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

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products, such as contact lenses, in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes a rotary index table defining on its upper surface a plurality of identical, radially-oriented support pallets, equally spaced apart around the rotary index table. Each support pallet is designed to support an array of individual package bases thereon, and is sequentially rotated to stop at angularly spaced radial positions in the rotary packaging machine. At a first radial position, the rotary packaging station receives blister package bases, each having a product deposited therein, and places the package bases in the support pallet then at the first radial position.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a method and apparatus for packaging articles, and cushioning the packages with biodegradable, starch based materials. The materials, packed as loose nuggets within the package, are converted to a single, unitary cushion in-situ to protect the article.

Abstract: A method of producing a container of banana clusters is provided wherein a flexible inner container is inserted into an outer container prior to placing the banana clusters into the outer container, placing a first row of banana clusters in the inner container atop the interior bottom, placing a second row of banana clusters in the inner container such that a portion of the second row is positioned atop a portion of the first row, providing a tunnel pad having a width at least as great as the length of the sidewalls of the outer container and a length greater than the length of the endwalls of the outer container and positioning a portion of the tunnel pad atop and in contact with a portion of the banana clusters of the first and second rows, and placing a third and fourth row of banana clusters in the inner container atop a portion of and in contact with a portion of the tunnel pad. A method of transferring a load of bananas from the outer container to another outer container is also provided.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing product packages having a multilayer backing member, a plastic product enclosure adhered to a front layer of the backing member, and a removable panel in a back layer for enclosing ancillary materials. The process includes the steps of printing a plurality of backing member patterns on a sheet of backing member material, applying a heat-resistant coating to back layer portions of the backing members, applying a heat-seal coating to front layer portions of the backing members, cutting the sheet to define individual backing members and the removable panel, and applying adhesive to and folding together the front and back layer portions with the ancillary materials therebetween so as to form individual backing members. A plastic product enclosure and the product may then be heat-sealed to the backing member.

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. A positioning roll pair defines a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by a positioning drive at a continuous predetermined speed. Feeding rolls located upstream of the positioning roll pair in the excess of one coupon length are driven by an intermittent feeding drive at a speed substantially less than the speed of the positioning roll pair. Controlling mechanisms actuate and deactuate the feeding drive in response to a timing mechanism related to container position and a coupon sensing mechanism at a sensing position between the positioning roll pair and the feeding rolls.

Abstract: A container capable of containing components of a mixture in chambers separated by a peelable seal constructed from a multi-layer film. The multi-layer film has at least one layer of a RF-responsive material and an interior layer of non-RF responsive material. When the layers are subjected to RF energy, the RF-responsive layer heats the interior layers resulting in a bond in the form of a peelable seal between the interior layers. The peelable seal is capable of withstanding external pressures to the container, such as from dropping the container. The seal may be selectively opened to allow mixture of components contained therein.

Abstract: A collapsible sleeve having an inner wall and outer wall defining a longitudinal bore for displaying and distributing a product sample. A support wall is disposed within the bore. The support wall may be comprised of a plurality of inner panels projecting from the inner wall of the sleeve. The inner panels are adapted to selectively engage and disengage each other so as to form an interior support wall which imparts both shape and rigidity to the sleeve when it is in the erected position. The walls of the sleeve and the support wall define first and second longitudinal apertures. The first aperture is sized and adapted to receive and engage a container housing a retail consumer product. The second aperture is sized and adapted to receive, retain, protect and display a consumer product sample.

Abstract: Methods for preparing, transporting and dispersing cremated remains via balloon, and a container providing a clean environment for carrying out this method. Cremated remains are deposited into a balloon, the balloon is filled with gas, transported to a launching site and released. To provide an environment that assures substantially complete and safe transfer of the cremated remains to the balloon as well as to provide a sealed chamber for inflation and transport of the balloon, a special container having interior surfaces of vinyl or other barrier materials is used.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging articles is provided comprising a plate member 10 having a plurality of apertures (12a, 12b, 12c) therein. Each aperture has at least two openings and receives an article or group of articles through a first opening. Each aperture has non-return stop means (20) to releasably retain an article or group of articles therein. Plate member 10 has means to register (32, 34) one or more packages (26) there against so that rotation of plate (10) and package (26) or packages while in registration allows articles (14, 22, 24) in the apertures (12a, 12b, 12c) to move into positions in package (26) pre-determined by the position of the apertures. The invention also provides a process of packaging articles using such a plate member (10).

