Abstract: A device and method for stacking product into a container in a vertical orientation. The device includes at least one pivoting mechanism pivotable between a loading position and an initial/final position. The at least one pivoting mechanism retains a container thereon. The device may further include at least one corresponding diverting mechanism for injecting product into the container. The diverting mechanism includes a feeding area and a diverting arm swingable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the diverting arm allows product to enter the feeding area. An ejection station is positioned proximate to the feeding area and injects the product into the container after the product enters the feeding area via movement of the diverting arm. In one aspect the ejection station is provided by a pinch belt arrangement and is controlled by a control.

Abstract: An injection molded container for storing and transporting wafers includes a base having a wafer area upon which to place a stack of a plurality of wafer assemblies, wherein each wafer assembly includes a wafer frame upon which is mounted a wafer. A protective wall apparatus is positioned around the wafer area, and includes at least one wall contour artifact. Each wafer frame according to the invention includes a corresponding opposite/mating artifact. The wall apparatus and wafer frame are configured so that the wafer frame must be oriented to mate the wall and frame artifacts in order for the wafer frame to be installed in the container.

Abstract: Arrangements of containers, cases of container packages, and methods of packaging arrangements of containers are described. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of packaging an arrangement of containers includes producing a plurality of containers that each have a depiction associated with a common theme, selecting from the plurality of containers to form a first group of containers and a second group of containers, and packaging the first group of containers and second group of containers for commercial distribution. The plurality of containers include a number of different depictions, and the second group of containers includes containers with different depictions than the first group of containers.

Abstract: A method for making a large square bale out of a plurality of small bales, utilizing a square baler. Small bales are fed into a processing chamber resting in side by side relation on a pivoting floor. The floor is pivoted from a horizontal position to a vertical position, thereby repositioning the small bales as a stack. The stack is then elevated until it is aligned with a tubular forming channel. A plunger is used to push the stack into the tubular forming channel. Once the tubular forming chamber is substantially filled with stacks of small bales, the stacks are banded to form one large square bale.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously making a plurality of composite cartons from two or more individual cartons on a common assembly surface. A plurality of first singular cartons is positioned in a predetermined array on an assembly surface. Adhesive is positioned at one or more locations on each first singular carton. A plurality of second singular cartons is positioned in a predetermined array adjacent to the array of first singular cartons on the assembly surface such that the adhesive bonds each first carton to a corresponding second carton. The method steps may be repeated. A detector may be used to detect the presence or absence of adhesive. A composite carton comprising three or more individual cartons may be constructed. The individual cartons in the composite cartons may be separable from each other. An object may be positioned between each of the bonded individual cartons in the composite cartons.

Abstract: A solid plastic film wrapper with a Static Coefficient of Friction (Static COF) differential used for packaging paper products, and a method for producing the same.

Abstract: A system for automatically forming several parallel rows of disk-like objects on a conveyor into stacks and packing those stacks into boxes is disclosed along with a method of operating the system. The system includes a stacker receiving the disk-like objects as they fall of the conveyor, a buffer receiving stacks from the stacker in groups of a first number, a transfer device for removing the stacks from the buffer in groups of a second number, and a packer for packing the stacks into boxes. The second number can be less than, greater than, or equal to the first number.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing stack bundles from signatures includes a horizontal stack deposit support, a conveyor to supply a flow of signatures to the stack deposit support for formation of a signature stack having a front end and a back end, and a supporting device adapted to form a stack bundle having a front end and a back end. The supporting device comprises a first support element adapted to rise from below the stack deposit support and act on the front end of the stack, a second support element adapted to rise from below the stack deposit support and act on the back end of the stack bundle, and a third support element arranged to rise from below the stack deposit support in a first location to act on the front end of the stack and in a second location to act on the front end of the stack bundle.

Abstract: Cards may be singly fed along a primary lane so that a batch of cards is fed along the primary lane. One or more cards may be selectively diverted from the primary lane to a secondary lane such that only some of the batch of cards are diverted. The cards from the batch in the primary lane and the secondary lane are then affixed to a carrier so that each card of the batch is affixed to the carrier. The diversion may be achieved by a reciprocating gate between the primary lane and the secondary lane and a conveyor running on a bias between the primary lane and the secondary lane at the downstream location of the gate.

Abstract: According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of packaging an arrangement of plates is disclosed. The method of packaging an arrangement of plates comprises providing a plurality of plates that have a depiction associated with a common theme, selecting from the plurality of plates to form a first group of plates and a second group of plates, and packaging the first and second group of plates for commercial distribution. The plurality of plates including a number of different depictions, and the second group of plates containing plates with different depictions than the first group of plates.

