Abstract: The present application provides a unique process of canning a controlled substance where the cans are hermetically sealed and clearly identified in a number of different ways. The process will begin by inserting a packing and dehumidifying agent, preferably a formed rice cake. The controlled substance is then inserted. In some cases the rice cakes will be eliminated or just a single rice cake will be used on the top or the bottom. If the process of storing the controlled substance in an inert atmosphere is desired, the oxygen in the container is replaced with gaseous nitrogen. After the container has been sealed in the conventional pop-top canning procedure; an identifying scent substance is permanently adhered to the can or label. An internal or external microchip could be used to detect, track and trace the container filled with a controlled substance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pattern coated pressure sensitive label assembly for use in preserving patient privacy in medical treatment bag applications. The label assembly utilizes specific zones and areas to create removable sections that will permit areas containing patient information to be separated from the remainder of the label which remains with the treatment bag during disposal.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus comprises one or more packing machines (MC1, MC2, MC3) which are operable to join together at least two assembled packs (P1, P2). A strap applicator (MC4) applies a strap system (S) to one face of all but one of the assembled packs (P1, P2). Conveying means (TC) guide the assembled packs (P5 P1, P2) such that the face of each assembled pack (P1, P2) having the strap attached thereto abuts a face of another of the assembled packs such that the strap (S) is sandwiched between the abutting faces. Fixing means, which fix the strap (S) about adjacent packs such that the packs (P1, P2) are joined together and are movable relative to each other by rotation about one or more edges.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing packaged contact lenses are described. A stock product that includes a contact lens located in a contact lens packaging solution in a sealed contact lens package is provided. The stock product has one or more printing surfaces. The stock product is directed to a labeling station to produce a customer-tailored labeled product. The labeled product includes printed customer-specific indicia directly on the printing surface of the stock product. Manufacturing systems that include such labeling stations are also described. Utilizing the present methods and systems, contact lenses are labeled and supplied to different customers based on customer requirements.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant, a labeling machine for use in a beverage bottling plant, and a glue application device for use with a labeling machine in a beverage bottling plant.

Abstract: A method for applying labels in rows on a tape, which can be driven by a tape driving mechanism, for which the labels are deposited in consecutive rows at an applicator, disposed stationary at the tape, on the tape, the tape being advanced partially after or during the deposition of a row of labels by a length section at the applicator in that, by a movable tension, a pull loop is pulled out of the path of the tape downstream from the applicator, while the section of tape, located upstream from the pull loop, is kept stationary, and the tension can be moved stepwise between a starting position and an end position and that, during the partial advance, a step is traveled by the tension roller, the length of which is adjusted by a control mechanism.

Abstract: An optical disc advertising and security method that includes the use of a promotional label that is coaxially aligned and adhesively attached to the top surface of an optical disc. The promotional label includes an upper label layer and a lower label layer. Attached to each layer is a laterally extending tab. Printed on the top layer surface of each label layer is promotional indicia. In one embodiment, the upper label layer is slightly larger in diameter than the lower label layer so that the lower label is covered and hidden from view by the upper label layer. In a second embodiment, the promotional label is made of two label layers permanently adhesively attached together with a RFID tag disposed between them.

Abstract: A machine for closing and sealing cardboard boxes or other packaging cases with random sizes of cases presented. An input gate controls passage of cases onto at least one conveyor that moves the cases through the machine. An input positioning stage centers and squares the case. A measuring station performs a primary measurement of the width and height of the open case. A closing station and tape sealing station are adjusted to the primary case size measurement. The case closing station then closes the case. The side major flaps are closed using a major flap closer with crossed arms pivoted at separated pivot axes. The sealing station has a secondary or closed case measurement detector which more accurately adjusts the tape applicator height. Lateral support heads engage the sides of the case to prevent distortion while tape is applied.

