Abstract: A method for automatically transferring spouted pouches provides a simple, efficient approach for automatically loading spouted pouches from a container to a belt conveyor. And, an automatic pouch transferring assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A packaging unit for packaging pharmaceuticals into a pouch includes packaging equipment operable to form the pouch, a track configured to direct the pharmaceuticals toward the packaging equipment, and a receptacle coupled to the track upstream of the packaging equipment to receive the pharmaceuticals from the track. The receptacle includes a plunger. The pouch is formed around the plunger.

Abstract: A fully automated pharmaceutical product packaging machine is capable of selectively depositing one or more different solid pharmaceutical products into an individual cavity for each of a plurality of individual patient product package cavities. The system employs a plurality of solid pharmaceutical product dispensing canisters which are capable of selectively dispensing a pre-designated number of solid pharmaceutical products. The machine fills a template containing temporary storage cavities and the template is automatically positioned over a sheet of clear plastic material containing a plurality of cavities corresponding to the cavities in the template. A barrier between the cavities in the template and the sheet of clear plastic material is moved and the pharmaceuticals in the template cavities drop into the corresponding cavities in the clear plastic sheet of material.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing and packaging dosed quantities of solid drug portions is provided. The apparatus includes multiple dosing stations, each dosing station having an output opening for dispensing solid drug portions, a collector for collecting dosed quantities of solid drug portions dispensed by the dosing stations and forwarding the dosed quantities of solid drug portions to a packager, and multiple fall ducts configured to guide the solid drug portions from the output openings to the collector, each fall duct having an outlet and a number of inlet openings, the output openings of the dosing stations being aligned with the inlet openings of the fall ducts when a fall duct (7) is positioned adjacent to a column of dosing stations. Each fall duct includes a first part and a second part detachably connected together.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately dosing moist smokeless tobacco includes a dosing assembly and a dosing air source. The dosing assembly defines a loading chamber and a dosing chamber for containing a quantity of moist smokeless tobacco material. The dosing assembly also includes a discharge opening communicating with the dosing chamber. The dosing air source communicates with the dosing chamber and is operable to deliver compressed air to the dosing assembly so as to move moist smokeless tobacco material from the dosing chamber to the discharge opening. A method of pouching moist smokeless tobacco includes placing a predetermined quantity of moist smokeless tobacco in a dosing chamber having a predetermined volume, and ejecting the predetermined quantity of moist smokeless tobacco to pouching apparatus using compressed air.

Abstract: A device for opening a piping bag for pre-filling comprises first and second gripping surfaces, adapted for clamping an openable end of the piping bag therebetween, wherein the gripping surfaces, while in clamping engagement with the piping bag, are movable relative to each other in a direction substantially parallel with said gripping surfaces. A method for opening a piping bag for prefilling is also disclosed.

Abstract: A robot system includes a robot that includes arms each including multiple joints, a controller configured to control an operation of the robot, and a tip stocker configured to supply a tip box with a pipette tip attached to and detached from a pipette with an operation of the robot. In addition, the tip stocker includes a movable member configured to be movable in accordance with an operation of the robot.

Abstract: A pneumatic container transport system conveys specialized, cylindrical containers between stations within an automated container filling system. Low-pressure, high-velocity air moving through plastic tubing propels the containers through switching gates, air impellers and deceleration devices from one station to another. Annular ridges around the circumference of the containers minimize contact with the inside tube walls and deter scuffing of paper labels which carry machine readable indicia upon which the container filling system relies for directing the containers. The air impellers include at least one aperture for adjusting the air pressure and velocity. Actuator-operated gates in the tubing system respond to control signals from management software to direct each container to its next station. At selected stations, decelerators slow the containers upon arrival to cushion their impact upon arrival and to protect the contents from damage due to jarring.

