Abstract: A temporary packaging method and a resultant package are provided for comprising temporarily bonding containers on a flat base member to stabilize the containers for further packaging, the method comprising the steps of providing a base member, providing containers, temporarily bonding the containers to the base member with a hot melt adhesive, advancing the base member with containers through the packaging or handling system so that further processing of the containers may optionally be effected, encapsulating the base member and bonded containers with a plastic shrink film to complete the package, followed by release of the containers from the bond to base member within minutes after shrink wrapping, with the adhesive remaining bonded to the base member.

Abstract: A sheet having a defined pattern of reduced strength, allowing separation along said defined pattern, said pattern defining an insert for a CD-ROM jewel case, preferably being a letter size paper sheet, comprising a pair of said defined patterns each being an identical and symmetrically arranged rectangular perforation pattern having dimensions of about 150 mm by 117.5 mm, having a pair of scored folding lines to provide three regions of each defined pattern, two lateral regions each being about 6 mm wide by 117.5 mm long and bounded interiorly by one of said folding lines and a central region being about 138 mm by 117.5 mm and being bounded by both of said folding lines. Also provided is a sheet having a defined pattern of reduced strength, allowing separation along said defined pattern, said pattern defining a booklet for a CD-ROM jewel case, which preferably includes a centered rectangular perforation pattern having dimensions of about 119.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously creating a pair of inner packing and then simultaneously placing them into side-by-side cartons by pulling the lead inner packing from two sets of inner packings, moving the pulled inner packings towards each other until they are positioned side by side, gripping the inner packings and opening them and finally, while being gripped, moving the inner packings into the side by side cartons.

Abstract: A method of shipping a plurality of preformed flower pot covers is provided. Each preformed flower pot cover includes a sheet of material formed into a shape sized to receive a flower pot. The preformed flower pot cover has a base with a closed lower end and an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough for receiving the flower pot. The method includes providing a portable platform having a plurality of stacking shells disposed therefrom. Each stacking shell is configured to be received in the object opening of one of the preformed flower pot covers. A stack of preformed flower pot covers is formed on each of the stacking shells such that the preformed flower pot covers of the stack are nested within one another and supported on the stacking shell and secured to the portable platform. The platform with the preformed flower pot covers is then transported to a predetermined destination.

Abstract: Unsealed packets of cigarettes emerging from a packaging machine present an outer surface that consists of an opaque wrapping material, to which a revenue stamp and a coupon are affixed as the packets are transferred directly and in an ordered succession from the packaging machine to a cellophaner; on reaching the cellophaner, each packet in turn is enveloped in a sheet of transparent overwrapping material covering the opaque wrapping material, the revenue stamp and the coupon, and the overwrapping sealed in such a way that the finished packet will remain substantially airtight

Abstract: A method for integration of the institutional supply chain for medical products utilizing a nested bill of materials on a care event level of a clinical pathway for one or more medical procedures. The medical supplies appropriate for use in a care event are expressed as a bill of materials. Each item of medical supply is assigned a unique identifier which includes at least identification of the item itself, identification of the supplier of the item, and identification of the care event with which the item is to be used. Portions of the supplies are provided by multiple vendors to a unitized container sequencing center where the supplies are bundled by care events and packed into a unitized container. This container is then shipped to a customer or distributor for further shipment to a customer.

Abstract: Intravenous solutions are manufactured and distributed in batches by gathering raw materials and components for manufacturing containers for intravenous solutions, and active ingredient but excluding solvent. In a central manufacturing plant, critical steps are performed such as dispensing predetermined amounts of the active ingredient into holders. The products of the central manufacturing plant are packed into shipping containers which are distributed to respective decentralized manufacturing plants where the contents are unpacked, manufacture of containers is completed, solvent is obtained, intravenous solution is mixed, and the containers are filled, hermetically sealed and sterilized in an autoclave.

Abstract: Each individual cone is conveyed, while it is laying on its side, to a predetermined point. Prior to reaching the predetermined point, an edible adhesive is at or adjacent to the base of each cone. At the predetermined point, a paper wrap is applied to the cone and adhered thereto. The first cone is then stacked with a second cone in a repeated fashion to form a sleeve of cones, followed by packing of the sleeve of cones for transport.

