Abstract: The invention proposes an apparatus for transporting a container relative to a filling station, comprising at least one filling station (48) for filling at least one container (36), and also comprising at least one container mount (38) for transporting the container (36) relative to the filling station (48), characterized in that at least one drive surface (13) and at least one mover (20), which can be coupled in particular magnetically to the drive surface (13), are provided, wherein the mover (20) is arranged on the drive surface (13) such that it can be displaced and/or rotated in at least two degrees of freedom, and in that the container mount (38) is connected to the mover (20).

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging an object with a tubular film, includes: a main frame, a stretch frame for stretching the tubular film and for applying the tubular film to the object, and a top frame having a feeding device for delivering a tubular film from a film magazine to the stretch frame and having a cutting device to cut the tubular film to a predetermined length. The top frame is moveable at the main frame between a working position and a maintenance position. In the maintenance position the top frame is located outside the work space.

Abstract: A unit for the application of opening devices on respective sealed first packages of food products, comprising: at least one first gripping device configured to receive, in use, a relative opening device and movable along a first path; the first path comprising a first stretch in which the opening device is applied onto the package; a first track; a first transfer element, which is operatively connected to the first gripping device; and at least one second transfer element; the first transfer element is movable along the first track and is movable relative to and independently of second transfer element.

Abstract: A plastic container comprises an upper portion including a finish adapted to receive a closure, a lower portion including a base, and a sidewall extending between the upper portion and the lower portion. The upper portion, the lower portion, and the sidewall define an interior volume for storing liquid contents. The plastic container further comprises a pressure panel located on the container and moveable between an initial position and an activated position. The pressure panel is located in the initial position prior to filling the container, and is moved to the activated position after filling and sealing the container. Moving the pressure panel from the initial position to the activated position reduces the internal volume of the container and creates a positive pressure inside the container. The positive pressure reinforces the sidewall. A method of processing a container is also disclosed.

Abstract: An enhanced strength partitioned container containing a plurality of individual compartments, i.e, a crate, formed from mated slotted transverse panels and slotted longitudinal panels. A system of exterior panels surrounds the interlocking panels to form the outside of the partitioned container. Alternatively, an exterior panel with an overlapping section surrounds the interlocking panels, secures to itself, and forms the outside of the partitioned container. Portions of the slotted panels are adhered to and extend over a greater area of the exterior panel(s) to provide additional structural support. A lid and tray may complete the partitioned container.

Abstract: A tamper resistant box includes: a front panel; a side panel attached to the front panel at a first fold line; a back panel attached to the side panel at a second fold line; a side top flap attached to the side panel at a third fold line; and a front top flap attached to the front panel at a fourth fold line. In some examples, the side top flap can define a tapered slot extending towards the third fold line from an edge of the side top flap at a location distal from the third fold line, and a widest portion of the tapered slot can define a tapered slot width. In further examples, the front top flap can define a top slot having a top slot width that is less than the tapered slot width.

Abstract: A reusable container and a method of using same to transport fragile, yet heavy loads, is provided. The reusable container, preferably made primarily from wood, includes a base member, at least one vertical member having one or more vertical support members capable of being received in one or more interlock pockets in the base member, a top or lid and a cargo support member. These components interact in such a way as to provide for ease of assembly and disassembly by a single person, and to provide a container having great strength when assembled. More specifically, the at least one vertical member interlocks with the base member and adjacent vertical members, thus minimizing the need for supplemental fasteners.

Abstract: A transport structure, such as a pallet or dolly, having a plurality of retractable stops in a pattern to enable transport of a two-down configuration or a three-down configuration is provided.

Abstract: The present application provides a container for storage, preservation, identification, tracking and transport of a federally controlled substance comprising: (a) a one or more piece airtight container having an exterior surface and an interior surface, an upper portion and a lower portion, configured for containing a federally controlled substance; (b) an inner coating liner lining said interior surface of said airtight container; (c) a one piece tamper resistant easy open lid affixed to said upper portion of said airtight container; and (d) identifying indicia located on the exterior surface for identifying the contained federally controlled substance contents within said container; wherein said airtight container configured for containing a federally controlled substance, has the atmosphere evacuated and the container filled with an inert gas before the airtight container is hermetically sealed, containing a federally controlled substance inside.

