Abstract: A device (5) is provided for the mechanical handling of a flexible bag (6) placed in a holder (7), the bag having a mouth with at least one flap (6a) that can close or open the mouth of the bag. The device comprises a brush wheel (8) that is mounted in rotation about a shaft (9), the brush wheel comprising fins (10) each consisting of a curved flexible portion (11) which extends from the shaft, and a straight end portion (12) which extends in continuation of the curved portion, the set of straight portions substantially forming a rim, and the brush wheel being arranged in such a way that, when it is rotated close to the mouth of the bag, centrifugal force straightens the curved portions, thus increasing the radius of the rim in order to allow the straight portions to rub against the flap of the bag.

Abstract: A device (5) is provided for the mechanical handling of a flexible bag (6) placed in a holder (7), the bag having a mouth with at least one flap (6a) that can close or open the mouth of the bag. The device comprises a brush wheel (8) that is mounted in rotation about a shaft (9), the brush wheel comprising fins (10) each consisting of a curved flexible portion (11) which extends from the shaft, and a straight end portion (12) which extends in continuation of the curved portion, the set of straight portions substantially forming a rim, and the brush wheel being arranged in such a way that, when it is rotated close to the mouth of the bag, centrifugal force straightens the curved portions, thus increasing the radius of the rim in order to allow the straight portions to rub against the flap of the bag.

Abstract: Automatic loading/unloading apparatus (1) for automatically loading flat articles (200) stacked on edge into storage trays (300) and for automatically unloading flat articles (200) stacked on edge therefrom, each of the storage trays (300) having a bottom plate (301) provided with a through window (306), said automatic loading/unloading apparatus having a stationary actuator (4) in register with said window and a moving actuator (5) that receives said storage tray (300) and that is mounted to move between: a waiting position in which said stationary actuator (4) is set back from said moving actuator (5) and is not in contact with said flat articles (200); and an unloading position in which said stationary actuator (4) passes through said window (306) while carrying said flat articles (200) until it comes flush with said stacking zone (3) suitable for receiving said flat articles (200) without said storage tray (300) being interposed between said flat articles (200) and said stacking zone (3).