Abstract: An apparatus for thermally densifying thermoplastic articles, particularly those of the expendable type. The apparatus includes a thermally insulated cabinet having mounted within a two-section hopper and a convection heating system. The apparatus is adapted for heating the thermoplastic articles placed within the chamber to a temperature effective for the thermal densification of the thermoplastic articles. The convection heating system creates a circulating air flow between the hopper and the cabinet walls. The air flow insulates the hot hopper from the apparatus cabinet and densifies the thermoplastic articles. The apparatus also renders any food particles in or on the thermoplastic articles bacterially inert.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally densifying thermoplastic articles, particularly those of the expendable type. The apparatus includes a chamber for placing the thermoplastic articles within, a heater for heating the thermoplastic articles placed within the chamber to a temperature effective for the thermal densification of the thermoplastic articles, a temperature sensor located proximate to the heater, and a controller for controlling the heater responsive to the temperature sensor, which is capable of providing a temperature within a range from about the temperature effective for thermally densifying thermoplastic articles to a temperature below the point of significant thermal degradation of the thermoplastic articles. A process for the thermal densification of thermoplastic articles are also provided.

Abstract: A collapsible holder for thermoplastic bags having support holes in the handles thereof has two arms pivotally mounted at the top of the holder. A platform is pivotally mounted at the bottom of the holder. In the bag loading position, the platform extends outwardly to support a bag being loaded. As the platform is moved to the collapsed position against the holder, a linkage moves the arms downwardly and inwardly so the holder extends a minimal distance from the vertical surface on which it is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention includes a new bag packaging system for open mouth bags made of flexible material, preferably a thermoplastic side gusseted bag with handles integrally formed therein, which provides a complete bag packing environment and includes a base member, a bag supply means secured to the base member, and bag-engaging elements supported vertically above the base member opposite the bag supply means at a distance and height for expanding the mouth of the bag and to secure the bag against collapse while loading. Furthermore, the present invention provides a means for continuously presenting a bag-detaching point to the packer which facilitates removal of the bags from the bag supply means and optimizes the loading area. A further feature of the present invention includes minimal structure which could hinder easy removal of the loaded bag from the system.

Abstract: The present invention includes a new bag packaging system for open mouth bags made of flexible material, preferably a thermoplastic side gusseted bag with handles integrally formed therein, which provides a complete bag packing environment and includes a base member, a bag supply means secured to the base member, and bag-engaging elements supported vertically above the base member opposite the bag supply means at a distance and height for expanding the mouth of the bag and to secure the bag against collapse while loading. Furthermore, the present invention provides a means for continuously presenting a bag-detaching point to the packer which facilitates removal of the bags from the bag supply means and optimizes the loading area. A further feature of the present invention includes minimal structure which could hinder easy removal of the loaded bag from the system.