Abstract: A device for assisting in the transfer of fluid from a bag into a fluid reservoir. The device includes a generally upstanding member dimensioned to receive the fluid bag. The container has an open top and fluidly communicates with the interior of a reservoir. A bag support extends across the container in a non-fluidly sealed manner. A fixed cutter is provided having a blade facing a side of the container. The fluid bag is provided with a fluid encircled sealed opening which is placed over the cutter and drawn toward a blade on the cutter to sever the bag and allow fluid to escape past the bag support and into the reservoir.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for evacuating refrigerant for recovery from a conventional refrigeration sytems, e.g. automobile air conditions, preferably by attachment to a manifold having multiple evacuation devices, e.g. compressor, vacuum pump, transfer pump with the evacuation devices discharging through self-closing quick connect valves into at least one flexible accumulator, e.g. a bag mounted onto a manifold, and with an additional transfer pump evacuating the bag gradually to a recovery system which can be a conventional refrigerant recovery condensing unit with purification. Facilities for receiving bags filled from refrigeration systems which are remote from the system, e.g. home refrigerators, can be provided to weigh the contents into the manifold for recovery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for automatically filling and sterilizing capped and spouted flexible fluid containers. Included is a mechanism for advancing at least an individual empty container toward a filling station; a sterilizing device for sterilizing at least a portion of each spout in a sterilizing chamber; and a device for advancing each spouted container through the sterilizing chamber. The sterilizing device includes means for introducing gaseous hydrogen peroxide into the sterilizing chamber and a mechanism for radiating the spouts in the chamber with pre-selected ultraviolet radiation. Also enclosed is a device for filling the empty container with the substance in a sterile environments.

Abstract: A bag filling apparatus includes a hopper for receiving raw material. The hopper feeds the material through an opening to a conveyor belt for transporting the material to a bagging head. The bagging head includes a gate having two positions for selectively diverting the material to one of a first and a second outlet ports. Underneath the bagging head is a receiving scale having a first pan and a second pan, each adapted to hold a bag for receiving the material, and a movable counterweight. The scale is constructed to move between two positions: a first position wherein the first pan is adjacent the first outlet port and the counterweight is adjacent the second pan and a second position wherein the second pan is adjacent the second outlet port and the counterweight is adjacent the first pan. The movement of receiving scale between the two positions occurs automatically when the sandbag reaches a preselected weight.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for packing gusseted open-mouth bags with a fluent solid product wherein the bags are opened and filled with an initial quantity of product weighing less than the target weight, the top is reformed and the bag transported under control to a position for being topped off with the product, opened up in the latter position for being topped off, the top again being reformed and the bag transported under control to a bag closer.

Abstract: An inflation nozzle for inflating cargo air bags having a main body through which compressed air flows to an outlet in a nozzle tip and a handle pivoted to the main body carrying at its end adjacent the nozzle tip a spring-loaded closure for closing off the outlet when the inflation nozzle is out of engagement with the cargo air bag valve. The body and handle are spring loaded whereby the handle can be squeezed and slid into engagement with the air bag valve; and, on release, the nozzle tip protrudes into the air valve opening it and completing locking of the nozzle to the valve.

Abstract: A bag filling machine with traversing latch mechanisms. The rear latch mechanisms are movable forwardly towards the front fixed latches to permit the operator of the machine to easily and safely hang the bag loops on the four latches. Thereafter the rear traversing latches are moved to the rear of the machine to open the bag thus allowing it to be filled and later released from the bag latches.

Abstract: An improved trash and leaf bagging apparatus is constructed of a rigid frame having an opening that is completely surrounded with a supply of netting material that forms a netting bag. The rigid frame may be connected to a handle, to facilitate mobility; the rigid frame may also be connected to a collapsible tunnel assembly that forms a converging tunnel toward the frame opening. Trash, leaves or other refuse is projected through the rigid frame and into the netting bag by means of an air blowing device. When the bag is filled to the desired capacity, the netting material is cut and tied at the open end to form a completely enclosed bag of refuse. A new netting bag may be formed from the supply of netting surrounding the rigid frame and the process repeated.

