Abstract: A method for applying a heat shrinkable film to a carton for forming a shape of the carton is provided. The carton includes a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side panel extending between the top panel and the bottom panel, and a movable section that is movable between a first position and a second position. The method includes providing a heat-shrinkable but unshrunken film, wrapping the film in an unheated condition around at least a portion of the carton including at least a portion of the movable section of the carton, and moving the movable section from the first position to the second position to form a shape of the carton by heating the heat-shrinkable film to shrink the heat-shrinkable film into contact with at least a portion of the movable section.

Abstract: A system for packaging mass-customized items includes a computer system including a database containing item identification information unique to each item; (2) outer container identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each outer container in a plurality of outer containers; (3) inner pack identification apparatus that applies the item identification information received from the database to each inner pack in a plurality of inner packs; and (4) inner pack filling apparatus that fills each inner pack with a specific item matched to that inner pack by the item identification information received from the database. Each item is associated with its unique item identification information and is inserted into an inner pack with matching item identification information, and each outer container is presented for loading with one or more inner packs matched to that outer container by the item identification information received from the database.

Abstract: A method for forming individual letters provided with envelopes from printed same-size sheets, includes pre-printed envelope forms for forming the envelopes, and in the immediate vicinity of each envelope form one or more letter forms for forming a letter or letters and inserting them in the envelope. The envelope form is led as such to envelope formation; the letter forms are cut at least on one side into letters which are smaller than the letter forms; the letters are brought to contact with the envelope form; the envelope form is folded in two around the letters and glued at the side edges to form an open envelope; and the open flap of the envelope is glued and folded so that a sealed letter provided with an envelope is formed.

Abstract: A package for an optical storage medium, comprising first and second parts; a window located in the first part; a third part sandwiched in a region between the first and second parts; wherein the first, second and third parts define a receptacle in a further region where the third part is not sandwiched between the first and second parts; wherein the window and the third part are arranged such that when the optical storage medium is placed in the receptacle, the optical storage medium abuts the third part and a predefined area of the optical storage medium is perceptible through the window.

Abstract: In a method for the packaging of a bulk material or material in packaging units, which are formed in a filling and packaging plant (4) from the packaging material that is fed to this station before and/or during the filling with the bulk material or material to be packaged, the printing of the packaging material is printed in a printing station that is upstream of the filling or packaging station in the feed direction of the packaging material.

Abstract: A production facility configured to fill a multiple prescription order having different medications is described. The production facility comprises a means for processing a multiple prescription order, a plurality of multiple prescription containers, a first labeling component, a first inspection module, a second labeling component and a second inspection module. The means for processing the multiple prescription order is associated with a particular patient, and the multiple prescription order comprises at least two different tablets that are consumed at prescribed intervals determined by a prescription. Each of the plurality of multiple prescription containers is associated with a prescribed time interval determined by the multiple prescription order, and each multiple prescription container is configured to receive the different medications. The first labeling component is configured to generate a detailed label that provides a plurality of medical information regarding the different tablets.

Abstract: A printing imposition method for creating packaging imposition schemes includes providing target printing sheet properties; providing at least one designed package element (23, 26, 27) wherein the designed package element includes at least one variable information object (92, 93, 94); providing variable information data (44, 45, 46, 47) to be inserted in at least one variable information object; creating variable package elements (95, 96, 97) by merging the variable information data (44, 45, 46, 47) and at least one variable information object (92, 93, 94) in at least one designed package element (23, 26, 27); and performing step and repeat of the variable package elements on the target printing sheet (70) according to the target printing sheet properties.

Abstract: There is provided a medicine packaging apparatus, which is capable of rapidly coping with errors occurring during processes.

