Abstract: A flexible, collapsible receptacle (hereinafter bag) for handling flowable materials which is fabricated from polymeric fabric and which provides (i) improved static control; (2) improved corrosion inhibition; and/or (3) improved microbial inhibition characteristics. The bag is manufactured by providing a quantity of thermoplastic resin having a predetermined conductivity (anti-static resin); forming the anti-static resin into relatively long, narrow, thin lengths of anti-static material (anti-static tapes); weaving the anti-static tapes into an anti-static fabric having a predetermined, controlled electrical resistivity; cutting the anti-static fabric into a plurality of pieces; and joining the pieces of anti-static fabric together thereby constructing the anti-static bag. Similar methods are disclosed for manufacturing bags having improved corrosion inhibition and/or improved microbial inhibition characteristics.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe lining having anti-microbial properties having the steps of: providing a quantity of a thermoplastic resin including an inorganic zinc-based anti-microbial agent admixture having a predetermined microbial inhibition characteristic; blending the thermoplastic resin with a polyethylene resin to form an anti-microbial feedstock; forming the anti-microbial feedstock into relatively long, narrow, thin lengths of anti-microbial members; weaving the anti-microbial members into an anti-microbial fabric having predetermined microbial inhibition characteristics; cutting the anti-microbial fabric into a plurality of pieces in accordance with a predetermined pattern; and joining the pieces of anti-microbial fabric together thereby constructing the anti-microbial shoe lining. A sock liner may be knitted from anti-microbial members as noted above.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe lining having anti-microbial properties having the steps of: providing a quantity of a thermoplastic resin including an inorganic zinc-based anti-microbial agent admixture having a predetermined microbial inhibition characteristic; blending the thermoplastic resin with a polyethylene resin to form an anti-microbial feedstock; forming the anti-microbial feedstock into relatively long, narrow, thin lengths of anti-microbial members; weaving the anti-microbial members into an anti-microbial fabric having predetermined microbial inhibition characteristics; cutting the anti-microbial fabric into a plurality of pieces in accordance with a predetermined pattern; and joining the pieces of anti-microbial fabric together thereby constructing the anti-microbial shoe lining.A sock liner may be knitted from anti-microbial members as noted above.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shoe lining having anti-microbial properties. The method comprises providing a quantity of a thermoplastic resin including an inorganic zinc-based anti-microbial agent admixture having a predetermined microbial inhibition characteristic. This thermoplastic resin is blended with a polyethylene resin to form an anti-microbial feedstock. The anti-microbial feedstock is formed into relatively long, narrow, thin lengths of anti-microbial members. These members are woven into an anti-microbial fabric having predetermined microbial inhibition characteristics. This fabric is cut into a plurality of pieces in accordance with a predetermined pattern and the pieces are joined together thereby constructing the anti-microbial shoe lining.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a bulk bag begins with a length of tubular woven polypropylene material which is cut along first transversely extending lines 64 to form the upper edges of lift sleeve portions 76, cut along longitudinally extending lines 66 to form the side edges of the lift sleeve portions 76, and cut along substantially transversely extending lines 68 situated at the midpoint of the lines 66 to form opposed top wall halves 72 and opposed bottom wall halves 74. The top wall halves and the bottom wall halves are then sewn together along sew lines 82 and 84, respectively. Sidewalls 70' are joined to the bottom wall halves 74 along sew lines 86, and the top wall halves 72 are joined to the sidewalls 70' along sew lines 88. The lift sleeve portions 76 may be configured to provide lift sleeve, lift rope, or single point lift construction. The top and bottom walls may be provided with a fill chute and discharge chute, respectively.

Abstract: An eight sided flexible intermediate bulk container formed from a substantially flat bottom wall of woven fabric with a first side, a second side, a peripheral edge surrounding the first and second side, and an octagonal horizontal cross sectional area. The container is further formed from a tubular sidewall blank of a woven fabric with a sidewall, an exterior side, an interior side, a first end, a second end, a first portion of the sidewall proximate to the second end, the first portion being cut in a sawtooth configuration including a plurality of adjacent triangular shaped flaps, a second portion of the sidewall proximate to the second end, and an interior cross section of size and octagonal shape for receiving the bottom wall.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a bulk bag begins with a tubular blank of woven polypropylene material which is cut along first transversely extending lines 64 to form the upper edges of lift sleeve portions 76, cut along longitudinally extending lines 66 to form the side edges of the lift sleeve portions 76, and cut along substantially transversely extending lines 68 situated at the midpoint of the lines 66 to form opposed top wall halves 72 and opposed bottom wall halves 74. The top wall halves and the bottom wall halves are then sewn together along sew lines 82 and 84, respectively. Sidewalls 70' are joined to the bottom wall halves 74 along sew lines 86, and the top wall halves 72 are joined to the sidewalls 70' along sew lines 88. The lift sleeve portions 76 may be configured to provide lift sleeve, lift rope, or single point lift construction. The top and bottom walls may be provided with a fill chute and discharge chute, respectively.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a bulk bag begins with a tubular blank of woven polypropylene material which is cut along a first transversely extending line 64 to form the upper edges of lift sleeve portions 76, cut along longitudinally extending lines 66 to form the side edges of the lift sleeve portions 76, and cut along substantially transversely extending lines 68 situated at the midpoint of the lines 66 to form opposed top wall halves 72 and opposed bottom wall halves 74. The top wall halves and the bottom wall halves are then sewn together along sew lines 82 and 84, respectively. Sidewalls 70' are joined to the bottom wall halves 74 along sew lines 86, and the top wall halves 72 are joined to the sidewalls 70' along sew lines 88. The lift sleeve portions 76 may be configured to provide lift sleeve, lift rope, or single point lift construction. The top and bottom walls may be provided with a fill chute and discharge chute, respectively.

