Abstract: A toilet system includes a waterless waste disposal system. A waste liner advancement mechanism is configured to: cover a toilet seat with a liner, capture waste expelled from a user, and mechanically advance the liner into a waste storage area so as to place a fresh liner over the toilet seat after capturing the waste.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waste packaging system, a method of storing waste and to a film for use in this system and method.

Abstract: A method for the debottlenecking of grain harvesting and grain bagging comprises a set of steps. Grain is transported in a grain cart from a harvester at a harvesting location to an accumulation site. Grain is bulk unloaded crop from the grain cart at an accumulation site by, for example, gravity dumping through a rear door of the grain cart. The cart returns to the harvester; and the grain at the accumulation site is transferred into a silo storage bag. The steps of transporting the grain, bulk unloading the grain, and returning the cart comprise a first process. The step of transferring the grain from the accumulation site into a bag comprises a second process. The first process and second process proceed in parallel.

Abstract: A film-supporting device is used with a waste-disposal unit. The device comprises an annular body. The annular body has an annular wall. The inward radial surface of the wall defines a central opening of the body. The outline of the central opening in a transverse plane of the device has variable diametrical dimensions with a first diameter of greater dimension than the second diameter. The outline has two of the first diameter of generally equal dimension and two of the second diameter of generally equal dimension. The device has tubular film about an outward radial surface of the annular body. A free annular end is dispensed outwardly from the annular wall. The free annular end is closed to form a bag. The opening of the bag is accessible through the central opening and is of optimized shape via the central opening for the disposal of waste. A method for disposing of waste on a scooping tool is also provided.

Abstract: A method for forming a flexible pouch having a fitment, the method including the steps of sealing the bottom, top and one side of a material to form a pouch. The pouch is formed around a forming tube, leaving one side of the flexible pouch unsealed. A fitment is installed on the flexible pouch, either on the corner (45 degree angle) or on the top of the pouch. The product filled through the unsealed side of the flexible pouch while continuously moving the flexible pouch down the forming tube, the forming tube also continuously supplying product to fill the flexible pouch and sealing the unsealed side of the flexible pouch. An apparatus for forming a flexible pouch is provided having a forming tube. The forming tube is adapted to allow material to wrap around the forming tube to form a flexible pouch, the forming tube also operable to dispense product into the flexible pouch through an exit of the forming tube.

Abstract: Computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting using actuators for operating barrier doors, pushers, and locks.

Abstract: A waste storage device is provided including a waste storage cassette receiving chamber (132) for receiving a cassette (172) rotatable within the chamber and containing tubing for enveloping waste. The device further includes a waste inlet and a throat area therebetween, wherein a releasable gripping assembly (155, 158, 159, 168) is provided in the throat area and arranged for actuation between a released configuration defining an aperture for passage of waste therethrough and a gripping configuration defining a restriction in the throat area.

Abstract: An implement for transporting and wrapping large round bales of forage material includes an elongated transporter having longitudinally extending rails and an endless chain associated with each rail to move large bales of forage material rearwardly along the rails toward the bale wrapper connected to the rearward end of the transporter. The bale wrapper can be devoid of wheels and is carried between job sites on top of the transporter bed, being loaded and unloaded through use of the endless chains associated with each rail. The bale wrapper receives operative power from the transporter drive mechanism. A bale loader elevates round bales from the ground onto the rails. Once fully loaded, a push gate pushes the round bales rearwardly toward the bale wrapper.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and method for reefing a portion of tubular film, the reefing device having at least one reefing finger and at least one drive unit. The drive unit has advancing means, which, for reefing the portion of tubular film, is brought into operative connection with the reefing finger at least at the height of a point of engagement, while enclosing the portion of tubular film, and moves the portion of tubular film in relation to the reefing finger. The device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are distinguished in particular in that the position of the at least one point of engagement can be changed along the reefing finger as reefing progresses or the position of the point of engagement on the reefing finger is changed.

