Abstract: The present application discloses a method for inspecting a battery tab, the method including: obtaining a sectional view of a plurality of layers of tabs of a battery; identifying and analyzing the sectional view to obtain a plurality of connected domains, where each connected domain includes one tab or a plurality of tabs that are bonded with each other; determining, based on positions and a number of intersection points of tab bonding in each connected domain, a number of layers of tabs corresponding to the connected domain; calculating a total number of layers of the plurality of layers of tabs in the sectional view based on the number of layers of tabs corresponding to the connected domain; and determining, based on the total number of layers of tabs and a preset real number of layers of tabs, whether the plurality of layers of tabs are folded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing system for producing a cosmetic product. The invention also relates to a capsule (7, 8) containing a cosmetic compound. The mixing system allows the production of a cosmetic product from capsules (7, 8) comprising the raw materials required for the composition of such a cosmetic product, that is the cosmetic texturising agent, the cosmetic active substance and, as required, a cosmetic perfume. The invention is applicable in the cosmetic industry.

Abstract: A method for automatically boxing ice cream type products allows, via an apparatus with simple mechanical configuration, a sequence of boxing steps to be performed, keeping constant the number of products boxed from one boxing sequence to another, in consideration of possible variations, from one boxing sequence to another, in the spatial distribution of absences of product on the transport system, operating between the apparatus for production of the products and the boxing unit, with the boxing unit being configured, for each boxing sequence, for picking up the products and transferring them into at least one box. The apparatus is configured to automatically perform the method.

Abstract: A bag supply system includes: a bag bundle delivery device moves bag bundles from a delivery relay position to a delivery zone; a bag bundle conveyance device which receives the bag bundles from the bag bundle delivery device in the delivery zone and conveys the bag bundles from the delivery zone to a supply zone in a state where the bag bundles are supported by a support part; a bag bundle takeoff device which holds the bag bundles supported by the support part in the supply zone and moves the bag bundles from the bag bundle conveyance device to a supply relay position; and a bag supply device which sequentially supplies bags included in each of the bag bundles arranged in the supply relay position, to a packaging machine. The support part moves along an endless track between the delivery zone and the supply zone.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for separating product containing pouches from a travelling web of adhered films carried on a film support surface includes a rotary blade drum assembly having blade configurations with blade portions arranged to form the entire perimeter edge of the flange of the pouch which rotate in synchronous registration with grooves in the film support surface. In one form, at least one blade portion and associated groove portion are non-linear and other than longitudinal or transverse to the film support surface of the forming drum or travelling web of films. The blade portions may be heated and the rotary blade drum assembly may include insulating guides for the pouches.

Abstract: A method for packaging a handle set including providing a refrigerator having a cabinet defining an opening to access an interior; and providing doors defining an aperture for accessing the interior, the aperture width being less than the opening width. A handle set for installation onto the doors. A substrate panel having a panel width that is between the aperture width and the opening width, and to which the handle set to define a handle set package. Inserting the leading edge of the substrate panel through the aperture and the opening and rotating the handle set package through the aperture and the opening such that the trailing edge moves through the opening and into the interior, wherein an installation cutout of the substrate panel provides the handle set package with clearance to be rotated, and wherein the perimeter edge of the handle set substrate panel remains substantially level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fish sorting device, comprising a weighing compartment which is designed to receive a single fish, a weighing device which is coupled mechanically to the weighing compartment and is designed to sense the weight exerted on the weighing compartment by the fish.

Abstract: Methods for filling packagings with at least one medication includes receiving filling instructions for an order and operating an automated packaging station to fill a plurality of packagings making up an order. Operating the automated packaging station includes positioning a plurality of cassettes containing the medications needed for the order onto a feeder base at a single filling location, and moving each of the plurality of packagings to the filling location. The operation also includes actuating at least one of the cassettes at the feeder base simultaneously and according to the filling instructions when each packaging is located at the filling location. Automated packaging stations operable to perform the above filling instructions are also provided.

