Abstract: An automatic packaging system has a first feed mechanism for feeding a light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow A, an inspection mechanism for reading bar-code information from the light-shielded photosensitive roll, measuring and comparing dimensions of the light-shielded photosensitive roll with the bar-code information to inspect whether the light-shielded photosensitive roll is correct or wrong, a second feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow B if the light-shielded photosensitive roll judged as being correct, and a third feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow C.

Abstract: An automatic packaging system has a first feed mechanism for feeding a light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow A, an inspection mechanism for reading bar-code information from the light-shielded photosensitive roll, measuring and comparing dimensions of the light-shielded photosensitive roll with the bar-code information to inspect whether the light-shielded photosensitive roll is correct or wrong, a second feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow B if the light-shielded photosensitive roll judged as being correct, and a third feed mechanism for feeding the light-shielded photosensitive roll in the direction indicated by the arrow C.

Abstract: A sheet package producing system includes at least a cutter module and a packaging module. The cutter module has a cutter blade, for producing X-ray films by cutting a continuous sheet material. The packaging module has packaging robots, for producing a sheet package by packaging the X-ray films stacked on one another. In the sheet package producing system, a first module control unit is incorporated in the cutter module, for controlling the cutter blade. A second module control unit is incorporated in the packaging module, for controlling the packaging robots. A CPU is connected with the first and second module control units removably by a component network, for controlling the cutter module and the packaging module in synchronism.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for checking rod-like articles, in particular cigarettes (12), and an apparatus which is suitable for carrying out the process, a moveable testing element (20) with mounted push rods (21) displaceable in the axial direction being moved in the direction of the articles and the or each push rod (21) being deflected as it strikes against an article and an electrically evaluable signal—actuating signal (31)—being generated as a result and, upon generation of the actuating signal (31), the position of the testing element (20) is determined and the determined position is evaluated

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for packaging products, such as vegetables and fruits, utilizing a sorting machine which method includes the steps of determining per product the characteristics of the respective products, such as, for instance, determining their weight and/or their shape; comparing the characteristics with predetermined packaging requirements; on the basis of this comparison, selecting products that do not need to be packaged; supplying the other, non-selected products to a packaging unit, which packaging unit is energized only when there is a substantially uninterrupted in-feed of the products into the packaging unit.

Abstract: The invention comprises an insert delivery system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include coupons and the like with products being automatically packaged, such as sliced loaf bread. The system may comprise an insert delivery tray, card conveyor, or carousel and magazine combination, a feeder mechanism, and an insert placer configured to select an insert from the tray, conveyor, or magazine. Preferably, the insert placer includes a vacuum system and moves linearly. Additionally, the feeder mechanism may be positioned either perpendicularly, or parallel, to the scoop assembly, so as to feed an insert onto the scoop assembly at various points along the path of the scoop. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.

Abstract: A packaging machine for wrapping and enclosing products of various dimensions and consistency in packaging material, such as paper, bags, cans and the like, includes individual processing units, to each of which a drive with a control unit is assigned. Predetermined movement rules, e.g., time-path functions, are processed by the control units. Sensors are included for detecting the operational state, wherein the movement rules of the corresponding drive are scaled when the synchronization between the packaging material and the product to be packaged deviates. The resulting path-time rule is constant and constantly differentiable, so that either the acceleration change in the non-diffentiable points of the speed-time rule is less than a predetermined limiting value, or the resulting speed-time rule is constantly differentiable.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a component that can carry out processes such as visual inspection, characteristic measurement, screening, and taping efficiently while transporting the electronic component at high speed. In order to transport the electronic components to the index table where the processes such as characteristic measurement, screening, and taping is carried out, a component transporting device is used in which the electronic component delivered from the component delivery section 10 is transported to the component intake port 23 based on negative pressure, transported with the airflow through the transportation path 25, and discharged from the part discharging port 24. The transporting device includes a gas discharging port 33 in the vicinity of the component discharging port, which serves to decrease the transport speed of the electronic component before transporting it to the index table.

Abstract: A sheet package producing system includes at least a cutter module and a packaging module. The cutter module has a cutter blade, for producing X-ray films by cutting a continuous sheet material. The packaging module has packaging robots, for producing a sheet package by packaging the X-ray films stacked on one another. In the sheet package producing system, a first module control unit is incorporated in the cutter module, for controlling the cutter blade. A second module control unit is incorporated in the packaging module, for controlling the packaging robots. A CPU is connected with the first and second module control units removably by a component network, for controlling the cutter module and the packaging module in synchronism.

