Bag handling apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus for loading packages into a bag is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one first suction cup operable, when vacuum is supplied thereto, to support one side of a bag which extends generally vertically downwardly from the first suction cup, a feeding station operable to store bags in a generally horizontal position, a transfer arm, at least one transfer arm suction cup operable, when vacuum is supplied thereto, to support one side of a bag, and means for moving the transfer arm suction cup longitudinally of the transfer arm. The transfer arm is rotatable between a first position in which the transfer arm suction cup is aligned with a portion of a bag in the feeding station and a second position in which the transfer arm suction cup is generally aligned with the first suction cup, The transfer arm is operable to move the transfer arm suction cup into engagement with a bag in the feeding station, to pick up the bag when vacuum is supplied to the transfer arm suction cup, to rotate so that the bag extends generally vertically downwardly from the transfer arm suction cup to a position in which the transfer arm suction cup can be moved longitudinally of the arm between a first position in which the first suction cup and the transfer arm suction cup are in closely adjacent, opposed relationship, and a second position in which a bag supported by the first and transfer arm suction cups is in an open position. The apparatus is also operable to load packages into the bag, to rotate the bag into which packages have been dropped in a given direction so that its top moves away from the transfer arm, to move the rotated bag laterally to a transfer station, and to support the bag in its rotated position while it is moved to the transfer station. Finally, the apparatus is also operable, to rotate the bag, after it reaches the transfer station, in a direction opposite to the given direction and to cause the rotated bag to continue rotating toward a horizontal position, and means for sealing the bag.

I claim:  
     
         1 . Apparatus for loading packages into a bag, said apparatus comprising at least one first suction cup operable, when vacuum is supplied thereto, to support one side of a bag which extends generally vertically downwardly from said first suction cup, a feeding station operable to store bags in a generally horizontal position, a transfer arm, at least one transfer arm suction cup operable, when vacuum is supplied thereto, to support one side of a bag, means for moving said transfer arm suction cup longitudinally of said transfer arm, said transfer arm being rotatable between a first position in which said transfer arm suction cup is aligned with a portion of a bag in said feeding station and a second position in which said transfer arm suction cup is generally aligned with said first suction cup, said transfer arm being operable to move said transfer arm suction cup into engagement with a bag in said feeding station, to pick up the bag when vacuum is supplied to said transfer arm suction cup, to rotate so that the bag extends generally vertically downwardly from said transfer arm suction cup to a position in which said transfer arm suction cup can be moved longitudinally of said arm between a first position in which said first suction cup and said transfer arm suction cup are in closely adjacent, opposed relationship, and a second position in which a bag supported by said first and said transfer arm suction cups is in an open position.  
     
     
         2 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  which additionally includes spreaders which are movable between a first, withdrawn position in which they do not interfere with movement of a bag supported by said first and transfer arm suction cups and a second in which they are inside a bag supported by said first and transfer arm suction cups, and are operable to support a bag in the open position, but do not interfere with the loading of a package into the bag.  
     
     
         3 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  which additionally includes means for dropping packages into a bag supported in the open position by said spreaders.  
     
     
         4 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 3  which additionally includes means for moving a bag into which packages have been dropped laterally to a transfer station, said last-named means being operable to rotate the bag in a given direction so that its top moves away from said transfer arm, and to support the bag in its rotated position while it is moved to said transfer station.  
     
     
         5 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said means for moving a bag into which packages have been dropped laterally to a transfer station, is also operable, after the bag reaches the transfer station, to rotate the bag in a direction opposite to the given direction and to cause the rotated bag to continue rotating toward a horizontal position.  
     
     
         6 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 5  which additionally includes means for moving a portion of the bag above the topmost package therein in the given direction.  
     
     
         7 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 5  which additionally includes means operable to receive a bag in the transfer station which is rotating toward a horizontal position, and to move that bag away from the transfer station.  
     
     
         8 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 7  which additionally includes means for applying a sealing tape to a bag being moved away from the transfer station.  
     
     
         9 . Apparatus as claimed in  claim 4  which additionally includes means operable to deliver packages to said means for dropping packages into a bag and to time the rate at which successive bags are so delivered so that there is time for each bag to be dropped into the bag before is delivered to said bag dropping means.