Abstract: Methods for bundling together groups of two or more articles for selectively obscuring individual identification codes on the articles and related assemblies are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a composite film sleeve partially of a clear or transparent film and partially of a colored, opaque, or patterned film. The composite sleeve is then placed over a group of two or more articles slated for bundling and shrunken, if necessary. As a result, any advertising indicia or product information can be viewed by an observer, but the individual identification codes are obscured. Alternative methods of obscuring individual identification codes on groups of articles in a bundle while allowing for the visualization of the advertising indicia or product information thereon are also disclosed.

Abstract: A form-fill sealing machine (1) for manufacturing resealable packages (W) includes a tearable line forming device (30) that serves to form tearable lines (104) in a film (F). A labeling device (40) serves to stick re-stickable labels (103) onto the film in positions to cover respective tearable lines. A tube forming device (60) serves to form the film into a tubular film (T). A first sealing device (80) serves to seal lapped edges of the tubular film so as to form a lengthwise sealed portion (111). A second sealing device (90) serves to seal the tubular film in a crosswise direction, so that crosswise sealed portions (109) are formed on the tubular film. Each tearable line is positioned between two adjacent crosswise sealed portions and adjacent to one of two adjacent crosswise sealed portions.

Abstract: A packaging machine and method are provided for wrapping, folding and taping a flexible photoconductive belt loop to prevent light from shocking such photoconductive belt loop during shipping and during loading into a machine.

Abstract: An apparatus that wraps dinner flatware in a paper napkin in an automated manner and secures it with a paper label is disclosed. The invention includes input hoppers for knives, forks, spoons, and napkins which are located on the front and top part of the unit. Additionally, a roll of paper napkins and a roll of securing paper labels are provided on top with their own automatic dispensing means. A plastic cover secures the entire top of the invention to protect it from dust and dirt as well as accidental contact during operation. Internal mechanisms then take one of each piece of flatware and fold and roll it in a napkin. The completed napkin unit then drops out the bottom of the invention, where it is collected for use. The invention is capable of processing up to 50 sets of flatware during one operating run. The use of the invention provides time and labor savings to restaurants and other eating establishments while producing rolled flatware secured in a paper napkin in fast and sanitary manner.

Abstract: There is now provided a beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and a container filling plant container information adding station, such as, a labeling station having a gripper arrangement, configured to add information to containers, such as, bottles and cans. 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.

Abstract: In order to produce (cigarette) packs with an insert blank (25) applied within the pack or to the outside of the latter, this insert blank is fixed temporarily by virtue of the pack or pack contents being electrostatically charged in the region of the insert blank (25). The pack is completed while the static charge is active, with the result that, by way of pack blanks, the insert coupon (25) is fixed in the envisaged position by the pack itself.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus of detecting unique items as they are inserted into a product packaging system that is easily adaptable to current product packaging and prize insertion systems. A number of different types of sensors may be used in conjunction with the insertion device to detect the unique prize before it is inserted into a product packaging system. The sensor used will vary depending on the particular application. Sensors that may be used include a capacitive proximity sensor, a thickness sensor, a reflectivity sensor, a transmissivity sensor, a stiffness sensor, a color sensor, or even an odor or chemical sensor. Ideally, the type sensor used will detect a feature of the unique item that is easily distinguishable from other items being inserted. Once the sensor detects the prize and generates a signal, this signal can be used to perform a variety of useful functions.

Abstract: Bags for produce or the like are prepared by advancing a thermoplastic sheet and a mesh sheet, each having an upper edge, along a process line. The plastic sheet has a bottom portion which is folded to define a lower edge of the thermoplastic sheet at a fold line. One seals the folded portion of the solid-wall thermoplastic sheet to a lower edge of the mesh sheet. Transverse slits are then formed in the sheets, and the sheets are heat sealed together near edges of the slits to form separate bags between the slits. The slits extend across both lower edges of the bags, but are preferably spaced from the upper edges. One drops produce between the sheet upper edges into the bags, and the bags are then heat sealed adjacent to the upper edges thereof, and subsequently separated by cutting. A novel heat seal die is also shown.

