Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes: an inspection station configured to receive a die vessel, wherein the inspection station is configured to inspect the die vessel for defects; a desiccant station configured to receive the die vessel from the inspection station, wherein the desiccant station is configured to add a desiccant to the die vessel; a bundle station configured to receive the die vessel from the desiccant station, wherein the bundle station is configured to combine the die vessel with another die vessel as a die bundle; and a bagging station configured to receive the die bundle from the bundle station, wherein the bagging station is configured to dispose the die bundle in a die bag and to heat seal the die bag with the die bundle inside.

Abstract: A gripper device used in a bag filling and packaging machine and moved, while holding a bag, along a predetermined path to change the orientation of the bag, the gripper device including: a movable frame that is moved along the predetermined path in a horizontal plane, a pivot frame that is pivotably supported by the movable frame and has a horizontal pivot axis, a pair of gripper arms that are pivotably supported by the pivot frame and pivoted, in conjunction with each other, symmetrically in a plane parallel to the pivot axis of the pivot frame, a bag orientation changing mechanism that is installed on the movable frame and pivots the pivot frame at an angle of 90°, and a gripper arm pivot mechanism that is installed on the movable frame and pivots the pair of gripper arms.

Abstract: A bag applicator assist device for a baling system having a discharge mandrel, includes a frame movable longitudinally along the mandrel from a loading position to a bagging position and at least one gripper mounted to the frame. The gripper is movable between a closed position to secure the bag therein and an open position to release the bag from the gripper. A bag is positioned in the gripper at the loading position, the frame is moved longitudinally along the mandrel from the loading position to the bagging position and the bag is released from the gripper when the frame is in the bagging position. A bag configured for use with the applicator assist device includes a polymeric tubular member having a sealed end and an open end. The open end defines four corners. The bag has a gripper receiving region at about each corner.

Abstract: A machine and a method for forming a two-compartment pouch having a lower compartment and an upper compartment The method includes the steps of drawing a film over a pair of fill tubes; sealing side edges of the film to form a sleeve; forming a bottom seal on the sleeve; pulling the sleeve downwardly; filling a bottom portion of the pouch using one of the fill tubes; forming a second seal over the filled bottom portion; filling an upper portion of the pouch using the other fill tube; and sealing the upper portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking financial documents, in particular banknotes. The financial documents (BN) are stacked upright in a stacking area on a stacking surface, and the stacking operation is terminated when a predetermined stack length is reached. The stack formation takes place in a receiving bag (14) which is stationarily held by a holding frame (10) in the entry area of the financial documents (BN) and which forms a stock (15) around the circumference of the holding frame (10). With increasing stack length, receiving bag material is automatically taken from the stock (15) so that the length of the receiving bag (14) continuously adapts to the length of the value note stack (31). At the end of the stacking operation the receiving bag (14) is closed at its opening, e.g. by welding, and can subsequently be removed from the stacking area and can be used as a transport container or, respectively, a security bag.

Abstract: A packaging system including two rotary tables (5, 6) provided adjacent each other on a common base (1) and connected to a common drive source to intermittently rotate in mutually opposite directions in the same intermittent indexing mode. For the rotary tables (5, 6), empty bag supplying devices (10, 11), mouth-opening devices (14, 15), packaged material filling devices (16, 17), mouth-sealing devices (22, 23), and product bag unloading devices (8, 9) are respectively provided on the base (1). The product bag unloading devices (8, 9) are disposed adjacent each other in the vicinity of the most proximate stop positions (H, h) of the tables, and the empty bag supplying devices (10,11) are disposed adjacent each other in the vicinity of the following stop positions (A, a).

Abstract: A cassette for dispensing bags from an elongated tubing comprising an annular receptacle accommodating a length of tubing in an accumulated condition. An annular opening at an upper end of the annular receptacle is for dispensing the tubing. The annular receptacle defines a central opening through which a knotted end of the tubing passes to form a bag supported by the annular receptacle with disposable objects passing through the circular central opening to be received in the bag, and a clearance only at a bottom of the central opening.

