Abstract: Equipment 10 for packing cylindrical articles includes a receiving station 18 for receiving articles to be packed. A displacing device is arranged in the receiving station 18 in proximity to a conveyor 16 for displacing articles from the conveyor 16. An accumulating station 22 is mountable relative to the conveyor 16 to receive articles displaced from the conveyor 16. The accumulating station 22 is displaceably arranged relative to the receiving station 18 to facilitate formation of a predetermined close packed array in the accumulating station 22.

Abstract: A collator and stacking apparatus, system and method for the collation and stacking of asymmetric plastic blister packages having a blister at or toward one end on a flat card, which comprises package-receiving inverter and sliding trays each with a tray surface, upwardly extending sides and a one and other end, for receiving each a package thereon, the received package being in the same orientation on each tray surface. The inverter trays have stops to position the received package on the tray surface as it moves between a package receiving position and an inverted package discharge position, wherein the package is inverted and placed within a collation track perpendicular to the trays, the track having a first and second end for receiving periodically an inverted package from the inverter tray and a slidable package from the sliding tray in a spaced-apart alternating arrangement within the track rails.

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: A method for loading a liquid into a container made of a resin comprises the steps of holding a portion of a bag, which is made of a resin film and which is provided with an opening, the portion surrounding the opening, and thereby suspending the bag in a case housing, which is to accommodate the bag therein. A predetermined amount of a liquid is poured through the opening into the bag, which is being suspended in the case housing, and thereafter the opening is closed. After the liquid has been poured into the bag, but before the opening is closed, the case housing is moved up, and the bag is thereby pushed up a predetermined distance, an appropriate amount of air being thus introduced into the bag having been loaded with the liquid. Worsening of the orientation or form of the bag and scratching or flawing of the bag are thus prevented from occurring due to vibrations given to the bag during its transportation, or the like.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus for housing a stacked supply of hooks which permits the individual withdrawal of a lowermost hook from the stack. A dispensing apparatus provides a chamber having an open top, a rear wall, two side walls, a front wall, a spaced floor providing a gap between the floor and the front wall, the front wall providing a longitudinal opening transversing the wall, the opening permitting the passage of a loop portion of each hook.

Abstract: Empty tubes are received in a pallet with the tubes oriented with their central axes substantially perpendicular to a conveyor plane and at a predetermined spacing along first and second axes that are perpendicular to each other and parallel to the conveyor plane. All the empty tubes are simultaneously removed from the pallet, and the tubes are moved mutually apart along the first axis and are subsequently moved mutually apart along the second axis, and the tubes are then filled and sealed. The tubes are moved mutually together to a spacing that is substantially the same as the predetermined spacing and the filled tubes are placed in a pallet.

Abstract: A method and device for producing cartons of cigarettes from respective groups of equioriented packets forming a first and second row arranged one on top of and contacting the other, whereby the two rows of packets in each group are parted to enable the first row to be rotated substantially 180.degree. in relation to the second prior to restoring the first row to the superimposed mutually contacting position.

Abstract: A method to form stacked article groups utilizing packaged carton structures. The method utilizes first and second streams of packaged article groups, each packaged article group having predetermined graphic arrangements. The first and second streams are directed onto each other whereby the united packages form stacked article carriers having a unitary packaging graphic display.

Abstract: Tubular packs, which contain a wound scale formation of flat products, particularly printed products, are conveyed over predeterminable conveying paths from at least one pack-producing apparatus (W.multidot.1, W.multidot.2) to at least one forwarding or intermediate storage station (A). For this purpose the packs are conveyed away from the pack-producing apparatus (W.multidot.1, W.multidot.2) with axes oriented in the conveying direction in a longitudinal conveying direction (FP.sub.1). Then in a distributing station (VU) or a deflecting station (U) for distributing the packs to different despatch units and/or for combining the packs into identical despatch units the conveying direction of at least part of the packs, for a constant axial position, is modified by substantially 90.degree. into a transverse conveying direction (FP.sub.q). Combined packs can be compressed in a combining station (ZU) and bound together to form double or multiple packs (PP) using a wrapping means.

Abstract: A method and machine whereby a first and second rigid packet are fed in a first direction parallel to the longer longitudinal axes of the packets; are transferred to the input of respective feed channels, the second packet being rotated 180.degree. in relation to the first; are fed at different speeds along the respective channels, in a second direction perpendicular to their longer longitudinal axes, until they are positioned coaxial but axially spaced in relation to each other; the end wall of one of the two packets is gummed; and the packets are brought together so that the end walls adhere to each other, thus forming a double packet.