Abstract: Systems and methods for branding medication are provided, including, a first capper system that caps a first medication container with a first cap of a first branding including first identification of a third party supplier of one of the prescription and medication order; a second capper system that caps a second medication container with a second cap of a second branding including second identification of another third party supplier of the one of the prescription and medication order; a transport system that transports the first and second medication containers; and a control system that controls the transport system to transport the first and second medication containers based on customer information, and controls the one of the first capper system and the second capper system to cap the first and second medication containers with one of the first and second caps.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for processing a plastic container by applying a label to a cap, threading the cap on a bottle, and closing dispensing doors on the cap before a heat shrink label sleeve is applied. The label is applied to the cap in a predetermined orientation with respect to the cap and the cap is threaded onto the bottle by a threader wheel adjacent a starwheel that carries caps and bottles in alignment. The dispenser door is closed by a peg that is urged downwardly into contact with the dispenser door.

Abstract: A method for securing the drum casing of a washer during shipping includes at least one airbag for wedging between the drum casing and washer housing. The preferred airbag has three arm extensions, although a bag with two arm extensions, or two separate bags could be used. Two of the extensions, or two separate bags, whichever is used, are positioned around the washer drum exterior to prevent free, lateral movement of the drum casing relative to the housing. The third arm of a three arm bag is slid between the drum casing and rear washer housing before inflating. Preferably included with this method is a spacer for wedging between the drum and a housing bracket to prevent free, vertical movement of the drum relative to its washer housing.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a tobacco product package device can be used to enhance freshness and other characteristics of tobacco products or other products contained therein. Certain features can improve product freshness both during shelf life and during consumer use.

Abstract: A tag feeding apparatus for use with a bag-closing and tag-applying sewing machine in order to attach multiple tags to each bag in a sequence of bags delivered to the sewing machine for closing of each bag and simultaneous attachment of the multiple tags by sewing the bag and the multiple tags together along edges of the bag at an opening thereof. A tag spreader of the apparatus is arranged to receive a stack of a plurality of different tags that are distinct from one another and stacked together in a face-to-face grouping and is arranged to displace the different tags relative to one another along faces of the tags to project each tag partially outward from an adjacent tag next thereto in the grouping of tags. The presence of each tag on the closed bag is easily confirmed visually by the projection of one tag outward from the others.

Abstract: In some embodiments, containers can be, for example, labeled with a uniquely identifiable customer label. The labeled containers can be loaded into a carrier that caries containers. The carrier can be transported to and from various stations by a transport system. The container carrier can travel through, for example, a solid pharmaceutical dispensing system where all or some of the containers in the carrier can be filled with a specific quantity of pharmaceutical product. The carrier can be transported to a capping and branding station where the containers can be capped and branded. The caps can be pre-branded, blank, or a combination of pre-branded and blank. Where at least some of the containers are branded with blank caps, a carrier and/or container can be transported to a branding station that can brand caps with cap labeling information (e.g., logos, graphics, artwork, text, etc.) that can be specific to each cap.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed towards a method and apparatus provided for improved sterile labeling on medications, solutions and medical supplies. The apparatus includes a sterile label, including associated corresponding medical product information. The sterile label is contained inside a sterile cavity housing which is formed from a first and second sheet of flexible plastic or other material. The flexible plastic material is bound together along its peripheral edges by an adhesive or heat sealing process. In this form, the flexible plastic or other material creates a package which may be peeled apart, enabling the label to be delivered or flipped to a sterile field while maintaining sterility. The label may contain on it many types of information corresponding to a medication. Furthermore, information can be added by a user. The disclosure makes the medication labeling system more accurate, safe and legible.

