Abstract: A quick-connect fastener for removably fastening a component between a first abutment and a moveable shaft. The first abutment is part of a base member and optionally a second abutment may be attached to a shaft. The shaft extends through the base member and is connected to a hand-operated actuator. The quick-connect fastener further includes a locking mechanism that has two mating parts; one mounted to the shaft, and the other mounted to the base member. As a user moves the hand-operated actuator between a locked position and a release position, the first mating part moves both angularly and in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, in relation to the second mating part. The movement of the two mating parts in relation to each other causes the spacing between the first and second abutments to vary, thereby allowing a component to be fastened and unfastened between the two abutments.

Abstract: A quick-connect fastener for removably fastening a component between a first abutment and a moveable shaft. The first abutment is part of a base member and optionally a second abutment may be attached to a shaft. The shaft extends through the base member and is connected to a hand-operated actuator. The quick-connect fastener further includes a locking mechanism that has two mating parts; one mounted to the shaft, and the other mounted to the base member. As a user moves the hand-operated actuator between a locked position and a release position, the first mating part moves both angularly and in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the shaft, in relation to the second mating part. The movement of the two mating parts in relation to each other causes the spacing between the first and second abutments to vary, thereby allowing a component to be fastened and unfastened between the two abutments.

Abstract: A set of modules for a bagging machine that are assemblable to form a compression chamber for compressing at least one item prior to the at least one item being inserted into a bag. The compression chamber includes a first module and a second module that both have side plates that form the side walls of the compression chamber and transverse plates that form the transverse walls of the chamber. The modules are connected to actuators that impart movement to both the side plates and transverse plates in unison, such that the two modules move towards and away from each other. The set of modules can be connected to the bagging machine via quick-connect fasteners.