Abstract: An empty bag supply method and apparatus first lifting up with a first suction member an empty bag of which bag bottom being in contact with and positioned by a first positioning stopper. The lifted bag is then held by chucks and transported upwards so that the empty bag is vertical with the bag bottom facing upward, and then a second suction member suctions the empty bag near the bag mouth and transports it onto a conveyor with the bag mouth facing forward, so that the bag mouth of the bag is stopped and positioned by a second positioning stopper. The empty bag is then lifted up by a third suction member, held by a chuck and transported upward so that the attitude of the bag is changed to vertical with the bag mouth facing upward, and then the bag is transferred to a gripper of a packaging apparatus.

Abstract: A cost-effective pack adapted to be distributed from an aircraft in the event of a natural, military, political, or other disaster includes an outer package, at least one item in the outer package for aerial delivery, and at least one aerodynamic component formed on the outer package and methods and systems for making the pack.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an opening device for a beverage container. More specifically, the invention relates to a metal end closure having a primary opening area and at least one optional secondary vent opening which can be opened with the same pull tab. The primary opening area of the metal end closure may be opened by utilizing a pull tab interconnected to a central panel, the pull tab being adapted for applying a downward force to form a first opening. Subsequently, the pull tab is rotated and the tail end lifted to form a second opening in the end closure.

Abstract: A container cap and seal assembly comprises a container base, a cap and a seal engagable with the container base. The seal is held on the cap when the cap is initially installed on the base. When the cap is subsequently opened, the seal disengages from the cap and remains on the base. The seal may then be manually removed and re-installed on the base as desired. The container assembly may be used to contain pastes, liquids and other flowable materials.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for aligning a package are proposed, wherein the apparatus comprises the following: a vacuum chamber (32) in which a vacuum is created such that a package (10), which is located inside the vacuum chamber (32), unfolds, and at least one fixing means (22) which fixes the aligned package (10).

Abstract: An organizer container includes a fabric body movable into an expanded configuration, wherein the body defines a bottom and above the bottom, a parallelepiped-shaped enclosure divided into three compartments by first and second parallelepiped-shaped divider panels spaced from each other and perpendicularly oriented relative to the bottom. The container also can be moved into a first partially expanded configuration wherein only two compartments are established, with the first divider panel being held substantially flush against a first end wall of the body by a first holding mechanism. The second divider panel likewise may be moved flush against the second end wall and both divider panels can be moved together to entirely collapse the container. A stiffener can be moved within the enclosure to be sandwiched lengthwise between a divider panel and an end wall and/or between two divider panels.

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: The method consists in: a) screwing a spherical impact part (16) onto the body of the cork so as to extend it axially; b) orienting and holding the bottle (14) in a predetermined position such that the bottle extends below a reference level (18), the impact part (16) emerging above said level; and c) striking the impact part with a striker surface (22) situated at the end of the arm of a striker accessory (24), e.g. a golf club. This produces a sudden force on the cork of amplitude that is sufficient to forcibly expel the cork solely by the fact of striking against the impact part. The device further comprises a podium (10) defining the reference level (18) and means (30) for orienting and holding the bottle (14) in a predetermined position which may be vertical or inclined.

Abstract: A lockable pill container includes a holder defining at least one compartment having an access opening providing access to a pill holder interior volume. At least one lid is moveable between a covering position and an open position. The lid includes a first locking member that is sized to project into the holder when the respective lid is in the covering position. A second locking member is moveable between a locking position and a release position. The locking position includes a position in which the second locking member engages a first locking member of the at least one lid in the covering position. The release position includes a position in which the second locking member is disengaged from all of the first locking members. The second locking member includes opposite first and second ends. The second locking member is moveable from the locking position to the release position by application of a force against the second end.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that facilitate generating a color interference effect during opening and closing of a package for a product. The package includes first and second portions, each having printed thereon a color interference pattern. All or part of the second package portion is transparent, permitting the color interference pattern on the first package portion to be seen through the second package portion. The package portions are mated together (e.g., in a tube and sleeve arrangement or the like), such that the color interference patterns are aligned and overlap each other completely when the package is closed. As the package is opened (or closed), the interference patterns move or slide past each other, creating the visible color interference effect.

