Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously packing a plurality of articles into receiving cartons. A loading station is utilized in combination with a carton feeding queue for delivering a continuous sequence of cartons to the loading station. A mechanism is provided to transport the cartons along the carton feeding queue and to maintain at least the next successive carton in the queue in continuous longitudinal engagement with any carton at the loading station. An article orienting and delivery queue is employed for longitudinally aligning a plurality of articles in the desired longitudinal, end-to-end, and lateral, side-by-side, relationship. A slide portion of the article orienting and delivery queue is inclined to permit the articles longitudinally to traverse the slide portion and to be received at the loading station by gravity. A transfer device is provided at the discharge end of the loading head to support the articles as they continue to descend by gravity and engage the carton at the loading station.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for loading a bin with articles such as fruit. The apparatus has a filling conveyor pivotable between a position within the bin to be filled and the top of the bin. The discharge end of the filling conveyor is maintained at an offset distance from the contents of the bin. The filling conveyor carries a plurality of resilient flaps pivotally mounted at one end thereof to the filling conveyor for movement therewith. The flaps successively carry rows of the articles along an upper run from a take-up end to a discharge end, at which end the articles are dropped off of the flap. A second flap, moving along a lower run in a direction opposite to the upper run, gently catches the dropped articles, and deposits the articles in the bin. Subsequent flaps moving along the lower run then sweep the deposited articles away from the drop location and toward to other end of the bin, allowing the articles to pile up at that end.

Abstract: Equipment 10 for packing cylindrical articles includes a receiving station 18 for receiving articles to be packed. A displacing device is arranged in the receiving station 18 in proximity to a conveyor 16 for displacing articles from the conveyor 16. An accumulating station 22 is mountable relative to the conveyor 16 to receive articles displaced from the conveyor 16. The accumulating station 22 is displaceably arranged relative to the receiving station 18 to facilitate formation of a predetermined close packed array in the accumulating station 22.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading ligating clips into ligating clip cartridges. The apparatus has a frame and a rotatable indexing table mounted to the frame. A plurality of nest members for holding cartridges and cartridge components is mounted to the outer periphery of the indexing table. The nest are rotated and indexed to a plurality of work stations located proximately on or about the frame. Components are loaded into the nest members at the work stations to form assembled cartridges loaded with ligating clips. One work station removes the assembled cartridges from the nest members.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for loading ligating clips into ligating clip cartridges. Ligating clips are fed to an inversion wheel having cavities for receiving the clips. The clips are inverted by rotating the wheel. The clips are pushed into ligating clip cartridge covers by an insertion blade. The cartridge cover is indexed by an automatic control system to receive the clips. A cartridge base is inserted into the cover after it has been loaded with clips to form the assembled cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling cartons with horizontal stacks of containers includes a chute assembly and a carton indexing table positioned thereunder. The chute assembly holds a single horizontal stack of containers to be placed in a plastic-lined carton previously placed on the carton indexing table. The chute assembly includes front and rear downwardly and inwardly projecting fixed guides and a pair of pivoting side guides. The pivoting side guides are arranged for motion between an inward retracted position and an outward extended position.

Abstract: A method of dispensing unit doses of medications to a patient. A card including a blister pack having a plurality of medication receiving recesses is provided. The recesses are arranged in a plurality of rows, with the rows having weakened lines therebetween. A row of the card is separated from the card along the weakened lines and is then placed in the carrier. In this way, the unit doses of medications in the separated row are available for dispensing to the patient. A card containing a plurality of unit doses of medication, a carrier for holding a blister pack having a plurality of medication receiving recesses arranged in a row and a medication dispensing apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for introducing a cigarette group (11) into a supporting member (14) for positioning the cigarettes (10) at a distance from one another within the pack. For introducing cigarettes (10) or the like into orifices (22) of the supporting member (14), guide tubes (64) serve as guide members for the cigarettes (10), the guide tubes (64) being guided with tube tips (65) through the orifices (22) of the supporting member (14) and the cigarettes (10) then being pushed after in the guide tubes (64). While the unit consisting of a cigarette group (11) and of the supporting member (14) is being pushed out of a cigarette turret (47), folding tabs of the supporting member (14) are folded.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing preassembled drainage line units comprises feeding a length of perforated vent pipe along a direction of manufacture longitudinally through a tubular mandrel, feeding a continuous sleeve of netting concentrically over the vent pipe along the direction of manufacture from a front end of the mandrel and continuously supplying quantities of artificial aggregate into the space between the sleeve of netting and the vent pipe. A low friction coating is applied to the inside surface of the mandrel to reduce the surface friction of the artificial aggregate caused by compaction, and to permit high speed manufacture.

