WO2024241254A1

WO2024241254A1 - Expandable packaging system

Info

Publication number: WO2024241254A1
Application number: PCT/IB2024/054997
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lothar Kuenzel
Original assignee: Lothar Kuenzel
Priority date: 2023-05-22
Filing date: 2024-05-22
Publication date: 2024-11-28

Abstract

An expandable packaging system is an adaptable grow by demand vacuum packaging device, which has a minimum floor space requirement. The device may be converted from a single chamber 2 packaging unit to a double chamber unit within the same floor space requirement. Thus, without the need for a new machine, boning room changes, and no additional labor, the same number of operators may now create 100% more outcome of the packaging machine. To accomplish this, the device includes a vertical tracking system 3 that oscillates the plurality of chambers 2 up and down within the structural frame 1 of the device. Further, a counterweight balancing system 7 and a pressure balancing system 10 helps reduce energy expenditure and improves speed. Furthermore, an additional electrical and pneumatic package with a new automation program for the additional chamber 2 may be done over the weekend, with no interruption to the current workflow and operation for the customer.

Description

Expandable Packaging System

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. provisional patent application serial number 63/503,649 filed on May 22, 2023.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a vacuum packaging machine. More specifically, the present invention is a packaging machine that allows processing companies to grow their product packaging capacities with their growth strategy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The vacuum packaging machines of today have all a fixed packaging performance. These machines cannot be modified to increase the packaging capacity. This normally requires the processor to look for new equipment with higher packaging rates, buy completely new equipment (Vacuum packaging machine with additional vacuum system) re-engineer the gene layout of the boning and employ more operators to run the additional production capacity. This is a lengthy and costly process for the processing company. One other critical aspect and concern of today’s processing company is the shortage of labor, especially in the meat and cheese processing industry, hence asking for a high demand for automation on future innovative developments in this industry. The existing vacuum packaging machines require extensive labor for the loading and bagging process of the products. The global shortage of labor as well as the impact of pandemics have clearly shown the negative impact of these aspects and requires new innovative measures for the industry to become independent of these impacts. This is a high demand from industry to ensure their ongoing profitability and supply of food to the market. An objective of the present invention is to provide users with a fully autonomous working vacuum packaging machine that combines several innovative non-existent market requirements. More specifically, the present invention allows a very fast and simple process to gain 100% more production capacity, without the need of buying a new larger vacuum packaging machine, changing the layout of the boning room, and employing more operators. A further benefit is that the present invention may be installed over the weekend, which ensures there are no additional downtime costs in production for the processor. The processor can double the packaging performance by simply adding an additional chamber including the required electrical parts and an addition to the existing automation program. This flexibility of the present invention allows a very fast and simple process to gain 100% more production capacity, without the need of buying a new larger vacuum packaging machine, changing the layout of the boning room, and employing more operators. Additionally, the present invention has a small footprint due to the vertical design of the machine. This vertical design, comprising two chambers where 4 - 8 products may be processed at the same time in each of the chambers, represents the smallest footprint of all other packing machines in the market and therefore provides unseen benefits to processers, where floor space is a rare luxury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is intended to provide users with a fully autonomous working vacuum packaging machine that combines several innovative non-existent market requirements. More specifically, the present invention is an adaptable grow by demand vacuum packaging device, which has a minimum floor space requirement. In other words, the present invention may be converted from a single chamber packaging unit to a double chamber unit within the same floor space requirement. Further, a counterweight balancing system and a pressure balancing system helps reduce energy expenditure and improves speed. Thus, without the need for a new machine, boning room changes, and no additional labor, the same number of operators may now create 100% more outcome of the packaging machine. To accomplish this, the present invention comprises a vertical tracking system that oscillates the plurality of chambers up and down within the structural frame of the device. The design with two chambers requires no extra vacuum capacity as due to the parallel operation of the two chambers the vacuum capacity is used to their full efficiency (100% in oscillating usage). Furthermore, when one chamber is in the vacuuming, sealing and venting process, the other chamber is being loaded and unloaded. Additionally, an additional electrical and pneumatic package with a new automation program for the additional chamber may be done over the weekend, with no interruption to the current workflow and operation for the customer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention, wherein two chambers are mounted within the structural frame.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the present invention, wherein a single chamber in closed configuration is shown.

