUM>; <NUM>), comprising:
a flexible, disposable, collapsible product holding bag (<NUM>) sized for bulk processing of a flowable product, the bag (<NUM>) having a fitment (<NUM>; <NUM>) for filling and emptying the bag (<NUM>) with the flowable product, the bag (<NUM>) sized to be receivable within the carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) with the fitment (<NUM>; <NUM>) positioned to be accessible for filling and emptying the bag (<NUM>) while in the carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>);
a flow connector to connect with the fitment (<NUM>; <NUM>) during filling and emptying of the bag (<NUM>); characterized in that the system further comprises a control system (<NUM>) configured to control the filling of the bag (<NUM>) through the flow connector and/or emptying the bag (<NUM>) through the flow connector and a support for supporting the carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>) in a tilted orientation during the filling and emptying of the bag (<NUM>) while disposed within the carrier (<NUM>; <NUM>).