Abstract: A method of preventing or reducing the incidence of staphylococci and other infections as a result of surgical or medical treatment procedures is implemented by inserting into or attaching to each sterile package containing a tool, implement, or implantable for use in such a procedure at least one impregnable swab containing a solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 packaged in a separate sterile pack, for use by the surgeon, therapist, or assistant in wiping down the tool, implement, or implantable, as the case may be, before use to maintain the sterility thereof in such procedure. The solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 is in a concentration of about 3% by volume. A plurality of separate sterile packs may be inserted in or attached to the sterile package, in which each of the sterile packs contains at least one swab impregnated with a solution of H.sub.2 O.sub.2 in such concentration.

Abstract: A method for packaging a full set of snorkel components and a resulting package. Swim fins are arranged in an overlapping configuration. A mask including its strap, surrounds the two overlapping fins with the mask positioned about halfway between the ends of the fins and facing in the same direction as the foot aperture of the front-facing fin. A snorkel tube is positioned on the edge of the overlapping fins in a direction generally parallel to the length of the fins. The snorkel tube may be attached to the mask strap and the mouthpiece of the snorkel tube is placed between the mask and the foot aperture. This assembled set of snorkel components is placed in a clear plastic, zippered bag having a narrow end and a wider end. An optional cover carton may be added to cap the respective ends of the zippered bag, provide added structural support and provide surfaces for some limited graphics.

Abstract: A package of a continuous strip of material comprises a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip and such that the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip is continuous through each stack and is connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. The package is compressed to reduce the height of the stacks and maintained in the compressed condition by an evacuated sealed bag. The preferred package arrangement uses the package for pay off of the strip in the orientation in which it is formed with the bottom of the stacks resting on a support and the package tilted to one side so that the stacks lean against a support surface for stability.

Abstract: The ballast system for a portable basketball system is composed of dual ballast fillable tanks, which together form the base for supporting the pole, backboard and goal. The dual tank system includes a primary tank and a secondary tank cooperatively configured such that the secondary tank may be disposed in one position for compact shipping/storage and in another position to ensure stability during play. In particular, the secondary tank is centrally disposed within the dimensions of the primary tank during shipping. During play, the secondary tank is repositioned in a manner that elongates the primary tank to increase the footprint of the portable basketball system and concentrate the ballast of the secondary tank at the rear of the base.

Abstract: A method for flavoring tea with a granular flavoring agent includes the step of removing from a reservoir a predetermined amount of granular flavoring agent. The predetermined amount of granular flavoring agent is placed as a small heap onto a moving endless filter paper strip. Subsequently, a predetermined amount of tea is placed adjacent to or onto the small heap of flavoring agent. The tea and flavoring agent heaped onto the filter paper strip are subsequently enclosed in a tea bag made from the filter paper strip accordingly. The inventive device for performing the method includes a device for moving the endless filter paper strip in an advancing direction. A tea metering device and a metering device for a flavoring agent are positioned directly above the endless filter paper strip whereby the metering device for the flavoring agent is positioned upstream of the tea metering device in the advancing direction.

Abstract: A tank cap with a lock of a fuel tank comprises: a gasket member (2) for sealing a fuel supply port of the fuel tank; an locking member (3) arranged in a periphery of the fuel supply port; and a slider (4) arranged between the gasket member and the locking member. The slider (4) moves in conjunction with the gasket member, in such a manner that the locking member is prevented from moving in the transverse direction when the gasket member moves in a closing direction in which the gasket member comes close to the locking member, that the locking member is capable of moving in the transverse direction when the gasket member moves in a separating direction in which the gasket member is separate from the locking member, and that the locking member is maintained in a maintaining state in which the stopper is kept intruded into the moving passage of the locking member, even if the gasket member moves in the separating direction, when the locking member is prevented from moving in the transverse direction.

Abstract: A bar soap including an embedded premium item. A translucent, glycerin soap is cast in a plastic blister package which is pre-loaded with a selected, premium item. During container filling, the soap is cast to embed the premium item within the soap. A backing card containing text and graphics peculiar to the premium item and soap is bonded to the container under heat and pressure with a suitable adhesive. Multiple packages are mounted to a merchandising strip for display and sale.

Abstract: A method of producing a printed product having a computer disk incorporated therein. The method includes the steps of depositing the disk onto the sheet of material, folding a first portion of the sheet over the disk and over at least a second portion of the sheet, securing the first portion to the second portion, folding a third portion of the sheet into overlapping relation with the first portion to produce a package, maintaining the third portion free from securement with the remainder of the sheet, and gathering the package with a signature to produce a book block while maintaining the third portion free from securement with the remainder of the sheet. The method further includes the step of perforating the sheet with a plurality of perforations to form a perforation line. The perforation line is formed substantially parallel to a fold line produced by the folding step, and preferably before the folding step.

