Abstract: A phased split-pitch barrel loader for a packaging machine has a leading loader arm assembly and a trailing loader arm assembly. Each loader arm assembly has a loader arm that carries a loader face on one end and the loader arm is extendable and retractable on guide rails. One loader arm is driven in a downstream direction by a first set of endless chains and the other is driven by a second set of endless chains. One of the endless chains can be advanced or retarded in phase relative to the other to move the loader arms further apart or closer together as they move in the downstream direction. This moves the loader faces further apart or closer together and the loader faces have fingers that interleave when the loader faces are brought together. Thus, a composite loader face having a predetermined area can be formed by moving the loader arm assemblies closer together or farther apart.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing non-compliance of medication use are described. The techniques involve generating and storing an identifier for a specific dosage instance of a specific patient, and creating a package that includes a mechanism for conveying the identifier. Once the package is created, a set of one or more medications that are prescribed to be taken by the specific patient at the specific dosage instance are placed in the package. The set of medications within the package in a manner that prevents the identifier from being perceived from the mechanism until the package is opened. Once opened, the identifier is perceived and communicated back to an automated compliance system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inserting food products into packages are disclosed, and in particular apparatus and methods for inserting generally thin or planar food products from a stack of such food products into a package. A stacker assembly includes a pusher mechanism for advancing a bottommost food product or products from the stack toward an opening or edge disposed above a package so that the food product or products can fall into the package.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method for economically forming packing unit layers. The apparatus comprises at least one supply conveyor, at least one further conveyor and an exit conveyor. Furthermore, at least one gripper for positioning and/or turning the packing units is associated with the further conveyor. The positioned and/or turned packing units are brought together to form form-fitting packing unit layers by a suitable device on the at least one exit conveyor. The at least one gripper is configured in such a way that is can be used to position and/or turn at least one packing unit and that at least one further packing unit can be placed on the positioned and/or turned packing unit in the same orientation.

Abstract: Improved product handling and transfer apparatus includes rotatable product buckets for receiving product and re-orienting product for packaging in diverse configurations or containers. Buckets preferably include channels spanned by deposited product or receiving product therein, with bucket turning as appropriate to a packaging configuration. Flat bottom buckets and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for reducing wasted space and capacity in solar module assemblies. In one embodiment, the method comprises mounting a plurality of modules onto at least one support rail to define a solar assembly segment wherein the solar assembly segment has a length of no more than about half the interior length of the shipping container used to ship the segment. The solar modules each have a weight less than about 20 kg and a length between about 1660 mm and about 1666 mm, and a width between about 700 mm and about 706 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the solar modules is limited by the longest support beam that may fit in a shipping container, which in one example is about 11,720 mm. The modules are also limited so that they can be limited to weighing no more than about 20 kg. In one embodiment, the module may be sized to provide at least 80 watts of power at AM 1.5 G. In another embodiment, the module may be sized to provide at least 90 watts of power at AM 1.5 G.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging assembly for printing plates and a method for packing the printing plates including a packaging container having a base, and at least one printing plate positioned in the container adjacent the base, wherein an interface having a coefficient of friction of less than 0.30 is disposed between the plate and the base.

Abstract: A package for surgical suture material includes a base member and a cover member, wherein the cover member is configured to be placed adjacent to the base member to form the package for the surgical suture material. The base member includes an outer wall extending from an outer circumference thereof. The outer wall has a predetermined height such that it engages the cover member when the cover member is placed adjacent the base member. Partition structure extends from a bottom surface of the cover member and defines at least one suture retaining area. A plurality of protrusions are positioned adjacent the outer wall for maintaining surgical suture material a predetermined distance toward a center portion of the package.

Abstract: A twin layer packaging machine is disclosed for packing cartons with articles such as beverage cans in two layers, a top layer overlying a bottom layer. The packaging machine has a selector flight defining selector bays, a can flight defining can bays, and a carton flight transporting cartons to be packed, all synchronously movable with each other. A single infeed assembly at the upstream end of the machine directs first groups of cans into selector bays on the selector flight, sweeps them into adjacent can bays, and directs second groups of cans into the same selector bays, all on the same level. The selector flight and the second groups of cans in its selector bays then ramps up to an elevated level, from where the second groups of cans are swept from the selector bays into the adjacent can bays atop the already loaded first groups of cans. The thus staged twin layer cans are then pushed into open cartons on the carton flight, whereupon the cartons are closed and sealed.

