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 unit and method for forming a group of products on a wrapping machine, whereby a continuous supply conveyor feeds a succession of products to an input of a group-forming screw device; and a step-operated supply device, located at an output of the screw device, is controlled by a sensor for detecting the length of each group, to only feed complete groups to a wrapping unit of the wrapping machine.

Abstract: A bag loading apparatus (26) of a packaging system (10) includes a platen (68) having a convex upper surface upon which layers of bags (16) are sequentially placed, with the platen (68) being lowered upon receipt of each layer, until a full stack is supported on the platen (68). The loading apparatus (26) also includes a pivotally mounted pusher plate (98) against which the layered bags (16) are arranged when supported on the platen (68). Furthermore, a shelf (58) is arranged above both the platen (68) and the pusher plate (98) and is preferably pivotally mounted about a common axis with the pusher plate (98). With a stack of bags (16) on the platen (68), the pusher plate (98) accelerates across the platen (68) to shift the bags (16) into an open container (28), with the bags (16) preferably assuming a generally wedge-shape to aid in the loading of the bags (16) into the container (28).

Abstract: Each individual cone is conveyed, while it is laying on its side, to a predetermined point. Prior to reaching the predetermined point, an edible adhesive is at or adjacent to the base of each cone. At the predetermined point, a paper wrap is applied to the cone and adhered thereto. The first cone is then stacked with a second cone in a repeated fashion to form a sleeve of cones, followed by packing of the sleeve of cones for transport.

Abstract: The invention relates to a palletising method with compressive strength reinforcement. The method includes the steps of stacking packages (20) comprising one or more holes (22) passing vertically through each of said packages (20) so as to form a lower package assembly (20a) and such that the holes (22) are aligned and that the height of said lower assembly (20a) is equal to that of compressive strength reinforcement posts (30), inserting at least three posts (30) in holes (22) of the lower assembly so that the posts (30) extend vertically, placing an intermediate plate (40) such that it rests on the upper end of the posts (30) and stacking an upper package assembly (20b) on said plate (40). The invention is useful for transporting and handling fresh produce.

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 method and apparatus automatically process currency documents. A stack of loose bank documents are placed on a feeder having a feeder arm which pushes the documents toward a continuous vacuum belt. The feeder arm is controlled by a lever arm connected to a potentiometer. The vacuum belt pulls documents from the stack, and moves the documents past a vacuum separator head and to a transport conveyor. The vacuum belt and the vacuum separator head are connected to the same vacuum supply. The transport conveyor moves the documents through inspection and sorting stations, and to various stacking units which stack the documents on platens. A strapping tape is curved to bend in a direction transverse to its length, and then a terminal end portion of the strapping tape is pushed through connected channels to direct the terminal end portion around three sides of a stack of the documents.

Abstract: A system and method for order packing forms a mixed pallet or a mixed multi-pack. In this system, a first embodiment utilizes a high volume module, a low volume module, a sorting and packing module, a prepackage module and a mixed palletizer module for picking, sorting, packaging and palletizing articles. In a second embodiment of the present invention, a bulk load can be fed via a carrousel to a bank of elevators. A transfer device will load different levels of the elevators which can then be moved adjacent a discharge conveyor. A lane is provided in this discharge conveyor for each of the elevators in the bank of elevators. The different levels of the elevators are positioned adjacent the lanes and can discharge articles onto the conveyor in order to form groups of the same or different types of articles. Many different types of articles including beverage containers such as cans, bottles or beverage boxes can use this system.

Abstract: A method to form bundles (11) of one or more layers (20) of adjacent rolled sections (12). The method comprises discharging the rolled sections (12) from a terminal end (13a) of a transporter to cause the rolled sections (12) to fall from the terminal end (13a) onto discharge rods (14); forming at least one layer (20) of the rolled sections (12), which fall from the terminal end (13a) of the transporter (13) onto the discharge rods (14), the discharge rods (14) being arranged parallel to the transporter (13) and underneath the upper plane where the sections (12) are transported on the transporter (13). The discharge rods (14) are axially displaced with respect to the transporter (13) to define from time to time a lateral discharge space ("s") adjacent the terminal end (13a), for placing the sections (12) on the rods (14), wherein the lateral discharge space ("s") equals a transverse dimension of each rolled section (12).

