Abstract: A pusher assembly for a stacker includes first and second opposing moving sidewalls, each sidewall defining a lateral side of a chute region, the chute region defining a centerline therethrough. A first pusher is located on the first sidewall and is movable therewith and a second pusher is located on the second sidewall and is movable therewith. The first and second pushers, when in a home position, are staggered from one another relative to the centerline. The first pusher engages a leading edge of a stack of material in the stacker and the second pusher engages a trailing edge of the stack. In a conveying position, the first sidewall moves to engage the first pusher with the trailing edge of the stack of material, and the first and second sidewalls both move in a forward direction to discharge the stack of material.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for managing recyclable materials are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus is described, the apparatus comprising an inlet port for receiving the recyclable materials, a tube connected to the inlet port, an outlet port as part of the tube for expelling the recyclable materials, a screw blade mounted inside the tube and the inlet port along a tube longitudinal axis for moving the recyclable materials through the inlet port, the tube, and the outlet port, a motor coupled to the screw blade for rotating the screw blade, thereby moving the recyclable materials through the apparatus, and a receptacle installed onto the outlet port for receiving the recyclable materials.

Abstract: Control of a wrapping apparatus is facilitated by enabling an operator to input a load containment force requirement and/or a minimum number of layers of packaging material to be applied to a load, with a wrap control system automatically determining wrap force and other parameters required to meet user input requirements and/or parameters to minimize the expertise required of an operator and to provide more consistent and reliable wrapping of loads. In addition, a wrapping apparatus may be controlled to apply at least a minimum number of layers of packaging material to a load throughout a contiguous region thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for subdividing a fed tubular packaging sleeve into packaging units, having two displacer groups which are intended for constricting the tubular packaging sleeve, it being possible for the rear displacer group, as seen in respect of the movement of the tubular packaging sleeve, to be moved in the longitudinal direction of the tubular packaging sleeve, and the apparatus comprises a supporting element which is connected to the rear displacer group and is intended for supporting the tubular packaging sleeve. The supporting element allows the tubular packaging sleeve to be transported away reliably.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low friction gliding plate designed to optimize the process of packing at least one compressible object, such as insulation material, in continuous foil. In addition the present invention relates to a method for using a low friction gliding plate in packaging at least one compressible object.

Abstract: A standing tree branch compression ring is adapted to be vertically raised about the trunk of the tree by lifting means. As the ring is lifted it forceably moves the tree branches inward. A plastic ring liner is removably affixed to the outer surface of the ring to reduce its coefficient of friction to mitigate tree branch damage. The ring is polygonal and includes a fully releasable segment to accept the tree trunk from the side. The segment is then reaffixed by a mating tongue and slot joint at one end a latch at the other end before it is raised.

Abstract: A system for providing single portion viscous or semi-viscous food products utilizes an indexing conveyor to serially dispense pieces of top packaging material thereon, deliver a precise volume of the single serve food product, deposit a top packaging material piece thereon, press the sandwiched layer together to form the final shape of the food product and, optionally, heat seal the top and bottom material pieces to enclose the food product. Optional system layouts include cooling and/or oxygen depleted zones and multiple lane operation and serially adjacent rows of system components wherein the indexing conveyor moves forward by two increments at each indexing cycle.

Abstract: A waste sealing apparatus includes a supply mechanism of opposed sealing sheets, a pressure bonding mechanism therefor, a throw-in checking sensor provided on an insertion side of the pressure bonding mechanism, a cutting mechanism for the opposed sealing sheets, a passage checking sensor provided on a discharge side of the pressure bonding mechanism, and a catch-in preventing sensor provided on the discharge side of the pressure bonding mechanism. The pressure bonding mechanism has opposed bonding rolls each having seal parts on its both ends and a elastic compression part therebetween. Detecting a waste by the throw-in checking sensor automatically activates the supply mechanism of opposed sealing sheets. With the pressure bonding mechanism, the bonding rolls to bond opposed sealing sheets to seal the waste. When the passage checking sensor detects the waste from the bonding mechanism, the cutting mechanism automatically cut the sealing sheets.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides methods and apparatus for packaging wood mulch. Examples include a wood mulch bale produced using a method comprising compressing wood mulch at a pressure of between 12,000 pounds and 60,000 pounds to form a volume of compressed wood mulch and disposing a band about the compressed volume of wood mulch, wherein the compressed volume of wood mulch is between about 3000 cubic inches and about 5400 cubic inches. Other variations are provided herein.

