Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum packing a product (1) in a flexible enclosure (2) therefor, the apparatus comprising means (6, 7) for evacuating air from within the unsealed enclosure (2), the product (1) being disposed within the unsealed enclosure (2), means (18, 19) for restraining sealable meeting portions (3a, 3b) of the unsealed enclosure (2), during the said evacuation of air, in a configuration whereby the said sealable meeting portions (3a, 3b) can be sealed without substantial rucking thereof and means (33, 34) for sealing the sealable meeting portions (3a, 3b) of the unsealed enclosure (2) in an airtight manner in the said configuration thereof, after the said evacuation of air.

Abstract: A multi-component bedding assembly, including a mattress or futon, is vacuum packaged in an air impermeable bag by drawing a vacuum at the open end of the bag and applying a ram or pushing force against the bedding assembly at the closed end of the bag. The pushing force may be intermittently cycled. The packaged bedding assembly also may be wrapped in a woven polyethylene overwrap and tied with bands before it is inserted into a shipping carton.

Abstract: An agricultural bagger apparatus and method for compacting feed into a horizontally deployed bag including a compression mechanism and an input hopper that receives agricultural feed. The hopper has a sloping wall and a lower end exit chute located to transfer the feed into the primary compression mechanism (e.g., a rotating toothed cylinder). The tapered hopper causes the feed to bridge, stopping the feed from falling through the chute. A new distribution mechanism in the hopper sweeps the feed adjacent to the sloping wall to prevent feed bridging. By preventing the feed from clogging, there is less reason to risk one's safety by foolishly inserting their limb into the hopper. Some embodiments also compact feed in the upper portion of the tunnel, for example, by reciprocating a hinged piston above the primary compression mechanism. This increases the compaction on the top portion of the tunnel without unduly juicing the feed.

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: A density controller is provided for a bagging machine designed for filling or packing material such as silage, compost or the like into an elongate flexible bag or container. The adjustable density controller comprises a drag member or strap with a selectively adjustable length that is positioned beneath the bag being filled and the ground. The weight of the material in the bag on the flexible member resists the forward movement of the bagging machine away from the closed end of the bag. The density of the material being packed or bagged is varied by the surface area of the flexible member that is positioned beneath the bag being filled.

Abstract: An density control/anchor cable is provided on an agricultural bagging machine for engagement with the material being bagged as the material is forced past the density control/anchor cable into the bag being filled with agricultural material. The forward ends of the U-shaped density control/anchor cable are attached to first and second trolleys which are movably mounted on an I-beam positioned within the tunnel of the machine. The trolleys may be moved towards one another in tandem and away from one another in tandem from a position remote therefrom. One end of the density control/anchor cable may be selectively released from the second trolley from a position remote therefrom, thereby releasing the anchor effect of the U-shaped cable. The movement of the trolleys with respect to one another permits the precise density control of the material being packed.

Abstract: A cosmetic material sheet which comprises a sheet substrate 1 having, on an upper surface thereof, a large number of concave portions 5 arranged in a checkered pattern, a foundation layer 6 provided at a given position on the upper surface of the sheet substrate 1 in a state of covering arbitrary concave portions 5 out of a large number of concave portions 5, and a protective cover 3 attached releaseably on the upper surface of the sheet substrate 1 in a state of covering the foundation layer 6, wherein each concave portion 5 has an oblong shape in a plan view and has a bottom part thereof formed into a curved plane of a dish shape.

Abstract: A multi-component bedding assembly, including a mattress or futon, is vacuum packaged in an air impermeable bag by drawing a vacuum at the open end of the bag and applying a ram or pushing force against the bedding assembly at the closed end of the bag. The pushing force may be intermittently cycled. The packaged bedding assembly also may be wrapped in a woven polyethylene overwrap and tied with bands before it is inserted into a shipping carton.

Abstract: A rotor for a bagging machine used to force feed material, e.g., silage, for compaction in a tunnel of the machine prior to insertion of the material into a large storage bag. The rotor includes teeth sets closely spaced along the length of the rotor and each teeth set including at least three circumferentially spaced teeth. Preferably the teeth of each teeth set are intregal with a support or base ring that slidably fits en elongate pipe or tube and position axially in circumferentially as desired and then weld tacked to the pipe.

Abstract: A fiber stuffing and fluffing machine utilized for fiber stuffing toys, pillows, and other skins having a venturi vacuum system, a unique agitation cavity and blade arrangement, and various unique mechanical and electrical features which provide improved stuffing and fluffing capabilities over the prior art. The art of the present invention is capable of integration into a single stand alone unit which performs improved fluffing and stuffing operations without the need for external pneumatic sources. The art of the present invention, in its various embodiments, also utilizes scroll compressors or turbine compressors heretofore not found in prior art stuffing and fluffing applications. The present art further provides means for separating foreign objects from the ingested stuffing fibers to protect the fluffer blower.

