Abstract: A device for wrapping an article, the device comprising a first feeder for a first sheet of plastics film, a second feeder for a second sheet of plastics film, a carriage for positioning the article between the first and second sheets of plastics film and a sealing mechanism for sealing the first and second sheets of plastics film together adjacent the periphery of the article.

Abstract: A marker installation system comprises a marker comprising a shaft having a bottom end and a top end, and including an insertion portion, a mast portion, and an engagement portion located between the insertion portion and the mast portion. The engagement portion is configured to resist further insertion of the shaft into the ground beyond the insertion portion. The system includes a marker installation apparatus including a magazine assembly defining a magazine space in which the marker is positioned. The magazine space has a push position in the magazine space for receiving the marker. The apparatus includes a push assembly mounted on the magazine assembly to engage the engagement portion of the marker when the marker is located in the push position. The push assembly pushes the marker from the push position of the magazine assembly when the push assembly is actuated.

Abstract: A sheet processing device is provided which is adapted to process bundles of sheets, each bundle defined by opposing first and second bundle edges, each bundle including a sealing sheet having a larger size than the sheets which form the bundle, the sealing sheet including a sealing portion which projects away from the second bundle edge. The device includes an abutting member adapted to abut against the first bundle edge; a folding unit adapted to fold the bundle between the first and second bundle edges; and a processing unit adapted to seal the bundle using the sealing portion of the sealing sheet, wherein the sealing portion is overlapped over the second and first bundle edges to form a seal.

Abstract: A folding apparatus (100) for inserting an air bag and housing into an interior cavity of a cover, the apparatus comprising: an arcuately shaped tube, the tube sized in cross-section to slidably receive the housing and drawing the air bag up into the tube, the tube including an open first end oriented so that a plane through the first end is substantially parallel to vertical; a ram apparatus movable through the tube and adapted to hold and move the housing and air bag through the tube; a holding apparatus means for orienting the cover so that its internal cavity is in alignment with and adjacent to the first end such that the housing and air bag can be rammed into the cover internal cavity.

Abstract: A system for removing a plastic wrapper from a package using a device including a horizontal panel having a planar upper surface and a planar lower surface. An abrasive sheet is secured to the planar upper surface of the horizontal panel. The package is rubbed against the abrasive sheet to tear and break the plastic wrapping so that it can be removed from the package.

Abstract: To fold a piece of linen (5) to a very small final dimension, for example a bed sheet to 9″×6″, said piece of linen is kept constantly under pressure after final folding until it has been fixed in a storage position, in order to prevent opening of said final fold. This can be effected by pushing it during final folding by means of a folding sword into a receptacle (20), from where it is pushed by means of a ram (26) onto a stacking line (27) where its outer surfaces each rest against a corresponding outer surface of an adjacent piece of linen (5′) or another stop surface formed by slides (31a,b) or a pressure plate (33), so that it is fixed in its final configuration. Alternatively, the piece of linen can be fed, while maintaining pressure on the outer surfaces, to a packing apparatus and surrounded there by a strip of packaging material.

Abstract: To fold a piece of linen (5) to a very small final dimension, for example a bed sheet to 9″×6″, said piece of linen is kept constantly under pressure after final folding until it has been fixed in a storage position, in order to prevent opening of said final fold. This can be effected by pushing it during final folding by means of a folding sword into a receptacle (20), from where it is pushed by means of a ram (26) onto a stacking line (27) where its outer surfaces each rest against a corresponding outer surface of an adjacent piece of linen (5′) or another stop surface formed by slides (31a,b) or a pressure plate (33), so that it is fixed in its final configuration. Alternatively, the piece of linen can be fed, while maintaining pressure on the outer surfaces, to a packing apparatus and surrounded there by a strip of packaging material.

