Abstract: An automatic grocery bag opener automatically opens plastic and polyethylene bags with forced air in produce departments and at checkout counters of grocery stores. Bags are held in position from any of several different types of hangers on the front of the enclosure. The outside bag is forced and held open by the forced airstream from the air supply. The bag can then be filled with the grocery items. Once the bag is filled, it is removed from the hangers and the next bag is automatically blown and held open. As long as the motion sensor sees movement, the blower stays on. If no movement is seen by the motion sensor, the motion sensor ends an electric signal, thus turning off the blower. In turn, if the motion sensor sees a motion, an electric signal is sent to the blower and turns the bagger back on.

Abstract: A method of filling a flexible pouch having a base and sidewalls extending from the base to define a mouth. The method comprising the steps of delivering the pouches an infeed conveyor to a predetermined orientation and transporting the pouches in a controlled manner toward a filler station, and transferring the pouches from the infeed conveyor to a transport conveyor in which the pouch is gripped adjacent to the mouth so as to be suspended from the transport conveyor. Opening the mouth of the pouch to permit filling at the filling station passing the pouches through the filler station, closing the mouth and sealing the mouth prior to release from the transport conveyor.

Abstract: A method for inserting one or more canisters into a flexible pouch includes having the pouch with a re-sealable end portion for permitting insertion of the canisters. The pouch also includes a collapsible and flexible floor portion on which one or more of the canisters are positioned. A side portion encloses the canisters and connects the end portion to the floor portion. The method further comprises positioning the canisters into a position adjacent the pouch, and attaching one or more of the canisters to a mechanical arm for providing transportation to the pouches. The canisters are placed through the re-sealable open end and onto the collapsible and flexible floor portion so that the floor portion forms a stable storage platform for the canisters.

Abstract: In the process and plant for forming double-pouch containers, two continuous external ribbons (3), facing one another, are fed in an advancement direction to an infeeding zone where a third, central ribbon (5) is inserted between the external ribbons (3). The pouches are formed by injecting a forming fluid between the external ribbons (3) in order to determine an expansion thereof against compartments of two half-molds having a shape which corresponds to a final pouch shape. Each container has two similar pouches, one facing another, which are defined by a pair of external walls and by a central wall coupled along a perimeter thereof to the external walls. The process enables rapid and economical formation of double-pouch containers.

Abstract: Resealable zipper plastic bags have upwardly protruding support members on each side of the bag mouth which are engaged within downwardly opening channels of two opposed indexer assemblies. With the bag mouth under tension, a slider assembly engages the bag slider, moves it to a fully closed position, then advances the slider to a fully open position. The indexer assemblies are moved toward each other to relieve tension on the bag mouth and cause the mouth to splay open. An insert plate is inserted and rotated to spread the bag mouth for introduction of product through a product chute. Once full, the chute and spreader assembly are withdrawn, tension is applied to the bag mouth, and the slider assembly moves the zipper slider to a fully closed position. The bag support members are then released from the indexer assemblies and the product filled bag is discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: A continuous strip bag feeder and loader that includes an integrated printer assembly for printing information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is mounted to a support frame and receives a continuous strip of bags from a feed assembly. The printer assembly includes a print head that prints the desired information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is positioned relative to the loading assembly such that after each individual bag is printed, the bag is immediately loaded with a product at the loading assembly. Thus, no printed bags are positioned between the loading assembly and the printer assembly, thereby assuring each bag is loaded with a product prior to the printing of another bag.

Abstract: A sealing machine for sealing a pack filled with one or more objects, including a main case; a first sealing member provided in the main case; a second sealing member facing the first sealing member; a movable supporting part supporting the second sealing member and allowing the second sealing member to move near to, and away from, the first sealing member; and a heater provided in at least one of the first sealing member and the second sealing member to heat and melt the pack interposed therebetween.