Abstract: At a first station 202, flexible material 204 is deformed into a predetermined configuration defined by a mould recess 210. This configuration corresponds to the internal configuration of one of two housing parts 136, 138, situated at a second station 206. The deformed region of the flexible material 204 is advanced to the second station and secured between the housing parts 136, 138, to form a flexible partition within the container so formed.

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: An improved leaflet inserter includes a series of adjacent leaflet trays carried by a conveyor along side of a cartoner and each tray includes a leaflet pusher movable in a slot transverse to the direction of the conveyor to push a leaflet placed in the tray out the side of the tray and into a synchronized carton or into a product bucket which is moving along side of the tray. In an embodiment of a leaflet tray, the leaflet pusher includes a downwardly extending cam pin which engages an adjustable cam positioned beneath the trays which urges the cam pin to slide the leaflet pusher transversely across the tray. In another aspect of the present invention, an integrated product bucket loader includes a plurality of product load receiving buckets mounted on a conveyor and each bucket has an integral, movable end wall which is slidably mounted on the bucket for movement across the width of the bucket.

Abstract: A packaging system indexes a pouch web, packaging web, and base web for forming a bag with an attached pouch enclosing an article such as literature or a merchandising sample. The preferred apparatus attaches the pouch web to the packaging web to form a pocket that opens adjacent respective edges while the base web remains unattached. An article is dispensed into the pocket with each indexing movement of the webs and the pocket then sealed inboard of the bag section edges to form a pouch enclosing the article. A bag handling mechanism holds and conveys the bags for accumulation into a bundle.

Abstract: A portable shipping station (20) includes a wheeled cart assembly (22), a central table (24), a packaging dispenser roller support frame (26), and a pivotable hopper boom assembly (28). The roller support frame (26) serves to dispense packaging materials (122, 124) from a detachable rod (120) that may be retained at selected elevations by hooks (e.g., 116, 118) on a pair of upright standards 108, 110). A boom (140) may be used to pivot a filler-dispensing hopper assembly (158) along a horizontal arc (148).

Abstract: A cushioned shipping assembly includes a carton and foam inserts to support a product shipped by a supplier, which elements are successively returned by an end user to be reused in the same or other shipping assembly, while various components are recycled as they become spent. In some embodiments, the carton collapses to a diminished size for return. A resource center reroutes or refurbishes the components, recycling aged or spend pieces. On-premises pelletizing of reclaimed polymer provides a more efficient, environmentally clean system. Spent inserts of identified polymer may be diverted to users of specific resins.

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

Abstract: A method for 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: Several embodiments of a method for wrapping a floral grouping, to form a wrapper with a water holding and releasing material disposed in the wrapper in contact with a portion of the floral grouping, are disclosed. Several embodiments of wrappers are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are an inhibitor parcel comprising (a) a composition comprising an unsaturated fatty acid compound as its main ingredient and (b) a permeable diffusing-parcelling material prepared by laminating and bonding an oxygen-permeable resin layer onto one side of a base sheet made of a fibrous material and an adhesive or onto one adhesive-coating side of a base sheet made of a fibrous material, then laminating and bonding thereonto an oxygen-permeable resin layer and laminating and bonding a porous film of low softening point resin or a low softening point unwoven fabric onto the other side of the base sheet, said permeable diffusing-parcelling material (b) having an oxygen permeability of 10.sup.4 to 10.sup.6 ml/m.sup.2.Atm.Day and a (water vapor permeability/oxygen permeability) ratio of 0.02 H.sub.2 O mg.Atm/O.sub.2 ml! or above at 25.degree. C.

