Dispensing – Processes of dispensing
Reexamination Certificate
1999-09-15
2001-05-08
Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)
Dispensing
Processes of dispensing
C222S105000, C222S181200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227408
ABSTRACT:
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for discharging bags, especially so-called “big bags” or flexible industrial bulk containers (“FIBC's”) used for particulate or powdery materials.
Particularly in the food and pharmaceutical industries it is required to tie off the emptied bag in a collapsed condition before removing it from a discharging station for disposal. Problems are, however, experienced with dust escaping into the environment.
The present invention provides methods and apparatus which address this problem.
The invention, in one aspect, comprises a method for discharging bags in which a full bag with an outlet is supported outlet lowermost over a hopper via which its contents are discharged with the outlet secured to the hopper inlet, and the emptied bag is evacuated via the hopper and collapsed before the outlet is removed from the hopper inlet.
The outlet may be secured in sealing relationship to the hopper inlet and the hopper evacuated to evacuate the emptied bag.
The bag may be collapsed with the aid of external mechanical pressure, which may be applied by moving arm means.
Big bags or FIBC's usually have base supporting loop means by which the bag may be supported base uppermost from hook means of a rigging frame of discharging equipment. These loop means, held apart during discharging, may be moved together during collapsing.
After evacuation and collapsing, the outlet can be safely removed from the hopper inlet and tied off.
The invention also comprises bag discharging apparatus for bags having a discharge outlet, the apparatus comprising a discharge hopper to the inlet of which the outlet can be secured for discharging via the hopper, and bag collapsing means for evacuating the emptied bag via the hopper and collapsing the bag.
The collapsing means many comprise vacuum means evacuating the hopper, and may comprise a duct opening into a side wall of the hopper and being upwardly inclined away from the hopper whereby to avoid ingress of discharging bag contents into the duct.
The bag collapsing means may comprise external mechanical pressure applying means, which may comprise moving arm means, which may comprise arms pivoted about horizontal axes and arranged for initial contact with a supported, emptied bag at its lower, discharge end and progressive upward movement to urge the bag sides together. The arms may be tipped with rollers. The mechanical pressure applying means may be fluid pressure operated.
A rigging frame of the apparatus may have upper hook means for receiving the loops of big bags, said loops being movable together in pairs as the bag collapses.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4213543 (1980-07-01), Thiem
patent: 4806058 (1989-02-01), Galichowski et al.
patent: 5507602 (1996-04-01), Walker
patent: 5535791 (1996-07-01), Lisec
patent: 5682929 (1997-11-01), Maginot et al.
patent: 5692868 (1997-12-01), Riemersma
patent: 5833120 (1998-11-01), Evens, Sr. et al.
Baker & Botts L.L.P.
Bonderer D A
Flomat Bagfilla International Limited
Shaver Kevin
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for discharging bags does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for discharging bags, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for discharging bags will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2559221