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the present invention, wherein a single chamber in open configuration is shown.

FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the present invention, wherein a conveyor belt system, a trim removal system, and a counterweight balancing system are shown. FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a system diagram of the present invention, wherein thinner lines represent electric connections, thicker lines represent electronic connections, doted lines represent mechanical connections, and broken lines represent fluid connections between components of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a system diagram of a smart valve system, according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a top schematic view of the present invention, wherein a fully automated packaging system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 through 8, the present invention is a packaging system with the option for future fully unmanned operation without a fixed packaging performance and processing capacity. The present invention intends to provide users with a device that can easily add to the production capacity without any interruption to current operations.

The following description is in reference to FIG. 1 through FIG. 7. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a structural frame 1, at least one chamber 2, a vertical carriage tracking system 3, a chamber movement system 4, a vacuum packaging system 5, a conveyor belt system 6, and a counterweight system 7. Preferably, the structural frame 1 securely holds and supports the various components of the present invention. To that end, the structural frame 1 is made with a sturdy material such as metal. However, the structural frame 1 may comprise any other material, components, and arrangement of components that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered. As seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, the at least one chamber 2 is mounted within the structural frame 1 and the at least one chamber 2 comprises a chamber plate 8 and a chamber hood 9. Preferably, the chamber hood 9 is perimetrically and detachably mounted onto the chamber plate 8. This is so that, along with the vacuum packaging system 5, the chamber plate 8 and the chamber hood 9 allows to create a vacuum sealed packaging for an item placed within the at least one chamber 2. To that end, the chamber movement system 4 is operatively integrated to the at least one chamber, wherein operating the chamber movement system 4 enables opening and closing of the at least one chamber 2. More specifically, vacuum packaging involves removal of air from within the pack and maintaining an oxygen-deficient environment around the product by sealing the product in a flexible film of low oxygen permeability. Further, the vacuum packaging system 5 is operatively connected to the at least one chamber 2 through the structural frame 1, wherein operating the vacuum packaging system 5 enables to vacuum seal contents placed within the at least one chamber 2. Preferably, a dry running vacuum pump technology which is tailored to the designed packaging is used as part of the vacuum packaging system 5. However, the vacuum packaging system 5 may comprise any other technology, components and arrangement of components that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered.

An aim of the present invention is to enable a grow with demand chamber or expandable packaging system based on the needs of the user. Accordingly, the present invention may work with a single chamber as seen in FIG. 2, or with an additional chamber as seen in FIG. 1. In other words, a grow with demand chamber may be incorporated along with a tracking system and other necessary components into the existing one chamber system within the same footprint or floor space easily, so as to improve productivity. Thus, should the customer over the years need to increase processing capacity, he only needs to add the second chamber, and an additional add on package for the electrical and pneumatical controls as well as an addition to the automation program. This design ensures there is no need for a new machine, no boning room changes and no additional labor, as the same number of operators can now create 100% more outcome of the packaging machine. Additionally, the floor space remains the same, which is also one of the largest benefits of this design.

Accordingly, when a two-chamber system is used, the vertical carriage tracking system 3 and the counterweight system 7 are detachably and selectively mounted within the structural frame 1. More specifically, if only one chamber is used, then the at least one chamber 2 is fixed to the frame 1 and will not use the vertical carriage tracking system 3. When a two- chamber system is in use, the vertical carriage tracking system 3 moves the at least one chamber 2 up and down along the structural frame 1. Thus, the vertical carriage tracking system 3 is operatively coupled to the at least one chamber 2, wherein the vertical carriage tracking system 3 facilitates vertical motion of the at least one chamber 2 within the structural frame 1. Further, in case of using a two-chamber system, the counterweight system 7 is also attached to the structural frame 1, so that less energy is used for the working of the vertical carriage tracking system 3. More specifically, the counterweight system 7 is operatively coupled between the at least one chamber 2 and the vertical carriage tracking system 3, wherein the counterweight system 7 helps with driving the at least one chamber 2 vertically along the vertical carriage tracking system 3 with less energy. As seen in FIG. 5, the conveyor belt system 6 is operatively coupled to the at least one chamber 2, wherein the conveyor belt system 6 is used to transfer unpacked contents and vacuum-packed contents through the at least one chamber 2.

