Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a shipping container for holding an object has a base for receiving the article is described. A plurality of corner posts is affixed to the base. Each post has a first end affixed to a portion of the base and a second, opposed end in a spaced apart relationship to the base. A flexible material is positioned over the base and corner posts. The flexible material is capable of being removed from the base and corner posts without being torn or destroyed. The object is positioned in a shipping container by positioning the object on the base and positioning the posts adjacent corners of the object. The base with the corner posts affixed thereto is placed in a flexible material having an open end and a closed end. A removable top is secured to the corner posts.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging containers with a flat item stack, includes a supply conveyor; intermediate containers; and a transporting device carrying the intermediate containers into first and second stations. In the first station an item stack is loaded from the supply conveyor into the intermediate container, and in the second station an item stack is loaded from the intermediate container into a packaging container supported in the second station. A device rotates each intermediate container about an axis perpendicular to the advancing direction of the items on the supply conveyor from a first angular position into a second angular position and then back into the first angular position during travel of the intermediate container from the first station into the second station and back into the first station. A removing device in the second station carries away a filled packaging container.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for orienting a part detached from a web of parts. The apparatus and method use a duct with at least one interior sloped side to orient the part in a substantially vertical orientation. The invention further provides an apparatus for stacking a plurality of flexible circuits. The apparatus includes a container having a contoured end that causes the flexible circuits to stack upon the contoured end.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging tubular canisters in a charging direction with a stack of face-to-face oriented flat items, includes a conveyor for supporting and positioning an item stack thereon; a canister holder for supporting and positioning a canister; an arrangement for advancing the item stack in an item feeding direction from the conveyor into the canister positioned by the canister holder; an elongated guide member movable parallel to the feeding direction for introduction into and withdrawal from the canister positioned by the canister holder; a holding plate supported at an end of the guide member and being pivotal into a first position in which it projects into a feed path of the item stack for engaging a leading item of the item stack and into a second position in which it is clear of the feed path; and a drive for moving the guide member parallel to the feeding direction and for rotating the holding plate into the first and second positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for apparatus for bagging a plurality of filled bags, such as 5-lb., 10-lb. or 15-lb. potatoes, into a larger baler bag, such as a 50 or 60 lb. baler bag, has a chute for receiving the filled bags and defining a path of travel for the filled bags. A plurality of flaps are movably coupled to the chute at spaced apart locations along the length of the chute to define a plurality of sequential stops. The flaps move between a first stop position extending into the path of travel of the filled bags, and a second pass position extending out of the path of travel of the filled bags. The plurality of flaps move sequentially from the upper end of the chute to the lower end between the first stop position and the second pass position, such that the filled bags are sequentially lowered from one flap to another. A plurality of baler bag heads have pivoting flap members secured to a collar for holding the baler bags between the flaps and lips on the collar.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a remanufacturing kit that reduces the assembly functions and time required for remanufacturing a 50 DN generator is disclosed. The kit includes a box member, a pre-tested 50 DN generator subassembly, a rotor, an installation kit and an insert structure for securing the 50 DN generator subassembly, the rotor and the installation kit within the box member.

Abstract: A tube holder assembly is provided for use with an output track assembly of an IC test handler so as to eliminate the need of transferring tested SOIC packages loaded in plastic tubes to metal tubes for a “burn-in” process. The tube holder assembly is comprised of an output tube guide member, a tube holder member, a tube holder guide member, and a holder screw. The tube holder member is vertically slidable relative to the tube holder guide member between a lower position and an upper position. The tube holder member is pushed downwardly into the lower position so as to load directly SOIC packages into plastic tubes and is raised to the upper position so as to load directly the SOIC packages into metal tubes.

