Abstract: Shipping chocks for securing a transverse cylindrical-shaped object on top of at least two vertically oriented cylindrical-shaped objects are disclosed. Methods of loading cylindrical-shaped objects in both vertical and horizontal orientations, using the chocks, allows for more cylindrical-shaped objects to be shipped in a shipping container in a safe and effective manner that reduces shipping costs.

Abstract: A machine for continuously forming heat-reflective blanks is provided. The heat-reflective blanks each include a blank of sheet material and a thermal film patch coupled to the blank. The machine includes an intake station configured to align a first blank of sheet material and a second blank of sheet material for application of a first thermal film patch and a second thermal film patch, respectively. The intake station is further configured to maintain a spacing between the first blank and the second blank. The intake station includes adjustable hold-down bars for maintaining an alignment and the spacing of the first and second blanks. The machine also includes an applicator station configured to apply the first and second thermal film patches to the first and second blanks, respectively, to form a first heat-reflective blank and a second heat-reflective blank, and an ejection station configured to eject the heat-reflective blanks.

Abstract: An apparatus for constructing a container from a continuous blank of sheet material including a plurality of panels coupled together at a plurality of fold lines is provided. The apparatus includes a mandrel that is rotatable about a rotational axis. The mandrel includes a rotary head that defines a plurality of exterior surfaces each corresponding to a panel of the continuous blank of sheet material. The rotary head forms an opening in at least one exterior surface configured to receive at least one panel for facilitating forming the blank of sheet material into a configuration with respect to a shape of the rotary head as the mandrel rotates about the rotational axis.