Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic opening of bags uses bags in a folded configuration that include a small aperture near the top thereof. The aperture allows a number of bags to be hung in a substantially vertical orientation on an angled protruding member. A vacuum-operated device engages one side of one of a first bag on the side of the bag opposite to the aperture and retracts, thus opening the bag using the force generated between the protruding member and the vacuum-operated device. This allows the bag to be opened without extraction from the protruding member. The open bag is clamped in position and loaded using conventional technology. The fully loaded bag is moved out of the loading position onto a conveyor belt. The movement of the fully loaded bag tears the back portion of the bag near the aperture thus freeing the bag from the protruding member. The loaded bag may be subsequently sealed and processed for shipping.

Abstract: A baling bag is provided for automatic bale bag processing. The bag has front and back panels and adjoining left and right side panels and a closed bottom panel. An open top portion is defined by the front, back, left, and right panels at an end of the bag opposite the closed bottom panel. An aperture is provided in the bag proximate the top portion to permit the bag to be hung on an automatic bag extraction and loading mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatic opening of bags uses bags in a folded configuration that include a small aperture near the top thereof. The aperture allows a number of bags to be hung in a substantially vertical orientation on an angled protruding member. A vacuum-operated device engages one side of one of a first bag on the side of the bag opposite to the aperture and retracts, thus opening the bag using the force generated between the protruding member and the vacuum-operated device. This allows the bag to be opened without extraction from the protruding member. The open bag is clamped in position and loaded using conventional technology. The fully loaded bag is moved out of the loading position onto a conveyor belt. The movement of the fully loaded bag tears the back portion of the bag near the aperture thus freeing the bag from the protruding member. The loaded bag may be subsequently sealed and processed for shipping.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically loading trays includes a servo motor that is mechanically coupled to a plurality of elongated engagement members. The engagement members are coupled to the servo motor at a first end and include engagement elements at the second end of the engagement member. The engagement elements may be designed to uniquely operate with the type of tray to be lifted by the apparatus. In one embodiment where the apparatus is loading a disposable tray, the engagement member may be an auger-type bit that screws into the trays. The apparatus also includes a lifting mechanism by which the engagement assembly is vertically positioned. The apparatus mechanically engages and retains the tray and moves the tray into position over a carton or other shipping container. The apparatus is vertically displaced to lower the tray into the carton and the servo motor operated in a reverse direction to mechanically disengage the tray.

Abstract: The present invention automates the process of selecting lids to be inserted over produce containers. In one embodiment, labels are affixed to the bottom container when the selected produce products have been loaded into the container. As the containers move along an assembly line, the label is read and the container directed to a specific lidding station where the desired lid is selected and placed over the container. Multiple lidding stations are provided such that the containers are automatically directed to the appropriate lidding station so that the selected lid may be placed on the container. Alternatively, the system may simply track the movement of containers and count quantities of containers rather than rely on labels affixed to the container. In this manner, containers full of produce are directed to the appropriate lidding stations where lids are automatically selected and positioned over the container.