Abstract: When any of facilities of a film producing and packaging system suffers a failure, a film processing controller shuts off the film producing and packaging system. The operator repairs a failing facility and manually discharges a length of an elongate film which may possibly be defective. After the failing facility is repaired, the film processing controller is restarted to operate the film producing and packaging system, which then automatically discharges a length of the elongate film corresponding to a preset number of sized films. It is possible to easily and quickly discard a portion of the elongate film which has been made defective by the facility failure.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing (folding) cartons or for closing the same by applying adhesive strips (13) to folding flaps (11) during an upward movement of the cartons (10) by a closing conveyor (21), the closed cartons (10) being transferred in the region of an upper transfer station (33) to a removal conveyor (22) and defective cartons (43), previously detected by monitoring, being able to be conveyed past the removal conveyor (22) into the region of a transfer station for such defective cartons (43).

Abstract: Capacitor characteristics measurement apparatus and packing apparatus includes a turntable (1) intermittently driven at a constant pitch to supply capacitors (C) from a parts feeder (8) to a holder section (2) of the turntable (1) in a one-by-one manner. A capacitance measurement section (4) and an IR prediction section (5) are provided to determine whether each capacitor is acceptable or defective in quality based on the measured values obtainable from these sections (4, 5). The IR prediction section (5) applies a DC voltage to a capacitor while predicting the current value at termination of chargeup by use of its initial current value in the charge region of an insulation polarization component thereof upon application of the voltage thereto.

Abstract: A system for processing containers, includes a sensor for sensing contents of a closed container, an identifier applicator for applying, based on an output of the sensor, a predetermined identifier to the container, a controller for controlling the sensor and the identifier applicator, and a read-out device for reading the identifier and communicating a result of read-out of the identifier to the controller.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a slab filler, including grabbing a dispensing frame from a dispensing side of the slab filler, and grabbing a discharge frame from a discharge side of the slab filler. The method further includes classifying a plurality of cavities in the slab filler according to a correlation between the dispensing frame and at least one template, and classifying the plurality of cavities in the slab filler according to a correlation between the discharge frame and the template.

Abstract: Cigarette packets of a file wherein packets having satisfactory envelopes are randomly distributed among packets with defective envelopes, particularly envelopes having improperly glued and/or loose flaps, are advanced by a belt conveyor between two laterally adjustable guides. The guides bear upon the adjacent fold lines for pairs of mirror symmetrical flaps with a force which suffices to intensify the defects of envelopes with one or more non-adhering or improperly adhering flaps. This facilitates subsequent detection and segregation of packets having defective envelopes.

Abstract: As a substrate (10) is carried on a conveyor (20), an image analysis system (40) detects its presence and derives the various data, at least indicative of the footprint. The footprint data are used in selecting appropriate packaging components. Data may also indicate the transverse location and/or orientation and/or alignment of a substrate, and be used to control position adjustors for adjusting one or more of these. Data may also serve for categorizing the substrate, e.g., in terms of size or color. Such data may be used to control rejection of products, or categorization, e.g., by selection of distinguishable packaging.

Abstract: The present invention tablet filler device with enhanced quality control features includes a tablet hopper and an agitating drum functionally connected to the hopper and adapted to regulate and orient gravity outflow of tablets. There is a gravity feed chute connected to and downstream from the hopper to singularly align and feed tablets, and a rotatable starwheel having slots to receive tablets individually from the feed chute so as to move tablets to a filling outlet for gravity feed to a container filling station.

Abstract: A defective-portion marking method and defective-portion marking apparatus which can put a mark all around a long body (1), ensure easy removal of the mark, and eliminate the need for securely joining both ends of a line-like elastic body (2′) into a ring shape. A long elastic body (2) supplied from an elastic-body feeding mechanism (6) is held by a pair of pinchers (51), and as the pinchers are turned by a rotary mechanism (52), the long elastic body is wound on a holder (3). Then, the contact pin (41) of an entwining mechanism (4) moves forward to entwine the long elastic body, which is cut to the line-like elastic body by a cutter (516) provided on one of the pinchers. The contact pin moves further to free the line-like elastic body from the holder so that the line-like elastic body is wound around the long body at a defective portion or in a vicinity thereof due to its own elasticity.