Abstract: A film-supporting device is used with a waste-disposal unit. The device comprises an annular body. The annular body has an annular wall. The inward radial surface of the wall defines a central opening of the body. The outline of the central opening in a transverse plane of the device has variable diametrical dimensions with a first diameter of greater dimension than the second diameter. The outline has two of the first diameter of generally equal dimension and two of the second diameter of generally equal dimension. The device has tubular film about an outward radial surface of the annular body. A free annular end is dispensed outwardly from the annular wall. The free annular end is closed to form a bag. The opening of the bag is accessible through the central opening and is of optimized shape via the central opening for the disposal of waste. A method for disposing of waste on a scooping tool is also provided.

Abstract: A conveyor system pre-inserts a portion of the web into a first belt before the portion is gripped between the first belt and a second belt. In one exemplary embodiment, a pair of lips of a web are inserted into a corresponding first pair of belts and then the pair of lips are secured in the first pair of belts by inserting a second pair of belts into the first pair of belts over the pair of lips.

Abstract: Bag installation for bagging machines may include bag installation systems and/or methods that provide efficient, convenient, safe, and/or simplified means and/or steps for installing a bag on, and/or maintaining bag on, a bagging machine.

Abstract: An ice bagging system includes an ice maker unit, an ice bagger unit, and an ice storing unit. The ice bagger unit includes a sheet of ice bags disposed on a bag roll, the sheet of ice bags is threaded through a plurality of guide rollers, a pinch roller assembly, and a sealing jaw assembly. The pinch roller assembly includes first and second pinch roller wheels that are axially movable inwardly and outwardly to selectively open or close an individual ice bag in the sheet of ice bags.

Abstract: A bread packaging apparatus for packaging bread in a bag, includes a first urging unit that comes into contact with a loaf of bread and conveys the loaf of bread along a conveying path; and a control unit for controlling a speed of the first urging unit. The control unit controls the speed of the first urging unit such that the speed when the first urging unit comes into contact with the loaf of bread is different from the speed when the first urging unit conveys the loaf of bread.

Abstract: An apparatus for shaping and holding a bag in an open condition, and holding the bag in this condition during loading of the bag with a product, includes an inner stationary ring; a plurality of finger assemblies, each finger assembly comprising a finger adapted to press against the interior of the bag mouth, and a force-transferring member to which the finger is operatively connected; an outer rotatable ring, concentric with the inner ring; a push rod operatively connected to each respective finger assembly; and a motive device adapted to cause rotation of the outer ring relative to the inner ring to effect coordinated radial movement of the fingers relative to the interior surface of the bag. A method of shaping and holding a bag in an open condition, and holding the bag in the shaped, open condition during loading of the bag with a product, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved loader is described. The loader includes a frame having an upper surface, a pair of horns adjustably connected to the upper surface, each horn comprising an upper shoulder, a lower shoulder, and an air duct between the upper shoulder and the lower shoulder, a pair of air hoses connecting each air duet to a controller, the controller being connected to a pressurized air supply, and an alignment mechanism mounted, the alignment mechanism including an axle mounted to the frame, a first arm connected to a first panel, the first arm rotatably connected to the axle, a second arm connected to a second panel, the second arm rotatably connected to the axle, a gear mechanism connected to the axle and to the first arm and the second arm, the gear mechanism configured to rotate the second arm in a direction opposite to a direction of rotation of the first arm, and a dual-action cylinder connected to at least one of the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: Packing unit (1) with a packing machine (2) for filling bulk materials (3) in open sacks with a sack suspension device (7), for suspending the open sacks at a filling nozzle (8-10) of a product supply device (11, 13) and filling the same with at least one bulk material. The sack suspension device is provided with at least two selectable product supply devices. The at least two product supply devices and the sack suspension device are movable relative to each other in order to select a product supply device and to suspend a sack by means of the sack suspension device at the filling nozzle of the selected product supply device and to fill bulk material in the open sack by means of the corresponding filling nozzle.

