Abstract: The invention provides a diameter reducing system for reducing the diameter of a flexible container as the container is filled. The system includes a stretching device to stretch the container at the fill level as the container is filled with a plurality of particles. The stretching device can release a stretched portion of the container substantially at the fill level as the fill level rises. The container can be a flexible, elastic bag. Shrinking of the container at the fill level as the container fills promotes supporting engagement between particles to enhance the structural integrity of the filled container and to reduce the likelihood that particles will be damaged during movement of the filled container.

Abstract: A transportable container for bulk goods and a method for forming the container are disclosed. The transportable container is formed from a bag having a closed base and an open top. The open top is in a folded over position and a bottom support is located adjacent to the closed base. A particulate material is filled into the bag and an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bottom support and the bag such that the outer wrap secures the bag to the bottom support and secures the open top in the folded over position. The method for forming the transportable container includes the steps of securing the open top of the bag in an opened position and supporting a base of the bag. The bag is filled to a predetermined level with a particulate material and while being filled the fill level of the particulate material in the bag is monitored. Simultaneously with filling of the bag, an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag in an upward direction to a predetermined fill level.

Abstract: The invention provides a diameter reducing system for reducing the diameter of a flexible container as the container is filled. The system includes a stretching devise to stretch the container at the fill level as the container is filled with a plurality of particles. The stretching device can release a stretched portion of the container substantially at the fill level as the fill level rises. The container can be a flexible, elastic bag. Shrinking of the container at the fill level as the container fills promotes supporting engagement between particles to enhance the structural integrity of the filled container and to reduce the likelihood that particles will be damaged during movement of the filled container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting open a case of product having a top and a bottom is provided. The case is placed on a conveyor and moved to a cutting apparatus. The top is cut open at the cutting apparatus. The case is moved to a lift apparatus. The top of the case is opened and the product is lifted from the bottom of the case. The case is then cut thereby separating the bottom of the case from the top of the case.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a vacuum wand assembly for extracting a product from a container, especially a non-self supporting container that collapses as the product is extracted. The assembly includes a wand for extending into the container and for withdrawing the product therefrom. A vacuum source is connected to the wand for applying a vacuum to extract the product through the wand. A supporting structure supports the wand and is moveable relative to the container for carrying the wand as the product is extracted from the container. The wand is limited in a vertical direction by the supporting structure. This keeps the wand at the pre-determined level relative to the product within the container.

Abstract: A transportable container for bulk goods and a method for forming the container are disclosed. The transportable container is formed from a bag having a closed base and an open top. The open top is in a folded over position and a bottom support is located adjacent to the closed base. A particulate material is filled into the bag and an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bottom support and the bag such that the outer wrap secures the bag to the bottom support and secures the open top in the folded over position. The method for forming the transportable container includes the steps of securing the open top of the bag in an opened position and supporting a base of the bag. The bag is filled to a predetermined level with a particulate material and while being filled the fill level of the particulate material in the bag is monitored. Simultaneously with filling of the bag, an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag in an upward direction to a predetermined fill level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting open a case of product having a top and a bottom is provided. The case is placed on a conveyor and moved to a cutting apparatus. The top is cut open at the cutting apparatus. The case is moved to a lift apparatus. The top of the case is opened and the product is lifted from the bottom of the case. The case is then cut thereby separating the bottom of the case from the top of the case.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cutting open a case of product having a top and a bottom is provided. The case is placed on a conveyor and moved to a cutting apparatus. The top is cut open at the cutting apparatus. The case is moved to a lift apparatus. The top of the case is opened and the product is lifted from the bottom of the case. The case is then cut thereby separating the bottom of the case from the top of the case.

Abstract: A transportable container for bulk goods and a method for forming the container are disclosed. The transportable container is formed from a bag having a closed base and an open top. A fill material is filled into the bag and an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag such that the outer wrap secures the fill material in the bag. The method for forming the transportable container includes the steps of securing the open top of the bag in an opened position and supporting a base of the bag. The bag is filled with a fill material and while being filled the fill level of the bag is monitored. Simultaneously with filling of the bag, an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag in an upward direction coordinated with the fill level. Once the bag is filled the open top of the bag is released. In some embodiments the open top is then sealed and in others it is left open.

Abstract: A transportable container for bulk goods and a method for forming the container are disclosed. The transportable container is formed from a bag having a closed base and an open top. The open top is in a folded over position and a bottom support is located adjacent to the closed base. A particulate material is filled into the bag and an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bottom support and the bag such that the outer wrap secures the bag to the bottom support and secures the open top in the folded over position. The method for forming the transportable container includes the steps of securing the open top of the bag in an opened position and supporting a base of the bag. The bag is filled to a predetermined level with a particulate material and while being filled the fill level of the particulate material in the bag is monitored. Simultaneously with filling of the bag, an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag in an upward direction to a predetermined fill level.