Abstract: This invention is related to a metal hydride storage canister, comprising a storage canister body, a wafer baffle stacked on the body for containing metal hydride of a pre-determined amount, and a tubing having a porous surface for securing the wafer baffle in the body and for guiding hydrogen discharged from the metal hydride to an outlet of the body. This invention further discloses the manufacture of the storage canister.

Abstract: A protective cover for use on one or more saw blades. The cover is formed from a heat shrinking material that is shrunk on the saw blade(s) to provide a thin close fitting cover that protects teeth on the saw blade(s). A tag can be attached to the cover and/or saw blade(s). The tag has a security device that is spaced from the saw blade(s) to prevent interference. The tag can be used to hang the saw blade(s) from a display device. An insert card having indicia thereon can be positioned on the saw blade(s) to convey information.

Abstract: A protector for sheet metal coil is formed of plastic with a flange and sleeve which are joined together at a ridge portion. The protectors incorporate symmetrically disposed groupings of stacking features or components which include a finger within a stacking access opening, a stacking tab, and a stacking opening. The fingers are employed to resiliently engage the inner surface of a core of a coil and incorporate a receiver surface for freely abuttable engagement with a stacking tab of a second protector when arranged in mutual stacking relationship. The stacking openings function for stacking purposes to receive the protruding finger of a next stack protector.

Abstract: Method and assembly for filling a box with relatively flexible bags, such as snack food bags of relatively small size. Two rows of bags are horizontally placed adjacent to each other. A number of groups or rows can be vertically placed above each other in a box. To that end first of all a cassette is filled by transferring bags having a fixed spacing and lowering them in a cassette. After the cassette is filled, it is closed at its upper side and in lateral direction emptied.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a hinged lid side by side vertically hinged cigarette pack having a first bundle and a second bundle of cigarettes is described. The machinery includes a first machine to form a first foil wrapped bundle surrounded by a first inner frame, a second machine for forming a second foil wrapped bundle surrounded by a second inner frame and a third machine for combining the first and second foil wrapped bundle into a single hinged lid side by side vertically hinged pack.

Abstract: Containers (19) are provided for packaging flexible substrates (13) such as the glass substrates used in the manufacture of liquid crystal displays. The containers include arc-shaped grooves (25) which apply an elastic strain to the substrates. The elastic strain stiffens the substrates and thus reduces the likelihood of damage to the substrates as a result of vibration during transport or sagging when held horizontally. Through the use of such grooves, dense packaging of large, thin substrates is achieved.

Abstract: Methods of making roofing products. One such method includes (a) creating a mixture having a filler and a polymer; (b) forming a sheet from the mixture; (c) cooling the sheet; (d) embossing the sheet; (e) forming multiple roofing products from the sheet; and (f) bundling at least some of the roofing products. Steps (a)-(f) are performed using an automated procedure. Another of the methods involves (a) creating composite roofing products using mold cavities; (b) using a robot to transfer some of the roofing products from some of the mold cavities to a conveying system; and (c) stacking together at least two of the roofing products that have different colors or different surface configurations.

Abstract: A method of interfolding gloves including superposing finger portion of second glove adjacent finger portion of first glove, with second glove finger portion being disposed parallel and in a direction opposite the first glove finger portion, in a superjacent opposing relationship. First glove hand and cuff are lapped over second glove finger to create lapped, superjacent opposing fold. By repeatedly lapping previous glove hand over subsequent glove fingers, a glove bundle is formed. Folding can be longitudinal before lapped, superjacent opposing folding. Gloves are disposed in portable dispenser with lapped, superjacent folding and dispensing opening cooperating to dispense one glove, cuff first.

Abstract: A stacking aid for stacking goods on a loading aid, such as a pallet, has wall parts surrounding the goods stacked on the loading aid. It is possible to alter the height of at least one of the wall parts and to remove the stacking aid from the loading aid after completion of the stacking procedure. A method for stacking goods on a loading aid, such as a pallet, with the aid of the stacking aid entails (a) obtaining a stacking aid which surrounds a stack of goods on the loading aid, (b) loading the loading aid with goods by using the stacking aid, and (c) lifting the loading aid relative to the stacking. The stack of goods lifted out of the stacking aid are wrapped for stabilization. The invention makes it possible to efficiently secure the stack of goods on the pallet during the commissioning through the removable stacking aid and during the subsequent transportation of the goods by the stabilizing the goods, for instance with a film.