Abstract: Plies of paperboard are laminated to form a paperboard laminate having a front and a back. An automobile part is placed on the front of the paperboard laminate leaving exposed the front of the paperboard laminate. The automobile part and the exposed paperboard laminate are shrink-wrapped with plastic shrink-wrap material. For automobile window glass, some of the front side plies of the paperboard laminate have been cut out to form a cavity in the configuration of the glass product being packaged. The glass product is disposed in the cavity and a glass product conforming reinforcing block is placed against the backside of the paperboard laminate during the shrink-wrap operation. For automobile fenders, hoods, the paperboard laminate need not be cut out and the sides of the paperboard laminate are folded upwardly to form a carton bottom to which a lid is affixed for shipping.

Abstract: A sleeve, a system and/or a method conceal a surface of a container for providing privacy to prescription pharmaceutical containers and for providing additional space for displaying advertisements therefrom. The sleeve has at least one rib to slidably receive and frictionally attach the sleeve to the container. When attached to the container, the sleeve conceals a label of the container and/or contents of the container. The rib allows air flow between the sleeve and the container. The sleeve may be labeled with an advertisement and/or other indicia. The sleeve has a base and functions as a cup to assist a user with taking, mixing and/or measuring the contents of the container after removing the sleeve from the container.

Abstract: A cold chain package including a plurality of panels surrounded by an overwrap, each of the panels including a plurality of layers of dissimilar materials, and a hinge formed between adjacent panels of the plurality of panels for facilitating folding of the panels to fit in a shipping container.

Abstract: A protective sleeve cover is described for protecting anilox, gravure, or other costly rolls. The protective sleeve cover is cylindrical in geometry and has a means at one end for securing the cover to the roll being protected. The protective sleeve cover is readily mounted or demounted from the roll. Expansion tabs on the inner diameter of the protective sleeve cover create an interference fit with the roll being protected, causing the protective sleeve cover to deform and generate radial forces that enhance the gripping action of the protective sleeve cover to the roll. Friction pads can be added for enhanced gripping function with the roll.

Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming individual letters provided with envelopes from printed same-size sheets, comprising pre-printed envelope forms for forming the envelopes, and in the immediate vicinity of each envelope form one or more letter forms for forming a letter or letters and inserting them in the envelope. In accordance with the invention, the envelope form is led as such to envelope formation; the letter forms are cut at least on one side into letters which are smaller than the letter forms; the letters are brought to contact with the envelop form; the envelope form is folded in two around the letters and glued at the side edges to form an open envelope; and the open flap of the envelope is glued and folded so that a sealed letter provided with an envelope is formed.

Abstract: A medicine delivering device permits additional medicine cassettes to be provided at low cost without greatly enlarging the installation space. The medicine delivering device includes a medicine storage and removal unit in which many medicine cassettes each containing a medicine are detachably provided to the outer surface of a drum whose upper and lower ends are rotatable supported by the device body and a medicine packaging unit that packages medicine removed through a collecting hopper from the medicine cassette of the medicine storage and removal unit. There is provided on the side surface of the device body a sub medicine storage and removal unit including: a body; a drawer body provided to be capable of being pulled out from the body and that is detachably provided with a plurality of medicine cassettes each containing the medicine; and a guide that guides the medicine taken out from the medicine cassette to the collecting hopper.

Abstract: A tamper-evident band is provided which includes a pull tab which is more easily located and more easily grasped by a consumer for removing the tamper-evident band from a container. A method is also disclosed for applying a heat-shrinkable band to a container such that the band is correctly conformed to the configuration of the container with the pull tab properly located for ease of identification and ease of removal.

