Abstract: A method and apparatus of forming portions of tobacco, and of removing the same by an conveyor having at least one path of holders for a respective portion, in which the holders are filled with individual portions of the contents at least two filling lines of one or more filling stations, and, prior to the individual filling operations, individual portions of the contents are weighed and weighed portions that satisfy the predetermined conditions—acceptable portions—are filled cyclically into the holders and weighed portions that do not satisfy the predetermined conditions are detected and ejected as defective portions, characterized by components and steps of (a) following detection of a defective portion, that holder which the filling line originally predetermined for filling this holder would have filled with the contents portion, on which the defective portion is based, had the contents portion satisfied the predetermined conditions—defective-portion holder—is sensed, and a filling line other than that ori

Abstract: A method of transferring a plurality of tablets of a product from a first blister card comprising a first plurality of blisters to a second blister card comprising a second plurality of blisters includes discharging the plurality of tablets from the first plurality of blisters of the first blister card. Then, each of the plurality of tablets are guided along one of a plurality of passageways defined by a transfer fixture positioned between the first blister card and the second blister card. Finally, the plurality of tablets are received in the second plurality of blisters of the second blister card. The method includes monitoring the deposit of product to the blister card and verifying the contents of the blister card.

Abstract: This invention relates to a filling apparatus (2) and a process for intermittently receiving and discharging specific quantities of bulk product, in particular for delivering specific quantities of bulk product from a weighing machine to a packaging machine. The filling apparatus (2) comprises two partial vessels (8, 10), with each partial vessel (8, 10) comprising a feed opening (20, 22) and an outlet opening (26, 28). Furthermore, an outlet element (30) is provided which is movable at least into a first and into a second position. In the first position, the outlet element (30) closes the outlet opening (26) of a first partial vessel (8) and releases the outlet opening (28) of the second partial vessel (10). In the second position, the outlet element (30) closes the outlet opening (28) of the second partial vessel (10) and releases the outlet opening (26) of the first partial vessel (8).

Abstract: Proposed are a method and a device for consolidation of a number n of items, whose weight varies within predefined limits, in a container to a single unit with a predefined target weight. For this purpose, n?1 portions are combined and the weight of all of the n?1 portions is determined. Then the difference between the target weight of the n portions on the one hand and the weight of the n?1 portions on the other is determined. Ultimately, an nth portion with a precise weight is cut-off from a piece, where the weight equals the weight of the nth portion of the difference. For this purpose, the device is provided with a first and a second insertion station, a scale, a computer, and a portioning and cutting device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for packaging at least two products with individual weights in a package in a quantity corresponding to a target weight. The device comprises a feed, packaging means, weighing means (9) and throughfeed means. The device further comprises at least two adding means with associated weighing means (17) in a weighing unit (14) for the purpose of selectively adding unrelated products or groups thereof to the packaging, and with selection and control means for selecting at least one of the at least two unrelated products or groups on the basis of the weight of the initial group, the target weight and the weights of the at least two unrelated products or groups determined with the weighing means (17) associated with the adding means for the purpose of actuating the adding means in order to add at least one selected of the at least two unrelated products or groups thereof to the packaging.

Abstract: When the articles dropping from above are received inside a hopper, at least a bottom portion of the hopper is allowed to move downwardly with the bottom portion of the hopper being closed. Therefore, the collision speed between the articles and the bottom portion of the hopper is reduced. In addition, by opening the bottom portion of the hopper while moving the bottom portion downwardly, the downward initial speed is added to the articles to be discharged.

Abstract: A device for the individual packaging of pharmaceutical tablets comprising a charging template (1) with recesses (5) for receiving tablets (11) of dosage at given times, the recesses (5) have recess bases (6) for openable by a displaceable arranged control template (2) to pass on the tablet (11), a tablet container (3), physically arranged below the charging template (1) such as to be displaced relative to the charging template (1) and having compartments for transfer of the tablets (11), and a weighing scale positioned beneath the charging template (1) and above the tablet container (3) for checking the weight of the tablets (11) assigned to the charging template (1).

