Abstract: A packaging system includes a packaging machine and a relay device. The relay device has a relay rotary table, a plurality of second holding portions, and an adjustment unit. The adjustment unit adjusts a relative angle between each of the second holding portions and the relay rotary table. The above relative angle is adjusted such that an angle of the second holding portion arranged on a supply station matches an angle of the first holding portion arranged on the supply station. Further, the above relative angle is adjusted such that an angle of the second holding portion arranged on a discharge station matches an angle of the first holding portion arranged on the discharge station.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for vacuumizing and sealing a package (322) includes a plurality of platens (12) and vacuum chambers (14), each chamber (14) adapted to mate with a dedicated one of the platens (12); a conveying system (16) for conveying the platens (12) and chambers (14) along a generally angular path having a single axis of rotation (18); an automated loading assembly (20) having a linear component (22c) and configured to load a package (322) onto each of the platens (12); an automated unloading assembly (26) having a linear portion and configured to unload a vacuumized, sealed package (322) from each loaded platen (12) onto an outfeed conveyor (30); and a vacuumizing/sealing system configured to cause relative movement of each chamber (14)/platen (12) pair, along a portion of the angular path, to form therebetween an air-tight enclosure accommodating the package (322) and effect vacuumization and sealing of the package (322).

Abstract: A dosing station for a capsule filling machine comprises a dosing unit in which capsule lower parts are filled with a filling material via a filling apparatus and a drive unit with at least one drive that drives at least one component of the dosing unit. The drive unit is arranged beneath a supporting plate, and detachable fastening and coupling means detachably fastens the dosing unit on the supporting plate. Where the dosing unit is detachably fastened on the supporting plate, the at least one drive is coupled to the at least one component. In the detached state of the dosing unit from the supporting plate, the coupling of the at least one drive to the at least one component is canceled. In this way, the dosing unit can be removed as a module from the dosing station.

Abstract: A medication dispensing device has: a medication preparation unit provided with a storage section that can store and discharge one package at a time of a solid medication supplied by a medication supply unit; and a counting unit that can count the solid medication discharged from the storage section. The counting unit is provided with: a monitoring platform on which the solid medication discharged from the storage section rests; an vibration unit that can vibrate the monitoring platform horizontally; an imaging unit that can image the solid medication on the monitoring platform that has been vibrated; and an image recognition unit that can count the solid medication on the basis of the image obtained by the imaging unit.

Abstract: Automated (poultry) bagging packaging systems include a plurality of spaced apart holding stations that are configured to rotate in concert about a defined endless travel path to automatically serially position a respective holding station to be in communication with each of a plurality of different workstations.

Abstract: A container handling machine and method of handling containers, in which an attachment arrangement is used to attach an elongated strip, such as a banderole, a security strip, a label strip, or a tax strip, to the removable top of a closed container. Either or both of the container holder and the attachment arrangement which attaches the strips can be rotated in order to place the strip in a particular orientation with respect to the container.

Abstract: The invention concerns a machine for distributing tablets on a support strip having a determinate number “n” of compartments or alveoli organized in parallel rows and each able to hold at least one tablet. The machine comprises a separation, preparation and alignment device, a conveyor device with transfer pipes and a rotating transfer drum provided with seatings on an external surface. The seatings are made on distinct gripping and transport elements, disposed peripherally and axially to the transfer drum.

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

Abstract: 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: A multi-pharmaceutical dispensing station includes a circular platform around which a plurality of individual dispensers is arrayed at a convenient loading height. Each dispenser accepts a single bulk canister containing one pharmaceutical. Cylindrical, empty prescription containers carry labels bearing indicia of the patient and pharmaceutical to be dispensed into each container. Sensors detect the indicia and direct the containers to the proper dispenser which fills them with the type and quantity of a pharmaceutical according to the indicia. Incident containers first drop into a dispersion wheel which translates them around the circular station and aligns them with a vertical chute leading to the correct dispenser. After filling, the containers are urged onto a moving, circular table which conveys them to automatic closing and sealing apparatus. Once closed and sealed, the containers exit the dispenser station through pneumatic tubing which conveys them to verification, sorting and shipping stages.

Abstract: A padding machine for packaging substantial products, particularly cucumbers, comprising, on a supporting frame, a carousel assembly for the advancement of containers, the machine further comprising, on the carousel assembly, at each container, a positioning pad for centering the products that overflow laterally from the mouth of the container and a packing pad for inserting the products in the container.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus useful for filling containers by means of a rotating turret which is configured to rotate the containers through the container-filing apparatus to a dosing portion where they are then are filled with material by way of a tamping mechanism. The container-filling apparatus may also include a container-conveying means to move the containers to the rotating turret. Methods of filling containers by using container-filling apparatuses according to embodiments of the invention are also disclosed.

