Abstract: A fluid manifold system includes a manifold having at least portions of opposing flexible sheets welded together to form a fluid flow path therebetween, a fluid inlet communicating with the fluid flow path. A plurality of receiving containers are in fluid communication with the fluid flow path of the manifold, each receiving container bounding a compartment. The receiving containers can be formed integral with the manifold by welding together a second portion of the opposing flexible sheets or can comprise separate containers that are coupled to the manifold.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for filling bags with loose materials, wherein a package to be filled is filled by means of a filling element in a filling process. The filling process comprises a filling stage, a settling stage, and a discharge stage wherein during the filling stage, loose material is filled into the bag while admitting air and in the settling stage, a settling phase is provided for the pressure to drop and in the discharge stage, the bag is discharged from the filling element. In the settling phase, the squeezing device applies a squeezing pressure to the package so as to vent the package and to reduce the volume available to the package, until a predetermined reduction of the volume available to the package is reached, whereupon the squeezing pressure of the squeezing device on the package is reduced and the package is discharged from the filling element.

Abstract: A device, kit, and method for transferring a liquid medicament from a supply container to a flexible reservoir container are disclosed. The device may comprise a compartment unit and an adapter unit. The compartment unit may have a sealingly closable chamber, arranged for housing the flexible reservoir container and for being fluidly connected with a pump mechanism. The adapter unit may have at least one transfer passage for transferring liquid from a supply container connected to the adapter unit to the flexible reservoir container, and a separator arranged in the transfer passage for separating gas bubbles from a liquid streaming through the transfer passage. The separator may be fluidly connected to the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and methodology is provided for filling portable containers, such as sandbags, with aggregate materials. The utility utilizes a transfer mechanism to selectively transfer aggregate between a supply of aggregate material (e.g., sand) and first and second filling stations that direct received aggregate into portable containers or bags. The transfer mechanism is operative to alternately supply aggregate between the first and second filling stations and operates primarily under the force of gravity.

Abstract: A two part system for transferring fill material in and out of soft furniture such as beanbag furniture, which comprises a transfer bag and a tubular funnel secured to the transfer bag and a second tubular funnel secured inside a piece of soft furniture to which the filling is to be transferred.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided related to a multi-part reusable levee bag. The reusable levee bag includes a top bag section and a bottom portion removably affixed to the top bag section. The combined top bag section and bottom portion define an in interior space within which fillable material may be received to form a levee bag for use in flooding and other installations. The multi-part design allows the levee bag, once filled, to be disassembled and reused.

Abstract: An ice vending machine automatically provides ice to a customer based upon a request from the consumer for the ice. In some embodiments, the ice vending machine includes an ice bagging system. In some embodiments, the bagging system operates without the use of a counterweight. In some embodiments, the ice vending machine includes a view window to view the ice being bagged. In some embodiments, the ice vending machine is an ice and liquid water vending machine that automatically provides ice or liquid water to a customer based on a request from the customer for the ice or liquid water. In some embodiments, the ice and liquid water vending machine includes an ultraviolet light flushing assembly. In some embodiments, the ice and liquid water vending machine includes a chill tank.

Abstract: A device (100, 200) for transferring material (11, 211) into a bag (40, 240) including a funnel (10, 210) having a sidewall (58, 258) with a step (13, 213), and the funnel (10, 210) includes an outlet end (52, 252). The bag (40, 240) having an opening (45, 245) receives the outlet end (50, 252) of the funnel (10, 210) and the step (13, 213). Further, the device (100, 200) includes a support (20, 220) for receiving the funnel (10, 210) in combination with the bag (40, 240). The support (20, 220) includes a top surface (12, 212). The step (13, 213) rests generally above a portion of the top surface (12, 212) to substantially secure the bag (40, 240) between the funnel (10, 210) and the support (20, 220).