Abstract: A method and a device for the production of folded products utilizes a row of folding jaws and a row of counter folding jaws. A signature to be cross-folded is inserted between the jaws by a folding blade. The folding jaws and counter folding jaws form a line of embossing on the folded signatures adjacent the transverse fold line. The resultant folded item has an increased moment of resistance in the direction of transport.

Abstract: Filter bags containing a substance from which to prepare an infusion are fashioned from tubular blanks of filter paper having an elongated appearance, each one filled with measured and separate quantities of the substance distributed along its length, which are doubled up and made secure, then provided with a label attached by a length of thread. A machine for automating the manufacture of such bags includes a wheel carrying grippers with radial arms, around which the thread is drawn peripherally as the grippers are indexed in turn through a station where the blank is folded double initially, a forming station at which the two joined ends are folded together to effect a closure, a cutting station at which the thread is divided into single lengths, a feed station supplying the labels, and a fastening station at which the length of thread is knotted both to the label and to the closure.

Abstract: A tubular blank of filter paper containing measured and separate quantities of tea, or a similar infusionable substance, is pleated and folded so as to obtain a bag with two envelopes by a method that includes the steps of advancing blanks singly and in succession along a feed direction tangential to an indexing wheel with radial grippers, taking up each blank in a position above three bearing elements ordered along the feed direction, forming a pleat in an intermediate portion of the blank, then pinching the two ends of the blank by use of movable pressure elements interacting with two of the bearing elements so as to prevent the escape of the contents from the envelopes while at the same time drawing the tubular blank toward the wheel to bring the two envelopes together and give the filter bag its final shape.

Abstract: The process comprises the steps of gripping top and bottom boundaries of the face portion of the main panel of the cushion and pulling it so that the front face portion is generally planar and the side panels extend generally outward from the canister. First and second folding combs move inward from the opposite sides of the cushion. From the front a third folding comb moves rearward. Plates of the combs interdigitate with portions of the cushion inbetween, thus creating accordion folds. Fourth and fifth folding combs move in from the sides and their plates interdigitate with the plates of the other three combs, tucking excess portions of the cushion inbetween the accordion folds already formed. The package thus formed is compressed and then moved into the canister. A dust cover is slid over the front of the canister.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for folding an inflatable cushion having an end portion and a main body portion and inserting the folded cushion into a cover. The apparatus comprises folding structure for creating folds in the main body portion to form a folded cushion. The folding structure including first folding apparatus adapted to create a first fold in the main body portion to form a partially folded cushion, and accordion folding apparatus adapted to create a plurality of accordion folds in the partially folded cushion which are generally transverse to the first fold to form the folded cushion. Further included is apparatus for supporting a cover into which the folded cushion is inserted. The folding structure further serves to insert the folded cushion into the cover.

Abstract: An automated inflatable cushion folding process is provided wherein cushion tension, and, as a consequence, cushion wear, is reduced during the folding process. An inflatable cushion portion of a cushion assembly is folded by installing a cushion assembly in a cushion fixture and a cushion receiving mechanism such that an inflatable cushion portion of the cushion assembly is positioned along a cushion path extending between the cushion fixture and the cushion receiving mechanism and creating at least one fold in the inflatable cushion portion at a fold location along the cushion path by actuating a fold developer and moving the cushion fixture incrementally towards the fold location.

Abstract: A beverage container assembly (28) comprising a container body defining a beverage chamber for containing a beverage, and a gas reservoir unit (1) adapted to be housed substantially within the container body (22). The gas reservoir unit (1) is adapted to be charged with a gas under super-atmospheric pressure whilst the reservoir unit (1) is outside of the container (22), and to retain the gas prior to insertion of the unit into the container body. A gas reservoir unit containing one or more chambers is also described.