Abstract: A filling plant for containers and a method for operating the filling plant. At least two separately controllable transport paths for pressureless container transport, each including at least one single-track container buffer, are provided downstream of a filling machine, and the transport paths can, according to requirements, flexibly be charged with containers having a round or non-round cross-section and in the event of a production failure in one of the transport paths at least the other transport path can still be used for production.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for continuously bagging pellets. The pellets can be formed from a tacky and/or polymer-containing formulation. Other embodiments relate to systems for continuously bagging pellets. Still other embodiments related the individual components of the processes and systems for continuously bagging pellets.

Abstract: A method for automatic packaging of sanitary articles (A) in at least one first type of package (I) and one second type of package (II) containing, respectively, a first number of articles and a second number of articles, envisages: providing a flow of incoming articles (A); diverting (10) articles from said flow of articles with a ratio between non-deflected articles and deflected articles that is a function of the ratio between the aforesaid first number and the aforesaid second number, generating a main flow of non-deflected articles (A) that may be packaged in the packages of the first type (I) and a derived flow of deflected articles that may be packaged in the packages of the second type (II).

Abstract: A method for packaging bags includes providing a plurality of bags arranged in a stack; moving the stack of bags to a tube; rotating the stack of bags to form a rolled set of bags; and moving the rolled set of bags into a packaging container. A system for carrying out the method includes a plate having an open gap sized to support the stack of bags over the open gap; a tube having a longitudinal slot oriented to receive the stack of bags; a finger arrangement to move the stack of bags into the tube and then rotate the stack into a rolled set; and a push member to move the rolled set of bags into a packaging container.

Abstract: Improved product handling and transfer apparatus includes rotatable product buckets for receiving product and re-orienting product for packaging in diverse configurations or containers. Buckets preferably include channels spanned by deposited product or receiving product therein, with bucket turning as appropriate to a packaging configuration. Flat bottom buckets and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention are directed to improved processes and systems for continuously bagging materials. In particular, the improved processes and systems can be used to bag tacky materials with improved throughput. The systems generally include at least one of a feeding section, mixing section, pelletizing section, transport piping, agglomerate catcher, defluidizing section, drying section, pellet diverter valve, and/or bagging assembly.

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: The invention concerns a four-lane tray sealer, which has two double lanes for sealing trays with a cover film, wherein the double lanes can be operated independently from one another.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a machine to group and join at last two articles by attaching a first packaging to form a packaging unit. The individual packaging units are joined together with an additional second packaging to form a bigger unit. The process is carried out continuously, whereby the packaging units are transposed or not.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an individual packaging for a liquid or solid product includes uninterruptedly unwinding a lower film while simultaneously unwinding an upper film with regard to the lower film. The process further includes continuously dispensing, between the two films, the product which is to be packaged and simultaneously forming and sealing the contour of each packaging by ultrasonic welding. This welding is carried out so that the ultrasound ejects the product from the zones being welded.

Abstract: A packing method and machine for producing a package, the method including the steps of feeding the content of the package into a first pocket of a first packing conveyor; transferring the content of the package from the first pocket of the first packing conveyor to a second pocket of a second packing conveyor at a first transfer station; feeding a first blank to the second pocket by means of a first feed device; and folding the first blank, in the second pocket, about the content of the package to form a container with a lid.

Abstract: Pouches (2) of cohesionless material, typically a smokeless tobacco product, are manufactured by conveying portions of the tobacco initially on a dispensing disc (5a) with cavities (7) from a delivery station (8) to a transfer station (9), where each portion of tobacco is then removed forcibly from the relative cavity by an ejection system (14) and directed into a duct (12) connecting with a wrapping station (10) at which the pouches (2) are formed, filled and sealed; the removal and transfer of each portion from the cavity (7) of the disc (5a) into the duct (12) is controlled in such a way as to displace the material by degrees and ensure its smooth passage toward the wrapping station.

Abstract: Pouches (2) of a smokeless tobacco product are manufactured on a machine comprising an intermittently rotatable dispensing disc (3) with peripheral cavities (4), a station (5) at which each cavity (4) is filled with a given quantity of tobacco equivalent to a single portion, a push rod mechanism (12) by which the portions of tobacco are ejected from each cavity (4) of the disc (3) at a transfer station (6), and a connecting duct (8) through which the portion of tobacco ejected by the push rod from each cavity passes directly to a wrapping station (7) where the pouches (2) are formed, filled with the tobacco product and sealed.

