US2817840A - Container closing devices - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 31, 1957 H. K. DENNISSON ETAL 2,817,840

CONTAINER CLOSING DEVICES Filed July 5, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTORS. 30 HAROLD K. DE/Y/V/SfO/V 60RG DRffC/l ATTOF/YA'K Dec. 31, 1957 H. K. DENNISSON ET AL 2,817,840

CONTAINER CLOSING DEVICES 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed July 5, 1955 IN VEN TORS'. A? Df/Y/Y/JSOA/ s, 095504 04 W HAROZ D GEO/4 6E 5 ATTOP/Yfl Dec. 31, 1957 H. K. DENNISSON ETAL 2,817,840

CONTAINER CLOSING mzvxcms 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 5, 1955 Dec. 31, 1957 H. K. DENNISSON ETAL 2,817,340

CONTAINER CLOSING DEVICES- Filed July 5, 1955 6 Sheets-Sheet 1.x 6 iiii. S m 4 am 7 m w w (W. 4% 5 5 w N 4/ Z L2,, f, m 4% E m a m w j j o a 0 a 2 a l I i F /gm 0 g f w z 1 25 2 2 C ,7 a K\ W; W; /o 4 6 m "Z w United States Patent Ofifice .2 ,8 1 7 ,840 Patented. Dec.. 31-, 1957 CONTAINER CLOSINGTDEVICES Application Julys, 1955; Serial No; 519,758

61:Claimsr (Cl. 19-106) Theinvention relates .to container closingdevices, and more particularly to container closing devices which gather and'bind the tops of bag container.

Heretofore devices have been employedfor binding the tops of bag containers. These devices, however, havebeen highly complex in structure andoperation, .makingtli'em 20 expensive'to manufacture andtdmaintain in operation. The very. nature of'thesedevices also makes theminefii; cient and unsatisfactory for. operation at a high production rate.

Therefore, a principal object of the invention is to provide. a new and improvedicontainer closing device which is inexpensiveto manufacture and. is. highly. eflicient in operation.

Another object of .the invention is to provide. a.new and improved; container closing device which is simple. in construction and operation.

Still another object .of.the .invention is-to. provide a new and improved. container closing... device whiclinis readily and inexpensively i maintained. in operation...

Yetanother object o..the. inventioniato.provide.a new and improved container. closing device which is. easily? and-I inexpensively. manufactured. on. a. small or. large scale. basis.

A further object of the invention is to provide a newand improvedcontainer closing devieewhichisdesigned for continuous operation over. alongperiodof time With out requiring replacement of its. parts.

Still afurther object of. the-invention is;-.to..provide.-a.. new and improvedtcontainer;closing device.;treating.;and. closing containers at a highurate.

Yet. a further: object .of the. invention. is to. provide: a new and improvedtcontainer. closingdevice whichis fully. automatic in operation.

Another objectof the invention isto provide anewand. improved container closing device utilizing.electricaljcork trol and synchronizing apparatus...

Still another object of the invention is. to provide a new and improved container closing device which is responsive to the container being treated.

Yet another object ofthe invention is to provide. a new and improved. container closing device performing successively gathering andbinding operations and-deter-' miningthe completion of the gatheringyoperatiomby tlie sensing of" the treated cont-ainer'unit:

A further object of the invention is to provide a new: and improved container-closing devicewhich allows the performance of a binding operationtsuponta treated: cone tainer only after the completionof thegathering:operaa 1011.

Still. a further. object of -the.- invention istoprovideaanewa and improved container: closing device:utilizingastandard stitching. headwhich: easily may. be. removed... and re: placed.

Yet .a further. objectmf. the. invention. issto. provide .a new and, improved: container. closing. evice whiclimini mizes damage. of the. treated container unit.

Another object of the invention is' to provide a new and" .2. improved; container. closing device Whifih': iS-l especially adaptedfor treating. plasticatype. container units Still anotherobject. of the. invention to provide anew and improved container closingdevice which can convey a container unit, byv engaging. its, top'end. whichend is also to be treated. by. the. device.

Yet another. objectof the invention is :to providea new andimproved container closing devicewhich.allowsacontinuous operationof. its conveying means...

Afurther. object of the invention is. toprovide. anew andaimproved. container. closing, device. which may. operate satisfactory. over a .wide range. of. conveying speeds:

Still a further object of the. inventionis toprovide anew and improved container. closing .device which is especially adaptedfor. assembly. line. techniquest.

Yet a: further, object of; the invention is toprovidev a new and improved container closingdevicewhich is.esxpecially. adaptedforuse with. standard conveyor systems.

Another. object.of the.invention isv to provideanew and improved container closing device wliiehreadily may be synchronized with auxiliary. equipment.

Stillanother object of the invention is to provide a new-. and improved container. closing device: which is adapted for use with various size containers and auxiliary. equipment.

Yet another object of the invention is. to provide anew and improved container.closing.devicewwhichis compact in size. and can be readily moved and. transported The above. aswell as many-other objects ofthe iIlVCIl-w tion are achieved. by providingacontainenclosing device. comprising container conveyingmeans, container. sensing. means, container. retaining. means. andcontainer. binding means.

The container conveyingmeans comprises. a. pair. of endless belts. andapressureplate. Theendless belts travel; along apredetermined conveying .pathand. have vertical surfaces adapted.to,frictionally engagesthefirst side of they top end of a bag container. The. pressurelplatet extends. along the. conveying pathand has. a vertical surfaceproximate thevertical container engaging.surfacesoftheendw less belts, for sl-i'dably engagingthe secondside of tliestop end of the container. The pressure plate urges thefirst side of-theqcontainerragainst the vertical surfaces. of the endless. belts, thereby increasing thefrictiona-I force applied to the container by the conveyor belts for directing. it .along the. predetermined path.

The. sensing means comprises-a normally closed switchunit having an extended leverfor engagingthe container along the conveying path. The circuitofjth'e switch unit isopened When the leading edge of a container engages its lever, and is closed when the lever loses contact with the container at its. trailing. edge.

The retaining means. comprises a rod .elementwhich is. extendable across the path of the containenatalocation followingthe. switch unit of the. sensing means, arelay unit, and a. solenoid; Therelay unit .when in its set posi-.

tion energizes the solenoid, and die-energizes the solenoid when it. is reset.. The solenoid retracts the rod element" when energized and allows the rod'element to.extend across the path when de-energized.

As the container unit moves along the path, .its' leading edge contacts. the lever ofthesensing means and opens the sensing switch circuit: Thisresetsthe' relayand"de= energizes the" retaining means 'solenoid'whicli extendsthe rodelernent. The extended rodelement offthewetaining means engages the leading edge of the containerunifand prevents-its" motionpast'a binding" location: The continuous action of the endless belts of the conveyingmeans causes the top end of the container: unit to' be gathered at said" binding location (when the rod element is ex i The securing means comprises a stitching machine having a head positioned along the path for enclosing the gathered end of a container at the binding location.

Since the lever of the sensing switch is positioned proximate the binding location, it loses contact with the container unit at its trailing edge as the gathering operation is completed. The closing of the sensing switch at this time causes the securing means to bind the gathered end of the container unit which is retained at the binding location. The actuation of the securing means also sets the relay unit which results in the energization of the retaining means solenoid and the retraction of the rod element. This allows the container unit to proceed along its path out of the device after completion of the closing operation.

The above objects, as well as many other objects of the invention will become evident to those skilled in the art. when the following description of the invention is read in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a closure device embodying the invention with a portion of the main frame unit broken away,

Figure 2 is an elevational view of the top portion of the container closing device taken in the direction of the lines 2, 2 of Figure 3,

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 1,

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 1,

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of Figure 4 illustrating the container conveying, sensing, and retaining means upon completion of a closing operation,

Figure 6 is a view similar to that of Figure 5 illustrating a container unit engaging the lever of the sensing switch and just contacting the extended rod element of the retaining means at its leading edge,

Figure 7 is a view similar to that of Figure 5 illustrating a gathered container unit positioned at the binding location by the extending rod of the retaining means and being bound by the stitching machine of the securing means,

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 8-3 of Figure 5 illustrating the conveying means engaging the upper flattened end of a container unit,

Figure 9 is an enlarged detail view of a portion of the closing device taken along the line 9--9 of Figure 1,

Figure 10 is a detail view taken along the line lit-10 of Figure 5,

Figure 11 is a detail view taken along the line 1111 of Figure 5 showing the rod element of the retaining means.

Figure 12 is a plan view illustrating in detail the stitching machine of the securing means with its cam wheel engaging the set-up switch,

Figure 13 illustrates the top of a bag container unit which has been gathered and bound by the container closing device,

Figure 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating the electrical system of the container closing device before its on-olf switch is closed,

Figure 14a is the diagram of Figure 14 illustrating the electrical system with its on-off switch closed and the first workless stapling operation completed,

Figure 14b is the diagram of Figure 14 illustrating the electrical system when a container unit is engaging its sensing switch element, and

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of a modified form of container closing device including an auxiliary conveying means for supporting the bottom portion of a container which is synchronously driven with the top engaging and conveying means.

