Abstract: CD holders with musical content are within convenient reach in a vehicle armrest, and this convenience is used to advantage for a CD holder commingled with the musical variety, but with a substantial first-aid contents; thus, first-aid treatment in a vehicle is made as readily accesible as reaching for a CD.

Abstract: A cottoner having a wadding section forming station, the station having: a carrier, a holder, and a feed mechanism mounted on a base in series. Moving means on the base reciprocate the a carrier toward and away from the feed mechanism. An operating controller on the base open and close the holder. The carrier has a gripper for gripping a length of wadding material to carry it from the holding means toward the feeding means when the carrier is moved toward the feed mechanism while the holder is open. The carrier releases the length of wadding material when moved away from the feed mechanism while the holder is closed to hold the length of wadding material. The cottoner includes an inserting station for inserting each section of wadding material formed at the wadding section forming station into a container. The cottoner also has a sensing station for sensing if the wadding material has been inserted, and inserted properly, into the container at the inserting station.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a consumer product package that contains an affixed, yet removable, promotional offering that is invisible to the consumer at purchase but is one that can be processed through an established financial network once removed.

Abstract: A method for introducing a cover sheet (2) between a transparent sheet (3) and a book-like container (4), which is substantially formed by a pair of closure members (4a, 4b), externally wrapped within the film (3), includes: opening the container (4) by opening said closure members (4a, 4b) by an angle wider than 180°; detaching the transparent film (3) from the outer surface of said closure members (4a, 4b); making a transversal corrugation in a cover sheet (2) situated beside said opened container (4), near an area (2) delimited by said opened members (4a, 4b) and the detached film (3); introduction of gripping means (10), situated on a side opposite with respect to said corrugated cover sheet (2), into said area (Z); gripping said corrugated cover sheet (2) and pulling it, by said gripping means (10), into said area (Z); releasing said cover sheet (2) into said area (Z), which cover sheet consequently spread across said area Z; defining a flattened configuration of the closure members (4a, 4b) s

Abstract: A hydrophobic, compressible, resilient filler for keeping pills from movement in a container during handling is provided in the form of a tube that is cut to a desired length and axially compressed in horizontal orientation. The tube is compressed and inserted through the neck portion of the container and allowed to expand to become entrapped within the container so as to apply pressure to keep the pills from movement or damage. An apparatus and method is disclosed for extending a desired length of filler in flattened tubular form from a large supply, to cut the length of tube from the supply, to reconfigure the cross-sectional shape of the filler tube, to axially compress the rounded tube, and to insert the axially compressed filler into a container that is aligned with the insertion ram.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retaining cotton in a bottle using a cottoner machine which inserts cotton via a pair of rotatable cylinders alignable with a mouth of the bottle, the apparatus including a disk secured to the cylinders via a pair of collars and having a pair of apertures aligned with the cylinders, and the method including a process of positioning a planar surface of the disk closely superjacent the mouth of the bottle after insertion of the cotton.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically operating a swing-arm-style mail insertion machine to insert products, such as CDs, computer diskettes, credit cards, matchbooks, pens and pencils, keys, etc., into envelopes at high speeds is provided by fixedly attaching, to a swing arm shaft of the swing-arm insertion machine for angular movement therewith, an actuator arm apparatus having an element configured for gripping a product from the front of a raceway of the swing-arm machine when the swing arm shaft is in a front angular position, and for placing the product into the raceway as the swing arm shaft pivots from the front angular position to a rear angular position, and feeding a product from the front of the raceway into the raceway with the actuator arm means.

Abstract: A high speed straw insertion machine has a device which feeds a straw, feeds a lifter and then engages the straw with the lifter. This assembly is transported to a mechanism which secures the lifter to the straw and then puts the straw and the float into a container. The container with the straw and the float is transported to an anchoring machine which engages the straw and the container to trap the straw and float entirely within the container. In one embodiment, the straw is positioned between a corner and a shoulder defined by the container and is retained in this position due to the flexibility of the straw. In another embodiment, the straw is positioned below a rib formed in the body of the container.