Abstract: A method for delivering an item or plurality of items to a predetermined destination. Packaging a plurality of items within a carton wherein the items are connectingly bonded to interior walls or inserts within the carton, and transporting the carton with the items disposed therein to the predetermined location. The items may be items of china, flower pots, vases or other similar items.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for clearing excess trailing beverage containers from the lanes defined between guide rails in a beverage container packaging machine. The method includes providing the guide rails with compressed air nozzles that are positioned and oriented to direct compressed air along the lanes defined between the guide rails in the desired direction of movement of beverage containers along the lanes. An apparatus that includes an improved guide rail configured to achieve the method of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: In a system for transferring groups of containers from one location to another, a loading station including a transfer mechanism for continuously delivering rows of containers from the transfer station to a tray loading station. A device at the tray loading station is included for cycling the tray in a predetermined controlled sequence to receive rows of containers delivered by the transfer mechanism and to position them in a compact array in the tray.

Abstract: An automated machine for the high-speed packaging of multiple surgical needles each with an attached suture into a tray and detachable cover structure providing a suture package utilized for the packaging of the needles and attached sutures. Additionally, the automated packaging machine incorporates operative mechanism adapted to wind the sutures into a peripheral channel of the tray and facilitating the attachment of the cover to the tray which contains the needles and attached wound sutures, and from which cover there is concurrently formed a separate product-identifying label as a component of the tray upon removal of the cover to gain access to the contents of the tray.

Abstract: A stacking and carrying device for spherical objects such as golf balls wherein a tray member supports the spherical objects in the form of a pyramid and has strap members for carrying the tray. A filling device is also provided which stacks the balls on the tray member in a pyramidal fashion automatically and without any orientation. The filling device and method disclosed afford use in an automated dispensing machine such as for use on a golf practice range.

Abstract: A container providing selective access to stored objects consists of a plurality of cells for storing objects and a mechanism for causing the cells to open and close in accordance with a control pattern that specifies the cells that are to be opened and the cells that are to be closed. A user, by selecting an appropriate control pattern gains access to those cells in which he has an immediate interest. The user may quickly gain access to other combinations of cells simply by selecting other control patterns.

Abstract: An improved actuating system for a plurality of tucker plates used to compress and tuck arrays of fruit placed by an automated fruit handler into shipping cartons is described. The timing and motive force used for operation of the tucker plate is derived from motion of the fruit handler. Contact of the fruit and the fruit handler with an inclined tucker plate on each of four side is sufficient to cause tucker plates to rotate about a hinge assembly which couples the tucker plate to the packer table through which the fruit handler disposes the layers of fruit into the shipping cartons positioned on a conveyor underneath the packer table. Each tucker plate is provided with an upper finger which contacts the fruit handler as the fruit handler move upwardly thereby causing a torque to be applied to the tucker plate to reorient the tucker plate from the vertical packing position to an open tilted receiving position.

Abstract: A method to package stacked article groups utilizing packaging sleeves having a divider or base member mounted therein. At least one open end of each packaging sleeve is exposed during travel on a conveyor whereby a stream of articles within reach of the moving packaging sleeves are directed below and above the divider members of the open ended sleeves before closure.

Abstract: A variable height support structure is provided for use in combination with a solid object dispenser such as a pill or capsule dispenser. The height of the support structure is varied by the use of asymmetrical cam designed to move the support structure surface in discreet units. The apparatus allows a dispenser to fill blister packs with pills or capsules of various shapes and thicknesses without dispenser component reconfiguration or modification or replacement.

Abstract: A combination magazine and shipping tray for lead frames cut into discrete length strips. The magazine collects discrete length lead frame strips dispensed from an automated lead frame quality inspection machine. A cover, when placed over the magazine, provides a packaging tray for shipment of the collected lead frame strips to a semiconductor integrated circuit packaging facility. At the packaging facility, the cover is removed and the magazine is a loading magazine for loading discrete length lead frame strips into a machine used for packaging ICs.