Abstract: A vent score lacks features to arrest score propagation. Rather encourages fast score propagation upon initial rupture. Venting is achieved through a flap configuration formed by the vent score.

Abstract: A method of opening an ampoule and an ampoule opening device are disclosed.

Abstract: A dispensing device comprising at least one pair of indicia on separate structures which are rotatable with respect to one another, wherein the indicia have corresponding shapes such that alignment or unalignment of the corresponding shapes puts the device in a locked or unlocked position.

Abstract: A tube capper and decapper and method of using the same. The tube capper includes a handheld housing that supports a one-dimensional array of spindles. Each spindle is shaped to receive a cap. A drive mechanism rotates each spindle of the one-dimensional array in unison for capping or decapping a corresponding one-dimensional array of tubes.

Abstract: Stackable containers that, in various embodiments, are adapted to be vertically and/or horizontally interlocked with other, like, containers to, for example, increase the stability of stacks of the containers. In one embodiment, a stackable container comprises: (A) a top surface comprising a shoulder portion that extends upwardly from the top surface and that is substantially disposed within a perimeter defined by the top surface; (B) a bottom surface defining a stacking recess; (C) a plurality of substantially vertical side surfaces that extend between the top surface and the bottom surface. In various embodiments, a recessed portion of the bottom surface adjacent the stacking recess is adapted to substantially mate with at least a portion of a shoulder portion of a like container.

Abstract: A tray stack (100) for accommodating a catheter assembly (1400) and medical devices (1401,1402,1403,1404,1409,1410, 1411,1412,1413) corresponding to catheter use includes a first tray (101) and second tray (102). Each tray (101,102) includes a tray opening, a base member (205,206), and sidewalls (203,204). When placed atop each other, they first tray (101) and second tray (102) form a tray stack (100). When unstacked and placed in a side-by-side, single layer catheter tray assembly (200), implements disposed therein can be arranged in a predetermined sequence corresponding to an order of use during a catheterization procedure. Mechanical couplings (300) can be included to permit the trays to translate with respect to each other. Retention mechanisms (710-713) can be included to hold the trays together.

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: A container lid includes a conventional main or pour opening and a vent opening spaced from the main opening. A vent score defines the shape of the vent opening, and a vent panel covers the vent opening. The vent panel has a raised convex shape. The lower surface of the tab handle includes a protruding portion, seen as a concave shaped element when viewed from above the container lid. The protruding portion of the tab handle can be aligned with the vent panel so application of a downward force on the tab handle transfers force to the vent panel and breaks the vent score. The shapes of the vent panel and concave element of the tab handle can be adjusted for selective and controlled force transfer to create the vent opening.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medical packaging for the accommodation of medical supplies. The medical packaging discussed herein has a plurality of panels, including a first panel, a second panel, and a third panel, that are releasably secured together to establish a first sterile environment between the first panel and the second panel for the retention of a first medical supply, and a second sterile environment between the second panel and the third panel for the retention of a second medical supply. The panels are configured for relative movement such that movement of the first panel relative to the second panel reveals the first medical supply without compromising the second sterile environment, and movement of the second panel relative to the third panel reveals the second medical supply. The panels are arranged for sequential separation in accordance with the steps of the procedure in which the medical supplies are employed.

Abstract: An improved automated process and apparatus for making a gastro-retentive device (10). The method includes the steps of providing a pouch assembly (18) having an ingredient section within a membrane; rotating the membrane to form a folded pouch assembly; inserting the folded pouch assembly into a first capsule section (20a) to form a pouch/first capsule assembly, and inserting the pouch/first capsule assembly into a second capsule section (20b). The process can further include the steps of providing a continuous strip (32) of multiple pouch assemblies (18) and cutting a single pouch assembly (18) from the strip (32).

