Abstract: A wrap suspended in air by creating a cushion of air above and below the wrap is inserted into an envelope, formed by a clear plastic cover and the body of a clamshell, by propelling the wrap and the cushion of air into the envelope. The clear plastic cover is initially moved away from the body of the clamshell to enlarge the envelope opening so the wrap can be inserted. Video cassettes or other articles may be located within the clamshell by a conveyor system substantially contemporaneously with the insertion of the wrap.

Abstract: A package system 10 containing a plurality of articles of manufacture comprises, a pallet 12, and a photographic product handling device releasably attached to the pallet 12. The photographic product handling device 13 comprises first and second platform assemblies 14, 22 having on one side positioning means formed thereon for facilitating stacking and resisting motion of the product contained therein. The opposite side of platform assembly 22 comprises at least one pair of spaced runners for conveniently stacking one package system 10 atop the other in an interlocking relationship. The sensitive photographic product 20 are encased in a foldable enclosure 18 defining an interior space, each end having releasably mounted thereon a platform assembly 14, 22 thereby forming a closed ended enclosure. Straps 24 are wrapped circumferentially around the closed ended enclosure 18 and the enclosure and pallet 12 are then wrapped with a stretchable material layer 30 to resist ambient contamination.

Abstract: In a method of transferring goods into a container 83, the container 83 is tilted toward a goods loader 18, and a goods transferring member 90 with goods accommodated therein is inserted into an upper empty space in the tilted container 83. Thereafter, the goods transferring member 90 is tilted downward, and in this tilted state, it is withdrawn to the outside of the container 83, thus effecting the transfer of the goods in it into the container 83.

Abstract: An arrangement of spacer means for positioning between articles such as containers comprises at least one spacer portion which is adapted to extend in an upstanding position in a substantially meander-like configuration as viewed in plan between the articles which are arranged in a row. The spacer portion can be formed by a process wherein a straight portion is introduced between two rows of articles, with the articles of one row being in displaced relationship with the articles of the other row. The two rows of articles are then moved together so as to constitute a common row, thereby deforming the straight portion into a portion of meander-like configuration extending between the articles for holding them in position.

Abstract: In a method of forming a package of cylindrical beverage cans, a predetermined number of cans is arranged to define a first tier. An insert panel is placed onto the first tier, having formed therein a plurality of substantially circular debossments, each debossment having a diameter not greater than the can top diameter and not less than the can bottom diameter. The debossments are arranged so that one debossment is positioned concentrically on top of each can of the lower tier. Onto the insert panel is placed a second tier of cans by sliding movement of each can along the insert panel until the can is positioned with its bottom seated within one debossment. The first tier, insert panel and second tier are slid together as a unit into a carton through its open end.

Abstract: A method for leveling a pallet load includes providing at least two pallets and a predetermined combination of containers and void fillers. The combination of containers and void fillers are placed upon a first pallet that has generally flat, horizontal top and bottom surfaces. The combination of containers and void fillers defines a horizontal plane upon which a second pallet, which has generally flat top and bottom surfaces, is stacked.

Abstract: A plurality of ice cream cones can have a removable protective covering applied thereto. An conveyor belt moves each cone of a plurality of conveying cones to a predetermined point. Prior to reaching the predetermined point, an edible adhesive is applied to the base of each cone. At the predetermined point, paper is applied to the base of the cone and adhered thereto. The cones are then stacked and packed for transport.

Abstract: A novel process provides an inflatable bag for filling the void and particularly head space of partially filled boxes, the bag comprising an air chamber therein and manufactured from a single sheet of linear, low density polyethylene folded and heat sealed with a first end seam, a second end seam, and an upper end seam, and the bag including a check valve traversing the upper seam, the valve in communication at one valve terminus with the air chamber and in communication with the exterior of the bag at a second valve terminus.

Abstract: A combined consumer product and discount coupon delivery package, such as an egg carton, having a shallow recess for containing a pack of coupons. The recess is covered by a label cover which has an integral openable access panel to expose the coupons and permit their extraction.

Abstract: A container construction and method for displaying a compact disc for sale and for subsequent storage thereof after purchase by a consumer. The container comprises a base having a storage compartment, a tray pivotally mounted on the base for releasably holding a compact disc, and a lid pivotally mounted on the base for enclosing the tray and disc within the storage compartment of the base to protect the compact disc when not in use after purchase. A locking mechanism is provided on first ends of the base, tray and lid and lock the base, lid and tray in a generally flat extended end-to-end relationship for display with the tray being pivoted into the lid so that the compact disc is secure between the lid and tray. Graphic sheets are placed over the base and lid when in the extended and locked position, and then covered with a clear plastic wrapper for display. After purchase, the wrapper and graphic sheets are removed and the base and lid pulled slightly apart to an unlocked position.

