Abstract: In a wrapping machine that packages products by enveloping each one in a tubular wrapper with two edges united lengthwise and heat-sealed thus together, the integrity of the packaging is verified by a device comprising a feeler located at a given point along the wrapping line and offered in sliding contact to the advancing wrapper at an area coinciding with the junction between the edges and the tubular envelope. The feeler is loaded against a spring delivering a force of known intensity, and able consequently to hold a stable operating position as long as resistance is offered by the wrappers, but will find the gaps in any wrapper of which the edges have failed to unite successfully. The resulting movement of the feeler is sensed by a transducer.

Abstract: To simplify the operation of an input unit of a filling apparatus and achieve accurate filling of packaging containers with a liquid food. The filling apparatus includes a read-out unit which reads out packaging material information from a magnetic recording medium layer mounted on the packaging material, a sealing unit for sealing the packaging material, and a filling unit for charging the liquid food supplied thereto. Also included is a filling unit controller, which outputs control signals to the sealing unit and the filling unit in accordance with a predetermined program based on the packaging material information and liquid information sent from the read-out unit. The filling apparatus reads out necessary packaging material information from the magnetic recording medium layer at the time of filling, and charges the liquid food in accordance with the packaging material information and liquid information, and seals the packaging material.

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

Abstract: A sleeving machine and a method for automatically inserting a tray of postal mail into a sleeve. The tray is disposed on a transport station and advanced by a transport belt. A pusher on the transport belt engages the tray for advancement through the machine. Collapsed sleeves are dispensed as required from a hopper into a sleeving station. A suction head and a pivoted second side of the sleeving station open the sleeve to receive the tray. The transport belt with the pusher advances the tray into the open sleeve and then advances the sleeve, with the tray therein, out of the sleeving station. Sensors are provided to control and coordinate movement of the second belt and dispensing of the sleeves from the hopper into the sleeving station. Safety features are provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the seal between a container and a flexible lid by measuring the lid's deflection. In the disclosed embodiment, an actuator impacts the lid and activates an alarm if the lid is not securely attached to the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing bakery products is disclosed where an individual dough packet 26 is deposited in a pan 24 made of magnetic material. Endless belts 16 and 18 including magnets 62 has a portion thereof in a path along which the pans 24 are advanced by conveyor belts 12 and 14. The pans 24 are magnetically coupled to the belts 16 and 18, and a sensor 20 is positioned along the path nearby a position Y where an individual dough packet 26 is deposited in a pan at this position.. The sensor 20 provides a control signal upon a pan 24 moving to this position. A motor 22 having a brake 70 and a clutch 72 drives the belts 16 and 18, and a pan 24 held by the belts is advanced upon actuation of the clutch and stopped upon actuation of the brake. A control circuit 80 includes a signal generator that provides a timing signal indicating that a dough packet 26 has been deposited in a pan 24.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying twist ties comprises structure for receiving the open end of the film wrapper of a bakery product; structure for severing the leading end from a length of ribbon to form a twist tie; and structure for twisting the twist tie around the end of the film wrapper, thereby closing same. A naked loaf detector and a hook jam detector are provided. All operations of the apparatus are controlled by a programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A bucket lidding system for placing rotationally oriented lids on unlidded buckets being conveyed on a conveyor and subsequently seating the lids onto the buckets. A lid conveyer introduces to the system a vertical stack of bucket lids wherein each lid has a fitting. After the entire stack of bucket lids is raised such that a top lid of the stack is positioned at a selected height, a mechanism lifts and holds the top lid and transports that lid to a position over another conveyer where a lidless bucket is being conveyed. During this lid transportation, the held lid is being rotated under a fitting sensing sensor, which instructs the lid rotation to be stopped when the lid has a desired rotational orientation with respect to the lidless bucket. When a sensor senses the bucket on the bucket conveyer means, the oriented lid is released and drops a short distance onto the bucket.

