Packaging machine and process

Abstract

A packaging machine utilizing side connected chains of open bags is disclosed. The machine has loading and closure sections which are moveable between operating and cleaning/service positions. A resistance heater subassembly is removeable to enable washdown.

1 . A packaging machine for forming packages from a chain of side connected bags comprising: 
 a. a frame for supporting loading and sealing sections above a surface and adjacent an operator station;    b. a package loading section pivotally connected to the frame;    c. the loading section including mechanism for transporting such a chain to and through a load station defined by the loading section, the mechanism comprising a motor that drives a pair of belts that open bags of the chain sequentially and to close such bags after they have been loaded at the load station; and,    d. the loading section being movable when in use from a generally horizontal operating position to a front elevated position to provide operator access to an underside of the loading section.    
   
   
       2 . The machine of  claim 1  wherein the loading section is moveable from one of the positions to the other by rotation about an axis of the pivotal connection.  
   
   
       3 . The machine of  claim 2  wherein the frame includes an elongate tube extending from an entrance end of the frame to an exit end and forming the pivot at spaced locations.  
   
   
       4 . The machine of  claim 3  wherein a closure section is also pivotally mounted on the tube and moveable from an operating position to an elevated position and return by rotation about the axis.  
   
   
       5 . The machine of  claim 4  wherein the closure section is a heat sealer.  
   
   
       6 . The machine of  claim 2  wherein a closure section is provided and the closure section is also rotatable about the axis.  
   
   
       7 . The machine of  claim 6  wherein the closure section includes a heat sealer.  
   
   
       8 . A machine for forming packages from chains of interconnected preformed bags comprising; 
 a. a frame including components for mounting on a surface to support loading and sealing equipment above the surface;    b. the frame including an elongate tube extending from a location near a packaging material entrance to a location near a package exit;    c. a load section pivotally mounted on the tube and including structure defining the material entrance and mechanism comprising a motor that drives a pair of belts to transport bag chains from the entrance along a path of travel to and through a load station;    d. a package closure section also pivotally mounted on the tube and including structure defining the package exit; and,    e. each of the sections being moveable between generally horizontal operating positions and generally vertical elevated positions wherein an operator has facilitating access to the undersides of the sections for cleaning and service.    
   
   
       9 . The machine of  claim 8  wherein the closer section includes a heat sealer having a heating portion that is removable for cleaning of the remainder of the closer section.  
   
   
       10 . The machine of  claim 9  wherein cleaning can be effected by wash down after said heating portion is removed.  
   
   
       11 . The machine of  claim 9  further including a waterproof cabinet having space for storage of the heating portion during a machine wash down.  
   
   
       12 . The machine of  claim 9  wherein the hate sealer includes a single elongate heater element.  
   
   
       13 . The machine of  claim 12  wherein the element is eccentrically mounted in a heat tube having an air inlet and an outlet.  
   
   
       14 . The machine of  claim 13  wherein the outlet is an elongate slit adjacent a path of workpiece travel when the closure section is in use.  
   
   
       15 . The machine of  claim 8  wherein a fluid cylinder is interposed between the frame and at least one of the sections to control movement of said one section between the positions.  
   
   
       16 . The machine of  claim 15  further including an adjacent stop for locating said at least one section in the operating position.  
   
   
       17 . The machine of  claim 8  further including an adjustable stop for locating at least one of the sections in the operating position.  
   
   
       18 . The machine of  claim 8  wherein each of the sections includes a transport mechanism and a drive mechanism is secured to one of the sections and drivingly connected to the one sections transport mechanism and operably connected to the transport mechanism of the other of the sections when the sections are in operating positions.  
   
   
       19 . The machine of  claim 18  wherein said operable connection automatically disconnects upon movement of said one section from its operating position toward its elevated position.  
   
   
       20 - 27 . (canceled)