Abstract: A food material transferring apparatus basically includes a heating device, a pushing member, and a tray. Food materials are placed on a tray, and inserted into the heating device. The heating device heats the food material, and the pushing member is driven to push the food material from the heating device while folding the food material. An arm is provided with a hand having absorption pads to be able to absorb the food material. The arm is attached to a bi-directional straight proceeding mechanism, which moves the hand in the vertical and horizontal directions, so that the food material is taken out from the tray and inserted into the heating device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping covering elements around flat objects. The method and apparatus involve the formation of a compound object comprising a flat object to be wrapped and a covering element. A first main surface of the flat object is covered at least partially with a covering element for creating a projecting portion of the covering element. A plurality of compound objects are conveyed in series in a predetermined conveying-in trajectory. Then, a flow of compound objects are deflected about a wrapping roller having a longitudinal axis oriented transversely to the conveying-in trajectory. During deflection, each compound object is moved through a position where main surfaces of an associated flat object are oriented parallel to the radius of the wrapping roller, and in a moving trajectory substantially transverse to those main surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically folding an air bag to include a bubble fold, and for inserting the folded air bag into a retainer, the air bag having a first end coupled to the retainer and a second end. The apparatus includes a holding fixture for receiving and holding the retainer, a bag folding apparatus for folding the second end of the air bag and leaving a coupling portion coupling the second end to the first end, an inserter assembly for inserting the folded second end into the retainer, and a bubble blade for forming a bubble fold in the coupling portion, the bubble blade movable between a first position intermediate the holding fixture and the inserter assembly for overlying and contacting the coupling portion and a second position removed from intermediate the holding fixture and the inserter assembly.

Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for folding vehicle air bags so that a small folded bag profile in a desirable bag deployment pattern results. A machine having a holding fixture for receiving the retainer of an air bag assembly, and a plurality of upright members. A flattened bag with pleated sides is supported above the upright members, and sequentially inserted between the upright members forming undulating folds. The upright members are removed while retaining the undulating folds. The folds are then compressed, sharpening the folds and forming a compact package. The machine also includes an inserter assembly which inserts the folded bag into the retainer.

Abstract: An automated system is disclosed for folding vehicle air bags so that a small folded bag profile in a desirable bag deployment pattern results. A machine having a holding fixture for receiving the retainer of an air bag assembly, and a plurality of upright members. A flattened bag with pleated sides is supported above the upright members, and sequentially inserted between the upright members forming undulating folds. The upright members are removed while retaining the undulating folds. The folds are then compressed, sharpening the folds and forming a compact package. The machine also includes an inserter assembly which inserts the folded bag into the retainer.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring stacks of flexible products is disclosed including a flat plate base support structure having a top and bottom; at least a first pair of clamping means releasably attached to the top of the support structure for clamping a first stack of flexible products; and an actuating means releasably attached to said first pair of clamping means; said actuating means adapted for substantially simultaneously actuating the at least first pair of clamping means.

Abstract: An article of manufacture comprises a plurality of nested plastic bags for use in lining containers such as garbage cans or waste paper baskets. The assembly is manufactured by placing successive plastic bags over a jig. The upper edges of the plastic bags are adhered to each other, for example, by conventional heat sealing means. The adherence between individual bags is such that the innermost bag can be separated readily from the remaining bags after the assembly is placed within a container.

Abstract: A message receiving arrangement operative to reduce the risk of uncontrolled distribution of transmitted and printed messages. The arrangement includes a sheet-store and printing mechanism for printing messages on sheets taken from the store and a supply of enveloping material intended for enveloping sheets with messages printed thereon. The arrangement also includes a closed casing (11) which functions to gather printed sheets to a collected bundle (33). Mounted in the casing (11) are means (25, 27, 30) which function to automatically envelope the thus gathered bundles of sheets.Also mounted in the casing (11) is a folding device (29) which, during the enveloping process, is intended to move perpendicularly to the transport direction of the sheets during the gathering of the sheets to a bundle form (33).

