Abstract: A rollstock support spool supports rollstock formed from a continuous web of bags of non-uniform thickness along their length. The spool has a hollow core and first and second opposed rims. The hollow core has opposed axial ends, an inner peripheral surface defining a tubular opening configured for mounting over a spindle, and an outer peripheral surface configured to support the rollstock. The rims are located at or near the first and second ends of the core, respectively. A radial spacing between the outer peripheral surface of the core and the outer peripheral surface of each of the rims is greater than a maximum thickness of the rollstock. Also provided are an unwinder assembly incorporating such a rollstock support spool and an automatic bagger incorporating such an unwinder assembly.

Abstract: A rollstock support spool supports rollstock formed from a continuous web of bags of non-uniform thickness along their length. The spool has a hollow core and first and second opposed rims. The hollow core has opposed axial ends, an inner peripheral surface defining a tubular opening configured for mounting over a spindle, and an outer peripheral surface configured to support the rollstock. The rims are located at or near the first and second ends of the core, respectively. A radial spacing between the outer peripheral surface of the core and the outer peripheral surface of each of the rims is greater than a maximum thickness of the rollstock. Also provided are an unwinder assembly incorporating such a rollstock support spool and an automatic bagger incorporating such an unwinder assembly.

Abstract: A bottom gusseted bag includes first and second opposed walls that face one another, each of the first and second walls having an upper end and a lower end, and a gusseted bottom that connects the bottom ends of the first and second walls to one another. The gusseted bottom includes at least four panels that are formed from an open mesh material and that collectively form at least three pleats. Opposed side edges of all of the panels are thermally bonded directly to one another along first and second opposed seams extending at least the majority of the length of each of the panels. The gusseted bottom may have a side seam strength of at least about 1.lb (4.5 N). The first and second side walls are formed at least in part of material, such a film, that is thermally bondable to the mesh material.