Diverse Forms Or Shapes Of Units Patents (Class 53/155)
  • Patent number: 11461832
    Abstract: A computer-implemented product palletizing system and a method of product palletizing which includes processor in communication with a memory element containing a computer code executable to coordinate the discrete activities of one or more pickers and conveyor product sorting assembly to allocate a plurality of products to a plurality of pallets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Encompass Technologies Development, LLC
    Inventor: Jonathan W. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 11345554
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods herein may be configured to utilize existing high speed assembly lines with dedicated packaging apparatuses to assemble various kinds of packages of absorbent articles. Absorbent articles advancing from an assembly line are diverted before reaching a dedicated packaging apparatus. The diverted absorbent articles are transported to a selectable packaging apparatus to be placed in containers containing desired quantities and/or types of absorbent articles to create select packages. Carriers are movably connected with a track, wherein a linear synchronous motor independently moves the carriers along the track. Diverted absorbent articles are transferred to a carrier in a receiving zone, and the diverted absorbent articles are moved along the track from the receiving zone to a drop off zone. The diverted absorbent articles are then transferred from the carrier in the drop off zone to a selectable packaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: Paul Shea, Darryll Joseph Weil, II
  • Patent number: 10947045
    Abstract: Warehouse automation and methods of controlling material flow can be used to streamline order fulfillment. For example, according to some embodiments described herein, a method includes: causing a first mobile robot to engage with and transport a mobile storage unit to a robotic picking cell, causing a second mobile robot to engage with and transport an outbound container to the robotic picking cell, and causing the picking robot to transfer a sellable unit from the mobile storage unit to the outbound container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Target Brands, Inc.
    Inventors: David Sellner, Kevin Vliet, Arthur Valdez
  • Patent number: 10822131
    Abstract: A system and method therefor for use with a conveyor carrying cartons inbound to a printing area and outbound away from the printing area. The system has a printer located in the printing area for printing documents to be inserted into corresponding cartons on the conveyor and a controller for cooperatively controlling operations of the conveyor and the printer based on the positions of the cartons relative to the printer. The controller includes a staging processor for determining when to cause the conveyor to carry the cartons inbound past the printer and when to cause the printer to print the documents. In operation, the controller queues the documents for printing, monitors outbound capacity of the conveyor based on detected positions of the cartons, releases a group of the cartons inbound on the conveyor in response to the outbound capacity reaching a predetermined threshold, and initiates printing the queued documents corresponding to the cartons in the group when the group of the cartons is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: StreamTech Engineering, LLC
    Inventors: Steven A. Horcher, Alan R. Miller, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10733660
    Abstract: A computer-implemented product palletizing system and a method of product palletizing which includes processor in communication with a memory element containing a computer code executable to coordinate the discrete activities of one or more pickers and conveyor product sorting assembly to allocate a plurality of products to a plurality of pallets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Encompass Technologies, LLP
    Inventor: Jonathan W. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 10668507
    Abstract: A sorting system for sorting products, in particular vulnerable products, such as apples and pears, and a method therefor. The sorting system comprises a singulator, a measuring system, and a sorting device provided with a number of sorting outlets, along with a control operatively connected to the measuring system and the sorting device, and provided with a classification system. The control is provided with a selection module configured to switch the sorting system between a basic configuration and a task configuration in which the selection module is configured to select sorting commands and to couple a sorting command to one or more of the available sorting outlets adaptable to the specific product properties by the control. A product allocation system is configured to distribute assessed products over the qualifying sorting outlets in the task configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: DE GREEF'S WAGEN-, CARROSSERIEEN MACHINEBOUW B.V.