Like numerals designate like parts throughout the several views.

Refer now to the figures for a description in greater dctail of a container closing device embodying the invention. The Figure 1 shows a container closing device which has a main frame unit 19 comprising a base 20, and a verti- 4 cal l-beam member 22.. The member 22 has its lower end connected near the edge of the base 20 and its upper end joined with a horizontal top plate 24. A portion of the top plate 24 extends over the base 20 and is provided with an opening therethrough.

A positioning screw 28 has its actuating wheel 26 supported by the top plate 2 while its screw portion 3% is received through the opening of the top plate 24 and extends vertically along the I-beam member 22.

An adjustable block member 32 has a central portion 33 threadedly engaging the screw portion 36 of the positioning screw 28, and a pair of vertical flange portions 34 and 36. The flange portion 34 of the block member 32 connects with a guide plate 33 which bears against the flange 4-0 of the I-beam member 22. The guide plate 33 has a pair of clamping members 42 for controllably securing the guide plate 38 with the Tbeam member 22 when bolts 4-3; are tightened.

In operation, the adjustable block member 32 may be raised or lowered to a desired elevation by turning the positioning screw 28 in one direction or the other. When the block member 32 is at the desired elevation, the flange screws 43 may be tightened to lock the block member 32. in position and supportingly secure it with the vertical I-beam 2.2 of the frame unit 19. Thus, the position of the block member 32 may be adjusted and changed from time to time as conditions require.

A mounting unit 44 has the vertical surface of its end 46 bolted to the flange 36 of the adjustable block member 32, while the vertical surface of its other end 4% is secured with a bracket 50 which mounts an electric drive motor 52. The end 48 of the mounting unit 44 is provided with a downwardly extending elon gated portion 54-.

The wire stitcher head 56 of a securing means is secured with the portion 54 of the mounting unit 44, while its clincher block arm 58 is also supported by and extends downwardly from the mounting unit 44. The lower end of the arm 58 is provided with a clincher block 60 which is positioned proximate the stitching head 56 and cooperates with it during a stitching operation.

The stitching head so receives power from the drive motor 52 which is transmitted from the motor shaft to the drive shaft 59 of the stitching head 56 by a motor pulley drum 61 and a stitching head pulley wheel 62 which are linked by belts 64. The drive motor 52 con tinuously rotates the drive shaft 59 of the stitching head 56, although the clutch of the stitching head is engaged to actuate the head only during a stitching operation.

The stitching head 56 is supplied with wire from a supply reel 68 and is actuated to perform a stitching operation by a clutch lever 70. The clutch lever 70 is connected by a link rod '72 with the actuator 73 of a solenoid 74 (see Figure 12). When the stitching head solenoid 74 is energized, the clutch lever 70 is actuated causing the head to perform a stitching operation.

The stitching head 56 is of the type which performs a complete stitching operation once it is initiated by the actuation of its clutch lever 7%. A stitching head of this type is described in U. 8. Patent No. 2,554,691 issued to R. E. Zeruneith on May 29, 1951.

A cam wheel 76 is secured with the shaft '75 the stitching head 56 which revolves only when the head is performing a stitching operation. In this particular case the cam wheel rotates and makes one complete revolution with each complete stitching operation of the head $13.

A set-up switch 78 is provided with an actuating lever which engages the cam wheel 7 6 of the stitching head 56. The set-up switch 78, which has two posiitons, is normally in its first position and momentarily assumes its second position during a stitching operation by the revolution of the cam wheel 76, The set-up switch 73 reassurnes its first tpasition upon :the completion ofiithe. stitching; pera. tion'.

The lower 1 portion of the: e 'ttension 154 of; the: mounting; unit 44 -supports a conveyor; frame 8010f ta-container con veying means and hasa mainleg-82 whichais bent'atzits forward end andis securedfat its rear endwithaa; second substantially-perpendicular leglld; The. extending ends :of the-legs 82, il iareconnected by a bandfid to form: a substantially triangular configuration.

A plurality of pairs of pillowboxescor bearing mountingtunits 88', 96', 9:2, .94 and Sid-are. connected with the conveyor frame The bearing units. 90am joinedwwithtthe leg 82 where it is bent, while bearing units 96xareuhingedw lysecured intermediate-the endsof the band 86 of the conveyor frame 86;;

Eachxpairpofibearing units 88; 90, 92, 94. and 96 rotatablysupportsthezvertical shaft of a respective conveyor. drums 98, lltlll M2, 10 and Mid. Each of the drums is provided; with awpair'of annular groovesdtl li which respectively receive a paired endless conveyorbelts 168, 119 and. determines their paths.

The conveyor belts 1%; ill) have identical configurations with. thebelt 108: positioned.vertically above the belt 110. The belts 108, 116 each have aligned vertical gripping surfaces 111;.

The position of the bearing units 96 maybe varied by aiscrew element 97 for adjusting the tensionofthe conveyorbeltsultlfi, 110..

The conveyor belts- 108, 11bare: moved in a clockwise direction about-their idler drums 9S, 1%, 1oz andltlti by the drive drum 104 The shaft of the drive drum ltl lis joined", to a gear wheel 112 which is linkedby a chain 114with a gear wheelll; The gear wheel 116' isconnected by a rotatable shaft 118 with a speed reduction gear wheel 120 which is driven by apinion gear wheel 122; The pinion Wheel 122 is joined with the stitching head pulley 62 which in turn is coupledwith thedrive motor 52.

The driven shaft 118 is rotatedly secured'at itsendsby pillow blocks'or hearing units 124 and 126. The bearing unit 124 is secured to horizontal band 128 which is attached betweenzthe. mounting uni-t td and thedrive motor 52,. whileflietlower:bearing-unit 126 is joined-ton bracing band 130-(Figure 3) which; extends between the leg 82 and the connecting element 8510f the'conveyor' frame 84):

The container conveying path is substantial-lylinear and extendstbetween the idler: drums .100 :and 162 intthe clock wise direction.

A back member 132. (Figure-8) is supported from-the maintelement 82tof. the. conveyor framefitlrby a pair of brackets 1341'and istpositioned behind the conveyor belts 108, 110 along the: conveying. path between: the idler drums. 100p and; 182.. y The 2 back. member 132 positively positionsythe:conveyor; beliStl lllfi, 110; by having 1 a main portion which slidabiy engages their vertical. back sur faces 134, y and: a. central portion 136. which extends: betweenv the conveyor belts, 108, 119. and maintains theirvertical separation; back plate 132 also sli-dably engages the:- bottom surface- 138 ofrthe upper conveyor belt 1138 toverticallysupport it under. load condition Atpressure plate 14o which is an elongatedimember has: a main portion M2 with: a, vertical contactsurface 144 (Figure 9') positioned I proximate thevertical.grippingsun faces:111 ofthe. belts-1%, itiilvalong theconveying. path a. converging entrancellfi to the container conveying path; The pressure platezl ill is supported in thisposition. by ahracket1 l9=which extends fromthetleg portion 82 oftthetconveyorrframe 8i), and. bythestitching machinc;

arm-fidtat its. lower; end.

When. thesconveying means is; op ratingvits; conveyor: belts 1%, 110 are moving in the clockwise direction,

The extending. portion 136 of the that; container; 1:50=may have; its; top end; portion 152 intnodueedi into the; entrance14$;v The; container: may be; of; the plastic bag type, which is to ,be 1 closedv at-its top end: The. vertical surfaceslll of the conveyor belts 108, 110 engage oneqsideuof theiiajttened tend152j of the con tainer-lStkbetwecn itsleadingand trailing edges 154-and 156,.while.itsrothensideis; slidably engaged by the vertical surface 144. oftthe.pressure-plater The vertical surfacel ldof:thepressure plate 1402111 slidably engaging one side of the top' end, 1520f th:C.0IltaiI1I150,j urges its other side againstthe gripping vertical surfaces 111 of the. conveyor'belts.x108,@ 1101 and increases the frictional gripping actiorrcfthe belts for directing'the container along the conveying path.

It also now may b'IlOtd$.thflI inoperation, the backing plate 132 by affording:additionalbacking supportincreases the gripping efiioiency of thesconveyor belts 1 1313', 110 by allowing them to exert: greater frictional forces upon theicontainer lfitl. The backing plate 132 also verticallysupports the'upper; conveyor belt 1% allowing it to carry: theload: of'the container without sagging.

Since the. b'eltltlil carries :thernainweight load of the container 150, the belt 110 acts mainly to direct the container15tl along the conveying path.