Abstract: A conventional cigarette packet in a transparent film of bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) with a tear tape for removing the film adhered to the inside of the film. The tear tape bears an indicium which is either hidden or which changes according to the viewing angle when the image is viewed through the film. The image on the tear tape may be scrambled or coded. The overwrap film includes a descrambling or decoding region which reveals the hidden image or renders the image visible when viewed through the overwrap portion, or creates the visual effect of changing the image according to the viewing angle. The descrambling or decoding region typically comprises a diffraction structure, such as a grating, the characteristics of which, such as its pitch, are complementary with the scrambled or coded image and/or with the pitch of any grid or matrix from which the image is composed.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing isolated packaging elements (11) comprises a conveyor (10) comprising a plurality of transportation segments (15), wherein the isolated packaging elements (11) are maintained in a stock (21). A feeder (20) is provided to transfer at least one isolated packaging element (11) from the stock (21) on one transportation segment (15), wherein each isolated packaging element (11) is held fast on the corresponding transportation segment (15) through a holding element associated to said transportation segment (15). At least one drive (26) is connected with the conveyor (10) to move the conveyor (10). A print module (40) is provided above the transportation segments (15) to print, on the isolated packaging element (11), the sides (12, 13) opposite to the surface oriented towards the transportation segment (15).

Abstract: A case adapted to contain absorbent articles includes an outer surface having a bar code, a product code, and a single brand display having a trademark in logo, wherein the brand display defines a brand display area of less than 4 inches by 6 inches. A method of providing absorbent articles includes providing a case in a branded condition, wherein the case includes a brand display having a brand display area of no more than 4 inches by no more than 6 inches. The method includes converting the case, or instructing a customer to convert the case, from the branded condition to a discreet condition by covering the brand display with a discretion mask or cleanly removing the brand display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pack for pharmaceutical and/or medical products and/or food supplements, comprising a substrate which is fitted with one or more prefabricated, sealed product carriers which each contain one or more isolated products, for a given length of time, and is provided with instructions for application or administration time for the patient, wherein each product carrier exclusively contains products of a special active ingredient or a special combination of active ingredients in a special dosage, which is distinguished by the fact that each product carrier forms part of a single-strip blister pack that can be rolled up, and the product carriers each containing one or more isolated products are assembled on the substrate individually to the patient. Furthermore the invention concerns a method as well as an apparatus for the manufacture of such packs.

Abstract: A flexible sleeve disposable about at least a portion of a flower pot or floral grouping is formed of a flexible polymeric material having at least a portion of one surface thereof modified to provide a textured or matte finish to the flexible sleeve. The flexible sleeve may also be provided with perforations at preselected areas for removing an upper portion of the flexible sleeve from a lower portion thereof. Methods for wrapping a floral grouping or packaging a plant using the flexible sleeve are also described.

Abstract: A division-packaging method for an automatic medicine packaging machine that allows stable packaging even when total volume of each dose of medication for making a package is bigger than packaging volume of any medication envelope established in the automatic medicine packaging machine and that prevents incapability of packaging due to excess volume of each dose of medication. The method includes step of acquiring packaging volume of each medication envelope; step of computing total volume of each dose of medication; step of judging excess volume of each dose of medication; and step of division-packaging each dose of medication when the total volume of each dose of medication for making a package is bigger than the packaging volume of any medication envelope established in the automatic medicine packaging machine.

Abstract: One method embodiment herein inputs a package size and a package wrap pattern. The method calculates a sheet size corresponding to the package size, and prints the sheet of package wrap. The sheet of package wrap has the package wrap pattern and can have fold markings corresponding to corners of the package. The sheet of package wrap has dimensions equal to the sheet size.

Abstract: A method for production of a tamper-proof packaging (V), is disclosed whereby recesses (3) are formed in a formed strip for accommodating a product for packaging and at least one security mark is applied to the packaging. The at least one security mark is applied before the forming of the recesses (3) to a region of the blank wherein the formed strip remains largely unchanged during the forming of the recesses.

Abstract: A method of making tetrahedron packages having substantially uniform tear zones is disclosed. The method includes printing a first image at a first location of a sheet material and a second image at a second location of the sheet material, such that the first image is oriented 180° from and longitudinally arranged with respect to the second image. A tube is formed from the sheet material. The tube runs through a package forming machine to form a first tetrahedron package including the first image and a second tetrahedron package including the second image from the tube. The first tetrahedron package and the second tetrahedron package are connected by a seal zone. Substantially uniform tear zones are formed in the seal zone using a laser or a knife. The substantially uniform tear zones are at the same location with respect to a side edge of the first and second tetrahedron packages.