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 container handling machine for handling bottles, cans, or similar containers. The container handling machine has a non-rotatable central pillar which, in rotary handling machines, can be used to support a rotatable carousel. The central pillar may also be used to house power conduits, control conduits, and fluid conduits for the container handling machine. The central pillar may also form part of a support framework and may be used to transmit torque forces produced during operation of the container handling machine to support a framework.

Abstract: A bench-supported container handling system includes a bottom panel and a container manipulating device. A container conveying assembly is configured for transporting containers along a first direction while a container part conveying assembly is configured for transporting a part of the container along a second direction that intersects with the first direction. The first direction and the second direction are configured so as to create an area where the container manipulating device can be disposed. Additional aspects include a capping assembly and a labeling assembly.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having a receiving table for the container handling machines therein.

Abstract: In a method for filling bulk goods into containers designed to accommodate a certain number of bulk items, at least one bulk goods conveyor is used to transport the bulk goods towards at least two pickers which are consecutively arranged in the direction of transport. The pickers are used to fill the bulk goods into empty spaces in containers, transported on at least one container conveyor. When the supply of bulk goods decreases or is discontinued, the at least one picker arranged downstream in the direction of transport of the bulk goods conveyor gives preference to containers with a high filling level. Completely empty containers are preferably no longer filled. Thus the bulk goods conveyor can be emptied within a short period and almost all bulk goods are packed without necessitating manual filling of the containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for exchanging operating units disposed at rotating container handling machines, particularly upper handling components for varying the filling program, the cleaning program, and/or the closing program, wherein units are removed and replacement units are mounted in place of the removed units, it being proposed that each upper operating head (for example, filling element) {4} is associated with a plurality of replacement units {18, 19, 20} and these replacement units can be attached during a replacement at all operating heads {4} at the same time and/or exchanged at the same time and/or can be brought into the operative position with/connected to these operating heads {4}. 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.

Abstract: Container filling plant, such as a beverage bottling plant, for filling containers with a liquid beverage and for closing filled 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 beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having bottle plate support tables therein. 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 method and unit for feeding products to a group-forming unit for forming groups of products, each containing a given number of products; an orderly succession of products is fed in a first direction by means of a first conveyor; an orderly succession of products is fed in a second direction, parallel to the first direction, by means of a second conveyor parallel to the first conveyor; and the products are transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor by means of a transfer device which is permanently integral with an output end of the first conveyor, is moved in the second direction upon detection of a gap along the first conveyor, and is moved in the opposite direction to the second direction to form, along the second conveyor, a number of consecutive gaps equal to the number of products in each group of products.

Abstract: A machine for metering microtablets into capsules has a metering surface subjected to vibration and to rotation about a respective perpendicular axis; and an unloading device, which is fixed with respect to and cooperates with the metering surface, and is substantially defined by a cam member and an air outlet. In the metering surface are formed a number of sloping surfaces, along which the microtablets travel upwards, and a respective number of pockets, each for receiving the microtablets from a respective sloping surface. Each pocket has a bottom wall, which cooperates with the cam member and is movable between a fully-closed position, in which the microtablets are retained inside the respective pocket, and a fully-open position, in which the microtablets are unloaded. A number of holes are formed in a raised edge of the metering surface, and, when the holes are aligned with the air outlet, air is blown through the holes to prevent further microtablets from falling into the pockets.

Abstract: A method of filling bottles or similar containers in a bottle or container filling plant and a filling system for filling bottles or similar containers in a bottle or container filling plant. 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 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: A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device having a metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a tank into the bottom shell; the metering chamber having a weighing device for weighing the product contained in the metering chamber.

Abstract: A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one pharmaceutical product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a container into the bottom shell; a control device weighing the product in the metering chamber to cut off supply of the product into the metering chamber, when the weight of the product substantially equals a given reference value.

Abstract: A capsule filling machine (100) for the production of hard gelatin capsules (C) of the type with lid (3) and body (2) containing a quantity (1) of pharmaceutical material comprises a rotary turret or carousel (15) which defines at least one capsule (C) handling line (L) and on which the following are positioned, one after the other: at least one station (6) for feeding empty capsules (C); at least one opening station (20) where the capsule bodies (2) are separated from the lids (3) to form two separate rows of capsule bodies (2) and lids (3); at least one station (7) for feeding and dosing the quantities (1) of pharmaceutical material to be filled into the capsule bodies (2); and at least one station (8) for closing the capsules (C) by placing a lid (3) over each respective body (2); the machine (100) also comprises means (9) for detecting and volumetrically checking the quantity (1) of pharmaceutical material filled into each capsule body (2), the detecting and checking means (9) comprise transducer means (5

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having bottle plate support tables therein. The bottle plate support tables each have removable and replaceable top plate portions to permit replacement of worn friction linings, or to permit the bottle plate support table to handle bottles or containers of different dimensions or shapes.