Abstract: Printed instructions can be included with the tray in a medical procedure kit.—The printed instructions can include instructional material, such as pictorial, step-by-step instructions intended for a health care services provider for using the medical procedure kit. The printed instructions can also include a separate patient aid, suitable for inclusion within the medical procedure kit, which includes patient education information relating to a particular medical procedure. To make recognition easier, the patient aid can be configured with a greeting card appearance, activity sheet appearance, or other graphical indicia that indicates that the patient aid is intended for the patient and should be delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A device comprising a body having a back, two sides, and a bottom attached along edges to create a body that has open top and front sides. Located on the interior and extending between the two sides are a carton supporting shelf, a slide shelf and at least one, preferably two braces. Also attached to the interior is a carton shearing mechanism comprising a first cutting apparatus and a second cutting apparatus. The first cutting apparatus comprises a first pair of cutting blades, one attached to the back and one attached to a brace. The second cutting apparatus comprises a second pair of cutting blades, one attached to the slide shelf and one attached to a brace.

Abstract: A cold box is provided. The cold box includes an outer bag which is rectangular and has an upper opening, a lid which closes the upper opening of the outer bag, and a thermal insulator which is foldable and is detachably housed inside the outer bag. The thermal insulator is formed from a pouch-covered thermal insulation material. The thermal insulator includes a bottom wall, a top wall, a front wall, a rear wall, and a pair of side walls. Each of the side walls has a fixed part disposed adjacent to the rear wall and a turning part disposed adjacent to the front wall. The fixed parts are fixed to side faces of the rear wall, respectively, and the turning parts are rotatably coupled to front faces of the fixed parts, respectively. When the thermal insulator is folded, the front faces of the turning parts face each other.

Abstract: An introducer set includes an introducer and dilator along with an extension in a sealed sterile peal open package. The extension is available for use during procedures where the puncture access site to the patient is close enough to the site to be treated in the patient that the physician's hands and/or head may be positioned in the fluroscopic area while the physician is attempting to maneuver a wire guide to a desired location. When the extension is attached to the introducer, the physician may perform a procedure, such as an antigrade stick in the lower leg of a patient, while maintaining their hands and head outside of the fluroscopic area while direct radiation is being supplied and the wire guide is being maneuvered to a desired treatment location.

Abstract: A container (100) for storing transdermal patches is disclosed. The container (100) includes a child-resistant mechanism (112) to reduce the likelihood of access to the transdermal patches (TP) by children. The child-resistant mechanism (112) may include first and second access components (116, 120) that may be disposed in a non-opposing manner and that may be in any appropriate form (e.g., buttons). Activation or engagement of the first and second access components (116, 120) in a particular manner allows the container (100) to assume an open configuration to access and/or load patches. In one arrangement, the first and second access components (116, 120) may be simultaneously engaged (e.g., depressed) to open the container (100). In another arrangement, the first and second access components (116, 120) may be engaged in series in a particular sequence to open the container (100).

Abstract: A package for a food product is provided and includes a fin seal, where the package is configured for controlled opening using an opening feature. The opening feature may include an integral flap separable from the remainder of the package to form an access opening to an interior of the package. The flap may be defined by one or more score or scribed lines that extend only partially through the package. The flap may have a portion extending into the fin seal area. Opening of the flap may expose adhesive of the fin seal area which can be utilized for attaching the flap to reclose the package.

Abstract: A system and method for unwrapping round modules is disclosed. Specifically, a method for unwrapping a round module is disclosed. The method comprises supporting a round module wrapped in a module wrapper on a tilting module feeder having a tilting module feeder first side and a tilting module feeder second side, cutting the module wrapper substantially horizontally from a round module first side to a round module second side, and applying tension to a module wrapper top flap.

