Abstract: A machine for the simultaneous maching of a stack of plate-like workpieces has a frame with an overhead arm portion, a worktable below the arm portion, and a workpiece guidance assembly for moving the workpiece stack on the worktable. A rotary tool drive assembly and a riveting assembly are provided in the arm portion, and a tool storage assembly is spaced from the arm. A tool changer assembly has a pair of carrier rails extending from the tool storage assembly to adjacent the rotary tool drive assembly, and they are spaced to opposite sides thereof. A pair of tool carriers are reciprocatable on the rails for transporting tools between the tool storage assembly and the rotary tool drive assembly to effect insertion into and removal from said tool assembly of such tools.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a plating apparatus having a pivotally mounted unitary c-shaped plating member including opposing arms joined at a bight portion. Pressing means extend between the opposing arms to force a splice-plate and a portion of a pallet towards each other. The pressing means includes a hydraulic cylinder powered by a two-stage pump that provides low-pressure, high flow during an initial run-out of the cylinder and high-pressure during actual impaling of the splice-plate into the pallet stringer. The pivot for the c-shaped member preferably extends from the center of gravity of the member to minimize unbalanced weight stressing the pivot pin. A holddown means is provided for holding a pallet against a pallet support member. The holddown means is likewise pivotally mounted.

Abstract: An electric razor which houses a misting mechanism for misting a lubricating agent, such as water, cologne or beard softener on to the user's skin while shaving is shown. The misting mechanism comprises a mist conduit, a misting container and an ultrasonic vibrator. In the preferred embodiment, the ultrasonic vibrator is activated by the same power source as the electric razor and it is activated at the same time the electric razor is activated. A protective screen overlies the mist conduit to prevent whiskers from contaminating the misting mechanism.

Abstract: A cable which is easily strippable by a transversely-acting pincer. Its sheath has a cross-section including at least two pairs of ribs delimiting longitudinal grooves which face one another in planes intersecting the inside surface of the sheath, but outside the conductors and the earthing leads of the cable.

Abstract: A portable circular saw device having sawdust discharge arrangement which prevents sawducts from being discharged toward an operator. The circular saw has an upper blade guard which has one side wall and an opposite side wall, and a discharge opening is formed at the one side wall for discharging, through the discharge opening the sawdusts laterally away from the operator. For further ensuring this lateral discharge of the sawdusts, a deflector is provided at the one side wall at a position close to an upstream edge of the discharge opening. The deflector protrudes from an inner surface of the one side wall toward the opposite wall for directing the sawducts passing along the inner surface of the one side wall toward an end portion on which the sawducts are reflected and are then directed to a direction perpendicular to the moving locus of the sawdusts.

Abstract: A replaceable blade knife comprises two elongate handle portions and a blade carrier assembled together; the blade protruding, or being arranged to protrude, from a front end of the handle, between respective front ends of the two handle portions. The upper handle portion has a thumb-nail-sized aperture through a rear end part thereof. When the knife is assembled, the two handle portions are slid relatively longitudinally of one another, the upper handle portion moving forwardly of the lower handle portion, until a latch part near the rear end of the lower handle portion clicks into latching engagement with the front edge of the aperture in the upper handle portion. The upper handle portion is formed near its front end with two downwardly projecting flank portions, each flank portion having an integral, forewardly projecting piece at the bottom of the flank portion.

Abstract: An electric circular saw of the type including a mechanism for tilting a base relative to the plane of a blade is provided wherein a side knob for being gripped by the user during cutting operation pivotally connects the base and a body of the circular saw through a base attachment portion and a bevel plate having an arcuate guide groove extending through an angular distance corresponding to a tilt angle of the base relative to the blade. The side knob is threaded to the base attachment portion and movable together with the base when the base is tilted. The side knob is spaced from a guide surface of the base by a distance at least larger than a maximum radius of the side knob. The distance between the base and the side knob is constant regardless of the relative angular position of said base and the blade, so that circular saw can be held stably and hence is capable of performing an accurate cutting operation.

Abstract: A can opener comprising a housing having a handle. There is a cutting wheel with a cutting edge for severing a can wall, the cutting wheel defining a cutting wheel axis. There is a traction wheel having a gripping surface to engage a can, the traction wheel defining a traction wheel axis. A pair of spindles rotatably mount the traction wheel and the cutting wheel in the housing such that their axes are substantially perpendicular and the wheels are positioned adjacent and spaced apart from each other to define a gap adapted to accept a can to be opened. One of the wheels is movable toward the other to close the gap thereby engaging and locking the can between the cutting wheel and the traction wheel such that the cutting wheel acts to sever the can wall and the traction wheel acts to move the can past the cutting wheel. In order to close the gap, a fixed thrust surface associated with the housing, and a spaced, adjacent movable thrust surface associated with the movable wheel are provided.