Abstract: An agricultural feed bagging machine rotor which includes a plurality of rotor teeth mounted thereon with each of the rotor teeth having a tooth face provided thereon. Each of the tooth faces has a progressively increasing thickness from the inner end thereof to the outer end thereof. The outer face of each of the tooth faces has a channel formed therein with the depth of the channel progressively decreasing from the outer end of the tooth face towards the inner end thereof.

Abstract: A feed table can be used to convey agricultural material into a bagging machine. The feed table can be removed from the bagging machine so that the feed table can be separately transported. The feed table includes an attachment mechanism to detachably couple the feed table to the bagging machine, a mobility support mechanism to at least partially support the feed table when the feed table is not attached to the bagging machine, and a tow mechanism to detachably couple the feed table to a towing vehicle.

Abstract: An adjustable density control means is provided for a bagging machine designed for filling or packing material such as silage, compost or the like into an elongated flexible bag. The adjustable density control means comprises an elongated and flexible sheet or belt member which is selectively adjustable positioned beneath the bag being filled and the ground. The weight of the material in the bag on the sheet member resists the forward movement of the bagging machine away from the closed end of the bag. The density of the material being packed or bagged is varied by the length of the sheet member which is positioned beneath the bag being filled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for winding strings of pocketed coils onto a spool. The coil spooling apparatus includes a feed mechanism and a spooler. The feed mechanism includes buffer rollers and an adjustable hollow feed arm. The feed arm terminates adjacent to the spooler. The spooler includes a spool with a horizontally or vertically oriented spool core, a drive mechanism, and a turntable base with a pallet. The drive mechanism powers the rotation of the spool core. The rotation of the spooler winds the string of pocketed coils received from the feed mechanism. The feed mechanism buffers the tension and directs the string of pocketed coils along the horizontal and vertical axis. After the desired size of wound package is reached, the rotation of the spooler ceases. The completed wound package can then be lifted while attached to the spool through the use of a fork lift. The vertical spools can be stored and transported in a vertical position since the core base is flat.

Abstract: An agricultural bagging machine comprising a wheeled frame having a collapsible tunnel positioned at the rearward end thereof. The tunnel may be positioned in its operative position for bagging purposes but may be collapsed to reduce the width thereof for transport purposes. In another embodiment, the tunnel is selectively movably mounted on the wheeled frame so that the output end thereof may be moved between upper and lower positions.

Abstract: A material bagging machine comprising a mobile frame having a collapsible tunnel positioned at the rearward end thereof. The tunnel may be positioned in its operative position for bagging purposes but may be collapsed to reduce the width thereof for transport purposes.

Abstract: An density control/anchor cable is provided on an agricultural bagging machine for engagement with the material being bagged as the material is forced past the density control/anchor cable into the bag being filled with agricultural material. The forward ends of the U-shaped density control/anchor cable are attached to first and second trolleys which are movably mounted on an I-beam positioned within the tunnel of the machine. The trolleys may be moved towards one another in tandem and away from one another in tandem from a position remote therefrom. One end of the density control/anchor cable may be selectively released from the second trolley from a position remote therefrom, thereby releasing the anchor effect of the U-shaped cable. The movement of the trolleys with respect to one another permits the precise density control of the material being packed.

Abstract: An adjustable pneumatic density control is provided for an agricultural bagging machine which not only acts as an anchor against premature movement of the machine as the bag is being filled, but also controls the density of the material being packed in an agricultural bag. The adjustable pneumatic density control comprises an inflatable bladder which is supported upon the rearward end of a flexible cable extending from the frame of the bagging machine. An air line extends to the bladder to supply air to the interior thereof to enable the size of the bladder to be selectively varied. A density control gauge or meter is imposed in the air line to enable the operator to ascertain and control the pressure within the bladder. An optional shield is also provided which extends partially around the bladder to reduce wear on the bladder and to prevent damage to the bladder.

Abstract: A method and closure and container combination for packaging and sealing a commodity in a container that reduces headspace gases, in particular oxygen, allowing the packaged commodity to have a longer shelf life. The method is also useful for reducing stresses on containers that undergo filling at an elevated temperature and/or require in-container pasteurization or retort processes after fill and seal.