Abstract: Beverage filling plant comprising a plurality of beverage filling positions, each beverage filling position comprising a beverage filling device for filling bottles with liquid beverage filling material; said filling devices comprising apparatus being configured to introduce a predetermined flow of liquid beverage filling material into the interior of bottles to a substantially predetermined level of liquid beverage filling material; said apparatus configured to introduce a predetermined flow of liquid beverage filling material comprising apparatus being configured to terminate the filling of beverage bottles upon liquid beverage filling material reaching said substantially predetermined level in bottles; a first conveyer arrangement being configured and disposed to move inspected bottles from said inspection machine to said filling machine; a closing station being configured to close filled bottles.

Abstract: A method and machine for producing a package of tobacco articles complete with a folded coupon, whereby a flat strip is unwound off a reel and fed to a folding station where the strip is folded over along at least one fold line parallel to the travelling direction of the strip; the folded strip is then fed to a cutting station, where the folded strip is cut along a cutting line crosswise to the travelling direction of the strip to detach from the strip the folded coupon, which is engaged by a gripping head cooperating with the cutting station, and is fed to a seat on a packing conveyor and onto a packet of tobacco articles carried by the seat.

Abstract: The method comprises viewing by of a magnetic recording camera the zone for the opening of vials and for metered filling thereof and continuously recording the zones visually during the operation of the installation and simultaneously carrying out the identification marking of each full glass container, with indelible marking means, at the outlet of the installation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for retaining cotton in a bottle using a cottoner machine which inserts cotton via a pair of rotatable cylinders alignable with a mouth of the bottle, the apparatus including a disk secured to the cylinders via a pair of collars and having a pair of apertures aligned with the cylinders, and the method including a process of positioning a planar surface of the disk closely superjacent the mouth of the bottle after insertion of the cotton.

Abstract: A method and unit for applying labels to packets of cigarettes, traveling in a given direction along a first path with a given spacing and arranged a given distance apart, provide for feeding a gripping head along a second path, and applying each label to a first face of a respective packet by inserting the gripping head between one packet and the adjacent following packet to roll the gripping head and apply the label along the first face, which is perpendicular to the given direction. (FIG.

Abstract: A system and method places a printed label on a bag. A first plurality of rollers can feed one or more bags, and a second plurality of rollers can feed one or more labels. A tamp pad can place the label on the bag.

Abstract: A method of labeling of a container including a medication includes, in at least one embodiment, reducing the size of the label using a label apparatus and reducing the label size using the label apparatus, applying a surface securing adhesive to at least one surface securing section of the label using an adhesive application apparatus, and attaching the at least one surface securing section of the label to the container with the securing adhesive. The method also includes applying a label securing adhesive to the label to maintain the label in the reduced orientation.

Abstract: A device for producing individual metal contact parts for electrical connectors includes a processing machine for processing a semi-finished product to assemble the electrical contact parts as one unit on a strip. The device includes a packaging device connected downstream of the processing machine in the direction of travel of the strip. The packaging device includes an exchangeable storage and transport module such as a spool for receiving a given length of the strip formed by the individual, assembled contact parts. A marking device is mounted between the processing machine and the packaging device. The marking device places an identification on each of the individual contact parts on a length of a strip assigned to the spool. The identification characterizes the strip segment and is different from the identification of other strip segments on other spools. The marking device marks the individual contact parts in the form on an impression.

