Abstract: A bionic pneumatic soft gripping device includes a flexible sleeve, a connecting base, a pneumatic artificial muscle, a flexible holder, and a gap tube. The flexible sleeve is an annular jacket-like structure. The flexible holder is a tubular hollow structure having openings at both ends thereof. The pneumatic artificial muscle is wound on the flexible holder. The flexible sleeve is sleeved on the flexible holder connected with the pneumatic artificial muscle through the opening of the flexible sleeve. The pneumatic artificial muscle is connected to a tube joint via a fastening sleeve, and the tube joint is connected to the gap tube. The bionic pneumatic flexible gripping device of the present disclosure has advantages of large gripping force and compliancy, thereby effectively gripping objects in various shapes within its gripping size range.

Abstract: A fluid filter removal device includes a fluid catch configured to circumscribe an outer surface of a fluid filter, a filter spacer configured to maintain a minimum separation between the outer surface of the fluid filter and an inner surface of the fluid catch when at least a portion of the fluid filter is circumscribed by the fluid catch, and a fluid filter sheath, fixed and hydraulically sealed to the fluid catch proximate the filter exit end of the fluid catch. The fluid filter removal device provides a device and method for removal of oil or fuel filters, and to contain contaminated fluids, on automotive, heavy and other types of equipment to eliminate contamination to the environment as well as contamination to vehicles and users changing a fluid filter.

Abstract: A yard waste bag holding device (1) for retaining a yard waste bag (3) in an open configuration so that it may more easily be filled with yard waste.

Abstract: A breast milk storage system which comprises a mandrel for selective engagement with a bottle connector of a breast pump. The storage system also includes at least one clamp in pivotal engagement with the mandrel, and a lock ring. The lock ring is positioned for rotation about the mandrel and the at least one clamp. Rotation of the lock ring effectuates pivoting of the at least one clamp between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the at least one clamp is pivoted with respect to the mandrel and presses against the mandrel so as to retain a storage bag in place by pinching said storage bag between the at least one clamp and the mandrel.

Abstract: A collapsible material collection apparatus for a container comprises a receiving funnel; a support frame; a left connection frame; a right connection frame; a connection means connecting the left connection frame to the left support frame and the right connection frame to the right support frame; a coupling means coupling the left connection frame with the right connection frame; wherein the left funnel wall is configured to be foldable inwardly with respect to the funnel floor; wherein the right funnel wall is configured to be foldable inwardly with respect to the funnel floor; and wherein the left support frame and the right support frame are configured so that the left support frame and the right support frame are retractable inwardly or expandable outwardly relative to each other.

Abstract: A discharge assembly has a flexible bulk container having a base and an outlet channel extending from the base and having an outlet at one end through which product is to be dispensed. The discharge assembly has a seat onto which the base of the bulk container is seated for a discharge operation, and a vibration unit for selectively vibrating the seat. The seat includes an outlet region through which the outlet channel of the bulk container extends when seated thereon, and the seat is configured for the base of the container to overhang a periphery of the seat when seated thereon.

Abstract: A cartridge for replenishing a vehicle fluid, a fluid reservoir system comprising same and a holder, a holder, a vehicle engine comprising the fluid reservoir system and a vehicle comprising said engine in which, the cartridge comprises: a housing comprising a first part and a second part; a fluid reservoir in the housing; a port arranged on the first part of the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with a fluid system of the vehicle; wherein the second part of the housing is configured to rotate with respect to the first part of the housing to secure the cartridge with respect to the fluid system to hold the reservoir in fluidic communication, via the port, with the fluid system of the vehicle, wherein the second part of the housing is configured such that rotating the second part of the housing does not rotate the port.

Abstract: A refuelling stand that is lightweight and easily portable which includes A refuelling stand for conveying fuel from a fuel source into a fuel receptacle comprising: a funnel which is optionally collapsible; a conduit having a first end for removable attachment to the funnel, and a second end for engagement with the fuel receptacle; and three or more support legs, wherein each of the support legs is independently movable from a first use mode to a second storage mode. The conduit can be made of flexible material which may be rolled up for storage alongside the support or may be formed of inflexible tubing. The refuelling stand may optionally include at least one stabilizing element.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a device for fluid sampling. The device may have two panels that are or may be adhered, attached or otherwise connected to opposite sides of a sampling bag having flexible walls. The panels may be used for conveniently inflating or deflating the sampling bag and obtaining fluid samples.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping packaging material may include a packaging material holder. The packaging material holder may include a first jaw, a second jaw, opposing the first jaw, and a jaw opening between the first and second jaws. The jaw opening may be configured to receive a portion of packaging material. The packaging material holder may include an inflatable structure configured to fill at least a portion of the opening. The apparatus also may include a packaging material insertion tool configured to insert the portion of packaging material into the jaw opening for clamping.

