Abstract: A pizza cutter has a hollow semi-circular shaped handle having a convex curved radiused top edge to facilitate use and reduce hand stress. A removable cutter wheel has outwardly extending axles having protrusions on the outer ends thereof that have a snap fit relationship with recesses on the inner surfaces of the handle whereby the cutter wheel can easily be snapped into and out of the handle for cleaning. The cutter wheel has a dual inner and outer axle assembly engaging complementary shaped bearing surfaces on the handle to distribute pressure exerted on the wheel and keep the cutter wheel aligned with the handle when cutting movement is applied to the cutter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining dimensions for threaded fasteners are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes an apparatus that determines a dimension of a fastener using a probe that senses a linear displacement of the fastener. A probe tip is rotatably disposed on the probe that contacts the fastener. A controller is coupled to the apparatus for receiving the dimensional characteristic. In another embodiment, a measurement apparatus includes a rotating spindle that supports the fastener and a probe that detects a dimension and having a portion that rotatably engages the fastener. A scale is coupled to the probe to determine a displacement. In another embodiment, a method includes positioning a fastener in a spindle that rotates the fastener, engaging the fastener with a probe to sense a dimension of the fastener, the probe having a terminal portion that rotatably conforms to the fastener, and processing the dimension.

Abstract: A laser level includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably mounted to the housing and a laser diode assembly disposed on the pendulum. A gimbal assembly is employed for pivotably mounting the pendulum to the housing. The gimbal assembly includes a frame connected to the housing, a first pair of bearings disposed on the frame, an axle extending through the first pair of bearings, a body disposed on the axle and pivotably supporting the pendulum, and a second pair of bearings disposed between the body and the pendulum. The first pair of bearings is disposed on one side of the second pair of bearings.

Abstract: A laser level disposable on a reference surface includes a housing, a pendulum pivotably connected to the housing, a first laser diode disposed on the pendulum for emitting a first laser beam along a first path, a first lens disposed on the pendulum in the first path for converting the first laser beam into a first planar beam, the first planar beam forming a first line on the reference surface, a second laser diode disposed on the pendulum for emitting a second laser beam along a second path, and a second lens disposed on the pendulum in the second path for converting the second laser beam into a second planar beam, the second planar beam forming a second line on the reference surface, wherein the first and second lines are substantially perpendicular and non-intersecting.

Abstract: A magic compass that gives the illusion it defies the laws of nature, providing usage as an aid for locating the direction of prayer as well as a novel promotional device for companies, having a magnetized compass needle (16) which is attached via a linking means to a non-magnetic pointer (22). This linking means, which can be rigid (11) or non-rigid (29), allows the non-magnetic pointer (22) to be angularly displaced from the magnetized compass needle (16). This linkage also provides the means for the non-magnetic pointer (22) to rotate and pivot freely via the inertia of the magnetized needle (16). A partition (20) hides the magnetized needle (16) below, and simultaneously creates a compass face for the non-magnetic pointer above. The non-magnetic pointer (22) is designed and shaped to appear identical to a true magnetized compass needle (32).

Abstract: An illuminated ruler including a light transmissive bar having opposed ends. An opaque film bearing printed indicia in the form of ruled markings is affixed to the bottom of the light transmissive bar. A light-emitting diode is embedded within the light transmissive bar for illuminating the ruled markings. A battery is carried atop one end of the bar and is connected to the light-emitting diode for energizing and illuminating the light-emitting diode.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring gearing and diameters in rotationally symmetrical components (2). The device possesses a fixed feeler pin (9) and a movable feeler pin (10). The movable feeler pin (10), with the aid of a spring actuated mechanism (14), automatically confines the measurable component (2) in a defined measurement position.

Abstract: A device for taking length and depth measurements during surgery. The device comprises a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member telescopically positioned within the first longitudinal member. The second longitudinal member may have a front part connectable thereto. The front part may have an opening, a passageway, and a moveable piece in the passageway. The device may also have a sliding member for moving the moveable piece between a first position where a portion of the moveable piece is outside the front part to a second position where the entire moveable piece is within the front part. The first and second longitudinal member may be locked with respect to one another. The prevent invention also discloses methods of using the device to take length and depth measurements during surgery.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for printing an outline of an opening to be cut in wall to facilitate the installation of a GEM electrical box in the wall. The outline is substantially rectangular having a first and second set of sides. The first set of sides is shorter than the second set of sides and includes a semi-oval portion located at the middle of each side. The second set of sides have a semi-oval portion located at the end of each side. The device includes a rubberstamp configured to print the outline on the wall, and also includes a handle and a pair of levels for locating (leveling) the device prior to imprinting the outline on the wall. The rubberstamp can includes an inking means for replenishing ink to the rubberstamp. The device can include a stud finder device to assist in positioning the device adjacent a stud under the wall surface.

