Patent ID: 8186896

Claim:
An apparatus for selectively dispensing a web from a plurality of rolls of serrated bags, each roll of bags having a series of bags connected by transverse serrations, the apparatus comprising: a) first web printer/web feeder, adapted to advance and print a first web from a first roll of serrated bags, the first web printer/web feeder comprising i) a first printer, and ii) a first set of nip rollers; b) a second web printer/web feeder, adapted to advance and print a second web from a second roll of serrated bags, the second web printer/web feeder comprising i) a second printer, and ii) a second set of nip rollers, the second printer spaced apart from the first printer; c) first and second accumulator guide plates located downstream of the first and second printers, the second accumulator guide plate spaced apart from the first accumulator guide plate; d) a set of dispensing nip rollers located downstream of the first and second accumulator guide plates; e) a web accumulation area defined by the space between the first and second accumulator guide plates, and the set of dispensing nip rollers, f) a control system configured to control the first and second set of nip rollers and the dispensing nip rollers to accumulate the first web in the web accumulation area or to accumulate the second web in the web accumulation area; g) a web sensor for sensing an end of the first web, or an end of the second web; h) a first seal sensing device for sensing a bag serration, seal; or tab of the first web; i) a second seal sensing device for sensing a bag serration, seal; or tab of the second web; l) a dispensing guide plate located downstream of the sensor; and k) a bag handling mechanism for advancing a leading bag to a bag loader.