Abstract: A double sleeve shrinkable label inserting machine includes a station, a shrink film conveying device, a guiding device, a cutter device, a tuning device, a thermosetting device and two rotary wheels. The guiding device and cutter device may be adjusted rapidly according to the shape and size of two identical or different package goods to wrap a shrink film sleeve on the package goods, and the thermosetting device can bond the shrink film sleeve neatly to the package goods.

Abstract: An automated container production line for automatically removing, orienting, filling, sealing and providing a label and applying a straw to the outside of the labeled container is provided which utilizes a novel orienting conveyor for receiving unoriented containers from a supply bin and orienting the containers for a plurality of novel short production lines having a positioning screw conveyor which intermittently starts and stops the advancement of the containers as groups of containers in which various groups of containers are simultaneously filled, sealed, inspected and then subsequently transported to a sleeving device for adding labels, a heat shrink tunnel for fastening the sleeve to the container and then to a novel straw applicator for subsequently attaching a straw to the outside of the container.

Abstract: Device for sleeve-label labeling machines, with proposal that means are provided that render the label tube (5) taut and/or spread the label tube (5) during the cutting step.

Abstract: Device for fitting a sleeve onto a container uch as a bottle or a similar object, means being provided for pulling a plastic tube from a supply roller from which a sleeve is cut-off. The device comprises a number of double-walled bushes, each being provided with a guiding member and consisting of a perforated inner wall and an outer wall extending around said inner wall so that an annular space is formed in which underpressure can be generated through a vacuum line. There is a positioning means for the bushes, so that a sleeve can be slid into it and can engage the inner wall of the bush, whereupon the bush is slid across a container and the connection to the vacuum line is disconnected. Then the bush is brought upwards and the container can be removed from the device.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for securing a decorative cover about a flower pot. The apparatus includes a frame assembly, an extension member having a cover support assembly, and a plurality of legs. The frame assembly includes a body member having an opening. The opening is sized and configured to permit passage of the flower pot through the opening. The extension member extends in an upwardly direction from the body member. The cover support assembly is connected to the extension member for supporting a decorative cover comprising at least one sleeve or sheet of material. The plurality of legs extend from and are spatially disposed about the body member such that the legs cooperate to support at least one band. As the flower pot moves through the opening in the body member, at least one of the bands is removed from the plurality of legs and moved about the decorative cover disposed about the flower pot.

Abstract: A bottle packaging sleeve, and method of using same, for placing advertising on wine and spirits bottles, which provides both advertising and a way to protect the bottles from damage in a shopping bag or box, comprising a sheet of cushioning material, the exterior face of which is provided with informational material, the sheet being sufficiently elastic to be fitted onto a bottle. Optionally, the sleeve includes a bottle girth adaptor for coupling a first and second end of the sheet of cushioning material while further adapting to the girth of the bottle.

Abstract: Device for placing label sleeves (2) onto containers (1) such as bottles or similar items by means of a first apertured pusher (4), positioned coaxially with respect to a container which carries a partially positioned label sleeve, and which can be moved forward and backward axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container, in a controlled manner, and whose internal diameter is at least slightly smaller than the diameter of the label sleeve (2) and, coaxially with respect to the first apertured pusher (4), a second pusher (5) is provided internally, which is led in a manner so it can be moved axially with respect to the first apertured pusher (4).

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for placing sleeves on conveyed articles, said sleeves being cut-off from a continuous sheath (13) passing over a floating type sheath-opening shaper (20). According to the invention, the wheels (30, 31) for lowering the sheath and the wheels (32, 33) for ejecting the cut-off sheath segment (15) are rotated by associated electric motors (41; 42, 43) controlled synchronously by a common electronic programmer (50) arranged to determine a continuous profile of speed variation so as to control the lowering of each sheath segment, said programmer including at least one control card (55) which co-operates with an adjacent encoder (47) mounted at the end of a shaft (46) rotated by a central motor and gearbox unit (40, 45). The synchronization obtained makes it possible to envisage very high rates of throughput while using sleeves of a diameter that is hardly greater than the maximum diameter of the articles.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatuses and a method for pushing tubular films over elongate objects, which preferably have varying cross sections, in which one, preferably two, conveyors (5, 6) transport the objects (4) lying freely, by the objects (4) being held, preferably in a clamping manner, at at least one, preferably at both ends, by a holding device (7), in which a pushing means guides a sleeve (27), on which the film tube (9) is arranged, over the object (4) in order to withdraw the sleeve again at a later time, in which a further pushing means (28, 32) holds the film tube in such a way that the film tube is pushed off the sleeve as the sleeve (27) is withdrawn, in order then to extend around the object.