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: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products configured to provide one or more of the following: improved rotary table or platform packaging systems, improved adhesive (glue) based film seal systems, and/or easier loading or releasing mounting systems of horns, forming collars and/or sprockets.

Abstract: A spool (10) for storing film for a waste storage device includes a core (12) and a flared funnel portion (14). Film is stored on the core (12) and can be retained in place by shrink-wrapping (34) as a result of which the core can be formed without an outer wall or base, reducing material and molding costs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the portioned packaging of a food mass that is at least substantially incompressible, in particular of processed cheese, and that is filled as a flowable mass into a tubular sleeve comprising a thermoplastic plastic film, wherein the thermoplastic plastic film of the sleeve enclosing the food mass is deformed in a mold into individual units each defining a portion by forcing the food mass out of sealing areas, such that the units arranged one behind the other are delimited with respect to each other by means of sealing in the sealing area and are subsequently separated from one another.

Abstract: A secure pet waste containment system utilizing an automated gear, roller and spool assembly to secure pet waste on all sides and store them for future disposal. A housing includes an aperture in its top side into which a pet, typically feline, would deposit waste. The aperture and space thereunder is lined with bagging that has its source from a bag cartridge disposed around the circumference of the aperture. When waste has been deposited, the lining secures the waste on all sides by traversing a series of rollers until the lining is wound within a circular spool. As this is occurring, the bag cartridge automatically releases more bagging into the aperture and space thereunder for subsequent deposit of pet waste.

Abstract: A dosage-dispensing element (30) on a container (10, 11) for free-flowing or pourable bulk materials has an outlet spout (12) that reaches into the element. The element has an inlet opening (32) on the side facing towards the container, a clamping profile (42) and/or a quick-tightening device (44) which makes a releasable connection between the outlet spout and the element, a slot-shaped outlet opening (34) on the side that faces away from the container, a ring gap (22) between the outlet spout and the inlet opening, a wall (36) extending between the respective openings with an inside (37) and an outside (38), and a foil-shaped material (20), especially a foil hose or foil section, stored in the area of the outlet spout. The inlet opening, the inside of the wall and the slot-shaped outlet opening are covered with the foil-shaped material.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products configured to provide one or more of the following: improved rotary table or platform packaging systems, improved adhesive (glue) based film seal systems, and/or easier loading or releasing mounting systems of horns, forming collars and/or sprockets.

Abstract: A squeezable, flexible tubular package for an edible product is compartmented to simultaneously hold a first edible product in one compartment separate from a second edible product in another juxtaposed compartment. The package includes an elongated enclosure defined by a pair of transparent, flexible film strips bonded to one another around the periphery thereof by a liquid tight seal; and a membrane situated between the film strips, bonded to the periphery of the film strips by a liquid tight seal, partitioning the enclosure into a pair of juxtaposed, liquid tight compartments. An extrudable, edible product is separately contained in each of the compartments. Apparatus for continuously and successively forming, filling and sealing articulated arrays of such packaged products is also disclosed.

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: Waste disposal device including a container defining a waste chamber for receiving waste, a support member arranged in the container for supporting tubing having a closed or closable front end to thereby enable formation of a bag in the container and a twisting assembly arranged in the container and defining an aperture through which the tubing passes while the twisting assembly engages with the tubing. A rotation mechanism is arranged in the container and when actuated, rotates the twisting assembly relative to the stationary support member while the twisting assembly engages with the tubing to thereby form a twist in the tubing.

Abstract: Systems, 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 diaphragm positioned in a waste disposal device for holding and twisting flexible tubing dispensed form a cartridge housed in the waste disposal device. The twisting of the tubing is accomplished either by rotating the diaphragm and holding the cartridge stationary, or rotating the cartridge and holding the diaphragm. A rotation mechanism is operatively configured to the waste disposal device for rotating either the cartridge or the diaphragm while impeding the rotation of the other. The twisting of the flexible sealably encapsulates a waste package inserted into the flexible tubing through an opening in the cartridge.

