Abstract: An emptying station for a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC) is provided. The emptying station has a body having a front wall, a rear wall defining an aperture, and left and right side walls, the walls collectively defining a hopper for receiving particulate matter contained in the FIBC, at least one power source connected to the body, a lift assembly operatively connected to the at least one power source and to the body. The lift assembly moves the FIBC between lowered and raised positions. A cutter is connected to the body and is disposed in the hopper. The cutter is positioned for cutting a bottom of the FIBC when moved from the lowered position to the raised position. At least one mixer is connected to the body for mixing the particulate matter received in the hopper. The at least one mixer also conveys the particulate matter towards the rear wall.

Abstract: An opening station for facilitating box opening may include a scanning station, an edge opening station, and a conveyor assembly. The scanning station is configured to measure a length “L”, height “H”, and/or width “W” of a substantially square box having a top, a bottom, two sides, and two edge portions. The edge opening station is configured to perform perforation operations on at least one of the two edge portions. A complete box opening system may include the scanning station, edge opening station, conveyor, and at least one of a top opening station and a side opening station.

Abstract: An edge band fine trimming mechanism of an edge banding machine includes a fixed seat, and a lateral feeler wheel, a top feeler wheel set and a scraper, which are disposed on the fixed seat. The lateral feeler wheel is rotatably disposed on the fixed seat. The top feeler wheel set includes a fixing member adjustably disposed on the fixed seat, and first and second top feeler wheels disposed separately, both rotatably disposed on the fixing member and located at a same predetermined height. The scraper is located between the lateral feeler wheel and the top feeler wheel set for trimming an edge of an edge band of a workpiece. Even though the workpiece has a hole, the scraper is positionally maintainable by the top feeler wheel set, that effectively reduces appearance defects of the end edge of the edge band caused in the edge trimming process.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing goods from a two-part carton having a base and a lid, the base being formed with side walls having external gussets secured against external side faces of the carton, the apparatus including: a lid removal module for engaging the lid and removing it from the carton; expansion members configured to be advanced between the gussets and the external side faces of the carton to remove the gussets from the side faces; engagement members for engaging side walls of the base and drawing them away from the goods and holding them in a position away from the goods; and a goods transfer module for engaging the goods and removing them from the carton.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tea leaf and tea stem separating device. The tea leaf and tea stem separating device comprises a machine shell, wherein a collecting mechanism, a peeling mechanism, a separating mechanism, a rocker mechanism and recycling mechanisms are sequentially arranged on the machine shell in the falling direction of materials, a driving mechanism is arranged at the position, corresponding to the separating mechanism, of the inner wall of the machine shell, the driving mechanism is provided with a conveyor belt mechanism connected with the peeling mechanism, the separating mechanism and the rocker mechanism, and the driving mechanism can drive the conveyor belt mechanism to move so as to pull the peeling mechanism, the separating mechanism and the rocker mechanism to synchronously reciprocate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for processing dust- and substantially air-tight sacks (1) filled with flowable or free-flowing materials, and for separating the sack material from the sack contents via a collection device (8), wherein the device comprises a sack supply track (4) with a sack removal point (56), a manipulation device (6) with a lifting frame (9) for picking up the filled sacks (1), a sack slitting device (16) for opening the filled sacks (1), a collection device (8) for collecting the sack contents, an empty sack store (12), and an empty pallet store (13).

Abstract: A container disassembly workstation for a pharmacy order processing system includes a base, a desktop connected to the base and defining a container disassembly workspace, and a pharmaceutical receptacle assembly extending through the desktop. The pharmaceutical receptacle assembly includes a pharmaceutical dust separation screen configured to retain pharmaceuticals and to permit pharmaceutical dust to pass through the pharmaceutical dust separation screen. The pharmaceutical receptacle assembly also includes a pharmaceutical dust receptacle configured to receive the pharmaceutical dust separation screen and pharmaceutical dust from the pharmaceuticals.

Abstract: Installation for manufacturing cross-linkable polyethylene compounds which comprises a melting machine (101), a melt pump (102) and a filtration unit (103). The installation allows to produce cross-linkable polyethylene compounds that may be further used for manufacturing insulating parts of medium, high and extra-high voltage power cables. A method for manufacturing cross-linkable polyethylene compounds is further provided.