Abstract: A product and method for producing a string of individual sealed, filled packages separated by perforations. A string of separate packages optionally may be enclosed in a cardboard or other container designed to sit in a pantry or other location for dispensing of individual units. Perforations in the packaging film between separate packages provide a tear point to aid in separating one package from the next. There are several advantages to this format including easy placement of the string of packages into a carton for shipping or dispensing, and the ability to hang a string of packages in locations without the need to attach the packages to a backing strip. The perforations between packages facilitate the packaging and transportation of the entire string or bandolier, and facilitate the removal and use of a separate package.

Abstract: A method for the packaging of editorial products (11) in plastic film comprising the phases of unwinding a plastic film (12) from a bobbin (13) and feeding it in a longitudinal direction (F), applying preprinted self-adhesive labels (16) to the film (12) transversally with respect to the longitudinal direction (F) and distanced between each other by a pre-established length greater than the length of the editorial products (11), positioning the editorial products (11) on the film (12) in the space between two subsequent labels (16), folding the plastic film (12) over the editorial products (11), welding the plastic film (12) longitudinally and transversally with a first transversal welding line (22) to form two containment areas (100a, 100b) of the label (16) and editorial product (11) respectively, and also with a second transversal welding line (23) forming a head of a finished packaging (100, 100?) separated by the second transversal welding.

Abstract: Method for overprinting already printed packages includes preparing a raster or steel magnetic block which is provided with a clamping plate, wherein the block is engraved with the aid of a jet etching device and represents new texts or patterns which are applicable by tampon printing using specific inks on a located existing and already printed part of a box, drying, verifying and packing the box. The method is used for overprinting and includes masking an undesired area by printing a blanking pavement and afterwards by overprinting a desired text, instruction or a pattern thereon and uses an automatic line including a de-stacker (3) for automatically feeding boxes, at least one printing head (1), at least one drying tunnel (4) and at least one restacker (5).

Abstract: Method of packaging an arrangement of containers including producing containers on first and second manufacturing lines. The first and second manufacturing lines produce containers with first and second sets of depictions associated with a common theme using first and second series of color combinations, respectively. The first and second series of color combinations include first and second pluralities of colors wherein the first plurality of colors is different than the second plurality of colors. The containers from the first and second manufacturing lines are accumulated at a common location, where containers including depictions from the first manufacturing line with the first series of color combinations and containers including depictions from the second manufacturing line with the second series of color combinations are selected to form a group of containers that is packaged for commercial distribution.

Abstract: A medicine packing apparatus in which a packing sheet (7) can be printed with predetermined information by a printing device (5). In the apparatus medicine can be fed into the packing sheet (7) by a medicine feeder (2, 3), and the packing sheet (7) can be sealed by a sealing device (8) to pack the medicine in a single package. The sealing device (8) is provided with conveyance portion (39) for conveying the packing sheet (7). In the middle of a conveyance path from the printing device (5) to the sealing device (8), there are provided a moving mechanism (12) which comes into contact with the packing sheet (7) and moves so that the tension of the packing sheet (7) is held at a constant value, and a position detector (33) which detects a moved position of the moving mechanism (12). After the packing sheet (7) is conveyed by the conveyance portion (39) and the position detector (33) detects a predetermined moved position, printing by the printing device (5) is started.

Abstract: Arrangement of plates, cases of plate packages and methods of packing arrangements of plates are disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a case of plate packages is disclosed. The case of plate packages comprises a plurality of plate packages and a covering structure surrounding said plurality of plate packages. Each of the plate package includes a plurality of nestable plates and a transparent wrapping for enveloping the plurality of nestable plates. The plates within the plurality of nestable plates include different depictions associated with a common theme. Each of the plurality of nestable plates include a top plate that is at least partially visualized through said transparent wrapping. The top plates for the plurality of plate packages include plates with different depictions.

