Abstract: A vacuum cleaner having an air non-pervious body in the shape of a closed bellows in the suction chamber thereof with one end of the bellows bearing against the dust container, and the other end bearing against a partition separating the suction chamber from a positive pressure chamber housing the motor-fan unit. The bellows communicates with the pressure chamber through a conduit so that the bellows can be brought into communication with the positive pressure side of the fan so that the bellows expands and compresses said dust container and its contents, and thus increases the filling capacity of the dust container. The running costs of operating a vacuum cleaner is thus substantially reduced.

Abstract: A hand-held buffing pad cleaning tool providing both a plurality of spaced star wheels and an operator-activatable air nozzle for simultaneously drying finishing material in the fibers of a buffing pad, loosening the dried material and blowing it away.

Abstract: A body member has a bore leading in from one of its ends and a counterbore leading in from its other end joining with the bore. The counterbore is of a size for receiving a wiener endwise therein, and the bore is arranged to slidably receive a handle stick for movement into piercing relation into an end of the wiener. The bore has a specific length to provide efficient and uniform penetration of the stick into the wiener, and the counterbore has a centering end for properly placing the wiener for penetration. The body member is associated with a standard having a lightweight and sturdy clamp portion for removable connection to a counter top.

Abstract: A separable fastening device is provided comprising a pair of clasping members, each of said members being comprised of a rigid, bendable material having a central aperture extending therethrough and at least one substantially flat edge section, each flat edge section having;(a) an internal angular notch;(b) an external angular notch; and(c) a slot in said edge section connecting with the vertexes of said internal and external angular notches and dividing said edge section into split end portions, said slot having a gap less than the thickness of the edge section of the other of said pair of clasping members.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fastening element of synthetic material comprising a sleeve-like hollow insert member adapted to be inserted into a prefabricated opening in a carrier plate and engaging beneath the underside of the opening edge by means of an undercut formed integrally therewith, and a head member connected to the insert member for fastening an article at the carrier member, with either the article to be fastened or the head member lying in close engagement with the side of the carrier plate opposite the undercut.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a web W of fibrous material where the apparatus includes a first surface (3) movable in one direction and a second surface (5) movable in an opposite direction at a speed slower than the speed of movement of the first surface. A confining means (7) having an apex (10) extends between the surfaces. A stuffing chamber (13) is formed between the two surfaces and the confining means. Movement of the first surface feeds a web of material into the stuffing chamber and movement of the second surface moves compressed material out of the chamber.A method of compressing a web W of fibrous material where said material is forced into a stuffing chamber (13) formed between a confining means (7) having an apex (10) and two surfaces (3 and 5). A web of material is fed into the stuffing chamber by moving one of the surfaces in one direction at a particular speed.

Abstract: An improved method for producing spirally wound film-foil or metallized film capacitors. The capacitors are formed by spirally winding alternating layers of dielectric film and metal foil (or two layers of metallized film) around a mandrel to form a cylinder. The dielectric film is oriented, i.e., heated and stretched along one or more axes, prior to winding. The wound cylinder is subjected to infrared radiant energy, which causes the dielectric film to shrink back toward its original unoriented state, thereby forcing air out between the layers of the winding and resulting in a more rigid cylinder. The application of radiant energy enables the cylinder to be heated from the inner turns to the outer turns. This manner of heating enables significant improvements in capacitor properties to be obtained and greatly reduces the time required for the heat shrink operation.

Abstract: A quench roll (20) for a glass sheet tempering system of the roller conveyor type includes a helical support (44) with a construction that does not mark conveyed glass sheets but which is nevertheless capable of withstanding breaking of glass sheets without being cut so as to require repair. The helical support (44) is wrapped about a shaft (42) of the roll (20) and includes a core (46) as well as a nonmetallic outer covering (50). The outer covering (50) is preferably a synthetic organic polymer such as silicone rubber or Teflon and, for best results, the covering has an outer sleeve (50a) of ceramic fibers. The core (46) is preferably metallic and made of wire strands (52) that facilitate wrapping thereof in the helical configuration. Spring end connections (54) disclosed prevent unwinding of the helical support (44) during glass sheet conveyance.

