Abstract: Data system for organising workflows, in which the cooperation of human beings and machines is controlled intra-logistically with optimum protection for the human beings involved, having the following features: g) an intra-logistically relevant work area is divided into production or storage areas (1) that are accessible, by means of transport areas (7), to the human beings and machines involved in the work process without obstacles, wherein the transport areas (7) are completely available to data systems by means of expediently distributed radio subscribers as transmitters and receivers (6), and an intra-logistical manager system undertakes the superordinate control, h) numerous DTSs (driverless transport systems) in various configurations and manufacturer-specific control subsystems are usable, besides transport drones (9), for handling the transport tasks that arise, i) robots in various configurations and manufacturer-specific control subsystems are used, besides people (2) equipped with radios, for carry

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to automated packing of objects, and, more particularly, to a method and system for packing products with increased efficiency across packaging levels. While conventional methods of improving packaging efficiency focus on only one of the multiple levels in the packaging process, most commonly the tertiary level, the present disclosure attempts increasing packaging efficiency across packaging levels. Embodiments of present disclosure achieves increased efficiency across packaging levels by identifying standard size of secondary packages for packing a plurality of primary packages, packing the secondary packages within tertiary packages using a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) optimization model based on packing heuristics, and providing a feedback between tertiary and secondary packaging levels to identify standard secondary packages which can pack the primary packages with higher packing efficiency.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical extractor and associated components and methods for removing pharmaceuticals from a plurality of containers. The extractor includes a plurality of holders. Each holder is configured to hold at least one container of the plurality of containers. Each holder is repeatedly cycled through a series of container operation locations of the pharmaceutical extractor. In the series of container operation locations, the holders receive containers, the containers are cut to form pharmaceutical outlets in the containers, pharmaceuticals are moved out of the pharmaceutical outlets, and empty containers are dropped by the holders.

Abstract: A method for automatic joint packaging of at least a first part and a second part, the first part and the second part having different geometries, is provided. The method includes automatically placing a first part on a transport surface with a front side facing in a transport direction and automatically placing a second part on the transport surface with the second part in front of the first part relative to the transport direction. The method further includes automatically transporting the first part and the second part along the transport surface to a packaging device by moving a pushing device into engagement with a rear side of the first part and pushing the first part in the transport direction, wherein the second part is taken along by the front side of the first part pushed by the pushing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a computerized method item correlation including: receiving an indication of an order comprising at least one item; determining if the order is urgent based on an amount of time remaining until the items must ship to a customer; determining a location of each of a plurality of pickers; iteratively, for items in the order: identifying a picker closest to the item, the picker having a current job priority; correlating the closest picker and the item in a data structure; re-correlating, in the data structure, at least one item previously correlated with the closest picker to an alternate picker in response to the current job priority not being urgent; sending, to a user device of the closest picker, a location and item identifier associated with the item; and storing, in the data structure, a completion flag in correlation with the item upon receipt of an item-complete message.

Abstract: A packaging method includes the steps of (a) detecting whether a height (104) of contents (105) in a container (106) exceeds a predetermined height (112), and (b) indicating how much dunnage to dispense based on predetermined criteria, including whether a detected height exceeds a predetermined height that is less than a height of the container. The indicating step includes indicating a quantity of dunnage to dispense selected from a plurality of predetermined quantities of dunnage. If no detected height is greater than the predetermined height, the indicating step includes indicating that a regular amount of dunnage should be dispensed. And if a detected height is greater than the predetermined height, the indicating step includes indicating that either zero or less than the regular amount of dunnage should be dispensed. The detecting step also can include detecting whether any contents in the container have a height above the height of the container.

Abstract: A dosing device for feeding infusion products including a dosing drum rotating about an axis and positioned between a continuous strip of filter material, movable along a feed direction, and a primary hopper for containing a primary infusion product; the dosing drum has a plurality of radial chambers for receiving a first dose of primary infusion product from the primary hopper and for releasing the first dose of primary infusion product above the strip of filter material; the device also includes an independent dosing unit of a secondary product including controlled release elements configured for depositing a second dose of secondary product to define a mixed dose of primary product and secondary product.