Abstract: This invention relates to an integrated label and handle and method of application whereby an elastic sleeve is applied around a sidewall of a container, such as a large PET bottle, resulting in an integrated label and handle extending therefrom.

Abstract: A system for personalized packaging of prescription medication includes a processing device having a CPU and a user interface. The user interface is configured to receive input data related to at least one type of medication to be packaged, wherein the user interface communicates the input data to the CPU for processing. A dispensing system is in communication with the processing device, wherein the dispensing system is configured to be pre-supplied with the at least one type of medication and to dispense the at least one type of medication based on the input data communicated from the CPU to the dispensing system. Also included in the system is a printing system in communication with the processing device. A printing system is configured to generate a print of instructional data based on the input data communicated from the CPU to the printing system, wherein the print of instructional data includes data correspondingly related to the at least one type of medication dispensed by the dispensing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for the production of film tube, which can be filled with liquid, viscous or granular filling material, from a film strip. The apparatus comprises: a filling pipe connectable to a filling machine for the filling material, a shaping device surrounding the filling pipe for shaping the film strip into a film tube, a sealing device arranged downstream of the shaping device in the filling ejection direction for sealing longitudinal edges of the film strip, which are adjacent after the shaping operation, to form a film tube, an advance drive for the film tube, a writing device arranged upstream of the shaping device in the filling ejection direction for applying printed markings to the film strip, a first reading device arranged downstream of the shaping device in the filling ejection direction and a second reading device) arranged upstream of the shaping device in the filling ejection direction for reading printed markings applied to the film strip.

Abstract: A disposable syringe having both graduated marks and a label describing the medicine contained in the syringe, obtained according to a method which involves feeding an orderly succession of syringes having the graduated marks on the body towards a labeling station; feeding an orderly succession of adhesive labels, each having a transparent portion, towards the labeling station; synchronizing each syringe with the respective label so that, subsequently, the transparent portion is placed over the graduated marks; and wrapping the respective label around the body of each syringe, first bringing a longitudinal edge of the label into contact with the syringe body then rotating the syringe about its own longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method for applying a heat shrinkable film to a carton for forming a shape of the carton is provided. The carton includes a top panel, a bottom panel, at least one side panel extending between the top panel and the bottom panel, and a movable section that is movable between a first position and a second position. The method includes providing a heat-shrinkable but unshrunken film, wrapping the film in an unheated condition around at least a portion of the carton including at least a portion of the movable section of the carton, and moving the movable section from the first position to the second position to form a shape of the carton by heating the heat-shrinkable film to shrink the heat-shrinkable film into contact with at least a portion of the movable section.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel, theft-resistant, and senior-friendly packaging for consumer and retail products that is cheap and easy to manufacture. The packaging is designed to prevent individuals from gaining access to the enclosed product through tampering with the packaging while at the same time meeting or exceeding federal child-resistant and senior-friendly guidelines. The packaging incorporates plastic material and multiple cuts to be tear-resistant and to halt the propagation of a tear, if one should occur.

Abstract: A machine and method for printing and feeding a top web onto a bottom web in a form, fill and seal machine without stressing the bond formed between the two webs.

Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling. An improved cap and method for capping medical male luer fittings is also provided.

Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto.

Abstract: A system and method places a printed label on a bag. A first plurality of rollers can feed one or more bags, and a second plurality of rollers can feed one or more labels. A tamp pad can place the label on the bag.

Abstract: Several sheets of sheet-shaped photosensitive material 1 are stacked on a paper tray container 2 prepared by press-forming stencil paper sheet, the photosensitive material 1 stacked on said paper tray container is inserted into a moisture-proof and light-shielding bag 3 made of a photosensitive material packaging material having moisture-proof and light-shielding properties and having an aluminum thin foil layer, and the moisture-proof and light-shielding bag 3 is sealed tight under a reduced pressure vacuum.

Abstract: A process and system are provided for printing variable data on packaging material at a package printer and machine reading the variable data on a packaging facility packaging line and associating the variable data with other information in a computer database. The process and system render unnecessary the use of a printing stage at the packaging facility, thereby improving packaging efficiency.

