Abstract: An apparatus for accumulating a stack of bags having wicket receiving holes comprises a paddle wheel conveyor for placing bags, a motorized stacker wheel adjacent the paddle wheel conveyor to receive the placed bags from the paddle wheel, a plurality of stacker bar units each rotatably mounted to the stacker wheel and a pick up head operatively positioned adjacent said plurality of stacker bar units for receiving the stack of bags from one of the stacker bar units. The pick up head has two tubes that receive and maintain alignment of the bags, a restraining jaw for restraining the stack of bags on the tubes and a pusher plate for pushing the stack of bags off the two tubes.

Abstract: This invention concerns a multilayer film useful as release sheet for sheet molding compounds, comprising a first skin layer, a second skin layer, a barrier layer for monomeric resins wherein the barrier layer is between the first and second skin layers and the first and second skin layers comprise a mixture of polyolefin and adhesive resin. This invention also pertains to the multilayer films method of production, as well as an SMC sheet employing the multilayer film.

Abstract: Systems and methods for unloading wound production rolls from the shaft of a winder and for reloading the winder shaft with cores in preparation for further winding. These systems and methods may be employed with multiple turret swing-out winders of the type typically employed to wind continuous webs of sheet material, such as plastic film, onto individual rolls.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically removing bags from a supply conveyor and stacking a predetermined number of bags upon raised pins. The stacks are then placed on a stack transfer assembly that is then moved into a transfer station wherein the stacks are placed on wickets. An endless accumulator conveyor is arranged to deliver the wickets into the transfer station in timed relation with the movement of the transfer assembly between stations.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the movement of a printing sleeve with respect to a cylinder is provided which includes a manifold section having an air chamber therein in fluid communication with an air supply line. The manifold section has a plurality of air ports in fluid communication with the air chamber. An adapter ring is provided which surrounds the manifold section and has a plurality of air ports therein, corresponding in number to the air ports in the manifold section and adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the air ports in the manifold section. A locking collar for fixing the position of the manifold section on the shaft in contact with the cylinder and for fixing the adapter ring in contact with the printing sleeve is provided such that when pressurized air is introduced into said supply line, the air exits the air ports in the adapter ring and expands the sleeve thus allowing the sleeve to be moved with respect to the cylinder.

Abstract: A wicketless pack of thermoplastic bags includes a stack of a number of individual thermoplastic bags. Each of the bags has a bottom edge, upper and lower walls, a pair of side edges, and an open top end. A lip segment is provided adjacent the open end of each individual bag. The lip portion is an extension of the material forming the lower wall of a respective bag and includes at least one locating hole. A perforated tear line is formed between the open end of the bag and the lip portion. The lip segments of the stack are bonded together with ultrasonic vibratory energy to form a welded pad of lips as part of the bag pack. The welded pad is formed by moving at least one shaped ultrasonic horn downward through the stack of consecutive lips while activating the shaped horn with ultrasonic vibratory energy to form a continuous tapered weld through the stack of lip portions.