Abstract: A casket assembly includes a base, a tray, and a lid. The base includes a bottom panel, first and second side panels, and first and second end panels configured as an open-top casket container formed of corrugated paper. The base includes rails coupled to and providing reinforcement to the side panels. Each of the rails has a bottom surface, a top surface, and an outer surface. The outer surface of each rail is adjoined to the corresponding side panel. The tray includes a bottom, two sides, and two ends. The tray sides are disposed between the bottom panel of the base and the bottom surface of one of the rails. The removable lid covers an interior of the base, and is disposed on the top surfaces of the rails.

Abstract: A method for transporting cosmetic applicator units, which are not assembled with their cosmetic receptacles, in bulk form to a destination at which they are assembled with the associated cosmetic receptacles so that the respective wiper 4 associated with the cosmetic applicator unit, before the stowing of the cosmetic applicator unit, is slid at least partially over the bristle set 2 of the applicator part 1 so that it at least partially contains the bristle set 2 and remains there for the duration of the transport and/or or remains in this position during storage; a plurality of cosmetic applicator units that are protected in this way are stowed together in a container and then transported to their destination and/or are stored until ready for further use.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stack of individually separable packages for a plurality of contact lenses, each individual lens being packaged between a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is provided by a first one of the individually separable packages and the second surface is provided by a second one of the individually separable packages.

Abstract: An oral hygiene kit, comprising: at least one toothpick (16); a mirror (14); and an envelope (12), enveloping the at least one toothpick and the mirror. Preferably, the mirror is stiff, and the length and width of the mirror are greater than the length and width of the at least one toothpick, thereby preventing a user from being jabbed by the toothpick before using the kit. Preferably, the envelope is sealed, thereby keeping the mirror and the at least one toothpick under hygienic conditions until use. Preferably, the length of the mirror is less than about 8 cm, for allowing holding thereof in a user's palm. Preferably, the width of the mirror is about between 1 and 2 cm, for providing a sufficient viewing area.

Abstract: Generally, packages for an analyte monitoring device are provided. The packages include a container for containing an analyte monitoring device. The container includes a bottom wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and two sidewalls extending from sides of the bottom wall to an open top end of the container. The front wall is shorter in height than the rear wall, and is on an opposite side of the bottom wall than the rear wall. The two sidewalls are on opposite sides of the bottom wall, and extend from the front wall to the rear wall. The package also includes an inner panel disposed between the front wall and the rear wall. A front compartment is formed between the inner panel and the front wall, and a rear compartment is formed between the inner panel and the rear wall. The opening of the rear compartment is at the top end of the container, and an opening of the front compartment is at the top end of the container. Analyte monitoring kits and methods relating thereto are also provided.

