Abstract: Automated sorting of a sealable bag includes contactlessly scanning a surface or surfaces of a sealable bag (upper or lower surface or both) as the sealable bag is conveyed past an inspection station; obtaining a surface profile topology of the scanned surface; calculating apparent volume of the sealable bag from the surface profile topology; determining whether the apparent volume is within volume thresholds of over filled, under filled and unsealed bags; and sorting the sealable bag to a discard station responsive to a determination that the apparent volume of the sealable bag does not fit within the selected threshold(s).

Abstract: Systems and methods for vacuum extraction for material sorting applications are provided. In one embodiments, a vacuum object sorting system comprises: a vacuum extraction assembly that includes at least one vacuum extractor device having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the at least one vacuum extractor device is configured to convert a controlled compressed air stream into a channeled vacuum airflow entering the inlet and exiting the outlet; and an object recognition device coupled to sorting control logic and electronics, wherein the controlled compressed air stream is controlled in response to a signal generated by the object recognition device; wherein the at least one vacuum extractor device is configured to capture a target object identified by the sorting control logic and electronics utilizing the channeled vacuum airflow, and further utilizing the channeled vacuum airflow, to pass the target object through the inlet and outlet to a deposit location.

Abstract: [Problem] Providing a packaging method used in a bag-feeding and packaging apparatus, which can realize speed-up of the bag-feeding and packaging apparatus without limitation of movement acceleration due to the spilling or scattering of an article during movement and which can realize a larger amount of packaging in a short time, and the bag-feeding and packaging apparatus implementing the packaging method. [Overcoming Means] In the packaging method used in a bag-feeding and packaging apparatus P in accordance with the present invention, packaging processes are performed while a packaging bag F is intermittently moved to packaging stations 1 to 9 together with a mover 32, so that an article is packaged, and the packaging stations 1 to 9 include an article (a fluid) filling station 5 where an article filling process of filling the packaging bag with the article is performed.

Abstract: A transfer device of a bag processor includes a rail member which defines a transfer route and a plurality of movable gripper pairs. At various processing stations on the transfer route, time for executing a particular process may differ. The number of bags processed at each processing station and transfer states of the bags is controlled to ensure that a number of processed bags is equal. Bags on which first process has been executed are stocked on an upstream side of the second processing station.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting syringe seal defects are described, including associated syringe stopper designs having seal areas and indicating areas, as well as associated inspection systems and methods for optical imaging and analysis for syringe seal defects in dry and wet syringes.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling capsules comprises a conveyor wheel, on the circumference of which a plurality of capsule holders is provided a conveyor wheel drive that alternately passes through stopping times and movement times, so that the capsule holders move along the conveying path in cycles, and a plurality of process stations disposed along the conveying path. The process stations comprise at least one supply station for supplying capsules to be filled to the conveyor wheel, at least one opening station for opening the capsules by separating the upper and lower capsule parts, at least one filling station for filling the lower capsule parts, at least one closing station for closing the filled capsules by connecting the upper and lower capsule parts, and at least one discharge station for discharging the filled capsules. A method for filling capsules is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging individual medication doses in blister bags includes a plurality of storage and dispensing stations, at least one guide and collection arrangement for picking up the medication doses and passing them on, or conducting them, to a packaging station, the packaging station forming a strand of connected blister bags from packaging material. Also included is a labeling and printing station for applying data to the packaging material, an optical detection device that optically detects characteristics of the individual blister bags of the strand, an evaluation device that compares the characteristics detected for an individual blister bag with reference characteristics, and a storage station that stores the strand of the blister bags in an ordered manner.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a sampling control station for a containers or bottles filling plant and to a containers or bottles filling plant comprising the same. The sampling control station according to the present invention comprises at least one grasping and transporting group (22) for picking up containers or bottles (16) from conveying means (18) and transporting them to a measuring zone, and at least one module (40) for measuring the removal torque and/or the reclosing angle of a cap (28) of the container (16) acting upon a container or bottle (16) transported to the measuring zone, and it is characterized in that the module (40) for measuring the removal torque and the reclosing angle is such as to take up a first configuration engaged with the cap (28), wherein the cap (28) can be set in rotation by the module (40) for measuring the removal torque and the reclosing angle, and a second configuration disengaged from the cap (28).

