Apparatus for sealing perforated flexible bags

Abstract

An apparatus is provided for filling and sealing flexible poly bags which are provided on a continuous roll. The apparatus has means for heat sealing filled bags. A drive mechanism conveys the bag into position for filling and sealing thereof. A clamp mechanism draws the bags into contact with the heat sealing means during the sealing process. A reverse actuation mechanism is provided for reversing the drive mechanism while the bag remains clamped so as to detach the bag at a perforation thereof. An interrupt means is also provided for disengaging the clamp mechanism when the clamp mechanism is interfered with by a foreign object. The interrupt means consists of an electrical circuit established through the clamp mechanism frame which circuit is broken when the clamp mechanism contacts a foreign object. Also provided is a guide mechanism for guiding the bags into engagement with the drive mechanism. The guide mechanism includes a pair of rollers which are in frictional contact with a table member, and a pair of belts are drivingly connected between the rollers and the drive means. An alternative sealing mechanism is also provided wherein an unsealed bag is received between a fixed gripper plate, a movable clamp bar and a movable seal bar. The gripper plate has a V-shape opening which receives a corresponding shape of the movable seal bar. Heat from the seal bar is directed to the V-shape opening to seal the bag when both the seal bar and clamp bar are closed upon the gripper plate.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.