Abstract: The invention concerns a carton loading device (1) comprising a gripper assembly (20), which comprises at least one gripper (21) arranged to grip a product item (P) from above and to lower the product item (P) into a carton (10). The carton (10) comprises along first parallel sides (11) thereof comprises bottom side flaps (13) and top side flaps (14) and along second parallel sides (12) thereof comprises bottom end flaps (15) and top end flaps (16) and is presented to the gripper assembly (20) in a sleeve state with all flaps (13-16) unfolded. The gripper assembly (20) comprises a pinching means (22) arranged to pinch and hold the top side flaps (14) of the carton (10) and to hold and move the carton (10) and said product item (P) jointly to a carton closing station of the carton loading device (1), where the gripper assembly (20) finally releases said product item (P) and the carton (10) once the bottom side flaps (13) and the bottom end flaps (15) have been folded in and secured.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming advertising media compilations respectively consisting of one envelope and a plurality of inserts. Each advertising medium suitable for use as an envelope for an advertising media compilation to be formed is recorded in a computer-aided machine control. For each recorded advertising medium, an offset value is defined which corresponds to the required projecting length, relative to the associated inserts, wherein this offset value is used for forming the required projecting length in case of a changeover from one advertising media compilation to another advertising media compilation having an envelope that differs from the first envelope. The apparatus is respectively provided for this with a separate drive unit, connected to the computer-aided machine control, for at least one of the separating out and feeding elements and to the conveying element.

Abstract: The medicament dispensing machine enables to use vials having various sizes and shapes without changing a part in the machine or without performing a special operation. The medicament dispensing machine contains a discharging unit that receives a vial filled with a medicament from a medicament filling means and discharges out of a vial discharging window. The discharging unit contains a vial gripping means having a pair of gripping arms that grip a vial, a body of gripping means having the vial gripping means, a moving means that moves the vial gripping means from the medicament filling means to the vial discharging window, and an orientation changing mechanism that changes the orientation of the body of gripping means. With a coordination of the movement of the body of gripping means toward the vial discharging window, the orientation changing mechanism makes the gripping arms orient to the vial discharging window.

Abstract: Delivering a blood processing solution to blood in a blood bag includes coupling a first tube to a vented spike at one end and to a Y-shaped tube connector at a second end. An in-line microbiotic barrier filter is coupled to the first tube between its ends. A second tube is coupled to a transfer bag at one end and to the Y-shaped tube connector at its other end. A third tube is coupled to the output of the Y-shaped tube connector and sealed at its distal end. The blood bag includes a fourth tube that is sealed at a distal end. The third tube is welded to the fourth tube using a sterile tubing welder, wherein a functionally-closed, sterile flow path through which the blood processing solution can flow into the blood bag is maintained.

Abstract: A container with improved sealing, for improved security in the event of loading, transporting and/or unloading submicron particles, in particular nanopowder/nanoparticles, includes a connector for injecting liquid and/or gas. Such a container can also contain at least one inflatable seal (40) valve (3; 4). The container is provided with elements for changing the physical state of the material by heating, mixing or ultrasound bombardment. A method for using the container and an inflatable seal valve are also described.

Abstract: A multi-layer article is provided containing a sorbent layer having a first side and a second side; a vapor permeable or microporous layer adjacent to at least a portion of at least one of the first side and second side of the sorbent layer; optionally, a second vapor permeable or microporous layer on a side of the vapor permeable or microporous layer not adjacent to the sorbent layer; optionally, a vapor impermeable layer adjacent to a portion of the sorbent layer not adjacent to the vapor permeable or microporous layer; and an active composition having at least one volatile component; wherein the sorbent layer contains the active composition, and each layer is capable of being formed into a required shape or structure; and a method for its use in treating the atmosphere of an environment such as a compartment or localized space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging machine having a thermoforming station, a sealing station and/or a cutting device, wherein at least one of said stations or the cutting device have a lifting table having a lifting device.

