Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming stacked article groups by supplying at least two streams of articles; forming a stream of first article groups having at least one article; placing a support base on a top surface of each first article group; and forming a second article group, having at least one article, on top of the support base of each first article group, whereby stacked article groups are formed. The stacked article groups are subsequently packaged.

Abstract: Partition elements are inserted between articles of a group to be packaged and can extend in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction, by inserting the partitions from the bottom upwardly between longitudinal or transverse ranks of the articles by progressively spacing the ranks apart and bringing them together as the articles are transported along a transport path.

Abstract: An automated system for individual dosage medication distribution 10 is provided. The system 10 includes a medium rate dispenser 20, a fast rate dispenser 30, a low rate dispenser 40, a conveyor 50, a diverter 60, a bagger 70, and collection bins 80 and 85. The dispensers 20, 30, and 40 are arranged to be able to deliver individual dosage packages of drugs to the conveyor 50. The conveyor 50, in turn, is configured to transport individual dosage packages to the bagger 70 or the collection bin 85. A programmable controller 12 receives patient prescription order information from health care providers and directs the dispensers 20, 30, and 40, conveyor 50, diverter 60, and bagger 70 to automatically pick the prescribed medication dosage unit, place it in a transportable package, and label the package for the health care personnel.

Abstract: A flight bar frame which translates along a predetermined path is adapted for engaging and translating an article grouping of one or more articles while simultaneously engaging and translating a sheet of material above the article grouping. The sheet of material is urged downwardly into juxtaposition above the article grouping by means of a lowering guide assembly. The flight bar frame is adapted for passage therethrough of lowering guides of the lowering guide assembly.

Abstract: A medication filling apparatus which is capable of preventing medications from being over-dispensed so as to enable accurate filling operation. The medication filling apparatus is equipped with: a tablet case for holding medications; a dispenser drum for dispensing the medications one at a time from the tablet case as it rotates; a motor for driving and rotating the dispenser drum; a sensor for detecting the medications which have been dispensed; and a controller which starts the motor, counts the dispensed medications according to an output of the sensor, and stops the motor when a predetermined count value is reached. The controller drops the voltage applied to the motor before the predetermined count value is reached and then short-circuits the terminals of the motor when the predetermined count value is reached.

Abstract: This invention provides utilizes a centering device located in the accumulation portion of mail production equipment to reduce jamming caused by the insertion of material into an open envelope. The apparatus of this invention is located in the accumulation area of production mail equipment before the inserter. The apparatus of this invention includes: two guides; a solenoid and a flexible wire cable. Two centering guides are actuated through a solenoid and move to a predetermined center position to align and deskew the accumulated enclosure contents (which may include printed and pre-printed folded sheets, business reply envelopes and other insert material). A flexible wire cable is used to provide highly efficient transfer of motion from the solenoid to the centering guides.

Abstract: The apparatus can insert into containers, such as narrow mouth bottles, a sheet of material having a lineal dimension which can be from about 2 to 5 times or more than the largest dimension of the container opening. Sheets of material are picked from magazines by a plurality of picker arms as a plurality of containers are moved into alignment. The picker arms move into position over each container. A stabilizer contacts the neck of each container, the stabilizer having a sheet material shaping and aligning mechanism. As the picker arms move downwardly into each container the sheet material is further formed into a tubular shape and inserted into the bottle. The sheet materials are released in the containers and the picker arms retracted from the containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a dental floss product formed of a bobbin of wound thread, a dispenser case, and a dispenser insert for rotatably supporting the bobbin of wound thread when positioned within the dispenser case. The dispenser insert is detachably mounted in an insert loading area of a singular dispenser assembly fixture, and the dispenser case is detachably mounted in a dispenser case loading area of the singular dispenser assembly fixture. The bobbin of wound thread is next loaded onto the dispenser insert while the dispenser insert is mounted in the insert loading area. The dispenser insert with the bobbin of wound thread loaded thereon is then detached from the insert loading area, and the dispenser insert with the bobbin of wound thread loaded thereon is loaded into the dispenser case while the dispenser case is mounted in the dispenser case loading area. The lid of the loaded dispenser case is then closed, and the dispenser case is detached from the dispenser case loading area.