Abstract: Device and method for the alignment of stacked products to be wrapped such as newspapers, magazines and books, with or without inserts, of any thickness or size. Sheet placers feed products into the device via a conveyor system equipped with pushers, set at predetermined positions. The products are aligned by engaging elements that rotate through a slot inside of which the conveyor pushers also slide. The engaging elements decrease in speed as they intercept the products, and align the products with the conveyor pushers as they are transported along the conveyor to a packaging area.

Abstract: A packaging mechanism has a loading bed moveable between a loading position and a second position. A plate-like member is moveable with respect to the loading bed between a retracted position for loading and a second position for package sealing. The plate-like member has a hinged portion. A sealing member is positioned at an end of the hinged portion. The sealing member seals a wrap about a sequenced group of product to form a package when the plate-like member is positioned over the loading bed. A clamping, cutting and serrate mechanism is positioned proximate to the loading bed when the loading bed is in the first position. The clamping, cutting and serrate mechanism clamps, cuts and serrates the wrap. A method of packaging is also provided.

Abstract: The invention also relates to a wrapping machine and/or a top foil wrapping machine and to a method for storing/transporting said machine. The machine comprises a machine frame, which is supported on a fixed base and which comprises upright vertical columns and horizontal cross members connecting the vertical columns to each other. Each vertical column comprises at least two column parts detachably joined together end on end, said column parts comprising a lower column part and an upper column part. Only the lower column parts of the vertical columns are connected to each other by cross members while the upper column parts are not connected to each other.

Abstract: A method of loading a tray with at least one layer of items includes forming a plurality items into a group of items, moving the first group in a first generally horizontal direction so that the items are received through a top opening of the tray to form a layer of items that at least partially covers the upper surface of said base. The method also includes moving the tray loaded with the group of items in a generally vertical direction. The vertical direction may be downward. The tray may then be moved again in a horizontal direction. Also a system is provided to perform the aforesaid method.

Abstract: The method stores and/or transports at least partially deformable items, such as caps for containers. One embodiment of the method has the following steps: identifying for at least one item an edge-on plane that is associated with a more deformable direction of the at least one item and an axial plane that is associate with a less deformable direction of the at least one item; and orienting the at least one item such that the edge-on plane of the at least one item is substantially vertical, the at least one item being stored and/or transported in an unsecured manner relative to other deformable items. This method therefore provides cost savings to both manufacturers and users by reducing the number of damaged and deformed items or caps during storage and/or transport.

Abstract: A method of making a roofing product such as a shingle is provided. One such method includes creating a mixture having at least a polymer and a filler, forming a sheet from the mixture, cooling the sheet, embossing the sheet, forming multiple roofing products from the sheet and bundling at least some of the roofing products together. This method is performed using an automated procedure. Another method of the present invention involves creating a composite roofing product using mold cavities, using a robot to transfer some of the roofing products from some of the mold cavities to a conveying system, and stacking together at least two of the roofing products that have different colors of different surface configurations.

Abstract: Methods of making roofing products. One such method includes (a) creating a mixture having a filler and a polymer; (b) forming a sheet from the mixture; (c) cooling the sheet; (d) embossing the sheet; (e) forming multiple roofing products from the sheet; and (f) bundling at least some of the roofing products. Steps (a)-(f) are performed using an automated procedure. Another of the methods involves (a) creating composite roofing products using mold cavities; (b) using a robot to transfer some of the roofing products from some of the mold cavities to a conveying system; and (c) stacking together at least two of the roofing products that have different colors or different surface configurations.

