Printing Or Protective Coating Patents (Class 53/411)
  • Patent number: 11844751
    Abstract: A medication dispensing system includes an automated dispensing device that includes cells with electronically activated locks. The device is configured to detect when medication counts in the cells fall below predetermined thresholds. The system further includes a plurality of first electronic devices that are associated with some of the cells and that have imagers. In response to any of the medication counts in the cells being below the predetermined threshold, the automated dispensing device is configured to automatically send a replenishment needed notification to the first electronic device associated with the cell. That first electronic device is configured to transmit a picture of a medication to a second electronic device. In response to a positive verification by a user of the second electronic device that the medication in the picture is the correct medication, the second electronic device is configured to transmit an unlock signal to the automated dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2023
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristine Calvin
  • Patent number: 11633331
    Abstract: A medication dispensing system includes an automated dispensing device that includes cells with electronically activated locks. The device is configured to detect when medication counts in the cells fall below predetermined thresholds. The system further includes a plurality of first electronic devices that are associated with some of the cells and that have imagers. In response to any of the medication counts in the cells being below the predetermined threshold, the automated dispensing device is configured to automatically send a replenishment needed notification to the first electronic device associated with the cell. That first electronic device is configured to transmit a picture of a medication to a second electronic device. In response to a positive verification by a user of the second electronic device that the medication in the picture is the correct medication, the second electronic device is configured to transmit an unlock signal to the automated dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristine Calvin
  • Patent number: 11572208
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus for small piece goods, the use of the packaging apparatus, and a method for producing a blister tube are provided. The packaging apparatus includes a packaging material guiding device for providing a shaped packaging material web suitable for receiving small piece goods, a longitudinal joining device which is arranged downstream of the packaging material guiding device and a transverse joining device which is arranged downstream of the packaging material guiding device. The transverse joining device joins the shaped packaging material web together at predetermined intervals transversely to the direction of travel to form a transverse joining area. The transverse joining device includes two joiners, which have a plurality of embossers that are individually movable transversely to the direction of travel and have an embosser stop area which cooperate such that elevations that are palpable are formed by the embossers in the transverse joining area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: BECTON DICKINSON ROWA GERMANY GMBH
    Inventor: Torben Schüttfort
  • Patent number: 11461572
    Abstract: A booklet may include multiple customized booklet pages. The booklet pages may include including a barcode page that may include multiple barcode labels that can be selectably disposed on physical media items. The booklet pages may include pages with instructions, upgrade labels, shipping labels, or other information. The booklet pages may be customized to a customer digitization order. A system with a barcode scanner, physical media item converter, and a computing device may scan the barcode labels of the physical media items, read the content stored on the physical media items, convert the content to a digital format, and associate the digitally formatted content with the corresponding barcode label. The system may allow a customer to access the content in the digital format, such as a DVD, digital download, or a thumb drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: AMB Media LLC
    Inventors: Adam Michael Boeselager, Nicholas James Macco
  • Patent number: 11419788
    Abstract: Medical packaging sleeve having a tamper-evident cap for sterile use consisting of an approximately cylindrical sleeve body which is open on one side and the opening of which can be tightly sealed by a sealing stopper, wherein the position of the sealing stopper can be fixed with an approximately sleeve-shaped tamper-evident cap which extends over the sealing stopper, wherein the tamper-evident cap can be snapped onto the sleeve body, wherein the sealing stopper can be screwed into the opening of the sleeve body with a threaded screw connection, and there is a visual inspection to check the sealed rotational position between the sealing stopper and the sleeve body, wherein the tamper-evident cap is non-rotatably connected to the sealing stopper and can be engaged with the sleeve body only in the sealed rotational position of the sealing stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventors: Wolfgang Sohler, Thiemo Roesler
  • Patent number: 11396189
