Patent · US Expired

Plastic bags carried in a continuous web

US4981374A · kind A · utility

23Cited by
11References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 30, 1988
Grant dateJan 1, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 30, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S383/904
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

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 b…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.