Abstract: A method of packaging perishable foods wherein the perishable food product is packed in a plurality of cartons and the cartons are stacked on a pallet for storage and/or transportation, including placing a sheet of material on a pallet to provide a bottom sheet, with the bottom sheet overhanging the sides of the pallet, stacking a plurality of cartons on the bottom sheet on the pallet to form a carton stack, covering the top and sides of the carton stack with a bag of a gas permeable material, the bag having a closed top and an open bottom with a lower edge, sealing the edges of the bottom sheet to the lower edge of the bag, introducing a quantity of nitrogen gas through an opening into the interior of the bag without withdrawing any gas from the bag, and sealing the opening to retain the nitrogen within the bag, and apparatus for packaging such perishable products. Preferably the gas permeable material is a selective permeable material which is more permeable to oxygen than to nitrogen.

Abstract: A method of building and stretch wrapping loads of layers of load units that includes the steps of providing at least one layer of load units in a load building and wrapping area, applying horizontal compression to the at least one layer, subsequently applying vertical compression to the at least one layer while applying the horizontal compression, releasing the horizontal compression while retaining the vertical compression, rotating the at least one layer relative to a packaging material dispenser to apply packaging material around the at least one layer while retaining the vertical compression, and releasing the vertical compression.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping, folding and transferring a stack of flexible plastic bag products such as a stack of zippered plastic bags. The apparatus can be retrofitted in existing bag sealers used for producing and packaging a stack of plastic bags in order to produce novel shallower plastic bag products.

Abstract: A form assembly for enclosing a received facsimile document in an envelope has been developed, along with a method for automatically assembling and sealing the envelope with the facsimile document within. The form assembly includes a front and back sheet that when sealed together form the envelope. The front and back sheets have substantially the same dimensions and are both larger than the received facsimile document. The front and back sheets have a border area adjacent its perimeter, and the border includes a pattern of pressure sealing cohesive. Moreover, the border extends beyond the facsimile document when that document is assembled with the sheets of the envelope. To assemble the form, the facsimile document is sandwiched between the front and back sheets of the envelope. The edges of the assembled form which include the border are compressed with sufficient pressure to activate the cohesive of the border and to thereby seal the envelope closed with the facsimile document within the envelope.

Abstract: A disposable undergarment forming apparatus and methods are provided for forming disposable undergarments. The apparatus preferably includes a core former positioned to form a stream of undergarment cores. The core former includes a mat securer positioned to secure each of a plurality of undergarment mats to a sheet of a polymeric material and a first separator positioned downstream from the mat securer for separating the stream of undergarment cores into a plurality of individual cores. An elastic waistband former preferably is positioned adjacent the core former for forming elastic waistbands. A waistband securer is positioned downstream from the core former and positioned to receive the elastic waistbands from the elastic waistband former for securing the waistbands to the plurality of individual undergarment cores to thereby form a chain of a plurality of undergarments. A folder is positioned downstream from the waistband securer for folding each of the plurality of undergarments of the chain.

Abstract: A load portion is engaged in an infeed area and transported from the infeed area to a wrapping area with rotational, horizontal, and vertical carriers. Those carriers move the portion of the load horizontally along two horizontal degrees of freedom and one vertical degree of freedom by rotating a portion of the load about a vertical axis and translating the portion of the load along a generally linear horizontal direction and a generally linear vertical direction. The load is disengaged in the wrapping area and a stretch wrap packaging material dispenser is engaged and is transported to the wrapping area by the same rotational, horizontal, and vertical carriers to wrap the portion of the load with stretch wrap packaging material by using, once again, the same rotational, horizontal, and vertical carriers to rotate the dispenser around the load.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packaging cans or tubes which arrive from a conveying station and which are placed into a packaging fixture. The cans are moved in the packaging fixture to a packaging station and are together removed from the packaging fixture in the form of a dense package and are provided with common packaging. The cans are then passed on to the next following processing station. Using interchangeable packaging modules, the cans or tubes are selectively filled into a box or are provided with a hoop. In the process, the packaging material is brought to the packaging station in a delivery plane which extends vertically with respect to a direction of delivery of the cans or tubes from out of the packaging fixture. The box to be filled is delivered by a box carrier which is movable in the delivery plane, to the packaging station, and is there taken over by a suction gripper.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus conveys cones lying on the side to a predetermined point. Prior to reaching the predetermined point, an edible adhesive is applied to the side of each cone. At the predetermined point, a paper wrap is applied to the cone and adhered thereto. The first cone is then stacked with a second cone and more cones, followed by packing for transport.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the transportation and storage of compressible items in a compressed state, the apparatus comprising a lower member featuring a horizontal floor; an upper member featuring a horizontal roof, the upper member being slideably connected to the lower member; a platform between the floor and roof that is slideably connected to the upper and lower member; a rotational expulsion mechanism attached to the lower member, upper member, and platform; and an attachment point, said attachment point facilitating the connection of the apparatus to a vehicle. Compressible items may be loaded onto the platform, after which the platform is raised so that compressible items may be loaded between the floor and platform. The roof may then be lowered, compressing both those items between the roof and platform and those items between the platform and floor.

