Abstract: The present invention provides a fruit's protection system designed to be mounted onto a standard collection bin for safely placing harvested fruits inside the collection bin without harming same.

Abstract: A package forming unit comprises plural jaw units, each having at least one respective operative assembly for engaging the tube and for at least partially forming the advancing tube, one respective sealing element for at least partially transversally sealing the tube along a transversal sealing band and a pair of interaction tabs for interacting with the tube. Each jaw unit is controllable as a function of the tube filling level in an operative configuration in which the respective operative assembly, the respective sealing element and the respective pair of interaction tabs are controlled in respective active states while advancing along respective operative portions and a partial operative configuration in which the respective sealing element is controlled in the respective active state and the respective operative assembly and/or the respective pair of interaction tabs is/are controlled in a respective inactive state while, in use, advancing along the respective operative portion.

Abstract: An article that includes a fluorescent composition having at least one of a fluorescent sensor compound and organic reporter molecules encapsulated in a microsphere structure. When encapsulated, the fluorescent sensor compound and the organic reporter molecules are distributed in a liquid organic matrix. When non-encapsulated, the remaining one of the fluorescent sensor compound and the organic reporter molecules reside in the matrix. In response to a force applied to the composition sufficient to break at least a portion of the microsphere structure, the fluorescent sensor compound and the organic reporter molecules are transformed into a non-reversible fluorescent state exhibiting a quantum yield greater than 0.2. The fluorescent state is objectively visually verifiable without physically contacting the composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a cosmetic assembly, of use for the treatment of keratin fibres, comprising a cosmetic composition having a melting point of between 40° C. and 120° C., and comprising at least 15% by weight of meltable compound(s), relative to the total weight of the composition; and a device (1) comprising a mould (2), the mould (2) comprising at least one cavity (5), into which or each of which at least one of said fibres can be at least partially introduced, for the purposes of moulding said composition onto at least one part of said fibre(s) present in the cavity or cavities (5). The present invention is also directed towards a process for cosmetic treatment of one or more keratin fibres.

Abstract: The one or more embodiments disclosed herein provide a method for automatically assembling multiple compounds into a single edible custom composition, in which each compound is individually customized to proportions formulated from a profile of an individual or group. The single custom mixture can contain a plurality of compounds including foods or flavors, nutritional additives, herbals, biologics, or pharmacologically active substances. Using the method and a related algorithm, the formulation of a custom mixture is suggested.

Abstract: A method for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid, the method comprising dispensing a first portion of the beverage from a first source into containers, wherein the first portion of the beverage comprises at least a majority of the particulates and a first portion of the liquid, dispensing from a counterpressure filler a second portion of the beverage from a second source into the containers, wherein the second portion of the beverage comprises a second portion of the liquid, and sealing the containers to form packaged beverages. An apparatus for packaging a beverage comprising particulates in a liquid. A method for packaging, in sequence, a first beverage comprising particulates in a liquid and a second beverage comprising a carbonated beverage. A method for packaging a beverage comprising a dairy component and a liquid.

Abstract: An automated filling system for introducing crushed polysilicon fragments into shipping bags without significant contamination positions a freely suspended energy absorber into a freely suspended bag of non-contaminating material prior to filling, and following filling, the energy absorber is removed, and the bag is sealed. The system can replace manual packaging which has been required for semiconductor applications.

Abstract: There is provided a medicine feeding device which can apply uniform tension to wrapping paper wound in a roll state to wrap a medicine. The medicine feeding device comprises a tablet case which stores a medicine, and the wrapping paper wound in the roll state, wraps a medicine discharged from the tablet case in wrapping paper 72, and comprises a tension application mechanism 113 which applies predetermined tension to the continuously pulled-out wrapping paper. This tension application mechanism is constituted to freely move up-and-down, and to apply tension to the pulled-out wrapping paper by its own weight.

Abstract: A tablet filling device for supplying a vial container of desired size certainly with no mistake comprising a plurality of containing means containing vial containers by size, a means for taking out a vial container from the containing means based on prescription data, means for carrying a vial container taken out by the container take out means, a means for providing a table to a vial container carried by the carrying means, a means for collecting a vial container in the middle of carriage by the carrying means, a means provided on the carrying passage of the carrying means and detecting the size of a carried vial container, and a control means for judging whether the size of a vial container selected based on the prescription data matches the size of a vial container detected by the container size detection means and collecting the carried vial container by the container collection means if they do not match each other.

