Abstract: A structure for supporting and transporting a plurality of pieces in operations of assembling/disassembling and/or change of configuration in a manufacturing line includes at least one support surface; a plurality of areas defined on the at least one support surface, each of the areas includes a respective piece of the plurality of pieces or being configured to house a respective piece of the plurality of pieces; and a plurality of warning devices selectively actuatable automatically, each warning device being associated to a respective area of the plurality of areas.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a multiplicity of packages including a feeding station, a separation station which is arranged downstream of the feeding station, a single feeding track which carries at least one multiplicity of multiple sheets from the feeding station to the separation station, at least two exit tracks which are arranged downstream of the separation station. Each multiple sheet of the multiplicity of multiple sheets includes at least two portions of sheet lying on a same geometric plane. Each portion of sheet is a single sheet of the package in a flat configuration. Each package of the multiplicity of packages includes at least one product and the single sheet of the package adapted to pass from a flat configuration to a configuration coupled with the at least one product.

Abstract: Provided is a method for managing a modular robot, including at least one module, using a user terminal, the method including: acquiring mount information on the at least one module mounted to the modular robot; receiving module information on a module corresponding to the mount information; and displaying at least one of the mount information and the module information. Also, provided are a user terminal for performing the method for managing a modular robot may be provided, and a non-volatile computer readable recording medium in which a computer program for performing the method for managing a modular robot.

Abstract: An ejection head for an ejection device of a sealing machine for sealing a container includes a supporting element with a supporting axis and a sliding end, and a sliding element for sliding the supporting element along a sliding profile of the sealing machine. The sliding element is arranged at the sliding end and a force acting essentially in the direction of the supporting axis is capable of being transmitted via the sliding element to the supporting element. So that the sliding element and the sliding profile are subject to reduced wear, the sliding element is a rotatable rolling element, so that in the operating state the supporting element is capable of being unrolled over the rotatable rolling element along the sliding profile.

Abstract: A capping unit (100) for articles such as containers and/or bottles in general, of the type including at least one capping group (3) bearing one or more capping heads (8) for screwing caps (6) or capsules on the articles moved by at least one transport line (4). It includes at least one capping heads store (19), adapted to retain a series of capping heads (8), in order to allow the rapid and automatic exchange and substitution of the spindles (25) of the capping group (3); the capping group (3) being moved by an associated motorization, up to reaching the store (19) such to store and pick up, automatically from the group (3) itself the suitable capping head (8) as a function of the size of the caps (6) or capsules to be screwed.

Abstract: A method of operating a closing station includes decoupling a first closing element from a working position of the closing station and moving it away from the working position, bringing a second closing element into the working position, and coupling it into the container transport path at the working position.

Abstract: The disclosure describes, in part, a system and method for improving the stacking of containers on or in a transportation unit. In some implementations, a stacking configuration may be planned that identifies containers and a position for those containers in the stacking configuration. As part of the planning, a volume correction may be identified that if corrected would improve the stability of the stacking configuration. A planned custom container may also be identified and one or more dimension values of the planned custom container modified based on the volume correction. The modified planned custom container may be added to the planned stacking configuration to improve the stability of the stacking configuration.

Abstract: A bread packaging apparatus for packaging bread in a bag, includes a first urging unit that comes into contact with a loaf of bread and conveys the loaf of bread along a conveying path; and a control unit for controlling a speed of the first urging unit. The control unit controls the speed of the first urging unit such that the speed when the first urging unit comes into contact with the loaf of bread is different from the speed when the first urging unit conveys the loaf of bread.

Abstract: A device for gripping and holding containers in a container handling machine. The device includes pivotable gripper arms to grip a container, a carrier body to support the gripper arms, and a transport element to connect the carrier body to the container handling machine. The carrier body comprises retaining elements to attach the carrier body to the transport element. Each of the retaining elements comprises a retaining structure. The transport element comprises retaining portions. Each of the retaining elements is designed to be resilient to hold the retaining structures in a position to permit engagement of the retaining structures with the retaining portions.

