Abstract: A vertical packaging machine that includes a forming tube having an inner passage section and retaining means associated with the forming tube. The retaining means includes a retaining device configured to be displaced between a blocking position (P1) in which it at least partially blocks the inner passage section of the forming tube, and a release position (P2) in which it does not block said inner passage section of the forming tube. While in the blocking position (P1), the retaining device is arranged at a fixed specific height and is configured to prevent a product from passing through the inner passage section of the forming tube. Upon transitioning to the release position (P2), the retaining device is withdrawn from the path to be followed by the product.

Abstract: A filling method capable of reducing medicinal liquid loss, comprising weighing stations and a liquid-dividing container. The liquid-dividing container is provided with liquid outlets; filling needles arranged side by side are correspondingly arranged above the plurality of weighing stations; the respective liquid outlets and the respective filling needles are connected by means of pipelines; and the respective pipelines are each provided with a filling pump.

Abstract: A nozzle alignment fixture suitable for use with a blow/fill/seal packaging machine in the form of an elongated block defining an aligned series of receptacles sized to receive and hold tips of fill nozzles of a blow/fill/seal packaging machine.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to a multiple receptacle fuel filling and storage system in a vehicle and/or powertrain, and a method of using the same.

Abstract: A pipettor includes a wash chamber between an upper plate, a lower plate, an upper seal, and a lower seal. The upper and lower seal retain each other and are located between the upper and lower plates. The pipettor includes a gasket located below the lower plate, a pipette tip retained by the gasket, and a piston with a tapered tip that passes through the plates, seals, and gasket into the pipette tip. The upper and lower seal isolate the piston from the wash chamber. The pipettor includes a channel defined by the piston, extending into the pipette tip, and an actuator that advances and retracts the piston. When the actuator retracts the piston such that the piston loses sealing contact with the lower seal and the wash chamber is supplied with wash fluid and pressurized, wash fluid passes through the groove in the upper seal and into the channel.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for automated dispensing and packaging of articles. Systems may include: a controller configured to receive an indication of an order to be packaged, where the order includes one or more articles; a packaging station; a web of bags, where the web of bags is fed to the packaging station; a pneumatic table configurable to support a bag disposed at the packaging station; an opening mechanism including a pneumatic nozzle to open the bag disposed at the packaging station; a loading bin configured to be inserted into the open bag and deposit the one or more articles; and a closure apparatus to seal the bag disposed at the packaging station after receiving the one or more articles.

Abstract: A device for filling containers has a top tray that engages with a bottom tray to fill containers. The bottom tray has a plurality of receiving slots to hold the containers and the top tray has a series of sleeves to insert into the containers for filling. An optional side tray collects excess food for later use or disposal. A method of using the device has the containers being secured by a plurality of receiving slots on the bottom tray, the plurality of sleeves on the top tray inserting into the plurality of containers, and food transferred or poured onto the top surface of the top tray, travelling through top openings on each of the plurality of sleeves to the containers.

Abstract: Herein described are an assembly, apparatus, and method for lyophilization that utilizes a thermal block made from a conductive material, the block having multiple wells designed and dimensioned to receive containers carrying material to be lyophilized in situ. In preferred embodiments, a vented silicone pad covers the wells and secures the containers therein, and a similarly vented rigid plate in turn secures the silicone pad by fastening it to the thermal block. The assembly can be turned up to 90 degrees resulting in the turning of the containers from an upright position to a horizontal position, a position in which the distance through which sublimation must progress is drastically reduced so as to greatly enhance the efficiency of the lyophilization process.

Abstract: Machines, systems and methods for curing materials, including organic and nonorganic materials, are described. In particular, machines, systems and methods for machines, systems and methods for materials, such as organic plant materials or inorganic materials, including cannabis materials. In particular, the present invention relates to machines, systems and methods for an automated drying and curing chamber machine for both personal and commercial applications, wherein the machine uses customized variable settings and laminar air flow dynamics via negative pressure to ensure the optimal curing and drying environment for plant materials are described.