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: An object is to enable a strip tape to be bonded to a packaging material at a proper position and enable longitudinal sealing to be performed well. A packaging-container manufacturing apparatus includes a bonding member, a first detection section which detects an edge of the packaging material, a second detection section which detects an edge of the strip tape (12), position determination processing means for determining the position of the strip tape (12) in relation to the packaging material, and position correction processing means for correcting the position of the strip tape (12) in relation to the packaging material. Since the position of the strip tape (12) in relation to the packaging material is determined on the basis of outputs of the first and second detection sections and the position of the strip tape (12) in relation to the packaging material is corrected on the basis of results of the determination on the position, the strip tape (12) is placed on the packaging material at a proper position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for making a hard pack cigarette package composed of a transparent material that includes an inner frame that is also composed of a transparent material. The package is assembled using a hot-melt adhesive material to bind the package together as well as to bind the inner frame insert and a foil wrapped assemblage of smoking articles to the package. The hot-melt adhesive material is applied by an electronically controlled hot-melt adhesive applicator working in conjunction with a uniform contrast roller.

Abstract: An air conveyor is positioned on a tabbing machine and includes a housing having an air chamber and a web entry and web exit and air port communicating with the air chamber. An air nozzle assembly is positioned within the air chamber and includes upper and lower nozzle plates that extend across the air chamber and spaced from each other to form a web delivery channel that is aligned with the web entry and web exit. Each of the nozzle plates includes a plurality of air nozzles extending through the nozzle plate and configured to pass pressurized air from the air chamber into the web delivery channel such that a web of material entering the web entry is drawn, for example, by venturi pressure, from the web entry through the web delivery channel and out the web exit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine for packing food products in a plastic packaging, said machine comprising a device for applying a transponder to the plastic packaging, and a system for data exchange between the transponder and a computer unit and/or a regulating unit, by which means data can be transmitted to the transponder or called therefrom.

Abstract: An object is to enable a strip tape to be bonded to a packaging material at a proper position and enable longitudinal sealing to be performed well. A packaging-container manufacturing apparatus includes a bonding member, a first detection section which detects an edge of the packaging material, a second detection section which detects an edge of the strip tape (12), position determination processing means for determining the position of the strip tape (12) in relation to the packaging material, and position correction processing means for correcting the position of the strip tape (12) in relation to the packaging material. Since the position of the strip tape (12) in relation to the packaging material is determined on the basis of outputs of the first and second detection sections and the position of the strip tape (12) in relation to the packaging material is corrected on the basis of results of the determination on the position, the strip tape (12) is placed on the packaging material at a proper position.

Abstract: Appliance (1) for applying labels (5) to receptacles (10), which comprises a transport device (2) that transports the receptacles (10) to be labelled along a predefined transport path (T), and comprises a first pressing-on unit (6) that presses the labels (5) onto an outer wall of the receptacles (10), the first pressing-on unit (6) having a brush device (8) having a multiplicity of bristles (9) that extend in the direction of the receptacles (10). According to the invention, the first pressing-on unit (6), at least in a partial region (6a) of the first pressing-on unit (6), is shorter, in the longitudinal direction (L) of the receptacles (10), than the label (5) to be applied.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for instantly manufacturing a batch of customized pharmaceutical dosages are provided. A batch of customized pharmaceutical dosages is manufactured as per the requirements of an individual, which may depend on age, gender, health, lifestyle, disease, habits, etc. The ingredients or components of the customized pharmaceutical dosages are selected as per the requirement of the individual. These ingredients or components are mixed/blended to form a homogenous mixture. The requisite quantities of the homogenous mixture, based on the individual's requirement, are then measured and converted to a desired final form, e.g., tablets, capsules or sachets. These tablets, capsules, etc., are then packaged and the packages are labeled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for placing end shields on the ends of paper, pulp, or board reels (1) in connection with packing. The arrangement comprises at least one first conveyor (1) for transporting the reels (3) in a direction parallel to their axes and at least one station (4) for placing at least one inner end shield on the end of a reel (5). Next to the first conveyor (1) there are elements (8, 9) for placing an inner end shield and after the station there are elements (1) for changing the direction of the axis of the reel (5), relative to the first direction of travel, after the placing of the inner end shields, and elements for placing at least one outer end shield on the end of the reel.