Abstract: A device for removing a dump nut from a bolt. The dump nut consists of a casing having an upwardly diverging through-bore, a plurality of separated nut segments slidably inserted in the through-bore in the casing to define a threaded bore therein, and a spring inserted in the through-bore in the casing to constantly urge the nut segments in the downward direction. A bolt is inserted through the threaded bore defined by the nut segments. The nut removing device according to the invention consists of two cross-sectionally arcuate complementary members which are oscillatably joined together at their adjacent side edges. In order to remove the nut from the bolt, the nut is turned in an untightening direction to a small extent, and the nut removing device is fitted around the exposed portion of the bolt. The device is then pushed upwardly to raise the nut segments against the spring.

Abstract: A wire harness manufactured by a new method and a new apparatus is provided. A covered wire paid out from a selected one of reels is extended in a predetermined lay-out and fixed. The thus fixed wire is cut-off from the reel. Then, another wire is paid out from another reel for arranging it in a juxtaposing relation to the previously laid-out wire and cut off from the reel. After repeating the above steps, the arranged wires are tied up to form a wire harness. There is also provided a device which puts the above method into practice, thereby reducing complicated assorting work involved in the manufacture of a wire harness. A method and a device for automatically uncovering end portions of each wire of the wire harness and attaching terminals thereto are also provided to greatly increasing the productivity.

Abstract: The present machine tool is constructed for an automatic tool exchange and includes a double column (11, 12) in which a spindle unit (15) and a tool magazine (22) are separately guided for moving jointly. A grapple claw mechanism includes an angular double claw. These features satisfy the hitherto contradictory requirements for a minimal idle time for the tool exchange and for a high machining accuracy by the elimination, among others, of the positioning tolerance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cutting and stripping a plurality of wires, applying terminals to the ends of the wires, and inserting wires en masse into the cavities in a connector housing. A shuttle having telescoping tubes which contain the wires therein is attached to carriage which travels on a rail and delivers wires axially at a first fixed spacing on a linear path to an operating zone, insertion station, and strip and shear station. Tubing collapses to extrude wire into operating zone where wires are compensated by deflecting laterally of their axes various amounts such that subsequent rolling into a template will restore the wire ends to a straight array so they can be terminated to a strip of terminals at a second fixed spacing. Tubes expand to draw terminated wires therein as shuttle retreats, then connector housing is delivered onto linear path and shuttle advances to insert terminated wires therein.

Abstract: An electrical connector suitable for use in connecting together electrical cables underwater comprises a first portion secured to a first cable and a second portion secured to a second cable. The first and second portions include a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact respectively. The first and second portions engage together so that the first and second contacts are in electrical contact with one another and so that a closed free space is formed between the two portions. A means is provided to enable flushing and drying fluids and electrically insulating fluid to be introduced into the free space. The electrical connector is particularly useful for connecting a down hole electric pump in a subsea oil well to a source of electricity.

Abstract: Electric shaver of battery powered and washable type having a watertight housing structure. A battery covering detachably mounted to housing bottom opening for holding batteries inside the housing includes a lock and seal which are activated, responsive to the covering's mounting operation, respectively in directions transversing the housing axis to lock the covering to the housing interior wall and in the housing axial directions to achieve uniform abuttment of the covering to the interior wall for clamping therebetween a watertight ring seal.

Abstract: An improved blade holder for rotatably mounting a circular-shaped meat-cutting blade on one end of a power-driven handle. A split metal ring is formed with an interior annular groove for rotatably mounting a circular cutting blade thereon. A pair of arcuate-shaped flanges generally T-shaped in cross section are formed integrally with the ring on opposite sides of the split and extend axially upwardly from the top wall of the ring. The T-shaped flanges form an alignment groove for properly aligning the holder on the power-driven handle, and a pair of radially inwardly extending arcuate projections. The projections are received within a pair of complementary-shaped grooves formed in a lower end of an arcuate-shaped mounting plate for removably mounting the ring on the plate. A pair of holes are formed in the mounting plate through which a pair of screws extend which are engaged in a pair of tapped holes formed in the power-driven handle for mounting the plate and attached ring on the handle.

Abstract: This coilable rule and its replacement cartridge comprise a tape mounted in a cartridge adapted to be detachably mounted in turn in a casing. The cartridge constitutes an integral unit and consists of a central post rigid with a lateral flange and of a spool comprising a lateral flange adapted to pivot about the central post. The lateral flange of the central post is formed integrally with an element for retaining the inner end of the tape on the spool, and this element extends over the outer peripheral wall of the spool, from which it is spaced, and is parallel to the central post. Lug means are also provided for holding the cartridge against rotation in the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring roll eccentricity. It includes a housing adapted for guided transport in a reference direction tangent to the roll face. The housing is also adapted to rotate the roll at the speed of transport. An elongated runner extending lengthwise in the transport direction is displaceably mounted in the housing. The roll face abuts and displaces the runner but the runner mounting maintains it parallel to the transport direction. Thus, measurements of runner displacement at any point along its length provide an indication of eccentricity of the roll.