Abstract: A filling apparatus configured to simultaneously fill multiple containers of different shapes and sizes. The filling apparatus including a feed conveyor mechanism including two or more feed conveyors, wherein each of the two or more conveyors is respectively configured to transport an empty fluid container of a different size along a manufacturing line, a turntable mechanism including two or more concentric rings, wherein each of the two or more concentric rings is configured to receive an empty fluid container from the respective two or more feed conveyors and rotate about a common axis while filling the empty fluid containers via at least to fill ports, and an output conveyor mechanism including two or more output conveyors, wherein each of the two or more output conveyors is respectively configured to receive a filled fluid container of a different size from the turntable mechanism for transport along the manufacturing line.

Abstract: Herein described are an assembly, apparatus and method for lyophilization that utilizes a thermal block made from a conductive material, the block having multiple wells designed and dimensioned to receive containers carrying material to be lyophilized in situ. In preferred embodiments, a vented silicone pad covers the wells and secures the containers therein, and a similarly vented rigid plate in turn secures the silicone pad by fastening it to the thermal block. The assembly can be turned up to 90 degrees resulting in the turning of the containers from an upright position to a horizontal position, a position in which the distance through which sublimation must progress is drastically reduced so as to greatly enhance the efficiency of the lyophilization process.

Abstract: Apparatus that makes it possible to prefill spin-on filter cartridges by allowing users to easily pour fluid only into the filter cartridge input port holes. Particularly useful for applications where introducing contaminants downstream of the filter can be detrimental to the system the filter protects.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for mixing and heat exchange of fluids. In one example, a fluid mixing and heat exchange device includes a hot water tank, a mixing chamber spaced away from the hot water tank and fluidly coupled to a first liquid reservoir, a first chilling module fluidly coupled to the mixing chamber, a coolant tank fluidly coupled to the first chilling module, a radiator fluidly coupled to the coolant tank, and a dispensing manifold fluidly coupled to the mixing chamber and adapted to dispense a mixed and chilled fluid mixture to a plurality of fluid vessels.

Abstract: A sample collecting device is provided. The sample collecting device includes a frame, a collect part and a control part. The collect part is disposed in the frame and is provided with a collecting cavity having a collecting port, and the collect part is used to make a sample flow into the collecting cavity from the collecting port. The control part is disposed in the frame, used to make a collecting rod put into a reagent bottle be pulled out and inserted into the collecting cavity to thereby collect the sample, and used to make the collecting rod with the sample be pulled out from the collecting cavity and put back into the reagent bottle. The collecting of sample without manual intervention is realized, effectiveness and consistency of the collected samples are ensured, and the labor cost is reduced.

Abstract: Devices and methods for compaction of an asymmetric load are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a movable upper structure is connected to a stationary base structure through front end pivot linkages and rear end pivot linkages. One or more actuators impart motion to the upper structure. The motion of the upper structure is controlled by adjusting the length and position of the pivot linkages. In other embodiments, the pivot linkages are attached to a pull arm that is attached to an actuator, and the pull arm imparts motion to the upper structure.

Abstract: The method of confirming consumption of a tagged pharmaceutical or nutritional product includes the step of providing a subject with a pharmaceutical or nutritional product which has been tagged with a safe, for example, a plant-based, compound. These compounds may include asparagusic acid or a derivative thereof which is found in asparagus, garlic or an extract of garlic, or 1,8-cineole. Alternatively, the taggant may be dimethylsulfoxide. A subject may be provided with and instructed to consume the tagged product according to a defined protocol. A sample of bodily waste or other biological sample may be collected from the subject and analyzed for the presence of the tag or a metabolite thereof. This method may be used to confirm compliance with the protocol in clinical drug trials or nutritional studies.

