Abstract: A tabletop machine for automatically loading and sealing flexible containers such as plastic bags forming part of a chain of bags. The apparatus includes structure for supporting a supply of preformed, interconnected bags which are sequentially fed to a loading station. At the loading station, the bag is inflated by a blower having a shutter controlled outlet so that the flow of inflation air is reduced or terminated during feeding and which provides a blast or surge of air to "pop" the bag open when the bag arrives at a loading station. A residual air stream maintains inflation of the bag. After loading, a clamping mechanism is activated which applies a substantially increasing clamping force as a clamp bar nears a heat sealing unit so that should an obstruction or other obstacle be encountered as the clamping bar moves towards the bag, motion in the clamping bar can be resisted by the obstacle without damage to the obstacle or clamping mechanism.

Abstract: A tabletop machine for automatically loading and sealing flexible containers such as plastic bags forming part of a chain of bags. The apparatus includes structure for supporting a supply of preformed, interconnected bags which are sequentially fed to a loading station. At the loading station, the bag is inflated by a blower having a shutter controlled outlet so that the flow of inflation air is reduced or terminated during feeding and which provides a blast or surge of air to "pop" the bag open when the bag arrives at a loading station. A residual air stream maintains inflation of the bag. After loading, a clamping mechanism is activated which applies a substantially increasing clamping force as a clamp bar nears a heat sealing unit so that should an obstruction or other obstacle be encountered as the clamping bar moves towards the bag, motion in the clamping bar can be resisted by the obstacle without damage to the obstacle or clamping mechanism.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for the packaging of salable articles. The articles to be packaged are placed within spaced holders carried by an endless belt which advances the article through the apparatus while various operations are being performed thereon. A drive mechanism advances and periodically interrupts movement of the endless belt and operates a display card transfer mechanism. Movement by the transfer mechanism is in two directions, vertically, to pick up a display card from a supply and subsequently place it in juxtaposition to the article in the holder, and horizontally whereby a display card is transferred from the supply to a position over the conveyor belt and holder. Simultaneous with the placement of the display card in juxtaposition to the article, one or more labels are applied to an article and display card positioned in another holder to form a package. At least one of the labels is preformed in order to better conform to the contours of the article and display card.