Abstract: A packaging system has a conveyor, a coil of a web of box material, and a box-making unit adjacent the coil for pulling the box-material web from its coil, printing on the box-material web, cutting the printed box-material web into individual carton blanks, forming the blanks into individual upwardly open boxes, and depositing the boxes on the conveyor. A coil of label material is provided adjacent a label-making unit that pulls the label-material web from the coil, prints on the label-material web, cuts the printed label-material coil into individual labels, applies the labels to objects secured from a source of the objects, and loads respective pluralities of the labeled objects into respective ones of the open boxes on the conveyor.

Abstract: A goods accommodation method and apparatus in which a container is set such that its opening is directed horizontally, and box-shaped goods are stacked on a slide such that their surfaces facing the opening of the container are aligned with each other. The goods are transferred into the container while they are held in the stacked state by inserting the slide together with the goods stacked thereon into the container and then quickly pulling the slide out of the container at a speed higher than the speed of insertion such that the stacked goods remain in the container. The container is then turned up such that its opening is directed upward.

Abstract: A cushioning conversion machine (20) and a dispensing table (100), in combination, are provided. The dispensing table (100) includes a substantially horizontal work platform (102) which includes an opening (109). The cushioning conversion machine (20) is mounted to the table (100) in such a manner that the cushioning product is deposited on the work platform (102) during operation of the machine. In this manner, a worker may conveniently place the cut section in a shipping case, or box, to fill any voids and/or to cushion an item during the shipping process.

Abstract: Apparatus that uses the burster method for positioning coupons from a continuous web at a predetermined time at a predetermined location for insertion is disclosed. A positioning roll pair defines a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by a positioning drive at a continuous predetermined speed. Feeding rolls located upstream of the positioning roll pair in the excess of one coupon length are driven by an intermittent feeding drive at a speed substantially less than the speed of the positioning roll pair. Controlling mechanisms actuate and deactuate the feeding drive in response to a timing mechanism related to container position and a coupon sensing mechanism at a sensing position between the positioning roll pair and the feeding rolls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for changing the mix of articles in a plurality of containers. A first set of containers is conveyed to a mixing station, each container of the first set of containers containing a plurality of articles having physical characteristics differing from the physical characteristics of the plurality of articles in the other containers of the first set of containers. A second set of containers is transported to the mixing station, each of the containers of the second set of containers defining a space for accommodating a layer of articles. At the mixing station, articles are removed from each of the containers of the first set of containers, consolidated, and inserted into the containers of the second set of containers at the mixing station to at least partially form a layer of articles therein comprised of a mix of articles from all the containers of the first set of containers.

Abstract: A packaging system indexes a pouch web, packaging web, and base web for forming a bag with an attached pouch enclosing an article such as literature or a merchandising sample. The preferred apparatus attaches the pouch web to the packaging web to form a pocket that opens adjacent respective edges while the base web remains unattached. An article is dispensed into the pocket with each indexing movement of the webs and the pocket then sealed inboard of the bag section edges to form a pouch enclosing the article. A bag handling mechanism holds and conveys the bags for accumulation into a bundle.

Abstract: A portable shipping station (20) includes a wheeled cart assembly (22), a central table (24), a packaging dispenser roller support frame (26), and a pivotable hopper boom assembly (28). The roller support frame (26) serves to dispense packaging materials (122, 124) from a detachable rod (120) that may be retained at selected elevations by hooks (e.g., 116, 118) on a pair of upright standards 108, 110). A boom (140) may be used to pivot a filler-dispensing hopper assembly (158) along a horizontal arc (148).

Abstract: An assembly for refilling a printer cartridge includes a base that receives the printer cartridge to be refilled. A lid is located on the base and includes separate stations that sequentially open a refill opening, provide a predetermined amount of air to an equalize opening of the cartridge, dispense ink through the refill opening into the cartridge, and seal the refill opening. In a preferred embodiment, the four stations are mounted on the lid that is rotatable about an axis. The lid forms a seal with the printer cartridge so that air flow to an internal chamber of the cartridge is controlled during the refill process. The base contains any spills, mess, or the like, overcoming the types of problems associated with other ink refill processes and provides an accurate, dependable refill of ink to the printer cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of, placing an elongated insert 1 in a can 2 through a narrow top opening 6 has a head assembly 10 formed by a sleeve 21 slidable over a core 20. The core 20 has an inclined end face 23 with a vacuum suction port 25. The insert 1 is picked up from a delivery chute by vacuum suction through port 25 to be held on the end face 23 in a first orientation. The head assembly 10 is displaced with the insert attached thereto and moved into the can 2 whilst maintaining the insert 1 in its first orientation. The insert abuts the can base 3 and the sleeve 21 is displaced over the core 20 to abut the insert 1 and pivot the insert on the base 3 into a second position of orientation in which the opposed ends of the insert frictionally engage the can side wall 4 to retain the insert in the can.