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: A system for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes a conveyor system including a plurality of spring arms and a ceiling plate positioned above the spring arms. The system also includes a carton opening system positioned at a first station along the conveyer system, a pack stamping system positioned at a second station along the conveyer system, and a carton closing system positioned at a third station along the conveyor system; wherein the spring arms bias the cartons against the ceiling plate to position the packs at a predetermined distance form the carton opening system, pack stamping system and carton closing system. A method for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes biasing the carton along a conveyor system, and positioning the packs within the carton at a predetermined location from operation stations based on the biasing.

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 packaging method glues or otherwise secures a sheet of shrink wrap film to the bottom of a shipping package or carton. The sheet extends upward on both sides so as to be temporarily attached to the flaps of the shipping carton, typically by dots of glue. After the contents are placed in the shipping carton, the film is folded over the contents. Then a label, typically with a bar code, holds the film in place. The package is scanned to assure that the label is in place, and the package is exposed to a heat tunnel to shrink the shrink wrap film. The flaps of the carton are then sealed in a conventional way.

Abstract: A self-aligning former assembly has a single-point mount for attachment to an automated form/fill/seal packaging machine. Substantially rectangular apertures in a plurality of mounting brackets are configured to fit snugly on corresponding substantially rectangular shoulders formed on a mounting post. The configuration inhibits pivoting motion of the former on the mounting post. In an illustrated embodiment, the mounting post is attached to a base plate with a plurality of spaced-apart fasteners which prevent rotational movement of the mounting post relative to the base plate. Radial attachments are used in the illustrated embodiment to secure the funnel portion of a product feed tube to the mounting apparatus. Paired upper and lower mounting brackets permit precise alignment of the device prior to affixing the radial attachments to the mounting brackets.

Abstract: Shown and described are a device and a method for securing closure films to pouring elements arranged on composite packages with a cyclic or phased conveying device for conveying the closure films, with a feed device, with a welding device, and with a transport device for transporting the composite packages. In order to allow closure films to be secured reliably and rapidly to pouring elements on the composite packages during the manufacturing process, the welding device is arranged above the transport device, the feed device exhibits at least one clamping device for taking up the closure films and is arranged so as to be movable between a take-up position and a welding position, and the take-up position is turned towards the phased conveying device and the welding position is turned towards the transport device.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of packaging one or more articles, the method comprising the steps consisting in: a) putting a first sleeve of heat-shrink material into place on the article(s) to be packaged; b) using a thermal process to shrink the first sleeve onto said article(s); c) putting a second sleeve of heat-shrink plastics material on the article(s) covered in said shrunk-on first sleeve; and d) using a thermal process to heat the wall of the shrunk-on first sleeve in order to obtain thermal equilibrium with the wall of the second sleeve as put into place, and then shrinking said second sleeve onto said first sleeve. The invention also provides a wrapper for packaging one or more articles, the wrapper comprising two superposed sleeves of heat-shrink plastics material.

Abstract: An apparatus that wraps dinner flatware in a paper napkin in an automated manner and secures it with a paper label is disclosed. The apparatus includes input hoppers for knives, forks, spoons, and napkins which are located on the front and top part of the unit. Additionally, a roll of paper napkins and a roll of securing paper labels are provided on top with their own automatic dispensing means. A plastic cover secures the entire top of the invention to protect it from dust and dirt as well as accidental contact during operation. A series of ultraviolet radiation sources reduces and/or eliminates microbes and viruses either on the surface of the flatware or airborne inside the apparatus. Internal mechanisms then take one of each piece of flatware and fold and roll it in a napkin. The completed napkin unit then drops out the bottom where it is collected for use.

Abstract: Methods and systems for programming programmable transponders are disclosed. An apparatus for programming programmable transponders can include a label supply for supplying labels, a programing zone into which the labels are conveyed, a feed-system for transporting a label to the programming zone, a source of radiation for communicating tag-information to the transponder, and a shield mechanism. The source can be disposed to illuminate a programming zone into witch the lable is transported. The shield mechanism can substantially enclose the source of radiation and a first one of the labels in the programming zone and exclude at least a second one of the labels.

