Abstract: Apparatus for performing the method of the present invention comprises an indexing conveyor bag support defining a pick-up location for filled bags. A bag gripper comprising either clamps or suction cups is provided for gripping filled bags and a bag transporter supports and moves the bag gripper between the pick-up location and a drop-off location. A programmable controller is provided for controlling the bag transporter and the bag gripper such that filled flexible bags are engaged by the bag gripper at the pick-up location, carried from the pick-up location to the drop-off location and deposited at the drop-off location. Preferably, a conveyor is positioned to carry cartons for supporting filled bags to the drop-off location such that filled bags may be inserted into supporting cartons by the method and apparatus of the present invention.

Abstract: A flexible container filling machine handles individual containers by severing the leading container from a continuous web of such containers which is fed into the filling machine. Each container includes a spout communicating with the interior of the container and a cap for closing that spout. The cap and spout of the leading container are pushed to a filling station where they are engaged by a cap handler and spout holder, respectively. The leading container is then severed from the web. A discharge chute, including a releasable container support, is positioned beneath the severed container and a supporting carton is positioned and elevated beneath the discharge chute. The cap is removed from the spout of the severed leading container and the severed container is filled with a metered amount of liquid. The cap is returned to close the filled container. The cap, spout and container support are then released to allow the filled container to fall into the waiting support carton.