Abstract: A system and method for generating a dosing aid label for a syringe are described. In a method, patient information and medicament information are received. The medicament information includes one or more of a description of the medicament, a recommended dosage of the medicament and concentration information relating to the medicament. A dosing aid associated with the patient information and medicament information is generated. The dosing aid includes dosing information which is usable in guiding administration of a dose of the medicament. A print instruction message is transmitted to a printing device. The instruction message is configured to instruct the printing device to print a dosing aid label including the dosing aid on the syringe or a sheet of material configured to be affixed to a syringe. The dosing aid label is usable in guiding administration of the dose of the medicament to the patient.

Abstract: Folding apparatus (1) for folding sheet packaging elements (2), comprising main conveying means (12), configured to sequentially receive the packaging elements (2) from a feeding station (13) and to advance each packaging element (2) along a first path (A), forming means (15), carried by the main conveying means (12) and configured to cooperate in use with a first face (2b) of each packaging element (2) while the packaging element (2) is advanced along the first path (A), and folding means (18), advanced by auxiliary conveying means (16) along a second path (Q), having a first portion (Q1) distinct from the first path (A) and a second portion (Q2), which is in common with the first path (A) and along which the folding means (18) cooperate with a second face (2a), opposite the first face (2b), of each packaging element (2) to fold the packaging element (2) against the forming means (15).

Abstract: A receiver assembly can be coupled to a spindle to receive self-piercing rivets carried by a tape along a tape path below a punch. A reverse locking pawl can be designed to permit movement of the tape relative to the reverse locking pawl along the tape path in a forward direction and to engage a positioning aperture of the tape to stop movement of the tape in the reverse direction when a lead rivet is aligned with the punch. A method can include moving the tape forward along the tape path until a lead rivet of the tape is at a position along the tape path that is beyond an alignment position with the punch, and moving the tape in reverse to engage the corresponding positioning aperture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food production line (11) with a forming apparatus (5) that comprises a rotating drum (1), which is utilized to form a product (7) from a food mass and a packaging machine (13), which packages the products in a packaging (14). The present invention further relates to a process for forming a product, whereas several products are formed and subsequently dropped simultaneously from a drum on an accumulation belt.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for loading empty and formed six-pack bottle carriers into a larger case (i.e. a multi-pack) is provided. The packaging device includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The six-pack carriers are formed by unfolding them in the upper portion. Various components are associated with the upper portion of the packaging device. The case receives a plurality of six-pack carriers therein. The larger cases is formed by unfolding them in the lower portion of the packaging device. Various components are associated with the lower portion of the packaging device. The upper portion and lower portion operate simultaneously to efficiently produce a case have empty six-pack carriers placed therein for later filling with bottles at a downstream destination. The system includes the machine, the cases, the six-pack carriers, and the bottles, operating collectively.

Abstract: A medicine packaging apparatus 10 has a medicine preparing and dispensing portion 20, a packaging portion 150, a pre-packaging photographing portion 100 for reading identification information attached to a medicine in a phase before the medicines are packaged by the packaging portion 150, an individually supplying portion 60 which can individually supply the plurality of medicines received from the side of the medicine preparing and dispensing portion 20 to the side of the pre-packaging photographing portion 100 and a control part 200. The individually supplying portion 60 includes a receiving portion 72 for receiving the medicines from the side of the medicine preparing and dispensing portion 20 and a delivering device 64 which can perform a delivery action for delivering the medicines by individually holding the medicines in the receiving portion 72 and releasing the medicines toward the side of the pre-packaging photographing portion 100.

Abstract: A superconducting multi-bit digital mixer, designed using rapid single flux quantum (RSFQ) logic, for multiplying two independent digital streams, at least one of these comprising a plurality of parallel bit lines, wherein the output is also a similar plurality of bit lines. In a preferred embodiment, one of the digital streams represents a local oscillator signal, and the other digital stream digital radio frequency input from an analog-to-digital converter. The multi-bit mixer comprises an array of bit-slices, with the local oscillator signal generated using shift registers. This multi-bit mixer is suitable for an integrated circuit with application to a broadband digital radio frequency receiver, a digital correlation receiver, or a digital radio frequency transmitter. A synchronous pulse distribution network is used to ensure proper operation at data rates of 20 GHz or above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a food production line (11) with a forming apparatus (5) that comprises a rotating drum (1), which is utilized to form a product (7) from a food mass and a packaging machine (13), which packages the products in a packaging (14). The present invention further relates to a process for forming a product, whereas several products are formed and subsequently dropped simultaneously from a drum on an accumulation belt.