Abstract: A bolt hole locating and marking tool includes a base member that serves as a support base and predetermined distance locator, a tubular guide member secured to the base member and extending outward from an aperture in the base member with an elongated impact member having a sharp point on one end and mounted within the tubular member so that the point can protrude from the tubular member beyond the aperture in the base member for engagement with a surface for providing a mark or indication. This tool includes handle or grip at the upper end thereof and a spring disposed between the handle and the tubular member for supporting the impact member with the point just short of protruding from the aperture. A locking member secures the impact member within the guide tube.

Abstract: A gravity-actuated guide for row crops which mounts on a tractor front axle to enable the operator to compensate for changes in transverse slope by steering the tractor and thereby correctly position cultivating equipment behind the tractor in relation to the rows.

Abstract: A wheel clamp for supporting a wheel aligning device in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the wheel is disclosed. The wheel clamp includes a frame and a lower bracket attached to one end of the frame, said lower bracket having a support shaft projecting therefrom for supporting the wheel aligning device. An upper bracket slides on the frame in order to adjust the wheel clamp for wheels of different diameter. A set of levels attached to the lower bracket indicates when the clamp, together with the wheel, lies at a first orientation and also when the clamp has been rotated through 90.degree. and 180.degree.. The wheel clamps will frequently be used in pairs with left-hand and right-hand clamps being provided. The levels on each clamp of the pair are oriented so that each wheel clamp may be rotated to a predetermined position so that the wheel aligning tools on each wheel clamp are at the same elevation.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns an antibuckling apparatus for a lithographic plate or the like which is being cured in a UV post-curing apparatus. A source of UV radiation irradiates one surface of the plate as the plate is moved through a curing chamber along a predetermined path. An upper antibuckling device comprises a first pair of spaced elongated members which extend across the path of the plate and serve as a support for a plurality of upper antibuckling bars disposed between the radiation source and the upper surface of the plate. The antibuckling bars are disposed generally along the path of the plate but obliquely to the direction of the path, whereby the antibuckling bars do not interfere with irradiation of the entire width of the upper surface of the plate. A similar lower antibuckling device may be disposed beneath the plate on the side thereof not being irradiated.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of readily detachably attachable heels and each of a plurality of readily detachably attachable uppers are selectively mounted upon a sole and offer a user the freedom of rapid facile changes in style of footwear.

Abstract: A support assembly for trencher teeth or other tools including a mounting bracket which is retained on a bracket support by only one retaining pin thereby permitting quick and convenient installation on or detachment from a trencher digging chain. The mounting bracket is constructed for holding a pair of reversible trencher teeth made in accordance with the present invention, each tooth including plural cutting edges. The operator mounts a trencher tooth to one side of the mounting bracket until its forward cutting edge becomes dulled or damaged, and then, reverses the tooth to the opposite side of the bracket for further use. One end of the mounting bracket is formed with a downwardly depending hook-like projection which engages and locks against an end of the bracket support. The opposite end of the mounting bracket abuts against an upstanding vertical projection on the bracket support and is held thereto by a single retaining pin passing through the upstanding projection and into the bracket support.

Abstract: An improved can end of the type openable without tools by a consumer moving a tab to rupture a can end along a score line, which features promotional material concealed beneath the tab until the tab is pivoted so as to open the can, is disclosed.

Abstract: A ferrule for the end of an electric cable is equipped with a removable identification tag. A skirt of the ferrule has a space adapted to receive and to retain a first extremity of a removable tag. An identification zone of the central region of the tag has a profile adapted to permit the placing in position of rings in one direction and to retain the rings against removal in the reverse direction. The ferrule is advantageously used in all electrical installations wherein the identification means of the cables have to be modified and/or are composed of different numbers of characters.

Abstract: A mobile is rotated by an energy storage device to which energy is periodically transferred by a motor which is in turn controlled by an electronic circuit. The electronic circuit simultaneously controls a loudspeaker to produce a wide variety of music with variations in tune, tonal quality, key, tempo, and loudness.

