Abstract: The present disclosure provides a strapping apparatus for strapping articles to be packaged with a strapping band. The strapping apparatus includes a band detection device configured to indicate that the band is in a non-positionally correct and/or a positionally correct position, depending on the embodiment.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a packaging machine comprises a plurality of functional units arranged to perform operations in sequence including to form or receive a package, fill the package with liquid or solid content and seal the package. The monitoring system comprises a plurality of signal inputs, each arranged to receive signals from respective functional units indicating status or measured values; a graphical user interface permitting interaction with an operator of the packaging machine; and a processor arranged to process received signals and control operation of the graphical user interface, wherein the processor is arranged to, from the signals, identify an event if any of the functional units is preventing any other functional unit in the sequence to operate, and upon any such identified event, enable the graphical user interface to provide an indication thereupon in a displayed representation of the functional units of the packaging machine.

Abstract: When the opposing housings (1, 8) of the apparatus are closed, they form between them a small main chamber (P) delimited above by the film (H) for covering the tray and below by the tray (V) itself containing the product (M), and laterally by any suitable mechanical interface structure which surrounds the perimeter of said film and connects it to the perimeter of the upper edge (B) of the tray, this interface structure having holes (22) which are suitably distributed, are located outside the perimeter of the tray, and communicate with said main chamber (P). One or more of these holes (22) open(s) on at least one side of the tray and is/are connected to a first circuit (23, 24), while another one or more of said holes (22?) open(s) on at least one opposing side of the tray and is/are connected to a second circuit (17) which in turn is connected to the inner chambers of the two housings (1, 8).

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 tablet dispenser includes a device body and a plurality of tablet cassettes disposed on one face of the device body. Each tablet cassette is capable of accommodating a plurality of types of tablets and of dispensing the tablets contained therein in a lateral direction. A plurality of chutes are in communication with the plurality of tablet cassettes. Each chute is disposed on the one face of the device body, adjacent to a corresponding tablet cassette. Each chute retains tablets dispensed from the corresponding tablet cassette and dispenses the tablets in a downward direction into a container.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser includes a device body and a plurality of tablet cassettes disposed on one face of the device body. Each tablet cassette is capable of accommodating a plurality of types of tablets and of dispensing the tablets contained therein in a lateral direction. A plurality of chutes are in communication with the plurality of tablet cassettes. Each chute is disposed on the one face of the device body, adjacent to a corresponding tablet cassette. Each chute retains tablets dispensed from the corresponding tablet cassette and dispenses the tablets in a downward direction into a container.

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: The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to an apparatus for forming and/or sealing an inflatable mailer. Particularly, the disclosed apparatus comprises an inflation assembly that comprises upper and lower support arms and at least one inflation nozzle. In addition, the disclosed apparatus comprises a sealing assembly comprising upper and lower support arms, upper and lower heat seal jaws, two solenoids, and at least one heat seal element.

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: Disclosed herein is a foam-in-bag dispensing system, including a dispensing apparatus operative to dispense foam precursor, the foam precursor being configured for expanding and solidifying into a polymeric foam, to a dispensing location between first and second web plies extending respectively on first and second sides of the dispensing apparatus; and a bag-status indicator associated for providing an indication to the operator indicative of the readiness of the bag for removal from the device for avoiding premature bag removal.

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: Material usage tracking systems for monitoring and optimizing usage of stretch film on a stretch wrapping machine is provided. A system includes a rotary encoder collar securable to a pre-stretch roller of a stretch wrapping machine and a proximity sensor securable proximate to the rotary encoder collar. Upon installation, the proximity sensor measures the revolutions of the pre-stretch roller when the stretch wrapping machine is wrapping a product or pallet. The system also includes a controller in communication with the proximity sensor. The controller converts the revolutions of the pre-stretch roller to measurements of the amount of stretch film pulled off a film roll in the stretch wrapping machine based on data received from the proximity sensor. Different uses for the data collected by the material usage tracking system and different ways of presentation of the data are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an automated packaging apparatus utilizing a rotating assembly of elongated slats containing cavities to receive discrete pharmaceutical, vitamin, or food products. Quantities of discrete products such as tablets, capsules, or gels are deposited into the hopper of the apparatus. The apparatus then dispenses the discrete products into containers moving on a conveyor system such that each container receives a predetermined quality and quantity of pharmaceutical, vitamin, or food products. While operating at high speed, the apparatus inspects, counts, identifies and analyzes each product deposited into the containers and maintains electronic records describing the status of each product. In the event any errors occur the apparatus produces various alerts to inform the operator. The presence of foreign products or objects may cause the apparatus to instantly stop the entire system including peripheral equipment.

