Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a random case sealer including a pneumatically-controlled top-head-actuating assembly configured to vary the speed of the top-head assembly when ascending (to make room for the case beneath the top-head assembly) and when descending onto the case (to engage the top surface of the case during sealing). The case sealer includes a pressure sensor that monitors the pressure of gas incoming from a gas source delivered to the top-head-actuating assembly via one or more valves. A controller controls the open level and/or the open time of the valves based on the pressure of the incoming gas to ensure the top-head-actuating assembly operates as desired regardless of whether the pressure of the incoming gas is equal to, below, or above a desired pressure. These features result in increased throughput compared to prior art random case sealers without requiring stronger cases or more protective dunnage.

A laminate separator including two ends, a middle section comprising of a notched neck and an aperture folded onto itself through said aperture creating a formed loop at the notched neck. The formed loop self-attaches to an object extending the two ends from each other. Inserting a closed laminate into the extended ends and applying pinch force moving normal to the laminate to capture the laminate, at which point the two ends provide transfer forces orthogonal to the pinch force in order to move them relative to one another opening the laminate.

A package insert for cushioning an object during transport includes a plurality of support pins disposed in parallel with respect to each other, and a perforated sheet having a plurality of perforation holes disposed therein. Each of the plurality of supporting pins is disposed within a corresponding perforation hole of the plurality of perforation holes. Each of the plurality of perforation holes has a diameter or width that is equal to or smaller than a diameter or width of its corresponding supporting pin such that the corresponding supporting pin is kept in place by friction when inserted into the corresponding perforation hole.

A scoop and level for scooping a portion of granulated material and leveling the contents of the scoop. The scoop may have a volume suitable for brewing a single serving of brewed beverage, and in particular, for brewing a single serving of espresso. The lever is attached to the scoop and slides over the scoop to displace excess material, thus providing a desired amount material for precessing, for example, for preparing a beverage. A scoop handle may further include a tamper opposite to the scoop. The tamper may be used to tamp brewing material after scooping, leveling, and pouring the brewing material into a holder.

A bottom fillable espresso cartridge base and apparatus and method for filling and plugging the bottom of the espresso cartridge base. The espresso cartridge base includes an open bottom and a press in bottom plug. The top of the espresso cartridge may be sealed by a foil lid or the like, or be open and an adhesive attachable lid may be included for attachment by a user. A first method utilizes a hand held multi-function tool including a cartridge holder with a holder lid to capture the espresso cartridge, and a bottom tamper and plug seating arm. A second method utilizes a stationary base residing on a flat surface, a cartridge holder to retain cartridges on the base, and individual tools to fill and tamp brewing material in the cartridge, and to attach the bottom plug to the cartridge.

A bottom fillable espresso cartridge base and apparatus and method for filling and plugging the bottom of the espresso cartridge base. The espresso cartridge base includes an open bottom and a press in bottom plug. The top of the espresso cartridge may be sealed by a foil lid or the like, or be open and an adhesive attachable lid may be included for attachment by a user. A first method utilizes a hand held multi-function tool including a cartridge holder with a holder lid to capture the espresso cartridge, and a bottom tamper and plug seating arm. A second method utilizes a stationary base residing on a flat surface, a cartridge holder to retain cartridges on the base, and individual tools to fill and tamp brewing material in the cartridge, and to attach the bottom plug to the cartridge.

A bottom fillable espresso cartridge base and apparatus and method for filling and plugging the bottom of the espresso cartridge base. The espresso cartridge base includes an open bottom and a press in bottom plug. The top of the espresso cartridge may be sealed by a foil lid or the like, or be open and an adhesive attachable lid may be included for attachment by a user. A first method utilizes a hand held multi-function tool including a cartridge holder with a holder lid to capture the espresso cartridge, and a bottom tamper and plug seating arm. A second method utilizes a stationary base residing on a flat surface, a cartridge holder to retain cartridges on the base, and individual tools to fill and tamp brewing material in the cartridge, and to attach the bottom plug to the cartridge.

A packaging system for sealing a medicine container having a filling opening with a stopper includes a container tray having a container cell for receiving and stabilizing the medicine container. A shuttle has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface is configured for releasably securing the stopper. The shuttle is configured to release the stopper into the fill opening upon application of a releasing force to the exterior surface of the shuttle. A shuttle tray has a shuttle cell. The shuttle cell forms a body with a proximal opening, an interior space, a bottom inner surface opposite the proximal opening, and a side inner surface. The shuttle cell releasably secures the shuttle.

A packaging system for sealing a medicine container having a filling opening with a stopper includes a container tray having a container cell for receiving and stabilizing the medicine container. A shuttle has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The interior surface is configured for releasably securing the stopper. The shuttle is configured to release the stopper into the fill opening upon application of a releasing force to the exterior surface of the shuttle. A shuttle tray has a shuttle cell. The shuttle cell forms a body with a proximal opening, an interior space, a bottom inner surface opposite the proximal opening, and a side inner surface. The shuttle cell releasably secures the shuttle.

An apparatus for filling sandbags includes a hollow housing tube, an auger, and a motor. The hollow housing tube includes an intake end, a curved central portion, and a discharge end. The hollow housing tube includes a discharge chute at the discharge end. The auger includes a shaft and flightings. The auger is at least partially disposed within the hollow housing tube. The auger includes a first end connected to a motor at the discharge end of hollow housing tube and a second end connected to a sand screw auger bit at the intake end of the housing tube. The auger includes a plurality of connected auger sections. A portion of the plurality of connected auger sections is disposed in the curved central portion of the hollow housing tube and is flexibly connected. The motor is operable to transmit rotational torque through an entire length of the auger.