Abstract: The device (1) consists of a second connection piece (4), which can be welded via its flange (41) onto an aseptically closed tubular bag (2). A first connection piece (33) can be screwed into the second connection piece (4) and is provided at the end with opening means (34). The first connection piece (33) forms the intake piece of a metering pump (3). Securing means (5) hold the metering pump (3) in the correct position relative to the second connection piece (4) before the first use, and further means hold the metering pump (3) in the correct position relative to the second connection piece (4) in the use position.

Abstract: A coinfusion apparatus including a coinfusion operation section; a coinfusion processing room; a supply section; and a transfusion bag retention section. The coinfusion operation section consists of first and second robot arms. The first robot arm retains a medical agent container. The second robot arm performs an operation to insert a syringe needle of a syringe to a mouth section of the medical agent container and an operation to insert the syringe needle of the syringe to a coinfusion mouth of the transfusion bag. The coinfusion processing room holds the coinfusion operation section. The supply section supplies the medical agent container and the syringe into the coinfusion processing room. The transfusion bag retention section retains the transfusion bag at the outer side of the coinfusion processing room and positions the coinfusion mouth of the transfusion bag at the coinfusion communication mouth formed in the coinfusion processing room.

Abstract: A dispenser for holding multiple doses of fluids or other substances, and for dispensing the substances, has a vial, a flexible bladder received within the vial, and a variable volume storage chamber formed between the bladder and vial. A filling valve is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position hermetically sealing the storage chamber from the ambient atmosphere, and (2) an open position allowing the passage of fluid through the valve both to evacuate the storage chamber and to introduce fluid through the valve to fill the storage chamber. A pump is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for pumping fluids out of the storage chamber. A dispensing valve is coupled in fluid communication with the pump and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position preventing the passage of fluid out of the dispenser, and (2) an open position for dispensing pumped fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A positioning device for a production line of a large and soft infusion bag comprises a driving cylinder (4) and a locating fork (5). The telescoping end of the driving cylinder (4) is connected to one end of the locating fork (5), and the other end of the locating fork (5) is fixed between a soft bag connector nip (2) on the large and soft transfusion bag production line and a filing mouth (1). A stress plate (51) is fixed below the locating fork (5), and located below the soft bag connector nip (2). The device has a simple and compact structure, is inexpensive and reliable to use, and can effectively protect pins, so as to prolong the service life of the pins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a casing brake assembly for applying a frictional force to a tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing being arranged on a filling tube of an apparatus for filling and closing said tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing, like a clipping machine, for limiting the movement of said tubular or bag-shaped packaging casing at least while being filled, the filling tube has a longitudinal axis. The casing brake assembly comprises at least one braking body which is reversibly movable between a release position, in which the braking body is at least partially moved away from the filling tube and a brake position in which the braking body at least approximately completely surrounds the filling tube, and which comprises at least two free ends. The casing brake assembly further comprises at least two support elements for supporting and reversibly moving the at least one braking body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided related to a multi-part reusable levee bag. The reusable levee bag includes a top bag section and a bottom portion removably affixed to the top bag section. The combined top bag section and bottom portion define an in interior space within which fillable material may be received to form a levee bag for use in flooding and other installations. The multi-part design allows the levee bag, once filled, to be disassembled and reused.

Abstract: A means for retaining a resealable bag in an open position for filling purposes is described which includes a surround having an interior dimension less than a nominal width of one side of an unfilled and sealed bag. A pair of cut-outs formed into the surround are shaped and sized to guide edges of a bag during insertion into the surround, retain the upper corners of the bag to prevent axial movement of the bag once inserted, and bias the mouth of the bag in a open position to receive contents.

