Abstract: A soil sampler assembly includes a utility vehicle and a soil sampler module coupled to the utility vehicle. The utility vehicle includes a cab, and the soil sampler module is configured to deposit a soil sample in the cab. For example, the soil sampler assembly includes a conveyor system configured to convey the soil sample to the cab. The soil sampler assembly further includes a sampler arm assembly. The sampler arm assembly includes a power cylinder, a guide cylinder, a transfer block, and a probe. The probe is coupled to the soil sampler module and defines a longitudinal interior channel configured to receive the soil sample and release the soil sample for collection. The probe is rotatable from a first orientation facing the ground to a second orientation where the probe is facing opposite the ground for releasing the soil sample onto the conveyor system.

Abstract: A gas filling method includes the steps of: intermittently transferring a bag to arrange the bag at a gas blowing processing position; inserting a blowing nozzle into a gas guide path of the bag in the gas blowing processing position; pinching the blowing nozzle arranged in the gas guide path from outside of the bag with a pair of pinching members in the gas blowing processing position; causing the blowing nozzle to eject the gas in such a manner that the gas is sent to the gas accommodation portion in the gas blowing processing position in a state where the blowing nozzle is pinched via the bag by the pair of pinching members; and closing the gas accommodation portion in an airtight manner in the gas blowing processing position in a state where the blowing nozzle is arranged in the gas guide path.

Abstract: A pouch feeding assembly includes a conveyor lane having a load end and a transfer end, wherein the conveyor lane includes a conveyor operable to move pouches in a conveyance direction from the load end to the transfer end, wherein the transfer end of the conveyor lane includes a downwardly facing pouch transfer window over which pouches at the transfer end are positioned. A transfer subassembly including a first transfer mechanism and a second transfer mechanism, the first transfer mechanism configured to engage a lower face of a pouch, pull at least part of the pouch down through the pouch transfer window and transfer the pouch to an infeed point of the second transfer mechanism.

Abstract: A sheet handling apparatus for storing sheets into a storage bag that includes an opening and a frame having a gate for opening and closing the opening, includes: a mounting unit to which the frame of the storage bag is capable of being detachably mounted; a transport unit configured to transport sheets one by one; and a storage mechanism configured to stack the sheets transported by the transport unit, in a stacking area on the frame mounted to the mounting unit, and to push the sheets stacked in the stacking area into the storage bag through the opening of the storage bag to store the sheets in the storage bag.

Abstract: Provided is a novel vacuum packaging machine, comprising a machine body (1), a vacuum cover (2) and a bag hanging mechanism (3), wherein a vacuum chamber (11) enabling a packaging bag (4) to be vertically placed is provided in the machine body (1), the vacuum cover (2) is provided on the machine body (1) and corresponds to the vacuum chamber (11), and the bag hanging mechanism (3) is provided at the upper part of the vacuum chamber (11).

Abstract: A machine for filling bags with loose products extends along a longitudinal direction of advancing movement of the bags. The machine includes a station for feeding a bag to a pick-up position, and a plurality of filling stations for filling a respective bag, arranged in succession along the longitudinal direction, downstream of the pick-up position. The bags are picked up and transported from one station to another station. The pick-up position and filling stations are arranged at a predefined and equal distance from each other, corresponding to a step between adjacent stations in the longitudinal direction. The bags are transported by performing single translation movements in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An exemplary method of making packages includes advancing a web of connected bags to a position where an opening of the bag is below an engagement device and opening the engagement device. Additionally, the exemplary method includes blowing the opening of the bag to a partially opened configuration, and reverse indexing the web of connected bags so that a portion of the engagement device is disposed inside of the bag and a portion of the engagement device is disposed outside the bag. Subsequently, the exemplary method includes closing the engagement device so that the engagement device engages the bag and moving the engagement device to a position that causes the opening of the bag to have a rectangular shape.

Abstract: In a process for welding plastic parts together, an IR shield redirects IR radiation emitted from a heater of a heating tool so that IR radiation which would otherwise be directly incident on certain portions of a plastic part and/or on other parts of the heating tool is avoided.

