Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed is for removing labels from surfaces, especially from pharmaceutical vials. Each vial is brought into a travel path where it is moved forward by a linear driver. The vial is first pushed through a circular array of slitter blades to create a series of longitudinal slits in the label. The vial is next pushed through a circular array of scraper blades that remove the label segments between each pair of slits. The label segment residue is discarded through a vacuum system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel improvements to an apparatus for uniformly decomposing compressed tablets into a uniform size powder form. More particularly, the present invention is directed to improvements to the rotor cap of the apparatus allowing the rotor cap to be easily removed from the apparatus without the need for removal tools thereby allowing easy conversion from right hand operation to left hand operation and vice versa. Such improves also allow for disassembly and cleaning. Additional improvements including providing for a coding tab configured to represent predefined information such as ownership and previous use.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading trays with vials receives vials from an input channel and transmits the vials through a discharge channel to a tray for processing, e.g. autoclaving. The vials are conveyed by rotation of a pusher wheel having a series of radially extending, biased fingers on the periphery thereof. An outer guide is located adjacent to the pusher wheel to form a channel for the vials being conveyed. The side edge of the pusher wheel and an opposed side edge of the guide are formed with a lateral protrusion at the upper portion thereof to prevent tipping of the vials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel improvements to an apparatus for uniformly decomposing compressed tablets into a uniform size powder form. More particularly, the present invention is directed to improvements to the rotor cap of the apparatus allowing the rotor cap to be easily removed from the apparatus without the need for removal tools thereby allowing easy conversion from right hand operation to left hand operation and vice versa. Such improves also allow for disassembly and cleaning. Additional improvements including providing for a coding tab configured to represent predefined information such as ownership and previous use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to sequentially capture the lead bottle from a row of bottles in a multi-pocketed bottle indexing wheel means, and sequentially rotate and push pocketed bottles from said index wheel means to an inclined traying means, automatically collecting said bottles in a gravity compressed hexagonal pattern within said inclined traying means. Inclined traying means includes a means for trayed bottle removal.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method is provided for removing an adhesive backed label from a cylindrical container and includes the steps of positioning a tilted blade at an attack angle which forces the blade behind the label between the adhesive and the cylindrical container and the speed of descent of the blade and the rotational speed of the container is adjusted so as to peel the label from the container with the adhesive side out as an integral unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for decomposing hard compressed tablets into powder includes a housing having a hopper for receiving the tablets therein and a discharge chute in the housing for discharaging the decomposed powdered tablets directly into a patient's cup. The housing is further provided with a cylindrical aperture therethrough which is adapted to receive an imperforate rotor in the cylindrical aperture. The imperforate rotor is provided with helical blades which protrude from said imperforate rotor means for decomposing said hard compressed tablets by a slicing and cutting action which controls the size of the powder by the height of the slicing blades.

Abstract: Apparatus for stripping a single envelope from a stack of envelopes without misfeeding or double feeding is provided. The apparatus includes a picker blade which is articulated by a drive to impart of plurality of motions to the leading edge of an envelope after the picker blade has been engaged under the flap of an envelope to be separated from a stack of envelopes in a magazine. The novel stripping action of the picker blade ensures that the leading edge only of the envelope to be fed from the magazine is first stripped and separated from the stack of envelopes and directed past a restrainer which prevents the stack of envelopes adjacent the envelope to be fed from being moved in a feed direction.

Abstract: A high speed envelope feeder is provided with a pair of pinch rolls for extracting an envelope from a stack of closed envelopes in a magazine. The flap of a closed envelope is opened by raising a cam surface under the flap to position the flap between a fixed pinch roll and a movable pinch roll. The movable pinch roll is articulated to grasp the flap between the pinch rolls. The flap is pulled to extract the envelope from the magazine and is subsequently pushed by the pinch rolls into the transport device.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing drinking water from bacteria contaminated cold water is provided. The cold contaminated water is placed into a flexible collector having a sub-micron porous filter in the bottom. When the flexible collector is squeezed, the pressure forces the contaminated water through the filter and into a holding chamber. The drinkable filtered water is removed from the holding chamber through a sterile exit opening.

Abstract: A semi-automatic Label Stripping Machine for detaching labels from round containers in which a labeled container is placed on a container receiver platform means, a spring loaded stabilizing top roller means is brought down overtop and abuting the container, the container is rotated on its central vertical axis by a rotary drive means operably connected to said container receiving platform means, and, while said container is rotated, a razor means, operably connected to a vertical drive means, moves down the outside circumferal labeled wall of the container, spirally cutting off the label from the container.

Abstract: An electric capping machine for crimping the caps of containers, in which each cycle of operation takes place fully automatically, once initiated by the operator; in the course of each operation, a container-receiving member is automatically raised into engagement with a spring-loaded abutment roller of the crimping mechanism which, upon further upward movement, causes the crimping roller to be positively brought into engagement with the edge of the cap by the use of a quadrilateral linkage connection actuated by a cam follower; to increase the safety to the operating personnel, both hands must be placed in a predetermined position relative to the machine before the cycle of operation can be initiated.