Abstract: A machine and method for automatically cartoning fruit in the cells of a protective honeycomb, in which the method includes the steps of positioning a foldable carton blank at a first station, disposing an expanded honeycomb defining a plurality of open cells over the blank, depositing articles such as fruit in the cells to form a fruit-filled honeycomb on the blank, and forming the carton blank into a base portion and side and end portions closely embracing the periphery of the fruit filled honeycomb, thereby to form a self-supporting fruit containing carbon.

Abstract: An assembly in which a loaded container is covered with a box top in telescoping relationship with the loaded container. The box top is pressed over the loaded container and during the telescoping action is held in telescoping relationship by means of a spreader assembly that contacts the internal wall of the box top and the external wall of the loaded container, so that the box top can be telescopingly applied when being loaded over the container.

Abstract: A packaging machine for automatically packaging articles in a honeycomb structure which includes mechanisms for providing a honeycomb structure in an expanded condition in a loading station. The articles to be packaged are directed into the loading station, dropped into the expanded honeycomb structure, and the articles and honeycomb are subsequently dropped into the container. This is automatically done on a repeated basis until the container is filled, after which the container is automatically moved out of the loading station and a new container is moved into place.

Abstract: A packaging machine and method for automatically packaging articles such as fruit one layer at a time into containers is provided. Means are provided for disposing the articles in a nested relationship at several supply positions. Means are also provided for situating containers at loading stations adjacent to said supply positions. The articles are lifted from the supply positions and deposited into the containers at the loading positions. Each array of articles comprises a separate layer in a box or container. After such layers are deposited simultaneously at each of said loading stations, the boxes are advanced to the next loading station wherein the cycle is repeated until the container is filled. Preferably, a number of supply and loading positions and containers is equal to the number of layers which will fit into the box, so that the net result is having one box filled for each machine cycle.

Abstract: An engine for operating a hydraulic motor. Opposed pistons, joined by a common connecting rod operating between two cylinders and between internal combustion valving and ignition components, are used to drive fluid under pressure through a series of cross-over valves to and from a hydraulic motor. Hydraulic fluid is stored and maintained under pressure within the engine cylinders on the other side of the pistons forming an internal combustion engine. A series of embediments within the common connecting rod actuate a matched set of proximity detectors. The proximity detectors, in turn, time the operation of the engines and the operation of the cross-over valves without mechanical linkages. A hydraulic pump is used to start the engine. A blower is used to mix the fuel and air within the engine and to exhaust combustion gasses. The hydraulic motor drives a flywheel to store energy and to dampen the pulsations resulting from the shifting of the cross-over valves and the reciprocating action of the pistons.

Abstract: A packaging machine for automatically packaging articles in a honeycomb structure which includes mechanisms for providing a honeycomb structure in an expanded condition in a loading station. The articles to be packaged are directed into the loading station, dropped into the expanded honeycomb structure, and the articles and honeycomb are subsequently dropped into the container. This is automatically done on a repeated basis until the container is filled, after which the container is automatically moved out of the loading station and a new container is moved into place.