Converted container end bag separator

A method for separating a cylindrical bag, sized to receive container ends, from a stack of such cylindrical bags contained within a longitudinally extending bag magazine at a first location, and for positioning the cylindrical bag over a bag support at a second location to receive a stick of nested container ends therein, wherein the bag magazine has a bottom portion for supporting the stack of bags and a cutout section, said method comprising the steps of:

• positioning a gripping member adjacent the cutout section whereby a bag at the first location is engageable by said gripping member;
• engaging the bag at the first location with said gripping member;
• and
• moving said gripping member to position the cylindrical bag from the first location to the second location, wherein the second location is longitudinally displaced from and completely separate from the first location to slidably remove the cylindrical bag from said bag magazine.

An assembly for separating a cylindrical bag, sized to receive container ends, from a stack of such cylindrical bags at a first location, and for positioning the cylindrical bag to a second location to receive a stick of nested container ends therein, said assembly comprising:

• a longitudinally extending bag magazine having a bottom portion for supporting a stack of cylindrical bags, said bottom portion having a cutout section;
• a gripping member for engaging a cylindrical bag in said magazine at said first location;
• an elongated bag support for longitudinally supporting the cylindrical bag when the bag is at said second location, said second location being above said bag support and completely separate from said first location;
• and
• means for moving said gripping member to position a cylindrical bag from said first location to said second location, wherein a cylindrical bag is engageable by said gripping member through said cutout section at said first location, wherein said second location is longitudinally displaced from said first location, wherein said means for moving comprises a first linear actuator for moving said gripping member substantially parallel to a longitudinal extent of said bag support and a second linear actuator for moving said gripping member substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of said bag support, whereby movement of said gripping member to position a cylindrical bag from said first location to said second location slidably removes the cylindrical bag from said bag magazine.