Abstract: A bagging system for a vending machine provides a bag loading device for loading the bag to a bag holder. The bag holder includes clamping arms for clamping opposed side edges of the bag to retain the bag in position for filling. The clamping arms are movable between a position wherein the top of the bag is generally stretched taut and a position wherein the top of the bag is slackened to thereby allow the top opening of the bag to open so that the product can be dispensed into the bag. The product may be associated with a data providing element for providing data relating to the product or a security code, or both, to the vending machine processor.

Abstract: An exemplary method of making packages includes advancing a web of connected bags to a position where an opening of the bag is below an engagement device and opening the engagement device. Additionally, the exemplary method includes blowing the opening of the bag to a partially opened configuration, and reverse indexing the web of connected bags so that a portion of the engagement device is disposed inside of the bag and a portion of the engagement device is disposed outside the bag. Subsequently, the exemplary method includes closing the engagement device so that the engagement device engages the bag and moving the engagement device to a position that causes the opening of the bag to have a rectangular shape.

Abstract: Device for transporting containers in a packaging line, having a number of guides that determine a closed route including a horizontal stretch and upon which a first and second carrying element slide. The guides are directed on a vertical plane and each carrying element has two arms, each one of which extends to one side of the vertical plane, each arm (5a; 6a) of a carrying element is designed to work alongside the arm arranged on a same side of the vertical plane of the other carrying element adjacent to them, to jointly secure and transport a corresponding container, so as to be secured and transported along the length of the horizontal stretch of the route and at least two containers between each two adjacent carrying elements at the same time, one at each side of the vertical plane.

Abstract: A system and a method for maintaining, transferring and transporting a flexible package. The system includes a manipulating system, preferably a five axis robot, for transferring and displacing the flexible package and a lift-assist platform positioned within a reach of the manipulating system for transporting the package and for supporting a weight of the flexible package. The system may be used more specifically for the transport and transfer of upright flexible packages. The system simplifies the tool supported by the robot, thus allowing use of a smaller robot.

Abstract: As apparatus for storing and dispensing condoms is provided. The apparatus comprises a body includes a base for receiving a stack of condom wrappers, and an opening for accessing a condom wrapper, the opening including a guide for adjacent a side of the opening. The apparatus also includes a cutting assembly having a blade configurable in an extended position for cutting an edge of the condom wrapper as the condom wrapper is pulled through the opening. The guide configured to deform and/or displace a condom within the condom wrapper laterally away from the blade so that the blade does not cut the condom as the condom wrapper is pulled through the opening, wherein the guide has a gap with a gap height less than a thickness of a rolled condom and wherein at least a portion of the gap is closer to a center of the opening than the blade.

Abstract: A system and method according to which ice is automatically disposed in respective bags and the bags of ice are distributed and stacked within a temperature-controlled storage unit, such as an ice merchandiser.

Abstract: The support device includes a support and a pair of bars spaced apart from each other. The bars include a slot configured to enclose peripheral side edges of a flexible pouch. In one embodiment, the bars are wing shaped and include a first member and a second member. The first member is angled with respect to the second member. The slot extends inwardly from an inner surface of the bar and is disposed between the first and second member. The slot is configured to receive a peripheral side seal of the flexible pouch. The first and second members help keep the body of the pouch within the grips of the gripper. In a second preferred embodiment, the bars are an elongated member. The slot is disposed along the inner surface of the bars. The bars have a length sufficient to receive the side peripheral seal of the pouch.

Abstract: A multilayered polymeric structure for use as a packaging container comprising a first layer of oxygen barrier material and a second protective layer bonded to the first layer where the oxygen barrier layer material is selected from the group consisting of saponified ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyamide, polyvinyl alcohol, modification products thereof, and mixtures thereof, and the second protective layer comprises a polymer and an inorganic filler in an amount sufficient to further enhance the moisture barrier property of the outer protective layer over what it would be in the absence of the filler.

