Abstract: Implementations of the present invention extend to sanitary systems, methods, and devices configured to package food items with an even coating of an accurate amount of sanitizing agent, such as an antimicrobial agent. In one implementation, an exemplary system comprises a combination of air nozzles, anti-bacterial spray nozzles or spray headers, metering valves, and timers to achieve uniform distribution of an antimicrobial solution into a product package, and subsequently provide a uniform distribution of the antimicrobial solution to the food item.

Abstract: A method for forming a package including a stack of absorbent tissue paper material and a packaging, the tissue paper material in the stack forming panels having a length, and a width perpendicular to the length, the panels being piled on top of each other to form a height extending between a first end surface and a second end surface of the stack, and the packaging encircling the stack so as to maintain the stack in a compressed condition in the package, with a selected packing density D0 of the stack, and a selected packing height H0; the method including: forming the stack of absorbent tissue paper material; compressing each portion of the stack in a direction along the height to assume a temporary height H1 being c1×H0, where c1 is between 0.30 and 0.95; and applying the packaging to the stack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for portion-packing of an oral pouched snuff product (1?, 1?). The method comprises a) supplying and advancing a tubular web (19, 19?, 19?) of packaging material enveloping a continuous feed (23, 23?, 23a?, 23b?) of filling material in a direction of travel (L), b) forming transverse seals (39) in the tubular web across the continuous feed of filling material by means of ultrasonic welding, the transverse seals extending in a transverse direction (T) being perpendicular to the direction of travel. The present invention further relates to an arrangement (17, 17?, 17?) for portion-packing of an oral pouched snuff product.

Abstract: A melt-blown fabric for pouching smokeless tobacco or a smokeless tobacco substitute can include melt-blown polymer fibers. The fabric can have a basis weight of less than 10 gsm and a tensile strength of at least 4 mJ in at least one predetermined direction. Method of making the fabric can include melt-blowing a polymeric material against a support surface and bonding the fibers or arranging them in a predetermined orientation. Pouched smokeless tobacco or tobacco substitute products including the fabrics provided herein can provide desirable flavor and tactile experience.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material. The devices include an automated compression assembly with an electric drive motor and a pusher assembly with an electric motor, preferably each electric motor is a servo motor. The systems/apparatus devices can include a programmably adjustable index and/or speed profile for the compression and/or pusher assembly.

Abstract: Methods, systems, apparatus, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material. The devices include an automated compression assembly with an electric drive motor and a pusher assembly with an electric motor, preferably each electric motor is a servo motor. The systems/apparatus devices can include a programmably adjustable index and/or speed profile for the compression and/or pusher assembly.

Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.

Abstract: A packaging device for packing stacked soft hygienic products, e.g. sanitary napkins, panty liners or the like, into a plastic bag made of an endless film, has specific forming shoulder (21) and MD sealing unit (5) to produce a MD seal (35) at a closure edge (46) of the bag. Thus four integral side panels are available at the bag (WB) for imprinting.

Abstract: A machine for forming a bale including a plurality of bags includes a conveyor for conveying each of the bags to an inlet opening. A film feeder is positioned adjacent the inlet opening, along with a former for forming a sleeve from the film adjacent to the inlet opening. Means for pushing, such as a pusher, is provided for pushing the bags into the sleeve. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a machine (1) for manufacturing pouches (2) filled with portions (36) of a tobacco mixture, comprising a rotating drum (8) on which a continuous stream (5) of the mixture is formed and conveyed to a station (13) where the portions (36) are divided from the stream, and where the portions (36) are transferred by a pneumatic ejection and feed system (21) to a wrapping station (7), moisturizing substances are added to the mixture by a dispensing system (22) associated with the ejection and feed system (21).

Abstract: A machine for canning tuna and similar food products comprises a conveyor belt feeder, a plurality of dosing chambers aligned with the feeder and formed in a rotor rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the feed direction, a mouth connecting the feeder to the dosing chambers, a blade to separate the product introduced in the dosing chambers from the bulk of fed product so as to obtain product cakes, shaping means suitable to shape the cakes into the desired shape and transferring means arranged at a second station reachable through a partial rotation of the rotor to transfer the shaped cakes into the cans carried by another rotor. The connecting mouth has a cross-section of substantially constant shape and the shaping is performed in the dosing chambers by shapers radially mobile along the arms of the rotor when the dosing chambers are still aligned with the feeder.