Abstract: A coin wrapping apparatus that includes a denomination setting dial, a wrapping film width detector, a plurality of wrapping rollers for winding the wrapping film around a predetermined number of stacked coins, a coin support post, a coin support post moving mechanism for moving the coin support post between a waiting position, a wrapping position and a retracted position. The coin wrapping apparatus further includes a wrapping position adjusting mechanism for separately adjusting the vertical position of the coin support post and a controller for driving the wrapping position adjusting mechanism based upon the denomination of coins to be wrapped which is set with the denomination setting dial and the width of the wrapping film as detected by the wrapping film width detector, so that a vertical center of the stacked coins coincides with the widthwise center of the wrapping film at the wrapping position.

Abstract: A filling/sealing apparatus used for ampules generally has a feed star wheel feeding ampules, a turntable transporting the ampules delivered from the feed star wheel, and an intermediate star wheel interposed between the feed star wheel and the turntable. Around the turntable, filling needles fill the ampules with liquid, burners seal the upper ends of the ampules, and pincers pinch the upper ends of ampules. Sensors determine whether the ampules being transported by the intermediate star wheel have the upper ends intact and damaged ampules are removed. The number of ampules that can be held by the turntable as well as the star wheel is set to integral times as many as the number of ampules that can be simultaneously filled by the filling needles.

Abstract: A sleeving machine and a method for automatically inserting a tray of postal mail into a sleeve. The tray is disposed on a transport station and advanced by a first belt. A second belt having a pusher thereon engages the tray for advancement through the machine. Collapsed sleeves are dispensed as required from a hopper into a sleeving station. Arcuate guides in the sleeving station open the sleeves to receive the tray. The second belt with the pusher advances the tray into the open sleeve and then advances the sleeve, with the tray therein, out of the sleeving station. Sensors are provided to control and coordinate movement of the second belt and dispensing of the sleeves from the hopper into the sleeving station. Safety features are provided.

Abstract: An automated tube filling machine and process having a plurality of work stations, a rotating disc to deliver the tubes to the work stations and a central processing unit to control implementation of the work stations and rotation of the disc.

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 jam detector in an inserting station of an inserter comprises horizontal and vertical photosensors and therewith associated retroreflective targets; the horizontal sensors have a light beam directed across and above an envelope positioned in the inserting station, and the vertical sensors have a pair of vertical light beams directed toward opening fingers while the fingers are positioned in the inserting station for holding envelopes open. The jam detector detects jam malfunctions during the inserting cycle by sensing interruption of the horizontal beam and uninterrupted retroreflection of the vertical beams.

Abstract: A large round baler includes mechanism for optionally wrapping a bale with either twine or a surface wrap material. A wrap control mechanism includes means whereby the wrapping process is initiated in response to a bale reaching a desired diameter within the bale chamber. Various microswitches are strategically mounted so as to be operated by various components of the twine and surface wrap mechanisms and the control mechanism therefor. These switches are integrated into an indicator circuit including indicator devices including various colored lights and a buzzer all of which are caused to operate in various modes to apprise an operator of when the wrapping process is beginning, whether or not twine or surface wrap material is present, when wrapping is complete and when the surface wrap material has been severed.

Abstract: There is described a stopper detector for use in combination with a stopper remover, so that containers of liquid can be automatically unstoppered in an analyzer if they are in fact stoppered. The stopper detector includes a mechanism for discriminating between a container having a stopper, and an unstoppered container, including one with a cup inserted into the top of the container. It also includes means for generating a signal in response to the discriminating means that is indicative of whether or not a stopper is present, such signal being effective, if present, to activate a following stopper remover.

Abstract: A band strapping machine having more than one supply reel and having a mechanism that automatically loads a band from a second supply reel when a first supply reel becomes empty. The trailing end of a band from the first band reel is grabbed so that it is not introduced into the machine's pool box and the band previously accumulated in the pool box is fed through the machine and used to accomplish a final strapping operation. The part of the band not needed to complete the final strapping operation is ejected from the machine by reverse rotation of a pool roller. The leading end of the replacement band is then gripped and a band guide unit moves into position to guide the replacement band through the machine's band guide arch to the machine's feed unit. Once the leading end of the replacement band has attained a preselected position, a coveyor line carrying articles to be strapped is re-started and a package is strapped with the band in the band guide arch.

