Abstract: An automated syringe handling system that will safely, securely, and quickly assemble syringes or other medical devices under controlled/sterile conditions while maintaining the syringes in a stable orientation and eliminating unnecessary operator contact with the syringes and working area.

Abstract: An asymmetric multilayer film for an ostomy pouch includes a barrier layer including a first side and a second side. At least one layer is arranged on the first side of the barrier layer, and at least one layer arranged on the second side of the barrier layer, in which the combined thickness of the at least one layer arranged on the first side of the barrier layer is at least two times greater than the combined thickness of the at least one layer arranged on the second side of the barrier layer. The asymmetric multilayer film has a thickness of about 25 ?m to about 50 ?m.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening a packaging in which a transport tub for objects is packaged, the packaging having a packaging portion which extends in an extent direction away from the transport tub, the apparatus having a cutting-open device for cutting open the packaging in order to generate an opening in the packaging, the cutting-open device being designed to cut off a first part of the packaging portion in order to generate the opening in the packaging, and having an inflating device for inflating the packaging through the opening generated in the packaging. The apparatus furthermore relates to a system for opening a packaging, and to a method.

Abstract: An extraction assembly for extracting content from a bag, said bag having an end mouth formed by two opposing flaps, comprising a separation wall which separates a first environment and a second environment at different contamination classes and which is provided with an opening communicating the first environment and the second environment, closing partitions at the opening movable between a closing position and an opening position, and a gripper to keep closed said flaps and wherein each closing partition has coupling elements to couple with a gripper, wherein said gripper and said coupling elements include a retention device, the spacing apart of partitions causing opening of the jaws and the opening of the end mouth and the communicating of the inside of the bag and of the content with said second environment through said opening.

Abstract: A decapper for removing a cap from a laboratory sample container is presented. The decapper comprises a guidance. An apparatus comprising such a decapper is also presented.

Abstract: A high-speed automated separation apparatus comprising a pair of flexible discs, a driver to rotate the flexible discs, a feeder to position a rigid body at a first location between the flexible discs, a spreader and a converger operable upon the flexible discs such that opposing portions of the flexible disc converge upon the positioned rigid body, whereupon the rotating flexible discs rotate the rigid body beyond the first location and content from the rigid body is expelled. The rigid body and the expelled content are then available for reuse.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for opening value document packages in which value documents are packaged by a packaging material. A region of the packaging material is heated by hot air such that the packaging material opens along a cutting pattern. A system is also provided that includes such an apparatus and a value document package.

Abstract: A system includes an implant and a packaging device assembled with the implant to hold an outer sleeve and a head element of the implant in a desired position relative to one another. The packaging device includes clip arms sized and shaped so that, when the arms are held toward a closed configuration, the implant is housed therebetween in the desired position and proximal ends of the arms form a space via which an insertion device is insertable to be coupled to the implant, and a housing defining a space within which the clip is housed. The housing includes a retaining feature for retaining the clip therein and a camming element which, when a proximal force is exerted on the implant via the insertion device coupled thereto, causes the arms to move away from one toward an open configuration to release the implant therefrom.

Abstract: An end closure for food and beverage containers is provided. The end closure comprises a central panel with a large opening defined by a score line and a safety fold positioned proximate at least a portion of said score line. The end closure further comprises a ring pull tab operably interconnected to the central panel proximate to a peripheral edge of the central panel. Prior to opening the end closure, a tail end of the ring pull tab is positioned over the tear panel. In some embodiments, the tear panel may completely detach from the end closure upon opening.

Abstract: A bike frame with a fixed bottle opener gusset is a bicycle frame with at least a crossbar, a vertical-frame bar, and a fixed bottle opener gusset fixedly and integrally located at an intersection of the crossbar and said vertical frame-bar. The design of the frame provides added strength and increased frame life with rugged service while further providing a user with a functional bottle opener that is useful for removing a cap from a bottle when the user is riding or not riding the bicycle.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for the post-treatment of dry adhesive microstructures. The microstructures may be post-treated to comprise mushroom-like flaps at their tips to interface with the contact surface. In some aspects, a change in material composition of the microstructures in a dry adhesive may affect mechanical properties to enhance or diminish overall adhesive performance. For example, conductive additives can be added to the material to improve adhesive performance. In other aspects, microstructures comprising conductive material may allow for pre-load engagement sensing systems to be integrated into the microstructures.