Abstract: Particular infant support or nursing pillows are disclosed, for supporting an infant in a variety of settings by providing a stable surface upon which to rest. Various embodiments include a generally crescent shaped device, including a resilient fill material surrounded by a fabric shell and having a top and a bottom surface connected by a band of uniform width extending vertically and wholly about the perimeter of the pillow. The support pillow may be combined with an accessory device to form a support pillow assembly. An attachment mechanism may be configured to attach the accessory device to the support pillow such that the accessory device is arranged to direct a perceptible effect to at least one of the first arm, the second arm, and the medial region of the support pillow.

Abstract: A means for retaining a resealable bag in an open position for filling purposes is described which includes a surround having an interior dimension less than a nominal width of one side of an unfilled and sealed bag. A pair of cut-outs formed into the surround are shaped and sized to guide edges of a bag during insertion into the surround, retain the upper corners of the bag to prevent axial movement of the bag once inserted, and bias the mouth of the bag in a open position to receive contents.

Abstract: Rotary packaging machine and method for filling open-mouth bags with multiple filling units disposed over the circumference and rotating along, each of which having a filling spout with a bottom filling opening, wherein the open-mouth bags can be appended by way of a motion oriented upwardly relative to the filling spout. A transfer device for transferring the open-mouth bags intended for filling to the filling units is provided. The transfer device comprises a gripping arm including a gripping unit provided thereat. The gripping arm is rotatingly disposed at the transfer device. A longitudinal speed of the longitudinal motion of the gripping arm is temporarily adapted to a peripheral speed of the circumferential motion of the filling spouts.

Abstract: A connector system for a liquid container system for a spray gun includes a lid that includes a liquid outlet and an adapter. The adapter includes a spray gun end and a lid end. The ends are connected with a liquid-tight passageway. Further, the spray gun end is adapted for releasable engagement with a liquid inlet port of the spray gun and the lid end is adapted for releasable engagement with the liquid outlet. The connector system also includes a plurality of interlocking tab assemblies for releasably attaching the adapter to the lid. Each assembly includes a first tab and a second tab, wherein an end of the first tab is adapted to secure the adapter to the lid when the first tab and the second tab are interlocked.

Abstract: Rotary packaging machine and method for filling open-mouth bags with multiple filling units disposed over the circumference and rotating along, each of which having a filling spout with a filling opening to which the open-mouth bags can be appended by way of a motion oriented upwardly relative to the filling spout. A handling unit configured as a take-over device is provided for taking over the filled open-mouth bags from the filling units and comprises a gripping arm with a gripping unit provided thereat. The gripping arm is rotatingly disposed at the take-over device. The gripping unit is pivotally disposed at the gripping arm for performing relative to the gripping arm a pivoting motion superimposed on the gripping arm rotation.

Abstract: A powder refilling device includes a refill powder chamber to accommodate a powder bag containing powder, an opener to open the powder bag inside the refill powder chamber, and a squeezer to squeeze the opened powder bag to discharge powder therefrom and reduce a volume of the opened powder bag.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container for fluids, in particular liquids, such as beer or water, comprising an outer casing, preferably spheroid and preferably made of a rigid material, a gas and/or liquid tight inner casing of a flexible material located inside the outer casing, a valve part for filling the container with a fluid, and at least one vent via which the inside of the outer casing communicates with the outside at least during filling. One or more spacers are located between the inner casing and the outer casing, providing one or more venting paths at least during filling.

Abstract: Medical containers for use in blood collection and processing and medical systems, methods and apparatus for use in blood collection and processing are described. An example medical container to be used during blood collection and processing, the medical container includes an elongated body defining a compartment and a base coupled at a first end of the elongated body. Additionally, the medical container includes a divider extending through the compartment to separate the compartment into a first subcompartment and a second subcompartment, the divider comprising a first material and the elongated body comprising a second material, the first material being relatively more rigid than the second material, the first subcompartment and the subsecond compartment each to accommodate blood pack components.