Abstract: A machine, and operating procedures for a machine, for automatically threading, swaging and packaging surgical needles. A first mechanism is used to suture the needles and to pull test the needles to determine if certain maximum and minimum pull test requirements are met. The sutured needles are then transferred to packages on a second mechanism, and that mechanism indexes the packages through a series of stations to complete the packaging of the needles. Various checks are made at the packaging mechanism before that mechanism is operated to index the needle packages; and different items at the station used to pull test the needles, are monitored to determine if they return timely to predetermined positions. Also, check are made at the station at which the needles are transferred to the packages, to be sure that those items are in preferred positions before the packages are moved.

Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes first and second conveyors for moving products from a receiving station to a first transfer station and a plurality of product-carrying elements mounted on the conveyors. The product-carrying elements of the first and second conveyors form respective first and second groups of product-carrying elements. The products are conveyable from the receiving station to the first transfer station alternatingly by the two conveyors. A first discharge mechanism at the first transfer station includes a plurality of product-pushing elements for displacing products transversely to the advancing direction. The product-pushing elements are spaced identically to the spacing of the product-carrying elements. A third conveyor extends from the first transfer station to a second transfer station.

Abstract: The insulation resistance of a capacitor is accurately measured within a short period of time by applying AC signals at two different frequencies f1 and f2 to the capacitor to measure the impedance Z1 and Z2 of the capacitor at each frequency. The series resistance Rs and capacity c of the capacitor are obtained from the impedance Z1 at the higher frequency f1, and the insulation resistance Rp of the capacitor is obtained from the impedance Z2, series resistance Rs and capacity C at the lower frequency f2.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a component that can carry out processes such as visual inspection, characteristic measurement, screening, and taping efficiently while transporting the electronic component at high speed. In order to transport the electronic components to the index table where the processes such as characteristic measurement, screening, and taping is carried out, a component transporting device is used in which the electronic component delivered from the component delivery section 10 is transported to the component intake port 23 based on negative pressure, transported with the airflow through the transportation path 25, and discharged from the part discharging port 24. The transporting device includes a gas discharging port 33 in the vicinity of the component discharging port, which serves to decrease the transport speed of the electronic component before transporting it to the index table.

Abstract: A process for producing packaged products from a film roll includes the steps of detecting whether an elongate film is defective or not, detecting whether a spool is defective or not, detecting whether an assembled cartridge is defective or not, and detecting whether a case is defective or not. Various defective products detected in these steps are removed without being fed to subsequent steps. By thus detecting various defects in the process for producing packaged products from a film roll, high-quality packaged products can efficiently be manufactured.

Abstract: A method for processing food product includes detecting non-metallic equipment fragments or pieces in the food product during processing by employing processing equipment or components fabricated of a material which comprises a non-metallic primary constituent and a detectable particulate metal constituent interspersed substantially throughout the primary constituent such that no substantial adverse effect on the formability, during manufacture, or structural integrity, during use, of the piece part results, and such that a fragment or piece of the composite material is detectable by use of means for detecting the particulate metal constituent

Abstract: A process for producing packaged products from a film roll includes the steps of detecting whether an elongate film is defective or not, detecting whether a spool is defective or not, detecting whether an assembled cartridge is defective or not, and detecting whether a case is defective or not. Various defective products detected in these steps are removed without being fed to subsequent steps. By thus detecting various defects in the process for producing packaged products from a film roll, high-quality packaged products can efficiently be manufactured.

Abstract: A tablet packing apparatus of the present invention have a tablet feeding section 2 for feeding tablets, tablet vessel feeding sections 3 for feeding tablet vessels 11, and a tablet packing section 4 for packing tablets fed from the tablet feeding section 2, into a tablet vessel 11 fed from the tablet vessel feeding sections 3. The tablet feeding section comprises a plurality of feeder vessels 36 for storing different types of tablets and a tablet conveyor 27 for conveying the tablets discharged from the feeder vessels 36, to the tablet packing section 4. In the apparatus, the following restoring process is executed. After the apparatus is stopped due to abnormality, the tablets remaining in the guide paths 31 and the tablets conveyor means 27 are conveyed to the tablet packing section 4 by the tablets conveyor means 27 to recover them into the tablet vessel 11 and then the tablet vessel 11 is transferred to the container chamber 6 of the storage shelves 1.