Abstract: An air bag occupant protection device for use in motor vehicles having an air bag made from a single piece of flat foldable fabric material. The air bag according to this invention is formed by gathering the free edge of a flat piece of sheet stock to define radial pleats at a small opening provided for inflation gases to enter the inside of the bag. Various approaches for gathering the free edge of the material are disclosed including the use of a retaining ring having posts which engage apertures in the free edge of the material, a cord for gathering the free edge, and various other means of gathering the edge and sewing it in place. The invention avoids the cost of fabricating an air bag from multiple pieces of cut fabric and further avoids the failure modes of a fabricated air bag caused by the presence of seams which can constitute a local weakness in the air bag assembly.

Abstract: A tube holder is adapted to be positioned in a ring on the conveyor of the tube filling machine. The tube holder is cup-shaped and has a central, generally cylindrical, tube gripper consisting of eight upwardly extending fingers. The fingers have radially inwardly directed pads on their upper ends. The fingers lean radially inwardly. When a tube is placed in them, they flex outwardly and provide a friction grip to the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for simultaneously injecting confetti and air into a balloon by utilizing an air pump in conjunction with a separate container for storing confetti and guiding the air flow provided by the air pump. As the pump is operated, the air flow from the attached container mixes with the confetti and the air-confetti mixture injected into a balloon attached to the container. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for simultaneously injecting confetti and gas into a balloon by utilizing a standard flex-tip balloon inflation regulator in connection with the confetti container and a gas cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for formulating pasty materials comprising a set of supply containers each containing a pasty material and each having an extrusion nozzle. A receiving tube is adapted to fit on each extrusion nozzle. An element is included for stimating the amount of material extruded from a selected container of the set into the receiving tube when the tube is fitted on one of the extrusion nozzles. The receiving tube is of flexible material to allow pasty material extruded into the tube to be ejected from the tube by application of a traveling pinching action along the tube. The apparatus may include a container for the receipt of such ejected material and an element for stirring or mixing to homogeneity material in the container.

Abstract: While the broad invention is directed to a device automatically releasable of a balloon when a predetermined degree of inflation has been achieved, in a preferred combination there is included the inflatable balloon, the balloon being restrained by a restraining mechanism until inflation by a lever mechanism when moved beyond a predetermined point representing the degree of balloon inflation desired, causes the restraining mechanism to release the balloon, and the restraining mechanism including a biasing spring to facilitate rapid release, together with the balloon gas-input spincter rubber valve having inserted therethrough a gas-inflating needle providable of inflating gas from a compressed or pressurized gas source or gas container contained in an open-top box having a lid, until the opening of the lid actuates a gas-release valve to inflate the balloon; release of the inflated balloon facilitates the pulling of the balloon's spincter rubber valve off-of the gas-inflating needle, the gas being preferably

Abstract: A device for the preparation of sterile pharmaceutical solutions for intravenous use includes a first bag (1), a second bag (8), and a filtration unit (5). The filtration unit (5) has an inlet tube and an outlet tube, the inlet tube of the filtration unit (5) being attached to an outlet port in the first bag (1) and the outlet tube being connected to an inlet port through which aqueous solvent may be introduced. The first bag (1) has a flexible lining that defines a chamber and a plurality of individual storage containers (3) attached to the lining of the chamber. The containers (3) have tops that may be snapped off by manipulation of the lining opposite the chamber. The removal of the container allows ingredients contained within to be individually released into the chamber on demand. The combination of the ingredients and the aqueous solvent forms a pharmaceutical solution of known composition.

Abstract: A bag filling machine, adapted to fill a plastic bag with a liquid product through a gland secured to the bag, comprises a filling head including a fill tube having a piston reciprocally mounted therein for selectively filling the bag with the product. A replaceable nozzle is positioned at an outlet of the fill tube and is releasably attached thereto. An annular seal is secured on a distal end of the nozzle for engaging an annular bearing surface of the gland in sealing contact therewith. Thus, nozzles, having seals and flow passages of varied diameters, may be selectively attached to the fill tube to accommodate glands having varied diameters.

Abstract: A bag filling machine, adapted to fill a plastic bag with a liquid product through a gland secured to the bag, comprises a conveyor for intermittently moving a series of the bags along a path. Adjacent pairs of the bags are connected together at a severable parting line, extending transversely relative to the path, and a cutting apparatus is adapted to sever the parting line. The apparatus comprises generally horizontally disposed first and second platens, spaced apart to define an opening therebetween, and extending transversely relative to the path of movement of the bags. Clamping bars are movably mounted above the platens to engage and clamp each adjacent pair of leading and trailing bags to the platens and to position the severable parting line over the opening defined between the platens. A cutter is slidably mounted in the apparatus for severing the parting line connecting the bags together.