Abstract: A bagging machine having a uniquely configured rotor that can be operated with a grill, enables removal or injection of fluid materials when filling a bag. In one mode, the rotor enables the removal or draining of an effluent created from the bagging process such as from silage. In another mode, the rotor enables the injection of a treatment agent such as an antifungal agent as material is bagged.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of flexible, hose-like objects, such as bags, in which the processing devices are located on a guide track above the objects to be treated, which processing devices and guide track are suspended from a framework with an empty space underneath.

Abstract: Provided are a bag mouth opening method and apparatus capable of surely and stably opening into a desired shape the mouth of a spout bag having a spout attached to an upper edge-side portion thereof. A spout tilting relative to a bag is corrected into a non-tilting position and pinched with spout pinching members opened and closed by a first air cylinder of a spout holding device. The first air cylinder is held in an initial position in the width direction of the bag by a second air cylinder through a quadric link comprising a connecting rod mounting plate, a connecting rod, a connecting plate, and a second support arm. The interior of the second air cylinder is opened to the atmospheric pressure in synchronism with the start of movement away from each other of a pair of suction cups of a bag mouth opening device and movement toward each other of a pair of gripping members gripping the laterally opposite side edges of the bag.

Abstract: A plastic bag for retaining a food product is formed of first and second plastic sheets sealed along the bottom and sides. The bag has an exterior increased friction surface section proximate the mouth. The bag is used in combination with a glove having an exterior increased friction surface portion. The exterior increased friction portion of the glove engages the increased friction section of the bag to facilitate opening of the mouth of the bag. Preferably, aligned increased friction sections are formed on the exterior surface of opposite sides of the bag and the glove has exterior increased friction portions on the tips of the finger stalls. When the bag is held between the thumb and index finger of the glove user, movement of the thumb and index finger of the glove in opposite directions facilitates opening of the bag.

Abstract: An ice bagging assembly and related method with a horizontal ice bag cassette, a pair of opposing ice bag ply graspers configured to move an empty ice bag from the horizontal ice bag cassette to a vertical position to receive cubed ice before it is sealed shut and dropped to an ice bag merchandiser. The opposing graspers may be configured as rotating wheels and may have a grasping sensor. The ice bag cassette may be slidably and tiltably supported for easy replacement of horizontal bags. A load sensor, optical or mechanical, may be associated with the ice hopper to sense how much ice has been put in each bag. A pair of angled guides may guide a hopper into a support frame for the system.

Abstract: An article bagging apparatus designed to reduce impacts caused by stopping at advance and retraction terminal points. The article bagging apparatus has an upper scoop (12) and a lower scoop (14) rectilinearly movable forward and backward together. The upper and lower scoops are advanced and inserted into a bag through an opening thereof, and the upper scoop is displaced upward, thereby expanding the bag vertically. In addition, the upper and lower scoops are retracted to pull the expanded bag, thereby allowing an article placed in the path of retraction to enter the bag. The article bagging apparatus includes a coupling unit (22) that allows the upper scoop to be displaced vertically and that causes the upper and lower scoops to move together forward and backward, an upper guide rail (24) supporting the upper scoop horizontally movably, and an upper drive unit (26) vertically moving the upper guide rail.