Abstract: A robotic hand on a robot is capable of picking-up several generally flattened articles in a stack form in a gentle non-damaging manner. The robotic hand has a manifold for directing controlled pressure air and a set of gripper finger assemblies extending therefrom. Each finger assembly has a rigid finger support member and an inflatable bladder extending along its length. The bladders are in communication with the chamber of the manifold and an external source of positive and negative pressure air. The robotic hand is capable of positioning itself over an article to be picked-up with the set of gripper finger assemblies encompassing the article. Pressurized air is directed through the manifold and into the bladders of the finger assemblies. The bladders expand sufficiently to grasp sides of the article.

Abstract: A method of assembling composite billets of circular section for manufacturing multifilament superconducting strands, in which a cylindrical body is initially filled with jig bars having at least one axis of symmetry of order n stacked inside the cylindrical body. As the jig bars are removed, one by one, each jig bar is replaced by a multi-part bar made up of unit rods stacked in ordered and compact manner to occupy minimum space. Each multi-part bar has the same section as the jig bar that it replaces. The jig bars are preferably rectangular, and more preferably square in section, and the multi-part bars that replace them are made up of unit rods that are rectangular and preferably square in section. The method facilitates and speed up assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for filling with loose material carriers provided on their top with cavities, comprising: a transporting member for transporting the carriers; a scraper member arranged above the transporting member and drivable in rotation round a vertical shaft, which scraper member is arranged at a distance from the conveyor belt substantially corresponding with the height of the carriers for filling; and a ring enclosing the path described by the scraper member, wherein on the downstream located side of the ring means are arranged for removing excess loose material from the carriers; wherein on the upstream located side of the ring means are arranged for feeding loose material to the carriers; and wherein transporting means are arranged for transporting loose material coming from the first means to the second means.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a container with a fluid comprising a fluid supply source having a pump fluidly coupled thereto and electrically interfaced to a controller. Fluidly coupled to the pump is a nozzle valve which is also electrically interfaced to the controller. During the operation of the apparatus, the container is positioned under the nozzle valve, with the controller being operable to fill the container with the first volume of the fluid from the supply source at a first flow rate, and fill the container with the second volume of the fluid at a second flow rate which is lower than the first flow rate.

Abstract: Packaged toothpaste formulations which contain air sensitive components, e.g. vitamin C, are prevented from discoloring or otherwise degrading, by placing adjacent to an area of the packaging which may allow air access to the formulation, e.g. an air permeable collar, a nozzle, or the wall of an air permeable tube, a body (e.g. plug or layer) of material which does not contain any air sensitive components. Preferably, the latter body of material is the packaged toothpaste but without the air sensitive components.

Abstract: A bagger for fruit or other discrete articles ensures that the bag has a minimum weight of fruit but with the lowest overage practical. A weigh pan is fed by a first conveyor having a number of singulating lanes, with an individual weigh chute at the end of each lane. The conveyor is controlled to stop filling the pan once a certain number of articles (sensed by photosensors) have passed into the pan which is less than the expected number of articles which will meet the minimum weight of articles to be bagged. Then the individual weigh chutes are loaded with one article each, and the individual or combinations of weights of one or more articles from the weigh chutes are calculated. The desired individual combination is selected which causes the weight of articles in the pan to exceed the predetermined weight by the lowest amount, and that desired individual or combination of articles is fed to the pan, the weight is confirmed in the pan, then the pan tilted to discharge the articles.

Abstract: A method of unitizing a cargo of multiple substantially identical high density hay bales into multiple non-palletized units capable of being handled by a forklift truck or the like and fitted into shipping containers and utility vehicle cargo spaces comprises the steps of selecting a plurality of substantially identical high density bales of hay, arranging the plurality of bales of hay into selected size stacks of at least one layer of multiple horizontal rows, and wrapping multiple layers of an elongated continuous sheet of pre-stretched polymeric film having a memory horizontally around the plurality of bales of hay.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a predetermined count and/or weight of objects into a receptacle includes a conveyor, an object sensor, a controller, a trickle-feed conveyor, and a receptacle conveyor. The conveyor conveys the objects and has at least one grouping assembly which is capable of capturing a group of objects and supporting that group of objects during conveyance. The object sensor is disposed to detect the presence of each of the groups of objects prior to discharge and relays information relating to the number of objects within each group of objects. The controller communicates with the object sensor, monitors the information relayed, generates instructions, and tracks the location of each grouping assembly from detection to discharge into the receptacle. The controller also monitors the number of objects in each group of objects discharged into the receptacle.