Abstract: Levelling method realized by the simultaneous action of an abutment device and a retaining device for the product, rotating at variable speed in a periodic manner. The abutment device eliminates the end projections of the elements of the long shaped pasta, while the retaining device holds the single long shaped pasta elements firmly in their position, acting from above. The rotational speed varies during levelling, from a value equal to that of the transport collector for the product, so that the devices may be introduced in the collector, to a slowed down value, lasting for a longer time, where the soft contact between the levelling devices and the levelling product occurs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for continuously counting, stacking, and packaging relatively rigid and stackable articles, such as frozen meat patties, is provided. The apparatus includes a bottom stacker for stacking stackable articles in a column, a stack mover for moving the stack of articles to a packaging station, and a packager for packaging the stack of articles. The packager can provide an open plastic bag without injecting air.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing baby bibs is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container, such as a bag, envelope, pouch or box, defining an opening sized to allow withdrawal of a single bib at a time. The bib is folded in a novel manner, and is then carried by the container such that the opening in the container is in a location adjacent to a folded cuff at the base of the bib. The method of dispensing the baby bibs allows the user to withdraw a single bib by grasping it by the apron or cuff and withdrawing it.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of compacting a plurality of flat, stacked, non-woven cotton and cotton blend articles from a normal size to a greatly reduced size to form a package of such articles that saves exterior packaging, shipping, handling and warehouse costs. The pressure and time dwell are selected to compact the stacked articles to the extent necessary to cause the desired size reduction, but not sufficient to either damage the articles or compact them to the degree that a liquid or other means is required to recover them from their compacted to their original size.

Abstract: Packages arriving continuously one after the other at an input station are loaded into boxes by continuously displacing an endless pocket belt through the input station and loading the packages at the input station into respective pockets of the belt. At a transfer station offset along the belt from the input station groups of the packages in the pockets are displaced transversely of the belt out of the respective pockets while the packages are still being displaced parallel to and synchronously with the belt at least until the packages being displaced transversely are clear of the pocket belt. These groups of packages displaced out of the respective pockets of the belts are then loaded into respective boxes.

Abstract: Automatic in-line food preparation machines. The machines comprise perforating mechanisms which can provide multiple perforations in substrates. Preformed portions of food are then placed on the predetermined lengths of substrate having multiple perforations. An in-line foldover mechanism is also provided which folds paper flaps over food slices for efficient food preparation creation.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a stacking apparatus which utilizes a supplemental stacking member on a transfer mechanism for receiving at least one article from a conveying mechanism while the transfer mechanism is transferring a stack, such that a new stack is begun prior to completing the transfer of the first stack. This permits a substantially constant supply of articles to be provided continuously to the stacking apparatus without having to interrupt or slow down the flow of articles to the apparatus. The packaging system also includes a boxing apparatus which relies on pneumatically-actuated positioning mechanisms to move stacks of articles to discrete positions within boxes. Both the position and the velocity of the pneumatic mechanisms are utilized as feedback to provide increased speed without compromising positioning accuracy.

