Abstract: A method and apparatus for parting containers comprising a first strip spring and a second strip spring, each strip spring extending along a first axis. The two strip springs have substantially flat first ends that are joined together, and substantially bowed second ends. The second ends of the first and second strip springs are bowed in a substantially concave configuration relative to the first axis. A guide block having a groove formed therethrough receives the two strip springs and places the springs in intimate facing contact with each other. The guide block groove extends for a short distance along the first axis, and the strip springs are adapted to slide through the groove along the first axis.

Abstract: A banding machine provides for a controlled intermittent flow of a tubular web or sleeve of thin plastic material from a storage reel, over a tensioning arm and guiding rollers onto a group of machine elements which first open the tube somewhat, stop the flow of material, slice the tube transversely, and pass the cut segment of web over a floating mandrel to form it into the shape of a container positioned below it, while continuing the flow of tubing from the reel down onto the same group of elements to form the next band. The open segment of band is now placed over the container automatically to complete the banding operation.

Abstract: An improved straw dispenser dispenses a plurality of straws simultaneously into the open tops of a corresponding number of beverage containers in a container making machine. The dispenser has a plurality of dispensing stations, each containing a rotary index wheel which picks up a succession of straws from a hopper and delivers them one after another into a separate chute which guides the straws into a separate delivery tube positioned directly above a beverage container. The index wheels at all of the stations index in response to a signal from the container making machine in synchronism to drop a set of straws into those tubes. Gates at the lower ends of the tubes open simultaneously and drop the set of straws then in the tubes into containers positioned below them before the new set of straws reaches the tubes.