Abstract: A tube holder for a tube filling machine comprises a cup-shaped housing having a tube receptacle that opens towards the top and into which one end area of a tube can be inserted. At least one vertical groove is formed in the area of the inner wall of the tube receptacle into which a clamping element is inserted, wherein the clamping element can be radially displaced substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal central axis of the tube receptacle and is pivotably disposed about a pivot axis that extends substantially tangentially relative to the inner wall of the tube receptacle.

Abstract: A container cartridge for a beverage dispenser includes a bottom wall, a side wall and a top wall having a spout. The bottom wall, the side wall and the top wall, including the spout, are integrally formed of a polyethylene. The side wall is sufficiently thin so as to be foldable. Thus, after use, i.e. when the container cartridge has become empty, the container cartridge can be collapsed by folding the side wall. The thus collapsed container cartridge can be efficiently transported.

Abstract: A method for selectively dispensing fluid components through a bypass, the bypass having a fluid passage with an inlet, a first outlet that is unsealed, and a second outlet that is sealed, includes the steps of inserting a tubing line into the second outlet to unseal the second outlet, sealing the first outlet to prevent flow of fluid through the first outlet, and delivering a first fluid component into the inlet of the bypass and through the second outlet.

Abstract: A coupling seal includes a first sealing strip containing first and second bearing elements on opposing ends of a rabbet body and a second sealing strip containing first and second bearing elements on opposing ends of a rabbet body. Interior sides of the rabbet bodies seal against one another, at least in sections, such that the first bearing element of the first sealing strip is arranged adjacent to the second bearing element of the second sealing strip and the second bearing element of the first sealing strip is arranged adjacent to the first bearing element of the second sealing strip. A first flexible element extends between first and second fixing devices of the first sealing strip, and a second flexible element extends between first and second fixing devices of the second sealing strip. The first and second flexible elements, when installed, may have a pre-stress.

Abstract: A check valve for an air-packing device comprises upper and lower check valve films that are placed between upper and lower packing films that form the air-packing device contour. The check valve can be advantageously used for the air-packing device having a multiplicity of air containers. A common air duct that allows compressed air to flow into each air container through the check valve is formed between the upper and lower check valve films independently from other films such that the check valve can be placed flexibly in the air-packing device. Peeling agents are applied between the upper and lower check valve films to create the common air duct by preventing heat-sealing between the films.

Abstract: A device for filling a container with a liquid product, the container having a compartment, whose volume is dependent on the relative position of the walls and which communicates with the surroundings via a filling duct. The device comprises a filling tube with an end portion, which is insertable into the filling duct for supplying a product to the compartment through said filling tube. The device includes a clamp which is adapted to grasp the end portion and the filling duct when the end portion is inserted into the filling duct to provide a seal. The clamp has gripping surfaces which are arranged to cooperate with the circumferential surface of the end portion when the clamp grasps the filling duct and the end portion provides the seal. Each gripping surface has opposite edge portions, a bead being arranged in each edge portion.

Abstract: Improved bag-on valve which comprises a flexible bag (4) made of impermeable material and which is provided with an opening sealed by a valve (6) which makes it possible to fill the bag (4) with a desired product, whereby the empty bag (4) is rolled up or folded round a longitudinal axis (X-X?) and is maintained in the rolled-up position, characterised in that the bag (4) is provided with means making it possible to elongate the bag (4) while it is being filled with the desired product

Abstract: A standalone ice dispenser delivers ice in either bagged form or bulk form to a user. The device uses a cone-shaped drum with an upwardly oriented mount that receives and stores the ice which ice is gravitationally delivered to the drum from an ice maker. When ice is to be dispensed, a motor rotates the drum such that a fin within the drum cause ice therein to advance toward and eventually out of the mouth of the drum into either a bagging system or directly out of the device via a chute. Weight sensors attached to the drum determine whether the drum is relatively empty or relatively full and control operation of the ice maker as a result and/or a proximity sensor measures the volume of ice in the drum and controls the operation of the ice maker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector that provides secure and convenient connection to a product container. In one embodiment, an apparatus for providing fluid flow connection to a container opening of a container comprises a connector including a proximal end, a distal end, a flow passageway extending between the proximal end and the distal end, and at least one side opening extending from an external surface of the connector to the flow passageway, the side opening being disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. The connector is configured to be inserted into the container opening and to be movable between a closed position and an open position. The side opening is blocked by an internal surface of the container opening in the closed position. The side opening is at least partially open to an interior of the container to permit fluid flow between the interior of the container and the flow passageway of the connector in the open position.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for conditioning a viscous product contained in storage containers having a capacity ?50 l, preferably ?100 l, in volume units adapted to utilization and having a capacity ?50 l, preferably ?10 l, said viscous product being preferably selected among the group whereof the viscosity is not less than 10 Pa's and, preferably ranging between 10 Pa's and 200 000 Pa's.

Abstract: An apparatus attachable to a bag containing a bulk particulate material and having a discharge spout for dispensing material from the bag generally consisting of first and second annular clamping members displaceable axially between a first, spaced apart condition permitting a portion of the spout to be drawn in position therebetween, and a second, adjacent condition clamping the spout portion position therebetween, and means for releasably retaining the members in the clamping condition.

