Abstract: A device for making a hole in an ink cartridge used in an ink jet printer comprising a main frame body to be mounted on the cartridge in a positionally immovable fashion by a combination of a cantilever type pressing member and a groove that respectively engage a recess and a flange of the cartridge. The main frame body has a screw with a pointed end so that when the screw is rotated the pointed end advances and penetrates into the cartridge, thus forming a hole in the cartridge so that ink can be refilled into the cartridge through the thus opened hole.

Abstract: An EL lamp has a perimeter that is beveled and said rear electrode is smaller in area than said front electrode due to said bevel. The lamp is made by placing an EL panel on a concave die with the rear electrode in contact with the die and shearing the edge of the lamp at an acute angle. The angle is between 30.degree. and 60.degree. and is preferably 45.degree.. The die has a radius of curvature that is 50-150 times the thickness of the panel to prevent deformation of the panel. For circular or nearly circular lamps, the entire perimeter of the lamp can be cut in a single stroke.

Abstract: A method for trimming an inner ring from the neck flange of a blow-molded plastic bottle by extending a reverse punch into the bottle through the flange opening, elastically bending the flange into the interior of the bottle as the punch passes and withdrawing the reverse punch from the bottle and trimming a ring from the flange.

Abstract: A process and apparatus is provided for removing radioactive material from a glovebox, placing the material in a stainless steel storage vessel in communication with the glovebox, and sealing the vessel with a welded plug. The vessel is then severed along the weld, a lower half of the plug forming a closure for the vessel. The remaining welded plug half provides a seal for the remnant portion of the vessel and thereby maintains the sealed integrity of the glovebox.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing shrinkwrap from a plurality of bottles encased in the same and arranged in the form of a substantially rectangular package. The apparatus includes a base frame that has an upper support surface. Extending upwardly through the support surface is a first cutting assembly. Spaced from the first cutting assembly and also extending upwardly through the support surface is a second cutting assembly. A pusher is connected to the base frame and is adapted to move the package along the support surface over the first cutting assembly in order to effectuate a lengthwise cut in the bottom of the package. A second pusher is also secured to the base frame and is adapted to move the package across the support surface over the second cutting assembly in order to effectuate a widthwise cut in the bottom of the package. The shrinkwrap removing apparatus also includes a debagging station for removing the shrinkwrap from the plurality of bottles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bottle top cutting device which includes a base and a housing. The housing has an aperture formed therein, the aperture configured to allow the passage of a bottle tip thereinto while precluding insertion of a finger. A razor is housed in the housing and is positioned such that as the bottle tip is slid in the aperture towards the razor, the tip is cut off of the bottle.

Abstract: An assembly, for providing a passage for liquid between a first member comprising a liquid reservoir such as a concentrate container or storage vessel and a second member such as a liquid outlet, includes a first connector which is adapted to be mounted on the second member and comprises a piercing assembly by which an opening can be provided in the first member, and a second connector which is undetachably connected to the first member. While in use, the first and second connectors are connected to each other, and the first connector is moved relative to the second connector in such a manner that the piercing assembly forces an opening in the first member, whereby the passage is effected.

Abstract: A toner cartridge splitter provides for the opening of the two major portions of a powdered toner cartridge, as used in various xerographic photocopy machines and printers. The device serves to separate the toner reservoir and mounting portions of a toner cartridge, thereby allowing the cartridge to be replenished with toner and resealed for further use, rather than merely being discarded after a single use. A toner cartridge is placed within the cartridge receptacle portion of the splitter, with the cartridge being immovably secured therein during the operation. A splitter blade is disposed coplanar with the seam of the cartridge between the two major components, and is driven between the two cartridge components to split them apart. A clearance notch may be provided in the blade to clear any protrusions in the cartridge rim which might otherwise block the penetration of the blade into the seam.

Abstract: A rotary slitter for container closures of varying sizes is disclosed. The embodiments include swivel housings to permit rapid changing of internal tools, and a rectilinear knife blade which eliminates adjustment problems normally occurring with curved knife blades.

Abstract: A method of removing a required number of articles from a packing box which is accommodating a plurality of articles and having one open side. The method includes a step of setting the orientation of the packing box with the open side directed side-wise, a step of sucking surfaces of the required number of articles in the packing box with sucking pads through the open side of the packing box directed side-wise, and a step of removing from the packing box the necessary number of articles sucked by the sucking pads.

Abstract: A tamper indicating closure comprising a base wall and a peripheral skirt having an internal thread adapted to engage the threads of a container wherein a tamper indicating band is provided on the skirt by a plurality of circumferentially spaced bridges. The band includes portions adapted to engage an annular bead on the container. The bridges are formed by using a primary knife having an interrupted cutting edge to produce a circumferential score in the side wall of the closure leaving spaced connectors or bridges followed by using a secondary knife having a continuous cutting edge to provide a continuous external score line and an accurately dimensional radial thickness of the bridges. In a preferred method and apparatus, the closures engage the successive primary and secondary knives and are moved such that the closures roll relative to the knives.