Abstract: Mid-size balers and methods for compressing material into bales are disclosed. An exemplary baler (10) comprises a cylindrical baling chamber (24) configured to receive the material. The baling chamber is formed by a pair of circular, disk-shaped end plates (26) limiting opposite end faces of the baling chamber. The baling chamber is further formed by an axial motion actuator operatively associated with at least one of the end plates. The axial motion actuator including at least one piston providing an axial force to position the at least one of the end plates and react to forces of the bales (215) against the at least one of the end plates during operation. The baling chamber is further formed by a driven endless belt (12) guided by a plurality of rollers (20, 30, 32, 34, 42). The endless belt extends around the outer, circular perimeter of the end plates, forming a cylindrical periphery of the baling chamber.

Abstract: A container, adapted to be opened/closed automatically by induction actuated, includes a container body, cover, motor and actuating device, wherein the motor is connected to the driven element of the cover through the actuating device. The dustbin includes a sensing and controlling device of the stroke of the cover, wherein a cover stroke perception and a shut off circuit, the cover stroke perception is connected with the shut off circuit, and the shut off circuit is connected with the motor, the shut off circuit receives the activating signal from the cover stroke perception and then controls the motor to actuate correspondingly, the cover's stroke inducted by the trigger; point of the cover stroke perception is less than the whole stroke during the closing of the cover. The noise of the crash between the cover and the container body is low, and closing of the cover is rapid and spiffy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a low friction gliding plate designed to optimize the process of packing at least one compressible object, such as insulation material, in continuous foil. In addition the present invention relates to a method for using a low friction gliding plate in packaging at least one compressible object.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a substantially air-tight foil package for mineral wool that includes a mechanical compressing device for compressing the mineral wool in a first direction to bring about a dimensional reduction thereof. A wrapping device encloses the mineral wool with a web of a substantially air-tight foil. An evacuating station is arranged downstream of the compressing device and it includes an evacuating device for evacuating air from the mineral wool compressed by the compressing device and enclosed by the foil. The evacuating station includes opposed surfaces for maintaining the dimensional reduction during transfer to the evacuating means of the foil enclosed mineral wool compressed by the compressing device. The opposed surfaces maintain the dimensional reduction during evacuation by the evacuating device.

Abstract: A bale banding machine having an overhead press head that translates in the vertical direction relative to the band guide track and the bale being banded. The band is directed through a stationary band feeding guide assembly into a band receiving guide assembly mounted on the translating press head assembly. The stationary band feeding guide assembly defines an enclosed channel, at the end of which is provided a feed guide pivoting member that is biased in a closed position until the press heads lowers, upon which event a follower cam in the feed guide pivoting member reacts to a cam wedge on the descending press head, causing the feed guide pivoting member to pivot away from the band extending between the stationary band feeding guide assembly and the translating band receiving guide assembly. Simultaneously, the head guide pivoting member is caused to pivot upward from the band.

Abstract: A strapping machine includes a supply unit, a guidance frame, a pressing plate, feeder runners, a closure aggregate, a storage unit, a feeder, an insertion device and a guidance structure. The closure aggregate is vertically aligned with the pressing plate and maneuverable, whilst the supply unit is located within close proximity of the strapping area and the pressing plate. The guidance structure includes one canal-like transfer line leading at least to the closure aggregate. The insertion device is accessible from outside, is aligned with the supply unit and is attached to a lower section of an automatically opened guidance canal. The strapping material is fed synchronically to the transfer line with the pressing plate adjustable for height. The insertion mechanism incorporates feeder and runners. The storage unit adjacent to the supply unit is aligned to the exterior of the strapping area.

Abstract: A method for applying a heat shrinkable film to a carton for forming a shape of the carton is provided. The carton includes a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side panel extending between the top panel and the bottom panel, and a movable section that is movable between a first position and a second position. The method includes providing a heat-shrinkable but unshrunken film, wrapping the film in an unheated condition around at least a portion of the carton including at least a portion of the movable section of the carton, and moving the movable section from the first position to the second position to form a shape of the carton by heating the heat-shrinkable film to shrink the heat-shrinkable film into contact with at least a portion of the movable section.

Abstract: The present subject matter provides methods and apparatus for packaging wood mulch. Examples include a wood mulch bale produced using a method comprising compressing wood mulch at a pressure of between 12,000 pounds and 60,000 pounds to form a volume of compressed wood mulch and disposing a band about the compressed volume of wood mulch, wherein the compressed volume of wood mulch is between about 3000 cubic inches and about 5400 cubic inches. Other variations are provided herein.