Abstract: A bypass for a tube set for directing the flow of a fluid component includes an inlet passage for fluid connection with a source of said fluid component, an outlet passage for fluid connection with a first bag compartment, and a bypass passage for fluid connection with a second bag compartment. A flow control device in the bypass passage is operable in a first position in which the flow control device seals the bypass passage, and a second position in which the flow control device unseals the bypass passage to receive a tubing line connected with said second bag compartment.

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: Bagging machines may include a packing density measurement system. The packing density measurement system includes an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly includes at least one drag member adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to extend rearwardly beneath at least a portion of a bag to resist forward movement of the bagging machine. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and is adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine. The anchor assembly may be adjustable, either manually or automatically, to allow control over the anchoring force.

Abstract: A method and a set for transferring fluid between a first container a second container. The first container is connected to an end of a first transfer body, a first sealing member preventing the fluid communication between these two elements. The second container is closed by a second sealing member. The second container is assembled with a fastening member provided at an end of a second transfer body which is in an inactivated position of the transfer set wherein at least a part of this body is partially inserted within the other end of the first transfer body. Each transfer body has one central passage coaxial to accommodate at least one end of a mobile piercing member. The part of the second transfer body moves along an axis from the inactivated position to an activated position of the transfer set wherein the fluid communication between these two containers is established.

Abstract: Flexible container discharge apparatus for a flexible bulk container as hereinbefore defined, comprises a base structure, a common movable container support element for supporting the flexible bulk container and hingably connected to the base structure for movement relative thereto, and a plurality of pivotable urging elements which project in a direction away from the common support element and which are directly or indirectly connected to the common support element. With a flexible bulk container positioned on the common support element, as flowable material within the container is discharged, the urging elements pivot towards each other, pressing the flowable material towards an outlet of the container. A method of discharging material from a flexible bulk container is also provided.

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: 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: 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: An improved wine bottle closure and vacuum pump apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus provides an improved bulb structure to be used for pumping and storage purposes, the bulb remaining with a closure plug even after pumping is completed and the wine is to be stored for later consumption. The bulb structure can be collapsed in two different positions including a first position that maintains overall height of the bulb structure and a second position that enables the bulb structure to be shortened in height as an optional feature. The bulb structure provides an enlarged central section that is much larger in diameter than the lower end portion. The lower end portion provides a closure plug for fitting the opening of a wine bottle.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling open bags with bulk materials, comprising a filling means and a filling spout having an outlet opening for filling the bags, wherein a collecting device is provided which includes a movable and controllable collecting unit. Said collecting unit, when in a collecting position, collects any bulk material which may trickle out of the outlet opening of the filling spout and when in a discharging position, discharges the collected bulk material into a material discharge line of a material discharge device.

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 process is disclosed for filling an improved aerosol dispenser with a first and a second fluid product and an aerosol propellant. The process comprises the steps of filling a first and a second inner container located within an aerosol container with the first and the second fluid products. The aerosol container is filled with the aerosol propellant. The improved aerosol dispenser separately stores the first and second fluid prior to use. The improved aerosol dispenser mixes and dispenses the first and second fluids for discharge from a terminal orifice.

Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.

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: A multi-sectional airtight seal for continuous air-filling includes: an input passage; plural first sub-tubes aligned parallel to a lateral side of the input passage; plural first valve devices including a first filling passage and a second filling passage with the first filling passage connecting the first sub-tubes and the input passage; plural second sub-tubes serially connecting the first sub-tubes; and plural second valve devices for connecting the second sub-tubes and the second filling passages to allow through-linking between the second sub-tubes and the input passage. When external air in the input passage enters through the first filling passage of the first valve device to fill and expand the first sub-tubes, the second sub-tube is filled through the second filling passage and the second valve device to be expanded as well.

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 tool allowing both the inflation and deflation of air-filled bags such as dunnage bags is disclosed. The tool comprises a sliding control to easily and safely turn the flow of air on and off. The tool is switched from inflation to deflation mode by moving the bag connecting valve from one end of the device to the other.

Abstract: Pairs of first and second rolls are supported for rotation in a roll frame located below a pan for receiving pharmaceutical products loaded as bulk material, each first roll having a plurality of axially successive non-cylindrical sections separated from respective non-cylindrical sections of a respective second roll by a gap, the first and second rolls of each pair being rotated in opposite directions so that surfaces of the rolls facing the gap move upwards. An isolating block having a matrix array of isolating channels is positioned below the rolls for receiving pharmaceutical products from respective gaps and for distributing these products to respective individual wells of a blister pack in a single machine cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading a comminuted material contained in a bag having means disposed at an upper end portion thereof for suspending the bag and a closable discharge outlet disposed at a lower end thereof generally consisting of a support means; and a hopper having an upper inlet functional for receiving the closable discharge spout portion of the bag when the bag is disposed in a suspended position above the hopper, a lower outlet communicable with a material conveying means, a side opening through which an operator may obtain access to a lower end of the bag inserted into the hopper, and a baffle extending downwardly and transversely from a wall section of the hopper, from and below the access opening, toward and short of a hopper wall disposed opposite the hopper wall provided with the access opening, providing a flow path of material introduced into the hopper for the hopper outlet.