Abstract: A composite medicament container including a vial to contain a dry powdered medicament, an outlet opening in the vial, a Lyo-stopper closing and sealing the outlet opening, and a flexible liquid container to contain a diluent for the dry medicament. The liquid container has a discharge port having an ellipsoidal shape. There is a closure plug in the discharge port. The closure plug has an ellipsoidal configuration and a size to mate with the interior of the discharge port and be secured therein. The configurations and sizes of the discharge port and said closure plug co-act to provide an enlarged, closely contacting extensive scaling area. The vial opening has a circular external configuration so that the vial outlet opening and the liquid container closure plug are mateable. Also included is a composite interengaging and sealing means which is operatively attaching and sealing the containers in mated relationship for intermixing the materials therein.

Abstract: A filtered waterbed filling system is provided which prevents or substantially reduces bacteria and algae growth in stagnant, heated water contained in a waterbed. The filling system may be a one-piece filling probe, or a universal hose coupling assembly may be provided which is mateable with either a separate filtered filling probe for filling the waterbed, or a separate drain probe for emptying water from the waterbed. The filtered filling probe employs a filter material formed in a cylinder shape and which extends a length of the probe and which is embedded in an outer supporting matrix. A pore size of the filter material prevents passage of at least some bacteria or other contaminants so as to aid in the prevention of bacteria and algae growth within the water mattress and/or to aid in reducing deterioration of the water mattress and/or inserts associated with the mattress. With the system disclosed, the use of a chemical solution to control bacteria growth is substantially reduced or eliminated.

Abstract: Pouch filling apparatus having a horizontal rotatable drum, an inclined spout plate rotatably mounted above the drum and a metering wheel mounted above the spout plate. A plurality of duck bill spouts are mounted on the spout plate and a plurality of cams are mounted on the drum. The duck bill spouts carry cam followers that engage the cams as the inclined spout plate moves the spouts downwardly with respect to the drum that carries the cams.

Abstract: An electric waterbed pump is presented comprising an electric pump having outlet and inlet tubes, a cord for attaching the pump to electricity, and a stabilizing base capable of holding the apparatus in an essentially upright position as the waterbed deflates. The pump is especially adapted to drain waterbeds and is of increased efficiency due to the use of electrical force in the pumping procedure.

Abstract: A portable material bagging machine having a hopper superstructure deployed directly over a chain conveyor that is positioned in the floor of the hopper. The hopper superstructure is mounted on a dual set of wheels to maintain a center of gravity of the device so that a front mounted carriage adjustment stand may be actuated to selectively alter the level of the hopper superstructure to shift clumped sand within the hopper and deposit same onto a chute for subsequent loading onto the chain conveyor and thence to exit the one man bagging apparatus. The bagging device being of a small caliber to facilitate the handling by one operator of all necessary operations attended upon the delivery of bulk particulate materials to a site.

Abstract: A vessel for receiving fluid includes a flexible part having a closed end and an opening at its opposite end, and a rigid protective cover, the edges of the opening in the flexible part being attached to the rigid cover in a manner such that the inside of the flexible part and the inside of the cover define a closed interior space, the flexible part being capable of being drawn up against the inside of the protective cover upon evacuation of the interior space whereby the flexible part is received within the protective cover. A connection member is provided on the outside of the protective cover, the connection member having a bore therethrough and a perforatable, resilient, self-sealing membrane extending across the bore, through which membrane a puncturing member may be inserted for removing material from or adding material to the interior space.

Abstract: Plastic bags used for grass clippings, leaves and other types of garden refuse are difficult to hold open during the filling thereof and although hoop assemblies are known which are wall or ground supported, these are not portable and the debris has to be picked up and transported to the bag and elevated to the open top thereof which may be some three feet from the ground or supporting surface. The present device is a hand-held hoop of resilient plastic tubing with resilient clamps spaced around the hoop to hold the upper end of a plastic bag attached to the hoop. This permits the bag to be held horizontally to the ground thus facilitating the placement of garden debris and the like to be scooped or urged into the bag. A mesh holder for the bag may be used if desired to support the load of the bag and prevent inadvertent displacement thereof from the hoop.

