Abstract: A method of operating a multi-nozzle extruder in an additive manufacturing system enables support structure to be formed while an object is also being formed. The method includes opening more than one nozzle in the multi-nozzle extruder, and operating an actuator with a controller to move the multi-nozzle extruder along a path to form a first group of multiple parallel ribbons of support structure simultaneously with material extruded from the more than one open nozzle.

Abstract: There are provided systems and methods relating to assembling unpacked merchandise in containers. In one form, the system includes an order of merchandise items to be assembled in containers, and a predetermined set of containers defining different sizes and including at least two different types of containers. The system also includes a control circuit configured to: receive notification of the order, select a first type of container, determine a first subset of the plurality of merchandise items to be received in the selected type of container, select a size of the selected type of container to receive the first subset of merchandise items, and instruct the disposition of the first subset of merchandise items within the selected type and size of container.

Abstract: Visibility packaging for energy storage elements includes a front wall spaced apart from a rear wall and provided with at least one viewing cutout and at least one web having a central apex region fixed to a contact region of the rear wall, wherein the web and the rear wall together form a K-shaped cross section in a closure position and the web closes a removal opening of a receiving space, and the rear wall has at least one perforation that delimits a contact region from a remainder of the rear wall and makes it possible to separate the contact region from the rear wall such that the web can be transferred by a folding operation into a removal position in which the apex region of the web is spaced apart from the rear wall and the web frees the removal opening of the receiving space.

Abstract: Methods include delivering a well treatment fluid comprising wellsite material contained within a water soluble degradable package, mixing the well treatment fluid, and pumping the mixed well treatment fluid downhole.

Abstract: Medical device kits for use in placing, maintaining, altering, and/or removing medical devices in, on, and/or from the body of a patient are disclosed. Such medical device kits can include one or more wrap assemblies for use in the placement/maintenance procedure. In accordance with present embodiments, the one or more wrap assemblies of the medical device kit can include various features to assist the clinician performing the particular procedure. In one embodiment, a medical wrap assembly is disclosed, comprising a foldable wrap body that includes a front surface, wherein the front surface is configured to define a sterile field. A plurality of pockets is included on the front surface of the wrap body. The pockets are configured to contain therein a plurality of medical components. The medical components are arranged in the pockets in a predetermined order of use for the medical procedure.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sealable, flexible membrane for encapsulating a part to be isostatically pressed at an elevated temperature. The membrane includes at least one first layer of polymeric film having a melting point above the elevated temperature, and at least one second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer comprising a metal. In one embodiment, the metal comes into contact with the part to be isostatically pressed. The membrane, which typically has a thickness ranging from 10 to about 500 ?m, and is impermeable to the flow of liquids and gases when sealed, can be used to warm press parts up to about 350° C. and pressures ranging from 5,000 psi to 100.000 psi. Methods to isostatically press parts using this sealable, flexible membrane are also disclosed. Bags made from the sealable, flexible membrane that are used in isostatic presses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an object via three-dimensional printing is disclosed. Data regarding the object is received. The object is three-dimensionally printed from the data. A wrapper is also three-dimensionally printed from the data. The wrapper encloses the object and includes information regarding the object.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a humidity control filter used in a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus includes a housing that houses a magnetic recording medium and disposed inside the housing and close to a vent connecting the inside of the housing and outside air. The humidity control filter including a water-repellency coating having ventilation, a first adsorption layer of a porous solid having characteristics of type III isotherm according to IUPAC classification, and a second adsorption layer of a porous solid having characteristics represented by type I adsorption isotherm according to the IUPAC classification, which are provided in order from the vent.

