Abstract: A system for removing covers from shipping cassettes that are used to ship computer disk media unlatches the covers and separates them from the cassette in a single fixture position. A movable fork unlatches a top cover from a bottom cover while the cassette is rotated off of the bottom cover. This action unlatches and separates the two covers allowing the removal of the bottom cover from the cassette in one motion. The top cover is then easily lifted off of the bottom cover.

Abstract: A device for filling soluble containers such as capsules comprises an assembly for orienting and separating capsules including double blind capsules which have a longer cap length and shorter body length wherein such assembly has a top sheet for loading the capsules and a bottom sheet for orienting the capsules loaded therein and such said sheets capable of being relatively displaced with respect to each other. Slots are provided in the top sheet for limiting such displacement by setting free configuration for orientation of the capsules. An open closable gate is mounted to the top sheet for enabling easier loading and containment of the capsules within the top sheet, for orienting the capsules. The filler assembly has at least a pair of sheets having profile cut portions and profile-cut strip for gripping the body of the capsules especially capsules having a longer cap length and shorter body length such as double blind capsules.

Abstract: A membrane releasing-tightness adjusting device for a membrane strapping dispenser is installed at one side of a basic body of a membrane strapping dispenser and provided with a threaded rod having a support shaft and a tightening member pivotally assembled thereon and having a rubber ring fitted on the support shaft. When compressed by both the support shaft and the tightening member, the rubber ring with great elasticity will be deformed outward to fix the membrane reel of the membrane strapping dispenser in position, able to control membrane releasing tightness and enhance effect in membrane strapping work.

Abstract: A pill dispensing device and method in which the part of the device 10 which comes into contact with the pills is disposable so as to prevent cross pill contamination. The device 10 is a disposable, columnar insert comprised of a funnel-like ingress aperture 16 for receiving the articles to be counted and dispensed, tapering to a constriction 18 to limit the passageway and diverging out to a cylindrical tube 20 that segregates the tablets/capsules from the counting/dispensing apparatus. The present invention 10 also provides for an additional element wherein the egress aperture 26 tapers to a smaller cylindrical aperture diametrically conforming to the aperture 18 at the opposing distal end for dispensing the medication directly into a vial 14.

Abstract: A portable plastic film wrapping system comprises a push-cart having a vertical mast member mounted thereon, and a film roll carriage is vertically movable along the mast member. The film roll carriage is operatively connected to negator spring members by a film roll carriage lift cable, and a holding pawl mechanism is adapted to be movable between ENGAGED and DISENGAGED positions with respect to the film roll carriage lift cable. When the holding pawl mechanism is moved to its DISENGAGED position, the negator spring members cause the film roll carriage to be vertically elevated, whereas when the holding pawl mechanism is disposed at its ENGAGED position, movement of the film roll carriage lift cable, and the film roll carriage, is effectively prevented. The film roll carriage can also be controllably moved in both upward and downward directions so as to achieve bottom-to-top, as well as top-to-bottom, wrapping modes of operation upon palletized loads.

Abstract: The apparatus has a base mounted on castors and upon which a telescopic post is mounted. A winch is mounted on the top of the post. A roll of flexible material is mounted on a bed and is rotatable about the post, The winch raises and lowers the bed so that the height of the roll may be adjusted to that most convenient for wrapping. By means of the castors, the apparatus may be moved around the article as it is being wrapped. The apparatus is suitable for stretch-wrapping an article which is irregular in shape or is heavy and is unusually difficult to wrap.

Abstract: An apparatus for the bundling of newspapers and magazines for recycling comprising a stand having a base, four upstanding legs positioned on the base proximate the corners thereof, each of the legs supporting a separate segmented tray member, each segmented tray member having a planar base secured to a leg member, and two adjacent upstanding edges on the outer periphery forming an “L”, the upstanding edges defining a collection area for the placement and support of newspapers and magazines to be recycled, the base member having an upstanding spindle mounted on a pivot arm for the rotatable positioning of a source of twine, cord or string, the pivot arm allowing for the disbursal of twine beneath the bundle in a lateral direction and in a longitudinal direction when pivoted from lateral position.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a decorative pleated cover about an outer peripheral surface of a flower pot. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, a platform adjustably connected to the frame assembly, a pleating assembly supported on the platform and a banding assembly also connected to the platform. The banding assembly is disposed about the pleating assembly and supports at least one band so that upon forming a decorative pleated cover about the flower pot with the pleating assembly, the decorative pleated cover so formed is secured about the flower pot with a band while the flower pot having the decorative pleated cover formed thereabout is supported within the pleating assembly.

