Abstract: A method for conveying a package to a wrap station of a package wrapping machine involves the steps of providing a conveying system for moving the package to the wrap station, the conveying system being selectively adjustable for varying a lateral position of a package; sensing a lateral position of the package as it travels along the conveying system; comparing the sensed lateral position of the package with a desired lateral position of the package; and based upon the comparison, adjusting the conveying system to place the package in the desired lateral position.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a slab filler, including grabbing a dispensing frame from a dispensing side of the slab filler, and grabbing a discharge frame from a discharge side of the slab filler. The method further includes classifying a plurality of cavities in the slab filler according to a correlation between the dispensing frame and at least one template, and classifying the plurality of cavities in the slab filler according to a correlation between the discharge frame and the template.

Abstract: A packaging system having a bar code reader integrated therein for conveying information concerning the size and filling requirements of a product to a packaging machine which will produce the product. The packaging machine is capable of consecutively filling cartons with different products in a single production cycle. The bar code reader provides this information from the bar code placed on every blank that is to be produced into a formed, filled and sealed carton. The filling system of the packaging machine may have a primary and secondary product for mixing in a package to produce a final product. Alternatively, the filling system may have several filling pipes, each filling pipe dispensing a different product. The bar code reader instructs the conveyor under which fill pipe a particular carton should be filled to match the product with the carton.

Abstract: Method for producing and packaging tooth brushes (2) which at least consists in making several devices available, including at least one device (3) for supplying brush bodies (4) or parts thereof, at least one brush manufacturing device (5, 5A, 5B) and at least one packaging device (6) for packaging the produced tooth brushes (2), characterized in that use is made of a closed conveyance circuit (7) which can co-operate at least with the above-mentioned devices (3, 5-5A-5B, 6) to convey half-finished products, end products respectively, between the above-mentioned devices (3, 5-5A-5B, 6).

Abstract: The present invention tablet filler device system includes a plurality of individually secured cells with a tablet hopper and drum functionally adapted to regulate and orient gravity outflow of tablets, a gravity feed chute connected to and downstream from the hopper to singularly align and feed tablets, and a rotatable starwheel having slots to receive tablets from the feed chute to move tablets to a container filling substation. There is also a tablet inspection mechanism located on the feed chute to discern quality characteristics of tablets moving down the feed chute in accordance with a predetermined standard, and a tablet ejector to eject unacceptable tablets. A stepper drive motor with a counter capability for driving the starwheel in a step fashion for controlled release of tablets is included, and an optional counting verification sensor. The cells are interconnected for computer controlled automatic order filling for a variety of tablet types and container sizes.

Abstract: A vertical pillow type form-fill-seal packaging machine with transverse sealers incorporates a timing controller for adjusting the timing for clamping a tubularly formed film with the sealers such that articles being dropping in to be packaged will not be caught in between. A display device displays a time axis or parallel axes along which markers indicate the times of arrival of the falling articles to be packaged and the sealers at the clamping position for the sealers. As the user moves the marker for indicating the arrival time of the sealers, the timing controller adjusts the operating mode of the sealers such that the sealers will clamp the film at the time specified by the user according to the displayed time of arrival of the articles.

Abstract: A case loading machine and method of operation is described for positioning at least two flexible bags, having an unstable product therein, in a case and in side-by-side contact with one another. A case engaging and displacement mechanism is positionable inside a case from an open top end of the case whereby to divide the case into compartments of predetermined size. The mechanism holds the case at a loading position with one of the compartments aligned at a bag receiving position. A bag engaging and transfer mechanism engages one of the bags from a bag filling position and transfers it into the aligned compartment. The bag engaging and transfer mechanism is provided with a compression compartment to compress the flexible bag and displace the unstable product therein whereby the bag is sized to enter into the aligned compartment. The case is then displaced to align another compartment at the loading position to receive a further bag.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a filling device 13 for filling a tube T of packaging material having an open upper end and a closed lower end with contents in a predetermined amount at a time, and a device 14 for forming containers C by sealing and cutting the filled tube T transversely thereof into a length corresponding to one container at a time. The amount of contents to be filled into the container and the capacity of the container are so determined that the capacity is greater than the amount of contents to be filled.

