Abstract: A wrapping machine for making a composed palletized load made by a plurality of partial palletized loads wrapped with a plastic film, comprises a first operating station to individually and separately wrap the partial palletized loads with the film, a conveyor assembly to move along an advancing direction the partial palletized loads inside, towards and outside from the first operating station, a second operating station to arrange the plurality of partial palletized loads in a grouped configuration, in which they are adjacent and placed side by side, and then joint the plurality of partial palletized loads by an adhesive film in order to make the composed palletized load.

Abstract: A bale wrap mechanism for use with a roll of wrap material, the bale wrap mechanism including a frame including a wrap chute formed from one or more perimeter walls, where the wrap chute defines a wrap axis extending longitudinally therethrough, and where the one or more perimeter walls at least partially define a passage therebetween. The bale wrap mechanism also includes a wrap arm coupled to the frame, the wrap arm having a mounting point movable with respect to the frame, and a shaft coupled to the mounting point and configured to support the roll of wrap material thereon, where the shaft is configured to travel along a wrap path during a wrapping process, where the wrap path surrounds the passageway, and where the wrap path is substantially rectangular in shape.

Abstract: A baler-wrapper combination includes a bale forming device and at least one wrapping device with a bale support. The bale support being in the bale depositing position has a lateral offset to a vertical center plane of the bale forming device and is entirely positioned on one side of the vertical plane. A bale is moved on the bale support being in the bale receiving position and is wrapped. The wrapped bale is deposited from the bale support being in the bale depositing position on the ground.

Abstract: A method for transferring pouches for containing products, includes the steps of gripping two corresponding flaps of a pouch with first and second grippers, and transferring the pouch between a first turntable and a second conveyor. One out of the first turntable and the second conveyor include the first and second grippers for gripping corresponding flaps of the pouch, and the other includes third and fourth grippers for gripping the pouch. The step of transferring the pouch between the first turntable and the second conveyor includes gripping the pouch with the third grippers. The method further includes releasing the first grippers that are gripping the pouch, gripping the pouch with the fourth grippers, and releasing the second grippers that are gripping the pouch.

Abstract: A winding device for loads includes a reel-holder roll adapted for receiving a reel of an extensible plastic film; a vertical column, along which the reel-holder roll is movable; and a lifting plane adapted to receive a load movable along the column, so that the winding device can be used as both a winder and a lifter for forming the load.

Abstract: An automatic bagging machine contains: a delivery mechanism, a film transporting mechanism, an ultrasonic cutting mechanism, an electric eye mechanism, a limiting assembly, a clamping mechanism, an air tube assembly, and a pushing mechanism. The delivery mechanism includes a conveying belt and plural fixing mounts on which plural spinning bobbins are fitted. The film transporting mechanism includes two carrying sets, each having a holder on which a film material is fitted. The ultrasonic cutting mechanism includes two cutting sets, two slide rails, two first power motors, and two film cutting sets. The electric eye mechanism includes two support posts, the limiting assembly includes a circular ring and an affix mount, the clamping mechanism includes a clamp portion, a crank shaft, and a second power motor. The air tube assembly includes a first air tube and a second air tube. The pushing mechanism includes a rolling assembly and a transmission assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a movement system that is associated with a wrapping machine for wrapping a load with a film including at least one operating unit for performing operations on the load or on the film. The system includes shuttles that are movable for supporting and moving the operating units along a path at least between an operating position in which the operating units can perform operations on the load or on the film or can interact with the wrapping machine, and a inactive position in which the operating units are outside a working zone of the wrapping machine in order not to interfere with the operation thereof.

Abstract: A machine for wrapping a load with a film made of synthetic plastics includes a first frame suitable for supporting second frame that rotatably supports around, and slidably parallel to, a wrapping axis at least one wrapping unit including a reel of the film and a roller assembly arranged for unwinding and prestretching the film. The second frame is slidably mounted on the first frame and is movable along an advancing direction that is transverse, and in particular orthogonal, to the wrapping axis. A conveyor is provided for moving the load along the advancing direction. The conveyor and the second frame are movable in a mutually coordinated manner to wrap the load with the film also while the load is moved along the advancing direction.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping round bales of crop material includes a frame, a wrapping table pivotable between a wrapping position and a bale release position, a wrapping device, and an unloading device. The unloading device has an unloading arm movable between a receiving position and a release position, and a ground support movable between a lifted position and a support position, wherein the wrapper comprises a first actuator to move the unloading arm from the receiving position to the release position. The wrapper includes a second actuator arranged to move the ground support from the lifted position to the support position and to move the wrapping table at least partially from the wrapping position to the bale release position.

