Abstract: A display panel advertising system includes two halves, each adapted to be placed on one side of a two-panel elevator access door. As the door panels slide together and the elevator door closes, the two display panels begin to form a picture which is not completed until the door is fully closed. The picture or scene develops as it advances from a hidden view when the door is fully open and as the two halves approach one another. This creates an attention getting device wherein the passengers in the elevator are captive and actually have a place to focus their attention rather than on the ceiling or floor number panel. The display panel advertising system is an effective means of attracting attention and promoting products and services to selected consumers.

Abstract: A sign casing having a structural frame defining a front plane and a planar opening in that front plane. The structural frame has a cleft extending around the front plane. The cleft has a depth dimension extending in a direction substantially parallel to the front plane, and a latching member mounted therein. The sign casing also includes an edging bordering the planar opening. The edging has a flat strip for covering an edge of the planar opening and a latch blade extending perpendicularly from the flat strip. The latch blade has a longitudinal bulge thereon which is engagedly mountable in the latching member of the cleft such that the edging is mountable to the structural frame by simply pushing the blade into the cleft.

Abstract: An over-wrap label for a container includes a label substrate having a first end and a second end, a first major surface and a second major surface. The first major surface includes a first area of adhesive material adapted to secure the first end of the label substrate to the container, a second area of adhesive material adjacent to the second end of the label substrate, and at least one portion of the first major surface remains free of adhesive. The second major surface includes an area of release material, the label being of a size such that the second end of the label substrate extends around the container and overlaps the first end. The second end is releasably securable to the second major surface of the label substrate by contacting the second area of adhesive material with the area of release material.

Abstract: A transparent plastic envelope made up of a front panel and a back panel secured together by parallel sealing lines around the periphery, and a line of mounting holes between the lines for receiving a mounting tie. The back panel is made up of two sections to form an opening for insertion of a sign element into the envelope. A plastic sealing zipper is secured to the meeting edges of the two sections.

Abstract: A display mat is provided with an oval and a rectangular opening in which the length and width dimensions of the rectangular opening, respectively, are substantially the same as the major and minor axes of the oval opening. A photographic print is provided and is detachably secured to the rear surface of the display panel for display of the photographic print through the rectangular or oval opening. A pair of verse panels having printing thereon are hingedly connected to the display panel such that the verse panels may be selectively displayed in the oval opening in a manner that the written material is arranged along the major axis or along the minor axis of the oval opening. The verse panels may be hingedly attached to the rear surface of the display panel such that the written material may be displayed in the rectangular opening along the length dimension or along the width dimension of the rectangular opening.

Abstract: A firearm includes a movable bolt; a striker mechanism including a firing pin; a trigger mechanism including a trigger cooperating with the striker mechanism for releasing the firing pin from a cocked position to fire a shot; a safety lever having a release position, a first locking position and a second locking position; an arrangement for preventing motion of the bolt in the second locking position of the safety lever and for allowing motion of the bolt in the release position and in the first locking position of the safety lever; and an arrangement for preventing a motion of the trigger in the first and second locking positions of the safety lever and for allowing a motion of the trigger in the release position of the safety lever.

Abstract: A thin walled finger groove adapter for a handgun comprising a very thin ductile metal reinforcing plate encapsulated with thin front and back layers of elastomeric material. At least one finger groove projection is provided on the front surface of the adapter in registry with a hole through the reinforcing plate so that the projection is integral with both the front and back layers of encapsulating material. The finger groove adapter is substantially no greater than 0.040 inches thick with the metal plate being no more than about 0.015, and preferably about 0.010, inches thick. It is well suited for handgun users who have small hands. The finger groove adapter is molded in a flat condition and may be trimmed in the flat configuration to a variety of final shapes so as to accommodate mounting to a variety of different handgun handles. The finger groove adapter is sold in the flat or only slightly bent configuration, and is deformed into the appropriate shape for mounting to the handgun by the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for harvesting brine shrimp eggs from a body of water involving the use of an elongated member comprising buoyant material which enables the elongated member to float at or near the surface of the body of water and a water-permeable member positioned downwardly from the elongated member so as to enable the water-permeable member to be positioned below the surface of the body of water. The water-permeable member is configured so as to be substantially impermeable to brine shrimp eggs and substantially prevents brine shrimp eggs from escaping harvest as the apparatus is moved through the body of water to collect the brine shrimp eggs. In one presently preferred embodiment, the water-permeable member comprises a porous screen. One or more reinforcement members may also be included to protect the porous screen from tearing, puncture, or other damage.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure of flexible material simulates an eel or snake with a body and tail in a normally S-shaped curve extending above the head of the lure, but will undulate a natural action through the water when retrieved. A snap on/off colored tab or button may be attached to the tail as an attractant.