Abstract: In order to be able to prepare a postman's walk containing both letters (L) and “large format” flat postal objects (P) in a single pass:

Abstract: An article to be packaged and a packaging bag for covering the article are supplied to heat sealing mechanisms which arrive at uniform time intervals, in synchronism with cycle timing of the respective heat sealing mechanisms. A vertically openable beak-shaped hopper and a sliding plate perform reciprocal movement at a uniform time interval along guides on both sides, and arrive at circulating sealing platforms. The hopper is inserted into an opening of the packaging bag hanging down from above, and conveys the packaging bag to the sealing platform whilst extending the same. In response to a relevant signal, a forward-and-reverse motor coupled to a ball screw causes the article to advance following the hopper by an insertion rod moving along the guides.

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.

Abstract: Horizontal form fill seal apparatus for making flexible packages with slider fastener closures is provided. A fastener track is applied in-line with a plastic web and is bonded thereto at the same time that a peel seal is formed. All package components are brought together at a turntable-mounted point of fill. With rotation of the turntable, final sealing operations are performed.

Abstract: An agricultural feed bagging machine rotor which includes a plurality of rotor teeth mounted thereon with each of the rotor teeth having a tooth face provided thereon. Each of the tooth faces has a progressively increasing thickness from the inner end thereof to the outer end thereof. The outer face of each of the tooth faces has a channel formed therein with the depth of the channel progressively decreasing from the outer end of the tooth face towards the inner end thereof.

Abstract: A bagging assembly for use with a bale bagging apparatus is disclosed. The bale bagging apparatus includes a frame assembly, a bale stuffer, and a bale chute. The bagging assembly includes a carriage frame having a first and a second side rail, a pivot end, and a movable end. The pivot end is mounted adjacent the bale chute and the movable end is secured to the frame assembly. A first and a second carriage assembly are movably mounted on the first and the second side rails and each includes an upper and a lower bagger arm that are configured to open simultaneously. A pincher assembly is supported by the upper bagger arms and the lower bagger arms. The pincher assembly is configured to grasp portions of a bale bag, thereby causing the bale bag to open as the upper and lower bagger arms are opened simultaneously.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling bags (1) with loose material (2), comprising a tube (210) for supplying the material (2), substantially coaxial with the said bag, said tube (210) being able to move from a position with the supply mouth (210a) outside the bag to a position with the supply mouth (210a) inside the bag (1) and arranged at a height substantially coinciding with the bottom (1b) of the bag (1) where filling is started, and vice versa.

Abstract: A bag presenter for moving a bag from a bag supply toward a packaging machine filling station, the bag presenter comprising: a bag supply holding area, a gripper for holding a bag in the filling station and a bag handler for moving the bag from the holding area toward the gripper, the bag handler including a bag feeder and a bag conveyor, the bag feeder being operable to pull a bag from a bottom of the bag supply holding area and to pass the bag to the bag conveyor. The bag handler can include a bag opening mechanism and a means for maintaining the bag in an open configuration, once the bag has been opened. The bag presenter is useful for handling non-wicketed bags and can be used to convert a packaging machine from reliance on wicketed bags to use of non-wicketed bags.

Abstract: A bulk bag-filling machine with a traversing strap latching and traversing filler spout mechanisms. The strap latch mechanisms and the filler spout may be moved independently or in unison forwardly towards the front or forward most edge of the filling station, thereby permitting the operator of the filling apparatus to easily and safely suspend the heavy bulk bag's strap loops on the four strap latches and make the filler neck connection to the filling spout prior to traversing the strap latches and filler neck to their rearmost position, thereby positioning the bag for filling. Boxes may also be utilized by the adaptation of transfer tables in which case the strap latches are not required.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for packaging in a plastic bag packets dropped through an insert opening in a safe. The device includes a frame placeable in the safe, a suspension means for suspending the plastic bag from the frame such that the opening is directed toward the insert opening of the safe, and a sealing means arranged on the frame for sealing shut the opening of the plastic bag.

