Abstract: Packages of insects are attached to a carrier cylinder and the cylinder is rotated in a radiation field so that the packaged insects are sterilized. The radiation field is created by a plurality of x-ray tubes mounted above the carrier cylinder. The tubes (and their respective radiation sources) are positioned so that a consistent radiation dosage is delivered at the surface of the cylinder—thereby imparting both a precise and uniform dose of radiation to the insect packages affixed to the surface of the cylinder.

Abstract: A wrapping unit for wrapping and forming a predetermined number of stacked coins into a coin-roll is arranged in a lower region of a machine body. A coin storing and feeding unit and sending unit are arranged side by side in a width direction of the machine body above the wrapping unit. Thus, the machine body is downsized in its width direction. In a state where a dispensing box attached to a dispensing box attachment unit is locked, coins are fed from the coin storing and feeding units, and the fed coins are recognized by a dispensing recognition unit, and sent to the dispensing box. If coins for dispensing sent to the dispensing box are normal coins, the dispensing box is unlocked. If an abnormal coin is recognized, a bottom plate of the dispensing box is opened. Coins dropping from the dispensing box are collected in a collection unit.

Abstract: The stacking unit is provided with a stacking space, which accepts coins transported by the transport unit from above and stacks the coins. In the stacking space, stack support portions which support coins to be stacked are provided movably up and down. Coins to be stacked are supported in an inclined state by the stack support portions. At a height in which the stack of coins supported by the stack support portions are stacked, an inclination maintaining portion in which the higher side of the inclination of a coin comes into contact with is provided. The inclinations of coins higher than a space portion are forcibly maintained by the inclination maintaining portion, the space portion being formed on the higher side of the inclination of the coin at a height in the stack of the coins.

Abstract: A device (10) for filling a transport container (12) with notes of pecuniary value, has a displacement unit (700) that conveys the notes of pecuniary value into the transport container (12) through a movable frame (16). When the transport container (12) is closed, the displacement unit (700) is in a second operating state in which its cross sectional area is reduced so far that it passes through the partially closed frame (16).

Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers with rod-shaped articles includes extractor elements for removing in succession layers of articles from a dispensing mouth and inserting them inside containers, the extractor elements including: a supporting element positioned below the dispensing mouth and designed to receive from above and to hold a layer of articles, being equipped with a motor for moving the supporting element away from the unloading zone after receiving one layer of articles; and a pick-up element designed to pick up from above and to hold a layer of articles supported by a supporting element moved away from the unloading zone, having an actuating device for moving the pick-up element above a container carried by a conveyor, with subsequent release of the relative layer of articles inside the container.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a collection unit and a conveyance unit. The collection unit is configured and arranged to overlay a plurality of packaged objects on adjacent packaged objects. The conveyance unit is configured and arranged to convey, as a group of packaged objects, the packaged objects which are overlaid on the adjacent packaged objects at the collection unit. The conveyance unit includes a position control component. At least one portion of the position control component is positioned below a conveyance plane of the conveyance unit and the other portion of the position control component is positioned above the conveyance plane of the conveyance unit before positions of the packaged objects are adjusted, the one portion and the other portion of the position control component is provided sequentially.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for grouping containers (1) which have a circular or ovoid cross-section and are in the form of packs (17) in staggered columns prior to their covering, comprising means for arranging said containers (1) in the form of staggered columns, characterized in that said installation comprises means (18) for pushing at least one of said containers (1) that are arranged in a staggered manner so as to create, by rearrangement, an additional column (21) in the pack (17).

Abstract: A device and a method for packaging articles (14) are proposed, wherein the device comprises the following: at least one insertion device (30) which transfers articles (14) to be packaged into a folded box (28), at least one transport means (16) which transports a plurality of articles (14) to be packaged in the form of a stack in at least one packaging material bowl (12) into the gripping region of the insertion device (30), wherein an aligning unit (20) is provided which, in order to stabilize the stack, acts on the articles (14) which lies in the packaging material bowl (12), before said articles (14) pass into the gripping region of the insertion device (30).

