Abstract: A machine for parallel processing a group of clips of stacked interfolded paper sheets having a base, a reciprocating table carrying projectable pins for advancing the group of clips, a clip spreading station for increasing clip-to-clip spacing transverse to the direction of advance of the reciprocating table, a pre-compression station for compressing the clips to a uniform height, a rotation station for selectively rotating each clip 90.degree. length to width, and a folding station having selectively operable opposed blades parallel to the width for forming each clip into a generally U-shaped configuration to fit within a cube-like package.

Abstract: Header cards adapted for folding around small flexible articles, such as infants vinyl pants, are packaged on an automatic folding machine. The folding machine includes a first station for automatically feeding unfolded header cards from a magazine onto a conveyor. A second station provides for folding of a first flap onto the header card using an inclined bar and a plunger assembly. A third station provides for folding and sealing the two side flaps, while the fourth station holds the package together until the adhesive has had a chance to set.

Abstract: Container stuffing apparatus and methods are disclosed. The apparatus is especially useful for the insertion of two component gas generating pouches into containers of the type wherein the pressurizing gas does not come into contact with the contents of the container. The apparatus receives the pouches, performs necessary bursting operations to initiate gas pressurization, compresses the pouch into an elongate cylindrical shape and inserts the pouch into a container. The apparatus includes a bursting station which comprises first and second plates which move toward each other and compress a pouch received between the first and second plates to thereby burst a rupturable member within the pouch to initiate gas generation. A reciprocable latch is provided to hold the pouch in position during the bursting operation.

Abstract: A method of sealing the nose a packaging flat tube band after opening thereof. The method comprises separately adsorbing the upper and lower films and separating these films away from each other thereby to open the nose, charging a matter to be packaged through the opened nose in the horizontal direction, welding the tube band at both sides of the packaged matter transversely, and cutting the portion of the flat the tube band adjacent to the feed side. These steps are repeatedly to sucessively seal the nose of the packaging flat tube band. Disclosed also is an apparatus suitable for carrying out this nose sealing method.

Abstract: A can stuffer and method of stuffing a can with a flexible sheet product by placing the product in a generally flat receiver chamber and pushing the product edgewise to crowd the product into one edge region of the chamber by forming longitudinal folds or creases in the product to effectively reinforce and strengthen the product in the direction of the folds, and endwise ejecting or ramming the strengthened folded or creased product from the chamber into a container or can.

Abstract: Method and machine for packing bacon bundles in blister packages. Bacon bundles (2) are placed in the blister package (15) by a lifting arm (17) having rotatable rods (21) and transversally extending tines (22). The rods (21) are rotatable over 90.degree.. The distance between the outer tines is slightly smaller than the length of the blister package. If the bacon bundle is too long it will depend over the outer tine and the depending portion (24) will automatically be double folded at the positioning of the bacon bundle in the blister package.

Abstract: A method for minimizing twist in large plastic bags to be center-dispensed from a wound coreless roll of sequentially attached plastic bags. The roll is flattened or collapsed and folded at least once into a U, C, S, M, W, or accordion shape. The method is particularly effective for minimizing twisting of center-dispensed bags when the bags are at least as long as the inner core circumference. The method is also useful for imparting selected dimensions to the horseshoe folded roll that enable the roll to be inserted into a dispensing carton having dimensions preferred by users of the bags, such as cartons having square ends.

Abstract: A reciprocative apparatus individually folds a plurality of thin, limp, sheet-type articles, such as sandwich bags, and loads them into a carton. The apparatus may include a delivery assembly for sequentially transferring the bags from a conveyor belt to a folding station. A pivotally operated swatter is described for such delivery.The folding station includes a pair of trays forming a platform and a pair of flippers for sequentially folding end portions of a bag upon its middle portion. The initially operated flipper is operated by a pneumatic cylinder. The secondarily operated flipper is connected to a carrier assembly which is supported by springs attached to a frame. Another pneumatic cylinder is also connected to the carrier assembly and to the second flipper through a linkage.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for dispensing lubricants, moisturizers and other medicinal agents to various parts of the body is disclosed. A glove or stockinett which contains such medicinal agent is utilized to cover the affected portion of the body in a safe and simple manner. Neither the dispensing glove nor stockinett require additional structure to affect the containment of the treating agent. The dispenser glove and stockinetts may be packaged in long rolls, either perforated or unperforated, or may be folded individually and packaged in a sterilized or non-sterilized environment. Methods of filling the dispensers, as well as a leak-resistant packaging method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wrapper for clothing and the like includes a flexible member having a central area with a plurality of outwardly extending wing sections. A reinforcing base is provided in the central area. The wrapper also includes a shape retainer having the same geometric shape as the reinforcing member but being of a lesser dimension. Accordingly, articles of clothing may be folded around the shape retainer so that the articles are folded into the geometric shape, and the articles may then be placed on top of the base. The wing sections may then be folded over the articles to wrap the articles therein.