Abstract: A method of verifying seal quality of a packaging material includes providing packaging material, and applying a thermochromic ink to at least one portion of the packaging material. The method also includes applying heat to the at least one portion of packaging material to form a seal, and inspecting the packaging material to determine the quality of the seal.

Abstract: A packaging system (10), and associated components and methodology, that provides for automatic detection of a full, overfull, closed or partially closed container, even when mixed with other containers. An exemplary packaging method includes the following steps: (a.) determining the dimensions of a container; (b.) detecting a height of the container and its contents in one or more locations within a scan area of an open side of the container; (c.) comparing the detected height of the container and/or its contents to pre-specified criteria; and (d.) when the detected height exceeds the pre-specified criteria, generating a signal that indicates that the scan area includes a height that exceeds the pre-specified criteria.

Abstract: A wrapping material indicator arrangement for a wrapping machine, in particular a rotobaler. The indicator is supported on the circumference of a wrapping material roll, from which wrapping material is withdrawn during a wrapping operation. A rotating counter roll, pressed against the wrapping material roll, drives a rotating wheel mounted on an arm that allows the wheel to translate through an arc. The translation of the wheel and arm indicates the amount of wrapping material left on the wrapping material roll and its rotation allows an operator to monitor the operation of the rotobaler for malfunctions during the wrapping operation.

Abstract: A sheet package producing system includes at least a cutter module and a packaging module. The cutter module has a cutter blade, for producing X-ray films by cutting a continuous sheet material. The packaging module has packaging robots, for producing a sheet package by packaging the X-ray films stacked on one another. In the sheet package producing system, a first module control unit is incorporated in the cutter module, for controlling the cutter blade. A second module control unit is incorporated in the packaging module, for controlling the packaging robots. A CPU is connected with the first and second module control units removably by a component network, for controlling the cutter module and the packaging module in synchronism.

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 bagging and packaging machine for forming a bag from a strip of bag material and introducing an article into the bag includes a gas supply unit for supplying an inert gas into the bag to substitute for air contained in the bag and a gas supply control means for controlling supply of the inert gas by the gas supply means into the bag. The bagging and packaging machine is designed to allow the inert gas to be supplied under high pressure at a flow rate sufficient to increase the gas replacement rate in the bag when the machine is started, to be supplied under low pressure at a flow rate lower than the high pressure flow rate during a bagging and packaging operation subsequent to the start of the machine.

Abstract: A round baler comprising: a housing; a bale chamber receiving cut crop material; a bale forming apparatus for bale forming; a wrapping apparatus comprising a wrapping material supply roll that provides wrapping material from the supply roll to wrap about the bale, and a sensor member disposed on a pivoting sensor arm member so the sensor member abuts an outer surface of the wrapping material stored on the supply roll, and the sensor arm member moves between first position and second positions; and a low wrapping material indication system comprising a sensor disposed to sense at least the second position of the sensor arm member corresponding to a minimum thickness of the wrapping material stored on the supply roll, wherein the sensor generates a signal to indicate that the thickness of the wrapping material is at the minimum thickness when the sensor arm member is at the second position.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for checking (cigarette) packs for the correct positioning of material strips. In order to check the correct position of a material strip (11) on a cigarette pack (10), at least two sensors are used to compare spaced-apart measurement or checking points (19, 20) in terms of the relative position in relation to one another. This gives the relative position of the material strip (11). If the latter is in a skewed position, the relevant cigarette pack (10) is separated out.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medicine packing apparatus including a display unit with which a medicine housed state can be grasped at one glance, operatability is made favorable and prescription data can also be inputted. A plurality of medicine containers 11 each containing a medicine and equipped with a medicine identification unit 16 are housed in a medicine housing rack 1. A medicine included in prescription data is fed from the medicine container 11 by medicine feeding means. The medicine fed from medicine feeding means 34 is packaged by medicine packing means 34. Medicine data is read from the medicine identification unit 16 of the medicine container 11 by reading means 27, and housing site data of the medicine container 11 and medicine data of a medicine contained in the medicine container 11 are stored. An arrangement screen including an arrangement view of the medicine containers 11 corresponding to medicine names is displayed in display means 4, based on data stored in memory means 63, 65.