Abstract: A bunch wrapped wrapper has a label affixed to it with a die cut portion provided within its perimeter, such that the die cut portion is at least partially torn away from the label when the label is removed to open the package to provide evidence of tampering. The packaging may be used to wrap confectionery pieces, where the edges of the wrapper are gathered at a flat side of the confectionery piece and the label is applied over the gathered edges of the wrapper on the flat side of the piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of tubes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a positioning device that directs a tube from a hopper to a labeler where a label is applied to the tube. The positioning device further directs the tube to one of a plurality of filling stations where a continuous flow of filling material is dispensed into the tube. The tube is then directed to a capping device where a cap is applied to an end of the tube.

Abstract: A work cell has an inbound portion and an outbound portion. The inbound and outbound portions are angled relative to each other, at approximately 135°. The inbound portion is comprised of an inbound cradle to facilitate the loading of items within containers. The outbound portion has a processing region comprised of a fastening device to secure the containers in a closed condition. The fastening device has at least one alignment device to facilitate the alignment of the containers with the fastening device. The fastening and alignment devices may be positioned to accommodate containers of different sizes. The outbound portion also has a labeling region with an outbound cradle to facilitate the application of labels to an exterior of the containers. The work cell is equipped with numerous ergonomic devices facilitating the storage and placement of items useful in the operation of the work cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and containing a series of waste containing packs successively distributed along a length of flexible tubing is formed of a housing with a top portion displaying an opening to receive waste material therein and of a cassette containing a package of a flexible pleated tubing and so constructed as to enable the tubing to be dispensed therefrom downwardly into the opening. The apparatus includes a tubing pulling device rotatably mounted to the housing and including an attachment for securing one end of the tubing and an arrangement to receive the tubing in a wraparound manner when the pulling device is rotated and to form waste containing packs. The arrangement defines folds between successive packs to compress the tubing at the folds to seal the packs. The pulling device is removably mounted to the housing so as to enable the disposal of the waste containing packs from the pulling device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a net and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper cuts and closes the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.

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 face, and inserting, beneath the first end portion, a second portion, an outer surface of which has been gummed beforehand.

Abstract: A writing device for display members is provided which can erasably writing patient information on a display member carried on the side of a drug carrier and automatically attach and detach it to and from the carrier. The writing device has an attach/detach/transfer unit for detaching, attaching and transferring a rewrite card to a carrier carrying the rewrite card, and a writing means connected to the attach/detach/transfer means for writing and displaying patient information on the rewrite card. The respective means are controlled based on prescription information to attach and detach the rewrite card to and from the side of the carrier.

Abstract: An airtight pouch or packaging (10,20) made of synthetic material for the preservation of food products (12) is obtained by sealing (13, 14, 15) and cutting said synthetic material by an automatic packaging machine with a horizontal or vertical motioning of the product. The packaging (10,20) is constituted by a single peelable type film (11) consisting of an oriented polyamide layer coupled with a coextruded peelable polyethylene layer, the film being folded once on the polyethylene layer side in order to form the inner part of the packaging.

Abstract: In method of manufacturing sealed packets (102) of cigarettes, each displaying a revenue stamp (3) and a coupon (4) affixed to the printed faces, the packets (2a) emerge from a packaging machine (5) with the external paper or cardboard surface (10) still to be overwrapped and are conveyed singly and in succession from the packaging machine (5) to a cellophaner (6), through the agency of a transfer unit (107), following a path equipped with stations at which a revenue stamp (3) and a coupon (4) are applied to the outer surface (10) of each one; on reaching cellophaner (6), each packet (2a) is enveloped in a relative sheet (15) of transparent overwrapping material, and the folds of the sheet are secured to complete the sealed packet (102) of cigarettes.

Abstract: A laminate is provided for both labeling a data disk and creating an envelope for storing thereof. The laminate includes a base sheet having first and second pages joined together at a primary fold line. Flaps extend along corresponding edges of one of the pages at secondary fold lines in a configuration to form a closed envelope when folded together. A patch is laminated to the first page by layers of adhesive and release. The patch or first page includes a circular diecut defining a removable disk label having the adhesive on the back thereof.