Abstract: Tissue clips are placed on the upper level of bi-level product buckets, with the length of the tissue clips in the machine direction. The lower level of the product bucket is comprised of a full-width transverse channel whose width is greater than the width of the tissue clips but less the length of the tissue clips. To package flat packages of tissues, extensible pushers turn the tissue clips 90 degrees so they drop into the transverse channels. Subsequently flat overhead tamps descend and the tissue clips are pushed through guide buckets into the end of the flat-pack cartons. To package boutique packages of tissues, the extensible pushers are disengaged so the length of the tissue clips remain in the machine direction spanning the transverse channels. Subsequently, narrow tamps descend, pushing the center of the tissue clips into the transverse channels, forming the tissue clips into the beginning of a U-shape ready for pushing through guide buckets into the side of boutique cartons.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package filled with individually foil wrapped, rectangular, in particular square, flexible slices of a highly perishable food, wherein a large number of wrapped slices are disposed, standing substantially upright, as a stack in a container that is open at the top, wherein the stack is enclosed by the four vertical outer walls of the container and the wrapped slices stand on the container bottom, which is preferably ribbed. The entire container can be sealed in a transparent plastic wrapping. A lower front sidewall of the container facilitates removal of individual slices from the container.

Abstract: A system for dispensing and packaging wire ties directly from a wire tie forming machine. While the prior art contemplates dispensing wire ties along first and second flexible strings or wires to form a coil of ties having the first and second strings or wires passing through first and second eyelets, respectively, formed in the ties, the present invention teaches first and second, rigid rods emanating from the first and second tying anvils on the tie forming machine, which rods are configured to slide each formed tie away from the tie forming machine, wherein the ties are counted via electric eye or the like and selectively dispensed into a package via computer controlled actuator. Bagging a quantity of the ties in this fashion provides an automated, dependable, economical system for packaging the specified quantity of ties, and is particularly useful for smaller lots of ties, for example, 500 ties or less.

Abstract: Upon filling cans with fiber band, the movable bottom of the cans, as the filling process proceeds, moves downwardly from an initial upper to a lower final position. As this happens, between two elements, one inside, one outside the circumferential shell of the can, a force field is built up in such a way that the element inside the can supports the can bottom and because of the force field, this bottom is held at the same elevation as the element outside of the can. Further, the desired operating height of the can bottom can be correspondingly held. For the lowering of the can bottom, one of the two elements between which the force field exists, is moved relative to the other in the direction of the lower final positioning of the can bottom and the remaining element follows after, because of said force field, until both elements again stand across from one another at the same height.

Abstract: A bag includes a first panel with at least one access hole in it, and a second panel without a hole corresponding to the at least one hole of the first panel. Preferably, two holes are present, preferably near the bag mouth. The panels are substantially equal in length. The bag can be easily opened by described bag opening means, without the need for vacuum or air to open the bag. The bag can be used in conjuction with otherwise conventional taped bag systems. A metod of making the bag, a bag opening system, a method of opening the bag, and a packaging system are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus protects a bag so that waste may be compacted into the bag. The apparatus includes a shield having an upper shield opening and a lower shield opening, and a base that is constructed so that it may be secured, in a releasable fashion, to the lower shield opening. The shield separates the bag from compacted waste. The base cooperates with the shield to support the bag and its contents. The shield is placed almost entirely into the bag, the lower opening of the shield being secured to the base at an interface. Compacted waste rests on the bottom of the bag, which may be supported by the base. When the bag has become filled with waste, the shield is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading dough into a container through a container opening includes a support frame having a cam rail. An endless band is rotatable on the support frame and includes a plurality of tilting spoon assemblies mounted to the band. Each tilting spoon assembly includes a support member, a spoon, a hinge, and a push bar. The hinge joins an end of the spoon to the support member. The push bar selectively tilts the spoon from a first position to a second position relative to the support member. The push bar has a first end joined to the spoon, positioned between the hinge and a second end of the spoon remote from the first end. A second end of the push bar engages the cam rail. The cam rail includes bends to cause selective displacement of the push bar to tilt the spoon from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading dough product into a container through a container opening includes a spoon assembly and a carriage. The spoon assembly includes a support rail and a spoon joined to the support rail, the spoon having a discharge opening. A container holder is also joined to the support rail. The container holder supports the container proximate the discharge opening. The carriage detachably receives the support rail at at least two spaced-apart positions.

