Abstract: An automation or robotics application to wrap objects that are cuboid-shaped and may have an arbitrary size. The machine includes a first module for advertising, dimensioning, and user interfacing. A second module is provided for wrapping paper handling. A third module provides a platform and object alignment assembly. A fourth module provides a gift wrapping chamber. A fifth module provides a taping and dispensing area. A sixth module provides a waste management area. The wrapping machine is configured to autonomously wrap the object and to deliver the fully wrapped object back to original position of the platform.

Abstract: A bundle of packing material includes at least two strips of packing material folded into a compact configuration. The strips of packing material include a top strip having a length dimension between first and second end portions and a central portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a bottom strip having a length dimension between first and second end portions and a central portion between the first end portion and the second end portion. The central portion of the top strip overlays the central portion of the bottom strip and the length dimension of the top strip is oriented orthogonal to the length dimension of the bottom strip. The first and second end portions of top strip are folded over the central portions, and the first and second end portions of the bottom strip are folded over the central portions.

Abstract: A flat-packing machine for producing a package of compressed innerspring units comprises a press device having a first pressing tool and a second pressing tool. The press device is configured to compress an innerspring unit between the first pressing tool and the second pressing tool while one of the first pressing tool and the second pressing tool holds one or more further previously compressed innerspring units in a compressed state.

Abstract: A package of one or more absorbent articles is disclosed. The package has a package material including natural fibers. The package has a plurality of panels, including a consumer-facing panel, and wherein the package is sealed such that the one or more absorbent articles are completely enclosed therein. The package material has a basis weight of between 50 gsm to 120 gsm, between 60 gsm to 105 gsm or between 70 gsm to 90 gsm, as determined via ISO 536 as modified herein. The package material is recyclable.

Abstract: An inflatable unit load device that is used to deploy cargo from an aircraft is described herein. In some instances, the inflatable unit load device may include a bladder having one or more inflatable interior bladder cells and a top surface, the top surface of the bladder forming a rigid support surface when the bladder is inflated on which cargo can be loaded, an outer material that positions the one or more inflatable interior bladder cells of the bladder, and a cargo retaining system that retains the cargo on the top surface.

Abstract: A pad storage and dispensing device for individually dispensing pads from a tube includes a tube, which has opposed ends that are closed. A plurality of pads is positioned in the tube. A pair of perforation lines and a pair of voids are positioned in the tube. The perforation lines are parallel and are perpendicular to the opposed ends. Each void extends from a respective opposing end of the pair of perforation lines. The voids and the perforation lines define a panel. A user can insert a digit of their hand into a void to separate the panel from the tube, which defines an opening. A sheet engaged to an inner surface of the tube extends across the opening. The user can insert digits of their hand into a slit, which is positioned in the sheet, to grasp and to pull a pad to remove the pad from the tube.

Abstract: A compressed netting sleeve for in situ formation of a compost filter sock comprises a sleeve of netting material having a pair of opposed open ends, wherein the sleeve of netting material is bunched primarily along a longitudinal axis, whereby each of the open ends of the netting material remains accessible to form a compression bundle netting material; and a protective sleeve extending through the open ends of the sleeve of netting material to extend through the interior of the sleeve of netting material and around the exterior of the sleeve of netting material thereby surrounding the compression bundle netting material with the protective sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing or tying products, comprising a housing with at least a first tape dispenser and a star wheel, a slot defined by or through the housing, wherein the star wheel extends at least partly in said slot, wherein the star wheel comprises a series of first cells and a series of second cells, the first and second cells being intermittently disposed in the star wheel, each cell being open to a periphery of the star wheel and two opposite sides thereof, wherein an urging device is provided having at least one edge portion for urging at least one product to be tied into one of the cells, especially a first cell.

Abstract: Variable marks are applied to the outside of bales of hay that assign each bale to a group based on pre-selected parameters collected during baling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for handling (flat) articles (10), in particular hygiene products such as diapers, napkins or the like, wherein the articles (10) are supplied on a first feed conveyor (11) and are removed as a compressed group (12) of articles (10) on a removal conveyor (14). The invention is characterized in that the feed conveyor (11) and the removal conveyor (14) are continuously driven and a group (13) of articles (10) is transferred from the continuously driven feed conveyor (11) to a continuously driven compressing device (16) in which the group (13) of articles (10) is compressed, and in that the compressed group (13) of articles (10) is transferred from the compressing device (16) to the continuously driven removal conveyor (14).