Abstract: A unique package for inoculants and a method for enabling the end user to introduce a pure culture of a microorganism into its appropriate growth substance, and later the microorganism enriched substance into a carrier material within a self-contained unit. The basic package separates a stabilized pure culture of the microorganism from the growth substance by a clamp which forms a physical partition. The microorganism is introduced to the substance when the partition is eliminated. After a time of growth to a maximum extent possible in the substance, the package is fractured to release the fresh inoculation at maximum microorganism vitality. Growth of the microorganism in the growth substance in-situ results in maximum numbers of the beneficial microorganism being available at the site of application.

Abstract: A goods collection method is disclosed, in which box-shaped goods form goods delivery units and are successively received in necessary quantities on goods receptacles and accommodated in containers or the like. Each goods receptacle used has a goods reception surface inclined downward from a goods reception side toward the other side and includes a stopper wall provided on the other side for stopping received goods. The goods received on the goods receptacle are caused to gather on the goods reception surface such as to be on the side thereof adjacent the stopper wall.

Abstract: A plurality of different materials which are required for use in a process and which are to be kept separate up to a predetermined stage in the process are supplied with each different material being encapsulated within a plurality of discrete shells, the shells serving to keep the different materials separate from each other. The shells for the different materials are distinguishable from each other so as to permit subsequent sorting of the shells into batches of shells all containing the same material.

Abstract: A multilayered food product, which has an upper component which has a density which is at least 0.2 kg/dm.sup.3 greater than a density of a lower component, is prepared by introducing a first food component into a container and within 30 seconds after introduction of the first food component applying a CO.sub.2 snow to a top surface of the first food component in the container for frosting the surface and removing residual CO.sub.2 snow from the surface and introducing a second food component into the container onto the frosted surface of the first food component.

Abstract: A ribbon-like flat web having a plurality of side by side depressions is fed through a horizontal slot having a downward facing surface having an aperture communicating with a reservoir of reagent containing solution. The web is urged against the downward facing surface to provide sealing as the solution is fed into the upward facing depressions. The aperture communicating with the reservoir is profiled as a parallelogram having a leading edge which is oblique to the direction of movement. After emerging from the dispensing apparatus the exposed solution is dried in hot air, followed by spray application of a second solution, further drying in hot air, and application of a backing to form capillary chambers. The method is especially useful for manufacturing coagulation assays having magnetic particles and thromboplastin.

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

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

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

Abstract: Digital tampons carrying strings are surrounded in tubular envelopes while being confined in and advancing with upright cylindrical carriers. The envelopes are formed around the carriers so that their lower ends extend beyond the lower ends of the respective carriers. The lower ends of successive envelopes are closed by providing them with at least partially overlapping panels. Prior to being separated from the respective carriers, the closed ends of the envelopes are deformed by heated profiled tools which provide the outer sides of the closed ends with centrally located recesses surrounded by smooth ring-shaped portions. The strings are automatically curled along the marginal portions at the upper sides of the respective closed ends in response to downward movement of the tampons in their carriers not later than in the course of the deforming step.

Abstract: Housings for personal computers are assembled at a first site and then shipped in bulk to one or more configuring sites. At the configuring sites, electrical components are inserted into the housing, and the thus-configured computers are packaged in individual containers, along with packing material. Each container has an openable vertical wall. If the computers need to be reconfigured, the openable wall of the container is opened, and one or more of the electrical components are removed and/or replaced horizontally through that opened wall without having to remove the computer or packing material from the container.

Abstract: A cushioned shipping assembly includes a corrugated carton and foam inserts which are returned by an end user to the fabricator. In some embodiments, the carton collapses to a diminished size for return. The fabricator refurbishes the components, recycling aged or spent pieces. Preferably polyolefin foams, olefin-based adhesives and coatings, and wood fiber-based corrugated material make up the cushioned system, and one component is compatible with recycling processes of others. The fabricator may perform on-premises pelletizing of reclaimed polymer, thus providing a more efficient, environmentally clean system.