Abstract: A work cell has an inbound portion and an outbound portion. The inbound and outbound portions are angled relative to each other, at approximately 135°. The inbound portion is comprised of an inbound cradle to facilitate the loading of items within containers. The outbound portion has a processing region comprised of a fastening device to secure the containers in a closed condition. The fastening device has at least one alignment device to facilitate the alignment of the containers with the fastening device. The fastening and alignment devices may be positioned to accommodate containers of different sizes. The outbound portion also has a labeling region with an outbound cradle to facilitate the application of labels to an exterior of the containers. The work cell is equipped with numerous ergonomic devices facilitating the storage and placement of items useful in the operation of the work cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for manufacturing and shipping goods using a work platform that easily converts into a protective cover for use during shipment of the finished good. The device of the present invention reduces waste generated by the manufacturing and shipping processes through the use of a platform capable of retaining a good during both assembly and shipment. When shipment is complete, the platform is preferably constructed of a material that is recyclable. During assembly, the work platform exists as a single, planar platform comprising a first support surface and a second support surface fixedly joined at an interface. During shipment, the protective cover exists as the first support surface and second support surface fixedly interconnected in a parallel orientation.

Abstract: A portable membrane packing apparatus includes a holding-and-drawing rod, two reel connecting units, a first roller unit, a swaying plate, a connecting plate, a second roller unit, and four elastic compressing units. The first roller unit is axially assembled at the ends of the opposite combing rods, and the swaying plate and the connecting plate are respectively provided between the first roller unit and the combining rods, with the swaying plate restricted to sway biasly.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping an item, e.g., a gift basket is disclosed. Also disclosed is a method for wrapping an item, e.g., a gift basket, using the apparatus.

Abstract: A carpet protective film packing device includes two side frames, two upper rotatable discs for supporting a film cylinder, an intermediate elongate rod, and a lower elongate roller. The intermediate rod is combined between the intermediate sections of the two side frames, adjustable in its length by an inner rod telescoping in an outer rod and fixed with a handle. The lower roller is pivotally connected between the lower ends of the two side frames for pressing and laying the protective film wound on the film cylinder supported by the two upper discs pivotally connected with the upper ends of the two side frames. Then the film cylinder and the lower roller is changeable to suit to the length of a carpet to be packed with a film, with the intermediate rod adjustable to suit with any length of the protective film to be used.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying stretch film to goods on a pallet. It uses a basic core holder to hold a roll of stretch film which has an adjustable braking mechanism. In addition, the apparatus, which is portable, is ergonomically correct, easy to use, and has a pair of pre-stretch rollers which allow the stretch film to be pulled to increase its elasticity, thereby securing goods effectively on a pallet.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a bait sack using a netting material comprises a filling collar having a tubular configuration and an inside surface for directing bait into the netting material. A forming sleeve has a tubular configuration and is disposed coaxially about the filling collar. A netting material is disposed between the filling collar and the forming sleeve. The filling collar and the forming sleeve are movable relative to each other to form a bait sack with the netting material.

Abstract: A newspaper storage and bundler device having a box shaped container, two pairs of opposing tie studs, each tie stud extending vertically in a stud inset, the stud inset being recessed from the top of a side panel or an end panel with an opposing tie stud extending vertically in a stud inset recessed from the top of the opposing side panel or end panel, each tie stud being anchored to the respective side panel or end panel.

Abstract: A binding apparatus for packaging and paper recycling comprises of four separate holding trays, four legs connected to the trays, and several frames connecting the legs. Each of the trays holds a corner to a quarter of the area of the papers or materials which need to be bound. The four trays work together to hold papers or any materials that needs to be bound but there is a clearance between any two pairs of the trays. Given the clearance between the trays and the clearance between the frames and trays, human hands, ropes, or binding tools can go through to bind the papers without touching any one of the trays and without moving the objects which needs to be bound. The ropes are placed in the clearances between trays. Once the binding is finished, a stack of bound papers or materials can be removed directly from the top of the binding apparatus without moving the apparatus. The apparatus can be used for paper recycling, as magazine rack, or as furniture for decoration.

Abstract: A plant packaging system comprising a combination of a protective sleeve portion and a decorative cover portion having a base and skirt for packaging a potted plant. The protective sleeve can be detached from the decorative portion of the package system once the protective function of the sleeve has been completed, thereby exposing the decorative cover and allowing the skirt portion to extend angularly from the base. The protective sleeve and decorative cover components may comprise a unitary construction or may comprise separate components which are attached together by various bonding materials.

