Abstract: A system for filling a container with relatively long thin tubes that are delivered on a tube conveyor. The system has a generally tubular-shaped insert with an at least partially open top and an open bottom, the insert sized and shaped to fit into the container and defining a width that is slightly larger than the length of the tubes and an insert holder that is adapted to engage the insert to hold the insert in place. There is a lift system that moves the container between an engaged position in which the container is located over the insert and a disengaged position in which the container is free from the insert, and movable clamps adapted to be moved between an engaged position in which they hold the container in position relative to the insert and a disengaged position in which the container can be moved relative to the insert. A pivot system pivots the insert holder about a pivot axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axes of the tubes.

Abstract: A precise-count high-volume preform delivery system. The system employs a soft-drop conveyor system that is used to deliver preforms into a container or another location. An automatically-controlled preform counting system counts preforms before they are delivered to the conveyor, to allow the number of preforms delivered by the conveyor to be determined.

Abstract: An elevated container transport system, comprising: an elevated track; a cart movable along the track; means for moving the cart along the track; a telescoping arm coupled to the cart, and movable between a retracted position in which its distal end is relatively close to the cart, and an extended position in which the distal end is farther from the cart; and a container support structure carried by the telescoping arm and extendable and retractable therewith, preferably accomplished with two container conveyor systems.

Abstract: A soft drop preform conveyor system for loading preforms into an open-top container. The system includes a conveyor having a preform loading end, and a distal end from which preforms leave the conveyor, the conveyor moving preforms from outside of the container, over the lip of the container, and down into the container, close to the product level within the container. The product level height within the container is sensed. The height of the distal end of the conveyor is altered, between a lowest position in which the distal end is near the bottom of the container, and a highest position in which the distal end is higher within the container, or just above the container. The system includes a control system, responsive to the sensed product level, for controlling the conveyor distal end height, to maintain the conveyor distal end close to the product level within the container, so that preforms drop only a short distance from the conveyor into the container.

Abstract: A driven, rotatable cylinder (11-1) spaced from a counterstructure (11-4, 11-2&3, 11b-2,3&4, 11c-2&2', 11B-2, 11C-2, 11-5, 11-6) to permit parts or connectors (P or C) to fall between the rotatable cylinder and the counterstructure. A continuous drive belt (16) is employed with an idler (14-6) to permit adjustment of the separation between the cylinder and the counterstructure while the cylinder is in motion.