Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for continuously supplying product to a machine for intermittently performing work on at least one product. The apparatus comprises a loading conveyor, a continuous drive motor operably coupled to the loading conveyor for moving the loading conveyor at a substantially constant loading speed, a transfer conveyor positioned adjacent the loading conveyor and adapted to receive product therefrom, a low speed drive for moving the transfer conveyor at a predetermined low speed to receive product from the loading conveyor, a high speed drive for moving the transfer conveyor at a high second speed relatively greater than the low speed to the machine, and a controller for operating the low speed and high speed drives in sequence so that the low speed drive is activated to receive product from the loading conveyor at low speed, and the high speed drive is activated to transfer the product to the machine at high speed.

Abstract: A bagging machine for inserting semi-compressible articles into preformed bags having a product loading arm vertically and horizontally mounted to the bag loading surface of a frame that can be programmed to move downwardly to engage a plurality of articles to be bagged and move them horizontally into an opened bag for subsequent removal to a remote location. A suction device engages a bag to positively open the bag to receive the compressed articles. A hold-down device also functions to direct the packaged articles downwardly and into a position for movement to a remote location. The bagging machine can be joined with a compactor and programmed to automatically receive compacted pluralities of articles for subsequent bagging. The compactor and bagging machine become fully automatic when a displacing device is associated with the compactor to move the compressed articles to the bag loading surface.

Abstract: Documents are printed in accordance with sets of printing instructions. To a processing station, processing instructions are supplied, each associated with one of the sets of printing instructions. The order in which the processing instructions are executed corresponds with the order in which the sets of printing instructions are executed. Printed documents are supplied to the station, which processes the documents in accordance with the processing instructions whose turn is next. In order to check the processing of the documents, starting from one of the printing instructions, associated verification data are determined. The printing on the printed documents is scanned, whereby a scanning result is obtained. A scanning result is compared with verification data of which the associated sequence information corresponds with the sequence information assigned to that scanning result. If too large a difference is found, a difference report signal is generated.

Abstract: A drug packing apparatus capable of packing drug efficiently irrespective of the distances between a drug packing position and drug storage positions. Drugs dropped from one of a plurality of feeders in one of a plurality of feeder units are stopped by a first intermediate impeller. The drugs are then dropped onto a second intermediate impeller, and then into a discharge hole in a hopper and stopped by a hopper cover. By opening the hopper cover, the drugs on the hopper cover drop into the folded packing sheet. By rotating heater rollers by 180.degree., a pouch is formed with the drugs packed therein.

Abstract: A medicine packing apparatus includes medicine storage shelves for storing a large number of medicine containers having medicines contained therein, and a comparatively small number of medicine feeders on each of which one of the large number of medicine containers is set for feeding medicine in a quantity conforming to a prescription. Store location memory means and set location memory means are provided which respectively memorize data on the store location of each individual medicine in the storage shelves and data on set location of the medicine in the feeders. If a medicine container corresponding to a prescription is not present in the set location, a search is made in the storage shelves, and then the searched location of the medicine is indicated accordingly. When a medicine container taken out from the storage shelves is set on one of the feeders, an identification device provided on the medicine container is read by a reader, and data on the set location is stored into a set location memory.

Abstract: A roll wrapping machine includes a roll infeed conveyor; a roll wrapping station having a film curtain, sealing bars and a pusher for pushing the roll into the curtain and past the bars; and a roll orienter on the infeed conveyor. The orienter receives each roll fed down the conveyor, spins the roll and releases the roll with the roll tail in a known circumferential location so that the tail of the roll is in the six o'clock position when the roll is received at the wrapping station and is not caught between the plastic curtain film during sealing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for singulating sheets from a stack of sheets and transporting individual ones of them to a conveyor. A picker arm is mounted at its upper end to a rotatable shaft, for reciprocating movement between first and second positions. A lower end of the arm includes a foot and a movable gripper jaw. When the arm is rotated into the first position, it grasps a segregated sheet. As the arm reverses direction and rotates toward the second position, it draws the sheet away from the stack. A sensor, provided within the foot, produces an electrical signal corresponding to the thickness of the sheet. The digital output signal is compared to a reference, or calibration value stored in a computer. If the output signal falls unacceptably outside the reference value, a signal is stored to effect later outsorting. Just before the arm reaches the second position, the jaw is opened, dropping the sheet upon the conveyor.

