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 machine for the production of weldable plastic film bags from a strip reel, and for the filling of the said bags, comprises means of supporting and unwinding a first strip reel (B.sub.1); means of supporting a second reserve strip reel (B.sub.2); and means (41, 49) of cutting and welding the strip (N), to automatically make the join between the trailing end of the strip being unwound from the first reel (B.sub.1) and the leading end of the strip on the second reel (B.sub.2) when the first reel is about to be used up. In order to bring the strip on reel (B.sub.1) into phase with the strip on reel (B.sub.2), there are provided means (5, 7, 9) of delimiting a predetermined length of the path of the strip between the means of forming, filling and sealing the bags and the means (41, 49) of cutting and welding the strip; a first reference (151) down-line from the means of welding and cutting the strip; and a second reference (153) for the strip from the second reel.

Abstract: Baled material (4) is fed into a resilient sheath (4) through an open end thereof with at least the open end portion held in a resiliently expanded condition so that after insertion of the material the sheath can contract around the material, so expelling excess air. The sheath is held by a holding device having members (25; 124) movable on cranks between positions in which the sheath can be readily located on the members in its unstressed condition and in which at least the open end of the sheath is enlarged by stretching.

Abstract: The invention relates to providing a medicinal rod with a shell. The shell is formed from a hose, which is expanded by pressurizing its inner space. The medicinal rod is pushed into the expanded hose, after which the pressure is relieved. The hose tightens over the rod after the pressure relief.

Abstract: A conveyor for an agricultural feed bagging machine is disclosed and includes a double-bottom auger trough which extends upwardly and rearwardly over the upper end of the front hopper panel of the hopper on the machine. A pair of elongated augers are mounted in the double-bottom trough and have flighting thereon which are oppositely disposed with respect to each other. The augers are rotated in opposite directions so that the feed is conveyed upwardly towards the upper end of the hopper. The front auger has flighting thereon which terminates at approximately where the front auger intersects the upper end of the front panel. The back auger has flighting thereon which terminates at approximately where the back auger intersects or passes over the front wall of the hopper panel. Projections are provided on the upper ends of each of the augers above the flighting thereon.

Abstract: Feedstuff is compacted in a tube which lies on the ground by a mobile device which includes a traction vehicle, a trailer unit, and a rotatable feeding screw mounted at the rear of the trailer unit for feeding feedstuff from a container into the tube where it is compacted. The screw is rotated by a hydraulic motor which is driven by hydraulic fluid at a pressure which is proportional to loading of the feeding screw due to compaction of feedstuff by the screw. A brake system brakes the wheels of the trailer unit to produce a braking force while the feedstuff is being fed into the tube. A control unit controls the brake system in response to signals from a transducer which senses the hydraulic pressure at the motor. The braking force is reduced when the sensed hydraulic pressure rises to a predetermined maximum value, and the braking force is increased when the sensed hydraulic pressure decreases to a predetermined minimum value.

Abstract: An agricultural feed bagging machine including a length adjustable tunnel is provided to permit the adjustment of the compaction resistance offered by the tunnel. The length adjustable tunnel comprises an outer tunnel shell which is movably mounted on a fixed inner tunnel shell so that the length of the tunnel may be selectively varied. A pair of hydraulic cylinders are connected to the outer tunnel shell for moving the outer tunnel shell relative to the inner tunnel shell.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing a subcutaneous capsules filled with a selected medicine comprising: a tube cutting mechanism which cuts a continuous length of tubing into a plurality of tubular capsules, each capsule having an open top end and an open bottom end; a capsule support mechanism which holds the capsules in a predetermined array, the bottom open ends of the capsules being sealed by a sealing mechanism; a plurality of spring mechanisms insertable into the open top ends of each capsule held in the array, each spring mechanism receiving a selected quantity of medicine for each capsule, each spring mechanism being rotatable and delivering the selected quantities of medicine into each capsule by insertion of the spring mechanisms into the open top ends of each capsule and rotation of the spring mechanisms.