Abstract: Flexible ducting packaging apparatus including support means for supporting the ducting, an actuating member which is mounted for longitudinal movement along the support means, the actuating member including engagement means for engaging an end of a length of flexible ducting to be packaged, control means for causing the actuating member to execute a first stroke in which a length of the ducting means is moved onto the support means and then to cause the actuating member to execute a second stroke, in the opposite direction to the first stroke, in which the length of flexible ducting is compressed against a stop member whereby the compressed flexible ducting can be placed within packaging.

Abstract: Resealable zipper plastic bags have upwardly protruding support members on each side of the bag mouth which are engaged within downwardly opening channels of two opposed indexer assemblies. With the bag mouth under tension, a slider assembly engages the bag slider, moves it to a fully closed position, then advances the slider to a fully open position. The indexer assemblies are moved toward each other to relieve tension on the bag mouth and cause the mouth to splay open. An insert plate is inserted and rotated to spread the bag mouth for introduction of product through a product chute. Once full, the chute and spreader assembly are withdrawn, tension is applied to the bag mouth, and the slider assembly moves the zipper slider to a fully closed position. The bag support members are then released from the indexer assemblies and the product filled bag is discharged from the apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method places a printed label on a bag. A first plurality of rollers can feed one or more bags, and a second plurality of rollers can feed one or more labels. A tamp pad can place the label on the bag.

Abstract: A flange alignment and grasping assembly is adapted to straighten the flanges of a bag in a filling and sealing apparatus so that the flanges may be clamped by the assembly. The assembly includes opposed guides that engage the side of the bag in the general location of the flange. The guides position the flange in an extended position between the jaws of a clamp where the clamp will pinch the flange when the clamp closes. The invention also provides an apparatus for grasping a bag and pulling a portion of the bag tight. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes arms that swing upwardly and inwardly to position jaws with respect to the bag.

Abstract: A separator assembly for separating a container from a web of at least two containers, comprising a frame member, a clamp and a clamp actuator. The frame includes a base. The clamp is associated with the frame member. The clamp includes a lower surface defined by at least two legs and a slot positioned therebetween to, in turn, facilitate the clamping of a portion of a web of at least two containers relative to the base. The clamp actuator is associated with each of the at least one clamp and the frame. The at least one clamp actuator is capable of selectively moving the at least two legs and the slot of the lower surface of the at least one clamp relative to the frame, to, in turn, releasably clamp a portion of a web of at least two containers between the base and the at least two legs.

Abstract: An improved pouch-filling machine includes a pouch-opening apparatus for opening with closure strips such as zipper type locks in a continuous operation. The pouches are supported by continuously moving carriers, and the pouch-opening apparatus includes first and second stages wherein the first stage performs a preliminary opening of the upper edges of the pouch to permit gripping of the upper edges in the second stage. After this preliminary opening, the carrier carries the pouch to the second stage wherein a gripper arrangement grips and pulls the upper pouch edges outwardly to open the zipper lock. Further, the machine includes a transfer conveyor which continuously feeds the pouches to the pouch-opening apparatus in a vertical orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for manufacturing a filled flexible pouch is provided. The apparatus includes a cylindrical cup member having an open upper end, a closed lower end and a side wall extending therebetween the upper end and lower end. An inside portion of the side wall includes a pair of opposed guide channels for receiving the flexible pouch, and the side wall includes a slot positioned adjacent guide member. The side wall includes a notched opening positioned above each of the guide channels. The apparatus also includes a pouch opening lever arm pivotally attached to the side wall of the cup member, having a lower portion below the pivotal attachment with a wheel at an outer end and an upper portion above the pivotal attachment with an outwardly extending push member at an outer end. The manufacturing process includes the steps of placing the flexible pouch into the guide channels of the cylindrical cup member, while the lever arm is pivoted outwardly.

Abstract: An agricultural bagging machine comprising a wheeled frame having a collapsible tunnel positioned at the rearward end thereof. The tunnel may be positioned in its operative position for bagging purposes but may be collapsed to reduce the width thereof for transport purposes. In another embodiment, the tunnel is selectively movably mounted on the wheeled frame so that the output end thereof may be moved between upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A method, packaging system and packaging element for packaging a sterilizable item for aseptic presentation onto a sterile field wherein the vertical orientation of the sterilizable item does not need to be reversed during packaging, sterilization, unpackaging or presentation and instructions for handling are printed on the packaging element so that they are exposed when the packaging element is folded according to the packaging system and method.

