Adam M Ray

US Patent:

20150033670, Feb 5, 2015

Filed:

Jul 31, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/955604

Inventors:

- Glattpark (Opfikon), CH
- Deerfield IL, US
Adam G. Ray - Dana Point CA, US

Assignee:

BAXTER HEALTHCARE S.A., - Glattpark (Opfikon)
BAXTER INTERNATIONAL INC. - Deerfield IL

International Classification:

B65B 31/02

US Classification:

53405, 141 65, 141 8, 53408

Abstract:

An apparatus is provided for removing air from a bag containing articles while the bag is traveling on a moving conveyor belt. A horizontal shaft is disposed in operational relationship to the conveyor belt. A plurality of rings is provided such that each ring has a thickness and a centered opening dimensioned to loosely accommodate the shaft, and also to rotationally oscillate relative to the shaft. Each ring is vertically displaceable relative to the shaft. Each ring independently generally follows a contour defined by the articles to expel air by downwardly depressing an outer surface of the bag under gravity caused by weight of each ring while the bag is carried on the conveyor belt below the rings. A radial distance between the shaft and the ring is greater than a diameter of the shaft.