Abstract: A sheet package producing system includes at least a cutter module and a packaging module. The cutter module has a cutter blade, for producing X-ray films by cutting a continuous sheet material. The packaging module has packaging robots, for producing a sheet package by packaging the X-ray films stacked on one another. In the sheet package producing system, a first module control unit is incorporated in the cutter module, for controlling the cutter blade. A second module control unit is incorporated in the packaging module, for controlling the packaging robots. A CPU is connected with the first and second module control units removably by a component network, for controlling the cutter module and the packaging module in synchronism.

Abstract: The invention provides a new method and system for establishing, and optionally maintaining, a desired atmosphere for perishable or atmosphere-sensitive goods during their storage and/or transportation.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a component that can carry out processes such as visual inspection, characteristic measurement, screening, and taping efficiently while transporting the electronic component at high speed. In order to transport the electronic components to the index table where the processes such as characteristic measurement, screening, and taping is carried out, a component transporting device is used in which the electronic component delivered from the component delivery section 10 is transported to the component intake port 23 based on negative pressure, transported with the airflow through the transportation path 25, and discharged from the part discharging port 24. The transporting device includes a gas discharging port 33 in the vicinity of the component discharging port, which serves to decrease the transport speed of the electronic component before transporting it to the index table.

Abstract: A bagging and packaging machine for forming a bag from a strip of bag material and introducing an article into the bag includes a gas supply unit for supplying an inert gas into the bag to substitute for air contained in the bag and a gas supply control means for controlling supply of the inert gas by the gas supply means into the bag. The bagging and packaging machine is designed to allow the inert gas to be supplied under high pressure at a flow rate sufficient to increase the gas replacement rate in the bag when the machine is started, to be supplied under low pressure at a flow rate lower than the high pressure flow rate during a bagging and packaging operation subsequent to the start of the machine.

Abstract: A downwardly acting air-outlet nozzle (8) is provided in a device (1) for packaging between a funnel (2) and a fill pipe (5) for the purpose of producing an air stream and to thus enable filler to fall quicker through the fill pipe (5). In order to be able to determine and regulate the pressure (P) in the lower area of the foil tube, the pressure P is determined by means of a measuring device (26) and a measured-value indicator (27). The measuring device (26) can include a hollow pipe (29), which guides the pressure (P) to a measuring device (28). Tubular bags with a specific interior pressure can be manufactured with the device (1).

Abstract: An automated positive count rotary slat packaging apparatus and related methods include independently rotatable rotary slats. In one embodiment, the apparatus also includes a positive count mechanism disposed in the pill delivery path adjacent the containers and a controller which is capable of generating an alarm or determining when a bottle is filled incorrectly. Accordingly, underfilled containers can be independently filled by further rotating only the respective rotary slat. A drive device for each rotary slat is also provided having frustoconical drive wheels connected to the ends of counterrotating drive shafts. The drive wheels, which are driven by a motor, engage corresponding frustoconical drive surfaces of the rotary slats to thereby rotate the slats.

Abstract: An inserter is disclosed having an insertion station and a feeding mechanism for feeding an envelope to the insertion station with the bottom edge of the envelope leading and the envelope flap in an open position and trailing, envelope opening mechanism at the insertion station and sheet feeding mechanism. A sensor detects the leading edge of the envelope as it is fed to the insertion station and, in response, causes the envelope opening mechanism to open the envelope after its arrival at the insertion station. The sensor also detects whether the envelope flap, when the envelope is waiting at the insertion station, is not in its open position and, when this is the case, it terminates operation of the envelope feeding mechanism and sheet feeding mechanism for the next envelope and sheet.

Abstract: Apparatus for handling or producing packs made of packaging material, it being the case that folding elements, pressure-exerting elements, push rods, slides etc. act on blanks of the packaging material. In order to convert any possible incorrect positioning of the moveable elements, in particular of the push rods, immediately into an error signal, a folding turret (10) is assigned a stationary monitoring unit (32) which is equipped with mechanical actuating elements, namely contact lugs (29,30,31). In the event of any possible incorrect positioning, one of the contact lugs (29,30,31) is actuated with the effect of a switching movement.

Abstract: An automated gas sampling system for connection into an industrial packaging line, wherein packaged products are sealed in a product chamber. Apparatus as provided for obtaining a gas sample from inside the product package and for transferring the sample to a gas analyzer to record gas content during the operation of the product packaging line.

Abstract: The invention relates a loading and unloading device for x-ray film cassettes, said device being further developed in such a way that a number of exposed x-ray films having different formats can be haphazardly delivered to a storage place, and in such a way that the filling height (H) as well as the number of x-ray films in storage can be reliably measured. For this purpose, a light-tight storage magazine is positioned in the film conveyor track of the loading and unloading device, said magazine being provided with a single sensor which measures the number of films introduced into, and the height (H) of the stack of films present in the magazine.