Abstract: A system for positioning of articles in a box or crate means, said box or crate means positionable on table means being selectively shiftable in two horixontal x, y directions through indexed motion and said articles being controllably supplied through chute means from above into said box or crate means at proper x, y positions of said table means relative to said chute means. Means are provided for delivering said box or crate means from a stack chute means capable of holding a stack of box or crate means.

Abstract: An apparatus for stacking small goods, particularly small packages, in a container, the apparatus including a separating module by means of which the small goods are conducted over a surface disposed upstream of the container. The opening of the container is arranged to be pivotal at the end of the surface and a pusher is disposed on the surface so as to move in the direction of the container opening, the apparatus further including a retaining threshold and a downwardly pivotal rake that is arranged downstream of the retaining threshold.

Abstract: A package is provided for sorting photo prints and films and for assembling and displaying the prints. The package has a cover with an inside face, a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second side edges. The cover may be opened and closed about a center spine which extends between the top and bottom edges of the cover and divides the inside face into first and second portions. A pocket for storing the prints and film overlies each of the first and second portions. A generally rectangular pad is connected along one of its edges adjacent the top edge of one of the first or second portions. Prints may be assembled on the pad in an overlapping, staggered relationship for display when the cover is open. The pad has a generally flexible substrate, an adhesive coating on one side of the substrate, and a plurality of removable ribbons covering the adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention involves a tamper-proof apparatus and method for assuring the integrity of containers of consumer goods. A special carton, which becomes part of the retail display, has a plurality of controlled dispensing openings such that once a container has been removed, it cannot be replaced in the carton. Accordingly, a container cannot be removed from the carton, its contents altered, and the container replaced in the carton to be purchased by an unwitting consumer. Several alternative systems are employed for assembling the carton in a secure, tamper-proof manner. Further, if the carton is loaded at the point of manufacture or distribution, once the carton is loaded, the carton is sealed to provide indicia of potential tampering between the point of manufacture or distribution and the ultimate point of sale at a retail location.

Abstract: The method of packing into boxes ice cream cones comprises the following operative steps: positioning of at least one basket (C) with the ice creams G, in position with at least one empty box (S) which is open upwards; lifting and removal of two parallel rows of ice creams from their seats in the basket; composite rotation of the two rows of ice creams, upwards and in opposite directions through 90.degree.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for counting tablets and feeding a predetermined number of tablets to a bottle are disclosed. The present invention creates a fluidized bed of tablets above a plurality of slat bars, each of which comprises a plurality of cavities having a vacuum port connected to a source of negative pressure. The vacuum draws individual tablets down from the fluidized bed and into the cavities in the slat bar, thereby ensuring efficient and complete filling of each cavity with a tablet. Upon exit from the fluidized bed, the vacuum flow is disconnected and, in certain embodiments, a positive airflow may be flowed through the vacuum ports to eject the tablets into means for feeding the tablets into bottles.

Abstract: A method for automatically filling a plurality of containers with products arranged therein in rows in one layer or a plurality of superposed layers in a pre-programmed geometric pattern. Empty containers are delivered in N rows to a container-filling station. The products to be contained in respective containers are automatically delivered one-by-one to supports equidistant from a vertical axis at the station. A vacuum suction is applied to the products on supports and they are raised above a level of the containers and held raised in fixed relative positions. While raised the products are rotated jointly about a vertical axis. Simultaneously during successive raisings of the products the containers are automatically positioned incrementally in a longitudinal direction and transversely thereof preparatory for lowering of the products vertically into the containers after each raising thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing and dispensing unfolded files comprising a tray which has side walls, a bottom, and an open top is provided. The tray is adapted to store a stack of the unfolded files thereon. A plastic film is wrapped around the tray and unfolded files contained therein to retain the unfolded files in a tray and to form a package. Upon removal of the plastic film, the unfolded files may be removed from within the tray. Methods for storing and dispensing the unfolded files are also provided.

