Abstract: Systems for enclosing at least one target product in a covering material, include an elongate product chute having an outer surface and opposing receiving and discharge end portions with an interior cavity extending therethrough and an elongate breech loading chute alignably positioned generally above the product chute, the elongate loading chute configured to direct at least one target product into the product chute.

Abstract: A method for joining an initial section (3) of a film tube (2) which is wound up in a band-like manner on a reel (1) with an end section (4) of a second film tube (5) extending over subsequent processing stations, especially a packaging system, in an at least partly band-like manner, in which it is provided that at least one upwardly pivoting tab (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) each is formed by the placement of a cut in the initial and end sections (3, 4) of the two film tubes (2, 5) to be joined, with a tab (4a, 4b) of the end section (4) being placed on a tab (3a, 3b) of the initial section (3) and the superimposed tabs (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) are mutually joined in a tension-proof manner. The production of a tension-proof connection of the initial and end sections (3, 4) of the film tubes (2, 5) occurs here by welding, with welding methods on the basis of ultrasonic sound being preferred.

Abstract: A system and method places a printed label on a bag. A first plurality of rollers can feed one or more bags, and a second plurality of rollers can feed one or more labels. A tamp pad can place the label on the bag.

Abstract: A dispenser system as in a foam-in-bag dispenser system with a smooth dispenser housing over which the film passes without interruption and which houses a mixing module with reciprocating rod and supports drive components of a drive transmission which is engaged with the rod for reciprocation within the mixing module. Also the drive transmission of a preferred embodiment includes a sliding crank mechanism covered by the dispenser housing and a motor is in driving engagement with the drive transmission with the motor being positioned external to the housing. The driver of the drive transmission for the rod also preferably functions to drive a physical outlet cleaning device and the housing also features a plurality of passages for receiving chemicals, a solvent and a heater unit.

Abstract: The invention discloses a waste disposal apparatus including a waste packet forming device integrated with a tool for cutting the packet, and a method for using the apparatus. The disclosed integrated twist-and-cut system provides an improvement over existing waste disposal systems by reducing steps in the disposal of waste material.

Abstract: A slurry product is packaged into a plastic bag using a modified form-fill-seal apparatus and method of using it. The apparatus has preferably been modified to select the appropriate amount of product slurry by weight. Bags are filled using a dual auger system that includes a bulk auger and a precision auger that fill a bag simultaneously. The augers work together for a first period to rapidly load slurry into a large part of the bag. During a second period, the bulk auger shuts down, allowing the precision auger alone to top-off the bags. The periods are determined either by time or by the volume or weight of the product that has entered the bag.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the first pouch from a stack of pouches includes apparatus adapted to bend an edge of the first pouch away from the second pouch of a stack to define a bent edge and a bend in the first pouch. The first pouch is then slid away from the second pouch to remove the first pouch from the plurality of adjacent pouches. This method allows the first pouch to be reliably separated from the second pouch by overcoming the various forces that typically cause adjacent pouches to cling to each other while stacked together.

Abstract: A packaging system for packaging a compressible article, such as a stack of interfolded paper towels, includes a sleeve supply arrangement for supplying a packaging sleeve to a loading area, a reciprocating article supply arrangement for selectively positioning a compressed article in the loading area, and a sleeve advancing arrangement for advancing the formed sleeve onto the compressed article at the loading area. After a sleeve is advanced onto the compressed article, the article supply arrangement is moved away from the loading area. A movable stripper engages the article and the sleeve during movement away from the loading area, to strip the article and the sleeve from the article supply arrangement. As the article and the sleeve are removed from the article supply arrangement, the article undergoes decompression and establishes contact with the sleeve to maintain the article and the sleeve in frictional engagement, to form a pack.

Abstract: A method for producing a pack (1) for groups (2) of rolls of products comprises the following steps: forming of a tube of film (3) around a frame (5) forming a channel (6) for the passage of the product groups (2); creation of a first seal (S1) on the front edges (7) of the film (3); insertion in the channel (6) of product groups (2), fed until they are close to the closed front end (7) of the film (3); further feeding of the product groups (2) with simultaneous feeding of the film (3) and formation of the further portion of the pack (1) beyond the frame (5); creation of a second, longitudinal seal (S2) on the overlapping longitudinal edges of the film (3) simultaneously with the further feed step; creation of a third seal (S3) on the rear edges (11) of the film (3) designed to close the pack (1) at the rear of the product groups (2) bagged; between the step of insertion of product groups (2) in the channel (6) and the further feeding of the product groups (2), there being a step of feeding the film (3) wound

Abstract: A method and system for packaging an object in tubular plastic film, wherein the tubular film is prepared with a number of wrinkle-shaped folds, the film is then processed to bag-shape by welding the film and cutting the welded film from the remaining part of the tubular film, the bag-shaped film with folds is then transferred onto a stationary dispenser device to receive the object, the object is then moved out of the stationary dispenser device into the bag-shaped film and gradually pulls the bag-shaped film off the stationary dispenser device.

