Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a product to be packaged to a packaging machine provided with a dosing unit, comprises a lifting arrangement suitable for lifting and moving at least a container of the product in such a way as to connect the container to the dosing unit to transfer thereto the product contained in the container; a method for feeding a product to be packaged to a packaging machine provided with a dosing unit by the apparatus, comprises the steps of introducing a container of product inside the apparatus, fixing the container to a lifting arrangement of the apparatus, moving the container using the lifting arrangement in such a way as to connect it to the dosing unit, transferring the product contained in the container to the dosing unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling bags with loose materials, wherein a package to be filled is filled by means of a filling element in a filling process. The filling process comprises a filling stage, a settling stage, and a discharge stage wherein during the filling stage, loose material is filled into the bag while admitting air and in the settling stage, a settling phase is provided for the pressure to drop and in the discharge stage, the bag is discharged from the filling element. In the settling phase, the squeezing device applies a squeezing pressure to the package so as to vent the package and to reduce the volume available to the package, until a predetermined reduction of the volume available to the package is reached, whereupon the squeezing pressure of the squeezing device on the package is reduced and the package is discharged from the filling element.

Abstract: A pressure-actuated air gun having an actuating port in the nozzle of the gun such that, when the actuating port becomes blocked, as by inserting the nozzle of the gun into a coupling on an article to be inflated or deflated, air is caused to pass from a source of pressurized air to the gun. When the actuating port becomes unblocked, as by disengaging the nozzle of the gun from the coupling, air is inhibited from passing from the source of pressurized air to the gun. An air pilot actuated valve is interposed between the source and the gun, and is controlled by air pressure that builds up when the actuating port becomes blocked by the coupling.

Abstract: A check valve for an air-packing device comprises upper and lower check valve films that are placed between upper and lower packing films that form the air-packing device contour. The check valve can be advantageously used for the air-packing device having a multiplicity of air containers. A common air duct that allows compressed air to flow into each air container through the check valve is formed between the upper and lower check valve films independently from other films such that the check valve can be placed flexibly in the air-packing device. Peeling agents are applied between the upper and lower check valve films to create the common air duct by preventing heat-sealing between the films. Air passages are formed in each check valve between air guide seals and separation seals.

Abstract: A check valve for an air-packing device comprises upper and lower check valve films that are placed between upper and lower packing films that form the air-packing device contour. The check valve can be advantageously used for the air-packing device having a multiplicity of air containers. A common air duct that allows compressed air to flow into each air container through the check valve is formed between the upper and lower check valve films independently from other films such that the check valve can be placed flexibly in the air-packing device. Peeling agents are applied between the upper and lower check valve films to create the common air duct by preventing heat-sealing between the films.

Abstract: A device which can mix and store fuel and water, which is orientation independent and which has a small volume. The device includes: at least one inlet for fuel and/or water; and at least one outlet for a mixture of fuel and water, wherein the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet are connected to a flexible chamber in which fluids are mixed and temporarily stored.

Abstract: An access fitting has a housing with a base and a cap located respectively on interior and exterior sides of the wall of a gas sampling bag. The base and cap are provided respectively with inner and outer ports aligned with an opening in the bag wall to provide a through passageway communicating with the interior of the bag. A septum is interposed between the cap and the exterior side of the bag wall. The septum has a hole therein and is slidably adjustable between an open position at which its hole is aligned with the through passageway, and a closed position at which its hole is removed from the through passageway and the through passageway is blocked by an imperforate segment of the septum. A tubular connector is received in the outer port, and is axially adjustable between an advanced position frictionally resisting sliding adjustment of the septum, and a retracted position accommodating such adjustment.

Abstract: An inflation valve assembly, for a dunnage or cargo air bag, comprises an annular flange member which is adapted to be heat-sealed to an interior surface portion of one of the plies of the inflatable bladder of the air bag, and an externally threaded nipple portion for fluidic connection to a source of pressurized fluid for inflating the bladder of the dunnage or cargo air bag. A flapper valve member, having a substantially circular configuration, has an end portion which is adapted to be fixedly secured upon an arcuate portion of the upper surface portion of the annular flange member by a fixation bar which extends along a chordal extent of the annular flange member. Opposite end portions of the fixation bar project radially inwardly toward each other so as to effectively define a pair of oppositely disposed detents for maintaining the flapper valve member in its OPENED state.

