Abstract: A vending device has at least one display area and an evaluator. The display area is formed by a rigid body, and has at least two, spatially-separated product areas, the rigid body of the display area being held by force transmission areas of at least two weighing cells. The evaluator is configured to, at periodic intervals or when a total weight detected by the at least two weighing cells changes: determine new coordinates of a center of gravity from data of the weighing cells, and transmit the new coordinates to a controller. The controller is configured to: determine a product area within the display area based upon changes in the coordinates of the center of gravity, determine, from the change in a total weight, the weight of goods removed from or added to the determined product area, and update an inventory, stored in a memory, for the product.

Abstract: A packaging device for medications includes a packaging material supply and a folding and guiding unit. The folding and guiding unit folds a packaging material web in the longitudinal direction so that the edges of the packaging material web are guided along packaging material web folding regions and a folding section establishes a folded region in the packaging material web. The folding and guiding unit includes an impact region for medications to be packaged, a first joining unit and a second joining unit. The folding and guiding unit also includes a medication supply section spaced apart from the folding section and via which medications are conducted vertically spaced apart from the folded region into the folded packaging material web.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and method relating to laser marking, in particular an apparatus comprises a fiber laser operable to produce a laser beam, an optics assembly operable to focus and direct the laser beam onto a non-metalized layer side of a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises the non-metalized layer side comprising a nonmetalized material and a metalized layer side comprising a metalized material, the metalized layer side being opposite the non-metalized layer side; and electronics communicatively coupled with the fiber laser and the optics assembly, the electronics being operable to control the fiber laser and the optics assembly, based on one or more laser settings, to direct the laser beam through the non-metalized layer side to be absorbed by the metalized layer side, generate a laser marking on the metalized material, and avoid generating the laser marking on the non-metalized material.

Abstract: A conveyor receives a cardboard box formed about an article, with a first lateral flank uncovered. An inlet receives the cardboard box with the first lateral closing wall coplanar with a base wall, a second lateral closing box wall folded to cover a second lateral article flank, a third lateral closing box wall folded to cover a third lateral article flank, a fourth lateral closing box wall folded to cover a fourth lateral article flank, and an upper closing box wall folded to cover an upper article face. An arrest stops the box, a first folding component rotates and folds the first lateral closing box wall to cover the first lateral article flank, and second folding component rotates a closing tab (AC), hinged to the upper closing wall to fold and bring a closing tab against the first lateral closing wall for closing the cardboard box.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a component device, in particular for a primary supporting component of an aircraft, which comprises a first component element, a second component element, a bonding providing a connection between the first component element and the second component element, a marker substance device configured to dispense a volatile marker gas to the environment when in contact with the surrounding air and being hermetically sealed from the surrounding air by the first component element, the second component element, and/or the bonding if the bonding is not damaged, and a detector device configured to detect the marker gas dispensed by the marker substance device.

Abstract: An automatic packaging machine including a folding assembly of a continuous sheet of packaging material, in particular paper, having a sliding plane for conveying the continuous sheet of packaging material along a conveying direction is disclosed. The sliding plane includes an entrance end for entering the continuous sheet of paper and two opposite sides parallel to the conveying direction. Further, the folding assembly includes a feeding assembly for feeding the continuous sheet of packaging material along a feeding plane which is substantially orthogonal to the conveying direction and defined at the entrance end of the sliding plane. The folding assembly further includes a block associated with at least one of the opposite sides of the sliding plane and a body associated with the block and provided with a cone-sector surface which supports a longitudinal flap during longitudinal creasing and accompanies it during the folding along the longitudinal creasing.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing mail by severing an edge of each envelope in a stack of mail. The apparatus includes an input bin for receiving a stack of mail. A feeder feeds the bottom envelope from the input bin to a transport that conveys the envelope along an envelope path. A cutter positioned along the envelope path severs one edge of the envelopes. A detector detects a characteristic of the envelope and a sorter sorts the envelope in response to the detected characteristic.

Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case accommodating section 8, a plurality of tablet cases 3 for accommodating medicine and charges or supplies medicine into a bag 72, which medicine has been discharged from each tablet case 3 based on a prescription. An identification code 26 is provided for each of the tablet cases 3 and read by an optical sensor 33 provided inside the case accommodating section 8, whereby discharge of medicine is controlled. A motor 14 for driving a discharge drum for the tablet case 3 is checked for disconnection by being regularly energized. The operating time and the frequency of operation of parts that wear out, such as the motors, are stored for use in failure prediction. Time slots in which medicine should be taken are printed, each in a different color, by a color printing mechanism 73 on the bag 72 into which medicine is charged.

Abstract: A database device stores a plurality of data records comprising package parameters, each data record corresponding to a unique URL. Each unique URL corresponds to one of a plurality of different, unique, individual scannable codes printed on individual packages so that each data record corresponds to a scannable code which corresponds to an individual package. A parameter portal provides to the database device individual package parameters which correspond to an individual scannable code on each individual package. An access portal provides selective access to at least some of the individual package parameters stored in the database device based on the unique URL. Systems, methods, databases, and computer readable media storing computer executable instructions for individualized product packages are provided. An enabler processor provides the codes and a loader processor linked to the enabler processor populates a selectively accessible database with information corresponding to the code.

Abstract: A debris sweep and dry assist device is for use with a strapping machine. The debris sweep and dry assist device is positioned between the strapping machine and an associated strap supply. The device includes a body having a strap inlet and a strap outlet and defining a strap path therethrough. The body has a first wall at about the strap inlet and a second wall at about the strap outlet. The body has a first manifold and a plurality of first branches extending between the first manifold and the first wall to provide a plurality of flow paths from the first manifold to the environs through the first branches. A compressed is gas directed into the first manifold and flows out of the first branches, and is directed onto strap material at a location at about the strap inlet.

Abstract: A method and a device for can manufacture and canning, having cans manufactured in a manufacturing process and filled in a filling process, the manufacturing process being integral with the filling process in one plant, and the cans being transported from the manufacturing process to the filling process in a hygienic conveyor.

Abstract: A packaging machine seals goods in blister shell moldings with a blister film. The packaging machine contains a first transport system for a blister film web, a second transport system for blister shell moldings, and a sealing apparatus, the effect of which is to connect a blister shell molding to a portion of the blister film web. A printing apparatus is provided for applying optical information to the blister film web. A dancing roller system is provided for motional decoupling and disposed between a position at which the printing apparatus prints on the blister film web and the sealing apparatus along the blister film. The printing apparatus and/or the first transport system for the blister film web contains an apparatus for insulating against occurring vibrations of the rest of the packaging machine at the position at which the printing apparatus prints on the blister film web.

Abstract: A package coding system for a cigarette manufacturing process is provided. An imprinting device imprints an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages. A conveyor device conveys the cigarette packages in a feed direction. An inspection device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and inspects the alphanumeric code imprinted on each cigarette package conveyed by the conveyor device to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes a defect in the imprinted alphanumeric code, and thus comprises a defective cigarette package. A removal device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and is configured to be in communication with the inspection device. The removal device is configured to remove the defective cigarette package from the series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device in response to identification thereof by the inspection device. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for assembling a multiple prescription package having a plurality of different medications is described. The system comprises a pharmacy management system, a selected dosing interval, a filling system, a first automated inspection, a second automated inspection, a container, and a label. The pharmacy management system includes a graphical user interface that receives a prescription order that is associated with a particular patient. The prescription order includes medications in which a first medication that is different from a second medication. The selected dosing interval is selected from the dosing interval group that includes a morning interval, a noon interval, an afternoon interval, and a bedtime interval. The container receives the sealed preliminary packages for the selected dosing interval. The label is affixed to the container so that the label indicates the selected dosing interval.

Abstract: A device is provided for applying consumable materials to containers, including a storing apparatus that stores a supply of the consumable material, a transporting apparatus that conveys the consumable material to the containers, and an application unit that applies the consumable material to the containers or to combinations of containers. The device has at least one sensor apparatus, which detects at least one actual value of the consumable material that is characteristic of a physical property of the consumable material, a comparing apparatus, which compares the detected actual value with at least one target value stored in a memory apparatus, and a signal outputting apparatus, which outputs a signal according to a result of said comparison.