Abstract: A load smart system for continuously loading preformed pouches into a fill-seal machine is provided. A plurality of pouches are disposed within a pouch delivery device, each of the pouches having an upper edge and an indicia. The fill-seal machine includes a rotating turret having a plurality of radially extending grippers. The rotating turret rotates the plurality of gripper pairs between a loading station, an opening station, a filling station, a sealing station, and an unloading station. A robotic transfer device is positioned between the pouch delivery device and the loading station of the fill-seal machine. The robotic transfer device includes an optical sensor positioned on a gripper member. During operation, the optical sensor scans the indicia to determine the pouch characteristics and a controlling station controls the gripper member to deposits the pouch within the gripper pairs at the loading station a predetermined distance from the upper edge of the pouch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing articles is arranged to deliver articles to selected stacking positions in two or more storage units. An article is dispensed to a first article transport and distribution section in a main storage unit, and then either delivered to a stacking position in the main unit or transported through a connecting window onto a second transport and distribution section in a satellite storage unit for delivery to a stacking position in that unit. The procedure is repeated to distribute subsequent bags of ice to selected stacking positions in each unit. Additional satellite storage units may be provided and included in the delivery sequence for distributing bags of ice throughout the units. The storage units may be refrigerated, merchandizing units for bagged ice, with the main storage unit associated with an ice bagged ice supply unit which dispenses bags of ice into the unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling, closing, folding and transporting away tobacco bags (10) or pouches, using a turret (24) that rotates about a horizontal axis and has preferably six mounts (28), each for one bag (10), arranged along the circumference in the region of planar wall portions (29). The bags are conveyed through a plurality of processing stations, in particular through a filling station, suction-extraction station, closing station and wrapping station, by the turret (24) with cyclic rotary movement. A plurality of sub-turrets, each with corresponding mounts (28), can be arranged one beside the other in the axial direction.

Abstract: This apparatus relates to ice-bagging apparatuses with an ice maker and a hopper for receiving ice from the ice maker. The apparatus utilizes rotating drums designed for delivering ice into a bag. The apparatus also possess bagging and drop mechanism which fills and mechanically seals each bag of ice and drops it into a freezer for storage. The apparatus has an electronic operating system that has been greatly simplified using infrared technology and/or laser technology. The operating system is connected with the internet and a central processing center to allow for complete managing and monitoring of the system.

Abstract: A pouch-gripping apparatus includes a frame having a vertical mounting surface and a base mounted to that surface. A stationary arm projects outwardly from the vertical mounting surface. The stationary arm has an “L”-shaped distal free end that defines a stop wall. A second arm is rotatably mounted to the stationary arm and a plug is secured to the free end of the second arm. The second arm has a position of repose where it is angled relative to the stationary arm. The plug bears against the stop wall when the second arm rotates from the position of repose to a substantially horizontal position. A rim of a pouch sandwiched between the plug and the stop wall is held by the pressure between the plug and the stop wall and the pressure increases as a weight of the pouch increases.

Abstract: A device for loading deformable objects into a flexible container. The objects are controlled from a remote source point at least partially into the container. The device provides for simultaneous movement of fingers, between which the objects travel, in mutually orthogonal X, Y and Z directions.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling packages of the collapsible type, having a first station and a second station, a transport unit for intermittent transport of the packages from the first station to the second station along a transport direction (P) which extends between the first station and the second station, the transport unit being designed to transport the packages in a hanging position, and a swing-inhibiting unit which is designed to engage with the packages in order to counteract a swinging movement of the hanging packages during said transport, the swing-inhibiting unit being movable along the transport direction (P) while the transport unit transports the packages. The swing-inhibiting unit is arranged separately from the tranport unit.

Abstract: A gripper used in, for instance, a bag filling apparatus including a pair of gripper arms provided with chuck holders. Each chuck holder includes first and second tubular portions, first and second tubular members slidably inserted therein, and first and second air cylinders installed within the tubular portions. An inside fixed chuck element is affixed to the tip end of the first tubular member, and an inside movable chuck element is attached to the tip end of the piston rod of the first air cylinder; in addition, an outside fixed chuck element is affixed to the tip end of second tubular member, and an outside movable chuck element is attached to the tip end of the piston rod of the second air cylinder; and the movable chuck elements are opened and closed with respect to the fixed chuck elements by the advance and retreat motions of the respective piston rods.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for using a packaging system for a sterilizable item. The packaging system includes a first sleeve that is elongated and a second sleeve that encloses one end of the first sleeve. The first sleeve is an elongated open ended tube or pouch. The second sleeve is an open ended tube or pocket. The sides of the first sleeve and the sides of the second sleeve are proximate each other with the closed end of the first sleeve proximate a closed end of the second sleeve. The open end of the first sleeve is folded into a cuff that covers the open end of the second sleeve. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sterilization indicator affixed to the outside of the packaging system.