Abstract: In an automated prescription pill dispensing system, a multiplicity of pill dispensers are provided each operable to count out and dispense pills from supply hoppers. The dispensers are controlled by a computer which selects up to five of the dispensers to operate and control the selected pill dispensers to count out pills simultaneously. The pill dispensers dispense the pills into the first set of output hoppers, from which the pills can be released into a second output hopper under the control of the computer. The computer will release the pills from the second output hopper corresponding to a selected pill dispenser through a snout into a pill vial in response to sensing the presence of a pill vial at the snout. The computer controls a prescription label printer to print prescription labels for the pill vials. The computer also controls indicator lights to indicate which dispensing cell is selected and ready to have pills released from the second output hopper corresponding thereto.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting a shortage or excess of an article enclosed in respective envelopes in an automatic mail enclosing and sealing machine. The method comprises the steps of receiving information relative to the number of sheets enclosed in respective envelopes, detecting a variable corresponding to the number of sheets enclosed, discriminating whether the detected variable is within or out of the allowable range corresponding to the sheet number information, and deciding whether a shortage or excess of article is enclosed.

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: An apparatus and method are provided for wrapping roll material around a round bale within a bale forming chamber of a round baler including a drive belt tensioner idler, a wrapping material brake and a wrapping material cut-off knife all disposed on a carriage that is articulated between a wrapping material feeding position and a cut-off/stop position. When baling is completed, a signal is provided for movement to the feeding position at which time the wrapping material is held taught to maintain bale compression. After sensor data are fed back to a controller to signal feeding has proceeded for the desired length of time and/or to deploy the desired length of wrapping material, the device articulates to the cut-off position to sever the wrapping material to allow completion of the bale wrapping procedure. A crop recycling mechanism can also be provided to re-feed stray crop material into the baling chamber.

Abstract: A control system for a large round baler includes a microprocessor-based implement module mounted to the baler and an input device mounted within the cab of the tractor behind which the baler is towed. The implement module receives inputs from the input device for setting and/or adjusting parameters of baler operation. Sensors are interconnected with various components of the baler for sensing operation of such components, and provide signals to the implement module indicative of baler operations. The sensor signals are analyzed by the microprocessor of the implement module, and various operations of the baler are controlled responsive to the sensor inputs.

Abstract: In an automatic bagging apparatus, a foremost bag F of stacked bags stored in a bag storage mechanism 10 is fed by a bag feeding mechanism 20 and supported by a bag support mechanism 30. The supported bag is supplied with a predetermined amount of ice cubes, and the bagged ice cubes are accumulated in an ice storage bin. The bag feeding mechanism 20 is provided with a clamping mechanism 20a for grasping the bag at its two positions and detection switches SW4, SW5 for detecting the fact that the bag F has been correctly fed by the clamping mechanism 20a. When it has been detected by the detection switches SW4, SW5 that the bag F could not be correctly fed or that there is not any bag in the bag storage mechanism 10, the feeding operation of the bag is repeated predetermined times. If the bag F could not be correctly fed, the feeding operation of the bag is stopped, and the remained ice cubes are melted by water sprinkled from a watering pipe to be drained.

Abstract: This present invention relates to an automatic recycling machine and automatic waste disposal system for plural types of household and commercial waste materials which automatically sorts, processes, shreds, crushes, compacts, rinses by cleaning liquid for removal of contamination and dirt from certain washable waste types, packages the waste material, and identifying the package with waste type and waste source by barcode marking.The automatic recycling machine is constructed as an appliance and includes separate fluid power actuation means for each type of recyclable material and non-recyclable waste, and control system to control the recycling process for each waste material type separately. The automatic recycling machine also comprises an operator control panel which includes warning indicators to inform on filled waste package of certain waste material type.

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: A work station table wherein inventory articles to be integrated into a product are placed on the table, with each type of article being located next to one of a plurality of detector cards set in the table (one type of article per card). Each detector card is capable of detecting movement, and when an operator reaches across a detector card to retrieve the inventory article located next to that sensor, the movement of his or her hand or selected article is detected by the sensor. The movement causes a light emitting diode (LED) in the detector card to light, thereby indicating that the inventory article corresponding to that detector card has been selected. The table further includes an accumulator card having an LED display and numbers corresponding to each of the detector cards. In addition to registering at each of the sensors, retrieval of an article from a particular inventory point will cause a corresponding number to light on the accumulator card.