Abstract: A dispenser for holding multiple doses of fluids or other substances, and for dispensing the substances, has a vial, a flexible bladder received within the vial, and a variable volume storage chamber formed between the bladder and vial. A filling valve is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position hermetically sealing the storage chamber from the ambient atmosphere, and (2) an open position allowing the passage of fluid through the valve both to evacuate the storage chamber and to introduce fluid through the valve to fill the storage chamber. A pump is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for pumping fluids out of the storage chamber. A dispensing valve is coupled in fluid communication with the pump and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position preventing the passage of fluid out of the dispenser, and (2) an open position for dispensing pumped fluid therethrough.

Abstract: There is provided a filling method which is capable of suppressing uneven distribution of particle diameter and suppressing property decrease of the particulate water-absorbing agent. The method for filling the particulate water-absorbing agent according to the present invention includes a abutting step for making a member for filling the particulate water-absorbing agent abutted on a vibrator; a supplying step for supplying the particulate water-absorbing agent to the member for filling; and a vibration step for vibrating the particulate water-absorbing agent present in the member for filling by vibrating the vibrator. Preferably, the supplying step is performed by dividing into a plurality of times. Preferably, the vibration step includes an intermediate vibration step performed at a stage where a part of a plurality of times of the supplying steps is completed, and a final vibration step performed at a stage where all of a plurality of times of the supplying steps is completed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus useful for filling non-liquid material into a container includes first and second front and rear grippers that are each non-manually laterally movable between at least first and second positions.

Abstract: A balloon tying article is provided with a first wall, a second wall and a cavity therebetween whereby a balloon is tied using each of the walls to knot the balloon neck.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for transferring incoherent or liquid material from a discharge station (S1) to a collection station (S2) is provided with a tubular conduit (6) located between said stations (S1, S2), and a tubular bag (9) for transferring the material from the discharge station (S1) to the collection station (S2); the tubular bag (9) develops longitudinally inside the conduit (6) between the discharge station (S1) and the collection station (S2), and is kept adherent to the conduit (6) likewise an interior coating of same conduit (6) by a pneumatic device (24, 31) which exhibits a suction region distributed along the conduit (6) between two longitudinal ends (7) of same conduit (6).

Abstract: Disclosed are a lift assembly and methods that may be used to raise a component of a system, a component such as a collapsible bag to be used as a reactor for performing chemical or biological reactions, and/or to position the collapsible bag for use. Use of the lift assembly may allow for the automated assembly of the systems described herein. In some cases, trauma to the system components is minimized.

Abstract: In the case of an apparatus for filling tubular or bag-shaped packagings with a paste-like product, said apparatus including a fill pipe (1) and a holder for a casing brake that is arranged at the fill pipe (1), the pull-off movement is effected by means of a pivoting and pulling movement when the fill pipe (5) is pivoted away. This means that the casing brake is able to assume three sturdy positions in relation to the fill pipe (5) whilst not taking up much space and is able to be removed from the pipe (5) in a simple manner for changing a packaging tube.

Abstract: A kitchen storage bag filling device including a resilient sheet of water-resistant material having an interior portion and an exterior portion, separated by a pre-scored arc. A user grips and squeezes the interior portion of the sheet to bend the sheet along the pre-scored arc, thereby creating a free-standing funnel-like structure. The interior portion is inserted into a plastic bag and the plastic bag is held open to increase the ease of filling the bag with liquid or solid material.

Abstract: A bulk bag filling apparatus comprises a first support member having an upper end and a lower end and being oriented in a generally vertical direction; a second support member connected to said generally vertical member and extending at an angle to said generally vertical direction; a filling head for engagement with an opening of the bulk bag, wherein the filling head is connected to and supported by the second support member; a bulk bag support structure for engagement with support elements of the bulk bag, wherein the bulk bag support structure is connected to and supported by the second support member; and a hang-weighing mechanism for weighing the contents of the bulk bag, wherein the bulk bag support structure is connected to said second support member through said hang-weighing mechanism. The hang-weighing apparatus includes one or two load-bearing points at which the bulk bag support structure applies a load to the hang-weighing apparatus.