    Inventor: Wilhelm Jan Nijland
  • Patent number: 10518934
    Abstract: Embodiments of this disclosure include a rigid tray container and methods and equipment for using the rigid tray container in batched process operations. In one embodiment, a mass container is sized and dimensioned to receive one or several rigid tray containers. In other embodiments, equipment is configured to lid/unlid, secure, stack, load/unload, and buffer rigid tray containers. In other embodiments, equipment is configured to stack and stage mass containers. In some embodiments, methods are provided for batch processing items.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Assignee: United States Postal Service
    Inventor: Donald R. Close
  • Patent number: 10492987
    Abstract: A method includes performing, by a processor: providing a database that contains records corresponding to a plurality of drug product packaging systems, the records in the database being accessible through a common database management system, receiving a packaging order for at least one drug product, evaluating at least one criterion for fulfilling the packaging order, and identifying one of the plurality of drug product packaging systems to package the at least one drug product based on evaluating the at least one criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC
    Inventors: Collin D. Blalock, Brian Cristobal, Gary M. Owen, Mark Longley
  • Patent number: 10421613
    Abstract: A system to sort packages or parcels into chutes includes a package and parcel transporting component with a plurality of zones, each coupled to an electroadhesive material. The package and parcel transporting component is operable to move the plurality of zones. The electroadhesive material includes electrodes to exert an electroadhesive force and dynamically electrically couple to be energized by an applied voltage on demand. The system includes a controller to determine chutes into which to release packages or parcels and determine zones associated with packages or parcels. The controller selects zones associated with the packages or parcels to transport or release packages or parcels. The controller operates the electrodes to alter the electroadhesive material in the zones associated packages or parcels to transport and release the packages or parcels to one or more chutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: Grabit, Inc.
    Inventors: Harsha Prahlad, Matthew Thomas Leettola, Teh Kian Weng
  • Patent number: 10343805
    Abstract: An article selection and packing system includes at least two article housing stations and a composite article housing station spaced from the at least two article housing stations. A boom extends over the at least two article housing stations and the composite article housing station. A selection and packing assembly extends between the at least two article housing stations and the composite article housing station. The selection and packing assembly includes at least two telescoping shuttles, the at least two telescoping shuttles are movably coupled along the boom. At least two grasping assemblies coupled with the at least two telescoping shuttles, respectively. The at least two grasping assemblies are each configured to withdraw one or more articles from the at least two article housing stations, respectively, and pack the withdrawn one or more articles together at the composite article housing station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Inventor: Brenden Michael Woehl
  • Patent number: 10124920
    Abstract: A method for filling packs with products, in particular for filling boxes with multipacks of cigarette packs in which several products are put together to form a product group. The completeness of the product group is detected by a first control device. Several product groups are put together by a handling device to form a group of product groups and are inserted into the pack, wherein the presence of the group in the pack and/or the completeness of the group of product groups is detected by a second control device. The feeding of groups to the pack is repeated where necessary until a provided number of groups have been filled into the pack, which corresponds to a required quantity of groups or product groups in the pack, and the presence of the groups in the pack is detected or documented by a control device, in particular the second control device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kern, Falko Böger
  • Publication number: 20150056341
    Abstract: A capsule is provided containing a dosing agent and a system and process is provided for making capsules containing a dosing agent. The capsule includes a body defining an interior space and an opening, the capsule having ingredients and a dosing agent disposed in the interior space and a cover to seal the opening. The process and system includes depositing ingredients and the dosing agent in the interior space of the capsule and then covering the opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Liberatore A. Trombetta, YuCheng Fu, Dennis Dwight Paynter, Stephen Leung
  • Publication number: 20140363102
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for making a multi-compartment package on a form, fill, and seal machine. Two pairs of heat sealing jaws are provided which produce seals having different sealing strengths.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventors: Eduard EDWARDS, Stephen D. TYNER
  • Patent number: 8713897
    Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a filled prescription order is described. The prescription order includes a first plurality of tablets that is different from a second plurality of tablets. Additionally, the first plurality of tablets has a particular shape and a color that is different from the second plurality of tablets. The system and method generates an order that is communicated to a filling system. A code is then generated at the filling system when the filling system can fill the order. An automated inspection at visual wavelengths is performed for each of the pouches at an inspection station. The automated inspection at visual wavelengths inspects a color and a shape of each tablet. The method then proceeds to scan the code at the inspection station to verify that the correct pouches are associated with the tablets that correspond to the prescription order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Edge Medical Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Leslie Baker, Larry Luciano
  • Patent number: 8544242