Abstract: A replaceable fluid container for a vehicle, the container comprising: a housing comprising a fluid reservoir; an outlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir in fluidic communication with a fluid system of the vehicle for supplying fluid from the reservoir to the vehicle; an inlet port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir for receiving fluid from the engine to the reservoir; and a vent port arranged on the housing to couple the reservoir for allowing gas to be passed into and out from the reservoir, wherein the inlet, outlet and vent ports are arranged on a common end of the housing and are arranged such that the distance between the vent port and the nearest of the inlet port and outlet port is greater than the distance between the inlet port and the outlet port.

Abstract: A display package for a consumer product includes a base, a surround window positioned upon the base, and a top cover positioned upon the surround window. Each of the front, back, and two opposed side walls include a respective edge defining an upper perimeter of each of the walls and each of the front, back, and two opposed side walls include a respective edge defining a lower perimeter of each of the walls, wherein these upper and lower edges are constructed such that when the surround window is positioned upon the base and the top cover is positioned upon the surround window the front exposed surface area is greater than the back exposed surface area and wherein when the surround window is removed from between the base and top cover, the edges of the top cover are constructed to mate in a close fitting relationship with the edges of the base.

Abstract: The present invention provides reusable envelope structures and methods of use thereof. In preferred aspects, the present invention provides envelope structures in which a single envelope structure can provide multiple uses.

Abstract: Automation-compatible reusable envelopes are embedded in standard envelope layouts, having a top flap outgoing envelope and an opposing bottom return seal flap. The return flap is formed by a person removing a unique flared tear strip that removes undesirable outgoing postal codes, and also forms a tapered return seal flap. The unique flare at each end of the tear strip is formed with lines of weakness that primarily extend parallel to the long bottom edge of the envelope, but that also wrap from the face across the bottom edge and then to the side edge of the envelope. A security tab and/or bridge structure is formed by removing a tear strip on the envelope, allowing access into the envelope.

Abstract: A fluid protection assembly for includes a bag that has a top wall, a bottom wall, a first flap and a peripheral wall extending between the top wall and the bottom wall. The bottom wall may be positioned on a support surface and the bag may insertably receive an object when the first flap is positioned in an open position. The top wall is drawn upwardly and over the object such that the bag envelopes the object and the bag is comprised of a fluid impermeable material. A closure is attached to the bag and the closure closes the first flap. A plurality of first ties is coupled to the top wall. A plurality of second ties is coupled to the top wall and the second ties are tied to the first ties.

Abstract: A reclosable package for food products has the following features: a cold seal formed between a first and a second sealing portion, in which the bonding force of the cold seal to the first and the second sealing portion is greater than the bonding force within the cold seal, so that the cold seal is separated and partly adheres to the first, and partly adheres to the second sealing portion when the seal is opened, or a seal with an initial opening force of 2, preferably 2.5, to 4 N/15 mm, and opening forces for one or more reclosings of 0.5 to 2 N/15 mm, preferably 1 to 1.5 N/15 mm.

Abstract: A storage bag includes at least one zipper profile provided adjacent to an opening to the interior of the bag. The at least one zipper profile has opposing closure elements that respectively interlock with each other. The storage bag also includes a slider with at least one opening member and at least one detent on at least one end of the bag. The at least one detent is configured to engage with the at least one opening member of the slider to provide a leak-proof end seal.

Abstract: A bag container dispenser includes a bag container. The container is formed of resilient material and has a bottom, a top, first and second sides, a front, a back and a removable access panel. The access panel has a top segment that includes a portion of the top and a connected front segment. The front segment has a height that extends from the bottom to the top. Stacked bags are sized and shaped to fit within the bag container. Each of the bags has a front wall, a back wall, an open top and a closure mechanism. The bags are dispensable from the container through an opening provided by removal of the access panel which may have a removable cover. A dispenser rack has a horizontal platform sized and shaped to support the bag container. Peripheral guards extend upward from the platform and constrain movement of the container during dispensing.