Abstract: Tandem, vertically-aligned vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) assemblies enable a method for manufacturing an ingredient package. An inner ingredient-bearing package is manufactured by a first superior VFFS assembly, which inner package is then downwardly displaced to a second inferior VFFS assembly. The inner package and a second ingredient are deposited (filled) into an open-ended outer packaging material being formed by the inferior VFFS assembly. After deposing the inner package and the second ingredient into the formed outer package, the outer package and inner package are sealed to one another at superior ends thereof to finally form an ingredient package. The finally formed package may be removed from partially formed packages in superior adjacency thereto. The finally formed package compartmentalizes the first and second ingredients for later consumer consumption.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for instantly manufacturing a batch of customized pharmaceutical dosages are provided. A batch of customized pharmaceutical dosages is manufactured as per the requirements of an individual, which may depend on age, gender, health, lifestyle, disease, habits, etc. The ingredients or components of the customized pharmaceutical dosages are selected as per the requirement of the individual. These ingredients or components are mixed/blended to form a homogenous mixture. The requisite quantities of the homogenous mixture, based on the individual's requirement, are then measured and converted to a desired final form, e.g., tablets, capsules or sachets. These tablets, capsules, etc., are then packaged and the packages are labeled.

Abstract: Additives that could interfere with the sealing of a cover onto a contact lens package are delivered separately from the bulk saline delivered into the lens package, thereby allowing more precise control of the additive delivery, reducing the incidence of additive in the seal area of the lens package, and improving the seal integrity.

Abstract: (Liquid) flavoring agents and other substances are transferred to cigarettes immediately prior to or during the packaging operation of the cigarettes (12). An advantageous solution is that of the substances being transferred directly to free ends of the cigarettes (12) once cigarette groups (11) have been formed and during transportation of these groups. As an alternative, the substances can be transferred to the inside of an inner wrapper of the cigarette group in particular to a folding tab of a base wall.

Abstract: A method for detecting and discriminating articles that are within a predetermined range of a specification into lots feeds a plurality of articles into an article portioning system having a counting head assembly that includes an article detecting unit located above and cooperatively controlling through generated signals an upper diverting gate and lower outlet gate which control the passage and/or accumulation of articles in adjacent channels to permit filling of article containers with predetermined article portions as containers are placed beneath, and removed from, the assembly outlet. The method for portioning discrete articles by feeding the articles and generating signals controlling the gates is suited for a combined plurality of such assemblies to provide high speed continuous container filling operations for simultaneous filling of groups of containers.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus and method for detecting and discriminating articles that are within a predetermined range of a specification into lots. A counting head assembly includes at least an article detecting unit located above diverting gates which control the passage and/or accumulation of articles in adjacent channels to permit filling of article containers with predetermined article portions as containers are placed beneath, and removed from, the assembly outlet. A plurality of such assemblies may be combined to provide high speed continuous container filling operations, for example by location of a plurality of counting head assemblies about the periphery of a rotating carousel or on a linear platform which moves containers beneath the assemblies for simultaneous filling of groups of containers.

Abstract: During automatic supply and packing of a liquid composition containing granular constituents, a master liquid, not containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is continuously supplied to a packing bag formed from a packing film by making bottom and top seals, in this order, on the packing bag with the packing film being stroked and squeezed to remove a part of the master liquid from bag portions where the bottom and top seals are to be formed, and a second liquid, containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is intermittently supplied into the packing bag between the bottom and top seals. Thereby, a liquid composition containing granular constituents can be packed with the nearly same efficiency as that in continuous supply and packing of a liquid.

Abstract: A method of packaging a plastic balloon preferably includes steps of sealing the plastic balloon within a substantially airtight package and maintaining the environment within the package in such a condition as to maintain the plastic balloon in a hydrated state that will optimize the performance characteristics of the plastic balloon when it is inflated. Antifungal and antibacterial agents are preferably also provided within the package to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria.