Abstract: A method and insulation transport device for transporting building-type rolled insulation or batts of insulation through an opening in a building to an area to be insulated, such as a crawl space, in which the opening to the area to be insulated is of less diameter than that of the roll of insulation or package of batts.

Abstract: A reciprocative apparatus individually folds a plurality of thin, limp, sheet-type articles, such as sandwich bags, and loads them into a carton. The apparatus includes a delivery assembly for sequentially transferring the bags from a conveyor belt to a folding station. A pivotally operated swatter is employed in the delivery assembly which includes a swatter driving mechanism which gradually decelerates the swatter near the end of its forward movement to minimize article wrinkling.

Abstract: A method of folding at least two T-shirts involving laying out two or more shirts in flat condition with the front of a first of the shirts facing the other shirt, and folding the top part of the first shirt backwardly upon itself. A stiffener board is placed against the exposed face of the shirt farthest from the first shirt, and the bottom and sides of all the shirts are folded over the stiffener board. Thereafter, the top of each shirt, except the first shirt, is folded over the stiffener. The folded shirts may be inserted as a unit into a container.

Abstract: Filter element package, method for preparing and method of using the same for treating contaminated aqueous solutions, in which the filter element is in the form of a mat consisting essentially of a wet laid, porous, non-woven matrix having randomly arranged, irregularly intersecting and overlapping cellulose fibers intermixed with polymer micro-bits. The filter mat, either alone or confronted with a supporting sheet of material, is provided in a predetermined geometrical shape and folded along perpendicular lines to form a four-layered filter element which can be displaced into a cone-shaped structure for filtering contaminated aqueous solutions. A resealable envelope is provided for enclosing the filter element and may include therein a bracing member to provide lateral support for the filter element during filtering and/or a collapsible receptacle for containing a predetermined quantity of the solution to be treated along with a packet of disinfectant for disinfecting the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for baling a tow of textile filaments, in which when a container has been filled, the tow is cut automatically in such a way that the end of the cut tow connected to the tow in the container falls on the side of the container, the other end of the cut tow forming the beginning of the tow for the new container, being constantly gripped during the filling of the new container, at a location which is beyond the maximum oscillating portion of the tow laying guide. The gripped end is released after the new container has been completely filled.

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

Abstract: Retractile cords disposed in a U-shaped configuration are arranged about the periphery of a turntable with the ends of each cord adjacent to the peripheral edge being terminated with modular plugs. As a cord having its ends terminated with modular plugs is moved into a last work station, a pickup arm removes the cord. As the plug-ends are moved outwardly from the turntable, a middle section of the U-shaped cord is engaged by a snagging pin that is moved into one portion of a foldable tray to hold the middle section of the cord as the plug ends are moved farther along above the tray. The plugs are released, and the cord retracts and drops into the tray. Then the snagging pin is retracted, and the tray is caused to be folded to form an opening beween portions of the tray. The cord descends through the opening into an open end of a bag formed between two plies of a plastic material. The plies are bonded together adjacent to the open end and the bag is separated from its supply.

Abstract: A chain of plastic bags having zipper-locking profiles is packaged in a rectangular carton in successive layers wherein the profiles of the bags of each layer are aligned generally along a straight line that is oblique with respect to a front wall of the carton, the straight lines aligning the profiles of successive layers following a zigzag course, which oscillates between the front wall and a back wall of the carton.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for laying down continuous material 15, for example filament tows, which runs on a determined level, from which level it is given a meander form by means of a turning wheel 1, the periphery of which is provided with reversing elements 2.Forming of meanders from the continuous material 15 is performed by means of one single wheel 1. Catching devices 5 are provided between the reversing elements 2 which, from the outside of the plane of running continuous material 15, slue into this plane and by this inward motion form meanders of the running continuous material 15, and subsequently slue back from the plane of the continuous material 15 to their initial position, thus releasing the meanders of continuous material 15 formed for being laid down. The catching devices 5 can be arranged on forks 4 which slide in guide grooves 3 in the wheel 1, and the forks 4 can be driven by slide rods 10, whose motion cycle is determined by a cam disk 13.

Abstract: A fully automatic system for folding stockings or a like long, substantially flat, non-rigid article around a cardboard insert, including foldable insert, and enclosing the stockings with the insert in an envelope of transparent, thermoplastic material. A great deal of saving of manual labor enables ideal streamlining of the whole process for manufacturing stockings for remarkable reduction in manufacturing cost. Sealing of the envelope containing the stockings with gummed tapes may be performed fully automatically, also.

Abstract: A knock down container package and method of making it which comprises several banks of sheet material which are each die cut and scored in a predetermined manner so that each blank can be readily folded to define a component part of the container in the assembled position wherein one of the blanks has formed on the inner surface thereof suitable indicia. The respective blanks in their knock down position are folded and/or stacked one on the other with the inner surface of the blank having the indicia thereon disposes inner surface up on the top of the stack, and the stack then encapsulated in a see-through wrapping.