Abstract: In a process and a device for automatically commissioning singular individually packaged products (1), especially a single pill, from a supply station (2) with a plurality of containers, prepackaged, preselected, flat, individually packaged product packs (“blister packs”) of the same type are arranged in stacks in assigned containers in the form of essentially vertical storage shafts (3). A blister pack (4) of a singular individually packaged product (1) to be commissioned is displaced into a lateral dispensing position (E) located outside the stack, and a receiving tray (5) is positioned under it. A dispensing unit (6) assigned to the storage shafts (3) with a dispensing finger (7) is then positioned above the individually packaged product (1) to be commissioned, which is in the dispensing position (E), and the dispensing finger (7) is moved downward toward an abutment (8) to separate the singular individually packaged product from the rest of the blister pack.

Abstract: An assembly for handling and packaging pharmaceutical dosage forms includes an infeed structure, a laning structure, and a plenum structure extending from the infeed structure to the laning structure. The infeed, laning and plenum structures guide dosage forms as they are carried in a downstream direction by a surface movable with downstream direction. A guide portion guides the dosage forms into the laning structure to avoid jamming of tablets. A form handling device receives dosage forms and transports the dosage forms to a packaging device. A timed controller and dump gate operate so that debris is carried out of the assembly. The assembly is particularly useful for fragile dosage forms. A packaging device having a bottom plate with floatably supported blocks is provided for sealing dosage forms into packages.

Abstract: An assembly for handling and packaging pharmaceutical dosage forms includes an infeed structure, a laning structure, and a plenum structure extending from the infeed structure to the laning structure. The infeed, laning and plenum structures guide dosage forms as they are carried in a downstream direction by a surface movable with downstream direction. A guide portion guides the dosage forms into the laning structure to avoid jamming of tablets. A form handling device receives dosage forms and transports the dosage forms to a packaging device. A timed controller and dump gate operate so that debris is carried out of the assembly. The assembly is particularly useful for fragile dosage forms. A packaging device having a bottom plate with floatably supported blocks is provided for sealing dosage forms into packages.

Abstract: An assembly for handling and packaging pharmaceutical dosage forms includes an infeed structure, a laning structure, and a plenum structure extending from the infeed structure to the laning structure. The infeed, laning and plenum structures guide dosage forms as they are carried in a downstream direction by a surface movable with downstream direction. A guide portion guides the dosage forms into the laning structure to avoid jamming of tablets. A form handling device receives dosage forms and transports the dosage forms to a packaging device. A timed controller and dump gate operate so that debris is carried out of the assembly. The assembly is particularly useful for fragile dosage forms. A packaging device having a bottom plate with floatably supported blocks is provided for sealing dosage forms into packages.

Abstract: A machine and a process for the automatic enveloping of messages with a variable number of sheets provide; the supply of message sheets on a first accumulating plane (9, 48); the supply of envelope sheets on a second accumulating plane (17, 28, 29), which forms an angle with the first accumulating plane, such as to obtain the overlaying of the front ends of the envelope sheets and message sheets; the simultaneous feeding of the envelope and message sheets such that complete overlaying therebetween is obtained; and the simultaneous folding of the envelope sheets and message sheets, obtaining an envelope.

Abstract: A packaging system and method according to the invention are generally characterized by a cushioning conversion machine for forming and dispensing cut sections of a cushioning product through a discharge outlet, an inclined dispensing chute for sequentially receiving the cut sections of the cushioning product, a cut section presence detector for detecting the presence of a cut section on the inclined chute at a pick-up location remote from the discharge outlet of the conversion machine, and a controller which initiates dispensing of a cut section of cushioning product in response to a detected absence of a cut section by the cut section presence detector.

