Apparatus and method for bagging fragile leafy vegetables
US5046304A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 26, 1990 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B25/04
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for mechanically bagging relatively fragile, leafy vegetables including a bag distending assembly, a sleeve-like inserter, a barrier movably mounted inside the inserter, and a drive assembly coupled to displace the inserter into the bag. The drive assembly includes two pneumatic cylinders so that the barrier can be controlled independently of the inserter and maintained in position inside the bag while the inserter is withdrawn. The inserter carries the leaves inside the bag without substantially compresssing or crushing and bruising the leaves, and the barrier permits inserter withdrawal without leaf damage. A process for inserting fragile leafy vegetables into a bag also is disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.