Abstract: A tamping assembly for a capsule filling machine is provided. The tamping assembly comprising a dosing disc provided with a plurality of sets of through vertical passages placed substantially equidistantly around the periphery thereof; a bottom plate disposed below the dosing disc, the bottom plate having an open region aligned with a carousel of the capsule filling machine disposed adjacent to the tamping assembly, and a set of apertures aligned with at-least one set of through vertical passages of the dosing disc; a plurality of sets of top tamping plungers disposed above the dosing disc, each set of top tamping plungers configured to be driven downwards for pressing a powdered product in the vertical passages from the top; and at-least one set of bottom tamping plungers disposed below the bottom plate and configured to be driven upwards for pressing the powdered product in the vertical passages from the bottom.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods for the production and/or delivery of a foamable and/or flowable material for consumption, such as by direct application to a consumer, such as directly to the mouth of the consumer. A device and/or system for converting a material from a first, unfoamed state to a second, foamed state is provided, and a device and/or system for converting a material from a first, non or semi-flowable state to a second, flowable state is provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for placement of objects in a loading space are provided. Aspects include determining item data for a plurality of items, determining space data for a loading space, generating an optimized configuration for placement of the plurality of items in the loading space comprising determining one or more geometric representations for each item in the plurality of items, wherein the one or more geometric representations for each item are coupled together, determining, by an algorithm, a location in the loading space for each item in the plurality of items based on the one or more geometric representations for each item and the space data, and displaying, by a display, the optimized configuration comprising an image of each item of the plurality of items overlaid on corresponding locations in an image of the loading space.

Abstract: Low dose pharmaceutical formulations may be prepared to deliver consistent low doses of a variety of pharmaceuticals with minimal additives. In particular, the low dose pharmaceutical formulations are solid unit dosage forms of low dose drug substances which may be prepared by a method that provides content uniformity across prepared solid unit dosage forms.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and machine-executable coded instruction sets for the fully- and/or partly automated handling of goods are disclosed. In particular, the disclosure provides improvements in the handling of goods in fulfillment of orders for items of mixed sizes, weights, and other dimensions.

Abstract: A system and method for dispensing potable fluids wherein a bagged fluid, such as water, is dispensed via a spiked water dispensing device.

Abstract: A controlled environment enclosure comprises a robotic arm manipulation system used to protect and unprotect a fluid path within the controlled environment enclosure. The apparatus allows the fluid path to be protected against dangerous decontamination vapors and chemicals before the controlled environment enclosure is decontaminated, the method not requiring the use of gloves or other means that degrade the integrity of the controlled environment enclosure. The apparatus similarly allows the fluid path to be unprotected for use without the use of gloves, the method not requiring the use of gloves or other means that degrade the integrity of the controlled environment enclosure when decontaminated is completed. The apparatus and method allow for the protecting, unprotecting and decontaminating sequences to be automated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sealable, flexible membrane for encapsulating a part to be isostatically pressed at an elevated temperature. The membrane includes at least one first layer of polymeric film having a melting point above the elevated temperature, and at least one second layer disposed on the first layer. The second layer comprising a metal. In one embodiment, the metal comes into contact with the part to be isostatically pressed. The membrane, which typically has a thickness ranging from 10 to about 500 ?m, and is impermeable to the flow of liquids and gases when sealed, can be used to warm press parts up to about 350° C. and pressures ranging from 5,000 psi to 100,000 psi. Methods to isostatically press parts using this sealable, flexible membrane are also disclosed. Bags made from the sealable, flexible membrane that are used in isostatic presses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tank is configured to be installed in a liquid consuming apparatus having a liquid consuming unit and stores liquid to be supplied to the liquid consuming unit. The tank includes a casing that includes: a liquid storage chamber demarcated by a first surface and a second surface different from the first surface, and configured to store the liquid; an inlet provided to inject the liquid into the liquid storage chamber; and a liquid outflow port through which the liquid flows out from the liquid storage chamber to the liquid consuming unit. The casing includes: a frame; a first film composing at least a part of the first surface; and a second film composing at least a part of the second surface.

Abstract: Wall panels for a corrugated paper board container have bulge control lines formed therein to control the bending of the wall panels as the container is loaded with contents, such as liquid containing contents. The bulge control lines are configured to control the bending of the wall panels to mitigate the possibility of undesirable spouting that makes the containers more difficult to store.