Abstract: A cover forming apparatus and method for forming and securing a sheet of material about a flower pot having an outer peripheral surface is provided. The cover forming apparatus includes a former. The former has a bowl shaped configuration and an open upper end, a lower end, a sidewall extending from the open upper end to the lower end, and a pot opening. The sidewall has an outer surface and an inner surface with the outer surface having an upper inwardly tapered portion. The pot opening is sized to receive at least a portion of the flower pot together with the sheet of material such that upon disposing the flower pot into the pot opening with the sheet of material positioned between the upper end of the former and the flower pot causes the sheet of material to be formed about the outer peripheral surface of the flower pot.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and apparatus for producing a package containing high moisture content particulate plant material intended for human consumption or for use as animal feed stock which will preserve same without the particulate plant material undergoing a drying process, the method involving either providing a flexible walled container or alternatively forming such a container from a web of plastics material cling film (15), at least partially filling the flexible walled container with particulate plant material via a delivery chute (17) into an upper open mouth of the flexible walled container, pressing the particulate plant material to expel air therefrom, closing the flexible walled container and preferably applying two circumferentially extending bands (22, 23) of plastics material film overlapping one another at 90° around the closed flexible walled container with sufficient web thicknesses and tension to compress the flexible walls of said container inwardly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retaining closure of shells of raw molluscan shellfish prior to high pressure processing involves positioning of heat-shrinkable band around each individual shellfish. The shellfish is then exposed to heated air of about 300-400 degrees Fahrenheit to 2-3 seconds, a time sufficient to cause shrinking of the band and secure adherence of the band to the shells. To prevent denaturing of raw shellfish the banded shellfish is then immediately exposed to a stream of cold air, about 30 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 second. Cooling of the banded shellfish arrests the heating process and helps retain sensory qualities of the product.

Abstract: An in-line continuous feed sleeve labeling machine labels containers, such as beverage containers, in an in-line fashion maintaining the elevation of the containers during their linear transport. The in-line continuous feed sleeve labeling machine of the present invention receives bottles in flood feeder or linear fashion. A timing screw or the like properly separates, and both spatially and temporally disposes, the containers for sleeving. The timing screw propels the containers onto a pedestal system. The pedestals of the pedestal system maintain their horizontal nature due to offset pivotable attachments to the track system upon which they travel. A sheet of film is unspooled from an unwind roll and passed through a tube forming apparatus that overlaps the edges of the film. The overlapping edges completing the tube enclosure are connected using ultrasonic welding or the like. The sleeve is then passed to an iris carrier.

Abstract: An automated container production line for automatically removing, orienting, filling, sealing and providing a label and applying a straw to the outside of the labeled container is provided which utilizes a novel orienting conveyor for receiving unoriented containers from a supply bin and orienting the containers for a plurality of novel short production lines having a positioning screw conveyor which intermittently starts and stops the advancement of the containers as groups of containers in which various groups of containers are simultaneously filled, sealed, inspected and then subsequently transported to a sleeving device for adding labels, a heat shrink tunnel for fastening the sleeve to the container and then to a novel straw applicator for subsequently attaching a straw to the outside of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine for fitting sleeves of heat-shrink plastics material on objects, the sleeves being taken from a continuous sheath that is rolled flat. In the invention, a horizontal shaping mandrel (40) is provided that comprises two torpedoes (41, 42) in axial alignment and interconnected by a thread-like central element (43), the two torpedoes having facing ends (45, 46) each with a pair of smooth chamfers, and each torpedo resting freely on an associated V support (60). The sheath drive means comprises two adjacent pinch wheels (25, 26) disposed symmetrically on either side of the thread-like element (43) between the two V-supports (60) and passing in the vicinity of the pairs of smooth chamfers of the torpedoes (41, 42), each wheel (25, 26) having a peripheral groove (65, 66) that is complementary to the groove of the other wheel so as to form a horizontal axis passage for said thread-like element.