Container sensing means is provided which comprises a normally closcdlsensing switch element 162 secured to the lower end of thewire stitching arm 58 by a bracket 164 (seeFiguresBto 7 inclusive). The switch element 162:. is provided with an actuating lever 166 which extends througha slot 16$inthe pressure plate 142 for engaging' thezfiattenedend portion 152 of a. container 150, between its leading and trailingedges 154, 156 as it proceeds along theconveying path. T o assure positive action ofxthe lever' 166 of the switch element 162, it extends acrossthe path intermediate the vertically positioned conveyor belts 108, 110. The central extending portion 138 of the backing plate-132 islimited in its extent to prevent its'interference with the action of the switch lever 1 66, while the plate 132 continues at 1'7tl along behind the belts 108, 110 to the stitching head 56.

The endof the actuating lever-l66 of the switch element. 162 is positioned along-the conveyor belt preceding leading edge. 154, the switch element 162 is actuated to its open position which it maintains until the lever element 166 loses contact with the container 150 at its trailing edge 156.

The guide. box 17d of a container retaining means is received in the notched lower end of the stitching arm 58 at 172. The .exposed side of the guide box 174 which is provided with acover 176 slidably receives within it an extensible rod element 178.

Theend 180 of the rod element 178 is secured to the actuated element 1820f a retaining: means solenoid 184 which is mounted on the. lower end of the guide plate 38. A pairof coiled-springs 186 are connected between the guide box 174 and the activated element 182 of the solenoid 184- for urging the rod element 178 toward its ex+ tended position.

Theotherend 188 of the. rod element 173 is slotted. or forked tozform upperand lower prongs 190 and 192;

A retaining meansyrelay unit 160 when in its isetposition energizes-the solenoid .184, and tie-energizes the solenoid when: it is reset.

When the. solenoid 184 isenergized, the rod element;

extended position the prong 19b and 192.01? the. rodzelement 178 are respectively above and below the clinching block 6% of the securing means. The vertical plane of the container contacting surface 194 of the rod element 178 is also positioned to substantially bisect the horizontally extending arced surface of the clinching block iii).

In operation, as the flattened end 15?; of a bag container 15d proceeds along the conveying path, the relay unit 160 is reset, retaining means solenoid m4 is deenergized and the rod element 178 is extended across the conveying path when the lever 16d of the sensing switch element 162 is actuated to its open position by contact with the container 150 at its leading edge 154 (see Figures 5 and 6). As the container 1% continues along the conveying path, its leading edge engages the projecting prongs R91 192 of the extended rod element 17% along its container contacting surface 194. The extended rod element 178 prevents the motion of the end portion 152 of the container 15% past its binding position which is at the clinching block 64 The continuous action of the conveyor belts Mid, Milt urges the trailing edge portion 15d of the container 154 towards its leading edge 154 to effectively gather the top portion R52 at the binding location.

Since the end of the actuating arm 166 is proximate the clinching block 65) and the binding location, it loses contact with the container 150 at its trailing edge 156 just as the gathering operation is completed.

When the sensing element 162 returns to its closed position it energizes the securing means solenoid '74 which triggers the stitching head 56 causing it to perform a complete stitching operation by actuating its clutch lever 74 Thus, the end 152 of the container 15% after it has been gathered and positioned at the binding location by the retaining means is operated upon by the staple driver bar 197 of the stitching head 56 in cooperation with the clinching block 6% to encircle and enclose the top end 152 of the container 159 with a metal band 1%.

As the stitching head 56 performs its binding operation, the cam wheel '76 is revolved through a complete revolution of 360 degrees by its shaft 75. During the course of its rotation the cam wheel is actuates the extending lever of the setup switch 7% momentarily causing it to assume its second position. The output signal developed by the set-up switch '78 in its second position sets the rctaininz means relay tied.

in its set position the relay unit arse (lo-energizes the securing means solenoid 74 and energizes the retaining means solenoid Ft. The de-energization of the securing means solenoid 74.- releases the clutch lever and prevents the stitching head 56 from performing more than one complete binding operation on any one container, while the energization of the retaining relay retracts the rod elemeat 17% and releases the container 15% The container now proceeds along the conveying path until it clears the machine. With the relay unit set, the container closing device is also conditioned to perform another gathering and binding operation.

As a succeeding container proceeds aiong the conveying path, it contacts the lover The of the sensing switch 3162 opening its circuit. This in turn causes the retaining means relay 160 to assume its reset position which deenergizes the retaining solenoid 82, extends its rod element $.73 and conditioning the securing means solenoid "74- to receive stimulation when the sensing switch 1162 reassumes its closed position. The machine then proceeds as before to gather and bind the end 152 of the container 15% after which the container is released and the retaining means relay 150 is set for another operation.

The Figure 13 illustrates the top end 162 of a container 159 after it has been bound. by a metal band 1%.

'The components of the electrical system of the closing device are interconnected by a cable 2&2.

Refer now to Figures 14, 14a and 14-22 which schematically illustrate the electrical system of the container closing device. The Figure 14 shows the system with its 8 switch 200 open, while Figure 14a illustrates the system conditioned for a closing operation after its switch 200 has been closed. The Figure 14b illustrates the condition of the system when a container unit 15%) actuates the contact arm 2% of the sensing switch 162.

Power is delivered to the electrical system at the input terminals 2%, 206. The drive motor 52 bridges the terminals 204, 2% through an on-off switch 2%. The input terminal 204- is also joined to the contact arm 2% of the container sensing switch 162 when the on-ofi switch 2% is in its on position. The sensing switch 162 is normally in its closed position with its contact arm 2% engaging its contact element 21th. The spring element Elli urges the arm 2% towards its position contacting element 21%. The sensing switch 162 assumes its other or open position when the lever 166 is engaged by a container at which time the contact arm 2% engages the open contact element 212, of the switch 162.

The contact element 214) of the container sensing switch 162 is joined to the contact arm 214 of the retaining means relay 16th When the relay 16%) is in its reset position, its contacts arm 2M engages its contact element 216, while when in its set position the contact arm 23% engages the contact element 218. The spring element 229 urges the arm 214 towards its position engaging the element 216. The relay actuating coil 22% has one lead connected to the contact element 218, while its other lead connects with the input terminal 2%. The relay 169 assumes its reset position unless the actuating coil 22% is energized at which time it assumes its set position.

The contact element 216 of the container retaining means relay lot is joined with the armature 222 of the set-up switch '73. The contact arm 222 of the set-up switch 73 normally engages its contact element 224, and momentarily engages its contact element 226 when it is actuated by the rotation of the cam wheel is during a stitching operation. the spring element of switch 78 maintains its arm 22- in engagement with the cam wheel 76. The securing means solenoid 74 is bridged between the contact element 224 of the set-up switch 78 and the input terminal 2%.

The contact elements 218 and 226, respectively of the retaining means relay and the set-up switch 78 are joined together and returned by the retaining means solenoid ra to the input terminal 2%.

The schematic diagram of Figure 14 illustrates the electrical system of the container closing device with its on-off switch 2% in the off or open position. The container sensing switch 162 is in its closed or disengaged position, the sensing means relay 16% is in its reset or deenergized position, and the set-up switch 78 is in its normal position. The retaining means solenoid 184 under these circumstances is tie-energized (so that the rod element 178 is extended) and the securing means solenoid 74 is also tie-energized.

When the container closing device is ready for operation, the on-ofi switch 2% is placed in its on or closed position actuating the motor 52. This also results in the completion of the circuit through the sensing switch 162, sensing means relay 16d, set-up switch 78 and the securing means solenoid 74. With the securing means solenoid 74 energized, the stitching head 56 is triggered to perform a stitching operation which results in the rotation of the cam wheel 76. The rotation of the cam wheel 76 opens the circuit to the securing means solenoid 74, de-energizing it. The stitching head 56, however, once triggered continues its operation until completed. As the cam wheel 75 continues rotating it causes the contact arm 222 to momentarily engage the contact element 226 of the set-up switch 78 as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 14a. This completes the circuit through the containing means solenoid 184 energizing it (resulting in retraction of the rod element 178), while also activating the actuating coil 220 of the relay 160 causing it to assume its set position.

When .the relayilfiw-assumes its-tsetpositioniit maintains: the retaining means solenoid; 18min-v its:.energized stateandt prevents, the energizationz-of the:sccuring.,means relay--74:

when. the set-up Switch/78511651111168 its normal position.

Withthe electtioal'system thusconditioned aeshown in Figure 14a, withits retainingmeansmelay: 160rinits. set position, containers may b.e.fed.to the -:conveying,meansof the container. closing 1 device... Ass aacontainer- 150 moves along the. conveying. path, itsleading edge engages the sensing switch 162. and causesitto.assumetits-open posi-.

tion. With the sensing switch 162 in its open position the-actuating coil. 22001. the. retainingmeans relay 160 is. tie-energized causingthe relay to-assume.its -reset:posig tion. The opening. oh the. sensing .switch 162also, deenergizes the. retaining means. solenoid 184; and extends the rod. element. 1:78. Thisconditiomof the system is illustrated byv the Figure 1412..

