Abstract: A packaging element is formed with a cross-section including a central portion, a first leg extending from one end of the central portion and a second leg extending from the opposite end of the central portion that is directed toward the first leg to at least partially enclose an opening between the legs. The packing element is made by passing a C-shaped extrudate of thermoplastic material containing an expanding agent about a guide roller with the legs of the extrudate directed away from the guide roller and within a water bath of a tank.

Abstract: The machine for making the drainage elements employs a forming collar about the delivery chute for the aggregate so as to form a continuously supplied strip of netting into a tube to receive the aggregate. The machine may be run on an automatic basis without a need to stop the machine in order to replenish the supply of netting. A pair of tapes are used to secure the longitudinal edges of the tape together, one tape located inside the tube and the other tape located outside the tube.

Abstract: An article of manufacture is made by filling a container with expanded thermoplastic elements that are in a non-cured state and that possess a degree of latent foaming ability. After filling the container with the non-cured elements, the elements are allowed to cure under ambient conditions during which the blowing agent remaining in the elements in a vapor state condenses allowing air to be drawn in while the elements expand. This expansion of the elements distends and rigidifies the container where the container is allowed to expand or places an item packaged within a container of rigid construction under a tight fit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for making drainage elements in a vertical manner. In one embodiment, a vertically disposed hollow rotatable mandrel with a screw-threaded flight is used for guiding a length of perforated pipe and filling an annular space between the pipe and a cylinder of mesh material secured at one end to the pipe with aggregate. A hopper is used for directing the aggregate into the space between the mandrel and a cylindrical outlet of the hopper. A motor for driving the mandrel may be reversed at a slower speed than the forward speed to stop delivery of aggregate and to allow time for the upper end of the cylinder of mesh material to be severed and secured to the pipe to form a drainage element as well as to allow severance of the pipe. In another embodiment, the perforated pipe is driven through the hopper and the aggregate flows under gravity into the mesh sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for making drainage elements in a vertical manner. In one embodiment, a vertically disposed hollow rotatable mandrel with a screw-threaded flight is used for guiding a length of perforated pipe and filling an annular space between the pipe and a cylinder of mesh material secured at one end to the pipe with aggregate. A hopper is used for directing the aggregate into the space between the mandrel and a cylindrical outlet of the hopper. A motor for driving the mandrel may be reversed at a slower speed than the forward speed to stop delivery of aggregate and to allow time for the upper end of the cylinder of mesh material to be severed and secured to the pipe to form a drainage element as well as to allow severance of the pipe. In another embodiment, the perforated pipe is driven through the hopper and the aggregate flows under gravity into the mesh sleeve.

Abstract: The package is made of cardboard with one or more plastic envelopes laminated to at least the side walls of the package. The envelopes are inflated from without the carton via a hollow needle that passes through a side wall of the package and a glue spot adhering the envelope in place. Air, nitrogen, foamable material or polystyrene beads may pass through the hollow needle to inflate the envelope(s).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for making drainage elements in a vertical manner. In one embodiment, a vertically disposed hollow rotatable mandrel with a screw-threaded flight is used for guiding a length of perforated pipe and filling an annular space between the pipe and a cylinder of mesh material secured at one end to the pipe with aggregate. A hopper is used for directing the aggregate into the space between the mandrel and a cylindrical outlet of the hopper. A motor for driving the mandrel may be reversed at a slower speed than the forward speed to stop delivery of aggregate and to allow time for the upper end of the cylinder of mesh material to be severed and secured to the pipe to form a drainage element as well as to allow severance of the pipe. In another embodiment, the perforated pipe is driven through the hopper and the aggregate flows under gravity into the mesh sleeve.

Abstract: Drainage elements are made by delivering loose fill elements under gravity from a container into a sleeve of netting that is tied at one end to a pipe, or other endless element, that is passing through the container. The sleeve of netting is supplied from an apertured cage extending below the container. In one embodiment a blower and chute arrangement is used to blow air downwardly into the drainage element being formed to increase the rate of flow of the loose fill elements into the sleeve of netting.

Abstract: A packaging element is formed with a cross-section including a central portion, a first leg extending from one end of the central portion and a second leg extending from the opposite end of the central portion that is directed toward the first leg to at least partially enclose an opening between the legs. The packing element is made by passing a C-shaped extrudate of thermoplastic material containing an expanding agent about a guide roller with the legs of the extrudate directed away from the guide roller and within a water bath of a tank.

