Abstract: A module builder includes a wrap floor system including a wrap floor belt wrapped around a front belt sheave and a first drive system coupled to the wrap floor system. The first drive system includes a main drive belt coupled to a rear belt sheave and the front belt sheave, wherein in an engagement mode of operation the main drive belt is tensioned to rotate the rear belt sheave, and in a disengagement mode of operation the main drive belt loses tension to cease rotation of the rear belt sheave. The builder includes a second drive system coupled to a baler belt to drive the baler belt into a module forming chamber. The first drive system further includes one or more of a rear lower gate roller, friction wheel, wrap box roller, electric clutch, or motor to engage and drive the main drive belt.

Abstract: A module builder includes a wrap floor system including a wrap floor belt wrapped around a front belt sheave and a first drive system coupled to the wrap floor system. The first drive system includes a main drive belt coupled to a rear belt sheave and the front belt sheave, wherein in an engagement mode of operation the main drive belt is tensioned to rotate the rear belt sheave, and in a disengagement mode of operation the main drive belt loses tension to cease rotation of the rear belt sheave. The builder includes a second drive system coupled to a baler belt to drive the baler belt into a module forming chamber. The first drive system further includes one or more of a rear lower gate roller, friction wheel, wrap box roller, electric clutch, or motor to engage and drive the main drive belt.

Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case accommodating section 8, a plurality of tablet cases 3 for accommodating medicine and charges or supplies medicine into a bag 72, which medicine has been discharged from each tablet case 3 based on a prescription. An identification code 26 is provided for each of the tablet cases 3 and read by an optical sensor 33 provided inside the case accommodating section 8, whereby discharge of medicine is controlled. A motor 14 for driving a discharge drum for the tablet case 3 is checked for disconnection by being regularly energized. The operating time and the frequency of operation of parts that wear out, such as the motors, are stored for use in failure prediction. Time slots in which medicine should be taken are printed, each in a different color, by a color printing mechanism 73 on the bag 72 into which medicine is charged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (20) for providing consumable material (24) for a packaging machine (30). The device (20) comprises a magazine (22) for the consumable material (24). The consumable material (24) for the ongoing operation is removed from the magazine (22) and fed via a feed device (26) to the packaging machine (30). The device (20) comprises a detection device (40) for determining an actual quantity (Va) of consumable material (24) in the magazine (22). The invention further relates to a method (20) for providing consumable material (24) for a packaging machine (30). The consumable material (24) is provided as bulk material in a magazine (22) and is removed from said magazine (22) by means of at least one conveyor device (26) and fed to the packaging machine (30). The magazine (22) can accommodate a defined maximum quantity (Vmax) of consumable material (24).

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present application provide a packing system for an order fulfillment process. The packing system may include a scanner for scanning a barcode to retrieve a product identifier that is used to look up an order in a package database. A packager may package the product and a scale may weigh the packaged product. Using the weight from the scale and the order information from the package database, postage information for the packaged product may be retrieved from a postage database. One or more labels for the product may be printed based on the postage information and the order information, and the labels may be affixed to the packaged product. A workstation may display an interface providing an overview of the process, a time required to perform the steps in the process, and any errors associated with steps in the process.

Abstract: A device is provided for applying consumable materials to containers, including a storing apparatus that stores a supply of the consumable material, a transporting apparatus that conveys the consumable material to the containers, and an application unit that applies the consumable material to the containers or to combinations of containers. The device has at least one sensor apparatus, which detects at least one actual value of the consumable material that is characteristic of a physical property of the consumable material, a comparing apparatus, which compares the detected actual value with at least one target value stored in a memory apparatus, and a signal outputting apparatus, which outputs a signal according to a result of said comparison.

