Apparatus for folding, filling, and sealing microwave popcorn bags
US5463845A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 10, 1993 |
| Grant date | Nov 7, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 10, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B43/54
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus (10) is disclosed including fixtures (32) mounted to carrier bars (30) removably secured to roller chains (24) extending in parallelogram-shaped closed loops. In a first, vertical portion of the closed loops, bags (12) are loaded into the fixtures (32) in a folded condition by a loading device (50). Guides (274) prevent the bags (12) from moving from the fixtures (32) when the fixtures (32) move from the first, vertical portion to a second, horizontal portion. The bags (12) are opened by suction cups (104, 106) and filled with product and then collapsed and sealed in the horizontal portion. Guides (184) prevent the bags (12) from moving from the fixtures (32) when the fixtures (32) move from the second, horizontal portion to a third, vertical portion and bend the portions of the bags (12) extending out of the fixtures (32) at a nonlinear angle to the fixtures (32). The bags (12) are ejected from the fixtures (32) in the third, vertical portion by reciprocal pushing plates (172, 174). The bags (12) are ejected into pockets (186). Lugs (230) extending from lands (228) push the bags (12) from the pockets (186) in an inverted position as the lands (228) move from an inner …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.