Abstract: A station for feeding closing seals for containers includes at least one fixed magazine of seals which is provided with an outlet from which the seals can be taken individually. The station further includes a carousel for feeding seals which can rotate with respect to a first central rotation axis and is provided with pickers which are radially spaced apart from the first rotation axis. The pickers are individually rotatable about a second rotation axis which is not parallel to the first axis of the carousel. During rotation of the carousel, at least one picker is configured to rotate about the second axis from a position for taking the seal from the magazine to a position for releasing the seal.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to an automated packaging apparatus and system that packages loose particles into a conical container as well as the final packed containers. More specifically, loose plant matter, such as crumbled dried leaves, are supplied to successive paper cones. The apparatus provides a system for reliably and accurately depositing or injecting a fluid into a cone packed with loose particulate.

Abstract: Automatic packaging machine (3) for filling a bag (1) made of heat-sealable material, having an open upper end (2) with a dose of loose product; the packaging machine (3) has: a packaging conveyor (4); a pick-up head (7), which is supported by the packaging conveyor (4) to advance along a packaging path (P1); an input station (S1) where the empty bag (1) is grabbed by the pick-up head (7); an output station (S2) where the full, sealed bag (1) leaves the pick-up head (7); a filling device (18) that is mounted on the packaging conveyor (4) to move together with the pick-up head (7) along the entire packaging path (P1) and is adapted to supply the dose of product inside the bag (1) through the upper open end (2); and a sealing device (19) that is mounted on the packaging conveyor (4) to move together with the pick-up head (7) along the entire packaging path (P1) and is adapted to seal the full bag (1) through a heat-seal in correspondence with the open upper end (2).

Abstract: A packaging device includes a supporting base, a zipper opener arrangement and a hole pressing arrangement. The zipper opener arrangement includes a driving unit supported on the supporting base, a first bag opening assembly including a plurality of outer operating members operatively and downwardly extended from the driving unit for selectively clamping the first bag panel, and a second bag opening assembly including a plurality of inner operating members operatively and downwardly extended from the driving unit for selectively clamping the second bag panel. The hole pressing arrangement includes a pressing unit supported by the supporting base, a first securing member supported by the pressing unit, and a second securing member supported by the pressing unit at a position which is spaced apart from the first securing member to form a pressing gap between the first securing member and the second securing member.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling bags wherein the bags are gusseted and extend from a first end to a second end. The gussets are optionally pulled outwardly out of the second bag end by means of a spreader device to provide a large filling mouth. The bag is attached to a filling spout by its opened second end where it is filled at least in part before the second end of the bag is closed by means of a closing device by way of at least one closing seam.

Abstract: A container handling machine and method of handling containers, in which an attachment arrangement is used to attach an elongated strip, such as a banderole, a security strip, a label strip, or a tax strip, to the removable top of a closed container. Either or both of the container holder and the attachment arrangement which attaches the strips can be rotated in order to place the strip in a particular orientation with respect to the container.

Abstract: A machine for filling containers, including a plurality of filling spouts, and a cleaning device comprising a plurality of individual tubular collecting elements rigidly mounted on a collection tube, and a device for moving the collection tube between a retracted position and a service position in which the collecting elements are in contact, via the upstream ends thereof, with the filling spouts. The collection tube laterally supports the collecting elements, such that, in the retracted position, the collecting elements are arranged between the filling spouts. The moving device capable of moving the collection tube from the retracted position thereof to the service position thereof by at least one downward vertical translational movement, followed by a horizontal movement.

Abstract: A padding machine for packaging substantial products, particularly cucumbers, comprising, on a supporting frame, a carousel assembly for the advancement of containers, the machine further comprising, on the carousel assembly, at each container, a positioning pad for centering the products that overflow laterally from the mouth of the container and a packing pad for inserting the products in the container.

Abstract: Containers for packaging liquid or powder products are directed onto a carousel (1) presenting a support element (9) equipped with a number of peripheral stations (10), each accommodating a relative container (2), and set in rotation about a vertical axis (X) by a drive system (6) housed internally of floor-standing frame (5) on which the carousel (1) is mounted. The support element (9) presents substantially disc-like appearance and is hollow, composed of a top panel (11) and a bottom panel (12) distanced one from another in such a way as to create an annular chamber (13) between the two panels.

Abstract: An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device. The system includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time.

