Abstract: A computer system and the computer-implemented method of extending the battery life of a personal wearable sensing device, the method comprises determining a current location of the sensing device; determining locations of publicly accessible environmental monitors; determining whether the current location is within a proximity limit to a publicly accessible environmental monitor; and receiving information from the publicly accessible environmental monitor when the current location is within the proximity limit to the publicly accessible environmental monitor to save battery life of the sensing device.

Abstract: Provided is a method for labelling first packagings, including at least the following steps: transporting labels to a labelling zone, wherein an adhesive side of the labels is directed upward during the transport; removing the primary packagings to be labelled from a magazine device, wherein the packagings are provided in the magazine device as packaging blanks which are at least in sections flat, and are preferably removed individually from the magazine device; placing the primary packagings onto the labels and adhering the labels to the packagings, wherein the packagings are preferably pressed from above onto the labels; inserting the first labelled packagings into secondary packagings; and introducing several containers into the primary and secondary packagings.

Abstract: A transport device transports a separating element and inserts it into a container having receptacles. The separating element thus separates adjacent receptacles from each other. The apparatus includes a transport device that removes a separating element from a magazine and brings it to an insertion station for insertion into the container. The transport device includes a linear transporter having an electromagnetic direct drive and motion elements that circulate in a common direction around the linear transporter's closed motion path. Each motion element has a gripper arranged thereon.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a group of packaging media includes producing a series of packaging media; generating a sequence of unique codes in a computer system, physically marking the series of packaging media with the unique codes; registering a first unique code marked on a first packaging media in a first end of the series, entering an ordered number of packaging media in the computer system, creating two or more sub-series of packaging media from the series of packaging media based on the ordered number, registering a last unique code marked on a last packaging media in a last end of the sub-series, calculating an expected number of packaging media in the sub-series, and accepting the sub-series if a difference between the expected number and the ordered number is within a pre-defined tolerance, or refusing the sub-series if the difference is outside the pre-defined tolerance.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to a naked collation package comprising an arrangement of individual packages, individually packaged in a polyolefinic filmic material, that are packed together in said naked collation package in a naked collation film, and there being no seal between the naked collation film and the filmic material of the individual packages. A method for forming the naked collation package and a method for manufacturing the naked collation package are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dunnage inserter system has one or more storage containers for storage of a plurality of dunnage pieces. A trolley and lift assembly travels horizontally along a longitudinal axis of an overhead beam. A dunnage holder is mounted to the trolley and lift assembly and moves horizontally along the overhead beam and moves vertically via a lift assembly. The dunnage holder can lift and hold one or more dunnage pieces for installation onto a metal sheet in the metal sheet container.

Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case accommodating section 8, a plurality of tablet cases 3 for accommodating medicine and charges or supplies medicine into a bag 72, which medicine has been discharged from each tablet case 3 based on a prescription. An identification code 26 is provided for each of the tablet cases 3 and read by an optical sensor 33 provided inside the case accommodating section 8, whereby discharge of medicine is controlled. A motor 14 for driving a discharge drum for the tablet case 3 is checked for disconnection by being regularly energized. The operating time and the frequency of operation of parts that wear out, such as the motors, are stored for use in failure prediction. Time slots in which medicine should be taken are printed, each in a different color, by a color printing mechanism 73 on the bag 72 into which medicine is charged.

Abstract: A wrapped-product quality control method and a wrapped-product packing method include providing a wrapped product including a product in a wrapper; supplying the wrapped product on a measuring background in a capture range of an infrared-sensitive imaging device, the product having a product temperature different from a measuring background temperature of the measuring background, and the wrapper having a wrapper temperature; capturing with the infrared-sensitive imaging device infrared radiation from the wrapped product and the measuring background; providing an image of the product or of the wrapped product from the infrared radiation captured with the infrared-sensitive imaging device; and analyzing the image for quality control of the wrapped product. A corresponding wrapped-product quality control device and a corresponding wrapped-product.

