Abstract: An apparatus and process for aligning elongated articles is disclosed. A plurality of barrier surfaces are positioned transversely to the longitudinal axis of a vibratory trough through which said articles are moved. The surfaces may comprise gates, which are moved between opened and closed positions at timed intervals so that batches of the articles are alternately bunched up behind a closed gate and dispersed as they move through the trough, or may alternatively comprise cleats on a movable belt. An increased degree of parallel orientation occurs each time a batch of articles contacts a barrier surface.

Abstract: A system of packaging frozen onion rings and other frangible articles for transport and storage is disclosed. Vacuum formed polystyrene packages having a shock absorbing flange are stacked in rigid walled shipping containers, each package resting with a downwardly protruding edge of its flange on a rigid horizontal surface. Special purpose packages having troughs for cradling rectangular articles are also disclosed.