Abstract: An individually packaged product is provided with a first individual package, a second individual package and an attaching part. The first individual package includes an absorbent article and a packaging sheet that packages the absorbent article. The second individual package includes a wipe and a packaging that protects the wipe. The attaching part attaches the second individual package to the first individual package such that the attaching strength of the attaching part for the second individual package is greater than the attaching strength of the attaching part for the first individual package, and at least a portion of the attaching part remains on the second individual package side after the second individual package has been removed from the first individual package. At least a portion of the attaching part has adhesiveness after the second individual package has been removed from the first individual package.

Abstract: A storage hopper which is designed and adapted for interim storage of snus bags between a bag production apparatus and a transport device comprises two side walls, a rear wall and a front wall, shaft walls running parallel to the side walls and spaced apart from one another, wherein the storage hopper has, on its side facing towards the transport device, a lower closure element for storing a defined number of snus bags in each shaft and for joint discharge of the defined number of snus bags to the transport device, and wherein the storage hopper has, on the side facing towards the bag production apparatus, an upper closure element which is independent of the lower closure element.

Abstract: The apparatus includes an operating unit, which can be a welding unit for welding a closing film to an edge zone of a containing element or a separating unit for separating containing elements from portions of sheet material. The apparatus includes a control unit programmed to enable the operating unit to selectively process a continuous strip of containing elements or discrete groups of containing elements.

Abstract: A blank includes: a top panel, two side panels, a base panel, a closure panel, and a securing member for closing the erected blank on itself, four sets of corner post panels each extending from a side panel and able to be erected to form corner posts, a receiving portion extending over a portion of the base panel, for receiving the bottom walls of pots, delimited transversely by two intermediate base score lines which define, with the ends of the base panel, two connection/deformation sections on either side of the receiving portion. The intermediate base score lines form two deformable hinges, so that the receiving portion can be moved relative to the ends of the base panel along a vertical axis after formation of the packaging and the pack.

Abstract: An embodiment of is cooling pack 110 having at least two components that cause an endothermic reaction when mixed together. At least one of the at least two components being in liquid form 410 and contained in, or separated from, the other at least one component 430 by a frangible membrane 150. The at least two components (410, 430) contained within a vacuum sealed common envelope 120. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for breeding pepper (Capsicum sp. such as Capsicum annuum) lines, including isogenic and nearly isogenic lines, displaying one or more mature fruit color(s) of interest. Predictive genetic markers and associated sequences and primers, associated with phenotypic diversity at the Ccs locus encoding Capsanthin-Capsorubin Synthase, and the Ze locus encoding Zeaxanthin Epoxidase are also provided, as well as methods for breeding pepper lines. Further provided are pepper plants, and plant parts including seeds, seed mixtures, fruit, and packaged fruit, which display mature fruit color(s) of interest.

Abstract: Sliced products are deposited in a shipping tray 10 by depositing a first row 71 of the sliced products in the center portion of the tray, moving the first row across the bottom of the tray to a first side wall, depositing a second row 72 of sliced products in the center portion of the tray, then moving the second row of sliced products to the opposite side wall, and depositing a third row 73 of the sliced products in the center portion of the tray. The lateral movement of the first and second rows of sliced products avoids obstruction by the perimeter rim of the tray and the endmost slices of the products tend to follow the curvature of the corners 17-20 of the shipping tray as they are moved toward the side walls of the shipping tray.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include food packages and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a food package. The food package can include an exterior sealing enclosure, an interior barrier, the interior barrier separating the first compartment and the second adjacent compartment, a first food component, and a second food component. The exterior sealing enclosure can include a first compartment, a second adjacent compartment, a top, a bottom, a first side, and a second side. The interior barrier can be frangible through manual manipulation by a consumer without rupturing the exterior sealing enclosure. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of packaging food components. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which accommodates a series of feeder units arranged for selectively discharging an amount of solid substances from one or more feeder units for packing. The device includes a holding device provided with an array of feeder positions arranged adjacently in a plane, a collection frame arranged below the holding device including a series of collection trays for capturing discharged solid substances from the feeder units and each collection tray includes an output opening, and a packing unit arranged below the collection frame for collecting the captured solid substances from the output opening of a tray and packing the substances. The collection frame and the holding device are movable with respect to each other. The collection trays have an elongated shape with a longitudinal direction which extends substantially parallel to the plane and over a length of at least two of the feeder positions.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for making a multi-compartment package on a form, fill, and seal machine. Two pairs of heat sealing jaws are provided which produce seals having different sealing strengths.

