Abstract: An apparatus for enveloping successive groups of items in a plastic film as the items traverse a linear path. Items are gathered in a group, and the group of items is then inserted in a tubular packaging film as the items and the film are conveyed at the same linear velocity. After the items are completely enveloped in the film, the film is severed and sealed to fully encapsulate them in the film. A vacuum is used to eliminate excess air generated within the tube, and also, in one form of the invention, form side gussets as sealing dies are closed. A tight package made at speeds results, with no need for any holes in the film to relieve internal air pressure.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus that compresses the contents in a vertical direction and tightly winds the contents. Upon the lowering of the elevator, compressive receiving plates project above the contents. The elevator is raised to hold the contents between the compressive receiving plates and the contents are compressed in the vertical direction. The winding guides approach each other, while the contents are being compressed. Both ends of the packaging sheet are connected by the fixing elements, and then the compressive receiving plates are pulled out.

Abstract: Apparatus (1) for removing excess air from sealed packages so as to prevent ballooning. The apparatus (1) comprises a first conveyor belt (3) along which the packages move through the apparatus (1). The conveyor (3) Is driven by two rollers (4 and 5) and is also arranged to vibrate, by means of vibrator (2), in order to settle the contents, e.g. rice, in the packages throughout the operation. When a package is in a predetermined position, as determined by a sensor, such as a photoelectric cell (7), the package is punctured by a suitable device such as a spike (8). As the package continues down the conveyor (3), excess air is removed from the package by means of a spring loaded conveyor (19) which is biased against the package. As spring loaded conveyor (19) is pressed against the package, air in the package Is forced out through the hole made by spike (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaged stipple brush and its method of construction. The stipple brush is constructed of brush receptacles retaining brush elements for transferring a generally radial pattern to topping compound applied to a surface. The brush receptacles are acutely angled with respect to the centerline of the brush which predisposes the brush elements to lie in a flattened manner, thus eliminating the need for the craftsman or other user to train the stipple brush prior to its use. The brush elements are further trained to lie flat by the method in which a fully assembled brush is removably captively retained against a flat surface, such as a point of sale display, during it shipping, storage, and display. In this manner the package becomes part of the manufacturing process for the stipple brush.

Abstract: A process and a machine are described for filling containers with cosmetic products even having different characteristics. The machine comprises at least one unit that executes a succession of similar processing cycles, each of which comprises the loading of at least one loading cell with a cosmetic product, and the levelling of the cosmetic product itself inside the loading cell, the transfer and compacting of the cosmetic product loaded inside the loading cell inside a pick-up cell, the transfer of the compacted cosmetic product from the pick-up cell to a collection container and the final pressing of the compacted cosmetic product in the collection container itself.

Abstract: A package wrapping apparatus and method compresses a package of napkins or a similarly soft bulked product during the wrapping operation to provide a tight wrapped package which does not become loose with settling. An air activated expandable elevator plate allows the bottom of the napkin package to be completely supported during the wrapping operation, and contracts to allow the plate to be lowered between front and rear underfolders. This allows the napkin stack to undergo a greater degree of compression without defects, since folding or curling of the napkin edges over the elevator plate is avoided. An air activated movable top compression plate applies variable downloading against the top of the package. As the elevator plate is raised, the package presses against the top compression plate and is thereby compressed.

Abstract: A mechanism for skinning a membrane cover onto a polymeric foam vehicle seat body is provided which, in a preferred embodiment, includes a frame which can releasably hold front and rear ends of the cover in a generally horizontal orientation with an apex of the cover extending vertically downward, providing an opening in the cover for insertion of the seat body, a first reaction member moved by a first cylinder in a generally horizontal direction for compressing the seat cover and the seat body in a generally horizontal direction, and a bottom plate with side arms, the side arms having sheeting strip support surfaces, the bottom plate also having operatively associated sheeting strips having a first fixed end connected with the frame and a second free end placed over the sheeting strip support surface and into the cover before insertion of the seat body into the cover, and the bottom plate and side arms being connected with a pop-up cylinder for extending the seat body upward from the mechanism after insertio

Abstract: A tubular-bag packaging machine having at least one pair of cross-sealing jaws (25) which are supported on a holding device (15) movable vertically back and forth by means of a connecting rod (14) as well as horizontally through a four-bar mechanism comprising a crank disk (9) coupled with the connecting rod (14), and comprising side-fold-forming means (23, 24) which are supported on a guide element (18) movable transversely with respect to the direction of movement of a foil tube (41).

