Apparatus for emptying single- or multi-walled packages

An apparatus for emptying packages such as sacks or bags, comprising, a substantially funnel-shaped frame which is upwardly open to receive a package which contains bulk material, said frame being provided with an openable and closable discharge, slitting means on the inside of the frame for slitting a package wall to open the package in the vicinity of the discharge, a resilient sealing sleeve located on the inside of the frame at a position above the discharge where it will serve as a seal by engaging the walls of a package lowered into the frame for emptying, said resilient sealing sleeve serving as a seal between the external walls of a package and the interior of the frame above the discharge to deter the movement of bulk material from the slitted portion of the package wall upwardly through the frame, said sleeve having a hole which is smaller than the frame at the same level and being deformable outwardly toward the frame wall when contacted by a package which is lowered into the frame.