Abstract: A method of transferring a plurality of tablets of a product from a first blister card comprising a first plurality of blisters to a second blister card comprising a second plurality of blisters includes discharging the plurality of tablets from the first plurality of blisters of the first blister card. Then, each of the plurality of tablets are guided along one of a plurality of passageways defined by a transfer fixture positioned between the first blister card and the second blister card. Finally, the plurality of tablets are received in the second plurality of blisters of the second blister card. The method includes monitoring the deposit of product to the blister card and verifying the contents of the blister card.

Abstract: Distorted fragments having a variety of configurations and methods for making such distorted fragments is provided which, because of its increased bulk, can also be used as packing materials, decorative grasses, an animal bedding, cat litter, mulch for soil and a media for plants. The distorted fragments can be produced by extrusion and the extrudate is distorted while in a semi-solid state.

Abstract: An optical disc advertising and security method that includes the use of a promotional label that is coaxially aligned and adhesively attached to the top surface of an optical disc. The promotional label includes an upper label layer and a lower label layer. Attached to each layer is a laterally extending tab. Printed on the top layer surface of each label layer is promotional indicia. In one embodiment, the upper label layer is slightly larger in diameter than the lower label layer so that the lower label is covered and hidden from view by the upper label layer. In a second embodiment, the promotional label is made of two label layers permanently adhesively attached together with a RFID tag disposed between them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to an erectable or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a floral easel for holding and/or supporting a floral object. In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of shipping a floral easel, methods of using a floral easel, methods of storing a floral easel, and methods of placing a floral object on a floral easel.

Abstract: A case for holding a DVD or other device may include a flexible clip arm for, e.g., retaining printed information about the DVD, holding the DVD, and/or locking one or more DVDs in place. An apparatus includes a body configured to retain a first disc. The apparatus further includes a retention device coupled to the body and configured to apply pressure to material disposed between the retention device and the body and thereby to assist in retaining the material between the retention device and the body. A method includes inserting a first disc into a container configured to retain the first disc. The method further includes securing material within the container using a retention device coupled to the container and configured to apply pressure to the material and thereby to assist in retaining the material within the container. Other implementations focus on holding or locking a DVD, or other device.

Abstract: A capsule-in-capsule system comprising at least two segregated chemical reactants is described. An inner capsule contains one reactant and is itself contained, with a second chemical reactant, in an outer capsule. The inner capsule and its contents is fabricated first; then it is incorporated into the second reactant; and the combination of the second reactant and inner capsule is encapsulated in the outer capsule. The reactants may be hydrophobic or hydrophilic and present as fluids, solids or combinations of solid(s) and fluids(s). When subjected to suitably high pressure, the capsule wall materials will fracture or rupture, releasing and preferably mixing all encapsulates to enable their prompt reaction. The utility of the invention is illustrated by its application to development of a corrosion inhibiting passive film on magnesium auto body material and to the adhesive bonding of members where precise positioning is desired.

Abstract: A thin display apparatus is packed in a package box. A reinforced plate is attached to the display apparatus. The reinforced plate has a first end portion, a second end portion, a middle bent portion and a buffer member fixed to the first end portion. The first and second portions face each other with the bent portion located therebetween and connected thereto. The reinforced plate is attached to the display apparatus so that the bent portion is set on a top portion of the display apparatus at a top side, the buffer member is positioned at a front side of the display apparatus as facing a display screen and the second portion is positioned at a rear side of the display apparatus. A cushion member is attached to the reinforced plate so that the cushion member is set on the bent portion set on the top portion.

Abstract: A container with a corresponding bottle neck having a capsule inside of which a substance is placed that is to be released into the bottle contents. This invention avoids having to sterilize the contents again after the container has been aseptically filled, even though the substance in the capsule often does not endure these temperatures. Thus, this invention provides a method with the following steps: a) aseptic filling of the plastic bottle; b) welding a first membrane onto the container neck; c) placing the substance, which is to be released into the plastic bottle, on the first membrane that is already welded on; d) covering the substance, which is to be released, by a second membrane and welding the second membrane to the first membrane. Lastly, a closure with a secured tamper-evident layer is placed over the capsule and onto the bottle neck.