A more detailed description of the present invention is as follows. In reference to FIG. 1, the at least one chamber 2 comprises two chambers. In other words, the at least one chamber 2 comprises a first chamber 2a and a second chamber 2b. In such a scenario, the present invention comprises a pressure balancing system 10 for the double vacuum chamber operation. It should be noted that, the second chamber 2b and the pressure balancing system 10 are selectively mounted within the structural frame 1, wherein the second chamber 2b is mounted only in need of increased productivity. The pressure balancing system 10 and the movement of the first chamber 2a and the second chamber 2b is arranged in such a way that when one chamber is fully under vacuum and ready for venting, the second chamber is ready to be evacuated. To that end, the pressure balancing system 10 is in fluid communication between the first chamber 2a and the second chamber 2b. To accomplish pressure balancing, the pressure balancing system comprises a smart valving system 11. In other words, the smart valving system 11 is operatively coupled with the at least one chamber 2, wherein operating the smart valving system 11 enables instant balancing of pressure between the first chamber 2a and the second chamber 2b.

In reference to FIG. 7, the smart valving system 11 comprises a plurality of highspeed vacuum valves 12, a plurality of venting valves 13, and a plurality of sensors 14. Preferably, the vacuum packaging system 5 is in fluid communication with the at least one chamber 2 through the plurality of high-speed vacuum valves 12, and the plurality of venting valves 13 is in fluid communication with the at least one chamber 2. More specifically, by using the smart valving system 11 and opening up the plurality of highspeed vacuum valves 12, both chambers are connected instantly with the benefit of instantly balancing the pressure in the first chamber 2a and the second chamber 2b. This means an instant evacuation without using extra energy down to 500 mbar (half atmospheric pressure). This saves energy for the customer, speeds up the evacuation process, hence increasing the productivity of the packaging machine and profitability of the owner Further, the plurality of sensors 14 is operatively connected to the at least one chamber 2, wherein the plurality of sensors 14 is used to detect pressure differences within the at least one chamber 2.

As seen in FIG. 5, the conveyor belt system 6 comprises a loading conveyor belt 15 and an outfeed conveyor belt 16, wherein the loading conveyor belt 15 and the outfeed conveyor belt 16 are mounted opposite to each other about the structural frame 1. Preferably, the loading conveyor belt 15 transfers contents that need packing to the at least one chamber 2, whereas the outfeed conveyor belt carries vacuum packed contents out of the at least one chamber 2. In the double-chamber operation, when two chambers are operating simultaneously, the conveyor belt system 6 comprises a preloading belt 17, wherein the preloading belt 17 is terminally connected to the loading conveyor belt 15. This additional piece of conveyor belt helps add additional time for loading the at least one chamber that is in line with the loading conveyor belt 15 and thereby helps with the smooth functioning of the present invention.

Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the vertical carriage tracking system 3 comprises a plurality of tracks 18 and a plurality of wheels 19. Preferably, the plurality of wheels 19 is mounted onto the at least one chamber plate 8, and the plurality of wheels is rotatably engaged within the plurality of tracks 18. The plurality of tracks 18 is positioned within the structural frame 1 parallel to the legs of the structural frame 1. The plurality of tracks 18 allows for a first or second chamber to attach and move vertically as needed. Additionally, the vertical carriage tracking system 3 may comprise additional components such as a plurality of support brackets, a pulley system, a motor, additional fasteners, etc. However, it should be noted that the vertical carriage tracking system 3 may comprise any other components, arrangement of components, technology, size, etc. that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the objectives of the present invention are fulfilled.