Abstract: An integral multilayer joint seal. Layers of foam, layered co-planar to the adjacent surface, are interspersed with a barrier layer which extends beyond the foam layers to provide a protective surface, a surface for attachment atop adjacent substrates, or a connecting tab for use with adjacent joint seals. The foam layers may be uncompressed or partially compressed at the time of joint formation and may be composed of open or closed, or hybrid, cell foam. The foam may be impregnated with a fire retardant or may be composed of a fire retardant material, if desired. The barrier may have a tensile strength greater than the adjacent foam. The joint seal may have an elastomer, such as silicone, at its top and/or bottom, and may even include an elastomer layer within or about the barrier.

Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressible material includes compressing the bale of compressible material to form a compressed bale having a plurality of grooves in at least one side thereof. The grooves are recessed from an outer surface of the compressed bale. The compressed bale is transferred to a flexible container. The container conforms to a shape of the compressed bale such that at least some portions of the flexible container take the shape of the grooves to define container portions recessed from the outer surface of the compressed bale. A containerized bale made by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for inserting angle plates in transverse duct flanges. The apparatus is especially useful in inserting angle plates into transverse duct flanges of duct fittings. Packages for holding angle plates are also described.

Abstract: Gelatinous materials combined with the Colloidal Silver additive to formulate an antimicrobial product having cushioning properties. Embodiments of the present invention can include gelatinous materials selected from a group consisting of thermosetting polymer, Styrene-Ethylene-Butadiene-Styrene polymer (SEBS), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), and Polyurethane (PU) gelatin with and without a raised geometry on an outer surface.

Abstract: A method of sterilizing an article is provided. The method includes providing sterilization wrap system with which to wrap the article to be sterilized. The sterilization wrap system comprises a plurality of wrap units configured in a stack, at least one wrap unit in the stack being detachably attached to at least one other wrap unit in the stack.

Abstract: A stacked shipping configuration useful for stacked upper and lower unitized loads of soft or flexible articles such as bales of natural rubber includes an upper unitized load stacked on top of a lower unitized load. An upper separator is associated with the upper unitized load and a lower separator associated with the lower unitized load. Each separator has a first leg and a second leg with the first legs of the separators disposed against each other between the unitized loads. The separators protect the unitized loads from damage when a lifting device is inserted between the loads to lift the upper load from the lower load.

Abstract: One embodiment is a combine having an operator's cab, an engine, a grain harvesting assembly, a grain transfer assembly, a grain bin for receiving grain from the forward section grain transfer assembly, and a transverse crop residue baler disposed at the rear of said combine and moving integrally with said combine. The transverse crop residue baler also can be towed by the combine and is connected to the combine by two widely spaced-apart joints that permit only movement in the pitch axis. The combine can be devoid of an on-board grain bin and comprise a forward unit; the transverse crop residue baler disposed at the rear of and carried by the forward unit; and the combine includes a rearward unit jointedly attached to the forward unit and having, steerable and powered wheel assembly, an on-board grain bin, and a grain off-loading assembly.

Abstract: Rectangular switchgrass bales optimized for highway transport on semi-trailer trucks, produced by a process of compacting a switchgrass biomass material at between about 22 and about 32 psi into a rectangular switchgrass bale having a bale density of between 14.6 and 20.5 lb/ft3.

Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressible material includes compressing the bale of compressible material to form a compressed bale having a plurality of grooves in at least one side thereof. The grooves are recessed from an outer surface of the compressed bale. The compressed bale is transferred to a flexible container. The container conforms to a shape of the compressed bale such that at least some portions of the flexible container take the shape of the grooves to define container portions recessed from the outer surface of the compressed bale. A containerized bale made by the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing or tying products, comprising a housing (2) with at least a first tape dispenser (3) and a star wheel (4), a slot (5) defined by or through the housing, wherein the star wheel extends at least partly in said slot, wherein the star wheel comprises a series of first cells (19) and a series of second cells (20), the first and second cells being intermittently disposed the star wheel, each cell being open to a periphery of the star wheel and two opposite sides thereof, wherein an urging device is provided having at least one edge portion for urging at least one product to be tied into one of the cells, especially a first cell.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing or tying products, comprising a housing (2) with at least a first tape dispenser (3) comprising adhesive tape and binding means for binding tape from said at least one dispenser around a product or a bundle of products, wherein at least one supply device (95) is provided for supplying items (96) to be connected to said product or bundle of products, which supply device comprises a supply arrangement (97) facing an adhesive side of the tape when dispensed from said dispenser, prior to or during binding said tape around said product or bundle of products, such that with the supply arrangement an item can be adhered to the tape.

