The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 30, 1998
Filed:
Nov. 06, 1996
James R McGregor, Owatonna, MN (US);
Tracy J Steiger, Owatonna, MN (US);
LaVern N Wobschall, Owatonna, MN (US);
Other;
Abstract
A fully automated apparatus and operating system for supplying, transferring, filling, and sealing bags, utilizing a clam shell type of filling spout is provided in combination with apparatus for sealing each filled bag in close proximity to the spout. The bag sealing apparatus incorporates heat sealing bars mounted on a carriage movable between a first position adjacent to the filling spout for receiving filled bags and sealing them, and a second position wherein filled and sealed bags are released. The same carriage supports clamping bars movable between open and closed positions to clamp a filled bag while it is still being held on the filling spout, and to support the bag, after removal from the spout, while the bag mouth is being sealed by the heat sealing bars. The machine also incorporates automatically controlled bag supply apparatus which functions to deliver bags into position to be picked up by a bag transfer assembly with clamps which grip the leading edge of each bag as it is supplied on a conveyor; and the transfer assembly is swingable to a position wherein it accurately places the mouth of a bag on the filling spout. The spout is pivotally movable between a first, bag receiving and fill commencing position, and a second, bag release position wherein a filled bag is properly located for engagement by the aforesaid clamping and sealing bars on the movable carriage.