Abstract: A beverage package has a sealed container 1 containing beer 11 having gas in solution and forming a headspace 16 containing gas at pressure greater than atmospheric. A hollow insert 7 is located in the container and is responsive to a pressure differential developed on opening the top 5 of the container to inject beer and/or gas therefrom into the beer 11 whereby to liberate gas 17 from solution and form froth in the headspace 16. A baffle plate 12 on the insert 7 restrains the liberation of gas 17 to a minor proporation of the volume of beer 11 so that when the beer is poured into a glass, gas can evolve naturally from the beer to produce "sparkle". As an alternative to the beer and/or gas injection bubble initiation, gas from solution in the minor proporation of the volume of beer may be liberated by contact of that beer with a bubble initiating material.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing 3-dimensional antibiotic susceptibility tests includes a plate with culture medium thereon, the plate rotatably mounted to a support for selective rotation. A knife is located to cut a slit in the culture medium as the plate is rotated, with a dispensing stylus located to dispense inoculum into the slit formed by the knife. A wedge apparatus is mounted adjacent the plate with a wedge-shaped leg depending into the culture medium so as to compress the culture medium towards the center of the plate, to thereby force the walls of the slit together after the inoculum has been deposited within the slit. A method for performing modified 3-dimensional antibiotic susceptibility tests includes the step of uniformly spreading a test microorganism over the top surface of culture medium on a plate. A slit is then formed in the culture medium and a uniform stream of suspending medium with a test microorganism therein is dispensed in and along the length of the slit.

Abstract: A self-kindling fuel package comprising a container with walls and at least one pinched closure with a semi-rigid wick longitudinally folded into the end closure creating an oxygen channel within the end closure, and a method of constructing the self-kindling fuel package.

Abstract: A cushioned shipping assembly includes a carton and foam inserts to support a product shipped by a supplier, which elements are successively returned by an end user to be reused in the same or other shipping assembly, while various components are recycled as they become spent. In some embodiments, the carton collapses to a diminished size for return. A resource center reroutes or refurbishes the components, recycling aged or spend pieces. On-premises pelletizing of reclaimed polymer provides a more efficient, environmentally clean system. Spent inserts of identified polymer may be diverted to users of specific resins.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging horticultural items like cut flowers and potted plants for shippment in cardboard cartons is disclosed. An elongated rod extends from the top of the carton into a vase holding the horticultural items and secures the vase and horticultural from movement inside of the carton even in the event that the carton is upended.

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

Abstract: A product in a closed container, (A) the product releasing and/or containing H.sub.2 S, and (B) the container being permeable to gases, another container, largely impermeable to gases and holding an H.sub.2 S absorber, being arranged around said container. The product especially may be infusion solutions containing substances which can release or generate H.sub.2 S, in addition to other amino acids, if desired. The solutions according to the invention clearly are more durable and contain less H.sub.2 S than comparable known solutions of the art.

Abstract: A shipping support system for moveable articles within a refrigerator having an interior compartment containing a plurality of movable articles such as shelves and the like, wherein the packing support system includes a conformable bag containing expandable foam material. A shipping support is formed by dispensing the expandable foam into an open receiving end of the conformable bag and then the receiving end is sealed closed. Upon forming the shipping support, the conformable bag is secured to a door hingedly mounted to the refrigerator before the expandable foam has completely expanded and formed. Subsequently, the door is closed, capturing the conformable bag between the door and the moveable articles within the refrigerator. As the expandable foam expands, the conformable bag conforms to the configuration of the moveable articles such that the moveable articles are securely supported within the refrigerator cabinet.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is disclosed including a series of equally spaced air jets (36) in the center plate (18) of a channel (14). An end cover plate (22) and a cover (48) close the channel (14) to form a tunnel having infeed and outfeed ends. In the most preferred form, the air jets (36) are wedge-shaped depressions formed in the center plate (18) having semicircular end walls (38) including apertures (42) in fluid communication with a compressed air enclosure (44) secured to the center plate (18). The free end of a continuous strip of coupon items is inserted into the infeed end where it is under the control of the air flow created by the air jets (36) within the tunnel. A coupon item is then cut from the continuous strip and travels under the control of the air flow within the tunnel and through the outfeed end thereof. In a preferred form, the end cover plate (22) is arcuately shaped outward and downward to direct the coupon item into a hopper (32) which later receives the ready-to-eat food product.