Abstract: A paper sheet processing system has a paper sheet processing apparatus and a paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus. The paper sheet processing apparatus sends category information of a bundle of 100 paper sheets to the paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus when discharging the bundle of 100 paper sheets. The paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus classifies and accumulates the bundle of 100 paper sheets based on the category information when receiving the bundle of 100 paper sheets. The paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus bands ten bundles of 100 paper sheets as a bundle of 1000 paper sheets. Since the paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus receives the bundle of 100 paper sheets of different category from the paper sheet processing apparatus and accumulates the bundle of 100 paper sheets for every category to form the bundle of 1000 paper sheets, the usage rate of the paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus becomes high.

Abstract: A packaging device is provided for highly-compacted compressed bales (2), which are provided with a fixation (3). The packaging device (1) has a sheathing device (16) for applying a shrink wrapping, which has at least one prepared and diverted stretching hood (4), to the compressed bales (2). A bale compression facility is also provided having at least one bale press (6) for generating highly compacted compressed bales (2), which are provided with a fixation (3), and having at least one packaging device (1) according to the invention. A process is provided for packaging highly-compacted compressed bales (2), which are provided with a fixation (3), wherein said compressed bale (2) is provided with a shrink wrapping, wherein at least one prepared and diverted stretching hood (4) is applied to said compressed bale (2) using a sheathing device (16).

Abstract: Pallet roping and wrapping machines having a plurality of spools of stretch film supported on a single spool and guides that form ropes of stretch film without cutting. Specific implementations of guides include guides formed of rings and rollers. Positions of guides may be adjustable. A first roll of stretch film may be used with a second roll of stretch film, where the second roll of stretch film is narrowed into ropes and combined with a web from the first roll of stretch film. The combination of film from the first roll of stretch film and narrowed film from the second roll of stretch film may be pre-stretched prior to be applied to a load.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.

Abstract: A portable device that can be taken to the site of biological remains is provided. The device includes means for holding and dispensing one or more types of sealable shielding elements within which to seal remains. The device also includes means to temporarily hold the remains while the sealable shielding elements are placed about the remains and sealed. The device includes means to hold one or more rolls of one or more types of sealable shielding materials to first protect the user and the shielding elements from sharps and then seal, including heat sealing, the body and/or toxic or caustic elements from the population before disposal.

Abstract: A packaging machine (1) for forming packets (3) of smoking articles (2), in particular cigarettes, comprises movement means for moving groups of smoking articles at least partially wrapped by an inner wrapping sheet (4), along a movement direction, a wrapping wheel (13) to receive the groups of smoking articles wrapped by the inner wrapping sheet (4) and to move them along a substantially circular wrapping path (P), and transfer means (22) to transfer the groups of smoking articles wrapped by the inner wrapping sheet (4) from the movement means to the wrapping wheel. The transfer means (22) transfer the groups of smoking articles wrapped by the inner wrapping sheet (4) along a transfer direction (T) radial with respect to the wrapping path (P), in order to reduce the bulk of the packaging machine (1).

Abstract: A baler and wrapper combination comprises a baler, a bale wrapper, and a bale transport table. The bale transport table is movable between a bale receiving position at a bale output location of the baler, a wrapping position at which the wrapper can wrap a bale located upon the bale transport table with a sheet material, while movable bale support elements rotate the bale around its horizontal central axis, and a bale depositing position in which a wrapped bale can be deposited on the ground. The bale support elements are arranged to be moved in the bale depositing position into an orientation in which the bale is deposited on its flat end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of producing a transportable container for bulk goods. A bag is placed through a former opening of a slip frame former which surrounds a portion of the bag. The bag receives the bulk goods from a feed source. A stretch wrap is disposed radially about a bottom support and a portion of the slip frame former to initially form the transportable container. At least one of the slip frame former and the bottom support moves relative to other in response to the fill level of the bulk goods in the bag. During filling, the slip frame former is maintained at a position surrounding the fill level of the bulk goods in the bag. As the fill level increases in the bag, previously disposed portions of stretch wrap are disengaged from the slip frame former to squeeze the filled portions of the bag and lock together the bulk goods as additional portions of stretch wrap are disposed around the slip frame former.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.