Abstract: A storage hopper which is designed and adapted for interim storage of snus bags between a bag production apparatus and a transport device comprises two side walls, a rear wall and a front wall, shaft walls running parallel to the side walls and spaced apart from one another, wherein the storage hopper has, on its side facing towards the transport device, a lower closure element for storing a defined number of snus bags in each shaft and for joint discharge of the defined number of snus bags to the transport device, and wherein the storage hopper has, on the side facing towards the bag production apparatus, an upper closure element which is independent of the lower closure element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging wire fence clips first collects and aligns fence clips into a series of batches that each incorporate a selected quantity of clips. Each batch of clips is fed through a packaging station where first and second flexible adhesive substrates are affixed to opposite sides of the batch, and successive batches are separated to form compact and easy to carry bundles of the selected quantity of clips. A label applicator supplies adhesive labels to one of the flexible substrates.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer-readable mediums are provided for determining sizes of packaging in a packaging suite employed in a materials handling environment. The packaging may be used, for example, in the shipping of items from the materials handling environment to various destinations. The sizes of the packaging in the packaging suite are determined based at least in part upon the three-dimensional bounding boxes associated with packages or shipments shipped or planned to be shipped from the materials handling environment.

Abstract: According to various aspects, exemplary embodiments are disclosed of an automated system for combining cards and products for packaging. Also disclosed are exemplary automated methods for combining cards and products for packaging. In an exemplary embodiment, an automated system for combining cards and products generally includes a card station and a merge station. The card station is configured to form a card to a desired shape for combining with a product. The card station includes at least one roll former operable to fold at least a portion of the card. The merge station is configured to receive the formed card from the card station and combine the formed card with the package.

Abstract: A grouper apparatus for a packaging machine and methods of grouping items for packaging are provided. The grouper apparatus may have at least two container guides for defining lanes for receiving containers, at least one of the at least two container guides being movable, and at least one timing screw. The at least one timing screw may be positioned at least one of: between the at least two container guides; and coaxial with a corresponding one of the at least two container guides. The at least one timing screw may be adapted to receive and advance at least one lane of containers on either side thereof. A controller may be provided for controlling revolution of the at least one timing screw to provide at least one of a desired output grouping and a desired output rate of the containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing and packing individual strip-type objects, especially strips of chewing gum, comprising the following method steps and features: provision of rectangular sheets from which the strips are to be formed, the length of the shorter sides of the sheets corresponding to the length of a strip to be formed; formation of individual strips from the sheets provided; packing of the formed individual strips using a first packaging material; formation of a group of the individual packed strips; and packing of the formed group of strips using a second packaging material.

Abstract: A method, computer program, and system for optimizing kit nesting. The method, computer program, and system include defining a priority for each kit in a plurality of kits. Each of the plurality of kits is associated with at least one machine in a machine family, such that each machine family is associated with a set of kits. A first optimized nest is determined for each machine in each machine family by providing all machine-compatible parts in the highest priority kit to a nesting engine, allowing the nesting engine access to one or more subsequent priority kits to be arranged into the first nest. A second optimized nest is determined for at least one machine by providing all remaining machine-compatible parts in the highest priority kit to a nesting engine, allowing the nesting engine access to one or more subsequent priority kits to be arranged into the second nest.

Abstract: A method and system for producing, marking, and packaging ingots for use in fabricating dental prosthetics.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling under gravity from a hopper (9), a storage device (2) for articles that has the form of a columnar cavity between opposed side walls with a mass flow of mutually parallel rod-shaped articles descending from the hopper, a cavity-filling device (12) that alternates in use between a closed configuration that blocks a downward flow of the said articles through the device and an open configuration that allows flow of the articles through the device, the device being movable in translation, in alternate upward and downward strokes within the cavity, being in the closed configuration on the downward stroke and in the open configuration on the upward stroke.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a gift wrap is provided with a graphic. The user may customize the graphic with designs such as stickers, stencils, and stampers as well as with writing instruments. The user may also customize a design prior to placing the design on the gift wrap. The completed gift wrap can provide an educational experience for the person customizing the gift wrap while providing the recipient with a memorable package that a portion of which may be saved as a keepsake.

Abstract: The device (D) for transferring pharmaceutical articles from a counter to inside containers (C), continuously advancing along an advancement direction (V), comprises a first series of tubular elements (T1) and a second series of tubular elements (T2) having dimensions such as to be able to freely receive the pharmaceutical articles internally thereof.

