Abstract: The invention is to change the current way of packing cigarettes in a pack in order to improve and ease the way of pulling them out after opening the pack. Current way of packing cigarettes in a pack places the cigarettes on the same level what complicates pulling the first cigarettes out from the pack after its opening. It also makes the smokers touch many cigarettes in order to get only one of them, which makes the whole process unhygienic. The above-mentioned problem can be effectively solved by differentiating the level of the cigarettes packed in the pack. Cigarettes in the center of the pack are packed on a slightly higher level that the remaining cigarettes closer to the sides of the pack; however, the differentiating of the levels may be gained and applied to any other place in the box, not necessarily to the cigarettes in a center.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an apparatus (10) comprising a turning mechanism which is adapted to change the orientation of a number of packaging containers (12) in motion in a filling machine, from a first orientation (20) to a second orientation (22), comprising a conveyor (26) provided with at least one carrier (28) to which at least one carrier unit is connected. According to the invention, the carrier unit is rotary in relation to the carrier (28) about a geometric axis of rotation and is adapted to carry the packaging container (12) in such a manner that the point of gravity of the packaging container during the change in orientation is substantially located on the geometric axis of rotation, and the point of gravity of the packaging container thereby maintains substantially the same direction and speed from the first to the second orientation (20, 22).

Abstract: A packaging system for hydrating sterile devices without comprising the integrity of the sterilization. The packaging system may include an enclosure for enclosing a device requiring hydration, a container containing a hydrate, a base located within the interior of the enclosure and an activating member located within the interior of the enclosure. The container and the device may be located within a receptacle. The receptacle may rest on the base and the activating member may be affixed on top of the receptacle. A force may be exerted on an exterior portion of the enclosure such that the activating member pushes on the receptacle and crushes or ruptures the container. The hydrate located within the container is then released to the device, thereby hydrating the device without breaking the seal of the enclosure. The sterilized environment is therefore maintained and the device is hydrated.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging consumer products that include a number of individual pieces is provided. A pulp insert tray that includes a number of form fitting receiving locations to receive the individual pieces of the set separates and protects the individual pieces from damage resulting from uncontained packaging. A retainer may be used in association with the insert tray to provide additional support of the individual pieces, and assist in the final assembly of the packaged set. The use of pulp as the insert tray material provides significant ecological benefit.

Abstract: An arrangement of envelope packages, the arrangement including a plurality of discreet envelope packages, each package including a plurality of generally aligned envelopes which are compressed together. The plurality of envelope packages are arranged in a first row and a second row located above the first row in a vertical direction thereof. At least one envelope package of the first row is oriented generally perpendicular to at least one envelope package of the second row.

Abstract: A method and device to form packing units (12) consisting of at least two packs (10, 11). To this end, the successively conveyed packs (10, 11) are tilted by 90° in the region of a turning line (20) in such a way that the associated packs (10, 11) are oriented towards each other in the correct relative position for the packing unit (12). Every second pack (11) is delayed during the turning process so that it can be oriented towards the associated pack (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging articles such as pouches which do not have rigid structures. The method includes the steps of placing first and second sets of the articles onto spaced apart loading panels of a carton blank so that the article sets are spaced apart with an unloaded further panel of the blank disposed between the article sets, raising the spaced loading panels together with the respective sets of articles to transfer the sets of articles to the unloaded further panel so that the unloaded further panel becomes the loaded base of the carton and the loading panels become opposed side panels of the carton.

Abstract: Sliced bread packaging method and equipment enable that sliced bread units, each unit having different predetermined numbers of bread slices, are smoothly supplied into a same one packaging apparatus. Sliced bread is conveyed in a standing state by a sliced bread feed-in conveyor to be fed in a first supply path conveying the sliced bread of one pound in the standing state, or in a second supply path conveying the sliced bread of a half pound in the standing state. The sliced bread of the one pound on the first supply path is discharged as it is on a sliced bread receiving path of the packaging apparatus. The sliced bread of the half pound on the second supply path is received by an upsetting device to be turned by 90° into a laying condition and is supplied into the packaging apparatus in this turned state.

