Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (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: A waste disposal device comprises a container having a lid. An externally accessible actuation mechanism comprising a rack and a pinion is connected to the lid, and is operatively configured to interface with a foot pedal. When the actuation mechanism is actuated by pressing the foot pedal, the lid opens, while the rack skips over the pinion. When the foot pedal is released, the rack engages the pinion, which in turn closes the lid and spins a cartridge of the device one revolution.

Abstract: A replaceable rotating cartridge capable of dispensing flexible tubing coupled to a lid of a container housing the cartridge. The cartridge is configured to accept a waste package insertable into the flexible tubing. The lid contacts an actuation device which actuates a rotation mechanism to rotate the cartridge while holding an end of the tubing stationary, thus sealably twisting and encapsulating the waste package inside the flexible tubing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making packages with internal headers from an elongated web of preformed interconnected bags. The packages with internal headers are made by inserting a product or a header into a bag. The bag is sealed to form a first compartment that contains the inserted bag or header. The other of the product and the header is inserted into the bag. The bag is sealed to form a second compartment that contains other of the product or header. The package is separated from the elongated web of interconnected bags.

Abstract: Systems and devices for automatically pressing a covering material against a product chute during a packaging operation to apply a braking force.

Abstract: The machine comprises: folder means forming a vertically-developing continuous tubular package; first welding organs acting on vertical edges of the continuous tubular package for closing the package; a first station, situated below the folder means, in which second welding organs operate, with a horizontal motion performed transversal of the continuous tubular package, to define consecutive envelopes; a second station, underlying the first station, in which the cutting organs operate, with a horizontal motion which is transversal of the continuous tubular package to separate an envelope occupying a lowest position in a line of the envelopes; drawing organs, for gripping the lower flap of the lowest envelope in the line, at the second station, for determining a descent by a step of the line of envelopes and the continuous tubular package, in phase relation with the inoperative positions of the first welding organs and the second welding organs as well as the cutting organs.

Abstract: A net derucking rectifier system is described. The system has a stuffer, a product horn having an upstream end and a downstream end, the upstream end mounted to the stuffer, a netting tube having an upstream end and a downstream end, the netting tube removably mounted coaxially over the product horn and having a tubular netting shirred thereon, a bracket mounted coaxially to the netting tube and having a plurality of fingers pointing radially inward to grip the netting, the bracket movable between a first position near the upstream end and a second position near the downstream end, the fingers biased to grip the netting when the bracket is moved from the first position to the second position and not to grip the netting when the bracket is moved from the second position to the first position, and a clipper located adjacent the distal end of the netting tube.

Abstract: A system for collecting a harvested product is provided. The system may include a continuously constructed flexible container for collecting the harvested product. For instance, the continuously constructed flexible container is a continuous sheet of flexible material such as plastic. A sealing device may be included within the system which is operationally coupled to the continuously constructed flexible container to allow the container to be sealed in discrete increments. Further, the system includes a traceability device operationally coupled to each of the discrete increments of the continuously flexible container to allow the harvested product included within each increment to be tracked. The use of the continuously constructed flexible container allows the harvested product to be collected continuously.

Abstract: A waste disposal device has a rotatable geared rim to operate a cartridge. The device comprises a rotation mechanism. A flange supports a rotatable geared rim. The support flange is operatively configured to be driven by the rotation mechanism. The cartridge is also operatively configured to engage the geared rim so as to be capable of rotating with the support flange upon actuation of the rotation mechanism.

Abstract: Netting chutes suitable for use with manual, automatic and semi-automatic packaging operations to enclose product in netting packaging include chutes with embossed floors.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming waste containing packs from a length of flexible tubing is formed of a housing having a top portion, an intermediate portion and a lower portion. The top portion displays an opening to receive waste material therein and a cassette containing a package of a flexible pleated tubing. The intermediate portion has a retractable guillotine-type member sealingly contacting the tubing dispensed from the cassette and extending downwardly into the lower portion of the housing. Retraction of the member causes waste material received in the tubing of the upper and intermediate portions of the housing to be dispensed in a closed end tubing in the lower portion of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for packing disposable objects or material into an elongated tube of flexible material. The apparatus defines a bin having a holder adapted to receive a cassette of flexible unfoldable material. A closing mechanism is positioned below the holder. The closing mechanism includes first and second portions. The second portion is biased in a closed position against the first. The second portion has a receiving surface and is slidable from the closed position to an open position through the application of a substantially downward force against the receiving surface and is slidable from the open position to the closed position under the action of a biasing force. The closing mechanism in the open position defines a passage between a top opening of the bin and a bottom portion of the enclosure, and in the closed position closes the passage.