Abstract: Pivotable clipper assemblies for attaching at least one closure clip to a product held in netting include a pivotable clipper mechanism having a clipper body configured to deliver clips to a clip window and attach the clips to netting and a first cutting cartridge mounted to the pivotable clipper mechanism. The first cutting cartridge includes: (a) a knife; (b) an actuation cylinder with a rod in communication with the knife that advances and retracts the knife; and (c) an anti-rotation block attached to a rear of the knife intermediate the knife and rod to inhibit the knife and rod from rotating, wherein, in operation, the first cutting cartridge pivots with the clipper mechanism.

Abstract: A waste storage device is provided including a waste storage cassette receiving chamber (132) for receiving a cassette (172) rotatable within the chamber and containing tubing for enveloping waste. The device further includes a waste inlet and a throat area therebetween, wherein a releasable gripping assembly (155, 158, 159, 168) is provided in the throat area and arranged for actuation between a released configuration defining an aperture for passage of waste therethrough and a gripping configuration defining a restriction in the throat area.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing prepared medications in enclosures includes a tubular sleeve having an open first end, an open second end, and an outer surface. The first end includes at least one first locking member for securely attaching the tubular sleeve to another member. The apparatus also includes a length of a flexible packaging sleeve that is open at one end and has an open interior space. The packaging sleeve is disposed about the outer surface of the tubular sleeve in a compressed form. The open end of the sleeve is sealingly attached to the first end of the tubular sleeve. A tensioner device is disposed about an outer surface of the packaging sleeve and includes a first section that couples the first end of the packaging sleeve to the tubular sleeve and at least two elongated tensioner arms that extend along a length of the tubular sleeve.

Abstract: Automated pusher mechanisms with pusher heads that reciprocally travel in a product chute. The pusher head has an inverted “V” shape and semi-circular side portions.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, devices, methods and computer program products configured to provide one or more of the following: improved rotary table or platform packaging systems, improved adhesive (glue) based film seal systems, and/or easier loading or releasing mounting systems of horns, forming collars and/or sprockets.

Abstract: A packing wrapper filling device includes a filling machine (1) having at least one pivotable filling tube (11) on rotary plate (10). A gathered packing wrapper (14) is fitted onto the filling tube. The invention includes a closing mechanism (2) and store (3) for gathered packing wrappers. The closing mechanism (2) closes both sides of filled wrapper sections. Control device (22) interconnects filling machine (1), closing mechanism (2), store (3), and rocking arms (16). The lateral wall(s) of store (3) include a longitudinal flap (16) in the lower section, pivotable by rotary articulation (20) via rocking arms (15). The control device (22) controls individual envelope (14) removal from store (3). Transport devices (5, 6, 7, and 8) and deflection rollers (9) arranged along feed belt (4) transport envelope (14) along the feed belt (4) from store (3) to filling tube (11 or 12).

Abstract: A refuse receptacle includes an outer enclosure having an upper frame member with an opening through which refuse can be deposited into the outer enclosure, and a cover movably mounted on the upper frame member between a position normally closing the opening and a position which permits refuse to be deposited through the opening into the outer enclosure. A tubular refuse holder is mounted on a spring plate in the outer enclosure, the refuse holder including an upper open end for receiving refuse deposited through the opening. A plurality of coil springs are provided between the spring plate and a ledge in the enclosure to bias the refuse holder toward the upper frame member such that there is engagement of the upper open end of the refuse holder against the upper frame member to provide a seal thereat.

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: This device for encasing light strings for storage provides a canister as a handle that is concentric with a cylindrical feed tube that is at least partially within the canister together with a cartridge type removable dispensing tube that slides over the feed tube and within the canister. The canister is attached to the large end of a funnel on the feed tube entry end through which a light string may be fed. The canister and feed tube thus form an annular slot into which the removable cartridge type dispensing tube may be received and releasably secured slidably over the feed tube. The tubular plastic is loaded on the dispensing tube prior to the dispensing tube being slid and secured over the feed tube.