Abstract: A method of packing a portable basketball goal support system having a base, a ballast tank, and an arm for supporting a basketball goal support pole which can be assembled in an expanded configuration for use and a compact configuration for shipping or storage. In the expanded configuration, the ballast tank extends at least partially behind the support pole providing stability for the base, while in the compact configuration, the ballast tank may be nested within a portion of the base, thereby occupying less space. The overall length, height, and thickness of the support assembly are thus reduced for storage, thus occupying less space when shipped or stored than would be possible in previous conventional designs providing comparable performance.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxy material which may be a waxed paper or waxed tissue. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an ink cartridge for use in an ink jet recorder including positioning a container body having a bottom wall and an opening on a pallet such that the bottom wall faces upward, the container body including a porous member, a foam chamber for accommodating the porous member therein, and an ink supply port, having an inlet formed in the bottom surface of the foam chamber and an outlet; inserting packing into the ink supply port; sealing the ink supply port outlet; resetting the container body on the pallet by turning the container body upside down such that the opening faces upward; affixing a filter to the ink supply port inlet; inserting the porous member into the foam chamber; bonding a cover to the opening of the container body; injecting ink into the foam chamber; and sealing the cover.

Abstract: Partitions are fed from a single magazine by a feeder and are transported in timed mode to two sets of rotary blades which open the partition flaps. The open partitions are carried in a guide work to a nip point between a set of belts which are supported in such a manner that allows their discharge. The motion of the discharge end of the belts is in the direction of the machine direction of the moving bottle pitches and this motion is utilized to follow an insertion point for a time period long enough to insert the partition. The discharge end can then be returned and follow the next gap for insertion of the following partition. A subsequent final seating device insures the partitions are fully engaged with the group of bottles.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus conveys cones lying on the side to a predetermined point. Prior to reaching the predetermined point, an edible adhesive is applied to the side of each cone. At the predetermined point, a paper wrap is applied to the cone and adhered thereto. The first cone is then stacked with a second cone and more cones, followed by packing for transport.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a dental floss product formed of a bobbin of wound thread, a dispenser case, and a dispenser insert for rotatably supporting the bobbin of wound thread when positioned within the dispenser case. The dispenser insert is detachably mounted in an insert loading area of a singular dispenser assembly fixture, and the dispenser case is detachably mounted in a dispenser case loading area of the singular dispenser assembly fixture. The bobbin of wound thread is next loaded onto the dispenser insert while the dispenser insert is mounted in the insert loading area. The dispenser insert with the bobbin of wound thread loaded thereon is then detached from the insert loading area, and the dispenser insert with the bobbin of wound thread loaded thereon is loaded into the dispenser case while the dispenser case is mounted in the dispenser case loading area. The lid of the loaded dispenser case is then closed, and the dispenser case is detached from the dispenser case loading area.

Abstract: A process (100) for transporting goods between a component manufacturer (102), a product manufacturer (104), and a purchaser (106) includes the steps of:(a) providing a tray (200, 300) having a plurality of compartments (208) which retain securely components (402, 404) manufactured by the component manufacturer (102), and further which retain securely product (502) manufactured by a product manufacturer (104);(b) shipping the tray (200, 300) with components (402, 404) securely retained to the product manufacturer (104);(c) utilizing the components (402, 404) in the manufacture of the product (502);(e) shipping the tray (200, 300) with the product (502) securely retained to the purchaser (106);(f) returning the tray (200, 300) to the component manufacturer (102) after the product (502) has been removed from the tray (200, 300). The process (100) can be managed by a resource manger (108) who tracks the inventory and distribution of trays.

Abstract: A compact disc packaging machine is disclosed for packaging trays, compact discs, booklets and inlay cards in a variety of different sized containers. The compact disc machine is compact in size and its primary functions are mechanically driven. Pneumatics are only used on approximately 10 percent of the machine functions. Because the components are within the easy reach of an operator, the compact disc packaging machine is operated without requiring the operator to circle the machine. Feeders and magazines provide supplies of trays, booklets, inlay cards and compact discs to the machine. The compact disc magazine uses multiple spindles to allow one spindle to be active while the other spindle is replaced. A pick-and-place mechanism lifts the inlay cards, booklets, trays and compact discs and positions them in an intermediate centering positions and then into compact disc boxes. Sensors are used to verify the existence and placement of those items in the boxes.