Abstract: A hanging and parallel pushing lining-up device for a tubular material package which is a automatic packaging machine used for the pillow-type tubular material, comprises a hang-rail (10), a front propeller (40), a queuing means (20), a back propeller (42), a hang-rail (30) prepared for packaging, a hang-rail (21) for queuing and a hang-rail (33) for storage and waiting; a queuing means (20), comprising the hang-rail (21) for queuing and a movement synchronization module (24), the inlet section (22) of the hang-rail for queuing connects to the hang-rail (30) for storage and waiting, the outlet section (23) of the hang-rail for queuing connects to the exit end of the hang-rail (33) for storage and waiting; the front propeller (40) and the back propeller (42) both have a controlled pushing forward head (41, 43) which is able to extend out or shrink back horizontally. The hang-rail for storage and waiting comprises parallel hails, each width of which is the same as the length of the baffle grid (29).

Abstract: A method for the secondary packaging of ophthalmic lenses for example contact lenses, contained in individual primary packages (17). The method included steps of providing a plurality of single individual primary packages (17) each containing a lens and determining a number of single individual primary packages (17) to be taken from the plurality of single individual primary packages (17) and to be packed into a secondary package (16). The method further includes the steps of providing a secondary package blank (1) of a size capable of accommodating the determined number of single individual primary packages (17) to be packed into the secondary package (16) and placing each single individual primary package (17) of the determined number of single individual primary packages (17) into the secondary package blank (1).

Abstract: A device to assist in sorting and organizing any small items and, in particular, vitamins, supplements and prescription medications consisting of a series of folding, hinged panels that fold out to form troughs and transverse dividers that fit into the troughs to form bins. Once the bins are filled, the dividers are sequentially removed to allow the bin contents to be shoved along the trough into a small, resealable plastic bag for convenient storage and transportation. This saves time for people taking several different kinds of pills every day. Each pill bottle is located, opened, closed and stored away only once versus hundreds of times without using this device.

Abstract: A medicine guide assembly is disposed between paired adjacent medicine feeder storage units. Each medicine guide assembly guides the medicines, which have been ejected from the medicine feeders included in the paired medicine feeder storage units, to an outlet port located downward. The medicine guide assembly includes a first divided guide member and a second divided guide member which are combined with each other when the paired medicine feeder storage units are accommodated in the housing and which are separated from each other when one of the paired medicine feeder storage units is drawn out from the housing. Further, air cleaning devices are provided so as to be operable to take in air, clean the air, and supply the cleaned air to an interior of the housing.

Abstract: Machine and method for cartoning articles in containers or boxes, in which the machine has a loading section comprising an article inlet area; a loading area for loading articles into the containers; a configuring device; at least a first robot arranged to load articles from the inlet area and transfer the articles to the configuring device; at least a second robot arranged to pick up articles from the configuring device and transfer them to the loading area, in which the configuring device comprises an array of seats for temporary accommodation of articles, and the array of seats of the configuring device is formed from rows of article-receiving seats having a variable transversal distance; the configuring device operates in a synchronised manner with the first robot and with the second robot varying the relative position between respective rows of seats to provide interface respectively with the first robot and with the second robot.

Abstract: A product multi-pack is provided with a plurality of elongate product containers. The containers each include a bottom, an open top that is closed by a cap and a wall extending there between. The wall includes a label having a front portion extending about a limited section of the wall circumference. A carton is provided that is sized to display the plurality of product containers. A locator web is provided that is formed of a thin sheet of plastic having a plurality of spaced apart apertures. The apertures are sized to be at least partially elastically deformed when installed over the caps of the product containers. Additionally, the locator web provides frictional resistance to rotation of the product containers, which enables the containers to be positioned and held in place relative to the carton open face so that the label front portions are visible.