Abstract: A method of building and wrapping a load including infeeding load units to an infeed area of a layer building area at an infeed level below a desired height of the load, repeatedly building load layers in a layer building area from load units incoming from the infeed area at the infeed level, repeatedly transporting the load layers from the layer building area to a load building and wrapping area to sequentially build a load of layers to the desired height of the load in the load building and wrapping area from layers built in the layer building area, wrapping the load of layers in the load building and wrapping area while building at least one interim layer in the layer building area from load units, outputting the wrapped load from the load building area, and sequentially transporting the interim layer and at least one other layer built in the layer building area from the layer building area to the load building and wrapping area to sequentially form a load of layers in the load building and wrapping area.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading stacked article groups into cartons in a continuous motion cartoner assembly. The barrel cam loading apparatus or article group transport mechanism is particularly suited to loading article groups that are unstable or whose articles tend to spin and kick article out of the carton.

Abstract: A paperboard separating sheet (10) for separating two stacked layers of cans (11, 12) is disclosed. The sheet has a plurality of can receiving locations (13), each location having an inner opening (23) and an outer opening (24), respectively, each one of the openings being defined by a series of cuts (23, 24), respectively, in the paperboard sheet. The cuts define first, second, and third covering portions (20, 21, 22), respectively, which are joined together by a plurality of tabs (25, 26), respectively, which allow the respective covering portions to move into different planes relative to one another when the separating sheet is sandwiched between two stacked cans. In use, the third portion of the separating sheets rests on a top rim of a lower can (11), the second portion of the paperboard sheet sits between the top rim of the can and a recessed panel in which a can opening device is formed, and the first portion of the paperboard sheet covers the can opening device.

Abstract: Thin and lightweight baked products such as crackers and the like are dispensed from a stack and placed into a compartment of a packaging tray or the like. An escapement gate assembly supports the product as it falls into a accumulator opening and before it drops into the compartment of the packaging tray. This engagement need be for only a small fraction of a second, long enough to dissipate virtually all of the horizontal velocity components imparted to the products during handling of the products prior to dropping into the compartment. A preferred application moves a sub-stack of crackers from a larger stack and into the compartment.

Abstract: A method for packaging flat or stacked article groups within a packaging unit such as a paperboard carton. The method comprises the steps of supplying a stream of packaging units, for example paperboard cartons, supplying at least one stream of articles, for example beverage cans; forming at least one article group, for example a group of from six to twenty-four cans, optionally placing a support base on a top surface of the article group, and loading the article group in the packaging unit. In a stacked packaging mode a second article group is formed and loaded into the packaging unit, on top of the support base on each first article group disposed in the packaging unit. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for packaging cans or tubes continuously delivered from a production installation to pick-up elements, which are moved in steps, of an intermediate station. A gripper device brings the cans or tubes in groups according to the desired number of pieces in a packaging layer to a delivery station. Each can or tube is deposited into a support element, after which the cans or tubes are pushed together out of the support elements into a loading station. The cans or tubes are placed at equal distances into the pick-up elements, wherein individual support elements are placed apart from each other at a predetermined distance. The cans or tubes are then deposited into the support elements at distances predetermined by the pick-up elements. The support elements are subsequently moved together until they touch each other, whereupon the cans or tubes are then pushed into the loading station. This method allows the use of the same apparatus for different can diameters with minimal changing effort.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging and wrapping a load, and a method for using the same, having an infeed conveyor for receiving bundles from an assembly or production line, positioning conveyors located downstream of the infeed conveyor for arranging the bundles into load layers, and stripper plates downstream of the positioning conveyor for receiving and discharging the load layers. A pair of lifts are located below the stripper plates for raising and lowering a pallet. The second lift is mounted on the first lift, so that the two lifts combine to raise a pallet to receive successive load layers from the stripper plates. A wrap ring including a film dispenser is mounted below the stripper plates, so that the dispenser may orbit and dispense a plastic film material about the load. The second lift raises the pallet above the first lift to position the load adjacent the dispenser for wrapping. Guide plates are mounted above the wrap ring to stabilize the load prior to wrapping.

Abstract: A stack of dried lumber (50) is inhibited from staining and discoloring as it is stored in open air by being overlaid with an air pervious plastic material (16). The plastic material has a material to air density of greater than 70% to restrict sunlight, wind and rain and less than 90% to allow for adequate ventilation.