Abstract: A template that would be created with a given line for outside, centerline and inside radius of ell marked in one degree increments, starting with zero degree from the end of each radius of ell and ending at ninety degrees. Incorporated on the template would be a sketch of back to back odd fittings, with all dimensions given for the offset, end to end and the take off of all dimensions from one to ninety degrees, for odd fittings fabricated from the standard ninety degree ell. The offset, and end to end dimensions, would terminate at ninety degrees. Also incorporated on the template would be a sketch of a ninety degree ell with odd degree fitting attached, with all dimensions given for the offset and the center to end using all degrees from one to ninety.

Abstract: A lightweight, small size, high sensitivity gauge for indirectly measuring displacement or absolute gap width by measuring axial strain in an orthogonal direction to the displacement/gap width. The gap gauge includes a preferably titanium base having a central tension bar with springs connecting opposite ends of the tension bar to a pair of end connector bars, and an elongated bow spring connected to the end connector bars with a middle section bowed away from the base to define a gap. The bow spring is capable of producing an axial strain in the base proportional to a displacement of the middle section in a direction orthogonal to the base. And a strain sensor, such as a Fabry-Perot interferometer strain sensor, is connected to measure the axial strain in the base, so that the displacement of the middle section may be indirectly determined from the measurement of the axial strain in the base.

Abstract: A fluid level measuring device, also referred to as a dipstick, for measuring the fluid level in a fluid reservoir or tank, such as an oil pan or transmission reservoir in an internal combustion engine. The fluid level measuring device includes a stationary tube onto which lugs can be directly attached. The dipstick assembly includes a fluid level indicator measuring blade attached to an elongated shaft that is molded into a plastic handle assembly. The plastic handle assembly includes a bayonet type locking mechanism for locking the handle to the stationary tube assembly. A compressible seal forms a pressurized seal between the stationary tube assembly and the handle.

Abstract: A method of detecting lint in a clothes dryer is disclosed. Light is directed through a surface within the clothes dryer, the light being emitted by a light source. The light is received at a photocell if the light is reflected off the surface when lint covers the surface. An indication is provided that lint is present within the clothes dryer if light is received at the photocell. Furthermore, a voltage level detector is positioned within the lint detector and determined if a threshold amount of light is received. In another aspect, if the threshold amount of light is received a warning light, an audio speaker, or an electrical output can be activated. Likewise, the clothes dryer can be automatically shut down. In another aspect, the photocell is a phototransistor. In another aspect, the photocell is a photoresistor.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus is provided for the transport of transfer objects such as glass substrates or semiconductor devices in which cleanliness and secure transport are of major concern. A plurality of air nozzles inject air through the plurality of air nozzles to hold a transfer object in place above or below the plurality of air nozzles without the plurality of air nozzles making contact with the transfer object. The plurality of air nozzles are positioned perpendicular to the transfer object to stop and/or engage the transfer object in a rest position. The plurality of air nozzles are inclined to a specified angle to move the transferred object in a desired direction. Advantageously, because the transfer object is moved without physical contact between the structure of the air nozzles and the transfer object, the transfer is secure, clean, and efficient.

Abstract: The present invention addresses an elastomeric sole having a sidewall with a height less that 0.625 inch, forming a cavity and a horizontally disposed rim extending from the top surface of the sidewall. The sole includes at least two upstanding regions extending upwardly from the cavity lower surface, each region formed from elastomer and having a different effective modulus of elasticity. The invention also includes the combination of an elastomeric sole and an upper and a method for sewing an elastomeric sole to an upper by means of a converted sewing machine.

Abstract: A laced boot having a boot lace and sections of the boot lace run in a continuous one-piece manner as follows: a first section runs from the metatarsal area of the sole over the instep of the boot; a second section runs from the metatarsal area of the sole around the outside of the upper above a heel area of the boot; and a third section runs from the same position of the upper to the instep and back to the cited position of the upper and the three named sections form a triangle, viewed from the side of the boot that covers the ankle joints of the foot.