    Abstract: When sheets (1, 2) with different sizes are processed to a mail item, sheets (1, 2) with different sizes in conveying direction are supplied along first and second conveyor tracks, gathered into a stack and then folded. The folding of the stacked set (7) takes place with at least one predetermined folding length (a). In response to a difference between the folding length (a) and the size of the sheet (2) of the second size, which is within a predetermined range, the conveyor tracks (5, 6) are controlled by the control structure (9) for combining at least the sheets (1, 2) with leading edges (10, 11) at a mutual distance in the conveying direction (3) and with trailing edges (12, 13) at a mutual distance in the conveying direction (3) to form the set (7). From the combining until the folding, the sheets (1, 2) are mutually fixed and during folding, at least one fold (14) is provided in the sheets (1, 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Neopost Technologies
    Inventor: Christiaan Antoon Munneke
  • Patent number: 7913478
    Abstract: Food service set assembly systems and methods include delivery of one or more utensils and a napkin to a receiving cradle where they are grasped by two fingers attached to a rotatable shaft and wound to a desired tension. Utensils are delivered to the receiving cradle is a uniform alignment via a gravity driven system. Sterilization of the utensils can also be provided. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Convenience Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Payam Lavi
  • Patent number: 7726098
    Abstract: Tandem, vertically-aligned vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) assemblies enable a method for manufacturing an ingredient package. An inner ingredient-bearing package is manufactured by a first superior VFFS assembly, which inner package is then downwardly displaced to a second inferior VFFS assembly. The inner package and a second ingredient are deposited (filled) into an open-ended outer packaging material being formed by the inferior VFFS assembly. After deposing the inner package and the second ingredient into the formed outer package, the outer package and inner package are sealed to one another at superior ends thereof to finally form an ingredient package. The finally formed package may be removed from partially formed packages in superior adjacency thereto. The finally formed package compartmentalizes the first and second ingredients for later consumer consumption.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Kraft Foods Global Brands LLC
    Inventor: Paul Edward Doll
  • Publication number: 20100089006
    Abstract: A method for marking a pallet loaded with stacked goods includes fastening at least one marking element having information relevant to the marking to an intermediate layer, and disposing the intermediate layer between two layers of stacked goods during loading of the pallet. The marking element is fastened to the intermediate layer by a positive connection created by deforming the intermediate layer and the marking element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: WINKLER + DUENNEBIER AG
    Inventor: Thomas Salm
  • Patent number: 7584592
    Abstract: An automated packaging system has a plurality of dunnage dispensing stations that can dispense dunnage and a transport network for conveying containers to and from at least two dispensing stations for dunnage to be placed therein. At at least one loading station upstream of a dispensing station articles are placed in the containers for shipping. Optionally, an intermediate void determination station determines how much dunnage to dispense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: David M. Gabrielson, Robert C. Cheich, Joseph J. Harding, Daniel L. Carlson
  • Patent number: 7478511
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in packaging containers and associated lids together includes a moveable gantry with a first support portion and a second support portion alongside the first support portion. The first and second support portions are sized and configured to support the containers and the lids. A container path and a lid path are included along which containers and lids, respectively, are directed to the gantry. The gantry has a first orientation in which the first support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers and the second support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids. The gantry also has a second orientation in which the gantry is repositioned such that the first support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids and the second support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Rennco LLC
    Inventors: Robin G. Thurgood, Brian C. Bowerman, Phillip D. Hillard
  • Patent number: 7475523
    Abstract: A process to merge a plurality of streams of printed products. The process includes merging a first stream of printed products with a second stream of printed products according to a predetermined order that is recipient-based, and packaging selected printed products from the first stream while the printed products of the first stream are being merged with the second stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Quad/Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Graushar, Eric Blohm
  • Patent number: 7458195
    Abstract: A method for making a multi-compartment microwavable package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a multi-compartment bag having an internal permeable wall between compartments from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A food product can be placed into the first compartment and steam pack can be placed into the second compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Anthony Bezek, Anthony Robert Knoerzer, Garrett William Kohl, Brad Dewayne Rodgers, Steven Kenneth Tucker
  • Patent number: 7412808
    Abstract: A device and method for assembling a food service set comprising at least one napkin wrapped around one or more utensils and secured by an adhesive band. The device includes a magazine subsystem including one or more magazines for containing and dispensing the at least one napkin, the one or more utensils, and the adhesive band. The device further includes an integrator subsystem configured to integrate the at least one napkin, the one or more utensils, and the adhesive band together. A processor subsystem is configured to roll the at least one napkin around the one or more utensils and to secure the adhesive band around the at least one napkin. A receiver subsystem is configured for receiving the service set. A sterilization system is provided to sterilize the utensils prior to, or after, being assembled into a service pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Convenience Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Payam Lavi