Abstract: A pharmacy order processing system includes a container disassembly workstation defining a container disassembly workspace and a bulk container area including a plurality of bulk containers configured to receive a plurality of pharmaceuticals. The container disassembly workstation includes a holding area, a cutter device, a container manipulation device, a pharmaceutical receptacle, and a container receptacle. The cutter device includes a cutter head and is configured to cut through at least one wall of at least one container to separate at least a first portion of the at least one container of the plurality of containers from a second portion of the at least one container when the at least one container is in a cutter position. The container manipulation includes a gripper device and is configured to move the at least one container between at least the holding position and the cutter position within the container disassembly workspace.

Abstract: A hand-held apparatus for extracting the contents of a sachet/pouch is disclosed. The hand-held apparatus includes a roller press assembly and a roller glider cum collection bin being disposed below the roller press assembly. The roller press assembly further includes a handle, a detachable frame coupled to a handle and a clamp. The detachable frame is provided with a roller for squeezing the contents of a sachet/pouch. The clamp is provided over the detachable frame and the clamp is coupled to a cutter for cutting the sachet/pouch. The roller glider cum collection bin includes a base for receiving the roller press assembly. The base includes a plurality of holes and a guide rail for providing a channel for the cutter. A collection bin is provided at the bottom of the base for collecting the contents of the sachet/pouch through the plurality of holes.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading material. The apparatus comprises a hooking device mounted on a frame for hooking the material. The hooking device comprises a plurality of rows of curved hooks, each row of hooks being pivotable about a respective axis of rotation between a non-operating position, in which the hooks are retracted, and an operating position, in which the hooks are extended so as to hook the material. All the rows of hooks are pivotable from the non-operating position into the operating position along a hooking path, rotating in the same direction of rotation about the respective axes of rotation. The hooking device further comprises an abutment element that is positioned on the outside of the rows of hooks, substantially perpendicularly to the hooking path.

Abstract: A feeding system for carton blanks is disclosed, comprising a pivotable linkage, a gripper head connected to the pivotable linkage at a first rotational axis. The feeding system comprises a magazine configured to store a plurality of stacked carton blanks in a stacking direction. The carton blanks are confined in a cassette being dimensioned so that the carton blanks are confined to extend between proximal and distal internal surfaces of the cassette along a cassette direction which is perpendicular to the stacking direction and the first rotational axis. The proximal internal surface is arranged to align proximal edges of the carton blanks in a proximal alignment plane being perpendicular to the cassette direction, the proximal alignment plane extending between the gripper head and said first rotational axis. The first rotational joint is positioned in relation to the magazine such that there is a separation distance between the proximal alignment plane and the first rotational axis.

Abstract: An unpacking system having a folding-out device for folding outwards an initially folded-in packaging portion of an item of packaging for an object, and having a stretching device for stretching an item of packaging for an object. The item of packaging herein is in particular a pouch, and the object is in particular a pharmaceutical or cosmetic object. The unpacking system furthermore has a transportation installation for transporting the object in a transportation direction. The packaging portion in the stretching device is stretched parallel with the transportation direction. A filling system is disclosed having such an unpacking system, and methods are disclosed for folding outwards, for stretching, and for unpacking.

Abstract: A wrap removal assembly includes an elongated support member extending along a central longitudinal axis and having an exterior surface. A snagging wire is disposed adjacent the exterior surface of the elongated support member and includes an active material changeable between a first shape and a second shape in response to a control signal. The snagging wire presents a catch spaced outward and away from the exterior surface when disposed in the first shape to snag the wrap material and gather the wrap material around the elongated support member. The snagging wire is positioned substantially flat against the exterior surface of the elongated support member when disposed in the second shape to release the wrap material and allow removal of the wrap material from the elongated support member.

Abstract: A net wrap recovery device that removes net wrap from large round bales of hay attached to commercial hay bale unrollers using one or more pins. The Net Wrap Removal Device mechanically automates the unwrapping of polymeric hay bale wrapping from a wrapped hay bale in one piece quickly and with a minimum of effort. The embodiments then allow the operator to simultaneously gather and store the net wrap on a disposable spool without dismounting from the tractor seat or leaving the operator station. The disposable spool can then be easily removed from the embodiments and disposed of in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. A new spool is then quickly and easily installed in its place.

