Abstract: An alignment apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of first members (12) and a plurality of second members (14). First and second co-operating formations (16, 22) are provided on the first and second members. The co-operating formations can co-operate with one another to secure the first members to the second members. The first members include spaced alignment formations arranged to align the placement of articles on the surface. The first co-operating formations may constitute the alignment formations.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus (10) comprises a plurality of first members (12) and a plurality of second members (14). First and second co-operating formations (16, 22) are provided on the first and second members. The co-operating formations can co-operate with one another to secure the first members to the second members. The first members include spaced alignment formations arranged to align the placement of articles on the surface. The first co-operating formations may constitute the alignment formations.

Abstract: A multi-speed power transmission includes a countershaft portion and a planetary gearset portion. The countershaft portion is controlled by synchronizer torque-transmitting mechanisms, and the planetary gearset portion is controlled by selectively engageable friction-type torque-transmitting mechanisms. The selective operation of these torque-transmitting mechanisms permit eight forward speed ratios and three reverse speed ratios.

Abstract: A power transmission includes a pair of input clutches, a plurality of ratio gear mechanisms, and an output shaft. The ratio gear mechanisms are selectively connected with respective countershafts to complete power flows between the transmission input and transmission output and one or the other of the input clutches. During a ratio upshift, a brake mechanism is connected with each of the input clutches to control the speed of the shafts connected therewith when the clutches are disengaged and an upshift condition is being preselected.

Abstract: A bag forming machine of the top stacking type has means at the stacking station whereby a stack (12) of bags are clamped during high acceleration arising in their transfer from the stacking position at the station to a discharge conveyor (11). By employing high accelerations and clamping the stack can be transferred without interrupting the rhythm of delivery of bags to the stacking station. The bags are clamped at their "cut" ends by a first clamp (14, 15) during stacking and are then clamped at a second clamp (22, 24), moving transversely to the stack so as to apply dragging motions to the stack to move the "cut" ends of the bags away from the first clamp and to present the "weld" ends of the bags at a roll nip (30, 31) which feeds to the conveyor.