Patent ID: 7104186

Claim:
An apparatus for substantially retaining the position of a plurality of packages between a first and second tray inside the drum of an agitating retort when the agitation process is applied to the plurality of packages, the apparatus comprising: (a) a first positioning system for holding the plurality of packages in a desired position wherein the first positioning system is associated with one or both of the first and second trays; (b) the first tray stacked on the second tray; (c) a volume is formed between the first and second trays when the first tray is stacked on the second tray; (d) wherein the first positioning system is located within the volume, and the plurality of packages are positioned between the first positioning system and one or both of the first and second trays within the volume; (e) wherein the first positioning system for holding the plurality of packages in a desired position comprises a linear positioning member positioned along the first tray within the volume, wherein the linear positioning member is coupled to the first tray and positionable against the adjacent packages of the plurality of packages; and (f) wherein the first positioning system for holding the plurality of packages in a desired position comprises at least one bellows member.