Abstract: The invention is a device for expediting the cutting of boxes containing goods used in restocking shelves and the like. This device can either be free standing or operatively mounted on a stocking cart or dolly. In either case, a free-wheeling turntable is used to support the box being cut and a box positioner is disposed adjacent thereto to raise one edge of the box when the same is being cut. This positioner can then be lowered to allow the box to be rotated 90.degree. for the next cut, etc. thereby greatly expediting the cutting open of boxes. The box positioner for raising the box at least partially off of the turntable is mechanically activated by either a foot pedal in the free standing version or by a handle in the cart mounted version.

Abstract: A rigid, box-like frame structure has a vertically movable subframe assembly mounted thereon. Attached to the subframe are a number of horizontally movable tined sleeves with connected sharpened tines. As the subframe assembly moves downwardly, the attached tines penetrate the refuse bags on a conveyor below. The tined sleeves are then moved outwardly by actuators, tearing open the bags and discharging the refuse within. The subframe assembly is then lifted upwardly and the tined sleeves are moved back inwardly to their original position to start the cycle again.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for opening soft-cup packs of cigarettes. In progressive stages, the cellophane wrapper top and the pack closure strip are cut, the cellophane wrapper top piece is removed, the remaining cellophane is removed, the soft-cup is removed, and the foil bundle containing the cigarettes is raked open and the cigarettes removed. Various conveyors move the packs through the stages.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for trimming a plastic covering from a mouth opening of a blow-molded universal urinal includes a retaining block for rigidly holding the urinal in position opposite a trimming apparatus. The apparatus mechanically moves a knife mounted thereon in an oval pattern in one plane while simultaneously moving the knife in an alternately concave and convex pattern in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. The knife is mounted on a platform which is itself movable in the second plane independently of the movement of the knife. As the platform is moved toward the urinal mouth, the knife is moved in the described pattern, thus smoothly trimming the urinal mouth.

Abstract: Apparatus for mechanically removing circumferentially complete labels from cylindrical external surfaces of successive containers, such as bottles, which are transported in upright or horizontal position past a removing station has a mechanical or pneumatic device which withdraws a portion of the label from the external surface of a container at the removing station. This establishes a clearance for a distancing element at the leading end of a knife which is moved axially of the external surface at the removing station to sever the label from one marginal portion all the way to the other marginal portion of the label. The thus split labels are attracted by an evacuating conveyor as soon as the respective containers advance beyond the removing station.

Abstract: A method of trimming plastic covering a mouth opening of a blow-molded universal urinal involves rigidly holding the urinal in position opposite a trimming machine. The machine mechanically moves a knife mounted thereon in an oval pattern in one plane while simultaneously moving the knife in an alternately concave and convex pattern in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane. The knife is mounted on a platform which is movable in the second plane independently of the movement of the knife. As the platform is moved toward the urinal mouth, the knife is moved in the described pattern, thus smoothly trimming the urinal mouth.

Abstract: A machine for removing yard waste from bags and for sorting the waste. Filled bags dropped into a hopper have offset slashes cut in opposite sides by blades mounted upon two rotary shafts. The blades are pivoted to minimize solid tramp waste damage, and are mounted in opposing paris for balance. Guards, extending inward from opposed parallel hopper sides enclose each shaft and direct the bags between them. Slots through the guards in the blade paths permit the blades to pass through. Flexible wipers between backing plates extend inward from both sides of the slots parallel to the blade paths to bear against the blades. The cut bags fall onto a conveyor which carries them to the top of an inclined vibrating screen. The screen is sized to pass yard waste but not bags, bag parts or tramp material. Conveyors under the screen carry the yard waste away for disposal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the dejacketing of flat, parallelipipedic blocks packed in folding cartons. Dejacketing is performed in three steps. First the flaps provided overlapping one another on opposite sides are unfolded by being moved past unfolding tools. The blocks are then moved past a further unfolding tool which is disposed on the third narrow side and which unfolds the flaps provided at that place. In the third step the folding carton is seized by its lower flap on the third side and pulled downwards, the block being simultaneously advanced in the direction of its open third side, and the top side is stripped off at a fixed stripper.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing recyclable materials from bags. The apparatus includes a conveyor having tines which engage and assist the conveyor in transporting the bags of materials to a discharge bin. A cutting element cooperates with the conveyor to open the bags allowing the materials to be emptied from the bags at one end of the conveyor into the bin where the materials are subsequently discharged onto compost piles. The bags are then removed from the tines and transferred into a mechanism where they are bundled for disposal or recycling.

Abstract: A container for a vertically disposed oil filter with its connector plate positioned downwardly. A pushing member for pushing the filter horizontally across a shearing member for shearing the connector plate off of the filter. The pushing member further pushing the filter horizontally against the back wall of the container thereby compressing the filter and the oil from the filter, the connector plate and the compressed filter falling through an opening in the container into a receptacle.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing compostable materials from plastic bags. The apparatus includes a conveyor having retaining members which engage and assist the conveyor in transporting the bags of compostable materials to a discharge bin. A cutting element cooperates with the first conveyor to open the bags allowing the compostable material to be emptied from the bags at one end of the conveyor into the bin where the compostable materials are subsequently discharged onto compost piles. The bags are then removed from the retaining members and transferred into a mechanism where they are bundled for disposal or recycle.