Abstract: A capsule is provided containing a dosing agent and a system and process is provided for making capsules containing a dosing agent. The capsule includes a body defining an interior space and an opening, the capsule having ingredients and a dosing agent disposed in the interior space and a cover to seal the opening. The process and system includes depositing ingredients and the dosing agent in the interior space of the capsule and then covering the opening.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic surgical device is provided. The surgical device includes a handle assembly including a drive mechanism actuatable by a trigger; and an endoscopic assembly including a proximal end portion extending from the handle assembly; a distal end portion pivotably connected to the proximal end portion of the endoscopic assembly; and a rotatable inner actuation shaft extending from the handle assembly and into the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly, the inner actuation shaft including a flexible portion extending across the pivot connection. The surgical device includes an end effector selectively connectable to the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly and to a distal portion of the rotatable inner actuation shaft. The surgical device includes a shipping wedge to support an end effector.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include food packages and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a food package. The food package can include an exterior sealing enclosure, an interior barrier, the interior barrier separating the first compartment and the second adjacent compartment, a first food component, and a second food component. The exterior sealing enclosure can include a first compartment, a second adjacent compartment, a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side. The interior barrier can be frangible through manual manipulation by a consumer without rupturing the exterior sealing enclosure. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of packaging food components. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A point of purchase display for coupling to a commercial product on display at a retail store. The point of purchase display includes a flexible and wrinkle-resistant sheet material having indicia displayed thereon and at least one coupling member for coupling the sheet material to the commercial product. In example forms, the indicia being displayed on the sheet material is provided for advertisement or instructional purposes of the commercial product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging machine (1) with a sealing station (4) which has an upper tool (8) and a lower tool (28) and which seals a film web (17) onto a lower film web (20). The upper and/or lower tool has means (for example 10) for shaping the film web. The invention further relates to a method for sealing a central film onto a lower film web.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an oxygen absorber and silica gel desiccant in a vacuum-sealed pack for the reduction or prevention of oxidative degradation of alitretinoin.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging system comprising a closable container for receiving a plurality of water-soluble film pouches and at least one scent composition carrier that can be freely positioned in the container, at least one first group of water-soluble film pouches that stores at least one washing or cleaning agent preparation containing a scent composition.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer-readable mediums are provided for determining sizes of packaging in a packaging suite employed in a materials handling environment. The packaging may be used, for example, in the shipping of items from the materials handling environment to various destinations. The sizes of the packaging in the packaging suite are determined based at least in part upon the three-dimensional bounding boxes associated with packages or shipments shipped or planned to be shipped from the materials handling environment.

Abstract: A multiple-compartment container comprising: two or more panels sealed together to form a container; a supplemental cavity adhered within the container to one of the panels; and a burst seal on the supplemental cavity configured to release contents of the supplemental cavity upon application of force from a user. The multiple-compartment container can be efficiently filled by first filling the supplemental containers, then affixing the supplemental containers to a panel of the main container, next joining the panel with others to form the main container, then filling and sealing the main container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a washing capsule for providing a washing composition to a machine, the capsule comprising a solid tablet of a first washing composition and at least one rigid water-soluble shell fixed directly to the solid tablet to define a cavity between the shell and the tablet, the cavity containing a liquid or gel of a second washing composition. A method of producing the capsule is also provided.

Abstract: A v-shaped shirt collar insert made of various materials placed around the neck of a packaged dress shirt such that the v-shape will support a neck tie for display. After a neck tie is folded around the v-shaped collar insert, a strap made of various materials is placed around the neck tie to gather the material of the neck tie to create the appearance of a “knotted” neck tie. The shirt and tie combination are then placed in a cardboard or plastic package to display the shirt and tie combination.

Abstract: Vertical Box System for Organizing and Storing Spice Jars and Other Small Items is a unique spice rack that can also serve as a multi-unit and multi-purpose storage system. The System saves available storage space and enables instant and constant organization with windows, personalized label areas and specialized organizational dividers. When decorated, the boxes appeal to the esthetic tastes of the consumer. The Vertical Storage System may include coordinated companion Trays and is expected to save time, reduce clutter and attractively grace storage areas.

Abstract: A fly fishing vice is provided. A fly vice for creating custom flies includes a cylindrical member that attaches to a vertical member, and the vertical member attaches to a base member. The members can be disassembled for transport. The cylindrical member includes integrated jaw members for holding flies. Moreover, the cylindrical member can be custom adjusted to a desired point in three-dimensional space.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a filled prescription order is described. The prescription order includes a first plurality of tablets that is different from a second plurality of tablets. Additionally, the first plurality of tablets has a particular shape and a color that is different from the second plurality of tablets. The system and method generates an order that is communicated to a filling system. A code is then generated at the filling system when the filling system can fill the order. An automated inspection at visual wavelengths is performed for each of the pouches at an inspection station. The automated inspection at visual wavelengths inspects a color and a shape of each tablet. The method then proceeds to scan the code at the inspection station to verify that the correct pouches are associated with the tablets that correspond to the prescription order.