  • Patent number: 7370456
    Abstract: A packaging object supplying apparatus for supplying a packaging object to a packaging unit for packaging the packaging object into a predetermined fashion and specifically, a packaging object supplying apparatus comprising a packaging object combining portion for forming a combination of the packaging objects by combining two or more kinds of the packaging objects by a predetermined quantity in a predetermined array and a packaging object introducing portion for introducing the packaging objects combined by the packaging object combining portion to the packaging unit, a boxing apparatus comprising foldable box body supplying means, opening forming means, box body holding means, packaging object loading means, and lid forming means, a box body supplying apparatus for supplying a box body to the boxing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Haruo Ichikawa, Makoto Shimizu, Kazuyuki Kosemura, Akira Wakabayashi, Katsutoshi Nakamura, Masaharu Minagi, Minoru Tamura, Seiichi Yamashita, Toshihide Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7325375
    Abstract: The combination of a plurality of streams of printed products. The first stream of products is selectively inserted into a packaging device while being merged into a second stream of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Quad/Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Graushar, Eric Blohm
  • Patent number: 7322172
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for wrapping a napkin around one or more utensils. The apparatus includes a wrapping area defining a trough dimensioned to receive one or more utensils. A utensil dispenser and napkin delivery mechanism may be provided to deliver the utensils and a napkin, respectively, to the trough. The apparatus may also include a wrapping mechanism that wraps the napkin around the utensils. In some cases, a tension mechanism may be included to selectively limit movement of the napkin during wrapping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Wrapmaster, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald T. Hoffman, Glen T. Lindahl
  • Patent number: 7318306
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in packaging containers and associated lids together includes a moveable gantry with a first support portion and a second support portion alongside the first support portion. The first and second support portions are sized and configured to support the containers and the lids. A container path and a lid path are included along which containers and lids, respectively, are directed to the gantry. The gantry has a first orientation in which the first support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers and the second support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids. The gantry also has a second orientation in which the gantry is repositioned such that the first support portion is aligned with the lid path to receive lids and the second support portion is aligned with the container path to receive containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Rennco LLC
    Inventors: Robin G. Thurgood, Brian C. Bowerman, Phillip D. Hillard
  • Patent number: 7210279
    Abstract: A device includes isolated hoppers defining independent passageways converging downwardly towards a central and unitary area. A conveyor belt assembly is disposed subjacent to the hoppers, traverses the passageways, and travels along a linear path passing through the unitary area. A mechanism is included for depositing a napkin onto the conveyor belt. The napkin depositing mechanism is connected to the conveyor belt assembly and is spaced adjacent to one end portion thereof. A mechanism is included for simultaneously folding the napkin and horizontally stacking the eating utensils such that the napkin becomes folded about the eating utensils before being ejected from the simultaneous folding mechanism. A receiving conveyor belt assembly is disposed beneath the simultaneous folding mechanism for transporting the combined napkin and eating utensils. A storage bin is laid adjacent to the receiving conveyor belt and houses the combined napkin and eating utensils for transit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2007
    Inventors: Ibrahim A. Ahmed, Ammar Abueisheh
  • Patent number: 7178313
    Abstract: A method for making a vertical stand up package having one or more open or closed compartments within the package, and method and apparatus for manufacturing the same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form, fill and seal packaging machines. The invention involves producing a flat bottom bag that can stand upright having an internal compartment from a single sheet of flexible packaging film. A different product can be placed into the compartment. The compartment can also be used as a dipping well. In one aspect a multi-compartment package can be made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Frito-Lay North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward Anthony Bezek, Eduard Edwards, Joseph Paul Sagel, Steven Kenneth Tucker
  • Patent number: 7159375
    Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus (20) for accumulating different types of individual articles (28) can include a delivery device (132) which provides an initial-plurality (134) of an initial-type of individual articles. At least a first-accumulator mechanism (142) can be automated to provide a first-plurality (144) of a first-type of individual articles. The first-type of articles differ from the initial-type of articles, and at least a first-transport device (146) can move the first-plurality of articles to a first-packing location. Additionally, an automated assembly mechanism (136) can be configured to operatively combine the first-plurality (144) of articles with the initial-plurality (134) of articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Allen Hellmann, Richard John Ogle
  • Patent number: 6901722
    Abstract: A multi-component bedding assembly, including a mattress or futon, is vacuum packaged in an air impermeable bag by drawing a vacuum at the open end of the bag and applying a ram or pushing force against the bedding assembly at the closed end of the bag. The pushing force may be intermittently cycled. The packaged bedding assembly also may be wrapped in a woven polyethylene overwrap and tied with bands before it is inserted into a shipping carton.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Foamex L.P.