As the. container. continues. tocmovei along; itspath; the sensing switch loses. contact. withq the container. at its trailing edge and reassumes its closed position. With the relay. 160 nowin its, reset. position thesecuring, means SOlEllOld. 74 is energizednand the. stitching head. 56: is. triggered. The container: unit; which. has. now been gathered and positionedatits .bindingdocation opposite; the stitching head, is bound by:a.wire:b.and.-19.6.

The setaup switchr78 which is-actuatedby. the cam wheel '76 during the stitching .operation, momentarilysassumes its second. position andidelivers a= signalto the retaining means relay 160causingitto assume. :its setaposition. Therelay- Mil in itsset position-energizesthe-retaining means solenoid 184 causingretractionzof its,rod,e1ement-1 78 at the completion of the stitching operation. Thistallowszthe container 15.0-to proceed. along, the: conveyon path away from the stitching. positionand out oftthe device;

The retaining means, .relay- 160 is againinits setiposition (see Figure 14a) andnthe sensing, switch; 162; isiprepared for actuation by the nextcontainer 150;fon. again. re

peating the enclosing; operation whichwas,just-described:

The many advantages-of. thisncontaineru closing device.

which can handle and ztreatzmanycontainersiin.-a.rapid,and.

eflicient manner,-. will. be, obvious, to. those skilled .in the It is also noted that the. set-up switch 78.: besides art. setting the sensing means relay 160..witha eaohaclosingope eration, also. acts. to prevent the.stitching headz56 fromper= forming more thanone closing; operation-.uponieach-container 150. Thisis effected by.tie-energizing;thesecuringmeans solenoid ,74. before. the: completion of. the stitching operation, thereby preventing the.continuedaoperation of the stitching head..

The Figure 15 discloses-amodifiedformiofthecontainer. closing device shown in Eig-ure.l,,wherebyat bottom and side. supp orting. conveyor. 23.0.is providedtorengaging the lower part of thecontainer 150-.

Whereas the deviceshown. inFig-ure. 1-. is-. adapted to support the container 150 by solely engaging itattits; top.

end portion 152; in thecaseof large containersor containers filled with heavy substancesiit. may be. of. advantage to provide additional supportflfor' the-container 150m its lower extremity.

The bottom conveyor 230is synchronized-with the'conr' veyor belts 108, lltltby-utilizing atcomrnondrive motor 232. The machine: showninwFi'gurenli therefore differs from that shown .iniFigurew 15 inzthatzzthte: motor-"52: is'. no:

longer used to: drive. the conveyor belts 108; 110;ebuttis\ used solely for actuating thestitchin g head 56.

A drive shaft 234 'connects w-itluthe drumwheel 104for actuating: the conveyor b'eltst 108; I HI andii-S coupled with" the driveshaft 240... of the. bottomtcouveyon 230th aipair; of.b.eve1-. 'gears 23fi andla universal. joint 238:. The-.drive z shaft 240 is. provided. with pulleywheel 242wwhich is. coupled by a link belt with,a,.pulley, wheel 244 -joinedlwith--; the shaft of the. drive. motor 232..

As already noted .the. main. frame. unit 1-9 and; block. member 32. of the container: closing device. allowevertical. position. adjustment. of. the. main. conveyor means 2 which engages the top portion of the container Thiszprovides accommodation forldifferentcontainer sizes.

The vertical adjustment. of; the. machine. also. greatly; increases its adaptability, sinceit allows the container closing; device to be. used with. varioustothen conveyors: and l permits frequent changes .fromone conveyor toan-other.

While thisv invention. has. beemdisclosed in A connection 1 with several representative embodiments,=there:will..be;-obwvious to those skilledin the art.that many additionsand variations may, be. made in..the. structures. without essemtially departing .from the spirit lot-the invention-.

What is claimed is:

1. In a closuredevice; conveying means for. directing a container alonga. predeterminediz path, anda". retractable rod retaining means. controllably; extended for engaging;

and. preventing the. motziom of said container along .it-s:

path at. a. predeterminedlocation; said :conveying means continuously engag-ing-and-tending to move 'saidtcontainerr past. said} location.v

2. In a closure device, conveying means-tor. continue ously directing a container'along; at predetermined-conveying path by engagingthe open-tend;of'saidcontainer,.

and. retaining. means controllably I enga-gin ggathe open: 1 end of said. container and:preventing=itswmotion?along said:

conveying path at a: predetermined location, said conveying means. continuously engaging; and. tending; to move said open'endpast said location.

3; Ina closure device, conveying; means for continuously directing abag; container. along; apredetermined;

ously directing a, bag containeralong: a.- predetermined pathby, engaging; the open1 endof said :contaiher; and. retaining means controllablyextendingto engage the open end of said contaiuer and prevent. its motionpast a: predetermined location: along the.conveying. path of said conveyingmeans the openr endwof said container: being: gathered. by the action, of said. conveyingimeans tending to. move said containenpast said location:

5.. Ina. closure device, conveying-.meansfor continu ously directing a. bag container along: a predetermined path by. engaging.- the flattened end i of said. container be; tweenits leading and. trailing. edges, and retaining means controllably extending to engagethe flattened; end of said: container at its. .leading. edge; and preventthe, conveying" motionpast a predctermined'location along its. path of said conveying means; the flattenedendlof said container being gathered by the action-of said conveyingmeans. moving the trailing edge toward theleading. edgeof said. container. when the; leading edge ieengaged by. saidre taining means.

6..- In a closure device, conveying H16aIlS'fOl'"COI1tlI1u? ously directing a bagcontainer along; a predetermined path..comprising a gripping membertraveling along said path adapted totrictionally; engage-onessidetof theflat; tened end of said bag container betweenitsxleading, and: trailingedges andv aipressuret plat-e: extending along said path for slidably engaging thec otherisi'de of; "thetfiattened end of said container, and retaining-meanscontrollably extending in the direction' between the gripping member l 11 and pressure plate of said conveying means to engage the flattened end of said container at its leading edge and prevent its motion past a predetermined location along the conveying path of said conveying means and gripping member, the flattened end of said container being gathered by the action of the gripping member of said conveying means moving the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by said retaining means.

7. In a closure device, conveying means for continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path comprising an endless belt traveling along said path adapted to frictionally engage the first side of the flattened end of said bag container between its leading and trailing edges and a pressure plate extending along said path proximate said endless belt for slidably engaging the second side of the flattened end of said container and urging its first side against said endless belt, and a retaining element controllably extending between the endless belt and the pressure plate of said conveying means to engage the flattened end of said container at its leading edge and prevent its motion past a predetermined location along the conveying path of said conveying means and said belt, the flattened end of said container being gathered by the action of the endless belt of said conveying means moving the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by said retaining element.

8. In a closure device, conveying means for supporting and continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path comprising a pair of endless belts traveling in parallel directions along said path both adapted to frictionally engage the first side of the flattened end of said bag container along parallel regions between its lead ing and trailing edges and a pressure plate extending along said path proximate said pair of endless belts for slidably engaging the second side of the flattened end of said container and urging its first side against said endless belts, and a retaining element controllably extending across said path in the direction between the endless belts and the pressure plate and intermediate the pair of endless belts of said conveying means to engage the flattened end of said container at its leading edge and prevent its motion past a predetermined location along the conveying path of said conveying means and said belt, the flattened end of said container being gathered by the action of the end less belts of said conveying means moving the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by said retaining element.

I F" a, In a closing device, conveying means for supporting and continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path comprising an endless belt traveling along said path provided with a vertical surface adapted to frictionally engage the first side of the flattened top end of said bag container between its leading and trailing edges and a pressure plate extending along said path having a vertical surface proximate said endless belt for slidably engaging the second side of the flattened top end of said container and urging its first side against said endless belt, and a retaining rod element controllably extending across said path below the endless belt of said conveying means to engage the flattened end of said container at its leading edge and hinder its motion past a predetermined location along the conveying path of said conveying means and said belt, the flattened top end of said container being gathered by the continuous action of the endless belt of said conveying means tending to move the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by said retaining rod element.

10. In a closing device, conveying means for supporting and continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path comprising a pair of vertically spaced congruous endless belts synchronously traveling in parallel directions along said path both adapted to frictionally all) 12 engage the first side of the flattened top end of said bag container along vertically oriented parallel regions be tween its leading and trailing edges and a pressure plate extending along said path and having a vertical surface proximate said pair of endless belts for slidably engaging the second side of the flattened top end of said container and urging its first side against said endless belts, and a retaining rod element controllably extending across said path to engage the flattened end of said container at its leading edge intermediate the endless belts of said conveying means and prevent its motion past a predetermined location along the conveying path of said conveying means and said belts, the flattened top end of said container being gathered by the continuous action of the endless belts of said conveying means tending to move the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by said retaining rod element.