Abstract: A stuffing machine (1) for stuffing piles (2) of sheet articles, comprising: a first conveyor (11) for moving piles (2) of sheet articles in a first advancement direction (A1); a second conveyor (12) arranged downstream of the first conveyor (11) with respect to the first advancement direction (A1), which second conveyor (12) is angularly arranged with respect to the first conveyor (11); a third conveyor (13) arranged downstream of the first conveyor (11) with respect to the first advancement direction (A1), which third conveyor (13) is aligned with the first conveyor (11), is extensible in a second advancement direction (A2) opposite the first advancement direction (A1), such as to assume an operating configuration (O) in which it passes over the second conveyor (12) and defines, with the first conveyor (11), a first conveying pathway (P1) and is retractable in a same direction as the first advancing direction (A1) in order to assume an inactive configuration (I) which enables the first conveyor (11) and the

Abstract: An installation comprising a first platform having a first holder device comprising a first pair of jaws, and a second platform having a second holder device comprising a second pair of jaws. Each pair of jaws comprising a stationary jaw and a movable jaw mounted on the stationary jaw to be movable between a closed position and an open position. A resilient element connecting the two jaws together urges the movable jaw towards the closed position. The two pairs of jaws are provided with co-operation devices enabling them to transfer a container from one platform to another by co-operation between the pairs of jaws.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for dispensing powder, comprising at least one storage tank (1) provided with a cap (2) comprising a flow orifice (3) for the powder.

Abstract: The medicament dispensing machine enables to use vials having various sizes and shapes without changing a part in the machine or without performing a special operation. The medicament dispensing machine contains a discharging unit that receives a vial filled with a medicament from a medicament filling means and discharges out of a vial discharging window. The discharging unit contains a vial gripping means having a pair of gripping arms that grip a vial, a body of gripping means having the vial gripping means, a moving means that moves the vial gripping means from the medicament filling means to the vial discharging window, and an orientation changing mechanism that changes the orientation of the body of gripping means. With a coordination of the movement of the body of gripping means toward the vial discharging window, the orientation changing mechanism makes the gripping arms orient to the vial discharging window.

Abstract: Delivering a blood processing solution to blood in a blood bag includes coupling a first tube to a vented spike at one end and to a Y-shaped tube connector at a second end. An in-line microbiotic barrier filter is coupled to the first tube between its ends. A second tube is coupled to a transfer bag at one end and to the Y-shaped tube connector at its other end. A third tube is coupled to the output of the Y-shaped tube connector and sealed at its distal end. The blood bag includes a fourth tube that is sealed at a distal end. The third tube is welded to the fourth tube using a sterile tubing welder, wherein a functionally-closed, sterile flow path through which the blood processing solution can flow into the blood bag is maintained.

Abstract: In one embodiment of an apparatus and process for packaging foodstuffs or other materials in a rigid container sealed by a flexible cover, a desired quantity of material to be packaged containing or together with some water or other liquid is placed in the container, the flexible cover is secured on the container so as to leave at least one unsealed opening, the container is heated and/or placed in a partial vacuum to bring the liquid above its boiling point to cause or permit vapor generated by the boiling liquid to expel other gases from the container through the unsealed opening, and the container is sealed while gas or vapor is still flowing out of the container through the unsealed opening.

Abstract: A balloon filling device is provided. The balloon filling device includes a hose connector extending outwards from a body of the balloon filling device, a hose barb extending outwards from the body along a predominant axis, the hose barb being displaced on the body from the hose connector, a valve within the body having an opened state where the valve forms a conduit between the hose connector and the hose barb and a closed state where the conduit is blocked and a receptacle disposed in the body adjacent the hose barb that receives a balloon tying device.

Abstract: A method for providing customized content to an electronic device. The method may include activating the electronic device through a packaging that substantially surrounds the electronic device, without substantially damaging or removing the packaging. Once the device is activating, connecting the electronic device to a content and providing the content to the electronic device without substantially damaging or removing the packaging.

Abstract: A hot-fill PET container or bottle (10) filling with a liquid at an elevated temperature has a side wall (9) extending to a lower portion including a pressure panel (11) and a base (21) in its unfolded or pre-fill position. The panel (11) is transversely oriented and has a decoupling or hinge structure (13), an initiator portion (1) and control portion (5) of a steeply angled inverting conical section between 30 and 45 degrees. The control portion enables the inversion of the panel (11) into the container (10) to compensate for vacuum or reduced pressure induced within the container as the liquid cools down. The base (2) can also have a plurality of reinforcing ribs (3).

