Abstract: An apparatus for selectively dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls of serrated bags or layflat tubing comprises a web selector for selecting and advancing a web from the plurality of rolls; a bag driver for advancing the selected web and separating a bag from the web; and a bag transfer device for transporting the separated bag from the bag driver to a location for processing. A sealer/cutter is used to produce a bag from the layflat tubing. A method of selectively dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls of serrated bags or layflat tubing comprises selecting and advancing a web from the plurality of rolls of serrated bags; advancing the selected web and separating a bag from the web; and transporting the separated bag to a location for further processing. In the case of layflat tubing, the selected web is sealed and cut to make a bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, apparatus, and system for loading, vacuumizing, and sealing bagged articles. The invention includes placing a bagged article onto a subplaten, and advancing the loaded subplaten through a synchronizing assembly which allows synchronized placement of the loaded subplaten onto the platen of a vacuum/seal apparatus. The invention provides improved automation of the entire loading/vacuumizing/sealing process for a wide variety of bagged articles, especially food articles such as meat, poultry, cheese, and the like.

Abstract: A method of opening a bag mounted on a tape includes the steps of providing a bag including a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth; gripping the bag between a first means for vacuumizing and a second means for vacuumizing; and moving the first and second means for vacuumizing such that the bag disengages from the tape, and the bag mouth opens. The first and second means for vacuumizing are activated before or during the gripping step, or after these means have been moved, but before the bag mouth opens. An apparatus for transporting a bag, and loading a bag, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of opening a bag mounted on a tape includes the steps of providing a bag including a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, a second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth; gripping the bag between a first means for vacuumizing and a second means for vacuumizing; and moving the first and second means for vacuumizing such that the bag disengages from the tape, and the bag mouth opens. The first and second means for vacuumizing are activated before or during the gripping step, or after these means have been moved, but before the bag mouth opens. An apparatus for transporting a bag, and loading a bag, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of opening a bag includes the steps of providing a bag including a first panel, a second panel, a first bag edge, a second bag edge, a bag bottom, and a bag mouth; holding the bag mouth between a first means for vacuumizing and a second means for vacuumizing; moving the first and second means for vacuumizing such that the bag mouth disengages from the tape; activating the first and second means for vacuumizing to draw a vacuum through said means; and further moving the first means for vacuumizing such that the bag mouth opens. In an alternative method, instead of holding the bag mouth with the vacuumizing means, the vacuumizing means can be brought into close proximity to the bag mouth, and activated to draw each panel of the bag mouth to a respective vacuumizing means. Thereafter, both vacuumizing means can be moved upward, and the bag mouth opened. An apparatus for opening a bag is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, automated system and method for packaging food products. The system has a novel arrangement for transferring the product from a receiving station to a bagging station which arrangement includes mechanical devices for pulling a bag over the product. The system further includes a unique platen system for transporting the bagged product to various stations where it is vacuumized, sealed, trimmed, and finished. Optionally, the system includes a plurality of needles for injecting a fluid such as a basting fluid into the product.

Abstract: The hold down device is pivotal toward and away from a feeding table which conveys various sizes of materials to reduction apparatus. The hold down device includes a curved belly pan which, depending upon its point of contact with the material, creates either an additional hold down force to aid in conveying and shredding the material or creates a force raising the hold down device to avoid jamming.