Abstract: A disposable oil draining apparatus for a vehicle comprises a normally-closed valve having a threaded end which replaces the normal drain plug in the vehicle oil pan. A valve actuator is releasably connected to the valve by way of a spring-loaded latch and is in communication with a disposable plastic bag which serves as a drain reservoir.

Abstract: A machine for automatically filling the capped spouts of flexible bags of a continuous strip which comprises a strip-feed section, a separated bag-feed section, a separator section and a filling and uncapping/capping section. The strip-feed section feeds the strip to the separator section where the leading bag is separated from the strip and is immediately advanced by the bag-feed section to the filling section. At the filling section, the bag is uncapped, filled and recapped.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for clamping a container to a filler valve, in particular, the type of valve used in automatic bottling machinery for continuous liquid-batching processes. The device is embodied, substantially, as a frame (8) associated with and slidable relative to the body (2) of such a valve, which clamps the bottle (1) to the valve, raises it up to the level of a filler tube (3), and lowers it. The frame's sliding motion is produced by a roller (10) integral with the frame itself, which engages a stationary cam-type guide rail (11) during rotation of the machine.

Abstract: A filling machine for packaging divided solid material having a conduit for feeding the material under pressure into a packaging container, wherein an elastic liner is disposed in and extends along a part of the length of the conduit, has its opposite ends secured to the conduit, and cooperates with the inner surface of the conduit to form a cavity. The conduit is formed with a vent opening to the cavity to permit outward expansion of the liner when material is flowing through the conduit and inward contraction of the liner when there is no flow through the conduit, thereby flexing the liner to crack and break off material adhering to the inner surface of the liner.

Abstract: An improved packing apparatus is disclosed for use in compacting various types of materials such as grain or green forage into large air-tight tubes or bags. The apparatus includes an auger for packing the materials which is supported in part by bearing means located outside of the material flowpath and in part by an extended section supported by the material itself thereby eliminating the possibility of material becoming entangled or jammed. A retractable conveyor assembly is also incorporated therein which may be easily moved between operating and transport positions. An optional grain loading auger is also disclosed which is particularly well suited for transfering grain or like materials from a transporter to the packing apparatus.

Abstract: A system for automatically filling and launching balloons which may be used, for example, for cloud seeding. The system includes a balloon launching station frame, a nozzle mounted on the frame onto which the narrow end of a balloon can be attached so that gas can flow through the nozzle into the balloon, a conduit coupled to a source of gas and to the nozzle for delivering gas through the nozzle into the balloon, gas flow control apparatus responsive to first signals for controlling the flow of gas through the conduit, and a release mechanism responsive to second signals for disengaging the balloon from the nozzle to thereby release the balloon to the atmosphere. For launching a series of balloons, the system may include a plurality of nozzles, conduits, gas flow control mechanisms, and release mechanisms arranged so that after one balloon is filled and released, a second balloon may be filled and launched at a selectable time thereafter, etc.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an inclined chute to which the articles are delivered in portions and from which they slide down into a tray which oscillates in a horizontal direction together with the chute. The tray is open at its end remote from the chute and at the top, but closed on its remaining sides. The tray is pivotally supported in extensions of the chute side walls so that it can pivot between a horizontal loading position and a vertical discharge position. In front of the open end of the tray there is provided a vertical plate which is coupled to the chute and the tray in such a way that in the horizontal position of the tray it closes the open tray end while in response to the pivoting of the tray to vertical position it is moved some distance down into the mouth of a subjacent bag, substantially retaining its vertical orientation. During the emptying of the tray the plate functions as one of the walls defining a discharge opening through which the articles are transferred to the bag.

Abstract: A method of treating aqueous liquid and semi-liquid wastes to render them fit for ultimate disposal in a sedentary mass, by admixing with the waste a solidification agent, encapsulating the admixture before solidification in an elongate, pliable, tubular membrane, sealing the ends of the membrane, and allowing the admixture to set to a sedentary mass.

Abstract: A system for automatically filling and launching balloons which may be used, for example, for cloud seeding. The system includes a balloon launching station frame, a nozzle mounted on the frame onto which the narrow end of a balloon can be attached so that gas can flow through the nozzle into the balloon, a conduit coupled to a source of gas and to the nozzle for delivering gas through the nozzle into the balloon, gas flow control apparatus responsive to first signals for controlling the flow of gas through the conduit, and a release mechanism responsive to second signals for disengaging the balloon from the nozzle to thereby release the balloon to the atmosphere. For launching a series of balloons, the system may include a plurality of nozzles, conduits, gas flow control mechanisms, and release mechanisms arranged so that after one balloon is filled and released, a second balloon may be filled and launched at a selectable time thereafter, etc.