Abstract: A method for providing a decorative covering for a floral grouping. The method includes the step of providing a decorative covering assembly comprising a header assembly and at least one sheet of material detachably connected to the header assembly. The header assembly is secured to a holder assembly such that the decorative covering assembly is supported by the holder assembly and at least one sheet of material can be detached from the header assembly. At least one sheet of material is detached from the header assembly and is disposed about at least a portion of the floral grouping to provide a decorative covering for the floral grouping.

Abstract: An improved medication organizing system for allowing patients to rapidly and easily prepare hermetically sealed dosage packages to set up their medication regime for a week, month, or longer period of time. The device includes seven hoppers to allow the patient to prepare a set of hermetically sealed medication packages for a given time for each day of the week. After being filled, each package in the set of seven packages is hermetically sealed simultaneously by simply loading the set into a sealing unit and pulling a lever. Sealing of the packages does not require manual manipulation of the individual packages by the user, such as would be required for medication organizers utilizing individual packages with zip-lock seals. The medication organizing system allows patients who lack manual dexterity, such as elderly patients, to easily prepare medication dosages for an extended period of time.

Abstract: A method for providing a decorative covering for a floral grouping wherein at least one sheet of material is secured to an individual so as to maintain the individual's hands unconstrained. The sheet of material is detached, and then the detached sheet of material is disposed about at least a portion of the floral grouping such that a portion of the floral grouping is left exposed to provide the decorative covering for the floral grouping. In one embodiment, the decorative covering assembly is delivered to a customer for use by the customer in covering floral groupings. The customer can be a grower, for example.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a bait sack using a netting material comprises a filling collar having a tubular configuration and an inside surface for directing bait into the netting material. A forming sleeve has a tubular configuration and is disposed coaxially about the filling collar. A netting material is disposed between the filling collar and the forming sleeve. The filling collar and the forming sleeve are movable relative to each other to form a bait sack with the netting material.

Abstract: A work cell has an inbound portion and an outbound portion. The inbound and outbound portions are angled relative to each other, at approximately 135°. The inbound portion is comprised of an inbound cradle to facilitate the loading of items within containers. The outbound portion has a processing region comprised of a fastening device to secure the containers in a closed condition. The fastening device has at least one alignment device to facilitate the alignment of the containers with the fastening device. The fastening and alignment devices may be positioned to accommodate containers of different sizes. The outbound portion also has a labeling region with an outbound cradle to facilitate the application of labels to an exterior of the containers. The work cell is equipped with numerous ergonomic devices facilitating the storage and placement of items useful in the operation of the work cell.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for securing a decorative cover about a flower pot. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, an extension member having a cover support assembly, and a plurality of legs. The frame assembly includes a body member having an opening. The opening is sized and configured to permit passage of the flower pot through the opening. The extension member extends in an upwardly direction from the body member. The cover support assembly is connected to the extension member for supporting a decorative cover comprising at least one sleeve or sheet of material. The plurality of legs extend from and are spatially disposed about the body member such that the legs cooperate to support at least one band. As the flower pot moves through the opening in the body member, at least one of the bands is removed from the plurality of legs and moved about the decorative cover disposed about the flower pot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing, loading and singularly dispensing bags in a bag bundle from a dispensing hook includes a bag bundle formed from a plurality of stacked bags. Each bag has apertures are defined in the front panel and the rear panel adjacent the open top, these apertures having an opening of a selected dimension normal to the vertical side walls with an upper edge. A dispensing hook is used having parallel sides separated by a width complimentary to the selected dimension of the apertures to provide a secure, snug fit when the bag bundle is placed on the dispensing hook at the registered apertures. The dispensing hook defining a bag holding surface complimentary to the upper edge of the apertures.

Abstract: The invention refers to a packaging system (1) for a medical device, comprising a frame (2) for supporting the device (15) in a laid-down position, said frame being provided with means for assisting in positioning the device towards an essentially upright position during unpacking thereof. The invention also refers to a method of packing the packaging system (1), comprising the steps of: packing the device (15) in an essentially laid-down position on the frame (2); and preparing the assisting means to assist in unpacking on demand. Furthermore a method of unpacking the packaging system (1) is proposed, comprising the steps of: activating the assisting means; and unpacking the device packed in the essentially laid-down position with the help of the assisting means towards its essentially upright position. The method of packing and the method of unpacking are combined into a method of transporting.

