Abstract: An apparatus and a method for packaging articles in bags is proposed, where a packaging magazine is used for receiving and guiding an article to be packaged. An article to be packaged is slid by a slider into the packaging magazine. The packaging magazine then moves together therewith into an opened bag, which is removed from a bag stack. With the bag, which surrounds the packaging magazine, the latter is then slid into the transfer magazine from where further conveying takes place.

Abstract: A string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is formed by inserting compressed springs between upper and lower plies of a folded, preferably thermally weldable fabric (16). The springs are maintaned in a compressed configuration while a longitudinal seam (54) joins the free edges of the thermally welded fabric (16) together. Subsequently, the compressed springs (14) are allowed to relax into an expanded configuration after which a transverse seam (80) is formed in the fabric (16) between the adjacent springs (14) thereby encapsulating each spring (14) within a fabric pocket (86). The string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is advantageously formed without the need for reorienting the springs (14) after being inserted between the plies (24,26) of the fabric (16) and thereby avoiding the disadvantages and complications associated with turning or reorienting the pocketed coil spring (14).

Abstract: The invention includes a method of packaging paper products (such as facial tissue) in a dispenser. A clip of paper product is folded. The folded clip has a central region and a pair of opposing peripheral regions separated from one another by the central region. The peripheral regions of the folded clip are pressed toward one another to compress the peripheral regions. After the peripheral regions are compressed, the folded clip is transferred into the dispenser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for wrapping a plurality of soft elements, comprising the steps of stacking the elements, compressing the stack in a direction of stacking, and thus forming a package, inserting in a feeding direction the package into a film, preferably a plastic film, which at least partly consists of a thermoplastic material and which in an at least partly overlapping manner surrounds the package, sealing the film in the feeding direction, and cutting and optionally sealing the film transversely of the feeding direction. The method is characterised in that the step of sealing the film in the feeding direction is carried out by supplying from a nozzle towards the film a pressurised heated gas towards the portions of the film that overlap each other, so that they change into an at least partly molten state and are joined. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A wrapping apparatus for wrapping a continuous elongated article, such as a continuous stack of interfolded paper towels, includes a web supply section that supplies a pair of continuous webs of wrapping material, and a wrapping section for applying the continuous pair of webs about the article. The web supply section includes a pair of web supply stations for each web of wrapping material, and a source of wrapping material, such as a supply roll, is located at each web supply station. The web supply section includes a splicing mechanism for each pair of web supply stations, for splicing together the trailing end of a web from an exhausted supply roll of wrapping material with the leading end of a web from a fresh supply roll of wrapping material, to provide a continuous web of wrapping material to the wrapping section. The web supply section includes a festoon-type web storage mechanism in which the web downstream of the splicing mechanism is trained about a series of rollers in a serpentine path.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for loading a strip of a soft material into a container includes a sleeve member rotatable among first, second and third angular positions. First cylinder unit for pushing the strip of the soft material into the sleeve member at the first angular position. Second cylinder unit for compressing the strip of the soft material in the sleeve member at the second angular position. And a third cylinder unit for pushing the compressed form of the soft material into the container.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of packaging paper products (such as facial tissue) in a dispenser. A clip of paper product is folded. The folded clip has a central region and a pair of opposing peripheral regions separated from one another by the central region. The peripheral regions of the folded clip are pressed toward one another to compress the peripheral regions. After the peripheral regions are compressed, the folded clip is transferred into the dispenser.

Abstract: A process for making a pack filled with a tablet of active substance, by inserting a preformed pack-forming film integrally forming a holding cup a retaining mold, introducing a quantity of uncompressed active substance into the holding cup, compressing the active substance in the holding cup to form a compact tablet in the holding cup itself by means of a compression mold using the holder of the retaining mold as a support. A pack filled with an active substance in the form of a compact tablet, the pack having a film forming a holding cup, the tablet being accommodated in the holding cup, wherein an edge of the tablet at the bottom of the holding cup corresponds in its profile to the edge profile of the holding cup.