Abstract: An assemblage of reams of paper includes a plurality of layers of reams of paper. The plurality of layers includes a first layer having a first arrangement of reams, a second layer having a second arrangement of reams disposed on top of the first layer, and a third layer having a third arrangement of reams disposed on top of the second layer. The second arrangement is different from the first arrangement so as to form interlocking first and second layers, and the third arrangement is different from the second arrangement, so as to form interlocking second and third layers.

Abstract: A case packer is adapted to convey a plurality of packages and to pack the plurality of conveyed packages in a box. The case packer includes a first conveying unit, a detector, a second conveying unit and a control unit. The first conveying unit is configured and arranged to convey the packages. The detector is configured and arranged to detect a thickness of at least one of the packages. The second conveying unit includes an accumulating portion where the packages are accumulated with the packages being partially overlaid on one another. The second conveying unit is configured and arranged to convey the packages overlaid in the accumulating portion. The control unit is configured to adjust operation of the second conveying unit based on a detected value from the detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing stacks of slices (10) from slices (14) packed individually in film, in particular cheese slices, wherein a dispensing roller (1) is provided between the cutting unit (2) and the slice feeding unit (3, 4), first dispensing the slices (14) packed individually in film by the cutting unit (2) transverse to the horizontal main conveyor direction (15), and then transferring said slices to at least two slice conveyor elements (5) of the slice collecting and stacking unit (5-9) by means of two separate conveyor belts (3, 4) of the slice feeding unit (3, 4).

Abstract: Packaging apparatus for randomly orientated fragile solid products comprising: a) an apparatus for manoeuvring randomly orientated products prior to packaging, the apparatus comprising at least one conveying means for conveying the products and a vibratory conveyor arranged to receive the products from the at least one conveying means, wherein the mechanical alignment means are arranged to sort the products into parallel lines of products and wherein the vibratory conveyor comprises: an upstream portion having a conveying surface arranged for increasing transverse spacings between the products; a downstream portion having mechanical alignment means arranged to align the products and sort the products into a plurality of lines; and b) a stick-pack packaging machine arranged to receive products from the apparatus and package the products in stick-packs, wherein the stick-pack packaging machine comprises multiple packaging lines arranged in parallel to each receive respective lines of the products.

Abstract: A sprinkler is designed to be stacked upon a like sprinkler. The sprinkler includes a spray tube, a sled, a projection extending from either a top or bottom surface of the sled, and a recess formed at the top or bottom surface of the sled. The recess accommodates the projection extending from the sled of the like sprinkler so that the sprinkler can be stacked with the like sprinkler.

Abstract: A sterile packaging system for use in the manufacture and sale of combination medical product preferably one that is attachable to an injection system to co-deliver at least two medicaments is disclosed where a tray grid comprises sterile receptacles that are removably connected, sealable and configured for use in an automated drug filling and assembly line.

Abstract: A conveyor device, in particular for an automatic packaging machine for paper rolls, having a horizontal plane of advance, at least one pair of motorized flexible transmission members extending along a closed loop and bearing a plurality of transverse bars fastened to said flexible transmission members, a plurality of thruster elements borne by said bars, and a stationary adjustment station provided with at least one adjustment assembly having a grip organ movable in transverse direction and arranged in such a way as to displace in the transverse direction along the respective bar a thruster element positioned at the grip organ.

Abstract: Loading arrangement for loading dollies which has a transport station for placing at least two dollies one behind another along their line of transport. The loading arrangement also has movable transport element with engaging structures, which engaging structures are configured to engage and move the dollies to position the dollies at a predetermined distance from one another at a loading station. The dollies are then loaded at the same time at the loading station before the engaging structures move the dollies to a transfer station which transfers loaded dollies out of the loading arrangement.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a conveyance unit having first and second position control plates. The first position control plate is arranged to selectively move forward or backward so as to obstruct or pass the group of packaged objects conveyed on the conveyance unit. When positions of the packaged objects are adjusted, the second position control plate is arranged to move from a downstream-side portion of the conveyance unit toward the first position control plate, rotate in a direction toward the first position control plate. or move from the downstream-side portion of the conveyance unit toward the first position control plate and simultaneously rotate in the direction toward the first position control plate. A subsequent process step delivery unit is arranged to deliver the group of packaged objects after the positions thereof are adjusted by the first and second position control plates, to a subsequent process device.