Abstract: A process for producing packaged products from a film roll includes the steps of detecting whether an elongate film is defective or not, detecting whether a spool is defective or not, detecting whether an assembled cartridge is defective or not, and detecting whether a case is defective or not. Various defective products detected in these steps are removed without being fed to subsequent steps. By thus detecting various defects in the process for producing packaged products from a film roll, high-quality packaged products can efficiently be manufactured.

Abstract: An orientation device for vertically orienting products in a vertical form, fill and seal machine. It includes a product receipt station for receiving a plurality of unoriented products and a product discharge station for discharging a plurality of oriented products. The products are indexed in discrete groups from the product receipt station to the product discharge station, during which the products of each group are oriented with their longitudinal axes being essentially vertical.

Abstract: A system for affixing cards to a form and folding the form with the cards attached. The system includes a card affixer for affixing cards to any location on a form having a form transporting mechanism for moving the form, a carriage for receiving and holding a card, a carriage translating mechanism for moving the carriage across the width of the form transporting mechanism and a pressing mechanism for pressing the card against the form. The system also includes a form folder for precisely folding forms with the cards already attached. The form folder includes a form guide structure having at least one scoring edge, a form transfer mechanism, a roller unit, a roller translating mechanism and a roller rotating mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the mean weight of articles of a soft material, for example cheese, in a flow (1), including a first weighing device (2) for weighing the articles; a flow splitter for splitting the flow (1) into a first flow (3) of articles with individual weights less than an acceptable minimum, a second flow (5) each with a weight greater than the acceptable minimum but less than a predetermined amount in excess, and a third flow (4) each with a weight above the acceptable minimum plus the predetermined amount in excess; a cutter (6) for removing the predetermined amount of material from each of the articles in the third flow (4); a second weighing device (8) for weighing individual articles in the second flow (5) and those in the flow (7) leaving the cutter (6); and a controller for controlling the splitting of the original flow leaving the first weighing device (2) into the respective first, second and third flows.

Abstract: An interactive control system for controlling the automatic packaging of contact lenses in a contact lens fabrication facility, the interactive control system consisting of a first robot device for periodically transferring individual arrays of a first predetermined amount or discrete contact lens packages each containing a contact lens therein from a first station to an intermediate conveyor where the individual arrays are conveyed to a second station, and a controller for initiating a time stamp for each individual array transferred from the first station and determining elapsed time data for each individual array and for generating position status data indicating a good array or a bad array of defective lenses for each individual array as it is conveyed to the second station, the controller shifting the elapsed time data and position status data for each individual array as it is conveyed on the intermediate conveyor for transfer to the second station.

Abstract: A case packer has a product-supplying mechanism for transporting packaged products sequentially to a product-aligning mechanism including a plurality of conveyors arranged longitudinally towards a packing unit for packing a container with these transported products. The aligning mechanism starts to move intermittently every time a product is delivered from the supplying mechanism so as to sequentially align them. The aligned products are thereafter moved in a continuous motion towards the packing unit. Each conveyor of the aligning mechanism is again caused to move in the same intermittent mode of motion every time the products aligned thereon are discharged therefrom.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for controlling the automatic packaging of contact lenses in a contact lens fabrication facility includes: a first robotic transfer device for periodically transferring a first predetermined amount of individual packages from an inspection station to an intermediate consolidation buffer and depositing the packages on the consolidation buffer; a control device for tracking and identifying each individual contact lens conveyed from the inspection station to the consolidation buffer and including memory and logic circuits for storing the identity of individual packages containing contact lenses that have been previously determined at the inspection station as being out of specification, and, generating a signal to enable the first robotic device to discard any individual package identified as out of specification; and; a second robotic assembly for periodically transferring a second predetermined amount of individual packages from the consolidation buffer to a second processing station, th

Abstract: An automated apparatus for controlling the automatic packaging of contact lenses in a contact lens fabrication facility includes: a first robotic transfer device for periodically transferring a first predetermined amount of individual packages from an inspection station to an intermediate consolidation buffer and depositing the packages on the consolidation buffer; a control device for tracking and identifying each individual contact lens conveyed from the inspection station to the consolidation buffer and including memory and logic circuits for storing the identity of individual packages containing contact lenses that have been previously determined at the inspection station as being out of specification, and, generating a signal to enable the first robotic device to discard any individual package identified as out of specification; and, a second robotic assembly for periodically transferring a second predetermined amount of individual packages from the consolidation buffer to a second processing station, th

Abstract: A device for detecting shortage of cigarette packs in a carton has a pair of first proximity sensors capable of individually detecting the cigarette packs at the opposite ends of the carton in an inspecting position, among other cigarette packs in the carton, and a plurality of second proximity sensors capable of individually detecting the remaining cigarette packs in the carton in the inspecting position, the interval between each two adjacent second proximity sensors being longer than the width of each cigarette pack.