Abstract: A packaging system 100 includes a controller 102, an input device 104 in communication with the controller 102 that identifies one or more characteristics of the container, and a manual input device 106 in communication with the controller 102 that provides multiple input options for selection by a packer. The input options represent relative degrees to which a container is filled by one or more objects to be packaged. The controller 102 provides an output signal indicating a quantity of dunnage to dispense to the container based on the selected input option and the one or more identified characteristics of the container. Once the controller receives the container characteristics information, as well as the selected input option representing the relative degree to which the container is filled by the objects to be packaged, the controller can determine the number and lengths of dunnage strips that need to be provided to fill the remaining void in the container.

Abstract: A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters and a control for releasing a desired quantity of pills from a selected pill canister at a target location. Several platens are provided; each of the platens has a platen identifier. A frame is situated beneath the target location. The frame is controlled to move in both an X axis and/or a Y axis and the frame holds a selected platen of a set of platens. The selected platen holds and supports a target container into which the desired quantity of pills is deposited. The platen identifier is read by the device for dispensing pills to determine which of the plurality of platens is in the frame.

Abstract: A container treatment system (1, 13) that has at least two working areas (AP). Each of the working areas (AP) respectively comprises at least one exchangeable working tool (2) and/or one adaptable format part. Furthermore, the container treatment system (1, 13) comprises at least one handling device (10) which is movable, in particular drivable, to the at least two working areas (AP), which handling device (10) can be connected selectively to any of the respective working areas (AP), in particular using centering means (22, 32), and which handling device (10) comprises tools for exchanging the working tools (2) and/or for adapting the format parts of the respective working area (AP). The invention further relates to a handling (10) device for exchanging working tools (2) and/or for adapting the format parts of at least two different working areas (AP) of a container treatment system (1, 13).

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a tablet computer or an electrical device having a touch screen in multiple orientations, the apparatus including a substantially planar base, a back member, a first hinge attaching the back member to the base, a cover configured to hold the electrical device, and a connector that attaches the cover to the back member. The connector can include at least one alignment piece that aligns the cover to the back member only in certain predefined orientations including a landscape orientation and a portrait orientation, and the alignment piece inhibits the cover from being rotated about an axis perpendicular to the cover relative to the back member when the cover is attached to the back member with the connector, but the connector allows the cover to be detached from the back member and reattached in a different one of the predefined orientations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool changing device of a work station in a thermoform packaging machine, used for allowing a work insert to be removed from the work station laterally relative to the working direction, said tool insert being adapted to be raised to a position above a chain guide on at least one side.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a packaging machine comprising a liftable and lowerable tool, wherein a first lift drive, implemented as a spindle drive with a spindle and a spindle nut, and a second lift drive are provided for moving the tool in a vertical direction. The disclosure is characterized in that, by means of the second lift drive, a tool guide is movable in a vertical direction, and that, at a raised position of the tool guide, the tool can be put down on the tool guide by means of the spindle drive.

Abstract: A bottle filling plant configured to fill blow molded bottles with a liquid beverage filling product and a treatment machine for bottles or similar containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A form-fill-seal machine for manufacturing pouches of a plurality of types having different shapes includes a tubular part, a conveying part and a sealing part. The tubular part is replaceable according to a shape of the pouch to be manufactured. The conveying part is configured and arranged to convey tubular packaging material along the tubular part with an internal surface of the packaging material facing an external surface of the tubular part. A position of the conveying part with respect to the tubular part is selectively movable according to the shape of the pouch to be manufactured. The sealing part is configured and arranged to seal a prescribed position on the packaging material conveyed by the conveying part.

