Abstract: An automatic ice vending apparatus including a holding vessel formed with an aperture, the holding vessel being configured and dimensioned to receive and house ice pieces produced by an operatively associated ice supply, an ice metering device, and an ice transferring device at least partially disposed within the holding vessel that facilitates movement of ice pieces located therein in a first direction toward the aperture thereof, and movement of ice pieces in a second different direction from the aperture to the ice metering device, which is adapted and configured to meter a quantity of ice pieces into a readily transportable container. Methods and automated methods of delivering ice to consumer(s) are also included.

Abstract: The sealed docking system comprises first and second coupling elements each having respective first and second coupling elements with respective first and second flexible receptacles. Each coupling element has a slot. The two coupling elements engage with one another. The coupling elements are flexible so that when force is applied the slots open.

Abstract: A pneumatic system consists of an inflatable/deflatable article, for example, a compression garment connected to a pump by connectors, respectively. The connector attached to the garment carries an RFID transponder and a corresponding radio circuit is located within the pump. In use, the transponder transmits and receives information to and from the pump radio circuit. The information exchanged is used by the pump control system to activate the pump and to operate the pump to provide the particular operating parameters for that garment, for example, pressure, inflation/deflation cycle duration of treatment, etc. The pneumatic system may include communication means for the pump, such as a radio circuit, that is located remote from the pump. Also, the pneumatic system may include a support mechanism that functions both as a handle and a hook.

Abstract: An apparatus to aid in the filling or refilling of a flexible, collapsible container having a pour spout and a method for using same. The apparatus includes a center frame element having attached to its upper end an upper frame element adapted to receive at least a portion of the pour spout of the container. At its lower end, the center frame element is attached to a lower frame element adapted to cradle a lower portion of the container being filled and to urge the container toward the center frame element as the flexible, collapsible container fills and expands. The apparatus is portable and may be removably mounted to a variety of vertical or horizontal surfaces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for packaging a sterile or non-sterile liquid or semi-liquid, food product or the like, in a flexible bag (11). In this method, through a first rotary table with multiple stations (7) for taking over, successively and continuously, the flexible bags (1) from a table or a supply conveyor (6), a flexible bag (1) is continuously placed at the level of a filling station (81, 82, 83, 84) of a second rotary table (9) with multiple filling stations.

Abstract: A filler device for filling flexible bags including a table, a container gripper assembly, a fill valve and a evacuation facilitating assembly. The table has a top surface configured for receipt of a flexible bag. The container gripper assembly is configured for receipt of a spout of a flexible bag positioned on the table. The fill valve is positionable in fluid communication with the flexible bag. The evacuation facilitating assembly comprises a frame, a leg member and displacing assembly. The frame is spaced apart from the table. The leg member is associated with the frame. The displacing assembly displaces the leg member relative to the frame to, in turn, direct the leg member between a first position wherein the leg member is spaced apart from the table to a second position wherein the flexible bag is sandwiched between the leg member and the table.

Abstract: A flexible bag container (10) is filled by a system (500) and method for filling the bag container (10). The flexible bag container (10) has a pair of walls (12, 14) and a spout member (18) attached to one side wall of the container. This spout member is opened and closed in the filling system. A plug member (22) is inserted into the spout member (18) from outside of the bag container (10) and is withdrawable in the opposite direction in order to open the bag container. The bag container is filled via the spout member after removal of the plug member outwardly of the bag container and into a filling head, and then the plug member is replaced from within the filling head into the spout member to close the bag container.

Abstract: A bulk bag filler is provided having a frame assembly, a bag filling head, rotatable hooks for engaging bag loops and latch assemblies to engage the rotatable hooks. Each of the latch assemblies include an actuatable latch pin to release the rotatable hook, and upon release, the latch assemblies are gravity driven to return to a latching position in which the rotatable hooks are re-engageable. A method for loading a bulk bag with a bulk material is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for storing gases and liquids having a high trans-migration rate through containment surfaces due to their molecular size. An inner pressurized retaining enclosure for the storage of gas and liquids has a second enclosure wall about the first enclosure defining a gap between the respective enclosure surfaces which is filled with a containment gas or liquid having a molecular size greater than the porosity of the storage wall and stored gas or liquid. The containment gas effectively impedes the transmission of the storage gas and liquid through the first inner pressure retainer enclosure by creating a pressure barrier on its outer surface.