Abstract: Apparatus for filling a plurality of capsules with a selected medicine, the capsules each having a closed lower end and an open top end and being mounted in the apparatus for filling the medicine into the capsules through the open top end, the apparatus comprising a dosing mechanism which separately measures a selected quantity of the medicine for input into each capsule; a capsule filling mechanism comprising a plurality of funnels each having an axis, the funnels each receiving a measured quantity of medicine and funneling the received medicine to an open delivery end of the funnels; the capsules being mounted such that the open top ends of the capsules are disposed at the open delivery ends of the funnels for receipt of the measured quantities of medicine; the filling mechanism further comprising a plurality of spiral spring mechanisms, the spiral spring mechanisms being insertable through the open top ends and removable from the capsules, the spiral spring mechanisms further being rotatable simultaneously

Abstract: A machine for sheathing bales of material such as hay, straw and the like. The machine has radially adjustable posts mounted on a polygon frame to stretch a resilient sheath for the free insertion of the bales. The polygon frame is configured with vertical sides that closely conform to the width dimension of the largest sheath in its stretched condition. The machine width is dictated by the frame width, i.e., the distance between the vertical sides and accordingly the machine has a width only as needed to accommodate the designated bale size, the restricted width being desirable for shipping and towing. Tandem wheels are provided on each side of the machine with the wheels strategically mounted in relation to the polygon frame to resist the tilting forces on the machine resulting from the weight of the bales.

Abstract: A band application machine for transferring to containers heat-shrinkable bands. The band application machine includes a band feed system for feeding band supply material to a cutting system which cuts a band from the band supply. A transfer system transfers cut bands to containers conveyed past a banding point, and includes a band gripping mechanism and a plunger. Band gripping mechanism includes opposed suction cups that are movably mounted for gripping and positioning a cut band. The suction cups are laterally movable from a position where a closed band is gripped on opposing sides by the suction cups to a position where the band is open and aligned with the stroke of the plunger. The plunger is positioned over the opened band at an angle with respect to the band. The plunger presses and drives the band onto a container as the gripper apparatus releases the open band.

Abstract: An agricultural bagging machine is disclosed which includes a plurality of horizontally disposed and vertically spaced cables positioned at the rearward end of the tunnel of the machine. The cables are dragged through the silage being bagged as the bagging machine moves away from the closed end of the bag so that the proper amount of density is created in the material being bagged. Each of the cables defines a cable loop which extends rearwardly from the output end of the tunnel into the open end of the bag. The lengths of the cables may be adjusted to permit the density to be controlled. The number of cables may also be varied to control the density in various types of silage materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making, filling and sealing sacks from a tubular film web of thermoplastic material preferably provided with side folds and printed in format print, where the leading end of the tubular film web is each provided with a transverse weld, and from the tubular film web a section constituting an open sack is cut off, and where the sack is then filled and the open end of the sack is sealed by a transverse weld.

Abstract: A cam assembly comprises a cam plate having formed therein deeper and shallower cam tracks, a first cam follower for movement within the deeper cam track, a second cam follower for movement within the deeper and shallower cam tracks, and a drive mechanism for moving the first and second cam followers with respect to the cam tracks. The cam followers are connected to an article pick-up member. The deeper cam track includes portions engaged sequentially by the first cam follower, and the shallower cam track includes portions engaged sequentially by the second cam follower. The article pick-up member is caused to move to an outwardly extended position and to an inwardly retracted position respectively, relative to the central axis of the cam plate. The article pick-up member is also caused to move through both a like-rotational and a counter-rotational path with regard to the direction of rotation of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A package of goods having a lower surface is wrapped by first pulling a bag down over the stack until a lower edge of the bag hangs past the stack, then grabbing the hanging lower edge and pulling the grabbed edge down to pull the bag snugly over the package. This grabbed edge is then pressed against the lower package surface and is attached to the lower package surface. The lower edge is grabbed at at least two opposite locations and is there pulled, pressed, and attached. The grabbed edge is pulled down by gripping the grabbed edge and lifting the package. The edge can be attached by gluing it to the surface or by welding it to the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an equipment for manufacturing subcutaneous capsules. The capsules are produced by cutting from a silicone tube lengths in excess of the final capsule length. The lengths are arranged into rows including a defined number of them and in these rows they are filled and sealed. One end of the capsules is first sealed by glue dosaged into their openings. The material for the capsules is dosaged by an aperture disc glidable on a plane surface. By sweeping the upper surface of the disc the dosage volume is limited to the volume defined by the aperture. To regulate the packaging density of the material vibration may be used during the filling of the apertures. The dosaged material is conveyed to the capsule via a feeder funnel, through which a rotatable spiral spring, functioning as a filling screw, is inserted into the capsule to be filled.