Abstract: Methods of automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting include: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through a product chute; (b) pulling a covering material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the covering material as the object exits the product chute; and (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.

Abstract: For the production and filling of (sheet-material) bags (10) with one tobacco portion (18) each, a plurality of bags (10) are preferably made available in the region of a filling station (20). The latter is located in the vicinity of a pressing station (19), which is supplied with the tobacco portions (18). In the region of the pressing station (19) or in a pressing chamber (35), each tobacco portion (18) is compressed in the vertical direction on a horizontal rest, namely on a platform (39), and in addition preferably compressed by a pressing crosspiece (42) in the horizontal direction. The tobacco portion (18) thus formed is introduced into the bag (10).

Abstract: An agricultural bagger apparatus and method for compacting feed into a horizontally deployed bag including a moving hopper wall and mechanism for moving the wall at an input end of hopper. The wall moving mechanism and the moving wall of the hopper sweeps the feed adjacent to the sloping wall to prevent feed bridging. A safety enclosure isolates the wall moving mechanism from contaminants and prevents exposure to the wall moving mechanism. Some embodiments also compact feed in the upper portion of a tunnel, for example, by reciprocating a hinged piston above a primary compression mechanism. A tunnel-adjustment mechanism varies a cross-section area of the tunnel exit in order to control the amount of compaction on the feed as it leaves the tunnel and enters the bag. In some embodiments, dual counter-rotating toothed compression mechanism force feed between the rotors and into the tunnel at a rate and pressure greater than what is possible with only one multiple-toothed compressor rotor.

Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing a loose material that includes a compression chamber. Movement of a first ram discharges the loose material in a compressed state through an outlet port in the compression chamber. A packaging receptacle is positioned proximate the outlet port to receive the compressed material. The packaging receptacle is then moved to a second position where the movement of a second ram ejects the compressed material from the inner volume of the packaging receptacle. The second ram may be alternatively extended into and retracted from the packaging receptacle during ejection of the compressed material. The refilling of the compression chamber for the next cycle may begin prior to the retraction of the second ram from the packaging receptacle. A packaging jacket may be positioned about the packaging receptacle such that the ejection of the compressed material injects the compressed material into the packaging jacket.

Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.

Abstract: Mobile bagging machine systems and methods may relate to a mobile bagging machine that includes a variable-width tunnel, a variable-speed rotor, a relatively narrow rotor of large diameter and increased effective surface area, at least one material reservoir, a material conveyor system capable of continuous material processing during exchange of unloading vehicles, and/or an overall width less than approximately three meters.

Abstract: An apparatus for conveying an article through a hot air chamber of a shrink packaging machine comprises a first conveyor and a second conveyor. Each conveyor includes a plurality of rollers. The rollers of the plurality are interconnected together to form an endless conveyor belt. The conveyor further includes a drive assembly for advancing the endless conveyor belt in a first direction, and a track member having a surface disposed in engagement with particular rollers of the endless conveyor belt. Each of the particular rollers of the endless conveyor belt rolls over the surface of the track member when advanced through the shrink packaging machine. The first conveyor is located over the second conveyor in opposing facing relation therewith such that a compressible item to be shrink wrapped may be compressed and conveyed through the shrink packaging machine between and by the first and second conveyors.

Abstract: A bagging machine for bagging agricultural or compost material includes a tunnel adapted to be configured in at least two positions. The tunnel may be configured in an open position and in a closed position. The tunnel may include a first and a second tunnel member joined by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly may allow the first and second tunnel members to move between the two or more positions. At least one third tunnel member may be provided to cover at least one opening between the first and second tunnel members.

Abstract: A bagging machine for packing agricultural or compost material into bags includes a tunnel defined at least partially by flexible material. The tunnel may include perimeter members and support members spanned by a flexible material. Alternatively, the tunnel may include a flexible sleeve and a shaping assembly adapted to define the shape of the tunnel passageway. The tunnel may be configurable in a variety of cross-sections to enable the tunnel to be used with different sizes of bags. Additionally, the tunnels may be collapsible for convenient storage and transportation.