Abstract: There are disclosed by a process and apparatus for positioning and sealing photostimuable phosphor imaging plates within barriers envelope blanks therefore and formed on a roll thereof wherein a barrier envelope blank including a U-shaped heat sealed portion thereof of such roll is indexed to a positioning station whereat the barrier envelope blank is caused to be opened at a free end thereof thereby permitting insertion of a restored imaging plate into such barrier envelope whereupon the barrier envelope including restored imaging plate is indexed to a station whereat heat sealing of the free end of the U-shaped heat sealed is effected to thereby enclose the restored imaging plate therein and thereafter the thus heat sealed barrier envelope is indexed to a product station for removal from the roll of barrier envelope blanks.

Abstract: A flexible pouch for packaging a product includes a front panel and a back panel, each having an upper edge, a lower edge opposite the upper edge, and side edges extending therebetween the upper and lower edges, that are joined together at the side edges and the lower edges to contain the product. The front and back panels include an outwardly projecting crease that forms a guide pocket for separating the panels, prior to filling the pouch with the product, and the crease is straightened out when the upper edges of the front panel and back panel are sealed together. A method of forming and filling the flexible pouch includes the steps of forming the panel, and forming a crease in each of the panels that projects outwardly and extends longitudinally along each of the panels.

Abstract: A wafer case is inserted into a packaging bag, and an ear folding and shaping bar is pressed against a root of each corresponding triangular ear portion, making a folding back line in each triangular ear portion. Each of the triangular ear portions is folded back over a container side surface by a bag rear end ear folder. The folding operation for each of the triangular ear portions is performed precisely and smoothly.

Abstract: A bag filling and packaging system including gripper pairs around a rotating table so that the grippers of each gripper pair grip two side edges of a bag on which various packaging processes are performed. A gripper distance adjustment auxiliary cam is provided to ascend and descend relative to a gripper distance setting cam for setting distance between grippers. A roller rolls on the two cams as the table rotates, and the distance between the grippers changes in response to the height of the roller by a transmission mechanism. An apparent bag width is measured prior to gripping a bag, the height of the gripper distance adjustment auxiliary cam is controlled according to this measured value, and the distance between grippers in a bag supply process is adjusted accordingly, the amount of part gripped by the grippers at side edges of a bag thus being constant for all bags.

Abstract: A packaging machine utilizing side connected chains of open bags is disclosed. The machine has loading and closure sections which are moveable between operating and cleaning/service positions. A resistance heater subassembly is removeable to enable washdown.

Abstract: A system which provides a first object defining a first volume and a second object defining a second volume wherein the second object contains the first object. A manifold apparatus is provided which allows a flowable material to flow by vacuum action into the first object and also allows any entrained gas to be transported from the first volume to the second volume without interrupting the vacuum. Methods of use of the system and structures for detachably attaching the manifold apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: Netting chutes suitable for use with manual and automatic packaging operations to enclose product in netting packaging include at least one axially extending rib.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bagging ice. The apparatus comprises an ice maker for making ice and a hopper for receiving for receiving the ice from the ice maker. The apparatus further includes a roller drum, operatively associated with the hopper, for measuring the ice and delivering of the ice. A bag delivery mechanism for placing the ice in a bag is also included, with the bag delivery mechanism including a bag supply mechanism, a blower fan engaged to open the mouth of the bag to receive the product, and a heat sealer that seals the open mouth of the bag once the bag is filled with the ice. A control device is included that manages and monitors the roller drum and bag delivery mechanism and allows transmission of the collected data to the internet.

Abstract: A method of filling a collapsible package in a cartridge for use with a caulking gun is provided. The method comprises pressurizing an internal space of a collapsible package to expand the package. Drawing a vacuum external to the collapsible package and removing the positive internal pressure. The vacuum maintains the package in an expanded state. A nozzle is then inserted into the collapsible package to reverse fill the package with a vicious material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a waste disposal apparatus including a container having a first end and a second end. A tubing cassette for supplying tubing is mounted proximate the first end of the container. A first sealing member and a second sealing member are moveable between an open position, wherein tubing from the tubing cassette can pass between the first and second sealing members, and a closed position, wherein the first and second sealing members can be activated to create a seal in the tubing. The first and second sealing members are guided by guide pins that travel along stepped channels for moving the first and second sealing members between the open and closed positions, and for pulling the tubing and waste packages through the waste disposal apparatus.