Abstract: A shrink film applying apparatus includes an article feed for feeding articles for shrink-wrapping at line pressure; a wrapping conveyor driven at a wrapping speed through a wrapping zone, the wrapping conveyor receiving articles from the article feed. First and second films are supplied to the wrapping zone. A plurality of flight bars are individually driven in a path at a variable speed. A sealing mechanism within the wrapping zone seals the first film to the second film at contact points to form a circumferential film unit substantially surrounding grouped articles within loops of second film and a corresponding portion of the first film, the film unit being shrinkable about the grouped articles to form a package. Related methods and subassemblies of the apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: Automatic packaging machine, comprising a tubular forming element (1) into which the product (6) to be packaged is introduced and around which at least one layer of plastic film (2) for forming the packages (13) is wrapped; this machine comprises: forming means (7) for wrapping the film (2) around said tubular element (1) so that at least two strips (2?,2?) of said film are superimposed in the longitudinal direction (L); means (9, 91) for feeding said film (2) along said tubular element (1); at least one welding bar (11) able to perform a longitudinal weld of said superimposed strips of the film (2); said bar (11) is able to move at least in a transverse direction (T) towards or away from said tubular forming element (1); and movable units (14, 14?, 14?, 114) for transversely welding and cutting the film (2) in tubular form leaving said tubular forming element (1), said movable units (14, 14?, 14?, 114) being positioned downstream of said longitudinal welding bar (11) on at least two diametrically opposite si

Abstract: A system for packing and shipping erosion control blankets that maximizes the use of the interior space of a shipping container. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the system relates to packing, handling, storing and shipping of erosion control blankets adapted for delivery to customers with the most efficient use of space during shipping.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging wire fence clips first collects and aligns fence clips into a series of batches that each incorporate a selected quantity of clips. Each batch of clips is fed through a packaging station where first and second flexible adhesive substrates are affixed to opposite sides of the batch, and successive batches are separated to form compact and easy to carry bundles of the selected quantity of clips. A label applicator supplies adhesive labels to one of the flexible substrates.

Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which quickly and conveniently provide for the selective transmission of individual solid pharmaceutical products from a common location into individual blister package product cavities. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiments, an automated alignment mechanism alters the orientation of solid pharmaceutical products that are initially arranged randomly in a two-dimensional array into one or more linear transmission systems. Each linear transmission system is essentially a one-dimensional stack of solid pharmaceutical products, vitamins or other elements. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, after the solid pharmaceutical products have been arranged in one or more of the linear transmission systems or vertical stacks, the solid pharmaceutical products are selectively transmitted into individual product package blister cavities or into product package templates having locations corresponding to the blister package cavities.

Abstract: A system for packaging an item with an identifier comprises an identifier adder, a labeler, and a packager. The identifier adder adds one or more types of silica-based tags to an item, wherein each type of silica-based tag has a first signature readable using an optical spectroscopic reader. A label is generated based at least in part on reading the one or more types of silica-based tags of the item using the optical spectroscopic reader. The label includes goods info. The packager includes the label on a package, and wherein the packager includes the item in the package.

Abstract: A palletising device including a lower surface which restingly receives a pallet, and an upper platform which is provided with a variably-configurable first support, cyclically between a closed configuration in which the first support supports a layer of products and an open configuration in which the layer of products is released downwardly; an intermediate platform between the lower surface and the upper platform, which move between a raised position and a lowered position and vice versa, comprising a variably-configurable second support which, maintain the second support in a closed configuration, thus forming a stack, and which release the stack of products towards the underlying lower surface in an open configuration.

Abstract: A process for recovering packaged ingredients from multi-component product packets, comprises the steps of: (a) Providing a supply of multi-component product packets that contain at least two components; (b) orienting the multi-component product packets so that one of the components is in a desired position and feeding the oriented multi-component product packets to a breaching station; (c) breaching the multi-component product packets so as to access one of the components; (d) manipulating the multi-component product packets to collect the component accessed in step (c); and (e) further manipulating the multi-component product packets to release and collect another one of the components.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a collection unit and a conveyance unit. The collection unit is configured and arranged to overlay a plurality of packaged objects on adjacent packaged objects. The conveyance unit is configured and arranged to convey, as a group of packaged objects, the packaged objects which are overlaid on the adjacent packaged objects at the collection unit. The conveyance unit includes a position control component. At least one portion of the position control component is positioned below a conveyance plane of the conveyance unit and the other portion of the position control component is positioned above the conveyance plane of the conveyance unit before positions of the packaged objects are adjusted, the one portion and the other portion of the position control component is provided sequentially.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing a packaged unit. Individual products (3) are combined into a product cluster (2) and are fixed relative to each other by means of a shrink film (1). For this purpose, the shrink film (1) is wrapped around the product cluster (2) such that at least one lateral opening (5) is formed, and the shrink film (1) is then shrunk. According to the invention, the shrink film (1) is placed against the product cluster (2) at least in the region of the lateral opening (5) such that a closed surface is formed in the shape of a closure (6) that has optionally overlapping folded zones (8a, 8b).

