Abstract: A system includes a gantry having an end-of-arm tool (EOAT). The gantry can include a first linear actuator that is configured to axially move the EOAT along a first axis and second linear actuator that is configured to axially move the EOAT along a second axis that is perpendicular to the first axis. The system can further include at least one input conveyor. Each input conveyor can have a plurality of pucks that are each configured to receive a prescription container and carry the prescription container to the gantry. The system can further include at least one output conveyor that is configured to receive the prescription container from the gantry. The gantry can be configured to move the prescription containers from the plurality of pucks to the output conveyor(s).

Abstract: A system produces three-dimensional medical images that are calibrated using a calibration slate. A subject is photographed with a calibration slate shown in the image. The slate includes printed colors that can be compared against standard colors associated with the slate to color calibrate the image. Two-dimensional images of the subject may be used to construct a three-dimensional image that shows wounds or other skin conditions that are color calibrated.

Abstract: A drug supplying device provided with: a first drug discharging section that discharges a first drug from a first tablet case; a first temporary storage section that is arranged downstream of the first drug discharging section in a path, and that temporarily stores the first drug; a second drug discharging section that is arranged downstream of the first temporary storage section in the path, and that discharges a second drug from a second tablet case; a second temporary storage section that is arranged downstream of the second drug discharging section in the path, and that temporarily stores the first drug and the second drug; and a third drug discharging section that is arranged downstream of the second temporary storage section in the path, and that discharges a third drug from a third tablet case.

Abstract: In the COP treatment and the SOP treatment of the interior of a chamber of an aseptic filler, any cleaning liquid or aseptic water remaining in the chamber is quickly removed before spray of a sterilizer containing peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide. A transfer device for transferring a container in the chamber of the aseptic filler is driven to remove the cleaning liquid sued for the COP treatment or the aseptic water used for the SOP treatment.

Abstract: A container forming apparatus includes a plurality of forming members that have outer forming surfaces, which are shaped to form pockets in a sheet of material. A plurality of actuators are in mechanical connection with the forming members. The actuators are able to extend and retract the forming members. A controller is in electrical communication with the plurality of actuators. The controller is able to simultaneously extend any one or any combination of the forming members to create a plurality of pockets in a determined pattern in the sheet of material to produce a customized blister pack.

Abstract: A method and system for distributing pharmaceuticals and packages of pharmaceutical products are described. A wholesaler receives an aggregate order for products that includes an indication of individual patient-orders contained within the aggregate order. The wholesaler retrieves the products from stock and packages them in bundles coinciding with the patient-orders to form pharmacist-ready packages. Indicia are applied to each pharmacist-ready package identifying its associated patient-order. A vendor or pharmacy receives the pharmacist-ready packages, verifies the contents thereof using the indicia, labels each of the products therein as required, reseals the products in the package, and applies a package label associated with a patient for which the patient-order was placed. The package label is disposed to overlie the indicia. The now patient-ready package is provided to the patient. As such, need for stocking, retrieval from stock, and grouping of products by the pharmacy is reduced.

Abstract: A method of decontaminating an aseptic filling apparatus that includes stations including a content filling station arranged from an upstream side to a downstream side of a flow of a preform or container, and each of the stations is covered by a chamber. The method includes sterilizing the content filling station by performing a CIP and then an SIP or performing an SIP serving also as a CIP of the content filling station, removing a cleaning liquid used in the CIP or SIP, and performing a COP and/or an SOP of the various kinds of stations in a predetermined order. A first SOP using a first sterilizer and a second SOP using a second sterilizer are performed stepwise on the various kinds of stations while the CIP and the SIP or the SIP serving also as the CIP are being performed on the content filling station.