Abstract: Bagging machines may include a packing density measurement system. The packing density measurement system includes an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly includes at least one drag member adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to extend rearwardly beneath at least a portion of a bag to resist forward movement of the bagging machine. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and is adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine. The anchor assembly may be adjustable, either manually or automatically, to allow control over the anchoring force.

Abstract: Bagging machines may include a packing density measurement system. The packing density measurement system includes an anchor assembly and a force measurement assembly. The anchor assembly includes at least one drag member adapted to be operatively coupled to the bagging machine and to extend rearwardly beneath at least a portion of a bag to resist forward movement of the bagging machine. The force measurement assembly is operatively coupled to the anchor assembly and is adapted to measure the anchoring force applied to the bagging machine. The anchor assembly may be adjustable, either manually or automatically, to allow control over the anchoring force.

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: An article packaging device for packaging articles within a tubular sheet. The article to be packaged is inserted into and enclosed within a length of tubular sheet, and separated from the remaining length of tubular sheet and the device to form the closed individually packaged article. The packaging device is designed to be portable, convenient, lightweight and easily maintained. A thermoplastic, vapor-impermeable tubular sheet having adhesive on one surface can provide an airtight seal that is especially effective when the device is used to package waste-containing disposable adsorbent articles, such as soiled diapers, for disposal. An apparatus for forming the tubular sheet into a layered pack of pleats having an adhesive material positioned on at least one surface.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device for the packaging of free-flowing fill materials in a tube-shaped casing with a feeder tube to conduct the flow of fill materials. The feeder tube features a hookup, a mouth, a basically straight first segment adjoining the hookup, with a first longitudinal axis, and a second segment that is conjoined with the first segment and proximate to the mouth. The first segment is designed to accept and conduct a casing on its outer surface. The casing infeed consists of a plastic filmstrip, which is formed into a tube around the first feeder tube segment. The second segment is designed to further conduct the plastic filmstrip-derived, newly formed casing. Alternatively, a supply of casing and/or net material may be loaded onto the second segment from its mouth. Upstream and ahead of the first segment, the feeder tube features a feeder tube swivel bearing (140) around the first longitudinal axis.

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: The present invention automatically and continuously packs women's sanitary products, paper diapers, and the like in a sealed manner and is installed in toilets of hotels, public toilets, and the like used by general public. When a trash is put in, film pull-out rollers (50), (60) are rotated by a motor (70) and films (31), (41) are pulled out from film feed rollers (30), (40). When passing between film pull-out rollers (50), (60), the trash is sealingly packed between the two films (31), (41). Therefore, since the trash can be automatically packed in a sealed manner and a clean state is maintained, the present invention is suitable for installation in toilets of hotels, public toilets, and the like used by general public.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (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 then (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.

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 lid for a storage device having a storage film is provided. The lid has a lid body and a cutting member having a cutting surface. The cutting member is movable between a first position in which the cutting surface is remote from the storage film and a second position in which the cutting surface is in contact with the storage film.

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: An apparatus for packaging material in netting is described. The apparatus in a first embodiment is a netter for enclosing material in netting and a scissors assembly for severing the netting. The scissors assembly comprises a pair of blade elements pivotally connected by a pin affixed to the netter and each of the pair of blade elements comprises a knife section extending in a first direction from the pin and a lever section extending in a second direction from the pin. The scissors assembly further comprises a pair of link arms each connecting one of the lever sections of the pair of blade elements to a piston, the piston extendable in a first direction to pivot the knife sections of the blade elements toward each other and extendable in a second direction to pivot the knife sections of the blade elements away from each other. In another embodiment, the piston comprises an air-actuated cylinder.

Abstract: A container adapted for waste storage is provided. The container has a mechanically operated sealing mechanism that allows a user to seal the waste storage film by depressing an actuator.

Abstract: A clip feed arrangement including a magazine bar for guiding a line of clips from a clip supply to a separating device of a closure apparatus, and a clip drive arranged in the region of the magazine bar. The clip drive has two drive elements which can be successively brought into engagement with the line of clips and which separately produce the advance.