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

Abstract: An improved agricultural feed stock loading apparatus that includes a feed tunnel. In various embodiments, the apparatus includes a multi-part tunnel system that can be removed from the bagger and/or adjusted in width and/or length for shipping and moving convenience, and to accommodate different-sized bags. Other embodiments include a foldable brake beam and shaft mechanism that facilitates shipping and road travel. Other embodiments include a feed wagon portion with a large buffer table as a unitary part of the bagger, facilitating depositing a large amount of feed onto the bagger, and freeing the loading machinery for other duties.

Abstract: A bagging machine is provided that includes a frame for supporting the components of the bagging machine. The components of the bagging machine include an inlet hopper for receiving the material for compaction and moving it into the bagging machine, a compaction zone having a power compaction device located therein, wherein the compaction device conveys the material from the inlet hopper into the compaction zone, a material receptacle for receiving the material upon its exit from the compaction zone; and a brake assist mechanism assisting in, and at least partially controlling the level of, compaction of the material.

Abstract: Method and device for packing bags filled with product in a box. The bags are made gas-permeable and after the bags have been filled with product the residual volume of gas therein is removed by drawing off the gases present in the bag by means of suction. This is achieved by conveying the bags over a belt on which vacuum is acting. Prior to this step the bags can be subjected to a vibratory treatment in order to optimise the position of the product in the bags.

Abstract: At least one base plate, at least one fill tube, at least one bag liner tube slidably coupled to the fill tube and capable of receiving a bag thereon, at least one ram that slides within the fill tube, at least one feed tube attached to the fill tube, at least one distribution bin attached to the feed tube, and at least one rotating pin assembly within the distribution bin. With the bag liner tube being inside the bag it may be filled with fibers and the fibers compacted therein without the bag bursting from the resulting forces thereon. A method of mounting a bag over a slidable bag liner tube, lowering the bag and bag liner tube to a base plate, and compacting fibers therein. An article produced by the method comprising a bag of compacted fibers.

Abstract: An adjustable pneumatic density control is provided for an agricultural bagging machine which not only acts as an anchor against premature movement of the machine as the bag is being filled, but also controls the density of the material being packed in an agricultural bag. The adjustable pneumatic density control comprises an inflatable bladder which is supported upon the rearward end of a flexible cable extending from the frame of the bagging machine. An air line extends to the bladder to supply air to the interior thereof to enable the size of the bladder to be selectively varied. A density control gauge or meter is imposed in the air line to enable the operator to ascertain and control the pressure within the bladder. An optional shield is also provided which extends partially around the bladder to reduce wear on the bladder and to prevent damage to the bladder.

Abstract: An adjustable pneumatic density control is provided for an agricultural bagging machine which not only acts as an anchor against premature movement of the machine as the bag is being filled, but also controls the density of the material being packed in an agricultural bag. The adjustable pneumatic density control comprises an inflatable bladder which is supported upon the rearward end of a flexible cable extending from the frame of the bagging machine. An air line extends to the bladder to supply air to the interior thereof to enable the size of the bladder to be selectively varied. A density control gauge or meter is imposed in the air line to enable the operator to ascertain and control the pressure within the bladder. An optional shield is also provided which extends partially around the bladder to reduce wear on the bladder and to prevent damage to the bladder.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retaining cotton in a bottle using a cottoner machine which inserts cotton via a pair of rotatable cylinders alignable with a mouth of the bottle, the apparatus including a disk secured to the cylinders via a pair of collars and having a pair of apertures aligned with the cylinders, and the method including a process of positioning a planar surface of the disk closely superjacent the mouth of the bottle after insertion of the cotton.

Abstract: A fruit injector and method for squeezing a fruit segment into a container, particularly, a beer bottle. A channel shaped body includes a plunger and a compression member pivotally connected for movement to the body for compressing a fruit segment.

Abstract: An automatic film insertion device automatically unwinds a predetermined amount of plastic tubing from a roll, measures the required length, cuts and automatically inserts the cut piece into the mouth of filled pharmaceutical bottles. In one embodiment, a set of rollers receives a sheet of tubing, which is passed to a mandrel that opens the tubing. A guillotine cuts the tubing, and the tubing is pushed by a plow into a receiving member. The tubing is held inside the receiving member via friction until a plunger pushes the tubing out of the receiving member and into the bottle. The plunger then forces the tubing to buckle and remain in the bottle. In a second embodiment, the receiving member comprises a reciprocating tube attached to a shuttle cylinder. During the film advance portion of the cycle, the tube is positioned under a film feed station adjacent a cutting assembly. The film is fed vertically downward by rollers into the receiving member and cut.