Abstract: An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device. At least one of the stations includes a peripheral device for performing at least one operation and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system includes a master controller that tracks and controls the movement of the transporting device and operation of equipment at one or more stations.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a beverage, a container filling plant for filling bottles, cans, bags, or similar containers with a liquid, and a container filling machine for filling containers in a container filling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A filling machine assembly having supports for supporting any suitable fixture. At least one of the supports includes a plurality of modules with each of the modules including at least one coupling member for interlocking adjoining modules to form a continuous uninterrupted support. The modules can include sides with at least one coupling member mounted to each side. The coupling members are preferably complementary in configuration with each other for interlocking the first and second modules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container filling machine including at least one filling spout, and a cleaning device including a stationary collecting member with a passage opening, a sealing member that can be displaced between a retracted position and a service position in which said sealing member is capable of tightly sealing the passage opening of the collecting member for carrying out cleaning operations, and displacement means capable of displacing the sealing member from the retracted position to the service position thereof through at least one downward vertical translation displacement parallely to the longitudinal axis of the filling spout, followed by a horizontal displacement, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the filling spout, such that the sealing member is substantially centred along the longitudinal axis of the filling spout.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having a filling machine. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A machine for filling containers with liquid product, comprising a rotating carousel provided with a plurality of filling stations, means adapted to provide selective feeding by means of a hot fluid and by means of the product, and means adapted to collect and evacuate the hot fluid that exits from the faucets, all the walls of the machine designed to be in contact with the hot fluid and the liquid product having high thermal insulation characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with flowable product, such as ice cream, includes a plurality of carrier and frame assemblies which are configured to respectively receive the containers to be filled. Notably, each carrier of each assembly has a vertical dimension which is substantially greater than that of the associated container, with the carrier, and associated container, being vertically movable with respect to the associated carrier frame. By this arrangement, the carrier frame desirably acts in cooperation with the carrier to stabilize the container against lateral forces to which it is subjected, thereby facilitating filling of the container, and in particular, wiping of each container against an associated filling nozzle at the conclusion of filling.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, having a container handling machine such as, for example, filler, rinser, or closer for the processing of containers that comprise a neck ring, said machine comprising a rotating rotor (2) at which are disposed processing stations for the containers (6), with at least one input star (4), with at least one output star and/or at least one transfer star, with carrying pockets (5) that are disposed at the rotor (2) and/or the stars and it being disclosed that the processing stations are disposed on a reference diameter that is smaller than the rotor (2) related reference diameter of the transfer point of the container (6) between rotor (2) and input star and/or output star (4) and/or transfer star.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage, having a filling element of a filling machine with a rotary construction for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid has, in a filling element housing, a liquid duct for the controlled dispensing of a liquid at a dispensing opening. The dispensing opening is located in a recess into which the respective container extends with its container mouth during the filling, and into which at least one additional duct of the filling element empties. During a cleaning or rinsing phase, the recess can be closed by a plate-shaped closing element.

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: A packaging machine for filling and sealing receptacles, the machine having a plurality of stations at which packaging operations are performed by packaging devices (21-29), the stations having at least a filling station (21) and a sealing station (23, 24, 27). The packaging machine includes a conveyor (10) for causing the receptacles to travel along a path passing through the various stations, the packaging machine being characterized in that the stations are disposed in an enclosure (2) in which a vacuum prevails.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating the throughput of a rotary turret heat-sealing machine, without changing the rotational speed of the rotary turret. An indexing clutch is controlled to feed cans into the rotary turret such that only a predetermined number of sealing heads are used to seal cans fed therein. The predetermined number of cans is calculated based on a desired throughput rate. Dwell times, temperatures, and pressures can remain constant while varying radically the can throughput.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for processing containers or other articles by using continuous rotation of processing heads in a circular path about a single vertical axis and controlling the processing heads to independently rotate about a swivel axis causing them to move in a straight-line path while the heads are lowered to engage a group of containers or articles arranged in parallel rows. In this manner, a higher production apparatus and method are provided which is simpler, more reliable, requires less floor space, and easy to reconfigure for different applications.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated and integrated method and apparatus for packaging, loading, storing, and/or retrieving a specified product. A preferred embodiment of a system comprises a packager, a feeder device, a magazine, an unloading device, and a control unit. The packager is adapted to package a predetermined quantity of a product in a package. The feeder device has a loading screw which engages the package and transfers it to a storage screw in the magazine. The magazine preferably comprises multiple horizontal rows of storage screws. Each horizontal row of storage screws may be individually rotated about a central axis of the magazine. The control unit maintains a data base of the location and contents of each package in the magazine. The unloading device is adapted to retrieve a desired package from the magazine. The unloading device then transfers the desired package to a predetermined location such as a tote, bin, or patient specific drawer.