Abstract: A labeling machine having an input station receiving the bottles on which a sleeve is to be placed, a station for dispensing sleeves from a sheath and a main turret fitted with units for receiving the bottles and a providing them with a sleeve. Each unit has a slidable tool mounted parallel with the bottle to place the sleeve on the bottle. The main turret is suspended from a tripod supported directly on the ground while the input and output turrets as well as the unreeling station supplying the sheath dispensing the sleeves are supported by the machine frame.

Abstract: An automatic bagging machine using cool-shrinking film includes mainly a machine body, a bag conveying device, a bag sealing device, a bag sucking device, and a bag supporting device combined on the machine body. The bag conveying device sends continual bags to the bag sucking device to suck and stick to a lower opening of each bag to open it for a first stage. Then the four corners of the opening of the bag are respectively sucked to stick to suck drums fixed with air suckers by operation of position air pressure cylinders beside each air sucker. Then the bag is expanded out to a preset medium size, not falling down during expanding process. Next, the bag supporting device continually sends out a certain length of the bag to be positioned in the bag supporting device, which then expands the bag again to a preset maximum size. The bag together with the bag supporting device are lowered down by elevating frames to release the bag to cover and surround products (or cartons) together with the storing plate.

Abstract: A device capable of transporting package sleeves in an upright position, from any of several filling lines to one or more filling machines, wherein said several filling lines are aligned parallel to each other. The device utilizes a manipulator capable of linear travel in a direction perpendicular to the plane of alignment of the filling lines, a swiveling unit for moving the package sleeves in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the manipulator unit, and a gripper unit for gripping the package sleeves. The gripper unit is capable of supplying horizontal force to the package sleeves to enable their transport in an upright position. The gripper unit also has means to clamp to the loading magazine of the filling machine and to cause the horizontal transfer of the package sleeves thereto. By use of the present device, semi-automatic or automatic loading of package sleeves to one or more filling machines is possible.

Abstract: Device for fitting a sleeve onto a container uch as a bottle or a similar object, means being provided for pulling a plastic tube from a supply roller from which a sleeve is cut-off. The device comprises a number of double-walled bushes, each being provided with a guiding member and consisting of a perforated inner wall and an outer wall extending around said inner wall so that an annular space is formed in which underpressure can be generated through a vacuum line. There is a positioning means for the bushes, so that a sleeve can be slid into it and can engage the inner wall of the bush, whereupon the bush is slid across a container and the connection to the vacuum line is disconnected. Then the bush is brought upwards and the container can be removed from the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for placing label sleeves (2) onto containers (1) such as bottles or similar items by means of an apertured pusher (4), which is positioned coaxially with respect to a container which carries a partially positioned label sleeve, and which can be moved forward and backward axially with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container, in a controlled manner, and whose internal diameter is at least slightly smaller than the diameter of the label sleeve (2), where, coaxially with respect to the apertured pusher (4), a second pusher (5) is provided internally, which is led in a manner so it can be moved axially with respect to the first apertured pusher (4).