Abstract: A case packer has an inspection unit, a packing unit and a sorting unit. The inspection unit is disposed on the upstream side of a path of transportation for transporting packaged products and inspects conditions of the products being transported on the path and thereby distinguishes defective products from normal products. The packing unit is disposed on the downstream side and packs a container simultaneously with products delivered to it in a plurality of rows. The sorting unit is disposed between the inspection unit and the packing unit and discharges the defective products away from the normal path of transportation but arranges the normal products in the plurality of rows. The sorting unit uses quasi-circular members with a straight edge. They are rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the path in both directions from a retracted position at which they do not protrude into the transportation path of the products and serve to discharge each of defective products by rotating in one direction.

Abstract: A blister-pack package is made by forming a strip with a plurality of fields of upwardly open pockets and filling the pockets with respective objects while leaving at least one pocket empty and then scanning the fields and determining an address of the empty pocket in the respective field. A refilling head is then loaded at a stationary location with at least one of the objects. The loaded refilling head is then positioned above the empty pocket in accordance with the determined address, and the object is dropped from the loaded and positioned head into the empty pocket.

Abstract: Machine for overwrapping baggage (4) suitable for any mode of transport, in particular air travel, and successively comprising, upstream to downstream, a baggage arrival station (1) having an upstream entry conveyor (6) on which the baggage (4) to be wrapped is placed flat and a station (2) for forming a protective tubular enclosure of shrinkable thermo-plastic material over each baggage. The machine comprises an intermediate conveyor (7) for the enclosing operation and a shrinking tunnel oven (3) through which a downstream conveyor (8) extends, the endless conveyors (6, 7, 8) extending horizontally and being aligned and driven in the same direction, to enable the baggage to be fully wrapped at the outlet of the oven (3) after shrinkage of the plastic material.

Abstract: An automated system for individual dosage medication distribution 10 is provided. The system 10 includes a medium rate dispenser 20, a fast rate dispenser 30, a low rate dispenser 40, a conveyor 50, a diverter 60, a bagger 70, and collection bins 80 and 85. The dispensers 20, 30, and 40 are arranged to be able to deliver individual dosage packages of drugs to the conveyor 50. The conveyor 50, in turn, is configured to transport individual dosage packages to the bagger 70 or the collection bin 85. A programmable controller 12 receives patient prescription order information from health care providers and directs the dispensers 20, 30, and 40, conveyor 50, diverter 60, and bagger 70 to automatically pick the prescribed medication dosage unit, place it in a transportable package, and label the package for the health care personnel.

Abstract: A method for making sterile suture packages employs a frame assembly line, a sterilization line and a blanker/cartoner line. A web of foil is advanced in a series of movements through the frame assembly line to assemble a frame containing needle-suture assemblies in a plurality of cavities in the frame, the frame having top and bottom aluminum foils with heat seal coatings on their facing surfaces. The cavities are formed in the bottom foil of each frame by a combination of pressurized air and mechanical plugs which are forced against the bottom foil and an underlying die having recesses for defining the cavities. A blanking operation following sterilization and sealing separates individual packages, each containing one needle-suture assembly, from the frame. The packages are then conveyed by belts through inspection stations and reoriented for loading into shipping cartons.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing and transporting articles, such as contact lens sections from a manufacturing line to inspection and packaging stations. The lenses are deposited in a transparent plastic primary package which carries the lenses through the inspection station and becomes part of the primary package when a cover is sealed thereto. The invention includes various assemblies, including lens transfer assemblies, deionized water filling and removal assemblies, a water degassing assembly, a lens inspection assembly, and a lens package sealing assembly. The lenses are removed from pallets at a post hydration station, transported and spatially redistributed, and deposited in the primary packages disposed on a second set of pallets. The packages on the second set of pallets are filled with degassed deionized water. The contact lenses and packages are then transported to an inspection station.