Abstract: This machine comprises a hopper (2) for storing empty straws, a station (5) for filling the straws, and a transfer device (3), such as a rotary barrel, which is provided with notches for receiving and holding the straws (p) and with which straws removed from the hopper are conveyed to the filling station (5); it is designed to process at least two categories of straws of different diameters, notches being subdivided into at least two distinct series that can be used selectively, the elements (90) of one of the two series being designed to adapt to straws of large diameter, while the elements (91) of the other series are designed to adapt to straws of small diameter. Machine that can be used in more than one way in the packaging of semen for artificial insemination, particularly of cows.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: Improved product handling and transfer apparatus includes rotatable product buckets for receiving product and re-orienting product for packaging in diverse configurations or containers. Buckets preferably include channels spanned by deposited product or receiving product therein, with bucket turning as appropriate to a packaging configuration. Flat bottom buckets and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a drug-sorting device for dispensing multiple drugs. [Solution] This drug-sorting device is equipped with multiple receiving parts that have an opening and are arranged side-by-side in the longitudinal direction, a conveyor means for conveying drugs into the respective receiving parts, and a first adjustment means for changing the width of the openings. Said first adjustment means is provided with a rail that extends in the longitudinal direction, multiple partitioning parts that partition two adjacent receiving parts and are slidable along the rail, and a rotatable width adjustment drum. On the width adjustment drum, multiple guide grooves are arranged side-by-side at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction and extend so as not to be parallel to each other in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for placing trays into sleeves is provided. The apparatus includes a conveyor system for transporting a mail tray, a sleeve blank presentment device and a robotic arm. The robotic arm is provided with an end of arm tool which retains and opens a sleeve blank. A tray induction system including a plurality of paddles configured to guide a tray into an open sleeve blank is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting an object into an envelope in which the envelopes are stacked in a stacker. An envelope flap of the envelope is grasped by a lip on a rotary cam to open the envelope. The envelope flap of the envelope is brought into and maintained in contact with a surface of the rotary cam. The envelope is then pulled, via the envelope flap, so as to place and maintain the envelope in contact with the surface of the rotary cam. The rotary cam reverses the envelope to move the envelope into an inserting area where the envelope is detached from the surface of the rotary cam. An object is then inserted into the envelope and the envelope is then removed from the inserting area.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for dispensing a prescribed product in a Petri dish, the device comprising pistons, a transfer member with lid-bearing openings and a dish bottom, and a dispensor. According to the disclosure, the transfer member is a shuttle capable of translation relative to the base according to a direct reciprocating movement of the bearing openings between either of first and second stop positions, the dispensor being arranged so as to dispense the product above the inner opening and under the upper opening at the bottom of the dish when the openings are in a position selected from the first and second stop positions.

Abstract: An apparatus is described that is used to load containers with small objects similar to Flash memory SD or micro SD cards. The apparatus can be made in three configurations; a fully manual operated configuration, a manual configuration in combination with one or more automated machines, and finally as a fully automated handling apparatus. In its simplest form, the apparatus consists of a base plate with an attached bar containing a grooved bar member such that the jewel cases are restrained in the grooved bar member in such a way as to allow the jewel cases to be moved in a linear or circular direction and provide means such that the cases can be easily loaded with the objects and then removed from the base plate.

Abstract: A machine for filling bottles with solid forms of pharmaceutical products is provided with a conveying device for continuously moving forward a sequence of bottles along a given path, and a vibrating distribution plate, which is mounted along the path itself so as to continuously rotate around its own longitudinal axis, and has a plurality of feeding channels, each of which is wound in a helix around and along said longitudinal axis, and is moved forward in phase with a corresponding bottle to feed a given number of solid forms in the bottle itself.

Abstract: A packaging station of a packaging machine for filling containers with products, the station comprising a transport device for feeding the products along a feed path and via first and second charging paths which run parallel to said feed path and transport the containers. The containers are filled by a filling device designed to seize one or more of the products from the feed path and to place said seized products into one or more containers on one or other of the charging paths. The charging paths consist of the following sequence of items, listed in order in the displacement direction of the containers to be filled: a set-up assembly, a transport device and a sealing unit. The device and method permit a more rapid filling of packaging materials with products in a relatively small space, in particular on a platform.