Abstract: A clamp for sheets of material. The clamp includes a longitudinal main body with an external clamping side. The external clamping side comprises an external dragging surface for engaging a sheet of material. An internal clamping area inwardly extends from the external clamping side. The external dragging surface is at least partially movable into the internal clamping area so as to frictionally drag at least a portion of the sheet of material, engaged thereby, into the internal clamping area therewith. Clamping devices and bagging apparatus including such clamps are also disclosed. A method of clamping overlaying sheets of material is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides environmental packages, instruments, and methods for sealing, protecting, and providing analysis chips for processing and analysis. The analysis chips are bonded directly or indirectly to chip carriers which are held within the chambers of an environmental packaging strip. The chambers are sealed with a sealing film such that the chip carriers can be extracted using a piercing tool and an extraction tool.

Abstract: A package for storing and dispensing a consumable product is provided. The package can be easily constructed from a suitable blank of material and can be composed of first and second compartments hingedly and detachably secured to each other. The package has an initially unopened configuration where the first and second compartments define a substantially common plane. The package is openable from the initially unopened configuration by relative movement of the first and second compartments about the hinge. The package is reconfigurable to either of first and second closed configurations after the initial opening. In the first closed configuration the first and second compartments define a substantially common plane and in the second closed configuration the first and second compartments define spaced apart substantially parallel planes. A blank for a package, a method of making the package and a method of reconfiguring the package are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a plurality of tablets of a product from a first blister card to a second blister card includes a press plate, a transfer fixture, and a tray. The press plate is adapted for displacement between a first position and a second position to force the plurality of tablets out of a plurality of blisters carried by the first blister card. The transfer fixture includes a plurality of passageways, each of which is adapted to receive one tablet of the plurality of tablets from the first blister card. The passageways further direct the tablets into a corresponding plurality of blisters carried by the second blister card. The tray supports the second blister card adjacent the transfer fixture for receiving the tablets.

Abstract: A reusable shipping container is provided. The reusable shipping container includes but is not limited to a housing member, a first fastener, and a second fastener. The housing member includes an outer surface opposed to an inner surface. The inner surface is adjacent to and forms a chamber with an opening. The outer surface prevents foreign matter from entering the chamber. The first fastener connected with the housing member at a first side of the opening. The second fastener is connected with the housing member at a second side of the opening. The first fastener is removably connected with the second fastener to form the opening leading into the chamber when the first fastener is not connected with the second fastener.

Abstract: A package unbundling station receives bundles of articles to be unwrapped. The station includes a clamp for holding a bundle in a fixed position and a pair of spaced-apart movable cutter assemblies which cut at least one of wrapping and banding on at least two sides of the bundle, resulting in an “open envelope” which is transferred to a work station for easy removal of the articles which are then conveyed for subsequent sorting. In one embodiment, an unbundling station is coupled with a package sorting system and receives banded and/or wrapped bundles of articles and includes at least a pair of spaced-apart movable cutter assemblies which cut at least one of the banding and/or wrapping materials of the bundle and subsequently outputs the opened bundle to an output station for subsequent processing.

Abstract: An opening system for a container includes an end flap for extending over an opening of the container, and a sealing flap overlying the end flap. The end flap includes an open area and the sealing flap includes a perforation pattern. The perforation pattern includes a first perforation line including a central section extending over the open area, and a second perforation line extending from the first perforation line to one edge of the sealing flap. The first perforation line is configured to tear at a lower force than the second perforation line.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved packaging method and apparatus. An item enclosed in the V-Pack is shipped or stored in such a way that there is no extra space inside. This is accomplished by specially formulated foam included in each box. In this manner, internal damage to goods is rendered impossible. In addition, an extra layer of foam protects the item or items from damage by external elements, such as moisture and extreme cold or warm temperatures. Any excess air inside the chamber where the items are located, is removed by an external pump, creating a vacuum effect, which provides for the item's safe storage conditions. To facilitate the vacuum action, a valve is provided in two sections on the packaging box.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a multilayer coextruded film that can be used in combination with uncoated medical grade paper or uncoated Tyvek® to produce a sterile barrier system that delivers desired seal and peel characteristics with no paper tear. The combination can be particularly suitable for medical device packaging where the package is subjected to gas sterilization, such as with ethylene oxide.

