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: There is provided a medicine dispensing system configured such that a medicine dispensing device includes a sub unit having a function to dispense medicine that is connected to a medicine dispensing device that includes a main unit having a function of packing medicines. There is also provided a medicine dispensing device that can be appropriately integrated with such a medicine dispensing system. The medicine dispensing system includes, in some embodiments a main unit, a sub unit and a transfer device connecting the main unit and the sub unit. The medicine dispensing system transfers the medicine dispensed in the sub unit to the main unit by means of a transfer device and dispenses the medicine at a medicine packing part together with the medicine dispensed from a main storage part in the main unit.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for optimizing the flow of seed along a seed handling path. The system and method include multiple stages at which seeds undergo different processes to prepare the seeds for sale or further handling. The stages may include one or more of Receiving, Husking, Sorting, Drying, Shelling, Bulk Storage, Sizing, Conditioning, Treating, and Packaging. Sensors may be located along the seed handling path for monitoring the seed handling path and the operations and conveyances occurring along the seed handling path at and between different stages. The sensors may provide feedback signals to a controller, which may in turn adjust the operating parameters of various processing devices associated with one or more of the stages in a real-time scenario to optimize the operations and conveyances occurring along the seed handling path.

Abstract: A packaging machine of the type that is used to hand-wrap a package with a stretchable film that is heat-fused/sealed. The machine includes a supply of film for wrapping a package and a hot plate mechanism for heat fusing the film after the package is wrapped. The hot plate mechanism includes a fever arm that moves a sealing platform from a raised position to a lowered, heat sealing position when the package is placed on the platform. A control circuit energizes a heating element forming part of the sealing platform and causes it to reach a desired heating temperature in 2 to 4 seconds, whereby fusing of the sealing film is achieved. An interval timer is used to control a signaling device such as a light to Indicate the machine is in a heating cycle. A separate timer, in conjunction with a temperature sensing thermistor, controls a length of time the heating element is energized and terminates power to the heating element prior to the end of a sealing Interval if a predetermined temperature is exceeded.

Abstract: A case sealer includes a frame assembly, a top head assembly coupled to move substantially vertically with respect to the frame assembly, and a sensor associated with the top head assembly for sensing a front face and the presence of a case to be sealed. The case sealer also includes a controller for moving the top head assembly substantially vertically when the sensor senses the front face of the case and for preventing the substantially vertical movement of the top head assembly when the sensor senses the presence of the case.

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

Abstract: A system, and associated components and methodology, that provides for automatic determination and supply of an amount of dunnage to fill the void left in a container in which one or more objects have been placed. The system comprises a dunnage dispenser which is operable to dispense a controlled amount of a dunnage, a container scanner, and a logic device. The container scanner includes a height sensor for sensing a height characteristic of a container, a width sensor for sensing a width characteristic of the container, and a contour sensor for sensing a contour characteristic of the objects in the container. The logic device can (1) process sensed characteristic information from the height sensor, width sensor and contour sensor, (2) determine the amount of dunnage needed to fill the void not occupied by the objects, and (3) command the dunnage dispenser to dispense the determined amount of dunnage.

Abstract: A multiple prescription package having a plurality of different medications is described. The multiple prescription package comprises a plurality of multiple prescription containers, a marking on each multiple prescription container, a detailed label, and a secondary package. The plurality of the multiple prescription containers are sequentially ordered to permit sequential dispensing of at least two medications that are different from one another. Each of the multiple prescription containers is associated with a prescribed time interval determined by a prescription, and each of the multiple prescription containers comprises the different medications that are sealed within the multiple prescription containers. The marking on each multiple prescription container indicates the prescribed interval when the medications are consumed. The detailed label provides a plurality of medical information regarding the medications.

Abstract: A device for filling tablets into tablet carriers such as blisters is provided. The device includes , a tablet storage container for intermediately storing a multiplicity of tablets which lie loosely next to one another and above one another. The device also removes a single tablet from the tablet storage container and transfers the received tablet to the tablet carrier. The device thereby removes the tablet from above from the tablet storage container. The device is designed for performing scanning movements above the tablet storage container, where the scanning movements proceed under the control of either predetermined curves or of a sensor for detecting tablets.