Abstract: A mobile first housing bounds a substantially sterile clean room, a filtration room, and at least one change room communicating between clean room. A fluid filtration system is disposed within the first housing, the filtration system includes a first support container in which a disposable fill bag is disposed. A disposable fluid line extends between the fill bag and the at least one filter. A support bin is also disposed within the first housing. A disposable pooling bag is disposed within the support bin, the pooling bag being in fluid communication with the at least one filter. A disposable fill line has a first end in fluid communication with the pooling bag and an opposing second end disposed within the clean room.

Abstract: A fluid bin assembly includes a bin having a floor with a side wall upstanding therefrom. The floor and the side wall bound a chamber. The floor has an opening extending therethrough that communicates with the chamber. A retention plate is removably mounted to the floor of the bin so as to at least partially cover the opening extending therethrough. The retention plate at least partially bounds a porthole that openly communicates with the chamber of the bin.

Abstract: An improved waste collection device includes a body having a housing defining an opening which allows an open end of an associated bag to be folded thereover. The housing receives a closed end of the associated bag therein. A spool is rotatably connected to the body and removably connected to the associated bag. A driving mechanism is connected to the spool for selectively rotating the spool such that the associated bag is wound on the spool thereby pulling the associated bag into the housing.

Abstract: A system which provides a first object defining a first volume and a second object defining a second volume wherein the second object contains the first object. A manifold apparatus is provided which allows a flowable material to flow by vacuum action into the first object and also allows any entrained gas to be transported from the first volume to the second volume without interrupting the vacuum. Methods of use of the system and structures for detachably attaching the manifold apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding bulk material transported by a pneumatic conveying line or by gravity into a container having an access spout generally consisting of means for supporting the container; a housing mountable on the supporting means including a cylindrical side wall having a lower open end insertable into the spout of the container, a closed upper wall having an opening disposed axially relative to the side wall through which a discharge end portion of the pneumatic conveying line may be inserted, a partition formed of a filter medium disposable between the side wall of the housing and the discharge end portion when such portion is inserted through the upper wall opening of the housing, providing a closed chamber and an open chamber communicating with the lower open end of the housing, and an outlet communicating with the closed chamber; and means mounted on a lower end of the housing side wall selectively operable to engage the spout when the lower end of the cylindrical side wall is inserted into the

Abstract: A collapsible container for retaining and disposing liquids is described. The container includes an expandable liquid retaining portion and an inflatable top ring. As liquid, such as used motor oil, pours into the expandable liquid retaining portion the inflated top ring floats on top of the liquid as the liquid retaining portion expands. A top cover, which may be formed by flexible flaps with zip lock closures, may be included to seal the container for transport. A drain hole may be provided through a bottom portion of the container to drain the liquid out of the container. A handle may be provided to facilitate carrying the container filled with oil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration. In particular, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods of vibration for tooling in a structure, such as, for example, a fuselage. In one implementation, the tooling comprises at least two conductors that create a force to vibrate the media in the tooling, which improves the compaction of the media in the tooling and the extraction of the media from the tooling. Other implementations may be used for compaction and/or extraction of the media in the tooling.

Abstract: A check valve for use in an air-packing device has a simple structure and promotes to easily inflate all of the air cells of the air-packing device with a relatively lower pressure. The check valves can be easily attached to any locations of the air-packing device. The check valves are formed when a check valve film is attached to one of the first and second thermoplastic films. Peeling agents of predetermined pattern are applied on the check valve film which prevents heat-sealing between the first and second thermoplastic films for air tightly separating two adjacent air containers. The check valve is configured by an air flow maze portion having a zig-zag air passage and a common air duct portion which provides the air to the air flow maze portion of a current air container as well as to the air flow maze portion of a next air container.

