Patent ID: 6374582
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
A method of picking-up and opening packages in the shape of elongate bags for automatic packaging of cylindrical articles therein, preferably can lids, said method comprising the steps ofpicking-up each individual, essentially flattened package from a package magazine by means of pick-up means (2); opening the individual package by application thereon, at least in the area of the opening-mouth end of the bags, of surface-holding means (3, 6) to opposites sides of the package and thereafter moving said means away from one another in an essentially perpendicular direction relative to the plane of the package; and introducing distending means (7, 8) into the mouth of the package, wherein in the course of the pick-up step, the package is transferred from the magazine to a pick-up point and further to a filling point, during which transfer the package is moved essentially in its lengthwise direction; displacing said distending means between said pick-up point and said filling point, during which displacement said distending means is moved to the pick-up point, where it grips an open-mouth package and thereafter pulls said package to the filling point, where said package may be filled with articles; at the filling point said distending means are urged apart, thus distending said package mouth.