Abstract: A device for loading cartridges into a magazine including a body with a U-shaped cross section adapted to slide up and down upon the exterior of a magazine. A lever projects rearwardly from the bottom of the body and a hook projects upwardly from the top of the body for grasping and manipulating cartridges. The hook has a shank as well as a catch that terminates at a concave free end for snugly engaging cartridges.

Abstract: Fishing rods are molded with integral line guides or line guide stanchions for attaching conventional or only slightly modified line guides. The preferred line guides are made of metal or ceramic guide inserts in metal frames with one or two support feet. The molding process facilitates the automated manufacture of rods with line guides in proper alignment and positioning. The handle section of the blank can be molded to form an integral foregrip and/or reel seat.

Abstract: A tag line return that repositions a tag line to the base of an outrigger after release of a fishing line from the tag line. The return has a housing with internal guides which are adapted to urge the return upwardly when a fishing line is attached to the tag line and to slide downwardly when the fishing line is released.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes: (i) a hook; and (ii) a fishing lure substrate coupled to the hook. The fishing lure substrate includes: (A) a fishing lure substrate body having an outer surface; (B) a water insoluble adhesive layer on the outer surface; and (C) flocking fibers electrostatically deposited on adhesive layer. The fibers are affixed at one end by the adhesive layer to the substrate body. The opposing end of the flocking fibers extends away from the substrate body. The fibers are configured such that air is entrapped between intrafibral spaces. Methods for forming the fishing lure and a kit including a hook and a preflocked substrate configured to be selectively coupled to the hook are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mulch for poisoning termites without poisoning the soil includes wood chips and/or tree bark impregnated with a borate salt. The mulch is placed in contact with the soil near a termite infestation or near a termite-attracting feature. The mulch is impregnated preferably with a sodium borate salt, such as disodium octaborate tetrahydrate or disodium tetraborate decahydrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are rope-like fumigants. The rope-like fumigants are sufficiently sturdy thick, or tightly twisted or braided that they can be generally vertically positioned without drooping at their top, even though they are considerably elongated. The rope-like fumigants are loaded with an insecticide, fragrance, or the like, and lit from the top. Very low cost materials such as jute, hemp, or the like form the base material for the fumigant. A holder is disclosed which retains the rope-like fumigant in a vertical position from its lower portion, while reducing the incidence of the fumigant's prematurely extinguishing. A method of controlling insects by use of the fumigant is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for attracting and capturing or otherwise disabling insects includes a fan mechanism structured and arranged to provide an outflow of air out of the device to atmosphere, and to draw an inflow directed counter the outflow from atmosphere into the device, the outflow being substantially within the inflow outside of the device. The flow mechanism is also structured and arranged to provide an insect attractant in the outflow. The device can include mounting structure being adapted to position the device with the outflow directed in a substantially downward direction. The outflow attracts insects to the vicinity of the device, and the inflow urges the insects to enter the device. An insect disabling structure is arranged with the flow mechanism to capture or otherwise disable insects being urged into the device by the inflow.

Abstract: A wick applicator for applying agricultural liquid chemicals to crops, weeds and other vegetation. The wick applicator includes an elongated tube for holding and dispensing liquid chemicals An air inlet extends from the tube and is communicatively open to the internal chamber of the tube. To meter or regulate the flow of liquid chemicals from the elongated tubes a non-variable fixed size orifice is disposed in the air inlet tube. In use, the wick applicator is useful in applying a growth regulating composition to the upper portion of a cotton crop. This is achieved by setting the wick applicator at a selected height and then moving it through a cotton field at that height and in the process, engaging and mopping the portion of any cotton crop in its path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite masonry edging or stepping block used with other like-shaped blocks to form a continuous interconnected edging pattern or stepping path that accommodates straight sections and tight bends in the pattern or path. Each block has a series of six adjoining projections around a major portion of its perimeter, and a pair of adjoining recesses along a minor portion of its perimeter. Two adjoining projections form a multi-wave protrusion. Several combinations of two adjoining projections can be used to form a number of multi-wave protrusion. Each protrusion has the same size and shape but extends in a different angular direction. The two recesses form a multi-wave indentation. The multi-wave indentation flushly receives one of the multi-wave protrusions of an adjacent block to achieve an interlocking connection in either straight or angled alignments. The structure of each block forms a flower-like pattern.