Abstract: A method of dispensing food from a multiple-chamber container. In one embodiment, a method comprises moving a first seal to expose a first opening to a first chamber at a top of the container, moving a second seal to expose a second opening to a second chamber proximate a bottom of the container, extracting a first portion of a first food product from the first chamber through the first opening, and extracting a second portion of a second food product from the second chamber through the second opening.

Abstract: A method of packaging and curing manufactured stone can include packaging a plurality of partially cured de-molded manufactured stones in a curing container having airflow apertures therein. The loaded container is then loaded into a drying oven for further curing for a suitable period. After curing in the oven, the curing container is removed and may be shipped to a customer without unpacking and repacking the manufactured stones.

Abstract: Systems and methods for packaging information handling systems such as notebook computers. Information handling systems may be configured in a bulk shipping configuration to allow multiple information handling system units to be shipped in a bulk configuration, and then converted to a single pack shipping configuration to allow an individual information handling system to be shipped separately and alone, or vice-versa.

Abstract: A fold may be made in a conventional box which reduces the amount of packaging material necessary to secure an item in the box. Rear projection televisions may have a thick base and a thin top. Therefore, rectangular boxes may have much space at the top from the front of the box to the back of the box, in particular, when the television is in the carton, there may be substantial space between the back of the top of the television to the back panel of the carton. Typically, packaging material is placed in this space. By placing a fold in the carton along the portion of the box where this packaging material may conventionally extend, the amount of packaging material may be reduced by abutting the packaging material to the fold in the carton instead of the back panel of the carton.

Abstract: A method for generating a medication regimen of a patient is disclosed. The method comprises receiving a plurality of prescriptions for the patient, wherein a prescription of the plurality of prescriptions indicates a medication and a frequency for administering a dose of the medication. The method further comprises mapping a plurality of doses of one or more medications to a prescription calendar based on the frequencies indicated in the plurality of prescriptions and determining a schedule for administering a plurality of doses of different medications corresponding to each prescription of the plurality of prescriptions based on the calendar and constraints regarding administering the plurality of doses.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling tubes with piles of disc-shaped articles, such as pills, comprising: two functional elements (5h, 5j), hinged at a horizontal axis (K) and mobile between a loading region (C), in which the functional elements (5h, 5j) provide at least a corresponding seating (6) for receiving and retaining a relative pill (3) released by a plurality of supply units (1), and a disengagement region (D) of the pill (3), at which the functional elements (5h, 5j) are rotated by ninety degrees and cooperate with gripping organs (11); the gripping organs (11) being mobile in a vertical direction in order to gather the pill (3) borne by the functional elements (5h, 5j) into the relative disengagement region (D), and to release the pill (3) internally of a corresponding tube (10) in phase relation with the movement of the functional elements (5h, 5j).

Abstract: A method of fabricating a drug-transfer device includes forming a package having a first component retaining multiple volumes of a drug and a second component retaining an agent. The first component and the second component are integrally formed together. The agent is configured to suppress a physiological effect of the drug when the agent contacts the drug or is coadministered with the drug. The method allows exterior surfaces of the first and second components to be cleanable (e.g., prior to final assembly). After such cleaning, either no or substantially no amount of drug and agent is present outside the package. According to some embodiments, the package may be fabricated such that either no or substantially no amount of the drug is present within the second component and such that either no or substantially no amount of the agent is present within the first component.

Abstract: A decorative shredded material having a complete pattern contained on each strip or piece of the decorative shredded material. Methods for making decorative shredded material.

