US2893184A

US2893184A - Apparatus for closing open mouth bags or the like

Info

Publication number: US2893184A
Application number: US640852A
Authority: US
Inventors: Lienart Marcel
Original assignee: ST Regis Paper Co
Current assignee: ST Regis Paper Co
Priority date: 1956-03-31
Filing date: 1957-02-18
Publication date: 1959-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 1976-07-07

Description

July 7, 1959 M. LIENART 2,393,134 I APPARATUSFOR CLOSING OPEN MOUTH BAGS OR THE LIKE Filed Feb. 18, l957 6 SheetsSheet 3,

INVENTOR. 1% RCEL LIENA R7? BY M. LIENART Jul 7, 1959 APPARATUS FOR CLOSING OPEN MOUTH BAGS OR THE LIKE Filed Feb. 18, 1957 m 1 5.2.1:: w 9 T e m a v w Q mm m .WMI h a In H S fi w W P 1 1k} 6 w w I... .llh, 5 r0 M ,ll .n i 2 .m 1. 7 u 1b 4 M Mm 3 I m I|- n L M H H 4.0 n m l 10D N a. w W m i M LO? 0 w w w M 1| 7 8 M4 fPCEL LIE/VA R7.

BY MMW @W m (244W.

ATTO/FNEKi July 7, 1959 M. LlENAR'f 2,893,184

APPARATUS FOR CLOSING OPEN MOUTH BAGS OR THE. LIKE Filed Feb 18, 1957 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 211 zae zs 5O r"-" O I WNW "H1 H.

INVENTOR.

W 'wawz/u ATTORNEYS.

July 7, 1959 I M. LIENART 2,393,184

APPARATUS FOR CLOSING OPEN MOUTH BAGS OR THE LIKE Filed Feb. 18, 1957 e Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

MECEL L HEN/4E7? zm/Lo/w MJACZZMM ATTORNEYS.

y 7, 1959v M. LIENART 7 2,893,184

APPARATUS FOR CLOSING OPEN MOUTH BAGS OR THE LIKE I Filed Feb. 18,1957 e Sheets-Sheet 5 MCI? CONTPGLLi'D VALVE HAND OPERATED 56 ALVE RESERVOIR To Ffq- 9 INV ENTOR.

MA RCEL L IBM/IE7.

ATTORNEYS.-

July 7, 1959 I M. LIENART 2,893,184

r APPARATUS FOR CLOSING OPEN MOUTH BAGS OR THE LIKE Filed Feb. 18, 1957 e Sheets-Sheet a INVENTOR. MRCEL L/ENA IP71 BY ATTORNEYJ.

United States Patent APPARATUS FOR CLOSING OPEN MOUTH BAGS OR THE LIKE Marcel Lienart, Brussels, Belgium, assiguor to St. Regis Paper Company, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Application February 18, 1957, Serial No. 640,852

Claims priority, application Belgium March 31, 1956 15 Claims. (Cl. 5375) This invention relates to apparatus for closing and sealing the open mouths of filled bags and the like packages. The invention is particularly adapted for the closing and sealing of so-called baler bags, that is to say, bags which contain a number of smaller filled bags or other objects, although various aspects of the invention are also applicable to the closing of bags containing loose material. a

It has heretofore been known to provide apparatus for closing open mouth bags by feeding same to means which will cut off the upper portion of the bag somewhat above the level of the charge, the apparatus then acting to unite the tops of the remaining flap portions by means of a seam or otherwise. However, with such apparatus, if the height of the charge varies in difierent bags, and if it is desired to form the closure at the proper position to avoid voids within the tops of the bags, then it is necessary to have a workman in constant personal attendance to regulate manually the leight ofthe cut, depending upon the height of the charge in each bag.

Various machines have also heretofore been known for closing boxes or the like small container by automatic means which will form the closure at a predetermined height above the bottom of the container. This latter type of equipment, however, does not allow for variations in the height of the finished package according to variations of the volume of the charges of given weights in successive bags. That is, due to manufacturing conditions and variations in the density of the products being packed, the hi ight to which the successive bags are filled may vary considerably, and hence if the bag closure is formed at a predetermined height, then the finished container will be only more or less filled and will not comprise a desirable firm package closely embracing the contents.

The present invention avoids the above-noted difliculties by the provision of me. as for automatically forming the top closure of the bag at a height depending upon the height of the contents in each bag and the closure is formed by folding closure flap portions at the mouth of the bag inwardly and downwardly against the contents, the positions of the base fold lines of the closure flaps being automatically regulated in accordance with the height of the charge in each bag.

In carrying out the invention, successive open mouth filled bags are each moved vertically with respect to mechanism for forming the closure and such vertical movement is automatically stopped when the top surface of the charge in the bag reaches a predetermined position with respect to such mechanism. The mechanism then automatically acts to fold the closure flaps inwardly and against the surface of the charge, or in other words, the means for starting the bag closing operations operates as a function of the height of the charge in the bag.