Abstract: A coin wrapping machine including a coin stacking section for stacking deposited coins, a coin wrapping section for wrapping coins stacked by the coin stacking section and a coin supporting post for supporting the stacked coins and moving them from the coin stacking section to the coin wrapping section, the coin wrapping machine further including a light projector disposed between the coin stacking section and the coin wrapping section for projecting light onto the stacked coins being moved from the coin stacking section to the coin wrapping section, a line sensor disposed between the coin stacking section and the coin wrapping section for photoelectrically detecting light impinging onto the stacked coins from the light projector and reflected by edges of the stacked coins and a CPU for detecting portions between adjacent coins based on detection data produced by the line sensor, thereby determining the number of the stacked coins supported by the coin supporting post.

Abstract: A method of verifying an encapsulation of quick-setting adhesive in a small hermetically sealed reservoir cup from which the adhesive is dispensed on depression of a reservoir piston sealing the mouth of the reservoir cup. The method includes feeding a group of small reservoir cups to a filling station, determining an alignment of the group of small reservoir cups within the filling station, and flooding the interior of each cup at the station with cure preventing gas, if the group of small reservoir cups is determined to be aligned. The method further includes depositing a predetermined amount of quick-setting adhesive into each of the reservoir cups, immediately after flooding, and inserting a piston into each of the reservoir cups on top of the adhesive while flooding. The method involves the use of an apparatus for encapsulating the adhesive in the reservoir cups with the piston. The method ensures that the apparatus will properly encapsulate the quick-setting adhesive in each reservoir cup as designed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for feeding substantially free flowing solid product charges (P'") in a continuous vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine (10) is disclosed. Improved transitional product flow from the computerized weigher (W) to the bag former and closer is obtained by tracking and sampling the charges along the flow path. In the method, the steps include sensing the presence of the charges along the flow path at two locations, comparing each sensed charge presence to a defined time target that has previously been determined and adjusting at least one operating step in accordance with any deviation found to cause the charge or charges to approach the defined time target for optimum operation. Either a predictive time adaptive control (77) requiring operator input, or computer control (76) can be incorporated into the method. A series of product charge flow enhancers (102, 103; 131; 121) are provided along the flow path to assist in maintaining the charges within the time target.

Abstract: A packaging system having a bar code reader integrated therein for conveying information concerning the size and filling requirements of a product to a packaging machine which will produce the product. The packaging machine is capable of consecutively filling cartons with different products in a single production cycle. The bar code reader provides this information from the bar code placed on every blank that is to be produced into a formed, filled and sealed carton. The filling system of the packaging machine may have a primary and secondary product for mixing in a package to produce a final product. Alternatively, the filling system may have several filling pipes, each filling pipe dispensing a different product. The bar code reader instructs the conveyor under which fill pipe a particular carton should be filled to match the product with the carton.

Abstract: A forage compactor for compressing forage or crop into bales of increased crop density for transportation. A crop feed area feeds crop to a conveyor where it is moved to a scale area for proper bale weight. An indexer severs the crop while moving it from the scale area to the compression chamber. The crop is compressed and moved to a strapping chamber where straps are applied to the compressed crop. The bound bale is manipulated as desired at the product handling area downstream from the strapping chamber. The crop is provided with substantially constant stress during compression and moisture sensors in the strapping chamber sense the moisture content of the severed crop within the bale to be bound. The weight of the crop within the compression area may be reduced to reduce machine overloading. Keyway plungers provide reduced side loading on the main ram used for crop compression.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for confirming the presence of contact lens packages in a secondary carton is disclosed, where a sensor that detects the presence or absence of metallic lidstock of the packages through the secondary carton.

Abstract: A tablet packing apparatus is provided which can split a tablet into halves and wrap each of the half tablets automatically. Tablet supply section 1 supplies tablets housed therein kind by kind. Tablet cutting section 2 cuts a tablet supplied from the tablet supply section 1 into two parts. Tablet accumulating section 3 temporarily accumulates each tablet cut at the tablet cutting section. Tablet packing section 4 packs tablets stored in the tablet accumulating section 3.