Abstract: A packaging system 100 includes a controller 102, an input device 104 in communication with the controller 102 that identifies one or more characteristics of the container, and a manual input device 106 in communication with the controller 102 that provides multiple input options for selection by a packer. The input options represent relative degrees to which a container is filled by one or more objects to be packaged. The controller 102 provides an output signal indicating a quantity of dunnage to dispense to the container based on the selected input option and the one or more identified characteristics of the container. Once the controller receives the container characteristics information, as well as the selected input option representing the relative degree to which the container is filled by the objects to be packaged, the controller can determine the number and lengths of dunnage strips that need to be provided to fill the remaining void in the container.

Abstract: A container insert for taking up extra space may be placed in a container intended for storage and/or shipment of material to an end user. The insert may be generally longitudinal having a helical configuration that may be expanded and constricted for taking up different volumes of space within the container respective of the amount of material stored therein. The insert may also be elastically deformable or generally pliable and may absorb impact forces for preventing or minimizing damage to the material.

Abstract: Binders to produce or promote cohesion in non-assembled or loosely assembled matter.

Abstract: Interactive medicine organizers comprising integrated software and hardware elements and multifunctional interactive wireless devices to provide assistance to individuals who need to organize or monitor the administration of one or more medications are provided.

Abstract: A container has a product chamber for containing a product. The product chamber has a product opening that opens into the exterior. A closure member is releasably mounted on the product opening. The container further includes an additive chamber for containing an additive, and a pressure valve that connects the additive chamber and the product chamber with each other. The pressure valve has a closed position when the pressure inside the product chamber is higher than the pressure inside the additive chamber, and an open position for discharging additive from the additive chamber into the product chamber when the pressure inside the product chamber is lower than the pressure inside the additive chamber. The pressure inside the product chamber is higher than the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the additive chamber is both lower than the pressure inside the product chamber and higher than the ambient pressure.

Abstract: A method of transferring a plurality of tablets of a product from a first blister card including a first plurality of blisters to a second blister card including a second plurality of blisters includes discharging the plurality of tablets from the first plurality of blisters of the first blister card. Then, each of the plurality of tablets are guided along one of a plurality of passageways defined by a transfer fixture positioned between the first blister card and the second blister card. Finally, the plurality of tablets are received in the second plurality of blisters of the second blister card.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-chamber carpule having (1) a first partial cylinder comprising a sealing cap, a bypass, and an intermediate stopper, (2), an optional sealing element, and (3) a second partial cylinder comprising an end stopper and, optionally, a stop, an axial groove, and an additional intermediate stopper; the invention further relates to a method for producing and filling said dual-chamber carpule.

Abstract: An assembly for wetting a medical device is provided. The assembly comprises a compartment for a fluid medium and a package for the medical device. The compartment and the package are separate elements, which are joined together. An outlet from the compartment is movable so as to be able to connect to an entrance to the package and hereby establish communication for the fluid. This way the medical device may be wetted. The fluid medium may contain an anti-microbial agent such as hydrogen peroxide. The medical device may be a urinary catheter. A method for manufacturing such an assembly and a method of using it is also provided.

Abstract: In a process for introducing individual products into containers by means of a picker line comprising at least two pickers individual products are individually picked and transposed to containers. The individual products and the containers are delivered in counterflow on at least one transportation device for the individual products and on at least one transportation device for the containers. The delivery of a next container to be filled into the transposition area of the picker line is controlled by any picker. The picker which is controlling the delivery of the next container to be filled is determined by the number of currently introduced products at the infeed of the picker line.

Abstract: Portable container that can be filled with material and moved to another location at which the container is emptied of the material in accordance with the invention includes a wall-defining structure defining an interior receivable of the material and including at least one side wall and a bottom wall. A flat wall portion of the side wall(s) has a substantially planar outer surface and a remaining portion has a substantially arcuate shape. A pair of handles are arranged on the side wall(s). By providing the flat wall portion on the side wall, the container can be leaned against the ground while maximizing contact between the container and the ground. This maximal contact improves the transfer or movement of clippings and other debris from a pile thereof into the container when the container is leaned alongside the pile.