Abstract: A cartoner assembly comprises a loader and an indexer. The loader comprises at least one horizontally extending drive belt, an input end and an output end. The drive belt is adapted to support one or more packages as they are moved from the input end to the output end. The indexer is positioned adjacent the output end of the loader and comprises a plurality of moveable support members defining in part a plurality of loading stations. The support members are adapted to support a carton at each of the loading stations and are moveable such that the plurality of loading stations are successively aligned with the drive belt of the loader at the output end of said loader. Preferably, the support members are vertically, intermittently moveable. In one preferred embodiment, the indexer includes an output end positioned adjacent a continuously moving conveyor. A method of inserting a package into a carton is also provided.

Abstract: A number of spaced apart first and second cavities are continuously formed in first and second thin sheets of material, respectively. Each of the first and second cavities has an edge at an opening thereof. The formed first and second cavities travel in paths that are downwardly inclined from the horizontal and approach each other. A number of first bodies are fed into the first cavities, respectively, where each of the first bodies has a liquid tight interior cavity that contains a volume of a first liquid. This liquid is one that when mixed with a second liquid starts a chemiluminescent reaction. The edge of each of the first cavities is sealed progressively with the respective edge of a second cavity, while injecting the second liquid into one or both of the first and second cavities that are being sealed. This forms a liquid tight second body that contains the first body and a second volume of the second liquid.

Abstract: During automatic supply and packing of a liquid composition containing granular constituents, a master liquid, not containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is continuously supplied to a packing bag formed from a packing film by making bottom and top seals, in this order, on the packing bag with the packing film being stroked and squeezed to remove a part of the master liquid from bag portions where the bottom and top seals are to be formed, and a second liquid, containing the granular constituents, of the liquid composition is intermittently supplied into the packing bag between the bottom and top seals. Thereby, a liquid composition containing granular constituents can be packed with the nearly same efficiency as that in continuous supply and packing of a liquid.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus of detecting unique items as they are inserted into a product packaging system that is easily adaptable to current product packaging and prize insertion systems. A number of different types of sensors may be used in conjunction with the insertion device to detect the unique prize before it is inserted into a product packaging system. The sensor used will vary depending on the particular application. Sensors that may be used include a capacitive proximity sensor, a thickness sensor, a reflectivity sensor, a transmissivity sensor, a stiffness sensor, a color sensor, or even an odor or chemical sensor. Ideally, the type sensor used will detect a feature of the unique item that is easily distinguishable from other items being inserted. Once the sensor detects the prize and generates a signal, this signal can be used to perform a variety of useful functions.

Abstract: Process for producing a candle surrounded by a container in which a prefabricated candle blank which does not completely fill the interior of the container is inserted and fixed in the container. An intermediate space between the candle blank and the inside wall of the container is then filled with liquid candle material and the container which has been filled in this way is allowed to cool. In order to be able to fix the inserted candle blank stationary in the container, before insertion into the container, the candle blank is heated on its bottom and its bottom which has become sticky in this way is located on the bottom of the container. The candle blank is immediately fixed in its position by releasing the heat of the heated bottom to the container bottom.

Abstract: A high speed straw insertion machine has a device which feeds a straw, feeds a lifter and then engages the straw with the lifter. This assembly is transported to a mechanism which secures the lifter to the straw and then puts the straw and the float into a container. The container with the straw and the float is transported to an anchoring machine which engages the straw and the container to trap the straw and float entirely within the container. In one embodiment, the straw is positioned between a corner and a shoulder defined by the container and is retained in this position due to the flexibility of the straw. In another embodiment, the straw is positioned below a rib formed in the body of the container.

Abstract: A method for producing and coating melt portions includes two sheet strips, which form coating material layers, being continually fed. The melt portions embedded between the sheet strips are cooled and calibrated according to their thickness. The sheet strips are longitudinally and transversely separated in the region of their connection points such that the melt portions become isolated and the sheet strips are connected to each other such that each melt portion is embraced tightly.

Abstract: A process is provided for displacing air from containers prior to seaming a lid to a container. In the process, a container body is filled with contents and is then injected with liquid nitrogen. A lid is immediately placed on the container body, and a biasing force is immediately applied against the lid to maintain the lid on the liquid nitrogen filled container bodies until the container body reaches the seaming mechanism. The biasing force is sufficient to allow a portion of nitrogen gas from vaporization of the liquid nitrogen to escape from the container body, and to allow air originally present in the container body to escape from the container body, while preventing surrounding air from entering the container body.