    Abstract: A printing apparatus is provided with: a support member supporting a can body; a movement route in which the support member moves, the movement route being formed into an annular shape and partially including a linear part, which is a linear-shaped movement route; and plural inkjet heads forming an image onto the can body supported by the support member positioned at the linear part. Thus, it is possible to suppress degradation of image quality that may happen in the case of forming a movement route of can bodies into an annular shape when an image is to be formed on a can body by use of the plural inkjet heads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: SHOWA ALUMINUM CAN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinichi Ojima, Kazunori Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11389378
    Abstract: A medication dispensing system includes an automated dispensing device that includes cells with electronically activated locks. The device is configured to detect when medication counts in the cells fall below predetermined thresholds. The system further includes a plurality of first electronic devices that are associated with some of the cells and that have imagers. In response to any of the medication counts in the cells being below the predetermined threshold, the automated dispensing device is configured to automatically send a replenishment needed notification to the first electronic device associated with the cell. That first electronic device is configured to transmit a picture of a medication to a second electronic device. In response to a positive verification by a user of the second electronic device that the medication in the picture is the correct medication, the second electronic device is configured to transmit an unlock signal to the automated dispensing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Kristine Calvin
  • Patent number: 11319102
    Abstract: The invention relates to a processing apparatus for packaging machines having at least one upper processing unit for processing upper package sides and at least one lower processing unit for processing lower package sides, and having a common adjustment axle for the processing units along which the processing units are adjustable manually or by means of a drive in an adjustment direction that extends in parallel with a direction of transport of the packaging machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Inventor: Michael Brandt
  • Patent number: 11292623
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical order filling system includes an order processing device, an automated dispensing device in communication with the order processing device for dispensing a pharmaceutical into a container. The system includes pallets for transporting containers and a container sorting device in communication with the order processing device, the container sorting device for transferring the containers from the pallets to distribution areas. The container sorting device includes a pallet unloading area for retaining a pallet in a pallet unloading position, an exception conveyor, a standard order conveyor, and a container manipulation device including a gripper assembly for moving containers in order from pallets to the exception conveyor or the standard order conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2022
    Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert E. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 11225341
    Abstract: Modular mobile mixing and packaging plant for powdery or granular products, comprising a carrying structure having dimensions suitable for being introduced in a standard shipping container and internally housing a receiving and manual weighing module, a material loading module, a mixing module, and a packaging module, wherein the mixing module comprises means for cooling and/or drying the mixture contained in said module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: INVERSIONES HIKI6, S.L.
    Inventor: Henrik Stamm Kristensen
  • Patent number: 11198306
    Abstract: A printing technique is presented for efficiently printing (i.e. with production lines rates at high resolution and high accuracy) on outer surfaces of a plurality of objects passing in an optimized stream through a printing route/zone. According to this technique, at least one array of printing head units is provided being configured to define at least one printing route along a printing axis, where the at least one printing route is a substantially linear segment of a closed loop lane along which the objects are progressing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: VELOX-PUREDIGITAL LTD.
    Inventor: Marian Cofler
  • Patent number: 11167466
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a polypropylene vessel using a single-step injection stretch blow molding machine using a heat-conditioning step. The method may include providing a chemical composition comprising polypropylene, forming a preform vessel of the chemical composition in a second shape, heating the preform vessel at a plurality of positions on the preform vessel with heat pots, wherein each of the heat pots is configured to heat a corresponding one of the plurality of positions on the preform vessel by raising a temperature of the heat pot to a respective temperature, wherein each respective temperature of each of the heat pots is different from another respective temperature of another of the heat pots, wherein the temperatures of the heat pots are based on the desired first shape of the product. The method may include forming, from the heated and expanded preform, a second vessel in a desired first shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Inventor: Kent Byron
  • Patent number: 11080751
    Abstract: Computer-implemented parcel advertising methods, systems, and computer-readable media are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventor: Nicholas Lee Parolini