Abstract: A container including an opening defined by a finish portion, and a base at an end of the container opposite to the opening. The base includes a standing ring extending inward from a heal to a center pushup portion. The center pushup portion includes an pushup ring surrounding an inversion portion. In an as-blown position the inversion portion extends outward and beyond the pushup ring such that the inversion portion is further from the opening than the pushup ring. In a final position the inversion portion is inverted relative to the as-blown position such that the inversion portion extends inward so as to be closer to the opening than the pushup ring. The inversion portion is mechanically moved from the as-blown position to the filled position with an inversion device after the container has been filled to reduce vacuum or increase pressure within the container.

Abstract: A feeding assembly to fill capsules with granules, in particular microgranules, has a filling drum, which is provided with a plurality of fillers, each defined by a respective suction pipe, which can be connected to a pneumatic sucking device and has a lower end to pick up/release the granules; the lower end of each suction pipe being closed by a closing element provided with a plurality of openings, each designed so as to prevent the granules from getting into the suction pipe.

Abstract: Described in one aspect is a multi-cell or multi-chambered container for sealing various materials such as therapeutic or diagnostic agents, animal or human tissue, tissue samples, specimens, blood, genetic material, or any other material. The container includes seals formed by folding the wall of the elongate body transverse to the interior of the elongate body and maintaining the folded wall portions adjacent one another or joining them together. In another aspect, the container disclosed may be made according to a method involving creating multiple seals at various locations along the elongate body thus creating sealed voids or cells between the seals within the elongate body.

Abstract: A system for handling tape dispensers to be used by parcel preparation workers. Identification markings on the parcels are scanned. The identification markings are matched with corresponding different kinds of packaging tape. A tape dispenser receptacle holds a plurality of tape dispensers in respective cradles. Each of the cradles has an associated display indicator that is activated based on the type of packaging tape determined by the scanner and the processor.

Abstract: A method for preparing a piping bag for pre-filling, the set comprising, a thin walled polymer tube, and at least one severance mark extending across the entire width of the polymer tube, partitioning the set into two separable piping bags having a respective openable portion, said openable portions pointing in substantially opposite directions, as seen in a longitudinal direction of the set. The method comprises gripping the set at or near the respective openable portion, positioning the openable portions to point in substantially the same direction, and separating the piping bags from each other along the severance mark.

Abstract: A bottom-gusseted package comprises a package body, and a bottom gusset positioned transversely of a longitudinal axis of the package body. A top sleeve portion of the package body can be configured to include a recloseable fastener, a dispensing spout, or an upper package seal. Formation of the bottom-gusseted package is effected by positioning individual sleeves transversely of the longitudinal axis of a flexible web which forms the package body. During package formation, the flexible web is cut to form individual packages, and each individual sleeve can be cut to form a bottom gusset in one package, and a top sleeve portion in an adjacent package.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis can comprise a strut having a lumen, radiopaque particles within the lumen, and a polymer binder. The polymer binder retains the radiopaque particles within the lumen. The strut may have side holes through which a therapeutic agent may pass and through which the radiopaque particles are incapable of passing. The polymer binder may be absent or optional. The radiopaque particles can have sizes that prevent them from escaping out of the lumen through the side holes. The radiopaque particles placed within the lumen can improve visualization of the prosthesis during an implantation procedure.