Abstract: A package of a strip of material has a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip. Preferably, the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip can be continuous through each stack and connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. To reduce the height of the stacks, the package is compressed and maintained in the compressed condition by, for example, an evacuated sealed bag. The strip of each stack is formed to have a varying width, for example to form diaper inserts when the strip is cut into individual strip elements. The length of each strip portion of the stack is arranged to equal a whole number of strip elements so that the cut lines can be arranged at the fold lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically packaging fish at high speeds into horizontally oriented cans. Speeds of approximately 600 cans per minute may be obtained with the preferred configuration of the present invention, wherein two incoming streams of fish are split into eight lanes, to achieve canning speeds of approximately twice the speed of prior art machines. Each incoming stream of fish is split into four separate processing streams or channels, primarily to reduce the operational speeds of the equipment components. Each incoming stream of fish is split by a first dividing knife into two forming chambers carried by an intermittently moving turning wheel. The fish is split again by knives located at second and third work stations of the rotating turning wheel. Four fish cakes are formed simultaneously at the second and third work stations and simultaneously discharged downwardly into horizontally oriented cans.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming spring units for use in a mattress, bed, divan bed, or other upholstered unit, the method including the step of inserting a second spring (12A) into a first spring immediately prior to said first spring being formed into a pocketted spring. The second spring (12A) may be formed into a pocketted spring prior to insertion into said first spring. The apparatus includes means (4) for feeding a second spring (12A) to a composite spring forming station (6) immediately prior to a first spring being fed to said station, means to compress and rotate the formed composite spring (30) through substantially 90°, means to insert the composite spring into a sleeve of material, and means to form said composite spring and a portion of said sleeve into a pocketted spring unit.

Abstract: A package of strip material includes a plurality of stacks of the strip side by side where each strip forms a stacked fan folded supply of the strip which is spliced to or arranged so that it can be subsequently spliced to a next adjacent strip for supply of a continuous strip from the package. The side by side stacks are simultaneously built up from the bottom by moving a carriage back and forth below a stationary bottom surface of the stacks with the strips supplied side by side through a slot in the carriage. The stacks are supported side by side as they are built up by rigid side walls of a chute or of a box into which the package is to be packaged for transportation. The tails are supported or arranged so that they are ready for splicing when the package is completed an before transportation. The packaging material can be an evacuated bag or a rigid box.

Abstract: A novel packaging article and method are disclosed for an array of flexible, absorbent articles compressed or uncompressed, having an article front face, an article back face, an article top face, an article bottom face, and a pair of article side faces. An upper article section and a lower article section have mutually different calipers. The flexible, absorbent articles are placed in a configuration array such that article front faces contact article front faces or such that article back faces contact back faces of adjacent absorbent articles. The package provides an array having preferred size and requires less compressibility force. A flexible outer casing does not require compressing wrapping to maintain the array as previously required in conventional packaging arrays having a flexible outer casing. The packaging article and method are particularly suited for providing preferred advantages to the packaging and commercial distribution of disposable diapers.

Abstract: A rolling apparatus including a first elongated projection, and a second elongated projection connected to a rotatably mounted shaft. The shaft is attached to a crank, motor or other device that can be used to manually or automatically rotate the shaft about an axis. A leading end of an elongated sheet of material is positioned between the elongated projections, and the elongated projections are then rotated with respect to one another about the axis of the shaft to form a rolled item. The rolled item is removed from the elongated projections by sliding the rolled item in a direction parallel to the axis. The rolled item is then inserted within an open end of a receptacle. Alternatively, the receptacle is slid over the rolled item following the rolling procedure, and prior to removal of the rolled item from the projections. Then the rolled item with the receptacle is slid smoothly off the elongated projections for further processing or sealing of the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatically packaging fish at high speeds into horizontally oriented cans. Speeds of approximately 600 cans per minute may be obtained with the preferred configuration of the present invention, wherein two incoming streams of fish are split into eight lanes, to achieve canning speeds of approximately twice the speed of prior art machines. Each incoming stream of fish is split into four separate processing streams or channels, primarily to reduce the operational speeds of the equipment components. Each incoming stream of fish is split by a first dividing knife into two forming chambers carried by an intermittently moving turning wheel. The fish is split again by knives located at second and third work stations of the rotating turning wheel. Four fish cakes are formed simultaneously at the second and third work stations and simultaneously discharged downwardly into horizontally oriented cans.

Abstract: Loads on pallets are often wrapped with a plastic film for shipping. The present invention relates to top platen devices used to maintain stability in loads while the load is wrapped for shipping. The top platen device applies a compressive force to the load to stabilize the load while it is being wrapped. The top platen includes a shaft supporting platen pad which is placed on top of the load. The shaft and platen pad are configured to rotate eccentrically with respect to the geometric center of the top platen in order to rotate with the load about the load's center of rotation.

Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.