Abstract: An assembly for transferring solid particulate matter has a pressurized vessel for retaining a pre-determined quantity of the solid material. A discharge conduit connected to the vessel carries the solid material to a loading vessel, be it a processing tank, a storage vessel, or any other similar container. A discharge nozzle carried by a distant end of the discharge conduit is also connected to a dust collection container. Vacuum created in the dust collection container facilitates entrapment of dust particles generated during transfer of the solid material through the discharge container and carrying of the dust particles away from the discharge opening of the discharge nozzle into the dust collection container.

Abstract: A dunnage bag includes a sealed, flexible bag, and a rigid valve assembly connected in fluid communication to the flexible bag. The valve assembly has a rigid collar which mounts in an opening in a wall of a container to receive an exit end of a fill nozzle of an inflating system which supplies pressurized gas for inflating the flexible bag.

Abstract: A multi-composition stick product, such as a lip balm, sun screen, deodorant, or glue stick. The multi-composition stick product including a stick composition molded in the container so as to contact the walls thereof and be advanceable or ejected therefrom. The stick composition includes a first composition and a second composition. The first and second compositions differ in at least one component, such as a medicament, colorant, fragrance, flavorant, sunscreen, preservative, conditioner, moisturizer, emollient, or surfactant. Furthermore the first and second compositions are arranged in a predetermined non-random pattern that is reproducible. Also described is the method and apparatus for manufacturing the multi-composition stick product.

Abstract: A fill valve assembly for filling a flat bag with an inhomogeneous fluid or viscous product, comprises a valve head of a cross-section dimensioned to fit into the flat bag and having a an outlet for the product and an extension of the outlet, the outlet and outlet extension extending along a central longitudinal axis of the valve head, and at least two product supply passageways extending in the valve head substantially parallel to the outlet and outlet extension, each product supply passageway having an end section terminating in the outlet at an angle of 25° to 45°. A purging space adjoins the outlet extension along the central longitudinal axis. The purging space has a somewhat larger diameter than the outlet extension, and at least a part of the purging space is located in the valve head. A plunger comprising a piston and a piston rod moves the piston up and down through the outlet extension into three positions, the outlet and outlet extension having at least twice the length of the piston.

Abstract: A valve for a dunnage bag including an inner part having a flange that is laminated to the inside surface of the bag and an outer part having a flange that is laminated to the outside surface of the bag providing that the bag can be inflated/deflated by air passing through both parts and a hole in the bag. The outerpart is a bowl which is stretched away from the bag when the bag is being inflated and which collapses against opening in the inner part to seal the bag and prevent air loss.

Abstract: The multi bagging machine comprises: a framework including four, spaced apart upright legs arranged in a generally rectangular configuration; a generally rectangular hopper mounted to an upper end of the framework; the hopper including a sharply inclined front wall and a lesser inclined back wall extending between two end walls; an auger located adjacent the bottom of the hopper and having an auger shaft extending between the end walls; an agitator including an agitator shaft located above the auger and a short distance toward the rear of the hopper; a plurality of discharge chutes connected to the bottom of the hopper for discharging fluent particulate material from the hopper into a container or bag; and a slide gate movable from a rear wall of each discharge chute into and across the discharge chute to a front wall of each discharge chute and back for blocking and unblocking the flow of fluent particular material through the discharge chute into a bag or container.