Abstract: A rotatable insertion horn for opening an envelope prior to insertion of documents into the envelope. The insertion horn includes a planar bottom plate having an upstream end, a downstream end and first and second side portions. A side wall is provided that extends upward from the first side portion of the planar bottom plate. The side wall has a downstream end adjacent to the downstream end of the planar bottom plate and an upstream end adjacent to the upstream end of the planar bottom plate wherein a portion of the planar bottom plate extends downstream from the downstream end of the side wall. A top planar plate is provided that extends from the top of the side wall and towards the second side of the bottom plate wherein the top plate is superposed and substantially parallel to the bottom plate.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine includes a first conveyor which carries a batch of small items along a path extending in a first direction. A second conveyor carries boxes in a second direction which is perpendicular to the first direction. A depositing structure in the form of a twisted funnel rotates the products from the first direction to the second direction before inserting them into a box. An oscillating plate carrying the funnel moves back and forth to fill the box while traveling in a first half of back and forth motion. Then, in the second half of that motion, returns to fill the next box. The oscillating plate may carry a plurality of funnels on each of its opposite sides. A memory of the type of small item carried by each funnel enables a single box to be loaded with different products.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine inserts small items, such as candy coated chewing gum, into a box with the small items arranged in a desired orientation. First, the small items are swept into a grid of individual pockets in plates on a conveyor. Then, the grid is inverted over an insertion tray having grooves which receive the small items without disturbing the desired orientation. The entire tray is inserted into a box and then withdrawn from the box. A ridge is formed adjacent said grooves for lifting a side of the box confronting the small items while the tray is inserted into the box so that there is almost no friction between the small item and the box, which might otherwise disturb the desired orientation. The small items are blocked during a withdrawal of the tray so that they are laid down in the desired orientation on the bottom of the box.

Abstract: An adjustable, beveled press plate is provided on an agricultural bagging machine rearwardly of the rotor thereof. There vertical adjustablity of the press plate enables the machine operator to more precisely control the density of the material being packed in an agricultural bag.

Abstract: A vacuum shell (10) defines an inner cavity (18) in which particulate materials are packed via vacuum pressure. In use, the vacuum shell (10) is positioned within the container (such as sack (16)), and the open end 15 of the shell 10 is brought into contact with a surface (such as platform (17 or 17')) such that a vacuum tight compartment is created. Particulate material is supplied through port (26 or 27) into the inner cavity (18) while vacuum pressure is applied. The particulate material is densified within the inner cavity (18) under the vacuum pressure, and when the volume/quantity of particulate is achieved, the vacuum pressure ceases, and the vacuum shell (10) is withdrawn from the container. To enhance filling, the filter media inside the vacuum shell (10) can be periodically pulsed with air or other suitable gases to remove particulate cakes from the filter material (22).

Abstract: A versatile apparatus for quickly and easily filling bags of sand, dirt, or other particulate material which includes a scoop mounted on a lower frame and upwardly extending handles which are braced to the lower frame in use. A latch is provided to detachably secure a bag to the scoop during filling. The entire apparatus can be compactly folded for storage, including relocation of ground wheels and push handles to minimize external size. The invention includes a simplified form for light duty usage.

Abstract: A density control cable is provided on an agricultural bagging machine for engagement with the material being bagged as the material is forced past the density control means into the bag being filled with agricultural material. A beveled press plate is provided on the bagging machine frame rearwardly of the rotor on the bagging machine for forcing the agricultural material upwardly, rearwardly and outwardly as the material passes thereby. A hydraulic cylinder is operatively connected to the density control cable to enable the width of the loop of the cable to be selectively varied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a pre-wrapped gift package which appears to have been hand wrapped. The method includes forming a sheet of box construction material with decorative paper affixed thereto into a box tube by joining ends thereof. The box construction material is properly creased and provided with flaps so that a consumer may fold the flattened box tube into a box so that the end flaps form ends of the box and the decorative paper forms a pair of paper flaps which may be overlapped and taped. A flattened pull bow is provided to form a gift wrapping kit with the flattened box tube which may be distributed and displayed in a flat package. A flattened, collapsed open box with the same volume as the pre-wrapped gift package is attached to the outside of the assembly in such a manner that a prospective purchaser may erect the open box and use it to determine whether or not the pre-wrapped gift package is the proper size for the gift the purchaser desires to be packaged.

