Abstract: A high throughput system for sorting a plurality of different small object types into a plurality of cells of a plurality of small object cassettes is provided. The system comprises: at least one small object cassette having a plurality of small object cells; an automated conveyor system for transporting the cassette(s) from a loading location to a unloading location on the conveyor system; at least one cassette filling station disposed over the conveyor system such that the conveyor system extends under a small object distribution subsystem of each respective cassette filling station; and a computer based central control system structured and operable to control various operations of the conveyor system and each cassette filling station.

Abstract: A medication dispensing system, having a medication panel, a plurality of docking ports for accommodating medication containers, a gripper, and a receptacle carrier having a mount for holding the receptacle and movable by one or more actuators. In some embodiments, the system includes control circuitry, outputting positioning signals to move the receptacle carrier, and outputting dosage-manipulation signals to move the gripper to pick and manipulate a medication dosage out of the medication container, and the horizontal distance between the opening of the receptacle and the medication dosage is less than 20 cm at least prior to outputting the dosage-manipulation signals. The method includes extracting a medication out of the medication container, positioning a receptacle by a receptacle carrier in a horizontal distance of less than 20 cm between the medication and the opening of the receptacle, at least prior to the extracting, and dispensing the medication in the receptacle.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging packages and a method of packaging packages using a packaging arrangement, in which the packages are moved into a receptacle supported on a flexible band. The band is moved to rotate the receptacle to allow at least one additional package to be inserted into the receptacle through another side.

Abstract: A food processing system for processing food products includes a food processing device for processing food products, at least one filling station at which packaging trays are filled with those food products, and a conveyor system configured for conveying the packaging trays. The food processing system also includes a distribution control system configured for linking product information, in the form of one or more characteristics of the packaging trays and/or the food products in said trays, to the respective packaging tray, and for activating the conveyor system, the at least one filling station and the food processing device, and for activating two or more export stations.

Abstract: A carton may include a linter. The liner may include one or more pressure control features for automatically relieving pressure from within an area enclosed by the liner. A pressure control feature may be in the form of one or more vent passageways extending through the liner.

Abstract: A processing system according to embodiments has an article supplier which supplies an article; a first conveyor which conveys an object to be processed; a workbench which is provided on the downstream side of the first conveyor and places thereon the object to be processed, conveyed by the first conveyor; a robot which takes out the article from the article supplier and subjects the object to be processed, placed on the workbench, to an operation using the article according to a previously instructed operation movement; and a second conveyor which is provided on the downstream side of the workbench and conveys the object to be processed, which has been subjected to the operation by the robot.

Abstract: A vacuum filling assembly for filling the cavities of packaging with objects, as well as a related system and method, are described. The filling assembly has a handle which can be gripped by a user so as to manually operate the filling assembly. The filling assembly also has a manifold which receives suction, such as from a vacuum supply. A valve is used to control the suction applied to the objects, and is operable between a retain and release configuration. The filling assembly also has a plurality of prongs which are in fluid engagement with the manifold so that the objects are retained at the end of the prongs when the valve is in the retain configuration, and so that the objects can be released into the cavities of the packaging when the valve is in the release configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container comprising portion packets of a tobacco or non-tobacco snuff, wherein the portion packets are held in place on an interior surface of the container by an adhesive, a method for packing portion packets of a tobacco or non-tobacco snuff in a container, as well as use of an adhesive in such container for removable adhesion of said portion packets.

Abstract: The invention concerns a storage device (23, 45) for storing receptacles (10), preferably cryo-vials (10), in a carrier structure (3), the storage device (23, 45) comprising pockets (20) each for holding an individual receptacle (10), wherein the pockets (20) are connected one above the other in direction of a common longitudinal axis (59) and the storage device (23, 45) being provided with openings for inserting and retrieving receptacles (10) into and from said pockets (20) in longitudinal direction (60) and/or in lateral direction (61). Also a storage and storage-access system according to the invention is indicated.

Abstract: A container for holding product therein during shipment and being returned for reuse has a base and opposite sides. The container has multiple levels of dunnage components, the dunnage components of at least one level being movable between open and closed positions to enable an operator to load and unload products more easily. The dunnage components of at least one level may have openings through which pass guides supported at least partially by the container.

