APPARATUS FOR FOLDING, FILLING AND SEALING BAGS WITH A FIXTURE FOR HOLDING THE BAG DURING THE PROCEDURE

摘要

An apparatus (10) is disclosed including fixtures (32) mounted to carrier bars (30) secured to roller chains (24). In a first, vertical portion of the closed loops, bags (12) are loaded into the fixtures (32) in a folded condition by a loading device (50). Guides (274) prevent the bags (12) from moving from the fixtures (32) when the fixtures (32) move from the first, vertical portion to a second, horizontal portion. The bags (12) are opened and filled with product and then collapsed and sealed in the horizontal portion. Guides (184) prevent the bags (12) from moving from the fixtures (32) and bend the portions of the bags (12) extending out of the fixtures (32) at a nonlinear angle to the fixtures (32). The bags (12) are ejected from the fixtures (32) in the third, vertical portion by reciprocal pushing plates (172, 174). The bags (12) are ejected into the pockets (186). Lugs (230) extending from lands (228) push the bags (12) from the pockets (186) in an inverted position as the lands (228) move from an inner position to an outer position.