Abstract: A wrapper or sleeve-type package is disclosed for packaging, shipping and dispensing flat stacked articles in bulk such as envelopes. The package comprises an elongated construction having the same shape in cross section as the packaged articles, with foldably connected top, bottom and end panels and open side walls. The articles are retained in the package by short flap extensions which are foldably connected to the sides of the top, bottom and end panels. The end of these short flap extensions are adhered together to complete the package. Meanwhile, the package further includes a novel opening means incorporated into the top panel for dispensing the articles into an automatic inserting machine or the like.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine having plows for forming an advancing web of thermoplastic material into a depending upwardly opening tubular configuration. A heat sealing belt located below the forming plows, seals overlapping marginal portions of the web together to form a long seam. A sealing jaw mechanism located below the plows in vertically stationary relation thereto includes a pair of coupled rotary actuators which move links in opposite directions to open and close sealing jaws which form transverse seals at spaced intervals along the formed tube to complete the packages.

Abstract: Cartoning apparatus for packaging sealed bags containing loosely packed discrete articles in board cartons comprises a carton transfer and erecting mechanism which withdraws a collapsed carton sleeve from a magazine and deposits it in erected condition on a carton conveyor which advances the erected carton sleeve with step-by-step motion through a plurality of work stations. A form, fill and seal machine delivers a sealed bag containing a product to a vacuum conveyor which accelerates the bag through a guide shroud and into the near open end of an associated carton sleeve supported on the carton conveyor at a carton filling station. A rail disposed at the far open end of the associated carton sleeve arrests the bag within the sleeve. The carton conveyor advances the carton sleeve and bag to further work stations where the carton end flaps are closed and sealed.

Abstract: A structure for measuring the load imposed on mold halves in a plastic injection molding machine when engaged to define a mold cavity, the machine being of a type wherein a movable die platen is driven along supporting tie rods to carry one mold half toward and away from a fixed die platen carrying the other mold half. The measuring is accomplished by a sensor engaging one end of one tie rod to sense any movement thereof under an imposed load condition.

Abstract: Cartoning apparatus for packaging sealed bags containing loosely packed discrete articles in board cartons comprises a carton transfer and erecting mechanism which withdraws a collapsed carton sleeve from a magazine and deposits it in erected condition on a carton conveyor which advances the erected carton sleeve with step-by-step motion through a pluraltiy of work stations. A form, fill and seal machine delivers a sealed bag containing a product to a vacuum conveyor which accelerates the bag through a guide shroud and into the near open end of an associated carton sleeve supported on the carton conveyor at a carton filling station. A rail disposed at the far open end of the associated carton sleeve arrests the bag within the sleeve. The carton conveyor advances the carton sleeve and bag to further work stations where the carton end flaps are closed and sealed.

Abstract: A machine for stretch wrapping articles, such as trays of produce, poultry, meat and the like, has a wrapper feeding mechanism which positions measured lengths of stretchable wrapping material between an elevator mechanism and a folding mechanism which is located above the elevator mechanism and includes a plurality of relatively movable folding plates. Clamping mechanism releasably secures opposite marginal portions of the positioned wrapping material while the elevator mechanism raises an article to be wrapped into stretching engagement with the wrapping material, held by the clamping mechanism, and pushes the article up through an opening of adjustable size defined by parts of the wrapper feeding mechanism and the folding mechanism to stretch the wrapping material tightly over the article. Portions of the taut wrapping material are then folded under the article by the folding mechanism.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine has a tube former for receiving flexible packaging material in thin flat strip form and juxtaposing opposite longitudinal edge portions thereof in parallel vertically extending relationship to provide a depending tube open at the top. An end sealer provides vertically spaced horizontally extending transverse or end seals across the tube. A product dispenser discharges measured quantities of product into the tube interior through its open upper end. Tube feed means comprises first and second pairs of vertically spaced rolls respectively on opposite external sides of the tube of packaging material and first and second tube feeding belts respectively trained over said pairs of rolls. Inner runs of the belts engage the tube and have vertically extending perforate portions. Vacuum generating means communicate with the perforate portions to cause the belts to grip the tube and back-up means within the tube provide for frictional tube feeding action.

Abstract: A mixing valve is located at the opening of a mold cavity to control the flow of a fast setting mixture into the mold and to mix the ingredients forming the mixture immediately prior to dispensing into the mold. The valve includes a plurality of mixing elements on a mixing head which rotates about its own axis within the valve housing and which cooperates with the housing to define a mixing chamber receiving the ingredients. When the valve is open, the plurality of mixing elements supported from the head in the mixing chamber are rotated with the head to mix the ingredients into the fast setting mixture. The head also reciprocates along its axis to open and close the valve and completely fills the chamber to eject the mixed ingredients when the valve is closed.