Abstract: For the automatic insertion of packs (11) into a large-volume carton (10), two work tools are used, namely, a pack robot (33) with carton holder (30) for holding the cartons (10) ready and a pack robot (33) with head (37) for inserting the individual packs (11) one after another into the carton (10) in the region of a packing station (33). Through relative movement of carton (10) and pack (11), different pack formations are created within the carton (10).

Abstract: Packing tray for protecting fragile and perishable food items, such as pears, which allows fruit items of varying dimensions and weights to be held securely in each pocket, and which allows a plurality of stacked trays and fruit to be packaged in boxes (e.g., standard carton sizes). The tray is a plastic foam sheet having a top wall and a plurality of recessed cell pockets, each cell pocket having a relatively thinner cell sidewall with expandable (accordion-like) flutes, and a relatively thicker bottom wall also with expandable flutes. This construction allows the cell bottoms in adjacent pockets and in adjacent trays of the stack to move relative to one another to accommodate various sizes and weights of fruit while still protecting the fruit from damage.

Abstract: A print job includes a container page, product pages, and a stacking pattern. Methods and systems automatically pattern a first material according to a container pattern specified by the container page to output a flat and patterned container sheet to a stacking location, and automatically fold the flat and patterned container sheet at the stacking location to form a three-dimensional container. Further, such methods and systems automatically print markings specified by the product pages on additional sheets of material. Then, after forming the three-dimensional container and printing the markings, such methods and systems automatically pattern the additional sheets of material according to a product pattern specified by the product pages to output product items to the stacking location. Further, such methods and systems automatically stack the product items in the three-dimensional container. The container pattern has a specific size and shape to accommodate the stacking pattern.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for counting and filling, which allows materials to be counted to be supplied smoothly from a hopper to a transport mechanism, and is hardly influenced by the shape of the materials to be counted, and further has a simple configuration. The counting and filling apparatus aligns the materials to be counted through a guide route of a delivery mechanism, delivers the materials to a transport route of a transport mechanism, transports, counts, and fills the materials, and is configured to include the spiral groove rod disposed from the guide route to the transport route, and an adjusting unit which allows the materials supported in spiral grooves of the spiral groove rod to pass from the guide route to the transport route, and prevents passing of the materials overlapped on the spiral groove rod.

Abstract: A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters and a control for releasing a desired quantity of pills from a selected pill canister at a target location. Several platens are provided; each of the platens has a platen identifier. A frame is situated beneath the target location. The frame is controlled to move in both an X axis and/or a Y axis and the frame holds a selected platen of a set of platens. The selected platen holds and supports a target container into which the desired quantity of pills is deposited. The platen identifier is read by the device for dispensing pills to determine which of the plurality of platens is in the frame.

Abstract: An ice bagging assembly and related method with a horizontal ice bag cassette, a pair of opposing ice bag ply graspers configured to move an empty ice bag from the horizontal ice bag cassette to a vertical position to receive cubed ice before it is sealed shut and dropped to an ice bag merchandiser. The opposing graspers may be configured as rotating wheels and may have a grasping sensor. The ice bag cassette may be slidably and tiltably supported for easy replacement of horizontal bags. A load sensor, optical or mechanical, may be associated with the ice hopper to sense how much ice has been put in each bag. A pair of angled guides may guide a hopper into a support frame for the system.

Abstract: A reusable cooler comprising a first hollow sidewall having a first side, a second side and first chamber configured to hold a first thermal pack. A second hollow sidewall having a first side coupled to the second side of the first hollow sidewall, a second side and a second chamber configured to hold a second thermal pack. A third hollow sidewall having first side coupled to the second side of the second hollow sidewall, a second side and a third chamber configured to hold a third thermal pack. A fourth hollow sidewall having a first side coupled to the second side of the third hollow sidewall, a second side coupled to the first side of the first hollow sidewall and a fourth chamber configured to hold a fourth thermal pack. The first hollow sidewall, the second hollow sidewall, the third hollow sidewall and the fourth hollow sidewall form an interior.

