Abstract: An article bagging unit particularly useful in bagging ice cubes. A bag, positioned to receive articles to be bagged, is partially opened by an air blower and then fully opened by two pairs of fingers. Each of the fingers is movable into and out from a bag. After the fingers are moved into a partially open bag, one pair of fingers moves away from the other pair of fingers and spreads the front and the back of the bag. Next, a prescribed quantity of articles is delivered to the bag. Then the fingers are retracted from the bag and a pair of heat-sealing members converge to clamp the tops of the front and the back of the bag to seal the bag.

Abstract: A self-contained swab unit comprises a cylindrical plastic tube having a foam rubber swab capping one end. The tube is closed at the opposite end by a heating and crimping process. A cleansing or sterilizing solution is loaded into the tube. The tube is sealed by a plug having a diameter slightly larger than the inside diameter of the cylinder, so that the solution is sealed away from the foam rubber swab when not in use. Squeezing the tube causes the plug to pivot in relation to the wall of the tube so that the seal is broken and liquid may saturate the swab. Releasing the squeeze pressure on the tube causes the plug to pivot back into a partial seal so that the amount of fluid used in swabbing can be controlled.

Abstract: A two-piece telescoping cylinder made of a flexible plastic material forms a disposable container for a swab and a liquid culture medium. The upper piece serves as a handle for the swab and cooperates with the lower piece to form a sealed container for the swab and liquid. A generally conical plug having a base slightly larger than the inside diameter of the cylinder divides the lower piece into two compartments, sealing the liquid from the swab. When the telescoping parts are pushed together, the swab contacts the plug and pivots it in relation to the side walls of the tube so that the seal is broken and the liquid may saturate the swab or a cotton wad immediately above the swab.