Abstract: A method of balancing the output of two lines of a packing system, wherein the two lines extend through at least two machines, at least one of which is a two-line machine, along two respective paths to produce and form respective articles into groups, and to pack the groups; the method including slowing down the articles, on each line, at at least one control station to form a continuous queue of contiguous articles; measuring the length of each queue; and maintaining the lengths of both queues and the difference between the lengths of the two queues within a first and a second given variation range respectively.

Abstract: A packaging system and method according to the invention are generally characterized by a cushioning conversion machine for forming and dispensing cut sections of a cushioning product through a discharge outlet, an inclined dispensing chute for sequentially receiving the cut sections of the cushioning product, a cut section presence detector for detecting the presence of a cut section on the inclined chute at a pick-up location remote from the discharge outlet of the conversion machine, and a controller which initiates dispensing of a cut section of cushioning product in response to a detected absence of a cut section by the cut section presence detector.

Abstract: An improved article packaging machine, and method of using same to prevent the formation of empty or defective packages is disclosed. The rotational position of the drive axis (45) of a film feed drive (44), and the drive axis (53) of a cutting head drive (52) are mapped with respect to one another in a base rotational position relationship, whereupon both of these drive axes are mapped to the rotational position of the drive axis (41) of an infeed conveyor drive (40) in a slave/master relationship, respectively. A machine controller (34) then calculates at least a first position control trajectory profile, and establishes a first rotational position relationship of the drive axes with respect to one another.

Abstract: A system and method for batch processing or filling prescriptions. Broadly stated, the prescription processing system comprises a packaging subsystem, a sorting subsystem, an optional medical reclamation subsystem, a system controller and prescription input means. The packaging subsystem, sorting subsystem and medical reclamation subsystem are all under the direction of the system controller. The system controller is in communication with prescription input device means, which is typically a plurality of remote terminals located at pharmacies, drug stores and hospitals. The prescription input device transmits prescription orders to the system controller where they are analyzed and sorted according to predetermined criteria to formulate a batch. The prescriptions are then packaged and sorted under the supervision of the system controller.

Abstract: In a mail inserter having a 360 degree operational cycle and a plurality of subassemblies, a computer issues a plurality of electrical control signals having predetermined rotational positions and durations within the operational cycle at a given inserter speed. Solenoids, actuators and other driving devices are responsive to the control signals to determine the operation of the subassemblies. A device measures the operation speed of the inserter, and the computer adjusts the rotational position of each control signal within the operational cycle according to the inserter speed.

Abstract: There is provided a vibratory feeder comprising an exciter for exciting the vibratory feeder and a damper assembly which is selectively activated. There is also provided a vibratory feeder comprising an exciter and a controllable viscosity fluid damper which is activated at a first level to reduce the stroke of the feeder. There is further provided a vibratory feeder for feeding product, the feeder including a spring for supporting a first mass from a second mass wherein a damper assembly is disposed between the first mass and the second mass, the damper assembly being selectively activated. There is also provided a packaging system comprising a vibratory feeder having a damper assembly which is selectively activated.

Abstract: Apparatus that uses the burster method for positioning coupons from a continuous web at a predetermined time at a predetermined location for insertion is disclosed. Positioning rolls define a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by positioning drive assembly. A feed drive assembly advances coupons to the positioning rolls. Sensors actuate and deactuate the feed drive assembly in response to the presence of a container at a selected position and the presence of a coupon at another sensing position.

Abstract: A product such as a monitor is transferred by a transferring unit such as a conveyor, stopped at a working position, elevated to a packing position by an elevating unit, packed with packing material, such as with a vinyl cover, buffering materials and a box at the packing position, moved down to its original down position, and transferred to a subsequent process in the fabricating or process line. In addition, a cylinder is used for elevating the product to permit packing the product. A plurality of supporting bars are fixed to an elevating member installed at an end of a cylinder rod of the cylinder. Only the product, such as a monitor, loaded on a transferring member, such as a pallet, is moved up by the engaging operation of the supporting bars. For slidable insertion of the supporting bars, a plurality of insertion holes corresponding to the supporting bars are formed in the transferring member.