Abstract: A tube set for dispensing components into a product bag includes a plurality of tubing lines, a manifold, and a bypass. The manifold has a plurality of inlets, each inlet adapted for connection to a respective tubing line. The manifold also has an outlet connectable to a first feed tube of a product bag. The bypass is associated with at least one of the plurality of tubing lines. The bypass has a bypass inlet connectable to the tubing line associated with the bypass and at least two outlets. A first outlet is connected to a tube line in fluid communication with an inlet of the manifold and the second outlet is removably connectable to a second feed tube in fluid communication with the product bag, independent of the manifold.

Abstract: An air pump assembly is disposed within an inflatable article, and includes a movable member. When the movable member is moved relative to a base to an inflating position, an outflow outlet in the base is closed, and an inflow valve is activated to open an inflow outlet in the base so as to permit air to be sucked into the inflatable article through an inflow inlet and the inflow outlet in the base by an air pump. When the movable member is moved to a deflating position, the inflow inlet is closed, and an outflow valve is activated to open an outflow inlet in the base so as to permit air to be forced out of the inflatable article through the outflow inlet and the outflow outlet.

Abstract: A method of filling a collapsible package in a cartridge for use with a caulking gun is provided. The method comprises pressurizing an internal space of a collapsible package to expand the package. Drawing a vacuum external to the collapsible package and removing the positive internal pressure. The vacuum maintains the package in an expanded state. A nozzle is then inserted into the collapsible package to reverse fill the package with a vicious material.

Abstract: A method for filling a container with a plurality of particles includes the step of filling a radially flexible container through a large diameter with a plurality of particles to a fill level. The method also includes the step of reducing the large diameter of the radially flexible container to a smaller fill diameter in vertical relationship to the fill level as the fill level rises during filling of the flexible container. The method also includes the step of varying the vertical relationship between the fill level and the smaller fill diameter in response to the density of the particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for decanting pulverulent product (Q) into a receptacle (50) made of deformable material which receptacle is arranged in a container made of rigid material and is temporarily placed upstream of a lock system containing so-called glove boxes, a shaft (64) is rotatably mounted at a distance (n) from an adjustable base (B), on which shaft at least one hood designed as a glove box, at least one hood trough (80) made of metallic material, preferably of stainless steel, is fixed; at least one support plate (78) for the rigid container is attached to length-adjustable piston/cylinder units (76) at an adjustable distance from the shaft (64), the support plate being parallel to the shaft longitudinal axis (N), and the rigid container is sealingly connected at the other end to a connecting tube (34a) which projects into the hood or the hood trough (80) or the hood system.

Abstract: A feed bag includes a body bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a feed material. The body has a first end with an outlet formed thereat and an opposing second end. A vent port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. In one embodiment a filter is coupled with the vent port. A fluid port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. The fluid port is adapted to receive a fluid line for delivering a fluid into the compartment of the body.

Abstract: A pressurized container includes a vessel defining a chamber therein. A housing that is connected to the vessel defines an outlet that is fluidly separated from the chamber by a closure member. A moveable member may be seated within and form a seal with the housing and abut the closure member. Activation of an initiator propels the moveable member through the closure member, thereby fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet. Also, the chamber might include a first portion and a second portion, wherein an isolator member substantially fluidly separates the first portion and the second portion. Gas released from the first portion initially inflates an air bag associated with the pressurized container and gas released from the second portion maintains the inflation of the air bag for a time.

Abstract: A waste collection device includes a body including a housing defining an opening. The housing opening allowing an open end of an associated bag to be folded thereover and a housing receiving a closed end of the associated bag therein. A pulling mechanism is connected to the body and removably connected to the associated bag for selectively pulling the associated bag into the housing. To use, the open end of the bag is positioned adjacent waste material to be collected. The pulling mechanism then pulls the bag into the housing and the waste material is simultaneously transferred into the bag.

Abstract: A method of filling a bag with pourable, especially powdery material, by means of a dispensing device with a vertical filling pipe which can be introduced into the bag and which comprises flanging-on means at its upper end and a closing device at its lower end, wherein prior to or during the filling operation, air is extracted from the material above the closing device via the inside of the filling pipe.

