Abstract: A bottle packer grid assembly is disclosed which is capable of packing two cases simultaneously wherein the construction provides the capability for each individual single case grid section to be separately removable from the surrounding support structure. The configuration of the packer grid basically includes four transverse members and preferably five longitudinally extending members which divide the bottles to be packed into grids of variable numbers of rows and columns, the most common being 4.times.6. Preferably a dead plate support is positioned to hold one bottle in between the two cases being loaded in order to better maintain alignment with the cases positioned therebelow. The cooperation of a plurality of pin means with the transversely extending members which define apertures therein for receiving the pin means allows two arrays of 4.times.6 with a dead bottle position therebetween and yet allow upon removal of certain pins the easy maintenance of a specific bottle receiving cell.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and method of packaging commodities in a flexible wrapper. The apparatus includes first and second stations with a wrapper engaging assembly moving between the first and second stations, wrapper cutting and sealing means which severs a bag length from a continuous roll of flexible material, a component for opening the open leading end of the wrapper at the second station, a funnel which is preferably expandable and which engages the open mouth of the wrapper so as to permit loading of the commodity into the wrapper, and a further assembly which seals the open mouth of the bag length, preferably under vacuum, by having a component preferably in the form of a pair of fingers which engages the mouth of the bag to place it under tension whereafter a sealing assembly seals the mouth of the bag to form an improved weld across the mouth of the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting a carton into a thermoplastic bag includes a table for supporting the bag, a pusher assembly for transferring a carton into the bag, and a guide assembly for first opening the bag mouth and for thereafter guiding the carton into the mouth of the bag while supporting the carton above the table until after it has been fully inserted into the bag. A vacuum is applied through apertures formed in the table to initially hold the bottom panel of the bag against the table, and a reciprocatable suction cup assembly is mounted above the suction apertures for engaging the top panel of the bag and for partially opening the mouth of the bag so that the guide assembly may be inserted therein.

Abstract: A stretch bagging apparatus of the type having a reciprocable table top, including a pair of transversely extensible horns which are advanced axially into an open ended bag supported upon a bag elevator. After the horns advance into the bag, they are transversely extended so as to stretch the bag sides during filling of the bag. After the bag is filled with a chicken or the like, a carriage supporting the table top is axially retracted. The present apparatus is characterized principally by its provision for a longitudinally reciprocable table top which supports and axially advances both the article being bagged and the transversely extensible horns. The bag elevator includes a pivoted hocking plate valving mechanism which enables the operator to override the packaging system by pushing the filled bag against the hocking plate.

Abstract: Mattress constructions and apparatus for producing the constructions wherein a resilient filler is located in a hopper and a flexible mattress cover is positioned for communication with the open end of the hopper. Means are provided for driving the filler into the cover, and the apparatus provides adhesive dispensers which apply adhesive to the filler surfaces so that this adhesive forms a bond between these surfaces and the associated cover. The apparatus employs engaging members for driving the filler out of the hopper, the engaging members automatically accommodate to differences in filler widths and thicknesses so that proper pushing engagement with the filler is reliably achieved. The resulting mattress is provided with a secure adhesive bond between the cover and filler, avoiding movement between the cover and filler during handling and use.