Abstract: A system for packaging dosed quantities of solid drug portions comprises a plurality of dosing stations (2) for dispensing a dosed quantity of solid drug portions, a plurality of guiding ducts (7), a plurality of collecting containers (17) for receiving drug portions guided through the guiding ducts (7), and at least one discharge and packaging station (3) for transferring drug portions collected by each collecting container (17) to a packaging and for closing the packaging. The guiding ducts (7) are coupled to a transport means (6a, 6b, 8, 10, 11, 12, 15, 16) for moving the guiding ducts (7) along the dosing stations (2), wherein each guiding duct (7) is adapted to receive drug portions dispensed from at least one of the dosing stations (2) when the guiding duct (7) is positioned at the at least one dosing station (2), and to guide the received drug portions to an passage opening of the guiding duct (7).

Abstract: A medicine dispensing and packing apparatus includes a powder supplying portion, a plurality of powder dividing portions, a dispensing and packing portion, a control portion, and an input portion. The input portion includes an input screen. In a case where a number of packets larger than a maximum number of divisions by which one powder dividing portion can divide powder and a dividing portion use instruction to perform dispensing and packing using the plurality of powder dividing portions are inputted to the control portion by a user's operation on the input screen, the control portion makes allocations of the inputted number of packets to the powder dividing portions within a range not exceeding the maximum number of divisions, and controls the powder supplying portion, the plurality of powder dividing portions, and the dispensing and packing portion on a basis of the allocations.

Abstract: A method for operating a system for treating containers, where the containers are treated by at least one first treatment unit of the system, and the containers are treated by at least one additional treatment unit of the system, and where a measuring device, determines, either after or during the treatment in the first treatment unit, at least one parameter that is characteristic of the geometric shape of the containers, where at least one of the parameters determined by the measuring device that is characteristic of the geometric shape of the containers is taken into account for the control or adjustment of the at least one additional treatment unit and/or sensors thereof disposed after the measuring device.

Abstract: A custom packaging center for custom selecting and custom packaging canned and/or container goods and a novel box for use with the custom packaging center.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a humidity indicator and a method for fabricating the same. The humidity indicator includes a substrate, and a composite disposed on a predetermined region of the substrate. The composite includes a hydrophilic polymer and a Ni-containing compound. The humidity indicators of the disclosure are reusable, halide-free, and cobalt-free, meeting the requirement of environmental friendliness.

Abstract: A manipulation detection system for removable insertable cash cartridges in automated banking machines is described, wherein the cash cartridge has a lockable cash dispensing/deposit opening for disbursing money and/or depositing money in the operating position of the cash cartridge, wherein the cash dispensing/deposit opening is opened automatically when the cash cartridge is inserted into the automated banking machine even before said cassette reaches its operating position, wherein when the cash dispensing/deposit opening is opened, a manipulation alert is generated at the cash cartridge by means of a sensor.

Abstract: A vacuum and sealing appliance comprises a heat sealing element for sealing a container during a sealing cycle. A controller controls the temperature of the heat sealing element during the sealing cycle based on a signal from a temperature sensor that senses the real-time temperature of the heat sealing element. A seal indicator light is provided which is lighted during the sealing cycle and extinguished at its completion. The signal from the controller energizes the heating element for a time to heat the sealing element to a pre-determined temperature for sealing the container and initiates a dwell time corresponding to cooling the heating element after sealing the container. Values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element and values of the sealing times and the dwell times that correspond to the values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element are stored in a look-up table.

Abstract: A combination tractor and baler is provided to automate tractor stopping and baler wrapping while incorporating operator interaction to improve the efficiency of the tractor and baler combination in operation. Automated control systems and manual operator devices are utilized to improve the timing of the tractor stop and baler wrapping time sequences. Various methods to improve efficiency, including methods to synchronize tractor stop with wrapping activation are provided.

Abstract: A method of cigarette packaging, the method comprising the steps of: Packing at least a first cigarette packet (52a) labeled with a first unique code (I2a) and a second cigarette packet (52b) labeled with a second unique code (I2b) into a first carton (10) and recording an information (56) that at least the two cigarette packets (52a,52b) with the first unique code (I2a) and the second unique code (I2b) are packed into the same carton (10) in a database; Packing the first carton (10) into a case (20); Detecting the first unique code (I2a) in the case (20) and reading from the database all the unique codes (I2b) of the cigarette packets (52b) that are packed into the same carton (10) as the detected first unique code (I2a). Furthermore, a method for tracking cigarette packets (52a,52b) and a cigarette packaging system is described.

