Abstract: A container assembly apparatus associatable with a filler device. The container assembly apparatus being capable of positioning an inner flexible container filled by a filler device into an outer container. The container assembly apparatus comprises a transfer device and an outer container drive system. The transfer device comprises a conveyor including a first region and a second region. The first region is associatable with a filler device and the second region is positioned in an orientation which is substantially oblique to the first region. The outer container drive system is capable of positioning an outer container proximate an end of the second region of the conveyor of the transfer device.

Abstract: This machine can automatically load packages of various sizes and shapes into containers in a variety of pack patterns. The machine has a package infeed system that transfers the package to a package locating system that locates the package at a stationary package placement location. A package placement vertical drive picks up the package from the stationary package placement location and can rotate the package about a vertical axis as well as lowering the package into the container and releasing it at the proper location. The package placement vertical drive grips the package by vacuum. It includes a quick attach and detach vacuum head which enables the rapid change-over of the system. The machine includes a case conveyor that moves the container along the longitudinal axis of the machine as well as to the left or right in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the machine.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and a container filling lifting device for pressing containers to container filling machines. The lifting device includes a stop system that permits positioning of a bottle at a first level, for filling with a still beverage and for positioning a bottle in a second position at a higher level than the first level for filling the bottle with an effervescent beverage, in conformity with the pressure exerted by a pressure medium. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.

Abstract: A handling device for electronic chip components includes an indexing table having a plurality of cavities for holding electronic chip components therein and a circulatory feeder for supplying the electronic chip components to the indexing table. One or more cavities are simultaneously disposed at a location which comes close to the circulatory feeder and, by performing a suction operation in the cavities, the electronic chip components are directly put into the cavities, without moving the electronic chip components along the main surface of the indexing table.

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 rolls define a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by positioning drive assembly. A feed drive assembly advances coupons to the positioning rolls. Sensors actuate and deactuate the feed drive assembly in response to the presence of a container at a selected position and the presence of a coupon at another sensing position.

Abstract: A device (100) for feeding articles (2) to a blister band (3) moving below and having at least one row of blisters (3a) made therein for receiving corresponding articles (2). The row of blisters is parallel to the blister band forward direction (W). The device (100) has a grid (G) situated over the blister band (3), with at least one longitudinal channel (9), facing the longitudinal row of blisters (3a). A station (101) is provided for feeding the articles (2) to the grid (G), while oscillating means (10,20) generate a relative oscillating motion between the grid (G) and the corresponding blister band (3), to facilitate stabile introduction of the articles (2) into the corresponding blisters (3a) present along said longitudinal channel (9).

Abstract: An item handling system that sorts and packs items in a storage or shipping receptacle. The system is specifically designed to handle items such as sub-primal cuts of beef or pork or items of like size and weight. The system is adapted to sort items based on product type or based on system capacity. The packing mechanism is adapted to properly orient the item prior to placing the item in the storage or shipping receptacle. The system is specifically adapted to handle cardboard shipping boxes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disposable conveyor for use with an apparatus handling contamination-sensitive discrete items. The conveyor has at least one cavity, each cavity capable to carry at least one discrete item. The conveyor is adapted to be mounted on the contamination-sensitive apparatus that, in operation, is capable to impart movement to the conveyor for displacing the conveyor, and its cavities, along a predetermined path. The present invention also relates to a method for transporting discrete items in a machine performing production runs with different types of contamination-sensitive discrete items. The method involves installing a conveyor as described above on the machine and using it to perform a first production run with a first type of discrete items. The conveyor is then disposed of and a new conveyor installed on the machine, used to perform a second production run with a second type of discrete items, different from the first type.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for off-loading items of varying size such as electronic packages into receptacles such as tubes, there being means automatically to adjust dimension parameters of the apparatus whereby to accommodate packages of different size and load same into a tube therefor. The apparatus also has means for stacking a plurality of tubes for loading a bottom one of the stack, ejecting that one when loaded, and providing a subsequent tube from the stack for loading.