Abstract: Manual wrap stations for handwrapping of trayed products in film are arranged in back-to-back fashion. They have a common wrap surface between them to provide a reduced-cost, space-saving tandem or dual hand wrap station. Two operators face each other during wrapping and alternately use the common wrap surface. In a preferred form, the wrap surface is either a weighing scale platter itself or the platter can be alongside a separate wrap surface. In either such form, the system enables weighing, computing, label printing and hand labeling of wrapped products without loss of productivity. The arrangement eliminates the need for an additional computing scale and label printer, such as would be necessary to obtain the same productivity with separate wrap stations using such equipment. An audible signal is provided to indicate that the scale has completed a weighing, enabling ease of the operators' pacing of their alternating manual functions, without each having to watch the other's actions.

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: 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: The baler has a twine monitoring assembly which generates a pulsating signal in response to twine being dispensed during bale wrapping operations. The twine is wrapped around the periphery of a monitor wheel and, during dispensing, the twine rotationally drives the wheel. As the wheel rotates, a magnet affixed to the wheel at a location adjacent the periphery thereof, travels past a stationary, magnetically operated, normally open switch thereby briefly closing the switch and temporarily turning on an indicator light until the magnet moves sufficiently far enough away from the switch. During wrapping of the bale, twine is rapidly dispensed, causing the wheel to rapidly rotate and as a consequence, causing the light to pulsate, indicating to the operator that twine is being dispensed.

Abstract: A new computerized control system designed for packaging machines. This control system can be installed on any dieless packing machine. The advances achieved by this control system are: High speeds are achieved by synchronizing the machine index cycle and tooling controls, permitting the prestart of tooling before the end of the index cycle; because the motor speed is monitored and profiled by the computer continuously, faster machine speeds can be achieved while maintaining the minimum machine jerk; total index time savings; diagnostics which dramatically reduce machine down time as a user friendly hard-copy print out is produced describing and pinpointing locations of malfunctions in the timers, tooling, and motor performance; access to all timer control settings through easy to use thumbwhell switches. In addition, a new arrangement of the tooling stations is used, allowing for the increase of per cycle capacity several times the capacity of the prior art.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the supply of cap members from a magazine or supply bin, via a channel, to the capping mechanism of a capping machine. At least one signal emitter, which is provided at the channel, generates an emitted signal that changes as the cap members move past, with a disruption signal being derived from the emitted signal if this emitted signal does not change during a specified time interval. A cycle signal is derived from the working or machine cycle of the capping machine. If no change of the emitted signal is determined in two successive cycles, the sum of which correspond to a full period of the cycle signal, the disruption signal is generated.

Abstract: A drive roll drive of a wrap material feed mechanism is driven at a peripheral speed a desired percentage slower than the peripheral speed of a bale being wrapped whereby the drive rolls function also in the manner of a drag brake so that the wrap material is applied under tension to the bale being wrapped. A spreader roll is located between a supply roll of wrap material and one of the drive rolls and is so positioned relative thereto that the wrap material engages a substantial portion of the perimeter of the drive roll, such engagement diminishing the tendency of the tensioned wrap material to slip through the drive rolls. In an alternate embodiment, a wrap material monitoring device in the form of a spreader roll rotation sensing device is provided for signalling an operator both of the depletion of the supply of wrap material and of the unwanted dispensing of wrap material.

Abstract: A wrap-around packaging method wherein a package blank is prefolded to an open-sided configuration, an object to be packaged is positioned within the prefolded blank and the final folding and adhesive closing of the package is then completed in a series of synchronized steps. The prefolding occurs during the course of withdrawal of the package blank from a magazine and its transporting into position to receive the object to be packaged and includes plural folding steps which are individually performed to minimize stress on the packing material. The movement of the preformed packing material blank and object through the final folding and closing stations is accomplished without contact between the conveying means and the object.

Abstract: In an automated prescription pill dispensing system, a multiplicity of pill dispensers are provided each operable to count out and dispense pills from supply hoppers. The dispensers are controlled by a computer which selects up to five of the dispensers to operate and control the selected pill dispensers to count out pills simultaneously. The pill dispensers dispense the pills into the first set of output hoppers, from which the pills can be released into a second output hopper under the control of the computer. The computer will release the pills from the second output hopper corresponding to a selected pill dispenser through a snout into a pill vial in response to sensing the presence of a pill vial at the snout. The computer controls a prescription label printer to print prescription labels for the pill vials. The computer also controls indicator lights to indicate which dispensing cell is selected and ready to have pills released from the second output hopper corresponding thereto.