초록 ▼

A machine for automatically filling plastic bags with liquid or particulate material moves a continuous web of such bags through a number of serially positioned work stations. The bags are completely sealed when they enter the machine. As each bag passes through a slitting work station, a specially

A machine for automatically filling plastic bags with liquid or particulate material moves a continuous web of such bags through a number of serially positioned work stations. The bags are completely sealed when they enter the machine. As each bag passes through a slitting work station, a specially shaped opening is cut into the bag near an end of it which will become its top. When the bag proceeds to a filling work station, it is held vertically and a specially shaped fill nozzle is moved downward and rotated for entry into the bag through the slit opening. A valve is provided within the fill nozzle for controlling entry of the material into the bag. The valve and fill nozzle are cooperatively controlled by a single mechanism. The bags are transported through the various work stations by a positive toothed belt drive that preferably holds the bags flat until the filling station, wherein the belts are then moveable toward and away from each other in order to allow filling of the bag. After filling, the bag opening is then sealed. The various techniques are especially useful for aseptic packaging of foods, such as milk and wine. Fitments for later use in removing material can also be added to the bag in another work station. The bags and fitments are structured and carried in a way to cooperate with the machine.

대표청구항 ▼

A mechanism for manipulating and filling flexible sealed bags with a liquid or particulate material by separate operations at a series of work stations, comprising: means provided at a filling work station for holding said bag substantially vertically, means provided at a cutting station in advance

A mechanism for manipulating and filling flexible sealed bags with a liquid or particulate material by separate operations at a series of work stations, comprising: means provided at a filling work station for holding said bag substantially vertically, means provided at a cutting station in advance of said filling station for placing a slit adjacent an end thereof that becomes the top of the bag when held substantially vertically at said filling station and in a shape that includes a substantially horizontal component adjacent a substantially vertical component, means for moving a bag from said cutting work station to said filling work station, a nozzle structure held substantially vertically at said filling work station, said nozzle being tapered at a lower end thereof and being movable in a substantially vertical direction and rotatable about a substantially vertically axis thereof, means provided at said filling station for inserting said nozzle into said bag through said slit, said inserting means including means for moving said nozzle structure downward and rotatably about said vertical axis in a manner to insert itself through said bag slit and into said bag, and means communicating with a source of said material and provided as part of said nozzle for controlling flow of said material into said bag through the nozzle while it is positioned within a bag.