Abstract: A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters and a control for releasing a desired quantity of pills from a selected pill canister at a target location. Several platens are provided, each of the plurality of platens having a machine-readable platen identifier. A frame is situated beneath the target location. The frame is adapted to move in both an X axis and a Y axis and adapted to accept and hold a selected platen of a set of platens whereas the selected platen holds and supports a target container into which the desired quantity of pills is deposited and the machine-readable platen identifier is read by the device for dispensing pills to determine which of the plurality of platens is the selected platen.

Abstract: A method and a computer program for converting a packaging line. A packaging and storage system for combining and packing and/or repacking of articles. With the method according to the invention at hand it is being determined on the basis of the desired composition of articles, which tools are required in the packaging line and a respective data processor controlled replacement of the tools is carried out in the packaging line. The removed and no longer needed tools are placed in storage afterwards.

Abstract: A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters and a control for releasing a desired quantity of pills from a selected pill canister at a target location. A frame is situated beneath the target location. The frame is adapted to accept and hold a selected platen of a set of platens and to move the selected platen in both an X axis and a Y axis. The selected platen holds and supports a target container into which the desired quantity of pills is deposited.

Abstract: The machine (100) comprises a supply station (S1) destined to receive a mattress (M) to be conveyed to a rolling station (S2) comprising a plurality of rolling rollers (1), partly arranged in a fixed section (21) of the station (S2) and partly arranged in an openable section (22), arranged in respective curved lines to define internally thereof a practically-cylindrical rolling chamber (10) with horizontal axes. Sliding organs (3) are interposed between the fixed section (21) and the openable section (22), for regulating a mutual distance between the fixed section (21) and the openable section (22) in order to vary, within a predetermined range, a base area of the rolling chamber (10) and in order to determine corresponding rolling diameters of the mattress (M) comprised between a minimum value (D1) and a maximum value (D2).

Abstract: A quick-change tooling system includes a plurality of pickers each configured to pick specific items, and a plurality of magazines each configured to hold a stack of the items. A pick and place machine includes a carriage for moving the pickers between a picking location adjacent the magazine and a placing location. The carriage includes a quick-release clamp assembly that allows pickers for different items to be changed quickly and without the use of tools. The magazines and product support plates upon which items are also configured to be changed without the use of tools.

Abstract: A method and machine for packaging smoking articles or other tobacco industry products in which the products and packaging may be transported from selected product supply systems (22a-e) and packaging material supply systems (42a-g) selectively along a plurality of alternative transport routes through the machine through a series of workstations (61-69) arranged to incorporate batches of smoking products selectively in different packaging materials according to the transport route selected.

Abstract: A bag making and packaging apparatus is adapted to bend a film and to form a packaging bag. The bag making and packaging apparatus includes a former and a supporting member. The former is configured and arranged to form the film into a tubular shape. The supporting member removably supports the former. The supporting member is configured and arranged to allow movement of the former from a first position, in which a packaging operation is performed, to a second position, which is lower than the first position.

Abstract: Changing or feeding, respectively, of a working tool (11) into a workstation (110) of a packaging machine (1) takes place by varying a distance of a receiving unit having arranged the working tools (11), with respect to a support rack (15) by means of a lifting device (200). By means of a shifting means (300) the working tool (11) can be shifted from the support (10) into the workstation (110), or reverse. Therein, the support (10) can be formed such that it is movable out of the packaging machine (1).

Abstract: A modular packaging system includes a base system configured to manipulate a product and configured to receive at least one of a group of packaging modules, wherein the base system is used with a variety of packaging modules depending on a desired packaged output. The system also includes a first packaging module selectively coupled to the base system, the packaging module having a first member coupled to the packaging module, the member configured to manipulate an object. The system may also include a second packaging module selectively coupled to the base system, the second packaging module having a lifting device coupled to the second packaging module, the lifting device configured to manipulate an object.

