Abstract: A clipping device for applying a U-shaped clip to a flexible casing, bag, or the like. A gathering plate, secured to the punch, is shaped to progressively gather the material to be clipped as the punch moves toward the die so as to squeeze the material to a relatively small cross section at the point where the clip is applied to the material.

Abstract: Clips adapted to be subsequently employed in tying the necks of bags and the like are formed in a continuous ribbon of metallic material and adapted to be wound on a reel for subsequent use as ties. A continuous ribbon of flat material is bent alternately in opposite directions at spaced points along its length to form a continuous length of generally sinusoidal-shaped similar connected elements so that substantially all of the deformation of the material takes place when the approaching end of the ribbon is free and thus not subject to being stretched or compressed except so far as these deformations take place during the bending process.

Abstract: A length of wire is formed to a noncircular cross section preparatory to forming the wire into clips. The noncircular cross section is formed by a pair of rollers and the rolled wire is oriented for use in the clip forming machine by guiding the rolled wire in a relatively large loop so that the tendency for the wire to twist after rolling is readily overcome and so that the proper orientation of the wire is achieved while feeding the wire to the clipping apparatus.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging apparatus comprising an elongate tubular loading horn with front and rear ends, an elongate drive member shiftable axially forwardly to an actuated position within the horn, an item engaginf pusher at the forward end of the member and shiftable rearwardly from a normal forward position forward of the member to an actuated position, the front of the pusher normally projecting forwardly from the horn when the member is in its actuated position and occurring within the horn when the member and pusher are in their actuated positions, an elongate vacuum nozzle within and extending longitudinally of the pusher when the pusher is in its normal position and projecting forwardly therefrom when the pusher is in its actuated position, an elongate supply of tubular packaging film shirred axially on and about the exterior of the horn with a lead portion extending forwardly from the horn and closed by a sealing means, an item conveyor extending forwardly from the horn to support items enveloped in the le