Abstract: A mechanism comprising a base having a top surface and including a groove extending along the top surface and a frame flexibly coupled to the base. The frame includes a right side attached to a left side. The right side has a substantially “L-shaped” cross-section and includes a knife portion and a creasing portion. The left side includes a substantially “L-shaped” cross-section and is rigidly coupled to the right side such that the frame has a substantially “U-shaped” cross-section that is sized to receive at least a portion of the base. A first spring is positioned proximate the knife portion and is arranged to control a compressive force between the knife portion and the base and a second spring is positioned proximate the creasing portion and is arranged to control a compressive force between the creasing portion and the base.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for opening and emptying a bag of material includes a base having a pair of opposed sides and a central aperture through which material may flow. The system includes a pair of opposed doors rotatably mounted on a pair of door shafts, the edges of the pair of opposed doors forming an opening and a plurality of piercing blades pivotally mounted to the base on a pivot rod, the blades capable of pivoting to pierce said bag. The system further includes a cutting blade mounted transversely below the opening of the opposed doors, the cutting blade capable of linear motion across the opening.

Abstract: A robot hand device according to an embodiment includes extensible arms which can be extended and shortened, a drive motor, and at least one clutch. The extensible arms support an object to be carried and are capable of being extended and shortened. The drive motor extends and shortens the extensible arms. The at least one clutch are capable of transmitting power of the motor to at least one of the extensible arms selected among the extensible arms to extend and shorten the selected at least one of the extensible arms.

Abstract: A de-bagging system includes a robot system with a robotic arm, a cutting nest assembly having a compartment including a first side-wall, and a second side-wall, and configured to receive a bagged item, a bag gripper movable relative to the first side-wall and the second side-wall, and a cutting assembly having a cutting blade. The cutting blade is slidably mounted in vicinity of the compartment. The robot system is configured to pick up a bagged item, to deposit the bagged item into the compartment, and to pick up an unbagged item from the compartment.

Abstract: A hole cutting apparatus for cutting a hole in a tubular structure, which includes a center shaft, a slide mount rotatably attached to the center shaft, a slide rail slidably attached to the slide mount; a cutter attachable to the slide rail so as to move with the slide rail, and a cutter height roller attached to the cutter. The cutter height roller is structured and arranged to maintain the cutter at a distance from a cutting surface of the tubular structure as the hole is cut.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for transferring a film, preferably a wound-on stretch film, wound onto a winding mandrel, oriented in particular vertically and preferably supported exclusively in the region of its upper end, of an unwrapping apparatus, such that when the transfer position of the winding mandrel is reached, the film wound onto the winding mandrel is pulled off the winding mandrel by means of at least one transfer device and delivered to a disposal area. An apparatus for transferring a film, preferably a wound-on stretch film, wound onto a winding mandrel, oriented in particular vertically and preferably supported exclusively in the region of its upper end, of an unwrapping apparatus, is disclosed. The apparatus encompasses at least one transfer device for pulling off the film wound onto the winding mandrel when the transfer position of the winding mandrel is reached.

Abstract: There is provided a coin handling apparatus capable of reducing the occurrence of failure caused by a foreign material. A coin handling apparatus includes a coin inlet unit into which coins are put, a coin receiving unit that receives the coins put into the coin inlet unit, a coin discharge unit to which the coins are discharged, and a foreign material discharge chute which is connected to the coin inlet unit and the coin discharge unit and along which a foreign material put into the coin inlet unit is discharged to the coin discharge unit.

Abstract: A carton decasing system for removing stacks of cartons or carton blanks from cases or containers includes a case infeed conveyor on which the cases with the cartons or carton blanks stacked therein are moved to an inverting assembly. The inverting assembly reorients the cases and places the cases with the cartons stacked therein on a decasing assembly which removes the cases from the stacks of cartons. The stacks of cartons are thereafter conveyed along a magazine conveyor with the stacks of cartons supported by a stack pusher assembly as the cartons are moved to a discharge point at the distal end of the magazine conveyor.