Abstract: A push-pull valve for gas sampling is formed by assembling a body including a receptacle having a bore and a plug having a nose which seats in the bore. The plug has a through bore with a shoulder at its lower end serving as a lower stop and defining a hole at the bottom of the through bore. A hollow stem slides in the through bore, between an extended, closed position, and a retracted, open position. The stem has ports set above the foot of the stem a distance such that, in an upper position of the stem, the port is blocked by an O-ring, and in a lower position of the stem, gas can flow through the stem, the ports, an annular space around the stem, and out through the hole at the bottom of the through bore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly deflating a chamber. The apparatus for rapidly inflating an inflatable chamber of determined inflation volume with an inflation fluid comprises an inflation device for inflating said inflatable chamber with an inflation fluid to a predetermined inflation pressure, and further comprises a rapid deflation device for rapidly deflating said chamber by sucking out said inflation fluid at a high flow rate, the rapid deflation device being used on deactivating said chamber, in particular so as to transport it with its volume being reduced to as small as possible.

Abstract: There is provided a device for filling an inflatable protective cushion to a predetermined air pressure. The inflating device has a handle having an inlet port for receiving compressed air and a valve for opening and closing the inlet port and an air outlet port. A housing having an air chamber is connected to the handle and receives the air from the handle outlet port through an air channel terminating in an orfice which creates a vacuum in the chamber. The venturi effect draws additional air through a muffler connected to the housing chamber during filling. The muffler serves to restrict air flow from and to the atmosphere during and after filling of the cushion. The housing also includes a nozzle connected to the air outlet for insertion into a self-sealing valve in the cushion for filling with air. Also provided is a fill indicator comprising an indicator mount secured in the housing, an indicator button extending through an opening in the mount and moveable upward and downward therein.

Abstract: A method for loading a bulk cargo into a flexible expandable liner. The liner has a body defining an inlet opening and an interior for holding the cargo. An inlet chute is connected to the liner body and extends through the inlet opening. The method includes the step of opening the inlet chute to form a tubular shaped passageway which passageway is in communication with the interior and exterior of the liner. Then conducting bulk cargo through the tubular passageway into the interior. Raising the gas pressure in the interior of the body to force the inlet chute against the liner body and thus close off the chute and inlet opening.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes a first vertical tube with a plug operably mounted in the lower end to selectively prevent the flow of the material from a dispensing opening in the lower end of the tube. A horizontal feed tube has an auger therein which selectively moves material into the upper end of the vertical tube for dispensing through the dispensing opening of the vertical tube. An actuator mounted on the vertical tube selectively moves the plug between the open and closed positions to dispense material within the tube. A second vertical tube adjacent the first tube also includes a plug operably mounted in a dispensing opening in the lower end thereof, for dispensing fluid from the second vertical tube. The first vertical tube is mounted with its lower end vertically spaced above the lower end of the second vertical tube such that liquid from the second vertical tube will not spray on the first vertical tube.

Abstract: An automatic bag filling machine employs a reduced pressure or a vacuum within a bag enclosing shroud to draw powdered material at a high velocity into either valved bags or vapor barrier bags to fill the bags with a relatively compacted powder. The shroud has powered movable liner assembly for adjustably enclosing bags of various size. A filling spout and a vapor barrier spout carrier by the shroud each have an expandable boot member to seal the mouth of the bag on the spout to preclude seepage of powdered material from the bag interior during filling. A system is provided for automatic detection of powder escaping from a broken bag. The shroud is supported on a weighing scale which measures the bags and stops flow when filled to a predetermined amount. Alternatively, the weighing scale may support the bag being filled inside the shroud. A filter tank connected to the machine reduces the discharge of powdered material into the surrounding atmosphere, and allows waste material to be reclaimed.

Abstract: A method for filling and evacuating an inflatable stowage pad, includes connecting the stowage pad to a nozzle apparatus including a handgrip which operates on the principle of a water jet pump for selectively generating a pressure air flow and a suction when connected to a source of compressed air. The stowage pad is selectively filled and evacuated with the nozzle apparatus.

Abstract: A container bag (10 designed to be inflated before or during filling characterized in that a pressure relief valve (22) is incorporated or incorporatable into the bag body, the valve being connectible to a receiver for exhausted powder or pulverulent matter. The pressure relief valve can be set to give a desired inflation pressure in the FIBC but will permit air to escape above this pressure thereby ensuring that the stitching and seams of the FIBC are not over-stressed to the point of leakage. The valve is connectible to, and preferably is connected to, a receiver for any vented gases and entrained powder. Preferably the receiver is the filling silo (28) so that any expelled powder is returned for refilling.