Abstract: A method for container packaging includes the steps of providing a plurality of square profile individual packages, each package having an empty 47 mm by 47 mm square profile, and a full profile between about 50 mm by 50 mm and 51 mm by 51 mm, a relatively rigid bottom, and a peaked gable top having a rigid, linearly disposed, upwardly extending sealing portion defined by a pair of sloped top portion walls. The method includes providing a packing storage unit for storing the individual packages. The storage unit has an inside storage dimension of between about 6.6 to 6.8 times the length of a container wall when the container is empty and 6.0 to 6.4 times the length of the container wall when the container is filled. The containers are disposed in a lower layer within the packing storage unit, and are positioned in a 6 by 6 matrix having a first set of six parallel linear arrays and a second set of six parallel linear arrays.

Abstract: A method of providing a book/sleeve/computer disc product, where the disc is inserted into an open end of a pre-made sleeve to form a sleeve/disc package, which is then directed through a conventional binding operation to form the book/sleeve/computer disc product. More specifically, a sleeve blank is provided, and is then folded and glued to form a pre-loaded sleeve into which the computer disc is inserted. The sleeve/disc package is placed into a gathering line along with signatures or page groups which are assembled into a book block, with the sleeve/disc package being part of the book block. This is bound (either glued or stitched), and trimmed to form the finished product.

Abstract: A method for continuously forming stacked article groups, comprising the steps of supplying at least two streams of articles, each at a predetermined vertically distinct level; forming and longitudinally transporting a stream of first article groups having at least one article, at a first level; placing a support base on a top surface of each first article group; and forming a second article group, having at least one article, at a second level on top of the support base of each longitudinally moving first article group, whereby stacked article groups are formed. The stacked article groups are subsequently processed for packaging.

Abstract: A package includes a plurality of cylindrical beverage cans (10) arranged into at least two tiers with a carton disposed around the cans. A paperboard divider panel (30) is disposed between and in contact with the cans of adjacent tiers. The divider panel includes a plurality of apertures (32), each of the apertures having a generally circular edge concentric with the cylindrical axis of upper and lower cans and having a diameter (D4) smaller than the base of the upper can. The divider panel further includes a substantially circular embossment (38) concentric with each of the apertures, the embossment having an outer diameter generally equal to the diameter of the top flange of the lower can.

Abstract: Briefly described, the present invention includes a product display and delivery system using uniquely tailored, modular, disposable cartridges. In accordance with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, disposable cartridges having unique features are created from opposed, interlocking sleeves. Also, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, disposable cartridges are releasably joined in modular fashion to allow easy stacking, arrangement, and replacement of the cartridges.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing and stabilizing stacks of discrete items on pallets, such as bags of powdered or granular material, comprising a bottom member, a top member, side members securing means and an adhesive layer between one or more layers of the discrete items, where the bottom member, top member and side members are positioned so as to enclose the stack of discrete items. Preferably, flap members perpendicular to the edges of some or all of the bottom, top or side members are provided to further secure the members relative to the stack and to each other. Most preferably, the side members are provided with extended top flaps having cut lines and score lines to allow the side members to be properly sized according to the height of the stack.

Abstract: A package comprised of a sleeve-type carrier containing stacked layers of bottles. The end panels, which include upper tapered portions to accommodate the necks of adjacent bottles, are formed partially of major and minor end panel flaps connected to the side panels. The minor end panel flaps are in the tapered area, as are upwardly extending flaps of the major end panel flaps. Tapered portions in the side panels are also provided for, if desired. Recesses in the minor end panel flaps avoid interference with the upwardly extending flaps of the major end panel flaps. The recesses are also shaped so that the minor end panel flaps do not interfere with a bottle restraining rail during formation of the end panel.

Abstract: A cartoning apparatus for loading stacked article groups into carton sleeves. The cartoning apparatus comprises at least two article infeed mechanisms, each supplying at least one stream of articles at a predetermined height or level, an article selection and transport mechanism intersecting the article infeed mechanisms to form and move a stream of stacked article groups of a predetermined pattern, a carton supply and transport mechanism synchronized and moving parallel with said article selection and transport mechanism to provide cartons with open ends facing the moving article groups, and an article group transfer mechanism constructed and arranged to move article groups into the open ends of the carton sleeves.

Abstract: Method and arrangement for loading cargo pieces or objects onto a pallet or the like, wherein the pieces or objects are nonsymmetrical or otherwise have an odd shape, for forming with said pallet a cargo unit having a predetermined shape.

