Automatic wicketted bag loader and method of loading

摘要

An automatic wicketted bag leader is suited to load one bag while simultaneously closing and sealing a preceding bag, each bag to contain a predetermined amount of a commodity. A hopper feeds the commodity when desired into a wicket bag which has been opened via mechanism connected to a retractable hopper-closing plate. A bag clamping mechanism simultaneously moves into position adjacent the sides of the opened bag and clamps the sides at about the midpoint thereof such that when the plate returns to its hopper-closing position the bag sides are drawn apart at the opening to bring the bag faces close together. The bag opening changes its configuration from generally square to a long rectangle. Clamping mechanism then moves laterally to encompass the bag opening and to clamp the two faces together and to then withdraw the clamped bag from below the hopper. The clamped bag may be heat sealed as it is withdrawn and then fed to an output conveyor. During withdrawal another bag may be loaded.