Abstract: The invention comprises a packet placing system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include packets with products being automatically packaged, such as various bread products. The system may comprise various magazine orientations and arrangements for holding packets, a packet placer, and a gluing system. Preferably, the packet placer includes a vacuum system configured to pick a packet from the magazine. Glue is applied to a face of the packet, which is then placed on the outside of the wrapper of the packaged product. The system may be used in conjunction with a packet insertion mechanism in order to both insert a packet inside the wrapper and removably affix a packet to the outside of the wrapper. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.

Abstract: A method for distributing promotional material, which may be practiced as a fully-automated process, calls for the use of packages of bread products, such as sliced/unsliced bread, hamburger/hotdog buns, tortillas, etc. as unique vehicles for retailer-specific targeting of promotional material. The invention achieves its objectives by connecting a network of entities and computer systems, wherein information regarding bakeries' production schedules, specific retailers' purchase orders, and advertisers' specifications are collected and processed to provide instructions for bagging and/or coupon-targeting systems to include specified wrappers and promotional material with each bread product or groups of bread products. For each package of bread, the promotional material may be included inside the bread bag or wrapper, outside of the bread wrapper, or both.

Abstract: The invention comprises an insert delivery system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include coupons and the like with products being automatically packaged, such as sliced loaf bread. The system may comprise an insert delivery tray, card conveyor, or carousel and magazine combination, a feeder mechanism, and an insert placer configured to select an insert from the tray, conveyor, or magazine. Preferably, the insert placer includes a vacuum system and moves linearly. Additionally, the feeder mechanism may be positioned either perpendicularly, or parallel, to the scoop assembly, so as to feed an insert onto the scoop assembly at various points along the path of the scoop. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.

Abstract: The invention comprises an insert delivery system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include coupons and the like with products being automatically packaged, such as sliced loaf bread. The system may comprise an insert delivery tray, card conveyor, or carousel and magazine combination, a feeder mechanism, and an insert placer configured to select an insert from the tray, conveyor, or magazine. Preferably, the insert placer includes a vacuum system and moves linearly. Additionally, the feeder mechanism may be positioned either perpendicularly, or parallel, to the scoop assembly, so as to feed an insert onto the scoop assembly at various points along the path of the scoop. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.

Abstract: The invention comprises an insert delivery system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include coupons and the like with products being automatically packaged, such as sliced loaf bread. The system may comprise an insert delivery tray or card conveyor, a feeder mechanism, and an insert placer configured to select an insert from the tray or conveyor. Preferably, the delivery placer includes an arm having a holder which comprises a vacuum system. Additionally, the feeder mechanism may be used to feed an insert onto a scoop assembly at various points along the path of the scoop. In certain embodiments of the invention, the insert has multiple folds to allow it to be folded around the product prior to packaging. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.

Abstract: The invention comprises an insert delivery system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include coupons and the like with products being automatically packaged, such as sliced loaf bread. The system may comprise an insert delivery tray, card conveyor, or carousel and magazine combination, a feeder mechanism, and an insert placer configured to select an insert from the tray, conveyor, or magazine. Preferably, the insert placer includes a vacuum system and moves linearly. Additionally, the feeder mechanism may be positioned either perpendicularly, or parallel, to the scoop assembly, so as to feed an insert onto the scoop assembly at various points along the path of the scoop. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.

Abstract: A method for distributing promotional material is disclosed. The method, which may be practiced as a fully-automated process, calls for the use of packages of bread as unique vehicles for retailer-specific targeting of promotional material. The invention achieves its objectives by connecting a network of entities and computer systems, wherein information regarding bakeries' production schedules, specific retailers' purchase orders, and advertisers' specifications are collected and processed to provide instructions for bagging and/or coupon-targeting systems to include specified wrappers and promotional material with each loaf, or groups of loaves, of bread. A cart-marking system ensures that each retailer's order is placed on a separate cart, with the packages of bread containing promotional material that is tailored for that retailer.

Abstract: A method for distributing promotional material is disclosed. The method, which may be practiced as a fully-automated process, calls for the use of packages of bread as unique vehicles through which selected segments of the consumer population may be targeted for advertising and other promotional activity while, at the same time, providing retailers with the ability to plan, and stock for, national and/or local promotions. The invention achieves its objectives by generating packets that contain one or more items from a multiplicity of categories of promotional materials, wherein the specific items are selected as a function of the targeted segment of the consumer population, the type of bread that is to be packaged, and the retail chain store to which the packaged bread is to be delivered.

Abstract: The invention comprises an insert delivery system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include coupons and the like with products being automatically packaged, such as sliced loaf bread. The system may comprise an insert delivery tray or card conveyor, a feeder mechanism, and an insert placer configured to select an insert from the tray or conveyor. Preferably, the delivery placer includes an arm having a holder which comprises a vacuum system. Additionally, the feeder mechanism may be used to feed an insert onto a scoop assembly at various points along the path of the scoop. In certain embodiments of the invention, the insert has multiple folds to allow it to be folded around the product prior to packaging. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.

Abstract: The invention comprises an insert delivery system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include coupons and the like with products being automatically packaged, such as sliced loaf bread. The system may comprise an insert delivery tray, card conveyor, or carousel and magazine combination, a feeder mechanism, and an insert placer configured to select an insert from the tray, conveyor, or magazine. Preferably, the insert placer includes a vacuum system and moves linearly. Additionally, the feeder mechanism may be positioned either perpendicularly, or parallel, to the scoop assembly, so as to feed an insert onto the scoop assembly at various points along the path of the scoop. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.