Disclosed is a method used to handle outer packages (10) with foldable top flaps (12; 12-v, 12-h, 12-l, 12-r). The handling can be carried out in association with a mechanical removal or introduction of articles (14) out of or into the outer package (10). The method provides the unfolding and/or the holding open of at least one top flap (12; 12-v, 12-h, 12-l, 12-r) in order to at least partly uncover an opening (16) to make accessible an interior space of the outer package (10), as well as providing the application of a tensile force (32) to the at least one top flap (12; 12-v, 12-h, 12-l, 12-r), the tensile force (32) being specified and/or variable over the course of the conveying phase.

The invention includes a transport section (20) which carries out the method during the conveyance of outer packages (10).

The present disclosure relates to a pouch conveying system for routing one or more pouches. Each pouch may include at least one self-closing frame attached to an end of a pouch body. The self-closing frame has a first frame section having at least two portions coupled to each other through a first joint, and a second frame section having at least two portions coupled to each other through a second joint. The second frame section coupled to the first frame section at a first end by a first coupler and at a second end by a second coupler, such that at least one of the first coupler and the second coupler move inward, flexing the first frame section and the second frame section about the first joint and the second joint.

Methods, apparatuses, and systems for dispensing a bag which are configured to receive and retain one or more objects. Some bag dispenser embodiments can comprise a pair of guiderails angled toward each other so that a bag positioned between the two guiderails can slide along guiderails to press open the mouth of bag. Other dispensers can comprise a pair of guiderails that are parallel. Other embodiments of the present disclosure comprise bags that are configured for use with the dispenser. Still other embodiments are described.

Banknote processing equipment is disclosed, which comprises a chamber having an open end for insertion of a bag into the chamber and an extractor adapted to establish a lower ambient pressure between the chamber and the hag to that within the bag to cause the bag to expand into an open configuration during a banknote filling operation, whereby the banknote processing equipment can deposit banknotes in the bag.

Banknote processing equipment is disclosed, which comprises a chamber having an open end for insertion of a bag into the chamber and an extractor adapted to establish a lower ambient pressure between the chamber and the hag to that within the bag to cause the bag to expand into an open configuration during a banknote filling operation, whereby the banknote processing equipment can deposit banknotes in the bag.

The horizontal-type automatic packaging machine comprises a conveyor moving a plurality of gripper-holding carriages (4) in an advancing direction (D) along a closed path. Each gripper-holding carriage (4) comprises a base structure (7) connected to the conveyor (2) and two parallel gripper arms (8a, 8b) carrying two or more pairs of grippers (47a, 47b) for holding two or more flexible packages (50) arranged in parallel. The gripper arms (8a, 8b) are guided for moving parallel to the advancing direction (D), moving one closer to the other for opening the packages and moving one away from the other for closing the packages due to the action of a driving mechanism connected to proximal ends (17a, 17b) of the gripper arms. A mechanical transmission transmits the movement of the proximal ends (17a, 17b) to distal ends (18a, 18b) of the gripper arms (8a, 8b).

An apparatus (1) for the packaging of products in pre-made containers (100, 101) that comprises a receiving station (2) for containers and at least two workstations (3, 4) each on one side of that receiving station; the apparatus comprising container transfer means (5) that are equipped with at least two holding groups (6, 7) prepared to hold containers in a suspended way and that can move between at least two positions, one that coincides with the container receiving station (2) and the other that coincides with one of the two workstations (3 or 4), such that the transfer means are able to serve the pre-made containers received in that receiving station to one side and to the other side of the receiving station, and to corresponding workstations, in an alternating way.

An apparatus (1) for the packaging of products in pre-made containers (100, 101) that comprises a receiving station (2) for containers and at least two workstations (3, 4) each on one side of that receiving station; the apparatus comprising container transfer means (5) that are equipped with at least two holding groups (6, 7) prepared to hold containers in a suspended way and that can move between at least two positions, one that coincides with the container receiving station (2) and the other that coincides with one of the two workstations (3 or 4), such that the transfer means are able to serve the pre-made containers received in that receiving station to one side and to the other side of the receiving station, and to corresponding workstations, in an alternating way.

A transportation method for the intermittent, forward moving transportation of flexible containers suspended in a packaging line, including the use of movable arms on a same plane, between which a container is secured in opposite areas, one of which is a tractor arm and the other a push arm. Between two consecutive stops, the method includes steps of simultaneously moving the tractor arm and push arm forwards at different velocities, in order to deform the container and move the contents to compensate for the forces of inertia. Also disclosed is a device for putting the method into practice, including a number of guides that determine a closed route, upon which at least a first and second adjacent carrying element slide, which may be operated independently or together, in order to be moved along the length of the guides and work together to jointly secure and transport a corresponding container.

A transportation method for the intermittent, forward moving transportation of flexible containers suspended in a packaging line, including the use of movable arms on a same plane, between which a container is secured in opposite areas, one of which is a tractor arm and the other a push arm. Between two consecutive stops, the method includes steps of simultaneously moving the tractor arm and push arm forwards at different velocities, in order to deform the container and move the contents to compensate for the forces of inertia. Also disclosed is a device for putting the method into practice, including a number of guides that determine a closed route, upon which at least a first and second adjacent carrying element slide, which may be operated independently or together, in order to be moved along the length of the guides and work together to jointly secure and transport a corresponding container.