US Patent 9604741 Thermo-forming packaging machine with integrated product feeder

The invention relates to a thermo-forming packaging machine comprising a product feeder for feeding a product to a loading stretch of the packaging machine, and a film web having trays formed therein wherein the trays are configured to receive a product. The product feeder may be arranged at least partially parallel to the loading stretch of the packaging machine. The thermo-forming packaging machine also includes a side panel disposed along the loading stretch that is formed such that it also forms part of the product feeder.