Abstract: A continuous and elongated blister-pack strip having transverse rows of blisters of which some are empty and most are full is transported through a stamping station. Upstream of the stamping station whether any blisters entering the stamping station are full or empty is sensed. In the stamping station only sections all of whose blisters are full are stamped out of the strip from between the edges thereof while leaving the edges flanking the stamped-out section intact so that sections of the strip having at least one empty blister leave the stamping station attached to the strip edges. The stamped-out sections are transported away from the path at the stamping station. Spaces in the strip between blisters still attached to the strip edges are then detected and the entire strip is transversely cut only between the respective blisters into pieces each including at least one row of intact blisters.

Abstract: A system and method for packaging consumer products that include a number of individual pieces is provided. A pulp insert tray that includes a number of form fitting receiving locations to receive the individual pieces of the set separates and protects the individual pieces from damage resulting from uncontained packaging. A retainer may be used in association with the insert tray to provide additional support of the individual pieces, and assist in the final assembly of the packaged set. The use of pulp as the insert tray material provides significant ecological benefit.

Abstract: Wrapping material (2) supplied to a packaging machine is caused to advance along a predetermined feed path (3) through a first checking station (27a) where an emitter device (29) charges at least one predetermined portion (30, 34) of the wrapping material (2) electrostatically, and a second checking station (27b) where a sensor (31) detects the presence of the electrostatic charges applied previously to the predetermined portion (30, 34) of the material (2). The sensor (31) is positioned along the feed path (3) downstream of and at a predetermined distance from the emitter device (29).

Abstract: The present invention provides a packing element comprising at least one sheet having a plurality of deformations, the sheet being operable to form a folded or helical configuration wherein adjacent portions of the at least one sheet are spaced to allow for flow of at least one of fluid, air and gas therebetween.

Abstract: Microwavable and/or boilable packaged corn-on-the-cob includes one or more ears of fresh, shucked or partially shucked corn, each individually enveloped in an at least partially gas-impermeable and at least partially moisture impermeable transparent film that may be suited for microwave cooking and boiling and may include an easy-open strip. Each of the enveloped one or more ears is placed vertically in a shank-down orientation in a holder having at least one compartment for holding an ear of corn. The at least one ear of corn can be secured in the compartment by a suitable means. Units of packaged corn can be placed into a shipping container with the ears arranged vertically with the shank end down to minimize physical damage during shipping.

Abstract: A method relates to a production line where cigarettes are arranged in horizontal layers within approximately vertical channel (3) of packing machine feeding system, the width of which is slightly bigger then the cigarette diameter. The cigarettes are moved gravitationally toward the bottom plate (6) tram which they are transferred to the packing machine, whereas faulty cigarettes are detected with sensors (9, 11) defining their defects, and the faulty cigarettes are rejected by a rejecting device (14).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing tobacco-oriented goods is disclosed. The method includes receiving a first set of data indicative of the outcome of an automated scan of a first package of tobacco-oriented goods. Based on the first set of data, a determination is made as to the brand of tobacco-oriented goods contained within the package. Based at least in part on the determination of the brand, one of a plurality of stamp heads associated with a stamping machine is selected. A command is then provided to the stamping machine, the command being an instruction to stamp the first package utilizing the selected stamp head.

Abstract: A packaging system (10), and associated components and methodology, that provides for automatic detection of a full, overfull, closed or partially closed container, even when mixed with other containers. An exemplary packaging method includes the following steps: (a.) determining the dimensions of a container; (b.) detecting a height of the container and its contents in one or more locations within a scan area of an open side of the container; (c.) comparing the detected height of the container and/or its contents to pre-specified criteria; and (d.) when the detected height exceeds the pre-specified criteria, generating a signal that indicates that the scan area includes a height that exceeds the pre-specified criteria.

Abstract: A kit and method for assembling an item, such as assembly-required furniture, is provided. The kit includes a plurality of parts and a plurality of compartments for packaging the parts. The parts packaged in a first compartment are used in a first assembly step, and the parts packaged in a second compartment are used in a second assembly step. This kit and method may be used to simplify the process of assembling various types of items such as furniture, toys, games and decorations as well as other various assembly-required items.

Abstract: Methods and assemblies relate to bezel packaging of a sealed glass assembly, such as a frit-sealed OLED device. The bezel packaging includes a shock absorbent intermediate layer of low modulus of elasticity material applied between the sealed glass assembly and the bezel. A bonding agent, which may include the low modulus of elasticity material and/or a separate bonding material, affixes the sealed glass assembly to the bezel. Bezel modifications may be made to stabilize the bezel. Exemplary bezel modifications include reinforced bezel side walls and supporting straps attached between bezel walls. The bezel design may include a gap between the edges of the sealed glass assembly and the bezel walls, so as to avoid direct contact therewith. The gap may be filled at least in part with low modulus of elasticity organic adhesive to provide additional shock absorbency. The low modulus of elasticity material may include foam, ceramic fiber cloth and/or a low modulus of elasticity polymeric organic coating.

