Abstract: A binding apparatus has a pair of arms provided on a frame so as to be pivotal in opposite directions. A gear mechanism interlocks the arms with each other. Hooks are provided on an end of each of the arms between which a rubber band, shorter than a bundle of cables in the peripheral length thereof is spanned having a slidable rod coupled thereto. A maintaining device maintains the open position of the arms, and a releasing device releases the maintaining device. When an unlocking lever is pressed downward by the weight of a bundle of electric cables placed in the center of the rubber band spanned between both hooks provided on both arms while in the open position, the stopper disengages from the gear and the arms pivot toward each other to place the rubber band around the bundle.

Abstract: The present invention entails a conveyor system for use in conjunction with a band application machine that applies tamper-evident bands to containers being conveyed by the conveyor system. The conveyor includes a conveyor with an upper run and a lower run. Connected to the conveyor and moving with the conveyor is a series of band support plates that each define an individual container opening. A container support plate extends beneath the conveyor's upper run and below the band support plates being conveyed along the conveyor's upper run. Each container is inserted into an individual container opening such that the container is vertically supported by the container support plate and such that the band support plate extends around the container. The band support plates are positionable at a selected vertical position about the containers by varying the relative height of the container support plate beneath the band support plates.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward providing apparatus for separating newsprint and other sheet material prior to recycling the newsprint and a wrapper, formed of material which may be recycled with the newsprint, to be used with the apparatus of the invention. The invention is used by the individual householder and will serve to eliminate many intermediate steps in the recycling of newsprint.

Abstract: A tool which is adapted to removably engage a rolled semi-rigid, plastic label, retaining the label in an open orientation to facilitate placement of the label on a pipe. In the preferred embodiment, the tool includes an elongated handle connected to and extending outwardly from the bottom side of a base plate. A plurality of support posts attach to and extend outwardly from the top side of the base plate, and support a pair of label racks proximate the free ends of the support posts. Each of the label racks has at least one label engaging flange disposed on one side thereof. The label racks are disposed apart from one another on the support posts in an opposed, inwardly facing manner. The label engaging flanges are thus disposed in an opposed, inwardly facing surface to releasably engage opposite edges of a rolled plastic label and releaseably retain the rolled plastic label in an opened configuration for placement on the pipe.

Abstract: A leaf paper bundling apparatus winds a tape around the periphery of a stack of leaf papers. A stacking device stacks and aligns a predetermined number of leaf papers in an upright position in a direction parallel to the short edges of the leaf papers. Left and right holding fingers are employed to hold the stacked leaf papers and transfer the stacked leaf papers to a bundling position, maintaining the upright position of the stacked leaf papers. A tape fed by a tape supply is wound around the stacked leaf papers by a tape winding device. The tape is tightened about the stacked leaf papers, and a pair of clamping members clamp the stacked leaf papers therebetween. The clamping members each have spaced contact edges straddling the tape. The stacked leaf papers can then be tightly held together without interfering with the winding of the tape about the stacked leaf papers.

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 flatly folded tubes of synthetic resin or the like material and fitting same on containers or the like objects. Operation of fitting opened tubes on the objects can be performed without requiring any complicated movement of the objects. Each opened tube and each object are transported in same direction and, in the course of this transport, either the tube or the object is moved gradually toward the other so that the one is fitted on or inserted into the other.

Abstract: A wiring harness is enshrouded in a tubular length of stretchable material. The shroud holds pigtails, takeouts, connectors, harness hold-downs and the like which otherwise extend from the harness against a trunk of the harness so that it can be inserted through an opening in a firewall or other structural member of a motor vehicle or other product for installation of the harness. Once inserted through the opening, the shroud is removed, preferably by means of a closure device which initially maintains the shroud as a tubular structure but can be removed to open at least a portion of the tubular structure to facilitate shroud removal. To facilitate installation of the shroud onto a wiring harness, the shroud is initially stretched over a tubular applicator to expand the shroud.