Abstract: A machine for dosing a product in capsules, includes a rotating turret which has seats suitable for receiving empty capsules and a dosing device for dosing the product in the capsules. The machine further includes a feeding unit having a first weighing device for weighing empty capsules, a transfer arrangement for transferring empty capsules, when weighed, to predetermined seats of the turret for being filled with the product, a second weighing device for weighing capsules filled with the product, and a processing device connected to the first and second weighing device for receiving data relative to weights measured by the first and second weighing devices and for calculating for each capsule a difference between the weight measured before and the weight measured after filling. In this manner, a respective quantity of dosed product is calculated.

Abstract: A package coding system for a cigarette manufacturing process is provided. An imprinting device imprints an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages. A conveyor device conveys the cigarette packages in a feed direction. An inspection device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and inspects the alphanumeric code imprinted on each cigarette package conveyed by the conveyor device to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes a defect in the imprinted alphanumeric code, and thus comprises a defective cigarette package. A removal device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and is configured to be in communication with the inspection device. The removal device is configured to remove the defective cigarette package from the series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device in response to identification thereof by the inspection device. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: An imperfection in a seal of an envelope can be identified. The envelope is moved laterally, and a positive flow of air is delivered to a leading edge of a top flap of the envelope to separate the top flap from a bottom flap or a side flap of the envelope at the imperfection in the seal of the envelope. Based on the separation of the top flap from the bottom flap or the side flap of the envelope, it can be determined whether the seal has the imperfection.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying and detecting improperly wrapped envelopes for use in a mailpiece fabrication system. The method/system visually images each envelope in predetermined regions of interest (ROIs) to determine the spatial relationship between the internal content material and one or more points of reference indicative of the internal bounds of a sealing adhesive. By examining the spatial relationship, a determination is made regarding the proximity of the internal content material and the sealing adhesive. If the distance, or spatial separation, therebetween is below a threshold value, then an assumption is made that the content material and sealing adhesive are contiguous and that the envelope has been improperly sealed, i.e., with the content material interposing or otherwise inhibiting the proper closure of the wrapped envelope.

Abstract: The present invention provides a torque measuring station, comprising a cap-engaging assembly for engaging a cap that has been secured onto a container, a torque measuring assembly for obtaining a measurement indicative of the torque exerted on the cap by the cap engaging assembly and a processing entity in communication with the torque measuring assembly. The processing entity is operative for receiving the measurement indicative of the torque, and for causing the container to be handled, once released from said cap-engaging assembly, on the basis of the measurement indicative of the torque applied to the cap.

Abstract: A nuclear reactor is provided with a core which includes a new fuel part and a burning part at which neutrons are generated and fuel is burned. The burning part moves in a direction toward the new fuel part from the beginning to the end of the combustion cycle. The plurality of the fuel assemblies of the core include the fuel assemblies which are fastened to the core and the fuel assemblies which can move in the longitudinal direction of the fuel assemblies. By pulling out the fuel assemblies from the core, the nuclear reactor can be made to stop. Further, by inserting fuel assemblies into the core from the pulled out state, the nuclear reactor is started up.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a group for the in-line measuring of the quantity of carbon dioxide dissolved in a liquid contained in a closed container such as bottles, jars and so on and to an automatic containers filling plant comprising such measuring group. The measuring group according to the present invention comprises at least one inspection area (20,20?) suitable for housing at least one container (11), at the at least one inspection area (20,20?) being provided at least one laser spectroscopy device (16) for measuring the partial pressure of carbon dioxide present in the head space (13) of a container (11) placed in the at least one inspection area (20,20?), and it is characterised in that at the at least one inspection area (20,20?) there are additionally provided means for mixing (12) the content of said container (11).

Abstract: A nonconforming product removing unit is disposed between a folding unit and a counter ejector of a box making machine, and includes a sort-out unit that conveys a corrugated board box whose joint is judged to be good by a judging unit to the counter ejector, and on the other hand discharges a corrugated board box whose joint is judged to be bad by the judging unit. Accordingly, only the conforming corrugated board box can be conveyed to the counter ejector. Therefore, the nonconforming board box can be removed easily, without requiring complicated work of taking out the nonconforming corrugated board box from among corrugated board boxes sorted into a predetermined number of batches by the counter ejector, and re-sorting only the conforming corrugated board boxes into a predetermined number of batches.