Abstract: An in-line continuous feed sleeve labeling machine labels containers, such as beverage containers, in an in-line fashion maintaining the elevation of the containers during their linear transport. The in-line continuous feed sleeve labeling machine of the present invention receives bottles in flood feeder or linear fashion. A timing screw or the like properly separates, and both spatially and temporally disposes, the containers for sleeving. The timing screw propels the containers onto a pedestal system. The pedestals of the pedestal system maintain their horizontal nature due to offset pivotable attachments to the track system upon which they travel. In coordinated fashion with the travel of the pedestal system, iris carriers carrying sleeves upon articulating radial arms descend upon the bottles. Once the label sleeve has reached the appropriate point (generally adjacent to the central portion of the bottle), the iris carrier allows the label sleeve to engage the central portion of the bottle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a receptacle from a generally flat thermoplastic blank has an upstream conveyor extending along a path in a transport direction through a loading station, a heating station downstream of the loading station, and a forming station downstream from the heating station. The conveyor has a plurality of supports forming a plurality of respective throughgoing apertures spaced apart in the direction. A supply at the loading station positions a respective blank atop each of the apertures of the conveyor with a central region of each blank exposed through the respective aperture and a periphery of each blank engaging and supported by the respective support A drive connected to the conveyor advances it and the blanks carried on it step-wise through the heating and forming stations. At the heating station at least the central region of each blank is heated to a softening point.

Abstract: The present practical new design is to provide a guide feeding device for thermal-shrinking film mechanism that mainly is related to the feed wheels which are mounted on the upper, middle and lower peripherals of the central guide rod and all connected by the connecting rod. The transmission gears are driven by a motor to let another meshed transmission gear adverse transmitted correspondingly and to stably transport the shrinking film downwards. By the opposed reverse threads at both ends of an axial rod, each feed wheel is mounted on the corresponding reverse thread and an adjusting wheel is mounted on the other end of the axial rod. And it only needs to rotate the adjusting wheel and move the two mutual opposed feed wheels along the axial rod in or out correspondingly to adapt the central guide rods with different sizes. The adjustment is very convenient and fast, and is able to upgrade the producing efficiency and the product quality.

Abstract: Each individual cone is conveyed, while it is laying on its side, to a predetermined point. Prior to reaching the predetermined point, an edible adhesive is at or adjacent to the base of each cone. At the predetermined point, a paper wrap is applied to the cone and adhered thereto. The first cone is then stacked with a second cone in a repeated fashion to form a sleeve of cones, followed by packing of the sleeve of cones for transport.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a tubular member over an article includes means for feeding a continuous web of a flattened tubular material, means for cutting an individual tubular member from the web, a first belt conveyor unit for conveying the tubular member fed from the cutting means, a second belt conveyor unit for conveying the tubular member in such a manner as to open up at least a leading end of the tubular member as the tubular member is continuously conveyed, a mandrel for receiving the tubular member from the opened up leading end of the tubular member, and a means for sliding the tubular member along a peripheral surface of the mandrel so that the tubular member is entirely opened up. A distance between a point where the cutting means cuts the tubular member from the web of the tubular material and a point where the first belt conveyor unit starts to convey the tubular member is greater than the length of the individual tubular member.

Abstract: A method for packaging specialty lighting strings and elongated items of narrow width, especially useful for specialty light strings which contain large, bulky decorative light covers or complicated patterns such as icicle lights. Scarves, decorative garland, ties, and lawn ornaments may also be packaged effectively. Items are passed through a cylinder of rigid material on which a quantity of thin plastic tubing is compressed. Once the item emerges out the end of the cylinder, the beginning of the plastic tubing is secured to the end of the item with a twist tie. The end is then grasped and the item is pulled completely through the cylinder. As it comes through, it is encased in the plastic tubing which unravels from the cylinder. Once through, the end of the item is secured to the tubing with a twist tie and the tubing is cut. Thus a completely packaged item which may be stored dust and tangle free.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a sheet of material about a pot and applying a band therearound. The apparatus includes a table assembly, a pedestal, a plurality of spreader fingers, a plurality of release wedges and a plurality of linkage assemblies. The table assembly is provided with an opening and the pedestal is mounted for reciprocating movement through the opening. The sheet of material is formed into a cover about the pot by placing the sheet of material and pot on the pedestal and urging the pot through the opening. The spreader fingers are radially movable between a retracted position within the opening and an expanded position wherein the spreader fingers are positioned outside the perimeter of the opening. Each of the release wedges is located on the table assembly at the perimeter of the opening along the line of movement of a corresponding one of the spreader fingers. The linkage assemblies and the shape of the pedestal cooperate to move the spreader fingers in response to movement of the pedestal.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus conveys cones lying on the side to a predetermined point. Prior to reaching the predetermined point, an edible adhesive is applied to the side of each cone. At the predetermined point, a paper wrap is applied to the cone and adhered thereto. The first cone is then stacked with a second cone and more cones, followed by packing for transport.

