Patent ID: 6173556
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
Apparatus for filling and closing preformed seed packets, each of the packets having front and rear panels connected together along bottom and side edges and defining an upwardly open packet mouth, the packet including a closure flap connected to an upper edge of one of the panels and extending upwardly therefrom, said apparatus comprising; a supply magazine for containing a quantity of preformed seed packets, packet feeding means for withdrawing each successive packet from said supply magazine and disposing the packet in a pick-up position, first conveying means for engaging the packet at said pick-up position, gripping a lower leading marginal edge portion of the packet and continuously advancing the packet along a predetermined path to and through a packet filling station, means for opening the packet mouth as the packet is continuously advanced by the first conveying means toward said packet filling station, seed dispensing means at said packet filling station for loading a predetermined quantity of seed into the packet through the packet mouth as the packet is continuously advanced along said predetermined path by said first conveying means, a closing station, flap closing means for moving the closure flap in a closed position as the packet is continuously advanced along said predetermined path from said packet filling station, and second conveying means cooperating with said first conveying means for receiving each successive filled and closed packet from said first conveying means, gripping an upper portion of said packet substantially along the entire length of its closed closure flap to and continuously urging the closure flap and holding it in its closed position while continuously advancing the packet along a further portion of said predeterminal path.