Abstract: A method for storage and transport of a commodity is described. The method may include the steps of placing the commodity in a long-term storage container, hermetically sealing said long-term storage container, and placing the long-term storage container in an outer container. The long-term storage container may include an outer layer, an inner layer, and a middle layer. The middle layer may be made of an ultra-low permeability material. The placing may include providing a capability of storing for at least four months.

Abstract: A closure having two profile strips for an at least partially flexible container for connecting a first container to a second container in a manner sealed against the environment in a such a way that a closed docking position can be obtained. Further the closure provides for conducting a flow in a sealed manner against the environment in a flow direction through the closure from the first container into the second container in such a way that an open docking position can be obtained. According to the described system, the second container facing the first container is designed with an identical closure that engages in the closure of the first container in the open docking position and forms a channel for the flow in the flow direction together with the closure.

Abstract: Automated (poultry) bagging packaging systems include a plurality of spaced apart holding stations that are configured to rotate in concert about a defined endless travel path to automatically serially position a respective holding station to be in communication with each of a plurality of different workstations.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sealing device and a sealing method with which oxygen substitution can be sufficiently carried out even in a bag-like container. The present invention is a sealing device for putting a content into a bag-like container and sealing the container, and includes a content supply portion that supplies the content to the container having an opening in an open state, an inert gas supply portion that supplies inert gas to the container, a liquefied inert gas supply portion that supplies liquefied inert gas to the container, and a sealing portion that seals the opening of the container after the liquefied inert gas is supplied.

Abstract: A system and method for handling wicket bags involve a wicket bag holder for transporting wicket bags to a working position along a transport path, the bag holder including one or more holding devices each being operable between an open position allowing receipt of an upper tab of the wicket bag and a closed position whereby the bag is held suspended within a working zone. Also involved are one or more main gripping devices each being operable between an open position allowing receipt of a suspended wicket bag and a closed position whereby the bag is gripped to form a bag neck portion. The system and method may be used for bag filling applications.

Abstract: A sealed multi-handled bag is provided that includes a first handle at a first end and a second handle at a second end. In one embodiment, the handles are on substantially opposite ends of the bag. The sealed bag may be made from plastic and may contain loose materials, such as a salt. In some embodiments, one or more of the handles are formed from heat-sealed layers of bag material having a grip cut therein. A method for filling and sealing the multi-handled sealed bag includes filling a bag having a first closed end through a second open end, and sealing the second open end to form a handle. In one embodiment, sealing the second open end includes heat-sealing opposing layers of bag material together and cutting a handle through the layers. In another embodiment, the method includes folding-over the layers of bag material.

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: The invention comprises cutting blades useful for cutting tape in packaging processes and cutting assemblies or bag sealing assemblies using the blades. Generally, the blades comprise a support and a plurality of teeth attached to the support wherein a first set of a plurality of the teeth defining a flat tip are positioned on the support between a second set of a plurality of the teeth defining a sharp tip and a third set of a plurality of the teeth defining a sharp tip.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for filling a gas in a gas compartment portion of a bag, a bag-conveying gripper (41) including a pair of gripping elements (45 and 46), and the inner surface (gripping surface) of the gripping element (45) being formed with a shallow groove (47). The bag-conveying gripper (41) grips the sealed portion (12) of the bag, and a neck section (16a) of the gas compartment portion (16) in the sealed portion is held at a groove formed in the gripping elements of the bag-conveying gripper. Compressed gas is ejected into the gas compartment portion through incision (17) formed in the neck section, inflating the gas compartment portion 16. The inflated shape of the neck section held by the bag-conveying gripper is restricted to a flat configuration by the inner surfaces of the bag-conveying gripper.

Abstract: An ice bagging system is described.