Abstract: Refinements made to distributor units which serve to continuously transfer and position tablets or pills in organized alveoli in an advancing strip, the advancing strip presenting its alveoli on each occasion in correspondence with holes normally organized positioned radially in a distributor disk. The distributor disk has zero setting means, and is associated with means which supply the rotation motion by means of intermediate means. The intermediate connection means arc connected stably to the distributor disk and detachably to the means which supply the motion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inserting food products into packages are disclosed, and in particular apparatus and methods for inserting generally thin or planar food products from a stack of such food products into a package. A stacker assembly includes a pusher mechanism for advancing a bottommost food product or products from the stack toward an opening or edge disposed above a package so that the food product or products can fall into the package.

Abstract: A unit (100) for filling containers (2) with products (1), in particular pharmaceutical products (1), includes a hopper (3, 3a) containing a mass of products (1) in bulk, conveying means (5, 6) aimed at feeding the products (1) leaving the hopper (3) along a predetermined path (P) up to a station (SR), where the containers (2) are filled with the products (1). The containers (2) are fed to the filling station (SR) by transporting means (4, C). A checking station (SC) for checking the products (1) is situated along the path (P) upstream of the filling station (SR). The conveying means (5, 6) include first means (51, 52, 53) consisting of vibrating planes and second conveying means (6). The second conveying means (6) are situated at the checking station (SC) between the conveying/vibrating planes (51, 52, 53) and the filling station (SR).

Abstract: The candle uses wax beads produced using existing equipment. The wax beads are transported to a bead hopper and the bead hopper deposits a volume of wax beads into jars prepared with a wick. Concurrently the jars are vibrated using a continuous vibratory motor to settle the wax beads for increased wax bead density. The filled jars are then transported to an in-container wax bead compression system where an automated plunging device compresses the wax beads. Jars are then transported by in-line conveyor to a wide conveyor. The jars are then filled at a liquid wax depositing station where the wax has been heated to its melting point and deposited into the jar to fill the void left by the in-container wax bead Compression system. The filled candle is then cooled to solidification. The finished candle is then ready for packing, distribution, sale, and use.

Abstract: An inserter apparatus for inserting an item into a holder. The inserter apparatus includes a deck, a mover, an opening system, and a controller. The deck can slidably support the holder from a first location to an item loading location. The mover can move the holder along the deck, wherein the mover includes a drive motor, a conveyor connected to the drive motor, and a gripper connected to the conveyor. The drive motor is a servo motor. The opening system is at the item loading location for opening the holder and inserting the item into the holder. The controller is connected to the servo motor. The controller is adapted to vary speed of the servo motor to thereby vary speed of the conveyor and the holder along the deck.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated packaging apparatus utilizing a rotating assembly of elongated slats containing cavities to receive discrete pharmaceutical, vitamin, or food products. Quantities of discrete products such as tablets, capsules, or gels are deposited into the hopper of the apparatus. The apparatus then dispenses the discrete products into containers moving on a conveyor system such that each container receives a predetermined quality and quantity of pharmaceutical, vitamin, or food products. While operating at high speed, the apparatus inspects, counts, identifies and analyzes each product deposited into the containers and maintains electronic records describing the status of each product. In the event any errors occur the apparatus produces various alerts to inform the operator. The presence of foreign products or objects may cause the apparatus to instantly stop the entire system including peripheral equipment.

Abstract: A system and method are provided that allow meat logs to be manually loaded into a slicing station and thereafter be continuously automatically processed at the slicing station, a harping station, and an insertion station for automated packaging thereof without the need for handling of the meat stacks by workers. To this end, the slicing station is effective to form smaller sections or chubs from the meat logs and to do so such that the chubs are provided with substantially parallel flat end-faces to ensure that high quality meat slices are generated therefrom. The chubs are then transported to the harping station where each of the chubs undergoes a single cutting operation, thus simultaneously forming the meat slices therefrom and substantially maintaining the slices in the configuration of the chubs for generating well-formed stacks of the slices.