Abstract: A packing machine receives stacks of blanks, which are to be converted into packets for cigarettes, from an apparatus wherein a first conveyor delivers stacks of blanks to a first station at a first frequency and a second conveyor advances stacks from a second station to the machine at a second frequency which can be less than the first frequency. The stations are connected to each other by two transporting units each of which can act as a first-in first-out reservoir for stacks or as a conveying unit which can move successive stacks without interruptions all the way from the first to the second station. The conveying unit is operative alone as long as the second frequency matches the first frequency, and the reservoir begins to accept surplus stacks when the first frequency exceeds the second frequency. Once filled, the reservoir begins to deliver stacks to the second station and continues to receive stacks from the first station until the reservoir is empty.

Abstract: The present invention is a modular system for packaging articles for shipment. In particular, a potted plant is sorted according to a grade, placed in a decorative cover, then automatically deposited into a protective sleeve. The potted plant thus packaged is ready for containment within a shipping carton. Various components of the system may be adapted for various packaging needs and circumstances.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for a high speed non-bruising dry bin loader for apples and other produce. A transfer belt receives fruit from an transfer source and transfers fruit to a distribution belt once the transfer belt has accumulated a predetermined, staged pattern of fruit. While fruit is transferred from the transfer belt, the distribution belt reciprocates into a bin, which is held in a sideways loading position. As the distribution belt retracts out of the bin, it discharges its load of fruit. The bin is lowered in pre-determined increments between discharge cycles of the distribution belt, so that the fruit is deposited into the bin one layer at a time.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing sets of documents comprises a document conveyor, a shunting station, a folding station, and a controller. A scanner determines the length of the conveyed documents in a set or the space between successive documents sets. The control acts responsive to the determined length or space, and adjusts the cycle speed of the apparatus so that the documents sets are conveyed with a minimum of intervening space without colliding. The invention also includes a method for controlling the apparatus of the invention.

Abstract: A blister pack scanning device for detection and removal of overfilled or defective pharmaceutical blister packs is comprised of a photoelectric LED transmitter and sensor with a scanning beam channel bar disposed therebetween. The blister pack web is passed below the bar through a space precisely equivalent to the thickness of a properly filled blister. Overfilled or improperly molded blisters will contact a beveled edge of the bar as the web passes thereunder and the lateral movement forces the bar and its two end plates which are in juxtaposition to the transmitter and receiver respectively, to move upward, thereby interfering with the beams transmission. The interference created thereby shuts off the blister production machine and sounds an alarm for removal of the defective package.

Abstract: For use with a mailing packet assembling apparatus that creates a mailing packet from items comprised of machine readable indicia encoded forms and machine readable indicia encoded envelopes that are transferred into the assembling apparatus, a verification system for determining that the correct items are transferred for assembly into the mailing packet. The system has a data base with information on the items within the mailing packet, thereby establishing which forms and envelopes are required in the assembled mailing packet, a plurality of dynamically controlled detectors for identifying the indicia on each form and on each envelope, and a computer for verifying that the data base information and the dynamically detected form and envelope indicia correctly correspond or do not correctly correspond to the desired mailing packet and, if correct, direct the mailing packet to be assembled.

Abstract: A tablet packing device is proposed which accommodates a plurality of types of tablets and selectively discharges them from feeders for packing. A tablet is discharged from one of the feeders into a hole formed in a pocket plate. Since a shutter plate covers the hole, the tablet bounces on the shutter plate and settles down after a while. Thereafter, the shutter plate is rotated to open the hole to drop the tablet to a hopper. The tablet is then slid down along the inner wall of the hopper and, when a hopper cover provided at the bottom of the hopper is opened, it is dropped further therethrough. After the tablet has reached inside of the packing sheet which is folded into two, it is sealed in one packing bag as the heater rollers rotate. It is possible to save the time required to pack the tablets according to the tablet types by presetting the time required for each type of tablet to settle down from landing and discharging the tablet after lapse of the preset time.