Abstract: A bow sight to aid an archer when shooting from an elevated platform--such as a tree stand. This particular type of bow sight works on the pendulum principle. All pendulum sights work basically on the same principle. That is, once the unit is sighted-in using the pin designated by the manufacturer, that pin can then be held on target from the base of the tree to thirty-five yards distance. The unique design of this particular pendulum sight enables the incorporation of a scope for magnification of target. This sight also incorporates a locking device which enables the archer to use the unit as a conventional sight for ground level shooting.

Abstract: A contour follower device suitable for reading off the contour of eyeglass frame rims or surrounds includes a support table with holding means for supporting the article whose contour is to be read off. A feeler has a rotatable contact head adapted to be applied to the article and is carried by a carriage which is movable relative to the support table. The contact head is rotated by rotational drive means such as a motor-gearbox unit.

Abstract: An archery arrow testing apparatus. The application is comprised of a pair of upright arrow support stands. The stands are separated and held together by means of a multi-part rod structure. The multi-part rod structure is for spacing the stands with the structure having its opposite ends extended into telescoped engagement with the stands. The rod structure is adjustable in length in a longitudinal direction along its axis for varying the distance between the stands. The arrow support stands are each being comprised of a pair of stand halves which are of an identical shape and configuration to enable them to be molded in a single mold structure. Connectors and/or glue secure the mold halves of each of said stands together. Pairs of revolving thin plastic disks are provided. Each of the stands has a mold cavity defined by the halves.

Abstract: A device for tracing a surface such as one defining the lens opening of an eyeglass frame includes a tracer element moved automatically about a rotational axis surrounded by the traced surface and arranged perpendicularly to the area enclosed by the surface. As this rotation occurs a carrier for the tracer element is moved along a second axis extending perpendicularly to the rotational axis in response to a position error signal developed by the tracer element to maintain the position error signal at a substantially zero value through the use of feedback circuitry. The positions of the carrier about the rotational axis and along the second axis are repeatedly captured during the tracing movement to provide point data defining the shape of the traced surface. Results are a smooth steady movement of the tracer element along the surface with a minimum amount of force being exerted on the traced surface by the tracer element.

Abstract: A device for the exchangeable fastening of a probe pin or probe pin combination (3) on the probe head (1) of a coordinate measuring system is taught where a pneumatically operated clamping device is provided which between the connecting body (9) of the probe pin (3) and the mounting body (4) in the probe head (1) generates a vacuum serving as a holding force. A venting valve (8) and an electrical blocking valve (7) are installed in the vacuum line (5) between a vacuum pump (6) and the probe head (1).

Abstract: A drawing kit is provided comprising a drawing pad, a plurality of transparent geometric shaped templates, and a double pencil holder. The pages of the pad have intersecting perpendicular lines and the templates have orthogonally intersecting indicia so that the templates may successively be selected and their indicia intersections aligned with line intersections on the drawing pad, and the outline of the template traced onto the pad so as to create more line intersections on the pad, and the successive process repeated to generate composite geometric designs on the pad. The double pencil holder has a pair of substantially parallel bores therethrough which allow pencils to be force-fitted therein securely enough to resist dislodgement from normal drawing forces.

Abstract: A table saw gauge includes a body positionable on the table top of a table saw and having a first scale for determining the saw blade height, a second scale for determining the saw blade angle, and a third scale for determining the distance from the saw blade to an adjacent fence. A blade is pivotally supported on the body and includes a first armature for engaging the uppermost tooth of the saw blade to determine saw blade height and second armature engageable with the side of the saw blade to determine saw blade angle. Pointers mounted on the body will aid cooperation with the first and second scales mounted on the body to indicate the height of the saw blade and the angle of the saw blade, respectively.