Abstract: A vertical bag packaging machine has a steam nozzle that is inserted into a bag to inject steam thereinto after an article to be packaged has been filled into the bag, thereby replacing the air in the bag with the steam to effect deaeration. After the steam-replacement deaeration, a seal portion to be ultrasonically sealed is preheated by a preheating device, thereby making the temperature of the seal portion uniform throughout it. The preheating temperature is not lower than a temperature of a highest temperature region of said seal portion before it is preheated and below a melting temperature of a material constituting an inner side of said bag Thereafter, the seal portion is ultrasonically sealed by an ultrasonic sealing device. Thus, reliable and stable ultrasonic sealing can be realized.

Abstract: An ice bagging system includes an ice maker unit, an ice bagger unit, and an ice storing unit. The ice bagger unit includes a sheet of ice bags disposed on a bag roll, the sheet of ice bags is threaded through a plurality of guide rollers, a pinch roller assembly, and a sealing jaw assembly. The pinch roller assembly includes first and second pinch roller wheels that are axially movable inwardly and outwardly to selectively open or close an individual ice bag in the sheet of ice bags.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a non-rectilinear flexible package comprising an in-line process including application and selective sealing of a semi-rigid strip to an inner wall of the package and further including a dual-stage die-cutting technique to remove and cut a non-linear shape into a formed web of film. The semi-rigid strip is sealed to one interior wall of the package but not the other to provide a reinforced opening to the package through which a material can be dispensed. Additionally, the dual stage die-cutting method comprises first cutting and removing a portion of the web material prior to filling the package and again cutting and removing a portion of the web material after filling, resulting in a package having a narrowed neck adjacent the closed reinforced opening at an upper portion of the package and a body of the package that is tapered towards the reinforced opening.

Abstract: A bag-puckering system has a pairs of grippers engageable with upper corners of respective bags. The grippers of each pair are shiftable between an inner position in which the respective bag is puckered open and an outer position in which the respective bag is held flat. The pairs of grippers are aligned in a longitudinal row and shiftable in a travel direction through a filling station wherein fluent material can be poured into the bags. A controller upstream of the filling station measures a length in the direction of the bags and generates respective outputs corresponding thereto. A movable cam at the filling station operatively engages the grippers in the filling station for shifting the grippers between their inner and outer positions. A drive connected to the control means and to the cam can shift the grippers in accordance with the size of the respective bags.

Abstract: Methods for forming packages from a web of preformed bags. In one exemplary method of forming packages from a web of preformed bags, a first bag is held open with air. A product is loaded into the first bag that is held open with air. An opening of the first bag is sealed. A next bag is indexed such that an opening of the next bag is proximate to an engagement member. The web is engaged with the engagement member to pre-open the next bag. The web is disengaged by the engagement member. The next bag is opened with air for loading.

Abstract: A bag supply device receives large bags are retained in a stacked state on its mounting portions that are provided on chains. In addition, this bag supply device includes a horizontal support mechanism that supports the rear portion of the stacked large bags so that they can be raised and lowered in order to retain an uppermost surface of an uppermost large bag in a horizontal posture at a discharge position. The chains and the mounting portions are disposed such that the rear portion of the large bags hangs down. The horizontal support mechanism includes a roller that moves along the transport direction, and the uppermost large bag will be retained in a horizontal posture by moving the roller to support the rear portion of the large bags from below.