Abstract: The invention includes a method used to place article groups into outer packagings (22) packaging apparatus (10). Article groups are transferred by a handling device (26) from a staging location (46) to a conveyor line (20) and are placed into the outer packagings (22). The conveyor line (20) serves to successively transport outer packagings (22). At least some of the articles (14) of a particular article group are directed and/or guided during a placing procedure by a centering device (32) assigned to the conveyor line (20) and moved along with the outer packagings (22), which are being transported on the conveyor line (20) and which are to be loaded with article groups.

Abstract: An integrated device includes a rack (1) which holds three layers of conveying channels from top to bottom: a detection conveying channel (4), a loading conveying channel (3), and a discharge conveying channel (2). The detection conveying channel (4) matches with a detection device (6). One end of the detection conveying channel (4) is provided with a screening opening (7) equipped with a transfer device (8) configured to transfer a case (5) from the screening opening (7) to the loading conveying channel (3). A loading opening is provided in the middle of the loading conveying channel (3), which docks with a loading device (10) provided on the discharge conveying channel (2). The loading conveying channel (3) is positioned on both sides of the loading opening and transports a packaging box (9) and the case (5) to the loading opening.

Abstract: A system for interfacing between different types of conveyor systems that comprise a first serial conveyor system using a sequence of object carriers configured to transport a continuous serial stream of objects, and a parallel conveyor system configured to simultaneously transport one or more arrays of objects. A first accumulator unit can be used to accumulate a batch of the object carriers of the first serial conveyor system. Each of the object carriers can carry an object of the continuous serial stream of objects for accumulating a batch of the objects therein. Two or more first movable trays, each configured to receive an array of the objects from the batch of objects accumulated in the first accumulator unit, can be used to transfer the received array of objects to the parallel conveyor system, and load the objects thereby carried onto grippers of the parallel conveyor system.

Abstract: A drug packaging device includes a dispensing portion and a packaging portion. The dispensing portion includes a first dispensing portion including a plurality of drug cassettes and a second dispensing portion configured to receive drugs, which are prepared separately from the drugs stored in the first dispensing portion, and to dispense the drugs. The second dispensing portion includes a first receiving/dispensing portion and a second receiving/dispensing portion. The second receiving/dispensing portion is configured to dispense drugs by the amount required for packaging among a plurality of drugs having been collectively distributed. The first receiving/dispensing portion and the second receiving/dispensing portion are vertically arranged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for counting and dispensing objects (2), comprising two slidably movable elements (10, 11) relatively to each other, a first element (10) comprising a conduit (100) for dispensing objects to be counted and dispensed, the second element (11) cooperating with the first element for forming two obturators (1A, 1B) delimiting in the dispensing conduit (100) a chamber (101) adapted for containing a determined number of said objects, said obturators (1A, 1B) being able to adopt, depending on the relative position of said first and second elements: an open configuration, in which the obturator defines an orifice with a dimension adapted for letting through an object to be counted and dispensed, and an obturation configuration, wherein said orifice has an insufficient dimension for letting through an object, the first and second elements being laid out for providing, by relative sliding, an operating sequence of the obturators wherein: (i) a first obturator is in an open con

Abstract: A device (30) is used to cushion at least one object (12a) in a container (10a). According to the invention, the device comprises: an automatic reading device (32) for reading an item of information which is present on the container (10a) and relates to a predetermined amount of cushioning material (28a-c) for a predefined combination of container (10a) and object (12a); a cushioning material provisioning device (38) for providing cushioning material (28a-c); and a control device (36) which receives a signal, based on the item of read information, from the automatic reading device (32) and initiates supply of the corresponding cushioning material (28a-c).