Abstract: A delivery system for delivering a horticultural agent to a plant including a carrier adapted to be placed in proximity to a root system of a plant, the carrier being of a material which is biodegradable and dissolvable upon prolonged exposure to water, and the horticultural agent being adhered to or admixed with the carrier and being dissolvable upon prolonged exposure to water.

Abstract: A method for planting and stabilizing soilless sods is taught, beginning with planting pure stock of the desired cultivar in sterile media over plastic sheeting. The pure stock, once it has matured into a sod, it is harvested and milled into vegetative planting material. The milled material is suspended in a liquid slurry in an agitating tank and discharged into a trailing planter assembly that spreads the slurry evenly over unrolling plastic sheeting where it acts not only as planting material but, in sufficient quantities, also as a stabilizing protective mulch that maintains the integrity of the young sod crop in severe storms. Unlike sprigs or stolons the milled planting stock is produced from whole plant tissue and is comprised of many plantlets with intact root, stem, and leaf tissue. A bushel of milled turf plantlets is much more dense than a bushel of sprigs or stolons and comprises meristems from all parts of the plant including roots, crowns, and rhizomes.

Abstract: A water-retaining support for a plant exhibiting a water-retaining ability comparable to that of a polyacrylic acid-type hydrogel without inhibition of root origination or root elongation. The water-retaining support for a plant includes a hydrogel-forming polymer having a calcium ion absorption of less than 50 mg per 1 g of its dry weight and having a water absorption magnification in ion-exchange water (at 25° C.) of 100 or more. When the water-retaining support is used, a plant may be supplied with sufficient water without suffering from a deficiency of calcium ions.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve has a bonding material disposed upon an inner and/or outer portion of the sleeve for crimping the sleeve adjacent the pot to hold the sleeve about the pot.

Abstract: A floral sleeve sized to fit a flower pot, the sleeve having a base with side and bottom gussets for allowing expansion from a flattened position and method of using same. The sleeve may comprise a detachable upper portion, and a skirt portion.

Abstract: A door assembly comprising a door body having a bottom edge. The door body is selectively movable up and down to open and close an opening. The door assembly further comprises a first sensor body and a second sensor body. Each sensor body is in communication with a door controller, and each sensor body has an impact portion responsive to an impact proximate the bottom edge of the door body.

Abstract: A movable wall has a plurality of movable wall elements mounted in horizontally oriented guide rails. The guide rail which defines the path of the movable wall elements from the parked position into the closed position is laid out in a 90 degree curve in the vicinity of a room opening to be closed so that it brings the closed movable wall elements into alignment. The final movable wall element in the direction of the closing motion is mounted on support and guidance elements. At least the rear support and guidance element of the final wall element in the direction of the closing motion, is mounted on the final movable wall element so that the rear support and guidance element can be moved along the final movable wall element. This rear support and guidance element also has its own drive unit, by which drive unit, during the closing process, the final movable wall element is automatically moved into the closed position in which it is flush with the other movable wall elements.

Abstract: A window shoe device for conveniently preventing the drag link from slipping out of the drag link retaining member. The window shoe device includes a housing having a slotted drag link guide portion, a window mount support portion having a hole therethrough, and further includes a window mount member having a slot therein for securely retaining a pivot bar for a window sash and being pivotally supported by the window mount support member, and also includes a window mount retainer member having winged ends for securing the window mount member to the housing, and further includes a drag link retainer member having a pair of prongs extending outwardly for securely retaining a drag link, and also includes a slotted drag link guide reinforcement member removably disposed adjacent to the drag link guide portion.

Abstract: A pickup truck having an extended cab passenger compartment and a pair of front doors disposed on opposite sides of the passenger compartment. A sliding rear door is disposed rearward of one of the pair of front doors. The sliding rear door is supported for sliding movement between a closed position and an open position by an upper track and a pair of lower tracks which are each engaged by a corresponding guide arm which is mounted to the sliding rear door. The upper and lower tracks are mounted so as to be concealed from view when the sliding rear door is in the closed position.