Abstract: A method for feeding and preparing information leaflets on a product packaging line consisting of a first carton conveyor, a second product conveyor and, between these two conveyors, a leaflet continuous-grip conveyor for transporting leaflets along a conveyor aligned to the packaging lines where the leaflet conveying means have sections with varying degrees of grip to facilitate feeding and inserting of leaflets.

Abstract: A wrap suspended in air by creating a cushion of air above and below the wrap is inserted into an envelope, formed by a clear plastic cover and the body of a clamshell, by propelling the wrap and the cushion of air into the envelope. The clear plastic cover is initially moved away from the body of the clamshell to enlarge the envelope opening so the wrap can be inserted. Video cassettes or other articles may be located within the clamshell by a conveyor system substantially contemporaneously with the insertion of the wrap.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing agitator balls into aerosol cans being transported thereunder is disclosed. The apparatus includes a one or more rotary ball supply heads each receiving agitator balls at its inlet and conveying same to its outlet for dispensing into the aerosol cans. Each ball supply head includes a rotatable inner plate having a plurality of arm members rotatably attached thereto, a spacer member interposed between adjacent arm members, a cover member and an adjustable bar cam which operatively contacts the arms members and rotationally positions same to form a pocket defined by the arm member, spacer member and the inner surface of the cover member for the receipt and retention of an agitator ball as it is being conveyed through the rotary ball supply head.

Abstract: An apparatus for the insertion of products of various sizes from a product conveyor into containers on a container conveyor has an insertion chain of carriages whose rams are controlled by endless cams along the carriage travel path. The hold-down tongues on hold-down rods are mounted on slides which are guided on posts of the carriages and controlled by a slide cam and a rod cam on a cam carrier which is split for size adjustment upon movement of a moveable carrier to vary the positions of these cams at the insertion region of the chains when products of different sizes are to be inserted in the boxes.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is disclosed including a series of equally spaced air jets (36) in the center plate (18) of a channel (14). An end cover plate (22) and a cover (48) close the channel (14) to form a tunnel having infeed and outfeed ends. In the most preferred form, the air jets (36) are wedge-shaped depressions formed in the center plate (18) having semicircular end walls (38) including apertures (42) in fluid communication with a compressed air enclosure (44) secured to the center plate (18). The free end of a continuous strip of coupon items is inserted into the infeed end where it is under the control of the air flow created by the air jets (36) within the tunnel. A coupon item is then cut from the continuous strip and travels under the control of the air flow within the tunnel and through the outfeed end thereof. In a preferred form, the end cover plate (22) is arcuately shaped outward and downward to direct the coupon item into a hopper (32) which later receives the ready-to-eat food product.

Abstract: An automated interative apparatus for packaging random assortments of random size and shaped articles comprising a group of stations in seriatum for processing and packaging random assortments of random size and shape articles. The stations include: at least one station for loading and separating articles into orders; a scanning station for scanning and entering into a computer indicia on articles; a weighing station; a rejection station for rejecting mismarked, out of date or recalled articles; an orientation station for angularly orienting articles; a packaging station for loading articles into packages; a sealing station for sealing cartons and a computer having a program for interacting with the stations to process and package articles and a data file corresponding to indicia marked on each of the articles.

Abstract: A new apparatus is provided as part of a system for use in hospitals and the like, which safely stores and packages biohazardous wastes. The upper portion of the apparatus includes a pneumatically operated descending pressure plate and anti-pathogen provisions. The lower portion encloses a slide-out compartment in which disposable waste containers are placed. Bags containing such wastes are deposited in the container from time to time and are continually exposed to ultraviolet light, while air is drawn away for filtering and safe discharge. When several bags of waste have been so deposited, a planar divider for the waste container is pressed downward, gently leveling the bags of waste beneath it, while the air expelled is sprayed with an anti-pathogenic spray. These operations are repeated using a succession of such dividers until a container has been substantially filled; it is then removed for disposal. Novel safety features are incorporated in the pneumatic circuitry.

Abstract: Automatic panel placer having a rotary table upon which cardboard sleeves and trays are placed to form a combined sleeve and tray. The rotary table is advanced about its center through a plurality of station positions where a sleeve is first placed upon the table followed by placement of and securement of a plastic tray on the cardboard sleeve.