As seen in FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, the structural frame 1 comprises a plurality of legs 20, a cabinet 21, a first frame end la, and a second frame end lb. The plurality of legs 20 is positioned at each corner of the frame and extends vertically as shown in FIG. 1. The plurality of legs 20 may further comprise a plurality of supports, that connects two of the plurality of legs to provide lateral support. Additionally, the plurality of legs 20 may comprise a plurality of feet, which may be adjusted in height to allow the frame to level itself on an uneven surface. Positioned along the top of the plurality of legs 20 is the cabinet 21. The cabinet 21 is a square hollow shape that secures each of the plurality of legs 20 together. It should be further noted that the structural frame 1 may be created in many various shapes and sizes while still staying within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the first frame end la and the second frame end lb are positioned opposite to each other along the structural frame 1. In other words, the first frame end la constitutes a top end of the structural frame 1 and the second frame end lb constitutes a lower end of the structural frame 1. The plurality of legs 20 extends from a first frame end la of the structural frame 1 towards a second frame end lb, and the cabinet 21 is mounted terminally to the plurality of legs 20 adjacent the first frame end la.

Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the vacuum packaging system 5 comprises a vacuum pump 22, a plurality of pump valves 23, and a vacuum reservoir 24. As seen in FIG. 7, the at least one chamber 2 is in fluid communication with the vacuum pump 22 through the plurality of pump valves 23. Preferably, a dry running vacuum pump technology which is tailored to the designed packaging System is used for the vacuum packaging. To again speed up the vacuum evacuation time, the vacuum reservoir

24 is used, which when opening the pump valves 23 also helps to instantly reduce the vacuum in the at least one chamber 2. This arrangement can also benefit the single chamber operation.

In order to better overcome the losses in pressure due to high demand for air pressure, a pressure reservoir 25 is also provided. Accordingly, in order to accomplish the smooth functioning of the present invention, the at least one chamber 2 is in fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir 24 and the pressure reservoir 25. In the preferred embodiment, the structural frame 1 is configured to act as the pressure reservoir

25 and the vacuum reservoir 24. This is a simple and cost-effective way of using existing machine parts to improve machine performance and stability.

In the preferred embodiment, both the first chamber 2a and the second chamber 2b may have a weight of approximately 1000 kilograms (kg.). This weight has to be moved up and down to create the vertical movement and usage of the two chambers. To minimize the energy costs for this movement, the counterweight system 7 is introduced. This means that the electrical drive to move the chambers up and down only has to overcome the difference of product weight. This makes energy requirement almost neglectable. Thus, continuing with the preferred embodiment, the counterweight system 7 comprises a plurality of counterweights 26, a drive system 27, and a plurality of shafts 28. The plurality of shafts comprise a plurality of counterweight shafts 28a and a plurality of drive shafts 28b. Preferably, the plurality of counterweights 26 is distributed equally on opposing sides of the structural frame 1 through the plurality of counterweight shafts 28a, and the plurality of counterweights 26 is mechanically connected to the vertical carriage tracking system 3. In other words, the plurality of counterweights 26 comprises four counterweights that are connected to the vertical carriage tracking system 3. More specifically, each side of the structural frame 1 has two counterweights on four points. Further, two counterweights on each side are driven vertically by one drive system. Preferably, the drive system 27 comprises a servo motor, but any other driving systems that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art may be used, as long as the objectives of the present invention are not altered. To that end, the plurality of shafts 28 is mounted onto opposing ends of the structural frame 1, and the drive system 27 is centrally mounted along each of the plurality of drive shafts 28b. Thus, the drive system is operatively connected to the plurality of counterweights 26, wherein operating the drive system 27 enables vertical movement of the plurality of counterweights 26. Furthermore, the drive system 27 may also be used to stop and hold the complete chamber system in one position.

Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a trim removal system 29, wherein the trim removal system 29 is mounted adjacent to the structural frame 1. Preferably, the trim removal system 29 is operatively connected to the at least one chamber 2, wherein the trim removal system 29 is used to remove and collect extending portions of vacuum sealed bags from the at least one chamber 2. Further, according to the preferred embodiment, the trim removal system 29 is stationarily mounted and is not moving with the chambers up and down. In other words, the trim removal system 29 is configured to be stationary with respect to the structural frame 1. For this reason, only one trim removal system 29 is needed for the two chambers, which again is a savings in energy and material costs for the customer

In order to accomplish the smooth functionalities of all the components of the packaging system, the present invention comprises a controller 30. Preferably, the controller is an integrated circuit that controls the operations of the different electric and electronic components of the present invention. To that end, the controller 30 is electronically connected to the vertical carriage tracking system 3, the chamber movement system 4, the vacuum packaging system 5, the conveyor belt system 6, the pressure balancing system 10, and the at least one chamber 2.

