Abstract: An edible composition comprises an integrally extruded net formed of an edible material e.g. a cereal-based, sugar-based or fat-based material. The composition has a novel appearance and unexpectedly good eating qualities. The net may be tubular planar or curved and may be filled and/or coated with a compatible edible material.In the case of a tubular filled net, the net is preferably produced by extending the edible net-forming material through a pair of relatively rotating or oscillating dies having mutually engaging grooved surfaces. When the grooves in one die mate with the grooves in the other die, integral joints between individual strands in the net are formed. When the grooves in one die are separated from the grooves in the other die, the individual strands are formed. A center-filling, which may support the extruded net, is extruded through the center of the net-forming die arrangement to provide a center filling to the tube.

Abstract: A machine for transversely stretching tubular materials comprises a hollow diverging mandrel and an endless sleeve of a flexible knitted fabric which toroidally embraces the mandrel. In use tubular material to be stretched is driven over the mandrel surface along with the flexible sleeve by friction drive means in the form of endless belts.

Abstract: Apparatus for transversely stretching a travelling web of flexible material particularly of extruded plastics netting comprising a pair of travelling conveyor means for restraining the longitudinal web margins from moving laterally inwardly and opposed banks of staggered wheels or endless belts between which the web passes while in the grip of the conveyor means and which press on opposite surfaces of the web at alternate spaced locations across its width to transversely stretch the web.

Abstract: Apparatus for packaging commodities particularly delicate articles consists of a hollow vertical mandrel over which a tubular flexible packaging material is driven. The material is axially slit as it passes over the mandrel to allow the commodities to be inserted into the mandrel through a product opening and the tube is axially resealed and transversely sealed on issuance from the mandrel discharge end. According to the invention a platform is provided below the mandrel which is lifted into the mandrel interior so that the commodities can be inserted through the product opening and supported by the platform to prevent their dropping through the mandrel interior. The platform is then retracted to provide descending continuous support for the commodities during the remainder of the packaging process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging commodities in tubular flexible packaging material in which the packaging material is drawn from a reel over a mandrel structure, the material is continuously axially slit as it passes over the surface of the mandrel, the severed edges of the material are taken in charge and guided around a product opening in the surface of the mandrel, and brought into sealing juxtaposition and sealed together downstream of the mandrel so that the material reverts to a tube with an axial seam. Commodities can be introduced to the tube through the mandrel interior by introducing the commodities to the product opening or the commodities can be introduced to the downstream end of the mandrel with the tubular packaging material being turned inside-out at this point and being caused to travel back through the mandrel interior and out through the product opening. In either case the tube is closed at intervals on discharge from the mandrel to form discrete commodity-containing packages.

Abstract: A method for preparing a soil surface for grass growing wherein soil is continuously scraped from the surface in advance of a travelling reel carrying mesh sheet. The reel is continuously unwound during travel and the mesh sheet is laid on the scraped surface while the scraped soil is continuously conveyed to the rear of the reel and deposited on the laid mesh sheet. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also disclosed.