Abstract: A waste disposal device includes a mechanism for scoring flexible tubing dispensed from a cartridge. The waste disposal device comprises a container housing a length of flexible tubing foldingly stacked therein and configured to permit dispensing of the flexible tubing to a predetermined length. The flexible tubing is scored periodically at predetermined intervals for ease of tearing during disposal of waste packages placed in the flexible tubing.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine is adapted to manufacture a bag having a gusset section, and includes a conveying part, a plurality of splitters and an inward-folding member. The conveying part is configured and arranged to convey a tubular packaging material. The splitters extend along a conveyance direction of the tubular packaging material to contact with the tubular packaging material from an interior side. The inward-folding member has a pressing part including a plurality of contacting portions that are three-dimensionally arranged to generally correspond to a shape of the gusset section. The inward-folding member is configured and arranged to press the contacting portions of the pressing part from an external side of the tubular packaging material against an outer surface of a gusset formation area of the tubular packaging material located between the splitters to form the gusset section.

Abstract: A container, adapted to be opened/closed automatically by induction actuated, includes a container body, cover, motor and actuating device, wherein the motor is connected to the driven element of the cover through the actuating device. The dustbin includes a sensing and controlling device of the stroke of the cover, wherein a cover stroke perception and a shut off circuit, the cover stroke perception is connected with the shut off circuit, and the shut off circuit is connected with the motor, the shut off circuit receives the activating signal from the cover stroke perception and then controls the motor to actuate correspondingly, the cover's stroke inducted by the trigger; point of the cover stroke perception is less than the whole stroke during the closing of the cover. The noise of the crash between the cover and the container body is low, and closing of the cover is rapid and spiffy.

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: 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: Methods, devices and computer program products automatically package an object, such as, for example, whole muscle meat pieces, in a covering material, such as, for example, netting, by: (a) automatically pushing at least one object through first and second axially aligned product chutes; (b) pulling covering material from an exterior surface of a covering material chute residing about the second product chute to automatically enclose the object in the material as the object exits the second product chute; (c) applying at least one clip to the material to secure the object in the material; and (d) pivoting the covering material chute and second product chute together to load a sleeve of material onto the covering material chute.

Abstract: A method for operating a package emptying station having a work station, in which an emptying step is performed, an inlet via which the package to be emptied is inserted into the work station, an outlet via which the emptied package is ejected, and a product outlet through which the emptied contents of the package is discharged. Continuous tubular film packs are provided both at the inlet and also at the package outlet which seal off the inlet and the outlet and encase the package to be emptied or the emptied package during the insertion or corresponding ejection of the package. The film is sealed off and severed between individual packages such that the interior and the exterior do not come into contact. In this manner, both contamination of the package contents by environmental substances and also any contamination of the environment by the package contents can be avoided.

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: Packaging apparatus and method for inserting food articles into a bag of comparable size. The apparatus has a conveyor that orients the product along a longitudinal axis and delivers the food article to a tray disposed below the conveyor so the product drops from the conveyor and onto the tray. The tray and conveyor move at speeds selected so the product maintains its longitudinal orientation as it drops from the conveyor into the product tray. A bag scoop holds the bag mouth open while the tray carrying the product advances into the bag. A product stripper moves into a position behind the bagged product after passage of the tray so that when the tray returns to its start position, the stripper butts against the end of the product and holds the product while the tray slides out of the bag.

Abstract: A container holding a supply of plastic, tubular stock for the incremental withdrawal of portions thereof, said container comprising a malodor counteractant.