Abstract: A system for loading a bale in a continuous storage bag includes a structure configured and disposed to releasably dispense the bag in response to receiving a bale directed inside the structure, the directed bale being inserted inside the bag. A bale wagon receives the bale and a push-off member directs the bale inside the structure from the bale wagon. A first member is selectably movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the bale wagon to selectably secure the bale wagon to the structure.

Abstract: An inventive device or a method, respectively, for a chamber machine for positioning at least a nozzle (11) and/or a measuring device relative with respect to a bag (9) having a bag mouth should solve the object to simplify or to accelerate, respectively, gassing the bags with protective gas or the injection of liquids or solids, respectively. The inventive device comprises a movable holding device (15) at which the nozzle (11) and/or the measuring device is fixable and which is at least movable between a rest position and an operation position. The holding device (15) positions the nozzle (11) and/or the measuring device in its rest position outside the bag mouth and positions the same in its operation position so that it projects into the bag mouth.

Abstract: The invention is directed at a process for enabling the packaging of a powder (32), in particular a pharmaceutical product powder, including the steps of: providing a first bag (9) from a flexible packaging material; fixing the opening (19) of the first bag (9) to a lower outlet (11) of a DCS (drum containment system) glove box (1); inside the DSC glove box (1) pulling a continuous liner (14) at a closed end of the liner (14) and inserting the liner (14) into the first bag (9), thus providing a second bag (16) inside the first bag (9); filling the second bag (16) with the powder (32), in particular through an upper opening of the DCS glove box (1); closing the second bag (16) by disconnecting the continuous liner (14); closing the first bag (9) and removing the first and second bags (9, 16) from the DSC glove box (1). Furthermore the invention is directed at an apparatus for performing the process.

Abstract: A method for filling a dispensing bag includes inserting a collapsed bag within the chamber of a bin, the chamber being bounded by a floor and an upstanding sidewall. A first port formed on the collapsed bag is securely fixed within a port hole formed on the floor of the bin. A hoist mounted on the bin is manipulated so that the hoist raises an upper end of the collapsed bag within the chamber while the first port remains fixed within the port hole so as to expand the collapsed bag within the chamber of the bin.

Abstract: Foil bags are used as a primary packaging for liquids, the bags permitting the liquid to be taken therefrom without the application of a considerable amount of force. A container is provided for a medicinal liquid, the container being gas-tight and liquid-tight so that it is storable over many months. The container includes a collapsible foil bag on which a flange, which is stable in respect of shape, is disposed. The flange is designed for fitting onto a discharge connection member. The container can be disposed in a casing which is stable in respect of shape. The medicinal liquid does not come into contact with air and is protected from the effect of light. The medicinal liquid may be dispensed from the foil bag in many partial quantities over a prolonged period of time, with a respective partial amount thereof being converted into an aerosol by means of an atomizer.

Abstract: An adjustable pouch machine comprises a vertical sealer module forms transverse seals between two plies of a pouch web to partially define a plurality of pouches. Rollers selectively tension and relax the web on the vertically oriented wheel, allowing them to drop away from heated lands on emergency and cycle stops. A filler wheel has a plurality of adjustable gripper units mounted directly thereon for transporting independent separate pouches cut from the pouch web. An adjustable knife is selectively provided with changeable knife hub sets to handle a variety of pouch sizes where a filler wheel alternately first fills and seals pouches in a train. Gear linkage accommodates variation in distance between hubs of different sets. Various embodiments, apparatus and methods are described.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling packages of the collapsible type, comprising a first station and a second station, a transport unit for intermittent transport of said packages from the first station to the second station along a transport direction (P) which extends between the first station and the second station, the transport unit being designed to transport the packages in a hanging position, and a swing-inhibiting unit which is designed to engage with said packages in order to counteract a swinging movement of the hanging packages during said transport, said swing-inhibiting unit being movable along said transport direction (P) while the transport unit transports the packages. The swing-inhibiting unit is arranged separately from the tranport unit.

