Abstract: A bulk bag comprising a bottom wall and at least one side wall extending upwardly from the bottom wall is provided with at least one pocket secured to the exterior of the side wall and extending substantially vertically. The pocket receives a support member which maintains the side wall of the bulk bag in an upright, open configuration.

Abstract: A bulk bag comprises eight substantially identical side wall portions each containing a stiffening panel. A bottom wall is connected to the bottom edges of the side wall portions and may be provided with a discharge port. Alternatively, a discharge port may be provided in one of the side wall portions. The bulk bag may be provided with a top wall which may be either openable or secured in place. A pallet and/or lift loops may be provided for transporting the bulk bag and the contents thereof.

Abstract: A consolidation container includes a back wall, side walls, and a front wall each comprising pockets which receive stiffening panels. The front wall has an openable center portion which provides access to the interior of the container. Support members are positioned in the corners of the container to facilitate stacking. A top normally overlies the wall to close the container and is fully openable to provide access to the interior thereof.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable materials includes a hollow container connected to a plurality of valves, slide gate valves and a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum when filled with flowable materials that causes the flowable materials to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: A full sack compressor for deaerating flowable material includes a hollow, rectangular chamber connected to a vacuum pump for establishing a vacuum when filled with flowable material, causing the flowable material to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable materials includes a hollow container connected to a plurality of valves, slide gate valves and a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum when filled with flowable materials that causes the flowable materials to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating and compacting flowable materials within a container for transportation and storage of the materials includes a hollow chamber having an open bottom end for insertion of the chamber into the container. A rubber pad placed under the container seals the chamber for creation of a vacuum in the chamber through a vacuum line connecting the chamber to a vacuum source for deaeration of flowable materials placed within the chamber and the container. A line having a valve therein and vented to the atmosphere is connected to the chamber for returning the chamber to atmospheric pressure substantially instantaneously to compact the deaerated material into a substantially solid mass within the container. Upon completion of compaction the chamber of the vacuum fill system is removed from the interior of the container and the top of the container closed for shipment or storage.

Abstract: A slip sheet for use with bulk containers and a method of use of such slip sheet. An empty bulk container is detachably secured to a slip sheet including one or more movable edges. The slip sheet and container can be manipulated and transported with a forklift or similar machinery. The slip sheet can be easily detached from the container after use via the movable edges.

Abstract: A full sack compressor for deaerating flowable material includes a hollow, rectangular chamber connected to a vacuum pump for establishing a vacuum when filled with flowable material, causing the flowable material to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable materials includes a hollow, cylindrical container connected to a plurality of valves, slide gate valves and a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum when filled with flowable materials that causes the flowable materials to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: A stabilized flexible container for receiving flowable materials includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a perimeter wall formed from four double layered side walls seamed together along adjacent side edges. The exterior layer of the double layered side walls is greater in length than the interior layer and is folded inwardly upon itself and stitched along the side edges to form a pocket in a space between the interior and exterior layers of the double layered side wall with the side edges of the exterior layer in the pocket region being free from the seam connecting the adjacent side walls. The interior layers of the side walls are seamed together in the pocket region and are seamed along their bottom edges to the perimeter of the bottom wall. Rigid panels are inserted into the space between the interior and exterior layers of the side walls and are secured in the pocket to prevent the rigid panels from slipping out of the side walls.

Abstract: A stabilized flexible container for receiving flowable materials includes a top wall, a bottom wall, and a perimeter wall formed from four double layered side walls seamed together along adjacent side edges. The exterior layer of the double layered side walls is greater in length than the interior layer and is folded inwardly upon itself and stitched along the side edges to form a pocket in a space between the interior and exterior layers of the double layered side wall with the side edges of the exterior layer in the pocket region being free from the seam connecting the adjacent side walls. The interior layers of the side walls are seamed together in the pocket region and are seamed along their bottom edges to the perimeter of the bottom wall. Rigid panels are inserted into the space between the interior and exterior layers of the side walls and are secured in the pocket to prevent the rigid panels from slipping out of the side walls.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable material includes a cylindrical container partitioned into a plurality of chambers which rotate sequentially and which are connected to a vacuum pump for establishing a vacuum when filled with flowable material. The flowable material deaerates and compacts when atmospheric pressure is subsequently restored.

Abstract: The invention comprises a metalized fabric having a lower layer of fabric. Secured to the fabric layer is an upper film layer. At least a portion of the exposed surface of the film layer is metalized.