Abstract: A device for filling a bag with material is disclosed. The device includes a shroud ring adapted to hold a pleated bag and an auger device for forcing material from a hopper through a tube to a funnel and into the bag. The entire device is mobile so that the bag can be placed on a surface and the auger, hopper and funnel assembly can be moved away from the closed end of the bag as it is filled.

Abstract: A device for filling a bag suitable for curing silage including a shroud ring adapted to hold a pleated bag, an auger device for forcing material from the hopper in which the auger lies into the bag. The entire device is mobile so that the bag can be placed on a surface and the auger, hopper and shroud ring assembly be moved away from the closed end of the bag as it is filled.

Abstract: A hole, particularly an accidental perforation, is closed by manoeuvering a bladder (g) into the hole employing a hollow rod (f) on which the bladder is mounted at one end. An operator operating from the other end of the rod actuates a device such as a triggered valve to cause the components of a settable foamed plastics material to pass (via tubes b and rod f) from their sources (in a) to fill the bladder (g) so that it closes the hole. The settable foamed plastics material is preferably polyurethane foam. The bladder may be of natural or synthetic rubber and may be protected against tearing by a textile envelope. The sources of foamed plastics material may be either in a portable kit (a) or rupturable containers within the bladder (g) or rod (f).

Abstract: Apparatus for advancing flexible containers that are connected together seriatim in a continuous row, automatically, to a filling and capping station by preliminarily moving the filling spout of each container to a position adjacent the filling nozzle during the filling of the next previous container. Because the containers are flexible, excess container material forms a loop between the container spout at the filling station and the container spout at the pre-positioning station, and does not interfere with the filling operation, particularly since the empty flexible containers can be supported as they are advanced toward the filling station by guides which capture the filling spout itself.

Abstract: A sack-filling machine having a filling tube through which material to be discharged into a sack is to be passed, the filling tube defined by at least one wall and including at least one conveyor belt having a material-feeding run which extends along the inner surface of said wall from a position therein upstream of the downstream end of said filling tube to the vicinity of the downstream end of the filling tube, where the conveyor belt is deflected to form a return run. Conveniently, the conveyor belt is deflected at the downstream end of the filling tube around a curved downstream end of a guide plate mounted inside the filling tube adjacent said wall thereof.

Abstract: A bag hanger which pulls the upper portion of the bottom bag downwardly from a stack of bags in a magazine disposed at an angle to a generally horizontal position, opens the upper end of said bag, grips the side edges of the bag, completely removes the bag from the magazine, and transports the empty opened bag to a vertical position on a filling spout of a bagging machine. The stacked bags in the magazine are draped in their central area over a bag support roll shaft extending across the magazine.

Abstract: A household system wherein suction is provided through a needle valve (38) that is connected to suction port (26) of suction tube (10) through flexible tube (36). Food placed and sealed in container (30) is vacuum packed by penetrating a bladder section (34) of container (30) and removing air through needle valve (38).

Abstract: In an agricultural bag loading apparatus (10) having an output chamber tunnel (32), the improvement comprising a tunnel cleanout mechanism. The tunnel cleanout plate (82) is pivotally mounted on the output chamber tunnel (32) and is pivoted from a retracted position to an extended position by means of dual hydraulic cylinders (88). Compressed silage and material entrapped within the tunnel (32) is extracted by pivotal movement of the tunnel cleanout plate (82) from the retracted position, where the plate (82) does not interfere with the loading operation, to the extended position.

Abstract: A fluid-filled or inflatable article having an integral self-sealing valve formed from a pair of extensions which are sealed together along their peripheral side edges leaving an open top or mouth. One or both of the extensions is folded back upon itself to form a flap or pair of juxtaposed flaps whose free edge or edges depend inwardly from the open top or mouth of the valve. Disposed between the flaps, or between the flap and the adjacent inner surface of the opposed valve wall if a single flap is employed, is a biasing means preferably in the form of a thin layer of a tacky, grease-like substance which causes the flaps to adhere to each other or to the inner side wall of the adjacent opposed valve wall thereby biasing the flap into sealing engagement with each other or the adjacent inner wall surface interiorly of the valve.