Abstract: A machine for sheathing bales of material such as hay, straw and the like The machine has radially adjustable fingers to stretch a resilient sheath for the free insertion of the bales. The machine has elevating and guide mechanism for elevating and guiding the bales through the machine and as the bales exit the machine they are encased in the sheath. The resilient sheath will shrink to its original size to thereby fit closely to the contour of the bale. The machine has a swing away tow bar for offsetting the machine to either the left or right of the towing unit permitting the towing unit to travel on either side of the bale row. The swing away tow bar may be adjusted to a center position for ease of towing the machine from one job site to another or down a roadway. The swing away tow bar eliminates much of the side draft experienced previously.

Abstract: Apparatus for application of a first tie to a hollow casing material includes a mechanism for cutting incremental units of casing from a reel and for simultaneously punching openings through the casing. Incremental units are then transferred from the cutting apparatus into a clipper for application of a clip about the incremental unit of the casing material.

Abstract: Apparatus for self-service scanning, registering and bagging a product purchased in a supermarket. The apparatus comprises a unit (1) for dispensing and opening a single plastic bag from a continuous strip wound in a reel, a balance (2) for weighing the item to be purchased, a reel supporting device (3) which feeds the strip of bags to the dispensing and opening unit (1), and a unit comprising a scanner (6) and a computer (7).

Abstract: A method of preparation of packaging bags for bottles, wherein a scrap piece formed at the closed end of the bag is discharged by mechanical methods. In one method, a long cylindrical film sheet is fed to the apparatus so as to place the portion of the film sheet forming the open end of the bag at the top and both sides of scrap pieces are cut and separated simultaneously. In another method, a long cylindrical film sheet is fed to the apparatus so as to place the portion of the film sheet forming a scrap piece at the top, and the scrap piece and the periphery of a closed end of the bag are cut simultaneously.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging articles, such as can ends, in a sleeve drawn from a roll of continuous sleeve material is described. Means are disclosed for feeding the can ends to a packaging location, for segregating the can ends into package-size groups and for inserting the groups into the sleeves. The machine further includes means for feeding the sleeve material to the packaging location, means for retaining the sleeve material at the packaging location and means for clamping and severing the sleeve material to form an individual sleeve. Means for forming and sealing end-flaps on the contents containing sleeve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A continuous packing apparatus providing a cylindrical net supply source for supplying a cylindrical long packing net, an inner sliding member to be inserted in the cylindrical net so as to be vertically moved, a support member for externally supporting the inner sliding member through the cylindrical net with the inner sliding member inserted in the cylindrical net, a moving member for lifting up the support member, an upper support member for supporting the upper end of the cylindrical net moved upward with being opened, a stator for removably fixing the middle portion of the cylindrical net moved upward, a cutter for vertically cutting a portion just under a fixing position, a heater for heating and melting an upper cut portion so as to form a net bag, and a hopper for putting goods to be packed into the net bag through the opening of its upper end.

Abstract: A checkout counter for supermarkets and the like incorporates therewithin dual bag feeding apparatus, each operable for automatically dispensing, delivering, opening and retaining a flexible bag in a position and location suitable for the convenient introduction of purchased articles into the bags. The checkout counter includes two continuous web reels of successively attached flexible bags, two hoppers below each of which an open bag is retained and through each of which purchased articles are selectively insertable into the underlying bag as the articles are checked by the cashier-operator, and two collecting stations into which filled bags are ejected from the checkout counter interior and from which the customer may retrieve the filled bags.

Abstract: A machine for automatically filling plastic bags with liquid or particulate material moves a continuous web of such bags through a number of serially positioned work stations. The bags are completely sealed when they enter the machine. As each bag passes through a slitting work station, a specially shaped opening is cut into the bag near an end of it which will become its top. When the bag proceeds to a filling work station, it is held vertically and a specially shaped fill nozzle is moved downward and rotated for entry into the bag through the slit opening. A valve is provided within the fill nozzle for controlling entry of the material into the bag. The valve and fill nozzle are cooperatively controlled by a single mechanism. The bags are transported through the various work stations by a positive toothed belt drive that preferably holds the bags flat until the filling station, wherein the belts are then moveable toward and away from each other in order to allow filling of the bag.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a loop attachment device and a casing brake and horn having portions moveable relative to each other for a stuffing position and a clipping position. In the clipping position, a reduced tension is applied and the loop is attached with the clip.