Abstract: A novel packaging article and method are disclosed for an array of flexible, absorbent articles compressed or uncompressed, having an article front face, and article back face, an article top face, an article bottom face, and a pair of article side faces. An upper article section and a lower article section have mutually different calipers. The flexible, absorbent articles are placed in a configuration array such that article front faces contact article front faces or such that article back faces contact back faces of adjacent absorbent articles. The package provides an array having preferred size and requires less compressibility force. A flexible outer casing does not require compressing wrapping to maintain the array as previously required in conventional packaging arrays having flexible outer casing. The packaging article and method are particularly suited for providing preferred advantages to the packaging and commercial distribution of disposable diapers.

Abstract: A packaging machine for loading a plurality of articles into a carton which mechanism comprises carton erecting means for part erecting said carton to define a first article receiving cell, means for selecting a group of articles comprising at least two articles, means for separating said grouped articles from an adjacent like group of articles, means for loading said grouped articles into said first article receiving cell through an open end thereof in the packaging carton and a means for completing the construction of the carton. There also comprises a mechanism for forming a carton including a pair of article receiving cells comprising complementary die members, each said die member being mounted to a rotating wheel wherein each said complementing die member is adapted to interengage when a blank is positioned between the two members, such that said die members cause the blank to be folded to define said article receiving cells.

Abstract: A stack of planographic printing plates is accommodated in a packaging box for planographic printing plates in a manner such that imaging surfaces of the planographic printing plates are directed toward a bottom face plate. Therefore, when the packaging box for planographic printing plates is opened in a manner such that top face plates are directed upwards, the imaging surfaces of the planographic printing plates are directed downwards.

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus for accumulating selected articles can include an inputting of a plurality of individual articles (28) from an article supply source (26). Each article can have at least a first major facing surface (30), a first article dimension (32) extending along a first article direction, a second article dimension (34) extending along a second article direction which differs from the first article direction, and an article edge region (36). Each article can be directed to a first conveyor (50), and in a particular aspect, the first article dimension of each article can be aligned along a selected machine-direction (22). Another aspect can include an identifying of an article-set (70) which contains a selected, predetermined number of the articles. Further aspects can include a forming of at least one article-set which contains the selected number articles arranged in a stack or other arrangement suitable for packaging; and a moving of the article-set into a package.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging oriented containers in a container carrier wherein a plurality of containers are fed into an orienter device for orienting a container in a desired rotational position prior to placement in a container carrier. The orienter device includes a reader for determining an initial orientation of the container; a control system for determining a shortest rotational distance from the initial orientation to the desired rotational position between a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction; and a chuck engaged with the container and in communication with the control system for rotating the container the shortest rotational distance to the desired rotational position.

Abstract: A package for companion products has two containers (102, 104), each comprising a mating formation (408, 502) protruding in a direction toward the other container and defining a mating surface facing at an angle to the direction of protrusion and engaging the mating surface of the other container. Each container has a generally flat bottom and a center of gravity in vertical alignment with the generally flat bottom, whereby each container can stand independently of the other container. The shape of each container is the same as the other, and the containers are attached to one another. The shape enables the mating surfaces to be brought into engagement with one another by movement in a plane parallel to the bottoms of the containers.

Abstract: A robotic loading cell for plastic utensils is characterized by a synchronized supply conveyor and gripping mechanism for packaging individual utensils from an integrally molded group or rack of utensils. The gripping device is operable to remove a plurality of individually stacked utensils from the integral racks. A robotic transfer mechanism connected with the gripping device transfers the utensils to a packaging assembly. Operation of the conveyor, gripper and robotic transfer device is coordinated through a programmed controller.

Abstract: The method stores and/or transports at least partially deformable items, such as caps for containers. One embodiment of the method has the following steps: identifying for at least one item an edge-on plane that is associated with a more deformable direction of the at least one item and an axial plane that is associate with a less deformable direction of the at least one item; and orienting the at least one item such that the edge-on plane of the at least one item is substantially vertical, the at least one item being stored and/or transported in an unsecured manner relative to other deformable items. This method therefore provides cost savings to both manufacturers and users by reducing the number of damaged and deformed items or caps during storage and/or transport.

Abstract: A method and device for turning over stacks of products on a cartoning machine, whereby a group of products, arranged in at least one stack, is fed into a container, from which the group is expelled by a push device after the container is rotated 90° about an axis from a loading position to a turned-over unloading position; the container has a first and a second passage enabling the push device to move through the container when the container is in the turned-over unloading position and the loading position respectively. (FIG.