Abstract: A liquid distribution system is provided that allows for filling multiple liquid-holding containers simultaneously and evenly. The system includes a hollow-bodied unit with a plurality of bowl-shaped channels and corresponding spouts that is structured such that liquids can be collected and drained out at one time into multiple bottles or other containers situated below the hollow-bodied unit and held in a structure unit below.

Abstract: A method and automated apparatus for locating and selecting a colony of microorganisms on a culture dish and subjecting the obtained sample to a plurality of downstream tests including a test to identify the microorganism and a test to identify the susceptibility of the microorganism to antibiotics. The method includes the automated steps of locating and selecting a colony of microorganisms on a culture dish; obtaining a sample of the selected colony of microorganisms; preparing a suspension of a sample of microorganisms automatically by submerging the pick tool with the sample in a suspension, after which the pick tool is vibrated in at least the vertical direction to release the sample from the pick tool in the suspension. The turbidity of the suspension is monitored to ensure that the concentration of microorganism in suspension is sufficient so that the suspension is used a source for sample for both identification and antibiotic susceptibility of the microorganisms in the sample.

Abstract: A pinch valve has an upper casing support the entire pinch assembly and the lower casing. In a particular embodiment, a quarter-turn actuator is deployed and the sleeve may be removed without moving the actuator. The body may be open or closed to retain an external air pressure used to help close the sleeve and reduce actuator forces.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlled dispensation are described herein where such an assembly may generally comprise an index plate having one or more protrusions extending from a surface of the plate, a first actuator configured to translate the plate in a first direction, and a second actuator configured to translate the plate in a second direction different from the first direction. The one or more protrusions may define one or more rows which are arranged upon the plate in a collinear arrangement and may further define one or more columns which are arranged upon the plate at an angle relative to a proximal or distal edge of the plate such that each protrusion is off-set relative to an adjacent protrusion along the column.

Abstract: A beverage distributor includes a reservoir having a reservoir first end and a reservoir second end. The reservoir first end and reservoir second end are open. A valve is connected to the reservoir second end. The valve throttles a flow of fluid from the reservoir. A plurality of passage tubes are connected to the valve. Each of the plurality of passage tubes has an inlet and an outlet. Each inlet of the plurality of passage tubes receives a flow of fluid from the reservoir through the valve. The plurality of passage tubes includes a first passage tube that includes a first diameter and length, a second passage tube that includes a second diameter and length, and a third passage tube that includes a third diameter and length. A base is connected to at least one of the first passage tube, the second passage tube, and the third passage tube.

Abstract: A pillbox loading device receives a pillbox and has a top opening alignable with the pillbox compartments. Channels extend from the top opening and define funnels that guide the pills into the pillbox.

Abstract: An assembled sterilization rack for sterile experiment relates to supporting devices used in experiment involving culture of microorganisms and/or cells. The rack includes a lateral frame, retaining wires, connectors, a base frame, heat resistant rods, connecting rings, a temperature-displaying control unit, and N temperature sensors. The lateral frame and the base frame are connected through the connectors. The lateral frame and the base frame have their surfaces facing each other provided with a plurality of retaining wires. The rods have two ends mounted on the symmetrically arranged retaining wires, respectively. The base frame has its upper surface provided with a plurality of connecting rings. The rods have the two ends received in the symmetrically arranged connecting rings, respectively. The temperature sensors are connected with the temperature-displaying control unit.

Abstract: There is provided a loading tray for loading particulate material into an array of substantially vertical tubes; wherein the loading tray comprises a plurality of loading tray elements, each loading tray element comprising at least one loading opening and at least some of the loading tray elements comprising at least two loading openings, the loading tray elements being fitted together to form an array of the loading openings.