Abstract: A Packaging System comprising: a Packaging Line producing and packing Primary Packages to form Secondary Packages, Secondary Packages being produced in a sequential order and formed with Primary Packages in a sequential order; and a Package Tracing System allowing Primary Packages to be traced; wherein the Package Tracing System is configured to: compute, for each Secondary Package, a Primary Package Sequence Number for the first Primary Package in the Secondary Package and a Primary Package Sequence Number for the last Primary Package in the Secondary Package; compute, for each Secondary Package, a Primary Package Production Time for the first Primary Package and a Primary Package Production Time for the last Primary Package, based on the corresponding Primary Package Sequence Numbers; and store in a repository Primary Package Production Times for the first and the last Primary Packages in the Secondary Packages, along with associated Secondary Package Identifiers.

Abstract: A container, comprising: a body; and, a closure; wherein the closure has a lid hinged to a ring mounted on the body, the lid moveable from an open position to a closed position; wherein the lid has a tab hinged thereto for: inserting into and engaging a slot formed in the ring as the lid is moved to the closed position from the open position to thereby lock the lid in the closed position; or, receiving and engaging a pin head of a pin mounted on the ring in a hole formed in the tab to thereby hold the lid in the closed position, the pin configured to detach from the ring when the tab and lid are returned to the opened position.

Abstract: An ice distribution system and method according to which ice-filled bags are distributed within a unit such as, for example, an ice merchandiser.

Abstract: A method and system identify an orientation of a part to be packaged by a tape and reel machine. The method includes identifying a packing slot of the tape and reel machine. The method includes identifying the orientation of the part in the packing slot. The method includes determining whether the orientation of the part in the packing slot matches a predetermined orientation for the part. Additionally, the method includes generating an alert in response to determining that the orientation of the part does not match the predetermined orientation of the part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposing of waste in a safe manner by supplying an apparatus with a sealing system configured to only apply a seal to an elongated tube of material when several conditions are met, wherein the conditions indicate that the apparatus is in a safe configuration for applying the seal. The apparatus includes a push switch for sensing when the lid has been closed, and another push switch for sensing when a bin has been locked in the apparatus. Thus, when the lid and bin are closed and locked, a child cannot reach into the apparatus and the seal can be applied safely without fear of burning a child.

Abstract: A packaging machine for producing closed packages includes a chamber that can be sealed in an airtight manner around one or a plurality of packages, a gas flushing unit for flushing with a gas the at least one package contained in the chamber, at least one gas line leading into the chamber or out of the chamber as well as a measuring device for determining a concentration of the gas. The measuring device comprises a measuring head for reading, through the use of electromagnetic radiation, an indicator for the concentration of the gas. The indicator is arranged in an interior of the chamber, in an interior of a package and/or in an interior the at least one gas line.

Abstract: An ice vending apparatus adapted to remove moisture from ice pieces during dispensing, which apparatus includes a ramp having a lower lip and being adapted to transfer a quantity of ice pieces from a holding vessel to a container; and a channel having an upwardly facing opening that is in operative association with the ramp and arranged so that moisture is adapted to flow around the lower lip of the ramp into the channel while excluding the ice pieces so as to separate at least a portion of the moisture from the ice pieces as the ice pieces are transferred to the container. Methods of providing ice pieces, particularly with reduction of associated moisture to a consumer, are also described.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for sealing and burst testing a medical device package. The system includes a nozzle, where the nozzle is configured to be inserted into a medical device package. The system also includes an air pump, where the air pump is configured to remove air from the medical device package through the nozzle and insert air into the medical device package through the nozzle for burst testing. The system further includes a sealer, where the sealer is configured to seal the medical device package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically calibrating a bale size indicator by using inputs from existing bale wrapper material monitors to determine the linear amount of wrapping material necessary to encircle the bale one time. Balers with wrapping mechanisms may include a sensor for measuring the linear amount of wrapper dispensed as a means to alert the operator when the supply of wrapper material is low. Such balers may also have additional sensors for verifying that wrapping material completely encircles the bale prior to allowing the bale to be ejected from the baler. Using inputs from each of these sensors, a control system on the baler can determine the amount of wrapping material necessary to cover one revolution of the bale, also an indication of the bale circumference, and use the measurement to calibrate the display of bale diameter also generated from the control system.

