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

Abstract: Method and apparatus to stretch wrap an object in plastic film, the method comprising the steps of locating a length of elastically stretchable plastic film tube on a holder and expanding the holder to stretch the tube to a size enabling the tube and the holder to be passed over the object to be wrapped and at the same time stripping the tube off the holder so the tube can contract and elastically embrace the object.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism which is particularly suitable for use in a checkout counter as described herein. The mechanism includes a bag supporting receptacle and a mount for mounting the bag supporting receptacle for pivotal movement between a first position in which it is generally horizontally oriented and aligned with the discharge end of a bag making machine and a second position in which it is disposed above a conveyor. The conveyor has discharge fingers which extend through a bag supporting receptacle as the conveyor is driven along its length to discharge a bag from the receptacle whereupon the receptacle is relocated in a position to receive a further bag.

Abstract: An improved system for supporting a bundle of bags for easy access and loading adjacent the checkout area of a store which includes a first support member adapted to support a bundle of bags that is composed of an elongated substantially horizontally disposed member mounted beneath the countertop of a checkout area so that a substantial portion of said bundle of bags can be out of view beneath the countertop, a second support member adapted to support one handle of a bag, said first and second support members being mounted at a spaced distance apart from each other adjacent the checkout area, which distance generally corresponds to the width of a bag in its open position, the inner ends of said support members having enlarged configurations which serve to hold the opposite handle portions of a bag so that the bag will remain in an open position during a loading operation.

Abstract: A unitary package rest member for use on a wrap station is comprised of a central section (42) which can be mounted in at least two different positions to the wrap station, and first and second shelves (44, 45) extending from the central section parallel to each other, spaced apart, and of substantially different area in order to provide to the operator a selection of mounting the rest member with either the smaller or larger shelf in the active operating rest position. The shelf parts extend in opposite directions from the central section, such that the rest shelf not in use projects inwardly under the top section of the wrap station, out of the way of the operator. The rest member can be formed by bending a unitary blank of sheet metal such that the shelf parts are parallel to each other, extending in opposite directions, and the sides of the blank are so dimensioned, in symmetrical fashion, that the blanks may be struck from a strip or sheet of the material with minimum waste.

Abstract: A wheel-like device enables a looped-strand drum lacing to be made thereon from two lengths of rope for use when forming a tree root ball of soil during transplanting of the tree. The device has a central hub with a plurality of outwardly projecting posts mounted thereon in a circular arrangement. A plurality of equally circumferentially spaced legs extend radially outwardly in a spoke-like fashion from the hub. Each of the legs have a peg mounted on the leg at a predetermined distance from the hub. A first piece of rope is looped about the hub posts and leg pegs to form a plurality of outwardly extending closed end loops. A second piece of rope is wrapped in an overlapping manner with the individual strands of the previously formed loops into a circular configuration about the hub posts to form a circular drum lacing base. The two pieces of rope are stapled together at alternating overlapped locations.

Abstract: A hoop mountable around a mouth of a large plastic bag to hold it open; such as when lawn clippings, fallen leaves and also other refuse such as garbage, old papers, etc., are placed therein. The hoop including two axially spaced apart circular rings connected together by a series of flat metal strips therebetween; each strip being arcuately bent inward toward a center of the hoop, thus forming a circular groove around the hoop for receiving a circular coil spring band therearound and holding the bag edge that is draped over the hoop; and a pull cord being attached to the band for pulling it off afterwards.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved apparatus for facilitating the filling of flexible containers.The apparatus consists of a substantially rigid, frustoconical tubular structure, somewhat smaller, in transverse dimension, than the transverse dimension of the flexible container to be filled. Means are provided for holding the apparatus when material is loaded through it into the container, and longitudinal grooves are provided in the outer surface of the apparatus to permit the release of air from the container as it is being filled.

Abstract: A device for packaging elongated articles, such as plants and cut flowers, in a protective bag. The device includes a tubular frame having a generally horizontal section and a vertical section which is connected to one end of the horizontal section. A support is carried by the upper end of the vertical section and is adapted to support a plant to be packaged. One or more elongated open ended bags are initially positioned around the horizontal section of the frame, and the bag is then drawn upwardly around the plant that is supported on the support to package the plant.