Abstract: An insert carriage having a manipulating member attached thereto for inserting an enclosure into an envelope is arranged reciprocally in the direction of said envelope. By moving said insert carriage, said manipulating member may be reciprocated between the basic position and the position of the fold line of said envelope which is the inserting position. A carriage motor for driving said insert carriage is provided. A control unit is provided, said control unit comprising a variable amount inputting section adapted to input the variable amount is respect to the inserting position of the manipulating member in conformity with the thickness or quality of paper of said envelope, a memory section adapted to store said variable amount and a CPU section adapted to controllably drive said carriage motor in accordance with the variable amount store in said memory section to adjust the inserting position of said manipulating member.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring bag packs (10) containing sensitive loose material to a collective packer for the introduction of the packs into a carton or the like. To compensate for the difference in performance rates of a production machine (bag packer) for the packs (10) and the collective packer, there is provided a conveying device (17) with at least two conveyor belts (18, 19) which act as compensating conveyors. The packs (10) are fed to a special collecting station (16) by the conveying device (17). This collecting station comprises an intermediate band (35) and a group band (43). In the region of the intermediate band (35), the packs (10) are spaced out at a distance so they can be detected. In the region of the group band (43), a pack group (11) is formed from packs (10) lying tightly next to one another.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting material into an envelope in which a first conveyor supplies insert material and a second conveyor supplies envelopes to an insert station. The flap of the envelope is opened while being carried by the second conveyor to the insert station. The insert station includes a kicker or pusher to move the insert material into the envelope. A first radiation type detector is provided to detect buckling of the envelope or insert material during insertions. A second radiation type detector is provided to detect failure of the pusher to complete an insertion operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying or removing vessels including a conveyor means to or away from a continuously working packing machine. For adapting the supply or the removal of vessels to the sequence of movements of the packing machine in the best possible manner, the vessels are transported in an essentially closed formation by a conveyor means which is adapted to be driven continuosly at a periodically non-uniform speed in synchronism with the performance of the packing machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming and securing small-count stacks of plural printed documents for handling and mailing with peelable tabs which are applied to opposite sides of stacked plural documents. The apparatus is incorporated into an automated magazine binding production line to receive predetermined printed documents. The apparatus has a glue bead applicator for tacking a glue bead on the printed documents, a stacking station downstream of the glue station for stacking said plural printed documents, and a tabbing station downstream for creating tabs of the required length and then applying of the stacking station tabs on opposing sides of said stacked printed documents. The secured stack of printed documents is then conveyed to a sorting and mailing station.

Abstract: Photographic prints which issue from the outlet of the dryer in a developing machine are gathered into stacks, and successive stacks are admitted into successive empty compartments between the outwardly extending partitions of a belt or chain conveyor. The conveyor is advanced in stepwise fashion, to move successive empty compartments to a station for reception of stacks, by a panel which receives motion from a crank drive in such a way that it constitutes an extension of a partition at the station and during a certain stage of movement of such partition behind the stack in the freshly filled compartment. This renders it possible to maintain in proper orientation stacks which are assembled of relatively small, medium-sized or large prints.

Abstract: An automated apparatus and method for identifying, picking up, placing and packaging a plurality of different packaging a plurality of different types of items such as utensils. Utensils are deposited onto a conveyor belt system that separates clusters of utensils and transports them to an identification site where a vision system identifies them by type, location and orientation and to a pick-up site where they are selectively picked up and placed in a collection pan to form a desired utensil set. When the collection pan has a desired utensil set, it is emptied into a placement bucket on a movable bucket conveyor which transports the set to an automatic bagging machine. The set may be supplemented with napkins dispensed from an automated napkin dispenser or other with other items from other machines operatively connected to the system.