Abstract: A system for transferring articles between containers to vary the mix of articles in the containers. A plurality of containers are moved to a mixing station and apparatus including a robot removes selected articles from the containers and places them into other of the containers to provide the desired mix of articles. In the arrangement disclosed, the articles are cups and the system is employed to change the color mix of the cups in the containers.

Abstract: Fully automated apparatus and method for manufacturing compact disc holders having a central rotating table about which conveyor tables, rotary tables, placers and other devices align to interdigitate and load compact discs into disc bases, to mate disc bases containing CDs to packaging sleeves, to load booklets into the packaging sleeves, and to handle, glue, fold and otherwise form a package containing CDs and booklets or literature.

Abstract: Improved dunnage made from spiral coils of paper that are recyclable and biodegradable, or from other thin, flexible, resilient strips. The coils are cylindrical or cylindrical with a transverse fold, and are randomly oriented in a container to provide cushioning for packaged articles. The coils are formed at the time of use by modifying the material used to cause it to coil and forming strips from the material. This eliminates the need for storage of bulky dunnage. Paper used to form the coils is stretched to cause it to coil. Apparatus concurrently forms plural coils from a web.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for identifying, picking up, placing and packaging a plurality of different packaging a plurality of different types of items such as utensils. Utensils are deposited onto a conveyor belt system that separates clusters of utensils and transports them to an identification site where a vision system identifies them by type, location and orientation and to a pick-up site where they are selectively picked up and placed in a collection pan to form a desired utensil set. When the collection pan has a desired utensil set, it is emptied into a placement bucket on a movable bucket conveyor which transports the set to an automatic bagging machine. The set may be supplemented with napkins dispensed from an automated napkin dispenser or other with other items from other machines operatively connected to the system.

Abstract: The present inventin is an apparatus and method for inserting articles into packages. The apparatus includes a dispensing assembly and a feeding assembly; and the dispensing assembly, in turn, includes a dispenser body, a gate and an actuator. The dispensor body defines a loading chamber for holding the articles, an inlet for conducting the articles into the loading chamber, and an outlet for dispensing the articles from the loading chamber. The gate is connected to the dispenser body for movement between a closed position, wherein the gate extends across the outlet of the dispenser body to hold the articles in the loading chamber, and an open position to allow the articles to pass through the outlet of the dispenser body. The actuator of the dispensing assembly is provided to move the gate from its closed position to its open position to dispense articles into the packages from the dispenser body.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for assembly of an ecologically compact disc or media package where a trayed rotating table advances to process a packaging sleeve and place a compact disc or media package on a processed packaging sleeve. A packaging sleeve is placed in a tray on one rotating table and subsequently a pamphlet is glued to the packaging sleeve. A one-piece compact disc or media base on another rotating table is placed on the awaiting packaging sleeve. An end cap can then be separated from the base. The packaging sleeve is secured by glue to the compact disc or media base and end cap. The end cap is either cut away or manually separated from the media base.

Abstract: A pack for cigarettes or the like and a process and apparatus for the production thereof is described. Due to several reasons (cigarette) packs quite often have greater (inner) dimensions than the pack contents (cigarette block 23). In order to fill a cavity formed hereby within the pack, a filling piece (39) is provided which is formed from a flat blank (40) by means of folding up outer blank portions. The filling piece is formed to have a three-dimensional shape by means of being displaced in a folding shaft (57) with laterally arranged folding means. The filling pieces (39) produced in this way are conveyed along a filling piece track (78) and are introduced into a block track (79) in transverse direction so they can each be united with a cigarette block (23).

Abstract: Fully automated apparatus and method for manufacturing compact disc holders having a central rotating table about which conveyor tables, rotary tables, placers and other devices align to interdigitate and load compact discs into disc bases, to mate disc bases containing CDs to packaging sleeves, to load booklets into the packaging sleeves, and to handle, glue, fold and otherwise form a package containing CDs and booklets or literature.

Abstract: An improved packaging machine having a positive retention mandrel device and positive discharge pusher means for transporting semi-rigid containers from one conveyor to a second conveyor. A broad size latitude conveyor providing accurate positioning of such containers for transfer from said conveyor to a second conveyor. A system for utilizing a draped unfettered leaflet for telescopic introduction into a box by employing an inverted semi-rigid bottle as the insertion mechanism with the leaflet ending up in embracing relation to the bottle cover.