Abstract: Machine and method for the automatic preparation of medication, comprising:—a starting products area comprising at least one receptacle with bane products; a transfer tools area further comprising at least one transfer tool; a prepared products area comprising at least one container; and one robot with holding means for transporting the receptacle, the transfer tool and/or the container; wherein the robot, the starting products area, the transfer tools area, and the prepared products area are disposed in the same cabinet or chamber of the machine, so that the robot is adapted to transport mo receptacle, the transfer tool and/or the container between the areas in the chamber. The machine further comprising a holding device between the receptacle, the transfer tool or the container and the robot's holding means, said holding device comprising elastic means for fixation to different sizes/forms of receptacles, transfer tools or containers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device and method for automatic release of a refuse bag from a refuse receptacle. The device and method provided herein substantially eliminates all contact by a user with a filled refuse bag and the unsanitary contents therein.

Abstract: A mixing, processing, sealing and bottling machine for substances used to prepare cosmetics is provided. The machine is driven by external means and includes a cabinet, where command panels are externally placed and a bottling station. The devices are used by a user to prepare cosmetics and related products comprising chemicals or natural substances prescribed in personal formulas originating from prescriptions from professionals or pre-programmed formulations. The machine can be connected to a printing device for printing the formula or recording means for recording the formula.

Abstract: A plastic container comprises an upper portion including a finish defining an opening into the container, a lower portion including a base defining a standing surface, a sidewall extending between the upper portion and the lower portion, the sidewall defining a longitudinal axis, and at least one substantially transversely-oriented pressure panel located in the lower portion. The pressure panel is movable between an outwardly-inclined position and an inwardly-inclined position to compensate for a change of pressure inside the container. The standing surface defines a standing plane, and the entire pressure panel is located between the standing plane and the upper portion of the container when the pressure panel is in the outwardly-inclined position.

Abstract: A machine (M) for packing vials (F) includes a supply station (1) of empty vials (F) and an Archimedes screw (3) having a rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal development of the machine (M), activated in phase relation with the supply station (1) from which it receives the vials (F). A first device (4) has at least two cogged sectors, rotating on a common axis independently of one another, alternatively activated in phase relation with the screw (3). The machine has a comb conveyor (5), which is step-moved and designed to receive the vials (F) from one or another of the cogged sectors of the first device (4), and a filling station (8), for introduction of a liquid solution contemporaneously into a plurality of vials (F). The machine has a statistical weighing station (10) for the vials (F), arranged in proximity to the filling station (8), able to detect a tare and a gross weight of sample vials (F). A capping station (11) is provided for at least partly sealing a plurality of vials (F).

Abstract: A packaging for a liquid filling with a product packaging pouch made out of a liquid-tight and elastic material and having a reaction chamber pouch made out of a liquid-tight and elastic material. The reaction chamber pouch is completely closed, and is arranged inside the product packaging pouch and partially filled with a first reactant. An inner pouch made out of a liquid-tight and elastic material is completely closed, is arranged inside the reaction chamber pouch and exhibits a predetermined breaking point that yields when its interior pressure is increased, and is filled with a second reactant. The first and second reactant induce a temperature change upon coming into contact with each other. As a result, a temperature change can be initiated by the user on the one hand, while minimizing the risk that the filling will become contaminated with chemicals on the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing packaging, in particular composite packaging for liquid foodstuffs, having a cross-sectional area that decreases in the pour-out direction in the gable region. The packaging is composed of a sleeve having a gable region having a plurality of gable faces and a pouring element. The apparatus has at least one rotatable mandrel wheel having a plurality of mandrels for holding the sleeves. Additionally, a method for producing such packaging and a gable press for use with the aforementioned apparatus. In order to allow easier and more cost-effective production, it is proposed that the apparatus has a gable press, assigned to a single mandrel wheel position, for folding the gable region, for connecting all the gable faces of the gable region of the sleeve to the pouring element and for sealing the protruding ears in the same mandrel wheel position.

Abstract: A tablet supply unit (2) of a medicine packing apparatus (1) has a tablet housing section (22c) including tablet housing chambers (21) for respectively housing the tablets for one dose fed from upper end openings thereof. The tablet housing chambers (21) are arranged in a plurality of rows in an anteroposterior direction and a plurality of columns in a lateral direction. A closing cover (25) opens upper end openings (21a) of all of the tablet housing chambers (21) at an open position and closes the upper end openings (21a) in one or more rows of the tablet housing chambers on a rear side among the tablet housing chambers at a closed position.