Abstract: A plastic bracket assembly is provided for mounting a pedestrian crossing switch and sign on a pole. The assembly includes a plastic frame which circumscribes an open front of the assembly for receiving the sign, and a switch housing mounted on the frame adjacent to the sign. The bracket assembly is adaptable to fit a number of different sized poles merely by changing a top member which is removably mounted on the frame. The sign is formed of clear plastic, with indicia on its back visible through the plastic. The sign is held in place by the top member, and side tabs which are formed integral with the frame. Accordingly, no screws are required for mounting the sign. The bracket is mounted on the pole by two screws which extend through bushings formed in a strap which is integral with the frame, and which extends across the open front of the frame behind the sign.

Abstract: An animal trap is disclosed herein which includes a base movably supporting a spring loaded U-shaped jaw that is releasably held to the base by a safety latch mechanism. A bait treadle is movably carried on the base in cooperating relationship with the jaw via a trigger mechanism so that the jaw is actuated upon disturbance of the bait treadle. A cage-like structure is carried on the base and partially encloses the bait treadle so that the animal is guided into a predetermined orientation or position whereby the actuated jaw will strike a vital area of the animal.

Abstract: A portable, disposable rodent trap comprises a housing having an internal, elongated tunnel-like passageway and an entrance opening through which a rodent can enter the passageway, apparatus secured within the passageway for strangling the rodent, and apparatus, triggerable by the rodent, for activating the strangling apparatus, the strangling apparatus being located at a distance from the entrance opening such that substantially the entire body of the rodent is located within the passageway when the strangling apparatus is activated and in contact with the neck of the rodent.

Abstract: A toy vehicle is disclosed including a gear changing mechanism for use in conjunction with a flywheel driving device. The mechanism comprises a gear changing lever pivotally mounted to a frame by means of a pin. The lever is biased in one direction by means of a first spring member to hold the axle of an idle gear in engagement with one end of an elongated opening formed in the frame. The gear changing lever is adapted to pivot by a depressing action against the force of the first spring member to disengage the idle gear axle from the one end of the elongated opening so as to allow a second spring member to urge the idle gear axle against the other end of the elongated opening.

Abstract: Toy motorcycle play apparatus comprising a toy motorcycle having an energy-storing drive-train mechanism, and a launcher for imparting energy to the mechanism and then releasing the motorcycle for forward movement. The motorcycle comprises aligned rotatable front and rear ground-engaging wheels and an intermediate flywheel, all rotatable about horizontal transverse axes. The energy-storing drive-train mechanism is formed by the flywheel, one of the wheels, and a gear train between them which reduces speed and increases power and duration of rotation at that drive wheel. In operation, the motorcycle is powered by the flywheel, which also serves to maintain it upright by gyroscopic action as it moves forwardly. The launcher holds the motorcycle in the desired upright orientation with the drive wheel elevated so that it can rotate freely while energy is being stored in the flywheel. Then the motorcycle is released, the drive wheel is allowed to engage the launcher platform and propel the motorcycle forwardly.

Abstract: A mechanical toy capable of turning itself upside down has a body shell shaped to include a curved surface such that when it is self inverted it rolls upon the curved surface back to its upright position. The body includes supporting members, preferably wheels, on which the body normally will rest. An inverting member is operatively attached to a motor and cyclically raises one end of the body allowing the body to pivot about a pivot surface which imparts a rolling motion to the body. The body rolls from the pivoting surface about its curved surface to its upright position and then preferably rolls on its wheels until it once again inverts itself.

Abstract: Stimulation the in vitro propagation of Guayule from a nutrient medium containing Guayule tissue by adding a substituted trialkyl amine bioinducing agent to the nutrient medium. Selective or differentiated propagation of shoots or callus is obtained by varing the amounts of substituted trialkyl amine present in the nutrient medium. The luxuriant growth provided may be processed for its poly isoprene content or may be transferred to a rooting medium for production of whole plants as identical clones of the original tissue. Provides method for producing large numbers of Guayule plants having identical desirable properties such as high polyisoprene levels.