Abstract: A protector for toes is provided including a toe enclosure configured to block exposure of the toes to an environment external of the enclosure. The toe enclosure may be a footwear article configured to protect the toes. A pedicure shoe system is also provided for protecting freshly painted toe-nails from contact with foreign objects. The pedicure shoe system includes a pedicure shoe and a pedicure slipper. The pedicure slipper is positionable in the pedicure shoe, and spacer members ensure adequate space between the pedicure shoe and the toe-nails.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a four-component releasable mounted cleat assembly for interlocking into a receptacle of an athletic shoe wherein an inner rotating component may reciprocally swivel within an outer stationary component. The outer stationary component having a plurality of rigid posts extending outward for firmly gripping turf. The inner rotating component has a plurality of resilient legs extending outward in a radial direction for rotatably gripping the turf, wherein each leg may swivel in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions about 15° in relationship to the outer stationary component. The cleat assembly has a locking component which is biasly rotated in a first direction to install it within the shoe receptacle, and a geometric construction of downwardly extending tongues causes a requirement for a greater torque remove the cleat than was necessary to install it.

Abstract: A plow assembly includes a pair of plow wings which are pivotally mounted at opposite ends of a center plow. Each of the plow wings may pivot between a forwardly angled position and an aligned position. The plow assembly may pivot a trailing plow wing in response to the center plow being urged or angled toward that side of the vehicle. The plow wings may be oriented in their forwardly angled position until the center plow is at least substantially urged or pivoted toward its angled position or toward a position between the center position and the angled position. The trailing plow wing may be pivoted or urged to its aligned position in response to the center plow being substantially urged or pivoted toward its angled position or toward a position between its center position and its angled position.

Abstract: A sheet having indicia to indicate a one month time period and then with each month divided into days. Each sheet is provided with a slot that provides entry to a receptacle that is attached to the back of the sheet, thus keeping a portion of an inserted reminder card for an appointment or task remains easily visible for a user. General use appointment and task cards permit the user to tailor the time and date management apparatus to particular needs. Reminder cards could be color coded to indicate the type of task or appointment. Reminder cards can also be dimensioned to substantially the same size as a standard business card or appointment card such as used by a doctor or dentist.

Abstract: A flame simulating assembly for providing one or more images of flames. The flame simulating assembly has a light source, a first screen, and a second screen. Each of the first and second screens is positioned in a path of light from the light source. Also, each of the first and second screens is adapted to receive light from the light source to form one or more images of flames transmittable through the screens respectively.

Abstract: A display that can be expanded from a collapsed position for storage and transport to an expanded position for free-standing operation and use. A spinal member is disposed between front and back panels such that in the collapsed position, the spinal member maintains the two panels substantially adjacent one another in a generally two-dimensional shape. Upon movement of at least a portion of the spinal member relative to the panels, parts of the spinal member bias the panels apart from one another to form an expanded, three-dimensional shape. This shape provides a sufficient footprint of the display relative to its height that the display can be free-standing. The cooperative relationship between the spinal member and the panels is such that no rubber bands or related elastic devices are required to maintain the display in the expanded position.

Abstract: A first embodiment card-holding device containing a clip, an intermediate piece, and a carrier. A second embodiment contains a first clip, an intermediate piece, and a second clip. A third embodiment contains a clip and a carrier. The intermediate part or the carrier is attached to the clip by a connector piece having a first piece secured to the inner surface of the clip and a second piece secured to the first piece, the outer surface of the clip, and the intermediate piece or the carrier.

Abstract: A frame assembly for pictures or other objects to be displayed includes a front panel and a rear panel spaced from the front panel to define a space therebetween for receiving an object to be displayed, e.g., one or more pictures. The front panel has a transparent area for viewing the object and a substantially planar portion, side walls extending rearward relative to the planar portion, and grooves arranged on an inward side of the side walls and preferably defined by retaining members formed in connection with the side walls. A respective portion of the rear panel, e.g., an edge projection formed thereon, is arranged to fit in the groove of each retaining member to thereby secure the rear panel to the front panel, with the objects being retained between the front and rear panels.

Abstract: A catcher, in combination with a firearm having an ejection port, for receiving and retaining expended magnetically attracted shell casings through the ejection port as the firearm is discharged. The catcher includes a hollow housing having a plurality of rigid walls, and retainers. One of the walls has an opening in communication with the ejection port when the catcher is mounted to the firearm for receiving the shell casings. At least one of the other walls includes a plurality of deflectors and each of the deflectors has a front face that is slanted away from the opening such that the deflectors are capable of deflecting the shell casings away from the opening and a rear face that is perpendicular to the planar surface of the housing or slanted away from the opening.