Abstract: Frozen dessert cones made from a cooked batter capable of having lower and higher moisture contents, which respectively cause the cone to assume dimensionally contracted and expanded states, are provided with sanitary jackets while in their dimensionally contracted state. When the cooked batter forming the cone attains a higher moisture content, the cone will dimensionally expand against the walls of the sanitary jacket thereby exerting a restraining force against removal of the jacket from the cone. The sanitary jacket is applied to an interior handle region of a cone so that the sanitary jacket will nest with the exterior surface of a downstream cone handle when stacked therewithin. A chute is provided so as to align and direct the sanitary jacket with respect to the interior handle region of the cone. A stream of pressurized fluid (e.g., air) is then preferably directed against the sanitary jacket so as to propel the same into a seated relationship with the interior handle region.

Abstract: A method of determining the packaging sequence of a packaging machine for mounting parts on a substrate at a plurality of designated positions by placing a substrate on a table and displacing the table relative to a parts holding device the method includes the steps of determining the displacing sequence to satisfy a constraint concerning the packaging sequence and to minimize the total amount of displacement of the table when mounting the parts on the substrate, and grouping together the parts that are to be successively mounted on the substrate at each of the designated positions after the table has been displaced relative to the parts holding device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing product samples to consumers along with a publication is disclosed in which a container is provided with cut-out recesses having a shape conforming to that of the samples. The samples are visibly retained within the recesses by a shrinkwrap covering surrounding the container. The container is then packaged with the publication within the protective shrinkwrap covering of the publication. The sample container is constructed from a compressible material that absorbs shocks and forces exerted on the container, thereby protecting the samples from damage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging articles includes a tray having a cavity adapted to receive the one or more articles therein. The cavity is defined by a pair of upstanding side walls, which extend slightly above the upper surface of the one or more articles when placed within the cavity. A retainer is adapted for securement to the upstanding side walls, and retains the one or more articles within the cavity. The retainer prevents outward movement of the articles from the cavity, and leaves a major portion of the articles exposed after packaging for viewing by a potential consumer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a frame for receiving a pallet therein. A supporting member is operatively connected to the frame so as to be horizontally slidable in a fore-and-aft direction with respect to the frame. The supporting member is positioned at a level which is higher than the plates which are generally vertically stood on the pallet. A plurality of vertical elongate members are secured to the supporting member so as to be horizontally slidable along a major surface of the supporting member in a lateral direction. Each elongate member is vertically telescopic and has a axially extending opening formed therein in which the spacer can be received. A pair of rollers are rotatably mounted on a top of each elongate member for guiding the spacer into the opening and lowering the spacer to a first position adjacent a major surface of a first plate which is generally vertically stood on the pallet.

Abstract: A method for accommodating a magnetic tape cassette and an index card in a book-case type cassette storage case into which the magnetic tape cassette is inserted while being moved in one direction so as to be accommodated therein. An index card is provided which is made of a rectangular sheet material. An end portion of the card is bent so that the portion is brought into planar contact with an inner surface of a rear wall of the cassette storage case when the index card is inserted in the storage case. The bending is performed along a bending line in one end portion of the index card in such a manner that, in the direction of thickness of the cassette storage case, the height (h.sub.1) of the bent portion is smaller than the height (H.sub.1) of an internal space in the cassette storage case when the index card is inserted into the cassette storge case, and the bent portion including a wide portion defined by a distance (w.sub.

Abstract: A method of packing empty collapsible tubes for shipment to the filler and sealer of the tubes, wherein the ten usually used diameter tubes can be packed into one of two standard size boxes.

Abstract: The system comprises at least one conveyor for carrying the bundles with equipment for checking bundle integrity and verifying correct addresses. Equipment can be included to remove unacceptable bundles and to divert each bundle to the predetermined conveyor and align the bundles properly. The bundles are rotated and held in position until a uniformed, and/or predetermined dimension log is achieved and then moved into position for strapping the log, identifying it and attaching the label. Conveyors are used to place each log in position to be palletized in conjunction with other logs. The logs can be rotated to create cross stacking of the logs and equipment can be used to raise or lower each layer of the logs. When the complete pallet is created an address and information label is prepared and attached.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for cutting a long roll of photographic prints into individual sheets, and for collating and packaging of those sheets. An automatic print cutter separates a long roll of photographic paper into sheets based on the location of a series of registration marks on the roll. Those photographs which are to be packaged together are collected and are transported by conveyor to a collating station where additional printed materials and packaging may be added to the batch. The batch of photographs and other materials is then conveyed to a packaging station, where the batch is inserted into a flexible bag for further handling. A printer associated with the packaging station prints information regarding the batch on the exterior of the package.

Abstract: A method of packaging articles and packaged article assemblies disclosed includes inflating a body such as a latex balloon or a bag with a drawstring preferably by evacuating the air in a chamber surrounding the body while the body is supported and sealed at the fill opening. An initial selected quantity of packaging particles are placed inside the inflated body followed by placing the article therein. The body is collapsed around the particles which distributes them in a substantially uniform layer surrounding the article from all sides and applies compressive forces inwardly from all sides to cushion the article in the body. Another method involves expanding an outer body, placing packaging particles in that body, collapsing that outer body and placing a second body in the outer body followed by expansion of the two and putting a fluid and article in the inner body and sealing the bodies closed.