11. In a closing device, conveying means for directing a loaded container along a predetermined path comprising a gripping member traveling along said path adapted to frictionally engage one side of the end of said container, and a pressure plate With a vertical bearing surface extending along said path for slidably engaging the other side of the end of said container, and a supporting member urging said gripping member toward said pressure plate.

12. In a closing device, conveying means for directing a loaded container along a predetermined path comprising an endless belt traveling along said path adapted to frictionally engage the first side of the flattened end of said container between its leading and trailing edges and a pressure plate having a vertical bearing surface extending along said path proximate said endless belt for slidably engaging the second side of the flattened end of said container urging its first side against said endless belt to support the load of said container, and a supporting member slidably engaging said belt and urging said belt to wards said pressure plate.

13. In a closing device, conveying means for supporting and directing a loaded bag container along a predetermined path comprising a pair of endless belts travelling in parallel directions along said path both having a front surface adapted to frictionally engage the first side of the flattened end of said bag container along parallel regions between its leading and trailing edges and a back surface, a pressure plate extending along said path proxi' mate said pair of endles belts for slidably engaging the second side of the flattened end of said container and urging its first side against said endless belts to support the load of said container and urge it along said path, and a. supporting member slidably engaging the back surface of at least one of said belts and maintaining its front surface directed toward said pressure plate for supporting the load of said container.

14. In a closing device, conveying means for supporting and directing a loaded bag container along a predetermined path comprising an endless belt traveling along said path provided with a vertical front surface adapted to frictionally engage the first side of the flattened top end of said mag container between its leading and trailing edges and a back surface, a pressure plate extending along said path having a vertical surface proximate the front surface of said endless belt for slidably engaging the second side of the flattened top end of said container and urging its first side against the vertical surface of said endless belt to support the load of said container and urge it along said path and a supporting member extending along said path having a vertical surface proximate the back surface of said endless belt for slidably cngaging said back surface and maintaining the front surface of said belt directed towards said pressure piste.

15. In a closing device; conveying means for supporting and directing a loaded bag container along a predetermined path comprising an endless belt traveling along sa Path: q dsdi he rtiss wr-fas adaptsd q fr s lx ssase h fi st; ide aims-flatte e emandt a h s; n ertw n a n n raili g e es d.- a b qm Surface, a up o t n m mb r xten in along said pathand slidably engaging the, bottom surface of said endless belt for maintaining its position, under load conditions, and a, pressure plate extending along saidlpath having a, vertical surfaeeiproximate. said endless. belt for slidably. engaging the second side, of, the flattened top end of said container and urging itsfirst de against thevertical surface of. said endlessabelt, to support theloadof said container and urgeit along ;said'path.,

16. In a closing device; conveyingmeansnforsupporting and directing, abagcontainer along a predetermined path, comprising a first endless belt traveling along said path provided with avertical front, surface adapted to frictionally engage the first side of the fiattenedtop end of said bag, container between, its, leading and trailing edges and, a vertical back, surface, a pressure, plate, ex.- tending along said pathhaving a1 verticalisurface PIOXi-n mate: said endlessibelt forg slidably, engagingithersecond side of the flattened topend ofisaid container andurging its finst side against the vertical surface of, said endless belt, a supporting member: slidably engaging the,v backsnrface of: said belt and maintaining its.- front. surface directed towards'said pressureplate, a=second endlessbelt traveling along said path belowhsaidgfirst endless belt provided with a substantially-horizontal surface for; carrying the bottom end of said, bag container, and, driving, means synchronously motivating said first and: second end. less belts 17. In aclosingldevice, conveying means for directing a container having leading and trailingedgesalong a predetermined pathby engaging-theopen end ofsaid cona tainer, a sensingwunit' actuated by the passingof the; leading and trailing edgesofi; said container; passing a fixed station along said path, and retaining meanstcona trolled by i said, sensing uninfor conditionally interfering Withthe motionofi the openend of said containenalong theflconveyingpath of said conveying means at-a pre; determined location, said; conveying means i continuously engaging and tending to: move, thezopen end of said; con-1 tainer past said location.

18. In aiclosing device, conveying means for directing a container having leading and trailing edges a1ong:.apredetermined path by engaging the-open endlofsaidicontainer, asensing unit actuated by the leadingandl'trailing. edges of said container passing-a fixed station along said path, and retaining means positioned along lsaid path following said sensing unit for interfering withthe mo tion of said container along the conveying ipath of said conveying means at a predetermined location,- said sensing unit being actuated by the trailing edge of'said container for terminating the interfering action of said"re taining means.

19,, In a closing device, conveying means for continuously directinga bag container along a predetermined path by engaging the flattened end of i said container be.

tween its leading and trailingedges, a sensing unit actuated by the, edges of said container passing a fixed station along itslpath, and retaining means positioned alongsaid path following said sensing unit controlled by said sensing means to engage the fiattenedl endlofsmd container at its leadingedge andprevent its motion past atpredetermined location along thecon veying path of said contveying means, the ilattenedend of said container being gathered by the action of'said-conveying' meanslmoving; the trailing edge, toward the leadingedge of'said conail m ans-- 20.;In a closing device l conveying means for. con

tinuonsly directing a lbag container along a predetermined path c mpr sina i r na em en a e ina l na ai N when the leading edge is'eng aged by said-retaining pathmdaptedtofrictionally enga e one side, of tl esilae tened end of;- said bag; container betweenitscleading gand trailing edges and a pressure plateextending alonggsaid: pathifor slida'oly engagingthe other-side of the flattened end: of saidl container, retaining; means controllably ex tendingacross said. path to engage the flattened end of said container at itsleading edgetand preventitsmotion past a predetermined locationvalongl the conveying, path; of;saidconveying means and said member, the, flattened end of said container being gathered by theaction of the gripping member of, saidtconveying meansmoving the trailing edge toward the leading; edge ofsaidconr tainer when the leading edge is engaged by saidgretain ing means, anda container sensingnnit. cpntrollingwaid retaining means and positionedtalong said path-:Preceding said retaining means, said retaining means being ex tended when saidsensing unit is; engagedby-said; corn tainer and retracted a predetermined time after said, unit is not engaged by said container.

21, In a closing, device, conveying;,means for; continuously; directing a;. bagcontainer; along a predeten mined path comprisingan endlessbelt traveling along, said path adapted tofrictionally engage the'first, sideof, the, flattened end of said bag container between: its leading;

and trailing edges, and; a pressurezplateextending along;

said path proximate said endless belt for slidably-cnr gaging the second-side oftheflattened endvof saidcontainer and urging itsfirst side against, said endless-:belt, a-retaining means, comprisingv a, rod element and a solenoid controllably extending therod element across; said, path to engage the fiattened end of said container at its leading edge and preventits motion pasta predetermined location along the conveying path, of, said; conveying: means, andsaid belt, the flattened end ofsaid con, tainer beinggathered by the action, ofsaid endless belt of said conveying means: moving the trailing edge:

toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by said retaining;element, and

a container sensing unit, controlling; said retaining means; positioned along said path preceding,v said retainingmeans comprising an extending lever for con-- tacting said container along its path, the solenoid of said retaining means being de-energized to extend its rod element only, when the lever of said sensing unit contacts said container and remains de-energized for a predetermined time after it loses contact with said container.

22. In a closing device; conveying means for supporting and continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path comprising a pair of endless; belts,

traveling inparallel directions along said path both adapted to frictionally engage the first side of the flattenedgend of said bag container along parallel regions between itsv leading and trailing edges, and a=pressure plateextending along said path proximate said pair of endless belts; for slidably engaging the second side of the' fl'attened end of said containerand urging its first sidegagainst, said,

endlessbelts; retaining means comprising a, rodelemenli'a a solenoid for retracting: and a spring for extending the;

rod element across said path, intermediatethe pairxof;

endless belts of said conveying means to engage the flattened end of said container at its leading edge and pre vent its motion past a predetermined location along its path, the flattened end of said container being gathered by the action of the endless belts of said conveying means moving the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by the rod element of said retaining means; and-a container sensing unit positioned along said path precedingpsaidvretaining;

means comprising a switch normally closed to energize: the solenoid of said retaining means retractingitszrod' element and an extending lever opening said switch to extend said rod element when contacting said container as it passes afixed station along itsypath;

23. A closing device comprising conveying means for directing a container along a predetermined path, a retractable rod retaining means controllably extended for engaging said container along its path at a predetermined location, and securing means for binding said container at said location, said conveying means gathering said container by continuously engaging and tending to move said container past said location.

