Patent ID: 6499274
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:a) a plurality of subplatens each capable of carrying a bagged article, the subplatens each comprising i) a carrying portion having a top and bottom, ii) a side groove disposed along at least one side of the carrying portion, iii) a bottom groove disposed on the bottom of the carrying portion, and iv) a clamp anvil disposed on the bottom of the carrying portion; b) a conveyor for advancing the subplatens from a loading station toward a vacuum/seal apparatus, the vacuum/seal apparatus having a plurality of platens capable of moving in a circuit; and c) a synchronizing assembly capable of loading each subplaten onto a platen of the vacuum/seal apparatus, the synchronizing assembly comprising: i) an endless chain assembly, the chain assembly having a chain capable of being rotated about two spaced apart axes, ii) a plurality of lugs disposed in spaced apart arrangement along the chain; iii) a queuing device disposed near an upstream end of the chain assembly; and iv) a locking pin disposed in an upper surface of at least one platen of the vacuum/seal apparatus.