Abstract: A liquid reclamation apparatus for use in changing automobile oil includes a container, a portable receptacle within the container and dimensioned to hold a volume of oil sufficient to perform an oil change and a cover releasably secured to the container.

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 debris collecting device is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the debris collecting device includes a winding frame having a rotatable panel shaft, a collection panel attached to the panel shaft and a collection receptacle carried by the collection panel.

Abstract: A bulk bag filling system has a horizontal displacement device pivotally connected to a fill carriage. The fill carriage is rotated outwardly about a pivot axis existing at the interface between the horizontal displacement device and the fill carriage. Bag loops of a bulk bag are captured with bag loop hangers.

Abstract: A bulk bag filling system includes a frame having a base, a fill carriage coupled to the frame and a rotary carriage. The fill carriage is alignable with a fill port for receiving a bulk material. The rotary carriage includes a plurality of bag loop hangers for receiving bag loops of a bag to be filled. The rotary carriage is movably coupled to the fill carriage and a spout, for receiving a neck of the bag to be filled, extends through the rotary carriage. The spout is alignable with the fill port.

Abstract: A machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer storage bag includes a chamber through which one or more rams reciprocate in a generally horizontal direction, forcing bulk material such as compost, distillers grains, silage, or feedstuffs from the chamber into a frame that carries the gathered sidewall of the storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. A loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag loading machine feeds the bulk material into the chamber.

Abstract: A device (1) fills a flexible pouch (100) with medicinal fluids. The pouch is mounted with its distal end (113) upward and attached to a filling infuser (110) which is supported in a supporting bore (121). A neck end of the supply container (200) which carries a resilient cap (202) is inserted into the bore such that the filling infuser pierces the cap. A flexible bladder (31) or a squeeze bulb (33) is connected with an air inlet (116) of the filling infuser to inject pressurized air into the supply container and accelerate the transfer of medicinal liquids from the supply container to the flexible pouch.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for removing the contents of a valve bag using suction. The invention further pertains to a method of removing the contents of a valve bag using the device.

Abstract: A resilient foodstuff bag opener is disclosed, wherein the resilient bag opener is forcibly bent or bowed for easily entering a pliable food stuff bag, and upon relaxation of the bending forces, the bag opener resiliently deforms from its bent configuration to thereby open the food stuff bag in a manner that allows a food stuff residing on a food support surface of the bag opener to flow into the food stuff bag. The food support surface of the bag opener may be also used for processing foods such as cutting, dicing, washing, straining, etc. depending on the embodiment used. An inclined support may be optionally provided for maintaining the bag opener in a “hands-free” inclined position so that a food stuff provided on the food support surface can flow into the food stuff bag without a user having to hold the bag opener.

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: Bagging machines for bagging agricultural, compost, or other materials into an elongate bag for storage and/or composting are disclosed. The bagging machines include a mobile frame, a hopper, a rotary packing apparatus, and a material forming enclosure. The bagging machine is adapted to move forward as the loose material is packed into the bag against the closed end thereof. The bagging machines also may include a packing density measurement system including an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly is adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to engage packed material within the material forming enclosure. The anchor assembly engaging the packed material is adapted to apply an anchoring force to the bagging machine against the forward movement thereof. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine.

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: 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: 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: 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 pump and stopper combination for vacuum or pressure sealing a container. The stopper has a pour opening and a one-way valve movable between an operative position to permit one-way flow of fluid into or out of the container when the pour opening is in the closed position, and an inoperative position when the pour opening is in the open position. A vacuum/pressure pump that connects to the stopper includes a drive adapted to convert rotational movement of a motor to reciprocating motion of a pump piston in a chamber, and one-way pump valves mounted in a selectable flow control member. The selectable flow control member is movable between pressure and vacuum positions to permit passage of fluid only into or out of the pump chamber. The pump also includes an indicator for indicating when a desired level of vacuum or pressure has been reached. The pump may be incorporated into a container lid.

Abstract: Volumetric enclosure(s) provides methods and/or apparatus for teaching, generating and deriving supply chain efficiency improvement. Prime Manifold Enclosure(s) methods and/or apparatus provide for deriving and generating efficiency by volumetric displacement and volumetric replacement of dissimilar material(s) and volumetric displacement and volumetric replacement of material having dissimilar origin. Prime Manifold Enclosure(s) interposed for cooperative coaptaion and flow path communication/continuity between gradient matrix flow paths for volumetrically displacing and volumetrically replacing dissimilar materials, and volumetrically displacing and volumetrically replacing of materials of dissimilar origin.

Abstract: A loading station having a dispensing manifold for loading syringe pairs with thrombin and adhesive and clotting proteins for use as a biological adhesive. The resulting loaded syringe pairs are compatible with a variety of biological adhesive dispensers and may be used in a surgical setting.