Abstract: A package for prolonging the storage life of produce is disclosed. The package comprises a gas permeable container and an atmosphere modifying device contained within the container. The atmosphere modifying device comprises a carbon dioxide emitter, an oxygen scavenger, and an optional ethylene scavenger. Produce is stored in the container with the device. The device and container are suitable to use in a consumer's home (e.g., kitchen cabinet or refrigerator).

Abstract: A packaged ocular irrigating solution bag, which comprises a gas-permeable plastic multiple compartment bag and a gas-impermeable plastic packaging member for packaging the bag and in which an oxiglutatione-containing solution or solid preparation is enclosed in one compartment and a bicarbonate ion solution is enclosed in another compartment and the space between the bag and the packaging member has a carbon dioxide gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of packaging liquid detergent or fabric softener for single load use comprising forming a container from a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene and the like, to a size sufficient to contain a 3-4 ounce amount of a liquid bleach or liquid bleaching agent containing detergent in a well thereof. The container comprises an open well with a peripheral lip an open end thereof. A printed foil strip, sized to cover the opening and at least a full circumferential portion of the container lip is heat or adhesive sealed to the plastic after the detergent is disposed therein. The foil and seal are of sufficient strength to retain the 3-4 ounces of liquid bleach or bleaching agent containing detergent even in an obverted position with jostling such as during transport. Because of the nature of the seal, the container is not readily fully reclosable, and the full contents must, as a practical matter, be used once the container is opened, i.e., single use.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided that can be attached in depending relation to the chute of a bagging machine in order to supply material to form several bags. The cartridge employs a hollow mandrel on which a tube of plastic film is mounted in a collapsed state. The tube is capable of being pulled off the mandrel in an automatic manner. The cartridge also includes a spreader bar at the lower end of the mandrel to brake the movement of the tube off the mandrel when in use.

Abstract: A method and system for producing a flavored beverage wherein the flavor is added in a separate step to a combination of the base ingredients of the beverage is provided. The flavor can be added to a container either before, during or after a thermally processed master batch base is hot filled into the container.

Abstract: Apparatus that uses the burster method for positioning coupons from a continuous web at a predetermined time at a predetermined location for insertion is disclosed. Positioning rolls define a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by positioning drive assembly. A feed drive assembly advances coupons to the positioning rolls. Sensors actuate and deactuate the feed drive assembly in response to the presence of a container at a selected position and the presence of a coupon at another sensing position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a computer-implemented method and system for optimally packing a plurality of randomly sized and shaped articles into a container. In particular, the invention determines the preferred packing configuration in a preferred container for packing a plurality of randomly sized and shaped articles in a customer order wherein particular articles in the order have specialized shipping requirements. In determining the preferred packing configuration, the method and system uses criteria based upon particular characteristics of the articles, the cost of packing labor, packing material, and delivery of the packed container. In a particular embodiment, the preferred packing configuration is displayed graphically or as written instructions and the container is packed manually.

Abstract: Methods of selectively packaging clips of tissues in flat or boutique cartons include depositing clips on carriers and turning and dropping clips into transverse channels in the carrier floors from where fat clips can be pushed into flat cartons, or selectively depressing the mid-portion of clips spanning the channels into the channels to form U-shaped clips which can be pushed into boutique cartons.

Abstract: A process for producing an inflated, water-soluble container which comprises: a) forming an open container from a water-soluble film; b) at least partially filling the container with a composition which comprises a component which releases a gas; c) sealing the container; and d) allowing the container to inflate.