Abstract: An adjustable miter gage apparatus and method for making precision miter cut angles with conventional radial arm saws, table saws, band saws, router tables, and other woodworking machines. The miter gage apparatus utilizes a flat base or table top with a large radius arc thereon and adjustable gages located on the circumference of the arc. The apparatus acts as a large protractor and allows the cutting angle to be accurately adjusted relative to the actual angle at which the saw blade is initially positioned by the woodworking machine. The adjustable gages have set screws threadedly mounted therein for making fine adjustments and may be permanently or removably installed on the base or table top. The set screw threads and radius of the arc are related such that turning the set screw will increase or decrease the angle to within a fraction of a degree. A preliminary angle setting is made using the existing miter scale on the woodworking machine.

Abstract: A device and method for quickly aligning a machine tool spindle to the work surface of the machine tool. The device comprises a shank designed to be attached to the machine tool spindle, transducers used to sense the work surface, and indicators used by the operator to calibrate the position. The device can be used to determine and set the proper angle of the machine tool spindle in any two dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base plate, with a series of convex slots oriented in a clockwise array through the base plate, and a top plate including a clockwise array of concave slots, wherein the convex slots and concave slots are each of a predetermined number and each pair of overlying concave and convex slots includes a layout spool interconnecting the slots, wherein the spools are directed radially, interiorly, and outwardly of a central opening within the base plate and top plate. A graduated clamp ring mounted to the base plate is positioned exteriorly of the top plate, with a central knob mounted to the top plate to effect rotation of the top plate relative to the base plate.

Abstract: An articulating attachment is provided for use in conjunction with tractors, front loaders and the like wherein the attachment facilitates rotary and sliding motion of a working member such as a blade or bucket carried by the tractor or front loader having a mounting plate for connecting the attachment to said loader, a hydraulically driven rotary drive carried by the mounting plate and a hydraulically driven sliding drive carried by the rotary drive. The rotary drive and sliding drive may be operated simultaneously. A clam shell drive is also provided capable of opening and closing a bucket having two opposed jaws.

Abstract: A shaft is supported rotatably within a tubular aluminum extrusion and is rotated by a motor, with at least a portion of the length of the shaft comprising a lead screw along which a nut is displaced during rotation of the shaft, with a member projecting from the nut radially of the shaft and through a slot in the extrusion. The projecting member provides a linearly movable indicator for measurement and/or control of the direction and amount of rotation of the shaft. For measurement purposes, a simple scale or more elaborate linear encoder may be situated at the slot for cooperation with the moveable member. For control purposes, proximity switches are adjustably repositionable along the slot so as to establish limits by and in response to which a controller may control the rotation.

Abstract: A device for recognizing different type parts, each type having a predetermined dimension, comprises an abutment against which one side of the part is positioned, a mobile feeler including a mobile abutment adapted to be brought into contact with the other side of the part and a sensor comprising at least one masking member fastened to the feeler and at least one fixed sensor. The device is adapted to be fitted to a machine for processing window or French-window frames to determine the type of frame to be processed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for continuously cooling a hot printed traveling web in order to set the ink thereon. The apparatus and method include a frame and a chill roll rotatably mounted thereon having a peripheral surface. A pressure roll is rotatably mounted on the frame and has a pressure applying surface in contact with the chill roll peripheral surface to define a web receiving nip. The printed web is passed into the nip. Liquid coolant is applied to the peripheral surface of the pressure roll prior to its entering the web nip during which time the pressure roll is cooled. A metering roll is rotatably mounted on the frame to place its peripheral surface in contact with the pressure applying surface to define a metering nip. The pressure in the metering nip is adjusted so that only a predetermined amount of coolant liquid remains on the pressure roll peripheral surface for contact with the web.

Abstract: A load reduction and alignment system for drag line excavators which have annular rail tracks on which multiple support roller assemblies are positioned. The load stress from the excavator is distributed and reduced by increasing the number of rollers within the roller assembly by reducing roller spacing as well as providing for on site adjustement of a segmented concentric guide rail against which the modified rollers engage.

Abstract: The framework engages to a push blade of a plow assembly and extends upwardly and forwardly therefrom along a rear surface of a plow blade of the assembly, terminating at a position forward of a forward tilt pivot point for the plow blade. A chain is engaged to a center point of a horizontal cross beam of the framework which engages forward ends of a pair of upwardly and forwardly extending side beams of the framework, the framework being centered relative to the lateral extent of the plow blade.