Abstract: A method of operating a filling apparatus for filling bags includes providing a fill hopper having a discharge opening, and positioning each bag to be filled beneath the discharge opening. To promote efficient operation, each bag is positioned in a stand-by position after one of a pair of bag openers, which open each bag, has been moved a sufficient distance from the previous bag to provide clearance in the stand-by position. The cycle time for positioning, opening, and filling each bag is desirably decreased for promoting efficient operation of the filling apparatus.

Abstract: A sanitary bag having an outlet tube, the bag adapted to be sanitarily filled with water by an end-user of the bag, and an insulated container to hold the bag in a location remote from a water-filling location, the container including a spigot, wherein the outlet tube of the bag extends through the spigot. A method including attaching an input member from a sanitary water supply to an inlet of a bag in a substantially sealed configuration, filling the flexible bag with water, removing the input member from the inlet without allowing any contaminants to reach the water, and placing the flexible bag within a portable insulated container for use at a location remote from the filling location.

Abstract: A bulk bag filler for filling bulk bags having bag hanging loops and a fill spout is provided. The filler includes a bag filling head having at least a moveable portion that can be moved from a filling position, in which the hanging loops are suspended from hanging loop supports in a position to allow the bulk bag to be filled, to a bag attaching position, in which at least some of the hanging loop supports for attachment of a bulk bag to be filled and a bag spout connection are positioned in proximity to a side of the bag filler. A method for loading a bulk bag is also provided.

Abstract: A bag filling apparatus for packing loose material into a bag, comprising a feeding hopper for receiving the loose material and a hollow tube connected to the feeding hopper. The hollow tube comprises an upper section connected to the feeding hopper and a lower section slideably mounted around the upper section and movable between a raised position and a lower position where the lower section extends into the bag. The lower position is used upon discharge of the loose material into the bag. The apparatus comprises dust collecting means for collecting dust within the lower section of the hollow tube when the lower section is in the lower position and the bag is filled with the loose material. The apparatus further comprises means for moving the lower section of the hollow tube along a substantially vertical axis between the raised and the lower positions.

Abstract: The invention provides a diameter reducing system for reducing the diameter of a flexible container as the container is filled. The system includes a stretching device to stretch the container at the fill level as the container is filled with a plurality of particles. The stretching device can release a stretched portion of the container substantially at the fill level as the fill level rises. The container can be a flexible, elastic bag. Shrinking of the container at the fill level as the container fills promotes supporting engagement between particles to enhance the structural integrity of the filled container and to reduce the likelihood that particles will be damaged during movement of the filled container.

Abstract: The invention provides a diameter reducing system for reducing the diameter of a flexible container as the container is filled. The system includes a stretching devise to stretch the container at the fill level as the container is filled with a plurality of particles. The stretching device can release a stretched portion of the container substantially at the fill level as the fill level rises. The container can be a flexible, elastic bag. Shrinking of the container at the fill level as the container fills promotes supporting engagement between particles to enhance the structural integrity of the filled container and to reduce the likelihood that particles will be damaged during movement of the filled container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic handling of bag systems in an installation. The method includes the steps of loading at least one bag system having a primary bag containing a body fluid such as blood and a secondary bag into a handling device, wherein the bag system is placed in a position such that no filtering of the body fluid takes place; automatically actuating the handling device so that the bag system is moved to a position wherein filtering occurs; and unloading the bag system from in the handling device when all the filtrate is received in the secondary bag.

Abstract: A pressurized dispensing system (10) for dispensing a multi-component product, comprises an outer body (11) defining a first chamber (8) constructed to contain a first component of said product; an inner container (20), disposed within said body, defining a second chamber (7) constructed to contain a second component of said product and maintain said second component separate from said first component; a dispensing head (50), in fluid communication with said first (8) and second (7) chambers, through which the product is dispensed; and a modular valve assembly (5), including a valve constructed to move between a closed position, in which said first and second chambers are sealed, and an open position, in which said first and second components flow simultaneously from said first and second chambers to said dispensing head.

Abstract: A vacuum packer for filling valve bags employs a load cell-based scale mechanism located within the vacuum chamber. An interior packer front plate is supported from the back, inner wall of the chamber on four flexure spring check straps. The front plate is supported from a single load cell mounted on the back, interior wall of the vacuum chamber. Side bag retention plates, end retention plates and the lower bag support saddle are mounted to the packer front plate. A flexible connection is furnished between the back of the filling spout and the interior back wall of the vacuum chamber. All other required piping is made directly to the back wall of the chamber, thus removing them from the scale mechanism entirely.