Abstract: An apparatus stacks, compresses and packages compressible batts. The batts, once at least partially compressed, remain under compression during the stacking, compressing and packaging.

Abstract: A wattle manufacturing system generally includes a hopper having an inlet for receiving a supply of straw, a loosening mechanism for loosening the straw when the straw is placed in or near the hopper inlet, a compaction chamber positioned to receive the loosened straw from the hopper, and a discharge conduit in communication with the compaction chamber. The discharge conduit may be in the form of a generally cylindrical tube, hereinafter sometimes referred to as an ejection tube, and generally includes a discharge end adapted to hold a netting material, for example a tubular shaped netting material, suitable to contain compacted straw. The netting material may be provided in a cartridge form which is structured to be coupled to the discharge end of the ejection tube.

Abstract: A method for accommodating a greater height variance of articles in a shrink packaging machine includes: transporting on a conveyor into a hot air chamber an article covered in shrink film and engaging the article being transported on the conveyor with a first roller and a subsequent second roller. The article is engaged with the first roller at a first initial vertical height from the conveyor that is less than the initial vertical height of an axis of rotation of the first roller from the conveyor. The article is engaged with the second roller at a second initial vertical height from the conveyor that is less than the initial vertical height of an axis of rotation of the second roller from the conveyor, which in turn is less than the initial vertical height of the axis of rotation of the first roller from the conveyor.

Abstract: A shrink packaging machine for shrink wrapping an article with shrink film includes: a hot air chamber; a conveyor operable to transport the article covered by shrink film at least partially through the hot air chamber; a first roller disposed over the conveyor and configured to engage the article transported on the conveyor; and a plurality of additional rollers disposed over the conveyor. Each of the plurality of additional rollers is vertically displaceable relative to the conveyor independent of displacement of the other of the plurality of additional rollers. Furthermore, when each of the plurality of additional rollers is in a respective lowermost position relative to the conveyor, an axis of rotation of the first roller is disposed at a height from the conveyor that is greater than a respective height from the conveyor at which each axis of rotation of each of the plurality of additional rollers is disposed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a shrink packaging machine for accommodating a greater height variance of articles includes: rollers, each roller including a shaft and a cylinder on the shaft for rotation about an axis of the shaft; and a frame including a pair of parallel side members generally extending in a first, horizontal direction and defining slots receiving opposite ends of the shafts for mounting of the rollers there between. Each of the slots has a slot length that extends in horizontal and vertical directions, and the rollers each generally extends in a third direction orthogonal both to the horizontal and vertical directions. Furthermore, each of the rollers is received within a pair of the slots and is vertically and horizontally displaceable and, when each roller is disposed at its respective lowermost position, the axes of the rollers do not all lie within a horizontal plane.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ baling of trees is provided. The apparatus includes a first frame which supports a rotatable second frame. A tree trunk is inserted into the first and second frames. The second frame is rotated by a motor as the frames are elevated toward the top of a tree. During elevation, string is dispensed from a cannister on the second frame, baling the tree. The dispensed string is then secured completing the operation.

Abstract: A dual mode strapper for strapping an article with a strap-forming mechanism is capable of selectively operating in a first mode to pre-form an endless pre-formed strap of a predetermined length at least slightly greater than an initial perimeter of the article to be strapped, and in a second mode to apply strapping material directly to the article to be strapped and thereafter form the strapping material into an endless directly applied strap around the article. The strapper may also include a pre-formed strap holding area adjacent the strap-forming mechanism that extends at least partially around an opening in which the article is received. When the strapper is operating in the first mode, the pre-formed strap holding area receives the pre-formed strap and maintains it in spaced-apart relation from the article before dispensing it from the holding area onto the article to be strapped.