Abstract: A card display holder for a display item includes a clear base panel having a top surface and a bottom surface and a top surface area greater than the display item. The top surface has a recessed portion for containing the display item. A clear cover panel also has a top surface and a bottom surface with a bottom surface area greater than the display item. Mechanisms for slidably engaging the cover panel with the base panel and for locking the cover panel to the base panel are also provided. An attachable device is provided for standing the holder upright and adjusting the viewing angle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ammunition clip holder or clip wrap which is carried by a flexible panel or sheet-like body. The body can be formed into a sleeve and this sleeve can be wrapped around and removably secured to the stock of a firearm, such as a rifle. The body thus forms the base of a clip holder which is substantially stationary on the stock. The clip wrap or holder has at least a pair of pocket units with front openings at the front ends thereof to receive and hold ammunition clips. Straps are provided to removably close the front openings of the pocket units to retain the clips therein until the clips are to be pulled out of the pocket units and used in the firearm. The body of the clip wrap can be of any suitable heavy duty material, such as flexible nylon material. Moreover, Velcro strips can be used to hold the body of the clip wrap in a sleeve-like configuration on the stock of a firearm. Thus, the sleeve will be retained on the stock.

Abstract: A fishing tackle indicator includes a variable visual display of two or more kinds of indicia showing characteristics of fishing tackle used with a fishing rod, such as lure color and length of fish line deployed. Each kind of indicia may include its own linear display with an indicator manually slidable along the display to a position adjacent the indicia that describes the actual lure color or line length in use. The displays may also be combined on a common face plate with separate indicators running in tracks along opposite edges of the plate. The indicator apparatus may be combined with a spring biased clamp for easy attachment to a wide variety of objects or may be built into another piece of fishing equipment, such as a fishing rod holder.

Abstract: Separate anchor members (1, 1', 1", 1'", 40, 60, 70, 80, 80', 80") are secured at regularly spaced locations to a rope or line (L) to which a net (N) is to be coupled. The anchor members carry separate connectors (11, 11', 11", 11'", 50, 65, 65', 12'") which, in turn, are adapted to be connected to the net. The connectors can have closed loops (14, 15, 14', 15') to be threaded through a selvage portion of the net and interwoven with the loops of connectors of the adjacent anchor members.

Abstract: A fishing lure including a helical body portion which retains its helical shape and corkscrews when the lure is pulled through water and which assumes a horizontal orientation when the lure is attached to a fishhook and placed at rest in water.

Abstract: A multi-section hollow sound chamber containing a plurality of beads and including bore holes or a tubular mounting bore, which is isolated from the sound chamber, for supporting the chamber from a fishing line, wire-form or lure. Associated buoyancy and rotation means facilitate auditory sounds. In various constructions, the chamber parts mount in mated and bonded relation about a hook shank, a wire-form coupling member or a fishing line. Included fins or external grooves facilitate chamber rotation with movement relative to water.

Abstract: A lawn edging device, for defining borders of lawns and gardens, that is adapted to hold plant seeds, so that when the plants mature their roots will extend through the device and help anchor the device in position in the ground. The device is an elongated article formed of a resilient, extruded, molded plastic material, and it includes a pair of thin vertical wall members that are joined at their lower ends to form a trough-like opening for holding seeds. At least one of the walls have openings at its lower end that allow roots of the plants to pass out of the device as the seeds germinate.

Abstract: A device for continuously grinding the edges of moving metal foil comprises a stationary support on which a mobile support can slide perpendicular to the strip. The mobile support comprises a pivoting arm, the ends of which are provided with a roller for guiding the strip, lower and upper dressing rollers, an upstream tool holder, with at least one tool for dressing the edge and a downstream tool holder for chamfering the edge. The mobile support is brought into contact with the edge of the strip by the application of an adjustable pressure to the guide.

Abstract: A workpiece support apparatus for centerless grinding includes a rotatable base mountable to a standard grinding machine and a carriage assembly mounted on the rotatable base. The carriage assembly has a motor driven regulating roller attached thereto for driving the workpiece. A work blade holder attached to the carriage is pivotable in both the horizontal and vertical directions and has means for attaching a work blade thereto. The work blade holder is located on one side of the regulating roller and has its axis generally parallel thereto. Pivotally attached to the carriage on the side of the regulating roller opposite from the work blade holder is a workpiece guide holder adjustably biased towards the regulating roller. Workpiece guides selectively attachable thereto include a pressure roller and a guide rest plate with a workpiece guide blade magnetically mounted thereon.

Abstract: An opposed double-disc abrasive deburring apparatus designed for simultaneous deburring of both major surfaces of workpieces. The abrasive material is carried in opposed double-disc counter-rotating abrasive media retaining pads, with the workpieces being carried through the pads on a turntable having workpiece receiving and guiding bores formed therein.

