Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for receiving and processing containers by conducting a plurality of processing steps, the apparatus comprising a plurality of processing stations, wherein the apparatus is configured such that a processing step is conducted at each processing station, wherein the plurality of processing stations comprises an infeed station for receiving the containers; a filling station for filling the containers with a product; and an output station for dispensing the filled containers; wherein the apparatus is configured to move the containers through the plurality of processing stations in a rotary manner about a substantially horizontal central axis.

Abstract: A packing method for producing a package of tobacco articles having: an inner container, which houses a group of tobacco articles, and has an open top end and a hinged lid to close the open top end; an outer container housing the inner container so as to allow the inner container to slide with respect to the outer container between a closed configuration and an open configuration; and a sealing flap, which is hinged to a top edge of a front wall of the outer container, and is movable between a work position, in which the sealing flap is perpendicular to the front wall of the outer container and located beneath a top wall of the lid of the inner container, and a rest position, in which the sealing flap is substantially parallel to the front wall of the outer container.

Abstract: A processing method for automatically opening a slide-open package of tobacco articles with a hinged lid; the processing method including the steps of: mechanically clamping an outer container of the package; exerting pull on the lid to rotate the lid into an open position by means of a first actuator, which contacts a top wall of the lid, and has a suction head which engages the top wall by suction; and, simultaneously and in coordination with the step of exerting pull on the lid, exerting thrust on an inner container of the package, to slide the inner container axially with respect to the outer container, by means of a second actuator, which contacts a wall of the inner container through a window formed through a corresponding wall of the outer container.

Abstract: Procedure for the low-risk and zero-emission transportation of sulphur from solid sulphur deposits, in blocks of large dimensions, characterized in that it comprises the formation of blocks of sulphur, having suitable dimensions for being moved, by means of water cut techniques and the wrapping of the blocks obtained in polyethylene sheets.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for placing trays into sleeves is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor system for transporting a mail tray, a sleeve blank presentment device and a robotic arm. The robotic arm is provided with an end of arm tool which retains and opens a sleeve blank. A tray induction system including a plurality of paddles configured to guide a tray into an open sleeve blank is also provided.

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: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.

Abstract: A packaging assembly having an open design for displaying a product is provided. The packaging assembly is configured for storage and display in high density arrays of packaging assemblies, such as storage in pallets, and is configured to display visual information to a user from any perspective, even when the packaging assembly is packed in high density arrays of packaging assemblies. The packaging assembly includes an inner portion designed to contain a product and a housing designed to house the inner portion, wherein the inner portion includes a substantially transparent cover that facilitates display of the product. The packaging assembly includes an outer portion having a three dimensional window box frame, wherein portions of the window box frame are configured to couple to flanges provided on the inner portion.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for making a band-driven package or a band-drive component for a package, and machines for performing the methods. One method comprises feeding first and second flexible webs in a feed direction, one web being fed each side of a substrate such that the webs are in mutual face-to-face disposition ahead of and behind the substrate with respect to the feed direction; joining the face-to-face webs at a first join ahead of the substrate and at a second join behind the substrate, the joins bounding web portions that together encircle the substrate between the joins; and dividing the joined web portions from the remainder of the webs such that the joined web portions together define a band that encircles the substrate, to be slid around the substrate in use of the package.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for loading blister cards into sleeves includes a blister card magazine for receiving a stack of blister cards and a sleeve magazine for receiving a stack of sleeves. A loading conveyor moves a lug along a path to load a blister card into a sleeve. A gate releasably retains the sleeve in a loading position as the blister card is loaded into the sleeve. The loading apparatus also includes a hopper that facilitates loading sleeves into the sleeve magazine and sensors that ensure the blister cards are properly loaded into sleeves.

Abstract: A system for loading a plurality of items in series into a receptacle held in an item holding device, comprises a plurality of item holding devices each adapted for holding an item receptacle adapted to hold a plurality of items. A holding devices moving apparatus such as a conveyor, moves the plurality of item holding devices through an item loading station with the item receptacles being oriented at a first angle to the horozinal. An item delivery apparatus delivers a plurality of items separately in series at an item orientation that is at a second angle to the item receptacles. The item delivery apparatus may include a metering device comprising a wheel member having a plurality of generally radially extending, generally equally spaced finger members, with all adjacent finger members being configured at a distance there between proximate end portions of said adjacent finger members. The radial position of the fingers, and thus the distance between end portions, is adjustable.

Abstract: A packaging (1) for a material that can be heated, especially microwave-heated, in the packaged state, which packaging has at least one sealing region (5) which becomes locally permeable when a predetermined internal pressure is exceeded. The or each sealing region of such a kind has at least one intended passage region (7, 9), which comprises a choke (9) for the contents of the packaging and an apex (7) pointing towards the interior of the packaging. As the choke there is used a channel-like, triangular or star-shaped interrupt ion or cut-out.