Abstract: A system for properly opening, shaping, orienting and positioning of bands in high speed banders. A number of jet nozzles are attached to moveable arms, which hold the bands during placement, and compressed gas is blown through these nozzles to open and shape the bands. A second set of nozzles are located on a guiding member which helps position and shape the band, and these nozzles guide bursts of compressed gas toward the inner back region of the band just prior to placement.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening one layer of a tube-like material web comprises a cutting member and a straight support for guiding the material web, which support extends transverse to the longitudinal direction of the material web. The cutting member includes a cutting knife mounted on a carriage movable back and forth parallel to the support by means of a first driving member. The carriage carries a guiding element for guiding the carriage on the support during cutting open said one layer. The cutting knife projects with respect to the guiding element in the direction of the support along an adjustable length.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products in a bag of plastic material comprises means for transporting step by step a continuous tube-like material web with upper and lower layers lying flat one upon the other, a cutting unit for making a cut in the upper layer of the material web, a separating and stretching unit for moving the upper and lower layers away from each other and towards each other, respectively, at the location of the cut, a filling station for filling a formed bag still contained in the material web with the product to be packed and a sealing unit for applying a seal between the upper and lower layers of the material web. The sealing unit makes a strip-like seal extending transverse to the material web and extending in the longitudinal direction of the material web on both sides of the seal. The sealing unit further comprises a cutting means for cutting through the material web at the location of the seal.

Abstract: Apparatus for inflating balloons to enable inserting objects thereinto include a housing having a lower compartment and an upper compartment, a first elongate tubular element disposed in the upper compartment to extend upwardly from the lower compartment where the upper end of the tubular element includes one or more openings, and a second elongate tubular element telescopically disposed in the upper compartment about the first tubular element to slide longitudinally relative thereto between an upper position, in which an object may be inserted into the second tubular element to rest against the upper end of the first tubular element, and a lower position, in which the upper ends of the first and second tubular elements are generally at the same elevation. The upper end of the second tubular element is open and is adapted to receive and releasably hold a balloon orifice thereover.

Abstract: A band guiding and forming assembly for a banding machine includes an inner, free floating guide member for locating in the travel path of banding material through the machine and for positioning within the banding material to open it out, and outer opposed guide members on opposite sides of the travel path for supporting the inner guide member. At least one pair of opposed inner pinch rollers are rotatably mounted on opposite sides of the inner guide member for rotatably engaging opposed inner surface portions of the banding material, and a pair of opposed outer pinch rollers are rotatably mounted on the respective outer guide members for engaging and supporting the respective inner pinch rollers. Opposite surface portions of the banding material are rotatably engaged between the respective opposed inner and outer pinch rollers so that any crease lines between them are flattened out at least temporarily.

Abstract: Disclosed is a machine for packaging articles, such as can ends, in a sleeve drawn from a roll of continuous sleeve material. Means are disclosed for feeding the can ends to a packaging location, for segregating the can ends into package-size groups and for inserting the groups into the sleeves. The machine further includes means for feeding the sleeve material to the packaging location, means for retaining the sleeve material at the packaging location and means for heating and severing the sleeve material to form an individual sleeve. Means for forming and sealing end-flaps on the contents containing sleeve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A compressed (e.g. accordian pleated) assembly of tubular sheet material (preferably plastic material), is deployed to form an extended tube by a device that consists essentially of an arched rigid framework (curved, triangular, rectangular, or any other shaped arch suited to the shape of the goods to be stored) with a skin of sheet metal or fiberglass extending over its upper part. The tubular sheet material can be deployed into an extended tube at the rear of the device by pulling the latter forwardly along the ground, the free end of the tube having been suitably anchored at the starting location. This tube deployment can be combined with a series of loading operations whereby goods to be stored, e.g. cylindrical or large square bales of forage, are inserted from the front of the device through the arched framework and onto a lower portion of the extended tube as it is formed. This lower portion rests on the ground in a loading area beneath a rearwardly extending overhang of the framework.

Abstract: A transverse-welding station [(12)] is provided for joining the hose parts [(11a, 11b)] of foil hoses [(11)] that are welded to bag lengths [(BL)] by transverse welds [(21, 22)]. In this station, the hose parts are superimposed such that the joining weld is laid exactly on the superimposed transverse welds [(22) ] of the two hose parts. This results in a joining of the hose ends that does not use adhesive tape and observes the pitch determined by the length of the bags. The invention provides a joining that is practically imperceptible and does not at all impair the quality of the bags made. In particular, the occurrence of single bags that would have to be considered as waste is avoided. The method is applicable for cutting out imperfections from a foil hose, as well as for connecting the beginning of one hose roll to the end of the preceding hose roll.