Abstract: An automatic ice vending apparatus including a holding vessel formed with an aperture, the holding vessel being configured and dimensioned to receive and house ice pieces produced by an operatively associated ice supply, an ice metering device, and an ice transferring device at least partially disposed within the holding vessel that facilitates movement of ice pieces located therein in a first direction toward the aperture thereof, and movement of ice pieces in a second different direction from the aperture to the ice metering device, which is adapted and configured to meter a quantity of ice pieces into a readily transportable container. Methods and automated methods of delivering ice to consumer(s) are also included.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated bale kicker apparatus for ejecting a completed bale rearwardly from a round baler without interfering with the opening and closing of the baler tailgate wherein actuators for the tailgate and bale kicker are hydraulically connected in a single, reversible flow hydraulic circuit for coordinated movement.

Abstract: In a process for introducing individual products into containers by means of a picker line comprising at least two pickers individual products are individually picked and transposed to containers. The individual products and the containers are delivered in counterflow on at least one transportation device for the individual products and on at least one transportation device for the containers. The delivery of a next container to be filled into the transposition area of the picker line is controlled by any picker. The picker which is controlling the delivery of the next container to be filled is determined by the number of currently introduced products at the infeed of the picker line.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for bales as they are released from the bale chute of an agricultural baler has a weighting table supported on a first side of a support frame by a single load beam and supported on a second side by a support element. The weighing apparatus has a mechanism for measuring the inclination of the weighing table relative to the horizontal as well as a load beam and processor. The processor receives the signal from the load beam and based upon the sensed inclination provide an indication of a weight supported by the weighing table.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading containers with bags, wherein the apparatus is provided with a feed conveyor assembly, a loading unit, and a control designed for, each time, forming a layer of bags in the loading unit, which layer has dimensions substantially corresponding to the bottom dimensions of a container to be filled, and wherein the control is designed such that, each time, the loading unit places a wholly formed layer in the container to be filled. In the method, the bags are oriented in a feed conveyor assembly and placed from the feed conveyor assembly onto a bottom of a holder of a loading unit, wherein, subsequently, when the whole bottom of the holder of the loading unit has been filled with bags, this holder is lowered into a container to be filled and the bottom is released when the bottom of the holder is just above the bottom of the container to be filled or a layer of bags present in this container.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enclosing a palletized container of fresh containers of perishables inside a modified atmosphere-containing plastic bag/enclosure stretched over the containers and over upwardly-folded and sealed margins of a plastic sheet placed between the pallet and the containers to seal the containers of perishables inside the bag/enclosure and to facilitate forming and maintaining a modified atmosphere inside the bag/enclosure.

Abstract: A production system is provided in which high production efficiency can be maintained in the entire production line even in cases in which there is a lack of uniformity in the rates at which the articles are actually supplied from a supply unit; the weighing unit, packaging unit, quality inspection unit, or other constituent device has stopped operating; or other problems have occurred. In this production system, a centralized control system controls the set capacities of devices that constitute a production line including a weighing device, a bagging machine, and other devices disposed downstream, so that the capacities are varied on the basis of the detection results of a supply rate detection sensor of a supply device, that is, on the basis of the actual rates of supply from the supply device to the weighing device.

Abstract: A machine for canning tuna and similar food products comprises a conveyor belt feeder, a plurality of dosing chambers aligned with the feeder and formed in a rotor rotatable in a plane perpendicular to the feed direction, a mouth connecting the feeder to the dosing chambers, a blade to separate the product introduced in the dosing chambers from the bulk of fed product so as to obtain product cakes, shaping means suitable to shape the cakes into the desired shape and transferring means arranged at a second station reachable through a partial rotation of the rotor to transfer the shaped cakes into the cans carried by another rotor. The connecting mouth has a cross-section of substantially constant shape and the shaping is performed in the dosing chambers by shapers radially mobile along the arms of the rotor when the dosing chambers are still aligned with the feeder.