Abstract: In a sliding door for a vehicle having an opening in at least one side thereof, the sliding door is connected to the vehicle for non-linear movement along a fixed path between an open position and a closed position with respect to the opening. The fixed path is defined by an upper guide track, a lower guide track, and an intermediate guide track. Each elongate guide track has an identical generally C-shaped cross-section with an elongate slot opening through a lower surface. At least one guide member is engagable within each track for guiding the sliding door while moving in either direction between the open position and the closed position with respect to the opening in the vehicle. Preferably, at least one load bearing roller is provided on each door mounting bracket, or at least two load bearing rollers are provided on two of the three door mounting brackets.

Abstract: A window sash (3) is mounted on a stationary frame (2) so as to be only rotatable about a horizontal axis but not tiltable using a lower corner bearing (5) such as is also used for turning-tilting fittings, and using an upper hinge bearing (9), which is connected to the sash via a support arm (11). The support arm (11) is sufficiently flexible in the vertical direction in order to be able to follow the vertical adjustment movements of the sash which are carried out at the corner bearing (5). Using a guide part (29a) engaging in the rabbet groove of the sash (3), the support arm (11) is guided vertically and is supported against motions perpendicular to the sash plane.

Abstract: A sliding window track cover that is adjustable to fit different window track widths and also acts as a window locking mechanism. The window track cover is comprised of a male and female subassembly fastened together. The female subassembly has a pair of spaced, parallel, longitudinally extending flange plate members, a longitudinally extending leg member attached to said flange plates along one longitudinal edge thereof, and a longitudinally extending shoulder member. The male subassembly has a longitudinally extending tongue plate, a longitudinally extending leg member attached to the tongue plate adjacent one longitudinal edge thereof, but inboard a distance sufficient to form a shoulder. The tongue plate of the male subassembly is inserted into the slot formed between the flange plates of the female subassembly a distance sufficient to cause the male and female leg members to be spaced apart a distance that is substantially the same as the distance between the side walls of a window track.

Abstract: A sports field, in particular for team sports such as football, has a playing field (20) which consists of a overing made of grass, granulates or other natural and/or artificial materials, placed on an infrastructure (21), in particular made of earth and/or gravel. Also disclosed is a process for horizontally displacing the sports field (20). To allow such a sports field to be horizontally displaced, the sports field is arranged on a preferably trough-shaped supporting frame (22) substantially made of concrete and/or steel parts, and which can be displaced on sliding pads supported on fixed sliding tracks (23).

Abstract: A support for mounting a lighting fixture in recessed position in a suspension ceiling of inverted T-bars extending generally parallel to one another and spaced apart a certain distance. The support is in the form of an elongate sheet metal bar for installation in generally vertical position bridging two T-bars. As installed, the sheet metal bar has upper and lower edges and a pair of notches in its lower edge spaced apart the aforesaid distance. The sheet metal bar is placeable in a bridging position on the two inverted T-bars with the two T-bars extending through the notches in the support bar. The sheet metal bar has end portions extending outward beyond the notches. Each end portion includes a primary tab bendable to extend generally at right angles with respect to the sheet metal bar in position extending alongside an outside face of the respective inverted T-bar.

Abstract: A modified monopole tower is described, consisting primarily of a galvanized steel truncated pyramidal monopole capped by cellular phone apparatus. In the preferred embodiment, the monopole head is ringed by three coronae of steel female receptors which are welded to the pyramidal head of the tower. Artificial palm fronds are attached to the receptors primarily by mechanical means. The modified monopole tower is designed to function optimally under all weather conditions, while beautifying the landscape with attachment of indigenous tree components.

Abstract: The sash profiles of the top-hung sash structure have substantially L-shaped cross sections with small wall thickness, and the insulating pane (4) is manufactured with dimensions corresponding to the exterior dimensions of the frame structure and is secured to the sash profiles (5-7) by adhesive sealing (21, 22). A resilient gasket profile (11-13) is secured to the outwards facing edge surfaces (17-19) of the top, bottom and side members of the frame structure as abutment for the interior side of the insulating pane.

Abstract: A structural system and methodology for erecting a shading structure. The system and methodology provides for a rapid and fool proof installation of the shading element over a canopy structure. The shading element is coupled into a locking mechanism on a perimeter beam which rotates to increase effective the effective surface area of the canopy structure thereby providing the correct amount of tension to the shading element, thereby completing the installation process.