Abstract: A method for making aerated concrete blocks includes dispensing materials for making aerated concrete into a mold and allowing the materials to rise and stiffen into a body. The body may be divided into an array of blocks which are then cured. At least one passageway may be formed in each block, such as by drilling. The drilling may include drilling a plurality of spaced apart passageways through each block, and each passageway may have a circular cylindrical shape. The passageways permit easier grasping by the mason, reduce the weight without significantly compromising strength, and facilitate positioning of blocks during construction of a wall to facilitate the placement of vertical reinforcing members in aligned passageways. The positioning of the passageways in each of the blocks may assist alignment of adjacent passageways, especially at wall corners.

Abstract: A method for shipping very large tires which are typically used on very large vehicles such as earthmovers. The tires can be shipped so that less shipping and storage space is required.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated leak testing, capping, labelling, evacuating and loading collapsible plastic containers in bulk into magazine clips for subsequent handling operations is provided. The apparatus is compact and intergrated, defining discrete stations for each stated method step.

Abstract: An improved agricultural feed bagging machine for loading feedstock into expandable storage bags. The bagging machine has a double-tapered tunnel for deploying a folded bag, stretching the bag and then releasing the stretched bag about feed that is simultaneously being compacted and extruded within the tunnel towards and out an open end of the tunnel. The machine also includes a hopper disposed adjacent the tunnel forward end and communicating with the tunnel through a feed opening oriented in a wall defining the forward end of the tunnel. The machine also includes a rotor element for propelling feed stock from the hopper though the feed opening into the tunnel and a secured bag, the rotor element having a rotor rotatable about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for packaging a block consisting of compressible material, a material block is compressed by approaching two pressing units (120,122), the block being shifted in the compressed condition either against a spread film and wrapped by this film or, alternatively, the film is shifted against the material block and drawn over the material block. The ends of the film are weld together.

Abstract: A string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is formed by inserting compressed springs between upper and lower plies of a folded, preferably thermally weldable fabric (16). The springs are maintained in a compressed configuration while a longitudinal seam (54) joins the free edges of the thermally welded fabric (16) together. Subsequently, the compressed springs (14) are allowed to relax into an expanded configuration after which a transverse seam (80) is formed in the fabric (16) between the adjacent springs (14) thereby encapsulating each spring (14) within a fabric pocket (86). The string (12) of pocketed coil springs (14) is advantageously formed without the need for reorienting the springs (14) after being inserted between the plies (24, 26) of the fabric (16) and thereby avoiding the disadvantages and complications associated with turning or reorienting the pocketed coil spring (14).

Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.

Abstract: A method for welding baling straps and the like includes receiving two strap portions intermediate to weld plates such that the two strap portions overlap at least partially, moving the weld plates back and forth with respect to one another so as to move the two strap portions back and forth with respect to one another, and locking the weld plates while the weld plates are moved back and forth. Locking the weld plates while moving the weld plates back and forth effects the formation of a weld which attaches the two strap portions together. An improved weld plate configuration is also provided. The improved weld plate has an alternating pattern of teeth formed thereon such that portions of the weld plate vary in the ability thereof to grip a strap.

Abstract: An exemplary pocket spring assembly comprises a plurality of elongate fabric tubes disposed adjacent each other. Each fabric tube has a plurality of pockets, with at least some of the pockets of adjacent fabric tubes being welded together at midpoints on the adjacent pocket. Further, a spring is disposed in each of the pockets.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for packaging articles in bags is proposed, where a packaging magazine is used for receiving and guiding an article to be packaged. An article to be packaged is slid by a slider into the packaging magazine. The packaging magazine then moves together therewith into an opened bag, which is removed from a bag stack. With the bag, which surrounds the packaging magazine, the latter is then slid into the transfer magazine from where further conveying takes place.

Abstract: According to a method for packaging one stack of multiply articles made of paper, a presser receives and compacts the stack of articles to be packaged and a pusher moves longitudinally the stack so as to make the stack hit a wrapping foil, previously placed vertically. The stack, partially wrapped within the wrapping foil, is introduced between a pair of belt conveyors. The presser and the pusher are carried by a slide moving longitudinally between a backward position with respect to the wrapping foil, where the stack is received and compacted, and a forward position, in which the presser hit the wrapping foil and move close to the belt conveyors, so as to transfer and introduce the stack between the belt conveyors.

Abstract: Apparatus for stacking bales of hay into large bundles such as, for example, three bales high and seven bales wide, positions bands about the stacked array to provide a tightly bound, compressed stack of bales. The stacking apparatus compresses the stacked bales during banding with a greater force applied to the same facing portions of the bales as applied during formation of the bales to form a solid, rigid, self-supporting large bundle made up of small bales. Parallel spaced compression zones extending inwardly are formed in the upper and lower rows of bales in the least compressed portion of the bales for receiving the bands which are applied without high tension so as not to damage the hay in holding the bundle of hay bales together.

