Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for closing a filled bag, the content of which may be an item of dressed poultry. The apparatus comprises a bottom member for supporting the bag during the closing operation. First and second sets of gripping means arranged one above the other and opposing members of each of which sets are operative to move toward and away from each other to respectively bunch together a portion of the bag located above the content. One set of gripping means is operative to move upward and away from the other set such that while this operation is taking place the lower set hold the bag and its contents firmly and the upper set pull the bag tautly over the content. Means for severing excess material above the bunched portion and a pointed pin to pierce and support the severed upper portion of the bag are additionally provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for consecutively discharging objects from containers moving along a fixed path having a number of discharge points therealong. The apparatus includes a rotatable control sleeve extending along the path with a device arranged at each of the discharge points to cause passing containers to discharge consecutively. A driving member is provided to effect rotation of the control sleeve to a succession of discharging conditions and a further device is provided to prevent over advancement or run-back of the control sleeve with respect to certain discharge positions assumed by the latter. A further device is provided to permit the control sleeve to return rapidly to an initial operating condition on discharge of the last of a series of containers.

Abstract: A device for modelling poultry provided with pivotably interconnected shell members and flaps, the latter being pivotably mounted, for catching the wings, from an open or spread-out position towards a position in which their end edges nearly engage each other, so that the wings are guided and laid against the body of the poultry before the shell members of the modelling apparatus close.

Abstract: A device for handling objects such as poultry objects provided with an attaching means for receiving the objects and having one or a pair of feelers located in the region of the attaching means and movable between a first position wherein normal operation of the device is prevented and a second position wherein normal operation of the device is permitted, movement to the second position being caused by an object in the attaching means. The attaching means may include a pair of slots for receiving a pair of poultry knee-joints in which case the absense of either knee-joint from its respective slot will allow its respective feeler to move to its first position. The feelers are mounted on a subframe which is vertically movable on a main frame, the two frames being movable transversely along a track which includes guides for controlling the operation of the device.

Abstract: A device for seizing a bag from a pack of bags provided with two jaws movable towards each other, said jaws having a sharp edge, and a pushing device for pushing said jaws against the outermost bag of said pack of bags, said jaws grip the bag and remove it from the pack of bags.