Abstract: Handling stand up bags (2) for beverages, wherein as bags (2) are filled, closed, provided with a drinking straw (3) and, being inserted in a plurality of bags into an outer packaging (4), are discharged, so as to make such a method faster and thus more economic, the stand up bags (2) are transported in a lying position between closing and insertion into the outer packaging (4).

Abstract: A system and method for packaging oriented containers in a container carrier wherein a plurality of containers are fed into an orienter device for orienting a container in a desired rotational position prior to placement in a container carrier. The orienter device includes a reader for determining an initial orientation of the container; a control system for determining a shortest rotational distance from the initial orientation to the desired rotational position between a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction; and a chuck engaged with the container and in communication with the control system for rotating the container the shortest rotational distance to the desired rotational position.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging shaped charges (12) for transportation is disclosed. Each shaped charge (12) includes a housing (14) and a liner (16) having a high explosive disposed therebetween. A jet spoiler (20) is positioned proximate the liner (16) of each of the shaped charges (12) to prevent the formation of a jet in the event of an inadvertent initiation of a shaped charge (12). The shaped charges (12) are then oriented in first and second layers such that the jet spoilers (20) positioned proximate the liners (16) of the shaped charges (12) in the first and second layers oppose one another. A shielding panel (22) is disposed between the shaped charges (12) of the first and second layers. The shaped charges (12) including the jet spoilers (20) and the shielding panel (22) are placed within an expandable bag (32) which is in turn enclosed within a transportation container (34).

Abstract: Device for filling cartons (11) by inserting a group—filler group (19)—of small packs, pouches (10), into the carton (11), which is open at the top. The filler group (19) of pouches (10) corresponds to one layer (20) in the carton (11). A special filling conveyor (25) conveys the filler group (19) into the carton (11) and lays the pouches down one after another, forming a layer (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging flexible-pouch packaged goods into cartons, trays, or the like is disclosed. An infeed section receives the packages from a source, orients the packages, and presents them to a picking device. The picking device has at least one picker head which contains a plurality of grabbers. The grabbers clutch the pouches, translate them to the tray or box loading station, then deposit the pouches in a composite motion which enables the pouches to be laid down in a space efficient and visually pleasing shingled manner. The process is controlled by a control unit programmable for a variety of product packaging configurations. The apparatus and process are especially suited for use with stand-up type or gussetted pouches.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging shaped charges (12) for transportation is disclosed. Each shaped charge (12) includes a housing (14) and a liner (16) having a high explosive disposed therebetween. A jet spoiler (20) is positioned proximate the liner (16) of each of the shaped charges (12) to prevent the formation of a jet in the event of an inadvertent initiation of a shaped charge (12). The shaped charges (12) are then oriented in first and second layers such that the jet spoilers (20) positioned proximate the liners (16) of the shaped charges (12) in the first and second layers oppose one another. A shielding panel (22) is disposed between the shaped charges (12) of the first and second layers. The shaped charges (12) including the jet spoilers (20) and the shielding panel (22) are placed within an expandable bag (32) which is in turn enclosed within a transportation container (34).

Abstract: A method for packaging flat articles in a stack in a package such as a box. In particular, the method is used to stack articles having different thicknesses at different ends in the direction of their plane. A stack portion is gripped by a gripping device and rotated 180° from the direction of an adjacent stack portion.

Abstract: A bucket on a bucket conveyor has a movable member or wall movable to a laid down position for receiving a horizontally disposed item. The member or wall is moved to reorient the item into an upright position for loading into a carton with another item later introduced into the bucket on another side of the movable member from the first item. Multiple items, inserts and/or multiple products can be handled. Methods and apparatus are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the handling of individual flat articles coming out of a production machine (3). The articles may be particularly letter envelopes, which are assembled and, if needed further processed and packaged. The core of the invention resides in that initially a plurality of flat articles or letter envelopes (2, 2a) are lifted as partial stacks (8, 8a) and then are deposited at another location, and in that the partial stacks, during lifting and/or depositing (rearranging), are moved in such a way that the flat articles or letter envelopes (2, 2a) are standing, following the deposition, on the same side or edge (b) as originally or on another side or edge (a).