Abstract: A selective outer envelope inserting system includes a multiple station inserter and a multiple outer envelope collator mechanically coupled to the multiple station inserter. The multiple station inserter includes a plurality of hoppers containing inserts. One of the hoppers contains a control piece insert. The control piece insert includes a machine readable code such as a bar code that is scanned by a scanner. The scanner is interfaced with a control such as a microprocessor that controls the various hoppers to select a variety of combinations of inserts thereby determining the contents within each envelope. The multiple outer envelope collator includes a plurality of envelope hoppers, and the envelopes in each hopper differ from the envelopes in the other hoppers. The control is interfaced with the collator to control the operation of each individual envelope hopper. Through the code on the control piece, a specific envelope may be selected for each combination of inserts.

Abstract: The present inventin is an apparatus and method for inserting articles into packages. The apparatus includes a dispensing assembly and a feeding assembly; and the dispensing assembly, in turn, includes a dispenser body, a gate and an actuator. The dispensor body defines a loading chamber for holding the articles, an inlet for conducting the articles into the loading chamber, and an outlet for dispensing the articles from the loading chamber. The gate is connected to the dispenser body for movement between a closed position, wherein the gate extends across the outlet of the dispenser body to hold the articles in the loading chamber, and an open position to allow the articles to pass through the outlet of the dispenser body. The actuator of the dispensing assembly is provided to move the gate from its closed position to its open position to dispense articles into the packages from the dispenser body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing drugs, wherein a patient's order of one or more prescriptions is automatically filled. Various drugs are stored in three or more filler lines. A vial size is assigned to each line. When a prescription is filled, it is automatically assigned to a line in view of the vial size requirements and processed accordingly. Provisions are made for the inability to fill a prescription or order. Subsequently, all of the patient's prescriptions are collected and made available as a single order.

Abstract: A video imaging technique used in a bagging assembly for magazines, books or the like. The bagging assembly selectively adds onserts and tip-ons to the magazines prior to being bagged in a polybag. The invention includes a method of selectively adding onserts which are contained in a plurality of storage bins by implementing a vision system using a video camera. The vision system defines a plurality of video windows which are used for identifying a dot code pattern which is printed on a mailing label by an ink-jet printer. The dot code pattern identifies which ones of a plurality of storage bins are to be actuated to subsequently dispense an onsert onto the magazine as it passes thereunder. By using a vision system, the dot code pattern can be offset vertically or horizontally, or skewed up to 15 degrees. The vision system creates a pair of video windows used for first sensing reference marks, and three windows for subsequently sensing characters positioned therebetween.

Abstract: A control system and method are provided for controlling the timing of a dispenser including a valve which moves alternately between a product-loading position and a product-dispensing position in a repeated cycle. The dispenser also includes a mechanism for dispensing a product from the dispenser after each time the valve moves to its product-dispensing position. The control system includes a detector which detects the time of which the valve reaches its product-dispensing position and a mechanism for generating a control signal at a predetermined time to actuate the dispensing mechanism when the valve reaches its product-dispensing position. The control system also includes a sensor for sensing the time that the dispensing mechanism actually begins dispensing product. The control system further determines the time difference between the time the valve reaches its product-dispensing position and the time the dispensing mechanism actually begins dispensing the product.