Abstract: A screw anchor adjustable density control device is provided for use with a bagging machine for bagging material into bags having a closed end and an open mouth. The bagging machine comprises a wheeled frame having a tunnel thereon which includes an intake end for receiving the material to be bagged and an output end adapted to receive the open mouth of the bag. A selectively rotatable screw anchor is secured to the wheeled frame within the tunnel and extends rearwardly therefrom into the material being packed within the bag. The rotational rate of the screw anchor is selectively varied for varying the density of the material within the bag. Preferably, the screw anchor is selectively movable between retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for braking an agricultural feed bagger includes the following steps. A first step involves providing an agricultural feed bagger having a frame. The frame includes a tunnel with an intake end for receiving material to be bagged and an output end adapted to receive an open mouth of an agricultural bag. A second step involves positioning a body at a remote end of a linkage which extends outwardly from the frame into a flow stream of agricultural feed entering the open mouth of the agricultural bag. The flow of agricultural feed acting against the body serves to slow the forward progress of the agricultural bagger, as the force exerted against the body is transmitted, via the linkage, to the frame.

Abstract: An airbag folding apparatus includes a folding tube, a folder support apparatus, and a plunger mechanism. The folding of an airbag utilizing the folding apparatus comprises the following steps. A vehicle airbag is attached to the plunger mechanism and the airbag is lowered into the folding tube. The plunger mechanism is introduced into the folding tube after the airbag is completely inside the folding tube. The plunger mechanism is forcibly lowered into the folding tube causing the airbag to be compressed or folded. The plunger mechanism remains exterior to the airbag throughout the folding process. The plunger mechanism is then detached and a fold retention sheet is wrapped around the folded airbag.

Abstract: A fruit injector for squeezing a fruit segment into a container, particularly, a beer bottle. A channel shaped body includes a plunger and a compression member pivotally connected for movement to the body for compressing a fruit segment.

Abstract: A fruit injector for squeezing a fruit segment into a container, particularly, a beer bottle. A channel shaped body includes a plunger and a compression member pivotally connected for movement to the body for compressing a fruit segment.

Abstract: A device for packing trees and greenery on a pallet or the like having lateral supports. The device comprises a base part capable of supporting a pallet and a working tower protruding upwards from one side of the base part. The working tower comprises a top part which is movable between a horizontal position and a vertical position, and which, at least in its horizontal position, is slidable in a vertical direction to compress the trees packed on the pallet. The device additionally comprises a frame which at least comprises plate parts at the ends of the pallet, and which together with the lateral supports of the pallet defines a delimited loading area for trees and greenery. The frame is vertically slidable, and the top part has an extent in its horizontal position which cause trees and greenery as well as the frame to be pressed downwards by the top part during the compression. Also described is a method of compressed packing of trees and greenery on a pallet or the like having lateral supports.

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

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a package of a plurality of side-by-side stacks of continuous strips of material without intervening rigid container walls. Each strip is folded back and forth about first and second fold lines to form a stack of a plurality of folded overlying strip portions. The fold lines are transverse to the strip and arranged at opposite ends of the stack. The strip portions of each stack are arranged side-by-side so that the side edges are aligned. The strips are fed simultaneously through a guide slot in a movable carriage that is parallel to the stacks end upon which the stacks are arranged.

Abstract: A bag filling process and machine wherein material to be bagged is force fed into a tunnel from an end and wherein the material is compacted and fed through the tunnel and out the opposite end which opens into a bag surrounding the tunnel. To avoid compacting and filling of the bag from the bottom up, a ramp in the bottom of the tunnel directs the flow of material to a mid-height position to promote compacting and filling of the bag from the mid-point position both downwardly and upwardly from the ramp end.

Abstract: A bagging machine for bagging material in an elongate bag. An anchor connected to a cable extends from the machine and resides in the material being placed in the bag. The anchor may be extended different distances from the machine to provide a varying restricting force to restrict the movement of the machine away from the bag being filled. Powered reels are provided to reel in cable or play out cable to vary the distance between the anchor and machine.

Abstract: A method of storing and aging a meat which comprises the steps of containing meat in a controllable environment under a mechanical compression, substantially separating a majority of a surface of the meat from direct contact with a gas present in the controllable environment, controlling the gas in the controllable environment by reducing free oxygen gas in the controllable environment and controlling gas pressure in the controllable environment while protecting a majority of the surface of the meat from the effects of a pressure variation, and holding the meat under the controllable environment for a period of time within a predetermined temperature range; provided that the meat is held under the mechanical compression during the controlling of the gas in the controllable environment.

Abstract: A method for packing a material includes air tapping material contained in a feeding hopper to pack it into a container which is to be filled with the material, and separating the material in the feeding hopper and the container into a portion of the material packed in the container where the material has a uniform density and a portion which is the material remaining in the feeding hopper. The air tapping process includes subjecting the space that is supplied with the material to be packed to air pressure which is switched alternately from a low pressure state to a high pressure state and back to a low pressure state or from a high pressure state to a low pressure state and then back to a high pressure state, in either case causing the material to be packed to a high density.

