METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REMOVING AIR FROM AN ARTICLE-FILLED BAG WITH OSCILLATING RINGS

摘要

An apparatus is provided for removing air from a bag containing articles while the bag is traveling on a moving conveyor belt. A horizontal shaft is disposed in operational relationship to the conveyor belt. A plurality of rings is provided such that each ring has a thickness and a centered opening dimensioned to loosely accommodate the shaft, and also to rotationally oscillate relative to the shaft. Each ring is vertically displaceable relative to the shaft. Each ring independently generally follows a contour defined by the articles to expel air by downwardly depressing an outer surface of the bag under gravity caused by weight of each ring while the bag is carried on the conveyor belt below the rings. A radial distance between the shaft and the ring is greater than a diameter of the shaft.

主权项

1. An apparatus for removing air from a bag configured for accommodating one or more articles while the bag is traveling on a moving conveyor belt of a conveyor system, comprising:
a horizontal shaft disposed in operational relationship to the conveyor belt; a plurality of rings, each ring having a thickness and a centered opening dimensioned to loosely accommodate said shaft and to rotationally oscillate relative to said shaft such that each ring is vertically displaceable relative to said shaft; wherein each ring independently generally follows a corresponding contour defined by the one or more articles to expel air from the bag by downwardly depressing an outer surface of the bag, caused by weight of each ring while the bag is carried on the conveyor belt below said rings; and wherein a radial distance between said shaft and said ring is greater than a diameter of said shaft.