Abstract: Provided is a press process automation system for a metal plate using an auto-robot. The press process automation system includes a loading unit configured to provide a stack in which a plurality of metal plates are stacked in a height direction thereof, a first robot which is coupled to the metal plate disposed on the loading unit, a table unit which is disposed at a lower position than the first target position, and determines whether the number of the metal plates is one, a second robot configured to vacuum-adsorb an upper surface of the metal plate disposed on the table unit, and a press mold unit including a lower mold which is vertically disposed at a lower position than the third target position and on which the metal plate is mounted, and an upper mold which is vertically moved from above the lower mold.

Abstract: A system for automatically packaging prescription orders composed of one or more prescription containers. The system includes a printer for generating literature associated with each order and a packer for packing the prescription containers and the associated literature into a package. The packer has a scale or other means for determining the weight of the prescription containers. A packer controller calculates package weight information based on the container weight information. The package weight information is transmitted to a mail manifest system, which generates shipping information comprising postage. A labeler applies the shipping information to the package. The packer also includes a loading mechanism for inserting the prescription containers and the literature into the package.

Abstract: A system for filling medication dose packs with oral-solid medication items comprises storage tray drawers each having storage trays. Each storage tray stores a specific type of oral-solid medication item. The storage tray drawers are displaceable to a drawn position to expose the storage trays thereof. A table supports dose packs having a plurality of receptacles arranged in rows, with each receptacle associated with an intake time and date of a patient prescription file. A dispensing mechanism has fingers for grasping by suction an oral-solid medication item, and degrees of freedom to displace the fingers from any one of the storage trays to the dose pack, to transfer the oral-solid medication items from the storage trays in the drawn position to the receptacles of the dose pack.

Abstract: A system for automatically packaging prescription orders composed of one or more prescription containers. The system includes a printer for generating literature associated with each order and a packer for packing the prescription containers and the associated literature into a package. The packer has a scale or other means for determining the weight of the prescription containers. A packer controller calculates package weight information based on the container weight information. The package weight information is transmitted to a mail manifest system, which generates shipping information comprising postage. A labeler applies the shipping information to the package. The packer also includes a loading mechanism for inserting the prescription containers and the literature into the package.

Abstract: A device for picking up articles from a supply station and inserting the articles into a container, comprising: at least an operating head, provided with a group of depression-activated gripping units, each of which is shaped in a special format to pick up and retain a corresponding article; control devices, which verify a presence of an article at each of the gripping units; movement organs which cause the operating head to perform outward and return runs, respectively from a picking up station of the articles to a release station of the articles, situated nearby the container, and vice versa; a conveyor device, provided at the release station, above the opening of the container, and destined to be interposed between the opening and the operating head to guide insertion of the articles into the container; enabling organs, activated in a phase relation with the movement organs, for activating the gripping units at the supply station in order for a corresponding number of articles to be picked up by the use of

Abstract: A machine (1000) for filling capsules (CS) or similar. The machine (1000) has a number of seat assemblies (10), each of which incorporates a capacitive transducer (14) and possibly other devices, such as an energy storage device (17) and a microprocessor (15), in addition to devices for external connection for power supply and/or communication.

Abstract: A packaging object supplying apparatus for supplying a packaging object to a packaging unit for packaging the packaging object into a predetermined fashion and specifically, a packaging object supplying apparatus comprising a packaging object combining portion for forming a combination of the packaging objects by combining two or more kinds of the packaging objects by a predetermined quantity in a predetermined array and a packaging object introducing portion for introducing the packaging objects combined by the packaging object combining portion to the packaging unit, a boxing apparatus comprising foldable box body supplying means, opening forming means, box body holding means, packaging object loading means, and lid forming means, a box body supplying apparatus for supplying a box body to the boxing apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a work method and apparatus for packing flower bouquets (3), in which large amounts of flower bouquets (3) are transported transversely on a conveyor belt (4) to a lifting conveyor belt (7) to a mounted thereon transversely placed feeding belt (17), which has compartments (20) which constantly contain a flower bouquet (3), which is brought from a horizontal to a vertical position, in which a box-shaped cell space (22) is created and a cross partition turns away and subsequently the flower bouquet (3) falls through a trap door instrument (24) into an already opened cover (25) and is then further processed and brought to a collecting box for shipment.

Abstract: A tablet detecting system ascertains whether a tablet exists in a receiving hole of a loader unit used for a molding tablet supplying apparatus or, if exists, whether the tablet has a standard size, by using a mechanical contact manner. The tablet detecting system has a push rod, a contact head, an insulation plate, a conductive assembly and a control unit. The push rod is inserted into the receiving hole and moves upward just as high as the tablet. The contact head is formed on a top of the push rod and the insulation plate is located over the contact head. The conductive assembly is formed in the insulation plate and the control unit is electrically connected to the conductive assembly. When the tablet in the receiving hole has a standard size, the contact head mechanically touches the conductive assembly and gives electrical connection to the conductive assembly, and the control unit senses the electrical connection.

Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a transfer device for inserting a product into a package and a circulating leaflet supply device comprising a plurality of tong-like holders which are disposed in a row, for receiving one leaflet each, and for bringing the leaflet into the region of the transfer device between the product and the package such that it can be inserted together with the product into the package. An opening unit with at least one stop is disposed in the transport path of the holders for opening the holders to release the leaflet. The stop can be adjusted in dependence on an opening signal of a control device between an operative position opening the holders and an inoperative position in which the holders pass the stop without releasing the leaflet.

Abstract: A tablet detecting system ascertains whether a tablet exists in a receiving hole of a loader unit used for a molding tablet supplying apparatus or, if exists, whether the tablet has a standard size, by using a mechanical contact manner. The tablet detecting system has a push rod, a contact head, an insulation plate, a conductive assembly and a control unit. The push rod is inserted into the receiving hole and moves upward just as high as the tablet. The contact head is formed on a top of the push rod and the insulation plate is located over the contact head. The conductive assembly is formed in the insulation plate and the control unit is electrically connected to the conductive assembly. When the tablet in the receiving hole has a standard size, the contact head mechanically touches the conductive assembly and gives electrical connection to the conductive assembly, and the control unit senses the electrical connection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically wrapping a sheet about a bouquet of flowers. The sheet having spaced apart defined first and second portions is placed against a support member, such as a prepared table top, and the bouquet is positioned on the sheet with the first and second portions of the sheet extending on right and left sides, respectively, of the bouquet. The first sheet portion is then moved in a path to at least partially encompass the bouquet, and the second sheet portion is moved in a path to at least partially encompass the bouquet and to extend over part of the first sheet portion. The two sheet portions may be secured together by a bonding material, or the first and second portions of the sheet of wrapping material can themselves act as a bonding material by application of appropriate heat sealing, sonic welding, vibratory welding, and similar methods. A stiff wrap ring form may be positioned suspended over the sheet, and the bouquet inserted in the wrap ring form.

Abstract: A tray pack assembly 10 is conveyed through a package forming machine during a final gluing stage by angled continuous belts 37, 38 which drivingly engage side walls of the forming pack 10 and support the pack 10 throughout this operation. To ensure good contact between the pack 10 and the belts 37, 38 and subsequently good contact with compression rollers of a later conveyor bed, two belts 39, 40 of flexible fingers 41 extend above the path of travel so that the tips 42 of the fingers 41 engage the top 14. The provision of these flexible fingers 41 enables deflection of the fingers 41 in the event of the tray having contents which stick above the intended level. The belts 37, 38 enable the spatial relationship between the walls of the pack 10 to be controlled precisely and for squared-off sleeves to be formed thereby.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for diagnosing machines (10) for manufacturing products such as cigarettes (12) or cigarette packets (11), the products being examined for faults, and a signal indicating a faulty product being generated. The invention is based on the problem of improving the diagnosis. In order to solve this problem, the method according to the invention is characterized in that the fault-indicating signal (46) is evaluated for possible periodicity of faulty products (11, 12), and a possible periodicity is determined. For this purpose, the device according to the invention has an appropriately constructed control device (27a).

Abstract: A packaging structure for holding an object securely against a rigid backing. The structure includes a substantially rigid panel having a pair of generally parallel fold lines which define respective folding side portions and a center portion. A flexible film material is superimposed on one surface of the center panel portion and extends onto the folding side portions. Means, such as opposed glue strips extending along the side portions, are provided for securing the film material to the rigid panel and for cooperating with the folding side portions to tighten the film against objects between the film and the center panel portion when the side portions are folded in a direction away from the film. The panel may include a fold line extending through the center panel portion for allowing the object to be inserted and secured beneath the film. The panel may also include openings into which projection on the folding side portions may be inserted to tighten the film. An associated method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coin packaging device has a table, to which a mass of coins of identical denomination may be supplied, and a plurality of cylinders, each cylinder being arranged to receive coins one by one through an open end, thereby stacking a predetermined number of coins thus received into a pile of coins. Furthermore, the device has means for distributing the coins across the table. The table is provided with a plurality of openings large enough for allowing the coins to pass therethrough. The open end of each respective cylinder is arranged to receive coins from a respective one of the openings in the table.

Abstract: An automated packaging system that can simultaneously process a single case or a plurality of cases and can be adjusted to accommodate packages and cases of various sizes. Individual packages are fed to the packaging system on the package conveyor. The packages are recognized by the system when they energize an electric eye which causes the package to be elevated above the conveying surface of the package conveyor and stopped below a pick and place mechanism. The individual packages are elevated by plates having upper surfaces that extend through slots in the conveying surface and are stopped by vacuum cups carried by the upper surfaces of the plates. The upper surfaces of the plates are inclined which causes the packages to climb the incline which functions to decelerate the movement of the package.