Abstract: The rate of degradation of a cooked food product that is maintained at an elevated temperature can be reduced by the use of an encapsulated environment food holder. The encapsulated environment is a small, airtight or semi-airtight containment vessel that retains compositions that escape from a cooked food product over time. The volume of an encapsulated environment is greater than one hundred percent but less than one-thousand percent of the cooked food product volume. By holding single servings or portions of a cooked food product in a small, encapsulated environment palatability or taste of a cooked food product can be extended.

Abstract: A device is for treating and packaging implants. The device includes a container including a chamber therein. The chamber is closed by a removable seal. The device also includes a carrier sized and shaped to be inserted into the chamber. The carrier includes a carrying structure configured to connect an implant thereto. A portion of the carrier may be formed of an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: The medicament dispensing machine enables to use vials having various sizes and shapes without changing a part in the machine or without performing a special operation. The medicament dispensing machine contains a discharging unit that receives a vial filled with a medicament from a medicament filling means and discharges out of a vial discharging window. The discharging unit contains a vial gripping means having a pair of gripping arms that grip a vial, a body of gripping means having the vial gripping means, a moving means that moves the vial gripping means from the medicament filling means to the vial discharging window, and an orientation changing mechanism that changes the orientation of the body of gripping means. With a coordination of the movement of the body of gripping means toward the vial discharging window, the orientation changing mechanism makes the gripping arms orient to the vial discharging window.

Abstract: A method for providing customized content to an electronic device. The method may include activating the electronic device through a packaging that substantially surrounds the electronic device, without substantially damaging or removing the packaging. Once the device is activating, connecting the electronic device to a content and providing the content to the electronic device without substantially damaging or removing the packaging.

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating and sealing packing cushions has a drive mechanism for feeding a preconfigured film material to a sealing mechanism in a flattened state without wrinkles in the sealing region in which a longitudinal seal is formed. In one aspect, the drive mechanism comprises a pair of upper adjacent belts and a backing element, such as a lower belt. The sealing mechanism may be a rotary sealing wheel that contacts the film material between the upper adjacent belts.

Abstract: The introduction of a heterogeneous solid substance, such as biomass, into a container which is under pressure is difficult. The rotary valves and airlocks used hitherto have substantial deficiencies. The use of standard screw conveyors has hitherto failed due to the fact that a cavity formed behind the screw helix in which gas could escape from the pressurized container. These deficiencies are resolved in that two independently controllable screws are arranged in a screw conveyor pipe. Between the primary screw driven by a motor and the secondary screw driven by another motor, the biomass is compacted by high pressure as a consequence of the different revolution speeds of the motors in such a way that an almost gas-tight plug is formed. The invention is particularly well-suited for the introduction of biomass into a gasification installation which is under pressure, for the production of synthesis gas.

Abstract: A currency handling system includes a safe at a first location. The safe seals received currency in a tamper evident container before allowing access to the container. The container includes a container body defining a mouth providing access to an inner volume having variable height. The inner volume has a length and width sized to receive and hold currency in a stacked arrangement. The container also includes an information storage device disposed on the container body and a closure fastener disposed on at least one of the mouth and a side wall of the container body for holding the mouth in a permanently closed state, preventing non-destructive access to the inner volume of the container body. The currency handling system also includes a secure deposit system at a second location configured to receive the sealed container.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a foam-in-bag device. The device can include a dispenser unit configured for dispensing a fluid foam-precursor into a web of film material for making foam-in-bag packaging material, a fluid supply conduit connected to the dispenser unit for delivering the foam-precursor to the dispenser unit, a valve connected to the dispenser outlet and that is actuatable between: an open condition allowing flow of the foam-precursor so as to permit the dispensing of the foam precursor, and a closed condition preventing flow of the-foam precursor so as to prevent the dispensing of the foam precursor. The device can further include a power-loss protection mechanism configured to direct auxiliary power to actuate the valve to the closed condition upon a loss of incoming power.

Abstract: A container cap (80) positioned within a sealing chamber (84) has an openable aperture to allow the increase in pressure in the container headspace (231) before the aperture is resealed. In alternative embodiments the container (1) may include vacuum compensation panels (801, 802,803, 804) in its sidewall and/or base.

