Abstract: A computer system and method for modelling a business operation in which parameters for the instantiation of at least one process module are received from a user interface, each process module representing an element of the business operation and having at least one output port and at least one input port, each input port having at least one label, each label for an input port comprising at least one characteristic of a parameter required for input to the process module, each output port having at least one label, and each output port label comprising at least one characteristic of a parameter output by the process module, wherein the labels for the input and output ports are defined in structured data in sets; the parameters for the at least one process module are stored; and a plurality of process modules are instantiated using at least one processor to implement a model of the business operation by connecting inputs of modules to outputs of modules using the labels for the input and output ports to form a

Abstract: A packaging system for soft-walled plastic containers of tapered or other non-cylindrical shapes has a supporting base to which the containers are secured, with a superposed positioning means engaging the upper portions of the containers; and load transfer spacer sheets extending upwardly in substantially coplanar relation with the tops of the containers, to support a superposed similar package, for palletizing. The package may be strapped, horizontally or vertically and used in plasti-wrapped multi-tier pallet loads. The supporting base may be a tray, which can be of the nesting variety.

Abstract: Packages for multiple goods containers are secured by tensioned straps into integrated, load bearing, stackable units for palletizing, storage and supply-line service. Rigid, semi-rigid and flexible containers, including multi-tiered tubs are accommodated by the system. Cardboard usage is reduced 40 to 50 percent. Die-cut spacers, flaps and occlusions, and dividers separate the containers, giving frictional integration under strapped compression. Cruciform spacers enable reductions in stock gauge. Packages are ventilated, for goods identification and cooling. L-section rolled stock makes simple, strong, ventilated bases and caps. Re-usable plastic trays can form cap and base portions of the package.

Abstract: Low bulk cardboard transit packaging suitable for shipping glass containers to a manufacturer, and for re-use with the filled containers in shipping to the retailer, and for retail display purposes, as well as use with plastic and metal parallel wall containers, uses at least two peripheral holding straps to secure the package with its contents, and container locating means in a multi-pack embodiment including chimes and/or frangible glue fasteners to immobilize selected ones of the containers. Some package embodiments use paperboard sheet.

Abstract: A blank for forming a U-shaped support envelope for a container package containing rectangular carton containers of uniform height, shape and size, the containers each having a top, a bottom and sides, the U-shaped support envelope having an uncovered top, two opposed uncovered sides, two opposed planar side wall members extending from a planar base, each side wall member having a top edge. Tongue-slot combinations are disposed at the corners of the blank so as to have available cushion tabs for engaging the upper uncovered face of end containers in the package. The tabs extend from slots for engaging a band for holding the containers in the U-shaped envelope.