Abstract: An automated dispensing system includes a container dispensing module for storing and discharging a plurality of small object containers, a printer applicator for printing selected information on a label and positioned to apply the label to a container as it is discharged from the dispensing module, a plurality of product dispensing modules for storing and dispensing a selected number of small objects into a labeled container, a container transport unit, a conveyor assembly for transporting filled containers away, and a control unit for coordinating and controlling operation for the dispensing system. A container transport unit picks a labeled container from the container dispensing module, transports it along a track to a selected product dispensing cell, and travels back along the track to the container dispensing module while the product dispensing module fills and ejects the filled container onto an adjacent conveyor.

Abstract: A method for operating a system for treating containers, where the containers are treated by at least one first treatment unit of the system, and the containers are treated by at least one additional treatment unit of the system, and where a measuring device, determines, either after or during the treatment in the first treatment unit, at least one parameter that is characteristic of the geometric shape of the containers, where at least one of the parameters determined by the measuring device that is characteristic of the geometric shape of the containers is taken into account for the control or adjustment of the at least one additional treatment unit and/or sensors thereof disposed after the measuring device.

Abstract: A custom packaging center for custom selecting and custom packaging canned and/or container goods and a novel box for use with the custom packaging center.

Abstract: A method for enveloping an item to be packaged includes supplying the item to a wrapping unit using a first feed unit, cutting a packaging blank having two side flaps, a base flap, and a closing flap to size, supplying the packaging blank to the wrapping unit using a second feed unit, combining the item and the packaging blank in the wrapping unit, and wrapping the item with the packaging blank, wherein the item and the packaging blank are supplied to the wrapping unit in a line and in opposite directions, at least in one section. This method further includes wrapping the item by folding the side flaps, and by folding the base flap, in any order, gluing the side flaps and the base flap together, and wrapping the item by folding the closing flap.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating packages by applying furnishing features to the packages includes pressure segments, each of which is configured as a fully functional assembly unit having at least one ink-jet print head. The furnishing features are polychrome printed images.

Abstract: An apparatus for printing different colors on packages includes holding-and-centering units, each having a primary and a secondary part. The primary part is held at a holding position during package handling. The secondary part is mounted in the primary part to be rotatable about a vertical axis of the unit. The secondary part receives a functional element necessary for handling a package. A plurality of secondary parts adapted to different types, forms and/or sizes of packages are associated with the primary parts.

Abstract: A method and device for producing bundle packages, in particular bundle packages (10) for cigarettes (cigarette carton 11), wherein a group of packs (12), in particular cigarette packs, is encased in an outer casing (13) to form the bundle package (10), and wherein the packs (12) respectively exhibit a code (19), in particular a barcode, and the group of packs (12) is encased in the outer casing (13) such that the code (19) of the packs (12) is not concealed by the outer casing (13) and that a means (20, 23) for concealing the code of the packs (12), in particular a pre-cut piece (20), such as an (adhesive) label, and a code (21) for the bundle package (10) are subsequently arranged on the bundle package (10).

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing, minimizing, and/or eliminating the migration of mineral oils from paper food packaging into packaged food. The method can include adding a copper-containing oxidase enzyme, such as a laccase enzyme, to a paper pulp from which the paper food packaging is to be formed. The migration of mineral oils originating from residual inks in recycled old corrugated containers and old newsprint, is particularly suppressed, including the migration of C10-C25 fractions of aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons and of saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An apparatus for marking plastic containers, comprising a marking device which applies a marking to the containers and a checking device in the form a temperature-sensitive sensor which checks for the presence of the marking on the container.

Abstract: A carton processing apparatus and method can be used to reduce inventory of pre-printed or pre-labeled cartons. The carton processing apparatus can use a stacked inventory of unassembled cartons in a first planar orientation. A carton can be picked from the inventory, rotated from the first planar orientation to a print plane, and transported near a carton coding device, such as an ink jet printer, which can apply indicia to the carton. The processed carton can be further rotated or provided to a downstream device or process.