Abstract: A bag assembly that includes a bag portion that includes a front wall, a back wall, a bottom wall and first and second side walls that all cooperate to define an open top and an interior, and a bladder disposed in the bag portion. The bag portion includes a first flap that extends from the back wall and a second flap that extends from the front wail.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the subject invention facilitates the filling of an air-permeable casement or shell with feather down material. The apparatus of the subject invention includes two chambers which are selectively connected to one another by means of a passageway. The subject invention further includes a mechanism for selectively inducing a partial vacuum in either chamber to facilitate the filling of article casements with feather down. By inducing a partial vacuum in the first chamber and connecting a supply hose to its access port, feather down may be conveyed from a supply container into the first chamber. By selectively opening the passageway and inducing a partial vacuum in the second chamber, the feather down is conveyed from the first chamber to the second chamber in a clean, efficient and controlled manner where it is contained within an air permeable casement formed over the passageway.

Abstract: A system for filling a package of the collapsible type with a product in the form of a powder or liquid having a package, which has a chamber defined by flexible walls, and an arrangement for filling a package of the collapsible type with a product in the form of a powder or liquid.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filling a bag are provided. The apparatus includes a shovel with an elongate shovel arm, a shovel mouth positioned at a distal end of the shovel arm, and a shovel handle positioned at a proximal end of the shovel arm. The shovel mouth collects and directs fill material into the bag. The shovel handle is inserted into an opening of the bag and grasped by a user toward a bottom portion of the bag and from outside the bag. The apparatus includes an elongate arm rotatably coupled to the shovel arm at a pivot point and extending distally at an angle away from the shovel arm. The elongate arm rotates between an insertion configuration, in which the apparatus has a low profile for easy insertion into a bag, and an operable configuration to hold the bag open during filling.

Abstract: There is provided a filling method which is capable of suppressing uneven distribution of particle diameter and suppressing property decrease of the particulate water-absorbing agent. The method for filling the particulate water-absorbing agent according to the present invention includes a abutting step for making a member for filling the particulate water-absorbing agent abutted on a vibrator; a supplying step for supplying the particulate water-absorbing agent to the member for filling; and a vibration step for vibrating the particulate water-absorbing agent present in the member for filling by vibrating the vibrator. Preferably, the supplying step is performed by dividing into a plurality of times. Preferably, the vibration step includes an intermediate vibration step performed at a stage where a part of a plurality of times of the supplying steps is completed, and a final vibration step performed at a stage where all of a plurality of times of the supplying steps is completed.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus useful for filling non-liquid material into a container includes first and second front and rear grippers that are each non-manually laterally movable between at least first and second positions.

Abstract: A collar for a dispensing connector and a fitment assembly are disclosed. The connector collar engages a valved fitment for a container for holding and dispensing fluid. The fitment includes a spout connected to the container and a sliding internal valve body and an external valve body securely positioned within the spout. The connector collar has a fitment end mateable with the fitment so as to compress the top edge of the external valve body so as to form a seal between the external valve body and the dispensing connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for filling liquids into foil bags (2) with a spout (3), the method comprising the steps of: mounting the spout (3) on a filling orifice (4); evacuating the foil bag (2) through the spout (3); filling the foil bag (2) with the liquid through the spout (3); sucking liquid out of the filling orifice (4); discharging a sterile gas through the spout (3) into the foil bag (2).

Abstract: A fluid fillable structure has a reservoir body comprising a top surface and at least one fluid fill port at a first end. There is a first connector on the top surface of the reservoir body adjacent to the first end and a second connector spaced from the first end, the first end of the reservoir body being folded back onto the reservoir body and secured by releaseably securing the first connector to the second connector such that the at least one fluid fill port remains open.

Abstract: A liquid container includes a liquid containing bag and a case member. The liquid containing bag includes a flat end portion extending in a first direction. The case member defines an opening at one end and accommodates the liquid containing bag inserted from the opening in the first direction. The case member has an end portion accommodating section extending in the first direction and accommodating at least the end portion of the liquid containing bag, a main portion accommodating section accommodating a main portion of the liquid containing bag, and a partition wall that partitions the end portion accommodating section and the main portion accommodating section. The partition wall includes a slit extending along the first direction, with the end portion of the liquid containing bag being inserted through the slit.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling top opening refuse bags including an upright bag supporting structure and a separate hopper supportable on the upright structure for directing refuse into a refuse bag. The upright support structure and hopper both have a collapsible design which permits folding from an open operative condition to a substantially flat condition for storage. The hopper is formed by a unique arrangement of trapezoidal panels which permit collapsing of the hopper to the substantially flat condition.