Abstract: A box wrapping assembly and method incorporates a framework having a special top hold-down platen that functions with a cooperating fixture that is affixed to a rotatable turntable. Using this assembly and method, the operator can place four sidewall panels in a self-positioning fixture and panel-capturing platen prior to wrapping. Stretch film is connected to the fixture by a hook device and the stretch film is automatically pre-stretched to a rope of stretched film for particular application where the box contents are intended to be contained within the box under pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blocking a bar code in a package includes a carrier with a plurality of apertures and an opaque section. The carrier is engaged with a plurality of containers so that a bar code on each container is rotationally oriented toward a center of the resulting package and is blocked by adjacent containers and/or the opaque section of the carrier from a bar code scanner.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus for helically wrapping articles with a stretchable flexible film of wrapping material. A first conveyor (11) transports unwrapped articles towards a wrapping material applicator (13) and a second conveyor (12) transports helically wrapped articles. The first and second conveyors are spaced apart and the wrapping material applicator (13) is disposed between the first and second conveyors. The wrapping material is applied between the first and second conveyors to wrap an article disposed in space between the conveyors. The applicator has a rotary ring (14) supported in rotation by a fixed guide ring. Wrapping film reels are mounted on the rotary ring and unwound around tensioning rollers. Relative motion of the guide and rotary rings is converted into rotation of the tensioning rollers by a gear train so the wrapping material is stretched prior to application to the articles. The packaging apparatus may be used to wrap any material around any sort of article.

Abstract: A new method and system for establishing, and optionally maintaining, a desired atmosphere for perishable or atmosphere-sensitive goods during their storage and/or transportation. In one embodiment, a conveyor is used to move a pallet with goods from station to station. A mechanical arm at a sheeting station lifts goods from a pallet while one or more sheets are placed between the goods and the pallet. A bottom plate with fingers having hollow tubes holds the pallet while the pallet is being wrapped and enclosed. A portable manifold may also be connected to the hollow tubes and a controller samples and adjusts atmosphere inside the pallet via the portable manifold.

Abstract: A box wrapping assembly and method incorporates a framework having a special top hold-down platen that functions with a cooperating fixture that is affixed to a rotatable turntable. Using this assembly and method, the operator can place four sidewall panels in a self-positioning fixture and panel-capturing platen prior to wrapping. Stretch film is connected to the fixture by means of hook device and the stretch film is automatically pre-stretched to a rope of stretched film for particular application where the box contents are intended to be contained within the box under pressure.

Abstract: A sheet processing system includes a banding machine which uses a large band to bundle first collected bundles fed out by a bundle collecting device and then feeds out the bundled first collected bundles as a first bunch of sealed five bundles, the a banding machine then using the large band to bundle again second collected bundles fed out by the bundle collecting device and then feeding out the bundled second collected bundles as a second bunch of sealed five bundles, and a bundle handling device which lays the first and second bunches of sealed five bundles fed out by the banding machine on top of each other so that small bands around the first and second bunches are staggered, the bundle handling device then feeding out the first and second bunches laid on top of each other.

Abstract: The manufacture of wrapping sheets provided with respective handles is accomplished by obtaining the wrapping sheets and the handles from respective strips of heat-sealable material, which are mutually coupled by means of a coupling device able electrically to charge the strips with respective electrical charges of opposite sign.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a pallet load having a rotary swing arm carrying two upright towers, each tower having a film carriage mounted to and movable along the upright tower for holding a roll of flexible stretchable film and a roll of relatively unstretchable banner film, a programmable control logic controls the wrapping machine to wrap the pallet load with the flexible stretchable film, then over-wrap with the relatively unstretchable banner film over the wrapped flexible stretchable film, and then continue to over-wrap the wrapped relative unstretchable banner film with the flexible stretchable film.

