Abstract: A pill receptacle has a number of recessed pill compartments formed therein. The method comprises the steps of providing a cover sheet member that has a sealing sheet with a top identification surface on which information can be printed and a bottom adhesive surface provided with an adhesive. The cover sheet member further has a protective sheet that removably overlays the sealing sheet on its adhesive surface. First weakness zones are provided on the cover sheet member, that extend transversely through the sealing sheet and the protective sheet in a registering fashion to define first cutaway lines on the cover sheet member. A fraction of the cover sheet member is separated from the rest of the cover sheet member along at least some of the first cutaway lines, including concurrently separating corresponding fractions of the sealing sheet and the protective sheet in registering fashion. The protective sheet fraction is peeled away from the sealing sheet fraction on the cover sheet member fraction.

Abstract: A flexible sleeve disposable about at least a portion of a flower pot or floral grouping is formed of a flexible polymeric material having at least a portion of one surface thereof modified to provide a textured or matte finish to the flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve may also be provided with perforations at preselected areas for removing an upper portion of the flexible sleeve from a lower portion thereof. Methods for wrapping a floral grouping or packaging a plant using the flexible sleeve are also described.

Abstract: A method for wrapping a pot having a floral grouping supported therein which includes providing a cover about the pot, providing a tubular sleeve having a detaching element for defining a detachable upper portion and a band formed by a lower portion when the detachable upper portion is detached, and disposing the pot having the cover thereabout within the tubular sleeve such that the cover is secured about the pot by the band formed of the lower portion of the tubular sleeve when the upper portion thereof is detached.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for providing decorative covers, decorative collars and decorative cover-collar combinations for covering a flower pot. The decorative covers and/or collars are formed from a variety of configurations of heat shrinkable sheet of material placed over all or a portion of a peripheral surface of the flower pot and then heated to shrink the sheet of material into a pressing engagement against the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for automated handling of stents using tape and reel, tray or cassette processing equipment is provided to reduce stent and coating damage during production, storage and distribution, and to allow high volume processing. In the tape reel-based system, stents are fed into an automated tape assembly device for orientation and then fed between a carrier and cover tape. The tape assembly is gathered onto a reel and loaded into a receiver wherein stent-bearing tape is fed into an automated tape separator, and stents removed from the tape assembly are automatically mounted onto holders, which pass the stents through a coater. In the tray- or cassette-based system, the tape reel-based storage and feeding elements are replaced with tray- or cassette-based elements. Once coated, automated equipment removes the holders from the coated stents, and forwarded to alternative destinations, including storage or automated stent expansion balloon installation and crimping.

Abstract: In a fuel tank and a process for manufacturing the fuel tank, accessories emerging through the wall of the tank are covered by a flexible film of multilayer structure that includes a fuel barrier layer. The perimeter of the film is welded to the wall of the tank.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the function of the sleeve has been completed. The sleeve has a plurality of folds, some constricted by a constriction element, the folds comprising expansion elements for allowing portions of the base portion to expand, when a pot is disposed within the sleeve.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a chamber where a base concentrate common to at least a first flavored food product and a second flavored food product is formed, the first flavored food product having different flavoring than the second flavored food product, the base concentrate having a first temperature. The apparatus also comprises a process line that receives the base concentrate from the chamber, heated liquid from a heated liquid source, and flavoring from either a first flavor source or a second flavor source to form a mixture of base concentrate, heated liquid and flavoring. The mixture has a has second temperature sufficient to achieve a change in the mixture selected from the group consisting of microbial change, chemical change, biochemical change, and enzymatic change, and combinations thereof. A method is also disclosed for change over from forming a first flavored food product to forming a second flavored food product.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve may have an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and the pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion for enclosing a floral grouping disposed within the pot, in particular a central upper support element.