Abstract: Oil changing apparatus including an oil storage tank and a gasoline powered air compressor, both mounted on the bed of a trailer. An oil hose communicates with the storage tank, and connects into a motor being serviced. The drain plugs of motorized equipment serviced by the oil changing apparatus are provided with quick coupling connectors. The oil hose has a cooperating connector at its distal end, which connects to the modified drain plug. The drain plug connector includes a normally closed valve, to retain oil in the sump when the oil hose is not attached thereto. A first air hose enables the air compressor to draw air from the storage tank in the oil drain mode. Oil is removed from the serviced motor by suction. In the purge mode, accumulated old oil is rapidly purged from the tank. A second air hose conducts pressurized air from the compressor to the storage tank, which forces oil from the storage tank when emptying the same. An accessory enables purging an oil filter cartridge with the novel apparatus.

Abstract: A fluent material dispensing apparatus for filling containers with fluent material comprising a hopper for receiving and holding fluent material, the hopper's top being open and the hopper converging downwardly towards the hopper's bottom, wherein multiple discharge openings are located at the hopper's bottom, the top end of the discharge chutes being formed around each of the discharge openings, a support frame for supporting the hopper, the support frame comprising base members and a plurality of vertical legs extending between the hopper and the base members, a swing gate pivotally mounted to each discharge chute, the swing gates being movable from an open to a closed position over the bottom of the discharge chutes to control the discharge of fluent material from the hopper, a swing gate actuating mechanism for selectively moving the swing gate between an open and a closed position, a rotatable auger mounted transversely in the hopper for moving fluent material over the discharge openings, and a power sys

Abstract: A material handling system for effecting the transfer of powdered fluent material with respect to a container while preventing the escape of such material to a surrounding work environment. The system comprises a container having an opening in its top, a lower closure device secured to the container at its top movable between a closed position closing the container opening and an open position for permitting access to the interior of the container opening. An upper closure device is releasably attachable to the container above the lower closure device. At least part of the upper closure device is removed from the container to permit access to the container opening when the lower closure device is open. The system also includes a tubular head comprising an outer sleeve, and an inner tube mechanism inside the outer sleeve.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling valve sacks includes at least one filling pipe in fluid communication with a feed unit and receiving a valved sack. The filling pipe is provided with least one axial slot-like recess which is engageable by a clamping lever after a valve sack is placed over the outlet port of the filling pipe so as to apply a tension force onto the valve of the sack. In this manner, the valve of the sack is pushed into the recess and drawn against the outer surface of the filling pipe to attain a sealing action which is maintained even when pressure causes a widening of the valve because the clamping lever is then further lowered.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring powder from a bulk supply to a container comprising a first conduit 4 extending from a bulk supply 2 to the container 25, a second conduit 8 enabling the introduction of a purge gas into the container, a third conduit 28 enabling displaced gas to discharge from the container, a source of suction 17 communicating with the third conduit, a filter 13 through which passes the displaced gas, and an inflatable annulus 23 made of flexible material disposed round the conduits and adapted to enter into enter into engagement with the wall of the container.