Abstract: A plurality of flat tablets are held in containing holes (211) by pinching the circumferential edge of the flat tablet (t) at the lowermost position at the lower end of the containing hole, and then pinching state of the tablet (t) at the lowermost position is released thus dropping the plurality of flat tablets (t) under a flat state into a capsule body (m) arranged below. The capsule body can be surely filled with a predetermined number of flat tablets under a flat state by preventing occurrence of flat tablets under a standing state effectively.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a grouper section having changeable lane sizes and a dual servo grouper that separates product into product sets and allow the product sets to accelerate to the lane chain speed in a controlled manner. The grouper section further includes disappearing lugs that pivot into the lanes via a cam surface provided in the lanes. The product rides upon a raised surface of the cam surface as the lug pushes the product set together down the lane, thus ensuring that no gaps are provided between product set members. A gripper/grid section of the packaging machine includes a bars that travel about a carousel with a gripper head assembly and a grid assembly pair moving up and down the bars as defined by cam surfaces within the gripper/grid section. The grid section is presented below the product set such that the product set is fed through the grid section in a one-way trip into a case. The gripper head assembly cam device and the case feed section both include height adjustment assemblies.

Abstract: A brachytherapy packaging system is disclosed including an inner tray containing a plurality of recesses, each recess for holding a strand of linked radiological seeds separated by spacers. An inner tray cover may also contain a plurality of recesses that coincide with the recesses of the inner tray when placed over the inner tray. The inner tray and inner tray cover may be supported by and enclosed in a container made out of a metal such as pewter. A retainer may also be supportable on the top of the container, shaped for holding a forceps or tweezers. An outer tray may be used for supporting and enclosing the container and optional retainer. The outer tray may be sealed with a removable sheet adhesively attached to a rim of the outer tray. Different configurations of the inner tray and inner tray cover may be used for different packaging configurations.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles with a liquid beverage material with a packing apparatus for packing filled bottles and a method of operation thereof. Further, a method of manufacturing and stacking packaging units with increased stability is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the controlled depositing of pliable items in a package are hereby proposed. In this process, the items are conveyed to the packing zone on a conveyor belt. The items are captured on the conveyor belt and moved to the edge of the conveyor belt using a gripper on a rotating gripper arm, the axis of rotation of which runs perpendicular to the conveyor belt. From there, the items are pushed onto a plate with the aid of the gripper and conveyed to a position above their intended position in the package. As soon as the position above the package has been reached, the plate is pulled back, thereby enabling the item to fall into the package located underneath. A packaging conveyor system is used to convey the packages to the packing zone and transport them further once an item has been deposited in order to allow the next item to be deposited.

Abstract: A package is provided, of specialty roofing materials, including a plurality of stacked shingles in the package, in nested relation, with the shingles being of variable thickness from one end to the other in one or more stacks, as packaged, to be of “V” configuration, and of various selected orientations, and forming a substantially hollow zone, with at least one insert structure to fill the hollow zone and provide support for the end shingle in the stack. The at least one insert structure may be constructed of various materials, such as folded cardboard, cellular foam or the like. Filler material may be provided in the package, for any voids between the stack of shingles and the upper end of the package.

Abstract: A system, and associated components and methodology, that automatically acquires data representative of the space left in each of a series of containers (32) in which one or more articles have been placed for packaging, and dispenses a controlled amount of dunnage material based on that data from a selected one of a plurality of dunnage dispensers (12). The system includes void volume data acquisition apparatus (11) for acquiring void volume data for the containers sequentially supplied thereto and for associating the sequentially acquired void volume data with the container. The system also includes a plurality of dunnage dispensers remotely located relative to the void volume data acquisition apparatus to dispense a controlled amount of dunnage material for insertion into one of the containers selectively transported to that dispenser from the void volume data acquisition apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method of providing a product to a conveyor and/or carton includes a wheel and a plurality of carriers arranged in rows. A distance between each carrier in the plurality of carriers is adjustable as the product is transferred around a circumference of the wheel. Optionally, a height of each product relative to an adjacent product is likewise adjustable.

Abstract: In a machine for filling box-like containers with articles arranged side by side and vertically, a station (1) forms a row (11) of articles (10), overlapped at least partially. An article feeding apparatus (2), functionally interposed between the outlet section of the forming station (1) and a filling station (3), operates between a rest configuration (I) and a work configuration (A). When in the work configuration, the apparatus transfers the articles (10) from the outlet section into a box-like container (4), placed in the filling station (3), and directs the articles in a vertical orientation, to define a prefixed filling condition of the first container (4). A conveyor (5) supports the series of box-like containers and is operated, in step relation with the speed of feeding of the articles (10), fed by the articles feeding apparatus (2), so as to move the box-like containers in a container feeding direction (G).