Abstract: A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device having a metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a tank into the bottom shell; the metering chamber having a weighing device for weighing the product contained in the metering chamber.

Abstract: A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one pharmaceutical product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a container into the bottom shell; a control device weighing the product in the metering chamber to cut off supply of the product into the metering chamber, when the weight of the product substantially equals a given reference value.

Abstract: Pouches (2) of cohesionless material, typically a smokeless tobacco product, are manufactured on a machine equipped with feed components (101) by which the material is supplied to a conveyor (4) at a delivery station (8), then transferred by the conveyor (4) from this station (8) to a transfer station (9) where a forcing mechanism (14) directs measured portions (100) of the material from the conveyor into at least one duct (12) connecting with a form-fill-and-seal wrapping station (10) where the portions (100) are enclosed in a continuous succession (21) of pouches (2). Before being separated one from the next at a downstream cutting station (23), the single pouches (2) pass through an in-line quality control station (105) at which their weight is checked individually.

Abstract: Packaging machine and discharging device for a packaging machine, and a method for filling bags by means of a packaging machine, wherein a bag to be filled is filled by means of a filling element and the filled bags are taken off by means of a bag take-off device and transferred to a discharging device. The discharging device comprises a conveying device for conveying off the bags filled with bulk goods, wherein at least one monitoring device for monitoring the tightness of the filled bags is provided which is associated with the conveying device. Said monitoring device comprises a weight sensor which captures a measure for the bulk material escaping from a bag to determine a parameter for the bag leakiness.

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 method is disclosed for packaging a curable resin composition and a catalyst composition that react with each other when mixed, comprising providing a partitioned tube for receiving the resin composition and the curing agent in separate compartments; delivering a stream of a resin composition into one compartment of the tube; delivering a stream of a curing agent in the other compartment of the tube; advancing the partitioned tube and constricting and sealing the partitioned tube at spaced apart intervals and severing the sealed tube to produce a package partitioning the resin composition from the catalyst composition. Solid particulate is continuously added into the stream of at least one of the catalyst composition and the resin composition and mixing the solid particulate and stream to produce a mixed composition; and the relative amount of solid particulate in the mixed composition is controlled by continuously determining the mass of solid particulate added to the mass of the stream.

Abstract: Proposed are a method and a device for consolidation of a number n of items, whose weight varies within predefined limits, in a container to a single unit with a predefined target weight. For this purpose, n-1 portions are combined and the weight of all of the n-1 portions is determined. Then the difference between the target weight of the n portions on the one hand and the weight of the n-1 portions on the other is determined. Ultimately, an nth portion with a precise weight is cut-off from a piece, where the weight equals the weight of the nth portion of the difference. For this purpose, the device is provided with a first and a second insertion station, a scale, a computer, and a portioning and cutting device.

Abstract: A combination weigher of the present invention has a relationship with the packaging machine in which, a bag accommodating time required to accommodate the objects to be weighed falling from the collecting hopper (4) into the bag in a case where the gate of the collecting hopper (4) is always kept open, is longer than a seal stopping time after completion of sealing a lower end of any one of the bags successively manufactured by the packaging machine (21) before start of sealing an upper end of the bag, wherein the control unit (10) causes the gate of the collecting hopper (4) to be closed immediately before any portion of the objects to be weighed discharged from the weighing hoppers (1) arrives at the collecting hopper (4) at the latest, and causes the gate of the collecting hopper (4) to be opened before all of the objects to be weighed arrive at the collecting hopper (4) and after a specified time that elapses from when the gate of the collecting hopper (4) is closed, such that by keeping the gate of the

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering desired counts of products to containers. The apparatus includes a conveyor for moving discrete product portions along a path of travel. A force detecting device located along the path of travel measures force applied to the force detecting device. A counter adds one to a product count each time a force in a product identifying range is measured. A directing structure directs the product portions into a first container until the product count reaches a desired container count and directs the product portions into a second container after the product count reaches the desired container count.