Abstract: A flexible apparatus and method are disclosed for erecting cases and packaging a series of objects (26) which may be delivered in random order on an infeed conveyor (28), including a source (40,42) of a plurality of types of cases for such objects; a controller (48) for storing and providing information on the order of such objects; a station (32) for locating such cases for insertion of such objects; a programmable robot (34), responsive to such information, the robot having an end effector with a multiple purpose tool for selecting the type of case appropriate for a particular object in the series, for erecting the case and for placing the objects into the case; and a station (46) for closing and sealing the packed case.

Abstract: The drug packing apparatus, provided with: a drug storing section in the upper portion of its casing; a packing machine in its lower portion, for making drug packs; a multiplicity of elongate tablet cases which extend upwardly and are in planar arrangement to one another; a transfer mechanism for collectively transferring into a pack a predetermined number of drugs extracted from a selected drug cases and sealing the pack; and a transport means for delivering the packs out of the drug packing apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus that uses the burster method for positioning coupons from a continuous web at a predetermined time at a predetermined location for insertion is disclosed. Positioning roll mechanism define a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by positioning drive mechanism at a continuous predetermined speed. Feeding roll means located upstream of the positioning roll mechanism in the excess of one coupon length are driven by intermittent feeding drive means at a speed substantially less than the speed of the positioning roll means. Controlling mechanism actuates and deactuates the feeding drive means in response to timing mechanism related to container position and coupon sensing mechanism at a sensing position between the positioning roll mechanism and the feeding roll mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging method. It also relates to a packaging bolster and to a packaging line employing the method of the invention. The bolster of the invention, adapted particularly to the method of the invention, includes at least one flexible base material or support of elongated shape and indefinite length, intended to be trimmed to the dimension required at the packaging site, the base material carrying spacer elements for spacing apart the product to be packaged at predetermined positions. The bolster is remarkable in that the base material includes at least two films weldable in such a way as to make cushions or bulges filled with a swelling agent.

Abstract: A handling and packaging system for utensils comprised of a device for packaging the utensils; and a device for obtaining the utensils and moving them to the packaging device. Preferably, the obtaining device includes N specialized end-effectors which seize the utensils, where N.gtoreq.1 and is an integer. A method for utensil handling and packaging. The method comprises the steps of obtaining the utensil and packaging the utensil. Preferably, the obtaining step includes the steps of moving an end-effector in proximity to the utensil. An end-effector for a robot comprising a structure and a device for producing magnetic force to seize objects made of metal. The producing device is supported by the structure. A bin for holding utensils. The bin is comprised of a base; and a container wherein the utensils are stored. The container is supported by the base such that one end of the container is higher than the other end of the container. A bin for holding utensils.

Abstract: New and improved foam cushions for packaging purposes of the type including a cushion envelope partially filled with an expandable cushioning foam material are provided. The cushion envelope includes a foam-receiving cavity and is defined by a unitary web of material folded over itself to provide a folded side. An intermittent labyrinth side seam is provided along the side opposite the folded side and transverse top and bottom seams are provided to complete formation of the cushion envelope. A cushioning foam is disposed in the foam-receiving cavity. A method for making the foam cushions and an automated apparatus for making a continuous supply of the packaging cushions are also described.

Abstract: A device and method for filling open boxes, containing such products as electronic equipment, with loose fill. The boxes are fed one at a time to a conveyor in random order. A bar code applied to each box, giving the box size, is scanned. The boxes are longitudinally centered by electric eyes actuating a brake at a centering station along the conveyor. The boxes are then widthwise centered by a pair of successively actuated cylinders. A pump-up cylinder at the centering station is actuated to lift a centered box to a predetermined height set by said bar code. A fill valve for loose fill has a supply of loose fill at its upper end fed to it through a feed pipe by gravity, the loose fill flowing by gravity, once the valve is opened, until its feed pipe is plugged, and then it is shut off. The pump-up cylinder then lowers the box to the conveyor. A series of air-blasts, sent to the box further along the conveyor, levels any mountain of loose fill that forms during the feeding of the loose-fill.

Abstract: A packaging method includes the steps of supplying auxiliary bags, adding an adhesive layer to one of the surfaces of each auxiliary bag, feeding a continuous sheet-like wrapping material to a forming and filling assembly, attaching the auxiliary bags by the adhesive layer to the wrapping material during travel thereof, at an interval corresponding to a length required for forming each package and each at a portion thereof which becomes an inner surface of the package other than sealed portions thereof, forming the wrapping material into a tubular shape with the auxiliary bags inside, supplying articles into the tubular wrapping material and sealing the same to form the packages.