Abstract: A lure and bait harness for securing bait to a lure or hook which allows for quick and efficient attachment. The lure and bait harness comprise a retainer secured to an overcenter spring. The spring includes a first arm and second arm which are secured to one another in a manner which allows the spring to be biased in an open position away from the retainer which allows for placement of the bait in the harness and biased in a closed position retaining a piece of bait between the retainer and the spring. By providing the retainer or spring with a spur the bait is securely held against unintentional dislodgment. Where desire the lure and bait harness is provided with a first fin and a second fin pitched in a similar manner to provide the lure or harness with rotation as the lure or harness is pulled through the water.

Abstract: A fish hook A1 includes a shaft 5 and an eye 4 formed on one end of the shaft. The eye 4 can be connected with a split ring 2 connected with a lure 1. The eye 4 is thinner toward its end opposite to the shaft 5.

Abstract: An adjustable fishing rig comprises a unitary, streamlined, hollow, double barreled sinker through which a fishing line is threaded. The sinker can be moved to any location along a fishing line without untying the line or tying new knots.

Abstract: A holder for fishing tip-ups, including upper and lower horizontal members defining at least one spaced aligned pair of upper and lower receiving-sites, respectively, the pair of receiving-sites configured to receive a tip-up for carrying purposes. The upper horizontal member is preferably an inwardly-extending annular ledge forming a holder-member top opening through which fishing gear may be inserted for carrying, the ledge defining the upper receiving-sites as complementary to a tip-up and most preferably opening radially inwardly, and the lower horizontal member defining the lower receiving-sites as complementary to a tip-up. In certain embodiments, for each lower receiving-site there are two upper receiving-sites to accommodate tip-ups of different widths, and the lower horizontal member defines the lower receiving-site as complementary at different depths to tip-ups of different widths. The holder member is preferably removably nestable within a fishing bucket member.

Abstract: A mushroom bed having a compost layer and a casing layer. The casing layer comprises casing spawn comprising a mixture of: (a) at least one proteinaceous ingredient in an amount to provide at least 3.5% nitrogen on a dry weight basis; (b) 2 to 30 wt % based on dry weight of paper pellets (c) 5 to 60 wt % based on dry weight of at least one particulate material, (d) a buffer in an amount effective to provide a pH of about 6 to 7.8, and (e) water; and colonized with mushroom mycelium.

Abstract: For treating freshly cut tree stumps to inhibit regeneration of the stump, the stump is coated with herbicide. The herbicide is applied to the stump by means of a sponge or other application device. The sponge is housed in a housing which is connected to a reservoir with a long handle. After a tree is cut, herbicide is applied to the fresh cut surface. The treatment device may be attached to a saw and include a reservoir carried by the saw operator. The herbicide application device is clamped to the shaft of the rotary saw and positioned adjacent the safety guide so that immediately after the tree is cut, herbicide may be applied to the fresh cut.

Abstract: A Christmas tree watering device for adding water to the water reservoir of a Christmas tree stand. A funnel-like opening for receiving water is disguised as a Christmas tree ornament. The disguised ornament is provided with a hinged section that opens to provide access to the hollow interior. The hinged section prevents debris from falling into the opening and serves to disguise the device. The interior of the disguised ornament communicates with a flexible tube to the reservoir located at the base of the tree. A warning mechanism to ensure that the reservoir is not filled to overflowing has a float that rises and falls with the water level in the reservoir, a bell, and a striker on the float arranged to contact the bell when the correct water level has been reached. The warning mechanism may be clipped to the lower end of the flexible tube or may be provided with a hook to hook over the side of the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved device for supporting a tree with a cable. The device comprises a wrapping for encircling the tree. A strap tethers the wrapping to the tree. A fastener is secured to the wrapping for affixing to the cable to support the tree by the cable.

Abstract: The feeding system works on the principle of allowing a liquid to be introduced at the base of a container, or the root system of the plant. A feeding device is used which consists of two parts constructed out of a heavy gauge black polypropylene plastic. The feeding device is placed into a closed (without drainage holes) planting container. The feeding device is of an "L" shape design. The upper part of the feeding device or feed receiver is the part of the feeding device that allows the user to unscrew a cap and pour fertilizer into a main part of the feeding device.