Abstract: There is provided a medicine packaging apparatus, which is capable of rapidly coping with errors occurring during processes.

Abstract: A bale wrapper is provided that comprises a rotating arm holding a film dispenser. The arm rotates around an axis thereby wrapping the film from the film dispenser around the bale. Rotation of the arm is stopped when a sensing arrangement mounted ahead of the arm senses an obstacle. The arm is driven with a first speed sufficiently slow to prevent any risk of injury and the arm and the film dispenser from being damaged by hitting an obstacle detected by the sensing arrangement when an obstacle sensor observing a sensitive range in the environment of the bale wrapper detects an obstacle. The arm rotates at a second speed faster than the first speed when the obstacle sensor detects no obstacle.

Abstract: There is provided a medicine packaging apparatus, which is capable of rapidly coping with errors occurring during processes.

Abstract: A packing and filling machine produces a container by forming web-shaped packing material into a tube, filling the tube with liquid food up to a liquid level, and laterally sealing the tube with a seal jaw and a counter jaw under the liquid level. The machine includes a diagnostic device having a pressure flange above the position of the lateral sealing under the liquid level and including sterilized gas to detect a vibration propagated when the packing material is clamped by the seal jaw and counter jaw and to diagnose the residual quantity of sterilized gas from the vibration thus detected. The packing and filling machine operating at high speed does not damage the external surface or the longitudinal sealing portion of a packing container, and even the forming/lateral sealing pressing from the opposite sides at high speed does not have a tendency to vary or oscillate the liquid level.

Abstract: A packaging laminate includes at least one material layer provided with magnetisable particles. A roller can be configured to apply crease line patterns on the packaging laminate while also applying magnetic fields for magnetising at least some of the magnetisable particles in the packaging laminate. A method of controlling working operations on a packaging laminate in a filling machine involves supplying a packaging laminate to a filling machine, wherein the packaging laminate includes at least one material layer comprising magnetizable particles, with at least some of the magnetizable particles being magnetized particles. The method also involves controlling working operations of the filling machine on the packaging laminate supplied to the filling machine by reading information provided by the magnetized particles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for verifying branding of pharmaceutical/medical containers are provided. In some embodiments, systems for verifying branding of at least one medication container associated with at least one of a prescription and medication order are provided. The systems including: a scanning system including at least one scanner for determining the branding of at least one of a first medication container and a cap used to cover the first medication container; a transport system that transports the first medication container; and a control system that: controls the transport system to transport the first medication container to the scanning system; and controls the scanning system to determine whether the branding of at least one of the first medication container and the cap correctly matches a predetermined branding among a plurality of brandings based on predetermined criteria.

Abstract: A method of preparing a blister card to contain medicaments in accordance with a predetermined prescription, comprises positioning a blister sheet blank having a plurality of blisters onto a support surface of a fixture. Each of the blisters are then at least partially filled with one or more medicaments in accordance with the predetermined prescription. Then, a backing layer blank is positioned over the blister sheet blank to retain the medicaments in the blisters and to prevent contamination. Finally, the blister sheet blank and the backing layer blank are sealed together while positioned on the fixture to form a sealed blister card.

Abstract: Provided herein is a liquid-filled, non-reclosable tetrahedral or pillow-shaped packaging container having a longitudinal fin seal and a pair of transverse seals. In the case of tetrahedral packages, the transverse seals are perpendicular to one another. Also provided herein is an apparatus for the formation of such fin seals as part of a continuous packaging and filling operation. A third aspect of the apparatus of the present disclosure is the development of a heated jaw that exhibits consistent heating across the jaw face. Yet another feature of the apparatus of the present disclosure is provided in a modified, closed-loop electrical system for real-time monitoring and adjustment of the temperatures of the heated jaws, as they are moving.

