Abstract: An apparatus for packaging articles straddles a conveyor line delivering articles to be packaged. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an article holding unit moveable linearly between a retracted position wherein it is positioned to one side of the conveyor line and an operative position wherein it is positioned downstream of the conveyor line so that it receives and holds an article arriving at the apparatus. A bag transfer unit is also moveable linearly between a first position to one side of the conveyor line opposite that of the article holding unit, to retrieve the bag in which the article is to be placed and a second position to pull the bag over at least a portion of the article holding unit and the article held thereby. As the bag transfer unit draws a bag over the article and the article holding unit, the article holding unit is moved to its retracted position allowing the bagged article to fall to another conveyor line and be carried away from the apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for making and positioning plastic bags, constituted by a frame which includes: a feeder (3) for a band of plastic (B); a device (6) for creating a bellows-like fold in the band; a device (10) for cutting and fusing the band; a conveyor belt (18); a filling unit for filling the bags with a product; a nozzle for inflating the bags to insert the products; a device (25) for securing the bags so as to arrange them at the same angle as the product.