Abstract: A drainage element is constructed of loose fill elements within a casing having a first part-circumferential portion of mesh construction and a second part-circumferential portion having a porosity to prevent the passage of water. The loose fill elements are disposed in unconnected relation to each other so as to be able to migrate within the container. The openings of the mesh container allow water to pass through while retaining the loose fill elements in place. In one embodiment, a porous layer is secured to a bale shaped drainage element in order to form a sleeve to receive a perforated pipe.

Abstract: A packaging module is provided that is comprised of a porous deformable membrane, such as a net bag, and a mass of loose fill elements. The mesh openings in the bag are smaller than a loose fill element to retain the elements in place. The bag is deformable in three dimensions to allow the bag to be manipulated to accommodate the shape of an item to be packaged. A single module may be used to envelop an item to be packaged, for example, in a shipping container. A pair of modules may be used to sandwich an item therebetween for packaging in a shipping container. A shipping unit may also be formed by a pair of modules that are self-adherent to each other. Also, the module may be fabricated into a pre-form with a pocket.

Abstract: The steam expander a pair of hoppers for supplying expandable loose fill material via a pair of housings into a steam chamber. A paddle is mounted in the chamber to rotate about a central axis and carries a pair of scoops. Each scoop is disposed in spaced relation to the outlets of the housings for scooping loose fill material delivered into the steam chamber peripherally of the steam chamber without creating dust and while creating a space behind the scoop for freshly supplied material. Each housing has a screw with flights of reduced diameter at the inlet from a hopper to create an annular space to receive the loose fill material and avoid the creation of dust.

Abstract: The drainage element is constructed of loose fill elements within a casing having a first part-circumferential portion of mesh construction and a second part-circumferential portion having a porosity to prevent the passage of water. The loose fill elements are disposed in unconnected relation to each other so as to be able to migrate within the container. The openings of the mesh container allow water to pass through while retaining the loose fill elements in place. In one embodiment, a porous layer is secured to a bale shaped drainage element in order to form a sleeve to receive a perforated pipe.

Abstract: A drainage element is constructed of loose fill elements within a container of mesh construction. The loose fill elements are disposed in unconnected relation to each other so as to be able to migrate within the container. The openings of the mesh container allow water to pass through while retaining the loose fill elements in place.

Abstract: An extrudable mass of thermoplastic polystyrene and blowing agent is provided with an olefin, e.g. polyethylene, or polypropylene in an amount of from 1% to 5% by weight of the mass. The resulting pellets that are processed from the extrudate are characterized in being dust free and in having a smooth shiny skin without cracks, a sponginess greater than a conventionally made polystyrene pellet and a bulk density of less than 0.2 pounds per cubic foot.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided that can be attached in depending relation to the chute of a bagging machine in order to supply material to form several bags. The cartridge employs a hollow mandrel on which a tube of plastic film is mounted in a collapsed state. The tube is capable of being pulled off the mandrel in an automatic manner. The cartridge also includes a spreader bar at the lower end of the mandrel to brake the movement of the tube off the mandrel when in use.

Abstract: The biodegradable acting material is made from starch with various additives such as nucleators and plasticizer. The blowing agent used for foaming of the starch material may be alcohol or water. The material is made by mixing a charge of starch, nucleator and plasticizer to form a flowable mass which is then injected on the fly with the blowing agent, i.e. alcohol and/or water. Thereafter, the flowable mass is extruded through a dye and is either cooled to form a latent-foaming material or is allowed to expand into a foamed state. The starch which is used may be a corn starch, potato starch or the like.

Abstract: A laminated construction is formed of at least one layer of foamed mesh. In one embodiment, multiple layers of foamed mesh are built up and provided with outer layers suitable to make an insulation panel. In another embodiment, a block is formed of laminated layers of the foamed mesh and cut out to form recesses to receive items for packaging purposes. In another embodiment, a foamed layer is secured along two longitudinal edges to a non-porous layer and filled with loose fill elements for use as a drainage pipe. In another embodiment, a foamed tube is secured at one end to a non-porous layer to form a bag for use in planting flowers and the like.

Abstract: The drainage element is constructed of loose fill elements within a container of mesh construction. The loose fill elements are disposed in unconnected relation to each other so as to be able to migrate within the container. The openings of the mesh container allow water to pass through while retaining the loose fill elements in place.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided that can be attached in depending relation to the chute of a bagging machine in order to supply material to form several bags. The cartridge employs a hollow mandrel on which a tube of plastic film is mounted in a collapsed state. The tube is capable of being pulled off the mandrel in an automatic manner. The cartridge also includes a spreader bar at the lower end of the mandrel to brake the movement of the tube off the mandrel when in use.