Abstract: A packaging machine includes a grouper section having changeable lane sizes and a dual servo grouper that separates product into product sets and allow the product sets to accelerate to the lane chain speed in a controlled manner. The grouper section further includes disappearing lugs that pivot into the lanes via a cam surface provided in the lanes. The product rides upon a raised surface of the cam surface as the lug pushes the product set together down the lane, thus ensuring that no gaps are provided between product set members. A gripper/grid section of the packaging machine includes a bars that travel about a carousel with a gripper head assembly and a grid assembly pair moving up and down the bars as defined by cam surfaces within the gripper/grid section. The grid section is presented below the product set such that the product set is fed through the grid section in a one-way trip into a case. The gripper head assembly cam device and the case feed section both include height adjustment assemblies.

Abstract: A container-filling machine for placing discrete articles within at least one container. The container filling machine comprises at least one vibration tray comprising a discrete article receiving end, a discrete article drop-off end and a plurality of channels extending from the discrete article receiving end to the discrete article drop-off end. Each channel includes two discrete article receiving paths at the discrete article receiving end. The two discrete article receiving paths combine into a single discrete article-depositing path in proximity to the discrete article drop-off end. The vibration tray is operative for moving discrete articles from the discrete article-receiving end to the discrete article drop-off end along the plurality of channels. The container filling machine further comprises a plurality of sloped paths for receiving the discrete articles from the discrete article drop-off end of the at least one vibration tray.

Abstract: To quickly fill a bag with medicine containers without damaging the containers, a machine for filling a bag with medicine containers includes: a bag positioning member (4) for positioning and opening a bag (13); a first moving member (37) that reciprocates between a supply position inside the bag (13) and a waiting position outside the bag (13), the first moving member including a bottom surface portion for supporting medicine containers; a second moving member that reciprocates relative to the bag (13) and includes a guide surface (47) guiding medicine containers (11) to the bottom surface portion; and a drive-control means (59) that moves the first moving member (37) from the supply position to the waiting position while maintaining the second moving member (38) in a fixed position relative to the bag (13), thereby causing medicine containers (11) guided by the guide surface (47) to the bottom surface portion to remain in the bag (13).

Abstract: An inserter apparatus for inserting an item into a holder. The inserter apparatus includes a deck, a mover, an opening system, and a controller. The deck can slidably support the holder from a first location to an item loading location. The mover can move the holder along the deck, wherein the mover includes a drive motor, a conveyor connected to the drive motor, and a gripper connected to the conveyor. The drive motor is a servo motor. The opening system is at the item loading location for opening the holder and inserting the item into the holder. The controller is connected to the servo motor. The controller is adapted to vary speed of the servo motor to thereby vary speed of the conveyor and the holder along the deck.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for packaging and conveying components that uses a heat-formed bearing strip provided with cells. The cells preferably all have the same standard size, and the components are maintained in place in the cells using a filler material that can be configured at will. The disclosure also relates to a component supply device including such a device, and to a method for implementing such a device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first feed path configured to transport an envelope from an input at an envelope supply to an insertion location, and a second feed path configured to transport the envelope with a mail piece insert therein from the insertion location to an output. The first and second feed paths intersect at an intersection spaced from the insertion location. The paths are angled relative to each other at the intersection.

Abstract: A unit (100) for filling containers (2) with products (1), in particular pharmaceutical products (1), includes a hopper (3,3a) containing a mass of products (1) in bulk, conveying means (5,6) aimed at feeding the products (1) leaving the hopper (3) along a predetermined path (P) up to a station (SR), where the containers (2) are filled with the products (1). The containers (2) are fed to the filling station (SR) by transporting means (4,C). A checking station (SC) for checking the products (1) is situated along the path (P) upstream of the filling station (SR). The conveying means (5,6) include first means (51,52,53) consisting of vibrating planes and second conveying means (6). The second conveying means (6) are situated at the checking station (SC) between the conveying vibrating planes means (51,52,53) and the filling station (SR).