Abstract: A tamale loading apparatus (10) includes a converging mechanism (61) and diverter wheels (83, 84) to position tamales (200) on a belt (24). The belt is run at a speed to fly the tamales (200) into a can (300) wherein the tamales are automatically loaded and it is no longer necessary to load the tamales (200) by hand into the cans (300).

Abstract: The present invention comprises a machine for the packaging of goods in a box. A conveyor receives a designated number of goods between a series of successive flights situated on the top surface of the conveyor. The conveyor transports the goods up an incline and then over a steep decline, or waterfall. The waterfall nests the goods on a surface of the lead flight. The waterfall is covered so that the goods do not fall off of the conveyor as it goes over the waterfall. The conveyor then reaches a belt return, wherein the lead flight moves out from underneath the goods and drops the goods into the box. The box is positioned underneath the waterfall to receive the goods by the action of an intermittent conveyor. A sensor is positioned to verify that the queued box has received the goods. If the sensor does not indicate to the second conveyor that the queued box has not received the goods, the intermittent second conveyor will not move the box.

Abstract: A device for use in boxing pliable objects having a footprint into boxes. The boxing device includes a trapdoor unit, a box conveying unit, a tamping unit, and a control unit. The trapdoor unit has coplanar sliding trays that are adapted to be rapidly and simultaneously moved apart from a horizontal closed position, wherein the trays are close together with each, to a horizontal opened position, wherein the trays are slid apart by a distance sufficiently large to pass the footprint of the plurality of objects and permit the objects to fall therethrough in a flat manner into open boxes below. The box conveying unit moves empty open boxes to a position underneath the trapdoor unit. The tamping unit has tamping plates which tamps the objects into the box, and the control unit which controls the operation of the trapdoor unit, the box conveying unit, and the tamping unit.

Abstract: In an apparatus mounted on an automatic machine for packaging articles into blister packs, a working station (A) applies numeric codes to a blister band and a scoring station (B) equipped with scoring members (20), traces scoring lines on the blister band. In a cropping station (C) the blister packs are separated from the blister band, and in a disposal station (D), the remaining off-cuts are chopped. All these working stations are connected to a support body (1) and provided with plates (5,125) acted upon by pressers (53,54,55) which are released by motorised releasing elements (60,80). The pressers and plates clamp each of the devices for numbering (10), cutting (20), and severing (30) the blister band. The releasing elements (60,80) act on the pressers to allow substitution and automatic adjustment, performed by an automatic adjustment system (110), of devices for numbering (10), cutting (20), and severing (30) the band in relation to the size of blister packs to be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a procedure and an apparatus for the simultaneous transportation of one group of cans (31, 310, 311) in a row from a can rack (6, 60, 61)—the cans (3) being capable of being filled with fiber band—to a frame machine (2) and/or to another textile machine (4) or to a can depot (5). The group of cans (31, 310, 311) is brought in common with the can rack (6, 60, 61) for the filling of said cans (3) into a first work station (A1) on the frame machine (2). The can rack (6, 60, 61) remains at that point during the filling of the cans (3) of this can group (31, 310, 311) until, after the filling of all the cans (3) on the can rack, the can rack (6, 60, 61) then, once again with the cans, is transported to the additional textile machine (4) or to the can depot 5.

Abstract: A machine for filling and closing seed packets has a conveyor system which includes first and conveyors, when continuously advance a succession of preformed seed packets. Packets are filled from a continuously rotating funnel wheel which receives seed from a vibratory feeder as the packets are advanced by the first conveyor. The second conveyor receives packets from the first conveyor and applies sealing pressure to the closing flaps on the packets as the packets are further advanced.

Abstract: Pouch filling apparatus for carrying pouches through a pouch filler. The apparatus has leading and trailing clamps which are mounted on independent endless carriers. The endless carriers are driven at the same speed, but are controlled to maintain a set lag distance between the leading and trailing clamps. The lag distance may be adjusted to thereby adapt the apparatus for pouches of various sizes. The apparatus further incorporates a single retard arm and a single advance arm for moving the leading clamp between opened and closed pouch positions, respectively. The advance arm is located upstream of the pouch filler to move the leading clamp into the open pouch position for filling. The retard arm is located downstream of the pouch filler and moves the trailing clamp to the closed pouch position for sealing. The retard and advance arms are independently servo controlled to adapt the apparatus for pouches of various sizes and for continuous and intermittent operation.