Abstract: A device for encasing coins in protective envelopes embodying a generally rectangularly contoured housing elevated at one end and stepped down intermediate its ends to provide a flat work surface offsetedly spaced below the elevated end, with insulation flatly superposed on the work surface thereof and heating coils embedded therein and encircling a centrally disposed coin receiving area. A generally rectangular forming member pivotally mounted to the elevated housing end and overlying and elevatable relative to the work surface.

Abstract: A stack of flexible packaging bags, such as used in the meat packing industry in conjunction with automatic and semiautomatic packaging apparatus, made by assembling a multiplicity of flattened stacked wicket-holed bags on a flexible tubing binding threaded through the bag wicket holes to define a severable loop handle element, shank elements passing through the wicket holes in the stacked bags, and shank portion extensions adapted to secure the shank portions of the binding to wicket mounting means and to mount bag stack securing means.

Abstract: A checkout counter for use in a retail merchant store or the like comprises a frame having a bagging station in which goods are deposited in bags, a bag making machine is located in the frame for making self supporting open bags from a web of self supporting bag making stock and a transfer mechanism is provided for transferring open bags from the bag making machine to the bagging station in an open configuration.

Abstract: A tray for counting a discrete number of pills or capsules from a bulk supply including a housing having a bottom wall, two vertical opposed sidewalls and a pair of arcuate-shaped end walls that are arranged to turn upwardly and inwardly from the bottom wall. A divider extends between the two sidewalls or the housing to separate it into two individual compartments. A horizontal platform is removably supported upon the top of the divider in contiguous relationship with the end walls to establish elongated entrances to each compartment therebetween. In operation a bulk supply of pills or capsules is deposited upon the platform and the desired amount counted out using a conventional spatula. The counted tablets are passed into the entrance of one compartment while the overage remaining on the platform is passed into the other thereby positively segregating the tablets.

Abstract: A trash bag filling device comprises a container having a base provided with air passages therethrough and an integral handle and further comprises a rigid frustoconical sidewall structure upstanding from the base. Alternatively, the air passages may be provided in the sidewall adjacent the base. Trash received within the device may be compressed therewithin, thereby forming a compacted plug of material having a tapered shape. The basal air passages prevent the creation of a vacuum between the trash and the base for ease in emptying the device into a trash bag. The tapered shape of the plug allows a bag in which the plug is received to be easily closed and tied without tearing.

Abstract: A coin counter and wrapper filler comprising a body having a hollow shank receiving coins, the lower end of the shank being tapered inwardly for reception in the upper end of a cylindrical paper coin wrapper, said body having a funnel attached at its upper end, said body having visibility means so that the quantity of coins inside the tank can be read against indicia printed on the shank, and a plug having a lower end extending across and engaging the lower end of the shank, the plug having an upper end portion of resilient nature which resiliently and removably grips the lower end of the shank, whereby the plug can be removed after coin counting for permitting coins to fall into the open top of a closed coin wrapper.

Abstract: A bag support and dispensing apparatus including a sleeve that is passed through aligned apertures in a stack of bags to support the bags. A collar at the back end of the sleeve is detachably engaged with a support member. The forward end of the sleeve has a flange that is dimensioned to readily pass through an enlarged aperture in the top portion of the front wall of a bag when the front wall of the bag is pulled in a forward direction. The flange is also dimensioned to resist passing through a smaller aperture in the top portion of the back wall of the bag to allow the bag to be held in an open position for receiving articles. A loaded bag is disengaged from the sleeve by pulling the bag in a forward direction with sufficient force to distend the smaller rear aperture so that the flange passes through the smaller aperture to release the back wall of the loaded bag.