Abstract: In processing received postal items, of opened envelopes an image of an envelope (4) is recorded by means of a registration assembly (67, 71, 74). The registration assembly (67, 71, 74) is so configured relative to an inverting structure for inverting a front wall or a rear wall (42) of an envelope (4), that the recording of an image of one of the walls of an envelope (4) is carried out each time after the inversion of that wall (42). As a result, images of the front wall and the rear wall of the envelope can be recorded from the same side, independently of the orientation in which the envelope has been supplied. Moreover, images of the front wall and the rear wall can always be recorded from the same side.

Abstract: An automated cushioning producing and filling system includes a cushioning conversion machine which converts stock paper into cut pads of a selected length and transports the pads to a staging location, a pad sensor for sensing the presence of a pad in the staging location, a box transporting system for transporting a box from a remote location to a filling location, a box sensor for sensing the presence of a box in the filling location, a bar code reader for reading a bar code from the box indicative of the packaging requirements of the box when the box sensor has sensed the presence of a box in the filling location, a pad transferring apparatus for transferring a pad from the staging location to the box when the pad sensor has sensed the presence of a pad in the staging area, and a system controller for determining the box packaging requirements from the code read by the bar code reader and instructing the cushioning conversion machine to produce pads in accordance with the packaging requirements for the bo

Abstract: A compact disc packaging machine is disclosed for packaging trays, compact discs, booklets and inlay cards in a variety of different sized containers. The compact disc machine is compact in size and its primary functions are mechanically driven. Pneumatics are only used on approximately 10 percent of the machine functions. Because the components are within the easy reach of an operator, the compact disc packaging machine is operated without requiring the operator to circle the machine. Feeders and magazines provide supplies of trays, booklets, inlay cards and compact discs to the machine. The compact disc magazine uses multiple spindles to allow one spindle to be active while the other spindle is replaced. A pick-and-place mechanism lifts the inlay cards, booklets, trays and compact discs and positions them in an intermediate centering positions and then into compact disc boxes. Sensors are used to verify the existence and placement of those items in the boxes.

Abstract: A blister-pack package is made by forming a strip with a plurality of fields of upwardly open pockets and filling the pockets with respective objects while leaving at least one pocket empty and then scanning the fields and determining an address of the empty pocket in the respective field. A refilling head is then loaded at a stationary location with at least one of the objects. The loaded refilling head is then positioned above the empty pocket in accordance with the determined address, and the object is dropped from the loaded and positioned head into the empty pocket.

Abstract: A drug packaging device having a shutter provided in a guide path which can prevent drugs from rebounding from the shutter once they land on the shutter so that they can settle on the shutter as quickly as possible. The shutter is made up of a plate-shaped body made from a soft, flexible silicone resin, and a Teflon resin coating layer formed on the body. Such a shutter can absorb shocks when drugs land on the shutter and prevent them from rebounding when they land on the shutter. Thus, drugs stabilize quickly after they land on the shutter.

Abstract: Apparatus that uses the burster method for positioning coupons from a continuous web at a predetermined time at a predetermined location for insertion is disclosed. Positioning roll means define a bight to receive the leading edge of a coupon and are driven by positioning drive means at a continuous predetermined speed. Feeding roll means located upstream of the positioning roll means in the excess of one coupon length are driven by intermittent feeding drive means at a speed substantially less than the speed of the positioning roll means. Controlling means actuate and deactuate the feeding drive means in response to timing means related to container position and coupon sensing means at a sensing position between the positioning roll means and the feeding roll means.

Abstract: The invention relates a loading and unloading device for x-ray film cassettes, said device being further developed in such a way that a number of exposed x-ray films having different formats can be haphazardly delivered to a storage place, and in such a way that the filling height (H) as well as the number of x-ray films in storage can be reliably measured. For this purpose, a light-tight storage magazine is positioned in the film conveyor track of the loading and unloading device, said magazine being provided with a single sensor which measures the number of films introduced into, and the height (H) of the stack of films present in the magazine.