Abstract: A pack 10 of bottles 14 comprises a plurality of layers 12. Each layer 12 has its bottles 14 packed in a close packed side-by-side array, the array being hexagonal. The layers 12 are packed in a sleeve 18 of a plastics material. The sleeve 18 is selected to have a perimetral dimension slightly less than a peripheral dimension of each layer 12 such that the layers 12, once packed in the sleeve, are constrained against movement.

Abstract: An assembly of packaged reams of paper sheets for point of purchase or distribution display has a plurality of stacked layers of the packaged reams in contacting relationship; an adhesive film between at least some contacting upper and lower packaged reams adheres the packaged reams together; the adhesive has a high strength component in a first lateral direction of the film effective to hinder relative horizontal movement of the contacting upper and lower packaged reams having the adhesive film therebetween, and a weak strength component in a second direction perpendicular to the lateral direction such that the contacting upper and lower packaged reams are readily separated by a displacing force in the second direction; a flexible protective sheet is wrapped about the stacked layers; the assembly optionally includes a tubular sleeve applied over the stacked layers at the point of purchase or distribution, after removal of the protective sheet, a removable panel in the tubular sleeve exposes the packaged ream

Abstract: Airtight ESD-protected containers (42) are used to transport semiconductor components (12). A reclosable lid (44) snaps onto the rectangular container (42) to provide the airtight environment. The shape of the container allows stacking of multiple containers inside a larger outer box for shipping to the customer site. Both the lid and the container are reusable which provides cost savings spread over their useful life. Transporting semiconductor components in this manner does not use small cardboard boxes or dry-pack bags.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging a plurality of substantially rigid sheet-like members. The system includes apparatus for carrying out the method steps of applying a liquified material to a selected location on a surface of each of the plurality of sheet-like members, cooling the liquified material to form a removable solid element adhering to the selected location on the surface, and stacking the plurality of sheet-like members for packaging such that the solid elements act as interleaving spacers therebetween protecting the sheet-like members from handling and shipping damage.

Abstract: A goods accommodation method and apparatus in which a container is set such that its opening is directed horizontally, and box-shaped goods are stacked on a slide such that their surfaces facing the opening of the container are aligned with each other. The goods are transferred into the container while they are held in the stacked state by inserting the slide together with the goods stacked thereon into the container and then quickly pulling the slide out of the container at a speed higher than the speed of insertion such that the stacked goods remain in the container. The container is then turned up such that its opening is directed upward.

Abstract: A method of forming thermal insulation comprising forming recycled cotton fibers into a relatively loose mass, impregnating the cotton fibers with a liquid fire retardant, drying the impregnated cotton fibers, mixing the impregnated cotton fibers with the dry granules of fire retardant while causing the granules to adhere to the cotton fibers, blending the cotton fibers with synthetic springy fibers and with bi-component bonding fibers having core components and sheath components, forming the blended fibers into a composite web of predetermined thickness to provide a desired insulation value, heating the composite web to soften the sheath components of the bi-component fibers to cause the same to bond the fibers together into a bonded composite web, slitting the bonded composite web longitudinally into narrower strips of a predetermined width corresponding to the widths of individual batts of insulation, severing the strips into predetermined lengths to form individual batts, and packaging the individual batt

Abstract: A method of producing a truss plate bundle package including a plurality of bundles of interconnected truss plates begins with the step of conveying a predetermined number of truss plate bundles onto an accumulating stage in a row. Each truss plate in each bundle of the bundle package is arranged and interconnected so that each of the backing members of each of the truss plates is substantially parallel to each of the other of the backing members. The peripheries of the backing members are substantially aligned. The next step is transporting the accumulated row to a predetermined position upon a pallet. These accumulating and transporting steps are repeated to form a stacked array of truss bundles. The stacked array includes a plurality of layers, each arranged in rows. The bundles on each layer are in contact with the bundles of adjacent rows and are positioned above bundles on adjacent layers.

Abstract: An apparatus for bundling truss plates includes a unit for forming a plurality of truss plates and a unit for forming these truss plates into a unitized bundle that is easily shipped, stored, and handled. The apparatus can include a station for orienting each of the plurality of truss plates so that the backing members are substantially parallel to a predetermined plane, an aligning station for aligning the oriented truss plates so that the peripheries of their backing members are substantially aligned, a stacking station for stacking the oriented and aligned truss plates, and an interconnecting unit for interconnecting the stacked truss plates into a unitized bundle.