Abstract: A method for assisting in the removal of a pressure sensitive label from a slender glass vessel wherein said label is wrapped around the circumference of the vessel and extends along the length of the vessel includes positioning a planar cutting blade at two angles relative to the label, drawing the blade down along the length of the label, cutting the label into two opposite cut edges with one edge adhering to the vessel and the other cut edge being raised slightly away from the circumference of the vessel and forming a space between the two cut edges.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing particles from vials includes the use of a one sided pressure sensitive filament tape to remove external particles from vials. A roll of tape is juxtaposed relative to a line of vials moving along the production line. As each vial moves within the space between the tape the outside of the vial contacts the tape causing the particles to be removed and imbedded in the adhesive on the tape. A feed roll and a rewind roll provides for the tape to unwind while in contact with the outside of the vials and in conjunction with the movement of the vials along the production line. By causing the feed roll and the rewind roll to advance unused tape while in contact with the outside surface of the vials, the vials are caused to rotate at least 360 degrees while advancing down the line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing particles from vials includes the use of a one sided pressure sensitive filament tape to remove external particles from vials. A roll of tape is juxtaposed relative to a line of vials moving along the production line. As each vial moves within the space between the tape the outside of the vial contacts the tape causing the particles to be removed and imbedded in the adhesive on the tape. A feed roll and a rewind roll provides for the tape to unwind while in contact with the outside of the vials and in conjunction with the movement of the vials along the production line. By causing the feed roll and the rewind roll to advance unused tape while in contact with the outside surface of the vials, the vials are caused to rotate at least 360 degrees while advancing down the line.

Abstract: Medical tray and cover apparatus includes a tray body having an open top and an open front; the cover is removable and covers the tray top and front. The tray body includes a plurality of oppositely disposed grooves that provide for the insertion of closure and divider panels. The tray grooves are configured to allow the tray to be loaded with ampoules or vials without being snagged by the grooves. The trays are transparent so that its contents are visible without removing the cover. The trays are stackable with the cover in place. The trays are lockable such that the ability to stack the trays is not interfered with. The tray and cover eliminate particle generation from use and wear that can contaminate the contents of the tray. The tray and cover are capable of being autoclaved.

Abstract: A blade guard is adapted to be used with a label stripping machine. The blade guard includes a plurality of recesses spaced along a length of an appropriate material. The bottom surface of each recess is angled to coincide with the optimal angle of the cutting blades of the label stripping machine which allows each blade to be precisely oriented for optimal performance of the label stripping machine. When the blades are retracted, the close fit of each recess relative to the blade, serves to clean the blade of any debris that may have been generated during the delabeling operation.

Abstract: A method for assisting in the removal of a pressure sensitive label from a slender glass vessel wherein said label is wrapped around the circumference of the vessel and extends along the length of the vessel includes positioning a planar cutting blade at two angles relative to the label, drawing the blade down along the length of the label, cutting the label into two opposite cut edges with one edge adhering to the vessel and the other cut edge being raised slightly away from the circumference of the vessel and forming a space between the two cut edges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to manually discharge bottles from a tray of bottles onto a sloped surface at the bottom of which gravity fed individual bottles are captured at the top receiving edge of a parallel sloped multi-pocketed rotatable indexing wheel and sequentially: (a.) discharged tangentially at the bottom edge of said indexing wheel in a single row, (b.) corrected to a vertical axis, and (c.) exited onto adjoining equipment for further operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to manually discharge bottles from a tray of bottles onto a slippery slope at the bottom of which tilted bottles are gravitationally inserted into the top receiving edge of a parallel sloped multi-pocketed indexing wheel, and sequentially: a. discharged tangentially at the bottom edge of said indexing wheel in a single file row, b. automatically corrected from a tilted axis to a vertical axis, and, c. pushed on to adjoining equipment for further operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to protect bottles from damage upon tangentially entering an index wheel track by means of retractable radially resilient teeth on a bottle indexing wheel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for delaminating the top printed layer from a three layer paper label adhesively bonded to a semi-rigid plastic or metal container. An underlying pulp layer of the three layer paper is selectively removed leaving only a smooth adhesive layer of the paper label and thereby providing a smooth unprinted surface for relabeling. An apparatus and method are also provided for simultaneously delaminating both the top printed layer and the bottom adhesive layer of a two layer label bonded to a semi-rigid container.