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

Abstract: An improved apparatus for the feeding and placing of a preformed cover(44) on a linearly advancing preformed container(130), said improved apparatus being automatically operated in response to an "on-demand" condition, said improved apparatus including a frame assembly(12), an inclined hopper assembly(14), a cover separating assembly(16), a transfer chute assembly (18) an infeed conveyor assembly(20), and a cover seating assembly(22). This improved apparatus may also provide selective orientation of a pour spout or bung located in a circular cover.

Abstract: Automatic package shingling device deposits packages exiting from an end of a package conveyor onto an elongated platter moving in coordination with package movement below the package conveyor. Controls are provided to arrest package feed when a first platter is filled, until such time as a second, empty platter is placed into package-receiving position.

Abstract: An inserter is provided for use with one or more feeders. The inserter will receive material ejected from the first feeder, create at least one fold in the insert and then direct the insert into an awaiting envelope. The envelope is gradually opened as it is moved into position to receive the insert. A second insert may be urged into the first insert to initiate the fold in the first insert and urge the first insert into the envelope. The inserter may be provided with a slotted roller to create a channelized flow of air for opening the envelope to receive an insert therein.

Abstract: A method of operating a packaging line comprises the following steps:(a) sensing the absence and presence of an operationally sufficient quantity of wrapper sheet supply for a bag making station of the packaging line;(b) sensing the absence and presence of an operationally sufficient quantity of bulk material supply in a metering and filling station of the packaging line;(c) sensing the absence and presence of the bags on a first conveying lane of the packaging line;(d) sensing the quantity of the bags on a second, accumulating conveying lane which adjoins the first conveying lane and receives the filled and closed bags therefrom, to determine a receptiveness or non-receptiveness of the second conveying lane;(e) allowing a start-up of the packaging line only if the sensing steps (a) and (b) determine a presence of bags on the first conveying lane and the sensing step (d) determines a receptiveness of the second conveying lane; and(f) allowing the stoppage of the packaging line only if the sensing step (c) det

Abstract: A conveying device for testing and reprocessing objects (25) processed by a processing station (27), especially labelled objects (25), as for example ampoules, containers or syringes. A conveyor device conveys objects (25) to be processed in a continual, uniform motion through the processing station (27). The objects (25) are held therein in pickups (23). A feeding device (33) leads the objects individually toward the conveying device (21). A checking station (31) examines the processing result. A control stops, in case of determining an insufficiently processed, for example not labelled objects (25b), the feeding device (33) and gradually brakes the conveying device (21). The control then reverses the direction of movement of the conveying device (21) until the insufficiently processed object (21b) has reached again the processing station (27).

Abstract: A bag inserter for inserting a liquid filled bag into a preselected position within a container. A funnel receives and guides the bag into the container. The funnel has a bag receiving aperture for guiding the bag into a tapered bag forming section. The bag passes into a bag discharge chute beneath the bag forming section and then through a bag discharge aperture formed at a substantial vertical angle across the lower end of the chute. Container positioning means are provided for positioning a container to receive the bag with a bag receiving aperture of the container adjacent the discharge aperture and with a wall of the container opposite the container bag receiving aperture at approximately the same angle at which the bag discharge aperture intersects the bag discharge chute.

Abstract: An inserter is provided for use with one or more feeders. The inserter will receive material ejected from the first feeder, create at least one fold in the insert and then direct the insert into an awaiting envelope. The envelope is gradually opened as it is moved into position to receive the insert. A second insert may be urged into the first insert to initiate the fold in the first insert and urge the first insert into the envelope. The envelope preferably is provided with a pair of slits on one surface to facilitate the initial separation of the opposing surfaces thereof.

Abstract: Spaced apart and covered Petri dishes are moved continuously toward a pair of spaced feed nozzles while the covers engage a ramp and are tilted upward away from the dishes to provide a space for reception of the feed nozzles. A photoelectric cell detects the passage of the dishes beneath the feed nozzles and controls the feeding of bacterial culture growth medium alternately from the nozzles into the dishes as the latter move continuously past the nozzles. The covers are replaced over the dishes after filling.