Abstract: Canned pet food products as well as methods of manufacturing or producing same are provided. The pet food comprises a base layer including solid food pieces in a gravy that has a conical recess formed in its upper surface. An upper layer comprising substantially solid foodstuff that can support the base layer when the food product is inverted fills the conical recess.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for loading a strip of a soft material into a container includes a sleeve member rotatable among first, second and third angular positions. First cylinder unit for pushing the strip of the soft material into the sleeve member at the first angular position. Second cylinder unit for compressing the strip of the soft material in the sleeve member at the second angular position. And a third cylinder unit for pushing the compressed form of the soft material into the container.

Abstract: A disk cassette is provided with opposed side walls having ribs configured to facilitate merging pairs of disks. In most instances, the disks will be single-sided hard memory disks. The final position of the disks in the disk cassette will be in spaced pairs, with the disks forming each pair being in surface-to-surface contact and, preferably, with the perimeter edge of each disk concentrically aligned.

Abstract: Method of packaging a perishable item wherein the perishable item is put into a liquid and gas tight container having an opening located above the perishable item, and the container opening is sealed with a liquid tight film of material permeable to gases with the film containing ingredients that will produce CO2 and ClO2 when contacted by moisture vapor. A package made of a liquid and gas tight container having an opening located in an upper portion, a perishable item located in the container below the opening, and a liquid tight film of material permeable to gases sealing said opening with the film containing ingredients that will produce CO2 and ClO2 when contacted by moisture vapor.

Abstract: The invention provides a packing article where a packing cost and a transportation fee can be kept low and a buffering function is further enhanced. The invention provides a packing article including: a packing box; a lower-side buffering member to provide packing including a concave portion, which is located at the lower side of the packing box, and which locates an item to be packed in the center; an item to be packed, located in the concave portion of the lower-side buffering member to provide packing; and a partition member located on the upper side of the item to be packed and a storing member, which is located between the partition member and the upper surface of the packing box, and which stores an attached part and/or an instruction manual.

Abstract: A method and layout for loading food and beverages onto a plurality of trays. The method includes, for each tray in the plurality of trays, performing tray-loading method that includes the steps of selecting a tray from the plurality of trays; and loading the tray with food and beverages, to form an individual, customized tray. Each step in the tray loading method is performed at a different station in a plurality of stations. A path of travel extends alongside the plurality of stations. The first step in the tray-loading method is executed at a starting point in the plurality of stations. The path of travel includes a starting point adjoining the first station. The last step in the tray-loading method is executed at a last station in the plurality of stations. The path of travel includes an end point adjoining the last station.

Abstract: A method of packaging smoking articles, such as cigarettes, includes applying a volatile flavourant to the surface of a pack or an insert for the pack immediately prior to the pack being assembled about a smoking article bundle. The volatile flavourant can migrate within the fully assembled pack from the surface to which it was applied to the smoking articles.

Abstract: Process for the fastening of objects into a box made of a bottom and of at least four lateral sides including introducing, into this box, a sheet of a flexible material, for example, made of cardboard, this sheet consisting of a central part having dimensions that are approximately the same as the bottom of the box, in a manner so as to be able to be displaced in a direction to the bottom of the box and, on at least two opposing sides of this central part, at least one flexible folding panel. The flexible folding panels are folded up to the top. The fastening sheet is shaped, prepared, inserted and pushed into the box until the sheet contacts the upper surface of the objects housed in the box. The folding panels are pushed back, applied and fixed, for example, by gluing, against the internal side of the lateral walls of this box, in a manner so as to create solid fixation of the fastening sheet onto the lateral walls of the box, and, as a result, the fastening of the objects housed in it.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retaining cotton in a bottle using a cottoner machine which inserts cotton via a pair of rotatable cylinders alignable with a mouth of the bottle, the apparatus including a disk secured to the cylinders via a pair of collars and having a pair of apertures aligned with the cylinders, and the method including a process of positioning a planar surface of the disk closely superjacent the mouth of the bottle after insertion of the cotton.