According to another aspect of the invention, mechanism is provided for automatically forming vertical slits in the top portion of the bags along lines which are to define the side edges of the closure flaps and these slits also may be of a length varying in accordance with the height of the charge. In this way, for example, the closure may be made to comprise inturned corner flaps at opposite corners of the bag and inturned overlying side flaps at least partially separated by slits from the corner flaps. Means is also provided for applying adhesive at appropriate locations on the flaps during the closing operations.

The invention makes it possible to make top closures for bags which are the same as the bottom closures formed of pasted closure flaps, and apart from the question of desirable appearance which this makes possible, the invention has the advantage of forming top closures which will be of a strength anddurability equivalent to the bottom closures, and forming a package which will be substantially free of voids.

Various further and more specific objects, features and advantages of the invention will appear from the description given below, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example a preferred form of the invention.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a bag which has been filled with a plurality of smaller bags for example, and on which bag a top closure has been formed according to the invention to the extent of folding down in place two corner flaps at 31c and 31d, the side flaps at 31a and 31b still remaining open;

Fig. 2 is a view similar to 'Fig. 1 but showing the bag with a completed top closure;

Fig. 3 is an elevational view of a preferred embodiment of apparatus according to the invention, details of certain parts being shown in section taken substantially along the section line IIIIII of Fig. 4;

Fig. 4 is an elevational view taken at right angles to the view of Fig. 3 with certain of the parts being shown in section substantially along line IVIV of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view of the same apparatus taken substantially along line VV of Fig. 3, but omitting portions of one of the corner flap folding devices;

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line IVIV of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a View showing portions of the parts shown in Fig. 4 and further showing a device for elevating the upper portion of the machine; and

Figs. 8 and 9 are schematic diagrams of the principal actuating devices of the apparatus and the control valves and connections therefor, Fig. 9 completing the diagram of Fig. 8 when the latter is placed to the right of Fig. 9.

Referring now to the drawings in further detail, the apparatus may be formed with a lower frame structure 1 at the mid-portion of which there is provided a' bag carrier plate 2 which is arranged to be raised and lowered by means of a piston rod 4 forming part of hydraulic cylinder and piston means 5. The cylinder is connected by conduit 7 through a valve 8 to a cylinder 6 containing a piston 9, the left hand surface of which receives pressure, for example compressed air, while the right hand surface thereof acts to force hydraulic liquid such as oil from the cylinder 6 into the cylinder and piston device 5. Thus when the valve 8 is opened, air pressure against piston 9 will act to cause the bag carrier plate 2 to rise. A slidable guide shaft for such plate is indicated at 3a.

The frame structure 1 supports a superstructure 1a which is vertically adjustable with respect to the lower frame 1 and may be fixed with respect thereto at a predetermined level. The means for adjusting the height of the frame portions 1a and fixing same in position, will be hereinafter described. The apparatus for controlling the closing operations as a function of the height of the charge contained in the bags, is located above and supported by the upper frame arrangement 1a. Such apparatus, includes a plate-like member 12 supported by a plufality of shafts as at 13, which are slidably mounted in openings formed in a support 14, springs as at 13a being mounted on such shafts normally to urge the plate member 12 in a downward direction. The support 14 carries an air valve 15 on its underside, of a type normally held closed by a spring, butwhich will respond sensitively to and be opened by engagement of its valve stem with the plate 12 when the latter is urged upwardly. This mechanism may be supported and protected by a sheet metal casing 16=which casing is secured to a piston rod 17 connected to' a piston 18 contained in an air cylinder 1%. A guide shaft-is indicated at 17a for holding the assembly of housing '16 against turning whenthe'piston 18 acts to raise or lower thehousing together with all of the other parts attached thereto.

The casing 16 carries a slit cutting mechanism comprising oscillating arms located respectively adjacent the four corners of the enclosure, three of these four arms being indicated in Figs. 3 and 4 at 19, 20 and 19a. Each such arm at its lower end is attached to a knife carrier as at 19b, 1921b and 20b. Such oscillating arms are controlled by a cylinder and piston device 21, 210, connected by suitable cranks and linkages, including a connecting rod 22, as will be apparent from Figs. 3 and 4, whereby when thelpiston .rod is thrust outwardly of the cylinder, the knife carriers will be thrust inwardly to pierce the upper wall portio'nsof the bagwhen located to surround the housing 16, the knives then protruding through the paper and through slits as indicated in the sides of the housing 16. The cylinder and

piston device

21, 21c also acts, before the housing 16 is lowered, to retract the knives to their outer initial positions, which they occupy before the start of each cycle of operation of the machine.

The closure-forming mechanism per se, includes a bag guiding and retaining member 23 shaped to surround a bag and slid'ably receive same as it is elevated into position'to beiclosed. A vertically extending plate '24 is suitably-mounted to engage one side wall of the bag, which is to form the overlying side flap of the closure and which will assume a position as indicated by the dot and dash line at 31a when the bag is positioned for closing. The closing mechanism also includes means for folding down the opposite side flap, the position of which when partially closed, is indicated by dot and dash line 31b.