Abstract: A system for packaging a flat panel product includes a dispensing device for dispensing a length of inner protective packaging material, a folding table for wrapping the inner protective packaging material around the product and folding an outer protective packaging material around the product, and a binding device for binding the outer packaging material, inner packaging material, and product together, suspending the product relative to at least one of the walls of the sidewall and supporting the product laterally. A data entry device provides data related to the length of inner protective packaging material required, and this data is fed to a controller, which controls the dispensing device to provide an appropriate length of material. The data entry device can also provide shipping information, fed to a printer for printing a shipping label.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and a container filling plant container information adding station, such as, a labeling station having a griper arrangement, configured to add information to containers, such as, bottles and cans. The gripper arrangement is adjustable to handle sleeve labels of various diameters to permit the labeling of containers of various diameters by one gripper arrangement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a decorative cover about an outer peripheral surface of a flower pot. The apparatus includes a frame assembly having a well formed therein, and a cover forming and banding assembly having a flower pot receiving opening sized and configured to receive at least a portion of a sheet of cover forming material and at least a lower portion of the flower pot. The platform is provided with an opening therein sized to permit passage of at least a portion of the flower pot and at least a portion of the sheet of cover forming material there through. The cover forming and banding assembly is supported within the well of the frame such that the flower pot receiving opening in the cover forming and banding assembly is aligned with the opening in the platform.

Abstract: Methods of making roofing products. One such method includes (a) creating a mixture having a filler and a polymer; (b) forming a sheet from the mixture; (c) cooling the sheet; (d) embossing the sheet; (e) forming multiple roofing products from the sheet; and (f) bundling at least some of the roofing products. Steps (a)-(f) are performed using an automated procedure. Another of the methods involves (a) creating composite roofing products using mold cavities; (b) using a robot to transfer some of the roofing products from some of the mold cavities to a conveying system; and (c) stacking together at least two of the roofing products that have different colors or different surface configurations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a work method and apparatus for packing flower bouquets (3), in which large amounts of flower bouquets (3) are transported transversely on a conveyor belt (4) to a lifting conveyor belt (7) to a mounted thereon transversely placed feeding belt (17), which has compartments (20) which constantly contain a flower bouquet (3), which is brought from a horizontal to a vertical position, in which a box-shaped cell space (22) is created and a cross partition turns away and subsequently the flower bouquet (3) falls through a trap door instrument (24) into an already opened cover (25) and is then further processed and brought to a collecting box for shipment.

Abstract: A method of wrapping an object with wrapping material includes the steps of wrapping a first wrapping film around the object during a first portion of a wrapping cycle; and simultaneously wrapping the first wrapping film and a second wrapping film around the object during a second portion of the wrapping cycle. The simultaneous wrapping includes bringing the second wrapping film into contact with the first wrapping film thereby causing the second wrapping film to adhere to the first wrapping film, wrapping the object with the adhered first and second wrapping films, and severing the second wrapping film, with a severing device, after a predetermined length of the second wrapping film has been wrapped onto the object.

Abstract: The press comprises at least one final pressing station with a standing press comprising one upper pressing plate and one lower pressing plate; the plates are fitted on coaxial coupling attachments (202) and turned on the vertical axis X—X with the bale after final pressing; a lateral sheet (T10) is unwound from a vertical axis reel (206) and is wrapped laterally on the bale, at least partially, by effect of the rotation of the pressing plates, obtained by the presence of the coupling attachments; a cutting device and fasteners (208, 228) for temporary fastening of the ends of the piece (TS) of sheet (T10) to the plates of the press, for binding are provided.

Abstract: A wrapping machine has a film dispensing unit (1), which includes first supporting elements (2) and first deflecting elements (51 . . . 510) for a first wrapping film (4) and second supporting elements (6) and a second deflecting element (9) for a second wrapping film (8). The second deflecting element (9) is movable between a first position (I) and a second position (II) by an actuator (10). In the first position (I), the end of the second wrapping film (8) is in contact with the first wrapping film (4) to cause the wrapping films to adhere to each other during the wrapping process. In the second position (II), the second deflecting element (9) is at a distance from the first wrapping film (4) so that the second wrapping film (9) is clear of contact with and adhesion to the first wrapping film (4).

