Abstract: A valve bag is provided having a self-closing feature to preclude sifting losses after filling, but before the bag is fully sealed, while enabling the facilitated final secure closure of the bag.

Abstract: A valve bag is provided having a self-closing feature to preclude sifting losses after filling, but before the bag is fully sealed, while enabling the facilitated final secure closure of the bag.

Abstract: A valve bag is provided having a self-closing feature, to preclude sifting losses after filling, but before the bag is fully sealed, while enabling the facilitated final secure closure of the bag.

Abstract: A multi-station filling apparatus and process for filling bulk containers while simultaneously enabling the deployment and staging of at least one empty container while at least one other container is being filled. The apparatus includes a container filling station operably positioned adjacent a substantially elevated filling chute, a container deployment station, a rotatable carriage and an automatic apparatus controller. The container deployment station is spaced apart from the container filling station so that an operator can attach an empty container thereat either prior to, or during, filling of another container at the container filling station--while avoiding physical exposure to any mechanisms, such as conveyors, associated with the container filling station. The rotatable carriage, which automatically rotates an empty container from the container deployment station toward and into the empty container filling station, includes an outer frame member and displaceable inner frame members.

Abstract: An ultrasonic anvil cartridge for use in association with ultrasonic apparatuses for sealing at least two layers of ultrasonic reactive material. The ultrasonic anvil cartridge cooperates with an anvil housing and an ultrasonic wave generator towards maintaining a substantially even pressure across at least two layers of ultrasonic reactive material such that a substantially even and tight seal can be formed across at least two layers of ultrasonic reactive material. The ultrasonic anvil cartridge includes a plurality of substantially C-shaped support members which are operably and successively aligned so as to be positioned one adjacent another. This plurality of substantially C-shaped members is further encapsulated in substantially elastomeric encapsulating material which is operably positioned within the collective concave surface of the plurality of substantially C-shaped support members to form a unitary cartridge having a substantially convex exterior surface.

Abstract: A two-stage auger system for filling a valve bag with a particulate material, such as dry powdered or granular material, from a hopper through a valved opening in the bag. The auger system includes a first hollow shaft carrying flights dimensioned and pitched for low speed movement of the particulate material out of the hopper and a second shaft extending through and protruding from the first shaft carrying flights on its protruding portion dimensioned and pitched for higher speed movement of the particulate material from the first mentioned flights. A filling tube is provided to cooperate with the second shaft for higher speed discharge of the particulate material through the filling tube into the bag through the valved opening. Bearings are provided to rotationally seat the second shaft member within the first shaft member on opposite ends of the first shaft member so that the second shaft member can rotate within the first shaft member.