Abstract: An apparatus for the simultaneous capping and uncapping of a plurality of vial assemblies, each of the vial assemblies including a vial body and a vial cap, the apparatus comprising a base, a cryogenic insert detachably coupled to the base and defining at least a first aperture about a first axis and a second aperture about a second axis, the first aperture configured to receive a first vial body, and the second aperture configured to receive a second vial body, the cryogenic insert including a cryogenic media, a first drive member engaging the first vial body for rotation about the first axis, a second drive member engaging the second vial body for rotation about the second axis, and a cap gripper assembly selectively coupled to the base, the cap gripper assembly selectively holding a first vial cap in substantial alignment with the first axis and a second vial cap in substantial alignment with the second axis, such that the first drive member may selectively couple the first vial body to the first vial cap,

Abstract: A packaging loader for loading products into packaging has a conveyor, a collator, and a nesting assembly. The conveyor conveys products to the collator, where the products are collected and, subsequently, transferred to the nesting assembly. The nesting assembly rearranges at least some of the products for placement into the packaging. Once the products have been properly arranged by the nesting assembly, they are placed within the packaging. The process repeats, as desired, to arrange one or more layers of products within the packaging.

Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure include a rigid tray container and methods and equipment for using the rigid tray container in batched process operations. In one embodiment, a mass container is sized and dimensioned to receive one or several rigid tray containers. In other embodiments, equipment is configured to lid/unlid, secure, stack, load/unload, and buffer rigid tray containers. In other embodiments, equipment is configured to stack and stage mass containers. In some embodiments, methods are provided for batch processing items.

Abstract: A packaging unit for products like eggs, and a mould and method therefore. The packaging unit for products like eggs comprises: a carton made of moulded pulp with a bottom part comprising compartments for individual products, and a cover part comprising top, front and rear surfaces; and a label made of paperboard.

Abstract: Novel methods and devices for organizing and storing articles are disclosed. The storage devices may include a flexible inner container having one or more partition walls therein. An outer skirt may be attached to the top of the container wherein the skirt extends downward to the bottom of the container to form a sleeve. The inner container and the outer skirt are configured to be self-supporting, whereby one or more articles may be stored in an upright manner in the container. The sleeve is preferably configured to receive a basket to add further support to the device. If desired, a user may advantageously employ the disclosed methods or devices to organize and store articles in a container in a manner that maximizes floor space under low-hanging clothes in a closet, for example.

Abstract: Sterilization wraps have a first side colored at least a first color and an opposing second side colored at least a second color that is different than the first color. These sterilization wraps are then paired such that each of the pairs of sterilization wraps has the aforementioned first sides of the sterilization wraps that comprise the pair of sterilization wraps facing one another. By one approach these pairs of sterilization wraps are un-bonded and hence are not physically connected to one another. By another approach the sterilization wraps that comprise a given pair can be coupled to one another (for example, by an intermingling of the materials that comprise the two sterilization wraps). A plurality of such pairs of sterilization wraps can then be placed in a suitable container to facilitate handling, storage, and shipment.

Abstract: A filling system and filling device for introducing items for delivery into a delivery bag. The filling device has a stacking mechanism that stacks the items for delivery in the delivery bag. The items for delivery include one or more flat articles, and can include an enclosure unit that is flat, at least partially open on at least one side, and at least partially closed on at least one side, such that the enclosure unit forms an envelope or a pocket. The item for delivery and/or the enclosure unit can have a receiver identification.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a stopping device, which includes a first stopping plate and a second stopping plate connected to one end of the first stopping plate and cooperating with the first stopping plate to form an angle which is less than or equal to 90 degrees. The present disclosure further provides a transferring device with the stopping device and a transferring method. With the first stopping plate stopping the bonded spacing pieces, the bonding force between the spacing pieces is broken; with the stop from the second stopping plate, the bonding degree between the spacing pieces is further broken, which separates extra spacing pieces from the suction arm and further avoids fracture of the liquid crystal panel caused by the situation that a number of spacing pieces enter the package of the liquid crystal panel at the same time.