Abstract: Loading device, particularly for loading containers carried on a conveyor, including a vertically fixed funnel with a shutter arranged in the area of its delivery aperture. In order to ensure reliable loading of the containers in such a device, it is provided that lateral of the funnel, adjustable covering elements, such as slides, are arranged, which can be positioned close to the upper rims of the containers, which may vary in their vertical dimensions.

Abstract: A preferred form of a packing apparatus of the present invention for loading a dough product into a container opening includes a frame and a loading member joined to the frame. The loading has a first opening for receiving the dough product to be packed, and a second opening through which the dough product exists off the loading member and into the container. An inner surface joins the first opening to the second opening. The inner surface has an extending tang disposed at the second opening. The extending tang is insertable within the container opening. A support member supports the container proximate the second opening for insertion of the dough product into the container.

Abstract: A bagging machine for inserting semi-compressible articles into preformed bags having a product loading arm vertically and horizontally mounted to the bag loading surface of a frame that can be programmed to move downwardly to engage a plurality of articles to be bagged and move them horizontally into an opened bag for subsequent removal to a remote location. A suction device engages a bag to positively open the bag to receive the compressed articles. A hold-down device also functions to direct the packaged articles downwardly and into a position for movement to a remote location. The bagging machine can be joined with a compactor and programmed to automatically receive compacted pluralities of articles for subsequent bagging. The compactor and bagging machine become fully automatic when a displacing device is associated with the compactor to move the compressed articles to the bag loading surface.

Abstract: A density control cable is provided on an agricultural bagging machine for engagement with the material being bagged as the material is forced past the density control means into the bag being filled with agricultural material. A beveled press plate is provided on the bagging machine frame rearwardly of the rotor on the bagging machine for forcing the agricultural material upwardly, rearwardly and outwardly as the material passes thereby. A hydraulic cylinder is operatively connected to the density control cable to enable the width of the loop of the cable to be selectively varied.

Abstract: Guide blocks (20) having guide ribs (22) are moved by an endless chain (30) above and in synchronization with conveyor systems (11, 13) carrying groups (1) of containers. The guide blocks (20) and guide ribs (22) form channels for engaging the tops of containers in rows of an uncovered array (3) of respective groups (1) of containers as each group (1) of containers is pushed laterally across the conveyors (11, 13) into cartons (9) which are transported by a third conveyor system (15) which is also synchronized with the other conveyor systems (11, 13).

Abstract: A universal airplane jet engine turbine blade packing case assembly for securely holding a matched turbine blade pair of various shapes, sizes, and profiles for safe shipping and storage includes a molded housing having a base and a hinged lid, with the housing being partitioned into two sections, one section for each turbine blade. Each section includes a dial rotatably affixed to the inside of the base, with a tapered slot in the dial for slidably receiving and engaging a turbine blade root when the slot is in a vertical loading position. When the root has been slid into the dial, rotating the turbine blade causes the dial to also rotate, which causes the slot opening to rotate behind a portion of the housing such that the turbine root is now positively held within the dial. The turbine blade and dial are rotated further until the turbine blade chord is aligned vertically in a stow position.

Abstract: For the production of soft-cup cigarette packs, use is made of folding mandrels (13) which are designed as hollow bodies, on the outside of which pack blanks (12) are folded, and into which a cigarette group (11) is pushed. To produce a precise pack, the folding mandrel (13) preferably consists of two mandrel parts (19, 20) which are connected to one another by thin laser-weld seams (21, 22). The two mandrel parts are made of spring-steel sheets. The folding mandrel (13) so designed is releasably fastened to a folding turret in a special way via a connecting piece.

Abstract: A device and method for packaging of toothbrushes in cartons where conveyored toothbrushes gravitationally descend in a containment slide to be released individually from a metering mechanism into dual slotted starwheels. Brushes from the starwheels are deposited into configured infeed buckets to be subsequently loaded into a carton by a brush inserter mechanism.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a device and method for enabling a person to fill a sandbag quickly and efficiently without the assistance of another person.The inventive sandbag shovel preferably includes a scoop for scooping up the sand, a chute flexibly connected to the scoop for directing sand from the scoop into a sandbag, a sandbag gripper mounted to the chute for releasable connection to the mouth of a sandbag to maintain the sandbag mouth in sand-receiving relationship to the chute, and a pair of handles connected to the scoop.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging articles is provided comprising a plate member 10 having a plurality of apertures (12a, 12b, 12c) therein. Each aperture has at least two openings and receives an article or group of articles through a first opening. Each aperture has non-return stop means (20) to releasably retain an article or group of articles therein. Plate member 10 has means to register (32, 34) one or more packages (26) there against so that rotation of plate (10) and package (26) or packages while in registration allows articles (14, 22, 24) in the apertures (12a, 12b, 12c) to move into positions in package (26) pre-determined by the position of the apertures. The invention also provides a process of packaging articles using such a plate member (10).