Abstract: A system for packing products in wallet packages incorporates a main feeding line for transporting the wallet packages as cut lengths of packaging or as strip material. It also includes a feeding mechanism for feeding the products in this main feeding line, and a placing mechanism for placing the products down on the cut lengths of packaging or on the strip material. The feeding mechanism is capable of pivoting in an approximately horizontal direction, in order to release the products into the main feeding line. This allows synchronization of several products supplied via different feeders, without the main feeding speed having to be dramatically reduced. In addition, periodically fed products can also be released in this way into the continuously running main process.

Abstract: Additives that could interfere with the sealing of a cover onto a contact lens package are delivered separately from the bulk saline delivered into the lens package, thereby allowing more precise control of the additive delivery, reducing the incidence of additive in the seal area of the lens package, and improving the seal integrity.

Abstract: The filling device according to the invention comprises a layering station, a filling station, a first box conveyor designed to convey boxes leaving a folder-gluer and to feed them from said layering station towards said filling station along a feed path, a sampling station, a recovery station, a second box conveyor designed to convey boxes fed by the first box conveyor and to transfer them from said sampling station towards said recovery station along a transfer path.

Abstract: A method for filling cells of a heat-formed strip with corresponding articles, the strip being continuously advanced at a predetermined operating speed, comprising: collecting a plurality of articles which are in contact with each other and arranged in parallel rows; adjusting the position occupied by the collected articles in such a way that the articles are arranged in a same spatial arrangement as a same number of empty cells in a longitudinal region of the blister strip to be filled; transferring the articles to a position above the blister strip, the speed of advancement of the articles being gradually synchronized with the speed of advancement of the strip, in a centered position relative to corresponding underlying empty cells of the longitudinal region; releasing the articles into the empty cells of the longitudinal region; repeating these operating stages in order to fill at least a further longitudinal region, which is identical and adjacent to the longitudinal region, in such a way as to complete t

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: An end of arm tool that is capable of handling fragile items such as eggs that are packaged in containers (e.g., egg cartons) that require special handling is provided. The end of arm tool comprises vacuum cup assemblies to grip the top surfaces of the packages, clamp fingers to clamp the edges of the packages, and optionally a pusher assembly to release the packages from the clamp fingers. In addition, a method of loading packages into cases using the end of arm tool apparatus of the present invention is provided. A gripper may be provided to place divider sheets between packages in the cases.

Abstract: A process for the production of water-soluble pouches. The process comprises the steps of drawing a first film into a mould to form a first compartment, adding composition to the first compartment, drawing a second film into the mould to form a second compartment which comprises a composition and, preferably, sealing. The first film is perforated and the second film is drawn into the mould by means of suction applied through the first film. This eliminates the need to align separately formed pouches or containers. This also reduces the total amount of film needed to produce a multi-compartment pouch. Furthermore, it is very easy to vary the film material used according to what properties are desired. Since the different compartments may require different properties this adds flexibility to the process. Process particularly suited for the production of water soluble pouches such as cleaning or fabric care pouches.

Abstract: A flexible package comprises first and second flexible layers having substrates with groups of longitudinal spaced-apart adhesive strips disposed thereupon. The groups of adhesive strips are generally aligned with each other and joined together to form a plurality of generally monolithic longitudinal spaced-apart seal strips. A first transverse heat seal is formed along a first edge defined by the first and second flexible layers. A second transverse heat seal is formed along a second, opposing edge defined by the first and second flexible layers. At least one series of longitudinal perforations bisect at least one seal strip, and at least one series of transverse perforations are oriented generally parallel to and proximate one of the first and second heat seal. One or more objects are detachably and releasably contained by the package, the objects being disposed between the first and second flexible layers and located between the seal strips.

Abstract: A transfer device is disclosed for transferring a plurality of stacks of disk-like objects such as frozen hamburger patties, from a plurality of first trays having bottom walls angled with respect to horizontal to a horizontal support platform spaced from the trays. The transfer device includes a support frame having wheels that is movable between first and second ends of a guide track and a pivotal frame pivotally attached to the support frame which pivotal frame supports upper and lower grippers for engaging the upper and lower sides of a plurality of stacks of objects and securely holding the stacks of objects as they are moved between first and second positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making packages with internal headers from an elongated web of preformed interconnected bags. The packages with internal headers are made by inserting a product or a header into a bag. The bag is sealed to form a first compartment that contains the inserted bag or header. The other of the product and the header is inserted into the bag. The bag is sealed to form a second compartment that contains other of the product or header. The package is separated from the elongated web of interconnected bags.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenser a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: A plurality of cassettes, each filed with a supply of pills and positioned over a target location. A platen is provided beneath the target location with receptacles configured to hold both vials and blister packs. The platen or the cassette is movable so that any blister of the blister pack or the vial can be positioned under the target location to receive a quantity of pills from the cassette.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for placing patterns of product holders, more in particular placing stacks of layers of the holders, into boxes or crates, using a supporting band, cords or strips, whereby the use of complex gripper heads is avoided. Thus, a considerably cheaper packing process is obtained.