Abstract: A mounting device for removably mounting a tactical flashlight along side a firearm includes: a receiving member having a base and an offset flashlight receiver coupled thereto; and a clamping member removably coupled with the base. A method for removably mounting a tactical flashlight along side a firearm includes: removably coupling a mounting device to a front portion of a trigger guard; and removably coupling the flashlight to the mounting device along side the firearm so a tail cap of the flashlight is along side the front portion of the trigger guard. A tactical flashlight and firearm system includes: a firearm; a mini tactical flashlight; and a mounting device removably coupling the firearm and the flashlight together, the mounting device holding the flashlight along side the firearm so that a tail cap of the flashlight is along side a front portion of a trigger guard.

Abstract: A fishing device includes a pliable sheeting material with one or more fish shaped decals adhered to the surface of the sheeting material and at least one line attachment that attaches a fishing line or fishing leader to the sheeting material. The sheeting material may be of various shapes and sizes. The fished shaped decals adhered to the sheeting material may include a plurality of decals of various sizes and shapes. The fish shaped decals may be holograms. The fish shaped decals may also be interchangeable.

Abstract: A non-tacky fishing bait made from a soft gelatinous elastomer composition comprising one or more of a linear, radial or multiblock copolymer(s) and in combination with one or more of a low and high viscosity plasticizers in sufficient amounts to achieve a gel rigidity of from about 20 gram Bloom to about 800 gram Bloom.

Abstract: An animal trap is provided with an enclosure, inside of which a pivoting member, referred to herein as a “Confinement Activating Teeter-totter” (CAT), is pivotally disposed so that its front end pivots downward when an animal enters the trap and steps on it. A blocking member on the front of the CAT then blocks the entrance, forcing the animal to go toward a bait near the exit at the back of the trap. The CAT then pivots under the weight of the mouse, thereby resetting. If, instead of exiting, the animal goes back toward the front, the CAT will again pivot and block the entrance. The animal will also step on a shelf projecting from the front of the pivoting member, ensuring that the CAT will not pivot again until the animal again proceeds toward the exist. The trap is composed of only one moving part (excluding a door flap, and one access part), namely the CAT on its pivot. It is easily molded from plastic such that only two parts are needed: a base and a CAT. After molding a door flap may be attached.

Abstract: An apparatus provides for the killing of insects by trapping the larvae. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a container with a protrusion and a second non-horizontal surface, such as a funnel, positioned above the protrusion. The funnel defines an opening above the protrusion. A barrier may also be included that abuts the underside of the funnel. A liquid is placed in the container at a level at least above the opening such that eggs laid in the water become larvae that swim downward and are directed through the opening by the funnel and are directed away from the opening by the protrusion. The larvae either drown or become trapped adult mosquitoes. It is noted that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that allows a searcher or reader to ascertain quickly the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method for thermal pest control in fruit production and agriculture involves projecting at least one stream of hot air to a crop from a movable vehicle which moves in a direction substantially parallel to rows of the crop. The stream of hot air can be projected substantially parallel to, substantially transverse to, or substantially oblique to the rows of the crop.

Abstract: The introduction of a slow rocking or tilting action that can tilt the growing chambers of a rotary sprouter back so that they become containment vessels for holding water or cleaning solution thereby transforming the rotary sprouter into becoming a front-load type sprout washing machine. The frame supporting the chambers is supported by pivots that enable push/pull actuators to tilt the frame and growing chambers back and forth. The rotation coupled with the slow rocking motion effects agitation of the solution and product inside thus providing for effective washing action for both seed and sprouts. The washing action is place under automatic control to effect washing cycles that can be repeated as frequent and as many times as is necessary for disinfecting the sprouts.

Abstract: An entrapment detection device of an opening-closing member which opens and closes an opening portion of a vehicle body includes a driving power source for moving the opening-closing member, a motivity transmission member provided between the opening-closing member and the driving power source, a deformation member configured to be deformed via the motivity transmission member in accordance with the load applied to the opening-closing member during an opening-closing operation of the opening-closing member, a strain gauge assembled to the deformation member and configured to convert a strain according to the deformation of the deformation member to an electric signal and a control mechanism for detecting an entrapment of an external object based on the electric signal from the strain gauge.