24. A closing device comprising conveying means for directing a container along a predetermined path by engaging the open end of said container, retaining means controllably engaging the open end of said container and preventing its motion along the conveying path of said conveying means at a predetermined location, said conveying means continuously engaging and tending to move the open end of said container past said location, and securing means for binding said container at said location.

25. A closing device comprising conveying means for continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path by engaging the open end of said container, retaining means controllably engaging and coacting with said conveying means for gathering the open end of said container by preventing its motion past a predetermined location along the conveying path of said conveying means, and securing means for binding the gathered end of said container.

26. A closing device comprising conveying means for continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path by engaging the open end of said container, retaining means controllably extending to engage the open end of said container and prevent the conveying motion past a predetermined location along its path of said conveying means, the open end of said container being gathered by the action of said conveying means tending to move said container past said location, and securing means binding the gathered end of said container at said location.

27. A closing device comprising conveying means for continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path by engaging the flattened end of said container between its leading and trailing edges, retaining means controllably extending to engage the flattened end of said container at its leading edge and preventing its motion past a predetermined location along the conveying path of said conveying means, the flattened end of said container being gathered by the action of said conveying means moving the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by said retaining means, and securing means for binding the gathered end of said container at said location.

28. A closing device comprising conveying means for directing a container along a predetermined path by engaging the open end of said container, retaining means controllably engaging said container along the conveying path of said conveying means at a predetermined location, said conveying means continuously engaging and tending to move the open end of said container past said location, securing means for binding said container at said location, and a sensing unit actuated by said container passing a station along said path preceding said location to control said retaining and securing means.

29. A closing device comprising conveying means for continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path by engaging the open end of said container, retaining means controllably engaging the open end of said container and preventing its motion past a predetermined location along the conveying path of said conveying means, the open end of said container being gathered by the continuous action of said conveying means tending to move said open end past said location, securing means for binding the open end of said container, and a sensing unit actuated by said container passing a station along said path preceding said location controlling the retaining and securing means.

30. A closing device comprising conveying means for continuously directing a bag container having leading and trailing edges along a predetermined path, retaining means controllably extending to engage the leading edge of said container and prevent its motion past a predetermined location along its path, the container being gathered by the action of said conveying means moving the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by said retaining means, securing means for binding the gathered end of said container at said location, and a sensing unit actuated by the edges of said container passing a station along said path preceding said location controlling said retaining and securing means, said secuirng means being activated and said retaining means being retracted when said sensing unit is actuated by the trailing edge of said container.

31. A closing device comprising conveying means for continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path by engaging the flattened end of said container between its leading and trailing edges, retaining means controllably extending to engage the flattened end of said container at its leading edge and preventing its motion past a predetermined binding location along its path, the flattened end of said container being gathered by the action of said conveying means moving the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by said retaining means, securing means for binding the gathered end of said container at said location, and a sensing unit actuated by the edges of sad container passing a station along said path preceding said binding location, said retaining means being extended when said sensing unit is actuated by the leading edge of said container while said securing means is activated and said retaining means is retracted when said sensing unit is actuated by the trailing edge of said container.

32. A closing device comprising conveying means for continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path including a gripping member traveling along said path adapted to frictionally engage one side of the flattened end of said bag container between its leading and trailing edges and a pressure plate extending along said path for slidably engaging the other side of the flattened end of said container, retaining means controllably extending across said path to engage the flattened end of said container at its leading edge and prevent its motion past a predetermined binding location along its path, the flattened end of said container being gathered by the action of the gripping member of said conveying means moving the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge of said container is engaged by said retaining means, a triggered securing means for binding the gathered end of said container at said location, and a container sensing unit comprising an extending lever actuated by the edges of the container passing a station along said path preceding said binding location, said retaining means being extended when the lever of said sensing unit is actuated by the leading edge of said container while said securing means is activated and said retaining means is retracted when said sensing unit is actuated by the trailing edge of said container.

33. A closing device comprising conveying means for continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path including an endless belt traveling along said path adapted to frictionally engage the first side of the flattened end of said bag container between its leading and trailing edges, and a pressure plate extending along said path proximate said endless belt for slidably engaging the second side of the flattened end of said container and urging its first side against said endless belt; retaining means comprising a rod element, and a solenoid controllably extending the rod element across said path to engage the flattened end of said container at its leading edge and prevent its motion past a predetermined binding location along its path; the flattened end of said container being gathered by the action of said endless belt of said conveying means moving the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by said retaining element; securing means comprising a stitching machine and a solenoid for triggering said stitching machine to bind the gathered end of said container at said binding location; and a container sensing unit controlling said retainer and securing means positioned along said path preceding said binding location comprising an extending lever for contacting said container along its path; the solenoid of said retaining means being de-energized toextend its rod element only when the lever of said sensing unit contacts said container; the solenoid of said securing means triggering said stitching machine for a single binding operation when the lever of said sensing unit loses contact with said container; the solenoid of said retaining means being energized to re tract its rod element after each stitching operation.

34. A closing device comprising conveying means for supporting and continuously directing a bag container along a predetermined path including a pair of endless belts traveling in parallel directions along said path both adapted to frictionally engage the first side of the flattened end of said bag container along parallel regions between its leading and trailing edges, and a pressure plate extending along said path proximate said pair of endless belts for slidably engaging the second side of the flattened end of said container and urging its first side against said endless belts; retaining means comprising a rod element, and a solenoid for retracting and a spring for extending the rod element across said path intermediate the pair of endless belts of said conveying means to engage the flattened end of said container at its leading edge and preventing its motion past a predetermined binding location along its path; the flattened end of said container being gathered by the action of the endless belts of said conveying means moving the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by the rod element of said retaining means; securing means comprising a wire stitching machine having a clinching member positioned transverse said ath at said binding location for binding the gathered end of said container, a single stitch clutch, a cam wheel revolving with each stitch of the machine, and a solenoid for triggering the clutch of said stitching machine; a set-up switch actuated by the cam wheel of said stitching machine with each stitching operation to deliver a signal pulse for energizing the solenoid of said retaining means to retract its rod element; and a container sensing unit comprising a normally closed circuit switch positioned along said path preceding said binding location having a lever extending proximate the clinching member of said securing means for contacting said container at its leading edge to open the circuits, and losing contact at its trailing edge to close said circuit; said sensing unit de-energizing the solenoid of said retaining means extending its rod element when its circuit is opened; said sensing unit energizing the solenoid of said securing means to trigger said stitching machine for one operation.

35. A closing device comprising conveying means for supporting and continuously directing a bag contain-er along a predetermined path including a pair of endless belts traveling in parallel directions along said path both having vertical surfaces adapted to frictionally engage the first side of the flattened end of said bag container along parallel regions between its leading and trailing edges, and a pressure plate extending along said path having a vertical surface proximate the vertical surfaces of said pair of endless belts for slidably engaging the second side of the flattened end of said container and urging its first side against the vertical surfaces of said endless belts; retaining means comprising a rod element, a solenoid for retracting and a spring for extending the rod element across said path intermediate the pair of endless belts of said conveying means to engage the flattened end of said container at its leading edge and preventing its motion past a predetermined binding location along its path, and a relay unit for energizing said solenoid; the flattened end of said container being gathered by the action of the endless belts of said conveying means moving the trailing edge toward the leading edge of said container when the leading edge is engaged by the rod element of said retaining means; securing means comprising a wire stitching machine having a clinching memher positioned transverse said path at said binding location for binding the gathered end of said container, a single stitch clutch, a cam wheel revolving with each stitch of the machine, and a solenoid for triggering the clutch of said stitching machine to perform a stitch operation; a set-up switch actuated by the cam wheel of said stitching machine with each stitching operation to deenergize the triggering solenoid of said securing means and deliver a signal pulse to the relay unit setting it to energize the solenoid of said retaining means for retracting its rod element; and a container sensing unit comprising a normally closed circuit switch positioned along said path preceding said binding location having a lever extending proximate the clinching member of said securing means for contacting said container at its leading edge to open the circuit and reset the relay unit de-energizing the solenoid of said retaining means to extend its rod element, and losing contact at its trailing edge closing the circuit and delivering a signal through the reset relay to energize the triggering solenoid of said securing means causing the stitching machine to bind said container after which the rod element of said retaining means is retracted releasing said container and allowing it to proceed along its said path.

36. In a closing device directing a container having leading and trailing edges along a predetermined path, retaining means comprising a rod element and a solenoid controllably extending the rod element across said path to engage said container at its leading edge and prevent its motion past a predetermined location along its path, and a container sensing unit controlling said retaining means positioned along said path preceding said retaining means comprising an extending lever for contacting said container along its path, the solenoid of said retaining means being de-energized to extend its rod element only when the lever of said sensing unit contacts said container.