Abstract: A planter (10) from which plants can be easily removed without inverting and shaking same is disclosed. The planter (10) is comprised of a base member (14), a plurality of side panels (12) surrounding the base member (14), a plurality of support blocks (20) attached to the side panels (12) to support the base member (14), and straps (16) attached to adjacent side panels (12). Because of this construction, removal of a plant from the planter (10) is accomplished by the selective removal of fasteners (18) from one side panel (12) allowing this side panel to be swung outwardly about the straps (16) permitting access to the plant.In an alternate embodiment, a planter (40) has removable side panels (42) which are interconnected by means of dowel pins (48) received through adjacent side panels (42) and a connecting post (44) interposted therebetween. In still another embodiment, a seedling tray (30) having a plurality of compartments (32), each of which has a door (34) for access thereto, is disclosed.

Abstract: Sash guide and balance lock structure in pivoted window structure, which window structure includes an elongated hollow jamb member having a slot in one side thereof and an adjacent pivoted window sash, which sash guide and balance lock structure comprises a pivot shoe positioned within the jamb member for reciprocal movement therewithin having an opening therethrough aligned with the slot in the jamb member and including resilient tab portions extending centrally from the rear side of the pivot shoe and toward the bottom thereof, on each side of the opening terminating in cam portions, and a cylinder cam including a cylindrical shank having an axially extending non-circular opening therein extending through the opening in the pivot shoe and a flat head having a resilient periphery on the cylindrical shank having notches in opposite portions.

Abstract: A hinged window assembly for vehicles and the like comprises a rigid support having a base fastened to the upper side of a window frame, and a depending flange with a free edge. An edge molding strip envelops the periphery of a window pane, and includes a flexible hinge segment with one portion adhered to the support flange adjacent the free edge thereof to pivotally mount the window pane in the frame. An inner portion of the hinge segment forms a web which extends over and covers the flange interior to the support base, thereby forming a flexible seal. The web is unattached to the interior surface of the support flange, such that the window can be pivoted beyond a normally fully open position to conveniently install the window in the frame without damaging the seal.

Abstract: A window mounting system including: a track member having a base for attachment to a window frame; a side wall extending transversely to the base; and a cover extending from the side wall parallel to the base having a curved shape facing the base, the distal end of the cover being spaced from the base to form an opening; and a slide member including a runner having a curved shape for nesting in the track member and slidingly engaging therewith, the width of the runner being greater than the width of the opening between the cover and base of the track member to allow for snap-insertion; a runner extension; and glazing support means fixed to the runner extension.

Abstract: During grinding, a grinding wheel effects movements of solely vertical displacement along a path parallel to a vertical guide rod. The workpiece to be machined is held by a rotatable, but not axially displaceable, chuck secured to a workpiece head. In order that helical relative movements between the workpiece and the grinding wheel may be produced, transmission components and gearing are provided for positively converting the vertical motion of the grinding wheel into rotary motion of the workpiece. For cylindrical and surface grinding, the motion-conversion arrangement may easily be disengaged or dismantled. Thus it is possible with this universal grinding machine to carry out drill grinding, cylindrical grinding, and/or surface grinding on a workpiece which need be chucked only once.

Abstract: A finishing machine comprising a rotatable housing, which is preferably but not necessarily resiliently mounted, comprising: a finishing chamber for receiving and finishing parts with finishing media when the housing is in finishing position, a storage chamber adapted to receive media from the finishing chamber when the housing is rotated to a parts-separation position, a foraminous member for separating media from parts, apparatus for rotating the housing about a substantially horizontal axis from a finishing position to a parts-separation position and return, and apparatus for transfer of media from the storage chamber to the finishing chamber upon return of the housing from parts-separation position to finishing position, wherein the finishing chamber comprises an annular spinner member and complementary tub member, the spinner member being adapted to rotate about a generally vertical axis when the housing is in finishing position, and a rotational motion-producing assembly and associated drive operatively

Abstract: A grinding machine has a base and a pair of work support bars journalled within the base. A table is journalled with the support bars in such fashion that it is axially movable along the parallel spaced bars and pivotable around one bar central axis while the other bar is radially displaced relative to the base. A pair of ramp surfaces having ramp planes disposed transversely to the pivot axis of the table are provided on the radially movable bar, such that a wedge feed is accomplished by relatively moving a powered wedging device along the ramp plane to thus radially move the movable bar, thereby causing table feed movement with respect to the base. A work support head stock is preferably carried on the base, and a wheelhead having a rotable grinding wheel is carried on the table, so that pivotal movement of the table causes relative feed movement of the grinding wheel with respect to a supported workpiece.