Abstract: A wrapping machine includes a first wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping around a bale to partially wrap the bale in wrapping material, a second wrapping station for applying a strip of wrapping material around the bale to completely wrap the bale in wrapping material, and a transfer device for transferring the partially wrapped bale from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. This transfer device is swingable through approximately 90° from the first wrapping station to the second wrapping station. The first wrapping station includes a dispenser for dispensing a strip of plastic film and a device for rotating the dispenser about a substantially vertical axis around the bale. The second wrapping station includes a device for rotating the bale about a substantially horizontal axis and a dispenser for dispensing wrapping material around the bale as it is turned on the horizontal axis. A compaction station is provided to compact loose material into the bale before wrapping.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a package of a plurality of side-by-side stacks of continuous strips of material. Each strip is folded back and forth about first and second fold lines to form a stack of a plurality of folded overlying strip portions which are arranged side-by-side so that the side edges are aligned. The fold lines are transverse to the strip and arranged at opposite ends of the stack. A splice tail portion extending from a first strip end portion of each stack is spliced to a second strip end portion. The stacks are compressed such that their height is equal to that of the container and the splice tail portions remain loose and uncompressed.

Abstract: An improved method of shipping, storing, and changing very large tires having a removable tread belt mounted to a tire carcass which are typically used on very large vehicles such as earthmovers. By compressing both the tread belts and the tire carcasses, they can be shipped separately so that less shipping and storage space is required. Tire changing only requires changing the tire tread without removing the wheel or carcass from the very large vehicle making it economically feasible to store and change tread designs to accommodate a variety of very large tire/vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A package of a strip of material has a plurality of parallel side by side stacks each containing a length of the strip which is folded back and forth such that each folded portion of the stack is folded relative to the next portion about a line transverse to the strip. Preferably, the side edges of the strip portions are aligned. The strip can be continuous through each stack and connected by a splice from the end of one stack to beginning of the next stack. To reduce the height of the stacks, the package is compressed and maintained in the compressed condition by, for example, an evacuated sealed bag. The strip of each stack is formed to have a varying width, for example to form diaper inserts when the strip is cut into individual strip elements. The length of each strip portion of the stack is arranged to equal a whole number of strip elements so that the cut lines can be arranged at the fold lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to a round-bale press for compressing refuse into round bales and to such a method. The round-bale press according to the invention enables refuse to be compacted within a compressing chamber (10). For this purpose, an endless belt (12), which together with two side walls (14, 16) defines a compressing chamber (10), is driven. A pivotably supported endless belt segment (24) can be moved out of a refuse compressing position into a discharge position in such a way that the compressed round bale can be discharged from the compressing chamber (10) via this endless belt segment (24).

Abstract: An improved method of shipping, storing, and changing very large tires having a removable tread belt mounted to a tire carcass which are typically used on very large vehicles such as earthmovers. By compressing both the tread belts and the tire carcasses, they can be shipped separately so that less shipping and storage space is required. Tire changing only requires changing the tire tread without removing the wheel or carcass from the very large vehicle making it economically feasible to store and change tread designs to accommodate a variety of very large tire/vehicle operating conditions.

Abstract: A package has at least one stack of a strip of material repeatedly folded back and forth so that the stack contains a plurality of folded overlying strip portions of the strip. Each strip portion is folded relative to one next adjacent strip portion about a first fold line transverse to the strip and relative to a second next adjacent strip portion about a second fold line transverse to the strip and spaced from the first fold line. The strip portions form a plurality of first fold lines at each end of the stack. The stack can be arranged substantially upright and has a splice tail portion of the strip extending from the bottom strip portion beyond an end of the stack to be accessible for splicing. The entire top surface and the entire bottom surface of the stack is compressed from an external force in a direction at right angles to the top surface and the bottom surface of the stack. The stack is engaged by packaging which maintains the compression.

Abstract: A way of folding an air bag used in an air bag module is disclosed, as well as a process and device for folding an air bag. The air bag is folded in the direction of an imaginary longitudinal axis, forming a ring with separate folds at its inner and outer sides, the imaginary longitudinal axis preferably extending through the filling mouth of the air bag. The folding process is characterized in that the empty air bag is stretched in the direction of an imaginary longitudinal axis and folded up in the direction of the longitudinal axis within a boundary, in particular a boundary having a ring-shaped cross-section. A device for folding the air bag has a molded part, at least one device for introducing the air bag into the molded part and at least one device for compressing the air bag inside the molded part. The advantage of the invention is that only a few process steps and a simple device are required for folding the air bag.