Abstract: An apparatus for enclosing a product in a covering material includes a product feed and covering system, a clipper mechanism and a tensioning system. The product feed and covering system is configured to apply the covering material over the product. The clipper mechanism is disposed downstream of the product feed and covering system along a flow path of the covering material. The clipper mechanism is adapted to receive the covering material and to secure a clip to the covering material received therein. The tensioning system is adapted to introduce a tensioning load to the covering material after and while the covering material is received in the clipper mechanism.

Abstract: An integrated cutting system for a waste disposal device comprising a waste storage receptacle and a film cutting and sealing device. A cartridge containing a continuous length of film is positioned over the receptacle. The integrated cutting system further includes an activation mechanism operatively configured to alternatively engage a cutting device or a film sealing device capable of twistably sealing the film of the cartridge when the film is dispensed from the cartridge. A selection mechanism is arranged to control the activation mechanism to either engage the cutting device while deactivating the film sealing device, or to engage the film sealing device while deactivating the cutting device. The cutting device comprises a blade positioned to sever the film from the cartridge.

Abstract: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object in a covering material such as casing and/or netting by: (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 then (c) applying a clip to the covering material to secure the object in the packing material.

Abstract: A detecting and protecting device includes detecting devices, and an ultrasonic sensor; the detecting devices are connected to respective ones of expanding assemblies of a shrink film machine, and each include a seat behind a supporting rod of a corresponding expanding assembly, a movable rod passed through the seat and projecting below the supporting rod, a stopping board pivoted to one end of the movable rod, a shading block joined to one end of the stopping board, and a sensor positioned on the movable rod and normally shaded by the shading block; if the stopping board comes into contact with goods while a shrink film is being lowered, it will tilt, and the shading block will no longer shade the sensor; the ultrasonic sensor is used for measuring height of the goods such that sealing and cutting action will start immediately after the film encompasses the goods.

Abstract: Netting chutes suitable for use with manual and automatic packaging operations to enclose product in netting packaging include a channel formed by a longitudinally extending well and/or at least one pair of axially extending ribs.

Abstract: A detecting and protecting device includes detecting devices, and an ultrasonic sensor; the detecting devices are connected to respective ones of expanding assemblies of a shrink film machine, and each include a seat behind a supporting rod of a corresponding expanding assembly, a movable rod passed through the seat and projecting below the supporting rod, a stopping board pivoted to one end of the movable rod, a shading block joined to one end of the stopping board, and a sensor positioned on the movable rod and normally shaded by the shading block; if the stopping board comes into contact with goods while a shrink film is being lowered, it will tilt, and the shading block will no longer shade the sensor; the ultrasonic sensor is used for measuring height of the goods such that sealing and cutting action will start immediately after the film encompasses the goods.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping an object having vertical sides and a top with a hood-shaped foil having a closed end and an open end fits the foil over the object in such a manner that excess-foil projections are formed at the closed end that project outward from the top of the object and an empty space is formed adjacent each projection between the foil and the object. The excess-foil projections are mechanically engaged and physically tucked between the object and the foil to push the projections into the respective empty spaces.

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: 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: 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: Waste disposal device including a container defining a waste-receiving chamber, an insert defining a cavity receivable of a pack of flexible tubing for encapsulating waste packages and an inner lid connected to the container and selectively substantially covering or exposing an open top of the insert leading to the cavity. The inner lid and insert define a dispensing opening through which the tubing passes during use of the waste disposal device. An outer lid, optionally pivotally connected to the container, is movable between a position in which the waste-receiving chamber is accessible and a position in which the waste-receiving chamber is covered. A retention mechanism holds the waste package while a rotation mechanism causes rotation of the retention mechanism relative to the insert to cause a twist to be formed above a waste package when held by the retention mechanism and thereby encapsulate the waste package in the tubing.

Abstract: Knitted netting is applied to products in a machine. A chute receives products serially through a receiving end, as from a conveyor, and discharges them serially into netting preferably rucked on the chute. As each product arrives at the product receiver, voiders operate to form a rope section of the netting behind the product, at the chute's discharge end. The clipper also clips the netting, to complete the netting of the product, and clips to create the starting end of the next netted product. A netting handle former operates to loop the rope section behind the product, before clipping, to form a looped handle for a product in the rope section of the netting. The netting that is clipped behind the products is the netting formed into the loops, and thus, the clips that are put on by the clipper secure the loops in their size and condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for encasing material in continuous roll stock netting is described. The apparatus has a product horn axially aligned with and diametrically opposed to a mandrel over which continuous roll stock netting has been placed. The mandrel is movable into a passageway between two gates and the netting is engaged by a set of claws, after which the mandrel retracts. A set of claws holds the netting open as a ram pushes the material through the product horn into the open netting. The first gate gathers the open end of the netting for closure by a clipper. The second gate gathers the netting and a set of adjustable clamps retracts the netting, pulling the netting tightly over the material. A second clipper clips and severs the gathered netting to enclose the material in the netting.