  • Patent number: 11077966
    Abstract: A method for inserting mass-customized items into bags includes the steps of (a) identifying each individual item of a plurality of mass customized items using item-specific identification information associated with each individual item in a computer system database; (b) conveying the plurality of identified individual items on an item conveyor; (c) conveying a plurality of bags on a bag conveyor, each of the bags being associated with the item-specific identification information associated with least one of the individual mass-customized items; (d) associating each of the bags with the item identification information associated with each of the identified individual mass-customized items; (e) receiving the plurality of mass-customized items from the item conveyor; and (f) inserting each individual mass-customized item into one of the bags that has been associated with the individual mass-customized item using the item-specific identification information in the database identifying the individual mass-custom
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Stanley E. Sankaran, Eric Kuo, Kevin M. Conlon, Josh Van Riper
  • Patent number: 10977461
    Abstract: A booklet may include multiple customized booklet pages. The booklet pages may include including a barcode page that may include multiple barcode labels that can be selectably disposed on physical media items. The booklet pages may include pages with instructions, upgrade labels, shipping labels, or other information. The booklet pages may be customized to a customer digitization order. A system with a barcode scanner, physical media item converter, and a computing device may scan the barcode labels of the physical media items, read the content stored on the physical media items, convert the content to a digital format, and associate the digitally formatted content with the corresponding barcode label. The system may allow a customer to access the content in the digital format, such as a DVD, digital download, or a thumb drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: AMB Media LLC
    Inventors: Adam Michael Boeselager, Nicholas James Macco
  • Patent number: 10926898
    Abstract: A medicine packing apparatus is provided. The medicine packing apparatus includes: a rotation hopper provided with a plurality of partition spaces, transferring a medicine from a medicine dispenser to any one of the plurality of partition spaces through at least one injection part, and transferring the medicine to the discharge part; an inspector photographing the transferred medicine to inspect the medicine; a controller determining whether the medicine inspected by the inspector matches a medicine of a prescription; and a re-injection part disposed in a partition space between an injection part having a shortest medicine transfer distance to the discharge part on the basis of a rotation direction of the rotation hopper and the discharge part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: JVM CO., LTD
    Inventor: Jun-Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 10751962
    Abstract: A modular production line for the production of contact lenses comprises at least three separate modules: a manufacturing module (MM), an inspection module (IM), and a packaging module (PP). The modular production line further comprises fixedly arranged transfer interfaces between the individual modules (MM, IM, PP) for transferring the lenses from a preceding module to a subsequent module. The manufacturing module (MM) comprises a plurality of manufacturing stations (300, 301, 302, 310, 320, 321, 322, 330, 331, 340, 341, 342, 350, 351, 352) which are grouped to form a plurality of individual manufacturing units (30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35) arranged in a closed loop. Reusable male and female molds (212, 112) are transported through the manufacturing stations of the manufacturing units, and each manufacturing unit (30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35) comprises a plurality of the manufacturing stations (300, 301, 302, 310, 320, 321, 322, 330, 331, 340, 341, 342, 350, 351, 352).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: Alcon Inc.
    Inventors: Shu Zong, Peter Hagmann, Roger Biel, Axel Heinrich, Stephan Pirl
  • Patent number: 10273030
    Abstract: In a compact system containers are circulated in fixtures. Containers are fed from a bulk hopper by a conveyor into a primary orienting mechanism and then into the loading mechanism which also serves as the final orienting mechanism. Once a fixture is filled with containers, it is indexed into the filling position. The process conveyor ultimately moves the fixtures to the opposite end of the conveyor where a transfer mechanism indexes the fixture through a cap applicator and cap sealer. Caps are fed from a bulk hopper by a conveyor into a primary orienting mechanism and then through a final orienting/escapement mechanism into an applicator chute. Once the caps are applied, the fixture is indexed into a transfer position for downstream processing. Once emptied of containers, the fixtures are indexed onto a return conveyor where they are transported back to the loading and filling end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Lehnen Industrial Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter E. Lehnen, Christopher P. Lehnen, Roger A. Racette
  • Patent number: 9962989