Abstract: A device for filling soluble containers is provided. The device includes an assembly for orienting capsules comprising a sheet component having a top sheet, a bottom sheet and a sliding sheet adapted to move between the top and bottom sheets. The top sheet includes slots for accommodating capsules, and the bottom sheet includes notches adapted to orient the capsules into a filling position. In a first position, the slots in the sliding sheet align with the slots in the top sheet. In a second position, the slots in the sliding sheet align with the notches in the bottom sheet. The assembly also includes a base component for guiding the oriented capsules therethrough. The base component can have an antistatic sheet fastened to the bottom surface. The sheet component can be loose fitted to the base component. An assembly for filling capsules is also provided.

Abstract: A system (10) and method for accurately delivering controlled amounts of viscous fluid to one or more fluid delivery devices (31). There is a fluid reservoir (12), a variable-volume fill chamber (18), and structure (171, 173) that fluidly interconnects the reservoir (12) to the fill chamber (18). Valving (22) is used to channel fluid flow from the reservoir (12) to the fill chamber (18). There is a device (20) that dispenses fluid from the fill chamber (18). Valving (24) is used to channel fluid flow from the fill chamber (18) to a fluid delivery device (31). A controller (28) automatically controls operation of the device (20) that dispenses fluid from the fill chamber (18), and may also control operation of the valving (22, 24).

Abstract: A filling machine for the filling of containers with a liquid product, with a plurality of filling elements provided on a rotor or a rotor segment that can be driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis. The surfaces of the filling machine that come into contact with the liquid product between a product storage and a dispensing opening are made of a material which is of a higher grade, such as stainless steel, than the elements of the rotor or rotor segment that support the product bowl and the filling elements.

Abstract: A container filling assembly includes a plurality of fluid storage containers, and a fluid inlet for supplying a fluid from a fluid source to the containers. A vacuum source creates a vacuum in the containers to draw the fluid into the containers and thereby fill the containers. A connective structure connects the vacuum inlet and the fluid inlet in fluid communication with the containers.

Abstract: Conventional fueling station has an intrinsic limitation of congested traffic flow, leading to under utilization of fuel dispensers and causing long waiting lines. This invention discloses a novel structure of a fueling station and the method of improving the traffic flow in the fueling station. The disclosed fueling station comprises a passage for entrance, a passage for exit, at least a sequence of two or more fuel dispensers arranged sequentially between said passage for entrance and said passage for exit, wherein each fuel dispenser has at least one fueling space, and said fueling space is configured to enable a vehicle to move into and out of said fueling space without being hindered by another vehicle at a different fueling space.

Abstract: A container treatment module to be used in a container treatment machine, having a frame at which a turntable and a motor allocated to the turntable and a centering facility which may center a container on the turntable are disposed, and where the container treatment module comprises at least one device for mounting the container treatment module to the container treatment machine and/or another container treatment module.

Abstract: A gas supply pipeline system having at least two outlets which are designed in each case for different pressures, for example for 300 bar and for 200 bar. For this purpose, at least one of the outlets is equipped with a valve for pressure reduction. In this way, the extraction of gas at different extraction pressures is possible with one arrangement.

Abstract: A refilling station for personal dispensers includes a housing having one or more docks that are configured to receive and retain compatible personal dispensers therein. The refilling station also includes a manifold system that fluidly couples a refill container to one or more personal dispensers. Thus, when a personal dispenser is placed in the dock, it is automatically refilled with material, such as sanitizer, from the refill container. The refilling station may also include a sanitizing light to disinfect the personal dispensers as they are being refilled to reduce the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

Abstract: An intermittent rotating machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products is provided. The machine consists of a conveying wheel having a group of pockets distributed according to at least two mutually parallel rows and a feeding device for feeding a capsule into each pocket. The feeding device has a hopper for containing the capsules, at least two rows of extraction channels of the capsules from the hopper, and a plurality of orienting channels adapted to transfer each capsule from the respective extraction channel to the relative pocket. Each oriental channel is provided with at least two respective inlet portions, which are aligned to two extraction channels of two different rows, and are limited by respective bottom walls that are mutually parallel and distinct.