Abstract: This invention is directed to film wrapped and heat shrunk bundles of gabled containers to form bundles that can be stacked on pallets and not be constrained by the gables in determining the size of the bundles. This is accomplished by nesting the gable containers on a conveyor on their side. The nesting of the gable containers on their side provides a stable structure that can be moved on a conveyor to be film wrapped. After film wrapping, the containers are conveyed to a heat shrink tunnel to form bundles of gable containers that can be placed on a pallet.

Abstract: A glove stacking apparatus for preparing a stack of gloves prior to packing into a box, and a method of stacking gloves, particularly ambidextrous disposable hygienic gloves, preferably with the thumbs of each glove in a desired orientation with respect to each other are disclosed. A glove stacking apparatus for forming a stack of gloves comprises a packing recess for receiving the gloves to be stacked, and adjacent the recess at least one movable flap for folding towards the recess a portion of a glove overlapping said edge of the recess. The movable flap has a surface that is permeable to gaseous flow through the surface, and the glove stacking apparatus including a source of vacuum pressure and means to apply the vacuum air pressure through the permeable surface of the movable flap in order to pull the overlapping portion of the glove to the flap prior to folding of the overlapping portion.

Abstract: A cash management safe includes a bill validator and stacker and a bagging mechanism for sealing received bills in a tamper evident bag prior to allowing the safe to be opened. Deposited bills are sealed in the bag upon expiration of a predetermined accumulation period, when an unlock code is entered in the safe's door lock, or when the capacity of the bag has been reached. The bag is sealed and die contents reported to a remote cash management server prior to unlocking the safe door, to reduce opportunities for loss during cash handling and transport.

Abstract: A system for packing and shipping erosion control blankets that maximizes the use of the interior space of a shipping container. More particularly, but not by way of limitation, the system relates to packing, handling, storing and shipping of erosion control blankets adapted for delivery to customers with the most efficient use of space during shipping.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for filling a thin-walled transport container (12) with notes of value. The device (10) comprises a supply unit (100) for supplying the notes of value and a stacking unit (200) for stacking the supplied notes of value. Further, the device (10) comprises a receiving unit (400) for receiving the thin-walled transport container (12), a holding unit (600) for holding a first closing element (18) and a second closing element (20) for closing the thin-walled transport container (12), a displacement unit (700) for displacing a value note stack created by means of the stacking unit (200) into the thin-walled transport container (12), a retaining unit (500) for holding notes of value transported into the thin-walled transport container (12) in the orientation in which they have been supplied to the transport container (12) and/or a closure unit (300) for closing a closing unit (16) for closing the opening of the thin-walled transport container (12).

Abstract: A banknote sorting and bundling apparatus (1) includes a stacker (16) for sorting and stacking a banknote being transported, a bundling-side stacking unit (21) for sorting and stacking a banknote of a specific banknote-kind as a bundling-object-banknote, a category setting unit (191) that sets a category of a banknote to be stacked in the stacker (16) and the bundling-side stacking unit (21), and an assignment setting unit (193) that assigns, if there is no stacking unit for which a banknote-kind of the banknote being transported is set among the stackers (16) or the bundling-side stacking units (21) for which the category of the banknote being transported has been set, the banknote-kind of the banknote being transported as the stacking banknote for a stacking unit for which no stacking banknote has been set. Therefore, the work burden for setting the stacking category and the banknote-kind for the bundling-side stacking units (21) or the stackers (16) one by one is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A banknote bundling device (3) includes a bundling-side stacking unit (21) in which bundling-object-banknotes are sorted and stacked, a bundling unit (22) that bundles one hundred bundling-object-banknotes with a bundling tape, and a pre-bundling transport unit (25) and a hold and transport unit (27) that transports the bundling-object-banknotes stacked in the bundling-side stacking unit (21) to the bundling unit (22) when the number of the bundling-object-banknotes stacked in the bundling-side stacking unit (21) reaches one hundred. The banknote bundling device (3) further includes a banknote-kind acquisition unit (172) that acquires a banknote-kind of the last banknote stacked in the bundling-side stacking unit (21) from among the one hundred bundling-object-banknotes, and a bundling-position setting unit (174) that sets, based on the banknote-kind of the last banknote, a bundling position of the bundling tape on the bundling-object-banknotes.