Abstract: A machine for filling and closing containers comprises: a conveyor, step-activated in an advancement direction, laterally provided with a plurality of gripping devices which grip containers at an active branch of the conveyor. A filling station has a plurality of nozzles for filling the containers, and weighing devices for detecting a correct filling of the containers. A closing station has capping devices for closing the filled containers with caps, and sensors to detect correct closure. A release station, located downstream of the closing station has manipulators which are either de-activated to allow transit of incorrectly filled and/or closed containers, which are released onto a reject conveyor downstream and in line with the active branch; or activated transversally to the advancement direction to collect correctly filled and closed containers and release them onto an outlet conveyor, adjacent and parallel to the reject conveyor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for dosing a pharmaceutical product in a packaging machine having at least one volumetric dosing unit with a dosing chamber. The system check-weighs the volumetrically dosed product with appropriate speed and is integrated into a filling or packaging machine. In accordance with the invention, a volume of a first pharmaceutical component is metered and weighed before being introduced into a package. The procedure is repeated with a second pharmaceutical component. The package containing the components is then weighed. Advantageously, accuracy and precision of the amount of the weighed components can be monitored with the present invention to secure the quality of the pharmaceutical product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the individual packaging of pharmaceutical tablets (11). The aim of the invention is a device which permits a rationalisation of the packaging and prevention of an erroneous filling. The aim is achieved, by means of a filling die (1) with recesses (5) for the defined introduction of tablets (11) for dosage at given times, whereby the recesses (5) have recess bases (6) for opening in order to pass on the enclosed tablet (11) and by means of a tablet container (3), physically arranged below the filling die (1) such as to be displaced relative to the above which has compartments for transfer of the tablets and is brought into position covered by the recess bases (5).

Abstract: A packaging system for packaging a plurality of individual articles into packs and for collecting together a plurality of packs into a packaged unit, the system including a first part where the individual articles are marked utilising a first marking apparatus, a second part where the packs are marked utilising a second marking apparatus, and a third part where the packaged unit is marked utilising a third marking apparatus, and the first part including a packing apparatus for packing the articles into packs and first conveyor for moving the packs from the first part to the second part, and the second part including second conveyor for conveying the packs from the second to the third system part, and the third part including a packaging apparatus which collects the plurality of packs into a packaging unit, wherein each of the first, second and third marking apparatus, and the packaging apparatus which collects the plurality of packs into a packaged unit are connected to a data bus by respective connectors, th

Abstract: A standalone ice dispenser delivers ice in either bagged form or bulk form to a user. The device uses a cone-shaped drum with an upwardly oriented mount that receives and stores the ice which ice is gravitationally delivered to the drum from an ice maker. When ice is to be dispensed, a motor rotates the drum such that a fin within the drum cause ice therein to advance toward and eventually out of the mouth of the drum into either a bagging system or directly out of the device via a chute. Weight sensors attached to the drum determine whether the drum is relatively empty or relatively full and control operation of the ice maker as a result and/or a proximity sensor measures the volume of ice in the drum and controls the operation of the ice maker.

Abstract: A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one pharmaceutical product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a container into the bottom shell; a control device weighing the product in the metering chamber to cut off supply of the product into the metering chamber, when the weight of the product substantially equals a given reference value.

Abstract: A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device having a metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a tank into the bottom shell; the metering chamber having a weighing device for weighing the product contained in the metering chamber.

Abstract: In the case of nested containers to be filled by a filling station, a gripping device grasps an entire row of empty containers and conveys it to a weighing station, where the containers are weighed. Following weighing, all containers of the row are simultaneously filled and then reweighed. The containers are then reinserted into the nest and sealed, without being refilled, which allows checking the operation of the filling station without wasting product.

Abstract: A slurry product is packaged into a plastic bag using a modified form-fill-seal apparatus and method of using it. The apparatus has preferably been modified to select the appropriate amount of product slurry by weight. Bags are filled using a dual auger system that includes a bulk auger and a precision auger that fill a bag simultaneously. The augers work together for a first period to rapidly load slurry into a large part of the bag. During a second period, the bulk auger shuts down, allowing the precision auger alone to top-off the bags. The periods are determined either by time or by the volume or weight of the product that has entered the bag.