Abstract: A second tape feeding mechanism 20B is permitted to idly rotate only in a first rotating direction and has a biasing mechanism 25 which biases a carrier tape 14 against a sprocket 21B so that the carrier tape 14 is brought into engagement with the sprocket 21B. With a preceding tape 14(1) kept in engagement with the sprocket 21B, a leading end portion of a following tape 14 (2) is inserted between the sprocket 21B and the preceding tape 14 (1), and the preceding tape 14 (1) is biased by the biasing means 25 so that the following tape 14(2) is brought into engagement with the sprocket 21B.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically opening a seed packet and dispensing the contents of the same for planting is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carrier tape feeder for a chip mounter. The carrier tape feeder includes: a body part; a rotation part, which is rotatably mounted on the body part and rotates by being engaged with a portion of a first carrier tape; a handle part, which is disposed by being separated by a predetermined distance from the outer circumferential surface of the rotation part, is rotatably mounted on the body part, and is selectively engaged with a second carrier tape; and a block part, which is rotatably mounted on the body part and exerts a force to the second carrier tape towards the rotation part according to rotation of the handle part.

Abstract: A carton decasing system for removing stacks of cartons or carton blanks from cases or containers includes a case infeed conveyor on which the cases with the cartons or carton blanks stacked therein are moved to an inverting assembly. The inverting assembly reorients the cases and places the cases with the cartons stacked therein on a decasing assembly which removes the cases from the stacks of cartons. The stacks of cartons are thereafter conveyed along a magazine conveyor with the stacks of cartons supported by a stack pusher assembly as the cartons are moved to a discharge point at the distal end of the magazine conveyor.

Abstract: A bale shredder apparatus may comprise a frame and a bale hopper mounted on the frame and defining an interior bale chamber for receiving a bale to be shredded with a bale feed opening. A bale shredding assembly may be in communication with the bale chamber through the opening to shred a bale in the bale chamber. A side wall of the hopper may be movable away from the primary side wall to permit removal of a bale from the bale chamber. A primary bale movement assembly may move a bale in a lateral direction toward the opening and a secondary bale movement assembly may move the bale in a direction substantially transverse to the lateral direction. A shredding rotor of the shredding assembly may include at least one brace including at least one leg extending outwardly from the outer surface of the rotor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sack cutting means (10) for offshore emptying of content from a package, comprising a means (11) for cutting up the package, means (21) for separating the package from its content and means (20) for removing the emptied package from the cutting means, said means (21) for separating the content at least from the package comprising means (13) for ripping the package open, one or more transporting means and a rotating drum (21) provided with openings through which the content separated from the package is allowed to leave the drum (18). Further, the sack cutting screw (11) is separated from the drum (18) and that below both the sack cutting screw (11) and the drum (17), a means (20) for collecting and transporting away the content of the sacks is arranged, said means being configured in such way that the content of the package is removed at one end, while the waste package is removed at the other end of said sack cutting means (10).

Abstract: A system for automatic positioning, wrapper and strap cutting, wrapper removal, wrapper and strap takeaway, and debundled stack positioning and delivery of bound mail pieces, magazines, catalogs, brochures and other similar flat items (collectively “bundles”) for subsequent sorting and processing, all without damaging the contents within the bundle. Incoming bundles are supported on two supporting plates configured to move horizontally toward and away from each other, and spaced to expose a portion of the bottom surface of the bundle. A cutting device cuts the wrapping and straps on the exposed bottom portion of the bundle, and the supporting plates are moved away from each other to increase the spacing. As the spacing is increased gripping devices atop both supporting plates grab and pull the cat edges of the wrapping, until the bundle falls through to a holding device.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for, unwrapping a module of cotton or other fibrous material from a wrapping having at least one layer of plastics-sheet material, the method including the steps of: raising the module to a first, or elevated, position on a lift conveyor or vertically-movable support surface; advancing a plurality of gripper heads, mounted on a support frame, to an advanced position, into gripping engagement with the layer(s) of the sheet material wrapping; lowering the lift conveyor or vertically-movable support surface from the first position towards a second, or lowered, position; and retracting the plurality of gripper heads, to expand the wrapping to progressively release the cotton or other fibrous material from the lower portion to the upper portion of the module.