Abstract: A solid dosage dispensing apparatus comprising a user interface including a display. A plurality of containers are provided from which solid dosages are dispensed. The apparatus includes a controller operative during a stocking mode to: (i) present on said display a list of different solid dosage types available for stocking; (ii) receive an indication of a selected solid dosage type; (iii) graphically indicate on the display a container location at which the selected dosage type is to be located; and (iv) confirm container removal from the container location and subsequent container replacement in that location. During a travel pack mode, the controller is operative to: (i) present on said display a prompt to indicate a duration for which a travel pack is to be stocked; (ii) receive an indication of the duration; and (iii) cause dispensing of dosage types for the duration that would otherwise be dispensed by said apparatus as they are to be administered.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for producing a padding for transporting general cargo in an outer packaging using a computer, a 3D scanner and/or a padding machine by obtaining 3D data of a 3D CAD model and material data for each item of cargo from a database and/or by three-dimensional scanning of the cargo with the 3D scanner, sorting the cargo on the basis of the 3D CAD data and the material data into an existing transport category or into a transport category that is created, grouping the items into a cargo group on the basis of the transport category and/or the general cargo ID, virtually arranging the cargo group in the outer packaging, selecting a 3D CAD model of a padding template based on the virtual arrangement, calculating a difference, a break and/or an association between the virtual arrangement of the cargo group in the selected 3D CAD model of the padding template and the 3D CAD model of the selected padding template, the 3D CAD model of the cargo and the coordinates and orientation of the

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention may provide a method of dispensing a product having a verified identity to be labeled and packaged without requiring additional validation and verification. According to an example embodiment, a dispensing system may include a display, a workstation, a user interface, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive an indication that the workstation is clear of any products, such as products associated with a previous dispensing operation. The controller may: receive provide for presentation on the display of an identification of a batch of a first product type to be retrieved in response to the indication that the workstation is clear; receive an identification of a batch of products of a first product type that is received at the workstation; and identify a queue of orders for the first product type as maintained in a memory.

Abstract: An ice bagging system and method according to which ice is automatically disposed in respective bags provided from a first source of bags, and ice is automatically disposed in respective bags provided from a second source of bags.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging the gas compartment portion of a bag (1) in which incisions (9) are formed in gas introduction section (6a) of the gas compartment portion (6). A pair of gas injection nozzles (23, 24) are disposed so as to be on the opposite sides of the bag and reciprocate between its standby and advanced positions, so that in the advanced position, the discharge outlets (23a, 24a) of the gas injection nozzles are aligned with the gas introduction section on both sides, and compressed gas is injected into the gas introduction section through the incisions. A small gap (L) is provided between the discharge outlets of the gas injection nozzles when they are in the advanced position. As the gas is injected, film sheets of the expanded gas introduction section closely adhere to the discharge outlets, so that the gas injection state becomes stable.

Abstract: A tape closure device for securing the neck of a bag with a tape closure includes an automated control system, a tape feed assembly configured to provide a continuous length of tape and a closure application assembly. The closure application assembly also includes an encoder wheel that outputs to the automated control system a signal representative of the length of tape provided to the closure application assembly from the tape feed assembly during the closure cycle. The tape closure device further includes a motorized cutting member that is connected to the automated control system and configured for selective activation by the automated control system in response to the signal provided by the encoder wheel. The selective activation of the motorized cutting member allows the tape closure device to create a tape closure that based on the length of tape drawn into the closure application assembly.

Abstract: A preparation task for medicine, which must be manually prepared in advance, is efficiently performed without error. A medicine supply device includes: a medicine supply means having a plurality of medicine receiving portions, the medicine supply means being configured to receive a medicine per a dosing time and appropriately discharge the received medicine; a display means including a plurality of display portions, the display portions being provided in association with the medicine receiving portions respectively; and a display control means configured to allow the display portion of the medicine receiving portion, which receives a corresponding medicine among the medicine receiving portions, to operate based on a prescription data. The display portion of the display means is configured to display a number corresponding to the dosing time of each medicine included in the prescription data.

