Abstract: A packaging system wherein a web of interconnected heat-sealable bags are successively fed to a loading station where the bags are opened by an improved air flow system and loaded. An improved sealing and detaching assembly grips a loaded bag and isolates a region of the bag where a heat seal is to be formed from external forces thereby (1) permitting the formation of a heat seal in bag portions which are relaxed and, therefore, not subject to tearing or distorting, and (2) permitting the assembly to pivot relative to the web to tear off a loaded bag at the same time a heat seal is being formed on the bag. The assembly includes an improved resilient closure bar which, during a forward stroke of travel (1) engages one face of a loaded bag, (2) closes the bag, (3) clamps the opposite bag face against a pair of spaced gripper bars which isolate a region of the bag for heat sealing, and (4) brings the isolated region into contact with a heater bar to effect a heat seal.

Abstract: A packaging system for packaging articles in bag-like containers. An adjustable support disposed below a loading station receives the lower end of a container positioned in the loading station and articles loaded into the container. The support includes a pair of relatively movable members defining surfaces which converge toward each other to support the container when loaded. The spacing and relative inclination between the members is adjustable to accommodate different sized articles and containers. Since the members form a downwardly converging support, articles being dropped into a container being loaded are funneled between the members which absorb the impact of the falling articles.

Abstract: A packaging system including novel and improved packaging apparatus, packaging webs, and packaging methods having particular utility in the packaging of powder, granular and other fluent materials. The improved apparatus includes a movable loading chute which extends into a bag positioned in a loading station to funnel materials into the bag. The loading chute is guided by a cam during extension into the bag to assure that it properly enters and opens the bag. The bag is only partially opened by the entering loading chute and a seal is formed between the bag and the chute to prevent the escape of powder, etc. around the chute.The packaging system is operable with existing packaging webs and with an improved packaging web which is partially sealed to define a restricted fill opening. After the bag is filled, the seal is completed across the fill opening, preferably at a location spaced outwardly from the contents of the bag.

Abstract: A packaging system utilizes a resilient pressure roll to compress a flexible wall of open, loaded container portions of a packaging web as the container portions are moved with the web from one work station to another. The pressure roll participates in feeding the web while expelling air from the loaded container portions to closely conform the container portions to articles therein and isolating portions of the web at the first work station from forces applied to the web at the second work station. Typically, the container portions are loaded at the first work station and closed, sealed, and severed from the remainder of the web at the second work station.