Abstract: A packing device for articles having directionality that includes imaging means for taking an image of the articles, means for recognizing the direction of the articles, first memory means for storing the direction of the articles, second memory means for storing the direction of the articles to be packed into a container, and means for calculating the difference in angle between the directions stored in the first and second memory means. The direction of the robot hand for grasping the articles is controlled by the output of the calculating means.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously encoding successive groups of printed paper sheets or mass distributable material wherein the sheets are provided with unperceptable and virtually invisible common code pattern by laser means which is supplied with a distinct series of coded pulse signals in synchronism with control pulses to produce a different optically-scannable coded hole pattern on each group of printed sheets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for the insertion of structural components, in particular electrical components and, in this connection, preferably chips, into depressions of a tape available on a component discharge, in which (method) the said components, in a predetermined orientation, are fed in multiple paths to a component intake and from there the first component of each path is in each instance received by a pickup slot on a transfer element rotating about a shaft and the components of each group so formed are tested and then inserted commonly into the available depressions at the component discharge when all components of the group have been found to be free of defects upon testing, and in which (method) defective components are removed from the pickup slots of the transfer element.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting flexible bagged product into groups having desired spacing characteristics and for packing such product groups in receptacles is disclosed. In a first embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes an infeed belt for transporting product, a collecting belt operatively aligned with the infeed belt for collecting product from the infeed in product groups, product detecting apparatus for detecting units of product passing from the infeed belt to the collecting belt, means for transporting the product groups from the collecting belt to receptacles, and a controller operatively connected to the detecting apparatus and the collecting belt for advancing the collecting belt a preselected distance for each product which passes onto the collecting belt until a group containing the preselected number of product is collected on the collecting belt, and for activating the collecting belt to advance the collected product gorups to a transporting station.

Abstract: The drug packing apparatus, provided with: a drug storing section in the upper portion of its casing; a packing machine in its lower portion, for making drug packs; a multiplicity of elongate tablet cases which extend upwardly and are in planar arrangement to one another; a transfer mechanism for collectively transferring into a pack a predetermined number of drugs extracted from a selected drug cases and sealing the pack; and a transport means for delivering the packs out of the drug packing apparatus.

Abstract: A matching system for use with an inserting device adapted to insert into an envelope, which may be personalized for a particular recipient, one or more personalized inserts. The matching system ensures the proper assembly of mass mail items which include personalized components, each having an alpha-numeric sequence indicator printed thereon which corresponds to a given recipient. The matching system includes a number of video cameras, each positioned to sense an alpha-numeric sequence indicator on a different component of a mail item being assembled. The video camera create electrical signals in accordance with the sensed indicators which are processed by circuitry to develop and store digital representations of the sensed indicators. A controller, consisting of a master processing unit and a number of slave processing units, receives the stored digital representations and determines from them whether the sequence indicators on the personalized components to be assembled into a mass mail item match.

Abstract: An in-line rotary inserter device comprises an envelope feed station (30) and insert feeding modules (20,22,24,26), an inserting station (32), a sealing and stacking assembly (38,40,42), and various diverters (33,36,56). The envelope feed station (30) withdraws envelopes from a hopper-held envelope stack )66,94) and conveys them to the inserting station (32). Each insert feeding module comprises a hopper-held insert stack disposed above, along, and in line with an insert conveyor (34). The conveyor, along its track, carries inserts dispensed from the hopper-held insert stacks to the inserting station (32). Diverter stations for diversion of envelopes and inserts in various locations along their feed paths are provided for normal operational purposes and for rectification of sensed fault conditions. Subsequently to inserting, insert-filled envelopes are conveyed from the inserting station (32), are sealed, turned, stacked, and processed through operations that are customary in preparation of mailable items.

Abstract: A system for introducing liquified gas into filled containers in a continuous container fill line (10), wherein, the dosage of liquified gas dispensed into each container is calibrated to the individual container's particular head-space volume. The system (10) includes measuring the head-space volume of each filled container in-line and communicating that measurement to a controller (28) which can adjust the dosage of liquified gas to be dispensed to each individual container. The system also provides for measuring the internal pressure of each container after sealing, which measurement is also communicated to the controller so that the controller can make additional dosage corrections and can direct the ejectment of improperly pressurized containers.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing sheets, comprising: structure for feeding sheets in a downstream path of travel; at least two structure for supporting sheets located adjacent to said path of travel; each of said supporting structure having stacked therein a plurality of sheets; at least one of said sheet supporting means including electronic structure for storing data relating to each sheet therein; and structure for controlling operation of the apparatus; and said controlling structure including structure for causing said data to be stored therein.

