Abstract: Record transfer is described herein. A method includes providing a software component to a record holder computer. The record holder computer may receive a request from a record transfer server to transfer a record from the record holder to the record transfer server. The software component may, in response to a user interaction, prepare a first version of the record and upload the first version of the record to the record transfer server. The software component may automatically and may regularly prepare a first version of one or more records and upload them to the record transfer server. The record transfer server may extract at least some material data included in the first version of the record. The record transfer server may store the material data. The software component may be a virtual printer driver, an application plug-in or other software.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the pasteurization and/or sterilization of a continuous web of packages. The method includes the steps of providing a continuous web of individual packages; moving the continuous web through a first mechanical pressure seal into a pressure chamber; applying an increased pressure and temperature; and moving the continuous web through a second mechanical pressure seal out of the pressure chamber. The present invention is also directed to a continuous pressure seal apparatus and an apparatus for the pasteurization and/or sterilization of a continuous web of flexible packages. The apparatus includes a first mechanical continuous feeding pressure seal; a pressure chamber; and a second mechanical continuous feeding pressure seal. The first pressure seal is adjacent to an entry to the pressure chamber and the second pressure seal is adjacent to an exit of the pressure chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for compressing a plurality of objects into a compressed grouping and transferring said compressed grouping to a transfer conveyor. The apparatus includes a rotatable cylinder having a plurality of receiving areas positioned around the circumference of the cylinder for receiving a plurality of objects in expanded arrangement from an infeed conveyor at a receiving position. The apparatus also includes first and second compression members, one positioned on each end of said cylinder adjacent the receiving areas and covering a circumferential-portion of a side of said cylinder. The compression members include inclined portion which force the end objects toward the longitudinal center of the cylinder. In addition, a transfer conveyor running longitudinally through the cylinder for capturing a compressed grouping at the transfer position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for compressing a plurality of objects into a compressed grouping and transferring said compressed grouping to a transfer conveyor. The apparatus includes a rotatable cylinder having a plurality of receiving areas positioned around the circumference of the cylinder for receiving a plurality of objects in expanded arrangement from an infeed conveyor at a receiving position. The apparatus also includes first and second compression members, one positioned on each end of said cylinder adjacent the receiving areas and covering a circumferential-portion of a side of said cylinder. The compression members include inclined portion which force the end objects toward the longitudinal center of the cylinder. In addition, a transfer conveyor running longitudinally through the cylinder for capturing a compressed grouping at the transfer position.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates an oscillating sorting and feeding apparatus for sequentially sorting and feeding a plurality of objects in a serial arrangement, where the objects are sorted into a specific orientation. The apparatus includes a hollow receiving member having a generally cylindrical shape and an inner wall. The receiving member includes an inlet adjacent one end for receiving a plurality of randomly orientated objects, and also includes an outlet at the other end for sequentially feeding out correctly orientated objects in a serial arrangement.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for compressing a plurality of objects into a compressed grouping and transferring said compressed grouping to a transfer conveyor. The apparatus includes a rotatable cylinder having a plurality of receiving areas positioned around the circumference of the cylinder for receiving a plurality of objects in expanded arrangement from an infeed conveyor at a receiving position. The apparatus also includes first and second compression members, one positioned on each end of said cylinder adjacent the receiving areas and covering a circumferential-portion of a side of said cylinder. The compression members include inclined portion which force the end objects toward the longitudinal center of the cylinder. In addition, a transfer conveyor running longitudinally through the cylinder for capturing a compressed grouping at the transfer position.