Abstract: An ecology stay-on tab beverage can end has a first axis extending though a rivet. A tear panel is defined by a frangible score and a non-frangible hinge that joins a first end of the frangible score with a second end of the frangible score. The first axis forms a line of asymmetry of the tear panel. A second axis intersects the first axis at a right angle. An intersection of the first axis with the second axis defines a center point of a clock-like reference having a 12 o'clock position at the first point and a 6 o'clock position at the second point. A first radius of curvature of the frangible score between a 5 o'clock position and a 7 o'clock position is at least 3.6 times larger than a second radius of curvature between a 7 o'clock position and a 9 o'clock position.

Abstract: A blow-molded plastic container has a storage part (4) for receiving a medium to be dispensed via a container opening (10) and a head part (6) removably connected to the storage part (4) via a separation point (12) and releasing the container opening (10) for removing the medium after the head part has been separated from the storage part (4). The separation of the head part (6) from the storage part (4) is completely prevented or hindered by a securing device (16) in a securing position. The head part (6) can be removed from the storage part (4) without force via the separation point (12) in a release position of the securing device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for automatic bundle transport, positioning, wrapper entry, wrapper opening, wrapper loosening, wrapper removal and wrapper dunnage takeaway. The wrapper is made from pliable material, thin film or similar material and which can comprise a variety of package types and sizes of mail, media or other items. Additionally the method and apparatus of the invention performs the tasks of wrapper removal and discharge without damaging the item contents within. A bundle unwrapping machine according to the invention includes a conveyor by which bundles are presented to the unwrapping machine for opening. An opening mechanism includes a pair of openers positioned to engage a bundle on opposite sites. The bundle is transported into an opening zone in which it is supported for engagement with the openers.

Abstract: A bag retrieval assembly and bag, which facilitates the covering of a bale of cotton or other fibrous material, are discussed. The bag is configured to be used with the bag retrieval assembly, which is configured to manipulate the bag from a stacked or stored configuration to an open configuration that may be raised and held into a position for further processing.

Abstract: A method of destructive opening cigarette packs in which the packs are successively mechanically deformed by deflection of at least one wall of each pack toward the outside of the pack, then the deflected wall of the pack is incised from the outside and a pack opening element is slid between the deflected wall of the pack and the cigarettes contained therein, and the pack is opened from the inside by means of the pack opening element. An apparatus for destructive opening cigarette packs using the method according to the invention.

Abstract: A collapsible support frame has a top opening and open sides to allow a plastic bag to be received through the top opening. Anchoring members protrude outwardly from the frame to engage the top of the open bag after it is folded over the frame. The anchoring members are dimensioned to at least partially stretch the folded-over portion of the bag to insure that the bag remains secured to the frame even when the bag is weighed down with materials placed in the bag, such as trash, recyclables, etc. After the bag is full and is to be removed from the frame the folded over portion is manually urged over the anchoring members to separate the bag from the frame. While the bag is held in the frame the exterior surfaces of the bag are visible and preferably bear messages, advertisements, etc.

Abstract: An apparatus for unfolding folded plastic film having a first side joined to a second side along a longitudinal folded edge for use in forming a packaging tube. The folded film travels through a slot and the folded sides are separated at their respective outer longitudinal edges. The longitudinal left side is conveyed toward and over a guide plate left side edge and then over a left form tube section. The longitudinal right side is conveyed toward and over a guide plate right side edge and then over a right form tube section. The longitudinal middle section including the longitudinal folded edge and part of both the first and second sides adjacent the longitudinal folded edge is conveyed toward and over guide plate angular edges and then onto a carrying surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to machines and apparatuses for manufacturing and filling containers, specifically to machines and apparatus for transporting flexible pouches between manufacturing and filling stations with the ability to open and close the flexible pouch. The apparatus includes a movable base with a pair of side arms. Each of the side arms is movable between a first position and a second position. A center arm is attached to the base. The center arm is disposed between the pair of side arms. A gripping mechanism is disposed at an end portion of each of the side arms and the center arm. The pouches are moved between production stations by movement of the base. The present disclosure also includes a method for opening, closing, and moving a flexible pouch between one or more production stations.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an apparatus and method of use to facilitate storing, conserving and exhibition of fresh flowers particularly where the flowers originate in country such as Columbia and are internationally shipped to a country such as the United States and doing so while the flowers are maintained completely hydrated. Hydration is accomplished by placing fresh flowers stems into florists' foam which is soaked to make hydration continuously available to the fresh flowers during storage shipment and exhibition. Thus there is no water to leak from the packaging and no need to maintain the shipping container in a vertical upright position. The packaging further includes perforations so the fresh flowers can breath while being stored and in transit and the packaging includes a stand for exhibition of the flowers at a convenient and attractive height of about waist high when the fresh flowers arrive at a retailer having no special equipment or personnel for the care of perishables.