Also, the closing mechanism includes means for folding down the corner flaps (31c, 31d, Fig. 1) before the side flaps are folded in place. This latter means will now be-described in connection with Figs. 4 and and same comprises two paddle-

like members

25, 25a (the paddle ZSabeing omittedfor clearnessin Fig. 5). These paddles are moved in from opposite directions toward the space occupied by the bag and during their movement are carriedon supports respectively as at 26 and 26a. These supports respectively are actuated by

pistons

28 and 28a contained in

air cylinders

29, 29a which are mounted to oscillate their pistons approximately horizontally, but the cylinders may pivot slightly about pivotal supports 30 and "30a although the cylinders are normally urged downwardly as bysprings 191 and 191a. Each of the paddle supports 26, 26a may be carried on rollers as indicated, which areguided by rails 27, 27a. These guide rails have inclined portions'27c, 27ac,.so that asthe paddles 25, 25a engage respectively the opposed corner flaps of a bag, they will first cause such flaps to be folded inwardly and then thepaddle supports will be lowered somewhat by reason of such inclined rail portions, whereby the paddles will be lowered as they slide horizontally inwardly over the:closed corner flaps of the bag.

I The arrangement for folding down the side flaps 31a, 31b of

the'bagi'ncludes rollers

32, 32a (see Figs. 3 and 5) mounted on shafts '33, 33a which in turn arecarried in brackets34', 34a secured to

piston rods

35, 35a of

pistons

36, 36a which reciprocate in

cylinders

37, 37a. These cylinders are positioned normally to move their piston rods horizontally, but the cylinders are pivoted at their outer ends as indicated at 38, 38a and their inner ends are urged downwardly as by

springs

381, 381a carried by suitable supports mounted on the superstructure 1a.

With the flap closing arrangements above described there are also associated means for projecting sprays of glue onto the proper areas on the bag flaps where adhesive is required to seal the flaps in closed condition. That is, two opposed

spray guns

39, 39a are preferably adjustably mounted on the superstructure frame parts so as to project adhesive onto the upper surfaces of the corner flaps 31c, 3101 at proper times, whereby after they are folded down and the side flaps 31a, 31b are folded thereover, the latter will be adhered in place. A glue spray gun 40 (see in Fig. 3) is mounted on the frame structure preferably by an adjustable bracket means, so as to project glue onto the underside of the overlying side flap 31a before same is folded down to bag closing position, and so that when it is folded down it will adhere to the corner flaps.

The apparatus for moving the filled bags successively into position for closing/will now be described, first with particular reference to Figs. 3, 5 and 6. Filled bags are conveyed in upstanding position through a channel indicated generally at 41, the floor of which consists of rollers 42 which may be driven by suitable means (not shown), such channel being'limited at its lateral surfaces by sheet metal guides 43, 44 and 45, the inner end of the channel at the bottom being obstructed by a barrier member 46. The guide plate 44 is mounted to be'hinged about a vertical pivot 44a so that by the action of a cylinder and piston device 44b, 440 this guide may be moved into and obstruct somewhat the channel 41. .Guide plate 45 is mounted on

shafts

451a, 451b which are slidable in suitable frame means to permit the plate 45 to move outwardly against a pneumatic valve at 45g (Fig. 5), such valve being actuated in the opposite direction by a spring. The barrier member 46 (Fig. 6) is also positioned to act against a pneumatic spring-actuated valve 460.

The bags are passed from the channel 41 onto the supporting plate 2 by the action of a pusher means generally designated at 47 in Fig. 3 and which comprises plates 47a, 47b and 47:11; carried by a movable frame 48. Such frame is secured to a shaft 51 forming the piston rod of a piston 50 operating in a cylinder 49. This frame is also supported by roller means 52 positioned to roll along a rail 53. The plate 47b is mounted so as to be movable with respect to the frame 48 when actuatcd .by cylinder and piston means 470! secured to the frame.

Each bag, after it has been elevated by supporting plate 2 and closed and then lowered again (to the position shown at 31x in Fig. 3),, is pushed by asucceeding bag from the platform 2 onto a platform 54 while its closed top portion is slidably engaged by a plate 55 mounted on springs as indicated so as to retain the top closure firmly down in position. The

plates

54, 55 should-be extended far enough to hold the bag flaps down in pasted position until the adhesive has set.

The machine is arranged for normally functioning continuously with one bag following another automatically. However, special devices as hereinafter described are provided for permitting the functioning of the machine bag by bag, such devices insuring particularly the automatic discharge of the last bag of a continuous series thereof.

The mechanism, the principal features of which are hereinabove described, is preferably .all arranged so as to permit adjustment for handling bags of different dimensions. For this purpose, all of the closing members twhichact to cooperate with the upper portions of the bags are made readily removable and interchangeable with corresponding parts of different dimensions. For example-,thepaddles 25,- 25a are secured to their supports by means of removable rods and may 'be replaced by paddles of other dimensions. Similarly,

rollers

32, 32a may be interchanged with others by unbolting their supports from the piston rods which control same. The bag guiding and retaining member 23 for the upper portions of the bags may also be replaced by others of differentdimensions. In order to permit bags of various heights to be closed, the position of the superstructure 1a which carries the closing members is adjustable with respect to the lower frame 1. For this purpose, the frame 1 is provided with four column-

like guides

100, 100a, 101, 101a extending to the topof the machine. Such guides at their lower portions telescope into tubes 100b, 100ab, 101b, 101ab which are secured as by welding to the frame 1. The superstructure 1a has secured as by welding thereon similar tubes 200b, 200ab, 201b, 201ab (Figs. 3 and 7) which, if desired, may be pro vided on their interior with suitable known forms of antifriction means, and which slide on the upper portions of the

guides

100, 101, etc. The upper tubes as at 200b, 200ab, etc. may be adjusted in position so that their lower ends terminate at any desired levels such as indicated by the dash lines N. The upper tubes are united at their lower portions by a strong plate 300 (Figs. 4 and 7) which has a central opening large enough topermit the largest bags acted upon to pass therethrough.