Abstract: A process for the construction of a flexible bulk container including a glued bottom portion and/or a glued top portion. A sidewall blank having a hollow tubular configuration with an upper and lower portion suspended in the shape of the desired container and positioned over a bottom wall located on a raised work area. Adhesive or glue is applied to either the bottom wall and/or the sidewall in areas where the sidewall blank will be permanently in contact with the bottom wall. The sidewall blank is lowered into contact with the bottom wall such that the lower portion of the sidewall blank is located below the work area and the upper portion is located above the work area. The sidewall blank is secured to the bottom wall by folding the upper portion of the sidewall blank over the bottom wall thereby contacting the adhesive or glue and forming a glued bottom bag.

Abstract: A tube of polyethylene or similar polymeric material having a continuous sidewall is extruded using conventional technology. Two horizontal gussets are formed from the sidewall of the tube, one on each side. The tube is flattened into a substantially flat workpiece. The workpiece is heat sealed at locations predetermined by the configuration of the container in which it is to be inserted. Concurrently with the heat sealing pass, or shortly thereafter, cuts are made to separate manufacturing waste material from the tube. The waste material is recycled into the feedstock of the extruder. The sealed workpiece is split axially into two substantially equal portions, each containing a complete gusset, thereby forming two completed liners.Alternatively, one horizontal gusset is formed in the sidewall of the tube. As in the first embodiment, the workpiece is heat sealed at locations predetermined by the configuration of the container in which it is to be inserted.

Abstract: A process for the construction of a bulk container including a glued bottom portion. A sidewall blank having a hollow tubular configuration with an upper and lower portion is suspended in the shape of the desired container and is positioned over a bottom wall located on a raised work area. Adhesive or glue is applied to either the bottom wall and/or the sidewall in areas where the sidewall blank will be permanently in contact with the bottom wall. The sidewall blank is lowered into contact with the bottom wall such that the lower portion of the sidewall blank is located below the work area and the upper portion is located above the work area. The sidewall blank is secured to the bottom wall by folding the upper portion of the sidewall blank over the bottom wall thereby contacting the adhesive or glue.

Abstract: A bottom lift bulk bag (10) comprises one or more sidewalls (12) defining the interior (14) of the bulk bag. The lower end of the bulk bag is closed by a bottom wall (22) which is secured to the lower ends of the sidewall panels. The material of the bottom wall is extended in the form of a pair of opposed lift loops (26) which are secured in place by seams (28) interconnecting the lower ends of the sidewalls and the bottom wall. In the use of the bulk bag, rigid lifting members (66) are extended through the lift loops and are used to lift the bulk bag from the bottom.

Abstract: A process for the construction of a bulk container including a glued bottom portion. A blank is suspended in the shape of the desired container and is positioned over a bottom portion. Adhesive or glue is applied to the bottom portion in areas which will contact the blank. The blank is lowered into contact with the blank and fins are formed. The fins are either folded, cut and/or secured to complete the container in one of several ways.

Abstract: A liner for use in flexible bulk containers includes a tubular body section with at least one continuous baffle strip extending around the interior circumference of the body section, with the baffle strip attached to the body section at spaced apart intervals to form baffles defining four triangular shaped corners in the body section.

Abstract: A flexible bulk container having a glued bottom portion manufactured by a process comprising the following steps: A sidewall blank having a hollow tubular configuration is suspended in the shape of the desired container and is positioned over a bottom wall located on a raised work area. Adhesive or glue is applied to either the bottom wall and/or the sidewall in areas where the sidewall blank will be permanently in contact with the bottom wall. The sidewall blank is lowered into contact with the bottom wall such that a lower portion of the sidewall blank is located below the work area and an upper portion is located above the work area. The sidewall blank is secured to the bottom wall by folding the upper portion of the sidewall blank over the bottom wall thereby containing the adhesive or glue.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable materials for storage in a receiving container comprising a hollow tubular container having a generally horizontal axis for receiving and holding flowable material. A vacuum pump or venturi and suitable valving are used to first create a vacuum within the chamber and then to return the chamber to atmospheric pressure instantaneously, thereby compacting the flowable material. An auger extends from the inlet end of the tubular container to the outlet end of the tubular container for moving flowable material into and compacted material out of the tubular container into a receiving container.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable materials includes a hollow container connected to a plurality of valves, slide gate valves and a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum when filled with flowable materials that causes the flowable materials to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: A full sack compressor for deaerating flowable material includes a hollow, rectangular chamber connected to a vacuum pump for establishing a vacuum when filled with flowable material, causing the flowable material to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating flowable materials includes a hollow container connected to a plurality of valves, slide gate valves and a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum when filled with flowable materials that causes the flowable materials to deaerate and subsequently compact when atmospheric pressure is restored.

Abstract: A vacuum fill system for deaerating and compacting flowable materials within a container for transportation and storage of the materials includes a hollow chamber having an open bottom end for insertion of the chamber into the container. A rubber pad placed under the container seals the chamber for creation of a vacuum in the chamber through a vacuum line connecting the chamber to a vacuum source for deaeration of flowable materials placed within the chamber and the container. A line having a valve therein and vented to the atmosphere is connected to the chamber for returning the chamber to atmospheric pressure substantially instantaneously to compact the deaerated material into a substantially solid mass within the container. Upon completion of compaction the chamber of the vacuum fill system is removed from the interior of the container and the top of the container closed for shipment or storage.