Abstract: A redundant automated cushioning producing and dispensing system includes a plurality of spaced cushioning conversion machines which convert stock paper into pads of a selected length, each cushioning conversion machine including a controller for controlling operation of the machine and communicating with another machine, a pad dispenser, and a sensor for determining when the amount of stock paper is less than a predetermined amount, a conveyor extending between the plurality of cushioning conversion machines for conveying a container into which a pad is to be dispensed, and at least one container sensor for providing information to at least one controller from which the controller can determine whether a pad has been dispensed into a container whereby the controllers cooperate to selectively switch operation of the cushioning conversion machine from an active state to an inactive state in accordance with information received from the stock supply sensors.

Abstract: In an automated prescription dispensing and packing system, empty prescription bottles are labeled and loaded in assigned locations in carriers. Pills are automatically dispensed into the prescription bottles in the carriers. Ranks of carriers containing filled prescription bottles are assembled at stations where the bottles are unloaded and packed into shipping containers with literature printed by the system. Multiple bottles of an order are automatically packed in the same shipping container.

Abstract: Packages arriving continuously one after the other at an input station are loaded into boxes by continuously displacing an endless pocket belt through the input station and loading the packages at the input station into respective pockets of the belt. At a transfer station offset along the belt from the input station groups of the packages in the pockets are displaced transversely of the belt out of the respective pockets while the packages are still being displaced parallel to and synchronously with the belt at least until the packages being displaced transversely are clear of the pocket belt. These groups of packages displaced out of the respective pockets of the belts are then loaded into respective boxes.

Abstract: Round bottles are moved between side walls in a tightly packed configuration by an underlying conveyor in a packaging line that requires the bottles to be divided into a plurality of side-by-side lanes for entry into the packer. The divider has selectively movable panels that normally form a divergent funnel for the bottles to allow them to expand and to move into the lanes. Void detectors in each of the outside lanes provide a signal to move one or both panels outwardly to clear a jam of bottles in the funnel. After a delay, the panels return slowly to their normal positions where they remain until the void detectors signal another jam in the funnel.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a stacking apparatus which utilizes a supplemental stacking member on a transfer mechanism for receiving at least one article from a conveying mechanism while the transfer mechanism is transferring a stack, such that a new stack is begun prior to completing the transfer of the first stack. This permits a substantially constant supply of articles to be provided continuously to the stacking apparatus without having to interrupt or slow down the flow of articles to the apparatus. The packaging system also includes a boxing apparatus which relies on pneumatically-actuated positioning mechanisms to move stacks of articles to discrete positions within boxes. Both the position and the velocity of the pneumatic mechanisms are utilized as feedback to provide increased speed without compromising positioning accuracy.

Abstract: An automated system for individual dosage medication distribution 10 is provided. The system 10 includes a medium rate dispenser 20, a fast rate dispenser 30, a low rate dispenser 40, a conveyor 50, a diverter 60, a bagger 70, and collection bins 80 and 85. The dispensers 20, 30, and 40 are arranged to be able to deliver individual dosage packages of drugs to the conveyor 50. The conveyor 50, in turn, is configured to transport individual dosage packages to the bagger 70 or the collection bin 85. A programmable controller 12 receives patient prescription order information from health care providers and directs the dispensers 20, 30, and 40, conveyor 50, diverter 60, and bagger 70 to automatically pick the prescribed medication dosage unit, place it in a transportable package, and label the package for the health care personnel.

Abstract: An interface device for packaging equipment comprises three bins arranged vertically and separated by gates located at the bottom of each bin. An infeed unit or conveyor feeds product into the receiver bin. A product counter in a logic unit counts the product fed into the receiver bin. The logic unit cycles the counted product into the buffer and discharge bins, respectively to provide an accumulator function. The logic unit cycles the discharge gate upon output of a flight sensor on the outfeed unit to deliver the counted product on the desired location of the outfeed unit. The device allows temporary differences between product flow rates between the infeed unit and the outfeed unit. No connections to the control system of the outfeed unit is required.