Abstract: A display package includes an outer enclosure having a see-through window for viewing an article to be displayed. The article is retaining in a display means. The display means is arranged in the bottom of a box which fits within the outer enclosure. A box top dimensioned to fit over and close the bottom of the box is also containing in the outer enclosure, but is positioned such that it does not obstruct the view of the article through the see-through window.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging, mixing and delivering bone cement. The apparatus may include a bone cement gun having a flexible container which is able to store at least two components of the bone cement. In this regard, the flexible container includes a first compartment that is able to store one component of the bone cement as well as a second compartment that is able to store the second component of the bone cement. A sealing member temporarily seals the first compartment with the second compartment, the removal of which permits the first and second components to be mixed so as to form the bone cement.

Abstract: A method of assembling composite billets of circular section for manufacturing multifilament superconducting strands, in which a cylindrical body is initially filled with jig bars having at least one axis of symmetry of order n stacked inside the cylindrical body. As the jig bars are removed, one by one, each jig bar is replaced by a multi-part bar made up of unit rods stacked in ordered and compact manner to occupy minimum space. Each multi-part bar has the same section as the jig bar that it replaces. The jig bars are preferably rectangular, and more preferably square in section, and the multi-part bars that replace them are made up of unit rods that are rectangular and preferably square in section. The method facilitates and speed up assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method and an apparatus for packaging a substance together with a freshness-keeping agent such as a deoxidizer, wherein, a belt-like member of the deoxidizer bags is cut into individual bags, which successively receive adhesive. Each bag is then supplied to a packaging film to be secured thereto. The packaging film is fed to a packaging machine, at which a substance such as foodstuff is packaged within the film.

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: A method and device for stabilizing and storing bicarbonate solutions is provided. In an embodiment, a device is provided having a container and carbon-dioxide generating substances that include a solid material which upon contact with water generates carbon-dioxide gas. The device may be packaged together with the bicarbonate or in a separate overpouch. The present invention also provides a method for the stabilization of bicarbonate solutions utilizing a means that generates high pressure carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A method for assembling a package for an active medical device which comprises making an opening in a wall of a recess shaped to receive the device, placing a gasket against the wall and about a band mounted through a flat portion of the wall, inserting the band through the opening so the gasket is flush against the wall, installing an outer part about the band to hold the gasket against the wall to form a sterile barrier, and placing a lid over the recess to contain the device within a sterile field.

Abstract: A method and device for preparing one or more pads of checks to be delivered to an individual is disclosed. The method includes stitching a mailing label on top of an uppermost pad of one or more pads of checks. The one or more pads of checks are placed into a check container, wherein the check container includes a box bottom, a box top having a first aperture, and a transparent material immediately surrounding the first aperture. The check container is placed into a shipping carton, wherein the shipping carton has a second aperture. The mailing label is visible through the first aperture of the box top and through the second aperture of the shipping carton.

Abstract: A method of placing an insert in a container having a neck wherein the insert is of greater longitudinal extent than the cross-section of the neck, comprising the steps of holding the insert in a first orientation while causing relative movement between the insert and the container to introduce the insert into the container through the neck and subsequently permitting the insert to move under the influence of gravity into a second, different, orientation relative to the first orientation within the container.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a method for wrapping a floral grouping, to form a wrapper with a water holding and releasing material disposed in the wrapper in contact with a portion of the floral grouping, are disclosed. Several embodiments of wrappers are also enclosed.