Abstract: A container holds at least one surgical implement, has a lock mechanism, and has a signature label that impedes access to the surgical implement until the correct surgical site is confirmed. A method of using the container includes the steps of confirming the correct surgical site, signing the label and removing it from the container, placing the label in the medical record, unlocking the container, removing the implement, and beginning the surgery, wherein the surgical team is forced to pause to confirm the correct surgical site before starting the surgery. Preferably, the container top may be removed and placed between the surgeon and surgical technician to define a no-hands “neutral zone” to avoid being stuck by the sharps. Also, the container preferably includes compartments for storing used sharps and/or a local anesthetic-loaded syringe, and the top may be replaced and secured for safely disposing of the sharps after the surgery.

Abstract: A packing method and machine for producing a package, the method including the steps of feeding the content of the package into a first pocket of a first packing conveyor; transferring the content of the package from the first pocket of the first packing conveyor to a second pocket of a second packing conveyor at a first transfer station; feeding a first blank to the second pocket by means of a first feed device; and folding the first blank, in the second pocket, about the content of the package to form a container with a lid.

Abstract: A gift basket assembly is provided with a preformed insert, the insert being a self-contained plurality of independently prepackaged products and a base within a shrink-wrap casing. Shred is disposed in one of the insert and the gift basket, such that the insert can be operably engaged with the basket and an outer wrap, including a shrink-wrap, is disposed about the basket and the insert to form the assembly.

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 device far placement of a card in a sheet, the device having one support plaque of the sheet, with windows for insertion of the corners of the card, cutting blades facing the windows to be displaced through the windows to provide oblique cuts on the sheet. The device further has a card holder plaque for fastening the card in a window, wherein part of the contour of this window is level with the route of the blades. Pushers are moveable towards the support plaque, facing the windows of the support plaque, for insertion of the corners of the card through the oblique cuts of the sheet. The cutting blades and of the pushers are displaced by an actuator.

Abstract: A miniature component carrier includes a thin, resilient mask through which are formed multiple spaced-apart apertures each of which is sized and shaped to compliantly receive and hold a miniature component in a controlled orientation during termination processing such that the side margins of the aperture primarily contact and grip the corner regions of the miniature component. At least some of the apertures have side margins that form rhomboidal or elliptical apertures. The shape and size of the multiple spaced-apart apertures confine within an operational tolerance contact between the side margins of the aperture and the side or end wall surfaces of the electronic component. This reduces mechanical damage to the side and end wall surfaces that results from their contact with the side margins during receipt and gripping of the miniature component in the aperture.

Abstract: A bundle of identical book blocks composed of a plurality of folded print sheets or signatures standing upright on lower edges of the printed sheets or book blocks. The book blocks are formed with first and last book block sections having different dimensions. A quadrangular bundle is formed from the book blocks by aligning first limit surfaces of the book block sections flush with each other along one of the two side surfaces or along the upper or lower surfaces of the bundle so that a second limit surface of the first book block section opposite the first limit surface of the first book block section projects with an offset with respect to a limit surface of the last book block section opposite the first limit surface of the last book block section. The bundle is compressed and then secured.

Abstract: A system for automatically packaging prescription orders composed of one or more prescription containers. The system includes a printer for generating literature associated with each order and a packer for packing the prescription containers and the associated literature into a package. The packer has a scale or other means for determining the weight of the prescription containers. A packer controller calculates package weight information based on the container weight information. The package weight information is transmitted to a mail manifest system, which generates shipping information comprising postage. A labeler applies the shipping information to the package. The packer also includes a loading mechanism for inserting the prescription containers and the literature into the package.