Abstract: A device for binding a thermally adhesive tape to articles to be bundled, such as spinach, trefoil, asparagus and the like, includes a base, an arm pivotally mounted on the base, a tape supply mounted on the arm, and a working stand provided on the base at a position where the working stand is faced with a free end of the arm when it is pivotally moved to a working position. A working head is provided on the free end of the arm and comprises a cutter to cut the tape from the tape supply, a tape bundling member to hold a tape portion around the articles between the tape bundling member and the working stand when the arm is pivotally moved to the working position, and a tape leading member to lead a new tape leading end from the succeeding tape after the tape portion around the articles is cut. A heater is provided in either of the working head or the working stand so as to heat and bond the overlapped portion of the tape around the articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for collection of liquid waste solvents into a container, including convenient means for opening and closing the container and for positioning a funnel. Both functions of opening the container and positioning of the funnel are accomplished by a single handed one step operation of a lever, thus leaving the other hand free for pouring of the liquid into the funnel. After pouring the liquid, the container can be sealed by a simple release of the lever.

Abstract: A severing device for use in a semiautomatic machine for facilitating the wrapping of an article with thermoplastic film material. The device is designed as an adapter to fit into a presently known machine to permit the removal of the hot wire presently used in such machines for severing the film and to replace such hot wire by a mechanical device for this purpose whose location and operation will not appreciably, if any, require alteration of the manual sequence previously known for effecting such wrapping. The device includes a knife and knife bed assembly which is relatively movable by electrical means. At least one limit switch is positioned adjacent the meeting zone of the knife and knife bed assembly so that upon movement of the thermoplastic film downwardly by the same motion as previously placed same against the hot wire for severing, the film will contact and actuate the limit switch and thereby actuate the knife and knife bed assembly for effecting such severing.

Abstract: Assemblies of collated film sections and related prints, each belonging to a customer, are fed seriatim into a tray at the right-hand side of a horizontal table in front of a seated attendant so that the attendant can remove an assembly with the right hand while the left-hand opens the corresponding customer pocket which is held in a position of readiness at the left-hand side of the table. The attendant can observe the collating operation by inspecting successive film frames while the frames move above an illuminated window below and in front of the web of photographic paper with exposed and developed prints thereon. The pockets are removed seriatim from a magazine and are transported to the left-hand side of the table where the rear panel of an oncoming pocket is held by suction to facilitate the task of opening the pocket by pulling the front panel away from the rear panel.

Abstract: A trough shaped receptacle for holding a plurality of small items, such as pills, screws, nuts, washers and the like, including a bottom portion having longitudinally spaced depressions in each of which a number of the items can collect, and a side portion having pockets in which separated groups are deposited when the holder is oscillated in one direction about its longitudinal axis, so that the items in each pocket can be quickly counted. The device or holder has a closed end into which excess items can be swept and held by the thumb of one hand of the user, employed to hold the device, and while the device is oscillated in the opposite direction and tilted downwardly toward its opposite end having a pouring lip through which the counted items are discharged by gravity.

Abstract: A cut-off mechanism operated by an electric switch and comprising a fixed blade and a movable shear operated by a rotary solenoid.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for manually closing foil containers of the type having a generally horizontally extending shoulder for supporting a closure lid and an upstanding closure flange which is foldable over onto a closure lid. A hand-held tool is employed in combination with a closure die member which holds the container in stable condition during the closing operation. The tool has a key means which is inserted into a mating track in the die member which surrounds the pocket means of the die member. The tool is advanced within the track and effectively plows the upstanding closure flange down onto the upper surface of the closure lid thereby effecting a closure.

Abstract: A method for packaging an object, in particular a root ball of a tree, shrub or plant. The object to be packaged is placed in a socket which is surrounded by an elastic reticulate hose, whereupon the object is removed from the socket, during which operation the hose is carried along, this hose subsequently being severed beyond the object.An apparatus used for packaging an object, in particular a root ball of a tree, shrub or plant. This apparatus comprises a socket into which the object to be packaged is introduced, as well as a stock of elastic reticulate hose material from which hoses are formed to surround the socket.