Abstract: A method and layout for loading food and beverages onto a plurality of trays. The method includes, for each tray in the plurality of trays, performing tray-loading method that includes the steps of selecting a tray from the plurality of trays; and loading the tray with food and beverages, to form an individual, customized tray. Each step in the tray loading method is performed at a different station in a plurality of stations. A path of travel extends alongside the plurality of stations. The first step in the tray-loading method is executed at a starting point in the plurality of stations. The path of travel includes a starting point adjoining the first station. The last step in the tray-loading method is executed at a last station in the plurality of stations. The path of travel includes an end point adjoining the last station.

Abstract: A bottle carrier system for enabling a user to quickly and easily divide bottled beverages into six packs. The bottle carrier system includes a plurality of bottles. A bottle carrier has a plurality of apertures, each aperture is structured to frictionally engage a top of an associated one of the plurality of bottles when the top of the associated one of the bottles is inserted through the aperture. A rigid planar member has a plurality of holes. Each of the holes is positioned to align with an associated one of the apertures when the rigid planar member is positioned over the bottle carrier, whereby applying a downward force to the rigid planar member when the bottle carrier is positioned between the plurality of bottles and the rigid planar member urges the top of each the bottle through the associated aperture to secure the bottle carrier to the plurality of bottles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a manual overwrapper and methods of use thereof. The overwrapper of the present disclosure can be used to overwrap articles using a wrapping material. Overwrapping is a preferable method to shrinkwrapping a majority of the time. The overwrapper comprises a tower and runway. The tower and runway may be affixed to one another or be molded out the same material. An operator moves an article to be overwrapped through the apparatus with the only, in some embodiments, the heater blocks requiring energy input.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying stretch film to goods on a pallet. It uses a basic core holder to hold a roll of stretch film which has an adjustable braking mechanism. In addition, the apparatus, which is portable, is ergonomically correct, easy to use, and has a pair of pre-stretch rollers which allow the stretch film to be pulled to increase its elasticity, thereby securing goods effectively on a pallet.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for covering a flower pot with a sheet of material. The apparatus includes a supporting platform, a pot receiving opening formed through the supporting platform and a plurality of forming members radially arranged around the pot receiving opening. The plurality of forming members are designed and disposed such that upon insertion of the flower pot and the sheet of material into the pot receiving opening the forming members pivot in a downward direction and form the sheet of material around an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot. The forming members are also upwardly biased so as to assist in ejecting the covered flower pot in an upward direction from the pot receiving opening.

Abstract: A portable plastic film wrapping system comprises a push-cart having a vertical mast member mounted thereon. A film roll carriage is vertically movable along the mast member, and the film roll carriage is operatively connected to a counterweight which is movably disposed within the mast member. The mast member is provided with a plurality of apertures, and a redundant dual stop pin assembly is engageable within particular ones of the mast member apertures so as to incrementally lockingly retain the film roll carriage at a particular elevations along the mast member such that safe controlled movement of the film roll carriage along the mast member is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for covering a flower pot with a sheet of material. The apparatus includes a supporting platform, a pot receiving opening formed through the supporting platform, a forming member concentric with the pot receiving opening, a bonding material applicator, and a printing and/or label applicator. The forming member is designed and disposed such that upon insertion of the flower pot and the sheet of material into the pot receiving opening the forming member presses the sheet of material against an outer peripheral surface of the flower pot. The bonding material applicator is designed or disposed so as to apply a bonding material to the sheet of material for bonding the sheet of material to the flower pot. The printing and/or label applicator is designed and disposed so as to apply printing and/or a label to the sheet of material.

Abstract: A floral sleeve and method of using the floral sleeve to cover a pot. The floral sleeve has an inwardly folded bottom gusset for forming a bottom in the sleeve which is concealed by the lower sidewall of the sleeve when the sleeve is opened and a pot is disposed therein. The sleeve may have a detachable upper portion.