Abstract: A banding system for piled products with a machine frame, a band feed mechanism disposed on the machine frame for feeding band material from a supply roll, means for forming a loop with said band material around the products to be banded, welding means to close said loop, and cutting means for cutting said band material, said means for forming the loop comprising transporting means for transporting the band material around the product to be banded and vacuum means connected to the transporting means. Said means for forming the loop are movable with respect to machine frame between an operating position where the means for forming the loop are in contact with the band feed mechanism to perform the banding operation and an open position where the means for forming the loop are displaced away from the band feed mechanism to create an opening therebetween allowing a transfer of products to be banded between the band feed mechanism and the means for forming the loop.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging multiple bedding products. The method includes compressing a stack of individual compressed and sealed mattresses between an upper shipping support and a lower shipping support and restraining subsequent expansion of the individual compressed and sealed mattresses with bands enclosing the upper and lower shipping supports and the stack of compressed and sealed mattresses.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a pocket coil bag row has two or more coil spring producing apparatuses for producing springs having different wire diameters and has an apparatus for transporting coil springs from each coil spring producing apparatus to a coil chute section. The coil chute section has receiving chambers corresponding to coil springs having different diameters sent in from each coil spring producing apparatus, and opening/closing sections are provided in the lower portions of the receiving chambers. The coil chute section has one exit and has a control device for controlling opening/closing so that the opening/closing of the opening/closing sections is performed in accordance with a previously set arrangement pattern of the coil springs. The coil chute sends coil springs to the exit of the coil chute section in a preset order and individually seals the coil springs in continuous bags.

Abstract: A method for applying a heat shrinkable film to a carton for forming a shape of the carton is provided. The carton includes a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side panel extending between the top panel and the bottom panel, and a movable section that is movable between a first position and a second position. The method includes providing a heat-shrinkable but unshrunken film, wrapping the film in an unheated condition around at least a portion of the carton including at least a portion of the movable section of the carton, and moving the movable section from the first position to the second position to form a shape of the carton by heating the heat-shrinkable film to shrink the heat-shrinkable film into contact with at least a portion of the movable section.

Abstract: A method for processing envelopes including the steps of providing a plurality of generally aligned envelopes and compressing the plurality of envelopes together. The method further includes the step of placing a band around the compressed envelopes such that the band retains the plurality of envelopes in a state of compression.

Abstract: Recumbent stacks of printed products are produced and strapped by supplying the printed products from above onto a conveying surface (2) where they are lined up in an upright position forming a continuously growing stack (6), separating discreet stacks (7) from the growing stack, stabilizing the discreet stacks with endplates (4), and conveying the stabilized stacks to a strapping position (12), in which a loop of strapping material is tightened around the stack (7). For conveying and strapping, the isolated stack (7) is gripped between two compression jaws (10, 11) that extend into the stack area (16) from a first side. In the strapping position (12), a strapping device (30) is situated on the side opposite the stack area (16). For strapping, at least part of the strapping device is moved horizontally in relation to the stack, and transverse to the stacking direction (S), thereby placing a loop of the strapping material around the stack.

Abstract: In an insulation blanket-packaging machine and method for continuously packaging insulation blanket in the form of batts there is a continuous: infeed of batts into a loading station; movement of batts from the loading station into a transfer station that also functions as a batt-stacking station; formation of a batt stack in the transfer station; compression of a batt stack in a compression station; envelopment of a compressed batt stack within sheet material in a packaging station to form a package; and removal of a package from the machine. The machine can also be used to package insulation blanket in roll form.

Abstract: A transportable container for bulk goods and a method for forming the container are disclosed. The transportable container is formed from a bag having a closed base and an open top. The open top is in a folded over position and a bottom support is located adjacent to the closed base. A particulate material is filled into the bag and an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bottom support and the bag such that the outer wrap secures the bag to the bottom support and secures the open top in the folded over position. The method for forming the transportable container includes the steps of securing the open top of the bag in an opened position and supporting a base of the bag. The bag is filled to a predetermined level with a particulate material and while being filled the fill level of the particulate material in the bag is monitored. Simultaneously with filling of the bag, an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag in an upward direction to a predetermined fill level.