Abstract: To quickly fill a bag with medicine containers without damaging the containers, a machine for filling a bag with medicine containers includes: a bag positioning member (4) for positioning and opening a bag (13); a first moving member (37) that reciprocates between a supply position inside the bag (13) and a waiting position outside the bag (13), the first moving member including a bottom surface portion for supporting medicine containers; a second moving member that reciprocates relative to the bag (13) and includes a guide surface (47) guiding medicine containers (11) to the bottom surface portion; and a drive-control means (59) that moves the first moving member (37) from the supply position to the waiting position while maintaining the second moving member (38) in a fixed position relative to the bag (13), thereby causing medicine containers (11) guided by the guide surface (47) to the bottom surface portion to remain in the bag (13).

Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.

Abstract: An article bagging apparatus designed to reduce impacts caused by stopping at advance and retraction terminal points. The article bagging apparatus has an upper scoop 12 and a lower scoop 14 rectilinearly movable forward and backward together in a horizontal direction. The upper and lower scoops are advanced and inserted into a bag through an opening thereof, and the upper scoop is displaced upward relative to the lower scoop, thereby expanding the bag vertically. In addition, the upper and lower scoops are retracted to pull the expanded bag in the direction of retraction of the upper and lower scoops, thereby allowing an article placed in the path of retraction of the lower scoop to enter the bag through the opening.

Abstract: In an intermittently rotating table type bag filling apparatus, a plurality of pairs of grippers being provided at equal intervals around an intermittently rotating table, the grippers including pairs of left and right swing levers mounted on the intermittently rotating table, gripper arms affixed to swing levers, chuck sections installed in the tip end portions of the gripper arms, and chuck open/close mechanisms that open and close chuck sections. Gripper arms are cylindrical, and air cylinders and link mechanisms that constitute chuck open/close mechanism are installed inside the tube bodies of the gripper arms.

Abstract: A bag filling and packaging apparatus including hollow guide members that are disposed below ascending/descending hoppers and guide product dropping from hoppers into the interior of bags, the guide members being raised/lowered and moved together with the hoppers in a filling region. The guide members comprise a pair of opening and closing guide frames that are disposed to face each other; and when clogging is detected in a guide member, its guide frames are repeatedly opened and closed while moving through a non-filling region, thus promoting the dropping of product. Directly below the guide members is provided a receiving member that receives the product.

Abstract: An inflatable pneumatic bag is disclosed. An inflatable pneumatic bag includes a pneumatic hole disposed at one end of a pneumatic channel. Air, which is applied to the pneumatic hole, moves along the pneumatic channel, then through air ingress holes covered with inner layers which are removed by the expansion of the outer layers to fill all the air tubes. When the air tube is filled with air, one or more inner layers cover and then close the air ingress hole to overcome reverse air flow. Then, a curve-shaped air passage in the air tube narrows to further prevent air escape. With the inner layer, effectively overcoming reverse air flow, and the air passage, further preventing air escape, the inflatable pneumatic bag filled with air may last for a substantial long period of time.

Abstract: Machine for manufacturing mesh bags from a continuous roll of tubular mesh, and for filling and closing said mesh bags, which comprise an expansion device which is perimetric to the tubular mesh, the core expander of which is equipped with a vertical aperture which, as if it were a slot, traverses said core expander and connects the two frontal faces thereof and extends from its base to an intermediate point, for which the core expander adopts an inverted “U” shape, the machine also being fitted with preventive welding means, adapted for partially welding the two frontal faces of the tubular mesh and, as the case may be, the adjoining laminates of thermally weldable material through the aperture of the core expander; a traction device which drags a section of the tubular mesh provided with a bottom; conveyor means; and second and third filling and closing stations, respectively, both being arranged linearly.