Abstract: A system and method for refurbishing and processing parachutes is disclosed including an overhead monorail conveyor system on which the parachute is suspended for horizontal conveyance. The parachute is first suspended in partially open tented configuration wherein open inspection of the canopy is permitted to remove debris and inspect all areas. Following inspection, the parachute is transported by the monorail conveyor to a washing and drying station with the parachute canopy mounted on the conveyor in a systematic arrangement which permits water and air to pass through the ribbon-like material of the canopy. Following drying of the parachute, the parachute is conveyed into an interior space where it is finally inspected and removed from the monorail conveyor and laid upon a table for folding. Following folding operations, the parachute is once again mounted on the conveyor in an elongated horizontal configuration and conveyed to a packing area for stowing the parachute in a depolyment bag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preventing the scattering of radioactive material in spent nuclear fuel rods into the environment. The method comprises placing one or more of the spent fuel rods within a casing of ductile material, sealing the casing gas-tight, bending the casing so that its largest dimension is reduced, and placing a number of the bent casings within a protective container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to production and packaging of rice-ball rolled in laver.A laver is wrapped in a packing sheet for blocking moisture and rice-ball is packed by said packing sheet. The rice-ball is rolled in said laver when stripping said packing sheet. The flavor of laver is prevented from being damaged by the moisture of said rice-ball even after a long time from its production. Moreover, said rice-ball in laver can be packed surely and cleanly for selling them at drive-in store or at a station.

Abstract: This invention relates to a package for an elongated rice-ball or bread and butter comestible together with a laver in an isolated manner until the comestible is wrapped with the laver. The package includes a long moisture-proof sheet such as vinyl or paraffin-coated paper doubled by folding it at the center thereof. The leading edge of the folded back surface may be again folded back in the opposite direction to form a short tongue. The comestible is placed on the single-layered end portion of the sheet and a laver is interposed between the juxtaposed portions of the sheet. The comestible can be wrapped together with the laver without laver becoming moist and the laver can be removed from between the juxtaposed portions of the sheet and wrapped around the comestible.

Abstract: Self-adhesive labels mounted on a backing strip are formed into fan-folded sets or stacks and are loaded directly from the fan-folding machine into an open four-sided cassette. The cassettes are made of cardboard, and after they are loaded with fan-folded labels, they are enclosed either by the addition of a fifth side or by wrapping. The cassette packages are then transported to the location where labels are to be applied to products moving along a conveyor. The fan-folded labels are supported in an open L-shaped rack which is tilted and which is of sufficient length to hold at least two sets or cassettes of fan-folded labels side by side. The labels are fed directly into a standard type of label dispenser which applies the labels to products as they are moving along a conveyor line.

Abstract: A thin lightweight booklet and method of making the same are disclosed. The booklet is comprised of one elongated sheet folded in thirds, then in half, then in half to define pages of the same size without the use of fasteners. The sheet is folded so as to have a fold line between and adjacent the free ends of said sheet at one end of the booklet and only a fold line at the other end of said booklet. The booklet is adapted to be sealed within an envelope.

Abstract: A carton filled with a chain of interconnected open bags arranged in a plicated array is disclosed. A process for filling the carton is disclosed in which the chain of bags is fed into an inverted container, closed end first, with the bags being laid in horizontal layers. Each layer is folded back on the preceding layer to produce a plicated array.At the completion of carton loading, the trailing edge of the web preferably is fed along one end wall of the container and out an opening near or at what will become the top of the container. The container is then closed and inverted. The first bag in is the first bag out and it is positioned adjacent to a dispensing opening. The last bag in, which will be the last bag out, also projects exteriorly of the carton and is fixed in place as by taping it to the side of the carton.The plicated array has alternate folds spaced inwardly from the ends of the container.

Abstract: An envelope contains a separate enclosure that is formed from the same sheet material. Sheet material having a first portion and a narrower second portion is folded so portions are superimposed one upon the other. At some time, adhesive is applied to the wider regions of the first portion. By severing the sheet material along the edge common to the first and second portions while maintaining their superimposed relationship, they are separated and then subsequently folded so the first portion envelops the second portion, and the envelope is produced as a result of the adhesive. The severing is carried out while the superimposed portions are suitably restrained, e.g., within a buckle plate folder or within a knife-folding unit or between a pair of moving belts.

Abstract: Wire-mesh webs formed from interengaged flattened spirals, especially chain-link fencing, upon manufacture coiled by twisting the planes of the spirals so that they fit tightly together and almost coincide with axial planes of the roll. During the coiling process, one to three tension elements are introduced into the corresponding troughs of the successive undulations formed by the successive spirals to maintain the latter in their substantially erect condition. The result is a highly compact roll.

Abstract: A package for pile fabrics in which individual turns of the fabric when coiled into a roll are separated and spaced apart by spacing means associated with a supporting strip releasably secured to one edge of the pile fabric. The turns of the supporting strip are bonded together to form a unified end structure.