Abstract: In a method for need-based order-picking of medicine portions, several medicine portions of a defined type are firstly identified in several blister packs of different dimensions having receiving chambers and are placed in an automated storage facility. Data identifying the blister packs are saved in association with designations of their storage locations. A dispensing pack is then made ready at an automatic filling station and is filled as needed. Finally, the filled dispensing pack is placed in the same or another automated storage facility, if the dispensing pack is not yet intended to be distributed.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus and method to form a pattern of solder bumps. A solder paste is applied a plate comprising a pattern of holes, where each hole is partially filled by a piston attached to a movable stage. The remainder of the holes are filled by applying a force to the solder paste with a first solder paste application tool. A second solder paste application tool then removes excess paste from the front surface of the plate. The solder paste is then disposed onto a surface of a substrate by moving the movable stage, which fills a larger portion of each hole with a piston, forces the solder paste out of each hole, and forms pattern of solder paste on the surface of the substrate. The pattern of solder paste is then subjected to additional processing to form a pattern of solder bumps.

Abstract: A tablet dispensing apparatus that allows easy cleaning of the inner surfaces of temporary storage structures. A simultaneous driving mechanism and a plurality of open-close mechanisms of a plurality of temporary storage structure are coupled to each other by a plurality of coupling structures. The coupling structures are each configured to release the coupling when the entire temporary storage structure or a portion, which includes the open-close mechanism, of the temporary storage structure is drawn out of a housing, and to establish the coupling when the entire temporary storage structure or the portion, which includes the open-close mechanism, of the temporary storage structure is pushed into the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating release of tablets into cells of a heat-formed strip has a frame (2), and at least one supply channel (3) for directing tablets (4) to an outlet (5). A tooth (6) is movable between a first position (A) where the tooth blocks the supply channel and a second position (B) which allows transit of the tablets (4) to the outlet. An elastically flexible blade (7) is fixed to the frame (2) and equipped with the tooth (6). A tube (8) supplied with a fluid elastically expands or retracts in a radial direction as a function of the fluid pressure. The tube (8) abuts the flexible blade (7) in such a way that by regulating the pressure of the fluid internally of the tube (8), it is possible to control the position of the tooth (6).

Abstract: A method for reducing the adherence of a High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) to belt surfaces in a multi-tiered curing oven is provided. The method comprises forming a High Internal Phase Emulsion from an oil phase comprising monomer, cross-linking agent, emulsifier, an aqueous phase and photoinitiator; depositing the High Internal Phase Emulsion on an extrusion belt; exposing the High Internal Phase Emulsion to an Ultraviolet light source to partially polymerize the top surface of the High Internal Phase Emulsion; moving the High Internal Phase Emulsion to a multi-tiered curing oven such that the partially polymerized top surface of the High Internal Phase Emulsion is contacted with a curing oven belt in the multi-tiered curing oven; and polymerizing the monomer component in the oil phase of the High Internal Phase Emulsion at a temperature of from about 20° C. to about 150° C. for a time sufficient to from a High Internal Phase Emulsion foam.

Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case accommodating section 8, a plurality of tablet cases 3 for accommodating medicine and charges or supplies medicine into a bag 72, which medicine has been discharged from each tablet case 3 based on a prescription. An identification code 26 is provided for each of the tablet cases 3 and read by an optical sensor 33 provided inside the case accommodating section 8, whereby discharge of medicine is controlled. A motor 14 for driving a discharge drum for the tablet case 3 is checked for disconnection by being regularly energized. The operating time and the frequency of operation of parts that wear out, such as the motors, are stored for use in failure prediction. Time slots in which medicine should be taken are printed, each in a different color, by a color printing mechanism 73 on the bag 72 into which medicine is charged.

Abstract: Tablet-container filling apparatus is provided for feeding and separating tablets and for filling a tablet container with the said tablets. The tablet-container filling apparatus comprises a tablet-color identifier (3, 5), a tablet remover (4) whereby a rogue tablet is removable once identified by the tablet-color identifier, a tablet counter (7), a container conveyor (9), and a controller (5, 7) for controlling tablet flow into a container on said conveyor, the tablet-color identifier (3, 5) being on at least two sides of a tablet flow path, so that in use a tablet color is identifiable from at least said two sides.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser includes a device body and a plurality of tablet cassettes disposed on one face of the device body. Each tablet cassette is capable of accommodating a plurality of types of tablets and of dispensing the tablets contained therein in a lateral direction. A plurality of chutes are in communication with the plurality of tablet cassettes. Each chute is disposed on the one face of the device body, adjacent to a corresponding tablet cassette. Each chute retains tablets dispensed from the corresponding tablet cassette and dispenses the tablets in a downward direction into a container.