Abstract: A machine is provided for placing labelling sleeves on bottles or the like which includes a device (1) for presenting labelling sleeves in a discontinuous manner, a device (4) for the continuous running-through of the bottles to be labelled, a transfer assembly (2) for the sleeves comprising a plurality of independent carriages which are movable on an endless guiding path (10), a flexible and endless drive belt (18) developing, on guide means (17.sub.1, 17.sub.7), in the vicinity of the guiding path (10), means (19, 20) connecting the flexible belt and the carriages, this flexible belt (18) having locally at least one area which develops in a perpendicular manner with respect to the belt, in the form of a loop.

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: Installation for applying labelling sleeves to articles such as cans (3), which installation is characterized in that it comprises a rectilinear transporter (2) for the cans in which is inserted a lifting table (4) capable, each time it is actuated, of bringing a can into the raised position for the application of a sleeve by means of stretching pincers (7), at least one barrier being provided below the lifting table to maintain the aligned cans (3), arranged on the transporter, in position while the table (4) is in the raised position and, when the table is lowered, to allow the can provided with a sleeve to be reintroduced into the rectilinear alignment of the cans.

Abstract: A method for applying a shrink sleeve to the closure end of a conveyed container and apparatus for performing the method. Shrink sleeves supplied in the form of a hose are expanded over a mandrel which is disposed at an inclined position relative to the conveying direction of the containers such that the closure ends of the containers enter the lower open ends of the shrink sleeves as the containers are conveyed and before the respective shrink sleeves are cut off.

Abstract: Device for manufacturing a sachet of flexible synthetic material intended for packaging liquids, the sachet initially being in the form of a cushion-like bag already full of liquid, this device enabling a means for gripping, stiffening and mounting information to be attached to the said cushion-like bag and enabling the sachet to be given its final shape for marketing and use.The device includes means for enclosing the cushion-like bag in a sleeve of synthetic material which can be stretched and is cold-worked around clamping jaws (19,20) which are capable of a translation motion and a motion away from one another, between which the cushion-like bag is located.

Abstract: A roll of greenhouse film which is a large sheet of flattened tubular plastic film wherein the longitudinal edges of the plastic film are folded back over a surface of the film about 180.degree. toward an imaginary longitudinal line drawn substantially through the center of a surface of the film. The so-folded sheet is then longitudinally rolled.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for applying tubular labels to empty or filled product containers at a labeling station including a reciprocally moveable labeling assembly and a container advancing mechanism including a pair of confronting, rotatable star wheels. The star wheels include arms for engaging and holding a container to be labeled at a label applying position. The star wheels operate to stabilize the container until the labeling applying assembly engages the container. The star wheels then move out of the labeling station to provide clearance for the label applying assembly. A cam drive system is utilized to both reciprocate the label applying assembly and the star wheel mechanism. Sensors monitor torque in the star wheels and terminate operation should excessive torque be encountered. An additional star wheel and associated guide are used to advance a container from either an inline or side conveyor to a container presenting position.

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 machine provides for a controlled intermittent flow of a tubular web or sleeve of thin plastic material from a storage reel, over a tensioning arm and guiding rollers onto a group of machine elements which first open the tube somewhat, stop the flow of material, slice the tube transversely, and pass the cut segment of web over a floating mandrel to form it into the shape of a container positioned below it, while continuing the flow of tubing from the reel down onto the same group of elements to form the next band. The open segment of band is now placed over the container automatically to complete the banding operation.

Abstract: A universal packaging system for objects such as electrical components, connectors, semiconductors, chips, etc. includes an elongated, hollow, tubular package formed of resiliently deformable material for containing a plurality of said objects, each object having an identical or substantially similar silhouette or profile and orientated with a predetermined axis of its profile, aligned along a common longitudinal axis or line within the tube. A package is formed providing protection for the connectors during storage, handling, and shipment, and the tube also serves as a feed magazine for dispensing the objects at an assembly station or other work station as needed. The present invention also features an apparatus and method for loading packages of connectors and for unloading or feeding connectors from the packages at a point of end usage.