Abstract: A method for preventing irregular packaging for automatic medicine packing machine having a last hopper that contains the tablet just before the tablet is packed, includes steps of sensing whether a tablet is received in the last hopper, sensing and deciding whether the tablet stands vertical inside the last hopper, vibrating a shutter if it is decided that the tablet stands vertical whereby the vertical standing tablet falls down, and checking n on standing of the tablet after completion of shutter vibration. The apparatus performing the method includes a shutter vibrating unit and a standing sensor that is installed on the last hopper and senses whether the tablet received in the last hopper stands vertical. The standing sensor includes a horizontal slot that is formed horizontally at a side of the last hopper at a position corresponding to a vertical height of a tablet and a photo sensor.

Abstract: A reusable packaging case for an article comprises an inner foam layer having an interior cavity for holding the article. The inner foam layer surrounds at least a portion of the interior cavity. An outer foam layer substantially surrounds the inner foam layer The outer foam layer may have a density greater than the density of the inner foam layer. The inner foam layer may be formed using a plug having the same shape as the article to be later packaged in the case for shipping. The packaging case may optionally contain numerous additional inner foam layers of varying densities and thicknesses. Many substantially identical packaging cases, such as for shipping numerous identical articles coming off of an assembly line, may be formed using the plug.

Abstract: A method for extending freshness of Agaricus bisporus mushrooms is described. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a modified atmosphere in contact with Agaricus bisporus mushrooms. The modified atmosphere includes from 14% to 18% by volume of oxygen and from 5% to 9% by volume of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A packaging assembly supports and dispenses a plurality of retail products, such as confectionary products. The assembly includes a housing having a plurality of package sleeves that are removably attached to one another. A blister tray attachment is slidably insertable into one or more of the package sleeves.

Abstract: A packaging bag with a zipper having a pair of male and female zipper elements is gripped at the laterally opposite side edges thereof with a pair of grippers. A pair of suction-adhering members are disposed at both sides of the packaging bag and actuated to adhere to the respective outsides of the male and female zipper elements of the bag. In this state, the suction-adhering members are moved away from each other, thereby disengaging the male and female zipper elements from each other. At this step, the suction-adhering member adhering to the outside of the male zipper element is pivoted to displace the suction-adhering portion thereof toward the mouth of the bag, thereby pulling the male zipper element obliquely upward.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus wherein webless zipper is provided with concave seal bridges. These concave seal bridges are complementary in shape to convex sealing bars. This captures or positions the seal bridges of the zipper profiles resulting in improved alignment of the profiles and improved performance of the manufacturing apparatus.

Abstract: A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a manner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring and reorienting an item for packaging into a carton includes a body having a first end and a second end and a channel formed in the body. The channel defines a channel axis extending between the first and second ends and is configured to receive the item at the first end when the item is in a first angular orientation. The channel is configured to deliver the item at the second end in a second angular orientation relative to the channel axis that is different from the first angular orientation. The channel may include a helical groove extending between the first and second ends and formed in a wall of the channel which operates as a track for rotating the item as it moves between the first and second ends. A method of packaging an item includes transporting an item through the apparatus so as to orient the item relative to the carton.

Abstract: A harvester capable of alternate configurations for bulk and tote loading. In a tote loading configuration, harvested produce is moved along a main conveyor, elevated to a raised conveyor area, packed into totes, and the packed totes are then moved onto a lower conveyor for further transport. In a bulk loading configuration, the harvested produce is transported along the main conveyor, to a raised conveyor area, and are then lifted using an elevator for placement into a bulk bin.

Abstract: An allergen-barrier fabric includes a tightly-constructed fabric substrate, woven from 0 to 45% continuous synthetic filament yarns and 55 to 100% natural or synthetic spun yarns. The fabric substrate is finished to produce a fabric with a mean pore size of 4 to 10 microns, an air permeability of 0.5-25 cfm, a mean fabric flexibility of 0.5 to 6.5 grams (bending resistance), and a moisture vapor permeability in excess of 800 g/m2/24 hours. This fabric provides a barrier to mite-induced allergen particles. Various additional finishes can be included on the fabric. For example, an antimicrobial finish may be provided on the fabric to extend fabric wearlife by providing protection against mold and mildew. As another alternative, a fluorochemical finish can be provided to extend fabric wearlife by providing protection against fluid stains.

