Abstract: A drag conveyor system having a tube and a traction element extending through tube is provided. A plurality of slugs are connected to the traction element, each of the slugs including a slug flange. A disk is removably attached to each of the slugs, with the disk including first and second disk parts that are adapted to be placed around the cable and are engagable with one another and/or the slug so that each of the disks is located on the respective one of the slugs. A snap clip is engaged to each of the slugs, with the snap clip including a flange located on an opposite side of the disk from the slug flange that, together with the slug flange, maintains the first and second disk parts together and engaged with the slug in a fixed position on the slug.

Abstract: A drag conveyor system having a tube and a traction element extending through tube is provided. A plurality of slugs are connected to the traction element, each of the slugs including a slug flange. A disk is removably attached to each of the slugs, with the disk including first and second disk parts that are adapted to be placed around the cable and are engagable with one another and/or the slug so that each of the disks is located on the respective one of the slugs. A snap clip is engaged to each of the slugs, with the snap clip including a flange located on an opposite side of the disk from the slug flange that, together with the slug flange, maintains the first and second disk parts together and engaged with the slug in a fixed position on the slug.

Abstract: A tie-off assembly for closing the neck of a bulk bag is provided and includes a motor located in a housing which drives a toothed drive wheel. A slot in the housing receives an end of a tie wrap which, upon insertion, is engaged by the toothed drive wheel to pull the tie wrap closed. At least one blade is mounted adjacent the slot, which is moveable from a first position, away from the slot, to a second, cutting position, adjacent the slot. In use, an end of a tie wrap located around the neck is inserted into the slot so that the tie wrap end is engaged by the toothed drive wheel, and operating the motor tightens the tie wrap about the neck of the bulk bag.

Abstract: A bulk bag filler is provided having a frame assembly, a bag filling head, rotatable hooks for engaging bag loops and latch assemblies to engage the rotatable hooks. Each of the latch assemblies include an actuatable latch pin to release the rotatable hook, and upon release, the latch assemblies are gravity driven to return to a latching position in which the rotatable hooks are re-engageable. A method for loading a bulk bag with a bulk material is also provided.

Abstract: A flow promotion device (FPD) for use in conjunction with a bulk bag discharger is provided. The FPD includes a center plate pivotably connected to the bulk bag discharger frame. Extension plates are pivotably attached to each end of the center plate. A connecting element is connected between a lever arm on each extension plate and the discharger frame, and an actuator is connected between the center plate and the frame. Upon activation of the actuator, the center plate is moved upwardly, and the extension plates are pivoted upwardly and inwardly by the connecting elements in order to press against the bag from three different directions using a single actuator. Two FPDs are preferably used on the bulk bag discharger.

Abstract: A bag closing apparatus including a frame structure, a cinching assembly and an actuator assembly. The cinching assembly includes at least three pivot arms, each pivot arm including an arcuate portion and pivotably connected to the frame structure. The pivot arms are located relative to each to define a confined closure area. The actuator assembly includes a plurality of actuators for moving the pivot arms between spread positions and closed positions wherein the closure area has a smaller area.

Abstract: A bag closing apparatus including a frame structure, a cinching assembly and an actuator assembly. The cinching assembly includes at least three pivot arms, each pivot arm including an arcuate portion and pivotably connected to the frame structure. The pivot arms are located relative to each to define a confined closure area. The actuator assembly includes a plurality of actuators for moving the pivot arms between spread positions and closed positions wherein the closure area has a smaller area.

Abstract: A flow promotion device (FPD) for use in conjunction with a bulk bag discharger is provided. The FPD includes a center plate pivotably connected to the bulk bag discharger frame. Extension plates are pivotably attached to each end of the center plate. A connecting element is connected between a lever arm on each extension plate and the discharger frame, and an actuator is connected between the center plate and the frame. Upon activation of the actuator, the center plate is moved upwardly, and the extension plates are pivoted upwardly and inwardly by the connecting elements in order to press against the bag from three different directions using a single actuator. Two FPDs are preferably used on the bulk bag discharger.

Abstract: A bag closing apparatus including a frame structure, a cinching assembly and an actuator assembly. The cinching assembly includes at least three pivot arms, each pivot arm including an arcuate portion and pivotably connected to the frame structure. The pivot arms are located relative to each to define a confined closure area. The actuator assembly includes a plurality of actuators for moving the pivot arms between spread positions and closed positions wherein the closure area has a smaller area.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for removing material from a bulk bag with reduced atmospheric contamination. The invention provides for engaging the bulk bag in a substantially airtight arrange with a reservoir that receives the material being unloaded and airflow discharge system that filters the airflow prior to it entering the surrounding atmosphere. The apparatus is specifically intended for removing residual material from the bulk bag and collapsing the bag through vacuum pressure. This simplifies bag removal and folding while reducing atmospheric contamination from uncontrolled residual material.

Abstract: A bag closing apparatus including a frame structure, a cinching assembly and an actuator assembly. The cinching assembly includes at least three pivot arms, each pivot arm including an arcuate portion and pivotably connected to the frame structure. The pivot arms are located relative to each to define a confined closure area. The actuator assembly includes a plurality of actuators for moving the pivot arms between spread positions and closed positions wherein the closure area has a smaller area.

Abstract: Bulk bag loop retainers used in conjunction with bulk bag lifting frames. Each retainer includes opposed retainer plates secured to the lifting frame. The plates are shaped and dimensioned and aligned relative to one another to define a non-linear passage into a retainment area which receives and retains the bag loop.

Abstract: A bulk bag unloading station wherein a bulk bag is suspended above a discharge receptacle. An assembly is provided for securing a spout extending from the bag to a discharge tube. The assembly comprises a clamp ring which defines a channel configured to receive the free edge of the tube therein. An actuator assembly is moveable between a first position where the clamp ring is spaced from the free edge and a second position where it overlies the tube free edge.

Abstract: A flow promotion apparatus for use in conjunction with a bulk bag unloading station. The apparatus comprises a pair of spaced apart mounting brackets, a fluid actuator, a connecting rod and a push bar. The fluid actuator is pivotably connected at one end to one of the mounting brackets. The connecting rod is pivotably connected at one end to the other mounting bracket and pivotably connected at its other end to the piston. The push bar is pivotably coupled at the junction between the fluid actuator and connecting rod and actuation of the fluid actuator extends the push bar extends to agitate material along the side-walls of the bag.

Abstract: A bag holder comprising a frame assembly, a bag support, an attachment assembly and a control assembly. The frame assembly includes a base assembly with two vertical posts extending upward therefrom. The bag support is mounted on the posts for vertical movement by the control assembly.

Abstract: A bag holder comprising a frame assembly, a bag support, an attachment assembly and a control assembly. The frame assembly includes a base assembly with vertical posts extending upward therefrom. The bag support is mounted on the posts for vertical movement by the control assembly. The control assembly includes a cable assembly which is driven by a drive mechanism.

Abstract: An improved bulk bag unloading station is disclosed. In its simplest form, the improvement is comprised of a movable dispensing spout which is attached to and depends from an outlet of the bulk bag. As material is dispensed through the spout, the moveable spout will cause the bulk bag to elongate. Through movement of the spout, the bag is continually elongated to continually urge the flow of material from the bulk bag and to promote full discharge of the material from the bag. In the preferred embodiment, a lift and hold apparatus is provided to position the spout during initial attachment to the outlet of the bag.