Abstract: Apparatus, for in-line cleaning of wire being formed, disposes abrasive elements in confronting relationships on opposite sides of the travel path and in surface contact with the wire running between them.

Abstract: A structural facade system comprises a flat facing panel (22) lying in a plane, a bearing structure (14) which carries the panel, and a sealant (16) between the bearing structure and the panels. A sensor (18) is mounted on the bearing structure, and a sensor operating element (22) is mounted on the panels. The sensor operating element has an arm secured to the panel and extending transversely of the plane of the panel. The arm terminates in an end remote from the panel which cooperates with the sensor to detect movement of the panel in a direction transverse to the plane of the panel.

Abstract: This invention provides various configurations of spacers for use in plastic block constructions to prevent relative lateral side-to-side movement between adjacent blocks of the construction when they are connected together with interlockable tab extensions. The spacers are mounted within joint spaces between adjacent blocks of the construction and are in contacting operative engagement with the interlocked tabs to prohibit any relative lateral movement out of alignment between the blocks in the direction towards or away from the frontal or rearward planar faces of the blocks and to retain the blocks aligned in a common plane.

Abstract: An improved plastic floor tile formed with an internal stress eliminating structure including grooves or recesses disposed on the lower surface of the floor tile at four corners and four sides thereof, whereby contractile internal stress caused by thermal change can be interrupted from reaching the four corners or margin portions of the floor tile by the internal stress eliminating structure so as to effectively prevent distortion of the four corners or margin portions.

Abstract: An easily installed and readily changed decorative surface for commercial slat wall structures is accomplished by providing decorative, elongated wall panel cover strips, each having inturned flanges on the opposite edges thereof. These flanges snap-fit into place over the edges of adjacent ones of the spaced parallel grooves in the panels of the slat wall structure. The slat wall panels are attached to the underlying wall by means of fasteners located anywhere on the slat wall panels, including the major surfaces thereof between the grooves. The decorative cover strips then cover the fasteners, as well as the joints between adjacent panels of the underlying slat wall structure.

Abstract: A floor section assembly having a post anchor built into one of the floor panels for use with portable sectionalized flooring suitable for a volleyball court or the like is disclosed. The post anchor includes a base assembly attached to the undersurface of one of the panels and is coupled to a plurality of adjacent panels by tubes attached to the undersurface of the panels and coupled together by a rigid member extending through aligned tubes. This structure provides a broad base of support for the post carrying a volleyball net which can absorb moments placed on the post without the need for connecting the post to the base on which the flooring is assembled.

Abstract: A jig assembly for mounting a tool is disclosed in which the tool is held generally stationary in the jig. The jig assembly is used in a machining process in which the workpiece is mounted at the end of a movable robot arm and is manipulated with respect to the generally stationary machine tool. The machine tool, which may be a rotating tool, is rotated about its longitudinal axis and the workpiece is manipulated by the robot arm so as to contact the rotating rool thereby enabling it to perform its machining function. The use of this jig enables the application of a substantially constant force between the workpiece and the rotating tool in order to machine each of the workpieces to very small tolerances. The tool holder is attached to a balance beam having balance weights attached to both ends. The beam pivots about a generally horizontal pivot axis extending generally through its midpoint.

Abstract: A system to mount soap dishes and the like to tiled walls. A galvanized thin metal plate is placed against the wall in the location of the soap dish with the edges of the plate extending outward under the edges of the surrounding tiles. The plate has many small deformed slits formed in it to accept and trap thin set mortar. The soap dish is bonded to the plate with mortar flowing into the pockets formed by the deformed slits.

Abstract: A roof structure suitable for use with solar energy collection elements has a wide lower width-adjusting section defined at a lateral lower portion of each of a number of connecting members disposed at predetermined intervals, while a wide intermediate width-adjusting section is defined at an intermediate portion of the side of the connecting member. The lower portion of the side edge of a lighting frame serving as a roofing member is inserted into the intermediate width-adjusting section, and the side edge of a water proof sheet is laid below the lighting frame to be received inside the lower width-adjusting section. When the total width of the roofing member is greater than the backing width of the roof, the side edge of the lighting frame and that of the waterproof sheet are located in positions close to the center of the connecting member.