Abstract: A container of generally elongate shape for receiving a plurality of envelopes is described wherein the container includes an internal housing having a substantially parallelepiped shape which is open at one of its longitudinal ends to accomodate the plurality of envelopes and closed at its opposite longitudinal end and includes a portion around the internal housing having an external surface of at least partially cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A tablet filling instrument 1 for dispensing tablets into a vial 9 in accordance with prescription data and discharging the vial 9 filled with the tablets in one of a plurality of outlets 113 designates at least one of the outlets 113 to be a priority outlet 113p and discharges the vial 9 filled with the tablets in the priority outlet 113p when the tablets are to be dispensed in one of the outlets 113 at a time-point within a predetermined time length from a present time-point.

Abstract: A wrapping material dispensing system for a round baler which automatically and precisely controls the tension in the wrapping material by controlling the braking force applied to the rotation of a wrapping material roll according to a braking profile. The profile is a function of the discrete phases of wrapping the material about the bale, and at least one characteristic of the wrapping material on the wrapping material roll.

Abstract: A method of positioning a loaded bag in a vacuum chamber includes loading a bag by placing a product in the bag; placing the bag on an infeed conveyor that is transparent to IR; advancing the bag, on the conveyor, to a sensing apparatus including an infrared camera disposed above the conveyor, and a bank of LED's disposed below the conveyor; interrogating the loaded bag, using the sensing apparatus, with infrared radiation to detect the trailing edge of the product inside the bag; transmitting information acquired from the interrogating step to a PLC; advancing the interrogated loaded bag a distance, based in the information acquired from the interrogating step, to a vacuum chamber including a heat seal assembly; and heat sealing the loaded bag with the heat seal assembly to close the bag mouth.

Abstract: A thermal seal packaging systems and methods thereof. In one implementation a thermal sealing packaging system has a container transfer unit for transferring a container which is to contain a package item, a measuring unit for measuring the weight of the item that is loaded in the container being transported before it is loaded into the container, a capping film supply unit for a capping film to cover the opening area of the container, an indication means for indicating the measurement data of the measurement unit on the capping film, and a sealing unit for heat-sealing an opening area of the container, into which the package item is loaded, with the capping film, the opening area of the container into which the item is loaded is covered by the capping film on which the corresponding measurement data is indicated.

Abstract: A powder medicine dispensing/packaging apparatus includes: a divisional container composed of a first divisional container and a second divisional container connectable to each other and each including a plurality of powder medicine accommodation parts accommodating powder medicine in equal amounts corresponding to one package, each powder medicine accommodation part being equipped with a bottom plate that can be opened and closed; a carrying device for horizontally carrying the divisional container between an initial position and a first movement terminal position; a dispensing/packaging device for recovering powder medicine dropped from the divisional container carried by the carrying device by successively opening the bottom plates and dispensing/packaging the powder medicine package by package; and a swinging device for canceling the connection between the first divisional container and the second divisional container at the first movement terminal position to enable the first divisional container to move

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 paper sheet processing system has a paper sheet processing apparatus and a paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus. The paper sheet processing apparatus sends category information of a bundle of 100 paper sheets to the paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus when discharging the bundle of 100 paper sheets. The paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus classifies and accumulates the bundle of 100 paper sheets based on the category information when receiving the bundle of 100 paper sheets. The paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus bands ten bundles of 100 paper sheets as a bundle of 1000 paper sheets. Since the paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus receives the bundle of 100 paper sheets of different category from the paper sheet processing apparatus and accumulates the bundle of 100 paper sheets for every category to form the bundle of 1000 paper sheets, the usage rate of the paper sheet bundle wrapping apparatus becomes high.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a packaging line comprising a filling machine for producing sealed packages containing food product and downstream distribution equipment connected by conveyors and each including a control system, a line controller for managing configuration, communication and control of the packaging line, a common overhead message display which displays visual information on the operation of the equipment, and a communication network for connecting the line controller to the equipment. The line controller includes a line configurator which reduces and secures effective line installation, start up and tuning at the manufacturing floor via “plug and play”, a line commander which optimizes line performance and product flows during production, a recipe manager which accommodates production flexibility by improving “easy to use” line resources and material, and a conveyor optimizer which optimizes product transportation along the conveyors.