Abstract: A case packing system concurrently accumulates a plurality of different product ensembles and sequentially packs cases thereof, generally by way of (a) concurrently accumulating a plurality of different product ensembles utilizing a plurality of product conveyer lines, each of which is adapted to separately convey distinct products to one or more transfer points; (b) sequentially transferring different accumulated product ensembles from the conveyer lines to a case-packer, the case-packer including a packing section as well as multiple magazines for receiving different case-blanks; (c) controlling transfer of the product ensembles to the case-packer and selection of the appropriate case-blank. Preferably, substantially continuous operation of the case-packer at a production rate higher than an accumulation rate of any individual product conveyer is maintained.

Abstract: An automatic plant for the treatment and packing of meat product, including an injection station for injecting brine into a meat product, first and second maceration stations for macerating the injected meat product, and a packing station for packing the treated meat product. The injection station is connected to the first and second maceration stations by an accumulating and loading unit for accumulating meat product coming from the injection station and selectively loading it into the first and second maceration stations which are connected to the packing station by a transfer unit adapted for transferring the meat product from the first and second maceration stations to feed hoppers for feeding the packing station. The plant is controlled by computerized control.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprising two independent paths (26, 28) upon which articles (C) to be contained by a carton (6) are conveyed from an infeed end (56) to an integral tertiary packaging device (12, 24). Cartons directly output from said two independent paths are merged and combined with a tertiary package (8), the tertiary packages are conveyed along a transfer means out of said tertiary packaging device travelling at a speed the same as that of each of the two independent paths (26, 28).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, apparatus, system, and packaging for providing a daily nutritional supplement component regimen, comprising a series of daily packets each containing dosage forms selected by a series of answers to questions provided by a consumer.

Abstract: A filling machine for containers such as bottles, cans, or similar containers. The filling machine comprises at least one rotor, which is driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis, and filling stations on the rotor. Each filling station is designed to receive a container and for the filling of this container during the rotational movement of the rotor between a container inlet point and a container outlet point. The filling stations are provided in at least two filling planes, which are offset from one another in the direction of the machine axis.

Abstract: Packaging plant comprising at least two combined vertical forming tubes, comprising a single motorized central conveyer equipped with dragging devices D, D? constituting at least two separate parallel tracks whose intermittent advancement is actuated by its main central motor C.

Abstract: Banding machine in which logs of sheet material are fed by a conveyor belt to a banding device that is adapted to band the logs with a banding web to form a tubular wrapper around the logs. The banding device includes a pusher operated by an actuator, which pushes the log into a channel, in which a packaging sheet is arranged, stretched in front of the log, as an obstacle. The conveyor belt and the packaging apparatus are arranged at different heights, respectively at a first and a second height (H1 and H2). A pusher is be provided, operated by a piston at the first height (H1), in addition to a pusher provided at the second height (H2), independent from each other. Further, a lifting member is provided, which receives the log from the first pusher and moves from the first height (H1) to the second height (H2).

Abstract: A case packing system concurrently accumulates a plurality of different product ensembles and sequentially packs cases thereof, generally by way of (a) concurrently accumulating a plurality of different product ensembles utilizing a plurality of product conveyer lines, each of which is adapted to separately convey distinct products to one or more transfer points; (b) sequentially transferring different accumulated product ensembles from the conveyer lines to a case-packer, the case-packer including a packing section as well as multiple magazines for receiving different case-blanks; (c) controlling transfer of the product ensembles to the case-packer and selection of the appropriate case-blank. Preferably, substantially continuous operation of the case-packer at a production rate higher than an accumulation rate of any individual product conveyer is maintained.