Abstract: A packaging system and method for securing a product within a shipping container includes providing a shipping container appropriately sized for the product, attaching at least a first shock absorption member to the shipping container for serving as a locator for the product and for positioning the product on the shipping container. Attaching at least a second shock absorption member to the shipping container for, together with the at least a first shock absorption member, securing the product on the shipping container. The shipping container is closed about the product, which is itself suspended by the at least a first shock absorption member and the at least a second shock absorption member.

Abstract: Self-heating containers comprise a reaction chamber and a heating chamber. The heating chamber is sized to contain a substance to be heated. The reaction chamber contains reactants which, when contacted, exothermically react. The reaction chamber is divided into a first compartment and a second compartment with a barrier therebetween. The barrier comprises a first barrier portion and a second barrier portion. The first barrier portion is attached to a reaction chamber wall and has an opening sized to allow reactants to flow through from one compartment to the other. The second barrier portion is attached to the first barrier portion to close the opening. The barrier can be opened by moving an actuator into engagement with the second barrier portion to dislodge the second barrier portion from the first barrier portion and thereby open the barrier.

Abstract: A method of filling a multi-dose blister card first includes selecting a first intermediate blister card comprising a plurality of tablets of a first product stored within a first plurality of intermediate blisters. Additionally, a multi-dose blister card including a plurality of multi-dose blisters that are empty is selected. The plurality of tablets of the first product from the first plurality of intermediate blisters are transferred into the plurality of multi-dose blisters. Next, a second intermediate blister card including a plurality of tablets of a second product stored within a second plurality of intermediate blisters is selected. The plurality of tablets of the second product are then transferred into the plurality of multi-dose blisters such that at least one of the multi-dose blisters contains one tablet of the first product and one product of the second product.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to an apparatus for crumpling paper substrates. Specifically, the system provides for the crumpling of paper substrates to form fill material to be utilized in product packaging to fill void space and/or to wrap around products thereby allowing for safe transport of the products. The apparatus includes a feeder for feeding sheeting material, a first roller connected to a drive mechanism, a second roller disposed adjacent said first roller wherein said sheeting material travels between the first roller and the second roller and further wherein the second roller pushes said sheeting material against said first roller to engage the sheeting material with the first roller, and a third roller connected to the drive mechanism for directing said sheeting material out of said apparatus.

Abstract: A method for filling cells of a heat-formed strip with corresponding articles, the strip being continuously advanced at a predetermined operating speed, comprising: collecting a plurality of articles which are in contact with each other and arranged in parallel rows; adjusting the position occupied by the collected articles in such a way that the articles are arranged in a same spatial arrangement as a same number of empty cells in a longitudinal region of the blister strip to be filled; transferring the articles to a position above the blister strip, the speed of advancement of the articles being gradually synchronized with the speed of advancement of the strip, in a centered position relative to corresponding underlying empty cells of the longitudinal region; releasing the articles into the empty cells of the longitudinal region; repeating these operating stages in order to fill at least a further longitudinal region, which is identical and adjacent to the longitudinal region, in such a way as to complete t

Abstract: The present invention is a film that is soluble in cold water, and useful in such applications as detergent sachets. Films of the present invention are PVOH copolymers that comprise itaconic acid.

Abstract: A method of transferring a contact lens from a first location to a primary package includes transferring the contact lens with an intermediate transfer member to the primary package, wherein the transfer member is sealed in the primary package with the contact lens. Additionally, according to another of many exemplary embodiments, a system for transferring a contact lens to a primary package includes a contact lens and a transfer member associated with the contact lens, wherein an automated lens transfer device is configured to couple the contact lens and the lens transfer member.