Abstract: A full sack compressor for deaerating flowable material includes a hollow, rectangular chamber connected to a vacuum pump for establishing a vacuum when filled with flowable material, causing the flowable material to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: The present invention is a vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable materials for storage in a container. The vacuum fill system in general has a hollow, cylindrical container connected to a plurality of valves, slide gate valves and a vacuum pump in order to create a vacuum when filled with flowable materials that causes the flowable materials to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for continuously deaerating and compacting flowable materials for transportation and storage in containers includes a first rotatable chamber valve for receiving the flowable materials. Attached to the rotatable chamber valve is a fixed position chamber connected to a vacuum source for receiving the flowable materials from the first rotatable chamber and for deaerating the flowable materials. The fixed position chamber is in turn connected to a second rotatable chamber valve for receiving the deaerated flowable materials from the fixed position chamber, maintaining the materials in a vacuum, then returning the materials to atmospheric pressure substantially instantaneously as the valve rotates to compact the deaerated materials into a substantially solid mass.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable material includes a cylindrical container partitioned into a plurality of chambers which rotate sequentially and which are connected to a vacuum pump for establishing a vacuum when filled with flowable material. The flowable material deaerates and compacts when atmospheric pressure is subsequently restored.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying valved sacks or bags to filling nozzles is disclosed, including a first conveyor for transporting a sack to a waiting position spaced from the filling nozzle a distance at least equal to the width of the sack, and a second conveyor for transporting the sack in a suspended valve-open condition to the filling nozzle. A releasable gripping device associated with the second conveyor engages the sack adjacent the bottom of the valve means, thereby to open the same, which gripping device includes a pair of spaced opposed sheet metal plates.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening the upper and lower surfaces of a flat-folded valve bag and for separating a valve bag from a stack of valve bags includes a wedge-shaped insertion member comprising two movable parts mounted on a movable carriage. The movable parts are inserted into the valve and splayed to separate the valve. The carriage moves the insertion member and valve bag upward to separate the bag from a stack of bags. The apparatus also includes a device for depressing the bags and an air blower which directs air along the upper surface of the valve to open the valve for insertion of the insertion member.

Abstract: A bag packing center accepts either open mouth bags or valve bags, particulate material to be contained in such bags and pallets upon which filled bags are to be stacked in planned layer configurations and automatically produces full pallets of filled bags stacked in such layer configurations. The packing center utilizes a novel unitary frame structure suitable for transport on a flatbed truck or rail car without any substantial disassembly to permit portability and virtually immediate operation at the user's facility without the usual specialized design, engineering and structural interface problems of the prior art. Bag placing, filling, flattening, turning, layer forming and palletizing are all accomplished automatically in a unitary, two-level integrated structure uniquely designed to occupy a minimum amount of floor space.

Abstract: Valve bags having a vent for exit of air from the bag as it is filled, with a filter for the vent incorporated in the bag as part of the bag for preventing escape of product from the bag. In each of two types of bag disclosed, the filter is formed as a pocket for receiving a vacuum member for evacuating air from the bag through the filter. In one of these two types, the valve is at a corner at one end of the bag and the pocket is at the opposite corner at this end. In the other, the valve and pocket are at one and the same corner, the pocket being under the valve. In a third type of bag disclosed, the filter is part of a valve sleeve for the bag.

Abstract: A bag-filling machine, in which the material to be filled is conveyed by compressed air through a filling tube, has a storage cylinder which is closed at its underside by a grid-like floor having ventilation apertures. The filling tube is fitted above the floor in the peripheral wall of the storage cylinder. An improvement in the flow of the material to be filled and a more complete emptying on termination of the filling procedure are achieved if the floor is formed from at least three segments. Below the segments, sealed relative to one another, respective specifically associated compressed air supply chambers are disposed which are each provided with a regulatable compressed air supply.

Abstract: An automatic bag-loading apparatus for placing valve bags onto the spouts of a bag-filling machine. The apparatus comprises a carousel with carrier arms equipped at their ends with grippers to grip and hold bags. Synchronizing means are mounted to the bag-filling machine to encounter the bag-carrying grippers and to guide them through appropriate channels towards the spouts, thereby synchronizing the relative speed between the bag-filling machine and the carousel.

Abstract: An automatic bag filling machine employs a reduced pressure or a vacuum within a bag enclosing shroud to draw powdered material into either valved bags or vapor barrier bags in a series of increments to fill the bags with a relatively compacted powder. The shroud has movable liner assembly for adjustably enclosing bags of various size. A novel filling spout and a vapor barrier spout carrier by the shroud each have an expandable boot member to seal the mouth of the bag on the spout to preclude seepage of powdered material from the bag interior during filling. A filter tank connected to the machine reduces the discharge of powdered material into the surrounding atmosphere, and allows waste material to be reclaimed. Valves for controlling vacuum imparted to the shroud chamber, venting the bag interior, powdered material flow, and relief to atmospheric pressure of the shroud interior, are operated in proper sequence to fill the bag.