Abstract: Disclosed are a cooking material dispensing system and dispensing method. The dispensing method comprises the following steps: setting a material bag (9) clamping station in a position near a cooking pot opening but outside the range of the pot opening, and clamping the material bag (9) containing a cooking material at the material bag (9) clamping station; confining the material bag (9), such that the material bag (9) is kept in a clamped state to control the deformation thereof during the dispensing procedure; flipping and/or tipping the material bag (9), and when in a position near the cooking pot opening, dispensing the cooking material in the material bag (9) into the cooking pot; and once the cooking material has been dispensed, shifting the material bag (9) from the range of the cooking pot opening and releasing the clamping of the material bag (9).

Abstract: A tool and method for puncturing a lid of a vacuum sealed bottle to release the vacuum and allow easy opening. A point extends down from the tool, and force may be exerted against the tool by the palm or thumb of a user causing the point to penetrate the lid. The point preferably extends between 3/16 inches and 1/16 inches down from the handle, and more preferably about 3/16 inches. In some embodiments the tool is mushroom shaped having a wider round or oval upper portion for grasping and a narrower lower portion centered under the upper portion of the handle, the point extending down from the lower portion.

Abstract: The invention concerns a storage device (23, 45) for storing receptacles (10), preferably cryo-vials (10), in a carrier structure (3), the storage device (23, 45) comprising pockets (20) each for holding an individual receptacle (10), wherein the pockets (20) are connected one above the other in direction of a common longitudinal axis (59) and the storage device (23, 45) being provided with openings for inserting and retrieving receptacles (10) into and from said pockets (20) in longitudinal direction (60) and/or in lateral direction (61). Also a storage and storage-access system according to the invention is indicated.

Abstract: A packaging assembly for an electromagnetic trackable surgical tool and wiring thereof. The packaging assembly includes a first tray with at least one first retention member configured to couple the surgical tool to the first tray. The packaging assembly further includes a second tray configured to couple with the first tray. The second tray has at least one second retention member configured to couple the wiring of the surgical tool to the second tray.

Abstract: A product includes a dissolvable dispense indicator carried by a container.

Abstract: A carton for containing a plurality of articles. The carton comprises a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton. The plurality of panels comprises at least one top panel and a reinforcement panel. A single phase handle extends in the at least one top panel and the reinforcement panel. The single phase handle can comprise at least one grip portion extending adjacent a handle opening on one side of the at least one grip portion. The handle opening can comprise a first opening in the at least one top panel and a second opening in the reinforcement panel. The second opening can be generally aligned with the first opening.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of packaging a sterilized product. The method includes the steps of providing a product and sterilizing the product. The sterilized product is enclosed in a first layer, which is substantially hermetically sealed to form a first sealed enclosure. The first sealed enclosure is enclosed in a second layer, which is substantially hermetically sealed to form a second sealed enclosure. The second sealed enclosure is enclosed in a third layer, which is substantially hermetically sealed to form a third sealed enclosure. The third sealed enclosure is enclosed in a fourth layer, which is substantially hermetically sealed to form a packaged product.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, an illustrative system comprises a cartridge-receiving member configured to receive a product cartridge, and a product-receiving member configured to receive product from the product cartridge, the product-receiving member having a bottom support to gravitationally support the product and a rear support to terminate receipt of the product and prevent egress of the product from the product-receiving member. The system also comprises a pusher assembly configured to pushingly engage the product out of the cartridge onto the product-receiving member.

Abstract: A procedure kit that removably retains components to be used during a medical procedure, such as the insertion of a catheter into a patient, is disclosed. The procedure kit is securable to a surface or structure such that the kit is positioned as desired by the clinician, thus minimizing chances that the kit will fall to the ground or undesirably move. In one embodiment, the procedure kit comprises a body defining a plurality of pockets that are sized to removably receive therein components for use in the medical procedure, an openable flap that covers at least a portion of the pockets; and an adhesive portion included on a portion of the body to enable the procedure kit to be secured to a structure or surface proximate to the patient, such as the sterile drape covering the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a plastic wrapping film from a pack of objects, comprising an opening station of the wrapping film. The opening station in turn comprising housing means of the pack identifying a housing seating of the pack. The opening station comprises weakening means of a part of the film. The weakening means comprising heating means of a fluid and a first outlet mouth and a second outlet mouth of the heated fluid, said first mouth and said second mouth being, at least in a configuration thereof: operatively connected to said heating means of a fluid; facing towards said housing seating; facing towards an imaginary plane interposed there-between.

