Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating and discharging articles used in the fabrication of disposable fluid dispensing tubes fabricated by apparatus including a rotatively mounted tube receiving turret which indexes tubes through a series of stations positioned around the turret periphery at which various operations are performed. The separating and discharging apparatus includes elements for deforming a stack of nested articles, such as nozzles, to separate and release an article from the stack, in combination with a vacuum receiving cup for withdrawing the articles from the stack and retaining them for delivery to the turret where they are discharged. The method includes the steps of separating articles from the stack by deforming the stack to interrupt coupling between contiguous articles, and withdrawing the articles separated by application of vacuum for transport to a displaced location where they may be discharged.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a disposable fluid dispensing tube. The apparatus includes a rotatably mounted turret which is adapted to receive tubes. Tubes mounted in the turret are indexed through stations positioned around the periphery of the turret. At each station an operation is performed on the tube and at the final station a filled and sealed dispenser tube is discharged from the turret.In the practice of the preferred method of the invention, operations performed upon the tube include mounting a nozzle on the end of the tube, securing the nozzle to the tube, sealing the end of the nozzle, filling the tube, positioning a plunger in the other end of the tube and releasably securing the plunger to the tube.

Abstract: A machine and method which withdraws an atmosphere from a bag and substitutes a new atmosphere and thereafter seals the bag. More particularly, a bag is disposed around a manifold and the portions of the bag which extend outwardly from the manifold are heat sealed. Thereafter, the unsealed portions of the bag are temporarily sealed around the manifold, the atmosphere within the bag is exchanged and the bag is then completely sealed while the manifold is positioned within the open end of the bag.