Abstract: Banding apparatus in various embodiments include accelerator members for accelerating plastic bands downstream along a floating mandrel for propelling them at high speed with significant kinetic energy in being ejected off from an end of the mandrel toward and around articles to be banded. In one apparatus belts accelerate elongated label bands to more than 1,000 feet per minute. The peripheries of tear-off rollers turn continuously at a first speed for tearing successive bands off from perforated plastic tubing which may be pre-perforated label tubing. Alternatively, plastic tubing may be perforated during operation by continuously feeding flattened tubing between perforator and anvil rollers positioned upstream from the mandrel. Accelerator members shown as rollers or as revolving belts have repetitive first and second peripheral speeds alternating with each other in cycles.

Abstract: A reusable package wrapping apparatus and method. The apparatus has a spring-loaded ribbon reel which dispenses an inverted ribbon in a first direction and recovers the ribbon, which has been re-inverted in a secondly direction. Spring tension or a locked hand crank secures the apparatus to the package.

Abstract: A process for fitting stretchable labeling sleeves on bottles or the like, according to which at least one pair of stretchers is introduced into the sleeve, the stretchers are moved apart in order to stretch the sleeve, and the bottle and the stretchers are displaced relative to one another in order to postion the stretched sleeve on the bottle, which process is characterised in that, during relative displacement of the attached sleeve and the bottle, suction is effected in the area of contact between the sleeve and the stretchers in order to maintain the sleeve on the stretchers while it is being fitted on the bottle.

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

Abstract: A broccoli banding machine having an electric DC motor drive actuated by an interrupted optical beam is disclosed. The banding machine includes a plate with a central aperture defining a depending cylinder. The depending cone has a light beam looking across the cylinder which when interrupted keeps arms having band engaging fingers in the band expanded position. Both arms and fingers are mounted above the supporting plate where access and view of arms by the banding and packing worker is provided at all times. Upon gathering broccoli to a bouquet with both hands, the worker places the stalks of the gathered bouquet into the cylinder, interrupting the light beam. Upon such interruption, the arms at the band engaging fingers are cycled into the bunched stalks, the contracted band released to the stalk, the bouquet at the stalks removed from the vicinity of the fingers, and a new rubber band placed upon the centrally disposed fingers.

Abstract: A sleeving machine and a method for automatically inserting a tray of postal mail into a sleeve. The tray is disposed on a transport station and advanced by a transport belt. A pusher on the transport belt engages the tray for advancement through the machine. Collapsed sleeves are dispensed as required from a hopper into a sleeving station. A suction head and a pivoted second side of the sleeving station open the sleeve to receive the tray. The transport belt with the pusher advances the tray into the open sleeve and then advances the sleeve, with the tray therein, out of the sleeving station. Sensors are provided to control and coordinate movement of the second belt and dispensing of the sleeves from the hopper into the sleeving station. Safety features are provided.

Abstract: A banding machine applies labels to the top of containers and has a frame with a turret plate rotatably mounted thereon and driven by a drive mechanism. Band holders are positioned on the turret plate and receive cut film sleeves having spaced indicia thereon in an unopened, flattened condition. The band holders open the band into a circular sleeve, and then hold and move the band onto the top of a vertically oriented container advancing into a banding position as the turret plate rotates. A registration sensor senses film indicia before label cutting and generates a signal indicative of the sensed registration. A controller stops film advancement upon the sensor's detection of film indicia so as to initiate film cutting and initiate film feeding again to advance film a predetermined amount for a newly cut label. The feed roller is initiated for feeding film upon rotation of the turret plate and movement of a band holder into an indexed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for applying a heat-shrinkable band to the neck or to the body of a container. The apparatus comprises a feeding assembly for advancing a continuous sleeve of heat-shrinkable polymeric material along a predetermined path to slip the sleeve over the cap of the container. A cutting assembly then severs the sleeve to leave on the container cap a short band which can be heat-shrunk to form the tamper-proof seal. The cutting arrangement includes a blade carrier rotatable about the feed axis of the sleeve. An extendable cutting blade is mounted to the blade carrier. When the blade is extended to the cutting position, it pierces the sleeve. By rotating the blade carrier, the cutting blade is caused to slit the sleeve circumferentially until a complete cut is effected. The advantage of this arrangement is reduced blade wear, higher speed and possibility to apply the sleeve without any gating or timing of the containers.

