FI53100B

This invention is a method and apparatus for vacuum packaging articles in flexible pouches or bags wherein the apparatus has a plurality of vacuumizing nozzles and includes pouch sealing means. Each nozzle is vertically mounted at the end of a rotatable arm, the arms resembling spokes in a horizontal wheel. The neck of a filled bag is placed around the barrel of the nozzle, and the nozzle clamps the bag neck between the barrel and a plunger coaxially located in and below the opening to the barrel. The bag remains in this clamped position as it rotates around to a pouch sealing means which is synchronized to meet the bag and close, seal, and sever the bag from the nozzle. When severed, the bag may drop onto a conveyor belt.