Abstract: An article handling device for handling identical articles having one end that is thicker than the other end entering the device along a supply path containing a plurality of identically aligned articles wherein the leading end of each article is of the same thickness. The article handling device effects a dividing of a specified number of articles entering a transfer section into two groups, a first group being transferred directly to an exit section, a second group being transferred directly to a reversing section while a still further third group, previously transferred to the reversing section and reversed in orientation relative to the first and second groups, is transferred from the reversing section to the exit section. The first and third groups of articles are thereafter united as the orientation of the second group is reversed. The united first and third groups form a solid rectangular volume which can be easily packaged with no wasted space.

Abstract: A method for transferring articles between containers to vary the mix of articles in the containers. A plurality of containers are moved to a mixing station and apparatus including a robot removes selected articles from the containers and places them into other of the containers to provide the desired mix of articles. In the arrangement disclosed, the articles are cups and the method is employed to change the color mix of the cups in the containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for automated loading of pipette tips (26) into storage containers or racks (28). The apparatus (21, 21a) includes a tip-orienting roller assembly (22, 22a) for orienting the tips (26) in side-by-side contact and general parallel alignment, and a spacer assembly (24, 24a) which engages the tips (26) and pushes them from the orienting assembly (22) while simultaneously spacing them at a spacing suitable for insertion into a storage container or rack (28) having spaced apart tip-receiving openings (81). In the preferred embodiment, the tip orienting assembly (22) is provided by a vibratory feeder (30) which feeds a pair of spaced apart and inclined counter-rotating rollers (36, 37), and the spacer assembly (24) pushes the tips (26) between the rollers (36, 37) and into an intermediate transfer nest assembly (27, 27a). The nest assembly (27, 27a) transfers between the roller assembly (23) and the pipette tip rack or box (28).

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for preventing vane jams in cigarette hoppers. The apparatus and method of the invention are characterized by a plurality of curved elements or guides extending from the back to the front of the hopper. The guides help straighten cigarettes that have become slightly skewed in relation to cigarettes that are correctly positioned in the hopper. The guides also prevent cigarettes that have become skewed to a greater extent or turned perpendicular to correctly positioned cigarettes in a hopper from reaching the vanes of the hopper and causing jam or blockages of the vanes. The guides stop the descent through the hopper of mispositioned cigarettes and cause such cigarettes to slide toward either the front or back wall of the hopper for removal.

Abstract: The method of packing into boxes ice cream cones comprises the following operative steps: positioning of at least one basket (C) with the ice creams G, in position with at least one empty box (S) which is open upwards; lifting and removal of two parallel rows of ice creams from their seats in the basket; composite rotation of the two rows of ice creams, upwards and in opposite directions through 90.degree.

Abstract: A bottle loader and method for loading bottles onto shelves on a rack. The bottle loader has a carrier car rotatably supported on a frame. The bottles are placed in a vertical position and urged onto the carrier car. The bottles are then rotated on the carrier car from the vertical position to a horizontal position while horizontally aligning the bottles with the shelf on the rack. Once the bottles are aligned, they are urged off of the carrier car and onto the rack.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for identifying, picking up, placing and packaging a plurality of different packaging a plurality of different types of items such as utensils. Utensils are deposited onto a conveyor belt system that separates clusters of utensils and transports them to an identification site where a vision system identifies them by type, location and orientation and to a pick-up site where they are selectively picked up and placed in a collection pan to form a desired utensil set. When the collection pan has a desired utensil set, it is emptied into a placement bucket on a movable bucket conveyor which transports the set to an automatic bagging machine. The set may be supplemented with napkins dispensed from an automated napkin dispenser or other with other items from other machines operatively connected to the system.

Abstract: A novel method for the packing of decorative lighting strings comprises forming an intermediate section of conductor wire between each pair of adjacent light bulbs into an independent loop and hiding under the unutilized space available behind the light bulbs where stacking rack is optionally provided so that the space originally required to accommodate the conductor wire in the aisle between two parallel rows of string stored can be substantially reduced. The invention relates also to the structure of the package developed based upon said method as well as fastening means for steadily stacking up or extending sidewise of said packages.