Abstract: Described is a wrap for allowing a decorative cover to be formed by an assembler, such as a florist, about a pot, such as a flower pot. The wrap includes: a substantially non-shape sustaining body having a first surface and a second surface separated from the first surface by a substantially thin side border, the first surface having a center area located within an outer area that extends to the side border; a first application of bonding material coupled to the outer area of the first surface of the body; and a second application of bonding material coupled to the outer area of the first surface, the center area substantially separates the first application and the second application of bonding material. A pot assembly and a method of forming a pot assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A process to merge a plurality of streams of printed products. The process includes merging a first stream of printed products with a second stream of printed products according to a predetermined order that is recipient-based, and packaging selected printed products from the first stream while the printed products of the first stream are being merged with the second stream.

Abstract: A food container is disclosed that is adapted for facilitating venting of gasses to and/or from the interior of a body of the food container. The food container includes a container body, a lid and a sealing membrane. At least one skip seal or gap is formed between the sealing membrane and the container body to facilitate venting. During formation of the at least one skip seal a recess in either the lid or rim of the container reduces pressure at the skip seal to reduce or eliminate inadvertent closing of the skip seal.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: A method for shipping a torque limiting assembly comprises the steps of preparing a male member fitted with an internal thread of the torque limiting assembly, coating the male member with grease, fitting the male member into the internal thread of the torque limiting assembly, and shipping the torque limiting assembly. A unit for shipping a torque limiting assembly comprises the torque limiting assembly and the male member which is fitted with the internal thread of the torque limiting assembly, coating the male member with grease.

Abstract: A method of covering a floral grouping by providing a wrap constructed of a flat sheet of material, the wrap having an opening disposed within the sheet of material, and inserting a portion of the stem end of a floral grouping through the opening in the wrap, and wrapping the wrap about the floral grouping.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a bubble package which allows a product to be displayed independently standing alone or hanging from a bracket/shelf, and also provides the ability to separate the paper and plastic portions of the package into at least two separate environmentally recycled portions. The paper based portion of the package operates as a display card and/or as a stiffener. The sides of the one or more display cards are bonded to one another to enclose the product within the plastic and prevent tampering with the product. The plastic portion, in addition to containing and displaying the product therein, optionally incorporates a base near the bottom of the package. The base protrudes from the bottom of the package and secures back onto the plastic portion via a securing mechanism. This arrangement allows the package to stand independent. Optionally, a corrugated plastic insert can be used to provide additional support to the unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for forming a top film sheet from a film web wound on a roll and for setting it onto an object to be packaged. In the method, the end of the film web is gripped over the entire width of the film web to pull it over the object to be packaged. In addition, the film web is gripped before and after the pulling action at a point located at a distance from the cutting line such that, after the cutting has been performed, there remains hanging freely downwards a length of film web that can be gripped for the aforesaid pulling action. In the pulling device (14) performing the pulling of the film web (3), the motion of the pulling jaws (15, 16) between a closed position and an opened position is substantially horizontal. The pulling jaws (15, 16) have been arranged to grip the end of the film web over the entire width of the web.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding an opened tubular label from a tube spreader onto a cylindrical object, e.g. a product cylindrical container, being conveyed past the spreader in a manufacturing environment. The spreader is adapted with an array of wires forming a skirt from the lower surface of the spreader to the top of the cylindrical container. The wires are short at the upstream edge of the spreader to not contact the upper surface of the cylindrical container, and long at the downstream edge of the spreader to contact the upper surface of the cylindrical container.

Abstract: A sheet of material is provided that is pre-folded and pre-glued for the wrapping and packaging of flower bunches and flower bouquets. The sheet of material contains a plurality of lines scored therein. The scored lines are arranged to create a pre-defined folding sequence that forms the desired floral packaging or wrapping. Visual indicia arranged to illustrate the pre-defined folding sequence and markings arranged to compliment the folded shape of the sheet are also provided. A fastening means is provided to secure the folded packaging. The sheet of material is made by scoring the sheet in particular places to mark the fold lines and to facilitate easy and consistent folding. The sheet is then folded across the scored lines and secured.