Abstract: Pivotable clipper assemblies for attaching at least one closure clip to a product held in netting include a pivotable clipper mechanism having a clipper body configured to deliver clips to a clip window and attach the clips to netting and a first cutting cartridge mounted to the pivotable clipper mechanism. The first cutting cartridge includes: (a) a knife; (b) an actuation cylinder with a rod in communication with the knife that advances and retracts the knife; and (c) an anti-rotation block attached to a rear of the knife intermediate the knife and rod to inhibit the knife and rod from rotating, wherein, in operation, the first cutting cartridge pivots with the clipper mechanism.

Abstract: A waste disposal device including a sensing mechanism for delaying the rotation of a cartridge. The waste disposal device comprises a container defining a waste chamber for receiving encapsulated waste in a flexible tubing. The rotatable cartridge contains the flexible tubing. A lid is coupled to the device and is capable of moving between an open and closed position on the container. A rotation mechanism is operatively configured to engage the rotatable cartridge. A sensing mechanism is arranged to allow for delay in rotation of the cartridge until the lid assumes the closed position so that the waste is encapsulated in the flexible tubing after the closing of the lid, and after the subsequent twisting of the flexible tubing about the waste material caused by the rotation of the cartridge.

Abstract: A cassette for a waste disposal device, the cassette including an outer wall, an inner wall, a flexible tubing positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall, and a rim having a top surface and a bottom surface. The rim is positioned between the outer wall and the inner wall and extends from a top surface of the outer wall toward the inner wall. The bottom surface of the rim faces the flexible tubing, and the rim includes a plurality of protrusions on the top surface of the rim to engage with a rotation mechanism of a waste disposal device.

Abstract: A diaper pail has a body with an interior container space and an access opening into the interior container space. A diaper receptacle is also in the body and has a diaper receiving opening into the receptacle. An obstruction is provided that can be moved between a receiving orientation and a dumping orientation. In one aspect, an input device I configured to signal a part of the diaper pail to automatically operate the obstruction between the dumping orientation and the receiving orientation to receive a soiled diaper into the diaper receptacle and to dump the soiled diaper from the diaper receptacle into the interior container space. In another aspect, an activated charcoal filter is in communication with at least the interior storage space and is designed to chemically eliminate odors that emanate from the soiled diapers in the interior storage space.

Abstract: Methods of automatically packaging an object in netting include: (a) automatically extending a product pusher having a pusher head through a product chute; (b) pushing at least one object from a location upstream of the product chute, through a product chute to a location downstream of the product chute in response to the extending step; (c) pulling netting material upstream of the product chute off an exterior surface of the product chute to automatically enclose the object in the netting material as the object exits the product chute; (d) automatically retracting the pusher head after the pushing step extends the pusher head outside the product chute; then (e) automatically directing a clipper to pivot into position when the pusher head is partially retracted a distance sufficient to position the pusher head inside the product chute; and (f) applying at least one clip to the netting material using the clipper to secure the object in the netting material.

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 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: A waste disposal device including a cartridge movable by rollers. The waste disposal device comprises a rotation mechanism for rotating the rotatable cartridge. The cylindrically shaped waste disposal device has an inner wall. The rotatable cartridge comprises a cylindrical shape having an outside wall. The rotation mechanism comprising at least two opposingly aligned movable rollers extends between said inner wall of said waste disposal device and said outer wall of said rotatable cartridge. The rollers are engagingly configured to cause the cartridge to rotate upon activation of the rotation mechanism.

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 house.

Abstract: A dustbin, adapted to be opened/closed automatically by induction actuated, includes a container body, cover, motor and actuating device, wherein the motor is connected to the driven element of the cover through the actuating device. The dustbin includes a sensing and controlling device of the stroke of the cover, wherein a cover stroke perception and a shut off circuit, the cover stroke perception is connected with the shut off circuit, and the shut off circuit is connected with the motor, the shut off circuit receives the activating signal from the cover stroke perception and then controls the motor to actuate correspondingly, the cover's stroke inducted by the trigger; point of the cover stroke perception is less than the whole stroke during the closing of the cover. The noise of the crash between the cover and the container body is low, and closing of the cover is rapid and spiffy.