An inert gas-filling and packaging apparatus which is adapted to fill an inert gas in containers, each having a content and seal the containers one by one after coverage of an opening of the container with a sealing film is described. The apparatus comprises a plurality of buckets for individually receiving a container having an upper opening, a film supplying means for supplying a sealing film arranged to move over the plural buckets, a vertically movable keep pad for keeping the sealing film in contact with the upper face of the bucket, the contact member having grooves provided at opposite sides of the plural buckets, through which the nozzle is inserted to inject an inert gas, and a nozzle for injecting the inert gas. The sealing film is sealed on the container by means of a heat sealing means surrounded by the keep pad. The heat sealing by the apparatus ensures a good appearance of a final product without involving any wrinkles in the sealed film. A heat sealer is also described having two sealing members which are controlled to operate at different sealing forces whereby easy peeling of the sealed film is ensured. When this heat sealer is applied to the inert gas filling and packaging apparatus, ideal heat sealing is realized.

A method and apparatus for modified atmosphere packaging uses a rotary conveyor to transport a plurality of trays to be packaged between a plurality of stations in a circular arrangement. The trays may be loaded onto a receiving platform by depositing them over movable beds which can reciprocate downwardly in order to permit the trays to be removably held inside slots in a removable platform. Since the platform is removable from the conveyor, it may be centered in any particular station by lifting the platform from the conveyor and guiding it into a precise alignment at a particular station. The package may then be filled, its atmosphere replaced with one lower in oxygen content, and then the desired atmosphere sealed within the package. This can be done in the continuous fashion so that the film is severed from a continuous web. Advantageously, the cutting blades reciprocate with respect to a heat sealing apparatus inside an enclosed environment wherein the cutting blades have internal cooling means to prevent distortions caused by overheating. The various connections for gas and vacuum supply may be quickly disconnected, and an entire station may be changed through the use of quick disconnect connections of the apparatus of the station to a support. The unloading proceeds generally as the reverse or the loading process wherein the trays are pushed upwardly from the platforms and then slid outwardly onto a conveyor.

A plastic barricade is formed from identical panels placed back to back and hinged together. Each panel includes a handle at the top, vertical legs with reinforcing ribs, and horizontal cross-members. The bottom most horizontal cross-member includes a stacking lug that may be inserted into the handle to prevent a stack of barricades from tipping over. The barricade may also be designed to be compatible with existing barricades.

A traffic delineator includes a barrel and a base. Wheels are mounted to the delineator to permit rolling of the delineator. The barrel has a domed top for added strength. When removed from the base, the barrel may be stacked by nesting another barrel into the cavity of the first barrel. The barrel includes a handle. Traffic warning lights and flags may be affixed to the barrel. Removable ballast may be held by, contained in, or used on, the base.

A traffic delineator includes a cylinder and a base. The base has a hole therethrough to permit the cylinder to be inserted into the base and the base then holds the cylinder down. A grip is formed in the center section of the cylinder to increase ease of carrying the delineator. The cylinder may also include a handle and means for affixing traffic warning lights and flags. The base may include means for holding removable ballast. The cylinder is formed by blow molding.