Abstract: A plurality of trimmed products 5, pressed-finished products 6, sub-component products 7 or the like which are pre-coating stages of sheet metal parts are put on top of each other as semi-finished products and collectively packed by a rust-preventive sheet 12 to provide a collective style of packing for collective storage 10. This collective packing style for collective storage 10 is stored as one packing unit. Operation timing of the collective storage is when the forecasted number of demand reaches a predetermined number, for example, when cubic volume of a metal die coincides with cubic volume for storing all quantity of the semi-finished products to be stocked. At this point, all quantity of the semi-finished products of which the demand is forecasted are collectively manufactured and stored as a stock, wherein the metal die is scrapped.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically operating a swing-arm-style mail insertion machine to insert products, such as CDs, computer diskettes, credit cards, matchbooks, pens and pencils, keys, etc., into envelopes at high speeds is provided by fixedly attaching, to a swing arm shaft of the swing-arm insertion machine for angular movement therewith, an actuator arm apparatus having an element configured for gripping a product from the front of a raceway of the swing-arm machine when the swing arm shaft is in a front angular position, and for placing the product into the raceway as the swing arm shaft pivots from the front angular position to a rear angular position, and feeding a product from the front of the raceway into the raceway with the actuator arm means.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that allow meat logs to be manually loaded into a slicing station and thereafter be continuously automatically processed at the slicing station, a harping station, and an insertion station for automated packaging thereof without the need for handling of the meat stacks by workers. To this end, the slicing station is effective to form smaller sections or chubs from the meat logs and to do so such that the chubs are provided with substantially parallel flat end-faces to ensure that high quality meat slices are generated therefrom. The chubs are then transported to the harping station where each of the chubs undergoes a single cutting operation, thus simultaneously forming the meat slices therefrom and substantially maintaining the slices in the configuration of the chubs for generating well-formed stacks of the slices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for stacking and loading disc-like objects into receptacles is provided. The apparatus includes a lane combining conveyor which receives multiple lanes of product and combines one or more of the outer lanes into the remaining lanes. A stack former is provided for forming individual stacks of patties which are side supported onto rails. The rails can be pivoted down to divert patties for clearing jams. After the product is formed on the stack formers, a stack transfer mechanism transfers the stacks of products formed on the stack forming rails to the matrix former. Matrix former receives individual rows of multiple stacks from the stack transfer mechanism. A stripper mechanism is used to ensure that the stacks are not scrambled during this transfer. Once the matrix former is filled with product, a case rollover mechanism is rotated to the matrix former.

Abstract: A plurality of flat substantially similar articles such as meat patties which have been formed from an elongated cylindrical meat log of sausage or hamburger are deposited onto one or more parallel conveyors and then advanced in a co-planer and end to end relationship through a series of lift stations where predetermined numbers of paddies are divided into individual groups and each group of paddies is moved onto a carrier member and advanced one at a time by a shuttle to a stacking station. There each group is deposited onto each preceding group until a predetermined number of groups has been vertically stacked after which the entire stack is moved to a conveyor for further processing. The lifting stations prevent the articles from being pressed together or shingling one on top the other thereby avoiding article damage during processing, and servo motors enhance the speed and efficiency of the operation.

Abstract: A method of preparation and delivery of pocket bread in which the pocket bread is cut immediately after baking, the walls of the pocket bread are separated along the cut line, and individual pieces of pocket bread are nested one inside another to create a stack. Each piece of pocket bread is therefore pre-opened, and the stack is packaged for delivery to consumers.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a system and method for producing a load of packages supported by a disposable/recyclable pallet. The system may comprise at least one palletizing station for producing a plurality of unwrapped palletized tiers of packages, a horizontal wrapping station for producing at least one horizontally wrapped palletized tier of packages, a stacking station for stacking the unwrapped palletized tiers of packages on the horizontally wrapped palletized tier of packages, and a base applicator for fixedly applying a base to a bottom surface of the horizontally wrapped palletized tier of packages.

Abstract: A method of shipping a plurality of preformed flower pot covers is provided. Each preformed flower pot cover includes a sheet of material formed into a shape sized to receive a flower pot. The preformed flower pot cover has a base with a closed lower end and an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough for receiving the flower pot. The method includes providing a portable platform having a plurality of stacking shells disposed therefrom. Each stacking shell is configured to be received in the object opening of one of the preformed flower pot covers. A stack of preformed flower pot covers is formed on each of the stacking shells such that the preformed flower pot covers of the stack are nested within one another and supported on the stacking shell and secured to the portable platform. The platform with the preformed flower pot covers is then transported to a predetermined destination.

Abstract: An aligning device and method for feeding products into an automatic packaging machine, in particular products (13, 13′, 13″) of any thickness or size whatsoever, that are fed by at least one sheet placer (14, 14′, 14″) to a conveyor system (11) equipped with a plurality of pushers (12), positioned at a certain distance one behind the other with a step distance that can be set in advance, the products (13, 13′, 13″) being stacked one on top of the other and transferred to the packaging area in a sheet of wrapping film or paper, wherein the device is positioned downstream of the at least one sheet placer (14, 14′, 14″) and foresees at least one engaging element (16) that is brought into contact with the front end of the fed product as it travels forward, aligning said product with its respective pusher (12) and moving away from the product to permit its travel towards the packaging area, or towards a further sheet placer (14, 14′, 14″).