37. In a closing device directing a container having leading and trailing edges along a predetermined path; retaining means comprising a rod element, a solenoid for retracting and a spring for extending the rod element across said path to engage said container at its leading edge and prevent its motion past a predetermined location along its path; and a container sensing unit positioned along said path preceding said retaining means comprising a switch normally closed to energize the solenoid of said retaining means retracting its rod element and an extending lever opening said switch to extend said rod element when contacting said container as it passes a fixed station along its path.

38. In a closing device directing a container having leading and trailing edges along a predetermined path, retaining means controllably extending to engage the leading edge of said container and prevent its motion past a predetermined location along its path, securing means for binding said container at said location, and a sensing unit actuated by the edges of said container passing a station along said path preceding said location controlling said retaining and securing means, said securing means being activated and said retaining means being retracted when said sensing unit is activated by the trailing edge of said container.

39. In a closing device directing a container having leading and trailing edges along a predetermined path, retaining means controllably extending to engage said container at its leading edge and preventing its motion estimate past a predetermined binding location along ,its path, securing means for binding said containercat said location, and a sensing unit actuated by theedges of said'container passing a station along said path preceding said binding location, said retaining means being extended when said path, a triggered securing means for binding said \con- Y tainer at said location, and a container sensing unit comprising an extending lever actuated by .the'edges of :the containerpassing a station:along said path preceding said binding location, said retaining means being extended when the lever of said sensing unit is actuated .by the leading edge of said container while said securingrmeans is activated and said retainingmeans isretracted when said sensing unit is iactuated'by thetrailing edge of saidcontainer.

41.1.In a closing device directing a-.container having leading and trailing .edges-along-a predetermined path; retainingrmeans comprising airod elementgzandsolenoid controllablyextending the rod element across said;pat-h to engage said container at its leadingedge-and prevent its motion ,past a predeterminedlbinding location alongits path;.securing.means comprising a stitching: machine,.-and a solenoid for triggering .said'sti-tching machine to .bind said container at said binding location; and a container sensing unit controlling said retainer and securingmeans positionedralong saidpath preceding said bindingrlocation comprising .an extending lever for'contacting said .containeralongfits,path;the solenoid of said retaining means being .de-energized to extend its rod element only-when the'leverof said sensing unit contacts said container; the solenoid of said securing means-triggering said stitching machine for a single binding operation when the lever of said sensing unit loses contact with said container; 'the solenoid ofsaid retaining means being energized to. retract its rod element after each stitching operation.

42. In a closing device directing a container having leading and trailing edges along a predetermined path; retaining means comprising a rod. element, and a-solenoid for.retracting and a springfor extending the .rodelement across said path to engage said container at its -.leading edge and preventing its motion past a predetermined binding location along its path; securing means comprising a wire stitching machine having a. clinching membergpositioned transverse said path at said bindinglocat-ionv-for bindingrsaidtcontainer, a single stitch.clutch,.-a cam wheel revolvingwitheach stitch ofthe machine, and a .solenoid for triggering the clutch of said stitching machine; a setup switch actuated'by .thecam wheel of saidzstitching machine with each stitching operation-to deliver-a signal pulse'for energizing the solenoid .ofsaid retainingmeans to retract its rod element; and a container sensing unit comprising anormally closed circuit switch positioned alongsaid path precedingsaid binding location'having a lever extending-proximate the clinching member of said securing means for contacting said container at its11eading edge to open the circuit, and losing contact at its trailing edge to close said circuit;.sai'd sensing unit tie-energizing the solenoid of said retaining means xtending its rod element when its circuit is opened; said sensing unite-nergizing -the solenoidof saidsecuring'means to'triggersaid stitching machine for: one operation.

43. In a closing device directing a containerlhaving leadingr a nd trailing edgesz-along a vpredetermined,path; retaining means comprising a rodielement;.a-solenoidtor retracting and a spring for extending -..the rod element acrosssaidpath to engagesaid .containertat its leading edge and preventingits motionpast atpredeterminedbinding location alongits path, and a relayunit-for energizing said solenoid; securing means comprisinga wire stitching machine having a clinching member positioned transverse said path at said binding location for binding said container, a single stitch clutch, a cam wheel :revolving witheach stitch of-the machine, and a solenoid'for triggering the clutchof said stitching machine to;perform;a stitch operation; a set-up switch actuated by the cam wheel of said stitchingmachine with each stitchingtoperation to dc-enegize the triggering-solenoid of said securing means and deliver .asinglepulseito the'relay'unitsetting it to energize thesolenoid of said retainingmeans for retracting itsrod element; and a container sensing unit comprising ainormallytclosed circuit switch positioned along said patlrpreceding said binding location-having 'a lever extending proximate the clinching-member of said securing means for contacting said container at itsleading edgeto open the circuit andreset the'relay .unit de-energizingthe solenoid of saidretaining means to extend its rod element, and losing contact at its trailing edge closing the circuit and delivering a signalthrough said relay in its resettposition-to energize the triggering solenoid of said securing means-causing the stitching machine to bind said container after which the rod element of said retaining means is retracted. releasingsaid container andallowing it to proceed'along its path.

44. In a closing device directing a container alonga predetermined path, stitching means for binding said containerby a single action, andan electricalswitch sensing unit actuated .by engagement with said container passing a station along said' path and triggering said stitching means upon disengagement with said container.

45. In a closingdevice directing a'container having leading and trailingedges along a predetermined path, securingmeans for-.bindingsaid container at a predetermined location along said' path byna single action, and a sensing? unit actuated by thetr-ailing edge of said container passing a stationalongsaid pathprecelding said location to activate said securing :means.

46. =.In a closing Jdevice directing a container having leading and trailing edges along a predetermined path, securing means for binding said container at apredetermined location along 'its path, and ,an electrical switch sensing unitractuated by the edges of saidJcontainer passingastationwalongsaid path preceding saidlocation controlling :said securing means, saidsecuring means being actuated byithe trailing edgeof said container.

47..:In a closing :devicedirecting 'a container having leading and .trailingcedgesralong apredetermined path, a triggered securingrmeanszfor binding said container at a predetermined location along .said path, and. an electrical switch sensing unit comprising .an extended lever actuated by the edges of said:.co.ntainer passing astation alongsaid path preceding.:.said.bindinglocation, said securing means being activatedwhengisaidrsensing unitiis actuated by the trailing 'edge'iof said container.

48. ha closing device directing a container having leading'and trailing edges along a predetermined path; securing means comprising a stitching machine, and a solenoidvfor triggering said stitching machine to bind said container at a predetermined location along said path; and a-container sensingunit controlling said securing means positioned along said path preceding said binding location actuated by the leading and trailing edges of said'container 'passingalong said'path; the solenoidof said securing means triggeringsaid stitching machine for .a single binding operation when said sensing unitis actuated by the trailingedge .ofsaid container.

49. In a closingdevice directing a container having leading and itrailingtedges .alongwa predetermined path; securing: means: comprising a wire stitchingmachine havin a clinchingmemberpositioned transverse-said path-at a predetermined location .for bindingsaid container, .-a

isingle stitch clutch, a cam wheel revolving with .;each

stitch of the machine, and a solenoid for triggering the clutch of said stitching machine to perform a stitch operation; a set-up switch actuated by the cam wheel of said stitching machine with each stitching operation to de-energize the triggering solenoid of said securing means and deliver a signal pulse; a container sensing unit comprising a normally closed circuit switch positioned along said path preceding said binding location having a lever extending proximate the clinching member of said securing means for contacting said container to open the circuit, and losing contact with said container to close said circuit; and a relay unit set up by a signal from said set-up switch and reset when the switch of said sensing unit is actuated to its open circuit position; said sensing unit energizing the solenoid of said securing means to trigger said stitching machine for one operation only when said relay unit is in its reset position.

50. In a closing device, an electrical circuit comprising a container sensing unit having first and second states assumed respectively in the absence of a sensed container and upon sensing a container, a conditioned switching unit having first and second states and receiving a signal from said sensing unit when said sensing unit is in its first state, a setup unit having first and second states and receiving signals from said conditioned unit, and an output line conditionally energized by said set-up unit for activating a container securing means, said sensing unit when in its first state delivering a signal to said output line when said conditioned unit and said set-up unit are in their first states, said set-up unit when in its second state delivering said signal from said sensing unit to said conditioned unit wherein said conditioned unit is set to its second state preventing the delivery of a signal from said sensing unit for delivery by said set-up unit to said output line.

51. The electrical circuit of claim 50 wherein said conditioned unit is set to its second state upon receiving said signal from said set-up unit and is maintained in its second state by receipt of said signal from said sensing unit in its first state.