    Abstract: A packing system includes a conveyor configured to transport one or more containers. Two or more printers are disposed along the conveyors. The printers are configured to print printed material. Each of the printers has a tray upon which the printed material is deposited from the printer. A robotic arm is disposed proximal to the conveyor and the printers. The robotic arm has an end of arm tool configured to pick the printed material from the tray of each printer. A controller is operatively connected to the printers and the robotic arm. The controller is configured to send one or more print instructions to one or more of the printers to print the printed material. The controller is configured to instruct the robotic arm to place the printed material from the tray into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: Bastian Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Aaron M. Jones, Geoff Schreiber, Mark T. Curtis
  • Patent number: 9713927
    Abstract: A printing press for digital printing on three-dimensional objects includes a plurality of printing stations arranged in a specified radian on an outer peripheral edge of a press wheel. Each one of the printing stations includes an inkjet print head for digital printing on three-dimensional objects and a rotary table for holding the three-dimensional object. A printing unit prints on the three-dimensional object by separate printing of a mark or a logo executed as a pad print. The printing unit includes a mechanical feed unit and a plurality of pads successively arranged on a rotating wheel. The pads and the surfaces of the printed three-dimensional objects held in the printing stations are held in the same radian and move at the same circumferential speed so that the pads print on the three-dimensional objects by means of a tampograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: TILL GMBH
    Inventor: Volker Till
  • Patent number: 9662905
    Abstract: A container-handling station includes a drying-and-curing device that dries a printed region on a container. A sensor is configured detects heat energy from this reaction during a sensing interval that is between 50 milliseconds and 1 millisecond per angular degree of the container surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Sascha Koers, Katrin Preckel, Werner Van De Wynckel
  • Patent number: 9607312
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for increasing co-mailing discounts are disclosed. An example method includes determining a first number of first books associated with a first pool, the first books to be addressed for delivery within a geographic region associated with a postal discount. The example method further includes identifying a filler from a second pool to fill open pockets associated with the first pool. The filler corresponds to a first type of book associated with the second pool. The example method also includes identifying a second number of second books associated with the filler to be bundled with the first books when the first number of the first books is less than a threshold number of books for the postal discount. The first number of the first books combined with the second number of the second books is at least as great as the threshold number of books.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: LSC COMMUNICATIONS US, LLC
    Inventor: Stephen Lindstrom
  • Patent number: 9463616
    Abstract: A device for printing on containers, in particular non-rotationally symmetric containers, including at least one printing unit including at least one print head, a conveying system, which includes a plurality of container reception means arranged for rotation about axes of rotation and which is configured such that the container reception components circulate on a closed path and a print area of an outer surface of a container accommodated in a container reception components is movable past the print head, and at least one first drive adapted to rotate the container reception component, accommodating the container, about its axis of rotation by at least one open-loop and/or closed-loop control unit, the first drive being adapted to be variably controlled such that the print area is moved past the print head at a predetermined, substantially constant printing distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Bernhard Domeier, Viktor Gette, Andreas Sonnauer
  • Patent number: 9095638
    Abstract: A control system for controlling a machine for the temperature processing of containers for food products, having a movement element for moving containers to be processed on a movement path along which at least one temperature-processing zone is defined, the temperature-processing zone being divided into sub-zones each having a respective injection assembly for injecting processing fluid on the containers and a respective adjusting assembly for setting the temperature of the injected processing fluid. The control system is provided with a control unit coupled to the adjusting assemblies of the sub-zones for regulating the temperature of the processing fluid by performing a prediction of the output temperature of the containers located on the movement path based on a current operating condition of the machine and a past thermal trend for the containers, and controlling the adjusting assemblies based on the predicted output temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: SIDEL S.p.A. con Socio Unico
    Inventor: Andrea Solfa
  • Publication number: 20150113918
    Abstract: A method for treating packages includes ink jet printing designs on packages, arranging packages on a treatment position of a package transport path, and at least intermittently charging the packages, during printing thereon, with a gaseous sterilizing agent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Wilfried Ehmer, Martin Schach
  • Publication number: 20150096262
