Abstract: A bag removal apparatus provided with a plurality of cutting assemblies, each cutting assembly consisting of cutting auxiliary rolls and a cutter for facilitating posttreatment of a paper bag by releasing the paper bag from a paper bag envelope encasing a long article and shredding the paper bag.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously pinching a plurality of elongated bags disposed in parallel, side by side relation with one another and transferring the bags. The apparatus includes a gripper mechanism arranged to pinch each bag at two longitudinally spaced locations thereon and devices for moving the gripper mechanism while the bags are pinchingly thereby. Sensing devices are provided to detect the state of pinched engagement of the bags with the gripper mechanism. If one or more of the bags is not pinched or is improperly pinched by the gripper mechanism, the transfer motion is arrested to prevent damage to the bag or the apparatus. The apparatus can be utilized to remove paper bags containing stacks of metal can lids from boxes.

Abstract: Apparatus for slitting an elongated bag enclosing an article. The apparatus includes a bag support and a mechanism for engaging a portion of the bag wall adjacent the middle of the bag and pulling the engaged wall portion in a direction transverse to the axis of the bag so that the engaged wall portion extends in such transverse direction away from the article enclosed in the bag. The apparatus includes a pair of blades and mechanism for forcing the blades through the wall of the bag between the engaged wall portion and the article to puncture the bag. The blade movement mechanism is arranged to move the blades in opposite directions towards the end of the bag after the blades have so punctured the bag wall to slit the wall of the bag longitudinally.