Abstract: A horizontal force moves a tape-automated-bonded (TAB) carrier along a first horizontal surface so that the leading edge of the TAB carrier is elevated above a second horizontal surface located beneath the open bottom area of the stacking magazine. After the center of gravity of the TAB carrier has passed a pivot line, the TAB carrier is pivoted about the pivot line by the force of gravity and assumes a horizontal position within the open bottom area of the stacking magazine. If the stacking magazine contains one or more previously-loaded TAB carriers, the TAB carrier being inserted into the open bottom area of the stacking magazine pushes upwardly against the lower surface of the lowest previously loaded TAB carrier so that the weight of the one or more previously loaded TAB carriers also helps to pivot the TAB carrier being loaded about the pivot line.

Abstract: An improvement in a method and related apparatus for filling a carton with successive stacks of articles, for example teabags. The carton is moved forward in a stepwise manner between filling steps. At least one side wall of the carton is distorted inwardly immediately behind a last deposited stack of the articles to restrain the stack from tipping over as a result of the movement.

Abstract: A method of packing empty collapsible tubes for shipment to the filler and sealer of the tubes, wherein the ten usually used diameter tubes can be packed into one of two standard size boxes.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for compiling deformable, substantially cylindrical bodies and for packing them, comprising vibrating said bodies being positioned at pile delivery substantially parallel adjacent and superposed to each other and being aligned in at least one row of parallelly positioned bodies adjacent to each other, whereafter this row is loaded into a substantially parallelepipedic magazine (6) that is substantially spaceless charged with bodies and thereafter transferred to a magazine discharge station (E) and positioned below a substantially similar transfer magazine (12), into which the bodies are transferred and which is thereafter transversely shifted above a reception space (14) for said bodies into which the bodies enter by gravity and are divided into streams moving downwardly into the area of two or more adjacent discharge devices (17) from which the bodies being compiled to predetermined groups are conveyed at the same time into cups of a cup conveyer (FIG. 4).

Abstract: Method for stacking substantially flat products such as meat patties. Rows of patties are conveyed under a metal detector and then to a sigmoidal slide. Patties contaminated with metal trigger the metal detector to send a signal to the slide. Upon receipt of a signal from the metal detector, the slide pivots in a manner to dispose of metal contaminated patties. Uncontaminated patties are conveyed down the slide without flipping over and onto a second lower conveyor having a plurality of vertical blades mounted thereto, between which patties are received in stacks. An optical counter is mounted to count patties conveyed down the slide. The counter is in communication with the second indexed conveyor and signals such conveyor to move forward after a predetermined number of patties have been stacked between two adjacent vertical blades on the indexed conveyor.

Abstract: A novel carrier for darts and dart parts. Each carrier comprises storage for a plurality of darts plus compartments for safely storing replacement feathers, tips, and weights. Protection is provided for both the user and each dart as darts are stored tip first into a blind bore in the carrier. Compression springs in the blind end of the bore provide, first, protection for the tip and, second, controlled ejection force whereby each dart is partially ejected when a holding cover is removed such that darts can be removed from the carrier without damage to feathers at the rear of each dart. Grooves and recesses are provided to protect each dart feather while in the carrier. The carrier comprises storage compartments whereby dart parts are stored separately to minimize damage to fragile parts, such as the feathers. Part and dart containing covers are easily emplaced and provide containment surfaces whereby the contents of the carrier are stored and transported without fear of damage or loss.

Abstract: A lettuce head holding tray is defined in which both the upper tray layer and the lower tray layer are packed side-by-side at packing stations. At a carton loading station, two side-by-side arrays of plungers each are used for packing of discrete layers of the cartons. One array of plungers packs the bottom carton layer; the other array of plungers packs the top carton layer. Two cartons are disposed opened upwardly to the plunger array at the packing station; one carton is disposed to the bottom layer loading plunger array for packing of the bottom layer and the other carton--with its bottom layer previously packed--is disposed to the top layer loanding plunger array for packing of its top layer. The cartons--between the packing of the bottom layer and the packing of the top layer--are conveyed between positions underlying the plunger arrays. Thus each carton has is lower layer packed by the lower layer loading plunger array and then its top layer packed by the upper layer loading plunger array.