Abstract: The drum (5) is at the station of wrapping and extraction of a coil of material wound on the segments (16) and bounded by the radial arms (24 and 21). Once the wrapping film has been placed about the coil of material and the arms (24 and 21), the cross-piece (17) is advanced so that the arms (21) are overturned backward and can be extracted from the front inner edge of the wrapping. Next, the pushers (28) move the wrapped coil of material by pressing against the rear flank of the wrapping between the arms (24). The latter pivot towards the front against the bias of the springs (26) so that their outer ends also pass under the inside edge of the rear flank of the wrapping. When the jack (19) returns the cross-piece (17) to its starting position, the arms (21) are righted by the action of the ramps (23). This device permits choosing the inside diameter of the coils of material at will, without being hindered by the presence of the radial arms (21).

Abstract: Cigarette packs (20) are often provided with a (tax) label (26) which extends across an end face (23) and adjoining pack faces. The process of attaching the label (26) has to be integrated into the complex flow of production. For this purpose, the label (26) is held ready in front of a mouthpiece opening (inserting opening 32) in a transverse plane, such that the label is folded round the pack (20) in a U-shaped manner when the pack passes through the mouthpiece opening. The packs (20) are transported in tight arrangement, such that the end face (23) of one pack (20) abuts the bottom (35) face of another pack (20) being in front. The label (26) is thus "clamped" between two adjacent packs (20) and therewith additonally fixed in position.

Abstract: Adhesive tapes 10 are automatically attached to closing sides 12 of folding cartons 11 which the cartons are transported. An adhesive tape 10 is pulled off a reel and pressed onto a folding carton under tension by means of pressure rollers. A pressure roller 26 presses an end leg 39 of the adhesive tape 10, which is projecting from the folding carton 11 at a rear side thereof, against a transversely directed side face 40 of the folding carton 11. When an adhesive tape 10 made of unstable carrier material are used, there is a danger of the tape creasing or curling up, especially at end portions thereof. To overcome this problem, a smoothing device in the form of a stationary suction head 41 is provided. The adhesive tape 10 slides along this smoothing device, such that at the final stage, the projecting end leg 39 is temporarily held in smooth and straight position until it is taken over by the pressure roller 26.

Abstract: The apparatus for applying closures to containers having a mouth which is inclined with respect to an axis of the containers, comprises a first conveyor and a second conveyor which are suitable for transferring in succession containers, which are arranged so that their axes are vertical. A closure application conveyor receives the containers from the first conveyor and transfers them to the second conveyor; the closure application conveyor has a clamp for gripping the containers which can oscillate between two positions, at which the axes of the related containers and, respectively, the axes of the mouths of the containers are arranged substantially vertical. The closure application conveyor has a closure application head for applying the closures to the containers while the axes of the mouths of the containers are arranged vertically.

Abstract: A device for use with a packaging machine for continuous singulating of a packaging container chain. A frame is provided having a circular shape to guide a packaging container chain along a predetermined circular track. The container chain includes a plurality of uniformly spaced container zones joined together by link zones. A plurality of knives are positioned along the frame at areas corresponding to the link zones and move in a direction perpendicular to the track to sever the packaging container chain at each of the link zones.

Abstract: A lettuce head holding tray is defined in which both the upper tray layer and the lower tray layer are packed side-by-side at packing stations. At a carton loading station, two side-by-side arrays of plungers each are used for packing of discrete layers of the cartons. One array of plungers packs the bottom carton layer; the other array of plungers packs the top carton layer. Two cartons are disposed opened upwardly to the plunger array at the packing station; one carton is disposed to the bottom layer loading plunger array for packing of the bottom layer and the other carton--with its bottom layer previously packed--is disposed to the top layer loanding plunger array for packing of its top layer. The cartons--between the packing of the bottom layer and the packing of the top layer--are conveyed between positions underlying the plunger arrays. Thus each carton has is lower layer packed by the lower layer loading plunger array and then its top layer packed by the upper layer loading plunger array.

Abstract: Apparatus for evacuating and sealing containers of perishable food or other substances includes a rigid lid for fitting onto the container and a resilientt valve which is situated over a small passage in the lid. The valve has a hollow interior region which is open at the underside of the member and a stem extends down through the passage in the lid and carries an enlargement at its lower end that is broader than the passage. A hollow cup, coupled to a vacumm pump, is temporarily placed over the valve to draw air from the container after which atmospheric pressure urges the lid against the container and urges the valve against the lid to seal the container. The hollow interior of the valve is broader than the passage in the lid and thus atmospheric pressure is effective against an area of the valve that exceeds the area of the passage thereby assuring a very strong and reliable sealing effect.