Abstract: A formed or molded body, a manufacturing method and a manufacturing apparatus therefor, wherein several equal or different active ingredients in suitable, equal or different carrier substances are filled at the same time side-by-side without a partition into a uniform enclosure or envelope to provide a formed or molded body with uniform outer appearance and with separate inner regions.

Abstract: An assembling apparatus which is capable of assembling a multi-part article having a base with a plurality of receptacles for receiving components, such as make-up trays, and a lid hinged to the base, comprises an assembly chassis, having an endless rectangular guideway. A plurality of pucks are moveable from one accurately located station to another along the guideway. A transporting conveyor feeds a plurality of articles in an upside down condition to a labeling device which labels the bottom of each article. The articles are then flipped over to a right side up position and unloaded one at a time onto pucks of the endless guideway. The lid is mechanically opened and glue is deposited into each receptacle. Components are then loaded into each receptacle as are a brush or applicator and a dust cover. The lid is then closed and the articles are unloaded from the pucks. Sensors along the guideway sense whether each operation has been achieved successfully. A computer is connected to the sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine comprising an apparatus for assembling a container for an optically readable disc-shaped information carrier. The container comprises a bottom section, a cover section, a bottom insertion-card, a cover leaflet, and a tray. The disc-shaped information carrier is detachably retained in the tray. During assembly the bottom section serves as an assembly base. In order to load the disc-shaped information carrier into a tray without the remainder of the container, the machine is provided with an auxiliary bottom section which is secured to the apparatus and in principle has the same dimensions as a container bottom section, so that a tray can be placed in the auxiliary bottom section and after it has been loaded with a disc-shaped information tray, can be removed as a unit from the auxiliary bottom section.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for packing a box with a plurality of groups of pouches or other flexible containers and inserting a support shelf between the groups. A conveyor is used to support and convey boxes such that means for inserting a first group of pouches into a box inserts a group of pouches into the top portion of a box. The boxes are then positioned such that means for inserting a support shelf into the box inserts a shelf into the box before means for inserting a second group of pouches inserts a second group of pouches into the box. The support shelf is inserted from the bottom of the box such that the first group of pouches is supported above the second group of pouches and the support legs of the support shelf rest on the bottom of the box.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for successively packaging hen's eggs to obtain packs of eggs, in which the eggs to be packed are successively conveyed, the weight of each of the eggs conveyed is detected, then the eggs are divided and accumulated in the respective regions according to the detected weight, then a predetermined number of eggs are taken out from each region to form a set of eggs to be contained in one pack, and this set of eggs are placed in a plastic packaging container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for successively forming foam filled bags or cushions of the type wherein a foamable composition is deposited in a plastic bag. The formed bags are adapted to be placed in containers with articles being packaged, and so that when the foam expands, the bags and resulting foam are conformed to the configuration of the articles. The method and apparatus includes advancing a pair of plastic webs through the nip of a pair of drive rollers, while heat sealing the opposing longitudinal side edges of the webs together. Periodically, a predetermined amount of the foamable composition is deposited between the advancing webs immediately above the nip, and the heat sealing along the side edges is periodically and momentarily interrupted to form side edge openings for the subsequent escapement of gases generated during foaming.

Abstract: A bag having an article applied to an inside surface thereof is formed in a continuous bag-making operation by conveying a bag-making film web and a continuous strip of material in joinable proximity with each other. The article is formed by severing the strip of material and at least one edge portion of the severed article is bonded to the continuous web of bag film. The longitudinal margins of the web are then brought together and bonded to form a tube with the article bonded to the inner surface of the tube, and bags are formed and severed from the tube with the article bonded to one inner surface of the bag.

Abstract: A method for introducing a compact disk into a compact disk box which has a lower part and a lid joined together by a hinge connection characterized by inserting a booklet into the lid where it is retained by lateral noses extending from an inner surface of the lid, inserting a sheet of text material into the bottom part, inserting a tray onto the sheet of material and then inserting a compact disk onto the tray. The invention is also directed to an apparatus having a turret with a plurality of box holders spaced radially from the turret and with work stations with the same spacing so that as the turret is rotated through a segment of an arc it presents one work holder successively to each of the stations.