Method and apparatus for packaging insulated duct

For use with radially self-sustaining tubular duct axially compressible along its longitudinal axis, a packaging apparatus for longitudinally compressing and packaging separate lengths of duct into individual containers of substantially shorter length than each fully extended length of duct, the apparatus comprising a power operated conveyor for conveying duct lengthwise along a linear path of movement extending axially of the duct and into an aligned, open entry end of a container at aa discharge end of the conveyor, vacuum means for exhausting air from the duct, and a second power operated conveyor in overlying parallel relation to the first conveyor adjacent its discharge end, the first and second conveyors being engageable with opposite sides of the tubular duct and providing a positive drive controlling entry of the duct into its container, the first and second conveyors cooperating with the vacuum means in longitudinally compressing and packaging the duct within its container under partial vacuum.

A method of packaging tubular duct, which is longitudinally compressible, into a container of reduced length relative to the duct and comprising the steps of conveying a leading end of fully extended duct into an open entry end of a container, seating a leading end of the duct against a closed end of the container opposite its open entry end to effect a seal between the leading end of the duct and the closed end of the container, exhausting air from the interior of the duct which is sealed at its leading end to produce a partial vacuum within the duct, and driving the trailing end of the duct into the container under partial vacuum.

For use with tubular duct axially compressible along its longitudinal axis, a packaging apparatus for longitudinally compressing and packaging separate lengths of duct into individual containers of substantially shorter length than each fully extended length of duct, the apparatus comprising a container having an open entry end for receiving the duct and an opposite end for providing a seat for a leading end of the duct, vacuum means for exhausting air from the duct upon its leading end being received within the open entry end of the container and temporarily closing the trailing end of the duct to effect compression packaging of the duct within its container under partial vacuum, a power operated conveyor for conveying duct lengthwise along a linear path of movement extending axially of the duct and aligned with said open entry end of the container at a discharge end of the conveyor, and a second power operated conveyor in overlying parallel relation to the first conveyor adjacent its discharge end, the first and second conveyors being engageable with opposite sides of the tubular duct and providing a positive drive controlling entry of the duct into its container.

A method of packaging tubular duct, which is longitudinally compressible, into a container of reduced length relative to the duct and comprising the steps of conveying a leading end of fully extended duct into an open entry end of a container, exhausting air from the duct to produce a partial vacuum within the duct after the leading end of the duct is received in the container and an end closure is temporarily applied to an open trailing end of the duct while a vacuum nozzle is exhausting air from an apertured end of the container opposite its entry end, and driving the trailing end of the duct into the container under partial vacuum.