Abstract: A flexible package and method for making the same provides for a package that has a pouch formed adjacent to a portion of a package. Thereby, the package, such as a snack food package, can be filled with one product in the main compartment of the package and can be filled with a separate product in the pouch. To realize this, the package is formed with an extra length of film extended adjacent to the main portion of the tube of the package. First and second longitudinal seals are provided to form the pouch over a portion of the tube of the package. The package can then be filled with a first product in the main portion of the package and a second product in the separate and distinct pouch. As the pouch is filled, the material of the pouch protrudes away from the surface of the main portion of the package.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene disposal unit for sanitary receipt and disposal of used sanitary products. The unit has a disposal bag dispenser, at least one disposal bag, a receptacle, and a liner for the receptacle. This liner having a lid flap having an opening therethrough, this lid flap being supported through use of a pair of sandwiching flanges for sandwiching the lid flap in a generally horizontal orientation. 1 INVENTOR: Kristin M.

Abstract: A packaging device is provided for packaging at least one disc-shaped item such as, for example, a recording media disc such as a CD, a CD-ROM or a DVD. The packaging device includes a first member for the storage of disc-shaped media in a chamber or cavity, which packaging device may be attached to any container used for the storage of materials other than the disc-shaped media. The first member includes means for maintaining the disc media in a stable state within the chamber, said means comprising a fugitive glue or other temporary adhesive applied to the non-media surface of the disc-media, allowing the disc-media to be removably attached to the interior surface of the chamber. The disc-shaped media may be sealed within the inner chamber by means of shrink-wrapped plastic, a foil seal or a paperboard seal.

Abstract: A chemically inflated gas bag for mining is provided. This gas bag includes a modified PVA bag that contains sodium bicarbonate and an HDPE bag that contains acetic acid. The PVA bag and the HDPE bag are contained within a nylon/PE bag. Preferably, when the HDPE bag is broken, the flow of acetic acid onto the PVA bag is controlled by a second bag having small holes therein surrounding the HDPE bag, allowing the gas bag to be lowered into a borehole before it inflates. Another aspect of the present invention is a method of making this gas bag. This method includes pouring diluted acetic acid into an HDPE bag, putting sodium bicarbonate into a PVA bag, sealing these bags, and placing these bags within a nylon/PE bag. The gas bag is folded in such a manner as to easily inflate and completely seal the borehole.

Abstract: The apparatus for packing cash in a change pack based on input change data of the present invention comprises: a contractor register for registering a contractor; a store register for registering a store of the contractor; a cash-register register for registering a cash register of the store; and a data input device for registering change data by at least one of store and cash register and by day.

Abstract: The apparatus for dispensing change and packing cash in a change pack, according to the present invention, comprises: a data input device for inputting change data; a change data divider for calculating an amount of cash corresponding to the change data based on the change data input from the data input device, comparing the calculated amount of cash with a predetermined reference value, and dividing the change data into a plurality of pack data so that the amount of cash corresponding to each divided change data is below the reference value, when the calculated amount of cash exceeds the reference value; and a change pack producer for producing the change pack based on the change data when the change data is not divided, and producing the change pack based on the divided pack data when the change data is divided by the change data divider.

Abstract: A number of spaced apart first and second cavities are continuously formed in first and second thin sheets of material, respectively. Each of the first and second cavities has an edge at an opening thereof. The formed first and second cavities travel in paths that are downwardly inclined from the horizontal and approach each other. A number of first bodies are fed into the first cavities, respectively, where each of the first bodies has a liquid tight interior cavity that contains a volume of a first liquid. This liquid is one that when mixed with a second liquid starts a chemiluminescent reaction. The edge of each of the first cavities is sealed progressively with the respective edge of a second cavity, while injecting the second liquid into one or both of the first and second cavities that are being sealed. This forms a liquid tight second body that contains the first body and a second volume of the second liquid.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparing a multi-compartment container having two open ends and a partition wall that forms a fluid-tight seal defining two compartments each holding a separate component to be mixed with one another by the end-user prior to use. The process and apparatus for filling the two-compartment container comprises filling one compartment with material through an opening at one end of the container; sealing the opening; rotating the container; filling the other compartment with material through an opening at the other end of the container; and sealing the other opening preferably with a removable seal.