Abstract: A multi-component bedding assembly, including a mattress or futon, is vacuum packaged in an air impermeable bag by drawing a vacuum at the open end of the bag and applying a ram or pushing force against the bedding assembly at the closed end of the bag. The pushing force may be intermittently cycled. The packaged bedding assembly also may be wrapped in a woven polyethylene overwrap and tied with bands before it is inserted into a shipping carton.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping loads of goods and materials in a wrapping material such as a plastics film, including placing at least two battens in a spaced substantially parallel orientation on one surface of the load using a pick and place unit, partially wrapping the load with the wrapping material by rotating the load relative to a dispenser for the wrapping material and/or rotating the dispenser around the load, at a first wrapping station, to envelop the battens in the wrapping material and to hold the battens in place on the surface of the load, the battens being spaced apart to support the load and being adapted to receive therebetween the forks of a fork-lift truck for transporting the load. Preferably, the wrapping material overlaps the ends of the battens to hold the battens in position. The load is then turned through about 90° from the first wrapping station to a second wrapping station where the wrapping is completed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing stacks of flat objects, such as printed products 28, wherein the printed products are fed to a preliminary stacking compartment 20, into which opens the outlet 32 of an arrangement 12 for feeding additional sheets 14. Located beneath the preliminary stacking compartment is a final compartment 36, which can be rotated through 180° about a vertical axis of rotation 38 in order to be able to receive from the preliminary stacking compartment 20 sub-stacks 34 which have been rotated in relation to one another. Each sub-stack 34 may be formed on an additional sheet 14 in the preliminary stacking means 18, as a result of which, in the complete stack 54, the sub-stacks 34, each forming a layer, are separated from one another by an additional sheet 14.

Abstract: A simple operation winds film around, and thereby wraps therewith, a loadable object over its entire (six) surfaces. Film is wound spirally around the loadable object by revolving film feeders along a circular path about a horizontal axis while advancing the object through the circular path and along a path of the horizontal axis in one direction. After the loadable object is so spirally wrapped, it is rotated in a horizontal or vertical plane by an angle of 90 degrees. The loadable object is then advanced in the reverse direction again through the circular path while the film feeders are revolved as before to cause another film from the film feeders to be wound spirally around the loadable object. One film feeder may furnish a continuous strip of film, and another film feeder may furnish a continuous string of film formed by compression of such a strip of film.

Abstract: A simple operation winds film around, and thereby wraps therewith, a loadable object over its entire (six) surfaces. Film is wound spirally around the loadable object by revolving film feeders along a circular path about a horizontal axis while advancing the object through the circular path and along a path of the horizontal axis in one direction. After the loadable object is so spirally wrapped, it is rotated in a horizontal or vertical plane by an angle of 90 degrees. The loadable object is then advanced in the reverse direction again through the circular path while the film feeders are revolved as before to cause another film from the film feeders to be wound spirally around the loadable object. One film feeder may furnish a continuous strip of film, and another film feeder may furnish a continuous string of film formed by compression of such a strip of film.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for securing a decorative cover about a flower pot. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, an extension member having a cover support assembly, and a plurality of legs. The frame assembly includes a body member having an opening. The opening is sized and configured to permit passage of the flower pot through the opening. The extension member extends in an upwardly direction from the body member. The cover support assembly is connected to the extension member for supporting a decorative cover comprising at least one sleeve or sheet of material. The plurality of legs extend from and are spatially disposed about the body member such that the legs cooperate to support at least one band. As the flower pot moves through the opening in the body member, at least one of the bands is removed from the plurality of legs and moved about the decorative cover disposed about the flower pot.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a wrapping film around an object. The wrapping machine has a film dispensing unit (1), which comprises first supporting elements (2) for rotatably supporting a first wrapping film reel (3) on the film dispensing unit; first deflecting elements (51 . . . 510), over which the first wrapping film can be passed to the object to be wrapped; second supporting elements (6) for rotatably supporting a second wrapping film reel (7) on the film dispensing unit; a second deflecting element (9), over which the second wrapping film (8) can be passed. The second deflecting element (9) is mounted on the film dispensing unit (1) so as to be movable between a first position (I) and a second position (II). In position (I), the end of the second wrapping film (8) is in contact with the first wrapping film (4) to cause the first and second wrapping films to adhere to each other during the wrapping process in order to bring them one over the other onto the object to be wrapped.

Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.

Abstract: A machine and method for applying reinforcing strapping to bulk boxes. The machine includes a plurality of strapping head assemblies arranged in series, with each adapted to apply a strap in encircling relationship to a box at a predetermined location on the box. As the box advances through successive strapping head assemblies, straps are applied in predetermined spaced relationship on the box, until the desired number of straps have been applied. The number, spacing and tension of the straps may be quickly and easily adjusted. In an embodiment of the invention, the strapping head assemblies are arranged in pairs in individual modules. A recovery strapping head assembly is provided just prior to exit from the machine to apply any strapping missed by a preceding strapping head assembly.

Abstract: A round baler having storage and dispensing mechanisms for both twine and net/plastic wrapping materials for the bales is disclosed. An improved twine box is pivotably attached to the sidewall of the baler, adjacent the front end of the baler and twine dispensing mechanism. The twine box, of sufficient size to hold multiple balls of twine, pivots forwardly between a pivoted, or inoperative, position and a closed, or operative position. In the pivoted position various functional components of the baler are accessible for maintenance, adjustment, or repair. The twine box is lockable in the closed position. Side panels on the baler are movable to cover, or uncover, the outside of the sidewall and twine box.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a cover about an article and for automatically fastening the cover to the article, and optionally for automatically placing a label on the covered article. The article may be an article such as a potted plant and the cover may be a decorative cover. The invention satisfies the need for a means for rapidly covering and fastening the cover about an article with a minimal amount of manual effort and in a location having a limited amount of available space. The apparatus comprises a platform having at least one opening sized to receive the article. The apparatus comprises a tying device for automatically applying a band or fastener about a portion of the outer surface of the covered article for fastening the cover about the article after the sheet is formed into a cover about the article.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for producing a package containing high moisture content particulate plant material intended for human consumption or for use as animal feed stock which will preserve same without the particulate plant material undergoing a drying process, the method involving either providing a flexible walled container or alternatively forming such a container from a web of plastics material cling film (15), at least partially filling the flexible walled container with particulate plant material via a delivery chute (17) into an upper open mouth of the flexible walled container, pressing the particulate plant material to expel air therefrom, closing the flexible walled container and preferably applying two circumferentially extending bands (22, 23) of plastics material film overlapping one another at 90° around the closed flexible walled container with sufficient web thicknesses and tension to compress the flexible walls of said container inwardly.

Abstract: A tray pack assembly 10 is conveyed through a package forming machine during a final gluing stage by angled continuous belts 37, 38 which drivingly engage side walls of the forming pack 10 and support the pack 10 throughout this operation. To ensure good contact between the pack 10 and the belts 37, 38 and subsequently good contact with compression rollers of a later conveyor bed, two belts 39, 40 of flexible fingers 41 extend above the path of travel so that the tips 42 of the fingers 41 engage the top 14. The provision of these flexible fingers 41 enables deflection of the fingers 41 in the event of the tray having contents which stick above the intended level. The belts 37, 38 enable the spatial relationship between the walls of the pack 10 to be controlled precisely and for squared-off sleeves to be formed thereby.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a package for packaging food products, composed of an outer sheet made of heat-sealable material and of an undulated inner sheet. In a first step of the method, the two sheets are unwound from respective reels, so that the outer sheet forms two lateral borders left exposed by the inner sheet. By way of appropriate longitudinal movements of the sheets, the inner sheet is centered on the outer sheet so as to form, at their opposite ends, two transverse borders which are perpendicular to the lateral ones.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for forming a film about a foldable sheet material and an article immobilized on the base portion of the sheet material. The sheet material and article on a load board are moved sequentially by the apparatus through a load station, a film wrap station and a film seal and cut station.

Abstract: A packaging line for periodicals, magazines and similar printed products comprises at least four of the following functional components a first strapping device for the longitudinal or cross-strapping of the stack of products arriving from a compensating stacker or the like, a top sheet feeder, a film wrapping device for wrapping the stack of products with a packaging film and for welding the packaging film on two opposing sides of the stack of products, a second strapping device for the longitudinal strapping of the stack of products, a welding device for welding the sides of the packaging film which have remained unwelded in the film wrapping device, and a third strapping device for cross-strapping the stack of products.