Abstract: A banknote sorting and bundling apparatus (1) includes a banknote processing device (2) including a stacker (16), and a banknote bundling device (3) including a bundling unit (22) and a bundling-side stacking unit (21). The apparatus (1) further includes a banknote transport unit (13) that transports a banknote deposited in a hopper unit (11) through a banknote transport path (18) including a first transport path (18A), a second transport path (18B), and a third transport path (18C), a diverting unit (13A) for diverting the banknote being transported through the banknote transport path (18) to the stacker (16) or the bundling-side stacking unit (21), and a post-bundling transport unit (26) for dispensing a bundle of banknotes bundled by the bundling unit (22) to a bundle dispensing outlet (23) provided near the hopper unit (11).

Abstract: A method of loading a plurality of articles in a container. The method can include providing a container having a body and defining an interior chamber, providing a stack of articles comprising snack pieces having a convex surface, inserting the stack of articles at least partially into the interior chamber, and reorienting the leading article by forcing the leading article against the inner surface such that the convex surface of the article cooperates with the inner surface.

Abstract: The automated bin filling system provides an efficient means of placing a relatively fragile bulk product into a container (such as a bulk storage bin) without substantially damaging the product. Specifically, the bin filling system moves bulk products (preferably fruits or vegetables) from a feed conveyor into a product accumulation section where the product is arranged to be uniformly loaded into a mobile tray. Once the mobile tray is filled, the tray is lowered into the bin and gently deposited. The empty tray is then elevated and retracted to its initial position and the loading cycle is repeated. This process continues until the bin is filled.

Abstract: A method and system for packaging products provides for initially, vertically stacking a plurality of products during production in a transfer canister, simultaneously removing a stack of the products from the transfer canister, reorienting the stack and horizontally loading the stack into a final product package cavity. The invention has applicability to a wide range of products, particularly food products, such as refrigerated dough products. In one embodiment of the invention, the product package cavity is thermoformed as part as an overall horizontal form, fill and seal system.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device (1) with at least one grouping belt (3) for the transport and/or grouping of packages (5) with a dimensionally stable protruding edge (9) and including means for moving two adjacent packages towards one another and for overlapping the protruding edges (9), whereby the edge (9) of the preceding package comes to rest over the edge (9) of the following package on the grouping belt (3). The disclosure further relates to a method of operating a device (1) of this nature preferably in packaging systems with deep-draw packaging machines or tray sealing machines and to the use of appropriate packages (5) which are then placed into an outer packaging in a space-saving manner. With the above device and method, space saving of the packages (5) in an outer packaging (14) can be achieved in a simple manner.

Abstract: Substantially triangular shaped container bottoms include a bottom wall with a concave surface. The container bottom can be used with a container body having an interior chamber for receiving at least one article. Exemplary embodiments include a container bottom attached to a container body wherein the container bottom includes a central surface area that is inwardly concave towards an interior chamber of the container body. Methods of loading a plurality of articles in a container are also provided.

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 device for packing stacked soft hygienic products, e.g. sanitary napkins, panty liners or the like, into a plastic bag made of an endless film, has specific forming shoulder (21) and MD sealing unit (5) to produce a MD seal (35) at a closure edge (46) of the bag. Thus four integral side panels are available at the bag (WB) for imprinting.

