Abstract: A cartoner assembly comprises a loader and an indexer. The loader comprises at least one horizontally extending drive belt, an input end and an output end. The drive belt is adapted to support one or more packages as they are moved from the input end to the output end. The indexer is positioned adjacent the output end of the loader and comprises a plurality of moveable support members defining in part a plurality of loading stations. The support members are adapted to support a carton at each of the loading stations and are moveable such that the plurality of loading stations are successively aligned with the drive belt of the loader at the output end of said loader. Preferably, the support members are vertically, intermittently moveable. In one preferred embodiment, the indexer includes an output end positioned adjacent a continuously moving conveyor. A method of inserting a package into a carton is also provided.

Abstract: A cartoner assembly comprises a loader and an indexer. The loader comprises at least one horizontally extending drive belt, an input end and an output end. The drive belt is adapted to support one or more packages as they are moved from the input end to the output end. The indexer is positioned adjacent the output end of the loader and comprises a plurality of moveable support members defining in part a plurality of loading stations. The support members are adapted to support a carton at each of the loading stations and are moveable such that the plurality of loading stations are successively aligned with the drive belt of the loader at the output end of said loader. Preferably, the support members are vertically, intermittently moveable. In one preferred embodiment, the indexer includes an output end positioned adjacent a continuously moving conveyor. A method of inserting a package into a carton is also provided.

Abstract: A combination weighing machine chassis that is comprised of an enclosed hollow support member having an inner surface upon which the drives and controls for the components of the product batch handling units are carried. There are openings formed in the hollow support member that include seals through which the necessary drives and controls extend. As a result, components of the product batch handling units, such as the vibrating trays, chambers and buckets, can be removed for cleaning and the outer surface of the hollow support member can also be cleaned. The operating components are now housed in a closed compartment where they are protected from contamination by air and water borne debris such as oil and food, and the entire weighing machine can now be conveniently washed down and thoroughly cleaned. The vibrator mechanisms for the feeder trays are suspended by extension coil springs from the inner surface of the top portion of the enclosed hollow support member.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine in which any of a selection of change parts assemblies can be slid into and out of mounting slots and secured in proper alignment by a hand operated toggle lock mechanism. A pair of stops are provide on the forming shoulder of the change part that correspond to the diameter of the forming tube. An articulated floating vacuum pull belt arrangement, having stops that engage the stops on the forming shoulder, automatically aligns itself with the change parts assembly. The film cage is adjustable for film tracking and can be tilted to a position that permits the film roll to be loaded without the need of a power hoist. The film tracking and film cage tilting are on a common axis, which simplifies the design and reduces the parts. The tiltable film cage has the added advantage of improving the access to the inside area of the machine when the film cage is tilted to the load position. This feature of the invention also reduces the overall size of the machine.

Abstract: A radial combination weighing machine having a nutating distribution disc that imparts a radially outward directional force to product that is deposited on its upper surface.

Abstract: A thin sheet metal orifice plate is disclosed having at least one orifice therethrough with a rounded inlet to improve flow and an outlet defined by an encircling projection whose axis accurately conforms to a predetermined direction. Apparatus for the production of such an orifice plate is disclosed and includes a forming tool operable to form a spherical boss in a flat intermittently advanced thin metal sheet of orifice blank material. The apparatus includes an orifice plate blank trimming tool having a punch and die assembly for accurately trimming the spherical boss from a continuous strip such that an annular flange is provided therearound. An orifice punching apparatus is provided having a chuck for holding an orifice plate blank adjacent to a resilient backing material. The chuck is supported by an angular adjustment apparatus which, in turn, is rotatably supported on a base and provided with a pair of detent mechanisms. The detent mechanisms secure the angular position of the adjustment apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid atomizing method and apparatus including a conduit member having an annular ring eccentrically mounted thereon such that a radial port in the ring is aligned with a radial aperture in the conduit member. A thin flexible orifice ribbon is intercalated between the ring and the conduit member. In one embodiment of the invention, a vibratory device is rigidly mounted upon the exterior surface of the conduit member and functions to induce the formation of uniform droplets within fluid flowing through apertures in the orifice ribbon. In another embodiment of the invention an elongate flexible orifice ribbon, having a plurality of spaced orifice zones, may be mounted upon an advancement mechanism to facilitate maintenance of a clean unobstructed set of apertures in communication with the conduit port. The atomizing apparatus is readily serviceable without special tools.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to produce a dyed yarn package with qualities similar to that of a skein dyed yarn package. The method and apparatus incorporates a novel spindle onto which, preferably, high bulk yarns are wound under very little tension to provide a compact but loose yarn package which is amenable to efficient bulking and dyeing.