Abstract: A method for inserting one or more canisters into a flexible pouch includes having the pouch with a re-sealable end portion for permitting insertion of the canisters. The pouch also includes a collapsible and flexible floor portion on which one or more of the canisters are positioned. A side portion encloses the canisters and connects the end portion to the floor portion. The method further comprises positioning the canisters into a position adjacent the pouch, and attaching one or more of the canisters to a mechanical arm for providing transportation to the pouches. The canisters are placed through the re-sealable open end and onto the collapsible and flexible floor portion so that the floor portion forms a stable storage platform for the canisters.

Abstract: A sheet processing apparatus has an adjustable tray for receiving and storing paper, such as photographic paper, has adjustable sheet width aligning and sheet receiving guide members that can alignably accommodate various sizes of paper. Independent quick release/latch mechanisms enable easy and quick deployment of the adjustable sheet width aligning and sheet receiving guide members.

Abstract: An adjustable tray for receiving and storing sheets of web material, such as photographic paper and film, has adjustable sheet width aligning and sheet receiving guide members that can alignably accommodate various sizes of paper. Independent quick release/latch mechanisms enable easy and quick deployment of the adjustable sheet width aligning and sheet receiving guide members.

Abstract: An article of manufacture has a base plate, a bias pusher plate for supporting at least one object thereon and a stripper plate having a removed section. A source of fluid is provided for urging a top most object from the support plate and through the removed section of the stripper plate.

Abstract: A method for opening perforations in an perforated article having a perforated lid exerts an impact force on an end portion of the perforated lid. A separator member is used to capture the perforated lid and then retract for separating the perforated lid from the main portion of the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for bursting perforations on an article has a retractable burst member and an opposed second retractable burst member that imposes an impact force on the perforations on the perforated lid. Retractable burst members are arranged for vertical movement towards and away from one another in a common plane. The article is positioned in a plane substantially perpendicular to the movement of the burst members so that the burst members can engageably contact the article at the perforations. A separator is used to capture the perforated lid at the burst perforations and then retract for separating the perforated lid from the main portion of the article.

Abstract: A cassette for storing and dispensing objects arranged in a stack, such as end disks, has a base plate, a plurality of standoffs attached to the base plate, and a stripper plate having a removed concentric section attached to ends of the standoffs. A hub member is centrally positioned in the base plate and extends towards the central opening of the stripper plate. A biased support plate attached to base plate is in slidable contact with the hub member for supporting a portion of the loading side of an end disk resting thereon. End disks are removed for independent processing one at a time through a removed section in the stripper plate by a stream of air directed between the loading side of the top most end disk and the unloading side of the nearest adjacent end disk in the stack.

Abstract: An apparatus for bursting perforations on an article, such as a corrugated box, has a rotatable, retractable burst member that exerts an impact force on opposing sides of end portions of the perforated lid. Burst member is arranged for vertical movement towards an end portion of the perforated lid and then rotatable movements to opposing sides of the perforated lid. The article is positioned in a plane substantially perpendicular to the movement of the burst member so that the burst members can engageably contact end portions of the perforated lid with a predetermined impact force. A separator is used to capture the perforated lid and then retract for separating the perforated lid from the main portion of the article.

Abstract: A method for storing and dispensing thin, flimsy objects such as end disks that form the ends of light-tight packages for photosensitive materials. The thin, flimsy objects are loaded onto a hub member and supported by a biased pusher plate that urges the objects one at a time through a stripper plate that has a removed section slightly smaller in dimensions than the object.

Abstract: An improved light-tight package for a roll (10) of a length (14) of web material such as photographic paper or film. The package includes an opaque leader (22) wound around the roll. Folded-over portions (48,50) of opaque tearable end disks (32,34) are held in place by tearable adhesive tape strips (44,46). The leader includes a portion adapted to initiate a tear in the tearable tape. Upon unrolling of the package by pulling the leader, the tape tears, and the end disks tear circumferentially, whereby the folded-over portions adhere to the leader when the leader separates from the roll.

Abstract: An improved light-tight package for a roll (10) of a length (14) light-sensitive material such as photographic film or paper includes an opaque leader (22) provided with adhesive elements (44, 46) which adhere more strongly to the leader that to folded-over portions (58, 60) of opaque end disks (32, 34). Alternatively, adhesive elements (56) having similar properties may be applied to the end disks. Upon unrolling of the package by pulling the leader, the end disks release from the adhesive elements without tearing; and the adhesive elements remain attached to the leader and are removed from the roll with the leader.

Abstract: A flexible apparatus and method are disclosed for erecting cases and packaging a series of objects (26) which may be delivered in random order on an infeed conveyor (28), including a source (40,42) of a plurality of types of cases for such objects; a controller (48) for storing and providing information on the order of such objects; a station (32) for locating such cases for insertion of such objects; a programmable robot (34), responsive to such information, the robot having an end effector with a multiple purpose tool for selecting the type of case appropriate for a particular object in the series, for erecting the case and for placing the objects into the case; and a station (46) for closing and sealing the packed case.