Abstract: With a random incoming axial stream of pallets of articles, there is a stack of blanks, an axial stream synchronized with pallets is formed, all of the pallets are transferred from the axial stream synchronized with pallets to constitute an axial stream that is synchronized with lots, lots are separated by empty spaces having length of one or more article lengths, whereby the spacing is thus variable and adapted to lot length, blanks are unstacked upon demand based on the pallets to constitute a synchronized stream of blanks corresponding to the stream synchronized with lots. Blanks are separated by empty spaces with length of one or more article lengths, starting from the stream synchronized with lots and the stream synchronized with blanks; each lot of articles is made to work with each blank before the blank is folded around the lot of articles and made into a single unit.

Abstract: An ingestible nutritional substance (supplement and the like) including vitamins, minerals and other ingredients beneficial to a woman and/or her child that a woman may take at a time of her life surrounding pregnancy. This includes by ingesting determined and suited types and amounts of ingredients, including at selected times, to best assist the woman and/or infant's needs at the respective times. The ingestible supplement can be formulated for drinking with appropriate nutritional and health benefits as well as with desired lifestyle and taste and aesthetic attributes. The dosing and packaging of the supplement to best suit a specific class of woman's and baby's needs are also described. Other aspects are directed to the preservation, storage and dispensation of one or more ingredients that may not be stable with one another during storage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging wire fence clips first collects and aligns fence clips into a series of batches that each incorporate a selected quantity of clips. Each batch of clips is fed through a packaging station where first and second flexible adhesive substrates are affixed to opposite sides of the batch, and successive batches are separated to form compact and easy to carry bundles of the selected quantity of clips. A label applicator supplies adhesive labels to one of the flexible substrates.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a food isolator packaging material. The food isolator packaging includes a first section and a second section, the first section including a plurality of deposit areas each having a perforation. A first food layer is deposited on a first deposit area of the plurality of deposit areas and a second food layer is deposited on a second deposit area of the plurality of deposit areas. The food isolator packaging is folded such that the second section covers the first food layer in the first deposit area and the second food layer in the second deposit area. The food isolator packaging is folded along an axis situated between the first deposit area and the second deposit area such that a perforation of the first deposit area and a perforation of the second deposit area are in alignment.

Abstract: A system for packaging dosed quantities of solid drug portions comprises a plurality of dosing stations (2) for dispensing a dosed quantity of solid drug portions, a plurality of guiding ducts (7), a plurality of collecting containers (17) for receiving drug portions guided through the guiding ducts (7), and at least one discharge and packaging station (3) for transferring drug portions collected by each collecting container (17) to a packaging and for closing the packaging. The guiding ducts (7) are coupled to a transport means (6a, 6b, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16) for moving the guiding ducts (7) along the dosing stations (2), wherein each guiding duct (7) is adapted to receive drug portions dispensed from at least one of the dosing stations (2) when the guiding duct (7) is positioned at the at least one dosing station (2), and to guide the received drug portions to an passage opening of the guiding duct (7).

Abstract: A sleeve operable to at least partially contain a cylindrical article, the sleeve including opposing planar side panels; bowed dust flaps extending upwardly from said side panels; front and back panels, each having rounded, upper corner portions; and overlapping top panels in superposing relation to upper portions of said bowed dust flaps, said overlapping top panels being mutually secured, whereby said bowed dust flaps are retained in a bowed condition that conforms with said rounded upper panel portions of said front and back panels

Abstract: An inspection system is configured for use with a conveyer apparatus including carrier bars. Each carrier bar conveys pellet-shaped articles along a predetermined path. The inspection system includes at least one camera unit for sensing a predetermined characteristic of the pellet-shaped articles, a removal unit, and a controller. The removal unit, downstream from the at least one camera unit, removes selected pellet-shaped article(s) from the carrier bar(s) depending on whether the characteristic is sensed by the at least one camera unit. The controller is in communication with the at least one camera unit and the removal unit. The controller provides a signal to the removal unit in accordance with the sensed characteristic. The removal unit includes a rotatable ejection drum having extended vacuum nozzles along its length, equal to the number of articles conveyed in each carrier bar. Each vacuum nozzle selectively removes article(s) from the carrier bar(s) by suction.