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products into a container, comprising a first supply conveyor (10); reorientation means (60, 62), associated with said first supply conveyor and configured for selectively changing the orientation of products (74-76, 81) being transported thereon; a second supply conveyor (20), disposed downstream of the first supply conveyor and having a product-carrying surface (21) that is moveable in both a transport direction and a direction substantially perpendicular thereto; a collecting conveyor (30), disposed downstream of the second supply conveyor, whereby a portion of the third product-carrying surface is extendably and retractably arranged; and a suction pick up head (66) that is disposed in a substantially vertically moveable manner above the retractable portion of the collecting conveyor, the suction pick up head being configured for engaging a layer of products to be placed into the container (90).

Abstract: A pack, including at least two PET containers combined with each other, which are held together by a strip-like or ribbon-like compact strapping. The pack is provided with a carrier handle, which overstretches one top side of the pack and is fixed at the lateral surface areas of two PET containers which are arranged opposite of each other, next to each other or adjacent to each other, joints between the carrier handle and the respective PET container being at least partially arranged within the strapping.

Abstract: A collector device includes a collector connected to a positioner, such as a robot arm. The positioner can automatically move the collector in multiple dimensions to collect objects into the collector according to a specified collection pattern. By moving the collector in multiple dimensions, the positioner provides for objects to be arranged in the collector according to a specified pattern. The positioner can also move the collector so that the collected objects are transferred to a second collector for shipping, storage, and the like.

Abstract: An article packaging machine includes a trailing article pusher assembly for pushing the trailing articles of a packaging production run down infeed conveyer lanes and through workstations of the packaging machine so that the trailing articles can be packaged. The pusher assembly comprises a pusher chain that is flexible in one direction to allow the chain to be coiled upon itself and generally inflexible in the other direction beyond a substantially straight configuration of the chain. A pusher block is attached to a free end of the pusher chain. The pusher chain is normally stowed on a take-up magazine beside its associated infeed lane during a packaging operation. When the trailing articles of a production run approach the workstations of the packaging machine, a gate opens to allow the pusher chain and its pusher block to be extended into the infeed lane behind the last trailing article.

Abstract: A collector device includes a collector connected to a positioner, such as a robot arm. The positioner can automatically move the collector in multiple dimensions to collect objects into the collector according to a specified collection pattern. By moving the collector in multiple dimensions, the positioner provides for objects to be arranged in the collector according to a specified pattern. The positioner can also move the collector so that the collected objects are transferred to a second collector for shipping, storage, and the like.

Abstract: A paper sheet processing system has a paper sheet processing apparatus and a paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus. The paper sheet processing apparatus sends category information of a bundle of 100 paper sheets to the paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus when discharging the bundle of 100 paper sheets. The paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus classifies and accumulates the bundle of 100 paper sheets based on the category information when receiving the bundle of 100 paper sheets. The paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus bands ten bundles of 100 paper sheets as a bundle of 1000 paper sheets. Since the paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus receives the bundle of 100 paper sheets of different category from the paper sheet processing apparatus and accumulates the bundle of 100 paper sheets for every category to form the bundle of 1000 paper sheets, the usage rate of the paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus becomes high.