Abstract: Products such as small chocolate bars, intended to be uniformly aligned on other products passing on a conveyor, such as pieces of dough in the manufacture of chocolate-filled cookies, are placed in a hopper having resiliently mounted walls. Beneath the hopper is a feeder comprising a cylindrical-sector-shaped feeder part. The feeder part includes a slot through which the chocolate bars can be disposed on the pieces of dough. By means of a motor-driven main crank assembly and a supplementary crank assembly, a perturbed sinusoidal motion is imparted to the feeder part, thus ensuring that the chocolate bars are consistently introduced into the feed slot, particularly in the vicinity of the walls of the hopper. A blocking and release mechanism, connected to the feeder and controlled by a sensor unit, ensures that only one chocolate bar drops on each piece of dough.

Abstract: Batches of biscuits are fed to a wrapping machine by a continuously moving infeed conveyor including a series of pusher bars. The batches are fed simultaneously from a number of magazines, disposed alongside the conveyor and pitched closer together than the pusher bars, to a common carrier which then moves to a discharge position above the conveyor. The batches are dropped sequentially from the carrier onto the conveyor under the control of air valves.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a magazine (83) for different film formats to reload a radiographic cassette (5), arranged alongside a conveyor (10) of said cassette on the side facing that in which a cassette opening device (34) is arranged. The magazine comprises various film-holding cassettes (109) at different levels, supported by a plate (113), sliding on vertical slides and equipped with a stylus (123), which operates, in succession, a series of level signalling microswitches (121), which, in relation to the format of the cassette (5) detected by devices (31) and (32), makes it possible to have the cassette (109) containing the film (137) of appropriate format moved to a position corresponding to a drive device (80-81) which transfers the film sheets individually into the open cassette (5). Means (34) and (36) open the cover (5c) of the cassette and means (136) detach any film (5a) which may have remain attached to the cover (5c).

Abstract: Apparatus for filling bags and providing completely controlled handling of bags from filling through their movement to a bag closing station. A pair of elongated forming bars supported for up and down movement and traversing movement between a bag filling hopper and a laterally spaced bag closing station grip, flatten, and assist in forming gusseted bags after filling while the bags are still clamped on a filling spout, and thereafter controllably lower the filled bags to a conveyor and support the bags on the conveyor in traversing movement to a final bag closing station. A pair of gusset arm assemblies supported for lateral shifting movement on opposite sides of a filling spout each include a pair of gusset clamping fingers which are disposed inside of the mouth of a bag during filling. The clamping fingers are actuated in a predetermined sequence to hold and form the gusset pleats of the bag while permitting the bag to be opened over its full width during the filling operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically placing large plastic lids onto containers. Lids 24 are dispensed individually from magazine 11 onto slide 33. Each dispensed lid is individually retained at the bottom of the slide 33 for pickup by a container 41. The lid is urged onto the container by a pivoted roller 47 and further leveled by a roller 58 which is extended twice by a pneumatic piston to first contact a leading edge of the lid and to secondly contact a trailing edge of the lid. Thereafter a pneumatically operated lid securement means 61 comprising a convex plate 70' burps the air from beneath the lid and fully seats the lid on the container. The apparatus has various sensing means for sensing the depletion of lids from magazine 11, for sensing that a lid has been dispensed onto slide 33 and for sensing a container at the capping station. The sensing means control the various operations of the machine in proper sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus incorporating a microprocessor control is provided for automatically loading nuclear fuel pellets into fuel rods commonly used in nuclear reactor cores. The apparatus comprises first and second elongated members having "V" troughs for alternately receiving a plurality of fuel pellets to be loaded alternately in first and second fuel rods. The pellets are weighed while in the "V" trough of each elongated member and each elongated member is alternately relocated in axial alignment with a cooperating fuel rod. A guide bushing assembly is provided to assist the transfer of the pellets from each of the elongated members into awaiting fuel rods. A rod handling assembly incorporating rod handling means, a thumper assembly to facilitate the loading of fuel pellets into the fuel rods, an adjustable fuel rod backstop and a rod carousel carrying a plurality of fuel rods, presents two fuel rods to the guide bushing assembly at the appropriate stage in the loading sequence.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding an elongate continuous web of bags, which are provided with a feed member through which the bags may be filled, to a filling machine is disclosed. The apparatus has a conveyor, guide means mounted above the conveyor arranged to guide the movement of each of the feed members, sensing means for sensing the presence of the feed member and gripping means responsive to the sensing means for holding each feed member.