Abstract: A method of packaging and/or transporting a stack of preformed flower pot covers utilizing a portable platform is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of bundling primary packages of absorbent articles into secondary packages includes advancing first and second films in a stretched state in a machine direction. At least two primary packages of absorbent articles are advanced in the machine direction between the first and second films. The primary packages are compressed in a first direction, wherein the first direction is orthogonal to the machine direction. The primary packages are advanced in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite the machine direction. The first and second films are bonded together to form a bonded region. The first and second films compress the primary packages of absorbent articles in the first direction, forming a secondary package around the primary packages of absorbent articles. The bonded region is cut to form a first bond on a first secondary package and a second bond on a second secondary package.

Abstract: Methods of producing a synthetic material part are provided, of which at least sections are lacquered and which include a base body which contains a synthetic material, in particular for a motor vehicle. A first method includes the steps of extruding the synthetic material to produce the base body; lacquering at least sections of the base body; and packaging the base body. The sections that are lacquered can be transported or shipped without being damaged.

Abstract: A custom packaging center for custom selecting and custom packaging canned and/or container goods and a novel box for use with the custom packaging center.

Abstract: The invention is to accumulate the bottles in a nested formation at a high speed on a moving conveyor and the reduction or elimination of gaps between the nested bottles that are caused by missing bottles. The is done by oscillating the conveyor belt Another objective of the invention is to accumulate a predetermined number of bottles in rows to be bundled by establishing a first barrier to retain the bottles on the conveyor and using second barrier to control the number of rows to be included in the bundle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for forming a tubular container for food products and to the resulting container. The method comprises the following steps performed on a flexible sheet (3): a) folding or rolling a portion of said flexible sheet (3) forming a first tubular body (1); b) sealing one of the bases (1a) of the first tubular body (1); c) folding or rolling the rest of the flexible sheet (3) which is not part of said first tubular body (1) concentrically around the first tubular body (1), forming a second tubular body (2) outside the first tubular body (1); and d) joining part of the final longitudinal end of the inner surface of the second tubular body (2) to part of the outer surface of the first tubular body (1), forming two independent cavities: a first cavity (4) inside the first tubular body (1); and a second cavity (5) inside the second tubular body (2) and outside the first tubular body (1).

Abstract: Stackable trays for bags containing liquids, stacked arrangements and stacking methods are disclosed. A tray has a first surface to support one or more bags containing liquid and could include a plurality of cells adapted to receive the bags. The tray has a second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface transfers at least a portion of a load on the first surface to one or more bags containing liquid arranged below the second surface. A stacked arrangement includes multiple layers of bags containing liquid with a respective stackable tray between adjacent layers of the multiple layers. The trays could thus be used in stacking or otherwise arranging bags containing liquid in multiple layers.

Abstract: A grouper apparatus for a packaging machine and methods of grouping items for packaging are provided. The grouper apparatus may have at least two container guides for defining lanes for receiving containers, at least one of the at least two container guides being movable, and at least one timing screw. The at least one timing screw may be positioned at least one of: between the at least two container guides; and coaxial with a corresponding one of the at least two container guides. The at least one timing screw may be adapted to receive and advance at least one lane of containers on either side thereof. A controller may be provided for controlling revolution of the at least one timing screw to provide at least one of a desired output grouping and a desired output rate of the containers.