Abstract: A wrapping material for use with existing wrapping equipment or balers for wrapping bales of agricultural produce or other items are disclosed. The base wrapping material may be a netting, film, or combination thereof. The wrapping material includes a plurality of pre-defined, discrete, spaced-apart adhesive areas disposed on each side of the opposing sides of the wrapping material. The longitudinal spacing of the adhesive areas allows the wrapping material to be rolled onto a roll core so that the discrete spaced-apart adhesive areas contact only non-adhesive areas of the wrapping material thereby forming a first level of adhesion that easily allows the wrapping material to be released and unrolled. When wrapping an item, corresponding discrete adhesive areas come into face-to-face contact thereby forming a second level of adhesion that is stronger than the first level of adhesion.

Abstract: A cover for a module of fibrous material consists of a top member; a first side wall member with a first gap at its midpoint; a second side wall member with a second gap at its midpoint; first and second end wall members; a channel running along the bottom edge of the wall members and interrupted by the firs and second gaps; a first support strap at the midpoint of the first side wall member and within the first gap; a second support strap at the midpoint of the second side wall member and within the second gap; a securing strap having first and second ends and running through the channel, said securing strap supported by the first and second support straps as it passes through the first and second gaps; and a buckle securing the first and second ends of the securing strap.

Abstract: A cover for a module of fibrous material consists of a top member; a first side wall member with a first gap at its midpoint; a second side wall member with a second gap at its midpoint; first and second end wall members; a channel running along the bottom edge of the wall members and interrupted by the firs and second gaps; a first support strap at the midpoint of the first side wall member and within the first gap; a second support strap at the midpoint of the second side wall member and within the second gap; a securing strap having first and second ends and running through the channel, said securing strap supported by the first and second support straps as it passes through the first and second gaps; and a buckle securing the first and second ends of the securing strap.

Abstract: A tray and slip sheet system for transporting aggregated bales of rubber that provides a manner for thawing rubber being transported, that prevents large rubber bales being transported from fusing together, and that does not damage or contaminate the packaged rubber when a forklift's forks are inserted between two stacked aggregated bales using the tray and slip sheet system. The tray and slip sheet system uses a tray sheet, a slip (when transporting more than one stacked aggregated bale of rubber), and a strap securing system. The tray and slip sheet system provides a system that defines an air recirculation system that allows the first two levels of bales of rubber stacked over the footprint to be defrosted in hot air chambers after winter transport. Systems not having ventilation slits do not allow the first two levels of bales being transported from being completely defrosted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging unit of an insulating material, and, in particular, of high-temperature wool, preferably formed from a mineral fibrous raw material, and of a wrapper (6) made of a foil (6) or the like. To create a packaging unit (1), for which significantly less space is needed for transport and storage without destroying the inner fiber structure, thereby incurring enormous cost savings, particularly transport costs, an elongated insulating material (2) is rolled up into a bale (3) having straight long sections (4) and round short sections (5).

Abstract: The present subject matter provides methods and apparatus for packaging wood mulch. Examples include a wood mulch bale produced using a method comprising compressing wood mulch at a pressure of between 12,000 pounds and 60,000 pounds to form a volume of compressed wood mulch and disposing a band about the compressed volume of wood mulch, wherein the compressed volume of wood mulch is between about 3000 cubic inches and about 5400 cubic inches. Other variations are provided herein.

Abstract: A bale of elastomer composite is formed of elastomer and filler, the bale having a void volume of at least 3%. In another aspect, a container is provided, at least a portion of the container being occupied by elastomer composite pieces of elastomer and filler, wherein the occupied portion of the container has a void volume of at least 3%.

Abstract: A bale of elastomer composite is formed of elastomer and filler, the bale having a void volume of at least 3%. In another aspect, a container is provided, at least a portion of the container being occupied by elastomer composite pieces of elastomer and filler, wherein the occupied portion of the container has a void volume of at least 3%.