Abstract: A system for distributing articles into an internal compartment of a storage unit has a longitudinally displaceable support or platform above the compartment which is movable longitudinally between a plurality of spaced discharge areas over corresponding storage positions. The support has at least one free edge, and is moved until an article carried on the support is displaced by a pusher moved into the path of the article and pushed over the edge to drop into the selected storage position. In one example, the support has opposite free edges and articles are selectively pushed over the edges into different storage positions. The process is repeated to dispense articles into different storage positions for uniform filling, and to control movement of the support and deployment of the pusher so that articles are dispensed into the storage positions with available space.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the production of sets of containers (10), wherein the apparatus has a packaging device (2) which wraps a plurality of containers (20) at least in part with a film-like packaging material (12) and thus forms a set of containers (10), with a shrinking device (4) which shrinks the packaging material (12) which wraps the containers (20) at least in part, with a conveying device (6) which conveys the containers (20)—wrapped by the packaging material (12)—in a pre-set conveying direction, and with an inspection device (8) which inspects the containers (20)—wrapped at least in part by the packaging material (12)—after the shrinking procedure.

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: In a method for need-based order-picking of medicine portions, several medicine portions of a defined type are firstly identified in several blister packs of different dimensions having receiving chambers and are placed in an automated storage facility. Data identifying the blister packs are saved in association with designations of their storage locations. A dispensing pack is then made ready at an automatic filling station and is filled as needed. Finally, the filled dispensing pack is placed in the same or another automated storage facility, if the dispensing pack is not yet intended to be distributed.

Abstract: A device for the integrated production and filling of containers and a method for cleaning and/or disinfecting at least the mold of at least one molding and filling station of the device. During a cleaning and/or disinfecting operation of the device, at least the inside of the mold is cleaned and/or disinfected with at least one cleaning and/or disinfecting agent by at least one cleaning element. During the cleaning and/or disinfecting operation, the at least one mold is opened and closed at least once, preferably many times and/or the plunger is moved at least once, preferably many times, between its initial position and end position.

Abstract: A tablet supply apparatus including a main body having a case accommodating unit at the upper portion thereof, plural tablet cases provided in the case accommodating unit, each of the tablet cases having tablets accommodated therein, a hopper provided at the lower side of the tablet case in the main body, a nozzle for filling tablets received by the hopper into a container, the nozzle comprising a passage through which tables drop, a shutter which is freely opened and closed so as to allow or prohibit passage of dropping tablets through the nozzle, and a sensor for detecting passage of the tablets dropping through the passage at an upper side of the shutter. Furthermore, a tablet feeder for adding deficient tablets to the hopper comprises plural cells for accommodating tablets and an endless belt on which the cells are arranged on a line side by side.

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: The present invention relates to a device for packaging at least two products with individual weights in a package in a quantity corresponding to a target weight. The device comprises a feed, packaging means, weighing means (9) and throughfeed means. The device further comprises at least two adding means with associated weighing means (17) in a weighing unit (14) for the purpose of selectively adding unrelated products or groups thereof to the packaging, and with selection and control means for selecting at least one of the at least two unrelated products or groups on the basis of the weight of the initial group, the target weight and the weights of the at least two unrelated products or groups determined with the weighing means (17) associated with the adding means for the purpose of actuating the adding means in order to add at least one selected of the at least two unrelated products or groups thereof to the packaging.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser includes a device body and a plurality of tablet cassettes disposed on one face of the device body. Each tablet cassette is capable of accommodating a plurality of types of tablets and of dispensing the tablets contained therein in a lateral direction. A plurality of chutes are in communication with the plurality of tablet cassettes. Each chute is disposed on the one face of the device body, adjacent to a corresponding tablet cassette. Each chute retains tablets dispensed from the corresponding tablet cassette and dispenses the tablets in a downward direction into a container.