Abstract: A prefabricated shooting house is disclosed which can be easily assembled and disassembled from a position within the volume enclosed by the shooting house. The prefabricated package includes four rectangular side panels and a square top panel or roof, and requires no additional coloring or finish work. Assembly of the shooting house involves positioning four side panels, affixing three of the panels to adjoining side panels and a separately constructed bottom portion, positioning the top panel by raising it through the body diagonal of the house, and finally affixing the remaining side panel and top panel.

Abstract: An anchor used in concrete construction serves both as a bar termination and as a transition or starter bar anchor for use between pours or at forms for poured-in-place construction, or at the surfaces of precast elements. The anchor includes a core and is of relatively short axial extent, which has substantial peripherally continuous deformations which provide a large area bonding surface relative to the diameter or area of the core. In a preferred form, the increased bonding surface area is created by a circumferentially continuous flute or ridge which has a substantial height relative to the core. In a preferred form, the ridge is the form of a continuous helix. The height of the rib is preferably about ⅓ the axial spacing or pitch. The core includes bar sockets at one or both ends which may be designed to accommodate bar ends for a variety of mechanical connections, although tapered thread connections are preferred.

Abstract: A load-bearing structural member is disposed between a selected base and a load bearing element and is capable of bearing loads of various magnitudes while granting flexibility and resiliency to a structure. The structural member includes a housing fixed to the base and having a resilient wall which defines an inner cavity and a first open end, a flexible partition joined to an inner surface of the wall adjacent to the first open end, a displaceable stiff closure member fitting within the first open end to define an inner fluid containing chamber between the cavity and the flexible partition, and a shaft interconnected between the closure member and the load bearing element. The load-bearing structural members may be interconnected and configured such to act as a support structure.

Abstract: Process for installing against a support (S), the ground in particular, a covering consisting of planks, laths, wooden panels (1) which consists in leveling the surface to be overlaid, then in fixing against the said surface (S), side-by-side planks (1), leaving a space between them and the ground. The process is characterized in that the spacing and the fixing of the planks (1) constituting the covering is obtained by means of pairs of elements (3, 4) distributed over the length of the said planks, which elements (3, 4) take the form of blocks, of which the one (3) is fixed transversely on the lower face of the plank and the second (4) over the ground, the opposite faces of the said blocks (3, 4) comprising interlockable complementary zones (7) ensuring the mutual securing of the said elements (3, 4).

Abstract: Tile vent for covering the opening of the ridge of an undulating roof. The tile vent includes two unitary panels facing each other in a mirror image fashion the top portion of which is affixed to a ridge board and the bottom portion of which is affixed to the undulating roof. The tile vent includes vent slots to allow exhaust of attic air, and reinforcing stiffeners to support ridge tiles placed over the opening in the ridge.

Abstract: A coupling for mounting a door frame in an opening in a wall includes two, substantially identical anchoring clips and two substantially identical retaining clips. Each anchoring clip has a base mounting portion and a resilient cantilever portion extending at an non-perpendicular angle from its base mounting portion. The anchor clips are oriented opposite to one another. Each retaining clip has a base mounting section and an angled section extending in an cantilever manner from its base mounting section. The retaining clips are oriented mirror image such that the cantilever portions of the anchoring clips engage the angled sections of the retaining clips.

Abstract: A workspace management system comprising a wall for dividing a room into separate work areas, wherein the wall extends vertically and in a longitudinal direction, the wall having a first side surface, a second side surface, a lower portion and an upper portion above the lower portion, the upper portion having a width defined between the first and second side surfaces over the upper portion greater than a width of the lower portion defined between the first and second side surfaces over the lower portion, an overhead raceway defined within the upper portion between the first surface and the second surface over the upper portion, the overhead raceway extending longitudinally of the wall.

Abstract: A freestanding portable partition panel system is provided for open office spaces and the like. Each panel includes a skeleton-like frame having two vertical uprights positioned adjacent opposite side edges thereof, and at least two pairs of horizontal stringers attached to the outer faces of the uprights in a vertically spaced apart relationship to rigidly interconnect the same. One or more horizontal rows of slots are defined in each of the stringers. Cover panels are detachably mounted thereon to provide ready access to the frame. The cover panels permit access to the slots, and special off-module connectors with hooks for engaging the slots are provided for interconnecting adjacent panels in off-module positions. The hooks of the connectors are engaged with selected slots to hold a first partition panel perpendicular to a second partition panel in an off-module position on its face.

