Bag filling apparatus and method

摘要

Automated apparatus for filling of a bag with a loose commodity comprises a bag filling station (20) for dispensing commodity into a bag; a wicket (22) for feeding a stacked and interconnected array of empty bags (46); and a conveyor (54) for removing filled bags from the filling station. Reciprocating clamps (67) grip the open mouths of the filled bags, and transfer the filled bags away from the filling station, with a subsequent bag being drawn into appropriate position for filling by means of the connection formed between the contacting bags. The conveyor comprises first and second belt assemblies (102a,b) mounted to a support frame, one of the belt assemblies being pivotally mounted to the frame at the discharge end of the conveyor.