Abstract: The liquid ice system comprises an icing machine in the form of a compartment for receiving water and ice. Pulverizing means are provided for crushing the ice and uniquely oriented paddles stir the water and ice mixture to maintain a homogeneous mixture of liquid ice. A circulating conduit is provided in combination with a conveyor system and ice applicator devices connected to a portion of the conduit supported on an overhead structure of the conveyor. Boxes of vegetables or poultry are appropriately refrigerated for shipment by applying liquid ice to the boxes as they pass along the conveyor. Switches may be provided for automatically actuating the ice applicators when the box passes therebeneath.

Abstract: Switch apparatus for the positioning drive of a lowering and pivoting rail for the guiding of blanks into transport containers in a carton filling machine. With the pivoting rail and the aid of a belt running along the pivoting rail, previously imbricated delivered blanks are delivered to loading position in the transport container such as a carton. The lowering rail serves as a counter support so that the pivoting rail and lowering rail cooperate at the loading point of the blanks to guide and control the loading of the blanks as far as possible into their final position in the transport container.

Abstract: An apparatus incorporating a microprocessor control is provided for automatically loading nuclear fuel pellets into fuel rods commonly used in nuclear reactor cores. The apparatus comprises a split "V" trough for assembling segments of fuel pellets in rows and a shuttle to receive the fuel pellets from the split "V" trough when the two sides of the split "V" trough are opened. The pellets are weighed while in the shuttle, and the shuttle then moves the pellets into alignment with a fuel rod. A guide bushing is provided to assist the transfer of the pellets into the fuel rod. A rod carousel which holds a plurality of fuel rods presents the proper rod to the guide bushing at the appropriate stage in the loading sequence. The bushing advances to engage the fuel rod, and the shuttle advances to engage the guide bushing. The pellets are then loaded into the fuel rod by a motor operated push rod.

Abstract: Accumulated coins are introduced among packaging rollers by a supporting rod and gripped by the packaging rollers together with a packaging paper supplied from a source thereof. A paper detecting means is provided for detecting the presence of the paper. A circuit means is provided for reversely rotating a packaging motor to cause the packaging rollers to move back up to the position wherein the accumulated coins are not gripped.

Abstract: An electronic control system for controlling a sequence of operations on products moving on an indexing conveyor. The electronic control system is illustrated as controlling a sequence of operations, carried out at various work stations, on cartons in a packaging machine, such as filling operations, sealing operations, and clean-in-place operations on carton filler heads. A limit switch carton detector detects the presence or absence of cartons on the indexing conveyor of the packaging machine and feeds such carton information into a first shift register, which in turn feeds the carton position information into a first "and" gate. A limit switch machine timing indicator functions to feed a first machine timing signal into said first shift register, and into a machine cycle counter. An output signal from the machine cycle counter is fed into a sequence selector which products a sequence signal that is fed to said first "and" gate, which in turn produces a filler sequence signal.

Abstract: A machine which drops flat articles such as flattened cartons into a case. The articles are delivered to a basket having a floor which can be opened. The basket is mounted for up and down movement. The case is mounted below the basket with its top open and can be held in position by vacuum cup means. When the stack has been formed, the flow of articles is halted and the basket can be lowered into close proximity to the open top of the case. The basket floor is opened to drop the stack into the case. If desired, two stack sections can be formed and dropped into a single case one after the other. When the stack has been dropped into the case, the basket is raised to free the basket from the case. The vacuum is released, and the case is then advanced laterally out of alignment with the basket. The case can then be raised by a lift table to a convenient height for inspection and, following inspection, can be discharged.

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.