Abstract: The invention is a control mechanism for controlling the flow of a particulate material through a conduit and comprises a bladder mounted within the conduit that is inflatable between a first, deflated state and a second, inflated state. In its first, deflated state the bladder allows the particulate material to flow freely through the conduit, and in its second, inflated state the conduit is substantially blocked by the inflated bladder and no particulate material may pass. An alternate embodiment of an exteriorly mounted control mechanism comprises a stopper that is moved between a first, open position away from an open end of the conduit and a second, closed position in which the stopper is in sealing contact with end of the conduit.

Abstract: A fully automated apparatus and operating system for supplying, transferring, filling, and sealing bags, utilizing a clam shell type of filling spout is provided in combination with apparatus for sealing each filled bag in close proximity to the spout. The bag sealing apparatus incorporates heat sealing bars mounted on a carriage movable between a first position adjacent to the filling spout for receiving filled bags and sealing them, and a second position wherein filled and sealed bags are released. The same carriage supports clamping bars movable between open and closed positions to clamp a filled bag while it is still being held on the filling spout, and to support the bag, after removal from the spout, while the bag mouth is being sealed by the heat sealing bars.