Abstract: A system for customizing signatures delivered and processed on a conveyor line according to coded information includes an arrangement for selectively diverting certain signatures on the line to a packaging station at which signatures are individually wrapped, and returning signatures selectively wrapped to the conveyor line in synchronism with other signatures delivered on the conveyor line according to the coded information.

Abstract: An insertion machine includes an insertion station (44) whereat groups of items are stuffed into an envelope held open at an envelope opening station (49). The insertion station comprises an cam (212)-driven carriage (202) which linearly reciprocates in a direction (480) toward and away from the envelope opening station (49). The carriage (202) carries a plurality of selectively mounted, selectively rotatable pusher fingers (204). The pusher fingers (204) have a profile suitable for shoving items along a partially inclined insertion plate surface 403 and into an opened envelope. The pusher fingers (204) are selectively rotatable to an operative orientation (720) and to an inoperative orientation (722) under the supervision of a controller (205). Jam detectors (550, 552) are provided proximate reciprocating entry fingers (500, 502) which move when a jam occurs in the inserting process. Should a jam occur, the pusher fingers (204) are controlled to rotate to their inoperative orientation (722).

Abstract: A wrapping method for operating a vertical, inclined or horizontal type wrapping machine for wrapping food products such as loaves of bread, wads of noodles or the like with synthetic resin film is free from the problem which are inherent in conventional wrapping machines related to abrupt stopping actions of the wrapping operation whenever products are incorrectly positioned. The method provides a way to bypass the problem by detecting in advance incorrectly positioned products and temporarily halting only the operation of the cutting blades without stopping the overall operation of the machine. The method according to the present invention can significantly enhance the efficiency of the wrapping operation and reduce the time and labor required to remove the trouble in a conventional machine.

Abstract: Paper handling apparatus, in particular a folder-inserter machine, includes transport means (e.g. 32 and 38) for transporting a stationery item from an inlet end and along a paper path. It has control means for controlling said transport means to interrupt and re-establish operation of the transport means. A guide tray 40 is arranged adjacent said inlet end and a switch 43 is associated with the guide tray means and is connected to the control means 25, so that re-establishment of operation of the transport means occurs on actuation of the switch 43.

Abstract: In a packaging machine in which a leading unit for advancing a film web and forming it into a continuous tubular shape during its travel, a feeding unit for supplying articles to be wrapped into the film tube, and a cutting unit for at least sealing the film tube along the transverse direction, are driven by independent motors, a method for controlling the motors includes controlling the running speeds of the motors for the feeding unit and the sealing unit on the basis of the running speed of the motor for the leading unit. A control device for carrying out such a method includes detectors for detecting conditions including positions of the leading unit, feeding unit and sealing unit, and a control unit connected to the detectors for controlling the motors of the feeding unit and the sealing unit on the basis of signals from the detector which detects operating conditions of the leading unit.

Abstract: A band-shaped film of a suitable plastic material is conveyed and is formed into a tubular shape during its travel, articles to be packed are conveyed and transferred into the tubular film at intervals and the tubular film is sealed at a predetermined pitch into individual bags. The tubular film is fed at a substantially constant speed and each article is conveyed at about the same speed as that of the tubular film during at least a period in which the article is transferred into the tubular film.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously filling flexible bags or pouches with a perfusion liquid contained in a reservoir to which the perfusion liquid is fed from a source.The apparatus comprises regulating means including a sensor which sends a signal as a function of the level of the liquid in reservoir and is connected to a regulator that continuously regulates the feeding of the perfusion liquid to said reservoir, so as to maintain the level of the liquid in reservoir close to a pre-set level.

Abstract: Cigarettes in multi-layer stack formation are delivered from a maker (10) to a packer (12) on a path having a first junction (24) connected to a tray filling unit (30) and a second junction connected to a tray unloading unit (38). Control circuitry (54-72) is provided to control transfer of cigarettes at the first junction (24) according to the relative speeds of the maker and packer and/or the capacity of a reservoir (46) associated with the path. The control circuitry (54-72) prevents too frequent operation of a gate (32) associated with the first junction (24) and allows operation of the tray filling unit (30) at an optimum speed.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling articles has an accumulator with a plurality of spaced apart conveyors to permit crumbs to drop between the conveyors. A plurality of separators are located between the conveyors to separate and guide the articles into columns on the conveyors. A movable stop member is located near a conveyor for conveying articles away from the accumulator. The stop member forms columns in the accumulator by preventing passage of the articles out of the accumulator. A sensor and a controller detects and releases a sufficient number of articles in the columns.