Abstract: A bag with a flexible wall which delimits a closed chamber of the bag for a store of a substance, for example a liquid, gaseous, pasty or pulverulent substance, for example a bag with a wall made from single-layer or multilayer (plastic) sheet material. A female element with a body through which a bore extends is attached to the inner side of the wall, which bore extends from an insertion opening for a male element, which is covered in a sealed manner by the wall of the bag, in the vicinity of the wall of the bag, to an opening in the chamber of the bag.

Abstract: A forage loading assembly substitutes a large reciprocating piston for the traditionally employed auger to impel and compact the forage into a huge bag. The forage is preferably transferred to a point above the piston action by a conveyor, the bottom of which is suspended to avoid being dragging along the ground during widely recognized forward creeping assembly phenomenon.

Abstract: The bag insert of the present invention is an apparatus for aiding in the management of a waste collection bag during waste collection. In one embodiment, the bag insert is placed inside the waste collection bag and then expanded. Once expanded, the bag insert maintains the bag in an upright and open position. Further, the bag insert forms a hollow rectangular tube such that waste can be placed inside the bag by dropping the waste through the open top of the bag insert. The waste collection bag may be placed inside the expanded bag insert, wherein the bag insert maintains the bag in an upright and substantially open position. After waste collection is complete, the bag insert is capable of being folded along several axes such that the size of the bag insert is reduced for storage.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for filling flexible receptacles or bags with bulk or particulate material is provided. In one aspect, an automatic sand bag filling apparatus is disclosed which includes a bulk fill channel which may be placed within the interior of each bag to be filled. The filling apparatus may have a metering device for providing the desired amount of bulk material to the fill channel. The fill channel may be moveable along a fixed path for engaging and advancing a series of interconnected bags. Articulating spreader bars may be provided to support the bag during filling. In one embodiment, the filling apparatus is mounted on a trailer assembly and includes a reservoir for storing the bulk sand. The sand may be transferred from the reservoir to the filling apparatus using augers, conveyors, etc. A preferred construction of a series of interconnected sand bags and a method of making a series of interconnected bags is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous strip bag feeder and loader that includes an integrated printer assembly for printing information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is mounted to a support frame and receives a continuous strip of bags from a feed assembly. The printer assembly includes a print head that prints the desired information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is positioned relative to the loading assembly such that after each individual bag is printed, the bag is immediately loaded with a product at the loading assembly. Thus, no printed bags are positioned between the loading assembly and the printer assembly, thereby assuring each bag is loaded with a product prior to the printing of another bag.

Abstract: A flexible pouch with a self-contained straw for packaging a product includes a front panel and a back panel each having an upper edge, a lower edge opposite the upper edge, and side edges extending therebetween the upper and lower edges. A straw is disposed inside the pouch at an angle between an upper corner of the pouch and an opposite lower corner. The pouch includes a first seal applied to the upper corner of the pouch to form a pocket for holding an upper end of the straw, and a second seal extending along the unsealed portion of the upper edge of the pouch to close the pouch. A method of forming and filling a flexible pouch with an integral straw includes the steps of forming each of the panels and joining two panels by sealing together their side edges and lower edge to form the pouch. The method also includes the steps of opening the pouch and inserting the straw into the pouch by positioning the straw at an angle between an upper corner of the pouch and an opposite lower corner.

Abstract: The invention concerns an installation for emptying casks (1) equipped with an external bag (11) and an internal bag (12) containing powdery products. It comprises a glove box (12) consisting of a bell made of a transparent material. It is provided, on its upper part, with an opening for the passage of a suction rod (3, 31, 32) equipped with sealing means between said pipe and the bell. The lower part of the bell is provided with means adapted to be urged in sealed position on the upper part of a cask (1). The bell (2) is suspended to a frame (5, 15) for its vertical displacement.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for filling a tubular bag with a granular material in order to construct a levee. The apparatus includes a hopper for funneling material into a loading box. A ram drive system then forces the granular material from the loading box into a tubular bag. The force of the ram also serves to propel the apparatus away from the filled bag so that the apparatus does not require a drive unit. The tubular bag is a pleated design installed around the opening of the loading box so as to extend as loaded. The apparatus can be scaled to accept different size bags to create levees of different heights and lengths.

