Abstract: A partition control assembly within a continuous-motion automatic packaging machine receives and controls the motion of partitions which are ejected at high speeds from a partition ejection mechanism for insertion between preconfigured groups of articles disposed on a flight conveyor in the machine. The partition control assembly includes a first member having a contoured guiding surface for receiving a leading edge of the partition and for guiding the partition into a lateral, downward direction in relation to the partition ejector. Disposed opposite the first member is a second member which includes a control surface disposed opposite the contoured guiding surface, creating an interior control space between the control and contoured guiding surfaces.

Abstract: A packaging machine has a partition inserter and selecting apparatus suspended above a flow of articles. The partition inserter and selecting apparatus are mounted to an inner frame which can be raised or lowered to adjust the spacing between the partition inserter and selecting apparatus relative to the articles. In this manner, the packaging machine can package articles of different heights. The partition inserter and selecting apparatus are mounted to the inner frame on guide rails which allow a technician to move the partition inserter and selecting apparatus laterally away from the articles and over a maintenance deck so that the technician can easily perform necessary repairs or maintenance. The partition inserter and selecting apparatus are releasably engaged with each other to permit the technician to access more easily all areas of the partition inserter and selecting apparatus.

Abstract: A partition feeder has a multi-rack assembly for holding more than one reserve stack of partitions. The partition feeder has a main stack of partitions which is forced against a set of tabs and which has its partitions removed by a selecting apparatus. When the main stack has been reduced down past a certain amount, one of the reserve stacks is automatically moved into alignment with the main stack and the partitions in the reserve stack are added to the main stack. The partition feeder has guide rails that are received in notched sides of the partitions, thereby suspending the partitions on the guide rails. An inner frame, upon which the guide rails are mounted, is adjustably mounted to a middle frame to thereby permit the adjustment of the distance between the guide rails. The middle frame is adjustably mounted to an outer frame to permit the vertical adjustment of the mass feeder. The partition feeder can therefore be easily adjusted for partitions of different sizes.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insect trapping mat for domestic animals. The mat has a predetermined shape and is formed from a top layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer. The top layer is insect pervious to allow insects such as fleas and ticks to travel into the intermediate layer. A wet or slow drying adhesive is located either on the bottom surface of the top layer, on the top surface of the bottom layer, or in the intermediate layer. The adhesive may be mixed with pheromones or bait to attract insects or fleas. Once the insects have touched the adhesive they will not be able to release themselves from it.

Abstract: A pet mat for domestic animals. The mat has a predetermined shape and is formed from a top layer, a bottom layer, and an intermediate layer. The top layer is insect pervious to allow insects such as fleas and ticks to travel into the intermediate layer. A wet or slow drying adhesive is located either on the bottom surface of the top layer, on the top surface of the bottom layer, or in the intermediate layer. The adhesive may be mixed with pheromones or bait to attract the insects or fleas. Once the insects or fleas have touched the adhesive they will not be able to release themselves from it.