Abstract: A bag detection apparatus (50) for sensing the position and seam integrity of a deformable bag (24) and bag transfer apparatus (53) for gripping and maintaining positive control of the edges (25) of the bag (24) during transfer from a bag filling station to a bag closure station. The bag positioning and seam integrity detecting apparatus (50) includes pneumatic conduits (60-67) mounted on the bag distending assembly (23) of a bag filling apparatus (20) and coupled to pressure switches (68). A controller (101), monitoring increases in pressure at each pressure switch (68), determines the position and condition of the mounted bag (24). The transfer apparatus (52) includes a pair of elongated arms (80) having hook-shaped gripping fingers (82) formed to engage and cooperate with clamping members (83) to grip the bag proximate the upper edge (25). A bag detection method also is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for mechanically bagging relatively fragile, leafy vegetables including a bag distending assembly, a sleeve-like inserter, a barrier movably mounted inside the inserter, and a drive assembly coupled to displace the inserter into the bag. The drive assembly includes two pneumatic cylinders so that the barrier can be controlled independently of the inserter and maintained in position inside the bag while the inserter is withdrawn. The inserter carries the leaves inside the bag without substantially compresssing or crushing and bruising the leaves, and the barrier permits inserter withdrawal without leaf damage. A process for inserting fragile leafy vegetables into a bag also is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (21) and method for rapid transport of elastic bands (34) from a band loading station (22) to a band unloading station (23). The apparatus (21) includes a movable arm assembly (24) having a finger (26) thereon dimensioned to loosely receive an elastic band (34) therearound. A drive assembly (36) is coupled to move the arm assembly (24) from the loading (22) to the unloading station (23). The arm assembly (24) is further movable by the drive assembly (36) from a first orientation of the finger (26) to a second orientation of the finger (26) to enable gravity assisted mounting of the band (34) on the finger (26) at the loading station (22) and gravity assisted demounting of the band (34) at the unloading station (23). During the transport of the band (34) between the loading (22) and unloading stations (23), the finger (26) is reoriented along a path maintaining the band (34) on the finger (26) against dynamic forces acting on the band (34) during transport of the arm assembly (24).