Abstract: A process for differentiating conductive and/or ferromagnetic objects (O) in a material stream (2) comprises generating an electromagnetic alternating field by exciting a coil (S) with a sinusoidal voltage (ue(t)) of a constant frequency (fM), detecting an impedance change in the coil, which has been caused by an object (O), by determining at least one pair of values from a peak value (ÎM) and a phase shift (?m) of the coil current (iM(t)) toward the excitation potential (ue(t)) of the coil, and determining the material by comparing the peak values (ÎM) and phase shifts (?m) with reference values, wherein the peak values (ÎM) of the coil current (iM(t)) are calculated at at least one measuring phase angle (?m) with the aid of a window comparator having a constant window width (?i), wherein the time (?tM) between the window inlet point (p4) and the window outlet point (p6) of the coil current (iM(t)) is measured and the gradient of the current profile (iM(t)) is calculated from the window width (?i) and the me

Abstract: A tool kit for accommodating two tools having different sizes is provided including a tool case having a base member, a lid member hingedly connected to the base member, and a tool cavity formed by at least one of the base and lid members and having an inner surface. The tool kit further includes at least one adapter fittable in the tool cavity and having an outer surface that corresponds to the inner surface of the tool cavity, wherein the inner surface of the tool cavity corresponds to an outer periphery of the first tool such that the first tool is securely retained in the tool cavity, and wherein the inner surface of the tool cavity and the outer surface of the adapter received in the tool cavity correspond to an outer periphery of the second tool such that the second tool is securely retained in the tool cavity.

Abstract: Packaged systems for implanting a marker in a patient and methods for manufacturing and using such systems. In one embodiment, a packaged system comprises an introducer having a cannula and a stylet configured to be received in the cannula, a marker in the cannula, and a package having a sterile compartment. The marker can have a casing configured to be implanted in a patient and a resonating circuit in the casing. The resonating circuit can comprise a coil configured to wirelessly transmit a target signal in response to a wirelessly transmitted excitation signal. The introducer is contained within the sterile compartment. In another embodiment, the marker is not loaded in the introducer within the compartment of the package.

Abstract: Improved matchbooks having separable message sheets are provided for. The novel matchbooks each comprise a comb of matches having a plurality of matches and a cover. The cover is attached to and folded over the comb such that the cover substantially encloses the comb when the cover is in a first closed position and permits a consumer to access the matches in the comb when the cover is in a second open position. The cover has igniting material on the cover on which the matches may be struck and ignited. The matchbooks also have a message sheet providing a substrate on which a message may be imprinted. The message sheet is separably connected to the cover such that the message sheet is separable from the cover. Thus, the message sheet may be removed from a novel matchbook by a consumer without compromising the integrity of the matchbook.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for producing packs of a food that comes in slices, in particular individually packaged processed cheese slices. The pack of food is put together from two uniform product stacks of food slices. The first product stack is transported via a first feed segment, and the second product stack is transported via a second feed segment, in each case horizontally by means of a transport means at transport speed. The feed segments are guided over one another in parallel in a collection area, and the upper feed segment ends at a sliding edge that defines a collection point, whereby means for synchronization are adjusted such that a product stack that arrives via the sliding edge is neatly placed onto the product stack that is transported to the lower feed segment.

Abstract: A product aggregating apparatus receives product with an in-feed conveyor assembly and provides the product in an aggregated, registered and/or organized form, such as to a product picking apparatus. The in-feed conveyor assembly includes at least one in-feed conveyor, each in-feed conveyor configured to deliver product to first and second locations. A product receiver assembly includes at least first and second product receiver carriages to receive product at the first and second locations, respectively. An aggregated product receiver assembly comprises a carriage configured for vertical movement to positions adjacent to each product receiver carriage. A pusher assembly, comprising a pusher carriage configured for vertical movement to positions adjacent to each product receiver carriage, contains pushers horizontally moveable to push product from the adjacent product receiver carriage and onto the carriage of the aggregated product receiver assembly for picking by an appropriate apparatus.

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

Abstract: A suspended utensil storage system includes a utensil tray including a plurality of utensil compartments having a mesh material therein; and a debris collector tray underlying the utensil tray and receiving the utensil tray. The mesh material of the utensil compartments of the utensil tray supports utensils and includes holes sized to allow debris to fall there through into the debris collector tray for collecting the debris.