Abstract: A method for handling package assemblies in an automated aliquot and/or dispersal processes is provided. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, a method of handling a package assembly containing a particulate aliquot (such as a selected type of agricultural seed) that includes first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot, the method including receiving the package assembly in a package assembly handling device, and applying a force to the package assembly using the package assembly handling device so that the first and second portions at least partially separate in response to the force.

Abstract: A pill extraction device removes pills from a blister pack. The blister pack sits on a plate of the device, while a roller rolls across the blister pack to contact the blisters a row at a time and applies a force sufficient to extract the pills through the backing of the blister pack. The pills preferably fall through holes in the plate and may be collected on a tray under the plate. The roller is actuated by a crank, and a gear mechanism controls the advancement of the roller. Methods of extracting pills from a blister pack are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pill extractor removes pills from a blister pack. In some embodiments, the pill extractor is designed to remove all of the pills from a blister pack for distribution or disposal. In such embodiments, the blister pack sits on a plate of the device, while a roller rolls across the blister pack to contact the blisters a row at a time and applies a force sufficient to extract the pills through the backing of the blister pack. The pills preferably fall through holes in the plate and may be collected on a tray under the plate. The roller is actuated by a crank, and a gear mechanism controls the advancement of the roller. In other embodiments, the pill extractor is designed to extract a single pill at a time from a blister pack. Methods of extracting pills from a blister pack are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for unwrapping round modules is disclosed. Specifically, a method for unwrapping a round module is disclosed. The method comprises supporting a round module wrapped in a module wrapper on a tilting module feeder having a tilting module feeder first side and a tilting module feeder second side, cutting the module wrapper substantially horizontally from a round module first side to a round module second side, and applying tension to a module wrapper top flap.

Abstract: Device for emptying a bag containing a frozen blood-derived product, including: a cutting device; an extractor for the product, a hopper for receiving the product, a device for transporting the bag from a receiving area to the plasma extractor, this transporting device including a robotic arm with a gripper which, in turn, includes: two catching arms, each defining at least a distal end and a proximal end, and an actuator, in which the actuator controls a mechanism for modifying the distance separating the distal ends of the gripper arms to catch the bag by its lower surface.

Abstract: A plurality of product dispensing frames, each having a left side wall, a right side wall, a front end, and a rear end, and including an upper support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, a lower support deck positioned below the upper support deck, the lower support deck extending between the front end and the rear end and defining a product display area, and a dispenser door pivotably connected between outermost dispenser frames to cover and enclose the upper support decks.

Abstract: An apparatus for unloading bulk material form a silage bag, the apparatus collecting and lifting the grain while moving in a direction against the bag and cutting the bag in an upper part thereof, the apparatus dividing the bag in two side strips that are rolled up in rotary side spools, wherein once the strips are rolled up in the spools the spools are removed from the apparatus to collect the bag strips.

Abstract: A system for unstrapping and unsleeving a tray is provided. The system comprises a tray-transport configured to transport a tray in the system, a strap cutter configured to cut a strap on the tray, a strap-removal portion configured to remove the strap cut by the strap cutter, and an unsleeving station configured to remove a sleeve from the tray. The unsleeving station is configured to remove the sleeve from the tray after the strap-removal portion removes the cut strap.

Abstract: A component tape comprising a base tape that includes pockets configured to house electrical components for placement on a printed circuit board and a cover tape, covering the base tape wherein a portion of the cover tape is configured to engage with a tape engagement feature of a component tape feeder.

Abstract: A bale splitter (1) for mounting on a front end loader arm of a tractor' comprises a support framework (5) having a plurality of tines (7) extending transversely therefrom for supporting a cylindrical wrapped bale (2). A pair of carrier arms (15) pivotally coupled to the support framework (5) carry a cutting blade (20) for splitting the bale (2) and for simultaneously cutting wrapping material of the bale (2). The cutting blade (20) is slightly spaced apart from the tines (7) for preventing cutting of the wrapping material (4) adjacent the tines (7) so that the wrapping material remains in one single integral piece after splitting of the bale (2). A grab (30) comprising jaws (32,33) is supported on the support framework (5) to abut the bale (2) when supported on the tines (7), and for gripping the wrapping material (4) prior to operation of the cutting blade (20) for cutting the bale (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bale cutting apparatus comprising attachment means for coupling the apparatus to a prime mover and a cutting means to cut through a bale containing fodder. The apparatus has cutting means that is operable to retain the bale against a stop member and cut through the bale such that the fodder is discharged from the bale and any bale covering materials are retained by the apparatus. The present invention eliminates the need to separately remove any covering materials in which the fodder is wrapped.