Abstract: A structure for substantially sealing a storage unit, wherein the structure includes an elastically stretchable flange cooperable with a lip provided on a rim of the storage unit, wherein the flange is elastically urged to seal against the lip of the storage unit.

Abstract: A cap arranged to interact with a spout has a top portion, a sidewall portion depending from the top portion and formed in one piece therewith. The sidewall portion has an interior threading arranged to interact with exterior threading of the neck during an opening operation and during a closing operation. The cap further has a tamper evidence, which is removably attached to the sidewall portion having cutting elements with a first end hingedly attached to the sidewall portion and a free end portion arranged to interact with a membrane portion of the spout. The hinged attachment allows for the cutting element to pivot in an axial direction. Further, the free end portion has a blunt tip and a comparatively sharper cutting edge on a lateral side of the free end portion.

Abstract: A beverage container closure or lid that is adapted for closing an open end of a beverage container is provided. The lid is selectively couplable to the beverage container and includes a selectively openable cover that, when closed, creates a fluid-tight seal between the beverage container and the environment. The lid is provided with a dual-locking mechanism including an actuation disk locking mechanism and a press-button locking mechanism. Each locking mechanism is operable to transition between a locking position and an unlocking position and opening the cover to permit the passage of fluid requires that both locking mechanism be in their respective unlocking positions.

Abstract: A closure system for sealing a container constructed and arranged to be mated with a container body is disclosed. The closure system comprises a fixed element and a movable closure element. With the container closure system containers may be constructed to be resealable and improve sanitary conditions of the dispensing portion, thereby allowing for easier opening and resealing.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an apparatus and method for dispensing a fluid, the apparatus including a container capable of retaining the fluid and having a top, bottom, front surface, and rear surface; a dip tube integrally formed with the rear surface of the container, the dip tube having a first end extending toward the top and a second end extending toward bottom; and a spout member mounted to the top of the container, the spout member including a pour spout adjacent the front surface for dispensing the retained fluid and an air vent adjacent the rear surface with a supply line in connection with the first end of the dip tube for directing air into the container.

Abstract: A loop forming fastener including a ratchet and locking features that can be utilized to provide for a desired loop size. The loop forming fastener may include an elongate body portion having a first end and an opposite tail portion, with a head connected to the elongate body, the head defining an opening configured to receive the elongate body to form a loop. A ratchet may allow movement of the body through the opening in a first direction, but prevents movement in a second direction. The elongate body may include a stopper to maintain at least a minimum loop size. The head may include a locking mechanism to lock the elongate body, and thereby establish a desired size of the loop.

Abstract: A package for a food product is provided and includes a fin seal, where the package is configured for controlled opening using an opening feature. The opening feature may include an integral flap separable from the remainder of the package to form an access opening to an interior of the package. The flap may be defined by one or more score or scribed lines that extend only partially through the package. The flap may have a portion extending into the fin seal area. Opening of the flap may expose adhesive of the fin seal area which can be utilized for attaching the flap to reclose the package.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging system to enclose, protect, store and transport insulation materials, with the possibility to pack with no to low or high compression, to provide ventilation when packaged and to enable indoors or outdoors storage, exhibiting easy and economic as well as ecologic application, storage and transport as well as easy opening, the manufacture of such packaging and the use of such packaging.

Abstract: A food packaging material comprises a paper, paperboard or cardboard substrate and a barrier coating on the substrate, wherein the barrier coating comprises the combination of starch, seaweed extract and paper fibers.

Abstract: Polymeric materials are described which have a bioflavonoid coating, the bioflavonoid content of the coating comprising at least naringin and neohesperidin. The use of such coated polymeric materials is also described as well as the process for making the coated polymeric materials.