In order to provide electrical power to the various components of the present invention, an electrical power source 31 is provided. Preferably, the power source 31 is a rechargeable battery, which is used to deliver electrical power to the controller 30 and other components of the present invention. Thus, the electrical power source 31 is electrically connected to the controller 30, the vertical carriage tracking system 3, the chamber movement system 4, the vacuum packaging system 5, the conveyor belt system 6, the pressure balancing system 10, and the at least one chamber 2. However, any other source of power, or a combination of the following sources may be employed for the smooth functioning of the smart compartment. Examples of such power sources include, but are not limited to, magnetic power converters, solar power converters, power from an electrical terminal that allows the present invention to receive electrical power from an external power supply, etc.

In reference to FIG. 8, a fully automated product packaging and loading system is illustrated. To accomplish this, the present invention further comprises an automated bagging system 32. In the preferred embodiment, the automated bagging system 32 comprises a vision system 33, a product selection belt 34, a plurality of automatic robot arms 35, and a plurality of vacuum bag containers 36. Preferably, the automated bagging system 32 is operatively connected to the at least one chamber 2, wherein the automated bagging system 32 facilitates a fully automated unmanned packaging system. Further, the vision system 33 is operably coupled to the product selection belt 34, wherein the vision system 33 is used to identify appropriate vacuum bag and product selection belt 34 for products coming into the device. In other words, the vision system 33 can identify different product cuts and tell the controller 30 which vacuum bag and which product select belt must be selected. The product then moves to the selected product conveyor belt, wherein the plurality of automatic robot arms 35 will select the correct size vacuum bag for the product in site and send them to the infeed shoulder of the vacuum packaging system 5. More specifically, the plurality of automatic robot arms 35 is operably coupled to the plurality of vacuum bag containers 36, wherein the automatic robot arms 35 is used to select the correct size vacuum bag from the plurality of vacuum bag containers 36 for the product on the product selection belt 34.

Additionally, the automated bagging system 32 may comprise duel infeed system 37, wherein by using the duel infeed system 37, double loading speed and very high throughput and productivity at minimum floor space and no operator requirements may be achieved.

Thus, the present invention provides users with a fully autonomous working vacuum packaging machine that combines several innovative non-existent market requirements. More specifically, the present invention is an expandable grow by demand vacuum packaging device, which has a minimum floor space requirement. It should be noted that any other electrical or electronic components that are needed for the smooth functioning of the vacuum packaging system will fall within the limits of the present invention.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An expandable packaging system comprising: a structural frame; at least one chamber; a vertical carriage tracking system; a chamber movement system; a vacuum packaging system; a conveyor belt system; a counterweight system; the at least one chamber comprising a chamber plate and a chamber hood; the at least one chamber being mounted within the structural frame; the chamber hood being perimetrically and detachably mounted onto the chamber plate; the vertical carriage tracking system and the counterweight system being detachably and selectively mounted within the structural frame; the vertical carriage tracking system being operatively coupled to the at least one chamber, wherein the vertical carriage tracking system facilitates vertical motion of the at least one chamber within the structural frame; the chamber movement system being operatively integrated to the at least one chamber on the chamber plate, wherein operating the chamber movement system enables opening and closing of the at least one chamber; the vacuum packaging system being operatively connected to the at least one chamber through the structural frame, wherein operating the vacuum packaging system enables to vacuum seal contents placed within the at least one chamber; the conveyor belt system being operatively integrated coupled to the at least one chamber, wherein the conveyor belt system is used to transfer unpacked contents and vacuum-packed contents through the at least one chamber; the counterweight system being detachably mounted within the structural frame; and the counterweight system being operatively integrated between the at least one chamber and the vertical carriage tracking system, wherein the counterweight system is used to drive the at least one chamber vertically along the vertical carriage tracking system.

2. The expandable packaging system of claim 1 further comprising: the at least one chamber comprising a first chamber and a second chamber; a pressure balancing system; the pressure balancing system comprising a smart valving system; the second chamber and the pressure balancing system being selectively mounted within the structural frame, wherein the second chamber is mounted only in need of increased productivity; the pressure balancing system being in fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber; and the smart valving system being operatively coupled with the at least one chamber, wherein operating the smart valving system enables instant balancing of pressure between the first chamber and the second chamber.