Abstract: Improved metallized films are produced by transferring a protective layer onto a metal layer from the side of the film remote from the metal layer. The transfer preferably takes place in the metallizer shortly after metallization and before the metal layer is exposed to the atmosphere which reduces the tendency of the metal to oxidize leading to a purer metal layer with enhanced barrier properties.

Abstract: Wrapping material utilized by a packaging machine is advanced along a set feed path through a station where an accessory material, typically adhesive, is applied in spots to selected areas of the surface, whereupon the material is charged electrostatically at a first station, and thereafter sensed at a second station to reveal the distribution of the charges; the electrostatic charges register more strongly on and around the spots, so that by measuring any variation in strength relative to the remainder of the surface, identifiable with faulty application of the adhesive, substandard material can be detected before it reaches the wrapping stations of the machine.

Abstract: A method for carrying out and verifying substitution and/or adjustments of mechanical components in an automatic packaging machine (1) during the size change over, said machine (1) being equipped with a computerized unit (UCC, 2, D) for verifying and storing instructions related to the operations necessary to change over the size of the articles being processed. The operations include substitution of specific mechanical components and/or adjustment of the spatial positioning of specific mechanical components. Information elements relevant to the size change over are stored in the unit (UCC, 2D) and are recalled and transferred to a palm-size computer (3, E).

Abstract: The invention provides an aliphatic polyester resin composition that contains 100 parts by weight of an aliphatic polyester resin and from 10 to 60 parts by weight of at least one compound of a formula (1): wherein n indicates an integer of from 1 to 9, R1 to R4 each independently represent an alkyl group having from 1 to 17 carbon atoms, and when n is 2 or more, R3 may differ in different units, a film formed of the composition, and packages with the film. The aliphatic polyester film of the invention keeps the degradability in the natural environment that is intrinsic to lactic acid-based polymer, and has good heat resistance, flexibility, transparency and adhesiveness, and, in addition, the plasticizer does not migrate to the surface of the film.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wrapping machine for printed products that includes determining the size of an incoming gap in a printed product stream and controlling a speed of the wrapping machine as a function of the size of the incoming gap. The controlling step includes intentionally leaving, in the printed product stream in the wrapper machine, at least a single product gap corresponding to the incoming gap so as to create at least one empty bag. A newspaper finishing machine and controller are also provided.

Abstract: A tablet cassette control method of a medication dispensing and packaging system having a microcomputer, a medication dispensing unit with a plurality of tablet cassettes each mounted on a cassette rack, and a medication packaging unit disposed below the dispensing unit to package tablets released from the dispensing unit into a series of tablet containing paper bags, the control method comprises confirming the mounting of the tablet cassette on the cassette rack, applying a power to a memory in the tablet cassette to activate the memory, retrieving tablet information saved in the memory to the microcomputer, and breaking the power from the memory while maintaining operation of the system.

Abstract: A microfluidic device containing liquid reagents having an extended shelf life contains the liquid reagents in micro-reservoirs that limit the escape of moisture to less than 10% over the shelf life of the device. The micro-reservoir preferably is made of polypropylene and covered with a metallized plastic film.

Abstract: A unique packaging method is disclosed. The method advertises products related to a product shipped in a box and comprises obtaining a box, placing a product in the box, and identifying a particular product category associated with the product being shipped in the box. This may be followed by obtaining an elongated flexible planar member having a width and a length substantially greater than the width, the planar member having an upper surface and a lower surface. The flexible planar member is provided with a layer of adhesive material deposited on and covering a substantial portion of the lower surface to form a packaging tape. The tape is imprinted with indicia comprising visually perceivable information to provide a purchaser with information relating to various products within the particular product category by disposing the information on the upper surface of the tape. The box is sealed with the tape.

Abstract: A method for controlling a wrapping machine for printed products that includes determining the size of an incoming gap in a printed product stream and controlling a speed of the wrapping machine as a function of the size of the incoming gap. The controlling step includes intentionally leaving, in the printed product stream in the wrapper machine, at least a single product gap corresponding to the incoming gap so as to create at least one empty bag. A newspaper finishing machine and controller are also provided.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for threading of a wrapper end (31) from a wrapper roll (3) to a nip between wrapper proportioning drawing rolls (11, 15) in a wrapping station for wrapping paper rolls, board rolls and pulp rolls, in which the prepared wrapped roll (3) is rotated in a use station in the direction opposite to the wrapper feeding direction in such way that the wrapper end (31) falls on a wrapper feeding table (10). The wrapper end (31) that has fallen on the wrapper feeding table (10) is indicated and the rotating motion or the wrapper roll is stopped when the wrapper end (31) has been detected. Now the roll (3) is rotated in the wrapper feeding direction, until the wrapper end (31) passes an indicator placed after the drawings rolls.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing toothbrushes is provided that includes a molding unit for substantially simultaneously molding toothbrush bodies, an element that removes toothbrush bodies from the molding unit, a tufter for securing tufts of bristles to toothbrush bodies to form toothbrushes, and a transport for automatically moving toothbrush bodies from the removal element to the tufter. A process for forming toothbrushes is also disclosed.