Abstract: A machine and method for encasing sausages by having a stuffing tube that is vertically disposed in order to allow gravity to help in the sausage making process. A conical shaped restricting device is attached to the stuffing tube to help facilitate the movement of the casing into a twisting mechanism and to ensure bunching in the casing is reduced. The casing is then fed through the twisting mechanism and into a linker.

Abstract: A bagger system for enclosing poultry very tightly in a plastic bag, to reduce material costs, present a pleasing appearance, decrease leaks, and minimize distortion of the printed information on the bag. A grabber assembly is described, to grasp the legs of the poultry and guide the poultry into a bag in proper hocking position.

Abstract: A method for connecting the ends of flat tubular film sheets made of thermoplastic plastic that are equipped with side creases with one another by means of a lateral welding seam in such a manner that the interior creases remain permeable from the exterior even in the connection area. The end of one sheet is equipped with cuts separating the interior edges of the side creases. The end of the other sheet is inserted or placed into the separated area in such a way that both walls of the cut sheet overlie the inserted end, with a layer of each side crease of the end area of the inserted tubular film between the walls. Separating layers are inserted or placed into the side creases of the inserted end area, and the ends of the two sheets are then connected with one another by means of a lateral welding seam.

Abstract: In a continuous strip of containers, the latter are distributed stepwise from one another according to a longitudinal axis of the strip, two adjacent containers being separated by a step. From one longitudinal edge zone traction pins protrude laterally that are intended in use to interact by contact with an advancing device for advancing the strip. For each traction pin a corresponding opposing projection is prearranged that protrudes from the opposite side of the longitudinal edge zone. The strip is designed to be conveyed along an advancing direction that is parallel to a longitudinal axis thereof. Each opposing projection is located slightly forward in relation to said advancing direction, compared with the relative traction pin, at an axial distance that is shorter than the step between the containers.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for bagging organic and other material such as silage, compost, grain, sawdust, dirt, sand, etc., wherein plastic material is dispensed from a roll mounted on the bagging machine so that the plastic material is at least partially wrapped around the material being bagged as the bagging machine moves ahead during packing and filling.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the automated wrapping of a bundle with a resilient stretchable film. The method comprises the steps of (i) unrolling a desired length of the film from a roll. The film has a first panel overlapping a second panel. The panels are interconnected at a sealed first end. (ii) Sealing a second end of the panels to bond them together by a second seal at the desired length. (iii) Cutting the film along the second seal to form a tube. (iv) Separating the first panel of the tube from the second panel by grasping film edges of each of the panels, whereby the tube may be opened. (v) Loading the tube in an opened position on an expandable frame, whereby at least a portion of the tube is accumulated in a folded condition on the expandable frame. (vi) Stretching the tube by expanding the expandable frame.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for making a pillow comprises cutting at least one piece of fabric to form a pair of skins that each comprise a midsection and two arm sections. The two skins are sewn together near their outer edges except for a portion of the mid section to form a shell defining and interior and having a middle region with an opening into the interior and two opposing arms extending from the middle region to form a well region. A fill material is blown into the interior of the shell until the pillow has a firmness defined by an IFD of at least about 20 Newtons with 25% deflection, and the opening in the middle region is closed.

Abstract: A refuse disposal system is formed integrally with a wheelchair. A foam pad is positioned on a rigid seat of a wheelchair; the foam pad and rigid seat are each provided with openings in registration with each other. An annular cartridge of compressed disposable tubing is positioned within an annular well formed in the bottom surface of the foam pad. The disposable tubing extends from the annular cartridge upward over the flange of the pad and downward through the opening in the rigid seat.

Abstract: A film is provided for use in a cassette. Preferably, the cassette is used in a waste disposal system. The film is a high density polyethylene film resin having both a low melt index and a high density, thereby providing improved odor control capabilities and enhanced tear strength and assembly strength.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for bagging ice. The apparatus comprises an ice maker for making ice and a hopper for receiving for receiving the ice from the ice maker. The apparatus further includes a roller drum, operatively associated with the hopper, for measuring the ice and delivering of the ice. The roller drum includes an inner rotating drum. A bag delivery mechanism for placing the ice in a bag is also included, with the bag delivery mechanism including a bag supply mechanism, a fan engaged to open the mouth of the bag to receive the product, and a heat sealer that seals the open mouth of the bag once the bag is filled with the ice. A control device is included that manages and monitors the roller drum and bag delivery mechanism and allows transmission of the collected data to the Internet.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sealing apparatus wherein, as a drum (5) and a rotary base (6) are rotated together, a follower (10a) of a rocking support member (9) rockably provided on the outer periphery of the rotary base (6) is guided along a cam groove (15c) of a cam member (15) to drive the rocking support member (9) to rock. When the rotary drum (5) reaches a predetermined rotational position, an anvil (14) supported by the rocking support member (9) is urged onto a horn (8), and then, when it reaches another rotational position, the anvil (14) is moved away from the horn (8). Since the anvil (14) is driven by the rocking motion of the rocking support member (9), entire operation becomes quite simple, and a continuous soft work can be certainly clamped between the horn (8) and the anvil (14).

