Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to an automated packaging apparatus, system and method that packages loose particles into a conical container as well as the final folded packages. More specifically, loose plant matter, such as crumbled dried leaves, are supplied to successive paper cones. The apparatus uses a packing method to accurately fill the cones, pack the crumbled leaves into the cones, and close the wide top portion of the cone into a precise shape.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for use with a robotic system that has a control unit and a shaft portion that includes an electrically conductive elongated member that is attached to a portion of the robotic system. The elongated member is configured to transmit control motions from the robotic system to an end effector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft, an end effector, and a firing member is disclosed. The end effector comprises an elongate channel and an anvil pivotable relative to the elongate channel between an open position and a closed position. The firing member is longitudinally movable relative to the end effector during a firing stroke in response to a firing motion transmitted thereto. The firing member comprises a first cam member, a second cam member, and a body portion including a knife blade. The first cam member extends laterally from the body portion and is configured to directly engage the elongate channel during the firing stroke. The second cam member extends laterally from the body portion and is configured to engage the anvil during the firing stroke. The knife blade is positioned intermediate the first cam member and the second cam member.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a housing, a shaft, an end-effector, a cutting member, and a control circuit is disclosed. The housing comprises a motor. The end-effector comprises a first jaw, a second jaw movable relative to the first jaw, an anvil, and a staple cartridge comprising staples, driver elements, and a sled configured to eject the staples toward the anvil. The sled is movable between a proximal unfired position and a distal fired position through a firing stroke. The cutting member is configured to be advanced distally into the sled by the motor. The control circuit is configured to detect the location of the cutting member, monitor a parameter indicative of a load experienced by the cutting member, determine a threshold value of the parameter based on a portion of the firing stroke, and adjust operation of the motor if the monitored parameter exceeds the determined threshold value.

Abstract: An electric stretch film dispenser includes a frame and a power unit. The frame has a top seat and a bottom seat. The top seat and the bottom seat are jointly provided with a film mounting unit and a film dispensing unit. The film dispensing unit has a first roller and a second roller. The first roller is connected with a first power drive unit. The first power drive unit is configured to drive the first roller to rotate. When in use, the film of a film roll is pulled due to different rotational speeds of the first roller and the second roller. Thereby, the electric stretch film dispenser can automatically generate tension when used, so it can be used to pack articles at different heights. The electric stretch film dispenser facilitates the application of the film and increases the tension of the film.

Abstract: A shrink wrapping apparatus, and associated process, includes a housing (turbine) having a wall forming a passage dimensioned to receive the associated container assembly and associated sleeve. The passage has an inlet and an outlet spaced therefrom. A steam/hot air path communicates with the passage to provide steam from an associated steam source to at least a portion of the passage in order to shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container assembly as the container assembly and sleeve move through the passage. The apparatus also includes a stop member for engaging the associated container assembly and holding in the passage for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A packaging system for packing a product includes at least one of a bagging unit, a pallet loading device, and a pallet securing device. The packaging system also includes a device to determine information regarding future events associated with the packing of the product, and to render the information available.

Abstract: A seed fulfillment system is an automated system for sorting and delivering different types of seeds from different seed containers to a shipping-container loading system which loads shipping containers with the seeds. The seed fulfillment system includes an intermediary-container handling system which conveys intermediary containers of seeds from a filling system to a shipping-container loading system.

Abstract: A flexible material package (100, 200) is presented comprising a reinforcing element (3) and a first sealed area (103) positioned close to the upper end of the package (100, 200) and preferably configured so as to close the package (100, 200), wherein the reinforcing element (3) is at least partially positioned within the first sealed area (103), the package (100, 200) further comprising gripping means positioned vertically below the reinforcing element (3) and configured so as to be used to support the package (100, 200). A closing method, a filling method and a formation method of the package (100, 200) are also presented.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprising a surgical end effector that comprises a first jaw and a second jaw that is movably supported relative to the first jaw for selective movement between an open position and closed positions. The surgical instrument further comprises a closure member that is axially movable in response to closing and opening motions. The closure member comprises at least one opening cam that protrudes therefrom to movably engage a corresponding cam surface on the second jaw such that upon application of the opening motion, the at least one opening cam movably engages the corresponding cam surface to move the second jaw to an open position, even when the jaws are under a load.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of creasing sheets (12) by using a creasing tool (14, 20, 21) cooperating with a counter element (22, 23), comprising the following steps: a creasing plate blank (24?) is provided with at least one creasing projection (26) by plastically deforming the material of the blank (24?) so as to form a creasing plate (24), the creasing plate (24) is mounted to a creasing tool (14, 20, 21), sheets (12) to be provided with at least one crease are advanced through a gap between the creasing tool (14, 20, 21) and the counter element (22, 23).