    Abstract: Provided is a tablet packing method including: a step of conveying a long sheet material that is a material of a packing bag in a longitudinal direction; a step of introducing all of a same kind of tablets of the tablets prescribed to each patient to a packing space formed by the conveyed long sheet material; a step of sealing the long sheet material to form a section in which the packing space provided with the tablets is airtight; and a step of cutting the long sheet material provided with one or a plurality of the sections, in predetermined units in the longitudinal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: TAKAZONO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Noboru Fujitani
  • Publication number: 20150096263
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermo-forming packaging machine with a controller, a first forming station for forming a tray into a base film and a second motor-adjustable forming station for forming a lid into a top film. A first detection device detects the marking of the base film for controlling a film advance step of the tray associated with this marking into the sealing station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Elmar Ehrmann
  • Patent number: 8997441
    Abstract: There is provided a medicine packaging method, which is capable of rapidly coping with errors occurring during processes. The medicine packaging method includes the following steps: a medicine supplying step for supplying a relevant medicine according to a prescription data; a medicine standby step for allowing the supplied medicine to temporarily stand by; a medicine detecting step for detecting the standing by medicine; a printing step for printing a packaging paper when the medicine based on the prescription data is detected; a conveying step for conveying the packaging paper; and a packaging step for supplying the temporarily standing by medicine to a printed portion of the packaging paper and packaging the medicine. The steps are performed in sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Tomohiro Sugimoto
  • Publication number: 20150075115
    Abstract: A cigarette container is disclosed, which may be assembled by a user, with a decorative or advertising exterior for storing a standard cigarette box. The user assemblable cigarette container is larger than a standard cigarette box thereby allowing a standard cigarette box to fit inside of the assembled container. When a standard cigarette box is placed inside the assembled container the cigarette container covers the standard cigarette box thereby hiding the unsightly branding, warnings or graphic images on the exterior of the standard cigarette box. In addition, the assembled container provides additional structural support for the standard cigarette box to prevent crushing or damage to the cigarettes contained therein. A container has a hinged top that opens to expose the standard cigarette box. During opening of the hinged top to the container, the top of the standard cigarette box is also opened to expose the cigarettes therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Jesus A. Valls, Oscar Alfredo Valls Nuñez
  • Publication number: 20150052852
    Abstract: A method and a device for can manufacture and canning, having cans manufactured in a manufacturing process and filled in a filling process, the manufacturing process being integral with the filling process in one plant, and the cans being transported from the manufacturing process to the filling process in a hygienic conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Achhammer, Michael Auburger
  • Publication number: 20150048170
    Abstract: RFID labels blend with a branding color, a branding pattern or a branding color and pattern of an item of merchandise or packaging to which it is attached in order to provide inventory control and security functions, which are digitally printed onto a label substrate having an RFID inlay. When desired, the printed label has UV ink dots applied in a useful orientation and can provide a glowing code attribute to the label. Defined label shaping can be provided by digital cutting. Digital adhesive application can be included on the label substrate, which can be combined with digital cutting to provide for self-adhesion of the label, and the digital cutting and digital adhesive placement can be arranged so as to include dry tab characteristics to the label.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: Avery Dennison Retail Information Services, LLC
    Inventor: Ian James FORSTER
  • Publication number: 20150041345
    Abstract: Disclosed is a packaging for smoking products that comprises an area with a warning relating to the health hazards of smoking thereon. The area comprises at least one marking that is suitable for identification and/or authentication and/or track and/or trace purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Brahim KERKAR
  • Publication number: 20150041355
    Abstract: Tubes for storing unit doses of drugs are disclosed, the tubes may include an elongate outer casing having two open ends, an inner structure inside said casing, which includes two opposite symmetrical walls connected at the ends thereof and ribbed on the inner surfaces thereof such as to enable the insertion and fastening of a blister pack containing a unit dose of a drug in channels opposite to said walls, and a pulling means for inserting and extracting the inner structure from the outer casing. Devices and methods for filling the tube with unit doses of drugs is also disclosed, along with cabinets for dispensing unit doses of drugs from said storage tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Isish healthcare System, S.L.