Abstract: A method for providing a decorative covering for a floral grouping wherein at least one sheet of material is secured to an individual so as to maintain the individual's hands unconstrained. The sheet of material is detached, and then the detached sheet of material is disposed about at least a portion of the floral grouping such that a portion of the floral grouping is left exposed to provide the decorative covering for the floral grouping. In one embodiment, the decorative covering assembly is delivered to a customer for use by the customer in covering floral groupings. The customer can be a grower, for example.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus includes a frame structure including a base and an actuator support extending upward from the base, a container support including a container receiver, and a heater platen suspended from the actuator support above the container support. The heater platen is shiftable between a load/unload position wherein a container can be loaded into and unloaded from within the container receiver and an associated lid can be positioned over the container, and a sealing position wherein the heater platen presses the container and the lid on the container support. The sealing apparatus also includes an actuator that includes a support structure pivotally attached to the frame and supporting the heater platen, and an L-shaped handle having a first end, second end and a pivot point located between the first end and the second end.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: A stretch wrap device for wrapping a raised pallet with stretch wrap. The stretch wrap device includes a carriage assembly, a frame assembly and a lever assembly. The frame assembly is securely attached to a top surface of the carriage assembly and extends upwardly therefrom. The lever assembly moves a roll of the stretch wrap around a raised pallet. The lever assembly is rotatably coupled to the frame assembly. The stretch wrap is positioned on the lever assembly such that the stretch wrap may be wound about the pallet along an axis orientated generally parallel to a plane of a bottom surface of the pallet.

Abstract: A decorative assembly for a floral grouping comprising a floral holding material and a sheet of material. The floral holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping and supporting the floral grouping. The sheet of material is extended about a portion of the floral holding material and a crimped portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the floral holding material to provide a decorative covering.

Abstract: A packaging material comprising a plurality of cushioning members for cushioning an article in a container is provided. The cushioning members being formed by crumpling a flexible sheet of material having a plurality of slits extending through the sheet of material and into a globular configuration having a plurality of random folds, a plurality of random engaged portions, and a plurality of voids. The sheet of material has an upper surface and a lower surface with at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface having a bonding material disposed thereon such that at least a portion of the engaged portions are bondably connected thereby increasing the resiliency of the folds.

Abstract: A machine for engaging/disengaging a cover with a microplate. The machine is manually operated by hand crank. By turning the crank in one direction, a user may engage a cover with microplate. Turning the crank in the opposite direction disengages a cover from a microplate. User safety is enhanced by the machine which isolates the user from direct contact with potentially hazardous material and sharp edged covers.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: A method for providing a decorative covering for a floral grouping. The method includes the, step of providing a decorative covering assembly comprising a header assembly and at least one sheet of material detachably connected to the header assembly. The header assembly is secured to a holder assembly such that the decorative covering assembly is supported by the holder assembly and at least one sheet of material can be detached from the header assembly. At least one sheet of material is detached from the header assembly and is disposed about at least a portion of the floral grouping to provide a decorative covering for the floral grouping.

Abstract: A packaging bag having a body portion with opposed sides, a bottom and a top formed of a pair of synthetic sheets. The sides of the bag are formed by securing the overlying edges of the synthetic sheets together by stitching. The bottom is formed by securing bottom edges of the synthetic sheets together with a heat sealed seam and the top is formed to include a panel of a re-sealable member secured with the top edge of each of the synthetic sheets. The opposed edges of the panels are releasable engagable providing a bag which is selectively opened and closed.

Abstract: A portable plastic film wrapping system comprises a push-cart having a vertical mast member mounted thereon. A film roll carriage is vertically movable along the mast member, and the film roll carriage is operatively connected to a counterweight which is movably disposed within the mast member. The mast member is provided with a plurality of apertures, and a releasable stop pin is engageable within a particular one of the mast member apertures so as to lockingly retain the film roll carriage at a particular elevation when concentric reinforcing wrapping of an article is desired, and is disengageable from the apertures so as to permit the film roll carriage to continuously elevate for spiral wrapping of the article.

Abstract: A plant packaging method of providing a tubular sleeve having a lower portion and an upper portion detachable from the lower portion and disposing the tubular sleeve about a potted plant.

Abstract: A plant packaging method of providing a tubular sleeve having a lower portion and an upper portion detachable from the lower portion and disposing the tubular sleeve about a potted plant.

Abstract: An apparatus, in particular an apparatus which can be manually operated and transported, being provided for the purpose of strapping and/or bundling pallets and articles with at least one base plate, with a band-leading device and with at least one clamping device arranged at the front end of the band-leading device. A guiding device, in which the band-leading device is guided, is provided on the base plate. A carriage, which has a deflecting unit, is releasably attached to the front end of the band-leading device. On the carriage there is fastened a length-limiting band, which can be fixed in a number of regions of the base plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for providing a decorative covering for a floral grouping. The method includes the step of providing a decorative covering assembly comprising a header assembly and at least one sheet of material detachably connected to the header assembly. The header assembly is secured to a holder assembly such that the decorative covering assembly is supported by the holder assembly and at least one sheet of material can be detached from the header assembly. At least one sheet of material is detached from the header assembly and is disposed about at least a portion of the floral grouping to provide a decorative covering for the floral grouping.