Abstract: The present invention is, in one embodiment, an apparatus for placing an insert within a nested group of taco shells. The insert placement apparatus comprises a vertical shaft, a horizontal shaft, a first pillow block, a second pillow block, a vacuum cup, a horizontal timing belt, an air cylinder, and a servomotor. The vacuum cup is adapted to transport the insert. The first pillow block has a bore therethrough for receiving the horizontal shaft. The second pillow block is supported off of the first pillow block and has a bore therethrough for receiving the vertical shaft. The vacuum cup is suspended off of the vertical shaft. The horizontal belt is routed around a drive pulley and a second pulley and is interconnected to the first pillow block. The servomotor is interconnected to the drive pulley. The servomotor causes the timing belt to displace the first pillow block along the horizontal shaft, thereby causing the vacuum cup to displace horizontally.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and processes for accurately positioning and rotating coupons for application on cigarette packs or pack film.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of bundling bulk items, such as for example papers and magazines, that includes applying a double-sided label to the top and bottom of the material stack, compressing the material stack, applying two binding materials around the material stack, and then relieving the compression on the material stack to allow the binding material to maintain the compression on the bundled material. The binding material, including the double-sided label, can be automatically removed from the bundled material by removing the binding material from the stack of materials and vacuuming the binding material away from the stacked material.

Abstract: A packaging and pricing device for sticking labels on a packaged substance including a first label issuing unit and a second label issuing unit, arranged at both sides around the packaging unit, for issuing labels having different display contents. There is a first applicator and a second applicator for sticking the labels issued from the first labeling issuing unit and the second label issuing unit to a predetermined position on the packaged substance, respectively. The first applicator has a first driving mechanism configured to move the first applicator horizontally between the first label issuing unit and a corresponding sticking position, and the second applicator has a second driving mechanism configured to move the second applicator horizontally between the second label issuing unit and a corresponding sticking position. Additionally, the first applicator and the second applicator perform the sticking operations so as not to interfere with each other.

Abstract: A system for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes a conveyor system including a plurality of spring arms and a ceiling plate positioned above the spring arms. The system also includes a carton opening system positioned at a first station along the conveyer system, a pack stamping system positioned at a second station along the conveyer system, and a carton closing system positioned at a third station along the conveyor system; wherein the spring arms bias the cartons against the ceiling plate to position the packs at a predetermined distance form the carton opening system, pack stamping system and carton closing system. A method for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes biasing the carton along a conveyor system, and positioning the packs within the carton at a predetermined location from operation stations based on the biasing.

Abstract: A system for applying a stamp to packs within a carton includes a conveyor drum system including a plurality of clamps and a floor plate positioned adjacent the clamps. The system further includes a carton opening system positioned at a first station along the conveyor drum system, a pack stamping system positioned at a second station along the conveyor drum system, and a carton closing system positioned at a third station along the conveyor drum system. The clamps are opened to receive at least one carton and the floor plate moves upward to position the packs at a predetermined operating distance and wherein the clamps are closed to hold the carton at the predetermined operating distance while the carton is rotated through the carton opening system, pack opening system and carton closing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a programmable transponder to a target includes an applicator disposed adjacent to a tagging zone into which the target is conveyed and a feed-system for transporting a label to the applicator, each of the labels having a programmable transponder. A radiation source is disposed to illuminate a programming zone into which the label is transported. This radiation source communicates tag-information to the transponder. The communication of tag-information can occur either before or after the transponder is applied to the target.