Abstract: A hand-carryable package of metal railroad spikes and method of making the same, wherein the spikes are stacked in layers with the spikes in alternate layers at right angles to each other, providing an interlocking package contents, and a package container comprising a flexible material in a central portion of which the contents are placed and opposed edge portions of the container material are folded upwardly and inwardly to form container top and side walls, a terminal portion of a pair of opposed, inwardly folded edge portions being twisted and connected together to form a bail-like handle for lifting and carrying the package.

Abstract: Method to package sections either in normal layers or in alternate right-side-up/overturned layers, the layers being fed from determined layers, whereby two already butted layers, one having a number N of sections and the other having a number N-1 of sections, or viceversa, reach the packaging machine by moving axially at one end the same time, the layers having been distanced apart laterally beforehand by a required value linked to the features of the packaging machine, the first layer (30) of "N" sections arriving and being positioned directly on a package (29) being formed, whereas the second layer (31) of "N-1" sections arrives between a plurality of pairs of clamping arms (24) able to rotate about an axis located in a central position between the two layers (30-31), the pairs of clamping arms (24) positioning the second layer (31) on the package (29) being formed.

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: A new method for safe packaging of shaped charges within a shipping box for transport includes arranging a plurality of shaped charges in rows, each row including at least four shaped charges, two of the at least four shaped charges disposed adjacent one another and pointing in one direction and two additional ones disposed adjacent one another and not pointing in the one direction. The two additional ones may point in a direction opposite to the one direction. In another embodiment of the invention, each row includes at least six charges, three disposed adjacent one another and pointing in one direction and three disposed adjacent one another and not pointing in the one direction.

Abstract: Cookies (30) of uniform but irregularly shaped perimeter are received from the cookie oven in a horizontal as-baked attitude onto a first surface conveyor (19). As the cookies are passed to successive surface conveyors 920) and (21) operating at successively decreased velocities, the cookies are raised to an edge standing attitude abutting one another. Laser detecting means (24-26) are positioned above the conveyors (19-21), and measure the height of the edge stacked cookies and adjust this height by varying the speed of the successive conveyors (19, 20 and 21). A counting means (28) at the discharge end of conveyor (21) counts out a predetermined number of cookies to be placed upon the loader (16) for loading into a cookie tray (104), and a pair of separator blades (42, 43) separates these cookies on the loader from the cookies remaining on surface conveyor (21). A cookie tray (104) is positioned under the loader (16) by a cookie tray conveyor (18).

Abstract: Method to package sections either in normal layers or in alternate right-side-up/overturned layers, the layers being fed from determined layers, whereby two already butted layers, one having a number N of sections and the other having a number N-1 of sections, or viceversa, reach the packaging machine by moving axially at one and the same time, the layers having been distanced apart laterally beforehand by a required value linked to the features of the packaging machine, the first layer (30) of "N" sections arriving and being positioned directly on a package (29) being formed, whereas the second layer (31) of "N-1" sections arrives between a plurality of pairs of clamping arms (24) able to rotate about an axis located in a central position between the two layers (30-31), the pairs of clamping arms (24) positioning the second layer (31) on the package (29) being formed.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging a plurality of sections of bed dividers which form a boundary between adjacent landscaping areas. Each section includes an elongated divider structure having an enlarged upper portion and a flange portion extending lengthwise along the upper portion and depending downwardly therefrom for insertion in the ground. A plurality of the bed divider sections are arranged in an elongated stack of juxtaposed sections. Another of the bed divider sections is arranged lengthwise along at least one side of the stack in such a manner that its flange portion is generally perpendicular to the flange portions of the plurality of bed divider sections in the stack. All of the bed divider sections are held in this arrangement whereby the stack of bed divider sections rigidify the package in one transverse direction, and the side bed divider section rigidifies the package in the opposite transverse direction.

Abstract: A queing means transfers surface mount components randomly stored in a detachable hopper into a plurality of parallel lines formed by grooves in a track plate. Vibrator means translate the components along the grooves in the downwardly extending track plate toward a shuttle assembly. With respect to pairs of such track grooves, the shuttle assembly alternately transports a chip from each groove comprising the pair into a plunger assembly. A tube magazine carrying a plurality of carrier tubes to be loaded with components is releasably disposed adjacent the plunger assembly whereby periodic downward movement of plungers simultaneously forces a component from each line of components in the plunger assembly formed by the shuttle mechanism into a respective one of the tubes, and the process is repeated until the tubes are filled with components as desired. Pneumatic means are provided for urging the components backwards from the plunger assembly along the grooves toward and into the hopper.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for aligning elongated articles, such as french fried potatoes, includes a bucket for receiving a charge of the articles. Configured with the bucket is a conveyor having an endless belt with a plurality of spaced flights that each receive a portion of the charge. The articles are aligned by the conveyor and presented to a collector bucket configured to store the aligned charge portions prior to discharge to a bagging machine.