Abstract: Provided is a tablet filling device capable of continuing an operation without stopping the supply of the tablet container, filling with tablets, etc. even when the prescribed operations cannot be performed at the operating positions. The tablet filling device includes: a tablet supply unit (3) that fills a tablet container (12) with tablets; a carrying member (41) which carries the tablet cassette (12) from the tablet supply unit (3) to a standby position; a container holding member (65) provided at a delivery position and having a plurality of holding parts (67, 68) capable of holding the tablet container (12) according to a difference in outer diameter dimension; and another carrying member (52) which carries the tablet container (12) held by a container holding member (65) to an operating position.

Abstract: An envelope filling apparatus inserts a sheet of paper into an envelope having a flap, and includes an envelope feed device, an air nozzle for blowing air into the envelope fed by the envelope feed device from an open end of the envelope to open the open end, and a sensing device for detecting that the open end of the envelope is opened. The apparatus further includes an insertion device for inserting the sheet of paper into the envelope from the open end, if the sensing device detects that the open end of the envelope is opened after the air nozzle is actuated, and a removal device for removing the envelope from a transport route, if the sensing device does not detect that the open end of the envelope is opened after the air nozzle is actuated and the insertion device is not actuated.

Abstract: Blister packs each having a plurality of pockets with individualized assortments of small objects are filled by fitting to each of a plurality of shuttles a respective such blister pack and circulating the shuttles around an annular track through a plurality of filling machines. Each machine has a plurality of supplies each holding a bulk quantity of small objects of a respective type, respective feeders each receiving the objects of a respective supply and advancing same one at a time to a respective picking location, and respective pickers. A memory of each shuttle is programmed with data regarding the intended contents of the pockets of the respective blister pack, and in each of the machines, the memories of the shuttles are read as they pass through the respective filling machine. The respective pickers are operated to move small objects from the feeders to the pockets in accordance with the data for the respective blister pack.

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 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: An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device. The system includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time.

Abstract: A method for producing a ready-to-distribute distribution assembly comprising a data carrier in a single production line is disclosed. The method includes providing a foldable cover panel having a basin for receiving a data carrier, inserting a data carrier, folding the cover panel, sealing the cover panel, and printing identification information on the cover panel.

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: An apparatus for filling tubes with piles of disc-shaped articles, such as pills, comprising: two functional elements (5h, 5j), hinged at a horizontal axis (K) and mobile between a loading region (C), in which the functional elements (5h, 5j) provide at least a corresponding seating (6) for receiving and retaining a relative pill (3) released by a plurality of supply units (1), and a disengagement region (D) of the pill (3), at which the functional elements (5h, 5j) are rotated by ninety degrees and cooperate with gripping organs (11); the gripping organs (11) being mobile in a vertical direction in order to gather the pill (3) borne by the functional elements (5h, 5j) into the relative disengagement region (D), and to release the pill (3) internally of a corresponding tube (10) in phase relation with the movement of the functional elements (5h, 5j).

Abstract: Provided is a tablet filling device capable of continuing an operation without stopping the supply of the tablet container, filling with tablets, etc. even when the prescribed operations cannot be performed at the operating positions. The tablet filling device includes: a tablet supply unit (3) that fills a tablet container (12) with tablets; a carrying member (41) which carries the tablet cassette (12) from the tablet supply unit (3) to a standby position; a container holding member (65) provided at a delivery position and having a plurality of holding parts (67, 68) capable of holding the tablet container (12) according to a difference in outer diameter dimension; and another carrying member (52) which carries the tablet container (12) held by a container holding member (65) to an operating position.

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 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 system and a method for production of a packaging laminate that comprises a layer containing magnetizable particles. The method involves marking faults, such as single spot defects and splices, on the packaging laminate by the application of a magnetic field to make a magnetic mark on the packaging laminate. A packaging device is arranged to sense the presence of the magnetic mark related to a package made from the packaging laminate.

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 beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant container information adding station, such as, a labeling station, configured to add information to containers, such as, bottles and cans, and modules for labeling stations proposed a labeling machine. Each module comprises a first coupling structure to permit interchangeable position of a module at one of a plurality of second coupling structures. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: A machine for packaging articles, in particular CDs, DVDs and the like, into relative containers, which are formed by a pair of substantially box-like closure members, lower (GD and upper (G2), hinged to each other along a common hinge edge (D), includes a conveying line (L), which is equipped all around with gripping and transferring devices (1). The gripping and transferring devices (1) are moved continuously and grip lateral edges of die iowa closure member (G1) of the containers (C) housed in closed condition inside a magazie (S0) and remove the containers (C) from the bottom of the magazine (S0). The gripping and transferring devices (1) transfer the containers withdrawn from the magazine (S0) to subseqaent working stations associated to the line (L).