Abstract: Method and material for wrapping items using a wrapping material made up of separate wrapping portion of a predetermined length. The wrapping portions are attached and released at their ends using a Z-lock system. The Z-lock system holds the wrapping portions together during manufacturing but can also easily release or separate the wrapping portions at a desired point in the wrapping process. The separating of the wrapping portions exposes an adhesive that is use to securely bond at least one wrapping portion to the item being wrapped at the end of a wrapping cycle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of strong/tight packaging an object in order to prepare it for shipping. Initially, a substrate is applied to an object to create a smooth surface adapted to receive a sprayable plastic thereon. Then, the sprayable plastic is sprayed onto the substrate and the object to encapsulate the object.

Abstract: A method and relative working station (SV) for checking the integrity of packages (2), in particular single-dose packages, includes basically the following operation steps:

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the plastic shaping of a biaxially-drawn film, comprising at least one base layer, containing at least one polymer (I), made from at least one hydroxycarboxylic acid and ≧0.2 wt %, based on the weight of the layer, of a thermoplastic polymer (II), different from polymer (I). Said film is plastically moulded by application of pneumatic and/or mechanical forces.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and administration of medical solutions. The container incorporates a transparent front sheet made from a planar layer of a polymer and an opposing rear sheet. The rear sheet is made from a planar laminate layer. The front and rear sheets are sealed together along a common peripheral edge to form a volume enclosure. The volume enclosure is constructed of materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container thermoplastic to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The volume enclosure is then inflated with a pressurized gas to permanently stretch the front and rear sheets outwardly and to thereby increase the volume capacity of the container. An alternative embodiment of the container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by peelable seals, for containing a diluent and a medicament.

Abstract: This invention relates to an innovative manufacturing process that produces colored hair wraps capable of use in conjunction with a color-coded indexing system. The color-coded indexing system allows the professional hair colorist to design specific hair coloring treatments and techniques to selected groups of segmented hair strands with consistent results. The process enables a more efficient, faster, reliable, and systematic method for designing and applying coloring agents or materials to natural and artificial hair.

Abstract: A method for stopping and restarting an automatic machine (1) for wrapping products (2), in particular rolls of toilet or kitchen paper, in a collective pack (3) using a packaging film (4a) unwound from a first reel (31a), comprises the following automatic sequence of steps: reducing the speed of the machine (1); and stopping the feeding of the products (2) and of the film (4a) at suitably synchronized intervals from each other relative to the processing of the products (2); the method subsequently comprising the steps of: substituting the first reel (31a) of the film (4a) with a second reel (31b); loading the film (4b) on the second reel into feed means (33, 34); restarting the machine (1) at reduced speed and thereby automatically activating the following sequence of steps: unwinding and positionally centering the film (4b); and restarting the feeding of the products (2) and of the film (4a) at suitably synchronized intervals from each other relative to the products (2).

Abstract: To provide a packaging material being capable of maintaining a highly clean state, wherein the number of fine particles having a particle size of not less than 0.2 &mgr;m and being present on its surface facing an article to be packaged is not more than 5,000/cm2, a steam permeation degree at 40° C. at 90% RH is not more than 30 g/cm2·24 hr, a total amount of gas (excluding steam) to be generated when heating at 80° C. for 15 minutes is not more than 5 ppm and a total amount of water to be generated when heating at 80° C. for 30 minutes is not more than 13 ppm.

Abstract: A container having a cover and a base for holding cosmetics is disclosed. The container includes a hinge having a spring and coupling the cover to the base and configured for pivoting the cover from a closed position to an opened position relative to the base. The spring is in a tensioned configuration when the cover is in the closed position and the spring is in an at least partially relaxed configuration when the cover is in the opened position. A container having a damper coupled to the hinge and configured to limit pivoting of the cover relative to the base at rate of about 90 to 120 degrees per second is also disclosed. A container for holding cosmetics and having a first platform and a second platform. A method for assembling a container for holding cosmetics is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filling sleeve which allows containers with a rectangular or square cross-section, especially bags with deep side folds, to be filled advantageously in that they are given a stable shape. The objective is achieved by means of a filling sleeve which is characterized in that, in the exit cross-section, a central region is provided with inserts and four separate exit apertures are kept open in the corners of the square or rectangular cross-section. In this way, the filling material flowing through the substantially completely open and normally undivided entrance cross-section of the filling sleeve is divided into four individual streams which are associated with the corners of the exit cross-section. Thus, while being filled, the bags are initially stabilized from the corners, as a result of which a certain tension remains in the walls between the corners, so that the walls cannot bulge out when the level of the filling material rises.