Abstract: Packing unit (1) with a packing machine (2) for filling bulk materials (3) in open sacks with a sack suspension device (7), for suspending the open sacks at a filling nozzle (8-10) of a product supply device (11, 13) and filling the same with at least one bulk material. The sack suspension device is provided with at least two selectable product supply devices. The at least two product supply devices and the sack suspension device are movable relative to each other in order to select a product supply device and to suspend a sack by means of the sack suspension device at the filling nozzle of the selected product supply device and to fill bulk material in the open sack by means of the corresponding filling nozzle.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for inflating and sealing a mailer comprising an inner inflatable liner having at least one inflation port, valve, or combination thereof through which a portion of gas can be introduced into the liner.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used disposable diapers include a housing, a lid, and a bag unit having a bag frame and an attached single use flexible bag. The flexible bag is pleated and larger in cross-section at a lower portion than it is at the connection to the bag frame. The bag frame is releasably mounted to the housing so that it will not rotate. The lower portion of the flexible bag is positioned in a storage chamber of the housing that is shaped so as to align and center the bag. A rotatable member having radially extending flexible fingers is engaged with an intermediate portion of the bag. When the lid is closed, the rotatable member will twist the intermediate portion of the bag, sealing odors in the lower portion of the bag. A parent or caregiver will push the waste package through the resistance of the twisted intermediate portion into the lower portion of the bag, and close the lid to re-seal the twisted portion.

Abstract: There is provided a medicine dispensing system configured such that a medicine dispensing device includes a sub unit having a function to dispense medicine that is connected to a medicine dispensing device that includes a main unit having a function of packing medicines. There is also provided a medicine dispensing device that can be appropriately integrated with such a medicine dispensing system. The medicine dispensing system includes, in some embodiments a main unit, a sub unit and a transfer device connecting the main unit and the sub unit. The medicine dispensing system transfers the medicine dispensed in the sub unit to the main unit by means of a transfer device and dispenses the medicine at a medicine packing part together with the medicine dispensed from a main storage part in the main unit.

Abstract: An adjustable pouch machine comprises a vertical sealer module forms transverse seals between two plies of a pouch web to partially define a plurality of pouches. Rollers selectively tension and relax the web on the vertically oriented wheel, allowing them to drop away from heated lands on emergency and cycle stops. A filler wheel has a plurality of adjustable gripper units mounted directly thereon for transporting independent separate pouches cut from the pouch web. An adjustable knife is selectively provided with changeable knife hub sets to handle a variety of pouch sizes where a filler wheel alternately first fills and seals pouches in a train. Gear linkage accommodates variation in distance between hubs of different sets. Various embodiments, apparatus and methods are described.

Abstract: Bag blank (13) comprising an inflatable package blank (11) on a running web, which package blank (11) comprises a semi-finished product consisting of a first plane plastic sheeting (21) and a second plane plastic sheeting (22), which plastic sheetings abut with their plane surfaces against each other and are interconnected by welds (18) so that a series of delimited transverse chambers (16) is formed between the two plastic sheetings (21,22) across the surface of the entire package blank (11), this semi-finished product being folded or welded together along a longitudinal centre line (14) so that its two long sides are parallel and face in the same direction, and that a first longitudinal suspension arrangement (15, 23a, 43a) is connected to the edge along the first long side of the package blank (11) or the bag blank (13), and that a second longitudinal suspension arrangement (23b, 43b) is applied at the edge along the second long side of the package blank (11) or the bag blank (13), as well that the bag bla

Abstract: A bag loading and sealing system and method in which a continuous web of bags is continuously moved along a line. The web of bags is slit open to expose the interior of the bags and the bags of the web are separated from each other by a rod engaging perforated lines of separation between the bags. The open tops of the bags define a pair of flaps, each of which is gripped by a gripping chain, the paths of which diverge to form a mouth at the top of the bag. Material is deposited into the bag through the mouth and the gripper chains then converge to close the bag. The bags are transferred to gripper belts, with the top edge of the bag being slit off between the belts and the bags being transported through a hot air sealer where the remaining portions of the top of the bags are melted and fused together. A spool-type take-up winder is provided to retrieve the portion of the bags trimmed from the tops thereof.

Abstract: An ice bagging assembly and related method with a horizontal ice bag cassette, a pair of opposing ice bag ply graspers configured to move an empty ice bag from the horizontal ice bag cassette to a vertical position to receive cubed ice before it is sealed shut and dropped to an ice bag merchandiser. The opposing graspers may be configured as rotating wheels and may have a grasping sensor. The ice bag cassette may be slidably and tiltably supported for easy replacement of horizontal bags. A load sensor, optical or mechanical, may be associated with the ice hopper to sense how much ice has been put in each bag. A pair of angled guides may guide a hopper into a support frame for the system.