Abstract: A pair of hose are mounted on a card for purpose of display or sale the card being inserted into one hose and the other hose being placed inside the first hose, between the latter and one surface of the card. Machinery for so assembling the hose and card has two supports and means to transfer a first hose from its support with eversion, to a holder in which a former is held. The second hose is everted by suction into its support and is then conveyed pneumatically into a hollow interior of the holding means, thereby placing it inside the first hose, to one side of the former. The former and the two hose assembled therewith are extracted from the holder, the first hose slipping from around the holder into an encircling relationship in contact with the former.

Abstract: The present invention provides a package for and method of packaging a sterilizable calibratable medical device including a hydratable sensor component. The device is maintained in a sterile environment during storage and in a clean environment during the calibration procedure. The package includes a manifold connected to the sensor component by plumbing. The plumbing establishes fluid communication between the manifold and the sensor component and/or between the sensor component and the ambient environment of the plumbing. The manifold, plumbing and medical device are sealed in a wrap including a gas-permeable surface. The wrap and its contents, including the interior surfaces of the components, are sterilizable by exposing the wrap to a gaseous sterilization solution and appropriately adjusting the plumbing. The medical device is hydratable by directing the hydration solution to the sensor component by means of the plumbing.

Abstract: A method and article for providing toy packaging. A number of shaped units are formed by winding strips of material about shaped objects. The shaped objects are combined to form a final package, such as, a train.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing dispenser-container containing wet and dry contents comprising:wet fibrous materials contained in an inner container made of a gas impervious sheet;the inner container having an opening for dispensing the wet fibrous materials therethrough or a weakened line for forming the opening;the opening or weakened line resealably covered by a flexible flap which is repeatedly attached to or removed from the inner container by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive;both the inner container containing wet fibrous materials and materials in a dry condition contained in an outer container while they are stacking with each other;the outer container having a first opening or a first weakened line for forming the first opening formed in a first surface at a portion coinciding with the opening or the weakened line formed in the inner container; andthe outer container having a second opening for dispensing the dry materials or a second weakened line for forming the second opening in a second surface

Abstract: An ice cream cone product is provided having a sanitary paper jacket adhered thereto which is sufficiently adherent for shipping, handling and vending but which is selectively removable without leaving jacket remnants thereon at the point of consumption. A jacket is telescopically juxtaposed over the cone after the jacket interior is dosed with water vapor or steam. A conveyor for the cones, a timed dispenser and injector for the jackets placing the latter alternately on the same conveyor with the cones, a device to combine each jacket with a cone and an accumulator for the jacketed cone product comprises the apparatus to practice the method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assembling battery cell elements having a plurality of electrode plates of alternating polarity separated by a continuous interleaved insulating sheet.

Abstract: A method for packaging and shaping sanitary napkins (10) in a container (44) is described. The method comprises advancing a succession of pre-moistened, embossed sanitary napkins (10) along a predetermined path (30), deflecting the ends of the napkins (10) by means of deflector guides (32) to impart a non-planar shape to the napkins (10), introducing the napkins (10) into a container (44) which provides packaging therefor, and reducing the moisture content in the napkins (10). After the moisture content is sufficiently reduced, e.g., as by evaporation during commercial storage or shipment, the napkins (10) retain their non-planar, curved shape after removal from the container (44) for individual use.

Abstract: A device and method for packing chocolates or related products includes a mold with a series of cavities. Product push devices cross the bottoms of the cavities so that the chocolates are pushed out of the mold to later be drawn together and carried into a box. The mold includes slots which receive longitudinal and transverse separating partitions. Product push devices push the partitions out of the slots while the chocolates are pushed out of the mold, so that the partitions remain between the chocolates for placement into a box.

Abstract: A support frame and method of making and packaging such frame which comprises a pair of similarly constructed end supports formed of readily bendable structural members, each having a specifically constructed notch configuration about which the structural members can be readily bent to define an inverted U-shaped end support. The arrangement is such that the ends of side rails for maintaining opposed end supports in predetermined spaced relationship are disposed within the respective notches whereby the notches closed about the end of a corresponding side rail to positively secure the rails to the end support during the bending and forming of the U-shaped end support. The structural members and side rails defining the complete support frame are packaged as elongated rectilinear members in complementary pairs with the side rails packaged between a pair of elongated unbent end support members so as to occupy a minimum of space for shipping or packing.

Abstract: A box packing machine and process for packing a shipping box such as a carton with a group of containers such as bottles and cans smoothly without interference between separators and containers. Separators are placed at predetermined positions inside an intermediate box, and a group of containers transported in a matrix form with certain raws and columns and lying on a conveyor are loaded into the intermediate box. Then the containers and separators thus loaded in the intermediate box are transferred into a shipping box such as a carton as a unit and without changing their relative positional relationship. Containers are originally transported upright and in a single line, and they are laid down onto another conveyor every predetermined number whereby containers being laid down are supported on both sides.

Abstract: An improved infusion bag for containing, for example, tea, is disclosed wherein the top of the bag is reinforced by a flexible strip folded into two wings which encompass the top of the bag. One wing extends along the length of the bag and projects beyond the bottom to serve as a pull strap for removing the bag from a box-like container. A method of packaging a plurality of such infusion bags is also disclosed.