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 rolls define a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by positioning drive assembly. A feed drive assembly advances coupons to the positioning rolls. Sensors actuate and deactuate the feed drive assembly in response to the presence of a container at a selected position and the presence of a coupon at another sensing position.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying bags along a path which includes a plurality of work stations. The conveyor apparatus includes a plurality of conveyor assemblies. Each of the conveyor assemblies includes opposed belt assemblies, one of which is laterally displaceable. Opposed belts of the opposed belt assemblies are contiguous for grasping the sides of the bags and transporting the bags in a generally upright orientation as the belts are driven in synchronism.

Abstract: A semi-automated machine for singulating individual surgical needles from an bulk supply and attaching a suture to the surgical needle is described. The machine includes a needle singulation station, a precise positioning station, a suture feeding station, a swage station, a pull-test station and an off-load station. A universal gripper mounted on a rotary indexing device automatically receives each individual needle in a predetermined orientation and conveys the needle for sequential processing from station to station to form the needle-suture assembly. The rotary indexing device is driven by a single shaft drive assembly which provides a compact annular drive from two intermittent indexing drives to two coaxial cam dials that provide rotation and reciprocation of the universal gripper. A swage station is provided for swaging the needle to close the suture receiving opening about the suture to secure said suture thereto and form therefrom a needle and suture assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging cans or tubes which arrive from a conveying station and which are placed into a packaging fixture. The cans are moved in the packaging fixture to a packaging station and are together removed from the packaging fixture in the form of a dense package and are provided with common packaging. The cans are then passed on to the next following processing station. Using interchangeable packaging modules, the cans or tubes are selectively filled into a box or are provided with a hoop. In the process, the packaging material is brought to the packaging station in a delivery plane which extends vertically with respect to a direction of delivery of the cans or tubes from out of the packaging fixture. The box to be filled is delivered by a box carrier which is movable in the delivery plane, to the packaging station, and is there taken over by a suction gripper.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products such as contact lenses in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes an intermittently indexed, linearly driven endless conveyor which includes a plurality of identical support pallets, equally spaced apart along the endless conveyor. Each support pallet is designed to support and align an array of individual package bases. The arrangement is such that each support pallet with an array of individual package bases thereon is sequentially stopped at a plurality of spaced work stations along the endless conveyor.

Abstract: A component tray handling system is provided which is capable of handling vacuum formed plastic component trays which have very different controlled surfaces and tolerances. In these vacuum formed trays, a leading ridge is formed at a known location with respect to each of a plurality of component cavities. The present system utilizes a unique drive system which is capable of interacting with this ridge rather than interacting with the leading edge of the tray. The present system also has a dual drive characteristic wherein the component trays are quickly removed or taken away from the first drive system so as to avoid any interference by the drive system with the trays or damage to the trays. This tray handling system is designed to allow easy incorporation into any number of automated manufacturing and component handling systems.

Abstract: A filling system of a container filling apparatus is configured for selectively, vertically moving an associated container positioned on a conveyor. The apparatus includes a food pump, and a container support platform operatively associated with the conveyor. The support platform is adapted to engage and support the container. A servo-controlled drive motor is configured to move each container positioned on the conveyor, in a controlled, generally vertical direction, perpendicular to the conveying path, toward and away from the food pump. A control system is operatively connected to the motor for providing controlled, programmable movement of the drive motor. Upon commencement of filling of the container with food product, the control means generates and transmits a signal to the motor to selectively position the container in proximity to the food pump and to move the container away from the food pump during filling, in a controlled manner, perpendicular to the conveying path.