Abstract: A blade sheathing device for loading bales of an agricultural product, e.g. silage, into an elongated, flexible bag, comprises a framework movable along the ground and supporting an open-ended drum that has an outer surface for supporting the bag in a compressed condition. The device has pads connected to the framework that can be lowered to a location underlying the wheels of a vehicle that is used to load a bale through the drum and into a space in the bag beyond the drum. The result is to immobilize the device during the loading operation by virtue of the weight of the vehicle on the pads. The same vehicle can be used between bale loading operations to pull the sheathing device forwards to a new location to dispense a portion of the bag from the surface of the drum and hence create a space in the bag to receive the next bale.

Abstract: The packing of a tubular casing segment which has been shired together into a hollow cylindrical shirring formation occurs in a tubular net of such configuration that first, with the shirring accomplished with the aid of an abutment which is movable on the shirring tube, a certain initial segment of the tubular casing length is allowed to be left unshirred. Following termination of the shirring, the shirring tube is withdrawn with the abutment from the tubular shirring formation, and the unshirred tubular casing length segment is narrowed down or swaged and is sealed. Finally the sealed tubular casing length tip is inserted with force into the shirring and together with the shirring is thrust through a cylindrical carrier, in which a tubular net is recovered which is sealed to the tubular shirring. This is turned inside out with the thrusting through of the tubular shirring and surrounds this part along its entire length.

Abstract: A machine for manufacturing tea-filled double-chamber bags from a web of material continuously formed into a tube and on which tea is deposited in portion, the machine comprising cutting means for cutting off tube pieces containing two tea portions, a plurality of arms pivotably arranged on the transporting wheel of the machine for holding the tube pieces, a device for forming a bottom fold of a bag, and a stationary cover located in the area of the upper apex of the transporting wheel and extending in a rotational direction of the wheel at a peripheral surface thereof, the arms having bearing surfaces at their free ends for receiving the tube piece after cutting and pressing it against the underside surface of the cover.

Abstract: The leading end of tubular bag-making material is clamped between presser rods externally of the tubular material and a distender within the tubular material, and the clamping rods are moved upward to draw a bag-making length of material. The upper end of such length of material is spread by resilient wires to receive clamping means between them. The gripping rods are then withdrawn from the distender which falls freely through the bag-making material while the gripping rods are moved downward preparatory to gripping the next length of bag-making material and the bottom of the first length of material is closed and severed to complete a bag.

Abstract: A bale bagging apparatus for bagging round bales in tubes of plastic film includes a hoop and an annular flexible tube support projecting to the rear of the hoop. The tube support conforms to the shape and size of the bales being bagged, so that a tubing may be used that is fairly close in size to the size of the bales. This reduces the amount of air inside the bag and the ultimate looseness of the bagging tube on the bale, which affects its wind resistance and allows the bagging of bales in smaller tubes, which significantly reduces the cost of plastic film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building up a ground store of pressed vegetable material wherein the material is picked up by a tractor loader and successively put through a funnel element which carries a store of a retractable plastic sheet hose, whereby a long row of bails are stored in the hose. The funnel element is moved stepwise forwardly by the tractor to consecutively provide the necessary space in the hose for enabling an introduction of the next bail. The tractor and/or loader may be provided with equipment for applying a treating fluid to the bails during the handling thereof, and the bails, thus treated, are stored in a practically sealed manner in the tubular sheet hose.

Abstract: A mechanism packaging tape cassettes in cardboard sleeves including a controlled cassette guideway which advances cassettes to a packaging station and a controlled loading track which advances sleeves to the packaging station for positioning on the cassettes. The guideway may either receive cassettes from an incoming belt or a hopper. A pusher mechanism advances the cassettes to the packaging station while a retractable stop insures proper location of the cassette. The cassette is slightly raised above the surface of the guideway to be properly positioned for receiving the enclosing sleeve. The loading track includes a hopper to receive collapsed sleeves. The sleeves are released one-at-a-time into the loading track where a sleeve pusher advances the sleeves one-at-a-time into a die defined by opposed channels. The channels are spaced such that the continued pushing of the sleeve therethrough causes it to assume its appropriate rectangular configuration.