Abstract: A method of making a laminated shingle is provided. The method includes coating a shingle mat with roofing asphalt to make an asphalt-coated sheet, adhering a reinforcement member to a portion of the asphalt-coated sheet, covering the asphalt-coated sheet, and optionally covering the reinforcement member, with granules to make a granule-covered sheet, dividing the granule-covered sheet into an overlay sheet and an underlay sheet, wherein the overlay sheet has a tab portion normally exposed on a roof and a headlap portion normally covered-up on a roof, the headlap portion having a lower zone adjacent the tab portion and an upper zone adjacent the lower zone, and wherein the reinforcement member is adhered to the lower zone of the headlap portion and laminating the overlay sheet and the underlay sheet to make the laminated shingle.

Abstract: An extendable display package shipping system including a display package having a slide wall able to be lowered for shipping and raised for display, a product mounted to the slide wall in the display package and able to move between a collapsed position when the slide wall is lowered and a display position when the slide is raised. Two display packages, with slide walls lowered, are placed in a shipping carton and an insert is placed over the display packages in the carton. Each slide wall includes a hand opening and the insert includes aligned hand openings. When the display packages reach a point of sale and are removed from the shipping carton, the hand openings of the slide walls and the insert are able to be gripped simultaneously, and when lifted, the slide walls first extend themselves and then the packages, already in display configurations, are removed from the carton, all in one continuous act.

Abstract: In order to insert packages, particularly bags (10) having fragile packaging goods into containers or cartons (14), the carton (14) is held ready in a packing station (16) such that the bags (10) can be inserted into the carton (14) by means of a delivery device, particularly a pusher (56). In order to create different, ordered formations of the bags (10) within the carton (14), said carton can be moved during the filling or packing process such that the packing formation is created due to a corresponding relative positioning of the carton (14) at a predetermined feed plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved contact lens products which not only have initial insertion comfort. The contact lens product of the invention comprises a soft hydrogel contact lens immersed and autoclaved in a packaging solution including a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) (or glycerin) and a homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone. The present invention also provides methods for making contact lens products of the invention.

Abstract: Methods for anti-collision control of pickers in a packaging line are disclosed. The line includes linear conveyors for the inlet of items and for the outlet of items, robots or picking devices that operate with shared working areas. The anti-collision method comprises an algorithm to assign a pickup location or a delivery location to a generic first robot including: checking for a pickup or delivery location already assigned to other robots and in a working area shared with the first robot; dynamically redefining the working area of the first robot to obtain a new working area such that the locations already assigned to other robots are outside of the dynamically-redefined area; assigning of a respective pickup or delivery location belonging to the redefined working area to the first robot. A prediction algorithm is disclosed to improve management of items and balancing of work load between the robots.

Abstract: An apparatus for marking plastic containers, comprising a marking device which applies a marking to the containers and a checking device in the form a temperature-sensitive sensor which checks for the presence of the marking on the container.

Abstract: A housing and tray assembly for holding coffee pods. The housing has a rectangular shape formed by a wire frame. A tray is removably inserted into an opening in the front of the housing. The tray has pairs of dividers defining rows running from the front to the back of the tray. The dividers in each pair are spaced apart a distance so the lips on coffee pods in adjacent rows do not abut. The dividers defining each row are spaced apart so the coffee pods are suspended on the lips of the coffee pods or spaced apart to squeeze and hold the coffee pod body to suspend the coffee pod in the row.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a glove packing apparatus for packing gloves into a box, and to a method of packing gloves into a box, particularly to the packing of disposable medical gloves. A glove packing apparatus (1) for packing gloves into a box comprises a receptacle (26) for forming a stack of gloves to be packed, the receptacle having a perimeter wall (24, 25) for containing a stack of gloves, a floor (22) within the perimeter wall for supporting the stack of gloves, and an opening (27) opposite the floor into which additional gloves may be added to during stacking of gloves. The floor (22) is movable relative to the perimeter wall (24, 25), so that, in use, the floor may be moved relatively away from the receptacle opening (27) so that as gloves are added to said stack of gloves, the perimeter wall continues to contain the stack of gloves. The floor (22) may then be moved relatively toward the opening to remove the stack of gloves from the receptacle (26).