Abstract: A machine for making sealed liquid pouches with a free-floating straw inside the pouch is described. The machine comprises a vertical pouch former which forms a continuous plastic film tube from a film sheet with the plastic film tube disposed about a liquid dispensing spout. A straw convecting tube also extends to one side of the liquid dispensing spout inside the tube. A straw is released through the convecting tube at predetermined intervals in synchronism with a transverse sealer which forms a bottom and top edge seal of pouches as liquid is continuously dispensed through the liquid dispensing tube. The plastic film tube is maintained in a transversely expanded condition during the filling of the pouch and is advanced by an engagement mechanism between the sealing cycles.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling or producing packs made of packaging material, it being the case that folding elements, pressure-exerting elements, push rods, slides etc. act on blanks of the packaging material. In order to convert any possible incorrect positioning of the moveable elements, in particular of the push rods, immediately into an error signal, a folding turret (10) is assigned a stationary monitoring unit (32) which is equipped with mechanical actuating elements, namely contact lugs (29,30,31). In the event of any possible incorrect positioning, one of the contact lugs (29,30,31) is actuated with the effect of a switching movement.

Abstract: An interactive control system for controlling the automatic packaging of contact lenses in a contact lens fabrication facility, the interactive control system consisting of a first robot device for periodically transferring individual arrays of a first predetermined amount or discrete contact lens packages each containing a contact lens therein from a first station to an intermediate conveyor where the individual arrays are conveyed to a second station, and a controller for initiating a time stamp for each individual array transferred from the first station and determining elapsed time data for each individual array and for generating position status data indicating a good array or a bad array of defective lenses for each individual array as it is conveyed to the second station, the controller shifting the elapsed time data and position status data for each individual array as it is conveyed on the intermediate conveyor for transfer to the second station.

Abstract: A self-venting package (A) contains peracetic acid or other strong oxidants in a unit dose that assures sterilization of instruments and equipment in an automated sterilizing apparatus (FIG. 3) or of biological wastes in a biological waste comminuting apparatus (FIG. 4). The self-venting package is constructed of a cylindrical body having first and second vent apertures (12, 14) 180.degree. offset adjacent a first edge (20) and third and fourth vent apertures (16, 18) 180.degree. offset adjacent a second edge (26). The first and second vent apertures are 90.degree. offset relative to the third and fourth vent apertures. The first edge is flattened and sealed forming a pair of corners (40, 42) such that the first and second vent apertures are disposed closely adjacent the first and second corners. The container is filled with peracetic acid or other liquids which liberate gas or vapors. A second end (26) of the container is flattened and sealed in a direction transverse to the first edge.

Abstract: A method of compacting a bill from a flat state into a pleated and wound state for position the bill in a cavity of an associated closure includes providing a bill in a substantially flat state and pleating the bill in a first direction to provide a series of substantially similar pleats. The pleated bill is compacted to set the pleats therein and at least partially wound into a generally circular configuration. The wound bill is positioned within the cavity of the associated closure. An apparatus for compacting and winding the bill and positioning the bill in the closure cavity includes a pleating station for pleating the bill in a predetermined configuration and a compacting station for compacting the pleated bill into a compacted state. The apparatus further includes a winding station having a winding member adapted to engage the compacted bill and to wind the bill into a generally circular orientation.

Abstract: A new structure for packaging foods and the method of preparing foods using the structure which consists of a food receptacle, its cover and a thin partition layer(s) for separating different food components of an entree during the manufacturing as well as during the heating of an entree. As the result of utilizing the present invention, the said entree can be manufactured more economically, also it can be heated and served easier by the end users without mixing the food components before heating, thus yielding a better quality hot food.

Abstract: The present invention, which relates to the transfer of contact lenses in post hydration processing of the lenses. A lens transfer and insertion assembly removes contact lenses from lens hydration pallets, alters their spatial distribution, and deposits them into packaging elements. The lenses are transferred with fluid and retained on the transfer assembly by surface tension.