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: An apparatus and method for stuffing envelopes is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of prime movers, a plurality of sensors disposed throughout the apparatus, and a central controller. The prime movers, the sensors and the central controller are operably interconnected such that the central controller directly receives signals from the sensors and from the plurality of prime movers for real-time control of at least one prime mover from the plurality of prime movers based upon determined movement of at least one of a discrete sheet of material, a stack of sheets of material or a stuffed envelope through at least a portion of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a picking line for inserting products into a packaging container, having a conveyor belt for the delivery and the transport of products in a transport direction, and at least one picker equipped with a position image processing system for determining the position of the products on the conveyor belt. A quality image processing system is disposed in the transport direction upstream of the at least one picker for checking the products passing the quality image processing system on the conveyor belt in the transport direction for predetermined quality features, and for associating quality information to be transmitted to a picker adjacent downstream of the quality image processing system in the transport direction, serving as a control command for grasping or not grasping the products.

Abstract: This invention overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a system and method for inserting contents into envelopes that generally reduces the number of operative device components, locates all components in a readily and accessible location, reduces the number of adjustments needed to change envelope size and contents size, provides an efficient and aesthetically pleasing design, allows for a highly flexible arrangement of backup hoppers to primary hoppers for feeding envelope contents and otherwise affords a substantial number of improvements over currently available envelope inserters.

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

Abstract: A method for production of hard gelatin capsules (C) having a lid (3) and body (2) containing a quantity (1) of pharmaceutical material including feeding empty capsules along a handling line (L); separating the capsule bodies (2) from the lids (3) to form two separate rows of capsule bodies (2) and lids (3); feeding and dosing the quantities (1) of pharmaceutical material to be filled into the capsule bodies (2); and closing the capsules (C) by placing a lid (3) over each respective body (2). A mechanism (9) for detecting and volumetrically checking the quantity (1) of pharmaceutical material filled into each capsule body (2) is provided and includes a transducer (5) measuring the volume of the quantities (1) before they are filled into the capsule bodies (2).

Abstract: A foil lid inspection system for detecting and separating defective foil lids on a container in a production line includes one or more light sources, an inspection camera, and inspection software. The light sources are positioned to direct light in an upward direction to illuminate the container. The inspection camera is positioned above the foil lid, and the camera includes one or more outputs. The inspection software is in communication with the inspection camera. The inspection software is constructed and arranged to determine if the foil lid on the container is defective. A reject signal is applied to an output if the software determines that the foil lid is defective.

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

Abstract: A diaper pail has a body with an interior container space and an access opening into the interior container space. A diaper receptacle is also in the body and has a diaper receiving opening into the receptacle. An obstruction is provided that can be moved between a receiving orientation and a dumping orientation. In one aspect, an input device I configured to signal a part of the diaper pail to automatically operate the obstruction between the dumping orientation and the receiving orientation to receive a soiled diaper into the diaper receptacle and to dump the soiled diaper from the diaper receptacle into the interior container space. In another aspect, an activated charcoal filter is in communication with at least the interior storage space and is designed to chemically eliminate odors that emanate from the soiled diapers in the interior storage space.

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

Abstract: A filling machine and a filling monitoring method monitor the condition of a pressure roller and do not harm the quality of fluid food. The filling machine includes a first rotary member inside of the joining surface of a longitudinally sealed portion of a packaging material being fed; a second rotary member disposed in opposition to the first rotary member with the packaging material pinched therebetween; a rotation detection signal generator for generating a rotation detection signal in association with rotation of at least one of the first and second rotary members; and a monitoring processor for reading the rotation detection signal and detecting abnormality of rotation of at least one of the first and second rotary members. Damage to the inner surfaces of the packaging material or to the strip tape, and dropping of a sticking resin piece into fluid food contained in the packaging material are prevented.

Abstract: Transponders are used for identifying objects such as packaging, packaging material or machines and machine elements and are attached to the object to be identified. The transponders contain data which are provided by an electronic write unit and which can be recognized by a read unit. The transponders are provided in a concealed manner on the machines, machine parts, etc. or are embedded in the machine part, for example, inside a recess.

Abstract: There is provided a medicine packaging apparatus, which is capable of rapidly coping with errors occurring during processes.