Abstract: An endless drive belt storage and display module enables a plurality of endless drive belts of different sizes to be placed circumferentially, one inside the other, in a way that makes optimal use of available space, causes minimal belt bending, enables easy removal and replacement of any given belt, maintains organization among the belts placed therein, and protects the belts from exposure to elements such as dust and sunlight.

Abstract: A packaging material for use in filling baskets and protecting articles during a shipping process. The packaging material includes. a flexible backing having a first surface and a second surface. A mass of individual, thin, flexible strips of material intertwined with one another to form a cohesive, resilient tuft, the mass is connected to a flexible backing so as to substantially cover at least one side of the flexible backing.

Abstract: During automatic supply and packing of a liquid composition containing granular constituents, a master liquid, not containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is continuously supplied to a packing bag formed from a packing film by making bottom and top seals, in this order, on the packing bag with the packing film being stroked and squeezed to remove a part of the master liquid from bag portions where the bottom and top seals are to be formed, and a second liquid, containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is intermittently supplied into the packing bag between the bottom and top seals. Thereby, a liquid composition containing granular constituents can be packed with the nearly same efficiency as that in continuous supply and packing of a liquid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plastic computer packing pillow that is filled with two layers of bubble wrap with the bubbles in each layer facing each other for protecting computers during relocation. The computer component is placed on the middle of the plastic pillow with the ends of the pillow touching the sides of the computer component during movement.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus of detecting unique items as they are inserted into a product packaging system that is easily adaptable to current product packaging and prize insertion systems. A number of different types of sensors may be used in conjunction with the insertion device to detect the unique prize before it is inserted into a product packaging system. The sensor used will vary depending on the particular application. Sensors that may be used include a capacitive proximity sensor, a thickness sensor, a reflectivity sensor, a transmissivity sensor, a stiffness sensor, a color sensor, or even an odor or chemical sensor. Ideally, the type sensor used will detect a feature of the unique item that is easily distinguishable from other items being inserted. Once the sensor detects the prize and generates a signal, this signal can be used to perform a variety of useful functions.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material having a plurality of slits extending through the sheet of material and into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: A “safe delivery”SM system for delivering perishable groceries (120/120′), including an inexpensive, corrugated cardboard box (100); a source of cold (or heat as needed) maintaining the temperature inside the box within a desired temperature range for hours, using an all encompassing pouch of packet material (110/10), used individually (FIGS. 2 & 3) or collectively (FIGS. 5 & 6), with each packet (17) containing a super-absorbent polymer (14, FIG. 12) which is hydrated (14′, FIG. 12A) and then either frozen (e.g., in a freezer) or heated (e.g., in a microwave), without producing moisture as the polymer returns to its natural state; a protective cover (130) protecting the box and its contents from heat radiation (e.g., sunlight). Other components (e.g.

Abstract: The invention provides a retail sales package adapted for mounting on a peg display. The package is formed of two opposed sheets of plastic. At least one of the sheets of plastic is formed with a cavity into which a card and a product are placed. One of the sheets is printed on its inside surface. The two sheets of plastic are brought into contact and sealed together at their peripheral edges. A hang hole is formed during sealing and has its periphery sealed to form a fused edge. The printed card or paper is placed into the cavity with the product prior to the second sheet being sealed to the first sheet. The invention further provides a method for assembling the opposed sheets of plastic by placing them sequentially on a tool having protruding pins adapted for only allowing selected sheets to be mated.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: An open cell foam with thermal memory characteristic is used as an indicator for heat damage to an article containing heat sensitive contents packaged in a carton. The foam material may be a polyurethane-based thermoplastic polymer referred to as “Cold Hibernated Elastic Memory” (CHEM) foam. The thermal memory foam can be produced in compressed form and used as inserts in the carton. Upon exposure to a temperature at or above the foam glass transition temperature, the foam insert expands to substantially its original shape (volume) so as to apply a compressive force against the article, making it difficult to remove from the carton. Alternatively, the expanded foam will deform the carton walls, providing an external indication of heat damage. The foam can also be used as a heat-indicating element in an inspection panel of the carton, which ruptures so as to provide external indication of heat damage.