Abstract: Feedstuff is compacted in a tube which lies on the ground by a mobile device which includes a traction vehicle, a trailer unit, and a rotatable feeding screw mounted at the rear of the trailer unit for feeding feedstuff from a container into the tube where it is compacted. The screw is rotated by a hydraulic motor which is driven by hydraulic fluid at a pressure which is proportional to loading of the feeding screw due to compaction of feedstuff by the screw. A brake system brakes the wheels of the trailer unit to produce a braking force while the feedstuff is being fed into the tube. A control unit controls the brake system in response to signals from a transducer which senses the hydraulic pressure at the motor. The braking force is reduced when the sensed hydraulic pressure rises to a predetermined maximum value, and the braking force is increased when the sensed hydraulic pressure decreases to a predetermined minimum value.

Abstract: An automatic device for sweeping letter mail or alternatively, stacking and sweeping letter mail, and depositing the resultant stack into a managed mail tray. The sweeping device provides an accumulation platform which receives a stream of mail, the platform having a slidable end plate urged against the accumulating stack of mail which overcomes the urging of the end plate to fill the accumulation platform. A sweep plate is thereafter actuated to pierce the stack and thereafter translate towards the end plate to compress the now captured stack to a specified length. The specified length correspond to trap doors provided in the accumulation platform which thereafter open to vertically drop the stack into a managed mail tray arranged therebelow. A forward plate is provided to pierce the stack with the sweep plate to hold back further accumulated mail while the specified stack is being compressed and deposited.

Abstract: A method of unitizing a cargo of multiple substantially identical high density hay bales into multiple non-palletized units capable of being handled by a forklift truck or the like and fitted into shipping containers and utility vehicle cargo spaces comprises the steps of selecting a plurality of substantially identical high density bales of hay, arranging the plurality of bales of hay into selected size stacks of at least one layer of multiple horizontal rows, and wrapping multiple layers of an elongated continuous sheet of pre-stretched polymeric film having a memory horizontally around the plurality of bales of hay.

Abstract: Garbage is processed by separating the garbage in fractions, compressing the fractions in a container according to a desired predetermined composition, placing the container in a casing of metal wire, and placing the container on a destination place, preferably on the sea bottom. By means of the tidal influence after a certain time period sea weed, barnacles and so on will adhere to the metal wire and embed the container in a natural way protecting the environment from the garbage.

Abstract: A method of producing packaging in which the goods to be packaged are engaged against a rigid base and a flexible material is held taut over the goods. Portions of the flexible material near the side edges thereof are engaged and moved to a position below the top of the goods. The intermediate portions of the flexible material are tensioned and stretched thereby compressing the goods to the base. A lid is applied over the base so there is a space between the lid and the flexible material which is secured to the base below the goods to maintain the goods against the base. A gas is charged into the space to preserve the goods, ad the lid and flexible material are sealed to the base with the gas in the space.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing a plurality of tires having a threaded portion, a rim portion and two sidewall portions, said method comprising the following steps; peripherally slicing each of said tires in two half tires along said threaded portion about midway between said sidewall portions; performing radial incisions in each of said two half tires, said incisions extending through said threaded portion and part of said sidewall portion; stacking up said half tires one on top of the other in order to form a pile of half tires; compressing said pile longitudinally in order to flatten said half tires one over the other; whereby, said radial incisions allow the threaded portion of each half tire to lie in the same plane as the sidewalls of the same half tire without warping when said half tire is compressed into a flattened condition.