3. The expandable packaging system of claim 2 further comprising: the smart valving system comprising a plurality of high-speed vacuum valves, a plurality of venting valves, and a plurality of sensors; the vacuum packaging system being in fluid communication with the at least one chamber through the plurality of high-speed vacuum valves; the plurality of venting valves being in fluid communication with the at least one chamber; and the plurality of sensors being operatively connected to the at least one chamber, wherein the plurality of sensors is used to detect pressure differences within the at least one chamber.

4. The expandable packaging system of claim 1 further comprising: the conveyor belt system comprising a loading conveyor belt and an outfeed conveyor belt; and the loading conveyor belt and the outfeed conveyor belt being mounted opposite to each other about the frame.

5. The expandable packaging system of claim 4 further comprising: the conveyor belt system comprising a preloading belt; and the preloading belt being connected to a terminal end of loading belt.

6. The expandable packaging system of claim 1 further comprising: the vertical carriage tracking system comprising a plurality of tracks and a plurality of wheels; the plurality of wheels being mounted onto the at least one chamber plate; and the plurality of wheels being rotatably engaged within the plurality of tracks.

7. The expandable packaging system of claim 1 further comprising: the structural frame comprising a plurality of legs, a cabinet, a first frame end, and a second frame end; the first frame end and the second frame end being positioned opposite to each other along the structural frame; the plurality of legs extending from a first frame end of the structural frame towards a second frame end; and the cabinet being mounted to terminal ends of the plurality of legs adjacent the first frame end.

8. The expandable packaging system of claim 1 further comprising: the vacuum packaging system comprising a vacuum pump, a plurality of pump valves, and a vacuum reservoir; a pressure reservoir; the at least one chamber being in fluid communication with the vacuum pump through the plurality of pump valves; and the at least one chamber being in fluid communication with the vacuum reservoir and the pressure reservoir.

9. The expandable packaging system of claim 8, wherein the structural frame is configured to act as the pressure reservoir and the vacuum reservoir.

10. The expandable packaging system of claim 1 further comprising: the counterweight system comprising a plurality of counterweights, a drive system, and a plurality of shafts; the plurality of counterweights being distributed equally on opposing sides of the structural frame through the plurality of shafts; the plurality of counterweights being mechanically connected to the vertical carriage tracking system; the plurality of shafts being mounted onto opposing ends of the structural frame; the drive system being operatively connected to the plurality of counterweights, wherein operating the drive system enables vertical movement of the plurality of counterweights; and the drive system being centrally mounted along each of the plurality of shafts.

11. The expandable packaging system of claim 1 further comprising: a trim removal system; the trim removal system being mounted adjacent to the structural frame; the trim removal system being operatively connected to the at least one chamber, wherein the trim removal system is used to remove and collect extending portions of vacuum sealed bags from the at least one chamber.

12. The expandable packaging system of claim 11 wherein the trim removal system is configured to be stationary with respect to the structural frame.

13. The expandable packaging system of claim 1 further comprising: a controller; the controller being electronically connected to the vertical carriage tracking system, the chamber movement system, the vacuum packaging system, the conveyor belt system, the pressure balancing system, and the at least one chamber.

14. The expandable packaging system of claim 13 further comprising: an electrical power source; the electrical power source being electrically connected to the controller, the vertical carriage tracking system, the chamber movement system, the vacuum packaging system, the conveyor belt system, the pressure balancing system, and the at least one chamber.

15. The expandable packaging system of clam 1 further comprising: an automated bagging system; the automated bagging system comprising a vision system, a product selection belt, a plurality of automatic robot arms, and a plurality of vacuum bag containers; the automated bagging system being operatively connected to the at least one chamber, wherein the automated bagging system facilitates a fully automated unmanned packaging system; the vision system being operably coupled to the product selection belt, wherein the vision system is used to identify appropriate vacuum bag and product selection belt for products coming into the conveyor belt system; and the plurality of automatic robot arms being operably coupled to the plurality of vacuum bag containers, wherein the automatic robot arms is used to select the correct size vacuum bag from the plurality of vacuum bag containers for the product on the product selection belt.