Abstract: A dispenser that includes one or more sliding user doors for selectively restricting access to items disposed within the dispenser. In one embodiment, the dispenser includes a unique locking and drive mechanism that allows a single actuator to both: (1) lock and unlock a sliding user door; and (2) move the user door into and out of driving engagement with a drive mechanism that may be used to open and close the user door. In a particular embodiment, the dispenser further includes a door support that supports the weight of a downward-opening sliding user door when the downward-opening user door is in a closed position, but that may be selectively repositioned to facilitate the movement of the user door from a closed to an open position.

Abstract: There is described a profiled sash section for a window sash holding a window pane and intended for being installed in an outer frame of a blast resistant window. The sash section includes a main member enabling inter-engagement between the profiled sash member and the outer frame a window pane holding member for accommodating and securing an end portion of said window pane in the profiled sash member, and a reinforcing member designed to support the end portion of the window pane and to transmit blast pressure, if incidentally applied to the window pane, to the main member. For at least partially absorbing blast pressure energy applied to the window pane, the sash section is provided with damping means for deforming up to predetermined limit. Also described is a blast-resistant framework for a casement window, including the window sash assembled from the mentioned profiled sash sections and adapted for rigidly and air-tightly securing the window pane in the holders of the profiled sash members.

Abstract: A stabilized window structure and method for stabilizing a window structure having a window frame entirely or substantially entirely devoid of glass includes a patch removably secured over the window frame to cover the opening in its entirety and a body of unifying material disposed over and bonded to the patch to form a cohesive mass therewith. Alternatively, a pre-formed, polymeric foam panel is removably secured over the window frame to cover the entirety of the opening. A method of removing a shattered window pane involves using pre-existing cracks in the pane to define the formation of separately removable, disconnected cohesive masses. A method of removing shards from a track of a window structure involves removing the shards as part of a single cohesive mass, as pieces of a single cohesive mass or as separate, disconnected cohesive masses.

Abstract: A method is provided for managing water infiltrating a building at a window opening. The method includes, from an inside of the building, accessing a gap formed at a base of the window opening between a window sill and a horizontal window framing member. A flash pan is then installed within the gap to collect water entering the gap.

Abstract: A fenestration product includes a door assembly having a door shiftable into and out of a closed position, at least one generally flat door jamb presenting an inner face that faces inwardly toward the door when the door is in the closed position and a generally oppositely facing outer face, and door hardware positioned along the inner face of the door jamb and configured to associate the door with the door jamb. The product further includes a substantially flat reinforcement plate secured flatly against the outer face of the door jamb. Moreover, the door hardware has at least a portion thereof that is securely fastened to the reinforcement plate so that movement of the hardware relative to the doorjamb and reinforcement plate is prevented. A method of reinforcing a fenestration product in this manner is also disclosed.

Abstract: When assembled to a building support structure to form a curtain wall system of adjoining panels, a preferred embodiment of the enhanced airloop wall system as shown in FIG. 2 comprises panel frame segments that, when assembled, form interconnected inner and outer airloop segments that separate and improve water seal and air seal functions and improve sealing performance, a circuitous path (e.g., “A”) at an enlarged air opening into an airloop to pressure equalize and limit water entry into the airloop, a two point fastener support of each panel assembly to allow interfloor deflections under seismic or other loads without excessive loads on the panel assembly, a structural hook-like protrusion for resisting building outward loads on panels separate from fasteners, a splitter in a drainage cavity in the outer airloop that creates a dual drainage path and a surface upon which droplets can collect.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pre-cast panel form insert used in precast construction. The insert comprises a substantially planar portion defining dimensions suitable to complement dimensions of a pre-cast panel form and a fluid diverting portion. The fluid diverting portion is configured to define a fluid-diverting recess in an edge face of a pre-cast panel bounded by a form including the form insert. The fluid diverting portion is configured such that said fluid diverting recess defines, a circular cross-sectional profile, or a multi-angular cross-sectional profile, that impedes the flow of water along said pre-cast panel edge face when said edge face assumes a substantially horizontal orientation.

Abstract: A panel, for installation on a ceiling as a component of a matrix grid of similar panels, with the ceiling panels capable of being installed directly on sheetrock ceilings without the otherwise need for affixing a wooden structure to the sheetrock ceiling before affixing the ceiling panels.

Abstract: A building or insulating panel (30) including a collapsible frame of generally square or rectangular configuration, which is collapsible between a generally flat condition and an erected condition in which it is installed. The frame including overlying top and bottom sheets (31,32) that are generally parallel and spaced apart in the erected condition of the frame by two webs (33,36) which are spaced apart to extend in generally parallel realationship lengthwise along opposite side regions of the frame. The webs (33, 36) extend substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom sheets (31, 32) in the erected condition and are disposed substantially parallel to the top and bottom sheets (31, 32) in the collapsed condition. The panel further includes reinforcing means (37) which is inserted between the top and bottom sheets (31, 32) when the frame is in the erected condition to reinforce the panel (30) against collapse.