Abstract: A spring unit comprises a continuous coil spring (5) contained within a sleeve (26) of strong, yet flexible, material. The unit is produced by providing a folding attachment device (2) having oppositely inclined spaced walls (13, 14) which converge from a feed end (3) to an outlet end (4), and simultaneously drawing the flexible material and the coil spring through the folding attachment device from the feed end to the outlet end with the spaced walls acting to fold the material over the coil spring and to apply a substantially uniform compressive force to the coil spring. As the material and the spring are drawn through the outlet end (4), overlapping edges of the flexible material are joined together to complete the spring unit.

Abstract: A machine for packaging piles (P) of paper products, such as serviettes, handkerchiefs and the like, comprising: a feed assembly (14) for feeding a sheet of packaging material (F), comprising means (26) designed for withholding a sheet of packaging material (F) in a substantially vertical plane; a station (12) for feeding products (P) to be packaged, comprising a pusher (22) to push the products (P) to be packaged in a direction orthogonal to the aforesaid sheet of packaging material (F); a drawer device (16) comprising a bottom plate (26) and a top plate (38), in which the bottom plate (38) is mobile with respect to the bottom plate (36) between a raised position and a lowered position; a control device (58, 60, 62, 64) designed to control displacement of the drawer device (16) in a longitudinal direction (18) between a receiving position and a position of release of the products; and a second control device (52, 54, 56) independent of the aforesaid first control device for controlling displacement of the to

Abstract: Loads on pallets are often wrapped with a plastic film for shipping. The present invention relates to top platen devices used to maintain stability in loads while the load is wrapped for shipping. The top platen device applies a compressive force to the load to stabilize the load while it is being wrapped. The top platen includes a shaft supporting platen pad which is placed on top of the load. The shaft and platen pad are configured to rotate eccentrically with respect to the geometric center of the top platen in order to rotate with the load about the load's center of rotation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing wrapped press ales. A material which can be pressed is situated in said bales. The inventive device comprises a press device (18) that is arranged in such a way that said press device can be moved vertically. Said press device is provided with at least one conical compressor roller that can be driven. The inventive device further comprises a receiving device that is designed as an open, cylindrical hollow body and serves for receiving the material to be pressed and a base plate that closes the receiving device toward the bottom, is detachably arranged by means of the receiving device and serves for supporting the press bales. The invention is characterized in that the receiving device and the base plate are rotatably mounted around a mutual vertical axis. In addition, the base plate can be moved in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A fruit injector and method for squeezing a fruit segment into a container, particularly, a beer bottle. A channel shaped body includes a plunger and a compression member pivotally connected for movement to the body for compressing a fruit segment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bundling layered material comprises an anvil for receiving multiple units of bundled material, and a plurality of blades for compressing a tying material onto the bundled material. An apparatus of the invention is illustrated for use in a specific method of simultaneously stapling the end wire of a plurality of tire beads.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for automatic bundling of sheet material, in particular bank notes, having a deposit device on which sheet material to be bundled is deposited as a precisely fitting stack, a sliding device moving the stack of sheets perpendicularly toward a foil supplied by a device whereby the stack is partly wrapped with the foil and supplied to a transport device. The invention is characterized in that the transport device has two parallel, vertically adjustable conveyer belts between which the stack with its partly surrounding foil is clamped and transported to a banding device, said stack being positioned by the conveyer belts such that the foil is guided around the stack by the banding device and connected into a band, thereby obtaining a bundled stack of sheets. Subsequently the bundled packet can be pushed onto a transport belt with the aid of a delivery pocket.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods are provided for producing a plurality of shock absorbing pads. The apparatus preferably has a core pad former for forming particulate core material into a plurality of individual core pads, a core pad encaser positioned downstream from the core pad former for encasing the plurality of individual core pads with a selected sheet of material to thereby form a sheet of a plurality of shock absorbing pads, a pad sheet debulking conveyor positioned adjacent the core pad encaser for debulking the sheet of the plurality of shock absorbing pads and conveying the sheet of the plurality of shock absorbing pads downstream, and a pad separator positioned downstream the pad sheet conveyor for separating the sheet into a plurality of individual shock absorbing pads.

Abstract: A large round baler, designed as a non-stop baler, includes a mobile chassis supporting a lower baling chamber section, defined by a floor conveyor arrangement, and an upper baling chamber section. The upper baling chamber section, together with opposite side walls, is mounted for fore-and-aft movement relative to the lower baling chamber section between a rear location, wherein it cooperates with the floor conveyor arrangement to define a rear baling chamber, and a front location wherein it cooperates with the floor conveyor arrangement to define a front baling chamber. The upper chamber section includes front and rear wall portions which are mounted for being raised once a bale is formed in the rear baling chamber so that the upper section may be moved to its forward location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bundling layered material comprises an anvil for receiving multiple units of bundled material, and a plurality of blades for compressing a tying material onto the bundled material. An apparatus of the invention is illustrated for use in a specific method of simultaneously stapling the end wire of a plurality of tire beads.