Abstract: A container has a body defining a compartment and a discharge opening. A material is provided within the compartment. A sealing assembly in a sealed state blocks communication of the material from the compartment to and through the discharge opening. A first assembly is provided for reconfiguring the sealing assembly to an operative state to establish a communication path from the compartment to and through the discharge opening. The first assembly has at least a first component that is movable guidingly relative to the body between: a) a storage position; and b) an operative position. The sealing assembly is changeable from the sealed state into the operative state as an incident of the at least first component moving from the storage position into the operative position without the at least first component fully separating from the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for separating foil layers in a foil processing line, the foil layers being caused to move relative to each other, and to a method and an apparatus for further processing the separated foils for manufacturing a product in which an insert is interposed between two foils.

Abstract: A specialized bottle opener provides a cap opener for opening screw tops, and a corkscrew attached to the cap opener, for opening traditional wine bottles sealed with corks. A lever arm, common to both tools, extends radially outward to provide torque when using either the cap opener or the corkscrew. The cap opener comprises a customizable ring and a pedestal having an interior cavity. Disposed on the inner surface of the cavity is one or more gripping members, such as vertical ridges, which serve to grip the cap and retain it within the cavity after the cap is removed from the bottle. After pouring the wine, the waiter may release the cap by accessing it through openings in the pedestal. Regardless of how a wine bottle is sealed, the multi-function bottle opener serves to maintain the sophisticated wine-drinking experience that consumers have come to expect.

Abstract: A pour cap for a fluid container includes a cap body, a gasket mounted to the cap body, and an open or closed position communication structure. The pour cap can be positioned on the fluid container in a closed position wherein the container is hydraulically sealed with a high pressure seal, or in an open position wherein fluid flow occurs through flow passages on the gasket and the cap body with first and second low pressure seals preventing unwanted leakage between joining parts on the pour cap. The open or closed position communication structure can include a rib and mating detent for producing a clicking sensation upon manipulation of the pour cap by the user, and/or visual features on the cap body viewable by the user, or a cap body having a asymmetrical shape configured for viewing or tactile interpretation by the user.

Abstract: A reclosable package includes a tray, a top sheet, and a fastener. The tray has a well for receiving contents and a peripheral flange surrounding the well. The top sheet is attached to the peripheral flange. The fastener has two interlocking members, one attached to the peripheral flange and the other attached to the top sheet. A tamper-evident feature located on the package prevents access to the fastener and is connected thereto by one or two lines of weaknesses. In one embodiment with one or two lines of weakness in the top sheet, the fastener remains adjacent to the tray's peripheral flange, which is intact after the tamper-evident feature is removed by tearing along these lines of weakness. In a second embodiment with two lines of weakness, the tamper-evident feature, comprised of portions of the peripheral flange and the top sheet, is torn from the package along both lines of weakness.

Abstract: The child-resistant medication container includes: a housing having an open end, a support slidably mounted in the housing for supporting medication, first locking element for locking the support in the housing and for unlocking the support so that the support may be slid to the outside of the housing through the open end, the first locking element including a first locking member coupled to the housing and a second locking member coupled to the support, the first and second locking members being engageable with each other, and at least one button operable to act on the first locking element, the at least one button including a first button operable to disengage the first and second locking members, second locking element for maintaining engagement between the first and second locking members, and a second button operable to act on the second locking element to permit disengaging the first and second locking members by operating the first button.