Abstract: A machine for forming a joined blank assembly from first and second blanks of sheet material includes a deck coupled to a frame, and a first transfer assembly associated with the frame. The first transfer assembly is configured to position the first blank on the deck. The machine also includes a second transfer assembly associated with the frame. The second transfer assembly is configured to position the second blank in at least a partially overlying relationship to the first blank on the deck. The machine further includes at least one compression member configured to compress the second blank and the first blank together against the deck to form the joined blank assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing the top of a package for a food product is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a pair of oppositely disposed first and second sealing jaws configured for reversibly engaging each other over the top of the package, at least one wedge on the first sealing jaw configured for contacting a first top portion of the package to form a first gable panel, a key on the second sealing jaw configured for contacting a second top portion of the package to form a second gable panel, at least one lug on the key configured for reducing skewing of the package prior to sealing, and a rubber dolly on either the first or the second sealing jaw, the rubber dolly and the opposing sealing jaw being configured to form and seal a fin between the rubber dolly and the opposing sealing jaw thereby sealing the top of the package. A system for forming, filling, and sealing a package containing a food product comprising the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shrink wrapping apparatus, and associated process, includes a housing (turbine) having a wall forming a passage dimensioned to receive the associated container assembly and associated sleeve. The passage has an inlet and an outlet spaced therefrom, and the inlet is located vertically above the outlet such that the associated container assembly and associated sleeve move from the inlet toward the outlet. A steam path communicates with the passage to provide steam from an associated steam source to at least a portion of the passage in order to shrink wrap the associated sleeve on the associated container assembly as the container assembly and sleeve move downwardly through the passage and the steam naturally rises upwardly through the passage.

Abstract: A creasing machine includes a creasing tool, a counter element cooperating with the creasing tool, and a transportation system for advancing sheets through a creasing area between the creasing tool and the counter element, wherein the creasing tool has a creasing plate provided with at least one creasing projection, and wherein the creasing projection on the creasing plate is constituted by a plurality of small, plastically deformed areas which merge into each other so as to form the creasing projection.

Abstract: A tensioning device for a chain driven jaw system in a package filling machine is disclosed. The chain driven jaw system has a fixed cam and a chain as a follower. The tensioning device comprises a chain tensioning element shaped and angled so to receive the chain on an outer surface thereof configured to be directed away from a center of the chain driven jaw system, wherein the chain tensioning element comprises a pivot connection, and wherein the chain tensioning element is configured to be integrated with the fixed cam at the pivot connection such that the chain tensioning element abuts the fixed cam at the pivot connection and can move to tension the chain. A chain driven jaw system and a related method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical instrument comprising an elongate shaft, an end effector comprising a first jaw, a second jaw, and an elongate channel is disclosed. The surgical instrument further comprises an articulation joint, a first articulation member, a second articulation member, and a firing member comprising a first cam member and a second cam member. The first articulation member is pivotally coupled to a proximal portion of the elongate channel and pivotally coupled to the elongate shaft. A distal end of the second articulation member is pivotally coupled to a proximal portion of the first articulation member. The first articulation member articulates at a first rate when the end effector is rotated to an articulated position. The second articulation member articulates at a second rate when the end effector is rotated to the articulated position. The first rate and the second rate are different.

Abstract: A wrapping machine for wrapping a product with a plastic film includes a frame, a supporting ring rotatably supported by the frame and rotated around a wrapping axis by a driving device, an unwinding unit fixed to the supporting ring and supporting a reel of film, pre-stretching rollers rotating about longitudinal axes and cooperating with each other to unwind and stretch the film, and a pre-stretching motor fixed to the frame and coupled to, and arranged to rotate, the pre-stretching rollers through a respective transmission assembly. The transmission assembly includes a driving ring rotatably supported by the frame and rotated about the wrapping axis by the pre-stretching motor through a friction roller, and a driving belt wound around, and rotated by, the driving ring and coupled to one pre-stretching roller to rotate the pre-stretching rollers when the driving ring is rotated by the pre-stretching motor.