Abstract: A manual ice bagging device comprises a hopper having an inlet end for receiving aggregate ice therethrough, and an outlet end for directing the ice into a commensurately shaped bag. A stand is connected with the hopper and supports the same above a floor surface, and a bag support member is operably connected with the stand and is positioned directly below the outlet end of the hopper for abuttingly supporting the bottom of each bag during filling. A bag retaining clip is connected with the hopper and is shaped for detachably suspending a plurality of the bags therefrom and positioning the bags adjacent the hopper outlet end for sequentially unfolding the bags into an open, material receiving position about the hopper outlet end for individually filling each bag in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for filling and sealing a medicinal dispensing device with a flowable material, such as a liquid, and for sealing the liquid therein. The medicinal dispensing device includes a base having plural chambers each surrounded by a flange. A closure is adhesively secured to the base by contacting the flanges to seal the material within the chambers. The apparatus for filling and sealing the medicinal dispensing device comprises a base support block having an extending channel in the top face and a plurality of spaced recesses within the channel. The recesses are so dimensioned and spaced from each other to receive respective chambers of the base, with portions of the channel between the recesses supporting the flanges of the base. Removable guide means in the form of an elongated block is disposed within the channel over the flanges of the device base.

Abstract: A method of treating plants for the purpose of transport and storage, according to which method the root section together with a certain quantity of earth is enveloped by a fabric, and wherein is used a bag, pouch or the like of e.g. an organic material closed at one end, and the other, open end of which comprises a cord plaited through the fabric, into which pouch is positioned the root section together with a clod of earth, and which cord is tightened and tied.

Abstract: A bag dispenser and holder comprising a pair of spaced-apart wicket and support members from which outwardly and oppositely opposed deformable arcuate members distend to define a substantial hoop configuration for supporting and maintaining a bag having wicket holes in an open position.

Abstract: A bag dispenser and holder comprising a brace member having distending from its ends a pair of spaced-apart wicket and support members from which outwardly and oppositely opposed deformable curved members extend to define a substantial hoop-type configuration and having at least one U-shaped hook-wicket distending intermediate said support members. The pair of support members and hook-wicket cooperate to support and maintain a bag having wicket holes in the open position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for loading articles, particularly meat articles, into containers. The apparatus comprises a carriage moveably mounted on a platform. The carriage supports conveying means for moving articles relative to the carriage. The carriage and conveying means are operable for movement relative to the platform such that the carriage is moveable into a container where the conveyor means simultaneously conveys and deposits an article within the container.

Abstract: An improved broccoli bunching apparatus for expediting the bunching, tying and trimming of broccoli and including a plurality of buckets, which are driven around a first endless loop, each bucket having a head supporting portion for supporting the heads of a bunch of broccoli and a U-shaped stalk support for supporting the broccoli stalks and for carrying a tie band, a plurality of U-shaped clamps which are driven in synchronization with the buckets around a second endless loop disposed above and behind the stalk supports, each clamp for compressingly holding a bunch of broccoli stalks against a corresponding stalk support and a saw disposed to trim the stalks of broccoli clamped between a stalk support and a corresponding clamp.

Abstract: A work table designed to be used to facilitate the removal of objects, preferably tobacco stalks, supported on sticks or other elongated elements by single or by several workers.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading tobacco into containers and for loading containers of tobacco into barns having a guide for facilitating evenly distributed loading of tobacco in containers and structure for rotating the container from a first loading position to a second curing position. The container can be rotated 90 degrees and positioned on wheeled tracks within a loading fixture and which align with corresponding wheeled tracks within a tobacco barn adapted to receive filled containers of tobacco for curing.