Abstract: A vial holder is provided to protect a user's hand from needle sticks. The holder includes a handle and a shield attached to a distal end of the handle. An opening is formed in the distal end of the handle to receive a vial. The vial is placed through the opening and into a passageway of the handle with the upper end of the vial exposed. A user grasps the handle which holds the vial in a stabilized manner. A needle may then safely approach the vial in which inadvertent slippage or movement of the needle results in contact with the needle against the shield and not contact with the user's hand.

Abstract: An integrated canning jar lid configured to cover a mouth of a canning jar includes a closure portion, a top portion, and a skirt. The closure portion, top portion, and skirt may be integrated into a single device. The size and shape of the skirt may enhance the aesthetic appeal of the integrated lid as well as the convenience and ease of use. Embodiments of the integrated canning jar lid have a decorative element on the top thereof to further increase the aesthetic value of the lid and/or increase the convenience and ease of use.

Abstract: A method for reducing restoring forces of package sleeves in a filling machine, where flat-folded package sleeves are removed from a magazine of the filling machine, erected to form a package sleeve forming a parallelogram in cross-section and then transferred to a transport device for transporting the upright package sleeve along a transport path. In order to enable a reduction in the restoring force adapted to the particular material of the package sleeve without increasing the cycle time for the removal and unfolding of the flat-folded package sleeve, the restoring force is reduced by temporarily increasing the internal angle between the package walls at the outer fold edges to more than 90° whilst the upright package sleeve is located on the transport path of the transport device. The reduction of the restoring force can be accomplished during the movement or during a standstill of the package sleeve on the transport path.

Abstract: A method of operating a container system for providing a hydrating liquid solution to a pet includes: providing a front side including a peripheral seal, the front side coupled to a back side and to peripheral sides for containing the hydrating liquid solution; and breaking the peripheral seal to expose the hydrating liquid solution from a top of the container system.

Abstract: An article including, either: a frame having an interior cavity, and a flexible liner situated within the interior cavity; or a deformable frame having an interior cavity, as defined herein. Either frame can receive a sample, such as liquid having suspended live cells, and cooling freezes the sample to a solid sample. The solid sample can be readily ejected from the article having either a frame with the flexible liner, or the deformable frame, without extensive thawing. The solid sample can be rapidly displaced from the article by the methods and apparatus disclosed herein.

Abstract: Transforming machines for changing a strip of unopened bag precursors into open bag precursors are disclosed that include a drive motor, a separation station, a sensor electrically connected to a controller that is electrically connected to components of the separation station. The separation station includes a first roller, a separation roller driven by the drive motor, and a pressure device having an actuator selectively activating the pressure device to apply pressure to the strip of unopened bag precursors passing over the first roller. In operation, the controller, based on a signal from the sensor, determines when perforations are located in a gap between the pressure device and the separation roller and at that time signals the actuator to activate the pressure device, with the drive motor driving the separation roller, thereby separating the perforations in a first film layer, but not the perforations in a second film layer.

Abstract: A method is provided, including providing a first packaging support having a predetermined first count of first platforms, each first platform being defined by a predetermined width; providing a second packaging support having a predetermined second count of second platforms, each second platform being defined by a predetermined width; inserting the first and second packaging supports into an outer carton; inserting a predetermined third count of products into the outer carton, wherein the first and second packaging supports provide for stable positioning of the predetermined third count of products during shipment to and display at a retailer's establishment.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a sterile drape which includes an inner material ply and an outer material ply. The inner material ply has a first surface and an opposite facing sterile second surface. The outer material ply has a first sterile surface and an opposite facing second surface, with the first sterile surface of the outer material ply removably coupled to the second sterile surface of the inner material ply. The sterile drape may include a framework coupled to the first material ply and configured to be manipulated to a desired shape. The drape includes multiple material plies in sequential layers, wherein the outermost material plies have a first inner-facing surface and a second opposite outer-facing sterile second surface. The multiple plies can be removed one at a time to expose a new sterile layer if the outer sterile layer is contaminated.

Abstract: The pillbox comprises a pill receptacle comprising a number of pill compartments and a cover sheet attached to the pill receptacle that has a number defined by borders above each pill compartment. Tearable tab tearing lines are provided on the sealing sheet to form tearable tabs, and each comprises main portion side segments that define a tearable tab main portion therebetween; tongue portion side segments that define a tearable tab tongue portion therebetween, the tearable tab tongue portion linking the tearable tab main portion to one of the cell borders; and a main portion end segment that links the main portion side segments to each other spacedly from the tongue portion.