Abstract: A form-fill sealing machine (1) for manufacturing resealable packages (W) includes a tearable line forming device (30) that serves to form tearable lines (104) in a film (F). A labeling device (40) serves to stick re-stickable labels (103) onto the film in positions to cover respective tearable lines. A tube forming device (60) serves to form the film into a tubular film (T). A first sealing device (80) serves to seal lapped edges of the tubular film so as to form a lengthwise sealed portion (111). A second sealing device (90) serves to seal the tubular film in a crosswise direction, so that crosswise sealed portions (109) are formed on the tubular film. Each tearable line is positioned between two adjacent crosswise sealed portions and adjacent to one of two adjacent crosswise sealed portions.

Abstract: An in-line insert folder system includes a continuous roll of preprinted inserts, and a cutter for cutting individual inserts from the roll. A transport serially conveys the individual inserts in a downstream direction to a buckle folder that receives the inserts and folds each one along at least one fold line. An applicator serially receives the folded inserts from the buckle folder and applies the inserts to consumer packs such as cigarette packs, for example. The folded inserts may be directly applied to the packs before placement of flexible outer wrap or the folded inserts may be applied onto the flexible outer wrap before that wrap is placed around the packs.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for erecting a carton, and a method of and an apparatus for closing a carton. The carton has 180° fold lines with a compressed area at each end and a slit joining the compressed areas. A carton is erected by moving the blank in a first direction against a stop to form a first set of 90° folds, holding the blank stationary with a suction while pushing the blank in a second direction to form a second set of 90° folds, erecting the carton. A filled carton is closed by advancing it through the central opening of a V-shaped member to increasingly fold the carton top panels. The closed carton is sealed by advancing it through a second V-shaped member and into contact with a pivotally supported sealing device.

Abstract: A packet (2) of cigarettes and relative production method, wherein a label (7), defined at least partly by a portion (8) of magnetic tape, is applied to a component (3a, 16, 20) of the packet (2) so as to be visible on the outside of the finished packet (2); the label (7) being printed, on the machine and by means of a printing device (34), with data relating to the packet (2).

Abstract: A flexible package and method for making the same provides for a package that has a pouch formed adjacent to a portion of a package. Thereby, the package, such as a snack food package, can be filled with one product in the main compartment of the package and can be filled with a separate product in the pouch. To realize this, the package is formed with an extra length of film extended adjacent to the main portion of the tube of the package. First and second longitudinal seals are provided to form the pouch over a portion of the tube of the package. The package can then be filled with a first product in the main portion of the package and a second product in the separate and distinct pouch. As the pouch is filled, the material of the pouch protrudes away from the surface of the main portion of the package.

Abstract: The packet (1) of cigarettes, wherein an outer wrapping (2) of cardboard or similar is covered with an overwrapping (3) of transparent material to which is integrally connected a portion (12) of magnetic tape (24) for recording data.

Abstract: Sets of fluid premixes useful for adhesives and caulks are provided. Also provided are methods of providing adhesive lines and a caulk lines using the sets of premixes. Further provided are ranges of adhesives and caulks based on the adhesive and caulk lines. Utilizing these methods the manufacturer, seller, or user can to adjust the adhesive or caulk at the point of manufacture, sale, or use to suit the processing and end-use conditions, in addition to the other benefits offered by delayed product differentiation.

Abstract: Squeezable plastic tubes which have a flip-top closure cap with a finger recess are provided by a method which aligns indicia on labeling of the tube with the finger recess, the labeling being either a wrap-around label or a label applied on the front and/or back wall of the tube. The indicia is centered on or opposite to a visually desired graphics portion of the label. The closure cap is applied to a collapsible plastic cylinder followed by applying a label such that the indicia is aligned with or opposite to an imaginary surface line which is parallel with the longitudinal axis of the cylinder and passes through the center of the finger recess of the closure cap. The open end of the plastic cylinder, after filling the cylinder with contents to be dispensed therefrom, is sealed in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by the center of the finger recess and the longitudinal axis, by alignment of sealing means with the indicia, to form a filled squeezable plastic tube.