Abstract: A device for filling soluble containers such as capsules comprises an assembly for orienting and separating capsules including double blind capsules which have a longer cap length and shorter body length wherein such assembly has a top sheet for loading the capsules and a bottom sheet for orienting the capsules loaded therein and such said sheets capable of being relatively displaced with respect to each other. Slots are provided in the top sheet for limiting such displacement by setting free configuration for orientation of the capsules. An open closable gate is mounted to the top sheet for enabling easier loading and containment of the capsules within the top sheet, for orienting the capsules. The filler assembly has at least a pair of sheets having profile cut portions and profile-cut strip for gripping the body of the capsules especially capsules having a longer cap length and shorter body length such as double blind capsules.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming packages of pre-cooked meals. The package comprises a tray enclosed at least partially by a card sleeve having top and bottom faces and two opposing side walls. The forming apparatus includes a series of forming tools mounted for movement at spaced intervals and each forming tool is provided for the reception of a sleeve in a blank flattened form. As the sleeve is introduced into the forming tool the sleeve is moved to the erected condition, the tray is inserted in the erected sleeve and the formed package removed from the forming tool.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a precisely controlled amount of dry material to a container. In one embodiment, a system is provided for automated container filling. The system includes a container handling mechanism that includes a container block defining a container receptacle, and a cap carrier defining a cap receptacle. The system also includes a dosing portion having a dosing plate defining a dosing hole. The dosing plate is movable between two positions so that when the dosing plate is in the first position the dosing hole is positioned to receive a dose of powder. When the dosing plate is in the second position, the dosing hole is positioned to dispense the dose of powder into the container receptacle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a precisely controlled amount of dry material to a container. In one embodiment, a system is provided for automated container filling. The system includes a container handling mechanism that includes a container block defining a container receptacle, and a cap carrier defining a cap receptacle. The system also includes a dosing portion having a dosing plate defining a dosing hole. The dosing plate is movable between two positions so that when the dosing plate is in the first position the dosing hole is positioned to receive a dose of powder. When the dosing plate is in the second position, the dosing hole is positioned to dispense the dose of powder into the container receptacle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for providing a precisely controlled amount of dry material to a container. In one embodiment, a system is provided for automated container filling. The system includes a container handling mechanism that includes a container block defining a container receptacle, and a cap carrier defining a cap receptacle. The system also includes a dosing portion having a dosing plate defining a dosing hole. The dosing plate is movable between two positions so that when the dosing plate is in the first position the dosing hole is positioned to receive a dose of powder. When the dosing plate is in the second position, the dosing hole is positioned to dispense the dose of powder into the container receptacle.

Abstract: The present invention mainly relates to a transverse displacement mechanism for a compact disc packaging machine includes a working table, an intermittent driving member, a motor, a rocking lever set, and a plurality of transverse displacement frames. The rocking lever set includes two parallel front curved rocking levers, two parallel rear curved rocking levers, two triangular first rotary blocks, two L-shaped second rotary blocks, and two parallel inner curved rocking levers. In operation, the front curved rocking levers, the rear curved rocking levers, and the inner curved rocking levers co-operate with each other to form an eddy state during operation. In such a manner, most of the components of the rocking lever set are hidden in the working table so that the operation of the rocking lever set can be mainly performed in the working table mainly, thereby greatly saving the space of the transverse displacement mechanism for a compact disc packaging machine.

Abstract: An assemblage of a "jewel box"-packaged CD and a point-of-sales cardboard holder in the use of which holder a CD replicator loads the CD through a front opening into an internal box-like configuration having an interposed position between an external book-like configuration, and wherein both mentioned configuration components of the holder are adapted to advantageously be shipped flat to the replicator's facility to facilitate transportation and storage handling, and wherein further the flat condition is the result of not closing a rear opening of the box-like configuration which has no adverse consequence because a spine means of the book-like configuration serves as a closure for this rear opening when used in its intended book mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a dental floss product formed of a bobbin of wound thread, a dispenser case, and a dispenser insert for rotatably supporting the bobbin of wound thread when positioned within the dispenser case. The dispenser insert is detachably mounted in an insert loading area of a singular dispenser assembly fixture, and the dispenser case is detachably mounted in a dispenser case loading area of the singular dispenser assembly fixture. The bobbin of wound thread is next loaded onto the dispenser insert while the dispenser insert is mounted in the insert loading area. The dispenser insert with the bobbin of wound thread loaded thereon is then detached from the insert loading area, and the dispenser insert with the bobbin of wound thread loaded thereon is loaded into the dispenser case while the dispenser case is mounted in the dispenser case loading area. The lid of the loaded dispenser case is then closed, and the dispenser case is detached from the dispenser case loading area.