Abstract: A cigarette packing method and machine, whereby blanks, fed successively along a feed path inside respective feed pockets, are fed to a loading station where each blank is transferred, by a pusher and along a transfer path, to a respective packing pocket fed to the loading station along a packing path, and is folded partly, during transfer along the transfer path, to define a seat for receiving a respective wrapped group of cigarettes, and which is formed by feeding the blank and the pusher through a folding spindle located, at the loading station, between the feed path and the packing path and along the transfer path.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine and a conveyor to deliver a product package from an upstream station to a position adjacent a vacuum chamber. The conveyor has a longitudinal direction defined by the direction of travel of the product package. The vacuum chamber has a heat sealing and cutting assembly oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor and in a position with sufficient spacing between end walls of the vacuum chamber and the assembly for the product package containing two or more products to be loaded into the vacuum chamber with at least one product located in front of the heat sealing and cutting assembly and at least one other product located behind the heat sealing and cutting assembly. The heat sealing and cutting assembly seals and cuts between two products to form two separate evacuated packages.

Abstract: A case packing system concurrently accumulates a plurality of different product ensembles and sequentially packs cases thereof, generally by way of (a) concurrently accumulating a plurality of different product ensembles utilizing a plurality of product conveyer lines, each of which is adapted to separately convey distinct products to one or more transfer points; (b) sequentially transferring different accumulated product ensembles from the conveyer lines to a case-packer, the case-packer including a packing section as well as multiple magazines for receiving different case-blanks; (c) controlling transfer of the product ensembles to the case-packer and selection of the appropriate case-blank. Preferably, substantially continuous operation of the case-packer at a production rate higher than an accumulation rate of any individual product conveyer is maintained.

Abstract: A packaging station of a packaging machine for filling containers with products, the station comprising a transport device for feeding the products along a feed path and via first and second charging paths which run parallel to said feed path and transport the containers. The containers are filled by a filling device designed to seize one or more of the products from the feed path and to place said seized products into one or more containers on one or other of the charging paths. The charging paths consist of the following sequence of items, listed in order in the displacement direction of the containers to be filled: a set-up assembly, a transport device and a sealing unit. The device and method permit a more rapid filling of packaging materials with products in a relatively small space, in particular on a platform.

Abstract: This is a double acting, multi-lane machine and method for the forming, filling and sealing of plastic or paper film pouches of various sizes commonly used to hold liquid viscous, dry, particulated or powdery materials or other substances. The machine includes a four roll film dispensing station, a multi unit pump or dispensing station, one of each double acting stations such as side seal station, pull wheel station, cross seal station, and cross cut station. The invention provides for production of a multitude of pouches in a manner of two sets of two films allowing to double the production output of current machinery without any change to cycle time or increase of operational time. Coordination and movement of the various stations is accomplished through electronic computer control, working in conjunction with multiple motion controlling devices such as servo motors, air cylinders, belts, linkages and the like.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging machine includes a plurality of vacuum chambers (3a, 3b) each arranged to receive at least one unsealed product package and operable to perform an independent vacuum sealing operation, each vacuum chamber having a longitudinal direction defined by a direction of travel of the respective product package through the chamber (3a, 3b), each chamber having a heat seal assembly (15) therein which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction. An infeed conveyor (17) can be provided with a telescoping portion (17a) which can extend over the heat seal assembly or a part thereof. Each vacuum chamber can have a respective bed (9) and independently moveable hood (11), and the beds (9) can be synchronously vertically moveable. The vacuum packaging machine can be used in combination with a suitable product bagging or wrapping machine.

Abstract: An automatic packing device for filling containers with products, includes: two separate feed stations, each adapted to arrange a stream of products in parallel rows; elements capable of picking up alternately, in each feed station and depositing in the container, a number of products forming a layer of the container. Each feed station includes: a conveyor having a plurality of articulated transverse profiles; elements for pivoting two successive profiles in opposite directions of rotation between a first position in which the profiles form a transverse trough in the shape of a V, and a second position in which the profiles form a ridge in the shape of an inverted V, so as to form waves of products on the conveyor; a plurality of channels disposed as a longitudinal continuation of the conveyor.