Abstract: A method for labelling packages comprising a feed unit for transporting a package, a printing device for printing a label detachably affixed to a carrier strip and an application unit for applying the printed label to the underside of the package. The printing device is arranged laterally outside the feed unit which comprises a label dispensing unit for dispensing the printed label with a directional component in a direction contrary to the package transport direction. The application unit comprises a manipulator means for the label, which moves along an axis extending transversely to the transport direction. The label, detached from the carrier strip, can be transferred onto the feed unit laterally outside the same in a first axial position of the manipulator means and can be brought close to the package, and can be applied onto the underside of the package in a second axial position of the manipulator means.

Abstract: A conventional cigarette packet in a transparent film of bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) with a tear tape for removing the film adhered to the inside of the film. The tear tape bears an indicium which is either hidden or which changes according to the viewing angle when the image is viewed through the film. The image on the tear tape may be scrambled or coded. The overwrap film includes a descrambling or decoding region which reveals the hidden image or renders the image visible when viewed through the overwrap portion, or creates the visual effect of changing the image according to the viewing angle. The descrambling or decoding region typically comprises a diffraction structure, such as a grating, the characteristics of which, such as its pitch, are complementary with the scrambled or coded image and/or with the pitch of any grid or matrix from which the image is composed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for visualization of non-visible information on a packaging material to provide traceability. The method comprises the steps of: reading the non-visible information from the packaging material by means of a magnetic head reader, processing the non-visible information in a central processing unit together with additional new non-visible information, and printing an optional portion of the amount of combined non-visible information onto the packaging material as a traceability marking. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method and a packaging line with a filling machine making use of the device.

Abstract: A packaging system for individually packaging a succession of products, especially poultry, into bags, for example quad seal bags. The system comprises a packaging apparatus, a weighing apparatus and a printer. The weighing apparatus is located adjacent the packaging apparatus such that the weighed product is the next product to be packaged by the packaging apparatus. The printer prints information relating to the weight of the weighed product directly onto the packaging material for the weighed product, or onto a label for the weighed product. Since the product is weighed just before being packaged, it is ensured that the information printed onto a bag relates to the specific product in the bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for customizing a cigarette package is provided, wherein the cigarette package is configured to receive a plurality of as-formed cigarettes therein. Such an apparatus comprises a feeder unit configured to feed one of a plurality of cigarette packages to a register position. An imprinting unit is configured to interact with the cigarette package in the register position so as to imprint at least one of an alphanumeric character and a graphical character thereon. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for efficiently and effectively personalizing product presentation to users. User profile information including images and preferences may be obtained during instore purchase of products such as cereal, cigarettes, soda, snacks, etc. A user selects a particular product and may enter optional preference information. The dynamic package personalization system identifies an image, background, scene, etc., that may appeal to the user and provides the product in personalized packaging with an image of the user.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated medicine storage and medicine introduction/discharge management system, which includes a main body in which a plurality of receiving shelves is arranged, the main body having a door to enable user access, a medicine introduction/discharge unit installed in one side region of the main body to introduce or discharge a medicine product into or out of the main body, a robot transfer unit installed in the main body to transfer the medicine product, introduced via the medicine introduction/discharge unit, to each receiving space of the main body, or to discharge the medicine product received in the receiving space, and a control unit to control operations of the main body, the medicine introduction/discharge unit, and the robot transfer unit. The system is able to store a variety of medicine in a single main body and to achieve enhanced security for special medicine and efficient management of stock.

Abstract: An improved packaging machine is described, composed of a supporting and containing structure comprising at least one decompression chamber for a vacuum packaging of a product, the chamber being composed of at least one tank covered by at least one basculating bell suitable for welding through perimeter welding bars with which the bell is equipped, such machine being further equipped with communication means connected to processing means and to printing means, the communication means being adapted to transfer operating packaging data of the machine to the processing means and to the printing means.