Abstract: A flange alignment and grasping assembly is adapted to straighten the flanges of a bag in a filling and sealing apparatus so that the flanges may be clamped by the assembly. The assembly includes opposed guides that engage the side of the bag in the general location of the flange. The guides position the flange in an extended position between the jaws of a clamp where the clamp will pinch the flange when the clamp closes. The invention also provides an apparatus for grasping a bag and pulling a portion of the bag tight. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes arms that swing upwardly and inwardly to position jaws with respect to the bag.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for converting a large bale of hay into a plurality of smaller sized bales having the same nutritional composition and texture as the large bale. The apparatus comprises a first cutting assembly which has a first set of blades which are orthogonally oriented with respect to a second set of blades. The apparatus further comprises a driver head assembly which is used to force a large bale of hay through the first cutting assembly. The apparatus also has a second cutting assembly which comprises a metering knife oriented substantially orthogonal to both the first and second sets of blades of the first cutting assembly. The associated method for processing the large bale fibrous comprises a first step of producing bale sections by pushing the large bale through the first cutting assembly. The method has a second step of producing metered bales through operation of the second cutting assembly.

Abstract: A carousel bagger including a plurality of troughs each having sides fixed to a rotatable table with a pivotable bottom wall pivoted from a lower product-receiving position to a higher product-dumping position in response to actuation by a linkage running on a cam track as the table rotates. The bottom wall has two longitudinal sections with an obtuse angle therebetween which tends to cause the product to travel in a single file to thereby avoid bridging. The trough dumps product through combined chute and bag-clamping members having sides with outwardly flared upper portions which also tends to avoid bridging.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products having different shape and dimensions, such as for example food products of different size, into pre-formed bags of appropriate size, such as for example heat-shrinkable bags of thermoplastic material, comprises a conveyor for carrying in sequence a plurality of products to be packaged from a product loading portion to a product packaging bracket end portion thereof, means for detecting the dimensions of each product to be packaged while it moves from said product loading portion to said product packaging bracket end portion of said at least one conveyor and a plurality of bag dispensing devices for dispensing a plurality of bags varying in at least one dimension thereof.

Abstract: A drug packaging system including a bag supply unit (A) for printing injection drug information on bags and feeding the bags, a drug feed unit (B) for putting drugs specified the doctors' orders into each of the bags (206) received from the bag supply unit (A), and a packaging unit for putting the bags (206) into a bucket (209). The packaging unit includes a bed (230) for supporting bags, a mouth-opening means (231, 232) for opening the mouth of the bag on the bed, and a chute (233) through which drugs are fed into the bag on the bed through the bag mouth. The bed (230) is pivotable between a position for putting drugs into the bag and a position for dispensing the bag.

Abstract: A continuous strip bag feeder and loader that includes an integrated printer assembly for printing information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is mounted to a support frame and receives a continuous strip of bags from a feed assembly. The printer assembly includes a print head that prints the desired information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is positioned relative to the loading assembly such that after each individual bag is printed, the bag is immediately loaded with a product at the loading assembly. Thus, no printed bags are positioned between the loading assembly and the printer assembly, thereby assuring each bag is loaded with a product prior to the printing of another bag.

Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine equipped with a stocker apparatus which receives spout-equipped bags that are successively fed out from a bag-making apparatus, stacks a predetermined number of bags, and supplies the stacked groups of bags to a packaging apparatus. The stocker apparatus has stocking sections made of rails that are capable of stocking bags in groups, and such stocking sections as a whole can be raised and lowered simultaneously. When the operation of the packaging apparatus is temporarily stopped, groups of bags are successively stocked in the stocking sections of the stocker apparatus; as a result, the operation of the bag-making apparatus can be continued.

Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine equipped with a stocker apparatus which receives bags that are successively fed out from a bag-making apparatus, stacks a predetermined number of bags, and supplies the stacked groups of bags to a packaging apparatus. The stocker apparatus has stocking sections that are capable of stocking bags in groups, and such stocking sections as a whole can be raised and lowered simultaneously. When the operation of the packaging apparatus is temporarily stopped, groups of bags are successively stocked in the stocking sections of the stocker apparatus; as a result, the operation of the bag-making apparatus can be continued.

Abstract: A method, packaging system and packaging element for packaging a sterilizable item for aseptic presentation onto a sterile field wherein the vertical orientation of the sterilizable item does not need to be reversed during packaging, sterilization, unpackaging or presentation and instructions for handling are printed on the packaging element so that they are exposed when the packaging element is folded according to the packaging system and method.

Abstract: A bag manipulating method and assembly including a pair of bag grippers that receive and grip opposing side edges of a bag positioned in a loading station. The bag grippers are movable in a plane substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the loading station. The bag manipulating assembly also includes upper and lower bag spreader assemblies, each having a suction cup to apply suction to the bag and a spreader plate that is insertable into the bag and movable to spread apart the bag. Preferably, the bag grippers move toward each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis while the bag is being spread apart to facilitate opening the bag. To facilitate closing and sealing the bag, the bag grippers move away from each other in a plane substantially normal to the longitudinal axis after the bag has been filled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a shipping container for holding an object has a base for receiving the article is described. A plurality of corner posts is affixed to the base. Each post has a first end affixed to a portion of the base and a second, opposed end in a spaced apart relationship to the base. A flexible material is positioned over the base and corner posts. The flexible material is capable of being removed from the base and corner posts without being torn or destroyed. The object is positioned in a shipping container by positioning the object on the base and positioning the posts adjacent corners of the object. The base with the corner posts affixed thereto is placed in a flexible material having an open end and a closed end. A removable top is secured to the corner posts.

Abstract: A mobile, automatic sandbagging machine includes a source of sandbags and a guide track positioned adjacent to the source of sandbags. A hook attached to a chain of the guide track selectively removes a sandbag from the source of sandbags and advances the sandbag along the guide track. An end of the sandbag is opened under a fill chute, and the sandbag is partially filled with fill material. A closing mechanism closes the open end of the sandbag and the sandbag is removed from the machine.

Abstract: Automated apparatus for filling of a bag with a loose commodity comprises a bag filling station for dispensing commodity into a bag; a wicket for feeding a stacked and interconnected array of empty bags; and a conveyor for removing filled bags from the filling station. Reciprocating clamps grip the open mouths of the filled bags, and transfer the filled bags away from the filling station, with a subsequent bag being drawn into appropriate position for filling by means of the connection formed between the contacting bags.

Abstract: A bag loading method and assembly including a bag tray for holding a stack of bags and a conveyor assembly positioned above the bag tray. The conveyor assembly is movable between a first position, where the conveyor assembly engages a bag, and a second position, where the conveyor assembly is inclined with respect to the bag tray. Preferably, the conveyor assembly includes first and second rollers, a body portion between the first and second rollers, at least one vacuum generator communicating with the body portion for providing vacuum to the conveyor assembly, and an endless belt encircling portions of the rollers and the body portion. The endless belt engages the bag from the bag tray when the conveyor assembly is in the first position, and moves the bag to a position where the bag can be opened and filled when the conveyor assembly is in the second position.

Abstract: A bag supplying device including a conveying arm that has a fixed clamping element and a movable clamping element, a reciprocating-rotating assembly that causes the conveying arm to make a back-and-forth rotational movement between a downwardly-facing clamping position and a substantially horizontal intermediate position, a slide frame on which the rotational shaft is rotatably supported, a reciprocating movement assembly that reciprocates the slide frame horizontally so that the conveying arm advances toward and retracts from a transfer position (where bags are transferred) to a gripper, and an opening-and-closing assembly that opens and closes the movable clamping element. With the bag mouth of an empty bag clamped by the clamping element, the conveying arm rotates upward and then advances to the transfer position, then the movable clamping element opens so as to transfer the empty bag, which is in a vertical attitude, to the gripper.