Abstract: A system and method of arranging products, such as batteries, in a display package according to a desired orientation with efficient space utilization. The method includes providing products to be packaged, and applying an invisible orientation marking on each of the products. The orientation marking is visible when illuminated with ultraviolet light and is generally invisible to consumers under normal ambient light conditions. The method also includes illuminating the products with ultraviolet light, scanning each of the products, detecting the orientation marking on each of the products, orienting each of the products based on the detecting steps, and disposing each of the oriented products in a package so that the products have a desired orientation.

Abstract: As a substrate (10) is carried on a conveyor (20), an image analysis system (40) detects its presence and derives the various data, at least indicative of the footprint. The footprint data are used in selecting appropriate packaging components. Data may also indicate the transverse location and/or orientation and/or alignment of a substrate, and be used to control position adjustors for adjusting one or more of these. Data may also serve for categorizing the substrate, e.g., in terms of size or color. Such data may be used to control rejection of products, or categorization, e.g., by selection of distinguishable packaging.

Abstract: A foodstuff collating apparatus having a plurality of discrete channels within which foodstuffs are collated. The apparatus is elevated at one end to provide a slide for the foodstuff with the channels converging from one end of the apparatus to the other. As the foodstuff slides down a channel, the former is oriented from a random position to an ordered vertical disposition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus adapted to bunch together a predetermined number of inverted PTPs and uninverted PTPs into a bundle, and then transfer each PTP bundle to a bucket conveyor which moves intermittently in parallel with a conveying passage. A multitude of PTPs, a portion of which are inverted with respect to the conveying direction and the rest of which are not inverted, are conveyed along a first conveying passage while maintaining the blistered surfaces of the inverted and uninverted PTPs in parallel with each other. A selected portion of the PTPs being conveyed in the first conveying passage is pinched and separated from the same passage. The separated PTPs are bunched together while the spacing between the separated PTPs is narrowed in the conveying direction. The bunched PTPs are transferred onto a second conveying passage across the first conveying passage. The bunched PTPs are loaded into a bucket provided on a bucket conveyor which intermittently travels along the second conveying passage.

Abstract: A device to manipulate hosiery comprises a swift-tack apparatus joined to a j-hook magazine which selectively attaches a swift tack to a hosiery stack with or without a j-hook. The hosiery stack is then selectively inverted by a pair of rotatable clamps. The hosiery stack is then selectively rotated to a desired orientation by a turntable. The hosiery stack is then stacked with other hosiery stacks by means of a drop arrangement onto a lift plate. The combined stacks are then selectively attached one to the other by a second swift-tack apparatus. The above manipulations are effectuated preferably by pneumatic power and a plurality of pusher plates and lift plates.

Abstract: Packaging a plurality of cuboid containers, such as cigarette packs, in a package that is larger than the containers is enabled by arranging the containers in an offset array in which adjacent sides of the containers are offset from each other by a predetermined amount. A blank of relatively stiff material is folded around the array to form the package. The amount the containers are offset in the array is the same amount by which the package sides are longer than the adjacent sides of the containers. This enables the array in effect to fill the package even though the containers themselves are smaller than the package. The invention is particularly useful for cigarette packs since it enables the same package blank to be used for different size cigarette packs.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for handling (individual) packs (10), namely for packaging the latter in a folding box or the like. The packs (10), which, for production or other reasons, are fed in a specific relative position, to be introduced into the folding box as a pack group (22) in another predetermined relative position. For this purpose, turning stations (27, 49) are installed in the region of the pack conveyor and rotate the packs (10)--depending on requirements--about a horizontal axis and/or about a vertical axis.

Abstract: In a method for packaging flat articles, articles are brought in a continuous stack (P) along a support level to a grouping station so that their planes are upright from the support level, wherein product batches to be placed in a package, such as a box, are separated from the stack by an automatic grouping device. For grouping articles having different thicknesses at different ends in the direction of their plane, a stack portion (OP) is separated from the stack, the stack portion is gripped by a gripping device, and it is rotated around one axis so that its direction deviates from the original. The first stack portions (OP) so rotated are placed next to such second stack portions, whose directions in relation to said one axis deviate 180.degree. from the direction of the first stack portions, and the first and second stack portion so placed next to each other are formed to the product batch to be placed in the package.