Abstract: A hollow vessel of resilient material and which is easily collapsible by hand is utilized to remove air from within an infant bottle by way of the nipple. Removal of such air causes the liquid in the infant bottle to rise while the liner of the infant bottle collapses.

Abstract: A filling machine for valve bags as a plurality of filling caps for filing bags supplied thereto from a magazine, and includes a rotating structure which carries a plurality of articulated delivery arms which grip the bags at the magazine and deliver them to the filling caps where the bags are filled with product. The delivery arms are constructed and guided in their movement such that they have a very slow approach to the bags and thus are enabled to accurately grip the bags.

Abstract: A manual ice bagging device comprises a hopper having an inlet end for receiving aggregate ice therethrough, and an outlet end for directing the ice into a commensurately shaped bag. A stand is connected with the hopper and supports the same above a floor surface, and a bag support member is operably connected with the stand and is positioned directly below the outlet end of the hopper for abuttingly supporting the bottom of each bag during filling. A bag retaining clip is connected with the hopper and is shaped for detachably suspending a plurality of the bags therefrom and positioning the bags adjacent the hopper outlet end for sequentially unfolding the bags into an open, material receiving position about the hopper outlet end for individually filling each bag in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: Apparatus for and method of filling flexible containers, each having a spout adapted to be closed by a separable cap, characterized in that the containers are connected together seriatim in a continuous row and are fed automatically one after another to a filling and capping station, rather than being hand fed one at a time to the station. This results in increased speed of operation and decreased labor costs. In one embodiment the containers are moved seriatim to the filling station by an intermittently operated conveyor. In another embodiment the weight of the filled containers pulls succeeding empty containers to the filling and capping station. At the station, between the filling and capping steps, the container is manipulated so as to seal off the spout and prevent entry of foreign matter to the container during the time between removal of the filling nozzle from the spout and application of the cap to the filled container.

Abstract: A system comprising a funnel stand and a receptacle such as a plastic bag operably attached to the stand for receiving liquids (e.g. oil) which then can be detached and discarded or stored if desired. The basic stand preferably includes a flat continuous bottom support connected by open sides to a substantially funnel-shaped top wall with a centrally disposed spout. A deformable receptacle (e.g. plastic bag) is removably attached at its open end to the spout, and is preferably supported by the bottom, especially as it is filled with liquid.

Abstract: A balloon neck fitting to be attached to the neck of a balloon sold by a balloon vending machine. The balloon neck fitting consists of a check valve section and a guide section, and these two sections, though initially joined together, will be separated from each other when the associated balloon is inflated and delivered from the vending machine. The check valve section is fitted in the neck of a balloon and serves to prevent backward flow of the gas from inside the inflated balloon, while the guide section serves as a guide when the neck fitting is moved within the vending machine. The check valve and guide sections separated from each other have been tied together by a string and the guide section serves as a hook for the finger when the purchaser carries with him the balloon.

Abstract: A device to measure and collect a liquid discharge comprising, an elongated indicating strip, a receptacle, and a container. The receptacle has a cavity to receive the discharge and means adjacent a lower end of the receptacle to retain the indicating strip in an upright position in the cavity. The container has a chamber and opening means in an upper end of the container to receive the discharge from the receptacle, and means for releasably attaching the container to the receptacle.

Abstract: A system for collecting and disposing of oil having a collection receptacle with a downwardly sloping bottom and a circular opening at the lower end of the bottom. Support members are attached to the sides of the receptacle to maintain a horizontal position. A tubular extention formed at the circular opening is adapted to receive a disposable plastic bag which is removably attached by an elastic fit. The disposable bag is sealed and disposed of after the oil has been captured.

Abstract: A container of heat-sealable plastic material, such as PVC, is made by folding a sheet of that material into V-shape and doubling back the vertex of the "V" to form a W-shaped profile, the infolded section or gore of the "W" being sealed except at one or two locations where rigid guide sleeves are inserted and are tightly gripped by the surrounding sheet portions. Each guide sleeve accommodates a hollow plunger for the withdrawal or introduction of fluids, the plunger having a pointed tip designed to pierce the container wall at the ridge of the gore defining the central peak of the W. A resilient annular lip at the outwardly projecting sleeve extremity coacts with two sawtooth-profiled annular grooves on the plunger to index the latter inextractably in a withdrawn position before the piercing step and thereafter in an advanced position so as to prevent leakage.