Abstract: A magnetic can separator where a supply device drops crushed cans onto a mechanism that includes a non-magnetic separator disc positioned by a shaft for permitting rotation of the disc at a controlled speed, a plurality of magnetic members secured to the under surface of the disc for attracting magnetic cans and retaining them on the disc, and a guide secured adjacent to and above the top surface of the disc to engage any articles thereon and extending generally radially of the disc offset from its center to engage cans or articles on the upper surface of the disc and as the disc is rotated, the crushed cans are progressively stripped from the upper surface of the disc by the guide whereas the non-magnetic cans are thrown circumferentially from the disc substantially immediately upon deposit thereon. The separator disc can be positioned at an angle of up to about 50 degrees to the horizontal for improved operation.

Abstract: A method of packing articles including positioning an article retainer around a temporary article support and placing articles on such temporary support within the retainer, measuring the height of the articles in the retainer and automatically forming a container of enclosure of a size to enclose the articles. Thereafter the formed container is suitably positioned around the articles and container top is put on the container end to close the container and complete the packaging operation.

Abstract: A package forming apparatus which produces containers by means of molding thermoplastic material. A mold having a fixed cross-section but a variable length mold cavity is provided by a mold core having a bottom ring means outer shell unit in operative association with the mold core but which is movable axially of the mold core to vary the operative length of the mold and a removable top end plate is provided for the mold cavity.