    Inventors: Paul N. Dextraze, Paul A. Haslanger
  • Publication number: 20040250514
    Abstract: A novel method and apparatus of detecting unique items as they are inserted into a product packaging system that is easily adaptable to current product packaging and prize insertion systems. A number of different types of sensors may be used in conjunction with the insertion device to detect the unique prize before it is inserted into a product packaging system. The sensor used will vary depending on the particular application. Sensors that may be used include a capacitive proximity sensor, a thickness sensor, a reflectivity sensor, a transmissivity sensor, a stiffness sensor, a color sensor, or even an odor or chemical sensor. Ideally, the type sensor used will detect a feature of the unique item that is easily distinguishable from other items being inserted. Once the sensor detects the prize and generates a signal, this signal can be used to perform a variety of useful functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2004
    Publication date: December 16, 2004
    Applicant: FRITO-LAY NORTH AMERICA, INC.
    Inventor: Frank Mathew Brenkus
  • Publication number: 20040231299
    Abstract: A flavoring system has a portioning device such as a weigher for receiving unflavored food items and sequentially supplying batches of a specified quantity of them, dispenses measured quantities of a flavoring material with a dispenser, applies these measured quantities of flavoring material to the supplied batches and packages the flavored batches of items in a bag. A sensor monitors the discharge of the flavoring material and a sorting device discards packaged products if the sensor detects an abnormality in the discharge of the flavoring material. A plurality of dispensers may be provided for dispensing measured quantities of different flavoring materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Applicant: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Yakushigawa, Adrian Meredith Sunter
  • Patent number: 6786024
    Abstract: A method for introducing a cover sheet (2) between a transparent sheet (3) and a book-like container (4), which is substantially formed by a pair of closure members (4a, 4b), externally wrapped within the film (3), includes: opening the container (4) by opening said closure members (4a, 4b) by an angle wider than 180°; detaching the transparent film (3) from the outer surface of said closure members (4a, 4b); making a transversal corrugation in a cover sheet (2) situated beside said opened container (4), near an area (2) delimited by said opened members (4a, 4b) and the detached film (3); introduction of gripping means (10), situated on a side opposite with respect to said corrugated cover sheet (2), into said area (Z); gripping said corrugated cover sheet (2) and pulling it, by said gripping means (10), into said area (Z); releasing said cover sheet (2) into said area (Z), which cover sheet consequently spread across said area Z; defining a flattened configuration of the closure members (4a, 4b) s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Sichera Di Sichera Gianni
    Inventors: Massimiliano Sichera, Gianni Sichera
  • Publication number: 20040159078
    Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 19, 2004
    Applicant: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Wayne Rice, James G. McErlean, E. Christian Hess, P. Thomas Shupert, Chih-Jen Leu, Robert Gregory Howell, Michael Joseph Szesko, Andrew P. Booler, Peter Monkhouse, Douglas W. Walton, Michael W.G. Bell, Christopher J. Lasher, Thomas P. Bonkenburg
  • Patent number: 6769228
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Express Scripts, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Mahar
  • Publication number: 20040123564
    Abstract: A system and method places a printed label on a bag. A first plurality of rollers can feed one or more bags, and a second plurality of rollers can feed one or more labels. A tamp pad can place the label on the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. McErlean, Chih-Jen Leu, Michael Joseph Szesko
  • Publication number: 20040065053
    Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Applicant: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Wayne Rice, James G. McErlean, E. Christian Hess, P. Thomas Shupert, Chih-Jen Leu, Robert Gregory Howell, Michael Joseph Szesko, Andrew P. Booler, Peter Monkhouse, Douglas W. Walton, Michael W.G. Bell, Chistopher J. Lasher, Thomas P. Bonkenburg
  • Publication number: 20040025471
    Abstract: A machine for packaging articles, in particular CDs, DVDs and the like, into relative containers, which are formed by a pair of substantially box-like closure members, lower (G1) and upper (G2), hinged to each other along a common hinge edge (D), includes a conveying line (L), which is equipped all around with gripping and transferring means (1). The gripping and transferring means (1) are moved continuously and grip lateral edges of the lower closure member (G1) of the containers (C) housed in closed condition inside a magazine (S0) and remove the containers (C) from the bottom of the magazine (S0). The gripping and transferring means (1) transfer the containers withdrawn from the magazine (S0) to subsequent working stations associated to the line (L).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventors: Massimiliano Sichera, Gianni Sichera