Abstract: A system for packaging a plurality of tablets is disclosed that includes a container. The container comprises a generally elongated channel having a first end and a second end positioned below the first end. The first end has an aperture for receiving a plurality of tablets in series into the channel. The system also includes a container holding and vibration apparatus operable to hold the container and concurrently apply linear vibration in a direction to the container. A tablet delivery system is provided that is operable to deliver the tablets in series to the container in a direction that is substantially in alignment with the direction of linear vibration of the container. The linear vibration of the container provided is operable to align the tablets in a stacked formation within the channel of said container.

Abstract: A packaging plant comprises several test stations as well as a transport system and a control system. The control system is configured to manage packages which are transported in the packaging plant on the transport system along the test stations such that a status is assigned on each package by the control system which can be changed by the test stations together with the control system. A discharge station for defective packages is arranged in the direction of production downstream of at least two test stations. The status of the packages can be changed by at least two test stations to be passed one after the other, and the packages can be marked by a marking means corresponding to their status.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vent tube apparatus, system and methods incorporating a traceable material such as a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag for use in conjunction with a filling machine during container filling operations for a quicker and more accurate detection of the location of the vent tube after it has become detached from a filling machine during filling operations, and to increase the safety of the filling operation and reduce costs and time when a malfunction occurs.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for monitoring environmental conditions of a perishable product. The system includes an environmental sensor configured to sense one or more environmental conditions of the perishable product and an analog integrator in communication with the environmental sensor, the analog integrator being formed on a polymer substrate and including one or more tunable components. The system also includes a comparator in communication with the analog integrator and configured to change state when an output of the analog integrator reaches a selected threshold level, and a control module in communication with the comparator and the analog integrator. The control module is configured to control the operation of the analog integrator based on an output of the comparator.

Abstract: A packaging method includes the steps of (a) detecting whether a height (104) of contents (105) in a container (106) exceeds a predetermined height (112), and (b) indicating how much dunnage to dispense based on predetermined criteria, including whether a detected height exceeds a predetermined height that is less than a height of the container. The indicating step includes indicating a quantity of dunnage to dispense selected from a plurality of predetermined quantities of dunnage. If no detected height is greater than the predetermined height, the indicating step includes indicating that a regular amount of dunnage should be dispensed. And if a detected height is greater than the predetermined height, the indicating step includes indicating that either zero or less than the regular amount of dunnage should be dispensed. The detecting step also can include detecting whether any contents in the container have a height above the height of the container.

Abstract: An inserting apparatus for inserting documents into envelopes comprising an envelope holder for holding an envelope in a document inserting position, wherein a first upstream end of the envelope is in an open position for receiving said document, a document displacement arrangement for displacing the document along a document inserting path into the envelope, wherein the apparatus further comprises a document steering arrangement arranged opposite to an envelope crease line provided between an envelope flap and an envelope body. The arrangement comprises steering elements spaced apart along a central axis that in use is substantially aligned with the envelope crease line. The steering elements are interconnected such that in use said respective steering elements are rotatable about the central axis in a similar direction with a similar speed during a similar time interval.

Abstract: A packaging machine for producing closed packages (21) includes a chamber (17) that can be sealed in an airtight manner around one or a plurality of packages, a gas flushing unit (34) for flushing with a gas the at least one package (21) contained in the chamber (17), at least one gas line (32, 33) leading into the chamber (17) or out of the chamber (17) as well as a measuring device (35) for determining a concentration of the gas. The measuring device (35) comprises a measuring head (37) for reading, by means of electromagnetic radiation, an indicator (39) for the concentration of the gas. The indicator is arranged in an interior of the chamber (17), in an interior of a package (21) and/or in an interior the at least one gas line (32, 33).