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: The combination of a plurality of streams of printed products. The first stream of products is selectively inserted into a packaging device while being merged into a second stream of products.

Abstract: An integral, generally rectangular corrugated fibreboard blank folds to form an insert having three air cells for cradling and protecting a product. Two of the air cells stand vertically generally on top of the third air cell at ends thereof. A product rests on the third air cell and is received and captured between the two vertical air cells. The insert, with the product in place, fits into a box where tabs projecting from the insert cooperate with the box to form two more air cells at the opposite ends of the insert.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatuses and methods for providing decorative covers, decorative collars and decorative cover collar combinations for covering a flower pot. The methods and apparatuses are formed from a variety of configurations of heat shrinkable sheet of material placed over all or a portion of a peripheral surface of the flower pot and then heated to shrink the sheet of material into a pressing engagement against the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: The present invention provides for method and system in which a heat-shrinkable plastic cover is placed over an individual conventional medicine container. The cover is heat shrunk around the container to form a tight-fitting seal which covers the majority of the original medication container. The seal must be opened in order to gain entry into an individual medication container just prior to the use or the administration of the product in the container. The seal includes an easy-open mechanism, such as a pull-tab or perforated tear strip. The purpose of the seal is to distinguish high-alert medications and requires an additional safety step in the medication administration process by requiring the removal of an additional cover which entirely encloses the container. The non-adhesive nature of the seal is significant in that the removal of the seal does not damage the original product labeling or leave unwanted residue on the medication container.

Abstract: A protective cover for use on one or more saw blades. An insert can be positioned on the saw blade(s). The cover is formed from a heat shrinking material that is shrunk around the saw blade(s) to provide a thin close fitting cover that protects teeth on the saw blade(s). A tag can be attached to the cover and/or saw blade(s) and/or an insert. The tag has a security device disposed thereon. The tag can be used to hang the saw blade(s) from a display device.

Abstract: A wrap having a wrap opening formed through a portion thereof for wrapping a floral grouping having a bloom end and a stem end. The stem end of the floral grouping is inserted through the wrap opening in the wrap and the wrap is formed about the floral grouping and encompasses a substantial portion of the floral grouping while a portion of the stem end of the floral grouping remains extended through the wrap opening in the wrap.

Abstract: A wrapper for wrapping a flower pot and/or floral grouping. The wrapper is constructed of a sheet of material having an extension attached to a portion of the sheet of material. Preferably the extension has a lace pattern thereon. When the wrapper is formed about a flower pot to form a decorative cover, upper edges of the sheet of material and extension cooperate to form a skirt portion preferably having at least two separate edges providing a “two-sheet” effect in the decorative cover. The wrapper may have extensions on opposing ends of the sheet of material and may having one or more additional overlapping extensions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a large round bale wrapped with a protective covering for permitting it to be stored outside. The covering is constructed of one or more layers of semi-permeable material. It is possible for an additional layer to be added to a region of the baler to be placed on the ground during storage, this additional layer resulting in the covering becoming essentially non-permeable in the region of the additional layer. A baler for applying the covering to a bale is disclosed together with a device for placing a visual marker on the bale so as to aid a person handling a discharged bale in knowing where the region covered with the additional layer of material is located so that this region may be manipulated into ground contact for storage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a large round bale wrapped with a protective covering for permitting it to be stored outside. The covering is constructed of one or more layers of semi-permeable material. It is possible for an additional layer to be added to a region of the baler to be placed on the ground during storage, this additional layer resulting in the covering becoming essentially non-permeable in the region of the additional layer. A baler for applying the covering to a bale is disclosed together with a device for placing a visual marker on the bale so as to aid a person handling a discharged bale in knowing where the region covered with the additional layer of material is located so that this region may be manipulated into ground contact for storage.

