Abstract: Blister packs each having a plurality of pockets with individualized assortments of small objects are filled by fitting to each of a plurality of shuttles a respective such blister pack and circulating the shuttles around an annular track through a plurality of filling machines. Each machine has a plurality of supplies each holding a bulk quantity of small objects of a respective type, respective feeders each receiving the objects of a respective supply and advancing same one at a time to a respective picking location, and respective pickers. A memory of each shuttle is programmed with data regarding the intended contents of the pockets of the respective blister pack, and in each of the machines, the memories of the shuttles are read as they pass through the respective filling machine. The respective pickers are operated to move small objects from the feeders to the pockets in accordance with the data for the respective blister pack.

Abstract: Blister packs each having a plurality of pockets with individualized assortments of small objects are filled by fitting to each of a plurality of shuttles a respective such blister pack and circulating the shuttles around an annular track through a plurality of filling machines. Each machine has a plurality of supplies each holding a bulk quantity of small objects of a respective type, respective feeders each receiving the objects of a respective supply and advancing same one at a time to a respective picking location, and respective pickers. A memory of each shuttle is programmed with data regarding the intended contents of the pockets of the respective blister pack, and in each of the machines, the memories of the shuttles are read as they pass through the respective filling machine. The respective pickers are operated to move small objects from the feeders to the pockets in accordance with the data for the respective blister pack.

Abstract: The method for producing a multi-day package containing various drugs has the following steps. A bottom layer is formed with a plurality of wells arranged in a pattern. A predetermined number of different drugs are arranged in predetermined positions at various dispensing stations of a filling device. The desired drugs are picked in a controlled manner from their predetermined positions at each dispensing station by at least one movable suction or gripper device, and the drugs are placed in predetermined wells. Finally, a sealing film is applied to the bottom layer to seal off the wells.

Abstract: The method for producing a multi-day package containing various drugs has the following steps: a bottom layer is formed with a plurality of wells arranged in a pattern; a predetermined number of different drugs is arranged in predetermined positions at various dispensing stations of a filling device; the desired number of drugs are picked in a controlled manner from their predetermined positions at each dispensing station by at least one movable suction or gripper device, and the drugs are deposited in the predetermined wells; and a sealing film is applied to the bottom layer to seal off the wells. In the course of this method, in at least one dispensing station several suction or gripper devices, which are arranged in correspondence with the pattern of the wells in the multi-day package and which travel parallel to each other, are actuated individually.

Abstract: A vibratory feeder has a generally horizontal disk centered on an upright axis and extending angularly from an intake to a downwardly open outlet. A linear guide forms a plurality of straight tracks extending substantially parallel to one another upstream in the direction from the outlet. A multiplicity of small objects are deposited onto the disk at the intake, and the disk is angularly oscillated to transport the objects in a travel direction from the intake to the linear guide and thence in straight lines along the tracks into the outlet.

Abstract: A press has upper and lower dies, an actuating element spaced vertically from one of the dies, and a platen carrying the one die and between the element and the one die. A membrane defines a closed chamber having one side operatively bearing vertically on the platen and an opposite side bearing vertically on the element. A fluid supply pressurizes the chamber and maintains in the chamber a predetermined pressure. An actuator connected to the element vertically displaces the element, platen, and one die.

Abstract: A production-machine door assembly has an annular frame fixed on the production machine and defining an opening through which access to its workspace is possible. A plurality of door panels in a closed position are generally coplanar and substantially cover the opening with edges of the door panels immediately juxtaposed. Respective releasable hinges at the edges pivotally connect the door panels together and are releasable to allow separation of the door panels from one another. A guide structure serves for, when at least one of the hinges is released, folding the door panels together.