Abstract: A package for nail polish appliqués includes a carton having a front wall defining an aperture therein, and an insert sized and shaped to fit inside the carton. The insert has a front wall and a window that projects outwardly from its front wall and through the aperture of the carton when the insert is inserted into the carton. The insert contains a packet of nail polish appliqués, and an object that displays a design corresponding to the design of the nail polish appliqués, wherein the object is displayed through the window. A method for assembling the package is also disclosed.

Abstract: A magazine for use with a fastening tool. The magazine can have a pusher assembly that can be retracted into a recess in the magazine to facilitate loading and reloading of fasteners. The magazine can also use a lockout mechanism which allows an operator to know when it is appropriate to reload fasteners and which can mitigate damage resulting from an impact upon the fastening tools nosepiece when the lockout mechanism is engaged. The fastening tool can also have a contact trip actuator which is compact and can control the amount of force that is applied to a tactile switch of the fastener driving mechanism.

Abstract: A mail tray filler includes a filling mechanism that is vertically movable to be lowered and lifted into and out of a mail tray. With the mechanism in the raised position an empty mail tray is moved into position to underneath the mechanism. The mechanism lowers a feeding arm down into the first mail tray to feed envelopes starting at a forward end of the mail tray. The apparatus detects a pack pressure of the envelopes. When the pack pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the relative position of the feed arm is moved towards a back end of the mail tray to make room for more envelopes. After the pack pressure is below the predetermined threshold feeding continues. When the tray is full, the feeding arm is lifted from the mail tray, and a next empty mail tray is advanced.

Abstract: Various arrangements of a disc presentation device are presented. Such a disc presentation device may include a backing plate comprising a first surface. The disc presentation device may include a plurality of disc anchors arranged on the first surface of the backing plate. The plurality of disc anchors may be arranged in a circular pattern on the surface of the backing plate. Further, the plurality of disc anchors may be arranged such that when each disc anchor of the plurality of disc anchors is anchoring a disc, no disc coupled with an anchor of the plurality of disc anchors overlaps another disc coupled with another anchor of the plurality of disc anchors.

Abstract: A method and device for sequentially batch boxing products inside packaging receptacles. The method includes conveying a continuous supply flow of aligned products along a first supply line extending in a longitudinal direction and; sending m successions of n products in m rows positioned along m separate positioning sub-lines by m movements in transverse directions without a lag with respect to the continuous supply flow; collecting and assembling in the longitudinal direction the n products of each row so as to form a first batch of m×n products; sequentially boxing the m rows of n products forming the first batch inside a first packaging receptacle. The sending step intended to form a first row of a second batch starts during the collecting phase of one of the rows of n products constituting the first batch and along a separate buffer positioning sub-line adjacent to the m positioning sub-lines.

Abstract: Sterilization wraps have a first side colored at least a first color and an opposing second side colored at least a second color that is different than the first color. These sterilization wraps are then paired such that each of the pairs of sterilization wraps has the aforementioned first sides of the sterilization wraps that comprise the pair of sterilization wraps facing one another. By one approach these pairs of sterilization wraps are un-bonded and hence are not physically connected to one another. By another approach the sterilization wraps that comprise a given pair can be coupled to one another (for example, by an intermingling of the materials that comprise the two sterilization wraps). A plurality of such pairs of sterilization wraps can then be placed in a suitable container to facilitate handling, storage, and shipment.

Abstract: A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has a top panel and side panels. The package has retention features for retaining the containers and reinforcement features for reinforcing the package.

Abstract: Embodiments provide packaging systems and methods that may be easy to open, have a measure of theft deterrence, may be manufactured from a minimum number of materials, and/or are relatively easy to recycle. One packaging/display system includes multiple package elements in an upright orientation between side walls of a support tray, without edges of the package elements extending into the side walls for support. In some cases a support tray includes multiple support tabs located along at least one side wall to engage a front and/or back surface of a package element in a supporting configuration. Support tabs may optionally be spaced along side wall inner surfaces in an alternating configuration. An optional removable cover may be configured to fit about package elements within a support tray to provide an integrated packaging assembly for transport. Methods for packing and displaying products are also provided.

Abstract: A box includes a floor, two end walls and two side walls. In the floor, a plurality of openings are provided, which are dimensioned to each receive a supporting bar. The openings are arranged to evenly lift a carrier introduced into the box with supporting bars introduced into the openings and position the same at a position above the floor. A rack for receiving such a box includes a supporting frame and the plurality of supporting bars which are mountable to the supporting frame. Further, a system and a method for the presentation of products are described.