In order to raise the superstructure 1a and the parts mounted thereon, the bag elevating means may be used including the platform 2 and in a manner for example as indicated in Fig. 7. That is, between this platform and the plate 300 there may be inserted a member 500 of suitable shape such as of an inverted pyramid. Then, by raising the platform 2 in the usual manner, the plate 300 and the structure 1a which it supports may be raised to a height for example slightly greater than the final desired height. Then complementary sernicylindrical shell members as at 400, 400b may be clamped in place @as by bolts upon the vertical guides at positions between the top of the lower tubes and the undersurface of the plate 300. Subsequently the structure 1a is lowered again until the plate 300 rests upon the members 400, 400b, etc. Finally, the member 500 may be withdrawn after the plate 2 is lowered.

The operation of the machine will now be explained in further detail. The machine being adapted for continu'al automatic functioning, it will be understood that all operations or cycles of operation which must follow one, another in predetermined sequence may be initiated from a central actuating position, or they may act in dependence on the successive positions of each. In the preferred embodiment of the invention as herein de scribed, the latter solution has been adopted. For this purpose, the machine, the actuating members of which have already been in part described, includes various other devices in the form of control and distributor valves as hereinafter explained, more particularly in connection with Figs. 8 and 9.

In the latter figures, certain black pointed arrows are shown accompanying various of the control valves. These are intended to indicate connections running from a suitalble source of compressed air, hereinafter referred to as mover air. Similar other arrows as shown start from small circles and these are intended to indicate connections from a suitable source of air of a lesser pressure, hereinafter referred to as impulse air, which is supplied for the purpose of moving valve pieces and the like. Certain other arrows are shown as will be noted terminating with open or white triangular points. These are intended to indicate points at which air may escape.

Let us assume that at the start of operations the positions of various piston rods are as follows:

Cylinder 19p. piston rod is down Cylinder 21 piston rod is in v 6. Cylinder 44b piston rod is in Cylinder 47d piston rod is in Cylinder 49 piston rod is out Cylinder 5 piston rod is down.

The pistons of

cylinders

29, 29a, 37, 37111 are all in.

Let us assume that the first bag arrives on driven conveyor rollers 42 and engages the plate 45 which causes actuation of the valve piece of valve 45: thus establishing connection between conduits 45a and 45b (see Fig. 9, lower left). The first bag continues to advance and engages the barrier member 46 which actuates valve 46c (see top, Fig. 9) in a direction to establish communication between

conduits

46a and 46b. Since at this moment the piston 4 is down, whereby as shown in the diagram near the bottom of Fig. 8 the platform 2 will press down a valve piece of a valve 56, such valve will establish communication between a source of impulse air and the conduit 46a, so that the air thus admitted to conduit 46:: has access to the following, viz: through valve 46c to a valve 57, the valve piece of which is moved to the right thereby admitting mover air to conduit 57b and onto the right hand side of piston 5.0 in cylinder 49, thereby pulling frame 48 to the left with the consequence that pushing plates 47a, 470b, etc. push the bag onto plate 2. This permits valve 460 to move back to normal position allowing air to escape from conduit 46b; to valve 58, the valve piece of which is thereby moved to the right thus admit ting mover air onto the right side of the piston 440, such piston then moving plate 44 inwardly of the bag intake conveyor thereby checking the following 'bag from access to barrier member 46; the above mentioned actuation of piston 50 causes frame 48 to engage the valve pieces of two spring-actuated

valves

59, 60; valve 59 on being then actuated, permits passage of impulse air by way of conduit 59b onto the valve piece of valve 61 (lower left corner of Fig. 8). Such valve piece, moving to the left, then admits mover air onto the left hand surface of piston 9 which is thereby caused to force oil from cylinder 6 into the space below piston 4 in cylinder 5, through conduit 7 and spring valve 8. This valve is open, thus permitting the passage of oil to cylinder 5. Valve 8 is open because impulse air is applied via valve 62 and conduit 7b to the bottom of valve 8. The valve piece of valve 62 is on the right side of the valve since mover air has been applied through conduit 610 to the left side of valve 62, to lower platform 2 at the end of the preceding cycle. This causes the bag positioned on platform 2 to be raised toward the bag flap closing mechanism; the spring valve 60 (as actuated by frame 48) also now causes impulse air to be admitted through a conduit 45a to the valve 45g, thence through conduit 45b to the valve 57 if plate 45 is constantly depressed, in other words, if the bags follow one another on the infeed roller conveyor. The valve piece of valve 57 is then pushed to the left thus admitting mover air onto the left-hand surface of piston 50 thereby causing the frame 48 together with pusher means 47 to resume their initial positions. The frame 48 then depresses the valve piece'of a spring-actuated valve 5a which admits impulse air via conduit 5ab to the right hand surface of the valve piece in a valve 58. This valve then admits mover air onto the left-hand surface of piston 44c which resumes its initial position thereby withdrawing the plate 44 and freeing the conveyor entrance for admission of the next bag. Another bag advances to a position in front of pusher means 47 and causes actuation of valve 460 again. But nothing will happen as a result, because the valve 56, not being now held down by the plate 2 (which has not yet descended) places conduit 46a into air discharging position.