Abstract: The storage device for umbrellas sacks of the present invention comprises: a body where a number of storage sacks are stored; a movable support base arranged to move vertically in the body; a wear plate that makes said movable support base lower when it contacts an edge of an umbrella; and open control levers that open the storage sacks in the descending motion of said movable support base. The storage device is structured so that the umbrella can be automatically inserted in the storage sack when the open control levers open the storage sack in the descending motion of the movable support base by contacting the wear plate with the edge of the umbrella. The wear plate simultaneously sweeps back by rotating downward.

Abstract: An improved agricultural feed bagging machine for bagging feed materials in a bag including a rearwardly extending tunnel having elongated and arcuate spaced-apart ridges provided on the inside surfaces of the side walls of the tunnel to create turbulence in the flow of feed, thereby resulting in a greater compaction of the feedstuffs in the bag.

Abstract: A suture winder machine and, more particularly, a semi-automated suture winding station of the machine adapted to facilitate the high-speed winding of multiple sutures, which are each attached to needles, into a peripheral channel of a tray utilized for packaging the needles and attached sutures. A substantially flat suture tray loaded with multiple needles and sutures extending therefrom is mounted on a rotatable platform incorporating registration structure for ensuring the appropriate mounting and positioning of the suture tray thereon, and with the winding machine containing operative structure adapted to rotate the suture tray about an axis perpendicular to the planar surface thereof so as to enable the extending multiple sutures to be bundled and wound for depositing in a channel formed along the periphery of the suture tray.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for housing a stacked supply of hooks which permits the individual withdrawal of a lowermost hook from the stack. A dispensing apparatus provides a chamber having an open top, a rear wall, two side walls, a front wall, a spaced floor providing a gap between the floor and the front wall, the front wall providing a longitudinal opening transversing the wall, the opening permitting the passage of a loop portion of each hook.

Abstract: A stacking and carrying device for spherical objects such as golf balls wherein a tray member supports the spherical objects in the form of a pyramid and has strap members for carrying the tray. A filling device is also provided which stacks the balls on the tray member in a pyramidal fashion automatically and without any orientation. The filling device and method disclosed afford use in an automated dispensing machine such as for use on a golf practice range.

Abstract: An improved agricultural feed bagging machine for bagging feed materials in a bag including a rearwardly extending tunnel having elongated and arcuate spaced-apart ridges provided on the inside surfaces of the side walls of the tunnel to create turbulence in the flow of feed, thereby resulting in a greater compaction of the feedstuffs in the bag.

Abstract: An improved actuating system for a plurality of tucker plates used to compress and tuck arrays of fruit placed by an automated fruit handler into shipping cartons is described. The timing and motive force used for operation of the tucker plate is derived from motion of the fruit handler. Contact of the fruit and the fruit handler with an inclined tucker plate on each of four side is sufficient to cause tucker plates to rotate about a hinge assembly which couples the tucker plate to the packer table through which the fruit handler disposes the layers of fruit into the shipping cartons positioned on a conveyor underneath the packer table. Each tucker plate is provided with an upper finger which contacts the fruit handler as the fruit handler move upwardly thereby causing a torque to be applied to the tucker plate to reorient the tucker plate from the vertical packing position to an open tilted receiving position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging horticultural items like cut flowers and potted plants for shippment in cardboard cartons is disclosed. An elongated rod extends from the top of the carton into a vase holding the horticultural items and secures the vase and horticultural from movement inside of the carton even in the event that the carton is upended.