    Inventors: Rafael Maria Lopez Losada, José Maria Argüello Martinez, Josep Monterde Junyent, Julio Martinez Cutillas
  • Publication number: 20150040518
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for individually molding objects as part of a marketing promotion. Various embodiments pertain to the use of individualized molds to simultaneously produce a plurality of molded consumer objects, each having molded individualized indicia. In other embodiments the molded individualized indicia further interrelates to additional individualized indicia that is printed in association with the molded object, such as on a label or a cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Robert M. Shanteau, Steven W. Martin
  • Publication number: 20150027034
    Abstract: A visual cue system associated with a plurality of consumer product packages includes a first visual cue with at least a first symbol and first text associated therewith and is further associated with a first consumer product. A second visual cue has at least a second symbol and second text associated therewith and is further associated with a second consumer product. A regimen key is associated with at least one of the first or second consumer products. Further, the first and second consumer product packages are different.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Gary D. Weintraub, Lynn Templeton
  • Publication number: 20150013269
    Abstract: A package coding system for a cigarette manufacturing process is provided. An imprinting device imprints an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages. A conveyor device conveys the cigarette packages in a feed direction. An inspection device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and inspects the alphanumeric code imprinted on each cigarette package conveyed by the conveyor device to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes a defect in the imprinted alphanumeric code, and thus comprises a defective cigarette package. A removal device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and is configured to be in communication with the inspection device. The removal device is configured to remove the defective cigarette package from the series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device in response to identification thereof by the inspection device. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Hugh Gates, Hung Phan, Chris Campbell, David Hall, Gary Wood, Reggie Thomas, Frank Brantley
  • Patent number: 8931241
    Abstract: A system and method for assembling a multiple prescription package having a plurality of different medications is described. The system comprises a pharmacy management system, a selected dosing interval, a filling system, a first automated inspection, a second automated inspection, a container, and a label. The pharmacy management system includes a graphical user interface that receives a prescription order that is associated with a particular patient. The prescription order includes medications in which a first medication that is different from a second medication. The selected dosing interval is selected from the dosing interval group that includes a morning interval, a noon interval, an afternoon interval, and a bedtime interval. The container receives the sealed preliminary packages for the selected dosing interval. The label is affixed to the container so that the label indicates the selected dosing interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Edge Medical Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Leslie Baker, Larry Luciano
  • Patent number: 8910998
    Abstract: Systems and methods for altering the appearance and/or texture of a vehicle surface include installing a vest relative to a vehicle surface such that an exterior side of the vest, spaced from the vehicle surface, defines a fluid-tight space between the vehicle surface and the exterior side of the vest. Visual media can be provided into and from the fluid-tight space using one or more ports, the exterior side being at least partially transparent or translucent such that the visible media within the fluid-tight space are visible through the exterior side of the vest, thereby allowing the repeatable alteration of the appearance of the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Inventor: Srinivas S. Devathi
  • Publication number: 20140346061
    Abstract: Gift card carriers are disclosed. More particularly, a first aspect pertains to a gift card carrier that also operates as a greeting card. In a first folded configuration, the gift card carrier presents the gift card for purchase. In a second folded configuration, the gift card carrier acts like a greeting card that encloses the gift card, and possibly supplies a greeting or message. A second aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with a depression for receiving a gift card therein. The depression may make the gift card appear as if its flush mounted within a panel of the gift card carrier. A third aspect pertains to a gift card carrier with an image of hardware device that includes a display, and a gift card that includes an image associated with the hardware device. The gift card is positioned over the display region of the hardware device image making it appear as if the gift card is the display, and the image thereon is being displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Val Cole, Ted Biskupski
  • Publication number: 20140338290
    Abstract: The present invention provides novel packaging articles, e.g., food and beverage cans. Preferred cans typically comprise a body portion and an end portion, wherein at least one of the body and end portions are aluminum and are coated on at least one major surface with a coating composition of the present invention. Suitable coating compositions of the present invention comprise: one or more polyester resins, wherein at least one of the polyester resins has a glass transition temperature (“Tg”) less than about 50° C., and wherein the polyester resin is formed by the reaction of one or more polyacid molecules and one or more polyol molecules; and a crosslinker. Preferred compositions are substantially free of mobile BPA and aromatic glycidyl ether compounds, e.g., BADGE, BFDGE and epoxy novalacs (e.g., NOGE) and more preferred compositions are also substantially free of bound BPA and aromatic glycidyl ether compounds. In more preferred embodiments (e.g.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Applicant: Valspar Sourcing, Inc.