Abstract: The apparatus and method relates to an automatic dispenser for dispensing portions of a product such as ice cream from a supply comprising a coiled tubular casing in which the ice cream is encased. The end of the casing is fed into the apparatus and, as the apparatus operates, moves through to the exit. The casing with its encased ice cream is pulled through the apparatus and pinched at uniform intervals by a first pinching mechanism following which utilizing a second pinching mechanism, the casing with its encased ice cream is further pinched to a thickness of only the casing at the same uniform intervals. The casing with the encased ice cream is then drawn past a cutting device which opens the casing so that a portion defined by sequential pinched segments is dispensed and the casing removed by a scrap spool mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for loading fluid-filled bags into a box. The apparatus provides a loading arm having pairs of gripping fingers arranged on lateral sides of a bag to be loaded. The gripping fingers compress the bag into a more cubicle shape than a flat relaxed condition. The loading arms are mounted onto a horizontally rotating mechanism which moves the loading arms around a circular pathway in index fashion to four stations including a bag gripping station above a bag transporting conveyor for grabbing and lifting the bag, and a bag loading station aligned above a loaded box conveyor for depositing the bag into a box and disengaging the gripping fingers from the bag. The apparatus and method provide an advantageous loading of a fluid filled bag into a closely conforming box where the bag is adequately supported at the corners. If the bag is provided with a nozzle, the nozzle can be interfit in a relaxed state in a corner of the box.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of packaging an adhesive composition, especially a thermoplastic or thermosetting hot melt adhesive. The method comprises the steps of providing one substantially uniform separate portion of the adhesive composition; sufficiently solidifying said portion for packaging; substantially completely surrounding said sufficiently solidified portion with a plastics packaging material. The packaging material being meltable together with the adhesive composition and blendable into said molten adhesive composition, the kind and amount of said packaging material being chosen so as not to disadvantageously affect the properties of the adhesive composition when blended into same. Preferably, the packaging material is a net, a wrap, a sack or a bag. Packagings made of plastic film are advantageously voided of air, to prevent problems in melting. The packaged adhesive can be melted as it is.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing a vacuum-package made from a thin-walled and flexible packaging foil, filled with a granular material, wherein the package is arranged with clearance in a holder having walls adapted for mutual relative movement, suction means create a pressure in the space around the package that is lower than the vacuum pressure in the package so that the walls of the package are straightened, the holder walls are moved towards each other by pressing means so that the straightened walls of the package are pressed against the contents of the package, the low pressure around the package is removed, the holder walls are retracted and the package is removed from the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically compressing and packaging loose fiber material. The fibrous material compressed in the bale tube to form a bale while a tube of bale overwrap material is being formed. The doors to the base overwrap material is being formed. The doors to the base tube open to allow the compressed material to be pushed out of the bale tube by the piston. The base overwrap material is then cut, sealed at the ends of the bale, and cooled at desired locations.

Abstract: An apparatus for encasing a bale of compressed, expandable material, including a compliant sleeve, surrounding the bale of material; first and second sideframes arranged at opposing sides of the bale; and first and second slats, arranged at opposing sides of the bale and between the first and second sideframes, the slats interlocking with the sideframes for retaining the sideframes in position.

Abstract: A flexible package (7) for rescue equipment and specially adapted to be mounted on the exterior of a craft of submarine type, the package being compressible round its contents so that it will take up a minimum volume. The method of compressing the package is performed in a pressure vessel (1) containing fluid (5) in which the package is immersed. The package has a connection with a nonreturn valve (9) which is connected to a tube (8) communicating with the surrounding atmosphere. Pressurizing of the package takes place through a three way valve (4), when the air contained in the package is pressed out through the conduit. On evacuation of the pressure vessel the nonreturn valve will close and the compressed volume of the package will remain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a vacuum-package filled with granular material. In this method, the package filled with granular material and made from a thin-walled and flexible packaging foil is placed in a holder surrounding the bottom and sidewalls of the package and comprising flat, parallel walls, and a vacuum is applied to the contents of the package and the package is subsequently vacuum-sealed hermetically. According to the invention, the contents of the package, during at least a part of the evacuation step, are compressed by moving the flat and parallel walls of at least one pair of opposite sidewalls of the holder toward each other in mutually parallel manner against the package. The invention further relates to an apparatus for use in the invention.

Abstract: A tubular shirred formation (34) is covered by a previously shirred tubular net (38), which is held ready on a supply drum (36), with one end (42) closed and, with axial insertion, the tubular shirred formation (34) is covered, and then the other end is closed off. To simplify the device and to avoid an axial expansion of the tubular shirred formation (34) before packing, its axial insertion into the closed tubular net (38) and the covering of the tubular shirred formation take place while the tubular shirred formation is still seated on the shirring tube (16). Before covering the tubular shirred formation (34) is compressed further by pushing its front end against a stop (64) which is fixed in the axial direction.