Abstract: A bag of folded disposable diapers including folded diapers arranged in at least two superimposed stacks in a direction substantially parallel to their thickness. Each of the diapers has a pair of substantially planar surfaces which are oriented to be substantially parallel to the side panels of the bag and each diaper is folded along at least one folding line in the cross direction so as to define at least one folded area and two non-folded end areas. The diapers are arranged in the bag such that the non-folded end areas corresponding to the waist areas are positioned inwardly, away from the end panels of the flexible bag.

Abstract: Systems and methods reorient head-to-head aligned leading and following articles to from an array of alternating head-to-tail oriented articles. The leading and following articles are initially captured at their respective head portions, and thereafter laterally shifted relative to one another. The laterally shifted leading and following articles may then be pivoted so that their respective tail portions swing towards one another to thereby form an array of alternating head-to-tail oriented articles. A moveable transfer tray may be brought into a position below the captured array of head-to-tail oriented articles so that upon their release, the array of a head-to-tail oriented articles falls by gravity and into the awaiting tray therebelow. The tray may then be retracted so as to carry the array of head-to-tail articles to a remote site, preferably above a transfer conveyor.

Abstract: A package (1) comprising an array (3) of compressed, flexible absorbent articles (5) that have a front face (7), a back face (9), a top face (6), a bottom face (8), side faces (10), an upper section (11) and a lower section (13). The upper and lower sections have mutually different compressibilities and calipers, and the absorbent articles are placed with the front and back faces in a contacting relationship. The package comprises a flexible outer casing (19).

Abstract: An automatic filing device for photos, prints and other similar materials for inserting pairs of photos arranged back-to-back into envelopes. The insertion is carried out by means of a rotating shelf (5) on which the photos are placed and a pusher (7) which slides them into the envelopes. The method of insertion is also described.

Abstract: A load portion is engaged in an infeed area and transported from the infeed area to a wrapping area with rotational, horizontal, and vertical carriers. Those carriers move the portion of the load horizontally along two horizontal degrees of freedom and one vertical degree of freedom by rotating a portion of the load about a vertical axis and translating the portion of the load along a generally linear horizontal direction and a generally linear vertical direction. The load is disengaged in the wrapping area and a stretch wrap packaging material dispenser is engaged and is transported to the wrapping area by the same rotational, horizontal, and vertical carriers to wrap the portion of the load with stretch wrap packaging material by using, once again, the same rotational, horizontal, and vertical carriers to rotate the dispenser around the load.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for introducing compressible packs, especially bundles (10) or bundle groups (16, 17) comprised of small packs (11) of paper tissues into a carton (15). Articles or packs or pack groups of cellulose products are difficult to handle from the point of view of packaging technology. For the introduction into a carton (15) open at the top, bundle groups (16, 17) consisting of a multitude of small packs (11) of paper tissues are mechanically compressed, especially into a V-shaped form, then grasped on the top side by a lifting head (23) with suction holders (24 to 27) and held by suction. The lifting head (23) conveys a complete layer of bundle groups (16, 17) into the carton (15) from above, the compressed, reduced formation of the bundles (10) being maintained until they are deposited in the carton (15).

Abstract: A method and unit for forming and wrapping groups of cigarettes, whereby cigarettes are fed, crosswise to their respective axes, onto a supporting surface to form, on the supporting surface, a multilayer group located between two opposite retaining heads of a pocket for conveying the group; the two retaining heads leave a lateral surface of the group substantially free, and feed the group along the supporting surface, and crosswise to the respective axes of the cigarettes, through a supply line for supplying sheets of wrapping material.

Abstract: Levelling method realized by the simultaneous action of an abutment device and a retaining device for the product, rotating at variable speed in a periodic manner. The abutment device eliminates the end projections of the elements of the long shaped pasta, while the retaining device holds the single long shaped pasta elements firmly in their position, acting from above. The rotational speed varies during levelling, from a value equal to that of the transport collector for the product, so that the devices may be introduced in the collector, to a slowed down value, lasting for a longer time, where the soft contact between the levelling devices and the levelling product occurs.

Abstract: A method for transferring filled tea bags from a single track tea packaging machine to a two-track processing machine includes the steps of feeding tea bags in single file to a transfer station and positioning each tea bag individually therein. The tea bags are deposited alternatingly to the left and to the right onto a left and a right track of the two-track transporting table by pivoting the tea bags in sequential movements about a first axis and about a second axis, wherein the first and second axes extend transverse to one another. The tea bags are then transported on the left and right tracks in double file to the processing machine.