Abstract: A quick change module operable for being removably attached to and extending below a forming tube of a conventional vertical form, fill, and seal machine to produce a wide assortment of differently sized vertical stand-up pouches or gusseted flat bottom bags. The quick change module comprises at least one pair of adjustable forming plates located below the forming tube. The lateral distance between each pair of forming plates can be adjusted by shifting the position of each forming plate along a corresponding slotted bracket. A gusseting mechanism mounted to the frame of the machine can be positioned between each pair of forming plates imparting a vertical crease along the length of the bag while it is being formed and advanced down the forming tube of the machine.

Abstract: A round baler comprises a mechanism for encircling a bale after it has been formed with a wrapping material drawn from a web on a supply roll. A guide mechanism is provided for adjusting the width of the web of wrapping material as it is offered to a formed bale, so as to selectively enable and disable the wrapping of the edges of the bale.

Abstract: An installation for packaging tablets in a blister strip moving beneath a bulk feed device for tablets, the installation includes a distribution system comprising a mounting stand (1) for motorized control elements which has an attachment surface (100) provided with at least two sets of fixing members (41, 42) for detachably mounting thereon at least two interchangeable distribution units, each in working relationship with at least some of said motorized control elements in order to drive corresponding parts to execute the distribution of the tablets between the bulk feed device and the blister strip. Such interchangeable units may preferably include at least one dispersion-based distribution unit with rotating brushes in succession above the travel path of the blister strip, and at least one channel-based distribution unit with descending guide ramps for the tablets.

Abstract: A quick change module operable for being removably attached to and extending below a forming tube of a conventional vertical form, fill, and seal machine to produce a wide assortment of differently sized vertical stand-up pouches or gusseted flat bottom bags. The quick change module comprises at least one pair of adjustable forming plates located below the forming tube. The lateral distance between each pair of forming plates can be adjusted by shifting the position of each forming plate along a corresponding slotted bracket. A gusseting mechanism mounted to the frame of the machine can be positioned between each pair of forming plates imparting a vertical crease along the length of the bag while it is being formed and advanced down the forming tube of the machine.

Abstract: A heat tunnel for applying heated air to articles enclosed in shrink-wrap film includes at least one air supply unit; a conveyor; and a heat shroud spaced from the conveyor. Tha air supply unit includes a source of heated air, a fan, a heated air plenum, air ducts, and a return air plenum. Multiple air supply units can be provided along the conveyor to create a heat tunnel of desired length.

Abstract: An automatic packaging apparatus has an arraying and supplying station, a sorting station and a packaging station. The arraying and supplying station forcibly arrays and supplies encased products to orient their caps in one direction. The sorting station selectively sorts the arrayed encased products to a first feed path for feeding the encased products to package the encased products in a abreast-arrayed attitude and a second feed path for feeding the encased products to package the encased products in a tandem-arrayed attitude. The packaging station automatically packages the encased products by a shrink sheet in the abreast-arrayed attitude or the tandem-arrayed attitude.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus 10 including a cabinet 11 provided with a door 12 which is movable relative to an axis opening 13. Within the cabinet 11 is a packaging machine 15 with which there is associated a former 14. The former 14 is movably supported for movement between an operative position aligned with the packaging machine 15, and a service position spaced laterally toward the access opening 13.

Abstract: A container handling machine for containers, such as bottles, with a carousel that rotates around a vertical axis, with handling stations located at appropriate intervals for the handling of the containers, whereby the handling stations are located in a space that is essentially enclosed and is pressurized with a controlled atmosphere and having rotating portions of the space and non-rotating portions that are stationary with respect to the rotating portions, with receptacles (12) for holding the containers corresponding to each handling station, whereby these receptacles (12) are interchangeable.

Abstract: A method for carrying out and verifying substitution and/or adjustments of mechanical components in an automatic packaging machine (1) during the size change over, said machine (1) being equipped with a computerized unit (UCC, 2, D) for verifying and storing instructions related to the operations necessary to change over the size of the articles being processed. The operations include substitution of specific mechanical components and/or adjustment of the spatial positioning of specific mechanical components. Information elements relevant to the size change over are stored in the unit (UCC, 2D) and are recalled and transferred to a palm-size computer (3, E).