Abstract: An enclosure is formed from a single sheet of paper, which is of a standard size. The sheet of paper is folded along the short edges and then folded along a mid-section. Content material may be placed on the sheet of paper or printed information can be printed on desired surfaces of the paper. The paper may also be folded so that a fold-over flap is formed. The edges are attached through a sealing mechanism such as knurling, gluing, embossing or crimping, tabbing, stapling.

Abstract: A method for creating mailpieces from a single web of printed material. The web of printed material includes a continuous web having a width and a length, the length comprised of a series of attached sheets. The series of attached sheets is comprised of envelope sheets and content pages. The content pages are rectangular in shape and may be oriented relative to the envelope sheets in a number of different configurations. In some configurations, two sets of content pages and/or envelope sheets can be printed across the width of the web. The method starts with cutting consecutive attached sheets into separated sheets. The content pages belonging to a same mailpiece are accumulated together. The separated envelope sheet is transported, bypassing the accumulating and turning steps. The accumulated and turned content pages are then merged with the envelope sheet, and the envelope sheet is folded and closed around the accumulated content pages to form a finished enclosing envelope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for individually packing sheet or film-type materials in an automatic manner, said materials consisting of at least one material layer, in a packing unit with marked contents. A marking (40) made of a waxy marking material is applied to a warmed first packing material strip (20). The sheet or film-type material (10) is fixed to the marking wit surface thereof, whereby the roughness of the surface thereof is greater than the roughness of the surface of the first packing material strip. A second packing material strip (30) is applied to the sheet or film-type material and is connected to the first packing material strip in order to form a closed packing unit. The packing unit (35) is cooled and the marking is separated from the first packing material strip. A secure packing method and a marking for sheet or film-type materials are developed according to said inventive method.

Abstract: A method of packing packets (2) of cigarettes, in particular an orderly group (1) of packets (2) of cigarettes, wherein the orderly group (1) is packed solely in a sheet (11) of transparent heat-seal plastic packing material, which is folded about the orderly group (1) to form a tubular wrapping having two tubular portions (21) projecting with respect to the orderly group (1), each tubular portion (21) being defined by four flaps (18b, 18c, 18d, 18f) facing in pairs; the flaps (18b, 18c, 18d, 18f) are folded squarely onto the orderly group (1) in a given sequence, so as to at least partly superimpose the flaps (18b, 18c, 18d, 18f); and the superimposed flaps (18b, 18c, 18d, 18f) are then sealed.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing envelopes and a product manufactured in accordance with such process is disclosed. The process requires printing of an ink design on an envelope, coating of the ink design with a varnish and subsequently embossing the combined ink and varnish design so that a foil look is obtained on the envelope.

Abstract: Arrangements of containers, cases of container packages, and methods of packaging arrangements of containers are described. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of packaging an arrangement of containers includes producing a plurality of containers that each have a depiction associated with a common theme, selecting from the plurality of containers to form a first group of containers and a second group of containers, and packaging the first group of containers and second group of containers for commercial distribution. The plurality of containers include a number of different depictions, and the second group of containers includes containers with different depictions than the first group of containers.

Abstract: In an automated prescription pill dispensing system, a multiplicity of pill dispensers are provided each operable to count out and dispense pills from supply hoppers. The dispensers are controlled by a computer which selects up to five of the dispensers to operate and control the selected pill dispensers to count out pills simultaneously. The pill dispensers dispense the pills into the first set of output hoppers, from which the pills can be released into a second output hopper under the control of the computer. The computer will release the pills from the second output hopper corresponding to a selected pill dispenser through a snout into a pill vial in response to sensing the presence of a pill vial at the snout. The computer controls a prescription label printer to print prescription labels for the pill vials. The computer also controls indicator lights to indicate which dispensing cell is selected and ready to have pills released from the second output hopper corresponding thereto.