Abstract: A full aperture beverage end has a center panel, a countersink surrounding the centre panel, a main score arranged in proximity to the countersink to define a removable aperture panel and a vent score. The beverage end is adapted for use with products that are pressurized to over 30 psi (200 kPa) when opened, and during opening the vent score is adapted to sever first, controlling the pressure differential between the external surface and internal surface of the centre panel, thereby allowing the main score to tear in a controlled and reliable manner.

Abstract: A package and method for opening the package are disclosed. The method may include applying pressure to at least one tab area of the package. The at least one tab area may include a first tab portion and a second tab portion, the first tab portion and the second tab portion being disposed in a first position substantially sealed from each other. The method may further include breaching a first breachable bubble, the first breachable bubble being formed within the first tab portion, and breaching a second breachable bubble, the second breachable bubble being formed within the second tab portion. Further, the method may include causing the first tab portion and the second tab portion to shift from the first position to a second position in fluid communication with each other.

Abstract: A carton for holding a plurality of containers. 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, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. At least two end flaps are respectively foldably attached to respective panels of the plurality of panels. The at least two end flaps are overlapped with respect to one another and thereby at least partially form at least one closed end of the carton. The carton comprises a handle in the top panel and a dispenser for allowing removal of articles from the carton. The dispenser comprises a dispenser panel that is at least partially defined by a tear line in the carton and is for being at least partially removed for at least further opening a dispenser opening.

Abstract: A method of individually packaging an absorbent article and attaching the absorbent article to an undergarment including the steps of providing a tri-folded absorbent article having two end portions and an intermediate portion, providing a pouch containing the tri-folded absorbent article, opening the pouch to thereby expose a garment-facing surface of the intermediate portion of the absorbent article prior to exposing a garment facing surface of either of the end portions of the absorbent article.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for debanding a compressible bundle. The apparatus includes an End of Arm Tooling (EAT) component which is moved vertically downward over the bundle to a position where holding arms of the EAT component are manipulated to pick up and hold the bundle. At this position, one or more indenters of the EAT component are pressed into an upper surface of the bundle form a trough in the bundle that crosses under a band which surrounds the bundle. A cutting knife assembly of the EAT component is actuated to slide linearly along a longitudinal direction of the trough to cut the band without contacting the surface of the bundle, thereby enabling the band to drop away from the bundle. As a result, the bundle can be debanded without damaging the bags.

Abstract: A fluid container is provided that comprises a body portion configured to at least partially surround fluid. The container also includes a cap portion connected to and above the body portion at a frangible separation site surrounding an opening between the body portion and the cap portion. The cap portion is configured to separate from the body portion at the separation site to expose the opening when a substantially downwardly directed force is applied to a part of the cap portion at a certain radial distance from a longitudinal axis through the opening. The container can include a collar configured to be disposed at least around a part of the body portion. A portion of the collar can be configured to facilitate separation of the cap portion.

Abstract: A system for processing an envelope containing contents has stations for opening envelopes, and a checking station for checking contents of envelopes. The opening station comprises a cutter and a drive mechanism to separately cut opposed leaves of the envelope. The cutter comprises a wheel for cutting through each of the leaves, and the drive mechanism rotates the wheel and causes it to traverse across the envelope. There is a separate wheel for each envelope leaf and the drive mechanism simultaneously drives the wheels to cut both leaves simultaneously. The cutter comprises a separator for drawing the leaves away from each other so that they are separated from the contents during cutting. The separator comprises at least one suction cup for engaging the leaf and drawing it away from the plane of the contents; and there are opposed suction cups. The separator simultaneously draws the leaves in opposing directions away from the contents.

Abstract: A package having a top or lid and a coordinating container, which at least partially opens itself to expose an item retained therein. The container is configured to readily change from a first, assembled configuration to a second, at least partially collapsed configuration. At least one, and preferably all of the sidewalls or portions of the sidewalls, collapses, opens, drops, or otherwise changes from the assembled position when the lid is removed from the container. The sidewall or portion of sidewall that collapses is hinged to another portion of the container.