Abstract: A valve bag filling apparatus that combines an auger-type feed and an air pressure-type feed in a unitary filling system for filling valve bags with flowable particulate material at higher speed and with greater accuracy. A concentric tube configuration is used to deliver such material at high speed into the bag during a major portion of the filling cycle with both feed systems acting simultaneously. A novel cutoff tube closes an annular air feed passage during the final portion of the filling cycle when the auger feed portion of the system completes the bag filling operation at a highly accurate and readily controlled low feed rate. Air purge jets clear the air passage of remaining material during the final portion of the filling cycle. A unique fluidizing section of the apparatus aerates the product and feeds it into both the auger and air passage during high speed filling.

Abstract: A filling machine for packaging divided solid material having a conduit for feeding the material under pressure into a packaging container, wherein an elastic liner is disposed in and extends along a part of the length of the conduit, has its opposite ends secured to the conduit, and cooperates with the inner surface of the conduit to form a cavity. The conduit is formed with a vent opening to the cavity to permit outward expansion of the liner when material is flowing through the conduit and inward contraction of the liner when there is no flow through the conduit, thereby flexing the liner to crack and break off material adhering to the inner surface of the liner.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in filling a valve bag eliminates sifting of product during the filling process. A filling nozzle is inserted into the valve of a bag to be filled. A flow of particulate material is provided through the filling nozzle and into the bag. When the bag is full, the flow of particulate material is terminated. A blast of high pressure air is then introduced into the nozzle in order to clear the nozzle of any residual particulate material therein. A low pressure blast of air is introduced between the nozzle and the filling valve to suspend any particles present in the filling valve after the nozzle has been cleared by the high pressure blast. A vacuum is introduced into the nozzle to suck any suspended particles out of the filling valve after the low pressure blast has been introduced. A boot can be inflated around the nozzle to seal the nozzle within the bag valve before filling the bag.

Abstract: Bags having a filling valve sleeve which are adapted for containing pulverulent material are filled by inserting a filler nozzle into the sleeve and blowing the material through the nozzle and then through an entry port in the sleeve into the bags. The filler nozzle has a transversely flattened configuration which conforms to the shape of the valve sleeve. The valve sleeve has an inner end which is closed and formed devoid of deep corners and the filler nozzle has a nose portion which is formed so as to conform in profile to the inner end of the sleeve. The entry port of the sleeve is disposed in the bottom wall thereof and the filler nozzle has a delivery port in its bottom wall which registers with the sleeve entry port. The valve sleeve has an inner plastic film lining, and the filler nozzle has a groove which surrounds the nozzle delivery port to which groove a vacuum is applied so as to draw the plastic lining into sealing engagement with the filler nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for aseptic filling of pre-sterilized non-rigid containers, especially foodstuffs containers. The said process involves taking laying hold of the container by means of air-suction, followed by sterilization of part of the container and the means holding same, then piercing of the actual container and subsequent introduction thereinto of sterile gas. This is followed by introduction of the foodstuff into the container and ultimate hermetical heat-sealing of the container thus filled. The apparatus used for carrying out the process comprises a movable workhead, positioned appropriately along a traverse overlying the conveyor bringing up containers for filling the workhead has means for taking hold of the container by suction, means for piercing the container, and for introducing sterile gas and foodstuff into the container. The workhead carries out such operations by moving into angularly distinct respective working postures.

Abstract: A bag placer apparatus for placing a valve bag upon a filler spout through which the bag is to be filled with a flowable material. The apparatus comprises three principal components, namely, a magazine for stacking the bags, a registration and indexing apparatus for removing one bag at a time from the stack and aligning the bag with the valve portion thereof in a precise location, and a picker-spouter apparatus which picks up the aligned bag, opens the valve and places it upon a filler spout. The picker-spouter apparatus includes an advantageous combination of clamp mechanism, suction cups, a push rod, and a second clamp mechanism which employs a pair of leaf-springs which selectively grasp and align the vertical edge of each bag below the valve thereof to further ensure proper bag alignment and valve opening.