Abstract: A silage bag filling machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer silage storage bag includes a generally horizontal chamber through which a ram reciprocates in a generally horizontal direction, forcing silage from the chamber into a frame which carries the gathered sidewall of the silage storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. An loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag filling machine feeds silage into the horizontal chamber.

Abstract: In a method for packaging an object using a hose-shaped stretch foil having laterally extending folds guided axially with respect to the stretch foil and along a length of the object, a foil hood sized to a shape of the object to be packaged is formed, which hood is reefed onto several gripper devices movable in essentially horizontal direction, of a lifting frame movable in essentially a vertical direction. The reefed foil hood is tentered in an essentially horizontal direction by the movement of the gripper device such that the tentered opening of the foil hood is larger than the contour of the object to be packed and wherein the foil hood is expanded in essentially horizontal direction. The foil hood is then pulled over the object by the essentially vertical movement of the lifting frame, wherein the foil hood is pulled off from the gripper device and is expanded in essentially vertical direction.

Abstract: In a process for the production of portion packs of viscous to pasty filling material such as sausage meat, grease, putty or cement and the like in a tubular film (12) which is formed prior to introduction of the filling material (10) by welding or sealing of the longitudinal edges of a film strip (1) drawn off a supply and bent into a tubular form, and into which filling material portions are discontinuously introduced under pressure, whereupon the tubular film (12) is closed with braid formation, the tubular film (12) is drawn out of the welding or sealing station towards the filling station directly by the filling pressure and film strip (1) is subsequently drawn along from the supply into the welding or sealing station.

Abstract: Netting chutes suitable for use with manual and automatic packaging operations to enclose product in netting packaging include a non-circular cross-sectional cavity shape.

Abstract: A stack of object is wrapped by first transversely outwardly stretching a tube having open ends and then pulling the transversely outwardly stretched tube over the stack to a position with the tube extending generally a full length of the stack and one open end of the tube projecting past an end of the stack. Then the tube is released such that it retracts into engagement with sides of the stack and the one open tube end bears on the end of the stack at least adjacent edges of the end of the stack.

Abstract: A system and method places a printed label on a bag. A first plurality of rollers can feed one or more bags, and a second plurality of rollers can feed one or more labels. A tamp pad can place the label on the bag.

Abstract: A bag filling and sealing machine includes a bag holder, a bag opening and filling station, and a sealing station. The bag holder holds wicketed bags in a manner that allows the bags to be easily torn from the holder. A funnel assembly successively opens each bag, tears the bag from the bag holder, fills the bag with material, and releases the bag to a grabber assembly. The grabber assembly engages the sides of the bag while the bag is attached to a funnel assembly and later pulls the sides of the bag away from each other so that the top of the bag is closed and ready to seal when the bag is delivered to a sealing apparatus. The grabber assembly moves in a manner so as to minimize the lost height when moving from the filling station to the sealing station.

Abstract: A turntable for the treatment of container for fillable goods with receiving places (1) for the container and with at least one treatment unit for the container received in the receiving places (1). In such a generic turntable the arrangement of several treatment units is enabled in that the receiving places (1) are arranged in interior carrousels (2) arranged on the turntable, the interior carrousels (2) are provided with rotary drives for rotating the receiving places (1) on at least two predetermined radii (3, 4, 5) of the turntable and at least one treatment unit each for the container is arranged on the predetermined radii (3, 4, 5).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for enwrapping a horizontally oriented product in a sleeve. A sleeve is formed by opening a flat tubular film and cutting a selected length of tubing. The sleeve is further opened in a forming tube to a cross sectional shape comparable with the cross sectional shape of the product. The forming tube is moved from a receiving position to a discharge position and the sleeve is moved in a horizontal plane to enclose the axially aligned product carried on a horizontally oriented conveyor.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in packing meat cuts including a machine vision system arranged to scan or view individual meat cuts and acquire dimensional, volume, shape, cut type, or meat quality or grading information or other information relating to the individual meat cuts, two or more meat cut packing stations arranged to receive the acquired information relating to individual meat cuts and to dispense to an operator or automatedly apply to the meat cuts a pack matched to each individual meat cut as meat cuts arrive at the packing stations, and a diversion stage arranged to direct individual meat cuts to one or other of the packing stations based on the acquired information relating to the individual meat cuts from the machine vision system.