Abstract: A machining system and unit, especially a welding cell, is provided for use for the machining of workpieces (2), especially body parts of vehicles. The machining system has one or more machining stations (15, 16) with robots (18, 19, 20) and at least one rotation or turning station (5), which has at least two work stations (6, 7) for carrying out different operations simultaneously. The turning station (5) has at least two multiaxially movable turning units (8, 9) arranged next to one another with said gripping tools (11, 12, 13). The working areas (10) intersect each other at the work stations (6, 7).

Abstract: A machine for the packaging of products with stretchable and thermoplastic film, comprising of a tubularization means comprising a tubular forming head device having an inlet and an outlet, for the tubularization of a wrapping film taken from a feeding bobbin and means for the longitudinal tight-seal welding of the superimposed edges of such tubularization film; means which alternate in the transversal grip of the head of the tubular wrapping which comes out from the tubularization means, which are pre-arranged for the longitudinal movement of the wrapping, to longitudinally stretch it and to perform on same at least two transversal, parallel and tight seal weldings, a transversal cut placed between the weldings and to retain the wrapping upstream and downstream of the two welded zones separated by the cut; means for the cyclical introduction of a product through the inlet of the tubularization means and through the outlet of the tubularization means thereby advancing the tubular wrapping film; means to tempo

Abstract: A packaging process line that compacts rolled products as they are packaged is disclosed. A firmness measuring device is used to measure the firmness of the rolls as the rolls, for instance, enter the process line. The roll firmness device is placed in communication with a controller, such as a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to receive information from the roll firmness device and control one or more elements within the process line that apply a compressive force to the rolls. In particular, the controller is configured to adjust any packaging equipment that applies a compressive force to the rolls so that a substantially uniform amount of force is applied to the rolls throughout the system. In this manner, the system is capable of automatically making adjustments based upon any variation in the product. Misfeeds, miscounts and the like are minimized for improving process efficiency and minimizing process downtime.

Abstract: A device and method for stacking and packaging cylindrical products having variable size. Products are placed on edge and organized to a uniform stack size by means of a product compressing drum. The stack is placed in a trough between a cam operating front lug and a back lug. Once between lugs, the uniformly sized stack maybe packaged into uniform size packages.

Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ baling of trees is provided. The apparatus includes a first frame which supports, a rotatable second frame. A tree trunk is inserted into the first and second frames. The second frame is rotated by a motor as the frames are elevated toward the top of a tree. During elevation, string is dispensed from a cannister on the second frame, baling the tree. The dispensed string is then secured completing the operation.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for in-situ baling of trees is provided. The apparatus includes a first frame which supports a rotatable second frame. A tree trunk is inserted into the first and second frames. The second frame is rotated by a motor as the frames are elevated toward the top of a tree. During elevation, string is dispensed from a cannister on the second frame, baling the tree. The dispensed string is then secured completing the operation.

Abstract: A system for forming particulate material in a bulk form comprises a compression tower having a top and sides depending therefrom. A compression chamber having side walls and an open bottom is reciprocatively mounted to said tower for deposit of loose particulate material therein. The system further includes a first conveyor assembly displaced from said tower. In its extended position, the chamber contacts the first conveyor assembly and the bottom of the chamber is closed thereby. A vacuum blower draws loose particulate material into the chamber through an inlet and compresses it against the first conveyor assembly. A ram assembly within the chamber further compresses the loose material into a bulk form atop the conveyor belt. When the chamber and ram assembly are returned to their retracted positions, the material bulk is transferred downstream by the first conveyor assembly to a space between vertically spaced second and third conveyor assemblies.

Abstract: A Christmas tree cart comprised of a hollow cylindrical tree holder mounted on wheels or a skid and having a handle and mechanical device to pull the tree into the cylinder to compress the tree limbs and carry the tree and upon removal of the tree from the cylinder the tree is baled with twine or netting using an integral baler.