Abstract: A process for the production of a core that can be used for the manufacturing of a part that is made of composite material, whereby the core consists of at least one powdered and/or granular product (16), includes introducing the at least one powdered and/or granular product (16) by vibrating it in an outer envelope (14) placed in a device (18) having a cavity that is delimited by a wall (20) whose geometry is adapted to that of the core to be produced and flattening the outer envelope (14) against the wall (20), characterized in that vibrations are emitted slightly above the fill level during filling.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pole weight device and method of filling a weighting enclosure, comprising an integrated funnel structure to assist in filling the enclosure. In one aspect, the device comprises a body defining a first chamber. The first chamber includes a closed bottom, closed sides and an upwardly facing open top. The funnel can extend outwardly from the open top in a deployed position and can fold inside of the chamber in the retracted position. A closure can be disposed at the interface of the funnel and open top. A single or a plurality of chambers can be defined in the body, each with its own integral funnel. The chambers can be of any desired shape and size. A closure can be provided to the opening in the chamber.

Abstract: A method for the filling and optionally emptying transport containers with plastics granular materials, in which a flexible plastics inliner is inserted into a transport container. A front side of the inliner includes at least one receiving flexible hose connection for filling the inliner with plastics granular material, at least one discharge hose connection for discharging blown in conveying air from the inliner, and at least one emptying hose connection for emptying plastics granular material from the inliner. The front side of the inliner also includes a protective liner. The cabin and the transport container are positioned at a decanting station, the cabin being adapted to transfer plastics granular material from the decanting station and decant the transferred plastics granular material into the transport container through the receiving hose connection. The transport container is then filled with plastics granular material utilizing the cabin.

Abstract: A system to transport solids in liquid media, especially in the field of maritime and land transportation of fruits or vegetables in the agricultural produce area, or of any product having to be transported in liquid media for their protection against environment and the medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a bag includes a resilient sheet having first and second portions separated by a scored boundary having the shape of an arc. The resilient sheet is arrangeable between a relaxed configuration, wherein the resilient sheet is generally flat, and a flexed configuration, wherein the first portion is flexed into a curved shape that results in the second portion bending toward the first portion along the scored boundary. When in the flexed configuration, the first portion is adapted to fit into an opening in the bag and the second portion extends from the bag and supports the resilient sheet.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methodologies and apparatuses in which materials are dispensed in order to create a desired finished product. The invention permits the dispensing of a specific amount of material in a controllable, metered fashion. The invention includes a plurality of storage containers may be positioned within (or eternal to) the machine or equipment in a way that allows the containers to be rotated on an axis such that the material inside each container is turned over on itself resulting in the material being thoroughly dispersed within itself. Additionally, the containers, connectors and hosing prevent the material to be dispensed from coming in contact with the air. This would prevent material inside the containers from drying.

Abstract: A method of filling a cartridge having one or more pouches. The method may include the steps of placing the pouch on a support, placing a first cartridge half over the pouch and the support, placing the pouch and the first cartridge half on a second cartridge half to form the cartridge, maneuvering the cartridge to a filling unit, and filling the pouch within the cartridge.

Abstract: Provided are a method and a kit for recovering puncture repair liquid, which have made it possible to easily and quickly dispose of spent puncture repair liquid. The method for recovering puncture repair liquid according to the present invention uses a kit for recovering the puncture repair liquid which is provided with a coagulant for coagulating the puncture repair liquid and a flexible bag containing the puncture repair liquid, and includes injecting the puncture repair liquid drawn from the inside of a tire into the bag, mixing the puncture repair liquid and the coagulant in the bag, and recovering the puncture repair liquid in a coagulated state.