Abstract: A packing structure for a container for containing semiconductor wafers is disclosed. The packing structure comprises a polypropylene box, and upper and lower pressing members for sandwiching the container for containing semiconductor wafers, wherein both the upper and lower pressing members comprise an olefinic resin.

Abstract: A CD-ROM holder suitable for binding. In a preferred embodiment, the CD-ROM is sealed between two vinyl sheets by means of a heat sealing operation. A cardboard spacer is positioned around the CD-ROM in order to limit its movement and to provide a consistent thickness across a majority of the holder. The holder is then gathered with the signatures of the book and bound therewith, after which a portion of the holder is trimmed off in the book trimming operation. One of the heat seal lines on the holder provides a convenient tear line for removing the holder (and hence the CD-ROM) from the bound book.

Abstract: A method of shipping a burial casket in a knocked-down configuration and subsequently assembling the casket at its point of destination comprises the steps of providing a kit of disassembled casket components assemblable into a casket having a shell and a cap, packing the kit of components into shipping container, shipping the packaged casket kit to a destination point, removing the kit from the container and assembling the casket from the kit utilizing at least a portion of the shipping container as an interior component of the casket. A casket comprises a shell and cap assembled from a kit shipped in knocked-down configuration, a body support structure positioned in the shell for supporting a body and a floor for the casket upon which to support the body support structure in the shell. The body support structure is formed from the bottom of an elongated, shallow, generally rectangular shipping carton in which the casket kit is shipped. The floor is formed from the top of the carton.

Abstract: Partition elements are inserted between articles of a group to be packaged and can extend in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction, by inserting the partitions from the bottom upwardly between longitudinal or transverse ranks of the articles by progressively spacing the ranks apart and bringing them together as the articles are transported along a transport path.

Abstract: A paperboard separating sheet (10) for separating two stacked layers of cans (11, 12) is disclosed. The sheet has a plurality of can receiving locations (13), each location having an inner opening (23) and an outer opening (24), respectively, each one of the openings being defined by a series of cuts (23, 24), respectively, in the paperboard sheet. The cuts define first, second, and third covering portions (20, 21, 22), respectively, which are joined together by a plurality of tabs (25, 26), respectively, which allow the respective covering portions to move into different planes relative to one another when the separating sheet is sandwiched between two stacked cans. In use, the third portion of the separating sheets rests on a top rim of a lower can (11), the second portion of the paperboard sheet sits between the top rim of the can and a recessed panel in which a can opening device is formed, and the first portion of the paperboard sheet covers the can opening device.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is disclosed including first and second forming rollers (18, 21) which rotatably abut with an anvil roller (20). The forming rollers (18, 21) each include a periphery forming a continuous forming surface including a plurality of axially and circumferentially spaced grooves (24) each formed as a continuous depression arranged in a serpentine and non-intersecting manner. Food (14) is simultaneously fed by a saddle (36, 36') between a continuous strip of support material (16) and a continuous ribbon of film material (66) as they pass between a first abutment nip of the first forming roller (18) and the anvil roller (20). In a preferred form, the saddle (36') is in the form of a block having first and second lower surfaces (118, 120) corresponding to the shape and located adjacent the first forming roller (18) and the anvil roller (20) in their mating side (32).

Abstract: A method for packaging flat or stacked article groups within a packaging unit such as a paperboard carton. The method comprises the steps of supplying a stream of packaging units, for example paperboard cartons, supplying at least one stream of articles, for example beverage cans; forming at least one article group, for example a group of from six to twenty-four cans, optionally placing a support base on a top surface of the article group, and loading the article group in the packaging unit. In a stacked packaging mode a second article group is formed and loaded into the packaging unit, on top of the support base on each first article group disposed in the packaging unit. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An order selection system is disclosed together with a method of operating the system for retrieving multiple types of items stored in preselected storage locations and delivering retrieved items in an orderly sequence to a plurality of packing stations in accordance with the specific requirements of different orders. The order selection system comprises: a dispenser; a conveyor; a dispensing control system; a sorter; a plurality of stacking devices; and identifying means to identify the end of each order.

