Apparatus and method for handling objects on a packaging line

摘要

The invention provides a method of and apparatus for handling objects, such as flattened bags (4') on a packaging line. An open topped container (3) is carried at the top of a flanged member (9) carried by a carriage (6) which is moved by an endless chain (2) at a constant speed along a first path in a conveying direction (A) through a loading station. The container (3) comprises two halves (24, 25) which are separated as the container (3) moves through the loading station in order to allow a flattened bag (4'), which moves faster than the endless chain (2) along a second path which converges with the first path, to enter the container (3) and then slow down to the same speed as the endless chain (2). The two halves (24, 25) then close thereby trapping the bottom seal (63) of the bag between the opposed portions (24d, 25d; 201, 202) at the bottom of the container (3). Plenum chambers (47, 48) in the base of the container (3) are connected via respective vacuum tubes (57, 59) to bellows connectors (58, 60) which, as the container (3) and bag (4') travel on, run adjacent to a vacuum box to effect evacuation of the plenum chambers (47, 48) and hence the chamber which surrounds the bottom part of flattened bag (4') and is formed by the bottom walls (24d, 25d; 201, 202), the side walls (24a to 24c, 25a to 25c), and two stationary members (61, 62) under which the container (3) is caused to pass to cause the flattened bag (4') to open and conform closely to the interior of the container (3). <IMAGE>