Abstract: An automatic motorless label applying system includes a supply reel having a continuous carrier strip with a plurality of labels detachably mounted thereon. The strip is directed through an air actuated linear indexing mechanism which includes an upstream solenoid and a downstream solenoid. The upstream solenoid has clamp members which clamp the strip and then move it in a down-stream direction by the upstream solenoid itself moving laterally. The downstream solenoid clamps the strip when the upstream solenoid returns towards its original position. The labels are sequentially detached from the strip and each label is applied to a respective container.

Abstract: An automatic filling system which inserts objects into containers includes a feed hopper. A conveyor conveys a plurality of the objects into the feed hopper. The feed hopper has a discharge station. A collection station is located at the discharge station for disposing the containers in a position for receiving the objects fed from the discharge station. The feed hopper includes a flat inclined disc which receives the objects from the conveyor. The disc is rotated at a sufficiently high speed to cause the objects to move under centrifugal force toward the periphery of the disc. The feed hopper further includes a cylindrical member having an annular wall disposed around the disc and having an upper edge located generally at the same elevation as the upper end of the disc so that objects moving toward the periphery of the disc are moved to the upper edge of the cylindrical member and are conveyed on the upper edge away from the upper end of the disc.

Abstract: An automatic blister system includes an inspection station into which blisters are delivered in seriatim. After inspection the blisters are removed from the inspection station. A transport assembly conveys the blister through the inspection station. A sensor or detector is mounted in the inspection station directed at the path of travel of the blisters. In addition, a high speed camera is in the inspection station which is actuated by the sensor for capturing a picture of the blister. The characteristics of the blister in the picture are then monitored.

Abstract: A verification system for detecting the presence and absence of an object includes a verification station. A preselected number of objects is delivered to the verification station with each object disposed at a selected position. A pneumatic comparator is located at each selected position. Each pneumatic comparator comprises a head directed toward its corresponding selected position. The head includes an exit port and an entry port whereby air may be discharged through the exit port and directed toward the selected position. If an object is located at the selected position the air is reflected back into the entry port where it is sensed to indicate the presence of the object.