Abstract: This present invention relates to a multi-unit, automatic machine for compaction, packaging, and disposal of plural types of material such as newspaper, plastic containers, glass bottles, aluminum cans, or other household and commercial waste. Each type of material is automatically processed in a separate unit and than separately packaged and sealed in a special bar coded bag, which is then disposed of the machine.The automatic recycling machine is constructed as an appliance and includes housing with inlet for each material type where material is inserted to a specific unit. The material is crushed and compacted as a movable container is moved upwards towards a static container thus reducing the volume of the material between them. The actuation system consists of double scissors member mechanism and pneumatic actuator connected in between members of the mechanism, thus amplifying the travel of the actuator.

Abstract: An apparatus protects a bag so that waste may be compacted into the bag. The apparatus includes a shield having an upper shield opening and a lower shield opening, and a base that is constructed so that it may be secured, in a releasable fashion, to the lower shield opening. The shield separates the bag from compacted waste. The base cooperates with the shield to support the bag and its contents. The shield is placed almost entirely into the bag, the lower opening of the shield being secured to the base at an interface. Compacted waste rests on the bottom of the bag, which may be supported by the base. When the bag has become filled with waste, the shield is removed.

Abstract: A system (10) for processing pliable, sealed bags (16) includes an inlet section (176) for transferring the bags (16) onto a lower conveyor (152) with the lower end being downstream of the bag upper end and allowing product not contained by the bags (16) to fall through the inlet section (176). The bags (16) on the lower conveyor (152) pass beneath an overhead conveyor (194), with product being dispersed inside of the bag (16) as the result of the rotation of a conditioning roller (168) engaging and flexing the belting (158) of the lower conveyor (152). The endless carrier of the overhead conveyor (194) is deflected by first and second support plates (216, 220) slideably received in flexible guides (212). The first support plates (216) places pressure on the bags (16) to force air out of improperly sealed bags (16) while the movement of the second support plates (220) is detected to determine whether the bags (16) are within a tolerable thickness.

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

Abstract: An elongated containment tube is formed to serve as a retaining means during high-pressure compaction of ash resulting from cremation of humans and animals, and thereafter as an extended service life containment system for interment. In preferred embodiments, the containment tube may be made of various impervious metals, plastics, or ceramics, and employs one or more end caps having a range of sealing means that ensure high-integrity retention of its contents. End cap sealing means, such as circumferential deformable/deforming teeth and compression rings, are employed, and the long-term and stable burial of a large number of individual containment tubes in a single, conventionally sized grave plot is described.

Abstract: A rotor for a bagging machine comprising an elongated, cylindrical body having a horizontally disposed rotational axis. A plurality of sockets are provided on the cylindrical body in a spaced-apart relationship with respect to each other. A rotor tooth is selectively removably received by each of the sockets.

Abstract: A movable retaining wall is used in a first position in a compression baler to retain a compressed mass, such as microfibers, and is then moved to a second position into an opening in a wall of a packaging chamber filling the opening such that a gap between the edges of the interior surface of the retaining wall and the edges of the opening is too small to allow the compressed material to enter the gap when it passes through the packaging chamber and past the gap. To accomplish this requires the use of hidden hinges to guide the retaining wall as it moves from the first position to the second position and back to the first position. The hidden hinges allow the retaining wall to move essentially straight out of the opening in the wall of the packaging chamber before it begins to pivot towards the second position, thus allowing the tight fit.

Abstract: Packing apparatus on a conveyor line for use in filling cartons with compressible articles comprises first and second tamping pistons (4,6) operating in sequence in a chamber (2) to successively compress the articles and drive them through a chute (2a) into a carton (C). A planar shutter (32) is provided at the bottom of the chute (2a) to close it between carton-filling operations. The chute and carton are separated by only the shutter so as to minimize the gap between them and also to facilitate the extension of the driving piston (6) into the container to pack the articles more firmly therein. The shutter rotates on a vertical axis offset from the chute with its lower face contacting the cartons and moves generally in the direction of advance of the carton along the conveyor line.

Abstract: An adjustable anchor wing is provided for an agricultural bagging machine which not only acts as an anchor against premature movement of the machine as the bag is being filled, but also controls the density of the material being packed in an agricultural bag. The adjustable wing is supported by a pair of longitudinally movable cables with the cables being connected to the wing to enable the wing to be moved from a fully retracted position to a fully extended position.