Abstract: A system for transferring blood product between a blood storage bag and a processing bag. The system includes an airtight containment chamber for supporting therein one or more blood storage bags. A door is provided for access to the chamber and there is included an airtight fixture that allows tubing from the blood storage bag to exit the chamber. A fluid pump is coupled to the containment chamber for establishing either pressure or vacuum within the containment chamber. A controller controls the air pump to, in turn, control the transfer of a blood product.

Abstract: A kitchen storage bag filling device including a resilient sheet of water-resistant material having an interior portion and an exterior portion, separated by a pre-scored arc. A user grips and squeezes the interior portion of the sheet to bend the sheet along the pre-scored arc, thereby creating a free-standing funnel-like structure. The interior portion is inserted into a plastic bag and the plastic bag is held open to increase the ease of filling the bag with liquid or solid material.

Abstract: A method of filling a cartridge having one or more pouches and a filling system therefore. The method may include the steps of placing the pouch on a support, placing a first cartridge half over the pouch and the support, placing the pouch and the first cartridge half on a second cartridge half to form the cartridge, maneuvering the cartridge to a filling unit, and filling the pouch within the cartridge. The filling system may include a pouch transport system, a pouch and cartridge pallet, a pouch transfer assembly to position a pouch from the pouch transport system on the pouch and cartridge pallet, a cartridge takeoff device to position a first cartridge half on the pouch and a second cartridge half on the pouch and cartridge pallet, a cartridge assembly device to place the first cartridge, half with the pouch on the second cartridge half, and a cartridge filling unit to fill the pouch of the cartridge with a liquid.

Abstract: A method for automatically dosing a fixative solution in a flexible bag containing at least one biological organic sample comprises placing the bag with the sample in a dosing system (e.g., on a holder or weighing device), computing a the required volume or weight of fixative solution as a function of the sample or the bag with the sample, and automatically transferring the computed volume or weight of fixative solution from a storage container into the bag. A system is also described for automatically dosing a fixative solution in a flexible bag containing at least one biological organic sample, a carrier for said flexible bags, and a storage cabinet for storing the carrier.

Abstract: A method of providing a food storage product dispensing kit for de-bulking food includes a plurality of re-sealable primary bags and a plurality of secondary pouches, wherein the secondary pouches are adapted and configured to be worn and inverted over a user's hand as well as minimize freezer burn of food items therein.

Abstract: A method for the filling and optionally emptying transport containers with plastics granular materials is disclosed. A flexible plastics inliner is inserted into a transport container. A front side of the inliner includes at least one receiving flexible hose connection for filling the inliner with plastics granular material, at least one discharge hose connection for discharging blown in conveying air from the inliner, and at least one emptying hose connection for emptying plastics granular material from the inliner. The front side of the inliner also includes a protective liner. The cabin and the transport container are positioned at a decanting station, the cabin being adapted to transfer plastics granular material from the decanting station and decant the transferred plastics granular material into the transport container through the receiving hose connection. The transport container is then filled with plastics granular material utilizing the cabin.

Abstract: The bag opening assembly (8) of an automatic bag loader includes a pair of contra-rotating air-pervious endless belts (9, 10). Opposing pinch portions (24, 25) of the belts are provided for grasping opposing sides (5a, 5b) of the hag (1) therebetween and working flights of each belt are opposingly orientated and diverge from the pinch portions. A partial vacuum is drawn in a space (41, 42) adjacent each working flight (38, 39), formed in a shoe (36, 37) which supports the thereby separate the sides to open the bag while it is advanced between the diverging working flights. At least on of the rotary members (26, 27) is displaceable and an actuator (40) is connected thereto to press the pinch portions together to grasp the sides of the unopened bag and to separate the pinch portions to release the opened bag.

