Method for high speed loading, vacuumizing and sealing of a bagged article

US 6,499,274 B1
Method for high speed loading, vacuumizing and sealing of a bagged article
Gregory E. McDonald, Simpsonville, S.C. (US); Jeffrey L. Walker, Easley, S.C. (US); Glenn W. Killinger, Simpsonville, S.C. (US); and Andrew W. Moehlenbrock, Simpsonville, S.C. (US)
Assigned to Cryovac, Inc., Duncan, S.C. (US)
Filed on 20-Jun-2000, as Appl. No. Cryovac, Inc., Duncan, S.C. (US)
Int. Cl.7B65B 31/00

US 6,499,274 B1 Method for high speed loading, vacuumizing and sealing of a bagged article Gregory E. McDonald, Simpsonville, S.C. (US); Jeffrey L. Walker, Easley, S.C. (US); Glenn W. Killinger, Simpsonville, S.C. (US); and Andrew W. Moehlenbrock, Simpsonville, S.C. (US) Assigned to Cryovac, Inc., Duncan, S.C. (US) Filed on Jun. 20, 2000, as Appl. No. 9/597,680. Int. Cl.7B65B 31/00 U.S. Cl. 538212;434 10 Claims 1. 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.