W. R. Grace Co.-conn.

Howard D Conner

Joseph E Owensby

Frederick A Dobbins

Andrew W Moehlenbrock

Gregory E McDonald

Charles C Zende

Randall E Johnson

Thomas H Bagwell

Thomas M Bagwell, Jr

An apparatus for, and a method of, loading a meat product into a thermoplastic bag or casing is disclosed. Particularly, the present invention discloses an apparatus for, and method of, loading a meat product into a thermoplastic bag or casing such that the area used to produce a heat seal closure of the bag or casing is protected against contamination during the product loading process.

Method and apparatus for loading bags

The present invention relates to an automated packaging machine for packaging poultry products and a method for packing poultry products using the machine. The machine includes a loading station wherein the product is loaded into a bag and a sealing station for closing the bag. A first clamp arrangement is used to capture and control edges of the bag during the loading operation and to move the bag with the product therein to the sealing station. The machine also includes guides for supporting the product during loading, a plunger for breaking the hocks, and a mechanism for introducing a vacuum into the bag before sealing.

Automated packaging machine and packaging method

Apparatus for atmosphere-modifying and sealing individual trays includes a film disposing roller disposed closely adjacent the top of the tray to define a nip region and an elongated gas injection nozzle spanning the nip region for injecting gas through the nip region between the film and the tray. A split conveyor belt advances the trays past the film disposing roller to a sealing unit utilizing band sealers for the longitudinal tray edges and reciprocal 'hot bar' sealer for the leading and trailing tray edges. The gas injection nozzle injects the gas substantially perpendicular to the advancing direction, down and into the individual trays. An optional second gas nozzle provides a gas flow curtain across the tray leading edge.

Tray sealing and gas flush apparatus

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Mauldin, SC, United States of America

Howard D Conner