Abstract: A packaging system utilizes two sides of a loading carousel, which reduces both the height and footprint of the packaging system. Mass and inertia are also reduced, allowing higher operational speeds. The loading carousel receives opened cartons on a first side and lowers them over product groups on a second side.

Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products is provided with a gripping and carrier device to transfer at least one container between a magazine and a dosage station for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product, and a box-type holding frame defining a chamber for the housing of magazine, gripping and carrier device, and dosage station; the chamber displaying an access aperture to magazine and being crossed by a sterile air flow adapted to avoid the entry of air from the external environment through aperture itself.

Abstract: A rotary device for supporting, clamping and locating or arranging multiple-size vessels, comprises a first substantially like star element and second star element, each star element having a substantially fretted circumferential rim, defining a plurality of circumferential adjoining notches, said first and second elements being adapted to be axially overlapped and to intermittently mutually turn to define variable width recesses, each said recess being adapted to receive and firmly hold therein a respective variable cross size or width vessel.

Abstract: A circular filling machine particularly for slender and elongated products, comprising a carousel assembly which supports a plurality of filling funnels which can be inserted in corresponding containers supported by transfer pans, the filling machine further comprising vibration elements for the funnels, vibration elements for the containers, and a tamping assembly for the insertion and final packing of the product in the containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for packaging of flexible bags, filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product. A packaging box is fitted on an introduction tube, essentially extending the whole height of the box. A flexible bag is dispensed from a supply point for flexible bags into the box through a funnel and the introduction tube, which forms an extension. The packing box, containing the flexible bag for the introduction tube is removed. The plant for the packaging of flexible bags filled with a liquid or non-liquid, foodstuff or non-foodstuff, sterile or non-sterile product, carries out the method.

Abstract: Apparatus for loading trays with vials receives vials from an input channel and transmits the vials through a discharge channel to a tray for processing, e.g. autoclaving. The vials are conveyed by rotation of a pusher wheel having a series of radially extending, biased fingers on the periphery thereof. An outer guide is located adjacent to the pusher wheel to form a channel for the vials being conveyed. The side edge of the pusher wheel and an opposed side edge of the guide are formed with a lateral protrusion at the upper portion thereof to prevent tipping of the vials.

Abstract: A system for packing products in wallet packages incorporates a main feeding line for transporting the wallet packages as cut lengths of packaging or as strip material. It also includes a feeding mechanism for feeding the products in this main feeding line, and a placing mechanism for placing the products down on the cut lengths of packaging or on the strip material. The feeding mechanism is capable of pivoting in an approximately horizontal direction, in order to release the products into the main feeding line. This allows synchronization of several products supplied via different feeders, without the main feeding speed having to be dramatically reduced. In addition, periodically fed products can also be released in this way into the continuously running main process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for a wrapping apparatus and associated methods and a cassette device for holding utensils. The wrapping apparatus may include a first holder for holding first items to be wrapped. The wrap is placed on a rotating table when the rotating table is rotated into a first position. One of the first items to be wrapped is moved from the first holder onto the wrap on the rotating table when the rotating table is rotated to a second position. A wrapping mechanism then wraps the first item in the wrap.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid filling material with an adjustable labeling mechanism for labeling bottles, a and a method of operating a beverage bottling plant. 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 packaging system utilizes two sides of a loading carousel, which reduces both the height and footprint of the packaging system. Mass and inertia are also reduced, allowing higher operational speeds. The loading carousel receives opened cartons on a first side and lowers them over product groups on a second side.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, having a transfer device for the transfer of containers from a transfer starwheel to the carousel of a container handling machine. A transfer device for container handling machines such as fillers, rinsers or cappers for the handling of containers with a neck ring, with a circulating carousel on which there are handling spaces for the container, with at least one infeed starwheel, whereby the transfer device comprises a rigid transfer arm and optionally a drive system to move the transfer arm back and forth.

Abstract: A device for filling stand-alone flat-bottom bags with opposing side edges and a bottom, in particular filling them with liquid including a filling carousel which can rotate about a vertical axis and which has a plurality of holders for one bag each provided on its circumference. The filling carousel has a bag feeding station, a bag opening station, a filling station and a removal station as well as a sealing station. To optimize the filling device and in particular to achieve a higher throughput, a magazine for prefabricated bags and a feeding carousel for the bags is provided in the bag feeding station, containing a plurality of holding devices for one bag each whereby the holding devices can be driven to rotate about a common axis in order to remove each bag individually from the magazine and transfer it continuously to a holder of the filling carousel.