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 folded tube is paid out downward through the rotation of opposing feed rollers, and fitted on a mandrel member. The tube is then fitted on the mandrel and cut to a predetermined length by a cutting device disposed between the feed rollers and the mandrel. Subsequently the tube cut to the predetermined length is drawn downward along the mandrel by the rotating members and the tube is unfolded. Finally, the sufficient unfolded tube is dropped down from the mandrel and fitted on a cap portion of a bottle or container to be sealed.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing cut flowers or similar articles, comprises a stand formed with an opening for receiving the stems of a bunch of the cut flowers or other articles; an elastic band holder underlying the opening and movable to either an open position or to a closed position; a drive for moving the elastic band holder first to its closed position for receiving the elastic band, and then to its open position for stretching the elastic band to enclose the bunch of stems received through the opening in the stand; and a stripper member for stripping the elastic band from the holder onto the stems inserted through the opening.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus, powered solely by the muscles of a single male adult during a working day; for bundling cut firewood, or the like. The apparatus is located under and over the top of a rugged rectangular work bench. The frame is constructed of welded metal rods, about an inch and a quarter in diameter. The operator can load the apparatus onto a flat bed of a motor vehicle for transport over open roads and across country. The operator faces a full length raceway below the top of the long panel. A lever arm protudes from the raceway toward the operator. A pivot is welded across the raceway, a foot or so back of the pannel. A loose fitting sleeve cover is over th pivot. The lever arm is welded to the loose fitting sleeve cover, its fulcrum. A chain linkage is welded to an end of the lever arm and to the foot of the elevator rod. The chain linkage forms a loop between the two.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for automatically and successively applying thermoshrinkable tubular labels, cap seals or the like to the outer circumferential surfaces of bottles and other containers.A thermoshrinkable web 1in a flat condition is fed by feed rollers 11, 11 intermittently a predetermined length, and after the pleats 3, 3 at the opposite lateral edges of the web have been smoothed out and spaces 4, 4 have been formed in the web along the lateral edges, the web is fed onto the wedge-shaped upper portion 15 of an insertion guide 14 and cut by cutting means into a required length. The cut tubular label 1 is intermittently fed by feed belts 21, 21 from the wedge-shaped portion 15 of the insertion guide 14 onto the lower portion thereof having substantially the same shape in transverse section as a container 20, and after having been reformed into substantially the same shape in transverse section as the container 20, the tubular label is applied to the container 20.

Abstract: Banding apparatus, which is capable of high speed operations, opens perforated, heat shrinkable, plastic tubing by use of a floating mandrel. Rollers or fingers, which exert force against the sides of the mandrel, are used to feed the tubing, tear the tubing at the perforations to form bands, and then push the bands off the mandrel and onto or over containers or articles to be banded.

Abstract: An apparatus for wrapping a load by placing, under tension, as panel of elastically stretchable sheet material around the load and including a base (2) having a load positioning recess or notch (3) and a tensioning bar (4) which is movably mounted on the base to grip the surplus of a single wrap of material around the load and to place the wrap under tension, and heat sealing bars (7) located between the load positioning recess or notch (3) and the tensioning bar (4) to secure the material drawn there-through. Other devices to secure the material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a protective wrap is disclosed as including a frame made of four upright posts, the upper and lower ends of which engage with upper and lower rigid members, at least one of the posts is rotatable in one direction to apply tension to a plastic wrapper encircling the four posts and is prevented from rotation in the opposite direction by a tensioning handle on the top of the rotated post.

Abstract: A flattened tubular plastic tube having one pair of edge creases is withdrawn from a vertical axis reel and passed through horizontal axis rollers to impart a pair of intermediate creases. Cooperating rotating and stationary blades cut the plastic tube into short sleeves which are immediately gripped between actuator shoes on a pair of translating chains and a pair of translating frictional belts. The compressively interfaced actuator shoes and belts advance the sleeves to the inlet of a channel defined by laterally spaced apart slide members which have v-grooves into which opposite creased edges are inserted at the inlet whereupon hooks on another chain loop push the sleeves through the channel. The channel width converges so the sleeves open as they are pushed along the channel to be engageable by the head of a passing bottle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for applying a strong elastic sleeve on an article. Especially if the elastic sleeve is very strong and the article is somewhat fragile. It is intended for the container industry, but may have other uses.