The rising of the bag on plate 2 causes contact of the charge contained therein with the plate 12. This opens valve 15 which is normally closed by a spring, allowing impulse air to enter conduit 15b and to be distributed as follows, viz: to valve 62 (bottom of Fig. 8), the valve piece of which is pushed to the left. The conduit 7b to 7 7 valve Sis connected to allow air escape therefrom and the valve piece in valve '8 descends; thus shutting oif'com; munication of oil between cylinders Sand 6, and in efiect locking piston 4' in its upward position for holding up plate Iand-thehag'thereon in a position suitable for subjectingth'e'latter to the actions of the closing mechanisms; to ad-ifferential'valve 63 (top of Fig. 8) the valve piece of which is pushed toward the left thereby admitting mover air to a conduit 63b which energizes the glue atomizin'g devices 39, 391:. These devices, the operation of which is per se known, project jets of glue when they are thus connected with a source of compressed air; by way of abranch of conduit 1512" to a timer controlled valve 6501f a suitable known type which, after an adjustable predetermined period of time, allows passage of impulse air byway. of acondiiit l'conto' the left hand surface of the valve piecein differential valve 63 and onto the upper surface of the valve piece of a valve 66.

Thevalve 66 then admits mover air onto the surface on the left of the piston 210 which has the effect of actuating the slitter knives a, 20b, etc. The same mover ai'r acts to elevate piston 18 for driving upwardly the boir 1.6 and the parts connected thereto. Four slits are thu s ma de by the slitter knives adjacent the four corners of the mute of'th'e .bag for defining the edges of corner flaps are, fil dwith respect to the edges of

side flaps

31a, 31b (Fig-l), When the piston 18 reaches its uppermost position, this causes a member 16a mounted on the box 16 to engage and actuate the valve piece of a valve 67; The latter allows passage of impulse air via conduit 64, valve 64 and conduit 64]), onto the upper surface of the valve piece of a valve 68. The latter admits mover air onto the rear surface of piston 28 which is forced out and by means of the paddle folds down the first corner flap of the bag. At the end of its travel, 0

the rod of piston 28 or any desired abutment thereon actuat'es a spring-pressed valve 69 which then admits impulse air via conduit 69b to the lower end of the valve piece of a valve 70 which is moved to give access of mover air onto the back of piston 28a. The latter emerges from its cylinder causing folding down of the second corner flap of the bag and at the end of its stroke causes actuation of a valve 71 to a position such that impulse air is admitted by way of a conduit 71b onto the left hand surface of the valve piece of a valve 72. The latter valve piece compresses its spring and moves to admit air behind the piston 36 in cylinder 37, causing the latter to move its accompanying roller 32 in a direction to cause folding down of the side flap 31b of the bag. When this roller reaches the end of its stroke, piston 36 or an abutment connected thereto causes actuation of a spring-pressed valve 73 in such manner as to admit impulse air through a conduit 73b and thence as follows, viz": to; the lower surface of the valve piece of a differeritial valve 74 which is moved to admit mover air to the glue atomizer or sprayer 40 above referred to for applying glue to the underside of the overlying side flap 31st of the bag; and to a timer controlled air valve 75 of a suitable known type which at the end of an adjustable predetermined period of time acts to admit air to conduit 75a thus causing the valve piece in valve 74 to descend and to stop the action of the glue atomizer 40. At the same time, air from conduit 75a moves the valve piece in avalve 76 toward the left for allowing mover air to be applied to the back of a piston 36a. As the latter piston emerges, its accompanying roller 32a folds down the side flap 31a of the bag and at the end of the stroke a valve 77 is actuated to admit impulse air via a conduit 77b to the left of the valve piece of a valve 76. At the same time, impulse air from the valve 77 is admitted througha -branchof conduit 77b to the upper surface of thelvalv'epiece of a valve 64, causing the latter to descn'd to connect. conduit- 64b to discharge. The valve piece in valve 68 so moves as to cause an to he applied onto the frentsurrace of piston 28 which is their withdrawri. This causes valve 69 to connect eonduit 69b to discharge.- The valve piece of valve 70 thereupon descends and admits mover air onto thefro'nt surface of piston 28a which is'ther'eby withdrawn. Piston 28a freeing the valve 71 at the end of the stroke, connects con duit 71b to discharge. Thevalvep'iece of valve 72 then admits mover air onto piston 36 which is withdrawn,