Abstract: A system and method are provided that allow meat logs to be manually loaded into a slicing station and thereafter be continuously automatically processed at the slicing station, a harping station, and an insertion station for automated packaging thereof without the need for handling of the meat stacks by workers. To this end, the slicing station is effective to form smaller sections or chubs from the meat logs and to do so such that the chubs are provided with substantially parallel flat end-faces to ensure that high quality meat slices are generated therefrom. The chubs are then transported to the harping station where each of the chubs undergoes a single cutting operation, thus simultaneously forming the meat slices therefrom and substantially maintaining the slices in the configuration of the chubs for generating well-formed stacks of the slices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for preparing and packaging scented wax for use with wickless candles, and for preparing and packaging other types of wax and non-wax products, are disclosed herein. A wax product manufacturing machine configured in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure can include a container loading assembly that loads a plurality of empty product containers onto a conveyor for transfer to container filling assembly. The container filling assembly can simultaneously fill the plurality of empty product containers with colored and/or scented wax. The manufacturing machine can further include a cooling assembly through which the filled wax containers move for cooling and hardening of the wax therein. The manufacturing machine can additionally include a discharge assembly that closes the product containers to encapsulate the wax product therein, and transfers the closed product containers to a labeling machine for automatic application of a suitable label.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for loading blister cards into sleeves includes a blister card magazine for receiving a stack of blister cards and a sleeve magazine for receiving a stack of sleeves. A loading conveyor moves a lug along a path to load a blister card into a sleeve. A gate releasably retains the sleeve in a loading position as the blister card is loaded into the sleeve. The loading apparatus also includes a hopper that facilitates loading sleeves into the sleeve magazine and sensors that ensure the blister cards are properly loaded into sleeves.

Abstract: When the articles dropping from above are received inside a hopper, at least a bottom portion of the hopper is allowed to move downwardly with the bottom portion of the hopper being closed. Therefore, the collision speed between the articles and the bottom portion of the hopper is reduced. In addition, by opening the bottom portion of the hopper while moving the bottom portion downwardly, the downward initial speed is added to the articles to be discharged.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading containers with bags, wherein the apparatus is provided with a feed conveyor assembly, a loading unit, and a control designed for, each time, forming a layer of bags in the loading unit, which layer has dimensions substantially corresponding to the bottom dimensions of a container to be filled, and wherein the control is designed such that, each time, the loading unit places a wholly formed layer in the container to be filled. In the method, the bags are oriented in a feed conveyor assembly and placed from the feed conveyor assembly onto a bottom of a holder of a loading unit, wherein, subsequently, when the whole bottom of the holder of the loading unit has been filled with bags, this holder is lowered into a container to be filled and the bottom is released when the bottom of the holder is just above the bottom of the container to be filled or a layer of bags present in this container.

Abstract: A tuna fish canning apparatus is provided wherein each can has a premium cake appearance. The machine has first and second turrets adjacent each other which rotate around a common axis. Fish slugs loaded into a shared pocket by the adjacent turrets are severed along a plane between the turrets to produce first and second cakes with each cake having a cut surface and each cake adapted to be transferred into a can. The present invention provides first and second knock-out plungers for ejecting the first and second cakes into cans, wherein the first and second knock-out plungers are positioned on opposite sides of the plane between the first and second turrets so that each cake has its freshly cut surface at the top of the can to provide a premium appearance. A method for achieving the same result is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a product cartoning system having dynamic carton carriers that may restrain or not restrain the package during different steps of the cartoning process. Certain steps such as vibrating may benefit from open carton carriers while other steps such as closing a side of the carton may benefit from closed carton carriers. This invention also relates to a product cartoning system having adjustable carton carriers driven by more than one carton chain to allow varying a width between two of the carton carrier sidewalls to accommodate different size or shape cartons. This invention also relates to methods of use for the product cartoning systems of this invention.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus and method for depositing pills into a series of containers is provided. A cylindrical rotary slat is rotatable about a first axis and comprises radially inward and outward portions, the radially outward portion defining pill apertures for receiving pills therein at a first angular position. A negative pressure system is configured to apply a negative pressure to the pill apertures to retain the pills therein. An ejection device is in communication with the pill apertures at a second angular position of the rotary slat to eject the respective pills outwardly from the pill apertures. A collection mechanism is disposed adjacent to the radially outward portion about the second angular position, and is configured to collect the pills ejected from the pill apertures and to direct the pills toward the series of containers for deposition therein.