Abstract: A method and apparatus described to stabilize and secure individual component items in an array during gas flushing and packaging, without obstructing or preventing the free flow of the gas-flush throughout the component. In accordance with the present invention, when the array has been composed, it is over-wrapped with a loop of thin, inexpensive, gas-permeable film applied under pressure or shrunk around the array, leaving two opposite faces of the array free of the over-wrapping loop.

Abstract: In an apparatus for packaging piece goods, a piece-goods article of a first type (A) and a plurality of piece goods of a second type (B) are introduced into a common pack. The apparatus has a first conveyor (1), for feeding piece goods of the first type (A), a second conveyor (3), for feeding piece goods of a second type (B), and a packing station (7), for forming a flexible tube (72). It also has at least one feed station (2), from which the piece goods of the second type (B) are deposited by means of the second conveyor (3) such that the piece goods of the second type (B) are located one above the other at least in part and form first groups. In each case one of these first groups is deposited on a piece-goods article of the first type (A) from the second conveyor (3) by conveying means (4, 10), this resulting in the formation of a second group, which is introduced into the flexible tube (72).

Abstract: In a method for transferring a product in a packaging machine, the product is engaged from behind by a pushing element which is mounted on and driven by a first circulating continuous conveyor and moved from a transfer station along a sliding surface for transfer to an ongoing conveyor device. While being moved, the product is guided between the pushing element and a forward limiting element which is mounted on a second circulating continuous conveyor. To ensure a precise, rapid transfer, the forward limiting element is returned to the transfer station after the product has been moved by the carrying run of its second continuous conveyor and is used as the pushing element for the next product to be moved. The pushing element is guided back to the transfer station in the opposite direction to that in which the product is conveyed by means of its first continuous conveyor and is used as the limiting element for the next product to be moved.

Abstract: A system for continuously packaging or sorting fragile articles having varying thicknesses in a stack includes a plurality of proportional shifters coupled to each of a plurality of stripping devices in an article infeed assembly. Each proportional shifter has an article gauge for measuring the height of a stack having a set or desired number of fragile articles, such as crackers or cookies. An article stripping device may be quickly and accurately adjusted in-process to measure the thickness of a set number of stacked articles contained in a given batch coming from an article infeed. The article gauge provides a measure of the height of a stack of a set number of articles sampled from an article infeed. The stack height is equivalent to the height of the stack of articles stripped by the strip feeder.

Abstract: A bottle treatment and conveying method and a bottle treatment installation is provided with a bottle producer or other bottle feed (2). At least one bottle transfer device (4) is provided as well as a plurality of trays (5) for the bottles, a transport device (11), optionally at least one discharge or loading station, preferably a said palletizing unit (22), and at least one treatment station (15). The bottles (26, 30) are transported in one or more said tray stacks (27) formed by said stackable trays (5), which have said closed side walls (24) and tightly surround the said bottles (26, 30), sealingly on all sides. The box-shaped trays (5) are stacked on top of each other for transportation, the trays in the stack sealingly closing each other and the top tray being sealed with a lid (31). The trays are separated at the treatment stations (15) and then restacked after the bottle treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for shipping a plurality of preformed flower pot covers is provided. Each preformed flower pot cover including a base formed into a shape sized to receive a flower pot. The preformed flower pot cover having a closed lower end and an open upper end with an object opening extending therethrough for receiving the flower pot. The apparatus includes a container provided with a top, a bottom, and a plurality of sidewalls cooperating to define an inner packing compartment. Each of the top, bottom and sidewalls have an interior surface and an exterior surface. The apparatus includes at least a first stacking shell configured to receive the base of the preformed flower pot cover. The first stacking shell extending from the interior surface of the bottom of the container. The apparatus further includes at least a second stacking shell configured to be received in the object opening of the preformed flower pot cover.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically labeling and stacking a plurality of flower pot covers. The apparatus has a first conveyor and a second conveyor. The first conveyor has a plurality of spatially disposed support assemblies connected thereto, each of the support assemblies selectively movable between a retracted position and an extended position and the second conveyor has a plurality of spatially disposed chutes supported thereon, each of the chutes having an object receiving space formed therein adapted to receive a plurality of flower pot covers, at least a portion of the second conveyor spatially disposed above the first conveyor such that a portion of the travel path of the second conveyor overlaps a portion of the travel path of the first conveyor so that the support assemblies on the first conveyor are aligned with the chutes on the second conveyor.