Abstract: The present invention, which relates to post hydration processing of contact lenses and the packages into which the lenses are placed, includes several assemblies which are ideally suited to performing the various steps which are associated with post hydration processing.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products, such as contact lenses, in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes a rotary index table defining on its upper surface a plurality of identical, radially-oriented support pallets, equally spaced apart around the rotary index table. Each support pallet is designed to support an array of individual package bases thereon, and is sequentially rotated to stop at angularly spaced radial positions in the rotary packaging machine. At a first radial position, the rotary packaging station receives blister package bases, each having a product deposited therein, and places the package bases in the support pallet then at the first radial position.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a method and apparatus for packaging articles, and cushioning the packages with biodegradable, starch based materials. The materials, packed as loose nuggets within the package, are converted to a single, unitary cushion in-situ to protect the article.

Abstract: A unique package for inoculants and a method for enabling the end user to introduce a pure culture of a microorganism into its appropriate growth substance, and later the microorganism enriched substance into a carrier material within a self-contained unit. The basic package separates a stabilized pure culture of the microorganism from the growth substance by a clamp which forms a physical partition. The microorganism is introduced to the substance when the partition is eliminated. After a time of growth to a maximum extent possible in the substance, the package is fractured to release the fresh inoculation at maximum microorganism vitality. Growth of the microorganism in the growth substance in-situ results in maximum numbers of the beneficial microorganism being available at the site of application.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for flavoring coffee with a particular flavoring ingredient in situ within the package. The apparatus includes a hopper for containing a supply of coffee and a connected feed tube through which the coffee is delivered in measured amounts into the lower end of a tube of sheet material or web which is being continuously formed about the coffee feed tube to define the package for the coffee. A flavoring feed tube connected in communication to a reservoir containing a supply of flavoring material is disposed along the coffee feed tube and through which the flavoring material is circulated for injecting a predetermined amount of flavoring material into the coffee being delivered into the lower end of the continuously formed tube. The lower end of the continuous tube containing the predetermined amount of coffee and flavoring material is thereafter sealed and separated from the remainder of the continuous tube to define an individual package of flavored coffee, and the sequence repeated.

Abstract: A method of placing an insert in a container having a neck wherein the insert is of greater longitudinal extent than the cross-section of the neck, comprising the steps of holding the insert in a first orientation while causing relative movement between the insert and the container to introduce the insert into the container through the neck and subsequently permitting the insert to move under the influence of gravity into a second, different, orientation relative to the first orientation within the container.

Abstract: A device for loading a product into a container wherein the device includes a delivery apparatus movable during a travel cycle toward and away from a travel limit and wherein the product is delivered through the delivery apparatus into the container during a certain portion of the travel cycle includes means operable during another portion of the travel cycle prior to the certain portion for applying a coating to an inner wall of a container.

Abstract: A material supply device in a stowing and packaging machine wherein a supplied film or sheet (S) is continuously introduced around a vertically placed guide tube (1) and sealed along the length thereof by a sealer (14), and the contents are stowed between upper and lower seals while the film or sheet is sealed across the width thereof at spaced positions by a sealing device (17) to form a packaging member (S'). The contents consists of a liquid material and powder or granular solid material with hygroscopicity and solubility in the liquid body. A liquid supply tube (3) supplying the liquid into the packaging member (S"), and a solid material supply tube (2) supplying the solid material are disposed in the guide tube (1), and have lower ends (18, 19) located below the lowermost end of the guide tube (1), and above the packaging section. A blast pipe (4) supplies a dry gaseous material to prevent the solid body material from getting wet and is disposed internally of the solid body supply tube (2,20).

Abstract: For baling shrubs or bushes, in particular rose bushes, the roots (12) of the plants (10) substantially freed from soil are embedded in a moisture-containing substrate (14) such as peat and provided with a sheath or envelope. For this purpose a hollow of wire grating (16) is formed which is then partially filled with substrate (14). Thereafter the roots (12) of the lying plant (10) are placed on the substrate (14). Further substrate (14) is then applied to the roots (12). Finally the wire grating (16) is deformed by bending two edges (24, 26) of the hollow together to form a tube and the edges (24, 26) of the wire grating (16) are fixedly connected together. A machine for carrying out this method comprises at least one trough (48) onto which the wire grating (16) can be placed. A ram (74) is shaped complementary to the trough (48) and adapted to be pressed into the latter to deform the wire grating (16 ) to a hollow.