Abstract: In the manufacture of wet wipes, compressing the wet wipe stack within the container prior to sealing the container improves one-at-a-time dispensing of the wipes, e.g. the tendency for certain wipes to stick together upon removal is reduced.

Abstract: A tower compression unit having a case compression tower with vertically oriented surfaces defining a compression chamber, and an access gate associated with the tower compression unit. The access gate has a means for moving the cases within the tower by applying a vertical force to the cases. The force is applied through machinery attached to or received through the access gate.

Abstract: Improved reliability of packaging metered batches of difficult-to-pack products is achieved by a method which includes pushing the trailing end of each metered batch of product out of the bottom of a hopper by an extendible member operating in synchronism with a form-fill-and-seal packaging machine. The extendible member comprises a double-acting rodless cylinder moving a support for a double-acting rod cylinder along the slideway, the cylinder rod carrying the head of a compacting member. The extendible member is thus made small enough to be located in the upper part of the hopper, yet has sufficient stroke length to cause the compacting head to reach down through the lower end of the hopper.

Abstract: A packaged toilet paper made up with a strip of toilet paper which is folded zigzag into a rectangular parallelepipedic body and vacuum-packaged with an airtight synthetic resin sheet, and a method of manufacturing a packaged toilet paper by folding a strip of toilet paper zigzag into a rectangular parallelepipedic body, sealing the rectangular parallelepipedic body of toilet paper with an airtight synthetic resin sheet, and by executing a vacuum packaging, with flat solid members being put and pressed respectively on the top and bottom faces of the toilet paper sealed with said synthetic resin sheet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of compacting a sheet article, for example an article of underwear, to produce a stable, substantially rigid, compacted article. This reduces space required for storage and distribution and facilitates packaging of the article. Compaction is effected by placing the article, or a plurality of articles, in a mold cavity, and subjecting them to elevated pressure for a certain time. The pressure and time are selected to compact the article sufficiently for form the stable, rigid body, but simultaneously not being so great as to either damage the article or compact it so much that water or other liquid is required to recover the article from its compacted state to its original state.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for packaging a plurality of individual packages containing fluent material is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for compacting flexible, compactible articles, comprising a pair of vertically upwardly extending and converging wall members, a platform arranged with the wall members for relative vertical movement therebetween, and a tongue member arranged with the wall members for relative vertical movement therebetween. The wall members have limit stop means associated therewith, so that during relative movement between the wall members and tongue member, the platform engages the limit stop means. Subsequently, relative movement takes place between the tongue member and the wall members and between the platform and the tongue member, such that at the end of such relative movements, the tongue member extends upwardly above upper ends of the wall members, following which the movements are reversed. An appertaining method of compacting a flexible, compactible article is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved method for compressively packing an article having a bulky tow-like state includes the steps of compressively shaping the article into a cubic or rectangular parallelepiped, automatically wrapping the article from above and below by using flexible upper and lower wrapping materials, automatically applying reinforcements to all of the outer surfaces of the article by making use of a reinforcement lifting device, a reinforcement elevator, a reinforcement feed truck and the like, and bundling the outer surfaces of the wrapped and reinforced article with bundling belts. An apparatus for bundling the article to be packed includes reinforcement mounting devices disposed respectively on a head side and on a guide side portion of the apparatus. Each reinforcement mounting device is provided with a plurality of reinforcement holders which can advance and retreat at such locations that they will not interfere with bundling belt guides.

Abstract: A device for covering bales of unpacted fiber materials includes a winding device, which has spaced apart substantially parallel first and second rolls of bale covering material, on which a single covering material is wound such that the material extends between the two rolls of material. A bale of the fibrous material is formed on a support which, in one embodiment, comprises a carriage so that there is a relative movement between the bale support and the winding device, so as to cause the support with the bale to move through the plane of the covering material, thus, cause the material to wrap around the adjacent end and the sides, and up to the front end which is opposite the adjacent end. Covering material ends, which are arrived at the front of the bale are directed to a clamping device so that they are closed in the front of the bale.

