Abstract: A machine and method for making bags from two webs of film material with the bag being provided with a fitting having an access passageway therethrough and a flange that is heat sealed to the inner side of one wall of the bag. The two webs are advanced step by step from a feed station, the movement during each step being for lengths of the webs sufficient to provide portions for making a bag. The movement of the web is through successive stations with one web underlying an upper web. In the first of the successive station fittings are fed into a trackway having a downwardly sloped portion and a horizontal portion extending below the upper web. A hole is punched in the upper web and at the end of the horizontal position of the trackway is provided which serves to receive and align the fitting with a hole in the upper web, during a pause in the advancing movement of the webs.

Abstract: The present method comprises the steps of positioning a bag on a supporting surface, the bag consisting of flexible film material such as plastic laminate. The bag is so constructed that its side walls are sealed along their peripheries, with one end having an unsealed portion. A filling hole is provided in one side wall of the unsealed bag portion. The bag before filling is flat, or in other words it is not inflated with air or other gas. The side walls of the unsealed portion (preferably a corner of the bag) are then separated to form an opening into which means is introduced to effect sealed registration of a filling head with the bag filling hole. A measured amount of liquid is then delivered through the filling opening to fill the bag, and after the bag has been filled the unsealed end portion of the bag is heat sealed to form a completely sealed bag. Before filling, it is desirable to evacuate air from the bag by applying suction.

Abstract: A machine and method for making pouches from plastic film material, with one or more fittings secured to a wall of the pouch. A web of the plastic film material is progressed through fitting depositing and fitting securing regions, after which pouches are made which incorporate the web portions to which the fittings are secured. All operations of the machine are automatic.

Abstract: An assembly unit for use with bulk containers for marketing liquids such as wine and which have an inner plastic pouch liner. The assembly unit, which includes a housing and a tap, is disposed within the carton and the housing secured to one of the carton walls. When it is desired to dispense liquid, the tap is swung outwardly and one end is caused to automatically pierce a sealing membrane of the bag and to be coupled to the same. Liquid may then be dispensed as desired by opening a valve at the outer end of the tap. Also a bulk container for the marketing of liquids like wine, the exterior carton of the container having an inner liner of plastic material and a fitting attached to a lower portion of the pouch which has an opening that is normally closed by a sealing membrane. The above assembly unit is disposed within the carton and connected to the fitting. It is accessible through the carton wall to which it is secured for outward movement to dispensing position.

Abstract: A high speed, automatic machine for wrapping elongate semi-rigid products such as spaghetti. The machine includes means for cutting and positioning two sheets of wrapping material during a single portion period of the machine into two tandem buckets mounted on a conveyor. The machine also includes two high speed product weighers that deposit weighted amounts of the product onto the two sheets in the two buckets. The weighers operate in duplex and each fills a bucket during a single period of pause in the motion of the machine. After filling each bucket the wrapping machine has means for folding the leading and trailing margins of the two sheets of wrapping material. The two sheets are folded during a single motion period of the machine. The two folded sheets are then simultaneously heated sealed by two, tandem wrapper sealers. Each wrapper sealer makes a complete longitudinal seal for each package during one period of pause in the motion of the machine.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for separating elongated products in bulk into quantities of a predetermined desired weight. The apparatus includes a weighing chute for receiving the elongated product, a weigher connected to the chute, and a sensor actuated by the weigher for producing control responses as the weight of product in the chute approaches the desired weight. The weigher further includes a dribbling apparatus responsive to the control responses for dribbling the product into the chute at a rate which is decreased as the desired weight is approached and for stopping when the predetermined weight is achieved.