Abstract: A method and device for handling flat objects, in particular flat folded diapers (10), which are fed to a conveyor with receptacles for each object or for each diaper (10) by way of a feeder (13, 14), in particular to a compartment conveyor (17) comprising separation struts (22) which are arranged so as to protrude radially from a continuous conveyor (21) in order to form compartments (23) for each object. Provision is made for the speed (v) at which the objects are transported on the feeder (13, 14) to be reduced for handover of the objects to the conveyor. The device includes a database in which respective data records containing transport speeds (vx) for a control unit (34) being filed for different objects and/or objects of different size, the speed of the feeders (13, 14) being regulated by the control unit (34) in accordance with the transport speed (v) pertaining to the respective object.

Abstract: A packaging section of a tablet packaging device includes: a placement base of a tray; a drawer storing the placement bas; a carrier provided with compartments corresponding to the storage concave portions of the tray; a drive device of the carrier; a shutter opening/closing; a bottom of the carrier; and an opening/closing device of the shutter. The drive device performs a step of defining a tablet discharge position on the tray as an original position and returning to the original position through a tablet reception start position and a tablet reception end position which are set below a discharge opening. A step of sequentially moving each compartment of the carrier below the discharge opening from the tablet reception start position to the tablet reception end position during the step to receive one tray of tablets is performed. When the carrier returns to the discharge position, the shutter is opened.

Abstract: A system for dispensing items comprises trays each adapted to support items to be dispensed. A casing comprises a restocking volume receiving trays with items thereon for subsequent storage. A storage volume accommodates the trays in storage. An outlet is used to dispense any selected items on the trays. An arm displaces trays within the casing, and displaces items from the trays to the outlet. A controller unit receives an identification of each item in the trays when positioned in the restocking volume, and monitors a position of each identified item within the trays in the casing to control the actuation of the arm to dispense items through the outlet as a function of an order entered through the user interface.

Abstract: Provided is a tablet filling device capable of continuing an operation without stopping the supply of the tablet container, filling with tablets, etc. even when the prescribed operations cannot be performed at the operating positions. The tablet filling device includes: a tablet supply unit (3) that fills a tablet container (12) with tablets; a carrying member (41) which carries the tablet cassette (12) from the tablet supply unit (3) to a standby position; a container holding member (65) provided at a delivery position and having a plurality of holding parts (67, 68) capable of holding the tablet container (12) according to a difference in outer diameter dimension; and another carrying member (52) which carries the tablet container (12) held by a container holding member (65) to an operating position.

Abstract: An ice bagging system and method according to which ice is automatically disposed in respective bags provided from a first source of bags, and ice is automatically disposed in respective bags provided from a second source of bags.

Abstract: A slat segment is disclosed for use in packaging machines which dispense discrete pharmaceuticals, vitamin, or food products into containers. The slat segment is comprised of a straight elongated bar, whose first surface contains a plurality of substantially cylindrical cavities separated by adjacent walls. Discrete products ready for packaging are deposited into contoured intake flutes which guide the pharmaceuticals, vitamin, or food products into the cavities within the slat segment. The products are then dispensed from the slat segment via contoured disposal flutes connected to each cavity, to eventually be deposited into containers being conveyed proximate the packaging machine. Salient thermal radiation blocks are arranged along a second surface of the slat segment, along with thermal radiation webs, which facilitate conduction of thermal radiation away from the slat segment. The slat segment thereby maintains maximum strength and stability and minimizes necessary maintenance of the slat.