Abstract: A stack of object is wrapped by first transversely outwardly stretching a tube having open ends and then pulling the transversely outwardly stretched tube over the stack to a position with the tube extending generally a full length of the stack and one open end of the tube projecting past an end of the stack. Then the tube is released such that it retracts into engagement with sides of the stack and the one open tube end bears on the end of the stack at least adjacent edges of the end of the stack.

Abstract: An integral, generally rectangular corrugated fibreboard blank folds to form an insert having three air cells for cradling and protecting a product. Two of the air cells stand vertically with the third air cell suspended between them. A product rests on the third air cell and is received and captured between the vertical air cells. The insert, with the product in place, fits into a box where tabs projecting from the insert cooperates with the box to form two more air cells at the opposite ends of the insert.

Abstract: A sleeve assembly is provided for a package. The package provides storage for a variety of items. A sleeve at least partially surrounds the package and connects to the package through a connection point. The sleeve includes a reinforced adhesive material which provides reinforcement to the connection point and prevents both tearing of the sleeve and displacement of the sleeve from the package.

Abstract: A compact and stackable package for displaying and protecting food and other consumer products is produced by a method wherein the package can be built around the consumer product utilizing primary components which can be shipped to the assembly location in essentially flat condition to thereby minimize shipping costs. The method includes providing a platform member upon which the consumer product is placed, and then adhering a sleeve member around the periphery of the platform member to impart a cubic form to the package. Also, the consumer product can be covered with a transparent film wrap to secure the product to the platform member.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system are provided for packaging a group of articles into a container formed from a carton blank. The method includes associating a carton blank with a group of articles. The carton blank has at least one open portion and a plurality of bendable flaps. A vertically oriented channel is provided having at least one deflector assembly. The associated carton blank and group are moved vertically in the channel. The movement results in the bending of at least one of the flaps by the deflector assembly such that the carton blank is at least partially assembled around the group. A plow assembly is also provided for the apparatus for packaging a group of articles in a container formed from a carton blank.

Abstract: A protective cover for use on one or more saw blades. The cover is formed from a heat shrinking material that is shrunk on the saw blade(s) to provide a thin close fitting cover that protects teeth on the saw blade(s). A tag can be attached to the cover and/or saw blade(s). The tag has a security device that is spaced from the saw blade(s) to prevent interference. The tag can be used to hang the saw blade(s) from a display device. An insert card having indicia thereon can be positioned on the saw blade(s) to convey information.

Abstract: A comprehensive and effective system at detecting unauthorized hazardous materials such as explosives potentially placed by terrorists in cargo or freight, such as air cargo, is disclosed. The system is cost effective and is non-disruptive to shippers of cargo. The system provided in one or more embodiments is capable of virtually guaranteeing the continuous security and integrity of cargo or freight during the storage and transit process. The system provides a combination of advanced x-ray technology and packaging technology. A method is disclosed comprising the steps of applying X-rays with an X-ray machine to freight and placing a cover on the freight. The step of placing the cover on the freight may include locking the cover on the freight with a lock. The lock may include an electronic memory, which is programmed with a unique code, which identifies the freight and indicates whether it has been tampered with.

Abstract: A method for shipping a piece of furniture having a base section removably secured to a seat section that involves removing the seat section from the base section and inserting the seat section and the base section into a shipping container. A packaging apparatus suitable for overnight delivery which includes a shipping container and at least one shipping sleeve capable of receiving an edge portion of the seat section of the furniture with the at least one shipping sleeve positionable within the shipping container to abut a side wall of the shipping container is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adhesive and material dispenser for dispensing single sheets of material from stacks of sheets of material or from rolls of material and applying an adhesive to the sheet. The adhesive is applied by contacting the adhesive portion of an adhesive transfer tape to the sheet. The sheet of material with the adhesive applied thereto can be used to wrap floral arrangements or flower pots or other articles. The dispenser may be combined with an automatic pot wrapping apparatus so the adhesive application and decorative pot wrapping sequence can be combined into one continuous operation.