Abstract: A device for inserting articles in blisters of a blister strip in a blister packing machine is described, the device being associated to a supply station which terminates with a supply channel and comprising an obstructing strip located in contact on an upper surface of the blister strip and affording at least a through-hole and an obstruction carriage interposed between the channel and the obstructing strip and affording at least a through-seating of such dimensions as to contain at least one of the articles.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method in which containers are packed with articles for shipping, handling, and storage purposes. The apparatus includes a rotating disc having arms, which carry packing heads. A conveyor system provides articles and empty containers for packing. The method is further described as being of an un-interrupted nature and therefore the apparatus and method will be referred to as a continuous motion case packing machine.

Abstract: A loading assembly for a packaging system includes a carriage coupled and reciprocally moveable relative to a support structure. The carriage is moveable relative to the support structure along a longitudinal axis in a first direction and a second direction opposite said first direction. A continuous loop configured with a plurality of spaced apart receptacles is moveably supported by the carriage. The loop includes a first portion that is moved at a continuous speed relative to the support structure, and a second portion that is alternatively moved and stopped relative to the support structure. Various methods of loading a receptacle are also provided.

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 (GD 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 devices (1). The gripping and transferring devices (1) are moved continuously and grip lateral edges of die iowa closure member (G1) of the containers (C) housed in closed condition inside a magazie (S0) and remove the containers (C) from the bottom of the magazine (S0). The gripping and transferring devices (1) transfer the containers withdrawn from the magazine (S0) to subseqaent working stations associated to the line (L).

Abstract: A device for picking up articles from a supply station and depositing the articles in corresponding blisters of a blister strip, comprising: at least a group of depression-activated gripping units, each of which units is shaped to a specific format for receiving and retaining a corresponding article having predetermined lie and orientation; connecting organs of the gripping units to an operating head whereby the gripping units are positioned in relation to a positioning of the corresponding blisters afforded in the blister strip; organs for moving the operating head in outward and return runs, respectively between the supply station of the articles and a release station of the articles in the corresponding blisters of the blister strip; enabling organs being activated in phase-relation with the movement organs, for activating the gripping units in the supply station, which gripping units collect a number of articles equal to a number of the gripping units, and for deactivating the gripping units in the releas

Abstract: A loader includes a sling for supporting a one or more items. The sling is secured on opposite sides of a loading chamber. The loader also includes a lowering mechanism. The lowering mechanism can lower the sling. The loader includes a release mechanism that secures one or both sides of the sling. After the sling is lowered by the lowering mechanism an adequate distance to place the one or more items close to the receptacle, the release mechanism releases one or both sides of the sling, which places the one or more items in or on a receptacle. The loader includes a take-up mechanism attached to one side of the sling. The take-up mechanism takes up the sling when the opposite side of the sling is released by the release mechanism. The loader is capable of inserting close fitting items into receptacles, such as a stack of trays of produce.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a machine (10) for packaging a product or products (28) in a cardboard box (12), which comprises boxing means arranged along a longitudinal packaging line (16) comprising a first station (A) for making-up a box blank (14) and which comprises a conveying device (30) for transfer, in an outbound path, the box (12A) made up at the station (A) to a second, filling, station (B) for boxing the products (28) then on to a third station (C) where the box (12C) is sealed before it is discharged from the machine (10), characterized in that the conveyor device (30) comprises a carriage (32) which is mounted to be able to move longitudinally between an extreme upstream position and an extreme downstream position, and which bears box transfer means (34) comprising at least a first gripper (36) for transferring a made-up box (12A) from the first station (A) to the second station (B) and a second gripper (38) for simultaneously transferring another, filled, box (12B) from the second station (

Abstract: A semi-automated packaging apparatus allows for an operator to fill a presented container without contaminating the container rim. The presentation of an empty container and subsequent removal of a filled container are performed automatically under control of the operator. The apparatus comprises a plurality of separate, removable modules including: a de-nester module for separating the containers from a stack; a container-presenting module for moving the currently de-nested container into position to be filled by an operator and subsequently removing a filled container; a removable tray with a central opening to allow an operator to place foodstuffs in the presented container; and a user interface module, coupled to each of the other modules for allowing the selection of the proper container opening dimensions (associated with the proper tray selection) and depth dimension (associated with the proper movement of the container-presenting module), as well as to control the “pace” of the packaging operation.

Abstract: In a method for packaging products at least one product to be packaged is placed in a bag by means of a bag filling device, after which a number of bags are placed in a box. The placing of the products in bags is synchronised with the placing of the bags in boxes and also the placing of the boxes in a direction of conveyance.