Abstract: A medical device production and supply information management system synchronous with manufacturing, planning and scheduling, product consumption forecast, and component purchase to enable just-in-time inventory control at the manufacturing facility, vendor stocks, material/product tracking, distribution and shipping management to thereby reduce inventory at all points in the product manufacturing, distribution/delivery chain. The system is implemented using a preferably Web enabled information network and data communications with a programmer. The programmer provides access to product information, specification and related data for implanted medical devices from which build-to-order and build-to-replenish commands are issued to the manufacturing center. The system is interactive within the consumption management system that is integrally and seamlessly connected with patients, hospitals, sales offices and related information hubs including manufacturing facilities.

Abstract: A medical device production and supply information management system for just-in-time inventory control at the manufacturing facility, vendor stocks, material/product tracking, distribution and shipping management, to thereby reduce inventory at all points in the product manufacturing distribution/delivery chain. The system is implemented using a preferably Web-enabled information network and data communication with a programmer. The programmer provides access to product information, specification and related data for implanted medical devices from which build-to-order or build-to-replenish commands are issued to the manufacturing center. The system is interactive within the information management system that is integrally and seamlessly connected with patients, hospitals, sales offices and related consumption hubs, including manufacturing facilities.

Abstract: A medical device production and supply information management system synchronous with manufacturing, planning and scheduling, product consumption forecast, and component purchase to enable just-in-time inventory control at the manufacturing facility, vendor stocks, material/product tracking, distribution and shipping management to thereby reduce inventory at all points in the product manufacturing, distribution/delivery chain. The system is implemented using a preferably Web enabled information network and data communications with a programmer. The programmer provides access to product information, specification and related data for implanted medical devices from which build-to-order and build-to-replenish commands are issued to the manufacturing center. The system is interactive within the consumption management system that is integrally and seamlessly connected with patients, hospitals, sales offices and related information hubs including manufacturing facilities.

Abstract: A medical device production and supply information management system synchronous with manufacturing, planning and scheduling, product consumption forecast and component purchase to enable just-in-time inventory control at the manufacturing facility, vendor stocks, material/product tracking, distribution and shipping management, to thereby reduce inventory at all points in the product manufacturing distribution/delivery chain. The system is implemented using a preferably Web-enabled information network and data communication with a programmer. The programmer provides access to product information, specification and related data for implanted medical devices from which build-to-order or build-to-replenish commands are issued to the manufacturing center. The system is interactive within the information management system that is integrally and seamlessly connected with patients, hospitals, sales offices and related consumption hubs, including manufacturing facilities.

Abstract: In a hinge lid cigarette pack of which one pair of opposite walls are profiled to project beyond the elevation of the other pair of walls the lid is attached to a profiled wall by an improved hinge structure which does not distort the wall on opening.

Abstract: To produce a container with a rounded edge, the container blank is scored with several substantially parallel, laterally spaced score lines adjacent the intended location of the rounded edge. When the blank is bent, a portion of the total deflection is absorbed by each score line so that the resulting container edge is a gradual curve rather than a single sharp crease. The ends of each scored region may be left unscored to further smooth the ends of the rounded container edge. Methods and apparatus for forming the above-described blank are disclosed.

Abstract: To produce a container with a rounded edge, the container blank is scored with several substantially parallel, laterally spaced score lines adjacent the intended location of the rounded edge. When the blank is bent, a portion of the total deflection is absorbed by each score line so that the resulting container edge is a gradual curve rather than a single sharp crease. The ends of each scored region may be left unscored to further smooth the ends of the rounded container edge. Methods and apparatus for forming the above-described blank are disclosed.

Abstract: A paperboard insert for cigarette cartons is provided to restrict the lateral movement of smaller size cigarette packages contained in a standard size cigarette carton to enable the packages to be reliably stamped by standard tax marking machinery. The insert blank has a bottom, sides for abutting cigarette packages, spacers to position the insert sides inwardly of the carton walls and generally centered along the longitudinal axis of the carton, and attachment tabs to connect the insert to the carton walls. The insert blank may be attached to a standard carton blank prior to erection of the carton, allowing the insert to be erected simultaneously with the carton as a consequence of ordinary carton erection procedures.

Abstract: A paperboard innerframe for insertion into a cigarette box is provided. The innerframe allows a bundle of smaller than standard size cigarettes or a bundle of a small number of standard size cigarettes to be retained securely in a cigarette box that is larger than necessary to hold a bundle of such cigarettes exactly. The innerframe has a front panel, outer side panels, inner side panels, a back panel, a concealing flap and tapering tabs.

Abstract: Compressors are utilized in an apparatus for treating a product such as tobacco with a liquid cryogen, such as carbon dioxide for removing vapor from a processing chamber and recompressing the vapor to facilitate its return to the cryogen system. When the compressors do not receive a supply of cool vapor from the processing chamber, the compressor temperature rises and the pressure drops. When the pressure reaches a predetermined minimum setpoint, the compressors are interconnected by means of a remotely controlled valve to a vessel containing cryogen vapor at a pressure greater than the pressure at the compressors. A supply of cool cryogen vapor thus flows to the compressors to reduce the temperature, thereby allowing continuous operation of the compressors during periods in which cryogen vapor flow from the processing chamber is interrupted or delayed.

Abstract: A cutter/scraper is disclosed having a flexible supporting structure. The support structure incorporates a frangible guard, the latter being reusable to cover the cutting edge subsequent to separation from the support handle. Handle flexibility permits improved scraping operation, and easier gripping is afforded for the cutter. The integral blade guard forms part of the packaging, and permits the visibility of the cutting edge while safely protecting from the effects thereof. The apparatus is formed of a single, inexpensive molded piece of plastic, thereby making the cutter/scraper disposable after having served its purpose.