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 means define a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by positioning drive means at a continuous predetermined speed. Feeding roll means located upstream of the positioning roll means 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 means actuate and deactuate the feeding drive means in response to timing means related to container position and coupon sensing means at a sensing position between the positioning roll means and the feeding roll means.

Abstract: A servomotor driven machine under control of a control system which compensates for the slip and other errors associated with indirectly driving a movable component of the machine with a servomotor is set forth. The control system includes a servomotor that is connected through an intermediate drive mechanism to drive the movable component from a start position to an end position. A sensing system is disposed on the apparatus for generating an output signal indicative of at least one motion characteristic of the movable component. A controller drives the servomotor in accordance with a predetermined motion profile. The predetermined motion profile defines the motion characteristics of the movable component as the movable component moves from the start position to the end position within a predetermined time frame.

Abstract: A system for transporting containers in serial order through container-processing stations, such as filling and capping stations. The transporting system comprises a revolving turret defining a plurality of container receiving pockets in a spaced apart relationship for serially advancing containers from one processing station to another along a generally arcuate path. Each pocket is configured to accept and release a container along predetermined ingress and egress directions respectively. An endless conveyor supplies unprocessed containers to the revolving turret and also removes the processed containers therefrom.

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: Bag pick up and feed assembles pick up a flat folded bag from a magazine and direct the picked up bag to a bag positioner assembly, the feed assembly including a first set of rollers moved away from a second set before the bag is moved therebetween and thence together to feed the bag. The positioner assembly moves the bag to extend vertically for top edge portions being clampingly engaged by a carriage assembly and thereby forwardly conveyed to beneath a hopper spout. Bag top side wall portions of the clamped bags are spread by vacuum cups of the carriage assembly. Power operated linkage mechanism moves closed spout jaws downwardly between the spread side wall portions and thence open the jaws to spread the bag side walls as product is discharged through opening jaws to open the clamped bag.

Abstract: A case erector with A-B detect is disclosed. This case erector eliminates the need to sort A and B type cases and thus increases the rate at which boxes can be erected. Whether the case is an A or B type case determines how far into the case erector the flattened case is fed and whether the case is unfolded to the left or the right.

Abstract: An article packaging machine (11) for packaging articles such as bottles and cans in cardboard containers comprises a carton path along which cartons are moved to be loaded with articles. The carton path is adjustable in width to provide for use of the packaging machine with cartons of various sizes. A series of automatic retractable bed plate assemblies (26), (27), (28), (29) are provided on the machine for underlying and providing support to cartons moving along the carton path. The bed plates are pneumatically actuated and are adapted to be raised automatically into the carton path as the carton path is widened to provide progressively increasing support. Conversely, the bed plates are lowered automatically out of the carton path as the carton path is narrowed to accommodate the narrowing of the path.

Abstract: A preferred form of a packing apparatus of the present invention for loading a dough product into a container opening includes a frame and a loading member joined to the frame. The loading has a first opening for receiving the dough product to be packed, and a second opening through which the dough product exists off the loading member and into the container. An inner surface joins the first opening to the second opening. The inner surface has an extending tang disposed at the second opening. The extending tang is insertable within the container opening. A support member supports the container proximate the second opening for insertion of the dough product into the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to the filling of a flat can with fiber sliver by a textile machine which delivers a fiber sliver, such as a carding machine or a draw frame, whereby the flat can is moved under a stationary, rotating rotary plate. The invention significantly reduces the costs for the required movements of the flat can as compared to the state of the art. The process according to the invention for the traversing of a flat can during the filling process at a textile machine delivering a fiber sliver is realized in that the flat can is shifted laterally by tilting of the flat can around an axis in the return path of the traversing path. In the device according to the invention, the traversing mechanism is equipped with a tilting device. For this purpose, the tilting device is provided with a tilter and an axis around which the flat can is tilted.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically feeding, inspecting and diverting tablets for continuous filling of tablet containers includes a tablet conveyor system which divides the tablets in a plurality of tablet streams for inspection by color, size and shape. Following the tablet inspection, each tablet passes through a tablet diverter which diverts the tablets to a recycle stream, reject stream or one of two bottle filling positions based upon instruction from the inspection. A bottle conveyor system is provided which feeds empty bottles into a bottle escapement mechanism which positions the empty bottles for filling. Filled bottles are moved from the bottle escapement mechanism to an exit conveyor. The entire system is computer controlled by various control mechanisms to enable the system to be fully operational without operator assistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously packing a plurality of articles into receiving cartons. A loading station is utilized in combination with a carton feeding queue for delivering a continuous sequence of cartons to the loading station. A mechanism is provided to transport the cartons along the carton feeding queue and to maintain at least the next successive carton in the queue in continuous longitudinal engagement with any carton at the loading station. An article orienting and delivery queue is employed for longitudinally aligning a plurality of articles in the desired longitudinal, end-to-end, and lateral, side-by-side, relationship. A slide portion of the article orienting and delivery queue is inclined to permit the articles longitudinally to traverse the slide portion and to be received at the loading station by gravity. A transfer device is provided at the discharge end of the loading head to support the articles as they continue to descend by gravity and engage the carton at the loading station.