Abstract: Mattress foundations, mattress foundation kits, and related methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, a mattress foundation kit may include four frames, corner members, at least one interior support member, and at least two deck panels. Each frame may include a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and a connective structure coupling the first elongated member to the second elongated member. Each corner member may be configured to couple a first end of an elongated member of a frame of the four frames to a second end of an elongated member of another frame. At least two frames may be configured to support an end of the at least one interior support member. Additionally, each deck panel may be sized and configured to extend at least partially over at least one frame of the four frames and the at least one interior support member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a multimedia package is disclosed, the package including a box having a display aperture, a reflective surface within the box, and a plastic template within the box. The plastic template includes a mounting portion for mounting a headset at least partially above a planar surface of the mounting portion and between the display aperture and the reflecting surface. An advantageous method for packaging a headset is also disclosed.

Abstract: A product filling system (100) includes a first multi-lane conveyor (106) for receiving products and a second multi-lane conveyor (110) for receiving the products from the first multi-lane conveyor (106). The first multi-lane conveyor (106) and the second multi-lane conveyor (110) include a plurality of independently movable belts controlled by a controller (128). First and second camera systems (108, 112) inspect first and second portions of the products on the plurality of belts and judge whether each of the products is defective or not defective.

Abstract: Tandem, vertically-aligned vertical form, fill, and seal (VFFS) assemblies enable a method for manufacturing an ingredient package. An inner ingredient-bearing package is manufactured by a first superior VFFS assembly, which inner package is then downwardly displaced to a second inferior VFFS assembly. The inner package and a second ingredient are deposited (filled) into an open-ended outer packaging material being formed by the inferior VFFS assembly. After deposing the inner package and the second ingredient into the formed outer package, the outer package and inner package are sealed to one another at superior ends thereof to finally form an ingredient package. The finally formed package may be removed from partially formed packages in superior adjacency thereto. The finally formed package compartmentalizes the first and second ingredients for later consumer consumption.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for controlling a transfer device in a packaging machine. The transfer device comprises a first conveying device which is moved in cycles, a second conveying device which is moved in cycles and extends, at least in sections, parallel to the first conveying device, and a pushing device which performs a pushing motion substantially perpendicular to the transport direction of the conveying devices. A product is supplied by the first conveying device to a transfer location, is transferred by the pushing device to the second conveying device during a standstill phase of both conveying devices and subsequently further transported by the second conveying device. The pushing device is in a withdrawn position outside of the path of motion of the product disposed on the first conveying device and extends over the first conveying device and also at least partially over the second conveying device in an insertion position.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-part package and method of use for a pre-attached medical implant and delivery tool system. The package includes a wet compartment and a dry compartment and allows a pre-attached implant and delivery tool system to be at least partially stored immersed in a fluid in the wet compartment and at least partially stored in the dry compartment. In one embodiment the implant comprises a replacement heart valve, and the heart valve is stored inside the wet compartment while the heart valve delivery tool remains dry in the dry compartment.

Abstract: An apparatus in one embodiment has: a positioning functionality that sequentially locates, at a predefined bight, coupons of a continuous web of coupons; a burst functionality whereby a foremost coupon is separated at the predefined bight from a next coupon of the continuous web of coupons; a staging functionality whereby the separated foremost coupon is moved to a staging position; and an insertion functionality whereby the first coupon is inserted into a container. In another embodiment the first coupon is inserted into a container only after the next coupon is separated from the continuous web. In another embodiment after the second coupon is sensed, the first coupon is burst and inserted into a container.

Abstract: Techniques for reducing non-compliance of medication use are described. The techniques involve generating and storing an identifier for a specific dosage instance of a specific patient, and creating a package that includes a mechanism for conveying the identifier. Once the package is created, a set of one or more medications that are prescribed to be taken by the specific patient at the specific dosage instance are placed in the package. The set of medications within the package in a manner that prevents the identifier from being perceived from the mechanism until the package is opened. Once opened, the identifier is perceived and communicated back to an automated compliance system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an erectable and/or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object, and more particularly but not by way of limitation, to an erectable or collapsible floral easel for holding a floral object. In one aspect, the present invention relates to a floral easel for holding and/or supporting a floral object. In yet another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of shipping a floral easel, methods of using a floral easel, methods of storing a floral easel, and methods of placing a floral object on a floral easel.