Abstract: A method for sealing-in a gas in a bag that has therein a gas filling compartment, including the steps of: placing a blow-out port of a nozzle, which is connected to a pressurized gas supply source, against a cut-in or a hole of the bag and holding the back surface side of the bag with a backing member; blowing a gas from the nozzle into the gas filling compartment of the bag through the cut-in or the hole; gripping and thus closing the gas flow path in sealed portions surrounding the periphery of the cut-in or the hole by a blocking gripper while the gas blow-in continues, thus cutting off the flow of the gas between the cut-in or the hole and the inside of the gas filling compartment; and then sealing the cut-in or the hole, thus allowing the gas to be sealed in the gas filling compartment.

Abstract: A product dispenser includes an outer housing and a shell disposed within the outer housing. The shell defines a product dispensing chamber, wherein the product dispensing chamber is climate controlled, for receiving a product, portioning the product, storing the portioned product, and dispensing the portioned product upon a dispense command. The product receptacles are stored in a dispense buffer disposed within the product dispensing chamber, and then are dispensed into an airlock for retrieval by a customer. The product dispenser further recognizes demands to keep the dispense buffer slots filled, and demands to dispense a filled product receptacle. The product dispenser may seal the product receptacles to ensure a sanitary product. The product dispenser may further include a vend interface unit to interact with a controller and consumers, whereby the consumer are able to place a demand on the vend interface unit, and await a dispensed filled product receptacle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating hygienic storage and disposal of waste packages such as used disposable diapers include a housing, a lid, and a bag unit having a bag frame and an attached single use flexible bag. The flexible bag is pleated and larger in cross-section at a lower portion than it is at the connection to the bag frame. The bag frame is releasably mounted to the housing so that it will not rotate. The lower portion of the flexible bag is positioned in a storage chamber of the housing that is shaped so as to align and center the bag. A rotatable member having radially extending flexible fingers is engaged with an intermediate portion of the bag. When the lid is closed, the rotatable member will twist the intermediate portion of the bag, sealing odors in the lower portion of the bag. A parent or caregiver will push the waste package through the resistance of the twisted intermediate portion into the lower portion of the bag, and close the lid to re-seal the twisted portion.

Abstract: A cash recycler or other currency handling device includes modules for automatically strapping a plurality of bills together and bagging the strapped bills for transport. A user may determine a number of bills to be bundled in a stack or unit. Once the predetermined threshold is met, the bills will be automatically transferred to a strapping area where the bills will be strapped together for storage or transport. Additionally or alternatively, the bills may be strapped together as they enter a cartridge, such as an overflow cartridge. The strapped bills may be transferred to a bagging module where the stacks of bills will be automatically bagged, each bag including a predetermined number of stacks of bills. The bags will then be transferred to storage for transport.

Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressible material without straps or wires includes compressing a quantity of compressible material into a bale and introducing the bale of compressed material into a container in the compressed state. The container can be sealed following receipt of the bale. A baler can be used with a press for compressing the material, and a bagging station can facilitate transfer of the bale to the container without straps or wires securing the bale following compression.

Abstract: A coated fabric (11), comprising a fabric (12) from polymer tapes (12a, 12b), wherein the fabric (12) is coated with a sealing layer (13), wherein • at least a portion of the polymer tapes (12a, 12b) have a breaking tenacity of less than 45 cN/tex, preferably 15 to 40 cN/tex and an elongation at break of more than 30%, preferably of 40 to 90%, and/or • wherein the sealing layer (13) is formed from a composition A comprising at least one ethylene/?-olefin interpolymer, and wherein the composition has a density from 0.905 to 0.930 g/cc, preferably from 0.910 to 0.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and filling a flexible package, comprises: a film unwind station for unwinding a web of flexible film from a roll of film includes: a folding station for folding the web into a pair of opposing walls; a strip unwind station for unwinding a strip of semi-rigid material from a roll of material and positioning the strip between the pair of opposing walls of the web; a metal buffer plate insertable between the strip and one of the opposing walls of the web; sealing stations, separating stations and filling stations.