Abstract: The bag opening assembly (8) of an automatic bag loader includes a pair of contra-rotating air-pervious endless belts (9, 10). Opposing pinch portions (24, 25) of the belts are provided for grasping opposing sides (5a, 5b) of the hag (1) therebetween and working flights of each belt are opposingly orientated and diverge from the pinch portions. A partial vacuum is drawn in a space (41, 42) adjacent each working flight (38, 39), formed in a shoe (36, 37) which supports the thereby separate the sides to open the bag while it is advanced between the diverging working flights. At least on of the rotary members (26, 27) is displaceable and an actuator (40) is connected thereto to press the pinch portions together to grasp the sides of the unopened bag and to separate the pinch portions to release the opened bag.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing element (30) on a container (10, 11) for free-flowing or pourable bulk materials has an outlet spout (12) that reaches into the element. The element has an inlet opening (32) on the side facing towards the container, a clamping profile (42) and/or a quick-tightening device (44) which makes a releasable connection between the outlet spout and the element, a slot-shaped outlet opening (34) on the side that faces away from the container, a ring gap (22) between the outlet spout and the inlet opening, a wall (36) extending between the respective openings with an inside (37) and an outside (38), and a foil-shaped material (20), especially a foil hose or foil section, stored in the area of the outlet spout. The inlet opening, the inside of the wall and the slot-shaped outlet opening are covered with the foil-shaped material.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a balloon with a fluid and tying a knot in the neck of the balloon, having a filling device body engaging a source of fluid under pressure. A balloon barb extends outwards from the body, and a fluid passageway in the body communicates with a control to allow the passage of fluid from the source to the balloon barb. A tying device extends from the body substantially parallel to the balloon barb, the tying device being detachable from and reattachable to a receptacle in the body of the filling device. A keyway is located either the tying device or an inner surface of the receptacle, and a key is located in the other of the tying device or the receptacle. The key corresponds in dimensions to fit in the keyway, where the key removably fits into the keyway when the tying device is inserted in the receptacle of the body of the filling device.

Abstract: Empty, flat folded storage bags which may be valve bags are prepared for filling with a flowable material, by seating and stacking a plurality of the bags on a fixed elevation base within a chamber of a bag holding magazine assembly, the resulting stack defining an initial stack rising from a lowermost one the bags on the base to an uppermost one of the bags. In a first cycle of operation, all but the lowermost bag is raised away from the base, the raised bags defining a depleted stack of bags. Then, while the depleted stack remains raised, the lowermost bag is removed from the chamber through a chamber outlet opening. Then, the depleted stack is lowered to seat a new lowermost bag on the base to complete first cycle. The cycle is repeated for each lowermost bag.

Abstract: A method for filling a dispensing bag includes inserting a collapsed bag within a chamber of a bin and securing a lower end of the collapsed bag to the bin. After securing the lower end of the collapsed bag to the bin, a hoist coupled to an upper end of the collapsed bag is manipulated so that the hoist raises the upper end of the collapsed bag within the chamber while the lower end of the collapsed bag remains secured to the bin so as to expand the collapsed bag within the chamber of the bin.

Abstract: A gripper used in, for instance, a bag filling apparatus including a pair of gripper arms provided with chuck holders. Each chuck holder includes first and second tubular portions, first and second tubular members slidably inserted therein, and first and second air cylinders installed within the tubular portions. An inside fixed chuck element is affixed to the tip end of the first tubular member, and an inside movable chuck element is attached to the tip end of the piston rod of the first air cylinder; in addition, an outside fixed chuck element is affixed to the tip end of second tubular member, and an outside movable chuck element is attached to the tip end of the piston rod of the second air cylinder; and the movable chuck elements are opened and closed with respect to the fixed chuck elements by the advance and retreat motions of the respective piston rods.

Abstract: A liquid reclamation apparatus for use in changing automobile oil includes a container, a portable receptacle within the container and dimensioned to hold a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oil change and a cover releasably secured to the container.

Abstract: In the case of an apparatus for filling tubular or bag-shaped packagings with a paste-like product, said apparatus including a fill pipe (1) and a holder for a casing brake that is arranged at the fill pipe (1), the pull-off movement is effected by means of a pivoting and pulling movement when the fill pipe (5) is pivoted away. This means that the casing brake is able to assume three sturdy positions in relation to the fill pipe (5) whilst not taking up much space and is able to be removed from the pipe (5) in a simple manner for changing a packaging tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling a container of a collapsible type with a product. The device comprising a valve housing with a filling tube, which is insertable into a filling duct of the container to supply the product to the compartment through a product path; a piston element arranged in the product path and comprising a valve body and an end element, the piston element being movable between a first position, in which the valve body blocks the product path and the end element counteract dripping, and a second position, in which the valve body opens the product path and the end element defines, together with the outlet portion, a filling passage; and a squeezing apparatus establishes a seal between the filling tube and the filling duct.