Abstract: An arrangement for the opening of rigid, collapsible enclosures or of flexible bags, characterized in that this arrangement consists of a housing having a receiving container arranged therein which is adapted to be opening and closed by an opening lid, in which there are arranged scissors-like knives which are openable and closeable along a rotary axis such that a plurality, parallel-horizontally arranged, fixed knives are in operative connection with parallel, at an angle upwardly and inwardly arranged knives, whereby the movable knives are opened to such an extent and closed through pull rods by use of a motor that, through this movement, the liquid which is contained in the enclosures or bags can flow off into a discharge and thereafter the receiving container arranged on the rotary axle is enabled, by use of a motor, to be rotated so far downwardly until the enclosures can without external contact be expelled from the housing through a rinsing cone and thereafter the receiving container can be turned back

Abstract: A cutting assembly for cutting a continuous sheet of material covering containers which are continuously conveyed in spaced apart container carriers in a predetermined direction at a predetermined speed. The cutting assembly includes a support assembly and a mechanism coupled to the support assembly for rotating the support assembly in an orbital path so that the support assembly passes above the container carriers at substantially the predetermined speed and direction during a first portion of the orbital path. The cutting assembly also includes a blade assembly pivotably coupled to the support assembly for cutting the continuous sheet of material as the support assembly moves above the container carriers during the first portion of the orbital path. The cutting assembly further includes an alignment pin for aligning the blade assembly with respect to the container carriers as the blade assembly cuts the sheet of material.

Abstract: A device for crushing cans and cutting plastic containers to facilitate efficient, space-saving storage, compact disposal, and recycling of the material. The device includes a rigid base member adapted for placement on a level surface, a handle plate portion pivotally connected to the base member and adapted for crushing cans, a handle projecting outwardly from the handle plate portion and adpated for manual gripping, and a longitudinally-extending groove located on the base member. A pair of oppositely-disposed sculpted recesses for holding a can upright while the handle plate portion is pivoted downward for engaging and crushing the can are located adjacent the groove. A removable crushing plate is adapted for placement over the groove to support a can positioned lengthwise thereon for crushing by the handle plate portion. Projecting up through the groove is a rotary blade which is driven by a motor unit located within the base member.

Abstract: A box cutting method is characterized in that after moving a cutter for cutting a box to a predetermined position which is determined in accordance with the size of the box, the box is cut by moving the cutter along a cutting line formed on the box.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of emptying from a case a compressible load consisting of carton blanks, prongs penetrate through a preformed perforation in opposite side walls of the case and push the load away from those walls, an upper portion of the case is partially severed by knives along respective paths at those walls, other cuts are formed across the top wall along the other two side walls of the case, suction cups pull away that upper portion, the load is received between support fingers, the load and the lower portion of the case are turned through 180 degrees in a vertical plane, the inverted lower portion is removed from the load by suction cups, and a gripping head seizes the load and removes it from between the support fingers.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting cigarette packs transversely in preparation for recovery of the tobacco from the cigarettes therein comprises a first belt conveyor driven at a first velocity, a device for delivering the cigarette packs in collated relation onto the first conveyor with all packs resting on one of their larger sides and oriented lengthwise of the conveyor, and a second belt conveyor arranged coaxially with and adjacent to the downstream end of first conveyor to receive the packs from the first conveyor and driven at a second velocity, the second velocity being higher than the first velocity such that the packs become spaced apart end-to-end on the second conveyor. An indexing conveyor arranged orthogonally to and adjacent to the downstream end of the second conveyor receives each pack from the second conveyor at a receiving station. A photodetector detects the arrival of each pack at the receiving station and produces a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for trimming articles molded on a plastic sheet and successively fed from a forming machine. A carriage receives the article to be held thereunder by vacuum and is moved in a trimming zone, where a pair of longitudinal cutter devices, each having a stationary blade and an angularly movable blade, are horizontally moved together from respective retreated positions for longitudinal cutting. Then, a front transverse cutter device having similar pair of blades is raised up from a retreated position for transverse cutting and then a rear transverse cutter device is similarly operated.

Abstract: A method of changing or replacing one liquid or semi-liquid product by another for insertion in a succession of thermoplastic receptacles bearing respective decorative and/or informative elements wherein, a minimum buffer volume is determined for a first product contained in a metering dispenser and in a buffer tank, the buffer volume corresponding to the sum of the portions of first product which remain to be inserted into the receptacles prior to the receptacles being replaced in a filling station zone by receptacles provided with different decorative elements. While the installation is in operation, a first master strip of the decorating station and/or a first strip of receptacle tops are cut transversely at distances from the filling zone which corresponds to the lengths of the first master strip and/or of the first strip of tops which will be consumed by the receptacles receiving the last portions of product from the minimum buffer volume of the first product.