Abstract: A system for processing a simplified plastic container (C) that is to be filled with a hot product includes the step of blow-molding parison to form a container body, where the container body has a neck, a base, a side surface relatively free of structural geometry that surrounds an interior of the container body and, prior to being filled with the hot product, a projection (12) extending from the container body. After the container body is filled with a hot product in a production line, the neck of the filled container body is capped with a cap and then, the container body is cooled. During the cooling operation, the hot product is contracted so that the projection extending from the container can be pushed (P) into the container body like a traditional push-up so that the resultant, filled and cooled container body is relatively free of structural geometry.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the production of plastics material liquid containers (10) with a conveying device (2) which conveys the plastics material containers (10) along a pre-set conveying path (P), with a shaping device (4) which shapes plastics material pre-forms into the plastics material containers (10), with a first filling device (12) which is arranged downstream of the shaping device (4) along the conveying path and which fills the plastics material containers (10) with a liquid, and with a cooling device (8) which is arranged between the shaping device (4) and the first filling device (12) and which cools at least one area of the wall of the plastics material containers (10) by acting upon it with a flowable medium. According to the invention the cooling device (8) has a second filling device (8) which fills a liquid into the container, which liquid is used for cooling a base area (10a) of the plastics material container (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new, adhesively bonded packaging system for foods, more particularly for dairy products.

Abstract: A dispenser for holding multiple components and allowing separate sequential access to the components. For example, one component can be a wafer and one component can be wine for use in a Christian communion ceremony. A container has a first cavity defined therein and an opening. A first layer element covers the opening and has a first side that is removably attached to a portion of the container. A second layer is removably attached to a portion of a second side of the first layer, a portion of the second layer being not adhered to the second side of the first layer to thereby form a second cavity between the first layer and the second layer. A first tab is defined on an edge the first layer. A second tab is defined on an edge of the second layer and extends over the first tab and beyond a distal end of the first tab to facilitate sequential removal of the layer elements and sequential access to a component in the second cavity and the component in the first cavity.

Abstract: Items may be packaged for shipping or storage using additive manufacturing techniques, also known as three dimensional (3-D) printing. Packages made by such processes may be referred to as 3-D printed packages and may include packing material printed at least partially around the item(s) and/or an outer cover printed about at least a portion of an exterior of the packing material and/or the item(s). A packaging system may include a 3-D printer and a computing device communicatively coupled to the 3-D printer. The computing device may obtain a packaging model describing a package for one or more items. A print module of the computing device may include instructions to print the package at least partially about the item(s) according to the packaging model.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a packaging machine comprises a plurality of functional units arranged to perform operations in sequence including to form or receive a package, fill the package with liquid or solid content and seal the package. The monitoring system comprises a plurality of signal inputs, each arranged to receive signals from respective functional units indicating status or measured values; a graphical user interface permitting interaction with an operator of the packaging machine; and a processor arranged to process received signals and control operation of the graphical user interface, wherein the processor is arranged to, from the signals, identify an event if any of the functional units is preventing any other functional unit in the sequence to operate, and upon any such identified event, enable the graphical user interface to provide an indication thereupon in a displayed representation of the functional units of the packaging machine.

Abstract: A stackable shipping unit includes a plurality of individual components that may be partially assembled, then packed with items to be shipped. The shipping unit can then be fully assembled, and placed on a pallet. The shipping system may include trays that can be used as either a base or a lid. The unit includes vertical components that are generally U-shaped in plan view, and sized to fit closely within the trays in pairs to form a “H” shape in plan view forming a pair of shipping spaces. Additional U-shaped vertical components can then be assembled to close off the shipping spaces, and a tray can be used as a lid and positioned on top of the vertical components to form an assembled shipping unit.

Abstract: A method for containing a bale of compressed material without straps or wires in a bag the bale having recessed regions therein, includes receiving the bale of compressed material in a conveyor having a mobile portion and a load carriage. The bag has reinforced regions. The load carriage has multiple tines for supporting the bale of compressed material. The tines engage the bale at at least some of the recessed regions. The bale is transferred into a bagger configured to receive the bale and move the bale from an entrance to a discharge and bagging mandrel. The bale is introduced into the bag such that at least some of the reinforced regions of the bag correspond to the recessed regions of the bale. A reinforced bag for containing a bale of compressed material without straps or wires is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bin and method for its use in recycling residential recyclable materials are described. The bin comprises a left and right sidewall, a base, and front wall; the front wall is lower than the other three walls, and when two bins are stacked in a 0° stacking configuration, the lower front wall of the lower bin and a sloped surface on the lower portion of the upper bin create a recyclable receiving chute that accepts recyclable materials freely. When in the stacked configuration, the upper bin is substantially securely held to the lower bin by a combination of a channel on the lower rear portion of the base that fits over a handle that rests upon on upper portion of the rear wall. Furthermore, a lower lip on the lower portion of the rear wall aligns with the handle and substantially prevents front-wards and backwards motion of the upper bin. The handle can facilitate retention of the liner as well, by holding the liner against the upper portion of the rear wall.