Abstract: Disclosed is an insulated beverage dispenser having a generally cube-shaped insulated body with an interior chamber, an open top, and an outlet adjacent a bottom of the interior chamber. It includes a removable closure member for the outlet and an insulated top hingedly connected to the body to close the open top. A guideway is located on a front outer surface of the body generally adjacent the open top and is sized and positioned to receive a securement strap extended across the body without interference with opening the top. The closure member can be a liquid dispensing valve and/or a plug. An interior surface of the lid may include a recess for receiving a spare closure member for the outlet.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for imaging and scanning a plurality of plants to capture information related to plant performance. Plants move through the system on a conveyor belt in specialized plant container pot holders.

Abstract: A capsule used in the production of a beverage, includes an actuation element that is displaced by an actuation force. The actuation element is configured with a section of passageway and controls the moments of entry and exit of a pressurized flow through the capsule. The actuation element includes a flow accumulation chamber provided on a side of the zone facing the flow downstream, and at least one flow exit passage for discharge of the flow out of the accumulation chamber and of the capsule, at least in part as a result of flow accumulation in the flow accumulation chamber.

Abstract: A collapsible drive-on containment basin configured to retain a collection of hazardous materials is presented. In one embodiment, the collapsible drive-on containment basin includes a non-porous liner that comprises a plurality of fastening mechanisms and a plurality of elongated barriers. Initially, the containment basin may be in a collapsed state and later expanded as part of an effort to prevent the spread of hazardous materials at a job site, particularly to prevent the spread of hazardous materials coming from vehicles and machinery. Once in an expanded state, operators can drive vehicles on and off the collapsible drive-on containment basin. Thus, the collapsible drive-on containment basin reduces the amount of time spent preparing a job location against the potential spread of hazardous materials.

Abstract: The cover for a container having an outwardly projecting handle includes a skirt having a panel section for at least partially wrapping around the container. An attachment mechanism may be disposed on one end of the panel section and be selectively engageable with an opposite end of the panel section to retain the skirt around the container and below the outwardly projecting handle. The cover may also include a lip projecting inwardly about an upper periphery of the skirt having a size and shape relatively smaller than an upper rim of the container. In this respect, the lip is configured for slide-on engagement and support by the rim. Additionally, the cover includes a tab downwardly extending from the lip underneath the outwardly projecting handle for select engagement with the panel section such that the skirt, the panel section, the lip, and the tab cooperate to substantially cover the container.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a commercial waste system including a commercial waste container and a commercial waste vehicle. The waste container includes an interior volume that may be divided by a container divider into at least two container chambers, to collect waste and/or other multiple types of recoverable (recyclable) materials without comingling. Additionally, the rear loading waste vehicle includes a hopper divider and a storage divider, such that collection of the multiple types of waste from the divided container does not comingle the collected materials.

Abstract: A panel gripping and lifting device (100) having a clamping assembly (105) having a handle assembly (162) rotatably interrelated with a spaced apart opposing jaw assembly (107) by a cam assembly (149). Jaws of the opposing jaw assembly (107) have a planar jaw inner surface (116); when the spacing between the jaws is increased, the planar jaws are fitted on either side of a panel; when the spacing between the jaws is lessened the planar jaws contact surfaces of the panel exerting a gripping force against the panel. When gripping forces are exerted against the panel the handle assembly (162) enables the lifting and moving of the panel such as sealed multipane window (220) window frame (200) having an outwardly extending nail fin (210) or a sheet metal panel. An alternative embodiment has opposing jaws rotating in the same plane and separated by jaw spacing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a friction feeder configured to allow for the removal and replacement of wear parts such as friction belts, drive belts and friction meter wheels without the need to significantly disassemble the machine and without the need for tools. The rollers are mounted only on one end in a cantilever manner to aid in the access to the friction belts. The rollers are releasably held in tension with a hand-actuatable piston. The roller ball assembly can be rotated clear of the product holding position without the use of tools. The friction meter wheel assembly can then be accessed and replaced. A piston also releasably holds the drive belt pulleys in tension so that the drive belts can be replaced.

Abstract: A device (10) for conveying an object (60) in order to move said object (60) from an initial position to a final position, on a conveying surface (46).