Abstract: A tool for placing a lid or closure on a cup or container, such as a cardboard or plastic cup containing hot coffee delivered to a customer at a take-out food service establishment. The preferred form of tool has a upright handle with spring-loaded telescopic sections and a bottom member or shoe which fits snugly within an upstanding marginal flange of the lid with which this tool is to be used, so that when the tool is raised, the lid will be carried with it. The tool is manipulated to place the lid on the top of the cup filled with coffee or other liquid. Downward motion of the handle portion of the tool moves the telescopic portions relative to each other, first compressing a spring, and then suddenly releasing the spring with a hammer effect, to drive the lid into mating engagement with the cup, with just the right amount of pressure to produce adequate sealing between the cup and the lid, without damage to either. Alternative forms of tool, not employing the hammer effect, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for serially opening a plurality of paper bags in rapid succession and placing them in a predetermined location for manual loading. The device is particularly useful at checkout counters at supermarkets and similar locations, and includes means for moving successive bags from a horizontal orientation in a stack to a vertical position, opening the bag whereby it may stand upon its bottom wall, and moving the bag upon demand to a loading position.

Abstract: An apparatus for stuffing closed-end sleeve-like cloth forms with stuffing material in the form of cord or welting, by utilizing a feed tube having one end adapted for sliding the open end of the form thereon. A push rod with a barbed end is provided for inserting the stuffing material into the feed tube and filling the form while removing it from the tube. The push rod has a handle end with a surrounding trough portion with a cylindrical configuration for telescopic engagement with the feed tube during the form stuffing operation, the trough retaining the stuffing cord for successive operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing individual plastic handle bearing bags from a stack of bags and holding the dispensed bag in an open position for loading. The apparatus comprises a bottom support member and two spaced-apart, oppositely disposed upwardly projecting tab members such that the apparatus has an opening corresponding approximately to the size of the open bag it is designed to contain. The upwardly projecting elongated tabs are compatible in size with the open portion of the bag handles and each is adapted to engage a handle of the bag in such manner that the bag is held suspended within the apparatus.

Abstract: A machine for sealing packages comprising a frame which includes a base, a pair of generally parallel columns extending upwardly therefrom, and a member spanning between the columns for maintaining the columns generally parallel. An upper die is mounted between the pair of columns for traveling along the length thereof and a hollow lower die having an opening extending therethrough for receiving a package to be sealed is mounted to pivot between a position between the columns and beneath the upper die, and a position away from the column and clear of the upper die. An extractor for extracting a sealed package from the lower die comprises a plate-like member normally positioned beneath the lower die when it is at the position away from the columns. The plate-like member is dimensioned to fit through the opening extending through the lower die and is displaceable to advance into the opening thereby to extract a sealed package retained within the lower die.

Abstract: An internal support for holding limp plastic refuse bags in an upright, free-standing, open condition is in the nature of a smooth liner sheet having interconnected panels that are freely swingable, without substantial inward or outward bias, toward and away from one another. The panels are initially held in a partially overlapped condition during insertion of the liner into a bag, whereupon they are swung outwardly away from one another to the extent permitted by the dimensions of the bag selected for use, the panels in such expanded condition frictionally engaging the bag sidewall to hold the latter against collapse. So expanded, the liner completely or at least substantially covers the entire surface of the bag sidewall so that the latter is protected from engagement with refuse entering the bag during loading, hence precluding accidental pulling of the bag from the liner.

Abstract: A device is provided for conveniently holding a flexible bag open and extended so as to be filled and which is particularly designed to enable a user to quickly and easily form a tightly twisted closure for removal of a loaded bag. The device features a base upon which a support platform and stand are rotatably mounted with the stand having a wirelike frame construction promoting access to a loaded bag for efficient removal from the support platform upon spinning the bag to form an open top of the bag into a tightly wound closure serving as a handle for the bag.

Abstract: Apparatus, including a vacuum head assembly, connected with a source of vacuum, for lifting a predetermined number of small articles from a supply location and individually depositing them on a sheet-like receptacle, containing a like number of cup-like sockets, supported by a base.

Abstract: This device for removing animal droppings, consists primarily of a folding handle, to which is secured an open rim, which will support the open edge portion of a disposable bag, which is held in place by means of a hinged bag clamp, and the bag has a lip portion which extends outwards and away from the bag clamp.