Abstract: A device for detecting shortage of cigarette packs in a carton has a pair of first proximity sensors capable of individually detecting the cigarette packs at the opposite ends of the carton in an inspecting position, among other cigarette packs in the carton, and a plurality of second proximity sensors capable of individually detecting the remaining cigarette packs in the carton in the inspecting position, the interval between each two adjacent second proximity sensors being longer than the width of each cigarette pack.

Abstract: A method and a machine for automatically bagging articles in a bag and in a sequential and uninterrupted manner. A plurality of articles are continuously fed to the machine and received in two or three compartments, herein three compartments. Once the third article is received in the third compartment, all three articles are discharged within a bag held under the machine. A control circuit, after a predetermined time delay actuates an article support element which is caused to enter into the third compartment or the first compartment depending on the sequence of loading the machine whereby to support a fourth article entering the third compartment due to the fact that the bottom end of all compartments is open. The feeding device is uninterrupted and continues to feed articles to the machine regardless if the bottom discharge gate is open and the sequence is automatically reversed, back and forth, between the first and third and third and first compartments.

Abstract: A cookie tray loading machine (5) constructed and arranged to divert a single file lane of cookies (12) moved along an infeed conveyor belt (9) into a plurality of separate and generally parallel lanes (34) of cookies, which are formed as rows (44) of cookies on a plurality of alignment belt assemblies (36) and spaced apart from each preceding row of cookies, each row of cookies being placed onto a tray loading conveyor belt (46) and moved toward a tray loading station (60) for placement directly into a packaging tray (62), is disclosed. The loading machine includes a sweep arm diverter assembly (20) having a sweep arm diverter (21) directly driven by a sweep arm servomotor (23), a first lane alignment arm assembly (26) and a second and opposed lane alignment arm assembly (30) for aligning the cookies into the separate lanes of cookies, and an alignment belt assembly (36) for each lane of cookies.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products, such as contact lenses, in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes a rotary index table defining on its upper surface a plurality of identical, radially-oriented support pallets, equally spaced apart around the rotary index table. Each support pallet is designed to support an array of individual package bases thereon, and is sequentially rotated to stop at angularly spaced radial positions in the rotary packaging machine. At a first radial position, the rotary packaging station receives blister package bases, each having a product deposited therein, and places the package bases in the support pallet then at the first radial position.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement for packaging products, such as contact lenses, in packages such as blister packs. The packaging arrangement includes a rotary index table defining on its upper surface a plurality of identical, radially-oriented support pallets, equally spaced apart around the rotary index table. Each support pallet is designed to support an array of individual package bases thereon, and is sequentially rotated to stop at angularly spaced radial positions in the rotary packaging machine. At a first radial position, the rotary packaging station receives blister package bases, each having a product deposited therein, and places the package bases in the support pallet then at the first radial position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for continuously accumulating, screening, stacking and packaging disks such as hamburger patties automatically and without the use of personnel in contact with the patties. This includes weighing the patties by optical comparison means so that the finished package is within the tolerances permitted for weight of goods.

Abstract: A transfer mechanism for transferring groups of plastic containers from a continuously moving transport conveyor to a tray includes container sensors and a mechanism for providing correct in-fee timing of the containers. The tray is advanced after each group of containers is deposited therein and when the tray is full, it is removed.

Abstract: A capsule filling apparatus which fills capsules with tablets having the same cylindrical shape as the capsules, wherein each tablet is fed from a hopper in an upright posture and wherein the filling of tablets into the capsules is secured by detecting a pressure varying depending on the presence of tablets in delivering holes.

Abstract: A verification system for detecting the presence and absence of an object includes a verification station. A preselected number of objects is delivered to the verification station with each object disposed at a selected position. A pneumatic comparator is located at each selected position. Each pneumatic comparator comprises a head directed toward its corresponding selected position. The head includes an exit port and an entry port whereby air may be discharged through the exit port and directed toward the selected position. If an object is located at the selected position the air is reflected back into the entry port where it is sensed to indicate the presence of the object.

Abstract: In a conveying system for transporting a sequence of articles to a suspending point in captured relation and then transporting them by vacuum suspension to a plurality of separate discharge stations, comprising the combination of:at least a pair of conveyor belts disposed in vertically spaced, overlapping relation to define an elongate nip therebetween extending from a capturing point to a suspending point, the upper of said belts extending beyond the suspending point and being provided with a series of openings extending longitudinally thereof;feed apparatus for feeding articles to the capturing point in sequentially spaced relation so as to be captured between the belts and transported therebetween to the suspending point;suction apparatus overlying the upper belt beyond the suspending point and defining a first chamber for subjecting the articles to vacuum through the openings to suspend them after they pass beyond the suspending point, the suction apparatus defining a plurality of further and separate cha

Abstract: An article delivery transferring device in a collective packing machine of stop waiting operation control system is provided.