Abstract: A method for packaging non-liquid food products, particularly those sensitive to oxygen, such as vegetables, in a container with a low oxygen content, the container including an opening. The method includes the following steps: the container is filled with the products, in a non-controlled atmosphere; the air is removed from the container by filling same to capacity with a liquid; the full container is placed in a non-oxidizing atmosphere formed by at least one non-oxidizing gas; the liquid is fully or partially emptied from the container in a non-oxidizing atmosphere while the food products are kept in the container, such that the at least one non-oxidizing gas replaces the liquid in the container; and the above-mentioned container opening is closed in a gas-tight manner in a non-oxidizing atmosphere. A unit for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A shipping system comprises an article of furniture and a packaging assembly. The packaging assembly includes a container and a protective insert. The container houses the article of furniture. The protective insert is disposed within the container and is positioned to help protect the article of furniture from damage. The protective insert has at least one convertible portion that is adapted to be removed from a surrounding portion of the protective insert, transition between a first configuration and a second configuration, and form at least a portion of an accessory product for the article of furniture when the convertible portion is in the second configuration.

Abstract: A filling assembly for filling of a tube of packaging material having a seal starting at a first level, comprises a conduit arranged to lead liquid into the tube of packaging material below said first level and a passage arranged to eject gas through openings into the tube of packaging material below said first level. The filling assembly is characterized in that a gasket is arranged to provide a seal between said filling assembly and said tube of packaging material upstream said openings such that the overpressure P1 downstream the gasket may exceed an ambient pressure Pa upstream the gasket.

Abstract: An ice vending apparatus adapted to remove moisture from ice pieces during dispensing, which apparatus includes a ramp having a lower lip and being adapted to transfer a quantity of ice pieces from a holding vessel to a container; and a channel having an upwardly facing opening that is in operative association with the ramp and arranged so that moisture is adapted to flow around the lower lip of the ramp into the channel while excluding the ice pieces so as to separate at least a portion of the moisture from the ice pieces as the ice pieces are transferred to the container. Methods of providing ice pieces, particularly with reduction of associated moisture to a consumer, are also described.

Abstract: A secondary containment system (1) for installing around a ground-based primary vessel (6), the secondary containment system comprising a bund (2) having a base panel (3) and an endless wall (4) defining an enclosure. The bund (2) is made from several prefabricated sections (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), each pre-fabricated section being itself made from one of more component parts (31-34, 41-48). When the pre-fabricated sections are assembled around the primary vessel a central opening (3b) is defined in the base panel (3), whereby inner edges (30) of the base panel (3) which define the central opening (3b) surround the primary vessel (6). The inner edges (30) are hermetically fastened to a substrate surface (50) on which the primary vessel (6) and the bund (2) are installed to form a continuous liquid-impermeable surface. The bund (2) also comprises a fire-proof cover (100, 170) covering the wall (4) for fire and UV protection.

Abstract: In a packaging machine, a pair of shutter members holds a tubular film therebetween and shake the tubular film. Articles on an upstream side of the shutter members within the tubular film therefore aggregate toward the side of the shutter members while the vibration of the shutter members causes the gaps between the packaged articles to be filled. Since the packaged articles aggregate by inertia due to the vibration, fragmentation thereof is less likely than in a case in which the packaged articles are compressed by direct contact. Merely by the movement of rollers on a waved surface of a shutter cam, the shutter members are shaken in accordance with the waved surface.

Abstract: A thru-beam sensor is positioned such that the beam passes through the crease line of the envelope when the envelope is parked in the insertion area. As the envelope enters the insertion area, the through beam sensor is set to current level A. The sensor is used to accurately position the envelope based on the passing of the lead edge. Once the envelope is in position, the current in the thru-beam emitter pair is raised until the envelope is no longer obstructing the line of sight of the sensor. From this state, the insert or plurality of inserts that are entering the accumulator can be detected, as the presence of the inserts will inhibit light transmission between the emitter and receiver. Using the sensor system proposed here, the inserts trailing edge can be detected at the crease line of the envelope.

Abstract: The bottom shell of a capsule is filled with at least two products, contained in respective tanks, by means of a metering device, which has a metering chamber for receiving a given quantity of product from each tank; and a transfer chamber, which receives and transfers the product from the metering chamber to the bottom shell, and has a weighing device for weighing the product inside the transfer chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a filling element of a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material, comprising at least one dispensing opening formed at a bottom face of the filling element for dispensing the filling material in a controlled manner, and further comprising a closure system having at least one closure element, which in an activated state of the closure system rests in a sealed position pressed against the filling element and/or an outer functional element of the filling element by the pressure of a pressure medium, specifically to create a rinsing chamber, which is closed toward the outside and encloses at least one dispensing opening and through which a cleaning and/or sterilizing medium can flow. The pressure medium is the pressurized cleaning and/or sterilizing medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling at least one thin-walled transport container (12) with at least one article of value (20), in which a frame (14) having an opening (23) is contacted by a part of the outside surface (18) of a transport container (12), which outside surface (18) is turned inside. A part of the transport container (12) is moved through the opening (23) of the frame (14) in feeding direction (P1) of the article of value (20) by means of the article of value (20) supplied during filling so that at least a part of the inside surface (16) of the transport container (12) that is turned outside is turned inside. Further, the invention relates to a device (10) for transporting at least one article of value (20).