Abstract: A method and device for producing bundle packages, in particular bundle packages (10) for cigarettes (cigarette carton 11), wherein a group of packs (12), in particular cigarette packs, is encased in an outer casing (13) to form the bundle package (10), and wherein the packs (12) respectively exhibit a code (19), in particular a barcode, and the group of packs (12) is encased in the outer casing (13) such that the code (19) of the packs (12) is not concealed by the outer casing (13) and that a means (20, 23) for concealing the code of the packs (12), in particular a pre-cut piece (20), such as an (adhesive) label, and a code (21) for the bundle package (10) are subsequently arranged on the bundle package (10).

Abstract: A foldable and flexible carrier which may include a polymeric form that is foldable to provide a carrier having sufficient strength to securely hold and carry items while maintaining position about the items and which can be assembled without fastening hardware.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing and packing individual strip-type objects, especially strips of chewing gum, comprising the following method steps and features: provision of rectangular sheets from which the strips are to be formed, the length of the shorter sides of the sheets corresponding to the length of a strip to be formed; formation of individual strips from the sheets provided; packing of the formed individual strips using a first packaging material; formation of a group of the individual packed strips; and packing of the formed group of strips using a second packaging material.

Abstract: A method, computer program, and system for optimizing kit nesting. The method, computer program, and system include defining a priority for each kit in a plurality of kits. Each of the plurality of kits is associated with at least one machine in a machine family, such that each machine family is associated with a set of kits. A first optimized nest is determined for each machine in each machine family by providing all machine-compatible parts in the highest priority kit to a nesting engine, allowing the nesting engine access to one or more subsequent priority kits to be arranged into the first nest. A second optimized nest is determined for at least one machine by providing all remaining machine-compatible parts in the highest priority kit to a nesting engine, allowing the nesting engine access to one or more subsequent priority kits to be arranged into the second nest.

Abstract: A container system for separately storing and mixing two or more substances. The container system is comprised of a main container for holding at least one first substance and a cup for holding at least one second substance, the cup being removably mounted on the neck of the main container such that at least a portion of the cup is suspended within the main container. The cup has an upper portion, a lower portion, and one or more aims for connecting the upper and lower portions. Apertures are formed between the upper and lower portions of the cup such that the contents of the cup may mix with the contents of the main container following removal of an inner cap attached to the cup, and agitation of the main container. The cup and neck are sized to provide a void therebetween, thereby also permitting the substances to mix.

Abstract: A method and system for producing, marking, and packaging ingots for use in fabricating dental prosthetics.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and a system for inserting documents (32) in an automated manner into load supports, in particular into containers (30), which are transported by means of a conveyor (26) in an order-picking system (10), comprising: a document guiding device (40) for storing one, preferably single, document (32), and for mechanically guiding same to an assigned load support, which passes the document insertion apparatus (12;12?) by means of the conveyor (26) in an automated manner such that the document (32) can be moved actively into the assigned load support, wherein the document guiding device (40) comprises receiving members (42, 44; 90) which are arranged substantially oppositely horizontal and are mounted movably relative to each other, wherein in a receiving position (FIG. 6A) the receiving members (42, 44; 90) receive the document (32) in a space therebetween.

Abstract: A method of combining groups of articles to form packaging units includes wrapping a packaging unit along a running direction thereof on a transporting path with a sheet material, concurrently with the wrapping, forming a sheet-material overlap and folding flaps that each project beyond the packaging unit along transverse peripheries thereof, positioning the folding flaps against the packaging unit as the packaging unit passes through a folding unit, and fixing the folding flaps to each other, thereby forming a sheet-material wrapper that is closed on all sides.

Abstract: This invention concerns dosage elements for a ware washing machine and a method of manufacturing such dosage elements. In embodiments of the invention a dosage element comprises first (10) and second (20) joined parts, wherein the first part (10) is a part which, prior to joining with the second part (20), comprised an open receptacle and wherein the second part (20) comprises a substrate carrying a plurality of mutually separated substances A, B, C arranged in side by side relation. The second part (20) is joined to said first part (10) so as to close said receptacle and enclose said substances within it. Dosage elements produced in the inventive method are pleasant to handle, while being surprisingly resistant to damage in handling or transit.