Abstract: A method for repairing an insulating glass unit and apparatus to facilitate such repair. A bore is drilled through a frame encasing an insulating glass unit to expose the peripheral spacer of the unit, and a hole is drilled through a wall of the spacer to enable air to enter the space between the panes. The hole in the spacer is then sealed, for example, with a rivet, and the bore in the frame is then filled and sealed as well.

Abstract: Retrofit connectors that secure together the outside sheathing and underlying structural members of wood-frame or masonry houses, preventing damage when subjected to lateral stresses from a hurricane, or transverse loads from an earthquake. The connectors have special bushings and bearing surfaces that tie the outside sheathing and underlying structural members together, but allow deflection, and transfer of energy to other structural members. Different embodiments of the connectors allow them to adapt to most wood-frame and masonry homes, and to most roof pitches.

Abstract: Siding installation apparatuses and methods for engaging a first siding piece and supporting a second siding piece are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a support member having a support surface to support the second siding piece, an engagement member projecting from the support member, and a securing assembly coupled to the support member to releasably restrict the support member from moving relative to the first siding piece. The engagement member is configured to engage the bottom portion of the first siding piece by contacting the back surface. It is emphasized that this Abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b).

Abstract: A skylight fall protection safety panel formed from a single sheet of metal having a predetermined surface area A1 and a plurality of apertures are punched out of at least one central perimeter surface area A3. A2 is as great as or greater than 0.60A1. The shape of the apertures can take many different forms but they would have a greatest width D1 that is less than 2.0 inches. The central perforated portion has a sufficient number of apertures of a sufficient size that 50 percent of A2 is open to pass light therethrough. The sheet metal safety panel would be secured under an existing fiberglass skylight panel. The sheet panel can also be corrugated to match translucent skylight panels that are corrugated. The sheet metal panel can also be inserted into a mold or cast with a top layer of resin material and a bottom layer of resin material and also having the central perforated portion apertures filled with resin.

Abstract: In a machine for filling and closing tubes, an endless conveying line has equispaced gripping members for loading tubes with vertical axis and with open bottoms turned upwards. The line is operated stepwise for transferring the tubes, one by one, to subsequent stations arranged along the line for carrying out operations of cleaning inside the tubes, orienting outer prints, filling the tubes with measured quantities of product, closing the bottoms, applying codes, and possibly trimming the tubes. The machine includes also a station for expulsion of rejected tubes and a download station for transferring good tubes to an outlet line. Configuration of the line and arrangement of the stations are designed to reduce dimensions, simplify construction and limit costs of the machine, at the same time ensuring high reliability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a packaging system that includes a beak-shaped hopper, a pair of opening and closing bars, and a sensor for sensing a limitless opening and closing movement of the opening and closing bars. The beak-shaped hopper and the pair of opening and closing bars are operable to move in unison back and forth along a main travel path. The main travel path leads to a rotary vacuum packaging device having a pressure resistant chamber. The beak-shaped hopper is dimensioned to convey packaging bags into the pressure resistant chamber. The opening and closing bars are dimensioned to detect a bag on the hopper by opening towards both sides immediately after a bag has been conveyed into the pressure resistant chamber. A pushing bar is dimensioned to convey an item to be packaged into the bag when the bag is detected on the hopper by the opening and closing bars. The opening and closing bars contact a sensor for detecting movement of the opening and closing bars when a bag is not on the hopper.

Abstract: For producing hard packs, namely hinge-lid boxes or shell and slide packs in particular, inner and outer pack units are prepared separately in each case, namely a shell (20), on the one hand, and a blank for a hinge-lid box, on the other hand. The inner pack unit, comprising a cigarette block (10) and a further pack part, namely a slide (13) or a collar, is prepared in the region of a mandrel turret (24). The pack units are then brought together, with continued rotary movement, by axial displacement relative to one another.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a transport defined by a linear motor driving independent elements in a path to carry out a packaging function. The elements are driven independently of other elements in the path and are driven by the linear motor in a section of the path under the influence of an external axis signal from an operably adjoining packaging function to register and synchronize the elements in position and time with a moving component or event of the adjoining function in a downstream direction. Method and apparatus are disclosed.