Abstract: In order to package flat objects (1) with the aid of a quasi-endless packaging material web, the packaging material web is placed around a row (4) of the objects (1), in which these objects are conveyed one after the other and in an interspaced manner, whereupon longitudinal seams are made in the packaging material web and transversal seams are made between the objects (1) whereby separating the packaged objects from one another. In contrast to prior art packaging methods during which the row is formed before the packaging material web is fed thereto, the invention provides that the row is directly formed on the packaging material web (2) during which the objects are, by acceleration, separated out from a supply stream (3), in which they are fed while overlapping one another, and directly placed upon or pushed onto the packaging material web (2).

Abstract: The method for grouping stackable products of the cases, small plates or other type, in light of a taking up by appropriate means in order to carry out their packaging, products arriving in line on a first feed conveyor (2) which has an accumulation function and a distribution function of said products, distribution being carried out sequentially in order to feed a supply conveyor (3) which makes said products available so that they can be collected, method consisting in: collecting the products distributed on the supply conveyor (3) by means of a transversal collector (4) which is mobile in a vertical plane, in depositing the collected products on a take-up station (10) which is located above the level of said supply conveyor (3), in providing said collector (4) with a loop movement, cyclical, in order to collect the products, deposit them and return to the point of departure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for overpacking a least one object using at least one blank of an appropriate material such as carton in order to form a batch. The device of the invention includes at least one carousel including at least one receptacle, and at least three work stations distributed about said carousel, said three stations including a work station with distribution means for distributing at least one blank of material to the at least one receptacle, a work station with loading means for loading said at least one object into said receptacle, and a work station with unloading means for unloading at least one assembled batch, wherein means for folding and/or closing the blank in order to form the overpacking are also provided.

Abstract: A stacking apparatus and method of multi-layer stacking of objects of different sizes on a support to form a stacked support includes providing a support handler. A support is elevated with the support handler and objects of different sizes and shapes are stacked on the support to form a stacked support. A stacked support is removed and an empty support supplied with the support handler. A placeholder is provided above the support handler. The placeholder has a first mode for receiving objects on the placeholder. The placeholder has a second mode for providing access to a support on the support handler. The placeholder is put in the first mode while the support handler removes a stacked support and supplies an empty support. The placeholder is put in the second mode when the support handler is elevating a support being stacked with articles.

Abstract: A machine (100) for making filter bags (1) for infusion products, the machine (100) being of the type comprising, one after the other along a production line (P), a plurality of operating stations designed to form the filter bags (1) and at least one operating outfeed station (7) for handling the filter bags (1) made; the operating outfeed and handling station (7) comprises conveying means (8) designed to successively pick up and withhold the filter bags (1) along a certain section (T1) of the line (P); supporting guide means (9) along which an ordered and continuous succession of filter bags (1) is formed and fed along another section (T2) of the line (P); and means (11) for picking up and transferring the filter bags from the conveying means (8) to the supporting guide means (9).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described for manufacturing and/or packaging of multiple items simultaneously, in particular the handling and placement for packaging of the items on an assembly line. In particular, the apparatus and method are for use in changing the center spacing of the simultaneously manufactured items between two locations on the assembly line.

Abstract: A boxing device includes a collecting unit, a group weight measuring unit, a determination unit, and a boxing unit, and adapted to pack a predetermined weight or a predetermined number of articles in a box. The collecting unit is configured and arranged to collect the articles as a group. The group weight measuring unit is configured and arranged to measure the weight of the group. The determination unit is configured and arranged to determine whether or not it is adequate to pack the group of the articles in the box based on the weight measured by the group weight measuring unit. The boxing unit is configured and arranged to pack, in the box, a plurality of the groups of the articles determined by the determination unit to be adequate to be packed in the box.

Abstract: A method of depositing items of value, the method comprising 1) receiving a tamper evident and coded container holding the items of value, the code relating to the content of the container; 2) verifying that the package has been received in an acceptable manner, and, if it has, 3) either incrementing an account with the value of the items of value in the container by reference to the code and without opening the container, or, if the account has previously been incremented, leaving the account unchanged.

Abstract: A centering unit for aligning at least two grouped vessels, a liftable and lowerable precentering mechanism as well as a liftable and lowerable final centering mechanism being provided so as to improve the alignment. According to a preferred embodiment, the precentering mechanism may include a plurality of subcentering mechanism so that vessels coming from different infeeds can be centered by mechanism a centering unit.