Abstract: The present invention is a composite trash container that includes a container body defining a trash chamber and an opening that provides access to the trash chamber; a support mounted to the container body adjacent the opening, the support having a flange extending therefrom that is configured for rotational mounting a tubing cassette above the trash chamber, wherein the support encloses less than all of the opening to the trash chamber so that trash can be passed through the opening and into the trash chamber; a tubing cassette rotationally mounted to the flange of the support; and a tube sealing means for forming trash packets from tubing that is dispensed from the tubing cassette.

Abstract: Waste disposal device including a housing defining a waste compartment for receiving enclosed waste, flexible tubing received in the housing and which operatively receives waste therein, a retention mechanism for holding a quantity of waste received in a length of the tubing and a rotation mechanism for rotating the retention mechanism when the quantity of waste is held thereby and while a remaining length of the tubing is rotationally held stationary in order to twist the length of tubing receiving the waste and enclose the held quantity of waste. The compartment in the housing receives the enclosed waste. The waste is thus rotated while the cartridge is held against rotation thereby enabling the formation of the twist above the waste to enclose or encapsulate the waste. A pushing mechanism may be provided on a cover of the device to push the waste into engagement with the retention mechanism.

Abstract: Machine for manufacturing mesh bags from a continuous roll of tubular mesh, and for filling and closing said mesh bags, which comprise an expansion device which is perimetric to the tubular mesh, the core expander of which is equipped with a vertical aperture which, as if it were a slot, traverses said core expander and connects the two frontal faces thereof and extends from its base to an intermediate point, for which the core expander adopts an inverted “U” shape, the machine also being fitted with preventive welding means, adapted for partially welding the two frontal faces of the tubular mesh and, as the case may be, the adjoining laminates of thermally weldable material through the aperture of the core expander; a traction device which drags a section of the tubular mesh provided with a bottom; conveyor means; and second and third filling and closing stations, respectively, both being arranged linearly.

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: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant, a closing station, a container information adding station in the form of a labeling station having a electromagnetic operated sleeve label cutting arrangement, the station being configured to add information to containers in the form of bottles and cans.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for fitting stretchable sleeves on containers in the form of a substantially prismatic or cylindrical carton, the opening of which is at least partially surrounded by a rim projecting out towards the exterior. Sleeves are cut from a stretchable sheath and stretched to assume a section slightly bigger than the section of the carton. The sleeve is placed on the carton by moving it from above the base in the direction towards the rim. The apparatus comprises a sheath feed and a sleeve cutting device, a transfer drum equipped with transfer elements, and a placing turret equipped with placing units with two placing elements, each having a stretching tool and a clamping block. A container feed positions the containers, in steps, in synchronization with the placing elements, in the placing zone, the base of the container being turned towards the placing elements.

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: A packaging device includes a film fitting mechanism, a film shrinking mechanism and a controller. The film fitting mechanism fits a tubular heat shrinkage film over a film cylinder and moves the film a distance along the cylinder and cuts a length of the film off. The length of the film is then conveyed to the film shrinking mechanism. The film shrinking mechanism is arranged next to the film fitting mechanism and includes a base for supporting an article to be packed with the film that is cut by the film fitting mechanism and heating units for supplying high temperature air flows to the film thereby making the film shrink and tightly wrap over the article. The controller controls and coordinates the operations between the film fitting mechanism and the film shrinking mechanism.

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: The invention concerns packaging of products on sale outlets. It concerns a feed roll for heat sealing package tubing reel (11), comprising a body (3) provided with, in particular: means (4) supporting at least one reel (2) of package tubing (11); an outlet head (5) for the tubing including: at least an outlet window (10) for the tubing, means for cutting (15) the tubing, means for welding (16) the tubing, means (6) guiding the tubing between the reel (2) and the outlet head (5). The invention is useful for supplying and welding a heat sealing tubing in a fish market.