Abstract: A bag filling and sealing machine includes a bag holder, a bag opening and filling station, and a sealing station. The bag holder holds wicketed bags in a manner that allows the bags to be easily torn from the holder. A funnel assembly successively opens each bag, tears the bag from the bag holder, fills the bag with material, and releases the bag to a grabber assembly. The grabber assembly engages the sides of the bag while the bag is attached to a funnel assembly and later pulls the sides of the bag away from each other so that the top of the bag is closed and ready to seal when the bag is delivered to a sealing apparatus. The grabber assembly moves in a manner so as to minimize the lost height when moving from the filling station to the sealing station.

Abstract: An improved can end bagging system comprises four subassemblies: (1) the end gathering and stick assembly apparatus, (2) the bag feeding, opening, and loading apparatus which places a predetermined number of stacked can ends into an open end bag, (3) the vertical positioner apparatus for moving the bagged sticks into a folding device, and (4) the bag folding, closing and transfer apparatus. The loading mechanism includes a servo controlled pusher which is driven with controlled acceleration and deceleration to avoid tipping of the ends making up a stick, to avoid bursting of the bags during filling, and to assure complete and uniform filling of each bag. Sponginess which results primarily from variations in compression of the rims of the ends pressing against each other in the gathering and counting process is avoided.

Abstract: A device for the rapid packaging of various meat products includes at least four bagging chutes that are fed by a rotary chute. Once bags located at the bottom of the bagging chute are filled with a meat product, they are placed on a conveyor belt. The device is designed in such a manner so as to prevent meat products from accidentally falling onto the ground and thus wasting.

Abstract: This machine is of the type used for the automatic packaging of liquid, granulated, ground, or powdered products in bag-shaped packages. The machine comprises bag-shaping means (1) or means for supplying ready-made bags (19) determining a virtual longitudinal axis (X-X), bag transport means (10) for packaging and bag packaging means (15), the bag transport means (10) being linked with the bag-shaping means (1) or with the supply of ready-made bags (19) by means of a transfer device (3). The bag transport means (11) are provided with a bag transport guide (11) which describes a closed path and determines a virtual longitudinal axis (Y-Y).

Abstract: The bagging machine has a rotary table with openings to receive a series of bags. Each bag is staked onto four pins two of which are stationary and two of which are laterally movable. After filling, the bag is heat sealed using a pair of heat seal bars and then severed by a fly knife above the heat seal. The bag is then removed manually or automatically.

Abstract: A method, packaging system and packaging element for packaging a sterilizable item for aseptic presentation onto a sterile field wherein the vertical orientation of the sterilizable item does not need to be reversed during packaging, sterilization, unpackaging or presentation and instructions for handling are printed on the packaging element so that they are exposed when the packaging element is folded according to the packaging system and method.

Abstract: The bagging machine has a rotary table with openings to receive a series of bags. Each bag is staked onto four pins two of which are stationary and two of which are laterally movable. After filling, the bag is heat sealed using a pair of heat seal bars and then severed by a fly knife above the heat seal. The bag is then removed manually or automatically.

Abstract: A bag filling apparatus comprises a filling head, a structure providing suspension points for suspending a bag in registry with the filling head and a rigging arrangement for sealing the bag with the filling head. The rigging arrangement includes a rigging ring for use in locating an inlet of the bag. The support structure and the rigging ring are movable independently of the filling head between a lower position facilitating rigging of the bag loops and the bag inlet to the suspension points and the rigging ring and an upper position in which the bag loops are raised and the rigging ring is registered with the filling head.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for storing rolls of material so that a user can create individual bags from the rolls. For example, the device may store vacuum bag material suitable for filling with food and vacuum sealing. The apparatus has a support platform, a storage unit and a base for transporting two rolls of material simultaneously to the front of the apparatus. The storage unit has two rollers for storing up to two rolls. The apparatus also has a cutting mechanism for creating straight edges.