Abstract: A flange alignment and grasping assembly is adapted to straighten the flanges of a bag in a filling and sealing apparatus so that the flanges may be clamped by the assembly. The assembly includes opposed guides that engage the side of the bag in the general location of the flange. The guides position the flange in an extended position between the jaws of a clamp where the clamp will pinch the flange when the clamp closes. The invention also provides an apparatus for grasping a bag and pulling a portion of the bag tight. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes arms that swing upwardly and inwardly to position jaws with respect to the bag.

Abstract: A flange alignment and grasping assembly is adapted to straighten the flanges of a bag in a filling and sealing apparatus so that the flanges may be clamped by the assembly. The assembly includes opposed guides that engage the side of the bag in the general location of the flange. The guides position the flange in an extended position between the jaws of a clamp where the clamp will pinch the flange when the clamp closes. The invention also provides an apparatus for grasping a bag and pulling a portion of the bag tight. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes arms that swing upwardly and inwardly to position jaws with respect to the bag.

Abstract: An elastic hose for conducting a liquid from a source such as a water fixture or a storage container to a delivery site is disclosed. The hose includes an upper funnel-shaped portion and at least one contiguous lower cylindrically-shaped portion. The upper portion may be stretched over a water fixture, a liquid container, or the like to form a gripping leak-proof seal. The hose has a stretchability of about 400%-1,000%. The lower portion is led to a delivery site. The hose is able to conduct liquid from a source to the delivery site without spills or mess. Moreover, in the case of a leaky faucet, the hose eliminates splashing and substantially decreases the noise generated by the leaking water.