Abstract: A sliding panel system whose sliding panel elements are aligned in a row next to each other when the sliding panel is closed and are positioned orthogonally in relation to the sliding panel when it is in its parked position. The individual sliding panel elements are guided on a first rail arrangement, a curved or bent rail section being adjacent to said slide rail in the transitional area leading to the parked position. The invention is characterized in that the slide rail has a curved or bent rail section in the transitional area leading to the parked position itself. When a point is switched immediately, said rail section opens up onto a parking rail running orthogonally or at an angle to the slide rail. The free end of the parking rail is configured so that it extends into the area of the sliding panel.

Abstract: Composition whereby ceramic manufactured articles, obtained by molding pressing a ceramic mixture added with 1% to 10% TiO2 by wt., are colored in shades from yellow ocher to sienna, said composition being an aqueous or hydroalcoholic solution including tungsten and chromium inorganic compounds or organic derivatives, which is applied by controlled absorption to the surface of the ceramic material before firing.

Abstract: A method of attaching a covering material, such as carpeting, to a concrete surface, includes applying a first adhesive over a concrete surface, providing a steel barrier including a plurality of projections extending from the bottom surface thereof, pressing the steel barrier over the adhesive such that the projections are embedded therein, and bonding the covering material over the barrier. The moisture-proof barrier construction of the present invention includes a concrete layer, a steel barrier, which is adhesively mounted to the concrete layer and includes a plurality of projections extending from the bottom surface thereof that are embedded into an adhesive between the concrete layer and the steel barrier. The barrier includes a covering material which is adhesively mounted on the steel barrier.

Abstract: A flame retardant composite sheathing including a core layer, having a plurality of superposed layers of a water-resistant paperboard adhered together by layers of an adhesive positioned intermediate and contacting adjacent said layers of water-resistant paperboard, a first layer of a polyolefin adhered to a major surface of the core layer, a metal foil adhered to the first layer of polyolefin, a second layer of a polyolefin adhered to the metal foil, and a layer of water resistant liner board adhered to the second layer of polyolefin.

Abstract: A tubular tapered composite pole for supporting utility lines and a method for making the same. The pole is formed from a plurality of elongated panels made of pultruded composite material having a height H1 in the range of 30 feet-120 feet. An interlocking structural groove is formed on one of the side edges of the panel during the pultrusion process. The other side edge of the panel is formed by a biased angle cut from the bottom edge of the panel to its top edge to give it a generally trapezoidal shape. A tongue shaped interlocking structure is machined along the length of the angularly cut side edge. The panels have a length L1 along their bottom edge in the range of 6″-24″ and a length L2 along their top edges in the range of 3″-16″. The respective tongue and groove structure along the side edges of the panels is interlocked together to form a closed loop extending from their top edges to their bottom edges to form the tubular tapered pole.

Abstract: A free span building has connector hubs having slots for mating with tubular frame members. Each slot has a longitudinal axis, and a tooth symmetrically disposed on either side of the longitudinal axis. The area of the slot in shear is larger than the area of the tubular frame member in tension by at least an approximate ratio of the strength of the material of the tubular frame member in tension to the strength of the material of the slot in shear. The angle between a bearing face of the tooth and the longitudinal axis is within the range of seventy to ninety degrees. The teeth are disposed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis. A distance measured on the tubular member perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and between the teeth, is at least the ratio of the yield strength to the ultimate strength of the material of the tubular member.

Abstract: A modular structural system for building structural models or for constructing actual structures. The system includes at least one connector hub member comprising a plurality of projections arranged in a plurality of planes each for engaging an end of a strut member, with all projections having cross sectional geometries identical with cross sectional geometries of attached strut members at sites of respective attachment. Second, the system includes at least one strut member having a first end and a second end, with each end having an engageable portion for engagement with a projection of the connector hub member. The strut member has a strut cross-sectional geometry identical to and in alignment with the cross-sectional geometry of a projection and adjacent protuberances of the hub member when the strut member is engaged with the projection.