Abstract: Device and method for filling a carton with flexible articles. Individual articles are grouped to a vertical stack and entered in a cassette in which the stack is tightly received. The cassette is closed on all sides and after removing of the opening the stack of bags will gently drop in a carton being positioned below. According to a further aspect of the invention the device is arranged to provide both horizontal and vertical stacking of bags in cartons by replacing the cassette by a carton which is subsequently tilted.

Abstract: In order to be able to easily exchange the fill pipe in a vertical tubular bagging machine, where a flat foil web is reshaped on a forming shoulder into a foil tube running over a fill pipe, a forming shoulder is suggested which can be opened. A shoulder sleeve out of two separate sleeve parts is formed by this forming shoulder, a shoulder connection consists of two separate connection parts, each one sleeve part and adjoining connection part form one component, the two components describe the forming shoulder, and one component can be removed from the other component in order to be able to remove the fill pipe transversely with respect to the transport direction from the forming shoulder.

Abstract: A wrapping machine and/or a top foil wrapping machine machine frame, which is supported on a fixed base and has upright vertical columns and horizontal cross members connecting the vertical columns to each other. Each vertical column has at least two column parts detachably joined together end on end, the column parts including a lower column part and an upper column part. Only the lower column parts of the vertical columns are connected to each other by the cross members while the upper column parts are not connected to each other. To store and/or transport the machine, the machine is reduced to a low size (A) for packaging, by detaching the upper column parts from the lower column parts of the vertical columns. The upper column parts may be reattached to the lower column parts to install the machine from the packaged size (A) to a full working size (B).

Abstract: The wrapping of groups of products positioned according to a determined number of mutually superposed layers is achieved by feeding in succession groups of products firstly into a tubular case made to heat-sealable material and, then, to a first wrapping device when the number of layers is equal to one and to a second wrapping device when the number of layers is at least equal to two; the two wrapping devices being able to wrap each group inside a related wrapping sheet, which is folded substantially in contact with the related group, and which is stabilized by means of sealing operations.

Abstract: Netting chutes suitable for use with manual and automatic packaging operations to enclose product in netting packaging include a non-circular cross-sectional cavity shape.

Abstract: A machine for packaging multiple containers wherein a flexible carrier stock is fed across a jaw drum. A plurality of containers are also moved through the machine whereby the carrier is subsequently positioned over the plurality of containers so that flexible carrier stock engages with one of the containers to form a package. The machine is adjustable to accommodate a range of container heights and sizes, carrier configurations and/or package sizes. In addition, movement of the various components of the machine is coordinated using a drive system and a controller.

Abstract: A method of producing soft packets of cigarettes, whereby an inner packet, as it is fed along a packing path, is mated with a sheet of packing material withdrawn in a direction tangential with respect to the packing path; the sheet of packing material being folded into a U about the inner packet, so that a first end portion of the sheet of packing material contacts a minor lateral surface of the inner packet, and being further folded to form a tubular package which is subsequently closed at the end; the tubular package being closed laterally by detaching the first end portion from the relative minor lateral surface, and inserting, beneath the first end portion, a second end portion, an outer surface of which has been gummed beforehand.

Abstract: A system for packaging multiple containers wherein a carrier is moved through an applicating machine, the carrier constructed of flexible plastic having a plurality of elongated apertures aligned in transverse ranks, which elongated apertures are oriented in a longitudinal direction of the carrier and have a longitudinal pitch between a center of each adjacent elongated aperture, the longitudinal pitch having a first length. A plurality of containers are also moved through the applicating machine, each container of the plurality of containers spaced apart from an adjacent container by the applicating machine. The carrier is subsequently positioned over the plurality of containers whereby each elongated aperture engages with one of the containers to form a package having a container pitch between a center of adjacent containers with a second length shorter then the first length.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and methods for manufacturing and shipping goods using a work platform that easily converts into a protective cover for use during shipment of the finished good. The device of the present invention reduces waste generated by the manufacturing and shipping processes through the use of a platform capable of retaining a good during both assembly and shipment. When shipment is complete, the platform is preferably constructed of a material that is recyclable. During assembly, the work platform exists as a single, planar platform comprising a first support surface and a second support surface fixedly joined at an interface. During shipment, the protective cover exists as the first support surface and second support surface fixedly interconnected in a parallel orientation.