Abstract: A carton with an improved dispensing feature at one end of the carton, which preserves the integrity of the carton, while enabling the display and enhanced access and vending of containers within the carton.

Abstract: The apparatus (1) according to the invention for packing bulk material into a container (2) comprises a provisioning device (3) for the container (2). The container (2) has a filling side with a filling opening arranged therein. The apparatus (1) further comprises a gripping device (4) for gripping of the substantially closed and empty container (2) by the provisioning device (3). The apparatus optionally comprises a conveying device (5) for conveying the container (2) to a packing device (6). The apparatus further optionally comprises a container-opening device (9) for opening the container (2). The gripping device (4) has a detection device (7) for detecting the position of the container on and/or in the provisioning device (3). The apparatus (1) additionally has a positioning device for positioning the container on the basis of said detected position.

Abstract: A closure that includes an overcap and a lid carried by the overcap. The overcap has an annular skirt extending along a longitudinal axis for coupling the closure to a container, and an overcap web extending continuously radially inwardly from the annular skirt. The lid is carried radially within the annular skirt. The lid has an annular rim radially proximate to the annular skirt of the overcap, for the sealing the closure to the container. A lid web extends radially inwardly from the annular rim, and has at least one vent therethrough, and is coupled to the overcap around the vent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for opening and closing a cartridge holder of a beverage forming machine. The cartridge holder may have an opening arranged to receive and hold a cartridge with the cartridge holder in an open position, e.g., the opening may face a front of the beverage forming machine and be in an upwardly inclined position in the open position. A cam and cam follower may cause the cartridge holder to pivot and move to a closed position, e.g., in which the opening of the cartridge holder is in a downwardly inclined orientation. Rotation of the cartridge holder may be damped in at least a portion of movement between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: A rectangular, flexible butt-seamed package bag and a method for using the same is provided in which the pouring of a single type of a liquid packing material filled and packed in the filling space for the packed material from the package bag can be easily performed. A butt-seamed package bag formed by joining both side portions of a sealant layer of a laminate film for packing to each other at a butt state and joining bottom portions or top portions thereof to define a filling space for a single packed material, characterized in that a pouring path for the packed material is disposed in a middle part of a butt-seamed joint portion in an extending direction thereof, and at least a part of the pouring path is provided with an easily separable portion having a joint strength relatively lower than that of the butt-seamed joint portion.

Abstract: A child-resistant medication container assembly and method of dispensing the medication from the container assembly. The medication container assembly includes a blister pack with a plurality of compartments, each of which supports a medication. The container also includes a puck and a box. The blister pack compartments are aligned with openings on the puck, and the box is configured to receive and secure the puck and the blister pack such that each of the plurality of compartments is aligned with a complementary opening in the box.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of an apparatus in the form of a cartridge opener for bottles and methods of using the same. Preferable embodiments of the apparatus are in the form of rifle cartridges. Further disclosed is a cartridge bottle opener featuring a unique opener with a tooth that is properly sized, weighted and cut in dimensions that are best suited for rapid entry of a beverage and removal of a bottle cap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing mail is provided. A feeder serially feeds envelope from a stack of mail. Two cutters at a cutting station cuts one or two edges of the envelopes. As the envelopes travel from the feeder to the cutters the envelope is jogged on two edges to justify the contents with the envelopes. Additionally, an improved feeder is provided to reduce the number of jams created when feeding the envelopes from the stack.

Abstract: Methods for changing a strip of sealed bag precursors in to open bags are disclosed. The apparatus used in the method is referred to as a transforming machine and includes a separation station and may include a perforation station and a piercing station. The perforation station forms a plurality of end perforations in the multiple layers of a strip of sealed bag precursors. The separation station separates the plurality of end perforations in at least one film layer of the trip to form a plurality of bag openings. The plurality of end perforation are torn by the separation station, which includes manipulating the rotation of a main roller, a pressure roller and at least one separation roller.

Abstract: Ampoules made of plastics material and containing 0.5 to 5 ml of a pharmaceutical formulation are sealed, together with an oxygen scavenger, within a pouch.

Abstract: A package-type carrier, wherein a packaged object that is a biosensor can be easily taken out of the package-type carrier and attached to a measuring device without touching the packaged object. A package-type carrier has an unsealed portion outside a sealed portion and near a connection electrode of a biosensor, and has, at the end of or near the unsealed portion, a leading end processed portion such that a space is provided in a portion between an upper cover and a lower cover of the package-type carrier.