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: An apparatus for packing articles contains successively in a conveying direction a feed station, where the articles to be packed are fed into the installation, a station for opening the pack and a station for sealing the filled pack. The two stations, optionally also a compressing station, are successively located on rails, to which they can be fixed in random positions. Consequently it is possible to modify the mutual spacings of the stations and the absolute positions of the stations. This makes it possible to adapt the apparatus to different pack sizes, different articles to be packed and further differing circumstances, whilst still allowing short conveying paths.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing and containing a material in an elastomeric net(26). The apparatus comprises a compression chamber(12), a material compressor(16), a holding chamber(18), a net expansion and placement mechanism (42), and a bale advance mechanism (20). The material compressor is coupled to the compression chamber to compress a selected amount of the fibrous material in a direction transverse to the general lay of the material within the compression chamber to form a compacted bale (10). The holding chamber has an outlet and an inlet coupled to the compression chamber. The holding chamber also has an axis defined by a line extending between the center of the inlet to the center of the outlet. The net expansion and placement mechanism is for receiving the net, stretching the net to obtain a cross-sectional shape that is slightly larger than that of the holding chamber, and placing the net over the holding chamber with one end of the net slightly extending beyond the outlet.

Abstract: A cargo consisting of stacked compressible bales, such as bales of straw, positioned on a flat cargo bed of a cargo vehicle is compacted and compressed laterally of the cargo bed to eliminate excessive overhang of the cargo beyond the sides of the bed by pressing compacting members against opposite sides of the cargo to exert opposing compacting forces on the cargo laterally of the cargo bed. The disclosed compacting members are rollers between which the cargo vehicle is driven in a manner such that the rollers undergo relative rolling movement along the sides of the cargo to progressively compact the cargo from one end to the other.

Abstract: The method of the present invention for bagging pre-silage, has the steps of (a) receiving a bale of pre-silage from a loader, (b) compressing the bale in at least one cross section dimension to fit into a bag, and (c) advancing the compressed bale into the bag. The apparatus of the present invention for bagging baled pre-silage, has (a) a support frame having a plurality of lateral walls. The lateral walls define a rear opening to which a bag is attached, and a front opening through which is received the baled pre-silage. At least one of the lateral walls is reversibly movable in a direction toward an opposite lateral wall for compressing or squeezing the baled pre-silage to a size that will fit into the bag. The front opening has a closure and ram for enclosing the baled pre-silage and applying the ram to advnce the compressed baled pre-silage through the rear opening and into the bag.

Abstract: A device for temporarily compressing or bending branches of a palm tree into a gathered position wherein the branches extend lengthwise upwardly from the trunk of the palm tree and for holding the branches in the gathered position during relocation and planting of the palm tree. The device has several embodiments, all of which include handles for grasping and forcibly urging the trunk encircling member, when closed around the trunk just below the branches, upwardly to inwardly deflect and temporarily hold the branches in the gathered configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for compressing and containing a material in an elastomeric net (26). The apparatus comprises a compression chamber (12), a material compressor (16), a holding chamber (18), a net expansion and placement mechanism (42), and a bale advance mechanism (20). The material compressor is coupled to the compression chamber to compress a selected amount of the fibrous material in a direction transverse to the general lay of the material within the compression chamber to form a compacted bale (10). The holding chamber has an outlet and an inlet coupled to the compression chamber. The holding chamber also has an axis defined by a line extending between the center of the inlet to the center of the outlet. The net expansion and placement mechanism is for receiving the net, stretching the net to obtain a cross-sectional shape that is slightly larger than that of the holding chamber, and placing the net over the holding chamber with one end of the net slightly extending beyond the outlet.

Abstract: Equipment 10 for packing cylindrical articles includes a receiving station 18 for receiving articles to be packed. A displacing device is arranged in the receiving station 18 in proximity to a conveyor 16 for displacing articles from the conveyor 16. An accumulating station 22 is mountable relative to the conveyor 16 to receive articles displaced from the conveyor 16. The accumulating station 22 is displaceably arranged relative to the receiving station 18 to facilitate formation of a predetermined close packed array in the accumulating station 22.

Abstract: A bagger for organic material that incorporates gates that are yieldably biased to restrict the movement of the material into the bag until the material has been compacted. The gates are mounted at each side of a tunnel adjacent a material propelling rotor of the bagger. The rotor propels and compacts the material against the gates and when the force is sufficient the gates will yieldably open to permit material to flow into and deploy a portion of the bag on the ground. The arrangement of the gates reduces the force applied to the bag and thus limits the force urging the bagger to move away from the bag deposited on the ground.