Abstract: An element for a plant container is disclosed that easily attaches to a flower pot. The element adjusts to different sizes and accommodates different hanging arrangements. The element is partially transparent and has spouts that allow controlled and spill-free watering and continuous monitoring of the plants' watering status.

Abstract: A door system is driven by a motor. The door wings of this door system are guided by rollers (27) on a rail (10) secured in a door frame construction. The driving motor (30) of each door wing is secured onto an operating mechanism receiving the roller (27). It acts on the roller (27) in a positive manner or by friction-grip. The door system with the driving motor (30) fixedly arranged on the door wing and moving jointly with the door wing has a simpler structure as compared to known door systems, and can be manufactured and serviced at favorable cost.

Abstract: A window lift mechanism for raising and lowering a window in a vehicle door includes a support bracket mounted to the window and a motor supported on the support bracket. A vertical rack is mounted to the door and is positioned immediately adjacent the window, and a vertical guide track is also mounted to the door parallel to the rack and immediately adjacent the window. A pinion gear driven by the motor is supported on the support bracket and engaged with the rack to permit vertical movement of the window. A slide is supported on the support bracket and engaged with the guide track to provide support as the window is raised or lowered. Alternatively, a second rack and pinion are used instead of the guide track and slide.

Abstract: A gate hinge is provided which enables a gate to be maintained upright and level in a first closed position and to clear obstacles or follow the contour of the ground when swung into a second position. The gate hinge hereof can be used in combination with a support post, a gate and a conventional hinge. The gate hinge includes a hinge pin preferably mounted on a threaded rod and a bearing attached to a second rod. One of the rods is attached to the support post, the other rod is attached by mounting brackets to the gate. The pivot axis of the hinge is offset relative to the pivot axis of the other hinge, so that during swinging of the gate, its angle of inclination relative to the support post changes.

Abstract: An outside door handle assembly includes a door handle for opening and closing a vehicle door, a case for being fixed to a door panel which stores and retains the door handle and an elastic member generating an elastic force between the door handle and the case, wherein the door handle includes a pair of arm portions which are disposed on right and left sides of the door handle respectively, the case includes two pairs of stay portions each of which are disposed on right and left sides of the case and a storing portion storing the elastic member, each of the arm portions includes a pair of groove portions which are disposed on respective surfaces of the arm portion and an opening which is connected to one of the groove portions in the depth direction of the groove portion such that a depth of the opening is larger than that of the groove portion and such that a diameter of the opening is smaller than that of the groove portion, one stay portion of each pair of stay portions includes a first axle portion which

Abstract: A cover for a rain gutter having a front side and cross-pieces. The cover is made from a plurality of single rectangular sheets of material and has a front area integrally connected to a back planar area. The front area has an elongated leg portion integral with and perpendicular to a lower horizontal strip of a curved front portion and extending vertically below the sheet at about a right angle to the lower horizontal portion. The elongated leg portion and the curved front portion extend the length of the sheet, except that the leg portion is partially cut to form feet for resting on the gutter cross-pieces. The feet are bent upward and forward from the leg portion so that when the cover is placed on the rain gutter, the feet hold the leg portion of the gutter cover back from the front side of the gutter so that a covered opening is formed over the gutter.

Abstract: A combination overhead support system and accessory board includes at least one freestanding post disposed in a substantially vertical position. The post includes at least one longitudinally-extending connector portion. At least one beam is supported at least in part by the post in a substantially horizontal, overhead position. An accessory board having at least one side face configured to removably support articles thereon and opposite first and second marginal side edges is normally disposed in a generally vertical orientation. The first side is detachably connected to the connector portion of the post to support the accessory board on the post in a cantilevered fashion. The second side edge is substantially free, and unsupported by the overhead support system.

Abstract: An improvement in a pitched hip roof construction of a building construction is provided wherein the building construction has at least four wall sections, the roof construction comprising roof decking portions joined at at least the exterior hip junctures thereof, the outer edge of the roof construction overhanging the walls of the building construction and terminating in a roof edge plate affixed to the ends of roof rafters which are adapted to support the decking portions and the subsequent exterior roofing materials. The improvement in the roof construction further comprises having a roof drip edge applied over the terminal end of the decking portions and the roof edge plate, wherein the end of each juncture has means for covering affixed thereto prior to applying the exterior roofing materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a building unit 12, wherein floor beams 22 which are structural framing members are connected to the lower end portions of columns 21 which are structural framing members, and ceiling panel 23 which is not a structural framing member is connected to the upper end portions of the columns 21.