Abstract: A mixing system includes a portioning device for sequentially supplying batches of a specified quantity of foodstuffs at a supply location. A mixing device includes a number of mixing chambers which can be sequentially aligned with the foodstuff supply location. A dispenser is provided for dispensing measured quantities of an additive at an additive supply location spaced from the foodstuff supply location. The mixing chambers are movable about a closed path so as to be sequentially brought into alignment with the foodstuff supply location and the additive supply location. A control system controls operation of the portion device, mixing device and dispenser. A packaging device is disposed downstream to the supply location and below the mixing device for packaging the batch of foodstuffs in a bag. Each mixing chamber is operable above the packaging device to discharge its contents into the packaging device.

Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a food dispensing magazine located in a freezer. Food is dispensed from the magazine to a secondary container located within the freezer for containing a plurality of pieces dispensed from the food magazine. A device is provided for determining the number of food pieces in the container located in the secondary container and for dumping the secondary container so that food pieces contained in the secondary container are dumped to a location outside of the freezer.

Abstract: A slicing machine has a deposition surface adapted to support a fusible bottom sheet. Slices are cut from a foodstuff and deposited as a stack on the bottom sheet on the surface between edges of the surface so that a fusible top sheet can be placed atop the stack. Respective bars at the surface edges have bar edges and are each pivotal between a working position projecting over the surface with the bar edges aligned vertically with the respective surface edges and rest positions retracted from above the sheet on the surface. Actuators can pivot the bars from their rest positions into their working positions. Heaters are provided in at least some of the edges. In the working positions the sheet edges are pinched between the bar edges and the heated surface to bond the edges together.

Abstract: In a device for conveying capsules containing at least one pharmaceutical product, each capsule is fed along a feed line defined by two pocket conveyors connected to each other at a transfer station having a detecting device for determining at least the weight of the pharmaceutical product in the capsule, and is transferred from one pocket conveyor to the other of the feed line with no change in its orientation.

Abstract: A chute assembly to be positioned between a weigher and a former of a packaging machine. The chute assembly includes a timing gate device including a plurality of timing gates that regulates the delivery of batches of product from the weigher to the former. The gates are driven between a first position at which they inhibit the delivery of batches of product to the former and a second position permitting the flow of batches of product to the former.

Abstract: A series of products, such as bacon packages each having bacon slices carried by a card, are successively conveyed across an endless conveyor weighing scale to determine the weight of each product, and the products are then conveyed by an endless conveyor along a linear path through an inspection station. An elongated scrolling message display unit extends adjacent the linear path, and information characters corresponding to the weight of each product travel on the display unit in synchronism with the flow of the product on the conveyor to provide an inspection person with sufficient time to correct the weight of each off-weight product by adding or removing items from the product. A photosensor detects the leading edge of each product and cooperates to synchronize the location of weight information characters displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for packaging items within a container. The container is supported adjacent an indicator which determines the addition of an individual item into the container. The number of items added to a container is accumulated and the accumulated data for each container during a given cycle is stored. The stored data is then communicated to a processing unit for analyzing and use as a management tool within the packaging operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of enclosing material in a netting and supplying a handle for ease of carrying the netted material, comprising clippers, irises, and a handle maker. A novel scissors assembly for severing the netting is disclosed. A conveyor carries the material to a pair of irises. The irises gather the netting around the material, the first clipper closes and severs the netting, and the handle maker forms a loop out of the severed netting. The second clipper attaches the loop back to the netting to form a handle. A scale can be used to weigh the material and a printer can create a label, with the weight or whatever other information is desired, for attachment to the netting.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus and method for detecting and discriminating articles that are within a predetermined range of a specification into lots. A counting head assembly includes at least an article detecting unit located above diverting gates which control the passage and/or accumulation of articles in adjacent channels to permit filling of article containers with predetermined article portions as containers are placed beneath, and removed from, the assembly outlet. A plurality of such assemblies may be combined to provide high speed continuous container filling operations, for example by location of a plurality of counting head assemblies about the periphery of a rotating carousel or on a linear platform which moves containers beneath the assemblies for simultaneous filling of groups of containers.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for measuring the weight force of a bale in a baler wherein the bale moves between a first position, within the baling chamber, and a second position, within a wrapping apparatus carried by the baler chassis. A measurement device, which is connected to a data processing device, is provided, for measuring a measurement parameter influenced by the weight force of said bale in each of said first and second positions and developing a signal representative of the weight of the bale at those positions. The processing device is set up to calculate the weight force of the bale taking into account a first signal output from the measurement device when the bale is in the first position and a second signal output from the measurement device when the bale is in the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus, a method, and a system are provided for measuring and reporting the weight of bales in a baler. The weight may be determined by a variety of methods. The system may display or store the weight of the bale in the baler. The system may schedule the removal of bales or track the number of bales produced, weight of the bales produced, or value of the bales produced. The system may determine an appropriate time to accomplish the scheduling of the removal of the bales.