Abstract: An apparatus for packing closely-arranged articles into a receptacle includes a rigid funnel having inwardly sloping walls and a downwardly projecting flexible skirt means attached to the funnel. The flexible skirt comprises a plurality of flexible planar segments that project downwardly into the receptacle. The funnel and skirt are lowered into an empty receptacle, the articles are packed, and the funnel and skirt are lifted out. The skirt means avoids contact between the articles and the walls of the receptacle as the receptacle is being packed, thereby decreasing the potential for damage to the articles. The apparatus includes a switch that stops the downward movement of the funnel and skirt when the bottom edge of the skirt is adjacent the bottom of the receptacle.

Abstract: A method of packaging goods including providing a base and placing goods over the base. A flexible web of gas permeable skin wrapping plastics material is then applied over the base and the goods, and air or gas is evacuated from between the base and the skin wrapping so as to allow the skin wrapper to flexibly displace onto the goods to at least partially skin pack the goods. A lid is then applied over the skin wrapping and spaced from the wrapping. A desired gas is then provided in the space between the lid and the skin wrapping to enhance the keeping properties of the packaged goods by permeating the skin wrapping. The lid is sealed to the base so that the space is permanently retained, and the skin wrapping is attached relative to the base.

Abstract: An arrangement for loading materials, especially bags of particulate materials such as wheat, into shipping containers in which a belt conveyor is supported so that it can be controlled in a forward to aft position and can be tilted and slewed, the belt conveyor being controllable in speed so that high accelerating speeds can be offered for packages loaded on the conveyor and a separately controllable serving conveyor to locate packages from time to time on the loading conveyor for shooting into the container.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for the packaging and pressing in bale form of loose fiber material comprising short-length fibers or fibers of high slipperiness, using a fill shaft (2) in which a distributing means (6) ensures that the fiber is transferred uniformly to a clearer means (7) which already has the width (4) of the press container opening (5), the clearer means (7) transports the fiber together with a longitudinal homogenizer means (9) in such a way as to ensure uniform filling of the press container (11), and the fiber so introduced can then be pre-pressed, end-pressed, packed in bale form and reinforced in a conventional manner.

Abstract: Cylindrical-shaped objects coming from a conveyor belt of a production line are transferred to a compensator. The compensator continuously receives the manufactured cylindrical-shaped objects and transfers them intermittently. Transfer of the cylindrical-shaped objects is made to a carriage guided on rails. A plate with compartments is disposed on the carriage. A quantity of cylindrical-shaped objects corresponding to a layer in a box are placed on the carriage. The carriage is moved in steps by means of a spindle by a step motor. Once the plate on the carriage is filled, the carriage is moved to the side and all the cylindrical-shaped objects lying on it are pushed into the waiting box by a cross slide. Subsequently, the carriage returns to its initial position. This method and apparatus permit extraordinary cycle times, assure gently treatment of the cylindrical-shaped objects and are very adaptable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for packing flexible packages, comprises separating and aligning the packages (5) transversely from a single feeding line (11) into plural lines (12), centralizing the packages so as to overlap each other partially (13), subsequently, lifting up the packages in centralizing state through vacuum pads (1), and placing them into an open top outer cartons without dropping the packages by gravity so that they are arranged in tiers as stacked in the cartons.

Abstract: Apparatus for packing a number of small packages into containers of a larger size and having an inclined conveyor for receiving packages, a counter flat adjacent to upper end of the conveyor for generating count signals, a storage chute for receiving packages being angled downwardly, container holders located adjacent to the chute lower end adapted to hold container in registration with the chute lower end for receiving packages the holder means being intermittently operably whereby to move the container when it has received a predetermined number of said packages, and to place an empty container, in registration with the chute lower end, and, controls operable to cause intermittent movement of the holder in response to a predetermined number of count signals, and a method of packing packages on the apparatus.

Abstract: A handling and packaging system for utensils comprised of a device for packaging the utensils; and a device for obtaining the utensils and moving them to the packaging device. Preferably, the obtaining device includes N specialized end-effectors which seize the utensils, where N.gtoreq.1 and is an integer. A method for utensil handling and packaging. The method comprises the steps of obtaining the utensil and packaging the utensil. Preferably, the obtaining step includes the steps of moving an end-effector in proximity to the utensil. An end-effector for a robot comprising a structure and a device for producing magnetic force to seize objects made of metal. The producing device is supported by the structure. A bin for holding utensils. The bin is comprised of a base; and a container wherein the utensils are stored. The container is supported by the base such that one end of the container is higher than the other end of the container. A bin for holding utensils.