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 conveyor apparatus for moving flat coiler cans into and out of a sliver filling station and for reciprocating the cans in the sliver filling station while being filled with sliver by a sliver producing textile machine, includes a conveyor element extending along a filling path within the sliver filling station and along a conveying path beyond the sliver filling station; and a drive for unidirectionally moving the conveyor element to introduce a can into or withdraw a can from the sliver filling station along the conveying path and for reciprocating the conveyor element to displace a can back-and-forth along the filling path.

Abstract: A vertically oriented horizontally extending carton conveyor and loading apparatus incorporates a mechanical mechanism for simultaneously adjusting the distance between a pair of longitudinally extending guide rails at a plurality of locations. The carton conveyor also includes an intermediate member and a carton finishing apparatus disposed on the intermediate member for closing and sealing operations. The mechanical mechanism simultaneously moves a first of the guide rails and the intermediate member laterally with respect to a second of the guide rails, but with the mounting member being moved one half of the distance of the first guide rail.

Abstract: A machine for packaging product, such as blueberries and other similar small fruits in a container having a receptacle and a lid connected to the receptacle includes a hopper suspended over a conveying mechanism which conveys the container beneath the dispensing opening of the hopper to fill the container. The size of the dispensing opening is set for the speed of the line and the size of the container by adjusting the position of a movable wall of the hopper. The containers are then conveyed to a closing station at which the lids are closed and latched by applying pressure to the lid while one side of the container is deflected to move the corners away from the lid to thereby permit closing of the container.

Abstract: A vertically oriented horizontally extending carton conveyor and loading apparatus includes a mechanical mechanism for transporting a plurality of cartons along an endless pathway in a horizontal plane. The apparatus also includes carton finishing systems and a second mechanical mechanism for adjusting the carton conveyor to accommodate cartons of different sizes and for positioning the cartons with respect to the loading apparatus and finishing systems. This second mechanical mechanism fixes an upper, back and trailing corner of a carton with respect to the pathway so that the upper, back and trailing corner provides a reference point for adjustments with respect to carton width, thickness and height.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling with loose material carriers provided on their top with cavities, comprising: a transporting member for transporting the carriers; a scraper member arranged above the transporting member and drivable in rotation round a vertical shaft, which scraper member is arranged at a distance from the conveyor belt substantially corresponding with the height of the carriers for filling; and a ring enclosing the path described by the scraper member, wherein on the downstream located side of the ring means are arranged for removing excess loose material from the carriers; wherein on the upstream located side of the ring means are arranged for feeding loose material to the carriers; and wherein transporting means are arranged for transporting loose material coming from the first means to the second means.