Abstract: An air manifold adapted for attaching to an air fill opening in a side of plastic, polymer balloons and receiving compressed air therein. The air manifold includes a hollow manifold body with a plurality of outwardly extending manifold air ports attached to and spaced around an outer circumference of the manifold body. The air ports are adapted for releasable or permanent attachment to the air fill openings in the side of the balloons. The manifold body also includes an air tube. The air tube has one end attached to and in fluid communication with the manifold body. An opposite end of the air tube is adapted for receiving the compressed air therethrough and into the manifold body. When the compressed air is received through the air tube and into the manifold body, the balloons attached to the manifold air ports are inflated for forming a balloon cluster around the manifold body thus providing an attractive and decorative display.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems and apparatus for the metered transport of fine powders into receptacles. According to one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus is provided which comprises a hopper having an opening. The hopper is adapted to receive a bed of fine powder. At least one chamber, which is moveable to allow the chamber to be placed in close proximity to the opening, is also provided. An element having a proximal end and a distal end is positioned within the hopper such that the distal end is near the opening. A vibrator motor is provided to vibrate the element when within the fine powder.

Abstract: An assembly includes a support and drive assembly, a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is in operable communication with and supported by the support and drive assembly. The first structure includes at least one filling or needle assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of filling or needle assemblies. The second structure is supported by the support and drive assembly. The second structure includes at least one seal assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of seal assemblies. A method includes determining a number of containers or vials that are to be filled concurrently and adjusting an assembly to include at least one filling or needle assembly and at least one seal assembly. A number of the filling or needle assemblies and the seal assemblies equals the number of containers or vials.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple liquid dispenser having an upper section for receiving ice to form a cooling chamber. The cooling chamber has a spiral passageway extending through the ice having a plurality of layers of passageways. The spiral passageway has an upper end for receiving the liquid to be chilled by the surrounding ice and a lower end connected to multiple tubes for distributing the chilled liquid. The lower section has multiple liquid dispensers connected to the multiple tubes for receiving and dispensing the chilled liquid from the multiple liquid dispensers. The multiple liquid dispensers are spaced around the periphery of the lower section and has valves for opening and closing the liquid dispensers for dispensing the chilled liquid. A vertical stand is provided for supporting the upper and lower sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for filling food pots (2), for example yoghurt pots, comprising a plurality of nozzles (10) for filling the pots with a food product, said nozzles (10) each being mounted in a nozzle body (30), characterized in that the device comprises means for applying to each of the nozzles (10) a translational movement along the axis (A) of the nozzle, optionally combined with a rotational movement about this axis, independently of the nozzle body (30), in such a way that the same nozzle (10) can both carry out the filling action and stop the filling. The invention also relates to a method for filling food pots using a device of this type.

Abstract: A device and method to load particles of catalyst on the order of cm in the principal dimension into an annular zone of reaction tubes which may reach a height of more than 10 meters, while satisfying the strict conditions of homogeneity and density of loading.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for a grouting system. The filling apparatus comprises a first fill tube and a second fill tube. The first fill tube is discrete from the second fill tube. The first fill tube is disposed for transporting resin mastic and the second fill tube is disposed for transporting initiator. A portion of the first fill tube has an inlet opening through which an injection quill extends interiorly and downwardly through the first fill tube. The injection quill is disposed for transporting inhibitor. This disclosure also relates to a method for adjusting gel time of a grouting system used for anchoring a reinforcing member in an opening, a grouting system for anchoring a reinforcing member in an opening, and a method for anchoring a reinforcing member in a mine.