Abstract: A flexible container has a container body with container walls that define a container interior. A container socket is connected to the container body and has a container opening through which the container interior is filled. Carrying loops are connected to the container body for lifting the container. The container socket has an initial retracted position in the container interior and is transferable from the initial retracted position into an upright filling position. The container socket is at least partially comprised of an elastically expandable material. The flexible container is filled by inserting into the container socket a filling tube, contacting with the filling tube the container socket in the initial retracted position, and transferring the container socket to the upright filling position and keeping the container socket secured on the filling tube in the upright filling position. The bulk material is introduced through the filling tube into the flexible container.

Abstract: A water balloon fill and knot device has a housing, a hose connector disposed on the housing and also a connector base. A plurality of flanges or noses are disposed on the housing and flanges may include a flange sidewall and a flange bottom wall. A stem has a water channel formed through the stem terminating at a stem opening. The plurality of noses can be two noses placed at 120° from each other or three noses placed at 120° from each other. A ball pivot valve formed on the stem is ball shaped and forms a ball pivot face that pivots relative to a housing pivot lower face. A ball cap fits over the ball pivot valve, and the ball cap has a ball cap lower surface forming a ball cap face. The ball cap face is spherical in profile.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for a fill port for a flexible container such as a flexible self supporting dewatering or marine structure. The container includes a flexible material having at least one opening and a fill port having an inner port body and an outer port body. At least one face of the inner and/or outer port body has a plurality of cellular surfaces with cavities that do not extend through the inner and/or outer port body on which they are positioned. The cavities receive a portion of the flexible material when the inner port body, the flexible material, and the outer port body are secured together and in use, thus minimizing stresses on the flexible material surrounding the fill port by equally distributing the forces acting on this material during the filling stage and thus reducing the risk of tears or failure to the flexible container.

Abstract: A dispenser for holding multiple doses of fluids or other substances, and for dispensing the substances, has a vial, a flexible bladder received within the vial, and a variable volume storage chamber formed between the bladder and vial. A filling valve is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position hermetically sealing the storage chamber from the ambient atmosphere, and (2) an open position allowing the passage of fluid through the valve both to evacuate the storage chamber and to introduce fluid through the valve to fill the storage chamber. A pump is coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for pumping fluids out of the storage chamber. A dispensing valve is coupled in fluid communication with the pump and defines (1) a normally closed, fluid-tight position preventing the passage of fluid out of the dispenser, and (2) an open position for dispensing pumped fluid therethrough.

Abstract: An implement for mechanically filling multiple sandbags at a time is used on a loader bucket of loader-type equipment. The implement has a planar surface in which a plurality of filler apertures are formed in a plurality of rows evenly spaced over its surface area. Each filler aperture has a tensioner ring around the aperture for holding a drawstring held in a sleeve around an open end of the sandbag. A trigger mechanism is movable to a locked position in which the drawstring of the sandbag is pulled tight so that the open end of the sandbag is held in place on the tensioner ring, to an unlocked position in which the trigger mechanism lifts the drawstring off the tensioner ring to allow the sandbag filled with filler material to pull on and cinch the open end of the sandbag closed, and to a release position in which the cinched sandbag is released to the ground.

Abstract: A bag hanger device for holding a flexible bag containing a flowable material having a multi-sided, D-shaped or circular frame; a cross-member having two ends wherein one end is attached to one side of the frame and an opposite end is unattached to the frame; a closing device attached to an opposite end of the cross-member; a locking device attached to the frame opposite the closing device and in alignment with the closing device attached to the cross-member; at least one hanging means attached to the cross-member for holding the bag hanger device and a flexible bag attached thereto in a dispensing system; wherein the bag hanger device when inserted into the flexible bag having at least one pocket enables engagement of the closing device with the locking device and holds the flexible bag in a position to prevent collapse, wrinkling or deformation of the flexible bag.

Abstract: A method for filling a dispensing bag includes inserting a collapsed bag within the chamber of a bin, the chamber being bounded by a floor and an upstanding sidewall. A first port formed on the collapsed bag is securely fixed within a port hole formed on the floor of the bin. A hoist mounted on the bin is manipulated so that the hoist raises an upper end of the collapsed bag within the chamber while the first port remains fixed within the port hole so as to expand the collapsed bag within the chamber of the bin.