Abstract: A packaging method and machine for placing highly stretched relatively thin elastic plastics tubes from a roll of such tubes about a series of generally rectilinear objects. The method and machine involve three basic mechanism, one is a jaw assembly that opens and closes and tilts up and down to receive and stretch a tube and release the tube about one of the objects, the second is a tube shuttle assembly that delivers a tube to the jaw assembly and retracts into the next tube, and the third is a chain and paddle conveyor that intermittently delivers objects to the jaw assembly and moves the objects from the jaw assembly after a tube has been applied.

Abstract: An endoscope and a disposable sanitary sheath are disclosed. In the preferred embodiment the core of the endoscope has indentations longitudinally extending along its exterior surface in a peanut-like cross-sectional configuration while the sheath has channels within longitudinally extending thicker portions. The sheath is positionable on the endoscope core with its thickened portions located within the indentations. Alternate embodiments are disclosed as are the method and apparatus for placing sheaths on endoscope cores and their removal.

Abstract: A mandrel for opening a tube of flexible banding material wherein the tube is delivered in flat ribbon-like form with creased side edges is disclosed. The mandrel is in the form of a tetrahedron with two sets of surfaces which are in the form of isosceles triangles with each set of faces inclining towards one another to form a common base. A pair of relatively yieldable, sharp-edged wedging elements are disposed on each common base. Biasing means bias the wedging elements outwardly to limit positions at the ends of the common bases. Use of the mandrel to open a tube of flexible, heat-shrinkable banding material and creasing the material at points displaced 90.degree. from the initial creases is disclosed.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for field packing of broccoli and other cut product includes a mobile frame and a rotatable sorting table. Individual broccoli stalk cut by workers walking along with the mobile packer and placed on conveyors on the packer and are discharged onto the rotatable sorting table. A plurality of banding frames are attached to the periphery of the rotatable table and include mechanisms for holding an expanded elastic band. Workers standing around the table may gather the broccoli from the table, form bunches of individual stalks, and place the bunches into the expanded band. Further mechanisms are provided for automatically ejecting the banded broccoli onto a discharge conveyor, and replacing a new elastic band onto the banding frame. The bunched broccoli may then be packed into cartons by other personnel on the mobile packer.

Abstract: The apparatus for placing decorative or protective sleeves of heat-shrinkable plastic over objects which do not easily stand upright. The machine comprises a device to place sleeves vertically over intermediate pins, of suitable diameter, fastened to an endless chain. The pins are brought into horizontal position during the returning of the chain around a wheel inclined at 45.degree., to circulate in alignment with objects received individually in housings provided on a second endless chain driven at the same linear speed as the first. A cam mechanism is then started to transfer the sleeves of the pins to the objects with which they are aligned.