Abstract: A collectable coffee bag comprising a front panel, a back panel, a first side panel arranged between said front panel and said back panel. The collectable bag also comprising a second side panel arranged between the front panel and the back panel. The collectable bag having an image of a predetermined person arranged on the front panel and a predetermined identifying feature associated with the predetermined person arranged on the back panel. The collectable coffee bag also having a limited edition area arranged on a first side panel of the collectable coffee bag and a signature area arranged on the second side panel of the collectable coffee bag. The collectable coffee bag having a predetermined coffee blend, or roast arranged therein wherein the blended roast is associated with a predetermined person depicted on the collectable coffee bag.

Abstract: A laminated sheet construction for use in product packages has a substrate layer onto which there is laminated a transparent solid plastic film with an exposed surface having a transparent thermosetting adhesive coating. The surface beneath the coating may be printed with text and/or graphics which is visible through the film and adhesive. A container for a product may be directly affixed to the adhesive surface. Panels of the laminated substrate may be bonded together for increased strength or for capturing the flange of a container which can project through a window in one of the panels while displaying printing on the other panel through the window.

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to systems and methods for processing paperboard and similar fanfold materials into packaging templates and packaging orders using the packaging templates. More specifically, the described embodiments relate to methods of processing orders available for packaging, such as to reduce the time and cost of producing custom-size packaging templates, building custom-sized packaging boxes, and packaging orders in the boxes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a collapsible foam shipping cooler and a process for producing the collapsible cooler. The collapsible cooler includes a linear series of attached side panel sections where each of the adjacent side panel sections are separated by a V groove formed by 45° beveled cuts made in a ends of each of the sections, and an adhesive tape flexible hinge is attached on the side of the panels opposite the V groove. The series of attached side panel sections is movable between a collapsed storage mode and an assembled mode where the series of sections are arranged to form a closed rectangular loop with top and bottom perimeter edges. Top and bottom foam panels contact the top and bottom edges of the closed loop to form a closed insulated cooler which is matingly received in a conventional corrugated box shipping container.

Abstract: A method of controlling a bottling plant, including detecting an operating state of the bottling plant, determining whether for the detected operating state the energy consumption and/or the consumable consumption of at least one consumer of the bottling plant can be reduced, and if it is determined that the energy consumption and/or the consumable consumption of at least one consumer can be reduced, reducing the energy consumption and/or the consumable consumption of the at least one consumer.

Abstract: A method for preparing durable feather oil absorbent felt comprising the following steps: water repelling treatment; rolling and pressing by a roller, and drying and baking operation Also provided is a method for preparing a durable oil absorbent boom comprising: (a) using polyester spun-bonded nonwoven cloth, polyester/polyethylene bi-component spun-bonded nonwoven cloth or vinylon fiber and acrylic ester chemically bonded nonwoven cloth as a raw material to make a cloth bag through ultrasonic bonding or thread sewing; the density of the nonwoven cloth ranges from 10 g/m2 to 25 g/m2; (b) filling feather oil absorbent felt into the cloth bag, and sealing the two ends of the bag. Also provided is a durable feather oil absorbent boom structure comprising: a cloth bag and feather oil absorbent felt filled into the cloth bag, and the cloth bag is sealed at its two ends.