Abstract: A control method of operation of a collective packing machine, which packing machine is composed of a main packing machine and an auxiliary packing machine. The main packing machine is in continuous operation while the auxiliary packing machine is in stop waiting operation wherein the auxiliary packing machine is operated in matching and synchronization with the main packing machine. When the auxiliary packing machine is at the stop waiting state, the revolution speed of a main shaft of the main packing machine and the revolution speed of an input shaft of a clutch of the auxiliary packing machine are controlled by comparing and matching therebetween. When an output shaft of the clutch is stopped and operation of the auxiliary packing machine is started, operation starting time of the auxiliary packing machine is made earlier than the normal operation starting time by time t.sub.s. The time t.sub.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for transferring articles between adjacent conveyors. The apparatus includes a first conveyor for conveying articles therealong. A pushing device includes a pair of spaced plates that are disposed in the same plane. The plates move transversely relative to the articles supported by the first conveyor. A pair of gripping arms move to a first position to grasp the laterally pushed articles. The gripping arms together with the grasped articles are moved laterally and away from the direction of movement of the articles along the first conveyor. The gripping arms are moved to a second position in which the articles are released onto a second conveyor disposed adjacent to and laterally relative the first conveyor. The apparatus has particular utility relative to the stabilization of packaged articles during transit through a wrapping and sealing station prior to heat shrinkage.

Abstract: Discrete articles moving on a conveyor belt are first laterally aligned in rows extending transversely to direction of movement of the conveyor belt and then engaged in compartments arranged in rows extending across the conveyor belt. The compartments containing the articles are then shifted to overlie packages located beneath the compartments and the aligned rows of articles from within the compartments are permitted to drop into the packages.

Abstract: A case packing system, including apparatus and method, wherein cans or like products are introduced to an accumulator in a generally random single file, collected in multiple rows or lanes, and loaded into cartons or cases. Limit means associated with the accumulator define removable abutments against which the leading cans, in the several rows, engage. Switches are provided for sensing the presence of the completed group of cans defined by the multiple rows and, in response thereto, effecting a retraction of the limit means. The accumulator is followed by an infeed belt which introduces the grouped multiple rows of cans into a packing station and onto a pair of support panels mounted for vertical pivoting for a downward discharge of the cans into a subjacent case. Empty cases are conveyed sequentially into the packing station in underlying relation to the panel supported cans.

Abstract: A feeler device for sensing the number of cigarettes arranged in groups, particularly groups of three rows, at the interior of a group-forming pocket, includes a plurality of feeler pins which are arranged parallel in the longitudinal direction of the cigarettes and which can be introduced into the group-forming pocket through an open end thereof in order to detect the cigarettes which are misplaced or dislocated, the feeler pins are arranged excentrically and the line connecting the feeler pins of each cigarette row is a zig-zag line.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for simultaneously transferring a plurality of stacks of sliced or bulk food product from a holding station, such as the output of a slicing and stacking machine, to a receiving station, or the like, for loading and packaging of the food product. The device includes a rapidly and continuously operating accumulating conveyor for transferring a plurality of stacks from the holding station to a transfer station, and a shuttle-like, product-engaging member mounted proximate the transfer station for rapid, reciprocating movement transverse to the conveyor for transferring the plurality of stacks from the transfer station to a loading station. The product-engaging member has a plurality of concave portions, each formed to receive one stack of the plurality of stacks of product.

Abstract: An automatic optoelectronic inspection device is located at a position downstream from a cigarette making machine and upstream from cigarette packaging machinery, and cigarettes are conveyed in groups to the inspection device where each group is inspected. The inspection device includes a plurality of photodetectors arranged so that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the position of a photodetector and the position occupied by each cigarette in a normally formed group. Each photodetector includes a light-emitting source for illuminating the end portion of a cigarette and a photoelectric transducer for sensing light reflected from the end portion of a cigarette in registration with the photodetector. The power to the light-emitting sources is controlled in such a way that the intensity of the light emanating from each light-emitting source is modulated at a high frequency.

Abstract: Apparatus for placing flexible packages in a rigid container incorporates an infeed chute and diverter gate system for directing packages into a rotatable load head in preselected fashion. After the load head is filled, the packages are released therefrom into an empty shipping container located below the load head. The apparatus incorporates a control system which activates the components of the system in preselected cyclic fashion to enable continuous packaging in a rapid manner. The apparatus is especially suitable for the handling of flexible packages of fluid products such as milk. A method of effecting continuous packaging is also described.