Abstract: A system for filling a package of the collapsible type with a product in the form of a powder or liquid having a package, which has a chamber defined by flexible walls, and an arrangement for filling a package of the collapsible type with a product in the form of a powder or liquid.

Abstract: Methods for forming packages from a web of preformed bags. In one exemplary method of forming packages from a web of preformed bags, a first bag is held open with air. A product is loaded into the first bag that is held open with air. An opening of the first bag is sealed. A next bag is indexed such that an opening of the next bag is proximate to an engagement member. The web is engaged with the engagement member to pre-open the next bag. The web is disengaged by the engagement member. The next bag is opened with air for loading.

Abstract: A method for storage and transport of a commodity is described. The method may include the steps of placing the commodity in a long-term storage container, hermetically sealing said long-term storage container, and placing the long-term storage container in an outer container. The long-term storage container may include an outer layer, an inner layer, and a middle layer. The middle layer may be made of an ultra-low permeability material. The placing may include providing a capability of storing for at least four months.

Abstract: An ice bagging assembly and related method with a horizontal ice bag cassette, a pair of opposing ice bag ply graspers configured to move an empty ice bag from the horizontal ice bag cassette to a vertical position to receive cubed ice before it is sealed shut and dropped to an ice bag merchandiser. The opposing graspers may be configured as rotating wheels and may have a grasping sensor. The ice bag cassette may be slidably and tiltably supported for easy replacement of horizontal bags. A load sensor, optical or mechanical, may be associated with the ice hopper to sense how much ice has been put in each bag. A pair of angled guides may guide a hopper into a support frame for the system.

Abstract: A system for dispensing items comprises trays each adapted to support items to be dispensed. A casing comprises a restocking volume receiving trays with items thereon for subsequent storage. A storage volume accommodates the trays in storage. An outlet is used to dispense any selected items on the trays. An arm displaces trays within the casing, and displaces items from the trays to the outlet. A controller unit receives an identification of each item in the trays when positioned in the restocking volume, and monitors a position of each identified item within the trays in the casing to control the actuation of the arm to dispense items through the outlet as a function of an order entered through the user interface.

Abstract: A system and a method for maintaining, transferring and transporting a flexible package. The system includes a manipulating system, preferably a five axis robot, for transferring and displacing the flexible package and a lift-assist platform positioned within a reach of the manipulating system for transporting the package and for supporting a weight of the flexible package. The system may be used more specifically for the transport and transfer of upright flexible packages. The system simplifies the tool supported by the robot, thus allowing use of a smaller robot.

Abstract: An aseptic filling machine of envelope-type bags provided with a filling mouth closed by a removable cap, comprising an empty bag supply device, a discharge device configured to discharge full bags, a carousel device on which at least two filling stations are located; each filling station comprising a sterile chamber; a raising device configured to raise the mouth of the empty bag internally of the sterile chamber; an overpressure device configured to place the chamber in slight overpressure; a removal device configured to remove the cap and positioning it by a side of the mouth; and a dispenser-batcher device that is vertically slidable and configured to engage with the mouth.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to an apparatus for forming and/or sealing an inflatable mailer. Particularly, the disclosed apparatus comprises an inflation assembly that comprises upper and lower support arms and at least one inflation nozzle. In addition, the disclosed apparatus comprises a sealing assembly comprising upper and lower support arms, upper and lower heat seal jaws, two solenoids, and at least one heat seal element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposing of waste in a safe manner by supplying an apparatus with a sealing system configured to only apply a seal to an elongated tube of material when several conditions are met, wherein the conditions indicate that the apparatus is in a safe configuration for applying the seal. The apparatus includes a push switch for sensing when the lid has been closed, and another push switch for sensing when a bin has been locked in the apparatus. Thus, when the lid and bin are closed and locked, a child cannot reach into the apparatus and the seal can be applied safely without fear of burning a child.