A device for packaging elongated items that includes an upper platform for receiving the elongated items from a separate conveyor; a diverter mounted above the platform and two opposed elevator shafts having open bottoms. The elevator shafts are arranged laterally outward from outer edges of the platform and extend downward from the platform and are configured for receiving the elongated items after contact with the diverter and configured for holding the elongated items while a stack of elongated items is formed. The elevator shafts are provided with one or more support structures configured to hold the stack of elongated items as the stack is formed and to release the stack of elongated items from the device after the stack is formed, with the release of the stack of elongated items from the elevator shafts occurring via the open bottoms of the elevator shafts.

A device for packaging elongated items that includes an upper platform for receiving the elongated items from a separate conveyor; a diverter mounted above the platform and two opposed elevator shafts having open bottoms. The elevator shafts are arranged laterally outward from outer edges of the platform and extend downward from the platform and are configured for receiving the elongated items after contact with the diverter and configured for holding the elongated items while a stack of elongated items is formed. The elevator shafts are provided with one or more support structures configured to hold the stack of elongated items as the stack is formed and to release the stack of elongated items from the device after the stack is formed, with the release of the stack of elongated items from the elevator shafts occurring via the open bottoms of the elevator shafts.

The abstract of the application is being replaced with a new abstract which meets the requirements of the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. No new matter is being added and all changes are fully supported by the application and the application from which it claims priority. A clean copy of the abstract is included with this filing.

Systems for encasing articles such as forage or crop bales in a protective wrap are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system includes a packing conveyor that at least partially extends through a wrapping device for stretching a tube of wrapping material as articles pass through the wrapping device and into the protective wrap.

A bag loader apparatus for filling an elongated bag may comprise a base assembly, and a bag interface assembly for removably mounting a bag thereon and forming a tunnel with a rear opening for fluid communication with the bag. A primary auger assembly has an output opening in communication with the tunnel of the bag interface assembly. In some embodiments, a bag mounting assembly may be configured to lift a bag onto the bag loader apparatus into a position for loading the bag by the apparatus. In some embodiments, a plurality of bag securing elements on the bag interface assembly may be configured to secure a portion of the bag to the bag interface assembly. In some embodiments, an auxiliary auger assembly carried on the base assembly may be configured to feed material into the primary auger assembly.

A bag loader apparatus for filling an elongated bag may comprise a base assembly, and a bag interface assembly for removably mounting a bag thereon and forming a tunnel with a rear opening for fluid communication with the bag. A primary auger assembly has an output opening in communication with the tunnel of the bag interface assembly. In some embodiments, a bag mounting assembly may be configured to lift a bag onto the bag loader apparatus into a position for loading the bag by the apparatus. In some embodiments, a plurality of bag securing elements on the bag interface assembly may be configured to secure a portion of the bag to the bag interface assembly. In some embodiments, an auxiliary auger assembly carried on the base assembly may be configured to feed material into the primary auger assembly.

A bag applicator assist device for a baling system having a discharge mandrel, includes a frame movable longitudinally along the mandrel from a loading position to a bagging position and at least one gripper mounted to the frame. The gripper is movable between a closed position to secure the bag therein and an open position to release the bag from the gripper. A bag is positioned in the gripper at the loading position, the frame is moved longitudinally along the mandrel from the loading position to the bagging position and the bag is released from the gripper when the frame is in the bagging position. A bag configured for use with the applicator assist device includes a polymeric tubular member having a sealed end and an open end. The open end defines four corners. The bag has a gripper receiving region at about each corner.

A bag applicator assist device for a baling system having a discharge mandrel, includes a frame movable longitudinally along the mandrel from a loading position to a bagging position and at least one gripper mounted to the frame. The gripper is movable between a closed position to secure the bag therein and an open position to release the bag from the gripper. A bag is positioned in the gripper at the loading position, the frame is moved longitudinally along the mandrel from the loading position to the bagging position and the bag is released from the gripper when the frame is in the bagging position. A bag configured for use with the applicator assist device includes a polymeric tubular member having a sealed end and an open end. The open end defines four corners. The bag has a gripper receiving region at about each corner.

A table top appliance rapidly fills a pouch through some mechanical actuation or automation by inserting the pouch into the appliance and the machine fills the pouch. One embodiment of the food pouch filling station may be a mechanical version that includes a method to pump or push the contents of the container into the pouch. A second embodiment of the food pouch filling station may be an electric pump version that fills pouches and may have the option of controlling the amount of food dispensed. The food pouch filling station may also include a valve that connects to the pouch to control the flow to the pouch.

A table top appliance rapidly fills a pouch through some mechanical actuation or automation by inserting the pouch into the appliance and the machine fills the pouch. One embodiment of the food pouch filling station may be a mechanical version that includes a method to pump or push the contents of the container into the pouch. A second embodiment of the food pouch filling station may be an electric pump version that fills pouches and may have the option of controlling the amount of food dispensed. The food pouch filling station may also include a valve that connects to the pouch to control the flow to the pouch.