52. The electrical circuit of claim 51 wherein said conditioned unit is maintained in its second state by receipt of a signal from said sensing unit in its first state until said conditioned unit is reset to its first state when said sensing unit is actuated to its second state by sensing a container, whereupon the electrical circuit is conditioned to deliver a signal to said output line when said sensing unit assumes its first state upon removal of said sensed container.

53. In a closing device, an electrical circuit comprising a container sensing switch unit having a first disengaged state and a second engaged state assumed respectively in the absence of a sensed container and upon sensing a container, a relay unit having a first de-energized state and a second energized state and receiving a signal from said sensing unit when said sensing unit is in its disengaged state, a set-up switch unit receiving a signal from said relay unit and having first and second states, and an output line conditionally energized by said set-up switch unit for activating a container securing means, said sensing switch unit when in its disengaged state delivering a signal to said output line when said relay unit and said set-up switch are in their first states, said set-up switch unit when in its second state delivering said signal from said sensing unit to said relay unit setting said relay unit to its energized state, said relay unit being reset to its first state when the sensing unit is actuated to its engaged state by sensing a container.

54. The electrical circuit of claim 53 wherein said setup switch unit momentarily assumes its second state to place said relay unit in its energized state after said output line receives said signal, said relay unit being thereafter maintained in its energized state by receipt of said signal from said sensing switch unit in its first dis- 22 engaged state until said sensing switch unit assumes its sec- 0nd state by sensing a container.

55. In a closing device, an electrical circuit comprising a container sensing switch unit having a first disengaged state and a second engaged state assumed respectively in the absence of a sensed container and upon sensing a container, a relay unit having a first de-energized state and a second energized state and receiving a signal from said switch unit in its disengaged state, a set-up switch unit receiving a signal from said relay unit and having first and second states, a first output line conditionally energized by said set-up switch unit for activating a container securing means, and a second output line conditionally energized by said relay unit for controlling the retention of a container along a conveying path, said sensing switch unit when in its disengaged state delivering a signal to said first output line for activating said container securing means when said relay unit and said setup switch are in their first states, said set-up switch unit when in its second state delivering said signal from said sensing switch unit to said relay unit setting said relay to its energized state for releasing said container along said conveying path, said set-up switch unit momentarily assuming its second state for setting said relay to its energized state after said first output line receives said signal, said relay unit in its second state delivering the signal from said sensing switch unit to said second output line for activating said securing means, said relay unit being reset to its first state when said sensing switch unit is actuated to its engaged state by sensing a container.

56. In a closing device, an electrical circuit comprising a securing means solenoid t'or actuating a container securing means, a retaining means solenoid for controlling the retention of a container along a conveying path, a container sensing switch unit having closed and open positions assumed respectively upon failing to sense and upon sensing a said container, a set-up switch unit having first and second positions assumed respectively for engaging said securing means solenoid and said retaining means solenoid, and a retaining means relay unit having set and reset positions controlling said retaining means solenoid, said container sensing switch unit when in its closed position and said relay unit is in it reset position delivering a signal to said set-up switch unit, said set-up switch unit when in its first position delivering said signal from said sensing switch unit to said securing means solenoid for energizing said securing means and when in its second position delivering said signal to said relay unit setting said relay unit, said set-up switch unit momentarily assuming its second position after said securing means solenoid receives said signal, said relay unit in its set position delivering the signal from said sensing switch unit to said retaining means solenoid, said relay unit being reset when said sensing switch unit is actuated to its open position by sensing a container.

57. In a closing device; a securing means comprising a Wire stitching machine, a single stitch clutch for driving said machine, a cam wheel revolving with each stitch of the machine, and a solenoid for triggering the clutch of said stitching machine to perform a stitch operation; a retaining means comprising a solenoid, and a relay unit having set and reset positions; a container sensing unit comprising a normally closed switch having an open contact position; a set-up switch unit having a first normal position and a second position; the switch of said container sensing unit when in its closed position with the relay unit of said retaining means is in its reset position delivers a signal to said set-up switch unit; said set-up switch unit when in its first position delivering said signal from the switch of said sensing unit to the solenoid of said securing means triggering its clutch to perform a stitch operation and revolve its cam wheel; said set-up switch momentarily assuming its second position by actuation of the cam wheel of said securing means to deliver said signal from said sensing unit to said retaining reset :when the. switch .of' saidsensing .unit is actuated to its ,opentposition.

5 8. In a .closingrzdevicepan electrical system comprising; an input .terminal'forreceivingenergization; accontainer sensing switch having.:first and second .contactzelements, an'da oontactarm. connectedtwith'said: inputite'rminal and .-.'no1?.mally engaging Jthe .ifirst contact :element and :engaging the .second, contact. clement ;upon,- sensing a container; a :relay .unit ,having first .;and :second contactelements, an actuating coil connectedawithsthe second contact element, and a,contact,larmcconnectedvwith the first contactclementof said ifirst, switch iandengaging the-second contact ielementwhen .zthe actuatingcoil is .energized;-.and ,a set-up. switchhaving a first contact element for delivering a, signal for actuating a container securing means, a second .contact :element connected to the second contact elementof said relay unitfor energizing. the actuating coilof said relay unit, .and a ;contact arm connected with the .first contact element. of said relay unit and normally engaging the firstcontactelement.

59..In a closingdevice; an electrical circuit comprising an input'terminal for receiving. energization; .an output .linefor delivering a signal for'actuating a container securing means; a container sensingswitch :having first and second contact elements, and a. contactarm connected with said input terminal and normally engaging the first contact element in the absence of a containerand engaging the second. contact element uponsensing a container; a retaining means relay unit having first and second contact elements, an actuating coil connected with thesecond contact element, and a contact .arm connected with thefirstcontact element of said .sensingswitch and engaging the second contact element when the actuating coil is energized; and a set-up switch having a first contact element connected with .said output line, a second contact element connected to the second contact element of said relay unit for energizing the actuating coil of said relay unit, .and a contact arm connected with the first contact element of said relay :unit normally engaging the first contact element and momentarily contacting its second contact element when said output line. receives a signal for energizing the actuating .coilot said relay unit.

60. In a closing device; anelectrical circuit comprising an input terminal; .a securing means solenoid foractuating a container securing means; a retaining means solenoid for controlling the retention of a container along a conveying path; acontainer sensing switch having first and second contact elements,,and a contact arm connected with said input terminal and normally engaging the first contact element in the absence of .a container and engaging the 24 second'contact elementupon' sensing a container; a retainingymeans relay unit. having a first contact 1 element, a second contact element connected --with said retaining means=.solenoid,;an actuating coil connected with the secuondacontact element, and' a contact arm connected with the first :oontactelement of said sensing switch and engagingnthersecond:contact element and energizing said retaining zmeans solenoid when the actuating coil is energized;.iandzansebup' switch having a first contact element connected wi'th 1saidtse'curing means solenoid, a second contact:v element connected to' the second contact element 'IOf'Sflld :relay unit; and taacontact arm connected with the:firstccontactcelement 0f said relay unit normally engagingthe rst:contacts element for' delivering an :energiz in g 1 signal'. to-;said 'zsecuring means solenoid and momentarily:contacting its second contactrelement for energizing the actuating .coilixof saidrrelay ."unit when :said securing means solenoid is:energize'd.

61. In aclosing:device;..an-input terminal; a securing means comprising; at wire stitching machine, .a single stitch clutch for .tdriyingzsaid'smachine,:a cam wheelrevolving withz-each, stit'chcofi. the rmachinegandia' solenoid for triggering'the clutchofxsaidzstitching:machine to perform a stitch operation; a retaining: means; solenoid,. a container sensing. switch. havingi ifirst. and. second contact elements,

andra contact ;'-arm :connected withsaid input-terminal and normallyvengaging thewfirst, contact element; a. retaining. means. relay unit having-.aavfirst contact element, a.second contact-element connected with :said. retaining means solenoid, an actuating .coil connected .with the second contactelemennaand. acontact arm-connected with the first contactelement of a said sensingsswitchand .-iengaging the .second contact aelementwhenthe actuatingcoil is energized; :and ta:set-upswitch-having a firstcontact element connected with said securing means solenoid, a second'contact element connected to'the second contact element: ofsaidt relay unit. and a contact armconnected with the first contact element of said relay unit-normally engagingather-first contact element and actuated by the cam wheel of said securing means to momentarilyacontactiits second contact-element when said securing means solenoid is energized eand-. said;stitchin g machine performs :a stitch operation.

.References .Citedin the file of this patent IUNIITLED' STATES PATENTS 1,469,083 Harding Sept. 25, 1923 1,551,522 'Erickson Aug. 25, 1925 1,551,525 Hamer Aug. 25,1925 1,780,81-5 "Crut'chfield Nov. 4, 1930 2,028,236 "Nee'dham Jan.'21, 1936 2569355 Tubbs Sept. 25, 1951 2,711,278 Gray June 21, 1955

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