, thereby freeing spring-actuated valve 73 which places

conduits

73b and 75a in communication with a discharge connection. The valve 76 then admits mover air onto' piston 36:: and such piston is retracted and during such movement is arranged to. actuate a finger 78a whichfor a moment depresses the valve piece of a spring-actuatedvalve 78 which via conduit 17b admitsimpulse air to the left of the valve piece in valve 61; The latter valve piece is thereby moved to the right thus admitting mover air via a conduit 610 to the upper surface of piston 4 and also to the left surface of the valve piece in valve 62,

' the latter permitting then impulse air to' pass through conduit 7b to the valve 8 which then opens. Piston 4 is then pushed down by the air pressure above same as it no longer encounters the resistance of the oil therein under the piston since the piston 9 in cylinder 6 may now be moved by the oil pressure to the left, this being possible because the left hand surface of piston 9 is now connected to discharge. The plate 2'upon which a bag rests, which bag has now been closed, descends with the piston 4. The valve 56 now being depressed by a plate 2 again admits impulse air into conduit 46a from where, via the valve 66 whose valve piece rises, air is admitted onto piston 18 This forces the piston 18 down along with the parts connected thereto causing the slitter knives to be simultaneously retracted by the piston 21c onto the front surface of which valve 66 will now have admitted' mover air.

The entire apparatus has thus now resumed its initial condition, the valve 45q remaining open because the bags continuously succeeding one another engage against plate 45. The following bag arriving on plate 2 pushes the closed bag into position on plate 54 and below the resilient plate 55 (Fig. 3), to permit the adhesive on the closed flaps to dry or become set.

When the last bag of a series which is being closed frees plate 45, thereby freeing valve 45g, passage is established between conduits 45a and 450. The bag reaches normally platform 2. When frame 48 comes in contact with

spring valves

59 and 60, impulse air flows through these valves. From valve 59, impulse air flows to valve 61 and positions its valve piece to the left. Platform 2 is thus lifted and spring valve 79 is closed. During that time, impulse air flowing through spring valve 60 flows through 45a, 45c, throttle 81 and reservoir 82 to spring valve '79. The throttle 81 and reservoir 82 have the effect that the impulse air reaches valve 79 when this valve is closed. Note: spring valve 59 is equipped with a simi lar actuating system as spring valve 78, i.e., frame 48 depresses only momentarily valve 59. When the bag folding operations are performed, platform 2 descends and opens spring valve 79. Impulse air flows-then through this valve 79, conduit 79a to the left side of spring valve 84 Mover air flows to the back face of piston 47ad. Auxiliary pusher 47b discharges the bag from platform 2 onto plate 54.

While the machine functions as above dmcribed, the arrival of the next bag against the plate 45 will actuate valve 45:; in such a manner as to open the passage 45m- 4517 and to place conduit 45 in communication with a discharge opening which allows small pusher piston 47ad to be withdrawn. The connection 45a-45b through the intermediary of valve 57 will cause piston 50 to emerge and will cause the return of the pusher means 47 back to a position Where same will be ready to act on a new-bag to push it onto the machine. Thus the various parts of 9 the machine are restored to the proper positions for the starting of a new cycle of operation.

It should be understood that theexpression bag as used herein and in the appended claims, for the sakeof brevity, may be taken as including any kind of single or multiple ply wrapping of paper or other sheet material, such as plastic material and various combinations thereof. Such wrapping may be closed in any manner at the lower portion of the package so as to hold the charge contained therein and to present an opening at the upper portion which is to be closed by the apparatus of this invention.

The valve 85 indicated at the lower left end of Fig. 8 may be a manually operated valve with ports and connections so arranged as to admit mover air against piston 9 when desired, to move the bag platform 2 upwardly for any purpose, such as for example when the elevation of superstructure 1a is to be readjusted by using piston 4 to to elevate same. Valve 85 also may have a discharge opening to release pressure from piston 9 when the bag platform 2 is to be lowered, after accomplishing such a purpose or for other reasons.

Although a certain particular embodiment of the invention is herein disclosed for purposes of explanation, various modifications thereof, after study of this specification, will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains. Reference should accordingly be had to the appended claims in determining the scope of the invention.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1. Apparatus for closing filled open mouth bags and the like, comprising in combination: a member adapted to be moved responsive to pressure applied by the upper portion of the charge contained in the filled bag; devices for folding mouth portions of the bag to bag closing positions; mechanism for relatively moving the filled bag with respect to said member and devices, whereby such mem her is thus moved by such pressure; and mechanism actuated responsive to such pressure-responsive movement for then actuating said devices for closing the bag mouth with the closure at a position depending upon the effective height of the charge in the bag.

2. Apparatus for closing filled open mouth bags and the like, comprising in combination: a member adapted to be moved responsive to pressure applied by the upper portion of the charge containedin the filled bag; slitter means for forming slits to separate mouth portions of the bag for forming closure. flaps thereof; devices for folding such flaps to bag closing positions; mechanism for relatively moving the filled bag with respect to said member whereby such member is subjected to such pressure; and mechanism actuated responsive to movement of said member under such pressure for then actuating said slitter means'to form slits of lengths depending upon the effective height of the charge in the bag, and thereafter actuating said devices for folding said flaps to bag closing condition with the closure at positions also depending upon such effective height.