Abstract: A one piece molded plastic lattice simulates a lattice of separate superposed members. The lattice includes a set of continuous elongated members that lie in a plane. A second set of discontinuous elongated members intersects and interconnects the first set of members at junction regions. The second set of discontinuous elongated members may lie in another plane. The upper surfaces of the first set of members is transversely concave, or the upper surfaces of the second set of members is longitudinally convex, so that a discontinuity is created at each of the junction regions. In this way, the plastic lattice creates the illusion of being a multi-piece lattice.

Abstract: A wall bracket (10) for aiding in attaching a ceiling panel (90) to ceiling structure (80) next to a wall (70); ceiling panel (90) having a thickness and peripheral edges (98). Bracket (10) generally comprises a vertical, wall-abutting member (20) for attachment to wall (70) and a shelf (50) for receiving and supporting edge (98) of ceiling panel (90). Vertical member (20) includes a lower portion (30) and an upper portion (40). Lower portion (30) is temporarily attached to the wall and includes an aperture (32) for aiding in removal. Upper portion (40) spaces shelf (50) from ceiling structure (80). Shelf (50) has an outer end (56) having an outwardly downwardly slanted portion (57) for facilitating entry of edge (98) of panel (90) onto shelf (50).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for mounting architectural moldings. A molding is provided with a retaining groove. A two part fastener is provided having a female portion and a male portion. The female portion is asymmetrical with a first width in a first direction that is less than a narrowest width of the retaining groove and a second width in a second direction larger than the narrowest width of the retaining groove. The female portion is inserted into the retaining groove when oriented in the first direction. The female portion is then rotated within the retaining groove until the female portion is wedged in the retaining groove in the second direction and thereby precluded from removal. The male portion is mounted to a surface prior to mating with the female portion.

Abstract: A converted wood article for use in combination with other converted wood articles to form composite wood products for use in general construction such as in the construction of posts, flooring, walls and support beams.

Abstract: A multipane window unit is provided in which a sash frame is formed having an integral spacing structure upon which glazing panes are directly affixed. The integrally spacing structure is formed integral with the sash frame at vertical internal glazing surfaces. Adhesive can be affixed to the vertical internal glazing surfaces the glazing panes. In this manner, a rigid, structural sash frame can be formed prior to attachment of the glazing panes, thereby eliminating the need for using separately manufactured insulating glass units while obtaining similar and improved benefits.

Abstract: An isogrid structure formed from multiple face sheets (14) and multiple stringers (16). Each face sheet (14) and each stringer (16) being an individual component. Each stringer (16) having two or more joints for attachment to the face sheets (14). The face sheets (14) formed from flat sheet material and include a pattern of openings for attachment of the joints on the stringers (16). The geometry of the openings matching the geometry of the joints on the stringers (16). The assembled unit is formed by inserting each joint on a stringer (16) through its corresponding opening in a face sheet (14) and then bonding the joint to the face sheet (14).

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes first and second conveyors for moving products from a receiving station to a first transfer station and a plurality of product-carrying elements mounted on the conveyors. The product-carrying elements of the first and second conveyors form respective first and second groups of product-carrying elements. The products are conveyable from the receiving station to the first transfer station alternatingly by the two conveyors. A first discharge mechanism at the first transfer station includes a plurality of product-pushing elements for displacing products transversely to the advancing direction. The product-pushing elements are spaced identically to the spacing of the product-carrying elements. A third conveyor extends from the first transfer station to a second transfer station.

Abstract: A method and machine for wrapping a product in a sheet of wrapping material, whereby a wrapping head is fed along a wrapping path, along a first portion of which, the wrapping head is positioned perpendicular with respect to the wrapping path to receive the sheet of wrapping material and the product, about which the sheet of wrapping material is folded to form a tubular wrapping having two opposite open ends; along a second portion of the wrapping path, the wrapping head is positioned parallel to the wrapping path so as to cooperate, as the wrapping head travels along the wrapping path, with a fixed folding device for folding the aforementioned open ends.

Abstract: A method and device for feeding blanks on a packing machine, whereby a store, having a horizontal axis, feeds a succession of blanks to a pickup station from which the blanks are withdrawn one by one; and the blanks are fed to an input station of the store in groups, wherein the blanks are positioned on edge and gripped together by a band, which is only removed once the groups are packed together along the store.