Abstract: A novel packaged novelty is shown. The packaged novelty includes an individually sized package and a non-edible novelty item contained by the individually sized package. In one embodiment, the packaged novelty includes an individually sized box. In one embodiment the packaged novelty includes a second package such as a bag that contains the individually sized package. A method of packaging a novelty item is also shown. The method includes placing a non-edible novelty item into an individually sized package. Examples of novelties include, but are not limited to: stickers, temporary tattoos, scratch-and-sniff cards, scratch-and-sniff stickers, scratch off game cards, coupons, etc.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for packing an order of parts. An operator is prompted to select an indicated part. The part is read by the system to verify the selection of the part. An array of indicators directs the operator to where the part should be placed in a shipping tote. An array of sensors confirms the packing of the part.

Abstract: A cushioning product comprises an elongated sheet of paper stock having transverse fold lines and being alternatingly folded along the fold lines in an accordion-like fashion, and a storage and dispensing device which stores the folded sheet compressed and from which the sheet is dispensed for use. The sheet can be 8″ to 12″ wide. The fold lines can be 1″ apart. The sheet can have transverse perforations. The transverse perforations can be 16″ apart. The sheet has lateral edge portions and the lateral edge portions can be folded over onto the balance of the sheet. The folded over lateral edge portions can be 2″ wide, or the folded over lateral edge portions can substantially meet. In the latter case the folded over lateral edge portions can have a small space between them. The paper stock can be Kraft paper, recycled paper, or a combination of Kraft paper and recycled paper.

Abstract: An automatic film insertion device automatically unwinds a predetermined amount of plastic tubing from a roll, measures the required length, cuts and automatically inserts the cut piece into the mouth of filled pharmaceutical bottles. In one embodiment, a set of rollers receives a sheet of tubing, which is passed to a mandrel that opens the tubing. A guillotine cuts the tubing, and the tubing is pushed by a plow into a receiving member. The tubing is held inside the receiving member via friction until a plunger pushes the tubing out of the receiving member and into the bottle. The plunger then forces the tubing to buckle and remain in the bottle. In a second embodiment, the receiving member comprises a reciprocating tube attached to a shuttle cylinder. During the film advance portion of the cycle, the tube is positioned under a film feed station adjacent a cutting assembly. The film is fed vertically downward by rollers into the receiving member and cut.

Abstract: A method of adding olfactory detected properties to a consumable product is claimed. The method involves placing consumable material into a sealed container while exposed to a mass of scented plastic. The scented plastic contains known olfactory detected properties. The olfactory detected properties of the scented plastic are absorbed by the consumable material over time. The olfactory detected properties can be specifically designed to compensate for olfactory detected losses in the consumable material created by processing, storage or aging. The olfactory detected properties can also be specifically designed to add complimentary olfactory detected properties that otherwise are not present in a consumable product.

Abstract: A coffee filter pack apparatus has a coffee filter bag formed with a plurality of coffee filter sheets attached together to form a plurality of enclosed spaced therein, each enclosed spaced having a plurality of measured amounts of predetermined ground coffee. One of the coffee filter sheets has indicia thereon to indicate the direction of flow of heated water through the coffee bag during brewing of the coffee. A method of making a coffee filter bag includes the steps of selecting predetermined amounts of first and second ground coffee, closing each into attached first and second coffee filter bags, and labeling the combined coffee filter bags to indicate the direction of flow of heated water therethrough.