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: A production apparatus comprises a step-wise driven conveyor adapted to receive articles to be subjected to different operations. Along the conveyor operative devices are arranged for carrying out the different operations to which the articles are to be subjected. The operative devices having comparatively short operation periods are stationarily arranged along the conveyor, whereas at least two operative devices having comparatively long operation periods, are movably arranged along the conveyor so as to follow the conveyor while the conveyor makes at least one step and then to be moved one such step opposite to the direction of movement of the conveyor. By such doubling of the operative device or devices having long operation periods, an increased capacity of the production apparatus is achieved. The production apparatus can be used in producing ice cream coronets.

Abstract: To produce and package portions of spreadable food products, for example differing types of processed cheese, in multiple layers, the layers are shaped individually in shaping compartments by keeping them separate and, while being ejected, they are guided individually to the bottom of a pre-shaped shell and substantially all traces of spread are eliminated from the shaping compartments.The apparatus comprises a unit for the separate metering of each group of layers of the same nature (7), for the separate and alternate shaping of the layers, for the ejection and guidance of the layers into the shell (5, 6); units for applying a tear strip for quick opening (2, 3) and for stamping a shell (4) upstream of the metering unit (5) and, downstream thereof, units for applying lids (11), for following back the edges (12), for fixing the edges (13) and for removing the packaged portion (14).

Abstract: The bag making apparatus may have a bonding means for making bonded seams between webs of thermoplastic material. The bonding means includes first, second, and optionally third, sets of cooperating rotary or reciprocating, bonding members for making transverse and longitudinal seams. The apparatus includes seaming interrupting means which cooperates with one of the bonding means. The bonding means and interrupting means are arranged to cooperate together to form bags from the webs of thermoplastic material so that each bag has a sealed or sealable compartment for containing or containing a material for mixing, a pocket for measuring, and having a mouth opening between the interrupted seams, and a frangible barrier between the compartment and the pocket.

Abstract: In the manufacture of packing containers of the type containing a liquid product with a certain portion of "solid" particles (e.g. soup with pieces of fruit) it is difficult to fill the packing containers in such a manner that the desired proportions of liquid and solid contents are safeguarded. This is the case in particular in modern, fast working packing machines, since the filling time is short and a rapid filling, moreover, increases the risk of contents ending up in undesirable places and rendering difficult the sealing of the packing container. In accordance with the invention which relates to a method as well as to an arrangement for the manufacture of packing containers, this is solved by feeding the solid and liquid parts separately via two filling pipes, the feeding of the liquid contents being ended only after the feeding of solid particles has been ended.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine is described for forming a flat strip of packaging material into a tube and for filling the tube with solid and liquid products which mix in situ within the bags thus formed. Folding blades form gussets in the tube between parallel spaced apart front and rear tube forming surfaces. Sealing jaws seal the filled bags transversely, along the top and bottom edges. Additional pair of jaws seal the gusset material to the side panels at the bottom of the bag causing the gussets in that area to conform to a flat bottom portion of the bag. Additional jaws seal the walls of the bag together to provide a locating seal to keep the product in about the center of the bag and preventing it from falling to the bottom of the bag.

Abstract: Apparatus for enumerative display and disposal of surgical sponges comprising a circular one piece molded plastic article adapted to be fit over the rim of a standard surgical kick bucket and a bag placed in the kick bucket. The article bears a predetermined number of notches in its upper portion for display of sponges draped over the notches, so that when each notch bears a sponge, the number of used sponges on the article is known. The article contains a number of other features including a circumferential fluid receiving portion, shoulder portions, and a tapered annular channel portion to receive a bucket handle, and tapered projections in the notch portions to improve retaining engagement of the sponges. The article is designed to be nestable for easy packaging, sterilizable, inexpensive, and disposable.

Abstract: A machine and method which serves to introduce measured amounts of different items (e.g., pieces of different fruits) into containers such as cans or jars. Features of the machine and method include high filling speed, straight-line movement of means carrying separate measured amounts of the items, volumetric measuring pockets that are adjustable, and simplicity of construction and operation. Preferably the machine also incorporates means for orienting, slicing, and depositing a predetermined number of cherry halves into the containers.

Abstract: A machine and method which serves to introduce measured amounts of different items (e.g., pieces of different fruits) into containers such as cans or jars. Features of the machine and method include high filing speed, straight-line movement of means carrying separate measured amounts of the items, volumetric measuring pockets that are adjustable, and simplicity of construction and operation. Preferably the machine also incorporates means for orienting, slicing, and depositing a predetermined number of cherry halves into the containers.