Abstract: The process includes an initial phase in which pieces of fruit in a line are lifted by suction and the line of fruit is then transferred to the packing case with one piece of fruit situated in the central zone of the line being displaced angularly and the remainder of the fruit either side of this central piece being displaced towards the center of the line prior to the entry of the line of fruit into the case. After entry, the pieces of fruit resume their initial position and are deposited in the case and the suction is discontinued. The machinery includes a mechanism having a plurality of vacuum operated suction pads of which the central suction pad can be moved angularly and the remainder have the means to be displaced laterally.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically collecting and packing a selected number of units of product in flexible bags into a carton in a vertical orientation. The apparatus includes a collecting assembly for receiving and positioning a row of such units in an inclined position. An assembly is provided to transport the inclined row of units from the collecting assembly to a loading station. The loading station is operable to raise one or more rows transported thereto from their inclined position to a substantially vertical position, then plunge the vertically positioned units into a carton. A controller is provided for synchronizing the relative operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A framework structure for an inclined passenger conveyor has a pair of horizontal framework portions and an inclined framework, each being a truss with a rectangular cross-section, the horizontal framework portions being at opposite ends of the framework structure and at a different height from each other with the inclined framework being connected between them. The horizontal framework portions each having an external shape in the form of a substantially rectangular parallelepiped and have one end surface angled at an angle to the horizontal axis thereof which is part of the angle between the horizontal framework portion and the inclined framework.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which operates to receive and package automatically a plurality of articles molded cyclically and continuously by a high speed, high production injection molding machine where the articles are oriented, stacked or nested within a container in an orderly and antiseptic fashion.

Abstract: A method of packaging components (4) for shipping comprising: loading the components in rails (2); assembling a plurality of the rails into a composite structure (20); and wrapping the composite structure in an anti-static envelope (40) so as to form a quasi-rigid anti-static package (46). The method may further comprise the step of securing the composite structure, e.g. by fixing a strap (18) at each end, immediately before the wrapping step.A material for use in packaging components for shipping comprising a sandwich material (40) having: a first layer (42) of conductive material and a second layer (44) of static-dissipative material, the first and second layers being bonded together. The outer layer may be made of conductive paper to provide adequate snag- and tear-resistance and the inner layer may be made of an anti-static plastics material.

Abstract: According to the invention, bodies are oriented head-to-foot by propelling the bodies and deflecting them onto adjacent guide members so that the bodies on one guide member are inverted with respect to the bodies on the adjacent guide members. The bodies are then guided to a packing station where the bodies are packed head-to-foot so as to maximize the use of space in the package. The apparatus of the invention includes a feed device which holds the bodies vertically with the same orientation. A throwing device propels two adjacent bodies upward, which are deflected by a deflecting device so that one of the bodies lands on a ramp and is oriented in one direction, and the other body lands on a second ramp and is oriented the opposite way. The bodies are then fed to a packing apparatus which packs the bodies head-to-foot.

Abstract: A container for a portable automobile ramp, the ramp including a platform having opposite ends and an upper surface for supporting an automobile tire, a leg extending downwardly from one end of the platform, and a ramp extending at an incline downwardly from the other end of the platform, and the container comprising a body portion for enclosing the platform of the automobile ramp, the body portion including opposite ends, a leg portion for enclosing the leg of the automobile ramp, the leg portion being integrally connected to the body portion and extending generally perpendicularly from one end of the body portion, and a ramp portion for enclosing the ramp of the automobile ramp, the ramp portion being integrally connected to the body portion and extending obliquely from the opposite end of the body portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading trays with cut product typically meat chops is described, comprising a delivery conveyor (22) onto which are delivered the pieces of cut product (76) in sequence for movement to a delivery station (26), a tray conveyor (32) extending transversely to the delivery conveyor (22) and adapted to deliver in succession each of a plurality of trays (90) to the delivery station to receive cut product, and a product detector (94, 96) at the delivery station to detect the passage of each piece of cut product therethrough. The tray conveyor drive (230) operates in response to the detection of cut pieces by the detector (94, 96) to move the tray conveyor through a small amount sufficient to present the next available region of a tray to the delivery station, to receive the next piece of cut product so as to fill each tray in turn. A transfer conveyor (34) downstream from the delivery station moves the filled trays away from the delivery station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming a package of alternately inverted containers, wherein an array of the containers is formed with adjacent containers relatively inverted. In accordance with the invention, a supply of containers is formed into first and second product streams, with each of the containers in the second product stream inverted. The containers are presented by an indexing mechanism to a reciprocating diverting gate mechanism, wherein the forward-most container of each product stream is diverted. In this manner, a pair of further product streams are formed, wherein the containers of each stream are alternately inverted. The containers are subsequently collated for heat-shrink packaging.

