Abstract: An apparatus is provided for packaging items within a container. The container is supported adjacent an indicator which determines the addition of an individual item into the container. The number of items added to a container is accumulated and the accumulated data for each container during a given cycle is stored. The stored data is then communicated to a processing unit for analyzing and use as a management tool within the packaging operation.

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for facilitating the dispensing of individual bags of a roll of plastic bags. The individual bags on the roll are separated by a tear line which includes a line of perforations and a central gap. The dispenser comprises a cylindrical container which has an elongated slot in its peripheral surface substantially parallel to the axis of the container. The container slot is wide enough to permit the bags to be pulled through it and it includes a tongue in its central area adapted to engage the gap in the tear line so that it can temporarily hold each bag as it is pulled through the slot thereby enabling the user to rupture the tear line.