Abstract: Meat products are provided to an automated bagging system in a controlled and managed manner. Packaging systems in accordance with the present invention preferably include one or more buffering systems capable controlling the flow of meat products to a bagging system. Buffering systems are positioned along a meat product packaging line to provide such flow control. Plural buffering systems may be used as arranged in one or both of in series and in parallel.

Abstract: A packaging system and method forms a bundled group of articles in an oriented arrangement, by applying a wrapping material to the articles via the bottoms of the articles while the oriented arrangement of articles is inverted and retained by a pallet. The wrapping material may be a sleeve of shrinkable material applied to the inverted end of the articles and shrunk to conform to the articles and form a base enclosing the bottoms of the articles. The articles are retained by the pallet in the oriented arrangement during the inverting, sleeving and bundling of the group of articles, to provide a bundled group including the articles securely contained by the shrunk wrapping in the oriented arrangement. The bundled group may include more than one type of article. The pallet may be configured to retain a top portion of the article, which may have an irregular or asymmetrical shape.

Abstract: A process for the treatment or processing of containers is provided. The process includes automatically conveying the containers past a processing station for the treatment or processing by or through a conveying device and then inserting the containers into a transport or packaging container having a bottom, a circumferential side wall and an insertion opening opposite to the bottom. In some embodiments, a plurality of containers are placed on a flat supporting base so that the bottoms of the containers directly rest on the flat supporting base; the containers, while resting on the flat supporting base, are conveyed to a processing station by the conveying device to be treated or processed; and after the treatment or processing of the containers, the transport or packaging container is placed on the flat supporting base so that all the containers of the plurality of containers are accommodated in the transport or packaging container.

Abstract: A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package has a top panel, end panels, and side panels. The package has retention features for retaining the containers. The package has gussets for positioning the end panels and side panels around the containers.

Abstract: A fully automated pharmaceutical product packaging machine is capable of selectively depositing one or more different solid pharmaceutical products into an individual cavity for each of a plurality of individual patient product package cavities. The system employs a plurality of solid pharmaceutical product dispensing canisters which are capable of selectively dispensing a pre-designated number of solid pharmaceutical products. The machine fills a template containing temporary storage cavities and the template is automatically positioned over a sheet of clear plastic material containing a plurality of cavities corresponding to the cavities in the template. A barrier between the cavities in the template and the sheet of clear plastic material is moved and the pharmaceuticals in the template cavities drop into the corresponding cavities in the clear plastic sheet of material.

Abstract: A device and a method for packaging articles (14) are proposed, wherein the device comprises the following: at least one insertion device (30) which transfers articles (14) to be packaged into a folded box (28), at least one transport means (16) which transports a plurality of articles (14) to be packaged in the form of a stack in at least one packaging material bowl (12) into the gripping region of the insertion device (30), wherein an aligning unit (20) is provided which, in order to stabilize the stack, acts on the articles (14) which lies in the packaging material bowl (12), before said articles (14) pass into the gripping region of the insertion device (30).

Abstract: A method and device for handling flat objects, in particular flat folded diapers (10), which are fed to a conveyor with receptacles for each object or for each diaper (10) by way of a feeder (13, 14), in particular to a compartment conveyor (17) comprising separation struts (22) which are arranged so as to protrude radially from a continuous conveyor (21) in order to form compartments (23) for each object. Provision is made for the speed (v) at which the objects are transported on the feeder (13, 14) to be reduced for handover of the objects to the conveyor. The device includes a database in which respective data records containing transport speeds (vx) for a control unit (34) being filed for different objects and/or objects of different size, the speed of the feeders (13, 14) being regulated by the control unit (34) in accordance with the transport speed (v) pertaining to the respective object.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a cover, a method of covering, and a cover system to be used with shipments of products transported by air with ULDs. The cover system provides thermal protection to temperature-sensitive products in or on the ULD. The cover system maintains the proper relative humidity level and gas concentrations (oxygen, carbon dioxide and ethylene) for horticultural product loads. The cover system can also have antimicrobial properties. In addition, the cover system decreases the amount of water vapor released in the cargo holds which is known to affect the reliability of the aircraft smoke detection system and to cause false fire alarms.