Abstract: A method of providing a book/sleeve/computer disc product, where the disc is inserted into an open end of a pre-made sleeve to form a sleeve/disc package, which is then directed through a conventional binding operation to form the book/sleeve/computer disc product. More specifically, a sleeve blank is provided, and is then folded and glued to form a pre-loaded sleeve into which the computer disc is inserted. The sleeve/disc package is placed into a gathering line along with signatures or page groups which are assembled into a book block, with the sleeve/disc package being part of the book block. This is bound (either glued or stitched), and trimmed to form the finished product.

Abstract: A method for continuously forming stacked article groups, comprising the steps of supplying at least two streams of articles, each at a predetermined vertically distinct level; forming and longitudinally transporting a stream of first article groups having at least one article, at a first level; placing a support base on a top surface of each first article group; and forming a second article group, having at least one article, at a second level on top of the support base of each longitudinally moving first article group, whereby stacked article groups are formed. The stacked article groups are subsequently processed for packaging.

Abstract: A method for delivering an item or plurality of items to a predetermined destination. Packaging a plurality of items within a carton wherein the items are connectingly bonded to interior walls or inserts within the carton, and transporting the carton with the items disposed therein to the predetermined location. The items may be items of china, flower pots, vases or other similar items.

Abstract: Selecting a dimension representing the distance between a residential gas hookup, downwardly through an intended subterranean trench to a gas main typically located along a public right of way, such as a street, and selecting a plastic pipe having a predetermined length at least equal to such dimension. Then, fabricating at a manufacturing site remote from the intended site of installation, a kit including a metallic riser having an upper end formed with a coupling screw thread and a lower end. Inserting one extremity of the plastic pipe through the riser to leave an excess length projecting from such lower end, forming a joint between the plastic pipe and such upper end, coiling such excess length into a coil and securing the assembly in a package to form the kit. A selected number of the kits may then be stored in their packaged form for subsequent shipment to the installation site to be installed and connected to make a hookup between the hookup location at respective residences and such main gas line.

Abstract: A method for integration of the institutional supply chain for medical products utilizing a nested bill of materials on a care event level of a clinical pathway for one or more medical procedures. The medical supplies appropriate for use in a care event are expressed as a bill of materials. Each item of medical supply is assigned a unique identifier which includes at least identification of the item itself, identification of the supplier of the item, and identification of the care event with which the item is to be used. At a first location a portion of the supplies are unitized and containerized. This subassembly is transported to a second and remote location where further of the supplies are unitized and containerized, using the same container. Thereafter the unitized and containerized supplies are transported to the end user thereof.

Abstract: Briefly described, the present invention includes a product display and delivery system using uniquely tailored, modular, disposable cartridges. In accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, disposable cartridges having unique features are created from opposed, interlocking sleeves. Also, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, disposable cartridges are releasably joined in modular fashion to allow easy stacking, arrangement, and replacement of the cartridges.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing and transporting articles, such as contact lens sections from a manufacturing line to inspection and packaging stations. The lenses are deposited in a transparent plastic primary package which carries the lenses through the inspection station and becomes part of the primary package when a cover is sealed thereto. The invention includes various assemblies, including lens transfer assemblies, deionized water filling and removal assemblies, a water degassing assembly, a lens inspection assembly, and a lens package sealing assembly. The lenses are removed from pallets at a post hydration station, transported and spatially redistributed, and deposited in the primary packages disposed on a second set of pallets. The packages on the second set of pallets are filled with degassed deionized water. The contact lenses and packages are then transported to an inspection station.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated loading of a drilling machine package having a plurality of drill bit receiving openings arranged in a known configuration with verified precision drill bits from a drill bit container is disclosed. The apparatus includes an automated transfer machine which is connected to a control device, a package frame, a container receiving member, and a diameter sensing device. While not necessarily connected to the automated transfer machine, the package frame and the container receiving member are located at positions which are accessible by the automated transfer machine. Further, the diameter sensing device is operably associated with the automated transfer machine. The method of operation includes the control device recalling data specific to a particular job. A drill bit container is placed on the container receiving member.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging a plurality of substantially rigid sheet-like members. The system includes apparatus for carrying out the method steps of applying a liquified material to a selected location on a surface of each of the plurality of sheet-like members, cooling the liquified material to form a removable solid element adhering to the selected location on the surface, and stacking the plurality of sheet-like members for packaging such that the solid elements act as interleaving spacers therebetween protecting the sheet-like members from handling and shipping damage.