Abstract: The invention comprises an insert delivery system for use with an automated packaging machine. Preferably, the system is used to include coupons and the like with products being automatically packaged, such as sliced loaf bread. The system may comprise an insert delivery tray, card conveyor, or carousel and magazine combination, a feeder mechanism, and an insert placer configured to select an insert from the tray, conveyor, or magazine. Preferably, the insert placer includes a vacuum system and moves linearly. Additionally, the feeder mechanism may be positioned either perpendicularly, or parallel, to the scoop assembly, so as to feed an insert onto the scoop assembly at various points along the path of the scoop. The invention also comprises methods of using the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a box having four top flaps initially disposed in an open position. The apparatus includes a conveying system for conveying the box from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes a flap folding system for folding the top flaps of the box into folded and horizontal positions as the box is conveyed from a first end of the apparatus to a second end of the apparatus. The flap folding system has a first flap folding member configured to fold a fourth top flap of the box, a second flap folding member configured to fold a second top flap of the box, and a pair of oppositely disposed side flap folding members configured to fold a first and third top flaps of the box so as to abut each other. A tape dispensing system is configured to dispense tape across at least a portion of the third and fourth top flaps of the box in order to maintain the third and fourth top flaps in abutment with each other, thereby sealing the box.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for checking (cigarette) packs for the correct positioning of material strips. In order to check the correct position of a material strip (11) on a cigarette pack (10), at least two sensors are used to compare spaced-apart measurement or checking points (19, 20) in terms of the relative position in relation to one another. This gives the relative position of the material strip (11). If the latter is in a skewed position, the relevant cigarette pack (10) is separated out.

Abstract: Method for holding in its place a separate piece placed against a side surface of a basic piece, wherein an air jet is directed to the separate piece and under this influence the separate piece is pressed against the end. Means for producing the air jets are placed for example in a stationary position or the basic piece is conveyed by a transfer carriage to which the means for producing the air jets are placed and arranged to hold at least one separate piece in its place. Alternatively, the basic piece is transferred by means of a conveyor or a transfer carriage and the means for producing the air jets are placed along this route in a stationary position and are arranged to hold in its place at least one separate piece that moves along the basic piece.

Abstract: A packet (2) of cigarettes and relative production method, wherein a label (7), defined at least partly by a portion (8) of magnetic tape, is applied to a component (3a, 16, 20) of the packet (2) so as to be visible on the outside of the finished packet (2); the label (7) being printed, on the machine and by means of a printing device (34), with data relating to the packet (2).

Abstract: The packet (1) of cigarettes, wherein an outer wrapping (2) of cardboard or similar is covered with an overwrapping (3) of transparent material to which is integrally connected a portion (12) of magnetic tape (24) for recording data.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling a plurality of tubes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a positioning device that directs a tube from a hopper to a labeler where a label is applied to the tube. The positioning device further directs the tube to one of a plurality of filling stations where a continuous flow of filling material is dispensed into the tube. The tube is then directed to a capping device where a cap is applied to an end of the tube.

Abstract: Chocolates are wrapped individually by a method that involves feeding single wrapping sheets along a first path in a first direction spaced at a selected pitch, in such a way that the trailing edge of one wrapping sheet and the leading edge of the next are distanced one from another, and at the same time feeding a continuous ribbon in a second direction along a second path that merges with the first path at an assembling station where the ribbon is stably united with the sheets; ribbon and sheet then advance together in a third direction, along which the ribbon is divided into discrete slivers by repeated cuts, each made between the trailing edge of one sheet and the leading edge of the next and at a distance such that each sliver will present a portion projecting from the trailing edge of the wrapping sheet to which it is attached.