3. Apparatus comprising in combination with slitter means for forming slits to separate the mouth portions of filled bags for forming closure flaps thereof, mechanism for relatively moving the filled bag with respect to said slitter means and with the bag mouth portions in upstanding position, means having portions adapted to engage and receive pressure from the upper portion of the charge contained in the filled bags, said latter means being operatively associated with said slitter means to actuate the latter responsive to. such pressure to cause of filled bags and the like for forming closure flaps thereof, comprising in combination: means for elevating the filled bag with the mouth portions thereof in upstanding condition; an enclosure-like structure positioned to be thereupon received in the mouth of the bag with the upper portions of the bag surrounding same; slitter blades mounted externally of such enclosure; a control device in said enclosure and adapted to engage and receive pressure from the upper portion of the charge contained in the filled bag; means then operative responsive to such pressure on said control device to check further elevation of the bag with respect to such enclosure; additional control devices for thereupon actuating said slitter blades to cut into the bag Walls surrounding the enclosure; and further control means for thereupon elevating the slitter blades with respect to the bag mouth to form slits starting from points dependent upon the effective height of the charge in the bag.

5. Apparatus for closing filled open mouth bags and the like, comprising in combination: a plurality of devices for respectively folding closure flaps on the bag into bag closing positions; means for relatively moving in a generally vertical direction the filled bag with respect to said devices; means for stopping said movement actuatable in response to the arrival of the top surface of the charge in the bag at a predetermined elevation with respect to said devices; slitter means for forming slits to separate mouth portions of the bag for forming two opposite corner closure flaps and two opposite side flaps; said devices comprising a pair of oppositely directed paddlelike members for respectively engaging and folding down the corner flaps, fluid-actuated cylinder and piston means for respectively moving said paddle-like means generally horizontally and inwardly and slidably over the corner flaps as same are folded down thereby, a pair of rollers for closing the side flaps, fluid-actuated cylinder and piston means for moving said rollers respectively generally horizontally into engagement with the side flaps respectively to fold same down into bag closing positions and roll thereover, and automatic control means for causing actuation of said cylinder and piston means for the paddle-like members and to subsequently cause actuation of said cylinder and piston means for one of said rollers and then for the other.

6. Apparatus for closing filled open mouth bags and the like, comprising in combination: a plurality of devices for respectively folding corner and side closure flaps on the bag into bag closing positions; means for relatively moving in a generally vertical direction the filled bag with respect to said devices; means for stopping said movement actuatable in response to the arrival of the top surface of the charge in the bag at a predetermined elevation with respect to said devices; adhesive projectors for respectively applying adhesive onto the outer surfaces of the corner flaps and onto the inner surface of one side flap which is to overlie the other side flap; said devices comprising a pair of oppositely directly paddle-like members respectively for engaging and folding down the corner flaps, fluid-actuated cylinder and piston means respectively for moving said paddle-like means generally horizontally and inwardly and slidably over the corner flaps as the same are folded down thereby, a pair of rollers for closing the side flaps, fluid-actuated cylinder and piston means for moving said rollers respectively generally horizontally into engagement with the side flaps respectively to fold same down into bag closing positions and roll thereover, and automatic control means for causing in predetermined sequence, after said stopping, the actuation of the adhesive projectors, actuation of said cylinder and piston means for the paddle-like members and actuation of said cylinder and piston means for the roller which engages said other side flap and finally for the other roller. I 1

7. Apparatus for closing filled open mouth bags and the ylike, comprising in combination: a plurality of devices for respectively folding corner and side closure flaps on .;the bag into bag closing positions; means for relatively moving in a generally vertical direction the filled vbagwith respect to said devices; means for stopping said movement actuatable in response to the arrival of the top surface of the charge in the bag .at a predetermined elevation with respect to said devices; said devices comprising a pair ofmembers respectively for engaging and folding down the corner flaps, fluid-actuated cylinder and pistonmeans respectively for moving said members generally horizontally and inwardly and over the corner flaps as same are folded down thereby, a pair of other members respectively for engaging and folding down the side flaps, fluid-actuated cylinder and piston means for moving said other members respectively generally horizontally into engagement with the side flaps respectively to fold same down into closing positions, track means for guiding said other members somewhat downwardly after engagement with the side flaps, spring pressure applying means for urging all of said members downwardlyagainst the respective flaps; and automatic control means for causing actuation of said cylinder and "piston means for saidfirst named members and to subsequer tly cause actuation of said cylinder and piston means for said other members successively.