Abstract: A portable dock seal including a bottom portion adapted to be positioned on a surface, two side walls extending upward from opposing sides of the bottom portion at an angle of at least 20.degree. and less than 90.degree. relative to the bottom portion, and end walls interconnecting the bottom portion with the side walls. Preferably, the bottom portion, side walls, and end walls form an outer shell made from a flexible material (e.g., vinyl-coated polyester fabric), and the outer shell encloses a flexible core material. The flexible core material includes both a resilient material (e.g., open cell polyurethane foam) and a flexible material (e.g., strips of the same type of material as the outer shell). The outer shell includes vent openings to allow air to exit and enter the seal when the seal is compressed and released. The seal can also include a handle secured to the outer shell and adapted to be engaged by a user to facilitate lifting of the body member. A flexible tether can be secured to the seal (e.g.

Abstract: A fully integrated building complex comprising a body of water, a first housing structured to resemble the Titanic and a generally domed-shaped second housing structured to resemble an iceberg. The first and second housings are each situated within the body of water so that a first portion is disposed within the body of water and a second portion is disposed above the body of water. The interior of the first and second housings are divided into a plurality of levels and may include an entranceway/lobby, guest quarters, restaurants and entertainment facilities, a casino and other hotel amenities, such as health clubs swimming pools, beauty salons, retail shops, etc. Access between the first housing and the shore is provided by a generally tubular-shaped enclosed gangway having at least one conveyor belt-like people mover. Access between the second housing and the shore is provided by a generally tubular-shaped enclosure having one or more motorized or tram-like vehicles operating therein.

Abstract: A modular building model is provided. The modular building model includes a base and a lower level module disposed on and engaged with the base. An upper level module is disposed on and engaged with the lower level module. The base includes a releasable securing mechanism that secured the upper level module to the lower level module. The releasable securing mechanism permits easy assembly and disassembly of the model for travelling and storage purposes, and variation of mold buildings.

Abstract: A fitting for effecting a bolted connection between a beam and a column in a steel frame structure includes a beam connecting portion and a column connecting portion. In addition, reinforcing elements are provided to strengthen the bracket and resist vertical eccentricity and loading caused by the particular bolted connection. The various embodiments of the bracket are particularly useful in the context of repairing cracked or damaged weld connections at the beam/column interface in existing steel structures, but have application in the context of upgrading or reinforcing existing weld connections that may not otherwise be damaged. Also, the bracket can be used in new steel frame constructions.

Abstract: A corner bead assembly for mounting across a corner of a wall includes a substantially rigid elongate body. The body has front and rear faces and defines a reference bead and flanges positioned on each side of the reference bead. The flanges extend outwardly away from the reference bead to terminal edges defining sides ot the body. At least one of the flanges is offset. A rear layer of a flexible material is mounted over the rear face of he body. The rear layer extends beyond the terminal edge of the offset flange. A front layer of a flexible material is mounted over the offset flange and extends outwardly beyond the terminal edge of the offset flange. The offset flange is sandwiched between the front and rear layers of flexible material and the front and rear layers of flexible material are adhered to each other past the terminal edge of the offset flange. The corner bead assembly includes an adhesive for adhering the front and rear layers of flexible material to each other and to the offset flange.

Abstract: A plurality of air-conditioning panels (1), which are arranged one beside the other and parallel to one another and have a width of from 100 to 150 mm, each have, on the top side, a central longitudinal groove (4) for receiving a pipe (5). In order to form a stable, slow flow, which does not produce any undesired bursts of cold air, of the air cooled on the air-conditioning panels (1), the latter are bounded on both sides by shoulders (6) which bend downwards to the vertical and have a radius of curvature of not more than 20 mm. The borders of adjacent air-conditioning panels are spaced apart from one another and form between them air gaps having a width of from 10 to 20 mm.

Abstract: In a method for installing tiles on a substrate, tiles, having a first surface and a second, machinable surface, are arranged in installed locations on the substrate with the second, machinable surface facing away from the substrate. The machinable surfaces are then machined to reduce tile-to-tile irregularities and adjust for the variations in the subfloor, and the tiles are turned over so that the first surfaces face away from the substrate. A decorative flooring unit is also provided having a tile with a shim layer on its underside, an edge member surrounding the tile and a substrate extending beneath the edge member and the tile. The tile is installed within the edge member with the shim layer facing away from the substrate. The tile may be reversed after sanding the edge member and shim layer.