Abstract: Disclosed is a large round bale wrapped with a protective covering for permitting it to be stored outside. The covering is constructed of one or more layers of semi-permeable material. It is possible for an additional layer to be added to a region of the baler to be placed on the ground during storage, this additional layer resulting in the covering becoming essentially non-permeable in the region of the additional layer. A baler for applying the covering to a bale is disclosed together with a device for placing a visual marker on the bale so as to aid a person handling a discharged bale in knowing where the region covered with the additional layer of material is located so that this region may be manipulated into ground contact for storage.

Abstract: A building boards loading structure which loads plural building boards, being similar sheets, on a pallet. The building boards loading structure has plural packages, and the packages have plural building boards and plural bands. The plural building boards are banded at plural locations by the plural bands, and the plural packages are stacked vertically, to provide an upper and lower package in regard to two packages, and loaded on a pallet. The locations of bands in each upper and lower package which is loaded on the pallet are different from each other in relation to the lateral direction. The location of bands in a lowest package which is loaded on the pallet is different, in relation to the lateral direction, from the location of the stringers and an entry in the pallet for inserting a fork of a fork lift truck.

Abstract: Packages of compressed blowing wool are provided. The packages include at least two partial packages of compressed blowing wool. The partial packages have a body of compressed blowing wool encapsulated by a bag. The partial packages include an open end and a closed end. The open ends of the partial packages are configured to expose the body of compressed blowing wool. A joining mechanism is configured to join the partial packages into the package. The partial packages are joined such that the exposed bodies of compressed blowing wool in the open ends are substantially in contact with each other. The package is configured for separation into the partial packages and the partial packages are configured for loading into a blowing wool machine.

Abstract: Packages of compressed blowing wool are provided. The packages include a body of compressed blowing wool. The compression of the blowing wool is in a radially inward direction with respect to an axis extending from one end of the body of compressed blowing wool to another end of the body of compressed blowing wool. A bag encapsulates the body of compressed blowing wool. The bag has a plurality of bag sections and opposing ends. The bag sections have contrasting visual characteristics configured to focus the attention of a user toward one of the bag. One of the bag sections includes indicia configured to assist in opening one end of the bag.

Abstract: A package of compressed blowing insulation includes a body of compressed blowing insulation, a bag encapsulating the body of compressed blowing insulation and a slit extending through the package to define a partially divided package.

Abstract: Disclosed is a packed, highly compressed cuboid-shaped filter tow bale, the top side and bottom side of which are free from noisome curvatures or constructions. A method for producing the bale comprises the following: (a) filter tow is supplied in a compressed form: (b) the compressed filter tow is enveloped in a wrapping; (c) the wrapping is closed in an airtight manner; and (d) the wrapped bale is relieved of the load. The wrapping of such a bale is largely prevented from bursting as a result of the prevailing internal pressure.

Abstract: A method for baling a cellulose acetate tow is disclosed. The method includes the following steps: laying the cellulose acetate tow into a can; pressing the laid tow with a press having a first platen and a second platen, each platen facing each other, each platen having a contoured face, the contoured face having at least three sloped portions, a first sloped portion located adjacent a peripheral edge of the platen having a first slope, a second sloped portion located adjacent the first sloped portion having a second slope, and a third sloped portion located adjacent the second sloped portion having a third slope, wherein the first slope is greater that the second slope, and the second slope is greater that the third slope; and packaging and securing the pressed tow; whereby the pressed tow having substantially flat surfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for manipulating metal sheets for stacking, baling, and transporting is disclosed. Holding straps that are used to secure the metal sheets together are prevented from loosening or becoming dislodged from the bale of metal sheets during transportation. Flat and corrugated plates are deformed and stacked in such a manner that the shape of the plates in conjunction with the holding straps resists the flattening of the bale and lateral movement of the holding straps. The corrugation in metal sheets is used to aid in melting the sheets for use at its destination. This system and method creates a bale of stacked metal sheets that is more easily and economically transported from one location to another yet retains its efficient melting properties.

Abstract: An envelope package including a plurality of generally aligned envelopes, the plurality of envelopes being compressed together. The package further includes a generally non-elastic band extending around the plurality of compressed envelopes and retaining the envelopes in a state of compression. Each envelope is generally flat and planar in the absence of outside forces, and the band retains the plurality of envelopes in a limited state of compression such that none of the banded envelopes are pulled out of plane by more than about 1/40 of the length of that envelope to reduce warpage thereof.