Abstract: A blister packaging machine comprises a combination load/offload station having a blister magazine that is filled from the outside of the machine rather than the inside of the machine. The load mechanism includes a pick and place mechanism that is adapted to place individual blisters into nesting trays on a rotary carousel. The offload mechanism includes a pick and output mechanism that is adapted to pick formed blister packages from the nesting trays and output them into a collection bin. The load mechanism is arranged to cooperate with the offload mechanism without interference. The load and offload mechanism may be incorporated into a six station blister packaging machine.

Abstract: A high speed bagging system and a method for placing a liquid product into a bag and placing at least two of these bags into a pouch is described. The system comprises at least two bag fillers housed in a common filler housing and operating simultaneously to place the liquid product in respective bags on a continuous basis during a working cycle. Filled bags are simultaneously conveyed on a two lane conveyor system. The two-lane conveyor is configured to optimize floor space area. Each conveyor belt has an outlet end associated with a respective bagging machine at a bagging station. The bagging machines are adapted to place at least two of the bags into a pouch on a continuous basis during the working cycle. The bagging machines feed a respective pouch closure device to close a mouth opening of the pouches which are then discharged on a discharge conveyor.

Abstract: An installation for manufacturing and filling multiple-cavity bags made from a sheet of plastic material, includes a forming column for forming a multiple-cavity bag, with the column being divided into three zones, a first zone forming a single tubular sleeve by a longitudinal seal of sheet edges thereof, a second zone for forming a bottom and cavities of the bag, and a third zone for filling and closing the bag and moving the closed bag away from the column, and a film feed mechanism for feeding plastic film to the forming column.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for packaging and taking away packaged sequenced product such as mail pieces. The apparatus includes a packaging device having an output end, and adapted to package sequenced products. A clamping device is adjacent to the output end of the packaging device. A conveying system is downstream from the clamping device. The conveying system incrementally moves a drop off tray. The clamping device holds one of a plurality of packaged sequenced products such that the drop off tray is in a position to stack multiple packaged sequenced products of the plurality of packaged sequenced products into the drop off tray. In one embodiment, this allows the packages not to hit the drop off tray during the stacking process. A method of packaging is also provided.

Abstract: For supplying production and packaging machines, in particular for supplying lines (10, 11) for producing and packaging cigarettes, an intermediate store (12) is provided for storing packaging material, to be precise for pallets (20) with reels (18) of web-like material. Pallets (20) with the packaging material are fed to the intermediate store (12) by a pallet conveyor (28). A separate reel conveyor (48) transports reels (18), as required, to the individual machines and subassemblies of the lines (10, 11).

Abstract: The method entails unwinding portion of film stored in roll form. The film is made of a heat-sealable single- or multilayer flexible material. The flaps for the unwound portion are folded until they are side by side or overlapped along a narrow band. The resulting new lateral edges are folded further so as to form longitudinal accordion-like portions and the bottom is then formed with a transverse heat-sealed portion which is produced simultaneously with a median cut relative to the heat-sealed portion, successively separating two pairs of adjacent containers. The heat-sealed bottom is inserted into the container by an extent which is equal to half the width of the lateral accordion-like portion and a longitudinal heat-sealed portion is then produced in the region where the flaps lie side by side and/or overlap, blocking the bottom and the accordion-like portion, simultaneously with a complete or partial cutting of the longitudinal heat-sealed portion.

Abstract: An automatic machine for packaging products, in particular cosmetic or pharmaceutical products, inside containers (11), comprising a series of stations (15-21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 23-28), in each of which the operations required to insert the products and their leaflets into containers or cartons (11), and to close the cartons (11) definitively are performed; with the machine the format of the container (11) can be changed in extremely short times and automatically, by using a keyboard to key in the parameters relevant to the dimensions of the sides (A, B, C) of the carton (11) utilised.

Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine equipped with a stocker apparatus which receives spout-equipped bags that are successively fed out from a bag-making apparatus, stacks a predetermined number of bags, and supplies the stacked groups of bags to a packaging apparatus. The stocker apparatus has stocking sections made of rails that are capable of stocking bags in groups, and such stocking sections as a whole can be raised and lowered simultaneously. When the operation of the packaging apparatus is temporarily stopped, groups of bags are successively stocked in the stocking sections of the stocker apparatus; as a result, the operation of the bag-making apparatus can be continued.