Abstract: A lid for a cup is described, where the lid acts to hold a bottle with a neck upside down inside the cup. The lid includes a rim attachment mechanism allowing the lid to be attached to the cup, a dome connected to the rim attachment mechanism and having a aperture therein, and a bottle receptacle extending into the interior of the dome through the aperture in the dome, wherein the bottle receptacle is formed to accept the neck of the bottle and to hold the bottle in a fixed position relative to the lid.

Abstract: A system for packaging a plurality of tablets is disclosed that includes a container. The container comprises a generally elongated channel having a first end and a second end positioned below the first end. The first end has an aperture for receiving a plurality of tablets in series into the channel. The system also includes a container holding and vibration apparatus operable to hold the container and concurrently apply linear vibration in a direction to the container. A tablet delivery system is provided that is operable to deliver the tablets in series to the container in a direction that is substantially in alignment with the direction of linear vibration of the container. The linear vibration of the container provided is operable to align the tablets in a stacked formation within the channel of said container.

Abstract: A foldable frame for a battery cell assembly includes a one-piece main body. The main body has a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section is coupled to each of a second section and a third section with living hinges. The first section is configured to receive a first battery cell. The second section is configured to receive an expansion unit and a second battery cell. The second section folds over the first battery cell. The third section is configured to fold over the second battery cell, thereby securing each of the first battery cell, the expansion unit, and the second battery cell within the foldable frame.

Abstract: Packaging and method for safely transporting plural individualized bananas. The bananas are individualized, the stems trimmed, and the bananas are immersed in a cleansing solution and dried. A protective sleeve extends end-to-end over the length of each banana, and plural correspondingly-sized bananas are aligned in an arched, side-by-side arrangement atop an elongate support member within a produce-preserving overwrap. The overwrap is sealed and placed into a typically rectangular container, with the ends of each banana facing downwardly and the outer curvature facing upwardly. A pad end is loosely rolled and tucked beneath the blossom ends of the bananas, the rest of the pad extending over the bananas and tucking between the stem ends of the bananas and a sidewall of the container. An upper pad is placed atop the bananas, and the container is covered and sealed. The container can also be partitioned to receive and retain additional produce items.

Abstract: A dispenser carton having more than one dispenser opening, permitting two different modes of access to products or articles contained within the carton. Preferably, the dispenser openings are oriented to permit the optimal orientation of products for dispensing from each of the dispenser openings. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, separate and independent from the first aspect yet complementary thereto if desired, the dispenser openings are provided to permit loading of articles therein in an oriented manner corresponding to automated carton-loading equipment and optionally also to permit dispensing through at least one of the openings in a desired dispensing orientation.

Abstract: A product display and loading system including a shelf assembly that includes a generally horizontal shelf member having a forward end and a rear end, and a product dispenser positioned on the shelf member, the product dispenser being spaced from the forward end to define a loading surface proximate the forward end.

Abstract: A package for a plurality of ammunition units, each unit having an axially elongated casing with a base and a projectile joined to the casing opposite its base, is made from a thermoformed sheet, formed to have a plurality of elongated compartments for receiving an ammunition unit. Each compartment is recessed from a planar peripheral upper surface and has a cradling surface extending along an axis of an inserted ammunition unit for supporting its casing and first and second separation walls on opposed sides of the cradling surface. At least one of the first and second separation walls has an overhanging tab, resiliently deformable relative to the other opposed separation wall to receive and grasp the casing upon insertion or to allow removal of the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for inserting at least one sort of conveyed products (2) into containers (3) accommodating a specific number of products (2). The apparatus (1) has at least two placing robots (4a, 4b, 4c) defining a transfer area (15), at least one transport device (6) for transporting the products (2), and at least one transport device (7) for transporting the containers (3). The transport device (6) for the products (2) has at least one separation point (5) in the direction of travel (14) within the transfer area (15), said separation point dividing the transport device (6) for the products (2) into at least two transport portions (6a, 6b) that can be actuated independently of one another.