Abstract: A resilient flooring construction having a capacity for downward deflexure which comprises, as part of its sub-floor assembly, a plurality of elongated parallel supporting channel means having deflexure slots each of which are engaged by the top step member of a three member step-shaped anchoring clip which has a bottom step member fastened to a foundation outside the structural confines of the supporting channel, and a vertical riser member in the middle of the anchoring clip which limits the upward movement of the floor construction and permits its downward deflexure.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a wall unit and formulation which is particularly advantageous for the manufacture of prefabricated buildings. The wall unit uses a uniquely formulated exterior wall panel that is bonded to a frame of tri-chord steel beams. The unique cementitious composition of the wall unit allows it to be fire and insect resistant and generally impervious to moisture.

Abstract: A pre-cast cobblestone (10) is comprised of a concrete body (11) of substantially rectangular outline and having a top and bottom wall (13-14) and opposed side walls (15). The top wall (13) is embossed and the side walls (15) have longitudinally shaped flat side surfaces (15'). At least two of the side walls have spaced-apart protruding sections (16-17, 18-19) of irregular transverse cross-section which are aligned with straight intersecting outer parallel axes (12-12') of the side walls. The side walls (15) also have recessed sections (19) of irregular transverse cross-section defined between the protruding sections.

Abstract: The present invention relates to corner keys used in assembling structural components to form various structural shapes, such as a frame and sash section for a window, door panel, or other building or architectural construction. The structural members are formed by a process that includes continuously roll-forming a first sub-part and a second sub-part from pre-treated metal in flat coil-stock form. A thin layer of Extrudable Thermal plastic (ETP) is then selectively extruded to both the outside and inside surfaces of the sub-parts. Some of the ETP is extruded onto the roll-formed sub-parts in a functional shape, such as a "C" shaped pocket used to clip parts together. The sub-parts are joined together to form structural component material that can then be cut and fabricated to form individual structural components.

Abstract: A truss-like brace assembly for a wall of a building has a peripheral frame defined by a pair of stiles, a top member and a bottom member, where diagonal braces and horizontal cross-braces triangulate the frame. The brace assembly is close fit in a cavity in the wall (10, 110) and the stiles, top member and bottom member are fixed to the adjacent studs, top wall plate and bottom plate to provide structural bracing in the longitudinal plane of the wall.

Abstract: A light gauge metal truss system including trusses contructed of roll formed truss chord and truss web members and a two piece roll formed truss anchor for anchoring the truss to a wall. The truss chord members are roll formed to have a generally U-shaped cross-section with a base and two substantially parallel legs with reinforcement ribs and inwardly turned hems to improve structural capacity thus improving the strength-to-weight ratio of the chord member and minimizing costs. The truss web members are roll formed to have an H-shaped cross-section with the internal flange offset from the center of the legs to provide an enlarged attachment surface. The web member also includes reverse folds and hems to improve structural capacity thus improving the strength-to-weight ratio of the web members and minimizing costs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for covering an exposed end of at least one exposed reinforcement bar at a construction site. The apparatus includes a substantially flat portion adapted for receiving a removeable bumper such as a two-by-four piece of lumber, a collar for securing the substantially flat portion over the end of a bar. Once the apparatus is placed over the exposed end of the bar a removable bumper such as a two-by-four piece of lumber may be placed over the substantially flat portion, so that the exposed end of the bar is covered by the two-by-four piece of lumber resting over the substantially flat portion.

Abstract: A cap for protecting from rot and other deterioration the lowermost portion of a wood construction member supported by an elevated base. The cap has four lateral faces and a top face with a rectangular aperture formed by four flexible web portions which press against the member. The dimensions of the lateral faces are selected so that the lateral face bottom edges have a desired above-ground clearance.

Abstract: Load bearing panels and walls for habitable shelters are formed from relatively thin wall metallic tubing on widely spaced centers joined by a multiplicity of joint systems including shrink fit lap splicing, detent forming at standardized positional increments and frictional heat dissipation. The metallic tubing is arranged in rows along a line as well as intersecting rows along a second perpendicular line so as to form a load bearing panel with rows of tubes lying in a single plane. Tubing elements of one row intersecting and secured to the tubing elements of the second row without mechanical fasteners. Discreet interference fit tolerances facilitate the construction of a non-welded, stress distributing structure highly suitable for earthquake resistance and wildfire survival.