Abstract: A transport tray for ribbon formed glass articles such as lamp glass envelopes and glass containers is disclosed which permits increased packing density to be achieved when the article containing trays are vertically stacked for shipment. The tray member comprises a flat sheet having cavities formed therein which partially enclose one side of the individual glass articles when inserted therein and with the location of said cavities being defined by at least one central row having the glass articles aligned alternately in opposite longitudinal directions, together with a row of said glass articles being located at each end of said central row wherein the individual glass articles are aligned in a longitudinal direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the glass articles in said central row. These trays are thereafter stacked vertically whereby adjoining trays are rotated approximately 180.degree. with respect to each other for the increased packing density.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging eggs supplied by a feed conveyor, said eggs being supplied from said feed conveyor via transfer means to a carton. For the purpose of simultaneously packaging more than one row of eggs, the successive rows of eggs are transferred from said feed conveyor by means of a star wheel and at least one reciprocating sliding plate arranged downstream of said wheel, to two or more successive rows of egg holding or carrying means.

Abstract: Cookies 20 having irregularly shaped upper surfaces are received in an as-baked, horizontal attitude from the cookie oven first on a slick top belt conveyor 10, then on an edge abutment belt conveyor 11, where the cookies are delivered in edge abutment relationship to a timing belt 12. The timing belt delivers the cookies to cookie loading wheel 14 which reorients each cookie in series from the as-baked, horizontal attitude to an edge standing attitude and aligns each cookie with the preceeding cookie in the cell 56 or 57 of a turret 15. Once the cookies have been properly aligned in an edge standing attitude, the cookies are urged by the loading wheel into the cell, and after a predetermined number of cookies have been properly loaded, the turret is inverted so as to drop the cookies into an awaiting cookie tray 65.

Abstract: A robot system for encasing cone-like articles, comprising a robot movable along a path, and an aligning and supplying device for cone-like articles, empty cases for receiving the cone-like articles and an inverting device for carrying and inverting the plurality of cone-like articles which are disposed along the path of the robot. The robot includes a first gripper for gripping and carrying the cone-like articles aligned on the aligning and supplying device and a second gripper for gripping and carrying the cone-like articles inverted on the inverting device.

Abstract: The assembly performs the method of handling packages having a panel extending outwardly from one side of the package and along one edge thereof. A plurality of such contiguously nested packages is provided with the extending panel of each package disposed in the same direction and overlapping the side of the next adjacent juxtaposed package. The end package of the plurality of nested packages has its extending panel directed outwardly from the plurality and is rotated to cause the extending panel thereof to be placed in an overlapping relationship with respect to the next adjacent juxtaposed package. The plurality of packages being fed to the work station of the end package rotation process is acted upon in a particular manner to cause them to shift with respect to each other to produce a substantially uniform overlapping disposition of the outwardly extending panels with respect to the side of the next adjacent juxtaposed panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packing into a jar elongated articles, such as cucumbers or pickles cut along their length into spears. The jar is positioned with a guide disposed within the interior of the jar. The guide directs a predetermined array of spaced spears into the jar and outwardly towards the wall of the jar. Thereafter, the jar is rotated. The guide, which is coupled to the bottom of the jar, is thereby rotated to position the guide to direct additional arrays of spears between the spears of the array previously placed in the jar.