Abstract: Twin packets of cigarettes, each consisting of two half packets with respective foil wrappings and arranged side by side inside an outer wrapping, are formed on a wrapping line by feeding a single succession of half packets along the input portion of the wrapping line, and successively transferring the half packets to the output portion of the wrapping line by grouping the half packets into twos to form, at the output portion, a single succession of groups, each consisting of two side by side half packets.

Abstract: The present invention, which relates to post hydration processing of contact lenses and the packages into which the lenses are placed, includes several assemblies which are ideally suited to performing the various steps which are associated with post hydration processing.

Abstract: A paper processing apparatus including a paper supplier for supplying papers one by one. A checker reads the papers supplied by the paper supplier to check at least whether the papers are complete or dirty papers. A transferrer transfers the papers checked by the checker. A collector collects papers checked as complete papers by the checker from among the papers transferred by the transferrer. A brancher branches papers checked as dirty papers by the checker from among the papers transferred by the transferrer. A discarder discards dirty papers branched by the brancher. A detector detects an abnormality of the transferrer and the discarder. A controller controls the brancher before the checker determines the checking result such that dirty papers are collected in the collector when an abnormality is detected in at least either the transferrer or the discarder by the detector.

Abstract: Electronic components are held in first holding portions distributed along a peripheral edge portion of a first rotor, which in turn is intermittently rotated to provide the electronic components with markings. Then, ink providing the markings is cured on a supply track extending from the first rotor toward a second rotor. The electronic components held by the second rotor are successively supplied into cavities of a receiving tape along intermittent rotation of the second rotor. An apparatus for providing the markings comprises a printing plate having printing surfaces, a platen for supporting the electronic components, and a back support, elastically displaceably holding the platen, which can approach to and separate from the printing surfaces.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for a photo-sensitive film magazine packed in a container is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of (a) assembling a photosensitive film magazine in a photosensitive film magazine assembly section (b) feeding successively the photosensitive film magazine to a container accommodation section from said photosensitive film magazine assembly section through a predetermined passage and (c) setting the photosensitive film magazine into a photosensitive film magazine container in the container accommodation section.

Abstract: A method and a device are specified for feeding, arranging and distributing articles on a conveyor and for inserting the articles in receptacles, particularly for articles which are identical or similar to each other (monoproducts). The system involved is flexible and cost-effective in operation, with which articles of differing shape and size can be processed without any substantial alteration of its components. For this purpose, articles fed unarranged are gathered by means of gathering rails in lanes in juxtaposition and apportioned, counted and distributed according to the capacity of subsequent inserter means, to form groups having the same number of articles which are transferred into receptacles, whereby excess articles are diverted from one lane to a neighboring lane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing tablets or pills or the like issuing from a tablet or pill press and processing them further in a plurality of containers (125, 126, 127) standing cramped on a restricted area. After leaving the tablet or pill press, the tablets or pills are conveyed upwards and, by gravity alone without the application of further energy, pass from top to bottom through an oblique deburring and dust-removing station (12) and a distributing guide (15) to divide the flow of tablets or pills into two partial streams which are taken to either a metal testing device (18) or a tablet or pill testing device (19) with a sample collector (22); the tablets or pills found to be faultless are taken further by gravity to a belt conveyor (107, 112) which takes the tablets or pills to and inserts them in a predetermined container (125, 126, 127).

Abstract: A sequence of H sheets of notes, for example 100 sheets, is first of all checked for misprints, and the note positions having misprints of each sheet are stored in a computer. The sheets of this sequence then pass a numbering machine (4), which has freely programmable numbering units, which are controlled by the computer. In this case, the numbering takes place in such a way that all the satisfactory note prints within the sequence of sheets, excluding the misprints, receive a consecutive sequence of numbers, the sequence of numbers of H notes in one and the same note position being the continuation of the sequence of numbers of the H notes in a neighboring note position. The next sequence of H sheets receives the subsequent sequence of numbers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for removing and transporting articles, such as contact lens sections from a manufacturing line to inspection and packaging stations. The lenses are deposited in a transparent plastic primary package which carries the lenses through the inspection station and becomes part of the primary package when a cover is sealed thereto. The invention includes various assemblies, including lens transfer assemblies, deionized water filling and removal assemblies, a water degassing assembly, a lens inspection assembly, and a lens package sealing assembly. The lenses are removed from pallets at a post hydration station, transported and spatially redistributed, and deposited in the primary packages disposed on a second set of pallets. The packages on the second set of pallets are filled with degassed deionized water. The contact lenses and packages are then transported to an inspection station.