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: A packaging machine (1) having at least one registration device is described, in particular a log-in device (13, 16) for checking the personnel-related access authorization. In order that a log-in procedure for gaining access to the packaging machine (1) is associated with the smallest possible expenditure of time and/or effort, at least one of the log-in devices (13, 16) includes a reading unit for wireless and/or contactless reception of transmitted information from wireless and/or contactless readable portable data storage media (12, 18), as well as an alternative input device for the wired input of information. A data storage medium is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bag transport and tilt-correction device for a system for, for instance, manufacturing bags with diagonal spouts, the device including openable and closeable gripping members, an air chuck that opens and closes the gripping members, a reciprocal movement mechanism that reciprocates the gripping members between the bag receiving position and the bag hand-over position, and a reciprocal swing mechanisms that swing the gripping members within the vertical plane along the width direction of the gripped bags. The gripping members are moved together with a reciprocal moving body, which is part of the reciprocal movement mechanisms, and attached to the bottom edge of swing levers, which are part of the reciprocal swing mechanism and operated by a cam during the reciprocal movement process, so as to swing together with it. The tilt of the bag is corrected by the swing motion of the gripping members.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for adjusting height of a crate or box made of flexible material, having a base and at least four side walls by folding. After the base has been placed in a generally horizontal, a horizontal crease is produced on each side wall, parallel to the base and at a height substantially equal to a top of a stack of objects. At least one oblique crease is produced in each corner of the crate, with one end located at the intersection between two horizontal creases and the other end located on an upper ridge of one side wall. The upper part of each side wall is folded towards the center of the crate, at an angle substantially equal to 90°. The various flaps are folded on one another, being separated by oblique creases, bringing the upper part of side walls in a substantially horizontal plane.

Abstract: An automated packaging system has a plurality of dunnage dispensing stations that can dispense dunnage and a transport network for conveying containers to and from at least two dispensing stations for dunnage to be placed therein. At at least one loading station upstream of a dispensing station articles are placed in the containers for shipping. Optionally, an intermediate void determination station determines how much dunnage to dispense.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling beverage bottles having a bottle handling station and a method of operation thereof. The bottle handling station has an inspection station for inspecting bottles for observable contaminants that have been rinsed off of the interior of the bottles using an amount of liquid introduced into the bottles by a liquid dispenser, and then gathered in the amount of liquid in a bottom area of the bottles.

Abstract: A bag filling and packaging apparatus including hollow guide members that are disposed below ascending/descending hoppers and guide product dropping from hoppers into the interior of bags, the guide members being raised/lowered and moved together with the hoppers in a filling region. The guide members comprise a pair of opening and closing guide frames that are disposed to face each other; and when clogging is detected in a guide member, its guide frames are repeatedly opened and closed while moving through a non-filling region, thus promoting the dropping of product. Directly below the guide members is provided a receiving member that receives the product.

Abstract: A coupon insertion apparatus configured for sequentially inserting coupons into receiving containers, including a machine frame, at least one pair of opposed rollers mounted to the frame and adjustable between a closed position and an open position. A moving carriage system including a main carriage housing having one roller of each of the at least one pair of rollers that are automatically slidably adjustable between open and closed positions. A control system is constructed and arranged for automating the movement of the main carriage relative to the machine frame.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying tax stamps to individual cigarette packages of different cigarette cartons, having different height dimensions, comprises a cigarette carton height determination station, a cigarette carton opening station, a cigarette package tax stamp application station, a cigarette carton closing station, and a cigarette carton exit station. Each particular cigarette carton has its height dimension determined at the first cigarette carton height determination station, and the height dimension data is transmitted to a programmable logic controller (PLC). The programmable logic controller (PLC) automatically adjusts mechanisms located at the various stations in accordance with the height dimension data characteristic of each cigarette carton.

Abstract: A sheet material for producing packages of food products and having a succession of optically detectable register mark; each mark, has a first and a second segment parallel to each other and perpendicular to a feed direction of the material, and a sloping segment interposed between the parallel segments, so as to define a broken, to substantially Z-shaped line, which may be used to determine the position of the material both in the feed direction and in a perpendicular direction.