Abstract: A down-article indicator which automatically adjusts for the height difference of articles, such as bottles, when article size is changed for a new run on a machine conveying articles. A pivotably mounted height sensing arm, located on one lane of the machine, down stream from an array of freely pivoting detecting arms, is connected by an adjustable mechanical linkage to a pivoting bracket holding a retro-reflective photo eye in proper location with respect to the detecting arms so that the detecting arms do not break a light beam from the photo eye during normal operation. A non-upright article will cause a detecting arm to pivot and break the light beam to stop the machine. As a new group of articles having a different height moves into the down-article indicating station, the height sensing arm automatically moves the photo eye to its proper location for the new height articles.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the operation of a packaging machine of the type which carries out the operations of causing a tube film placed around articles under transport to be cut and sealed between adjacent articles for being successively formed into bags, then causing individual bags, each with an article contained therein, to be conveyed forward by a delivery conveyor, causing the bags to be sequentially transferred from the delivery conveyor onto moving surface plates, causing each surface plate to be covered with a cover member, and then causing the interior of the cover member to be placed under a vacuum atmosphere while the open end of the bag is hermetically sealed. A bag sensor sequentially detects the passage of open ends of bags on the delivery conveyor, and a surface plate detecting sensor sequentially detects the passage of individual surface plates.

Abstract: A device for packaging large series of similar articles or products which are delivered upon conveyor belts or the like, and wherein each subject to be packed is moved from the conveyor, while a bag is taken from a holder, blown up by air and kept by two gripper spoons, such that the bag can slip over the object, and the object is kept in the bag by a pusher.

Abstract: An envelope opening apparatus for mail assembly operations which employs timed intermittent bursts of compressed air or other gas. One or more gas jets are used in association with an inserter arm, and envelopes are sequentially conveyed past the inserter arm and gas jets. As each envelope is positioned adjacent to the inserter arm and gas jets, a controller computer activates a control valve, supplying compressed air to the gas jets, which direct a blast of air at the envelope, opening the envelope to form a pocket suitable for insertion thereinto of mail materials.

Abstract: An automated product collection apparatus comprising two vertical, endless belt conveyor systems and a horizontal conveyor. One vertical conveyors (the load station) is loaded with a number of empty containers which are transferred sequentially to the horizontal conveyor (the fill station). The horizontal conveyor moves an empty container into position to collect parts from process and production equipment. Sensing circuitry counts the parts loaded into each container to determine when each container is full or reaches a predetermined product count. The full container is moved to the second vertical conveyor system (the unload station) which accumulates the full containers until unloaded from the second vertical conveyor. Individual parts may be counted, the accumulated total of parts can be weighed, and inputs may be obtained from other automated production equipment.

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus includes a sorting apparatus comprising a plurality of receptacles for receiving negative films and prints which circulate in a closed loop path between a film loading station in close proximity to an exposure apparatus and a print loading station where prints, cut from a continuous web of photographic paper, are delivered. The receptacles are driven such that each receptacle related to a receptacle loaded with a specific negative film at the film loading station is positioned in the print loading station in time before a cluster of prints made from the specific negative film is delivered from the photographic printing apparatus.

Abstract: A method for obtaining an output stream of mutually different graphic products in a desired order, for instance sorted according to address code, wherein the products are assembled in an assembly line as desired by an addressee and/or a sender, and after the assembly line the product undergoes at least one additional operation, depending upon the desire of the addressee and/or sender, for which purpose the product stream is divided over at least two sublines in which the or each additional operation, such as for instance packaging, is carried out, whereafter the products are merged again in a single downstream line, characterized in that, for the purpose of avoiding buffers, the order of the products (2) that are formed in the assembly line (3) is such that, allowing for the desired additional operations in the sublines (9, 10), the products, after traversing the sublines, have acquired the desired order in the downstream line (14, 15), while the products in the sublines (9, 10) can be temporarily delayed and