Abstract: A device (1) for holding sacks open, with a frame (2), wherein the frame (2) forms the opening (5) of the device (1) for holding sacks open, and the opening (5) can be closed by means of a cover element (3), which is mounted in a pivotable manner on the frame (2), the frame (2) having at least one guide element (2a), by means of which the cover element (3) can be moved from a first position into a second position, wherein the cover element (3) in the first position can be pivoted and optionally closes or exposes the opening (5) of the frame (2), and in the second position the cover element (3) serves as a ramp over the side web (2j) of the frame (2), lying on the ground, and is held on the frame (2) in a manner secure against rotation.

Abstract: An automated ice vending apparatus and method including an ice generating machine capable of producing enough ice to sufficiently keep full a receptacle positioned beneath the ice generating machine, a first ice moving device with cutting members positioned within the receptacle to move ice from the receptacle to a second ice moving device, wherein the ice is subsequently transferred to a removable container.

Abstract: A highly portable sand bag hopper has the shape of a cabinet with the front open. The flat, solid top of the cabinet has a loading opening for loading sand into a lower cone. A horizontal sliding door located near the lower, smaller tapered end of the cone opens and closes the lower discharge opening by pulling a spring-loaded lever arm. The upper part of the cone is loaded with sand at a predetermined level to discharge discreet amounts of sand. A seal may be located around the lower opening to sweep sand or debris from the top of the discharge door.

Abstract: An implement for mechanically filling multiple sandbags at a time is used on a loader bucket of loader-type equipment. The implement has a planar surface in which a plurality of filler apertures are formed in a plurality of rows evenly spaced over its surface area. Each filler aperture has a tensioner ring around the aperture for holding a drawstring held in a sleeve around an open end of the sandbag. A trigger mechanism is movable to a locked position in which the drawstring of the sandbag is pulled tight so that the open end of the sandbag is held in place on the tensioner ring, to an unlocked position in which the trigger mechanism lifts the drawstring off the tensioner ring to allow the sandbag filled with filler material to pull on and cinch the open end of the sandbag closed, and to a release position in which the cinched sandbag is released to the ground.

Abstract: A concrete pump prime out bag configured to collect concrete prime out contaminant for disposal. The concrete pump prime out bag has a stem portion and a body portion that can retain the concrete pump prime out bag in an upright position. The stem portion is tapered, having an inverted funnel-shaped configuration with one end having an opening for receiving the concrete truck delivery hose and the other end formed onto the body portion. The concrete pump prime out bag also includes a fastener and an elastic band around the stem portion, adjacent to the bag opening. A concrete truck operator can use the elastic band to substantially secure the bag opening around the delivery hose. An air valve is also disposed on the stem portion to release air pressure as concrete prime out is deposited into the concrete pump prime out bag. The concrete pump prime out bag also includes a fastener and a bag seal.

Abstract: A method for the contamination-preventing transferring bulk material between a container having a flexible opening and a connecting tube using a tubular film is placed around the connecting tube; the tubular film is tied beyond the connecting tube leaving a free end of the tubular film beyond the tying point; the flexible opening and the tubular film are connected; the tying points of the outlet and the tubular film are untied, and the bulk material transferred; the free end of the tubular film, is constricted and additional tubular film is pulled from a tubular film supply until clean tubular film is available beyond the connecting tube; the tubular film is closed at two points in the clean section and cut in two between them; additional tubular film is pulled from the tubular film supply, and tied at a tying point located at a distance from the cutting point.

Abstract: An automated ice vending apparatus and method including an ice generating machine capable of producing enough ice to sufficiently keep full a first receptacle positioned beneath the ice generating machine, a plurality of augers positioned at least partially within channels on the lower portion of the receptacle to move ice from the first receptacle to a second receptacle with a second ice moving mechanism, which in turn moves the ice to a third, substantially inclined, ice moving mechanism, wherein the ice is subsequently transferred to a removable container.

Abstract: A cartridge for storing a flowable substance in a bulk container is disclosed. The cartridge includes a shell having a breakable score line and configured to sit inside the bulk container and a bag positioned within the shell and configured to be filled with the flowable substance. The bag has a port for introducing the flowable substance into the bag and a drain spout in fluid communication with the bag, allowing the flowable substance to be drained from the bag after filling. The breakable score line is configured to separate due to force exerted on the shell as the bag is filled, allowing the bag to expand inside the bulk container. A method of filling a bulk container with a flowable substance using the cartridge is also disclosed.