Abstract: A packaging station of a packaging machine for filling containers with products, the station comprising a transport device for feeding the products along a feed path and via first and second charging paths which run parallel to said feed path and transport the containers. The containers are filled by a filling device designed to seize one or more of the products from the feed path and to place said seized products into one or more containers on one or other of the charging paths. The charging paths consist of the following sequence of items, listed in order in the displacement direction of the containers to be filled: a set-up assembly, a transport device and a sealing unit. The device and method permit a more rapid filling of packaging materials with products in a relatively small space, in particular on a platform.

Abstract: An end of arm tool that is capable of handling fragile items such as eggs that are packaged in containers (e.g., egg cartons) that require special handling is provided. The end of arm tool comprises vacuum cup assemblies to grip the top surfaces of the packages, clamp fingers to clamp the edges of the packages, and optionally a pusher assembly to release the packages from the clamp fingers. In addition, a method of loading packages into cases using the end of arm tool apparatus of the present invention is provided. A gripper may be provided to place divider sheets between packages in the cases.

Abstract: In a machine for filling box-like containers with articles arranged side by side and vertically, a station (1) forms a row (11) of articles (10), overlapped at least partially. An article feeding apparatus (2), functionally interposed between the outlet section of the forming station (1) and a filling station (3), operates between a rest configuration (I) and a work configuration (A). When in the work configuration, the apparatus transfers the articles (10) from the outlet section into a box-like container (4), placed in the filling station (3), and directs the articles in a vertical orientation, to define a prefixed filling condition of the first container (4). A conveyor (5) supports the series of box-like containers and is operated, in step relation with the speed of feeding of the articles (10), fed by the articles feeding apparatus (2), so as to move the box-like containers in a container feeding direction (G).

Abstract: A method for dispensing a desired number of oriented tablets from a bulk source into a well within a reagent container by moving the tablets by vibration into a number of parallel loading chutes and transfer chutes and displacing the desired number of tablets into a drop chute aligned over the well.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.

Abstract: Packaging unit (17) for absorbent articles (1) including a number of folded articles (1), the folded parts (11) of the articles being arranged towards one of the sides (18) of the packaging unit, but at different distances from the side (18).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in packaging containers and associated lids together includes a moveable gantry with a first support portion and a second support portion alongside the first support portion. The first and second support portions are sized and configured to support the containers and the lids. A container path and a lid path are included along which containers and lids, respectively, are directed to the gantry. The gantry has a first orientation in which the first support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers and the second support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids. The gantry also has a second orientation in which the gantry is repositioned such that the first support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids and the second support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers.

Abstract: An end of arm tool that is capable of handling fragile items such as eggs that are packaged in containers (e.g., egg cartons) that require special handling is provided. The end of arm tool comprises vacuum cup assemblies to grip the top surfaces of the packages, clamp fingers to clamp the edges of the packages, and optionally a pusher assembly to release the packages from the clamp fingers. In addition, a method of loading packages into cases using the end of arm tool apparatus of the present invention is provided. A gripper may be provided to place divider sheets between packages in the cases.

Abstract: A method of operating a front opening shipping box is provided. The operating method comprises providing a front opening shipping box. The front opening shipping box includes at least a container body, at least an air extraction pipeline and at least a gas inlet pipeline. The container body has at least two openings. The air extraction pipeline is disposed on the surface of the container body and linked to the container body through one of the two openings. The gas inlet pipeline is also disposed on the surface of the container body and linked to the container body through the outer opening. Then, a number of wafers are loaded inside the container body. Next, through the air extraction pipeline and the gas inlet pipeline, air is pumped out from the inside of the container box while the gas is injected into the container body simultaneously.