Abstract: A sealing device is provided for sealing facsimile receiving paper produced by a facsimile receiver device. The sealing device includes apparatus for taking in the facsimile receiving paper which is discharged from the facsimile receiving device, and a first folding arrangement for folding the paper in half. A second folding arrangement is provided for simultaneously folding the once-folded paper together with a sheet of envelope paper in a laminate arrangement. A sealing apparatus is provided to seal the envelope paper so as to enclose the facsimile receiving paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pharmaceutical bottle having a neck region with an open end, pills therein, a fibrous hygroscope member, such as a cotton wad, in the neck region of said bottle and a closure cap sealing the bottle opening. The neck region has on its inner surface a leaflet retaining ring which serves to hold the leaflet in place within the bottle immediately after the insertion. The tendency of the leaflet to unfold or open, causes the edges of the leaflet to engage the retaining ring and to be held in place at least until the bottle is sealed. The leaflet is in compression engagement with the fibrous hygroscope member, such that the pills are substantially prevented from moving relative to one another.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering fibrous insulation batts comprises an upstream batt receiving section and a downstream batt delivering station, the upstream batt receiving station being adapted for two modes of operation, the first mode being for folding batts and delivering folded batts to the downstream batt delivering station and the second mode for delivering unfolded batts to the downstream batt delivering station, the upstream batt receiving station comprising a conveyor belt for transporting batts through the upstream batt receiving station, a plurality of rolls for guiding the conveyor belt along a first path in the first mode of operation, means for moving at least one of the rolls to guide the conveyor belt along a second path for the second mode of operation, a support member spaced apart from the conveyor, thereby defining a gap between the conveyor belt in the first mode of operation and the support member, the support member being adapted to support a portion of the batt as it is transported off the do

Abstract: Method and apparatus, to be utilized by a newspaper carrier on a "vehicle route," for mechanically folding and bagging newspapers and like articles. A continuous length of heat-sealable polymeric film, wider than the newspaper or other article, is arranged along a generally horizontal feed path to form a folding station. The newspaper or like article is fed to the folding station of apparatus in parallel overlying relation to the film. A vertically reciprocal, motorized folder bar extends transversely across and above the film at a point substantially centrally located in the folding station. The folder bar is movable between an upper position above the feed path and a lower position below the feed path where there is formed a pouch of film surrounding the folded newspaper.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling a stream of flat, flexible web products where first and second gripper means are disposed to intersect said stream for tandem operation, and with means operably associated with the first gripping means for deactivating the same after a predetermined number of web products has been gripped.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus is disclosed for the loading of a carton with a full complement of plastic bags and a cardboard insert. A plunger descends and contacts an insert which, in turn, forces a stack of plastic bags into an empty carton disposed directly below. A pair of intermeshing rollers are also provided to further guide the bags into the carton. Both gusseted and non-gusseted bags can easily be loaded pursuant to the teachings of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for folding a newspaper tightly into compacted W-shaped cross-sectional configuration and for retaining the newspaper in that form by mechanical means wrapped around its exterior. A conventionally half-folded newspaper, for example, as produced by a standard printing press, is continuously moved along a path that is perpendicular to the center of the half-fold, folded back upon itself along a quarter-fold line coincident with the path and folded forwardly along eighth-fold lines that are parallel to and on opposite sides of the quarter-fold line and that are equidistant from the quarter-fold line and the lateral edges of the newspaper. The folded newspaper in this "W" configuration is compacted laterally, bringing its folded portions tightly against each other and a retaining element is wrapped around its exterior. The retaining element preferably is a sealed jacket of moisture-proof sheet material which is progressively formed around the compacted newspaper as it continues along the path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for folding and banding skeins of yarn is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a conveyor-like transport assembly which moves unfolded skeins of yarn from a loading station to a folding and banding station. The folding station comprises a plurality of co-operating claws, pneumatically controlled, which fold the skein in half and push it through the center of a hollow tubular support member which has positioned around its outer surface a pre-formed paper band. Subsequent to the introduction of the folded skein into the tubular member a doffing mechanism simultaneously removes the folded skein and the pre-formed band from the tubular member, resulting in the band being positioned around the central portion of the folded skein. The apparatus also comprises means for wrapping and sealing band forming slips around the tubular member prior to the introduction of the skein into the tubular member.