Abstract: A capsule filling machine is provided which is characterized in that contents substance m is force fed into a body B accommodated and held in a body pocket 221 using a force feeding screw 33 to fill the contents substance m.

Abstract: In a machine for processing bottles of different sizes, an arrangement for converting the machine to process bottles of one of the sizes, comprises a star wheel rotatable about an axis and having radially open pockets to which upright bottles having necks at a predetermined elevation are conveyed. The star wheel is axially adjusted along the axis to position the pockets at the predetermined elevation. The necks are held in the pockets by an endless belt having a segment that engages and presses the necks into the pockets.

Abstract: This relates to a positioning device for positioning a member relative to a work piece. In the preferred use of the positioning device, a sealing head is carried by the positioning device with the sealing head having a first lowered position for picking up a lid for a container and a second lowered position for positioning the lid and thereafter bringing the lid into pressure engagement with an associated container and effect the heat sealing of the lid to the container. The positioning device includes an extensible fluid motor of the piston and cylinder type which is mounted within a guide sleeve for selective vertical positioning by way of a cam follower and cam track and which extensible fluid motor is further selectively extensible so as to further move an associated member carried thereby downwardly and into resilient clamping engagement with the work piece.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a rotary plate (1) on which are provided receptacle receiving means (2, 3, 4, 5) disposed at 90.degree. to one another. The plate is driven in rotation in 90.degree. steps by a motor-speed reducer unit (6) so that the receiving means pass in succession in front of a station for charging product into the bottoms of the receptacles, a station for laying lids of the receptacles, a station for welding the lids to the bottoms of the receptacles and a receptacle discharging station. The receiving means comprise means for maintaining the lids spaced away from the bottoms of the receptacles and means for injecting neutral gas between the lid laying station and the lid welding station.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling and handling bags with tobacco comprises (a) an intermittently rotatable turret having a plurality of stations for sequential indexing, (b) a pair of chambers at each station for receiving measured portions of tobacco to be packaged as each station is indexed at a delivery position, (c) a hopper for supplying the measured portions of tobacco to said chambers, (d) movable plates at each station for compressing the portions of tobacco within the chambers, (e) arms for receiving and clamping a pair of bags at each station as each station is indexed at a bag receiving position, and (f) chutes for discharging the compressed portions from the chambers into the bags in pairs as each station is indexed at a tobacco transfer position.Each chamber is defined by a base plate and movable jaws disposed vertically and parallel to each other.

Abstract: This relates to a machine for assembling end units with container bodies. The container bodies have cylindrical open upper ends over which a cylindrical lower portion of an end unit or dome is telescoped with the overlapping portions being adhesively bonded together. The machine receives the end units serially and by way of a Ferris wheel type conveyor moves the end units first to an adhesive applicator where a band of adhesive is applied to the interior of each end unit, after which each end unit is then telescoped over and pressed into position relative to an associated body. The operation of the machine is continuous.

Abstract: This invention relates to an arrangement for continuous automatic filling and closing of successive encased groups of containers wherein use is made of a dispensing unit connected to a closing unit which is pivotally rotated so as to be substituted for the dispensing unit after the filling of the group of containers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling open-top containers with a flowable semi-solid material in which the material is discharged in substantially continuous fashion to a downwardly opening nozzle. An empty container is elevated into partial telescoping relative with the nozzle and moves downwardly as it is filled. The filled container is moved crosswise of the nozzle and the vertical position of the container relative to the nozzle is controlled during movement crosswise of the nozzle to initially maintain the upper edge of the filled container below the lowre edge of the nozzle at its discharge side to shear off material at a level above the top of the container and to thereafter move the filled container upwardly sufficient to cause the trailing upper edge of the filled container to substantially wipe across the lower edge of the nozzle at the discharge side thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus which grips an article on the opposite sides of the article to hold the article in a predetermined orientation. One or more work operations are performed on the article while it is held in the predetermined orientation. The article is gripped between a movable resilient member and a guide which holds the article against the movable resilient member.

Abstract: An automated liquid container filling apparatus is disclosed which automatically fills cups with a fluid and then seals the cups with covers. The apparatus includes a circular table which is rotatably mounted on a base member for rotation about an axis perpendicular to the base member, having a plurality of holes therethrough spaced at equal angles about the circumference of the table. A motor is mounted to the base member and is operatively connected to the table for periodically rotating the table through the angle. A cup dispenser is mounted on the base member at a first position over the table, having a plurality of cups stored in a storage portion and a cup delivery mechanism adjacent to the cup storage portion which is operatively connected to the motor, for periodically dispensing one of the plurality of cups into each of the holes in the table, in synchronism with the periodic table rotation.