Abstract: A process for increasing the shipping efficiency of an interleaved or herringbone rick of tires includes the steps of forming a herringbone rick within a container or enclosed restraint, then compressing the rick with a horizontal wedge or plate. Typical compression percentages range up past 30 percent reduction in height. The space above the compressed rick is then filled with an additional rick, or the compressed rick is banded or fastened to an underlying pallet. The compressing plate is withdrawn from the rick. The resulting compressed rick increases the efficiency of shipping tires, with no resulting damage.

Abstract: A method of unitizing a cargo of multiple substantially identical high density hay bales into a non-palletized unit capable of being handled by a fork lift truck or the like comprises the steps of selecting a plurality of substantially identical high density bales of hay, arranging the plurality of bales of hay into at least one layer of multiple horizontal rows, and wrapping multiple layers of an elongated continuous sheet of pre-stretched polymeric film having a memory horizontally around the plurality of bales of hay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of encapsulated products containing a solid dosage form prepared with up to 35% of an edible matrix material. The composition may be introduced into the capsule as a powder and the capsule containing the powder mixture may then be heated to melt the matrix. The resulting capsule products exhibit the favorable texture of a capsule in conjunction with the hardness, shelf stability and security of the solid formulation. The composition of the present invention may be prepared and used as a direct tableting granulation as well as the filler or core for the capsule product. A method and corresponding apparatus are likewise disclosed and contemplated herein.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for the packaging and pressing in bale form of loose fiber material comprising short-length fibers or fibers of high slipperiness, using a fill shaft (2) in which a distributing means (6) ensures that the fiber is transferred uniformly to a clearer means (7) which already has the width (4) of the press container opening (5), the clearer means (7) transports the fiber together with a longitudinal homogenizer means (9) in such a way as to ensure uniform filling of the press container (11), and the fiber so introduced can then be pre-pressed, end-pressed, packed in bale form and reinforced in a conventional manner.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine includes an elongated frame, packaging forming stations for forming a lower container and top or cover for a package, a vacuum seal and sizing station, a chill station and a cutoff or package separating station. The vacuum seal and sizing station includes an upper tool defining an upper chamber and a lower tool defining a container chamber. The lower tool is movable towards and away from the upper tool and defines a vacuum chamber therewith. A pressure and sealing bar disposed within the upper chamber is movable to seal the package top to the container. A platform is adjustably positionable in the container chamber to vary the volume or size of the vacuum chamber. A product sizing plunger carried by the upper tool engages and compresses the product placed within the container prior to application of a vacuum and sealing of the cover or top to the container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of compacting a sheet article, for example an article of underwear, to produce a stable, substantially rigid, compacted article. This reduces space required for storage and distribution and facilitates packaging of the article. Compaction is effected by placing the article, or a plurality of articles, in a mould cavity, and subjecting them to elevated pressure for a certain time. The pressure and time are selected to compact the article sufficiently to form the stable, rigid body, but simultaneously not being so great as to either damage the article or compact it so much that water or other liquid is required to recover the article from its compacted state to its original state.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a reclosable package having a body member, a base, a hermetic seal between the body member and base and snap locking projections in the side walls of the body member and base.

Abstract: A compact, low shipping volume paper product comprising a compression loaded, core-wound roll of paper and a compression constraining element; and concomitant method of making such a paper product. The roll comprises a length of paper which is wound on a tubular core, and which roll may have an obround or parallelopipedal shape due to being unidirectionally compressively loaded after winding; and then constrained against expanding by a suitable constraining element. Preferably, the roll is sufficiently compressively loaded to completely flatten the core. In another aspect of the invention, the roll may be further compressed by applying a compressive loading that is substantially greater than that needed to cause the core to become flat; and, some of that high compressive loading may be relieved before the constraining element is applied or secured.