Abstract: A valve bag adapted to have a filler nozzle inserted therein for filling the bag with bulk material is provided in its top portion with a filler valve which includes a tube of relatively stiff material extending inwardly from an opening in a wall of the bag. Secured to the inner end of the tube is a valve member in the form of a tube of limp, extremely flexible foil which projects inwardly beyond the end of the tube. The foil tube is normally collapsed to form a closure, but is expanded by insertion of a filler nozzle therethrough.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for filling a valved paper bag. Such bags are well-known in the art and include a valve which, upon filling of the bag, closes automatically to seal the contents of the bag. Following filling of the bag, it is removed and replaced with an empty bag. Heretofore this removal has been accomplished by an operator removing by hand the bag from a filling nozzle to a place for removal. Thus the operator must lift many hundreds of pounds in the course of a working day. In accordance with this invention, a bag is positioned, filled and then is ejected automatically without any lifting of a filled bag by the operator.

Abstract: A filler spout for attachment to an automatic bag filling machine whereby freely flowable material is forceably driven through the spout into the interior of the bag. The spout is inserted through an entry opening in the side of the bag during the filling operation. During the filling operation both ends of the bag are sealed. The spout comprises an outer shroud portion inside of which a material delivery tube is disposed. The end of the shroud which is inserted into the bag is closed with a blunt curvilinear contour for easy insertion. An opening is disposed in the side of the shroud adjacent the closed blunt end, and the bore of the delivery tube communicates with the opening in the side of the shroud. The delivery tube has a curvilinear axis so that material fed through the delivery tube is deflected down into the interior of the bag toward one of the sealed ends so as to minimize damage to the side walls.

Abstract: A filler sleeve is disclosed for use in conjunction with a bag adapted to contain a powder, fibrous, flake or granular product. More specifically, a filler sleeve is disclosed comprised of an elongated tubular member which is connected to the top end of the bag. The tubular member includes an open end which is contiguous with a filler opening provided in the top end of the bag. The opposed end of the tubular member is heat sealed or locked by folding. A longitudinally extending slit is provided in the tubular member disposed on the bottom surface thereof. In use, when the bag is filled by introducing the product by air flow or by gravity, through a filler nozzle which is inserted into the filler opening and into the tubular member, the product is deflected downwardly into the bag thereby inhibiting the likelihood of blowout of the side panels.

Abstract: For the fabrication of a bag-in-box (BIB) package, there is first provided a semifinished, collapsed BIB package wherein a flattened bag is placed within a collapsed box and secured to at least one of its inside surfaces by means of an adhesive. After erecting the package, the bag is inflated into close internal contact with the box by introducing a gas under pressure through a fitment attached to the bag and projecting outwardly of the box. The opposite ends of the box are closed with sets of foldable end flaps, with the aid of an adhesive. Preferably, the bag is further secured to the inside surfaces of a pair of opposed ones of the four bottom end flaps of the box. The opposed pair of bottom flaps are held folded out during the introduction of the pressurized gas into the bag, in order that the bottom end portion of the inflated bag may make neat contact with the inside surfaces of the box. There is also disclosed herein an apparatus for thus fabricating the BIB package.

Abstract: A bag placer apparatus for placing a valve bag upon a filler spout through which the bag is to be filled with a flowable material. The apparatus comprises three principal components, namely, a magazine for stacking the bags, a registration and indexing apparatus for removing one bag at a time from the stack and aligning the bag with the valve portion thereof in a precise location, and a picker-spouter apparatus which picks up the aligned bag, opens the valve and places it upon a filler spout. The magazine has means for supporting a plurality of vertical stacks of bags with each stack comprising a plurality of bags in horizontal position. The magazine also includes means for sensing when the last bag of a stack has been withdrawn for positioning another stack in appropriate location for being received by the registration and indexing apparatus.