Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus having a conveyor belt and a plurality of flexible pouches forming a continuous sheet of web material. Each flexible pouch has an open end and an overlap portion specifically suitable for operation with the apparatus of this invention. The open end is separated and a load is inserted into a first active pouch of the flexible pouches. After the load is inserted into the flexible pouch, air is withdrawn from the flexible pouch. Air is withdrawn from the flexible pouch and a gas is preferably injected into the flexible pouch. The flexible pouch is then heat sealed to form a gas-tight seal. Controls are used to simultaneously operate the sealing, fluid transfer and loading stations of the automatic packaging apparatus. As the flexible pouch moves from the fluid transfer station to the sealing station, the gas-tight seal is maintained.

Abstract: Multi-layer sterilization package and process for sterilizing equipment wherein items are placed in the multi-layer sterilization package which is adapted for use with a snorkel-type gas treatment apparatus; substantially all gas is withdrawn from the interior of the package; sterilization gas is injected into the interior and retained for a time sufficient to sterilize the equipment; sterilization gas is withdrawn from the package; and a cushioning gas is introduced into the package. The package is sealed to retain the cushioning gas, providing for effective gas leak detection.

Abstract: A packaging assembly wherein a protective liner is affixed to the interior surface of a flexible bag in a manner such that the packaging assembly folds flat for storage and transport and is readily converted to a substantially rectangular box for loading. The flexible bag extends beyond the top of the liner in a manner such that evacuation and controller atmosphere packaging techniques may be readily applied and the packaging assembly readily sealed. The packaging assembly is especially suited to prevent puncturing of the packaging by either the internal contents or from external sources and provides labor efficient packaging techniques.

Abstract: A cushion for packaging an article in a container comprising flexible foam material and a pliable non-porous cover contiguously surrounding the foam material. The cover may include a lip which may be secured to the container. A plurality of air vents in the cover adjacent the lip control the flow of air out of the cover when the foam is compressed. By controlling the air flow out of the foam material, the dynamic resistance of the cushion may be increased, so that more force is absorbed by the cushion when an external force is applied to the container than would be absorbed if exposed foam material were used. A plurality of cushions may be secured to the inside of the container to hold the article snugly in place.

Abstract: A collapsible, reinforced, four sided container attached to a rigid base for transporting heavy products. The containers may be collapsed and shipped in reduced size for reuse and reassembled into its usable form without any special tools or skills. The collapsible container of this invention provides that one or more sides may be opened for loading or unloading.

Abstract: A cushioning, self-unloading machinery carrier which supports the static machine weight and extends beyond the sides and ends of the machinery to absorb lateral shocks and extends beyond the bottom of the machinery to absorb vertical shocks. The machinery carrier is made up of two U-shaped bumper-skids which fit around opposite ends of the machinery, the inner portion of the base of the U having a wedge-shaped portion with a platform at its upper end adjacent the base, the machinery resting upon the platform when the bumper-skid is in position and the machinery sliding down the wedge as the bumper-skid is pulled away from the machinery, lowering the machinery gently into desired position.

Abstract: A package for the storage of cable. The package includes a rigid cylindrical central core and a pair of spaced, circular flanges rigidly interconnected to the opposite ends of the core in substantially parallel relationship. A cable receiving space is defined between the flanges and on the core with the cable being positioned in the cable receiving space. A flexible cable cover of unique design is mounted over the stored cable and between the flanges. The cable cover comprises a continuous outer flexible sheet, preferably of a paper material, and a plurality of upright supporting walls which are secured to the sheet along one side and which define a plurality of transverse cells, the cells being positionable against the outermost layer of cable. Straps are provided for rigidly securing the flexible cover around the cable and between the flanges.