Abstract: Groups of individual shingled items such as graham crackers or cookies are stacked in vertical stacks of predetermined heights and/or number of items using a stacking apparatus having at least one set of lowering arms. A stacking conveyor belt continuously delivers groups of shingled items to the end of the conveyor where the items come into contact with the lowering arms. The lowering arms then gently lower shingled items to a lower stacking level while forming a vertical stack. The items in the stack remain in substantially horizontal position while being lowered from the stacking conveyor to the lower stacking level. The apparatus is substantially jam-free and is highly tolerant to irregular placement of the shingled items on the stacking conveyor. The stacking apparatus can be used for stacking of groups of shingled items of different size and/or weight with little or no modification.

Abstract: Groups of individual shingled items such as graham crackers or cookies are stacked in vertical stacks of predetermined heights and/or number of items using a stacking apparatus having at least one set of lowering arms. A stacking conveyor belt continuously delivers groups of shingled items to the end of the conveyor where the items come into contact with the lowering arms. The lowering arms then gently lower shingled items to a lower stacking level while forming a vertical stack. The items in the stack remain in substantially horizontal position while being lowered from the stacking conveyor to the lower stacking level. The apparatus is substantially jam-free and is highly tolerant to irregular placement of the shingled items on the stacking conveyor. The stacking apparatus can be used for stacking of groups of shingled items of different size and/or weight with little or no modification.

Abstract: Groups of individual shingled items such as graham crackers or cookies are stacked in vertical stacks of predetermined heights and/or number of items using a stacking apparatus having at least one set of lowering arms. A stacking conveyor belt continuously delivers groups of shingled items to the end of the conveyor where the items come into contact with the lowering arms. The lowering arms then gently lower shingled items to a lower stacking level while forming a vertical stack. The items in the stack remain in substantially horizontal position while being lowered from the stacking conveyor to the lower stacking level. The apparatus is substantially jam-free and is highly tolerant to irregular placement of the shingled items on the stacking conveyor. The stacking apparatus can be used for stacking of groups of shingled items of different size and/or weight with little or no modification.

Abstract: A web severing device which includes a web transport means and a web lifting means so that a transported web is lifted away from the surface of the transport means for severing by a cutting means, thus, preventing damage which would occur on contact between the transport means and the cutting means.

Abstract: This invention discloses a packaging apparatus and method for large size products such as subprimals of meat. The products to be packaged are characterized as often having irregular surfaces and voids which make sealing of the film without wrinkles very difficult, particularly after bringing to a condition of reduced pressure. There is shown apparatus for forming a drape of film from two rolls of film and into this drape of film is advanced the product to be packaged. This drape is formed into a tubular film around the product and with this tube open at both ends. Into these open ends of the tube are moved spreader probes or bars which operate as pairs and are moved away from one another by a pneumatic cylinder which is actuated by appropriate apparatus so that the spreader probes as they move apart cause the film in these ends to be brought to a narrow opening and under a slight stretch. This elongated opening is substantially equally spaced from a theoretical center line of the tubular film.

Abstract: This invention discloses a packaging apparatus, method and the resulting package for large size products such as subprimals of meat. The products to be packaged are characterized as often having irregular surfaces and voids which make sealing of the film without wrinkles very difficult, particularly after bringing to a condition of reduced pressure. There is shown apparatus for forming a drape of film from two rolls of film and into this drape of film is advanced the product to be packaged. This drape is formed into a tubular film around the product and with this tube open at both ends. Into these open ends of the tube are moved spreader probes or bars which operate as pairs and are moved away from one another by a pneumatic cylinder which is actuated by appropriate apparatus so that the spreader probes as they move apart cause the film in these ends to be brought to a narrow opening and under a slight stretch.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to the method for forming vacuum packaged products wherein a tear-inducing tab is provided for easily rupturing the film. This invention is particularly directed toward the wrapping of vacuum packages for packing meat and the like and in which the films used therewith are tough and not amenable to tearing. In this invention is provided a method for forming a flat, substantially inflexible tear tab member having a sharp point. This tear tab is laid on the product to be packaged with the sharp point portion thereof extending therefrom so that after the package has been formed the bending of the seal line of the package at or very near the extending portion of the tear tab causes the point of the tab to puncture the film to permit easy further tearing and eventual uncovering of the product.