Abstract: A flexible sidewall of a package has an inner surface that directly interfaces with product that is contained within an enclosed volume of the package. A sealed closure of the sidewall contains a material that forms a mark on the package, the mark being visible from an outer surface of the package. A production line can form a plurality of the packages, in sequence, after the mark is formed on the sidewall of each package. An outer package of a packaged product can contain a quantity of product and the aforementioned package, such that the outer surface of the package interfaces with the quantity of product. The material forming the mark on the package, being contained within the sealed closure thereof, is not exposed to the product that is contained therein, nor to the quantity of product contained in the outer package.

Abstract: A system for automatically packaging prescription orders composed of one or more prescription containers. The system includes a printer for generating literature associated with each order and a packer for packing the prescription containers and the associated literature into a package. The packer has a scale or other means for determining the weight of the prescription containers. A packer controller calculates package weight information based on the container weight information. The package weight information is transmitted to a mail manifest system, which generates shipping information comprising postage. A labeler applies the shipping information to the package. The packer also includes a loading mechanism for inserting the prescription containers and the literature into the package.

Abstract: Improved matchbooks having separable message sheets are provided for. The novel matchbooks each comprise a comb of matches having a plurality of matches and a cover. The cover is attached to and folded over the comb such that the cover substantially encloses the comb when the cover is in a first closed position and permits a consumer to access the matches in the comb when the cover is in a second open position. The cover has igniting material on the cover on which the matches may be struck and ignited. The matchbooks also have a message sheet providing a substrate on which a message may be imprinted. The message sheet is separably connected to the cover such that the message sheet is separable from the cover. Thus, the message sheet may be removed from a novel matchbook by a consumer without compromising the integrity of the matchbook.

Abstract: A multiple prescription package having a plurality of different medications is described. The multiple prescription package comprises a plurality of multiple prescription containers, a marking on each multiple prescription container, a detailed label, and a secondary package. The plurality of the multiple prescription containers are sequentially ordered to permit sequential dispensing of at least two medications that are different from one another. Each of the multiple prescription containers is associated with a prescribed time interval determined by a prescription, and each of the multiple prescription containers comprises the different medications that are sealed within the multiple prescription containers. The marking on each multiple prescription container indicates the prescribed interval when the medications are consumed. The detailed label provides a plurality of medical information regarding the medications.

Abstract: The hardware for mounting the blinds is located in the head rail such that it does not interfere with the cutting operation but remains with the blind after the blind is cut-to-size. The hardware overlaps with a blind component and the hardware may include a mounting bracket that includes a notch for receiving the blind component. The ends of the blinds are aligned in a package by the manufacturer during the packaging process. The blinds are secured in the package such that the blind elements are properly aligned. The aligned blinds and the package are inserted into a cutting machine as a unit and the cutting machine cuts the blinds and the package simultaneously.

Abstract: A portable or disposable package of tissues includes a reflective surface. The surface may be directly associated with the package. In another embodiment, the reflective surface is associated with another body which is connected to the package. That body may be removable from the package, so that it may be used with successive packages after the tissues in prior packages have been exhausted and the package disposed of.

Abstract: A plurality of different types of dry strips are packaged in a single-user container. Strip-specific scheduling information for using the dry test strips is placed either in or on the container. The scheduling information may be provided to the packager by a physician and may be stored on an electronically or optically readable storage device packaged with the test strips. The storage device may be a memory, which memory may be inserted into a dry test strip reader and the scheduling information may be communicated to the user either visually or audibly.

Abstract: An adjacent article package for holding a consumer product and a promotional product includes a combining sleeve formed from a blank. The first container can be a pack of cigarettes and the second container can be a small package containing promotional products such as smokeless tobacco products. The adjacent article package can be sized to be compatible with cigarette cartons, cigarette display racks, tax-stamping equipment and the like.