Abstract: An agricultural feed bagging machine comprising a pair of criss-crossed cables positioned in the tunnel of the machine. One of the cables is stationary while the other of the cables is adjustable so that the width of the adjustable cable may be varied to increase or decease the resistance of the cable to the feedstuffs passing through the tunnel.

Abstract: A packet, consisting of a stack of band sections lying parallel to one another, is formed in a magazine compartment. The packet is ejected by an ejecting apparatus onto the receiving table of a transfer apparatus. There it is compressed between holding members to a width B, which width is smaller than the corresponding internal measurement A of a mold, which mold is made of a base and side walls and which mold is open on its side opposite to the base. The mold is put over the packet and the packet is clamped within the mold, whereby the packet is made ready for further processing.

Abstract: A BGA funnel adapted for facilitating the loading of BGA packages into a BGA tube includes an rectangularly-shaped housing (16) and a roofing plate (18). The housing member has a loading end (28), an intermediate portion (19), and an unloading end (30). The intermediate portion of the housing member has a central bore (20) of a substantially U-shaped cross-section extending therethrough. The housing member includes a flat bottom portion (22) and a pair of short vertically extending side walls (24, 26) disposed integrally on each side of the bottom portion. An inwardly tapered channel (38) is formed between the side walls and extends between the loading end and the intermediate portion for receiving the BGA package to be inserted into the BGA tube. Narrow step portions (40, 42) are associated with the inwardly tapered channel for supporting only two side edges of the BGA package so that the bottom surface thereof is suspended freely above the top surface of the inwardly tapered channel.

Abstract: Arrangement for storing and transporting substrates under clean room conditions and for loading the substrates into a clean room. The substrates are individually accommodated in cassettes which are positively stackable. By means of a lifting means, the cassettes are positioned external to a loading slot of the clean room. A lateral sealing flap in the cassette is opened and the substrate is moved into the loading slot in a substrate drawer.

Abstract: An agricultural bagging machine is disclosed which includes a plurality of horizontally disposed and vertically spaced cables positioned at the rearward end of the tunnel of the machine. The cables are dragged through the silage being bagged as the bagging machine moves away from the closed end of the bag so that the proper amount of density is created in the material being bagged. Each of the cables defines a cable loop which extends rearwardly from the output end of the tunnel into the open end of the bag. The lengths of the cables may be adjusted to permit the density to be controlled. The number of cables may also be varied to control the density in various types of silage materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for inclining and stacking flat in a box flat objects, especially letters exiting particularly from a sorting machine, in which the letters are fed vertically orientated and are released above the device. It comprises a chute with a concave main slide and deviating surface and an associated convex secondary surface, the latter being continued by a flap hinged about a transverse horizontal axis and with its lower edge in contact with the letters stacked in the box.

Abstract: The invention provides a mount for attachment to a link chain conveyor, especially--but not exclusively--for use in an automatic packaging machine. The mount has two pivot points of attachment to prevent unwanted motion caused by centrifugal forces as the mount circles a sprocket wheel. One of the two pivot points is a pair of tracks having wear resistant nylon blocks mounted on them to provide lost motion. Responsive to each lost motion extension, the block rubs the tracks to clean them of debris.

Abstract: Stacks of limp articles such as flour tortillas are deposited on a conveyor having slotted blocks to support the stack in arched configuration with the central portion raised and side portions drooping from the central portion. A pusher having depending fingers with bent supporting ends is movable to push the stack of articles off the conveyor onto a guide into a bag and to move the filled bag onto a receiving trough.

Abstract: Integrated circuit parts to be loaded are guided down an inclined ramp in a guideway for gravity feeding into a storage and transport tube. A tube holder member is attached to the bottom of the ramp; and it has an aperture through it for receiving a tube to be loaded. A blocking device, in the form of a lever arm, is attached to the tube holder member, and extends into the guideway through which the integrated circuit devices travel. When a tube is inserted into the tube holder member, a projection on the lever arm is engaged by the end of the tube to move the lever arm out of engagement with the guideway or any integrated circuit parts in it. When the tube is full of parts, it is removed from the tube holder member and the lever arm drops into place to either rest on the top of the next integrated circuit part in line or to fall into the guideway to prevent further movement of parts into the tube holder member.