Abstract: A production facility configured to fill a multiple prescription order having different medications is described. The production facility comprises a means for processing a multiple prescription order, a plurality of multiple prescription containers, a first labeling component, a first inspection module, a second labeling component and a second inspection module. The means for processing the multiple prescription order is associated with a particular patient, and the multiple prescription order comprises at least two different tablets that are consumed at prescribed intervals determined by a prescription. Each of the plurality of multiple prescription containers is associated with a prescribed time interval determined by the multiple prescription order, and each multiple prescription container is configured to receive the different medications. The first labeling component is configured to generate a detailed label that provides a plurality of medical information regarding the different tablets.

Abstract: A packaging for an optical article comprises an electrical device configured to be in contact with the optical article; and an electrical circuit element configured to interact with an activation signal provided by a communication device configured to interact with the electrical device. A system and a method of packaging are also provided.

Abstract: A packing member for packing an article, includes a medium accommodating portion for accommodating medium; a non-return valve for passing the medium to the medium accommodating portion and stopping the medium away from the medium accommodating portion; an introducing portion for introducing the medium into the medium accommodating portion with the non-return valve from an outside of the packing member to balloon the medium accommodating portion; and a sealing region, disposed upstream of the non-return valve with respect to a direction of the introduction of the medium from the introducing portion toward the non-return valve, for sealing against the introduction of the medium to prevent leakage from the introducing portion to an outside of the packing member, the sealing region being sealed to keep the medium in the medium accommodating portion.

Abstract: A system for interchanging barrels on a gun includes a barrel having a first end, a second end, and a shaft between the first end and the second end. The barrel includes a clamping screw notch and a barrel indexing surface formed on the shaft. The system further includes a breech block having a barrel housing formed therein having a first end, a second end, and a hollow core therebetween for receiving the barrel, and an indexing pin positioned to engage the barrel indexing surface upon receipt of the barrel through the barrel housing. The first end of the barrel housing is adapted to engage the receiver of the gun The second end of the barrel housing includes a clamp and a clamping screw orifice formed therein for receiving a clamping screw. Tightening of the clamping screw within the clamping screw orifice removably joins the barrel to the barrel housing.

Abstract: A method and device for filling a container with tablets; the device has a conveyor for feeding the container through a number of filling stations, at each of which is located a respective dispenser unit for dropping a predetermined number of tablets from the bottom end of a stack of tablets into the container.

Abstract: A liner emptying device and a liner filling device as well as methods using them for contamination-free filling and emptying of a liner. This contamination-free filling and emptying prevents any danger to the health of the people working with the packaged substances. Both the liner emptying device and the liner filling device are connected to the liner via a fastening device and the residual films sealing off the device can be removed via an access port, whereby the liner can be filled or emptied without contaminating the surroundings.

Abstract: A packaging method includes the step of comparing a total package weight to a freight rate schedule and thereby determining a normal freight rate. The total package weight includes the weight of a container (22), an article (24) to be shipped and a normal amount of dunnage. If predetermined criteria are met, the method also includes the step of reducing the amount of dunnage dispensed below that of the normal amount of dunnage such that the total package weight falls within a freight rate that is less than the normal freight rate. The predetermined criteria include one or more of a predetermined percentage above a change in freight rate, a predetermined weight above a threshold weight for an increase in freight weight, and dunnage requirements including void-volume, degree of fill for the void-volume, type of article, weight of article and type of dunnage.

Abstract: A method of automating a packaging system comprises receiving from a customer an order to be shipped to the customer, determining a volume of the order, selecting a box having a volume sufficient to contain the order and a desired quantity of cushioning product, determining a difference in the volumes of the box and the order, generating a signal based on the difference in the volumes, and causing, with the signal, a cushioning product producing and/or dispensing machine to produce and/or dispense the desired quantity of cushioning product.