Abstract: Methods are known for conveying bags in the form of a continuous web such that they open at a suitable place during continuous conveyance and during maintenance of the open condition so they can be filled and sealed after closing. Prior art methods utilize complicated methods for retention. According to the invention, the bag web is suspended on horizontal studs mounted on carrier chains running in such a way that the bags open and a surrounding groove around the studs along the chains prevents the bags from falling off during passage of filling stations etc.

Abstract: A method for facilitating the delivery of water to a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages, for housing animals for an animal study, the method including; providing a plurality of cage level barrier-type cages for an animal study at a laboratory facility site, and disposing a bag forming apparatus at a clean side of a laboratory washroom at the laboratory facility site, wherein the bag forming apparatus is capable of providing sealed bags of water for use in the cage level barrier-type cages. The method can further include providing bag material to the laboratory facility site.

Abstract: A cassette for use in dispensing a pleated tubing to collect waste material is formed of an annular body having a U-shaped cross-section in which is packed the pleated tubing in layered form and of an annular flange which extends over the housing. The flange has an inner portion that extends downwardly to engage the upper part of the inner wall of the annular body and an outwardly projecting portion that extends over the housing. The outwardly projecting portion has an annular funnel area to assist in the sliding of the pleated tubing when pulled through the central core of the annular body.

Abstract: A silage bag filling machine for compactly loading an elongate polymer silage storage bag includes a generally horizontal chamber through which a ram reciprocates in a generally horizontal direction, forcing silage from the chamber into a frame which carries the gathered sidewall of the silage storage bag. The frame has a curved upper surface and an open bottom. The bag filling machine is supported on wheels and is forced gradually forward as the bag fills, against the restraint of an adjustable brake. An loading elevator mounted to the side of the bag filling machine feeds silage into the horizontal chamber.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wrapping machine for printed products that includes determining the size of an incoming gap in a printed product stream and controlling a speed of the wrapping machine as a function of the size of the incoming gap. The controlling step includes intentionally leaving, in the printed product stream in the wrapper machine, at least a single product gap corresponding to the incoming gap so as to create at least one empty bag. A newspaper finishing machine and controller are also provided.

Abstract: A portable pouch opener for countertop positioning for opening and filling a bag includes a portable housing positionable upon a desktop bench workspace. The housing has a magazine containing a supply of bags to be opened and filled. A first suction device is mounted for being moved into engagement with a bag in the magazine. The first suction device has a source of vacuum to activate the first suction device when placed into contact with one wall of the bag. Vacuum from the first suction device is withdrawn from the bag, attaching the bag to the first suction device, to remove the bag from the magazine and bring it to an opening position. An opposite facing wall of the bag is in contact with a second suction device having a source of vacuum, so that said opposite facing wall is engaged by said second suction device. Then the first suction device is retracted to separate the walls of the bag to produce an opening into the bag, allowing the bag to be filled and optionally sealed.

Abstract: A method of packaging point-of-purchase items involves supplying plastic bags as a continuously attached length of bags, each bag being separated from adjacent bags along the supply length by a perforated tear line. The length of bags is stored on a storage form or in another suitable manner permitting advancement of bags when pulled out of the stored condition. The perforated tear line cuts entirely through the web of bags. However, the perforation along one side of each bag is broken to present an open flap through which contents can be added to the bag prior to removal from the web. The method of using the bags for packaging produce, groceries or other articles generally selected at point of sale and which are generally segregated by type for later pricing by weight or unit, permits a user to at least partially fill a bag prior to removal from the web.

Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending alone a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.

Abstract: A fill-through-the-top reclosable package includes first and second opposing body panels joined to each other along a pair of sides and a bottom bridging the pair of sides. The package is provided with a reclosable fastener extending along a package top disposed opposite the bottom. The fastener includes first and second opposing tracks. The first track includes a male profile, while the second track includes a female profile adapted to releasably interlock with the male profile. To provide tamper evidence, the first and second tracks may be joined to each other along an area of weakness. When making the package, the first track is first attached to the first panel, the package is filled with a product via a fill opening between the second track and the second panel, and then the second track is attached to the second panel.