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoforming machine for conditioning products (3) with packages (2) obtained from a film (22) and sealed by a welded film (25), wherein said machine (20) sequentially includes, in the direction (D) of the package transport carried out by conveying means (34): at least one conditioning station (5), a welding station (24), a marking station (6) and a package degrouping station (27). According to the invention, a viewing station (1) is provided between the welding station (24) and the marking station (6), the viewing station comprising means (31) for taking images of the packages and means (11) for piloting the marking station (6) in order to apply marks (M) on the packages (2) according to the respect or not of certain criteria; the invention is characterised in that the conveying means (34) carries out the grouped transportation of the packages (2) by the two longitudinal edges of the two superimposed films (22, 25).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for redirecting cut web products and/or rejecting cut web products. The method comprises advancing a plurality of cut web products along a first path and providing a redirecting or folding device for folding the plurality of cut web products and/or delivering the folded cut web products to a second path. Prior to reaching the folding device, the cut web products may be determined to be defective. The folding device can be accelerated, decelerated, or substantially stopped, such that a selected cut web product is not delivered to the second path, thereby rejecting the selected cut web product. The present disclosure additionally comprises an apparatus for redirecting and/or rejecting cut web products.

Abstract: A machine for packing tablets inside rigid tubes exhibits: a supply line for supplying empty tubes arranged with vertical axes and mouths facing upwards; an inlet station wherein deflector organs operate which tip the cylindrical containers on sides thereof, and first organs which pick up individual thus-tipped containers and release the containers to corresponding gripping organs provided by a multiple conveyor; a filling station in which a plurality of supply units release a predetermined quantity of tablets, stacked one on the other, into paused tubes, borne by the multiple conveyor; a closing station containing devices which insert caps into the mouths of the filled containers borne by the multiple conveyor; an outlet station containing devices which pick up paused individual closed containers borne by the multiple conveyor and release the containers onto transporter organs.

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: Provided is a tablet filling device capable of continuing an operation without stopping the supply of the tablet container, filling with tablets, etc. even when the prescribed operations cannot be performed at the operating positions. The tablet filling device includes: a tablet supply unit (3) that fills a tablet container (12) with tablets; a carrying member (41) which carries the tablet cassette (12) from the tablet supply unit (3) to a standby position; a container holding member (65) provided at a delivery position and having a plurality of holding parts (67, 68) capable of holding the tablet container (12) according to a difference in outer diameter dimension; and another carrying member (52) which carries the tablet container (12) held by a container holding member (65) to an operating position.

Abstract: A method and a line for the high-speed packaging of filter bags (1) containing an infusion product comprises at least three successive operating steps whereby: the filter bags (1) are wrapped in a continuous protective tubular envelope (2) by sealing a continuous V-shaped folded strip (3) along a longitudinal sealing line (5) and transversal sealing lines (6); the tubular envelope (2) is cut into lengths; and the filter bags (1), individually wrapped in respective envelopes (2), are placed in cartons. In the method and line (26) according to the invention, the transversal seal (6) is made in two successive steps as the continuous folded strip (3) moves through two separate consecutive sealing stations (7, 8), the first station (7) making a part of the transversal seal (6) and the second station (8) completing the same transversal seal (6).

Abstract: The machine for filling and closing containers comprises: a conveyor, step-activated in an advancement direction, laterally provided with a plurality of gripping devices which are able to bear containers at an active branch of the conveyor invested by a main gas flow of a sterile substance; a filling station in which a plurality of nozzles operated, for batched filling of the underlying containers, and weighing organs for detecting that a correct filling of the containers has been accomplished; a closing station in which capping organs operate which enable closure of the containers with caps, and sensors able to detect correct closure of the containers by the capping organs; a release station, located downstream of the closing station, in which manipulator organs operate, which manipulator organs are maintained de-activated in order to allow transit of the containers in which incorrect filling and/or closing parameters have been detected, which are released onto a reject conveyor downstream and in line with t

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

Abstract: A method of making a brand change, on an automatic production system for processing tobacco articles and which produces a first product from first materials; the method has the steps of: stopping the automatic production system once production of the first product is completed; feeding second materials onto the automatic production system; restarting the automatic production system to commence production of a second product from the second materials; checking all the second products in a first lot to ensure each second product in the first lot conforms with production specifications; externally marking each second product in the first lot conforming with production specifications; and generating a pass signal when a given number of consecutive second products conforming with production specifications is produced.

