Abstract: A low labor-intensive method and construction for joining first and second planar sheets of plastic at respective edges thereof at right angles to one another without the use of adhesives or solvents. A first lip is formed extending along the edge to be joined of the first planar sheet at right angles thereto. A second lip is formed extending along the edge to be joined of the first planar sheet at right angles thereto. A plurality of guide pins extending outward from the first lip along the length thereof and perpendicular thereto. A plurality of guide pin receiving blocks are formed disposed between the second lip and the second sheet along the length of the edge thereof and disposed to be opposite one of the guide pins when the first and second edges are abutted with the first lip abutting the second sheet and with the inner and outer edges of the second lip parallel to the outer edge of the first lip.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for feeding items (or groupings of items) one after the other to apparatus, such as a flight conveyor, which cycles continuously at a steady cycling rate are disclosed with an item being fed to the apparatus during a portion of each cycle thereof and with the items being randomly delivered to the means feeding the items at an average rate. The method and apparatus of this invention involve feeding a selected number of items one at a time from each of the backlogs of accumulated items and conveying them forward for placement on the apparatus in timed relation to the cycling rate of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for feeding randomly received items and for placing these items on apparatus, such as a flight conveyor or a packaging machine, which cycles continuously at a steady rate, with the flight conveyor being operated at a cycling rate slightly faster than the average rate at which the items are randomly received, with the placement of an item on the flight conveyor being in timed relation to a portion or window of each cycle of the flight conveyor, and with placement of an item on the flight conveyor being intermittently deferred so as to bring the rate at which the items are randomly received and the operating rate of the flight conveyor into phase with one another.

Abstract: Apparatus for feeding a product to a weighing scale and stopping the feed when the amount of product fed reaches a final weight. A scale having a balance portion to receive product to be weighed is movable from an initial position toward a balance position as product is delivered thereto. The balance portion of the scale starts to move upon delivery thereto of a predetermined initial weight of product. First and second product feeds are activated at the start of a weighing operation for delivering a quantity of product from a source thereof to the balance portion of the scale. The first feed delivers product at a first rate of speed and the second feed delivers product at a second and slower rate of speed. A sensor detects movement of the balance portion of the scale in either of two directions and provides first and second electrical outputs representative of the magnitude and direction of the movement thereof, each output always having one of two discrete states.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus for packaging units in flexible sheet material with the units spaced longitudinally in a tube formed of the material and with the tube sealed together between successive units. The apparatus includes a rotary sealing wheel carrying a series of sealing assemblies for sealing the tube, the sealing assemblies being uncoupled from the wheel and held at a hold position for again being released in timed relation to movement of the tube for sealing the tube between successive units. The sealing assemblies are releasably coupled to opposite sides of the wheel, and in accordance with this invention an arrangement is provided for simultaneously uncoupling and coupling the sealing assemblies from both sides of the wheel.