Abstract: A dispenser (200) and method for dispensing pills to patients from cartridges (224) featuring downloadable remotely programmable timer (1B) and network communications links (504), alerting timer, databasing, printer, and battery (60).

Abstract: An apparatus for sorting material, includes a frame, at least one first shaft rotatably mounted onto the frame, and at least one second shaft rotatably mounted onto the frame in a substantially adjacent and parallel relationship with respect to the at least one first shaft. The first and second shafts define a conveying surface along which material to be sorted is intended to travel via a rotation of the shafts. At least one single disc is mounted in a substantially transverse relationship with respect to the at least one first shaft. At least one compound disc is mounted in a substantially transverse relationship with respect to the at least one second shaft, each compound disc having a main disc and an associated secondary disc, each main disc having an outside perimeter greater than that of the associated secondary disc, each secondary disc being in alignment with the at least one single disc of an adjacent first shaft.

Abstract: An auger apparatus for moving in a forward direction into a quantity of granular material includes an enclosed housing having a horizontal main floor and right and left inclined floors sloping downward and outward from corresponding ends of the main floor, and walls extending upward from lower ends of the inclined floors. Right and left feed auger tubes extend laterally from the walls, and feed augers are mounted in the tubes. Outer front portions of the feed auger tubes are open to expose outer portions of the feed augers. A main auger tube extends upward from a top of the housing, and a main auger extends from the main floor upward through the main auger. A middle material moving apparatus is mounted forward of the housing and moves grain laterally to the exposed outer portions of the feed augers as the housing moves forward.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container having multiple walls that define an internal volume, at least one of the walls including a pre-formed flex line, and a dispenser including a frame having a front end and a rear end, the frame including a stop positioned proximate the rear end and a support deck extending between the front end and the rear end, and an opening tool positioned to open the container as the container is moved along the support deck into engagement with the stop, wherein the engagement between the stop and the container effects a flexing of the container along the pre-formed flex line.

Abstract: A product dispensing system including a container defining an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, the container including a weakening feature, the opening and the weakening feature defining an access panel, and a dispenser including a frame having longitudinally opposed first and second ends, and including a support deck and a product display area, the support deck extending at least partially between the first and second ends, the product display area being positioned below the support deck, and a catch element connected to the frame proximate the first end, the catch element protruding away from the second end such that the catch element engages the opening in the container and at least partially separates the access panel from the container as the container longitudinally moves along the support deck from the first end toward the second end.

Abstract: An emergency equipment system comprising an elongate member, an emergency equipment package, and a cutter. The elongate member may have a first end and an angled end. The emergency equipment package may have a sleeve on one side capable of receiving the elongate member from the angled end. The cutter may be attached to a side of the elongate member and may be capable of cutting the sleeve.

Abstract: A grain bag handling assembly for a grain bag unloading apparatus having an auger assembly with an input end which is inserted into a mouth of an elongated grain bag and a remote output end. The grain bag handling assembly includes a rotatably mounted spool onto which the grain bag is rolled. The spool has a changeable diameter. A drive motor is provided for rotating the spool.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for removing a plastic wrap from a cylindrical module includes a conveyor transporting the cylindrical module toward a disperser with the cylindrical axis of the module parallel to the direction of conveyor movement. In another embodiment, the disperser is a travelling head disperser thereby providing relative movement between the modules and the disperser. The direction of the wrap around the module is determined and the cover is removed during rotation of the module, either by unwrapping the plastic or by slitting the plastic and then rotating the module. The equipment used to handle a cylindrical module is moved out of the path of movement of a conventional rectangular module so an installation can handle both rectangular and wrapped cylindrical modules.