The present application discloses a method and apparatus for receiving a flow of can ends automatically separating from said flow a stack having a predetermined number of can ends. The disclosure further includes apparatus for conveying the counted stack of ends to a bagging station wherein bagging can be effected either manually or automatically. In addition, the present disclosure relates to novel automatic bagging apparatus, as well as apparatus for receiving and storing the packaged ends from the bagging station.
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application as a division of U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 521,842 filed Nov. 7, 1974, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,962,845 dated June 15, 1976, which application was in turn a division of U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 351,639, filed Apr. 16, 1973, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,878,949. On the same date that this application was filed, an additional divisional application based upon application Ser. No. 521,842 was also filed, said additional divisional application having been assigned Ser. No. 637,473 and having matured into U.S. Pat. No. 3,971,189 on July 26, 1976.
An apparatus and a method for loading and closing bags or sleeve containers are disclosed. An automated arm with pinchers at one end moves from a resting position to an extended position, grasps the unfilled end of a partially filled sleeve container, and rotates to achieve closure.