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: A method and apparatus for placing sleeves on bottles and other objects is disclosed. In particular, a high speed method and apparatus having a plurality of sleeving stations for placing sleeves on bottles is disclosed. Each sleeving station includes a circularly arranged set of relatively movable parallel pins which are operable to contract or expand. A label transporter deposits a sleeve on the pins when they are contracted. The pins expand to stretch the sleeve. A bottle and the pins are then moved relative to one another to place the bottle inside the stretched sleeve. A gas flow is provided between the bottle and the sleeve to reduce friction. The sleeved bottle is then stripped from the pins. The method occurs without starts and stops by the bottle or the sleeve and is thus capable of very high production rates.

Abstract: A pneumatically-controlled container ring handle applicator--a mechanical device for installing plastic handles around bottle necks by forcibly expanding a plastic ring of the handle as it is urged onto the bottle neck--includes a finger carrier to which carrier is connected a plurality of pivoting fingers that extend from the carrier through slots out of the tube to push a plastic handle ring down a frustum portion of the applicator, expanding the ring as it moves on the increasing frustum diameter until the ring falls off the end of the applicator over a bottle neck placed below the applicator. Movement of the carrier in the finger cylinder is pneumatically-controlled with a piston in a cylindrical tube that moves down a piston cylinder under pneumatic pressure and returns to a rest position under bias of a spring secured in the cylinder under the piston which is compressed as the piston moves down the cylinder. A piston rod connects the piston to the finger carrier.

Abstract: The present invention entails a band application machine for applying tamper-evident bands and other bands about the circumference of a container. The band application machine directs a supply strip of banding material to a curing mechanism which cuts the supply strip into a series of cut bands. A band transfer system transfers the cut band to a container being conveyed adjacent to the band application machine on a conveyor assembly. The band transfer system includes a gripping mechanism having a pair of opposing gripper arms with attached suction cups. The gripper arms and attached suction cups engage opposite sides of a closed band and then move apart to open the band. An actuator laterally positions the gripper mechanism to a position where the grippers extend over the conveyor assembly. A tilting actuator rotates the gripper mechanism from a generally horizontal position to a tilted position where a lower section of the gripped band extends into the pathway of the passing containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for placing sleeves on bottles and other objects is disclosed. In particular, a high speed method and apparatus having a plurality of sleeving stations for placing sleeves on bottles is disclosed. Each sleeving station includes a circularly arranged set of relatively movable parallel pins which are operable to contract or expand. A label transporter deposits a sleeve on the pins when they are contracted. The pins expand to stretch the sleeve. A bottle and the pins are then moved relative to one another to place the bottle inside the stretched sleeve. A gas flow is provided between the bottle and the sleeve to reduce friction. The sleeved bottle is then stripped from the pins. The method occurs without starts and stops by the bottle or the sleeve and is thus capable of very high production rates.

Abstract: Bales of hay or the like vegetable material are successively loaded on the frame of a wheeled vehicle and actuate a trip plate which causes a pusher plate to push the bale into the open ended portion of a long plastic flexible tube held folded on an arch-shaped upstanding holding device secured to the rear end of the vehicle. The bales loaded within the tube successively drop off the vehicle on the ground and react to the backward thrust exerted by the pusher plate on the next bale to cause forward movement of the vehicle. The vehicle carries its own power supply and is therefore entirely autonomous. The vehicle has a skid plate and the wheels can be raised so that the vehicle moves on the skid plate to thereby increase resistance to the vehicle forward movement thereby increasing the compaction of the bales within the tube. The holding device includes a plurality of tube retaining hook members which are carried by an arch-shaped frame for outward diverging linear movement so as to open the tube.