Abstract: A sandbag filling device and method for assisting one person with easily and quickly filling a flexible bag with sand to form a sandbag. The device has a body which fits in the open top end of the flexible bag and is placed in an upright position against the closed bottom end thereof to allow one person to dump sand in the bag. The body can have a generally cylindrical or, for improved storage and transport, conical shaped structure. Alternatively, the body can have ends that are moved to an overlap area for insertion into the flexible bag and filling the bag with sand. When not formed for use, the body can lay flat or be curved, for ease of forming, both of which allow quick and easy storage and transport of a plurality of sandbag filling devices. Handles ease removal of the device from the flexible bag.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing element (30) on a container (10, 11) for free-flowing or pourable bulk materials has an outlet spout (12) that reaches into the element. The element has an inlet opening (32) on the side facing towards the container, a clamping profile (42) and/or a quick-tightening device (44) which makes a releasable connection between the outlet spout and the element, a slot-shaped outlet opening (34) on the side that faces away from the container, a ring gap (22) between the outlet spout and the inlet opening, a wall (36) extending between the respective openings with an inside (37) and an outside (38), and a foil-shaped material (20), especially a foil hose or foil section, stored in the area of the outlet spout. The inlet opening, the inside of the wall and the slot-shaped outlet opening are covered with the foil-shaped material.

Abstract: Described are passenger seat assemblies comprising: at least one seat pan; an inflatable seat adjacent to the at least one seat pan; and at least one inflation system comprising a transport device and a delivery mechanism coupled to the transport device, wherein the transport device is configured to inject an inflating substance into the inflatable seat via the delivery mechanism, wherein the delivery mechanism is coupled to the inflatable seat via an opening. The passenger seat assemblies may further comprise a support structure. The inflating substance may be air. The inflatable seat may comprise at least one structural chamber. The inflatable seat may also have utility apart from the passenger seat assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to containers or bags for chromatographic media and methods of packing chromatography columns using such containers. The bags may be used for storing and/or transporting chromatographic media and can be inserted directly into the chamber of a chromatography column in readiness for use.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the subject invention facilitates the filling of an air-permeable casement or shell with feather down material. The apparatus of the subject invention includes two chambers which are selectively connected to one another by means of a passageway. The subject invention further includes a mechanism for selectively inducing a partial vacuum in either chamber to facilitate the filling of article casements with feather down. By inducing a partial vacuum in the first chamber and connecting a supply hose to its access port, feather down may be conveyed from a supply container into the first chamber. By selectively opening the passageway and inducing a partial vacuum in the second chamber, the feather down is conveyed from the first chamber to the second chamber in a clean, efficient and controlled manner where it is contained within an air permeable casement formed over the passageway.

Abstract: A container for housing a fluid therapeutic composition includes a rigid housing, a collapsible bag and a seal. The housing has an opening and an interior surface. The interior surface forms a cavity having a volume. The bag is disposed in the housing and is expandable to contact the interior surface of the housing and occupy the entire volume of the cavity when filled with the fluid therapeutic composition. The bag has an opening that is fixed in proximity to the opening of the housing. The seal is configured to prevent air from entering the bag via the bag opening and to prevent air from entering the cavity of the housing via the housing opening.

Abstract: Empty, flat folded storage bags which may be valve bags are prepared for filling with a flowable material, by seating and stacking a plurality of the bags on a fixed elevation base within a chamber of a bag holding magazine assembly, the resulting stack defining an initial stack rising from a lowermost one the bags on the base to an uppermost one of the bags. In a first cycle of operation, all but the lowermost bag is raised away from the base, the raised bags defining a depleted stack of bags. Then, while the depleted stack remains raised, the lowermost bag is removed from the chamber through a chamber outlet opening. Then, the depleted stack is lowered to seat a new lowermost bag on the base to complete first cycle. The cycle is repeated for each lowermost bag.

Abstract: A method for filling a dispensing bag includes inserting a collapsed bag within a chamber of a bin and securing a lower end of the collapsed bag to the bin. After securing the lower end of the collapsed bag to the bin, a hoist coupled to an upper end of the collapsed bag is manipulated so that the hoist raises the upper end of the collapsed bag within the chamber while the lower end of the collapsed bag remains secured to the bin so as to expand the collapsed bag within the chamber of the bin.