Abstract: The apparatus for wrapping compressible box-like articles (10) such as a stock of newspapers or magazines, with a web-like wrapping material (12). The apparatus has three serially arranged belt conveyors (16, 18, 20), and the second belt conveyor (18) is in the form of a bearing table (24) which can be rotated about a vertical axis (26). The bearing table mounts two pressure-exerting members (30, 32). The article (10′) which is to be wrapped is introduced in a compressed state, by the first belt conveyor (16), into a wrap-around channel (42) which is formed by the table (24) and one of the pressure-exerting members (30), and the wrapping material (70) is positioned around the article in the form of a U. At the same time, the article (10), which has been previously wrapped in this way, is transferred to the third belt conveyor (20).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing and packaging compressible materials. The compression is carried out continuously between parallel plates which come closer to each other as they advance. As the plates advance, the materials are accompanied by a lower packaging film and an upper packaging film which are joined at the sides of the compressed materials at the end of compression.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping articles such as newspapers in individual protective packets comprising a support assembly having a feed station for introducing unwrapped articles into the machine for wrapping and a pick-up station for retrieving wrapped articles from the wrapping machine mounted on opposite ends thereof, a transport/wrapping assembly for moving the articles from the feed station to the pick-up station and a film supply for enclosing the article between a first flexible protective film sheet and a second flexible protective film sheet, a film sealing assembly for sealing the opposite sides and the opposite ends of the first flexible protective film sheet and the second flexible protective film sheet together to form a protective packet enclosing the article therein, a film cutting assembly for separating adjacent protective packets and a control assembly including at least one sensor to detect articles moving through the wrapping machine and to selectively activate and deactivate the sealing

Abstract: This invention relates to novel apparatus and methods for inserting and positioning a compressible material into a container and for using the container for detecting a specific environmental parameter or combination of parameters, or for determining the effectiveness of a sterilization procedure. Precise positioning of a plug of compressible material in a container has been discovered to provide flexibility necessary for production of indicator systems that vary in their response to sterilizing conditions to reflect the efficacy of sterilizers based on different modes of sterilization and reproduceability necessary for accurate monitoring of each mode. The invention also relates to test indicators containing controlled volumes of compressed, gas-permeable materials and to methods for using test indicators for determining the efficacy of different types of sterilization processes. The test indicator consists of a plurality of interactive enzymes in a container with at least one opening.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, products are contained within a continuous cylindrical sleeve in a low- or no-tension condition. Products are captured within the sleeve during its formation. The sleeve forms a continuous path encircling the product(s) in at least one plane through the products and package, defining an axial direction normal to the plane and a circumferential direction around the product(s) within the plane. One or more axially-extending pleats are unitarily formed from the material comprising the cylindrical wall of the sleeve, such that the circumference of the cylindrical sleeve is reduced. By reducing the circumference of the cylinder the interior volume of the sleeve, and thus the finished package, is reduced, thus subjecting the products within the package to a compressive force. The compressive force is imparted by a uniform reduction in circumference resulting in a uniform inwardly-directed product compression.

Abstract: The coiling apparatus for flexible planar articles (44), in particular printed products such as newspapers, magazines and parts thereof comprises a winding core (16), which is rotatably journalled in a frame (12) and drivable by a drive shaft (28), and a coiling band (24) which directs the flexible planar articles (44) essentially tangentially to the coiling core and is wound up onto the coiling core together with the planar articles. A drive train comprising a driving disc (38), a drive belt (40) and a drive belt disc (42) makes it possible to rotate the shaft (14) on which the winding core (16) is rotatably mounted from the same motor as drives the band reel (26). Between the winding core (16) and the rotary shaft (14) there is located a spiral spring (18) which is secured at its one end (20) to the winding core and at its other end (22) to the rotary shaft (14).

Abstract: A method of packaging a resiliently compressible article comprises the steps of inserting the article into a tube of deformable material such that excess material is provided at the ends of the tube. A first end of the tube is then sealed closed. Air is then evacuated from the tube through the second end thereby deforming the tube around the article and causing the article to compress. While a vacuum is maintained in the tube, the second end of the tube is sealed closed. A containment sleeve is fitted over the sealed tube to maintain the article in a compressed state. When the article is unpackaged, the containment sleeve is severed and the tube is allowed to expand in a gradual controlled fashion by the bleeding of air back into the tube.