Abstract: A storage cap for use with a container includes a first structure having a first wall at least partially defining an inner storage chamber operable for storing a first substance and defining a first annular opening having a first annular convex surface facing toward the storage chamber. The storage cap includes a second structure coupled to the first structure and has a plunger element located within the storage chamber having a domed-end with a convex surface facing to the annular opening and a radius greater than one-half of the diameter of the first opening. The second structure is moveable to make and break contact with the annular opening. When the domed end is in contact with the first annular convex surface, a seal is formed between two convex surfaces along an annular path.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus for placing a product in an envelope is provided with a discharge path. The discharge path is provided with a skewed roller conveyer which comprises a plurality of rollers arranged at an angle relative to the discharge conveying direction, to align the envelopes along a stop extending in the conveying direction of the roller conveyer. The discharge path is provided with at least one pressing device extending above the roller conveyor to press envelopes towards the roller conveyor, the pressing device comprising at least one array of vertically moveable, rotatable balls. The roller conveyor is provided with at least one endless transport belt for the envelopes, extending opposite the at least one pressing device, the endless belt extending substantially transversally with respect to the rollers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for separating and packing gloves in a particular order from a collection area wherein the gloves are provided unordered and unsorted, a device for separating and packing gloves not in a particular order from a collection area wherein the gloves are provided unordered and unsorted and also to a device for separating and packing gloves in a predetermined order directly from dipping line.

Abstract: An equipment (21) for the storing of values (23) as banknotes, checks and other documents in sack, comprising one or two filling and sealing units (26a, 26b) for a value sack or value sacks (24a, 24b) to be closed irreversibly, and which is coupled to an interface unit (31) of a deposit and withdrawal machine (22). A transfer safe (27) lodges the filling and sealing unit or units and the value sacks and an introduction unit (42) is connected with the interface unit (31) for transferring the values. The introduction unit (42) includes a stacking device (43) for the values (23) to be stored in sack, a bundling device (44) for bundling the formed stacks and a moving and transferring mechanism (46) for shifting the stacks between the stacking device, the bundling device and the filling and sealing unit or units. A method for making easier and accelerating the operations of account and transport of the stored values is also described.

Abstract: It is suggested to use mass spectroscopy in in-line testing of closed containers. The method for evaluating a quality of a number of closed filled containers filled with a filling product comprises: detecting at least one analyte by means of a mass spectroscopy technique, wherein said at least one analyte comprises at least one of said filling product; one or more components of said filling product; a decomposition product of said filling product; one or more decomposition products of one or more components of said filling product.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately dosing moist smokeless tobacco includes a dosing assembly and a dosing air source. The dosing assembly defines a loading chamber and a dosing chamber for containing a quantity of moist smokeless tobacco material. The dosing assembly also includes a discharge opening communicating with the dosing chamber. The dosing air source communicates with the dosing chamber and is operable to deliver compressed air to the dosing assembly so as to move moist smokeless tobacco material from the dosing chamber to the discharge opening. A method of pouching moist smokeless tobacco includes placing a predetermined quantity of moist smokeless tobacco in a dosing chamber having a predetermined volume, and ejecting the predetermined quantity of moist smokeless tobacco to pouching apparatus using compressed air.

Abstract: A sealed adjuster (24) has a first portion (34) fixed to a first structure, a second portion (36) fixed to a second structure (30), and a manually operable third portion (38) adjustable to change the position of the first portion (34) relative to the second portion (36) such that, as the position of the first portion (34) is changed relative to the second portion (36), the position of the first structure is changed relative to the position of the second structure (30). The adjuster (24) also has a sealing arrangement (88, 90, 92, 96 and 116) for providing sealing among the first portion (34), the second portion (36), and the third portion (38).