Abstract: In a method of performing a hyaline cartilage allograft transplantation procedure in which a surgeon has pre-operatively determined a size of allograft to be needed for the procedure, a service provider facilitates the procedure by arranging, upon receiving an order from the surgeon or a hospital for an allograft of a specified diameter, for the delivery of a precut allograft core along with a customized set of instrumentation for performing the transplantation to the surgeon or hospital prior to the scheduled time of the operation. The service provider also arranges for the return of any non-disposable instrumentation to the service provider after the operation.

Abstract: A method and machine for producing a rigid packet of cigarettes from a flat, substantially rectangular blank; the blank has two main longitudinal crease lines, and a number of transverse crease lines defining, between the two main longitudinal crease lines, central panels having respective lateral wings; the flat blank is fed to a prefolding station where the lateral wings of at least one of the central panels are folded about the respective main longitudinal crease lines; and the blank is subsequently restored to the flat configuration before being fed to a follow-up folding station.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for diagnosing machines (10) for manufacturing products such as cigarettes (12) or cigarette packets (11), the products being examined for faults, and a signal indicating a faulty product being generated. The invention is based on the problem of improving the diagnosis. In order to solve this problem, the method according to the invention is characterized in that the fault-indicating signal (46) is evaluated for possible periodicity of faulty products (11, 12), and a possible periodicity is determined. For this purpose, the device according to the invention has an appropriately constructed control device (27a).

Abstract: The invention proposes measures for controlling a production and packaging system for cigarettes such that a certain number of cigarettes (batch) of a certain brand or design are produced and the system is then switched off. This is based on a quantity which is to be produced, that is to say a specified quantity. Taking account of the actually occurring defective production at individual production units and subassemblies, the overall production requirement is determined and produced accordingly and packaging material is made available to the individual production units.

Abstract: A buffer device for buffering a flow of stacks of discrete objects between a stacking machine and a packaging machine is disclosed which buffer includes a plurality of individual trays mounted on carriers which carriers are mounted on a frame and driven about the periphery of the frame by a drive. A first number of stacks of objects is placed on a first number of carriers on a first side of the frame and a second number of stacks are removed from a second number of carriers on a second side of the frame where the first number can be greater than, less than or equal to the first number. The carriers clamp onto a continuously moving drive belt in a manner that allow the drive belt to slip through the carrier clamps when motion of the carriers is obstructed. A method of using the buffer device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A flexible polymeric container for holding albumin. The container is made of a sheet of flexible polymeric film formed into a bag having a cavity enclosed by a first wall, an opposing second wall, and seals about a periphery of the first and second walls. The seals join an interior portion of the opposing first and second walls and create a fluid-tight chamber within the cavity of the container for storing a concentration of the albumin. A method of packaging the albumin protein into a flexible polymeric container is also provided. Therein a flexible polymeric material is converted into bags, the bags are filled with a quantity of albumin by a filler, and a seal area of the bags is sealed to enclose the albumin within the bag.

Abstract: Device and method for inserting an information carrier in a substrate. The information carriers are stored in a storage and with the aid of transfer means are removed one by one from said storage with the aid of vacuum. The transfer means then place the information carrier concerned in the insertion element, which then executes the insertion stroke.

Abstract: In a method for making a permeable film, a physical force is applied to a film of a first material containing particles of a second material which is different from the first material. The second material has a higher susceptibility to the physical force than does the first material. Applying the physical force to the film affects the particles which in turn affect the first material of the film, thereby increasing permeability of the film.

Abstract: Generating a printstream in a computer that is preferably remote from the one or more inserter systems. Once generated, the printstream is transmitted preferably to a high speed, high volume, printer for producing the printed documents to be included in the mail pieces, such as billing statements. The printed documents are then delivered to the one or more inserter systems, which are to be used as the input sheets in the one or more inserter systems. The print stream is also provided to a workstation computer coupled to the one or more inserter systems. This workstation interpolates the printstream in order to generate a reprint database containing electronic files corresponding to each of the printed documents. Also coupled to the workstation is a local printer, which may be used to generate documents, for re-processing purposes, from data received from the reprint database.