Abstract: A baling machine and method for forming a bale is disclosed. A sensor is positioned in the bailing chamber and is positioned to sense an area proximate the perimeter of the bale to determine if material is present, thereby determining if the bale is properly wrapped or not. When the bale is not properly wrapped, material is present in the area proximate the perimeter in which the sensor is active; causing the sensor to send a signal indicating that the bale is not properly wrapped.

Abstract: A container treatment machine with a tank and spaced-apart valve housings, wherein a pressure-resistant delivery pipe having a curved section is provided between the tank and each valve housing directly or via an intermediate flow regulator, the delivery pipe being composed, at least in its curved section, of a hard plastic which is pressure- and temperature-resistant, and is acid- and alkali-resistant and permissible for foodstuffs, in particular polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon).

Abstract: Techniques for reducing non-compliance of medication use are described. The techniques involve generating and storing an identifier for a specific dosage instance of a specific patient, and creating a package that includes a mechanism for conveying the identifier. Once the package is created, a set of one or more medications that are prescribed to be taken by the specific patient at the specific dosage instance are placed in the package. The set of medications within the package in a manner that prevents the identifier from being perceived from the mechanism until the package is opened. Once opened, the identifier is perceived and communicated back to an automated compliance system.

Abstract: The present invention may be used for plastic tube sealing and testing. A housing may have in a sealing chamber a tube sealing positioning apparatus with a tube holder slidable on a vertical guide from a lower portion to an upper portion to be positioned adjacent a heating apparatus and a clamping apparatus. The tube holder may be moved and positioned by a linear positioning device. The heating apparatus may have a nozzle to direct heated air on an open end of a plastic tube. The clamping apparatus may have two clamping devices slidably disposed to clamp the heated open end of the plastic tube to fuse the tube wall adjacent the open end. A spacing distance sensor and a tube position distance sensor may be attached to the clamping devices for sensing the position of the tube and the spacing of the clamp jaws of the clamping devise. A control processor may be connected to the linear positioning device to control movement and dwell time of the tube holder.

Abstract: A method, system and article for producing an envelope having improved seal integrity. A method includes the steps of: disposing at least one material at the interface of the adhesive seal between the flap and the body portion of the envelope, which material radiates thermal energy when combined with an activating agent. The envelope is then sealed by closing the flap onto the body portion of the envelope and combining the material with the activating agent at the sealing interface so as to change the thermal energy radiated therefrom. The seal is then inspected to determine whether the thermal energy radiated from the activated material has changed thereby confirming that a seal has been produced between the flap and body portion of the envelope. The system and article are directed to the various modules of a mailpiece fabrication system employed to produce the mailpiece including an inspection module for confirming that a seal has been formed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a novel procedure and system for making a security tag for an aluminum-pressed, cardboard container. The method employs a system of distancing the tag from the container and a method of calibrating the tag. The tag is then inserted into a specially designed cap and spaced a given distance from the container. The product is sealed and then sold to the consumer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable vacuum packaging machine which, other than a conventional vacuum packaging machine composed of a bulky and weighty single component element, is configured in such a way as to be divided into a body section and a head section, whereby a vacuum packaging work can be conveniently implemented using the head section without requiring movement of the body section, irrespective of place so long as a flat condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus forms a completely sealed composite package. The apparatus employs a continuous process which involves conditioning a surface of the package substrate. The substrate includes an adhesive coating that can be reactivated by infra-red radiation and adheres the package substrate to a juxtaposed face of a second surface. The apparatus uses rollers (102, 104, 118, 120) to compress the two surfaces together to complete the construction process.

Abstract: A method of controlling an automatic production/packing machine having: at least one production line, along which a number of materials are fed and processed to produce an end product; a control unit for supervising operation of the automatic machine; and a number of electric/electronic operating components distributed along the production line.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for monitoring environmental conditions of a perishable product. The system includes an environmental sensor configured to sense one or more environmental conditions of the perishable product and an analog integrator in communication with the environmental sensor, the analog integrator being formed on a polymer substrate and including one or more tunable components. The system also includes a comparator in communication with the analog integrator and configured to change state when an output of the analog integrator reaches a selected threshold level, and a control module in communication with the comparator and the analog integrator. The control module is configured to control the operation of the analog integrator based on an output of the comparator.