Abstract: The method of making a therapeutic mattress comprised of taking a first sheet of fabric material of rectangular shape, then taking a second sheet of fabric material and folding it over to provide a top cover and an underlying intermediate bottom fabric cover of the same dimensions as the first sheet; and thereafter, applying a plurality of parallel spaced rows of stitching across the width of the top cover and intermediate bottom cover. Further steps include, superimposing the folded over second fabric sheet over the first fabric sheet and peripherally stitching the top fabric cover, the intermediate bottom fabric cover and the bottom fabric cover together defining a series of rectangular tubes within the top cover and intermediate bottom cover, and a unit chamber between the bottom intermediate cover and the bottom cover.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for securing a bed of charcoal under pressure in a plastic material housing in the manufacture of charcoal filter canisters for gas masks. The bed of particulate charcoal is placed in the housing and covered with a retainer. A compactor is placed on the retainer and loaded to produce the desired compaction of the charcoal. An ultrasonic welder is then used to secure the retainer in place for one embodiment, a spring-loaded compactor is placed on top of the retainer and an ultrasonic nodal horn is placed over the compactor. The horn presses the compactor against the retainer with the necessary compressing force to compress the charcoal bed, while at the same time producing an ultrasonic weld around the periphery of the housing, welding the retainer in place. The compactor seats on a nodal point of the horn, so that ultrasonic vibrations are not transmitted from the horn through the compactor to the charcoal bed.

Abstract: A dense pack gas adsorbent means comprising at least one particulate gas adsorbent having a particulate size distribution in which the largest small particles are less than one-third (1/3) the size of the smallest large particle and sixty percent (60%) of the adsorbent particles having a size greater than sixty (60) mesh, said adsorbent particle oriented to provide a packing density grater than one hundred and thirty percent (130%) of the particle's apparent density.

Abstract: This invention relates to an endwall for a container having a panel portion surrounded by a substantially vertical wall portion which terminates into a narrow rim. The rim is connected to a sidewall of the container. The wall portion extends outward from the container and is adapted to be reformed inwardly into the container in a controlled manner by an external mechanism to reduce the volume thereof after the container has been filled and sealed. The invention also relates to a method of packaging a product in a container having a body opened at one end and closed at an opposite end by an endwall as described above. The method includes the steps of filling the container with a product and sealing the open end, thermally treating the filled and sealed container, and reforming the endwall inwardly into the container. The sequence of steps can be rearranged.

Abstract: A quantity of powdered cosmetic preparation (2), which may include a binder, is placed in a container (1), which is open at its upper portion and the lower portion of which is defined by a tray (4) including an opening (9) and intended to contain the resultant compact cosmetic preparation at the end of the operation. In the region of the opening (9), the container (1) is defined by a counterpart base plate (3). The compression of the powdered preparation (2) is performed with the aid of a compacting piston (13), optionally heated. The surface of the compact cosmetic preparation, which is accessible through the opening (9), comprises the surface for takeup of the product by the user. By interposing a flexible backing (11) firmly attached to the tray (4) between the tray (4) and the counterpart plate (3), protection and tamper-proofing of the product can be obtained. The invention can be used for compacted makeup powders.

Abstract: A quantity of the powdered preparation (2), advantageously including a binder, is placed in a container (1) which is open in its upper portion and the lower portion of which is defined by a tray (4) intended to contain the resultant compact at the end of the operation. The hot compression of the preparation (2) is performed, the compacting piston (13) being equipped with a heating device (14). The heating makes the compact more cohesive, and if a binder is present, increases its fluidity. The invention offers the possibility of using microencapsulated binders as well as hydrophobic binders. The invention can be used for compacted makeup powders.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a reclosable package having a body member, a base, a hermetic seal between the body member and base and snap locking projections in the side walls of the body member and base.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a reclosable package having a body member, a base, hermetic seal between the body member and base and snap-locking projections formed in the side walls of the body member and base.

Abstract: The piece of packaging material (e.g. a sheet or plastic placed on the topside of the fiber material to be compacted exhibits marginal zones projecting all around, which must be detached from the press ram after the compressing step and must be placed against the bale. For the automatic detachment of the sheet from the press ram, leaf springs are fastened for this purpose at the side faces of the press ram and urge, after withdrawal of the press box casing, these marginal zones away from the press ram. Subsequently, the press box casing located there above again travels downwardly to the bale, namely only up to the top rim of the latter, during which step the marginal zones of the sheet projecting from the bale in the upward direction are uniformly brought into contact with the bale.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of sterilized plant matter consisting of the steps of; treating coarse chopped plant matter with heat to achieve dehydration, compression filling airtight fiber reinforced plastic bags with dehydrated plant matter, injecting high pressure steam into the dehydrated plant matter while in the bag and sealing the bag. A product consisting of steam sterilized coarse chopped plant matter under vacuum in air tight fiber reinforced plastic bags.