Abstract: A transportable container for bulk goods and a method for forming the container are disclosed. The transportable container is formed from a bag having a closed base and an open top. The open top is in a folded over position and a bottom support is located adjacent to the closed base. A particulate material is filled into the bag and an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bottom support and the bag such that the outer wrap secures the bag to the bottom support and secures the open top in the folded over position. The method for forming the transportable container includes the steps of securing the open top of the bag in an opened position and supporting a base of the bag. The bag is filled to a predetermined level with a particulate material and while being filled the fill level of the particulate material in the bag is monitored. Simultaneously with filling of the bag, an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag in an upward direction to a predetermined fill level.

Abstract: A transportable container for bulk goods and a method for the container are disclosed. The transportable container is formed from a bag having a closed base and an open top. The open top is in a folded over position and a bottom support is located adjacent to the closed base. A particulate material is filled into the bag and an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bottom support and the bag such that the outer wrap secures the bag to the bottom support and secures the open top in the folded over position. The method for forming the transportable container includes the steps of securing the open top of the bag in an opened position and supporting a base of the bag. The bag is filled to a predetermined level with a particulate material and while being filled the fill level of the particulate material in the bag is monitored. Simultaneously with filling of the bag, an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag in an upward direction to a predetermined fill level.

Abstract: Processes for preparing cartons, including bag in the box type cartons, using inductive heating are disclosed. Methods for preparing bowl-type single serving containers having filled bags therein and methods for using inductive heating to bond pour spouts to cartons are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bonding a filled and sealed liner to an interior wall of a carton. The carton having the filled liner therein is heated under vacuum such that the pressure difference between the atmosphere under vacuum and the filled liner allows the liner to expand and bond to an interior wall of the carton by means of an adhesive provided there between.

Abstract: A transportable container for bulk goods and a method for forming the container are disclosed. The transportable container is formed from a bag having a closed base and an open top. The open top is in a folded over position and a bottom support is located adjacent to the closed base. A particulate material is filled into the bag and an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bottom support and the bag such that the outer wrap secures the bag to the bottom support and secures the open top in the folded over position. The method for forming the transportable container includes the steps of securing the open top of the bag in an opened position and supporting a base of the bag. The bag is filled to a predetermined level with a particulate material and while being filled the fill level of the particulate material in the bag is monitored. Simultaneously with filling of the bag, an outer wrap is spirally wrapped around the bag in an upward direction to a predetermined fill level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multi-compartment container for storing and dispensing a solid and a liquid with the use of one hand. The container has a first compartment for holding a particulate solid food, and a second compartment for holding a liquid. The first compartment is positioned generally above the second compartment, and has a lateral opening for dispensing the food when the container is tilted. The second compartment has a straw-like structure which runs up the side of the container on a side away from the opening of the first compartment.

Abstract: Dispensing assembly for a carton with a sealed liner filled with product therein. A pour spout or flap is mounted to a dispensing opening to pivot between an open and closed positions. The liner is bonded to the pour spout or flap in a way that when the spout or flap is initially opened, that portion of the liner bonded thereto separates from the rest of the liner, providing access to the contents thereof.

Abstract: Dispensing assembly for a carton with a dispensing opening in a side wall thereof and a separate liner therein. The pour spout is pivotably mounted to the dispensing opening between an open and closed position and includes a front panel. The liner is bonded to the front panel so that when the front panel is initially opened, that portion of the liner bonded to said front panel separates from the rest of the liner, providing access to the interior thereof.

Abstract: Dispensing assembly for a carton with a dispensing opening in a side wall thereof and a separate liner therein. The pour spout is pivotably mounted to the dispensing opening between an open and closed position and includes a front panel. The liner is bonded to the front panel so that when the front panel is initially opened, that portion of the liner bonded to said front panel separates from the rest of the liner, providing access to the interior thereof.

Abstract: A vibration reducing shoe for biasing a cam ring of a variable displacement ball pump into engagement with a surface of the pump housing. In a hydrostatic transmission having a variable displacement pump and a fixed displacement motor a pair of shoes are located within bores in the pintle. The shoes are slidably received in the bores and exert a force against the cam ring which is proportional to the pressure of the fluid used to rotate the motor. Since the pump is reversible, one shoe is in fluid communication with one of the passages directing fluid to the motor and the other shoe is in fluid communication with the other passage. Accordingly, the force exerted on the cam ring by the shoes increases and decreases with increases and decreases in the pressure of the fluid from the pump to the motor.