Abstract: The invention refers to a disposable cover for use in an incubator for premature infants comprising a moisture-pervious surface layer and a preferably moisture-impervious back sheet, wherein the total weight of the cover before use is communicated to the caregiver by indication on said cover, a label accompanying said cover or on the package for said cover. The cover may further be provided with a wetness indicator.

Abstract: There is provided a medicine dispensing system configured such that a medicine dispensing device includes a sub unit having a function to dispense medicine that is connected to a medicine dispensing device that includes a main unit having a function of packing medicines. There is also provided a medicine dispensing device that can be appropriately integrated with such a medicine dispensing system. The medicine dispensing system includes, in some embodiments a main unit, a sub unit and a transfer device connecting the main unit and the sub unit. The medicine dispensing system transfers the medicine dispensed in the sub unit to the main unit by means of a transfer device and dispenses the medicine at a medicine packing part together with the medicine dispensed from a main storage part in the main unit.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing packaged contact lenses are described. A stock product that includes a contact lens located in a contact lens packaging solution in a sealed contact lens package is provided. The stock product has one or more printing surfaces. The stock product is directed to a labeling station to produce a customer-tailored labeled product. The labeled product includes printed customer-specific indicia directly on the printing surface of the stock product. Manufacturing systems that include such labeling stations are also described. Utilizing the present methods and systems, contact lenses are labeled and supplied to different customers based on customer requirements.

Abstract: In a medicine packaging apparatus, a distance from a printing section to a heat sealing section is reduced without generating wrinkles on a package sheet. An unfolding guide 65 for unfolding and opening a package sheet 61 provided in a packaging unit 4 includes a main ridge 94 extending along with a crease of the package sheet 61 and a pair of unfolding guide surfaces 95a, 95b which are convex curved surfaces stretching from the main ridge 94. A contact start position 100a with the package sheet 61 of the unfolding guide surface 95a on the outer side of a curve in the conveying direction A relative to the main ridge 94 is located on an upstream side in the conveying direction A of the package sheet 61 of a contact start position 100b with the package sheet 61 of the unfolding guide surface 95b located on the inner side of the curve relative to the main ridge 94.

Abstract: A packaging plant comprises several test stations as well as a transport system and a control system. The control system is configured to manage packages which are transported in the packaging plant on the transport system along the test stations such that a status is assigned on each package by the control system which can be changed by the test stations together with the control system. A discharge station for defective packages is arranged in the direction of production downstream of at least two test stations. The status of the packages can be changed by at least two test stations to be passed one after the other, and the packages can be marked by a marking means corresponding to their status.

Abstract: A bag dispenser feeds a bag assembly for supplying bags to a work station for manual removal from the bag assembly as needed. Each bag is printed with information such as packing date or packing location prior to reaching the work station.

Abstract: A method for producing a ready-to-distribute distribution assembly comprising a data carrier in a single production line is disclosed. The method includes providing a foldable cover panel having a basin for receiving a data carrier, inserting a data carrier, folding the cover panel, sealing the cover panel, and printing identification information on the cover panel.

Abstract: A thermal seal packaging systems and methods thereof. In one implementation a thermal sealing packaging system has a container transfer unit for transferring a container which is to contain a package item, a measuring unit for measuring the weight of the item that is loaded in the container being transported before it is loaded into the container, a capping film supply unit for a capping film to cover the opening area of the container, an indication means for indicating the measurement data of the measurement unit on the capping film, and a sealing unit for heat-sealing an opening area of the container, into which the package item is loaded, with the capping film, the opening area of the container into which the item is loaded is covered by the capping film on which the corresponding measurement data is indicated.

Abstract: A system for automatically packaging prescription orders composed of one or more prescription containers. The system includes a printer for generating literature associated with each order and a packer for packing the prescription containers and the associated literature into a package. The packer has a scale or other means for determining the weight of the prescription containers. A packer controller calculates package weight information based on the container weight information. The package weight information is transmitted to a mail manifest system, which generates shipping information comprising postage. A labeler applies the shipping information to the package. The packer also includes a loading mechanism for inserting the prescription containers and the literature into the package.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing cards for processing first cause a drawing of a card from at least one card magazine. The cards are arranged in a plurality of card magazines and may be drawn from the same, and information regarding their card type is further associated with the cards. After drawing the card, it is output for subsequent processing together with the information regarding the card type associated with the card to allow control of the subsequent processing based on the forwarded information. Cards of a known card type are arranged in a card magazine and the information regarding the card type is associated with the card magazine, wherein the information associated with the card magazine is forwarded when drawing a card from a card magazine.