    Inventors: Girish G. Parekh, George K. Bartley, III, Greg M. Paulson, Paul E. Fuchs, Daniel E. Rardon, Robert M. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20140290180
    Abstract: A method for producing and/or packaging cigarettes, in a system in which at least one production unit is fed packaging units from a lower packaging level, and the production unit packages the packaging units in associated packaging units from a higher level, and the packaging units from the higher packaging level each comprise one or more packaging units from the lower packaging level. A camera records images of the packs of the packaging units from the lower level which are to be fed, or have been fed, to the production unit, and a camera records images of the packs of the packaging units from the higher level which are respectively assigned to the packaging units from the lower level, and the recorded images of the packs of the respectively associated packaging units are each assigned to a common identifier, preferably to a machine-internal counting number of the production unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: FOCKE & CO. (GMBH & CO. KG)
    Inventors: Hartmut Olbrich, Michael Czarnotta, Hartmut Levers
  • Publication number: 20140291278
    Abstract: A method for the production of a single-dose-type marked vial (10) intended, in particular, to receive a product (22) for pharmaceutical or cosmetic uses includes the following steps: production of a vial (10) including a cavity that is intended to receive the product (22); filling of the vial with the product (22) and sealing thereof, separate production of a cover (30), and marking (40) of the cover (30). The associated production chain and the resulting vial are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: UITHER DEVELOPPEMENT
    Inventor: Marie-Aude Gudin De Vallerin
  • Publication number: 20140287107
    Abstract: A can filling process, the process comprising providing a metal can body (1) having first and second ends, the second end being closed by a peelable lid (2), and supporting the can body (1) from beneath the peelable lid including presenting to the peelable lid a support surface having a pattern embossed thereon. The can body is filled with a product through said first end using a compacting ram such that the peelable lid is pressed against the support surface (3) by the product and said pattern is impressed into the peelable lid (2), and a closure applied to said first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventor: Gerry Patrick Doyle
  • Publication number: 20140283484
    Abstract: A method for on-line printing onto water-soluble film on-line with water-soluble detergent pouch process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY
    Inventors: Stephane CONTENT, Frank William DENOME
  • Publication number: 20140237944
    Abstract: A method for operating a system for treating containers, where the containers are treated by at least one first treatment unit of the system, and the containers are treated by at least one additional treatment unit of the system, and where a measuring device, determines, either after or during the treatment in the first treatment unit, at least one parameter that is characteristic of the geometric shape of the containers, where at least one of the parameters determined by the measuring device that is characteristic of the geometric shape of the containers is taken into account for the control or adjustment of the at least one additional treatment unit and/or sensors thereof disposed after the measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hahn
  • Publication number: 20140230371
    Abstract: A custom packaging center for custom selecting and custom packaging canned and/or container goods and a novel box for use with the custom packaging center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Curtis Taylor, Aaron Misener
  • Publication number: 20140230372
    Abstract: In a sheet processing apparatus which checks sheets and sorts the sheets for a plurality of cassettes on the basis of the check result and conditions for the sheets which are assigned to the respective cassettes, conditions for sheets such as bill types and bill states which are assigned to the respective cassettes are displayed on a display unit. When an instruction to save these setting contents is issued while a cassette and conditions for sheets which are displayed on the display unit are selected, the selected conditions for sheets are assigned to the selected cassette.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Toru Otsuka
  • Publication number: 20140223860
    Abstract: A method for enveloping an item to be packaged includes supplying the item to a wrapping unit using a first feed unit, cutting a packaging blank having two side flaps, a base flap, and a closing flap to size, supplying the packaging blank to the wrapping unit using a second feed unit, combining the item and the packaging blank in the wrapping unit, and wrapping the item with the packaging blank, wherein the item and the packaging blank are supplied to the wrapping unit in a line and in opposite directions, at least in one section. This method further includes wrapping the item by folding the side flaps, and by folding the base flap, in any order, gluing the side flaps and the base flap together, and wrapping the item by folding the closing flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Gotthard Schmid, Marc Fleckenstein
  • Publication number: 20140223859
    Abstract: A processing device and method for processing a stack of bags having a multitude of open-mouth bags are provided, including a stacking device on which the stack of bags can be disposed in a base position, wherein the open-mouth bags of the stack have a bag length and an open filling mouth at one end. A marker device and a bag conveying device are provided that are suitable and provided for gripping the topmost open-mouth bag of the stack in the base position and displacing it to a take-up position that is only partially supported on the stack of bags and putting at least one mark on the open-mouth bags in the take-up position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventor: Volker Schuette
  • Patent number: 8793967
    Abstract: A method includes feeding an envelope along an envelope transport path in a paper-handling machine to a flap-opening station. The method further includes opening the flap of the envelope at the flap-opening station and printing on the envelope with the flap in an open position. After printing, a collation is inserted into the envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Eddy Edel