Abstract: A foldable conveyor includes a rocker mechanism and actuator coupled to first and second conveyor sections, pivotably connected by a pivotal coupling to pivot the second conveyor section between deployed and stowed positions. The rocker mechanism includes first and second pivotably coupled links pivotably coupled to each other and the first and second conveyor sections, and a mechanical advantage amplifier secured with the first link. The actuator is coupled to the mechanical advantage amplifier such that extension of the actuator moves the second conveyor section to a stowed position below the first conveyor section.

Abstract: A transmission for driving articles can drive the articles in any direction up to nearly 360 degrees from a first direction of motion of the article while maintaining the input constant. The transmissions can be used in connection with material handling systems to convey articles to desired locations. Conveyor sections may have a plurality of such transmissions whose orientations are controlled as a group or individually.

Abstract: The invention provides a sorting mechanism arranged to empty or discharge a container for carrying a load, e.g. totes in a luggage handling system. The sorting mechanism has a plurality of tilting elements T1-T11 for receiving and transporting the container in a transport direction. The tilting elements T1-T11 are arranged neighboring each other, and they are individually tiltable by controllable tilting actuators, e.g. servo motors. The tilting elements T1-T11 are controlled in response to at least one position signal such that a group of at least two tilting elements T1-T11 perform a coordinated tilting motion, when the container passes the sorting mechanism. Each tilting element T1-T11 has a length of 30-50% of the container. The tilting elements T1-T11 are stationary, and the container is driven forward by belts on each of the tilting elements T1-T11.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for fulfillment of patient prescription orders by adapting a standard or stock container pre-filled with medication or the like for use as a patient-specific container through precise application of patient-specific information to the pre-filled container. Precise placement of the patient-specific information to the pre-filled container enables pharmacy management to fully utilize valuable information provided with the pre-filled container, thereby improving the quality of service to the patient while making the process of prescription order fulfillment more efficient. In general, preferred embodiments comprise control apparatus and information-application apparatus. In embodiments, the information-application apparatus is adapted to place a patient-specific label on the container. Preferred forms of the information-application apparatus include a label printer and a positioner. The preferred printer applies patient-specific information on a label.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for the singulation of packages, especially for the singulation of parcels. The invention is based on the assumption that the parcels are initially present as a bulk flow. The packages are transported in the form of a package flow on fifteen different transport means at different transport speeds, whereby the transport direction is deflected at least once by approximately 90°.

Abstract: A method and device for feeding at least one receiving surface between two consecutive stations in a production line for handling products on an assembly line, the device having a pick-up zone from where the products are transferred to the surface, and including an input conveyor to receive and maintain a compact flow of products received from an upstream station, a receiving conveyor, extending along a conveying direction in the pick-up zone to receive and then stop the flow of products there delivered by the input conveyor, an a transfer unit, to move, transversely to the conveying direction, toward the receiving surface, the products stopped in the pick-up zone. The device further includes at least one buffer conveying element, able to receive the compact flow of products from the input conveyor when the products are stopped on the receiving conveyor for their transfer, and maintain the compactness of the flow.

Abstract: A transferring assembly for displacing products conveyed by a conveying system from a primary feed direction to a secondary direction, includes: a plurality of transferring units arranged adjacent in the cross direction and adapted to form a conveying plane; each transferring unit including at least one conveying element that rotates around an axis of transversal rotation; at least one activating device of the rotation of the at least one conveying element to drive the angular rotation of the axis of transversal rotation with respect to an axis substantially orthogonal to the primary direction and the axis of transversal rotation. Each transversal rotation axis of each transferring unit is adapted to angularly rotate, with respect to an axis substantially orthogonal to the primary direction and to the axis of transversal rotation driven by the activating device, independently with respect to the transversal rotation axis of the transversally adjacent transferring unit.