Abstract: The invention is related to a capsule filler comprising: a capsule cap containing tray, a plurality of capsule body containing plates, a lifting base, and a frame, in which a plurality of spacer plates are provided on the top of the lifting base, which are movable. The capsule cap containing tray and each of the capsule body containing plates include thereon a plurality of sets of capsule receiving holes for placing capsules, each set including a plurality of capsule receiving holes, being correspondingly placed in top as well as bottom and number. The number of each set of capsule receiving holes is seven or a multiple of seven. The present invention provides a more suitable design of a capsule filler for animal hospitals.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for filling gas containers (5) comprising at least one gas-container (5) filling system (2) comprising at least one gas-distribution device and connection means allowing the said device (1) to be connected fluidically to several containers (5) so as to fill the said containers (5) simultaneously with gas, for example a mixture of NO and of nitrogen. The gas-distribution device comprises a main body (1) with an internal gas-distribution chamber (3), a gas inlet orifice (11) fluidically communicating with the internal chamber (3) so as to allow gas to enter the said internal chamber (3) via the said inlet orifice (11), and several outlet orifices (12) fluidically communicating with the internal chamber (3) so as to allow gas to be discharged from the said internal chamber (3) via the said outlet orifices (12). The outlet orifices (12) are angularly distributed in the internal chamber (3).

Abstract: A water treatment device for filling at least one bottle with treated tap water includes a housing unit having a reservoir, and at least one valve arranged in fluid communication with the reservoir, the valve having a water inlet/air exit port arranged adjacent to the housing unit, and a water exit/air inlet port arranged opposite the water inlet/air exit port, whereby when the valve is actuated to its open condition, water flows through the valve and into the bottle, and air entrapped in the bottle flows through the valve and into the surrounding environment. When the valve is in its closed condition, air and water do not flow through the valve.

Abstract: A method for distributing fuel in a fuel system of a motor vehicle. The method may be applied in a fuel system having a first fuel tank, where fuel is confined at a first pressure, and a second fuel tank, where fuel is confined at a second pressure greater than the first pressure. The method comprises releasing fuel already resident in the second fuel tank to the first fuel tank, and admitting fuel to the first and second fuel tanks simultaneously.

Abstract: A device (1) for effecting automatic nitrogen filling, or nitrogen-for-air substitution, for the simultaneous inflation/deflation of a plurality of vehicle tires, comprising multiple controllers (17) corresponding to the number of tires to be inflated/deflated, each having an individual display (8), a pressure sensor (9), an inflation valve (4) and a deflation valve (11), whereby multiple vehicle tires may be inflated/deflated simultaneously, with user input interfaces (10) for pressure setting adjustments.

Abstract: Disclosed are portable fluid treating and dispensing devices, systems, articles, and methods particularly adapted for use in treating potable liquids, such as drinking water, and dispensing it into a plurality of portable potable liquid containers, such as water bottles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for preparing a plurality of containers having a suspension of a solid wherein the concentrations of the solid in the plurality of containers are substantially similar or the same and the volumes of the suspension in the plurality of containers are substantially similar or the same.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for parallel dispensing of powder samples is described. Powder samples are dispensed into at least two powder sample holders, each said sample holder having a through passage which preferably generally tapers from a first aperture through which powder is introduced into said passage and a second aperture through which powder, when permitted to do so, flows from said passage. The lower apertures of the sample holders are preferably sealed using a resilient film. The powder samples are dispensed by substantially simultaneously perforating the film covering each aperture and agitating the powder samples to cause them to flow from their respective sample holders. Also disclosed are a method of generating a library of powder samples and a library of powder samples.

Abstract: Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.

Abstract: Powder dispensing and sensing apparatus and methods are provided. The powder dispensing and sensing apparatus includes a tray support structure to receive a cartridge tray holding cartridges, a powder dispenser assembly including powder dispenser modules to dispense powder into respective cartridges of a batch of cartridges in the cartridge tray, a powder transport system to deliver powder to the powder dispenser modules, a sensor module including sensor cells to sense respective fill states, such as the weights, of each of the cartridges in the batch of cartridges, and a control system to control the powder dispenser modules in response to the respective sensed fill states of each of the cartridges of the batch of cartridges.