Abstract: A stretch film wrapping system for wrapping film about palletized loads includes a wrapping station for wrapping stretch film about a palletized load. A corner protector placement station is located upstream of the wrapping station along a path of a conveying system leading from the corner protector placement station to the wrapping station. Corner protectors are applied to the corner edges of a palletized load at the corner protector placement station, prior to delivering the palletized load to the wrapping station. The corner protector placement station may include a pair of robotic arms that pick corner protectors, position them for application of an adhesive and then apply the protectors to the corner edges of the palletized load.

Abstract: In an assembly for filling medicine dispensers (11) with administering units (12/i) which are to be taken daily by patients, a deblistering apparatus (39) is provided for the separating, automatic removal of the medicines from the respective blister pack, the blister film (33) of which can be subjected to a notching or cutting pretreatment, only after which the medicine is removed. A transport device (18) is provided which supplies the medicine dispensers (11) to a feeding device, at which the individual medicines can be loaded into receiving compartments (14/1 to 14/4) of the medicine dispenser (11). The assembly comprises modules (17/i) which have in each case a blister shaft (62), a punching device and a feeding device and are arranged along the transport device (18) at spacings from one another which correspond to the spacing of the receiving compartments (14/i) of the dispensers (11/i) or to an integral multiple of said spacing.

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

Abstract: A disposal unit can include a substantially air tight chamber, an insertion component, an air tight region of the air tight chamber containing a disposal container, an air holding region, an air extraction unit, an air sanitation component, a container sealant mechanism, and/or combinations thereof. The air holding region can be distinct from the air tight region and the remaining region of the substantially air tight chamber. The air extraction unit can be configured to capture air from the remaining region and place the captured air in the air holding region. Air can be optionally redirected from the air holding region into an airtight disposal container, which is thereafter sealed. The air sanitation component can be configured to sanitize the captured air to a predetermined air quality level. Harmful byproducts of the waste (e.g., toxic vapors) inserted in the disposal unit can be reduced and/or neutralized through sanitation and/or containment.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus for inserting documents into envelopes comprising an envelope holder for holding an envelope in a document inserting position, wherein a first upstream end of the envelope is in an open position for receiving the document, a document displacement arrangement for displacing the document along a document inserting path into the envelope, wherein the apparatus further comprises a document steering arrangement arranged opposite to an envelope crease line provided between an envelope flap and an envelope body. The arrangement comprises steering elements spaced apart along a central axis that in use is substantially aligned with the envelope crease line. The steering elements are interconnected such that in use the respective steering elements are rotatable about the central axis in a similar direction with a similar speed during a similar time interval.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling bins with produce such as fruit includes a filling head, and a disk arranged under the head. The disk is composed of two overlying plates, each having openings arranged radially to a rotating plate. Sensors underneath the disk detect the presence of the produce at a predefined vertical distance from the lower plate. A controller detects the instantaneous position of each of the two overlying rotating plates, determines individually the speed of rotation of each of said rotating plates in a manner that depends on a pre-coded external signal generated by said sensors and by the instantaneous positions of the rotating plates. The control unit processes the information received and controls the respective angular speed of the plates so that the respective openings are vertically aligned in correspondence of the information received in order to distribute the produce inside the bin in those angular positions at which the absence of underlying produce is sensed.

Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case accommodating section 8, a plurality of tablet cases 3 for accommodating medicine and charges or supplies medicine into a bag 72, which medicine has been discharged from each tablet case 3 based on a prescription. An identification code 26 is provided for each of the tablet cases 3 and read by an optical sensor 33 provided inside the case accommodating section 8, whereby discharge of medicine is controlled. A motor 14 for driving a discharge drum for the tablet case 3 is checked for disconnection by being regularly energized. The operating time and the frequency of operation of parts that wear out, such as the motors, are stored for use in failure prediction. Time slots in which medicine should be taken are printed, each in a different color, by a color printing mechanism 73 on the bag 72 into which medicine is charged.