Abstract: On a cigarette packing machine, groups of cigarettes forming the content of respective packets are inserted inside a folding spindle and wrapped in a sheet of wrapping material which is folded on to the outer surface of the spindle before being unloaded off the spindle together with the respective group; the spindle being defined by a tubular shell, the relatively thin walls of which are reinforced internally by substantially triangular longitudinal ribs, each engaging, in use, the longitudinal gap defined by two adjacent peripheral cigarettes in the group.

Abstract: A device for forming a stack of printed sheets. The device includes a conveying device for conveying the printed sheets in an imbricated flow vertically downwards and an approximately horizontal stack support disposed below the conveying device and having an entrance end for receiving the printed sheets. The stack support has a working region where stacks of the printed sheets are formed, and, disposed downstream of the working region in a stack formation direction, a pressing region where formed stacks of the printed sheets are compressed.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus that compresses the contents in a vertical direction and tightly winds the contents. Upon the lowering of the elevator, compressive receiving plates project above the contents. The elevator is raised to hold the contents between the compressive receiving plates and the contents are compressed in the vertical direction. The winding guides approach each other, while the contents are being compressed. Both ends of the packaging sheet are connected by the fixing elements, and then the compressive receiving plates are pulled out.

Abstract: A package wrapping apparatus and method compresses a package of napkins or a similarly soft bulked product during the wrapping operation to provide a tight wrapped package which does not become loose with settling. An air activated expandable elevator plate allows the bottom of the napkin package to be completely supported during the wrapping operation, and contracts to allow the plate to be lowered between front and rear underfolders. This allows the napkin stack to undergo a greater degree of compression without defects, since folding or curling of the napkin edges over the elevator plate is avoided. An air activated movable top compression plate applies variable downloading against the top of the package. As the elevator plate is raised, the package presses against the top compression plate and is thereby compressed.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming and packing bundles (46) of boxes produced by a folding-glueing or stitching machine, in which a station (28) for conveying and possibly overturning at least one stack (24) of boxes which comprises substantially as many boxes as a half of those forming a bundle (46) of boxes, feeds a station (44) for matching the bundles (46) of boxes with a first and a second stack (24) of boxes whereby said two stacks (24) of boxes overlap to each other. In the matching station (44), the bundle (46) of boxes is moved along a plane inclined in the direction of movement by a pushing means (52) acting on the rear side of the bundle (46) of boxes while this is laterally guided by stationary walls (54).

Abstract: A sleeving system consists of a sleeve forming mechanism for constructing a sleeve from a web of material and a series of pairs of prongs mounted to a pivoting turret mechanism. The prongs are moved to a collapsed position, where a partially opened sleeve is positioned over the collapsed prongs and clamped to one of the prongs. The prongs are pivoted to an inserting station, and are moved apart to open the sleeve at the inserting station. A compressed stack of articles, such as paper towels, is provided to the inserting station, and is inserted by an inserting mechanism into the space between the prongs, and therefore into the opened sleeve. The prongs are then pivoted to a removal station, where a removing mechanism functions to remove the stack from between the prongs and to simultaneously draw the sleeve off of the prongs. The stack undergoes decompression as it emerges from between the prongs, to expand into engagement with the sleeve.

Abstract: In an insulation blanket-packaging machine and method for continuously packaging insulation blanket in the form of batts there is a continuous: infeed of batts into a loading station; movement of batts from the loading station into a transfer station that also functions as a batt-stacking station; formation of a batt stack in the transfer station; compression of a batt stack in a compression station; envelopment of a compressed batt stack within sheet material in a packaging station to form a package; and removal of a package from the machine. The machine can also be used to package insulation blanket in roll form.

Abstract: A method of packaging a resiliently compressible article comprises the steps of inserting the article into a tube of deformable material such that excess material is provided at the ends of the tube. A first end of the tube is then sealed closed. Air is then evacuated from the tube through the second end thereby deforming the tube around the article and causing the article to compress. While a vacuum is maintained in the tube, the second end of the tube is sealed closed. A containment sleeve is fitted over the sealed tube to maintain the article in a compressed state. When the article is unpackaged, the containment sleeve is severed and the tube is allowed to expand in a gradual controlled fashion by the bleeding of air back into the tube.