  • Publication number: 20030230047
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically operating a swing-arm-style mail insertion machine to insert products, such as CDs, computer diskettes, credit cards, matchbooks, pens and pencils, keys, etc., into envelopes at high speeds is provided by fixedly attaching, to a swing arm shaft of the swing-arm insertion machine for angular movement therewith, an actuator arm apparatus having an element configured for gripping a product from the front of a raceway of the swing-arm machine when the swing arm shaft is in a front angular position, and for placing the product into the raceway as the swing arm shaft pivots from the front angular position to a rear angular position, and feeding a product from the front of the raceway into the raceway with the actuator arm means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventors: Richard L. Smith, Ronald W. Niebauer
  • Patent number: 6658813
    Abstract: Combined packages including a plurality of complementary containers are disclosed. A first such container is a first generally rectanguloidal container that contains a first item and a second such container is a second generally rectanguloidal container that contains a second item that is different from and complementary to the first item. A packaging material at least partially surrounds each of the containers, thus holding the container in mutual abutment. A combined package can also include an adhesive between the containers that holds a face of the first container and a face of the second container in mutual abutment. To facilitate palletizing the combined packages, the overall shape of the combined package can be generally rectanguloidal. The first container can have a plurality of faces, each of which is generally coplanar with a respective face of the second container. Apparatus and methods for manufacturing such combined packages are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Inventor: Forrest Kelly Clay
  • Patent number: 6615565
    Abstract: Apparatus for packing a pack of boards, eg plaster board, for wrapping and then delivery to a site is disclosed. The apparatus 1 comprises broadly about 30 to 40 board storage units or bins 2, 3 arranged in two sets. Each bin 2, 3 stores a different size and specification of plasterboard. The apparatus 1 also includes a conveyor 4 onto which the boards are tipped from the bin 2, 3 and which conveys the boards from the bins 2, 3 to a packing point. The apparatus 1 also includes a stacker 5 at the packing point for stacking the boards and also attaching for tying the boards together to form a single pack suitable for transport to the site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Boral Australian Gypsum Limited
    Inventor: Thomas J. Dekker
  • Patent number: 6609352
    Abstract: A machine for manufacturing packages for compact discs or similar out of cardboard work piece. The packages consist of a casing part and a slide part inserted therein, with a compact disc and a booklet. These two components are manufactured in separate tracks (A, B), which consist of jigs, whereby each of these rotates stepwise in a rotating table. The casing parts are manufactured by laying down the forward half of a work piece on a placing plate (1), laying down a cover (2) over this, the cover having the same outer shape as the inside of the finished casing, folding its edge upwards with first folding devices (7), folding over its edge with second folding devices (9, 10) applying melt glue on the top flap and laying down the rear half over disc, and squeezing by means of the second folding devices until the glue has stuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Stora Enso Activation AB
    Inventors: Åke Erlund, Staffan Leónarde
  • Publication number: 20030154695
    Abstract: A product packaging system for organizing and packing a number of different items into a set. The system may include a number of staging conveyors. Each of the staging conveyors may carry a stack of items from the number of different items. The system further may include a positioning conveyor positioned adjacent to the staging conveyors and a number of removal devices positioned adjacent to the positioning conveyor. The removal devices may remove one item from the stack of items on each of the staging conveyors and place the item on the positioning conveyor. The system also may include one or more rotation devices positioned about the positioning conveyor so as to rotate the one items on the positioning conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventors: Michael R. Samborn, Parks C. Stewart, John Shoupp
  • Patent number: 6557320