Abstract: A protective cover for use on one or more saw blades. An insert can be positioned on the saw blade(s). The cover is formed from a heat shrinking material that is shrunk around the saw blade(s) to provide a thin close fitting cover that protects teeth on the saw blade(s). A tag can be attached to the cover and/or saw blade(s) and/or an insert. The tag has a security device disposed thereon. The tag can be used to hang the saw blade(s) from a display device.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a box having four top flaps initially disposed in an open position. The apparatus includes a conveying system for conveying the box from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a flap folding system for folding the top flaps of the box into folded and horizontal positions as the box is conveyed from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus. The flap folding system has a first flap folding member configured to fold a fourth top flap of the box, a second flap folding member configured to fold a second top flap of the box, and a pair of oppositely disposed side flap folding members configured to fold a first and third top flaps of the box so as to abut each other. A tape dispensing system is configured to dispense tape across at least a portion of the third and fourth top flaps of the box in order to maintain the third and fourth top flaps in abutment with each other, thereby sealing the box.

Abstract: A method and machine for producing a package with a coupon, whereby a product is fed to a packing station via a feed station, where the coupon is applied on to a top wall of the product; at the packing station, a sheet of packing material is wrapped about the product to enclose both the product and the coupon, and, between the feed station and the packing station, the coupon is subjected to an electric field and charged electrostatically, so as to adhere electrostatically to the product; the electric field is generated by at least one fixed guide, which is parallel to the path so as to face the top wall of the product, and comprises a number of conducting bodies having a high direct voltage with respect to an electric earth.

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

Abstract: In order to produce (cigarette) packs with an insert blank (25) applied within the pack or to the outside of the latter, this insert blank is fixed temporarily by virtue of the pack or pack contents being electrostatically charged in the region of the insert blank (25). The pack is completed while the static charge is active, with the result that, by way of pack blanks, the insert coupon (25) is fixed in the envisaged position by the pack itself.

Abstract: Adhesive articles, particularly useful as reusable closures in the presence of moisture from refrigerated or frozen food packaging environments, comprising a moisture resistant substrate and a removable adhesive covering at least a portion of the substrate surface, the adhesive having a Moist Loop Test result of at least about 0.8 N/25 mm at a test plate temperature of 5° C. The closure may also include a permanent adhesive covering another portion of the substrate surface. The adhesive articles provide easy application to packages and exhibit good adhesion performance in the presence of moisture, such as from refrigerated or frozen food packaging.

Abstract: A protective cover for use on one or more saw blades. The cover is formed from a heat shrinking material that is shrunk on the saw blade(s) to provide a thin close fitting cover that protects teeth on the saw blade(s). A tag can be attached to the cover and/or saw blade(s). The tag has a security device that is spaced from the saw blade(s) to prevent interference. The tag can be used to hang the saw blade(s) from a display device. An insert card having indicia thereon can be positioned on the saw blade(s) to convey information.

Abstract: An apparatus that wraps dinner flatware in a paper napkin in an automated manner and secures it with a paper label is disclosed. The apparatus includes input hoppers for knives, forks, spoons, and napkins which are located on the front and top part of the unit. Additionally, a roll of paper napkins and a roll of securing paper labels are provided on top with their own automatic dispensing means. A plastic cover secures the entire top of the invention to protect it from dust and dirt as well as accidental contact during operation. Internal mechanisms then take one of each piece of flatware and fold and roll it in a napkin. The completed napkin unit then drops out the bottom where it is collected for use.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage comprising of a filling machine, a bottle closing station and a labeling station configured and disposed to label filled bottles. The labeling station comprises a label storage magazine configured to hold a plurality of single-sheet labels in a stacked condition, pie-shaped grippers, that extract labels from the storage magazine and directly apply them on the bottles. The grippers are heated prior to applying the labels to the bottles to assist in securing the labels and then the grippers are cooled.

Abstract: An easy-opening feature in a flexible package is provided by forming a tear feature in the package material by slitting, perforating, or otherwise forming a stress riser in the material, and affixing a label to the package material so that the label adheres to the tear feature. The formation of the tear feature and affixing of the label are performed prior to wrapping a product in the package material and sealing the material, and preferably are performed while the package material is moving along a path in a packaging apparatus. The label in one embodiment includes a detachable middle portion that tears free of the rest of the label upon pulling the detachable portion, such that remaining portions of the label remain on the package adjacent the opening created by the tear feature.