Abstract: This method and apparatus contemplate the making of pocketed springs for mattresses and cushions by inserting compressed springs at intervals along and between the plies of a folder two-ply strip of sheeting, maintaining the springs compressed therein while seaming the edges of the plies to form a sleeve about the compressed springs as the strip is drawn lengthwise toward a release point at which each spring is free to expand to spread the plies. This transposes the edge seaming to mid-height of the spring. A previously made cross seam incorporating the transposed edge seaming limits the forward movement of the spring and a further such cross seam made behind the spring encloses the spring within an individual pocket of the sleeve. The repetition of spring release and cross seaming behind each spring released produces a string or chain of pocketed springs with the closing seam of the sleeve at mid-height of the springs.

Abstract: A bale of decorative grass comprising a quantity of strands of decorative grass compressed into a single bale of decorative grass having a weight in a range of 400 to 800 pounds and means for removably securing the strands of decorative grass in the bale.

Abstract: A packaging method includes the steps of conveying a plurality of individual articles toward an assembly area at which the individual articles are formed into a group of articles which are then conveyed to a package area at which the group of articles can also be sized and packaged in a pouch. Preferably, the articles are balls of cotton candy, but individual articles can be similarly packaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved apparatus and method for automatically compressing, rolling, and packaging individual mattresses in a compressed state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for compressing a flexible duct into a shipping container. The flexible duct is placed within a housing and compressed by a plate moving in the housing. As the duct is compressed, the duct is inserted into the container.

Abstract: An improved agricultural feed bagging machine for loading feedstock into expandable storage bags. The bagging machine has a double-tapered tunnel for deploying a folded bag, stretching the bag and then releasing the stretched bag about feed that is simultaneously being compacted and extruded within the tunnel towards and out an open end of the tunnel. The machine also includes a hopper disposed adjacent the tunnel forward end and communicating with the tunnel through a feed opening oriented in a wall defining the forward end of the tunnel. The machine also includes a rotor element for propelling feed stock from the hopper though the feed opening into the tunnel and a secured bag, the rotor element having a rotor rotatable about a horizontal axis.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing bag packs each having a portion (10) of cut tobacco or the like. For the purpose of producing bag packs with portions (10) of different weights, the portions (10) are compressed in the region of a pressing chamber (14) such that the portion (10) which has to be introduced into the bag (11) is always of the same size--irrespective of the weight. During compaction, the portion (10) is simultaneously formatted so that it corresponds to the interior of the bag (11).

Abstract: A package comprising an array of at least two substantially parallelepipedal packs, the packs including compressed flexible articles encased in a flexible bag, and a flexible paper covering disposed adjacent the whole of the bottom panel of the array and a substantial part of the side panels of the array corresponding to at least 30 percent of the height of the array. The paper covering is held under tension around the array so as to create a strong and protective outer casing for the array.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing pocketed compound nested coil springs includes inserting a compressed, preferably pocketed, smaller coil spring into a horizontally oriented larger coil spring either prior to compressing and inserting the outer coil spring into pocket material or after the larger coil spring has been pocketed thereby requiring the first spring to be inserted into and through an opening in the pocket material.

Abstract: Clothing apparel is vended by forming the clothing apparel into a compact shape, inserting the clothing apparel and a container, and vending the clothing material and container from a standard beverage vending machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for compressing a row of vertically arranged, wrapped disposable articles, by pushing on three sides of a six-sided row of the articles, while confining the other 3 sides of the row with a confining surface. One of those confining surfaces, a gate, is movable into and out of its confining position, and prevents blow-out of the middle portion of the row that otherwise occurs in the absence of the gate.

Abstract: A package (1) comprising an array (3) of compressed, flexible absorbent articles (5) that have a front face (7), a back face (9), a top face (6), a bottom face (8), side faces (10), an upper section (11) and a lower section (13). The upper and lower sections have mutually different compressibilities and calipers, and the absorbent articles are placed with the front and back faces in a contacting relationship. The package comprises a flexible outer casing (19).

Abstract: A package for stacked sheets to be freely taken out one by one. The stacked sheets are deformed to have their two longitudinal end portions close to each other and to have a recess, and the two end portions are arranged in common planes in the vertical direction. The stacked sheets is enabled to have a generally square top plan shape and to have a small height so that they can be packaged compactly. The sheet to be taken out is pinched upward while being held between the two sides of the recess, and the two sides of the recess are in parallel with the face of an outlet of the envelope. A sheet next to the sheet to be pulled out comes into abutment with the face of the outlet of the envelope at the two sides of the recess so that the sheets are not taken out in a gang.