Abstract: A unitary impervious boot member which includes a lip portion at the bottom thereof, which is fitted in substantial close tolerance around a chimney's flu tile. The lip portion of the member is sealed to the base of the upwardly extending flu tile by elastical pressure and optionally with adhesive such as silicone. The tightly fitted unitary impervious boot member is received and counterflashed by horizontal impervious member which substantially covers the entire horizontal surface of the sloped inner chimney structure before the cap is installed; and is sealed thereto by the gravitational pressure of the subsequently installed chimney cap and optionally with an adhesive such as silicone. Breathable weep lines are placed on top of the counterflashed horizontal impervious member to provide an exit for any trace moisture that may have penetrated the chimney cap.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a door skin includes the steps of providing a wood composite flat blank. The blank is placed between the platens of a heated press, the platens being heated to a temperature sufficient to soften the resins in the blank and to thereby soften the blank. Sufficient pressure is applied to close the platens and thereafter the pressure is cyclically applied to increased pressure levels for thereby causing the blank to be deformed into a molded shape determined by the configuration of the platens. The molded blank is then removed from between the platens.

Abstract: The plate web and profile element include a web frame with a plate welded at a side edge to a flange. The flange is in the form of a bulb body. The bulb body can project symmetrically or asymmetrically relative to a mid-plane of the plate. The bulb body, in cross section, includes a plane welding face welded to the side edge of the plate and a common face that is spaced and parallel to the plane welding face. The bulb body in cross section also includes inclined faces extending from the plane welding face at an obtuse angle (.alpha.) of approximately 100.degree. to 120.degree. with the side surfaces of the plate. The bulb body further includes opposite side edges that are parallel to the opposite side surfaces of the plate and intersect the common face and the inclined faces of the bulb body. Rounded corners are provided at the intersection of the side edges of the bulb body with the common face and the inclined faces.

Abstract: A single web is printed in side-by-side relation with variable and non-variable information forming document and envelope web portions. The web is split longitudinally and the document web portion is cut to form discrete documents. Each document is folded about transverse foldlines to form a folded document and rotated 90.degree. for registration with matching envelope portions on the envelope web. Glue lines are applied to the envelope web. The envelope web is then plow-folded along both margins to form first and second flaps overlying and containing the document within the envelope portion of the envelope web. The glue lines are sealed to one another and excess envelope web material between adjacent envelopes is removed whereby envelopes containing documents sealed within the envelopes and forming mailers are provided.

Abstract: A lidding machine and method for filling containers with a flowable food product is disclosed. Extraneous tabs extending from the container lids after the lids are cut apart are trimmed closely using knives with a blade curvature that matches the curvature of the edge of the containers. One or more "feet" are used to hold the lids in place during the cutting process. A two-layer lid may be used for such containers, the inner lid having openings through which the food product may be dispensed, and the outer lid being removable. The outer lid may be designed so that it partially covers the inner lid, and has a tab that does not extend beyond the edge of the container. The consumer may open the container by pulling this tab back across the inner lid.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading carton blanks into a packing machine comprises a magazine containing a stack of flattened, tubular blanks, a dog chain driving the blanks out of the magazine into the nip of rollers and then into the nip of overdriven rollers which accelerate the blanks into respective pockets defined in transport holders carried on a wheel conveyor. The blanks are driven at a speed sufficient to carry them into their respective pockets which are moving away from the magazine on the wheel conveyor. A slipping clutch in the drive to roller allows the blanks to decelerate without damage when fully home in their pockets. Arms bearing suction heads travelling with the wheel conveyor open the carton blanks in the pockets and the opened blanks are transferred in their transport holders for bottom closing, filling and top closing operations on respective wheel conveyors.

Abstract: Method of treating flexible bags, in particular for opening, filling and closing in successive treatment stations, and to a filling machine for carrying out said method. In the method the bags are transported in suspended fashion in holding devices of which at least two are provided per bag, and the bags are changed in shape by a relative movement of the respective holding devices relative to one another. In the filling machine there are receiving elements for the bags of an opening station, a filling station, and a closing station which has two holding devices per receiving element for jointly holding a bag in the upper portion of said bag, the holding devices of one receiving element being movable relative to each other.