Abstract: A flexible bag container (10) is filled by a system (500) and method for filling the bag container (10). The flexible bag container (10) has a pair of walls (12, 14) and a spout member (18) attached to one side wall of the container. This spout member is opened and closed in the filling system. A plug member (22) is inserted into the spout member (18) from outside of the bag container (10) and is withdrawable in the opposite direction in order to open the bag container. The bag container is filled via the spout member after removal of the plug member outwardly of the bag container and into a filling head, and then the plug member is replaced from within the filling head into the spout member to close the bag container.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for positioning a large, flexible workpiece relative to a high speed reciprocating tool. The apparatus comprises a frame and associated workpiece supports which move in a first direction. A workpiece holding assembly mounted to the frame moves the workpiece over the workpiece supports in a second direction transverse to the first direction of movement. The supports engage channels of a tool bed associated with the operative tool and are preferably beveled so as to prevent interference with the moving workpiece.