Abstract: The packaging of agricultural or horticultural produce requires much manual work, particularly when the stalks of fruits such as apples are all made to point in the same direction and/or when the most attractively colored side is properly presented. The invention relates to and provides a method which can be performed automatically wherein at least one camera recorded images of products are made and the products are packed subject to the recorded images.

Abstract: A method for packaging cans or tubes continuously delivered from a production installation to pick-up elements, which are moved in steps, of an intermediate station. A gripper device brings the cans or tubes in groups according to the desired number of pieces in a packaging layer to a delivery station. Each can or tube is deposited into a support element, after which the cans or tubes are pushed together out of the support elements into a loading station. The cans or tubes are placed at equal distances into the pick-up elements, wherein individual support elements are placed apart from each other at a predetermined distance. The cans or tubes are then deposited into the support elements at distances predetermined by the pick-up elements. The support elements are subsequently moved together until they touch each other, whereupon the cans or tubes are then pushed into the loading station. This method allows the use of the same apparatus for different can diameters with minimal changing effort.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of conveying, slicing and packaging half loaves, starting from whole bread loaves. The loaves, which are conveyed perpendicularly to their longitudinal direction, are sliced in halves by a band slicer arranged in the path of conveyance, and one half from each loaf is turned 180.degree. about an axis extending perpendicularly to the plane of conveyance of the loaves, and the halves of each loaf are positioned one behind the other, are sliced into slices and are packaged in bags. The half to be turned is accelerated in forward direction and is brought in front of the other half from the respective loaf during turning. The invention also relates to an apparatus including a turn table to turn said half.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for introducing compressible packs, especially bundles (10) or bundle groups (16, 17) comprised of small packs (11) of paper tissues into a carton (15). Articles or packs or pack groups of cellulose products are difficult to handle from the point of view of packaging technology. For the introduction into a carton (15) open at the top, bundle groups (16, 17) consisting of a multitude of small packs (11) of paper tissues are mechanically compressed, especially into a V-shaped form, then grasped on the top side by a lifting head (23) with suction holders (24 to 27) and held by suction. The lifting head (23) conveys a complete layer of bundle groups (16, 17) into the carton (15) from above, the compressed, reduced formation of the bundles (10) being maintained until they are deposited in the carton (15).

Abstract: A method and machine whereby two rigid packets, traveling in a first direction parallel to the longer longitudinal axes of the packets, are transferred to the inputs of respective conveyors, one of the two packets being rotated 180.degree. about its longitudinal axis, and the other packet being rotated 180.degree. about an axis crosswise to its longitudinal axis; and the two packets are fed along the respective conveyors in a second direction crosswise to the respective longer longitudinal axes and to the crosswise axis into a position wherein the two packets present a common longitudinal axis, are oppositely oriented along the common longitudinal axis, are rotated 180.degree. in relation to each other about the common longitudinal axis, and are connectable to form a twin packet.

Abstract: An apparatus for bundling truss plates includes comprises means for forming a plurality of truss plates and means for forming these truss plates into a unitized bundle that is easily shipped, stored, and handled. The apparatus can include means for orienting each of the plurality of truss plates so that the backing members are substantially parallel to a predetermined plane, aligning means for aligning the oriented truss plates so that the peripheries of their backing members are substantially aligned, stacking means for stacking the oriented and aligned truss plates, and interconnecting means for interconnecting the stacked truss plates into a unitized bundle.

Abstract: A universal airplane jet engine turbine blade packing case assembly for securely holding a matched turbine blade pair of various shapes, sizes, and profiles for safe shipping and storage includes a molded housing having a base and a hinged lid, with the housing being partitioned into two sections, one section for each turbine blade. Each section includes a dial rotatably affixed to the inside of the base, with a tapered slot in the dial for slidably receiving and engaging a turbine blade root when the slot is in a vertical loading position. When the root has been slid into the dial, rotating the turbine blade causes the dial to also rotate, which causes the slot opening to rotate behind a portion of the housing such that the turbine root is now positively held within the dial. The turbine blade and dial are rotated further until the turbine blade chord is aligned vertically in a stow position.