Abstract: A packaging machine and a weighing apparatus low in equipment cost, small in installation space, and allowing a reduction in time required from the manufacture of packaged bodies to the completion of weighing to increase productivity. The stick packaged bodies are weighed by a weighing load cell in the housing of the stick packaging machine. Accordingly, the stick packaged bodies must not be fed to a weighing stage apart from the packaging machine by a belt conveyor. Therefore, the equipment cost can be reduced, and the installation space for the stick packaged bodies including peripheral equipment can also be reduced. In addition, the productivity can be increased since the time required for the stick packaged bodies to pass a weighing requirement to be formed in products is shortened.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, a container filling plant container information adding station, such as, a labeling station, configured to add information to containers, such as, bottles and cans, and modules for labeling stations proposed a labeling machine. Each module comprises a first coupling structure to permit interchangeable position of a module at one of a plurality of second coupling structures.

Abstract: An apparatus for the sterile filling of containers sterilizes the containers before supplying them, with their caps on, to a substantially airtight chamber for filling. A precision lead screw precisely positions each container under the appropriate capping/uncapping mechanism and the appropriate filling needle. Filling and capping of each container is individually controlled so that each container is filled with a precise amount of liquid, and each cap is applied with the proper torque. The minimized number of components of the system minimizes the potential openings through which unfiltered air may enter the apparatus. Keeping the containers capped except while they're actually being filled minimizes the opportunity for any bacteria or viruses to enter the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing container assemblies having a cup-shaped insert disposed within a container. A container conveyor conveys a series of open containers along a lower horizontal path, the container conveyor bringing each container in turn to a stop at an insertion station. A generally vertical inserter chute is disposed above the insertion station for conducting a generally cup-shaped insert through the inserter and out the lower end into a container positioned at the insertion station. An insert conveyor disposed above the inserter conveys a series of inserts along an upper horizontal path, each insert on the insert conveyor having an open end and an opposite closed end and being in an inverted orientation such that the open end of the insert faces downward. A lead one of the inserts being conveyed on the insert conveyor tips over and falls into the inserter in an upright orientation.

Abstract: A system for inspecting seal integrity of a sealed package including a visual inspection system and a medical packaging system having an integral peel testing device.

Abstract: In a machine for filling and closing tubes, an endless conveying line has equispaced gripping members for loading tubes with vertical axis and with open bottoms turned upwards. The line is operated stepwise for transferring the tubes, one by one, to subsequent stations arranged along the line for carrying out operations of cleaning inside the tubes, orienting outer prints, filling the tubes with measured quantities of product, closing the bottoms, applying codes, and possibly trimming the tubes. The machine includes also a station for expulsion of rejected tubes and a download station for transferring good tubes to an outlet line. Configuration of the line and arrangement of the stations are designed to reduce dimensions, simplify construction and limit costs of the machine, at the same time ensuring high reliability.

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

Abstract: The capsule filling-sealing apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a filling unit in which various mechanisms for carrying out filling processing for empty capsules are functionally disposed, a sealing unit for securely sealing filled capsules, and a connection unit for transferring the filled capsules from the filling unit to the sealing unit, wherein the filling unit, the connection unit and the sealing unit are disposed organically and integrated substantially, and the sealing processing is carrying out sequentially after the filling processing on the same production line without requiring unnecessary storage and transfer after the filling processing for capsules.

Abstract: Prefilled syringes are made by displacing a succession of syringes along a conveyor path from a supply station successively through a marking station, a filling station, and to a downstream packing station. Each of the syringes is filled with a predetermined dose of a medicament in the filling station. The syringes are marked in the marking station with machine-readable data identifying the medicament to be put in the empty syringe at the filling station. The syringes are scanned downstream of the marking station and any syringe whose data is not readable is then removed from the conveyor path, as is any syringe whose data does not correspond to the medicament filled into the syringe at the filling station.