Abstract: A pack for tablet-like objects, such as hygroscopic laundry/dishwasher detergent tablets, for example, includes a dual packing configuration of a closed outer pack containing a plurality of individual film bags, with each of the individual film bags being closed at opposing ends by a transverse seam, and along their lengths by a longitudinal seam. Each of the individual film bags enclose at least one tablet. The individual film bags are inserted into the outer pack with the longitudinal seams of the film bags aligned parallel to one another, and with the sidewalls of the outer pack parallel to the longitudinal seams of the film bags. The longitudinal seams of the film bags are reinforced.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling products including at lest one rigid thin part of a first type (in particular a compact disc tray) glued on a plane part of a second type (in particular a casing formed by a pre-cut cardboard matrix), including at least one suction belt for carrying the planar parts of the second type, at least one loader for feeding a gripping device with the parts of the first type and at least one gripping device comprising a turntable turning around a transversal axis parallel to the tray, the turntable supporting a plurality of sucker supports for gripping the parts of the first type and depositing them on the parts of the second type, characterized in that the sucker support has a configuration able to ensure displacement of the sucker corresponding to a degree of freedom in translation parallel to a single radial axis only.

Abstract: Mass manufacturing and packaging apparatus (10) of products in roll form, in particular paper products including, from upstream to downstream, a cutting station (12) for cutting very long consecutive logs (20) of a specified diameter into consecutive sequences of several rolls (22) of shorter length, and an upstream conveyor (14) to move the sequences of rolls (22) from the cutting station (12) to a feeder station (16) distributing the rolls (22) to several automated packaging stations (18) characterized in that a roll-switching system (26, 37) of the feeder station (16) allows directing each sequence of rolls (22) toward a specific set of packaging stations (18) which is different from the set towards which the previous sequence of rolls (22) was directed.

Abstract: A device capable of transporting package sleeves in an upright position, from any of several filling lines to one or more filling machines, wherein said several filling lines are aligned parallel to each other. The device utilizes a manipulator capable of linear travel in a direction perpendicular to the plane of alignment of the filling lines, a swiveling unit for moving the package sleeves in a direction transverse to the direction of travel of the manipulator unit, and a gripper unit for gripping the package sleeves. The gripper unit is capable of supplying horizontal force to the package sleeves to enable their transport in an upright position. The gripper unit also has means to clamp to the loading magazine of the filling machine and to cause the horizontal transfer of the package sleeves thereto. By use of the present device, semi-automatic or automatic loading of package sleeves to one or more filling machines is possible.

Abstract: A sand bagging device comprises a portable support having a hopper mounted thereto to store sand for bagging. The device includes a bagging station mounted to the hopper having a chute extending therefrom. A cartridge of continuous bagging material is removably mounted to the chute. A scale is adjustably mounted below the chute which can selectably accommodate bags of different weights and heights. Sand flows into the chute from the hopper and is allowed to fill the bag material to a predetermined weight. A sealing member cuts and seals the bagging material into a discrete bag of sand.

Abstract: In a multiple automatic packing machine comprising a slitter for slitting a wide sheet-like packing material supplied from a take-up roll into a plurality of packing films, a heat sealing device for seal molding each of the packing films into an elongated bag-like configuration by a vertical heat sealer and a lateral heat sealer, and a material filling device for filling a material to be packed into each of the packing films which has been seal molded into an elongated bag-like configuration through a feed pipe with a filling screw disposed therein which screw is rotatable by a motor, the slitting, heat sealing and material filling operations being repeatedly performed in a consecutive manner by the slitter, heat sealing device and material filling device, respectively, thereby a plurality of stick-like packing products are seal molded at a time automatically and in a consecutive manner, a packing film feeder for the multiple automatic packing machine being characterized in that the feed pipes constituting th