Abstract: A banding machine is made capable of dependable, high-speed operation by being provided with a rotatably mounted, driven, "C" shaped arm which holds each opened band in a tilted position for being picked up by the article to be banded as it is conveyed past the banding station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible substrate assembly including an elongated flexible substrate having a plurality of spaced apart component receiving regions, with a solid component disposed on each of said regions. A plurality of flexible strap members are disposed adjacent each component receiving region on one side thereof, and are joined to the other side of the region such that the strap overlies the region to form a tube-like passageway for receiving and containing a solid component. Several embodiments of the invention include different configurations of strap members are punched out from the flexible substrate so as to form a flap-like member having a free end, which is joined to the substrate so as to form a tube-like passageway. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating the substrate assembly and dispensing solid components contained in the substrate assemblies. Also, packaging arrangements and apparatus to produce packaging arrangements including the flexible substrate assemblies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A rapid and economical method for forming a stabilized rectangular bundle of round containers is disclosed. Round containers, arranged in a spatially compact contiguous configuration, are first surrounded by a stretchable, endless band. The containers are then rearranged into a rectangular, commercially desirable but less spatially efficient configuration, causing the band to tension. Next a unitary loop matrix is positioned over one end of each of the containers, constituting the squared configuration, to stabilize or immobilize the substantially rectangular shape of the squared configuration. Positioning the unitary loop matrix on the containers causes the containers to spread apart, which causes the band to tension further. The configuration remains substantially rectangular until containers are removed from the bundle.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling axially elongated, diametrically expandable and contractible product bags axially within energy sleeves of elastomeric material which are at least partially diametrically expanded at assembly. The apparatus comprises three, (3) energy sleeve expansion stations where at the elastomeric sleeve is sequentially expanded by the insertion of expansion rods and/or tubes therewithin. From the third station the energy sleeves proceed to an assembly station with an expansion tube therewithin. At the assembly station a product bag is inserted axially within the expansion tube in the energy sleeve with an end portion protruding from the tube. A first mechanism moves the energy sleeve axially relative to the tube so that an end portion surrounds and frictionally grips a part of the protruding product bag.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of applying a preformed conical heat-shrinkable plastic label to a container as disclosed to provide a tamper-resistant cover, the label being applied by a transfer arm and head that rapidly supplies labels to the containers with a woodpecker-like action. There is also disclosed the novel container and cover therefor--the conical label being efficiently applied to the container and easily heat shrunk thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying tubular labels to a product container at a labeling station including a reciprocally movable labeling assembly. The assembly is adjustably secured to carriage that is mounted for reciprocating movement at the labeling station. A drive system including a drive cam defining an asymetrical profile is operatively coupled to the carriage by a lever arrangement including a cam follower driven by the drive cam. The profile of the drive cam is configured to have a steep rise and a gradual drop so that the average speed at which the labeling assembly is driven through a label applying strobe is substantially less than the speed at which the assembly is driven through a return stroke thus reducing the stress applied to the label as it is installed. A fluid pressure operated actuator pressurized to a first predetermined pressure exerts a biasing force on the lever to urge the cam follower into contact with the drive cam.

Abstract: A receiving cradle for the pre-packaging of items (e.g., stamp booklets) to be oriented in and then dispensed from a criss-cross stack. Initially, pairs of rubber bands are placed on the fixture in a preferred sequence, followed by the loading of alternately stacked booklets forming the criss-cross stack to ultimately be placed into the booklet dispenser equipment. When the prearranged criss-cross stack has been set into place, the operator sequentially draws the rubber bands from their pre-set positions over the opposed corners of the criss-cross stack. The result is an integral stack, rubber banded together, forming a criss-cross booklet package in preassembled form, ready for prompt loading into a dispenser mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for bunching, trimming and banding vegetables and the like comprising a plurality of arms (20) each having fixed thereto an upstanding finger (32) means (22) supporting the arms for movement in a common plane toward and away from a common area, an actuator (28) for moving the arms in unison and a top plate (16) forming a center opening (18) centered about the common area whereby the arms can be moved to the center, an elastic band (34) placed over the upstanding fingers, the arms actuated away from the common area and a bunch of vegetables inserted so that movement of the arms back toward the common area will allow the elastic band to hold the bunch. A truncated cone shaped hollow guide (37) positioned beneath the arms will guide the vegetables together for bunching.