Abstract: A funnel component is manufactured by the following processes: forming a first intermediate product that is tapered, by rolling the blank material; forming a second intermediate product by folding back and welding a narrow opening side portion of the first intermediate product; forming a third intermediate product having the side wall portion by folding the wide opening side portion of the second intermediate product back outward; forming a cylindrical discharge portion forming the narrow opening side portion, a first tapered portion that connects to the discharge portion and has a tapered shape, and a second tapered portion that has a tapered shape having a taper angle less than the first tapered portion, by performing a drawing process on the third intermediate product.

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 below a product delivery tube.

Abstract: A package includes a first panel and a second panel, wherein each of the first and second panels defines a right side edge portion, a left side edge portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion. The package includes a pleat that interconnects between the first end portions of the first and second panels. The pleat defines a right side edge portion and a left side edge portion and includes a handle aperture forming a handle. A first seam joins the right side edge portions of the first panel, the second panel, and the pleat and a second seam joins the left side edge portions of the first panel, the second panel, and the pleat. A third seam joins the second end portion of the first panel with the second end portion of the second panel. The first panel, the second panel, and the pleat are integrally formed.

Abstract: A liquid container is in the shape of a bottle with an elongated section at its top in a first position and is convertible to a glass or goblet in a second position with the elongated section at the bottom. The container includes a first end that has a closed end; a second end that has an open end wider than the elongated section, a first body that includes the elongated section, a second body that includes a hollow container, and a closure, which is a detachable closure adapted to seal the open end of the second end in the first position and to be detached from the open end of the second end in the second position.

Abstract: A flexible package is formed and filled in an in-line process by directing a web of film and a semi-rigid strip in a machine direction; folding the web of film into a pair of opposing walls with the semi-rigid strip there between; and selectively attaching the strip to only one of the opposing walls by controlling applied heating to opposing walls of the pair to seal one wall but not the other to the semi-rigid strip to define an opening between upper edges of the opposing walls.

Abstract: A can, and device and method for producing same, includes two circular end elements forming a base and lid. The can further includes a sleeve which has fold lines forming edges, the can sleeve having a circular cross-sectional area at both ends and a polygonal-sectional area in its central region. The polygonal cross-sectional area in the central region is at most decagonal.

Abstract: A filling device and associated method for filling viscous filling material, in particular sealants, into a tubular casing material. The filling device comprises: a shutoff valve, a filling tube disposed downstream from the shutoff valve in the direction of flow of the filling material, a clip placement and clip closing device disposed downstream from the filling tube in the direction of flow of the filling material and a supply of tubular casing material disposed at least partially on the filling tube. At least one sensor is also provided for directly or indirectly measuring the length of casing material drawn from the supply of casing material, the output signal of the sensor being able to control at least the closing of the shutoff valve through which the pressurized filling material can be fed to the filling tube.

Abstract: A package for a multi-component medical device is disclosed. The package includes a bottom portion with cavities providing individual access to different components of the medical device, thereby enabling a user to remove components from the package in any order without disturbing the remaining component or components. The package also includes a barrier affixed to the bottom portion for sealing the package.

Abstract: A blister pack is provided having a wireless identification device located at a predetermined position. A moldable blister web is mounted with wireless identification devices at selected positions corresponding to the size of the blister components to be molded from the web. When a cavity is molded in the web in manufacturing a blister pack, the pre-mounted wireless identification device will be located at a predetermined position in the blister pack. In one embodiment, RFID devices are used as the wireless identification devices. The RFID device is pre-mounted on the blister web so that it will be located at a flat surface of the blister pack or on a rounded surface. The RFID devices are pre-mounted, and then the blister is molded to have a cavity, the product is inserted into the cavity and a sealing package component is attached to the blister cavity to seal it.

Abstract: A method for closing a fillable collecting tank, in particular a fillable collecting tank of a heat exchanger for storing a fluid, having walls forming the collecting tank, wherein one of the walls is formed as a baseplate having openings for receiving pipes, wherein a filling opening for adding the fluid is provided in one of the walls, wherein the filling opening can be closed by the provision of a closure element that can be inserted into the filling opening or can be placed onto the filling opening after the fluid has been added to the collecting tank. A heat exchanger is also provided.