    Abstract: A the compact disk packing machine includes a base having a box providing device for move empty boxes to a box opening device which opens the empty boxes one by one. A transferring device transfers the opened boxes to a disk providing device and a disk positioning device to put a compact disk in each of the opening boxes. A sheet putting device puts a sheet of commercial in the open boxes and a closing device closes the boxes. The boxes having a compact disk and a sheet of commercial are transferred to a collection device and piled up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Inventors: Chen Hsien Chang, Chia Wen Liu, Mao Lung Chien, Ching Chuan Kuo
  • Patent number: 6494023
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting an oxygen scavenger into a modified atmosphere package for extending the shelf life of food, especially raw meats. A scavenger feeder feeds a chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. A separator separates the oxygen scavenger located at an exposed end of the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers from the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. An adhesive applicator applies adhesive to the oxygen scavenger which has been separated from the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. A conveyor conveys the separated oxygen scavenger to a position which is adjacent to a film layer which is used to form an outer package of the modified atmosphere package so that the oxygen scavenger is attached to a surface of the film layer by the adhesive. The film layer is subsequently formed into the outer package so that the oxygen scavenger that is attached to the film layer is contained within the outer package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Pactiv Corporation
    Inventors: Gary R. DelDuca, Stephen L. Goulette, Darryl P. Hansen, Vinod K. Luthra
  • Patent number: 6446416
    Abstract: A bucket on a bucket conveyor has a movable member or wall movable to a laid down position for receiving a horizontally disposed item. The member or wall is moved to reorient the item into an upright position for loading into a carton with another item later introduced into the bucket on another side of the movable member from the first item. Multiple items, inserts and/or multiple products can be handled. Methods and apparatus are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: R. A. Jones & Co. Inc.
    Inventors: John W. Kuhn, Kenneth J. Roe
  • Patent number: 6394308
    Abstract: A tablet feeder of the type in which tablets in a storage case are discharged by rotating a rotor. The tablet feeder can prevent tablets, which are about to be discharged by slight rotation of the rotor, from being inadvertently discharged when the storage case is mounted on or dismounted from a support base. The storage case is detachably mounted on the support base. The rotor is mounted in a bottom portion of the storage case so as to be rotatable about a rotary shaft, and is coupled to a motor through rotary gears at its bottom end. A plurality of small magnets are provided on the outer circumference of the bottom portion, and small magnets are provided at a plurality of locations on the outer circumference of the rotor at predetermined intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Shinichi Honda, Hiroyasu Hamada
  • Patent number: 6367232
    Abstract: A tablet cassette installation-error preventing system comprises cassette supports each having a front side, a rear side, a top side, and a rotor drive therein, wherein the rear side is fixedly attached on the outer periphery of a tablet dropping unit. Pin holes are formed in the top side of each cassette support and the cassettes are detachably mounted on the cassette supports. An installation-error detector having a base with an upper surface attached to the bottom of the cassette. Locking pins downwardly extend from the base lower surface so that the locking pins respectively fit in the pin holes when each tablet cassette is mounted on the cassette support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: JV Medi Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jin S. Kim
  • Patent number: 6256963
    Abstract: An automatic tablet dispenser comprising a tablet dropping unit having a drum communicating with a plurality of release holes which open to a plurality of tablet cassettes storing therein and releasing therefrom a measured quantity of tablets, wherein each of the tablet cassettes comprises a medicine case having a cylindrical opening through a lower portion thereof, a cylindrical rotor having an upper surface and a vertically formed outer periphery along which is formed a plurality of guide teeth having insert openings alternately formed among the guide teeth, a male gear disposed below the medicine case and rotatably engaged to the cylindrical rotor so that the cylindrical rotor can be rotated in correspondence to the male gear, and a vertically raised protrusion formed on the central surface portion of the upper surface of the rotor so as to smoothly agitate the tablets received in the medicine case and prevent the tablets from tangling together with the waved guide while allowing the tablets to be evenly l
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2001
    Inventor: Jin S. Kim