Abstract: A device for filling a container with a plurality of objects standing substantially upright on a floor portion of the container includes: a depositing cavity temporarily created and maintained in the container for receiving one of the plurality of objects; a first moveable planar restraining member having a first anterior surface facing the depositing cavity and a first posterior surface, the first posterior surface restraining a previously deposited object against movement; and a second moveable planar restraining member having a second anterior surface facing the depositing cavity and a second posterior surface. The first and second restraining members are operationally arranged to be removably insertable into and between the opposing side walls of the container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging system having a tool for inserting electronic components into a carrier tape, which has passage openings. The tool has a pick-up device to pick up the components from a carrier film and position them in the passage openings by means of a lifting movement. The packaging system has a guide plate for the linear sliding conveyance of the carrier tape populated with electronic components, and in each case devices for applying upper and lower cover films to the carrier tape. The invention additionally relates to a method of populating the carrier tape with electronic components.

Abstract: A process for introducing a plurality of segregated sheet-like administration forms into a dispenser under formation of a multilayered stack for individually dosable removal, with sheet-like tapes wound-up on rolls being present as starting material, utilizes the following steps. In a first step, a number of sheet-like layers of said tapes, which number corresponds to the stack, is simultaneously drawn from a plurality of rolls. In a further step, the individual tapes are united, using guide means, to form a multilayered strand, which in yet another step, is drawn forward to a cutting station where one length of stack is severed at a time, and wherein a length segment of the multilayered strand corresponding to the stack is substantially in the dispenser prior to being severed from a remainder of the multilayered strand by the cutting device.

Abstract: A device and method for stacking product into a container in a vertical orientation. The device includes at least one pivoting mechanism pivotable between a loading position and an initial/final position. The at least one pivoting mechanism retains a container thereon. The device may further include at least one corresponding diverting mechanism for injecting product into the container. The diverting mechanism includes a feeding area and a diverting arm swingable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the diverting arm allows product to enter the feeding area. An ejection station is positioned proximate to the feeding area and injects the product into the container after the product enters the feeding area via movement of the diverting arm. In one aspect the ejection station is provided by a pinch belt arrangement and is controlled by a control.

Abstract: According to a method for selecting and feeding articles to blisters or containers, a first hopper filled with unselected articles feeds a second main hopper with selected size-matching articles, by means of a tapered inlet section. Size non-matching articles get jammed and stopped within the tapered inlet sections and are removed by means of a shutter hinged to each inlet section. A sensor detects when the flow of size-matching articles is interrupted. According to a second embodiment the inlet sections are replaced by swinging tubular portions. The shutters and tubular portions can be operated cyclically, thus avoiding the need for the sensor. An apparatus is also described for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A method of loading a tray with at least one layer of items includes forming a plurality items into a group of items, moving the first group in a first generally horizontal direction so that the items are received through a top opening of the tray to form a layer of items that at least partially covers the upper surface of said base. The method also includes moving the tray loaded with the group of items in a generally vertical direction. The vertical direction may be downward. The tray may then be moved again in a horizontal direction. Also a system is provided to perform the aforesaid method.

Abstract: A stack of planographic printing plates is accommodated in a packaging box for planographic printing plates in a manner such that imaging surfaces of the planographic printing plates are directed toward a bottom face plate. Therefore, when the packaging box for planographic printing plates is opened in a manner such that top face plates are directed upwards, the imaging surfaces of the planographic printing plates are directed downwards.

Abstract: A method of loading medical devices into medical device packages utilizing an apparatus including a pusher plate, a retaining member, a transfer member and a package support member, the retaining member and the transfer member each includes a plurality of grooves for receiving and retaining the medical devices and the package support member includes a plurality of recesses for receiving and retaining the medical device packages, wherein the medical device packages are loaded into the package support member recesses, the medical devices are loaded into the retaining member grooves, every other medical devices are transferred from the retaining member to the transfer member by the pusher plate, the transfer member is urged into alignment with the package support member, the pusher plate inserts the medical devices in the transfer member into the packages in the package support member and the packages are removed from the apparatus for further processing.

Abstract: A system for automatically forming several parallel rows of disk-like objects on a conveyor into stacks and packing those stacks into boxes is disclosed along with a method of operating the system. The system includes a stacker receiving the disk-like objects as they fall of the conveyor, a buffer receiving stacks from the stacker in groups of a first number, a transfer device for removing the stacks from the buffer in groups of a second number, and a packer for packing the stacks into boxes. The second number can be less than, greater than, or equal to the first number.

Abstract: A product packaging system for receiving a series of products from one or more product transport lines. The products are loaded into a series of carriers and transported through a downstream inserter unit. Inserter assemblies moving in timed relation with the movement of the carriers through the inserter unit engage and urge the products out carriers and into a carton for packaging.