Abstract: A freight protection apparatus is disclosed which includes an enclosure for protecting freight shaped in the from of an open box, having an opening, first, second, third, and fourth sides, and a top portion, which enclose a chamber. The enclosure may have attached to it first and second straps which can be used to securely attach the enclosure to freight or to a collection of freight. The first and second straps each may have a first end which is in the form of a loop and a second end which is attached to an attachment device. The first and second straps can be connected together to attach the enclosure to the freight. First and second metal plates may be provided to further prevent the enclosure from being separated from the collection of freight. Locks with unique serial numbers may be provided for locking the first and second straps together. A method is disclosed comprising placing such an enclosure over a collection freight, and securing said enclosure to said freight.

Abstract: An overpack carton for packing a primary shipping case includes a packing strap having interconnected side panels and a latching panel, one or more cushion strips secured to the side panels, and latching elements for latching the packing strap around at least a portion of the primary shipping case. A method for packing a primary shipping case includes steps of providing a cushioned packing strap having latching elements, wrapping the packing strap around at least a portion of the primary shipping case and interengaging the latching elements.

Abstract: A sleeve used to wrap items such as potted plants. The sleeve may have an open or closed bottom. When closed, the bottom may have a gusset for allowing expansion upon the depositing of the pot into the sleeve. The sleeve has a detachable upper portion. The sleeve has a bonding material disposed upon an inner and/or outer portion of the sleeve for crimping the sleeve adjacent the pot to hold the sleeve about the pot.

Abstract: An applicator apparatus is provided which applies a protective cover to a product such as a stack of flat sheets of building material. A platform supports the product in a predetermined orientation. Adjacent the platform is a frame which supports a cover manipulator. The cover manipulator is mounted on a transport on the frame and operates to grasp a protective cover from a cover magazine. The transport mechanism is operable to move the cover manipulator from a position adjacent the cover magazine to a second position adjacent the platform. The applicator then presses the cover against the product in a predetermined orientation and a fastening mechanism secures the cover to the product. Typically, the cover is a flat sheet of cardboard or similar protective material. The material has scored or relieved portions which permit its top and ends to be folded over the end of the product to which it is applied.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a potted plant in a decorative cover wherein the cover is a flattened sleeve. Upon opening of the sleeve, the sleeve has a bottom which may be closed, and the sleeve is sized to fit a pot. The potted plant is disposed within the inner retaining space of the open sleeve, and the pot is positioned on the bottom of the sleeve such that the sleeve covers at least a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the pot to provide the decorative cover for the potted plant.

Abstract: A floral sleeve initially having a flattened condition and openable therefrom for use in covering, containing or wrapping a floral grouping, botanical item, pot, or pot having a floral grouping or botanical item therein. The sleeve has a curvilinear lower end, and may have a detachable upper portion. The sleeve may have a non-linear or linear upper edge. When having a detachable upper portion, the sleeve has a detaching element which when employed to detach the upper portion, leaves a linear, or non-linear upper edge on the lower portion of the sleeve, the curvilinear lower end of the sleeve may have a gusset therein.

Abstract: A method for shipping a piece of furniture having a base section removably secured to a seat section that involves removing the seat section from the base section and inserting the seat section and the base section into a shipping container. A packaging apparatus suitable for overnight delivery which includes a shipping container and at least one shipping sleeve capable of receiving an edge portion of the seat section of the furniture with the at least one shipping sleeve positionable within the shipping container to abut a side wall of the shipping container is also disclosed.

Abstract: A packing box includes a box main body; and an inner plate on which a packing object is fixed. The inner plate is accommodated in the box main body and is kept in a horizontal direction. The inner plate may include a main plate on which the packing object is fixed, a set of first plates which bendably extend from each of first ends of the main plate opposing to each other, and a set of second plates which bendably extend from each of second ends of the main plate opposing to each other. The packing object is desirably fixed at a center of the main plate such that the packing object is not contact with inner walls of the box main body.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.