Abstract: A banding apparatus for automatically forming bands from flattened tubular banding material and applying them to large sized containers. A set of inner crease rollers disposed on a floating wedge inside the tubing interact with outer crease rollers to press out sidewall creases during formation of cylindrically shaped bands. The wedge comprises a pair of parabolic or variable width separation plates joined at right angles along a common axis and using a mounting block to support the inner crease rollers. A feed assembly in the form of a reciprocating slide assembly releasably engages the banding material using a contact lever and advances predetermined lengths of the banding material to a cut-off assembly above the containers where they are cut into separate bands. A support head positioned adjacent to the cut-off assembly engages and holds a portion of each band in a fixed vertical position above the containers which suspends them in an open configuration for engagement by individual containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the bagging of large round hay bales. The apparatus has a supporting frame that supports a large ring on which a large flexible radially accordian-folded plastic tube is mounted. By positioning a bale inside of the ring and then moving the apparatus, the bale is covered by the plastic tube. The process is repeated until the tube is filled with bales.

Abstract: A control device on a packaging machine for single and multiple packaging of articles of clothing hanging on coat hangers and to be jacketed and welded in a tube film of plastics material in which in the region of the running path of the articles of clothing between the feed screw and the packaging suspension device there are arranged a singler and a stopper arranged at a distance therefrom as well as a scanner registering the number of clothing articles to be packaged by preselection with magnetic scanning, by color scanning or by distance scanning and controlling the singler and stopper for packaging preparation and release.

Abstract: A pack comprising a core and pleated tubing is used to provide a series of packages each containing a disposable object such as a baby's nappy along the tubing as it passes over the top edges of the core and then down through the core. The core is turned by means of a lid about a cylinder to twist the flexible material at locations between the adjacent packs to seal the packs at their ends thereby providing hygienic disposal of the waste. A safely located rotatable cutter in the lid is provided for severing the flexible tubing above the top twist.

Abstract: The apparatus for shrinking a shrinkable cover to enclose a palletted stack of goods comprises a shrinking device, a conveying system for the palletted stack of goods transported past the shrinking device, a lifting device positioned under the shrinking device for raising the palletted stack of goods and a suction device positioned in the vicinity of the lifting device. The lifting device is located astride the path of the conveyor system thereby eliminating below ground conveyors in favor of driverless automatically controlled floor conveying devices. Part of the lifting device is at least one raisable and lowerable support movable under a palletted stack of goods being guided on the conveyor system. The support has seat members projecting from it for the palletted stack of goods and the seat members are movable from a horizontal into a vertical orientation, especially by rotation of the support about its longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for the production of a packaged unit completely enclosed by a heat shrinkable foil where the unit is made up of a plurality of layers of items of the same general shape stacked one layer on another with a final layer being inset relative to the subjection layers forming inset spaces for receiving support members of a lifting device in the final package condition of the unit. Initially, a shrinkable foil is placed over the stack and is shrunk onto it. Next, the stack is inverted so that the final layer is located at the bottom. The apparatus reduces the space requirement for producing the packaged unit with the stack being moved as little as possible and increasing production output. The tool for shaping the foil on the stack are combined with at least one of the foil applying unit and a frame of the shrinkage unit and with the conveying device for the stack.

Abstract: A chain of bags is disclosed, with each having first and second panels and gusseted sides, each established by first and second gusset panels. The chain of bags is provided with a transverse bottom seal which in the central portion seals together the front and rear panels, and also seals together the inner portion of the gusset panels as well as the front and rear panels for four thicknesses being sealed. At the outer portions, there are only two thicknesses sealed together, namely, the front gusset panels are sealed to the front panel and the rear gusset panels are sealed to the rear panel. This establishes a chain of bags which may be supplied to a bag filling machine whereat conveyor belts form a nip and grip only the outer portion of the rear gusset panels where attached to the rear panel. By this means, the bags of a chain may readily be opened to practically full capacity and then filled.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products in a bag of plastic material comprises means (3-15) for transporting a continuous, flat, tube-like material web (2).

Abstract: A plastic bag removal method and apparatus in which the bag is stored on a large, tightly compressed roll. In the described preferred embodiment, the method and apparatus provide for opening the mouth of the leading bag on the roll, clamping the inside and outside surfaces of each of the opposite side edges of the mouth, pulling the bag out, away from the roll, while still clamping, in order to expose the next bag in the roll, holding the mouth of the next bag in the roll while twisting the leading bag and continuing to pull on the leading bag until the sealed bottom of the bag separates from the next bag held in the roll, and placing that leading open bag onto a filling spout.

Abstract: A capsule for the controlled release of an active material, e.g. into soil, is described. The capsule comprises an insoluble tubular housing (11) containing a number of water soluble or biodegradable partition walls (13) defining one or more hermetically sealed compartments, (12) filled with the active material (14), e.g. an insecticide. When the capsule is in contact with water or an aqueous medium the partition walls (13) slowly dissolve or degrade thus releasing the active material after a predetermined delay.