Abstract: A gage controlled grinding method for oppositely disposed commonly tapered end bores in a workpiece, maintaining a constant spacing of two identical bore gage diameters independent of part length is disclosed. A machine such as an internal grinding machine utilizes a drive plate and support shoes for locating and driving the workpiece, and a pair of gage fingers are provided at axial points proximal and distal to the drive plate. A first tapered bore in the outboard end of the workpiece is ground and gaged to a predetermined diameter at a first fixed gage distance from the curve plate. The workpiece is turned end-for-end on the drive plate, and the previously finished bore is sampled by a second gage finger located at a second fixed gage distance from the drive plate. The sampled diameter is compared with a predetermined stored value, and the sampled diameter is subtracted from the predetermined stored value to generate a difference value.

Abstract: A reinforced folding bleacher support structure and method of reinforcing existing folding bleachers. The improvement includes an adjustable brace structure which fits snugly over and reinforces the column support, and includes a pivoted adjustable horizontally extending brace. The horizontal brace pivots about a lower part of the vertical brace, and engages the column on both front and rear faces. Bending forces applied to the horizontal brace are transmitted to the vertical structure through a face plate abutted by a portion of the adjustment mechanism. The method includes reinforcing the column near the top portion thereof, positioning the horizontal brace and then adjusting it by manipulating the mechanism until the support structure is level for proper extension and retraction.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a motor vehicle including two anchor means and a slide hammer means for driving the anchor means into the ground and for positioning on one of the anchor means for connecting to the anchor means with a cable secured to the slide hammer means and the one of the anchor means to provide an anchoring system which may be connected with a wench cable for pulling a stuck vehicle out.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fire-resistant seal for sealing around a member passing through a fire-resistant building divider. The seal is formed of an adhesive fire-resistant cement on at least one side generally in the plane of the divider surface, behind the adhesive cement is placed bulk ceramic fiber. The second surface of the seal may be covered with an adhesive cement.

Abstract: A precast beam for use in constructing a building includes a substantially flat middle portion extending the length of the beam and upstanding sidewalls on either side of the middle portion defining a trough which also extends the length of the beam; the trough is open at each end of the beam and the beam is provided with tensioned reinforcing rods in the middle portion along its length and a plurality of stress relieving slits spaced along the upstanding sidewalls to prevent camber developing; the reinforcing rods of the beam protrude a selected distance from the ends of the beam; a method of construction is disclosed where forms for the vertical components are set in place, the precast beam is then set in place before the cementitious material is poured into the forms for the vertical components whereby the installation and proper orientation of the reinforcing rods of the precast beam and the flooring as well as the reinforcing rods of the vertical components can be obtained.

Abstract: Mid-wall panel joints for joining first and second upstanding wall panel members tightly together with their front surfaces in a common plane. A first embodiment utilizes a combination of spacer members and alignment plates fixed to the rear surfaces of the wall panel members, and an elongated joining member which has first and second columns of elongated slots. The spacer members on the first and second wall panel members extend through spacer head receiving portions of the elongated slots and the joining member is then downwardly advanced to a frictional locking position. A second embodiment utilizes spacer members and a split or divided elongated joining member, adjustably clamped together, which permits alignment of the front surfaces of the wall panel members in a common plane, notwithstanding the joining of wall panel members having different thickness dimensions.

Abstract: A rig for lining with brick a kiln, tunnel or like surface embodies a frame that is of variable size to suit different surface diameters, and two relatively adjustable jacks support deformable arcuate brick column support members at each opposite sides of the frame. Each arcuate member is a continuous longitudinally deformable trough containing an expansible tube overlaid by a solid rubber or like flexible brick contact element.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a flexible container has a filling head and a pair of closure removing heads so that while the one container is being filled a filled container is closed and another prepared for filling.

Abstract: At a first position, bottles are stored in a box, and the bottles are taken out of the box at the first position and transferred to a second position. If the bottles are capped, all the caps are removed during the above-mentioned uncasing operation so that all the bottles placed at the second position are uncapped. In this manner, an uncasing operation and a cap removing operation take place simultaneously. The present apparatus comprises a holding head unit which makes a reciprocating motion between the first and the second positions. The holding head unit is provided with bottle grippers and cap removers. The cap removers are movable with respect to the bottles for uncapping.

Abstract: A method of making a package having contents comprising the steps of taking a tube of flexible material having a top and a bottom end, ultrasonically sealing a bottom band seal across the tube, inserting the contents into the tube, and ultrasonically sealing an upper band seal across the tube at a location spaced away from the bottom end of the tube, with the contents contained between the upper and bottom band seals.