Abstract: A system for folding and packaging articles such as towels or T-shirts wherein, the article is partially folded over a cardboard insert and conveyed along a path at a selected speed through various folding locations until the article is completely folded, flattened, pressed, rotated if necessary and inserted into a bag which is subsequently sealed. The apparatus for performing such functions includes a reciprocating entry section for receiving one or more articles and folding the articles transversely over a cardboard insert. Blades for completely folding the articles longitudinally are readily adjustable relative to the machine frame and to each other vertically and horizontally to accommodate articles of various sizes and styles and to accommodate a single article or a plurality of articles.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automatically packaging towelettes in envelopes positioned in succession at an insertion station wherein the longitudinally folded leading end of a web of absorbent towelette material is severed to provide successive strips of predetermined length, and each strip is folded transversely first to a J-fold condition wherein the longer leg of the J is about twice the length of the shorter leg, and the longer leg of the J of each strip is folded substantially about its midpoint to form a folded towelette of three times the original longitudinally folded strip thickness as it is being thrust into an envelope positioned in timed relation at the insertion station.

Abstract: Vaporizers with flat wicks folded into U-shape within open-topped, laterally apertured generally prismatic casings, capped by complementary covers which are vertically slidable thereon to control the escape of a volatile liquid impregnating the wicks, are mass-produced on a plurality of assembly lines each comprising a wick-loading station, an impregnating station, an insertion station and a capping station. The dry and unfolded wicks are successively advanced from their loading station along an upper track past the impregnating station, where they are permeated with the liquid, to the insertion station in which a plunger thrusts each wick through a narrow central slit into an aligned casing waiting on a lower track, the wick being doubled in passing through the slit into the casing.

Abstract: A wrapper, especially a mailing wrapper is secured to printed matter, such as a newspaper, by folding the paper with a wrapper strip loosely resting on the outside of the paper. After the folding, one end of the wrapper strip extends from the folded paper so that after tilting the paper and the extending wrapper strip the latter is wrapped around the paper. The wrapper strip is long enough to have a protruding end even after the folding and wrapping. The protruding end is then bent over the other wrapper strip end to overlap the latter whereupon the two ends are secured to each other, for example by gluing. In the present apparatus, a paper is advanced in a first direction into a position above a slot. A wrapper strip is advanced in a second direction extending at a right angle to said first direction to a position below said slot.

Abstract: In the packaging of moist towelettes in sealed envelopes part of the liquid is inserted before the towellette is thrust into the envelope and the balance is subsequently injected.

Abstract: Foldable sheet articles are packaged by forming a stack of the articles, folding the stack about a center line by exerting pressure from above the stack onto the center line, suspending a doubled-over web of packaging film by its edges below the stack, introducing the stack, fold line foremost, between the web edges from above in a direction at right-angles thereto and fully inserting it in the doubled web while supporting the lowermost web portion, welding the web shut by a seam at the edges and a separating weld seam perpendicular thereto while exerting pressure on the stack to expel air, and, simultaneously with the welding step, advancing the web so as to bring a succeeding length of web below a successive stack of sheet articles to be packaged.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically packaging folded towelettes wherein a flat web of sheet material is continuously fed from a roll or like supply vertically upwardly through a longitudinal folding device by feed rollers that grip the longitudinally folded web and move the leading end through a rotary knife station where the moving web is periodically severed to provide vertically disposed strips of predetermined length in succession in a first transverse fold station where a horizontally reciprocable blade engages and transversely folds each severed strip while thrusting it into a horizontal roller transport arrangement that feeds each transversely folded strip in turn to a second transverse fold station where a vertically reciprocable blade imparts the second transverse fold to the strip while thrusting it into an envelope.