Abstract: A device 10 for bagging dry ingredients, wherein a packaging mechanism 16 is integrally disposed under a weighing mechanism 13 for stored dry ingredients 12 and through a common frame 18. The weighing mechanism 13 comprises a plurality of juxtaposed dispensing pipes 22–25 for dispensing the dry ingredients 12 in a hopper 21, and weighing buckets 27–30 having an open/close dumper 26 for weighing the dispensed dry ingredients 12 and temporally storing them. The dry ingredients 12 in each of the weighing buckets 27–30 are discharged into a dispensing chute 31 through the open/close dumber 26 and are supplied at high speed to the packaging mechanism 16 immediately therebelow through the dispensing chute 31.

Abstract: A flavoring system has a portioning device such as a weigher for receiving unflavored food items and sequentially supplying batches of a specified quantity of them, dispenses measured quantities of a flavoring material with a dispenser, applies these measured quantities of flavoring material to the supplied batches and packages the flavored batches of items in a bag. A sensor monitors the discharge of the flavoring material and a sorting device discards packaged products if the sensor detects an abnormality in the discharge of the flavoring material. A plurality of dispensers may be provided for dispensing measured quantities of different flavoring materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measurement of the weight force of a bale of crop material after it is formed in a baler. The formed bale is movable in the baler by a conveying device and a weight force measurement device is provided for measuring a measurement parameter which is influenced by the weight force of the formed bale. The measurement device is set up so as to measure the weight force of the bale when the latter is resting on the conveying apparatus.

Abstract: A large round baler is provided with a weighing arrangement for the detection of the weight of a cylindrical bale. The weighing arrangement is arranged to detect the force that a cylindrical bale applies to a support element located in the baling chamber and movable relative to the bale for supporting substantially the entire weight of the bale during discharge of the bale from the baling chamber. So that a true weight reading is obtained, the side pressure exerted on the bale by the side walls is released before the weight measurement takes place. Additionally, an inclination sensor is provided for sending information to an evaluation arrangement which makes an adjustment in a sensed weight to account for any engagement of the bale with the sides of the baling chamber due to side-to-side inclination.

Abstract: An apparatus for defining a loop handle in a tubular covering, such as an expanded mesh plastic covering, for a food. The apparatus of the present invention includes a frame for supporting the various assemblies that comprise the apparatus and for engaging a support surface such as a floor. The apparatus of the present invention further includes a conveyor assembly, which conveys the food product from a production line and into the slide area or chute. Positioned proximate the distal end of the chute is a voider assembly defined by a stationary set of voider gates and a movable set of voider gates.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and methods useful for lifting a drum to enable the drum and its contents to be accurately weighed includes a drum weighing platform engageable with the drum, at least two guide rods. The guide rods are movable upwardly in unison to move the drum weighing platform vertically upwardly.