Abstract: A flat bottom bag or flexible package, and method for manufacturing same, constructed by modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a flat bottom bag from a single sheet of packaging film by creating two vertical creases along opposite sides of a packaging film tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. These creases are formed using fixed or stationary modifications to prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines.

Abstract: A continuous process for forming a transdermal patch which comprises the steps of: continuously feeding a strip of material comprising a layer of permeable membrane; continuously feeding into close proximity and in face-to-face relationship with the first strip a second strip formed of impermeable backing material; passing the first and second strips together through a filling and sealing station in which the material containing an active substance is introduced between the strips and pouches are formed by first sealing devices which seal the strips together in a longitudinal direction of the strips and second sealing devices which seal the strips together in a transverse direction of the strips; the size of the pouches being adjusted by adjusting the number position and/or frequency of operation of the first sealing devices and/or by adjusting the number position and/or frequency of operation of the second sealing devices.

Abstract: A form-fill-and-seal (FFS) packaging machine is described wherein a zipper is attached to the package simultaneously with the sealing operation at the sealing and evacuation station. The attached zipper is thereafter welded in place at the zipper welding and cutting station. A zipper blank feeder and a channel-forming die with an impulse sealer are integrated into the sealing die of a packaging machine forming a combination work station. The zipper is installed at an existing work station and shares the existing lifting device. This enables the retrofitting of an FFS packaging machine to include a zipper attachment function without changing the footprint thereof. The combination work station forms a channel for the zipper blank between the thermoformed web and the lidstock. While the sealing die is providing a seal about the lid, the impulse sealer in the channel-forming die attaches the zipper to an initial attachment portion of the packaging film.

Abstract: A vertical stand-up pouch, or flexible package having a zipper seal mechanism incorporated therein, and method for manufacturing same, constructed with a quick change module modification to existing vertical form and fill packaging machines. The invention involves producing a vertical stand-up pouch from a single sheet of packaging film by inserting a zipper seal mechanism on a first side of the packaging film tube and creating a vertical crease along the tube prior to forming a transverse seal on the tube. The zipper seal mechanism is attached to the packaging film prior to sealing the sheet of the packaging film along its longitudinal seam forming a tube comprising, in part, a quick change module that easily installs on the base of a forming tube. Likewise, the crease is formed using fixed or stationary modifications to prior art vertical form, fill, and seal machines comprising, in part, a quick change module that easily installs on the base of a forming tube.

Abstract: A combination including, preferably, alternate tunnel extensions for a bagging machine, the extensions alternately fitted to a primary tunnel with quick-release fasteners. One of the extensions for filling a determined bag size and the other extension for filling a larger size bag. A bag support provided on the other extension for increasing the dimensional support for the bag to accommodate the larger bag size.

Abstract: In a system for adjusting the height of a station for feeding items in a packaging machine, in which the feeding station has an outlet conveyor for the articles being delivered to other working stations of the packaging machine, the working stations are adjusted in height with respect to a common zero reference plane by a control unit. A lower stationary framework carries the item feeding station, while an upper moving framework is interposed between the feeding station and the lower stationary framework. A driving belt is powered by a motor for moving the moving framework with respect to the stationary framework. The motor is connected to the control unit for receiving an activation command corresponding to a height for the outlet conveyor determined in dependence of the height imposed to the other working stations. The driving belt move the moving framework vertically with respect to the stationary framework to position the outlet conveyor at a selected height with respect to the reference plane.