Abstract: Apparatus for manipulating carrying bags which are initially in a planely compressed state in a storage compartment. The bags are held on a carriage which may be rolled into and out of the storage compartment. Drive means secured to the storage compartment mate with driven means on the carriage, which driven means are adapted to feed the compressed bags to an opening and raising station. The opening and raising station includes a bottom plate pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis between a substantially horizontal position in which it supports an open bag and a substantially vertical position in which grip members are adapted to grip a portion of the compressed bag in order to pull the bag into an open form, after which the bottom plate is elevated into a higher position. The movement of the bottom plate is coordinated with two spades adapted to be pushed into a partly raised bag in order to be moved apart therein to maintain the bag in its open form.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a packaging material and for packaging articles which includes a support for a roll of packaging material and a concave table for receiving articles to be packaged. The material is drawn over the table and by reason of the concavity, the articles are automatically centered on the material so that the material can be folded over the articles and sealed along the edges.

Abstract: Wrapping apparatus including a film cutoff element. The cutoff element being an internally heated rod-type heating unit having an external periphery designing a corner edge. The element is maintained at a temperature below the melting point of the plastic film to be severed by a thermostat which energizes and deenergizes the cutoff element in dependence upon the temperature of the cutoff element. A bimetal thermostat in good heat transferring relationship with the cutoff element is utilized to control the energization of the heating element.

Abstract: To support the trash bag for filling, a conical frustum trash bag support having an open circular top and bottom is placed on the ground in inverted position with its top, which is the smaller of the top and bottom, down and the trash bag is pulled over its larger side and draped downwardly, after which, conical frustum and trash bag are reversed so that the trash bag is open end up and the conical frustum is right side up, and a ring is dropped over the top so that it rests on the bag at a location part way down from the top of the frustum to hold the bag in place with the upper end of the bag draped over the ring. The conical frustum is then filled with trash. To remove the conical frustum from the bag, the ring is pulled upwardly to straighten the bag and the conical frustum is pulled up, with the trash causing the bag to remain on the ground as the ring and conical frustum are removed, thus leaving the filled bag ready for disposal.

Abstract: A device for applying a section of pressure sensitive tape as a cover over the surface of a test tray having a multiplicity of upwardly open wells comprises a base having a sealing zone intermediate a tray loading zone and a tray removal zone. The tray is placed on a slide guide at the loading zone and moved to the sealing zone where a rotatable resiliently surfaced feed roller presses the leading end of the tape upon and along the top surface of the tray while moving the tray through the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming individual containers from a length of an unexpanded continuous tube of expandable net-like material having an open end portion and a length several times longer than the length of the individual containers to be formed therefrom wherein a working length of the unexpanded continuous material is expandably opened by expansion means defining a container forming cavity; a container forming length portion of the continuous material, including the open end portion which is closed, is turned inside-out by placing goods to be packaged in the container forming cavity to cause the container forming portion to be located and expanded in the cavity with the closed end at the bottom of the cavity; and the end of the container forming portion containing the goods opposite the closed end is then severed from the continuous tube of material to form a separate individual package of goods.

Abstract: Apparatus for disposing rubber bands around a movable fixture in preparation for banding of a produce bunch, including vertically articulated pins disposed around the periphery of a produce receiving opening, the pins being connected at their bottom ends to a vertically articulated spring-supported platform. The platform includes a vertically adjustable false bottom surface which is depressed by the produce bunch to withdraw the pins and release the rubber band to band the bunch. Also included is a rubber band dispensing yoke, Y-shaped in planform, having disposed on the center leg thereof a supply of rubber bands and having the two distal branch legs engaging selected pins. By way of this arrangement the rubber band is aligned over the exterior periphery of the selected pins and can then be manually stretched around the remaining pins.

Abstract: A holder for forming a plurality of strands of wire into a bundle for assembling a cable harness. The holder includes a frame having relatively movable arms .[.of which the ends are in spaced relationship.]. .Iadd.terminating in opposing separate ends.Iaddend.. An elastic band is fastened on the frame to .[.yieldably hold the ends spaced and.]. provide a cradle for the wires .Iadd.and to coact with the ends to releasably retain the strands..Iaddend. .Iadd.