Abstract: A system for applying a heat-shrinkable sleeve or label to a container such as a vial for pharmaceuticals includes a novel heat tunnel assembly. The heat tunnel assembly, in a preferred embodiment, includes a conveyor for moving the sleeved containers past a heat source. The conveyor has a plurality of rollers upon which the sleeved containers are supported and rotated. The rollers turn at a first rate during initial shrinkage of the sleeve, and at a second, slower, rate after the initial shrinkage has occurred to reduce distortion and unwanted displacement of the label during its application. The heat tunnel assembly also includes a system for withdrawing the heat source from the vicinity of the conveyor should unexpected circumstances arise.

Abstract: A mechanism for binding nails includes a cutter for cutting a rubber tube into rubber bands. A sleeve has a number of blades coupled to one end. A hook is disposed below the cutter for hooking the rubber band and for moving the rubber band to the blades. A rod is slidably engaged in the sleeve for expanding the blades and the rubber band. The rod includes a magnetic device for attracting nails. A ring is disposed beside the blades and moved relative to the blades for moving the rubber band away from the blades so as to bind the nails automatically.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed in a machine for applying carrier stock of resilient polymeric material to substantially identical containers, each having an upper rim of a given diameter and a side wall of a larger diameter. The carrier stock has container-receiving apertures in longitudinal rows. A conveyor conveys the containers in longitudinal rows. A wheel assembly comprising two wheels with paired jaws receives the stock, stretches the stock transversely, and moves the stock downwardly past the rims. The conveyor, the wheel assembly, and the jaws on one wheel are adjustable for applying the stock selectively in a rim-applied carrier position or in a side-applied carrier position. The conveyor is supported by a table and is adjustable vertically, via spacers insertable between the table and a base. The wheel assembly is adjustable longitudinally, via rollers on longitudinal rails. The jaws on one wheel are adjustable transversely, via screws.

Abstract: A sleeving machine and a method for automatically inserting a tray of postal mail into a sleeve. The tray is disposed on a transport station and advanced by a first belt. A second belt having a pusher thereon engages the tray for advancement through the machine. Collapsed sleeves are dispensed as required from a hopper into a sleeving station. Arcuate guides in the sleeving station open the sleeves to receive the tray. The second belt with the pusher advances the tray into the open sleeve and then advances the sleeve, with the tray therein, out of the sleeving station. Sensors are provided to control and coordinate movement of the second belt and dispensing of the sleeves from the hopper into the sleeving station. Safety features are provided.

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 apparatus for packaging potted plants. A plant support is mounted at the upper end of a vertical column and is adapted to support a potted plant having heavy foliage. One or more tapered paper sleeves are disposed around the support column beneath the plant support. A ring having a larger diameter than the pot is mounted for vertical movement on a second vertical column, and the ring carries an open-ended, flexible bag. The lower end of the bag includes an elastic cord, so that the lower end has a contracted diameter, which is smaller than the rim of the pot. The ring is initially positioned beneath the level of the plant support, the plant is then positioned on the support and the bag is drawn upwardly around the plant, folding the foliage inwardly, until the lower end of the bag is slightly above the rim of the pot. The sleeve is then drawn upwardly around the bag encompassing the foliage, and the bag is withdrawn from the sleeve.

Abstract: A neck booklet machine is described which places an elastic band having a booklet connected to the band around a neck of a container. The booklets are vertically stacked in a curved magazine and pulled by a vacuum cup from the curved magazine, which matches the natural curvature of a stack of booklets having an elastic band on one side. The bottom of the curved magazine is open to allow the elastic bands to hang free. The neck booklet is picked up by a carrier pad and held against and transported along a slide plate. A low vacuum nozzle pulls the loose elastic band downwardly to enable a loop of the elastic band to be picked up by a needle point and held precisely below the booklet on the slide plate. The elastic band is pulled down and around an opening horn extending from the needle point as the neck booklet moves along the slide plate by the carrier pad. The opening horn is carried on supports on the bottom and side with a top opening to allow the elastic band to pass over the opening horn.