Abstract: A method and device for conveying folded sheet elements, whereby a sheet element, folded to have at least two superimposed portions connected along a fold, is fed along a given path by a movable gripping head, which engages and retains by suction a first of the two portions of the sheet element, and simultaneously deforms the fold to retain the second portion in contact with the first as the sheet element is conveyed.

Abstract: A photosensitive sheet film package, comprises a container including a floor plate having at least four sides, and side walls, wherein each of the four sides of the floor plate is connected to at least one of the side walls; and wherein the top of the space surrounded by the side walls is opened, a stack of photosensitive sheet films in said container; and a light-shielding bag in which the stack of photosensitive sheet films and the container are packaged light-tightly.

Abstract: A wrapping for an object includes an opening line made up of a tear tape by which the user opens the wrapping in order to gain access to its contents. A coupon bearing markings for publicity or other reasons is attached to a face of the wrapped object. The coupon also includes an opening line allowing access to information contained on inner pages of a coupon. The opening line of the wrapping and the opening line of the coupon are juxtaposed so that the user simultaneously opens the coupon and the wrapping.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for producing cigarette packs (10) which are provided with a band (13) which butts against the outside of the packs and is fastened by glue. The band (13), which is positioned on the cigarette pack (10) and glued, is pressed onto the cigarette pack (10) by a pressure-exerting subassembly (26), heat being transmitted by a heated pressure-exerting member (29) for the purpose of setting the glue.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for insertion of coupons or other material into hinge lid pack cigarettes. The apparatus of the present invention inserts the coupons in between the foil wrapped pack of cigarettes and the inner frame portion of the hinged lid pack. The apparatus of the present invention is comprised of a coupon inserter, a third wheel pocket and rail system wherein the pockets travel rotationally with the third wheel after receiving a coupon and thereafter allow the foil wrapped cigarette pack to be inserted thereon. The rail of the hinged lid pack assembly machine has been modified to receive these coupons in conjunction with the coupon multistage inserter or dispenser and all act cooperatively such that the coupons are inserted in timed relation to the rotational speed of the third wheel of the packager.

Abstract: A method for distributing promotional material is disclosed. The method, which may be practiced as a fully-automated process, calls for the use of packages of bread as unique vehicles for retailer-specific targeting of promotional material. The invention achieves its objectives by connecting a network of entities and computer systems, wherein information regarding bakeries' production schedules, specific retailers' purchase orders, and advertisers' specifications are collected and processed to provide instructions for bagging and/or coupon-targeting systems to include specified wrappers and promotional material with each loaf, or groups of loaves, of bread. A cart-marking system ensures that each retailer's order is placed on a separate cart, with the packages of bread containing promotional material that is tailored for that retailer.

Abstract: A method for distributing promotional material is disclosed. The method, which may be practiced as a fully-automated process, calls for the use of packages of bread as unique vehicles through which selected segments of the consumer population may be targeted for advertising and other promotional activity while, at the same time, providing retailers with the ability to plan, and stock for, national and/or local promotions. The invention achieves its objectives by generating packets that contain one or more items from a multiplicity of categories of promotional materials, wherein the specific items are selected as a function of the targeted segment of the consumer population, the type of bread that is to be packaged, and the retail chain store to which the packaged bread is to be delivered.

Abstract: A novel system is provided for automatically generating caution labels for moisture-sensitive semiconductor devices packed in drypack bags. The system has a scanner that scans a lot number or an ID mark representing ID information of a moisture-sensitive device sealed in a drypack bag, and a computing device with a look-up table containing moisture-sensitivity levels assigned to the moisture-sensitive devices. In response to an ID signal produced by the scanner, the computing device searches the look-up table for a moisture-sensitivity level assigned to the packed moisture-sensitive device. The determined moisture-sensitivity level is supplied by the computing device to a label-formatting device for generating a caution label indicating the moisture-sensitivity level. The label-formatting device controls a printer for printing the generated caution label.