8. Apparatus for closing filled open mouth bags and thelike; comprising in combination: devices for respectively folding closure flaps on the bag into bag closing positions; means for elevating the filled bag with respect to said devices; means for stopping the elevating movement actuatable in response to the arrival of the top surface of the charge in the bag at a predetermined elevation with respect to said devices; slitter means for forming slits toseparate mouth portions of the bag for forming closure flaps; a lower frame structure at which said elevating means is located; a superstructure supporting said devices and said slitter means; and supporting posts upon which said superstructure is vertically adjustable to accommodate bags of different heights;

9. Apparatus for closing filled open mouth bags and the like, comprising in combination: devices for respectively folding closure flaps on the bag into bag closing positions; means for elevating the filled bag with respect to said devices; means for stopping the elevating movement actuatable in response to the arrival of the top surjfaceof the charge in the bag at a predetermined elevation with respectto said devices; a lower frame structure at which said elevating means is located; a superstructure supporting said devices; and supporting posts upon which said superstructure is vertically adjustable to accommodate bags of different heights, said elevating means being located in such position beneath said superstructure that it-may be-used as a source of power for elevating said superstructure when adjusting the height thereof.

10. Apparatus for closing filled open mouth bags and the :like, comprising in combination: devices for folding closure flaps on the bag vinto bag closing positions; elevator-means for raising the filled bag with respect to said devices; means for stopping the elevating movement act'uatable inresponse to the arrival of the top surface of the'charge in the bag at a predetermined elevation with respect to said devices; and slitter means for forming slits to separate mouth portions of the bag for forming closure :ifiaps, said slitter means being actuatable responsive-also to the arrival of the top surface of the charge in :the'bag-at -a predetermined elevation and acting automatieally to {then cause the slitter means to engage the bag *an'd'to'be elevated in respect thereto, whereby the slits are started at a-predetermined distance below the top edges of the bag and extend thence substantially vertically upwardly, said distance depending upon the height of the charge in the-bag. e

ll. Apparatus forclosing filled open mouth bags and the like, comprising in combination: devices fortfolding closure flaps onthe bag {into bag closing positions; elevatpr means for raising the filled bag with respect to saiddevices; means for stopping the elevating movement aetuatable in response to .the arrival of the top surface of the charge in thebag at a predetermined elevation with respect to said devices; slitter means for forming slits to separate mouthportions of the bag for forming closure flaps, said .slitter means being actuatable in response also to the arrival of the top surface of the charge in the bag at a predetermined elevation and acting automatically to then cause the slitter means to engage the bag and to be elevated :in respect thereto, whereby the slits are started at apredetermined distance below the top edges of the bag and extend thence substantially vertically upwardly, said distance depending upon the height of the charge Zin the bag; means for then applying adhesive to the outer surfaces of two oppositeflaps and onto the inner surface of another flap which is to become an overlying flap; and means for then actuating said devices in predetermined sequence to foldithe flaps to closed positions.

12. Apparatusfor closing filled open mouth bags and the like; comprising in combination: devices for :respectively folding closure :fiaps on the baginto bag closing positions; an elevator-for elevating the'bag to bring its mouth portions into position to be operated .upon by said devices; reciprocating pusher means for pushing bags in succession onto :said elevator and from said elevator after the bag has been elevated, closed by said devices and lowered; meansfor conveying the bags in successioncinto position 'in-'front of said pusher means; means for checking the movement of bags from said'conveyor means when said pusher means is acting against a preceding bag or bags; and control vmeans for operating said devices, said elevator, said pusher means and said checking means in a predetermined sequence.

13. Apparatus in accordance with the foregoing claim 12 and in which said pusher means acting as a principal pusher means is accompanied by an auxiliary pusher means normally immovable with respect to the principal pusher means; actuating means for advancing said auxiliary pusher means'beyond the principal pusher means; and means controlling said actuating means responsive to a substantial interruption'in the supply of bags whereby in that event the auxiliary pusher pushes a filled bag from the elevator means.

14. Apparatus-for closing filled open mouth bags and the like, comprising in combination: a member adapted to engage the surface of the charge contained in the filled bag when in upright position; devices mounted at a predetermined elevation for folding down mouth portions of the bag -to bag closing positions along horizontal fold lines on the bag adjacent said devices; mechanism for elevating the filled 'bag with respect to said member and devices, whereby such member protrudes into the bag mouth and is engaged by-such surface; and mechanism actuatable responsive to such engagement for then actuating said devices for-closing the bag'mouth whereby the closure fold lines are thus caused to form at positions 'on the bag dependent upon the effective height of the charge in the bag.

15. Apparatus for closing filled open mouth bags and the 1jke,1eomprising in combination: a member adapted to engage the'surface of ,thecharge contained in :the filled bag; devices (at opposite 'sides of the bag for folding wn.m th ,no tib s Qt-t a o b g zs c g p s ns along ,foldlines on bag-adjacent such devices; mechanism ,for'relatively moving the filled bag with respect ,to said member and said devices in a direction substantially perpendicular to said surface and until such-memberprotrudes,v into the bag mouthand is engaged by such surface of the charge; mechanism actuated responsive to s h en eme t r han s oppin su r lat v movement; and "further meansactingresponsive to the actua- 13 '14 tion of said mechanism for activating said devices for References Cited in the file of this patent closing the bag mouth along said fold lines thereon, and UNITED STATES PATENTS whereby the position of said lines is dependent upon the bag position when said movement is stopped and ff f 3; hence also upon the position of said surface of the 5 2:584'465 Kan a 1952 charge 2,746,222 Engleson May 22, 1956