Abstract: The invention is an under-filled cushion detector that is capable of conveying a string of packaging cushions and detecting whether the string of packaging cushions may be under-filled. The detector includes an upper driven belt that is movably suspended above a lower belt. The belts cooperate together to define a longitudinal cushion pathway between the belts. The distance between the upper and lower belts may vary depending upon the thickness of the string of packaging cushions. If a string of under-filled cushions travels between the upper and lower belts, the upper belt can move downwardly in the direction of the lower belt. A switch stops the upper and lower belts if the height of the cushion pathway decreases below a predetermined threshold. The detector can be used in a system for manufacturing and transporting packaging cushions to a desired location.

Abstract: An automatic high-speed wrapping system for wrapping packages in heat sealable thermoplastic film includes a film delivery unit wherein the film is dispensed and wrapped around the packages at a high rate of speed as the packages travel through the system. The packages travel continuously in a straight line through the system and are delivered at the input end of the system by a feed conveyor into a wrapping station where the packages are surrounded by the film, thence to the side sealing mechanism which forms a seal while severing the salvage from the packages, then into an end sealing mechanism where both ends of the packages are sealed and the film web connecting succeeding packages is severed. The system has a variety of components which are adjustable to efficiently accommodate a variety of product dimensions. The spacings of the various components are represented one calibrated scales for efficient and accurate set up and operation of the system.

Abstract: The method comprises viewing by of a magnetic recording camera the zone for the opening of vials and for metered filling thereof and continuously recording the zones visually during the operation of the installation and simultaneously carrying out the identification marking of each full glass container, with indelible marking means, at the outlet of the installation.

Abstract: A device for checking the fitting of a threaded cap onto a container is associated with automatic cap-fitting apparatus, particularly of the carousel type, which includes a rotatable platform which can move at least one container about a principal axis of the apparatus and at least one screwing head for screwing a cap onto a respective container so as to close the container as a result of its movement about the principal axis. Each screwing head is arranged to screw a cap onto a container with a predetermined tightening torque.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable vacuum packaging machine which, other than a conventional vacuum packaging machine composed of a bulky and weighty single component element, is configured in such a way as to be divided into a body section and a head section, whereby a vacuum packaging work can be conveniently implemented using the head section without requiring movement of the body section, irrespective of place so long as a flat condition is satisfied.

Abstract: A time-out indicator is adapted for use in a pneumatic strapping tool for tensioning a strap around a load, adhering the strap onto itself, and cutting a feed end of the strap. The strapping tool has a cylinder housing, a piston disposed within a cylinder in the cylinder housing, a pneumatic weld motor operably connected to the piston, a vibrating weld element operably connected to the piston for contacting the strap and adhering the strap onto itself. A pneumatic module is mounted to the cylinder housing to provide compressed gas to the cylinder housing and the pneumatic weld motor. The time-out indicator includes a sleeve fitted into an opening in the module. The opening is disposed above and in communication with the cylinder. The sleeve defines a central, longitudinal opening. An indicator is biasedly mounted in the sleeve and disposed for contact with the piston.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for packing an order of parts. An operator is prompted to select an indicated part. The part is read by the system to verify the selection of the part. An array of indicators directs the operator to where the part should be placed in a shipping tote. An array of sensors confirms the packing of the part.

Abstract: A tablet cassette installation-error preventing system comprises cassette supports each having a front side, a rear side, a top side, and a rotor drive therein, wherein the rear side is fixedly attached on the outer periphery of a tablet dropping unit. Pin holes are formed in the top side of each cassette support and the cassettes are detachably mounted on the cassette supports. An installation-error detector having a base with an upper surface attached to the bottom of the cassette. Locking pins downwardly extend from the base lower surface so that the locking pins respectively fit in the pin holes when each tablet cassette is mounted on the cassette support.

Abstract: A solder paste product includes solder paste in a container with a time-temperature indicator positioned to measure the solder paste's cumulative exposure to heat.