Abstract: A method for packaging cotton sliver for efficient transport includes the steps of laying the sliver in a uniform-density pattern onto a bottom cap, placing a top cap on the sliver, applying pressure to the top and bottom caps to compress the sliver to a higher second density at which the compressed sliver is rigid, and strapping the compressed sliver and caps in order to form a rigid package for handling and transport. A packaging system includes an oblong can that receives the sliver, a compression baler for compressing the sliver to a high density, and a strapping apparatus for strapping the compressed sliver and caps to retain the compression.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for preparing a grand bale (10) of pulp sheet or similar. The grand bale (10) of pulp sheet contains two or more pulp-sheet bales (12), each of which pulp-sheet bales (12) is bound by wrapping a web-like wrapping band (16) around the bale to bind the bale. The wrapping band (16) has a start (18) lying against the pulp-sheet bale (12) and an end (20) remaining on the surface of the wrapping band (16). 1.5 or more rounds of wrapping band (16) are wrapped around the pulp-sheet bale (12). The pulp-sheet bales (12) are placed on top of each other, in such a way that gravity forms a bond between the rounds of wrapping band (16) when they remain between two of the pulp-sheet bales (12) on top of each other in the grand bale (10). The invention also relates to a corresponding grand bale (10) of pulp sheet.

Abstract: A package of compressed blowing insulation includes a body of compressed blowing insulation, a bag encapsulating the body of compressed blowing insulation and a slit extending through the package to define a partially divided package.

Abstract: A bale of elastomer composite is formed of elastomer and filler, the bale having a void volume of at least 3%. In another aspect, a container is provided, at least a portion of the container being occupied by elastomer composite pieces of elastomer and filler, wherein the occupied portion of the container has a void volume of at least 3%.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a laminated net, and more specifically to a laminate comprising a nonwoven fabric and knitted net to be utilized as rounded bale wrap, wherein the wrap maintains the integrity of the bale during, pick-up, transport, and storage. The net of the present invention is laminate to nonwoven fabric. The nonwoven fabric provides additional coverage to the rounded bale so as to maintain the compact shape of the bale during pick-up, transport, and storage.

Abstract: A bundle (8) of rolls made from a strip of insulation of a fibrous material, comprising several rolls, arranged side by side with the axes thereof parallel in several superimposed layers with a wrapping film wrapping each layer in a compressed state in a first direction perpendicular to the axes of the rolls and a sleeve enclosing the superimposed layers in a state with the layers compressed one against the other in a second direction (F3) perpendicular to the axes of the rolls and perpendicular to the first direction and covering the first and second ends of the rolls of the bundle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.

Abstract: A rain cover (10) to protect bales of hay (200) within a hay enclosure framework (100) having horizontal top (101) and bottom (102) framework segments connected to one another by vertical support struts (103) wherein, the rain cover (10) includes an elongated waterproof cover member (40) having spaced sleeve elements (42) (42) that captively engage the intermediate portion of a plurality of elongated generally C-shaped support arm members (30) (30) the opposite ends of which are captively and slidably associated with a pair of U-bolt members (20) mounted on the top framework segment (101) of the hay enclosure framework (100).

Abstract: Disclosed is a large round bale wrapped with a protective covering for permitting it to be stored outside. The covering is constructed of one or more layers of semi-permeable material. It is possible for an additional layer to be added to a region of the baler to be placed on the ground during storage, this additional layer resulting in the covering becoming essentially non-permeable in the region of the additional layer. A baler for applying the covering to a bale is disclosed together with a device for placing a visual marker on the bale so as to aid a person handling a discharged bale in knowing where the region covered with the additional layer of material is located so that this region may be manipulated into ground contact for storage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a large round bale wrapped with a protective covering for permitting it to be stored outside. The covering is constructed of one or more layers of semi-permeable material. It is possible for an additional layer to be added to a region of the baler to be placed on the ground during storage, this additional layer resulting in the covering becoming essentially non-permeable in the region of the additional layer. A baler for applying the covering to a bale is disclosed together with a device for placing a visual marker on the bale so as to aid a person handling a discharged bale in knowing where the region covered with the additional layer of material is located so that this region may be manipulated into ground contact for storage.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for preparing a fluid for a medical procedure by mixing of at least one medicament in the form of powder with water, the medicament is held in a vessel which defines a bottom, a side wall, and a top opening which is closed by an membrane for sealing the inside of the vessel. The apparatus includes an opener for opening the membrane of the vessel.