Abstract: A fluid bin assembly includes a bin having a floor with a side wall upstanding therefrom. The floor and the side wall bound a chamber. The floor has an opening extending therethrough that communicates with the chamber. A retention plate is removably mounted to the floor of the bin so as to at least partially cover the opening extending therethrough. The retention plate at least partially bounds a porthole that openly communicates with the chamber of the bin.

Abstract: A portable and modular shielding system having various modular wall components that can be interconnect to form a custom designed wall configuration, wherein the resulting wall provides shielding from radiation at its joints of two adjacent modular wall components as well as along its entire length. The principal modular wall component has a main container being generally rectangular in shape and a connector container being an elongated cylinder having a cross section that is generally circular in shape and being integrally connected to the second end of the main container. The first end of the main container is concave in shape and adapted to correspond to the generally circular shape of the connector container. A shielding wall is formed by interconnecting a connector container of a first modular wall component into a first end of a second modular wall component. The main container and connector container are hollow and are adapted to be filled with a filler material.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling bags (1) with loose material (2), comprising a tube (210) for supplying the material (2), substantially coaxial with the said bag, said tube (210) being able to move from a position with the supply mouth (210a) outside the bag to a position with the supply mouth (210a) inside the bag (1) and arranged at a height substantially coinciding with the bottom (1b) of the bag (1) where filling is started, and vice versa.

Abstract: A bulk bag-filling machine with a traversing strap latching and traversing filler spout mechanisms. The strap latch mechanisms and the filler spout may be moved independently or in unison forwardly towards the front or forward most edge of the filling station, thereby permitting the operator of the filling apparatus to easily and safely suspend the heavy bulk bag's strap loops on the four strap latches and make the filler neck connection to the filling spout prior to traversing the strap latches and filler neck to their rearmost position, thereby positioning the bag for filling. Boxes may also be utilized by the adaptation of transfer tables in which case the strap latches are not required.

Abstract: A mobile bulk materials bagging machine equipped to convert compacted bulk materials into baggable material of uniform consistency. The bagging machine includes a feed hopper which may be loaded with compacted bulk materials with heavy duty loaders. The bagging machine conducts a series of processing steps for converting compacted bulk material into a restructured material of a more uniform and free-flowing consistency for bagging. The operation of the bagging machine includes partitioning compacted bulk materials into segmented portions, agitating and leveling systems which, in cooperative association with electronic sensors for intermittently terminating the flow of feed materials, prevents excessive product build up and recompaction of the processed material into an unbaggable material.

Abstract: A continuous strip bag feeder and loader that includes an integrated printer assembly for printing information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is mounted to a support frame and receives a continuous strip of bags from a feed assembly. The printer assembly includes a print head that prints the desired information on each individual bag of the continuous strip. The printer assembly is positioned relative to the loading assembly such that after each individual bag is printed, the bag is immediately loaded with a product at the loading assembly. Thus, no printed bags are positioned between the loading assembly and the printer assembly, thereby assuring each bag is loaded with a product prior to the printing of another bag.

Abstract: A flexible pouch with a self-contained straw for packaging a product includes a front panel and a back panel each having an upper edge, a lower edge opposite the upper edge, and side edges extending therebetween the upper and lower edges. A straw is disposed inside the pouch at an angle between an upper corner of the pouch and an opposite lower corner. The pouch includes a first seal applied to the upper corner of the pouch to form a pocket for holding an upper end of the straw, and a second seal extending along the unsea EOxl portion of the upper edge of the pouch to close the pouch. A method of forming and filling a flexible pouch with an integral straw includes the steps of forming each of the panels and joining two panels by sealing together their side edges and lower edge to form the pouch. The method also includes the steps of opening the pouch and inserting the straw into the pouch by positioning the straw at an angle between an upper corner of the pouch and an opposite lower corner.