Abstract: An insertion machine includes an insertion station (44) whereat groups of items are stuffed into an envelope held open at an envelope opening station (49). The insertion station comprises a cam (212)driven carriage (202) which linearly reciprocates in a direction (480) toward and away from the envelope opening station (49). The carriage (202) carries a plurality of selectively mounted, selectively rotatable pusher fingers (204). The pusher fingers (204) have a profile suitable for shoving items along a partially inclined insertion plate surface 403 and into an opened envelope. The pusher fingers (204) are selectively rotatable to an operative orientation (720) and to an inoperative orientation (722) under the supervision of a controller (205). Jam detectors (550, 552) are provided proximate reciprocating entry fingers (500, 502) which move when a jam occurs in the inserting process. Should a jam occur, the pusher fingers (204) are controlled to rotate to their inoperative orientation (722).

Abstract: An electronic computer orders magazines of multiple titles from dispensing units, each of which has a single title assigned to it, and these orders are organized by carrier route, that is to say all magazines for subscribers of a specific carrier route are ordered in sequence. The orders are directed to a magazine dispensing unit which has a different pocket for each title, and these pockets deliver to the conveyor one after the other magazines that fill the subscriptions to which the various addresses pertain. The computer also causes the insert dispensing unit to deposit on the magazines as those magazines pass under the unit inserts that are appropriate to the magazine and its subscriber. Next a wrapping machine places a transparent polymer film around the magazine and any insert which is on it. Then the conveyor carries the magazine past an ink jet printing unit where the subscriber's name and address are applied to the polymer envelope, the printing unit likewise being connected to the computer.

Abstract: A method of loading chip components orientation-specific into a carrier tape that itself comprises a narrow strip of diaphanous material having a series of depressions embossed therein comprising the steps of moving a series of open-ended recesses, sized and shaped to receive a single chip component in a specific orientation, upwardly through a loose mass of chip components at a speed that is continually interrupted with real time pauses and ultimately transferring the chip components into conjunctive registry with the tape embossments and an apparatus therefor.

Abstract: Sealed analyte test packs or cups 11 disposed in holding trays 21 arrayed in a drawer 42 are individually and selectively transferred to a carrying tray 43 at a coplanar loading station for subsequent conveyance to an automated biochemical analyzing apparatus. An x/y scanning mechanism 46 is disposed above the drawer and tray to implement the transfers using a vacuum head 50 mounted on a movable plate 47 of the mechanism which is lowered onto the seal of a selected test pack and then raised to remove the pack from its holding tray. The plate also mounts an IR photo reflector 49 for detecting the test packs and a bar code sensor 48 for reading the holding tray labels. The array of trays is initially scanned to read their labels and establish a location map in a computer memory, which is subsequently updated during the transfer operations.

Abstract: A video camera or other scanning device is employed to monitor the loading with articles to be frozen of an endless belt which passes through a freezing apparatus so as to freeze such articles typically by contact with liquid nitrogen or its cold vapor. The video camera is associated with electronic circuits that generate a signal representative of the belt loading and compare it with a signal representative of an optimum belt loading. If the difference between the signals is greater than a chosen threshold the belt speed is adjusted so as to reduce or eliminate the difference. By this means an improvement is made possible in the efficiency with which the liquid nitrogen is utilized.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for staging a plurality of products into a grouping of a desired number of the products having a given center-to-center spacing therebetween. The staging assembly includes an endless track that indexes in order to feed, without gaps, a desired number of products thereonto, which endless track off-feeds in a generally constant manner in order to provide, in association with the takeaway speed of a receiving conveyor, the desired center-to-center spacing.