Abstract: The objective is to develop a conveying device and a conveyer device having high conveying efficiency and high reliability when an article is transferred to a conveyer line with different height. Branching units (8) of a lower-level side conveyer line (5) and an upper-level side conveyer line (6) are connected to an inclined connection conveyer line (10). The branching unit (8) has a sub conveying passage (53) for conveying an article (60) in the same direction as a conveying direction of the connection conveyer line (10). The sub conveying passage (53) has a lifting and lowering motor-incorporating roller (43) and cams (46a, 46b). When the lifting and lowering motor-incorporating roller (43) is driven, the cams (46a, 46b) rotate, and the sub conveying passage (53) is connected to the connection conveyer line (10) in an inclined attitude. As a result, the article (60) can move between the lower-level side conveyer line (5) and the upper-level side conveyer line (6) via the connection conveyer line (10).

Abstract: A stacking ring for a chair base may be disposable between a first and second chair base such that the stacking ring generally prevents lateral movement of the first chair base relative to the second chair base. The stacking ring may be integrally formed to the chair base, or separate and disposable between at least two chair bases. The stacking ring may substantially prevent rotation of a first chair base relative to a second chair base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a separating device and to a respective method for separating an item from a stack (12) of items (14), the separating device comprising: —a carrier unit (20; 40; 50) having a support surface (24; 44; 54) to support numerous items (14) stacked on top of each other in an axial direction (z), and having at least a first discharge outlet (25; 45; 55) for a pressurized fluid to at least partially raise the stack (12) of items (14) from an initial position into an elevated position relative to the support surface (24; 44; 54) and to keep at least several items (14) of the stack (12) in the elevated position, —a gripping unit (30; 60) having at least one suction nozzle (38; 68) to grip the uppermost item (14) when the stack (12) is in the elevated position, and—wherein the carrier unit (20; 40; 50) and the gripping unit (30; 60) are displaceable relative to each other at least in the axial direction (z).

Abstract: An elevation conveyance system for transporting a payload substantially vertically and transversely to a preselected release location. The system includes a track assembly comprising a substantially vertical track, one or more bin assemblies in which the payload is receivable, and one or more car assemblies configured for movement along the track. The car assembly includes a housing subassembly having a means for engaging the track to permit movement of the car assembly along the track, and a conveyor subassembly for transporting the payload substantially transversely relative to the track. The bin assembly is receivable in the housing subassembly and configured to release the payload onto the conveyor subassembly for substantially transverse transportation of the payload to the preselected release location.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide sheet supplying apparatus. The sheet supplying apparatus has a tray; a guide mechanism; a movement conversion mechanism; a rotary member; a cam and slider mechanism and a compression spring. The movement conversion mechanism converts an up and down motion of the tray to a rotational motion. The rotary member comprises a transmitted portion configured to receive a rotational motion converted from the up and down motion of the tray in cooperation with the movement conversion mechanism and a driven portion configured to receive a rotational driving force to lift the tray. The cam and slider mechanism converts the rotational motion of the rotary member to a linear motion of a linearly movable member. The compression spring elastically presses the linearly movable member of the cam and slider mechanism in the rotational axis direction to lift the tray.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an apparatus main body, a sheet feed cassette, and a conveyance unit. The sheet feed cassette is attachably/detachably supported by the apparatus main body. The sheet feed cassette includes pressing portions provided on both sides thereof in the sheet width direction. The movable guide includes pressed portions provided on both sides thereof in the sheet width direction. By the pressed portions abutting on the pressing portions, the movable guide is pushed up by the sheet feed cassette, and the movable guide is positioned with respect to the fixed guide. The pressing portion provided on another side of the sheet feed cassette in the sheet width direction includes an adjusting mechanism that adjusts pressing force against the pressed portion provided on another side of the movable guide in the sheet width direction to enable adjustment of pressure abutment force between the conveyance rollers.

Abstract: Provided are a device and method for controlling a paper interval in a paper feeder of an image forming apparatus, and an image forming apparatus including the device. The device includes: a leading edge sensor configured to detect a leading edge of a sheet of paper when the sheet of paper is picked up and fed as a printing medium; a feed unit configured to accelerate the sheet of paper; and a control unit. If the sheet of paper arrives late at a paper sensing position of the leading edge sensor, the control unit measures a travel time during which the sheet of paper is fed to the paper sensing position, and according to the measured travel time, the control unit varies a time point at which the sheet of paper starts to be accelerated.