Abstract: A dispensing system dispensing items includes a dispensing station and a first conveyor for transporting containers to the dispensing station. The dispensing station includes a dispenser for dispensing items to the containers, a mechanism for spacing the containers to a predetermined pitch, a transfer wheel for removing the containers from the first conveyor, a star wheel for receiving the containers from the transfer wheel and for transporting the containers in synchronization with the dispenser, and a turret for removing the containers from the star wheel.

Abstract: A unit for feeding products (3) to a blistering machine (M) includes a delivery group (2, 2a, S) for selectively distributing products (3) to a station (SR), where the products (3) are introduced into respective blisters (40) of a blister band (4), moving in a forward direction (W) inside the blistering machine (M). The filling station (SR) is defined by a conveyor (10) consisting of a belt (11) provided with seas (110). Each seat (110) receives a relative product (3) distributed by the delivery group (2, 2a, S) and releases the products (3) into a respective blister (4).

Abstract: Replacement lock levers and related methods are disclosed which accommodate adjustment to acceptable tolerances of the force applied to cans being filled by the platform lift cylinder assemblies of the automatic beverage filling machine, due to an eccentricity of the replacement lock levers.

Abstract: At least one solid drug form is fed into a capsule, housed inside a pocket on a first conveyor movable along an endless first path extending in a given first plane, by means of a seat on a second conveyor movable along an endless second path extending in a second plane parallel to the first plane; the seat receiving the solid form from a vibratory distributor plate, and releasing the solid form to the pocket.

Abstract: A bag-making and packaging machine including a bag-making apparatus 1, a bag-filling (packaging) apparatus 2, and a bag transfer apparatus. The bag-making apparatus 1 of a bag-making and packaging machine, while releasing a film F from a film roll disposed in the horizontal direction and feeding the film lengthwise, folds and overlaps the film in two in a horizontal attitude, performs sealing in locations corresponding to the bag bottom portions and side portions of the film in the horizontal attitude, and separates bags by cutting. The line corresponding to the bag bottom ends of the folded and overlapped film F (this position indicated by S) is set in the same position regardless of the bag length, and the respective apparatuses such as the forming apparatus 5, sealing apparatuses 8, 9 and 11, and cutting apparatus 14, etc. are disposed with reference to this position.

Abstract: A dispensing system dispensing items includes a dispensing station and a first conveyor for transporting containers to the dispensing station. The dispensing station includes a dispenser for dispensing items to the containers, a mechanism for spacing the containers to a predetermined pitch, a transfer wheel for removing the containers from the first conveyor, a star wheel for receiving the containers from the transfer wheel and for transporting the containers in synchronization with the dispenser, and a turret for removing the containers from the star wheel.

Abstract: A unit (1) for feeding products (3) to a blistering machine (M) includes a delivery group (2,2a,S) for selectively distributing products (3) to a station (SR), where the products (3) are introduced into respective blisters (40) of a blister band (4), moving in a forward direction (W) inside the blistering machine (M). The filling station (SR) is defined by conveying means (10) consisting of a belt (11) provided with seats (110). Each seat (110) receives a relative product (3) distributed by the delivery group (2,2a,S) and releases the products (3) into a respective blister (4).

Abstract: A cartoning machine to arrange a predetermined number of objects fed on one or more rows by a belt conveyer in boxlike containers, able to operate in unison with production machines running at very high speed and having a simple, reliable construction comprising several heads (55) to grip the objects which are arranged on at least one working station and are put into rotation to take the objects from the feeding rows and to lay them down into cartons carried on a second belt conveyer placed at 180 DEG from the first conveyer.

Abstract: A blister packaging machine comprises a combination load/offload station having a blister magazine that is filled from the outside of the machine rather than the inside of the machine. The load mechanism includes a pick and place mechanism that is adapted to place individual blisters into nesting trays on a rotary carousel. The offload mechanism includes a pick and output mechanism that is adapted to pick formed blister packages from the nesting trays and output them into a collection bin. The load mechanism is arranged to cooperate with the offload mechanism without interference. The load and offload mechanism may be incorporated into a six station blister packaging machine.

Abstract: In a method for inserting piece goods (S) into containers (B) by a picking line, the relative speed between the feed of the containers (B) and the feed of the piece goods (S) is controlled in the area of the picking line. In this case, the relative speed is controlled as a function of a filling level of at least one storage element (3, 3?, 3?, 4). This method permits efficient transfer of piece goods into containers with the most complete filling possible of the containers, irrespective of the manner of the relative transport direction of the piece goods and containers. It is suitable both for cocurrent and for countercurrent systems.