Abstract: A carton loading system has a carton carrier movable along a carton carrier support track driven by a continuous conveyor. The continuous conveyor has a first path segment in which the continuous conveyor drives the carton carrier along the track while a carton is placed into the carton carrier from a carton storage magazine by a carton transfer device. The continuous conveyor also has a second segment with a first portion arranged such that the conveyor is disengaged from the carton carrier to allow the carrier to a stop, permitting loading of the carton. At the loading station an accumulator may be positioned to load the carton. The second portion of the second segment is such that conveyor re-engages the carton carrier so that the carton carrier moves again along the track. The carton may be discharged from the carton carrier while the carton carrier moves along the track. The system may be adapted to provide for adjustable components such that cartons of differing depths can be accommodated.

Abstract: A device for handling liquid radioactive waste includes a heater for heating and drying liquid radioactive waste being poured into a container. A pallet, which is preferably formed of metal, receives the container. A ground vehicle transports the pallet. A supplementary heater is part of the pallet.

Abstract: A machine for conditioning filled and sealed bags for testing, to assure that the bags are accurately tested without damaging the product contained in the bags, and for packaging the bags that have passed the test in cartons with the longitudinal axis of the bags arranged vertical.

Abstract: A measuring machine for measuring an article is disclosed. The machine includes a frame which mounts a movable carriage. A vertically movable measuring assembly is mounted on the carriage. The measuring assembly includes a pair of spaced measuring arms. A drive cylinder moves the measuring arms to engage the article. A linear scale is mounted adjacent the measuring arms.

Abstract: A fabric bag is used to be packed with shredded waste material from a shredder/compactor. During loading, the bag is confined in a close-fitting steel box and is supported on a fork lift-type ballast. Use of the box as a confining rigid jacket enables the shredder/compactor to compress and compact the shredded feed. The front wall of the box can then be removed and a fork lift-type jack used to extract the packed bag and pallet as a unit, ready for shipping.

Abstract: The invention provides a cheese transporting processing apparatus for classifying cheeses wound up by winders or the like for different types and packing and carrying out the thus classified cheeses. When a cheese is transported by an overhead conveyor with a type identifying unit, information of a type of the cheese is written into the type identifying unit. In accordance with such type information, cheeses are stocked for different types into a cheese stocker. In response to a demanding instruction from a packing line, cheeses of a specified type are discharged from the cheese stocker and boxed and packed. Such sequence of operations is performed automatically on the cheese transporting processing 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: An apparatus for dispensing individual containers, for example flower pots, from a nested stack of containers. The apparatus may be used to dispense rows of individual containers into a larger container, for example, a tray. The apparatus includes a first extendable arm for holding the stack of containers in an elevated position within a hollow column adapted to hold the stack of containers vertical, a second extendable arm for wedging the stack of containers, with the exception of the bottom container in the stack, against the side of the column and a third extendable arm for contacting the bottom container in the stack, thereby causing the bottom container to separate from the stack and fall into the tray. The apparatus also includes a wedge disposed within the column, opposite to the second extendable arm for facilitating the exposure of the lip of the bottom container.

Abstract: An apparatus for bagging foodstuffs such as potatoes includes a carousel having a number of hopper recesses defined in a top surface and an electric motor and transmission assembly for rotatably moving the carousel. Each of the hoppers terminates in a chute for guiding the foodstuffs, and the carousel is vibrated in two separate directions in order to prevent the foodstuffs from becoming stuck. An automatic bag gripping mechanism is provided beneath each of the chutes, and is adapted to close when a bag is placed into position between its grippers when the carousel is in a first position. A control and interface unit continuously moves the carousel from the first position to a second loading position, and interfaces with a commercially available weighing machine to control the transfer of a load of foodstuffs from the weighing machine into one of the hoppers.

Abstract: A filler and sealer with an endless two directional flexing chain having carriers thereon are capable of being driven about vertical axes of a rotary filler and also about horizontal axes of end discs. Each carrier movably supports a tray supporting head which is accurately maintained in filling positions relative to rotary and reciprocating tray fillers, and is thereafter accurately maintained in position to have a lid sealed on the container. Arcuate guide shoes on each carrier ride in linear and arcuate tracks to guide the carriers. A push bar conveyor includes spacer rollers which engage each carrier and push the carriers around their paths of movement at uniform speed.