Abstract: Picking up in a positive manner from a feeding hopper in individual sequence horizontally positioned tubes, feeding them by gravity and delivering them, always positively held, to an element that from the horizontal pick-up position inserts them positively in a vertical plane with their open ends upwards in clamping elements on a processing line along which, advancing in increments, they are filled and closed and sealed in a conventional manner along the end thereof. Thereafter, synchronized with the incremental advance along the processing line, the tubes thus filled and end sealed, are successively gripped by transfer elements that insert them in preassembled boxes having their introduction opening facing upwards, at a packaging station, and there the tubes are packed inside the appropriate boxes with the introduction opening of the box being then closed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring parts travelling in a single row on a first conveyor to a receptacle travelling on a second conveyor, the parts being placed in the receptacle in consecutive rows of a plurality of the parts. A part loader, comprising an elbow-joint arm having a pivotable first arm and a second arm mounted on the end of the first arm pivotable relative to the first arm, supports a part pick-up member mounted on the end of the second arm which picks up at least one part from the end of the first conveyor and transfers the part to the receptacle on the second conveyor. Alternatively, the part pick-up member is adapted to pick up a row of parts from the first conveyor and to place one row of parts in the part receptacle, or to rotate a part during transfer from the first conveyor to the part receptacle.

Abstract: Cookies (18) and the like are moved in a horizontal, as-baked attitude from an oven and are automatically loaded in edge standing attitude in the semicylindrical cavities of a tray (146). The cookies are received in series from the cooling belt (19) that leads away from the oven onto a slick top belt, then moved in sequence to a backlog belt conveyor (22), to a timing belt conveyor (24), to a pin conveyor (12), to a loading wheel (13) and into a loading cell (106) of a turret. The slick top belt operates at approximately the same speed as the cooling belt leading away from the oven, and the backlog belt operates at a slower speed as necessary than the slick top belt so as to accumulate the cookies in edge-to-edge relationship. When the supply of cookies on the backlog belt has accumulated to the point where they are backing up on the slick top belt, the operational speed of the system is increased so that the speed of operation matches the operation of the oven.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the packaging of bulk materials composed of elongated pieces. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in the packaging of food materials such as french fries, carrots, celery hearts, and the like. The method includes the steps of weighing and apportioning the material, separating the material into individual pieces, causing free-fall of the pieces resulting in substantial alignment and guiding the pieces into a fill tube for packaging. Apparatus for packaging includes apportioning buckets, a transition chute with a stream-out member, a fill tube, and a packager. A bag catcher for settling the product within the package may also be provided.

Abstract: An infrared heat tunnel with hot air circulation for heat shrinking wraparound labels on containers which are moved through the tunnel in an upright attitude on an open weave conveyor belt. The infrared heating is by electrical strip heaters along the sides of the tunnel and air is blown by blowers across these heaters to impinge on the sides of the containers. The air is drawn down through the conveyor belt since the inlet to the blowers is from beneath the conveyor. A vertical air curtain along each side of the first half of the tunnel is adjustable in length to effectively delay the skin shrinkage of the film-foam material of the labels in order to get wrinkle-free shrinkage of the film and underlying foam about the container wall and heel areas without bottle rotation.

Abstract: A package is conveyed to a package elevator which elevates it into a film sheet stretched above the elevator. Side folding levers and a coordinated rear folder fold three sides of the film sheet about the package such that edges of first and second opposed sides of the film sheet are overlapped by edges of a third or rear side of the film sheet. The infolding of the third side of the film sheet by the side underfolders is delayed at the rear edge of the package by expanding the opening between the side underfolders in that area. Thus, the rear underfolding of the third side commences substantially at the rear corners of the package to expand the underfolded third side and ensure film overlap. The package is then pushed onto a conveyor to underfold the fourth side of the film and entirely cover the underside of the package by overlapping edges of the folded sides of the film sheet.

Abstract: Method and apparatus by which bread loaves or the like are split in half, and thereafter turned mechanically through 180.degree. with respect to one another so that the heel and cut ends of both of the two half loaves are oriented in the same way. The half loaves are thereafter sliced and then packaged in separate packages but in the same orientation with respect to each package.

Abstract: A method for the stacking of bags received from a bag making machine which includes providing for the orientated transportation of hands of bag to a stack elevator which in conjunction with pusher means positions the hands of bags to form two or more adjacently positioned stacks of bags in an end to end but spaced relationship. The adjacent stacks are wrapped in a wrapping material to form a bale having provided therein a tear zone which allows for the ready separation of the stacks in pouches by the application of a force thereon with said wrapping material maintaining the integrity of the separate stacks.