The present invention relates to an ecofriendly diaper system for children and adults. The core components that together make up the architecture of the system are: water-soluble diaper bag, washable diaper, optional moisture-resistant container and a heat-sealing element. Generally speaking, these components are structured such that the water-soluble diaper bags are stored in the moisture-resistant container, and dispensed when needed; a soiled washable diaper is placed in the water-soluble bag and sealed by a knot or by the heat-sealing element. The sealed water-soluble diaper bag containing the soiled diaper is stored. At the desired time, the stored water-soluble diaper bags are washed using a conventional household washer/dryer. The washed diapers are subsequently dried and stored at home. The water-soluble diaper bag is preferably made with polyvinyl alcohol film, where the film is optionally soluble at a temperature higher than the normal human body temperature, and made with an opaque color. The washable diaper is a conventional cloth diaper, and optionally externally coated with a thin film of moisture-proof material.

A batching system (200) for use in a food packaging system comprises a batching table (202) having a plurality of filling stations (206) positioned around an axis of a predefined delivery position. A weigher (204) is operable to provide food product in predefined batches at the delivery position; and a conveyor (230) is provided for transporting said batches provided from the weigher (204) to at least one of said plurality of filling stations.

An automated packaging station is capable of being used to package objects. The automated packaging station includes a supply of web material, a surface (202), an aperture (206) therein, and a closing system. The automated packaging station is configured to form the web material into a pouch. The aperture (206) is configured such that an object can be inserted therethrough. The automated packaging station is configured to bias open the pouch beneath the surface such that the object inserted through the aperture falls into the pouch. The closing system is configured to close the pouch to form a package around the object in response to the object being inserted through the aperture. The object is capable of being shipped to a recipient in the package.

A tree branch bundling assembly includes a base that has a bottom side, a top side, a front side, a rear side, a first lateral side and a second lateral side. A first receiver extends upwardly from the first lateral side. A second receiver extends upwardly from the second lateral side. The first and second receivers each have an open upper side for receiving branches. A spindle is rotatably attached to the front side. A pair of spindle eyelets is attached to the spindle. A pair of receiver eyelets is attached to the base adjacent to the rear side. A first tether is attached to one spindle eyelet and one receiver eyelet. A second tether is attached to the other spindle eyelet and receiver eyelet. The first and second tethers are extendable around branches and the spindle rotated to tighten the first and second tethers around the branches.

A tote and tote system providing for more efficient retail order pick-ups is disclosed. In certain embodiments, a tote may comprise a bottom panel for supporting one or more retail items, a rear panel and a front panel, wherein the front panel comprises an opening for accessing the one or more retail items of the tote, a first and a second side panel, and one or more bale arms positioned across a top of the tote, wherein the one or more bale arms each comprise a substantially horizontal portion extending from the first side panel to the second side panel, such that the one or more bale arms are operable to support another tote stacked on top of the tote.

An apparatus for applying an engagement collar to a group of articles, which includes an application area defining a horizontal support surface for receiving a group of articles, a horizontal press plate positioned above the support surface and mounted for vertical movement relative to the support surface, and an actuation assembly operatively connected to the press plate for moving the press plate relative to the support surface to apply an engagement collar to the group of articles positioned on the support surface within the application area, wherein the actuation assembly includes an actuation lever that is located below the press plate and in front of the application area to provide an ergonomic work environment.

An apparatus for applying an engagement collar to a group of articles, which includes an application area defining a horizontal support surface for receiving a group of articles, a horizontal press plate positioned above the support surface and mounted for vertical movement relative to the support surface, and an actuation assembly operatively connected to the press plate for moving the press plate relative to the support surface to apply an engagement collar to the group of articles positioned on the support surface within the application area, wherein the actuation assembly includes an actuation lever that is located below the press plate and in front of the application area to provide an ergonomic work environment.

An automated packaging station is capable of being used to package objects. The automated packaging station includes a supply of web material, a surface (202), an aperture (206) therein, and a closing system. The automated packaging station is configured to form the web material into a pouch. The aperture (206) is configured such that an object can be inserted therethrough. The automated packaging station is configured to bias open the pouch beneath the surface such that the object inserted through the aperture falls into the pouch. The closing system is configured to close the pouch to form a package around the object in response to the object being inserted through the aperture. The object is capable of being shipped to a recipient in the package.

A fastener for releasably securing a flexible liner about a peripheral rim of a supporting receptacle has a generally planar body with a first leg and an interconnected second leg defining an inwardly tapered elongated space therebetween. An offset and elongated rotation handle carried at one end portion of the body opposite the first and second legs facilitates rotating the body axially about an axis of rotation to wind a portion of an edge portion of the flexible liner about the first and second legs, and a portion of the rotation handle releasably engages with the tensioned flexible liner to prevent the unwinding of the flexible liner.

An apparatus for applying an engagement collar to a group of articles, which includes an application area defining a horizontal support surface for receiving a group of articles, a horizontal press plate positioned above the support surface and mounted for vertical movement relative to the support surface, and an actuation assembly operatively connected to the press plate for moving the press plate relative to the support surface to apply an engagement collar to the group of articles positioned on the support surface within the application area, wherein the actuation assembly includes an actuation lever that is located below the press plate and in front of the application area to provide an ergonomic work environment.