Abstract: A method of dating a food product that includes packaging at least two packages of a food product into a storage container and after packaging the at least two packages, the method further includes making the at least two packages with a date while the at least two packages are located within the storage container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a batch of articles comprising the following step: (AA) a plurality of containers (1) is taken, characterized in that the following steps are carried out: (AB) one intrinsic identification code (5) is generated for the batch; (AC) the batch of containers (1) is marked by providing a two-dimensional or three-dimensional intrinsic marking zone (4) in the wall (3) of each container (1) and reproducing a readable intrinsic identification code (5) in each container (1) identified by the latter, by the modification of the constituent substrate of the wall (3); (AD) one extrinsic identification code (16), relating to the product (10) filling the containers (1) of the batch, is generated; (AE) the batch of containers (1) filled with the product (10) is marked again, by associating with each container (1) an extrinsic marking means (15) that readably reproduces each extrinsic identification code (16); (AF) each article is identified by reading its intrinsic (5)

Abstract: In an arrangement for a position accurate joining of a first material web, which comprises elements in a section length separated by separating locations, with a second material web which is provided with marks arranged at a predetermined distance from each other corresponding to the section length—except for a possibly certain deviation, the arrangement includes a first device by which the two material webs are joined, a transport device by which the two material webs are moved stepwise by the predetermined distance, and a second device by which an element applied to the first material web when, after movement of the two material webs by a section length, the length of the material web between the first device and the second device corresponds to a predetermined multiple of the section length plus an offset, which is adjustable by an offset device, and a transport device by which the two material webs can be moved section-stepwise, wherein a sensor is provided by which the difference is determined and the of

Abstract: A distance from a printing section to a heat sealing section of a medicine packaging apparatus is shortened without generating wrinkles on a package sheet. A unfolding guide 65 included in a packaging unit 4 for unfolding and opening a package sheet 61 has a main ridge 94 extending along with the fold of the package sheet 61, and a pair of unfolding guide surfaces 90a, 90b which are convex curved surfaces stretching from the main ridge 94 and which are symmetrical to each other with respect to the main ridge 94.

Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case accommodating section 8, a plurality of tablet cases 3 for accommodating medicine and charges or supplies medicine into a bag 72, which medicine has been discharged from each tablet case 3 based on a prescription. An identification code 26 is provided for each of the tablet cases 3 and read by an optical sensor 33 provided inside the case accommodating section 8, whereby discharge of medicine is controlled. A motor 14 for driving a discharge drum for the tablet case 3 is checked for disconnection by being regularly energized. The operating time and the frequency of operation of parts that wear out, such as the motors, are stored for use in failure prediction. Time slots in which medicine should be taken are printed, each in a different color, by a color printing mechanism 73 on the bag 72 into which medicine is charged.

Abstract: In a method for the packaging of a bulk material or material in packaging units, which are formed in a filling and packaging plant (4) from the packaging material that is fed to this station before and/or during the filling with the bulk material or material to be packaged, the printing of the packaging material is printed in a printing station that is upstream of the filling or packaging station in the feed direction of the packaging material.

Abstract: An installation for filling weekly blister packs, i.e. packaging units, with doses of different medicaments corresponding to the weekly requirements of several patients and to be taken by the respective patient in a certain order according to the day of the week and the time of the day, according to a doctor's prescription. The installation is provided with output stations associated with the medicaments, for automatically filling all or selected compartments line-by-line. In order to control the output stations in such a way as to fill the weekly blister pack with the prescribed medicament, an electronic control unit processes information about patients, the information being continuously supplied to the unit in such a way that it is synchronized with the blister pack advancing movements.