Abstract: A tape and terminal package (30, 84) is disclosed wherein terminals (52, 86, 88) of different relative sizes are positioned on a carrier tape (32) so that each is a standard height (64) above the surface (66) of the tape and a crimping zone (58, 96, 98) of each terminal is a standard distance (68) from a datum (62) on the tape. A shim tape (76, 92) is arranged between the smaller terminals (52-2, 88) and the carrier tape (32) to position them to the standard height (64), each different terminal having a specific thickness shim tape (76, 92). In this way, two or more different tape and terminal packages (30, 94), each package having terminals of a different size or type than the other packages, can be accommodated by a single applicator tool (50) without modification or adjustment. Additionally, a tape and terminal package having terminals of different sizes or types on the same carrier tape may be accommodated by a single applicator tool.

Abstract: A goods accommodation method and apparatus in which a container is set such that its opening is directed horizontally, and box-shaped goods are stacked on a slide such that their surfaces facing the opening of the container are aligned with each other. The goods are transferred into the container while they are held in the stacked state by inserting the slide together with the goods stacked thereon into the container and then quickly pulling the slide out of the container at a speed higher than the speed of insertion such that the stacked goods remain in the container. The container is then turned up such that its opening is directed upward.

Abstract: A needle shield for use in conjunction with a suture package includes foldable panels of puncture-resistant material bendable at perforated fold lines to wrap around a needled suture retainer. A tabbed locking means secures the needle shield in a closed configuration. The needle retainer and shield are loaded into an outer envelope and sterilized to provide a sterile packaged suture. A method of assembling the package is disclosed wherein a needled suture is loaded into the retainer, the needle shield is folded around the retainer, and the needle retainer and needle shield are loaded into and sealed within an outer envelope.

Abstract: A method of wrapping a floral grouping, preferably an orchid, with a wrapper which may be a sheet of material, a sleeve or a preformed pot cover. The wrapper is preferably constructed from a laminated material made up of at least a waxy layer and a support layer which are superposed upon each other and connected or laminated to each other. A second waxy layer may be connected or laminated to the other surface of the support surface. The waxy layer is made from a waxed paper or waxed tissue. The wrapped floral grouping may also contain a shredded material for cushioning the blooms of the floral grouping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the mix of articles in a plurality of containers. A first set of containers is conveyed to a mixing station, each container of the first set of containers containing a plurality of articles having physical characteristics differing from the physical characteristics of the plurality of articles in the other containers of the first set of containers. A second set of containers is transported to the mixing station, each of the containers of the second set of containers defining a space for accommodating a layer of articles. At the mixing station, articles are removed from each of the containers of the first set of containers, consolidated, and inserted into the containers of the second set of containers at the mixing station to at least partially form a layer of articles therein comprised of a mix of articles from all the containers of the first set of containers.

Abstract: Arranging a group of articles to be packaged so as to include a space for the insertion of a different article. All the articles except one are arranged in upright position. The one article is positioned on its side, between other articles. This creates a space above the one article into which a different article is inserted prior to packaging the articles in a multipack carton.

Abstract: A method for delivering an item or plurality of items to a predetermined destination. Packaging a plurality of items within a carton wherein the items are connectingly bonded to interior walls or inserts within the carton, and transporting the carton with the items disposed therein to the predetermined location. The items may be items of china, flower pots, vases or other similar items.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting partitions into a group of articles is disclosed. The method includes combining articles, such as beverage containers, to form an article group of predetermined configuration, including longitudinal rows of articles. The article group is conveyed toward a divider deposed in the path of travel. The divider, which includes an angled end portion that acts as a cam, separates the article subgroup into article subgroups. Once the article subgroups are transversely separated to a predetermined extent, a partition inserter places a partition between the article subgroups. The two subgroups are then recombined to affix the partition between adjacent articles. The recombined article group, including a partition, is then moved through the packaging machine to the next process step or simultaneously inserted into cartons.

Abstract: The invention provides a container and a method which includes substantially encasing a long thin pile of meat in a separator sheet defining a meat packet. Meat packets filled with a similar meat or a preselected combination of meats are placed, on edge, in groups into a container. Rigid members are placed between groups of packets of similar meat packet type. The container has sides which define an angle. The rigid members have edges which define a similar angle such that the rigid members are kept from falling over in the container in a self-locking way. The method minimizes the tendency of the meat packets to sag in the container by pressing the meat packets against an end wall of the container via one of the rigid members thereby imparting stress to the meat packets. The self locking of the rigid members tend to maintain the stress.