Abstract: A sleeving machine and a method for automatically inserting a tray of postal mail into a sleeve. The tray is disposed on a transport station and advanced by a transport belt. A pusher on the transport belt engages the tray for advancement through the machine. Collapsed sleeves are dispensed as required from a hopper into a sleeving station. A suction head and a pivoted second side of the sleeving station open the sleeve to receive the tray. The transport belt with the pusher advances the tray into the open sleeve and then advances the sleeve, with the tray therein, out of the sleeving station. Sensors are provided to control and coordinate movement of the second belt and dispensing of the sleeves from the hopper into the sleeving station. Safety features are provided.

Abstract: A sleeving machine and a method for automatically inserting a tray of postal mail into a sleeve. The tray is disposed on a transport station and advanced by a first belt. A second belt having a pusher thereon engages the tray for advancement through the machine. Collapsed sleeves are dispensed as required from a hopper into a sleeving station. Arcuate guides in the sleeving station open the sleeves to receive the tray. The second belt with the pusher advances the tray into the open sleeve and then advances the sleeve, with the tray therein, out of the sleeving station. Sensors are provided to control and coordinate movement of the second belt and dispensing of the sleeves from the hopper into the sleeving station. Safety features are provided.

Abstract: Arrangement for storing and transporting substrates under clean room conditions and for loading the substrates into a clean room. The substrates are individually accommodated in cassettes which are positively stackable. By means of a lifting means, the cassettes are positioned external to a loading slot of the clean room. A lateral sealing flap in the cassette is opened and the substrate is moved into the loading slot in a substrate drawer.

Abstract: Packages (10) are assembled with sleeve type boxes having a receptacle portion (14) and a closure portion (24) in a process and apparatus which guide the packages between a fixed guide (52) and a movable guide (50) into a receptacle portion held in the jaws of a grasping device (66), after which the partially completed product is moved along a path (62) into engagement with a closure portion held at an angle to the path by a grasping and holding device (64) which rotates the closure portion into telescopic engagement with the receptacle portion as the two portions move along the path (62). A programmable robot (56) is used to pick up matched pairs of closure and receptacle portions, engage the closure portions with grasping and holding device (64) and engage the receptacle portions with grasping device (66); and, after insertion of a package, the matched pairs are reassembled.

Abstract: A mechanism packaging tape cassettes in cardboard sleeves including a controlled cassette guideway which advances cassettes to a packaging station and a controlled loading track which advances sleeves to the packaging station for positioning on the cassettes. The guideway may either receive cassettes from an incoming belt or a hopper. A pusher mechanism advances the cassettes to the packaging station while a retractable stop insures proper location of the cassette. The cassette is slightly raised above the surface of the guideway to be properly positioned for receiving the enclosing sleeve. The loading track includes a hopper to receive collapsed sleeves. The sleeves are released one-at-a-time into the loading track where a sleeve pusher advances the sleeves one-at-a-time into a die defined by opposed channels. The channels are spaced such that the continued pushing of the sleeve therethrough causes it to assume its appropriate rectangular configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for nesting a carton bottom with an open-sided carton top includes a work surface having a first end and a discharge end, and feed stations along the work surface for feeding the carton bottom and top onto the work surface. A conveyor and dog arrangement engages the carton bottom near one feed station and moves the carton bottom in a first direction along the work surface toward the discharge end, with a pair of pivoted flaps along the direction of travel for centering and guiding the carton bottom into a nesting arrangement with the carton top as the carton bottom moves along the direction of travel.

Abstract: Slides 12 previously filled with cigarettes are inserted into opened rectangular sleeves 11 by introducing the slides and sleeves into respective radial pockets of adjacent coaxial turrets 19, 20 of equal diameter and rotating at the same speed, and then pushing the slides into the sleeves by cam controlled rams 23. The flattened sleeves are initially fed to the underside of turret 20 and lifted by rocker 16 against suction holders 22 of the turret pockets, whereafter they are opened or erected by an overfolding and release sequence during the rotation of the turret. The slides are brought in on a linear conveyor 15, elevated into pockets 61 of a radially armed transfer apparatus 13 by a lifter 83, and thereafter tangentially delivered into the pockets of turret 19 for engagement by the fixed and pivotal pocket side walls 24, 25. The insertion of the slides into the sleeves is facilitated by four pivotal and axially movable guides 52 provided at the entry corners of each sleeve.