AUTOMATED PACKAGING MACHINE AND PACKAGING METHOD

摘要

The present invention relates to an automated packaging machine for packaging poultry products (24) and a method for packing poultry products using the machine. The machine includes a loading station wherein the product (24) is loaded into a bag (12) and a sealing station (62) for closing the bag. A first clamp arrangement (34) is used to capture and control edges of the bag during the loading operation and to move the bag with the product therein to the sealing station. The machine also includes guides (14, 16, 26, 28) for supporting the product during loading, a plunger (44) for braking the hocks, and a mechanism (68, 58) for introducing a vacuum into the bag before sealing.