Abstract: An automatic mail banding apparatus is disclosed in which mail is positioned in a stack in a mail receiving tray and is clamped to a movable portion of the tray. A rubber band applying assembly receives a rubber band at a position along the side of the tray, expands the band while axially aligning the expanded band with the stack of mail, moves the band axially toward the stack to surround the stack with the expanded band, and then releases the band around the stack. The movable portion of the tray pivots to move the stack to a new orientation while the stack of mail remains clamped to the movable portion of the tray, and a second band is applied to the stack by the band applying assembly in a transverse orientation to the first band.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a tube including a base, a pair of legs secured to the ends of the base, and a holder base attached to the base. A tube holder for holding the tube is connected to the holder base. The tube holder has a structure defining a pair of diametrically opposed openings. A pair of soldering irons is oppositely secured with respect to each other in proximity to the top of the pair of legs. Each soldering iron has a hot end that generally registers with one of the opposed openings such as to be in close proximity to the tube being held by the tube holder in order to soften the material of the tube in the area contiguous to the openings. Power is conducted and supplied to each of the soldering irons. Vacuum is drawn on top of the tube to suck or pull inward the tube in the spots being softened from the heat of the pair of soldering irons.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for continuously applying heat-shrinkable members to containers, such as for formation of tamper-evident seals, protective sleeves, labels, or the like. The apparatus includes a conveyor for carrying and moving the containers, and further includes an inclined gravity feed magazine for holding a quantity of the annular-shaped heat-shrinkable members. The apparatus includes a transfer mechanism which uniquely functions to apply a suction to each of the heat-shrinkable members received from the feed magazine so that each member is releasably retained at an acute angle with respect to the direction of movement of the containers on the conveyor. In this way, each container engages its respective one of the heat-shrinkable members to move it from the transfer mechanism into association with the container.

Abstract: Applicator mechanism for fitting a sleeve (10) to at least one moving bottle (B) comprises supply means (44) holding collapsed sleeves, erecting means (WD) sequentially to bring each sleeve into a set-up condition, transfer means (96-104) to effect downward transfer of the set-up sleeve towards said article to be sleeved and applicator means (106-112) for fitting the sleeve around the article. The applicator means is operable to execute both a downward and forward motion to the sleeve such that the forward motion of the sleeve substantially is synchronized with that of the article during fitment of the sleeve thereto.

Abstract: An ice cream cone product is provided having a sanitary paper jacket adhered thereto which is sufficiently adherent for shipping, handling and vending but which is selectively removable without leaving jacket remnants thereon at the point of consumption. A jacket is telescopically juxtaposed over the cone after the jacket interior is dosed with water vapor or steam. A conveyor for the cones, a timed dispenser and injector for the jackets placing the latter alternately on the same conveyor with the cones, a device to combine each jacket with a cone and an accumulator for the jacketed cone product comprises the apparatus to practice the method.

Abstract: This relates to method and apparatus for the packaging of a tubular shirred casing strand within a wrap sleeve. The wrap sleeve is provided with end portions which extend beyond the casing strand, and these end portions are heated and folded and deformed by way of a plunger which functions as a piston within a mold structure so as to define a rigid substantially solid end cap which is integral with the wrap sleeve.

Abstract: A device for slipping segments of film, such as originally flattened but tubular segments of plastic film, on vessels such as bottles. A rotor rotates about a horizontal axis. Sucker devices mounted on swivel arms and expanding mandrels are arranged alternately about the circumference of the rotor. The flat sleeve segments are fed toward the rotor and are attracted by a sucker device. As the rotor rotates from the position in which a sleeve is gripped by a sucker device the sucker parts spread to open the tubular sleeve and the arm carrying the sucker is caused to swing and turn the sleeve segment 90.degree. whereupon the sleeve is passed over the presently unexpanded mandrel which is circumferentially adjacent the designated arm and its suckers. The mandrel is caused to expand for holding the sleeve and the sucker is timely released.

Abstract: Apparatus for bunching vegetables and like articles and for placing a closure or tag thereon comprising a plurality of arms (27) for holding and stretching an elastic band and a channel (34) along which is fed a strip (15) of tags. As the elastic band is stretched taut to a smaller cross section, it intersects the tag and enters the aperture (20) therein. With relaxation of the elastic band the tag is pulled from the strip and remains on the band to identify the bunched articles. Bending of the strip by the arm end (45) weakens the strip connecting webs (17) to allow separation of the end tag.

Abstract: Banding apparatus is made capable of using thin plastic shrink tubing by being provided with a plurality of mechanical fingers that hold each band as it is cut from the tubing and thereafter shape the band into a polygonal or a circular configuration before the band is pushed off the fingers and over the article to be banded.