Abstract: This machine is a cell for bulk palletizing a load such as the packaging of containers (bottles). The machine comprises a tier building system, a bulk load and dunnage supply systems. The cell also includes a programmable robot with cantilevered arm including an effector for transferring pallets, tiers of bulk product, tier sheets and top frames to the load build area. The effector includes an inverted drawer, suction means, pallet gripper means and top frame grippers for doing the transferring.

Abstract: An improved can end bagging system comprises four subassemblies: (1) the end gathering and stick assembly apparatus, (2) the bag feeding, opening, and loading apparatus which places a predetermined number of stacked can ends into an open end bag, (3) the vertical positioner apparatus for moving the bagged sticks into a folding device, and (4) the bag folding, closing and transfer apparatus. The loading mechanism includes a servo controlled pusher which is driven with controlled acceleration and deceleration to avoid tipping of the ends making up a stick, to avoid bursting of the bags during filling, and to assure complete and uniform filling of each bag. Sponginess which results primarily from variations in compression of the rims of the ends pressing against each other in the gathering and counting process is avoided.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method and a device for stacking and packing groups of infusion bags, especially for making tea, whereby in continuous production infusion bags arranged one after another in a series in a strand are separated, their speed of movement is reduced and they are put in a position suitable for making a stack, whereby the infusion bags are arranged one after another in such a way that they at least partly overlap in their subsequent direction of movement

Abstract: For sequentially strapping stacks of printed products (3) with a strapping tape (27), stacks are conveyed to a strapping position pressed together between two presser arms (8.1 and 8.2.) and are there strapped in a pressed-together condition. A loop of the strapping tape (27) positioned around the stack (3) is tightened, locked and cut-off from a supply roll. In doing so, the tape loop is applied in a zone of the stack face sides outside the presser arms (8.1 and 8.2.) and aligned with slot-shaped apertures (19.1, 19.2) in the presser arms (8.1 and 8.2.) such that the strapping tape (27), when it is being tightened, is moved through the apertures (19.1, 19.2) and comes to lie directly on the face sides of the stack. The strapping is advantageous to strap stacks (3), which have either been previously, or are being simultaneously, enveloped with an enveloping material (25), whereby the envelope is applied around the stack (3) and the presser arms (8.1 and 8.2.

Abstract: An apparatus for high speed packing of envelopes is disclosed. The apparatus includes an envelope flap opening assembly which facilitates the opening of each envelope by a finger of an opening element as the envelope passes through packing apparatus. Each envelope may then be conveyed into a first staging assembly where the envelope is stopped, allowing a freely rotating conveyor to force the envelope into contact with an ejection conveyor to direct the envelope from the first staging assembly. The envelope is then transported to the packing assembly by an intermediate conveyor having a plurality of distinctly and selectively driven conveyors to allow staging of the envelopes along the intermediate conveyor. A quick and efficient envelope packing assembly then packs the envelopes and ejects the envelope to an exiting conveyor which seals each packed envelope.

Abstract: A method and apparatus described to stabilize and secure individual component items in an array during gas flushing and packaging, without obstructing or preventing the free flow of the gas-flush throughout the component. In accordance with the present invention, when the array has been composed, it is over-wrapped with a loop of thin, inexpensive, gas-permeable film applied under pressure or shrunk around the array, leaving two opposite faces of the array free of the over-wrapping loop.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wrapping a loop of film about a pallet, which supports a layer of products, and a guide, through which said layer passes, to prevent crushing and/or displacement of the product layer. Subsequent product layers are similarly protected by looping film about a previous loop of film and said guide. The guide is designed to facilitate removal of the film looped thereabout as the product layers are lowered.

Abstract: Flat stacked articles 2, such as envelopes or packaging bags, and packaging blanks 5 are supplied to a packaging station 6, toward one another in offset parallel directions 4 and 15. Then, the stack 3 is moved into the packaging station 6 in an intake direction 17 transverse to the original transporting direction 4 of the articles 2 and, in the packaging station 6, is set down in the packaging blank 5. The stack 3 is then packaged in the packaging blank 5 in two processing positions 7, 8 of the packaging station 6, whereupon the packaged stack is discharged from the packaging station 6 in a discharge direction 11 parallel to the intake direction 17 and transverse to the original transporting direction 4 of the articles 2. The next respective packaging blank 5 is fed to the first processing position 7 in the direction 15 over the packaged stack 10 in the second processing position 8.