Abstract: The invention relates to bodies that have a structuring with connecting elements formed around the entire girth of the body. Furthermore, the invention relates to packages including an arrangement of at least two bodies according to the invention, with the connecting elements of a first body cooperating with the corresponding connecting elements of a second body in a form-locking manner. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for producing packages from bodies. The device has an alignment unit and at least one sliding device for form-lockingly connecting the aligned bodies, with at least two bodies at a time being rotated about their longitudinal axes in order to align corresponding connecting elements of the two bodies so that they can cooperate. The invention moreover relates to a method for producing packages from bodies, whereby at least two bodies are aligned first and subsequently assembled to form a first package, with the oppositely arranged connecting elements form-lockingly interlocking.

Abstract: A machine for packaging stacks of articles into containers using selectors for grouping the article stacks. The selectors include arrays of vertically spaced wedge members which engage the articles in each stack. The wedge members are aligned with slots in comb-like guide rails and operate to form groups of predetermined numbers of stacks of articles while keeping the articles in each stack in vertical alignment as they progress through the machine into the containers. A method of grouping stacked articles and a method of packaging stacked articles is also disclosed.

Abstract: An inline product feeder for a packaging line and related methods are disclosed. In one example, an inline product feeder includes a product input line configured to receive a contiguous supply of products and configured to guide the products in continuous motion along a path of travel. The inline product feeder also includes a packaging line configured to receive separated groups of the products from the product input line. The inline feeder further includes a feeder unit configured to separate groups of products from the contiguous supply of products in the product input line and move the group of products into the packaging line, each of the separated groups of products including a predetermined number of products from the product input line.

Abstract: A conveyor device, in particular for an automatic packaging machine for paper rolls, having a horizontal plane of advance, at least one pair of motorized flexible transmission members extending along a closed loop and bearing a plurality of transverse bars fastened to said flexible transmission members, a plurality of thruster elements borne by said bars, and a stationary adjustment station provided with at least one adjustment assembly having a grip organ movable in transverse direction and arranged in such a way as to displace in the transverse direction along the respective bar a thruster element positioned at the grip organ.

Abstract: A blister pack for dispensing pills that is childproof yet senior-friendly. The blister pack includes a substantially tear-resistant housing that encloses one or more blisters contained on a blister sheet and surrounded by criss-cross grain material to provide cut or tear resistance in multiple directions. In one embodiment, the cavities of the blisters are positioned such that the pills are aligned at an angle with respect to the corresponding dispensing slots on the housing in their normal position. The blisters are detachably attached to a zipper strip on the blister sheet to prevent undesired rotation of the blisters. Upon removal of the zipper strip, the blisters may be twisted until their pills are substantially aligned with their respective dispensing slot. The blisters may then be depressed to remove the pills from the cavities of the blisters by pushing the pills through the foil sheet that covers the slots.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus includes a conveyance unit having first and second position control plates. The first position control plate is arranged to selectively move forward or backward so as to obstruct or pass the group of packaged objects conveyed on the conveyance unit. When positions of the packaged objects are adjusted, the second position control plate is arranged to move from a downstream-side portion of the conveyance unit toward the first position control plate, rotate in a direction toward the first position control plate, or move from the downstream-side portion of the conveyance unit toward the first position control plate and simultaneously rotate in the direction toward the first position control plate. A subsequent process step delivery unit is arranged to deliver the group of packaged objects after the positions thereof are adjusted by the first and second position control plates, to a subsequent process device.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging products into a container, comprising a first supply conveyor (10); reorientation means (60, 62), associated with said first supply conveyor and configured for selectively changing the orientation of products (74-76, 81) being transported thereon; a second supply conveyor (20), disposed downstream of the first supply conveyor and having a product-carrying surface (21) that is moveable in both a transport direction and a direction substantially perpendicular thereto; a collecting conveyor (30), disposed downstream of the second supply conveyor, whereby a portion of the third product-carrying surface is extendably and retractably arranged; and a suction pick up head (66) that is disposed in a substantially vertically moveable manner above the retractable portion of the collecting conveyor, the suction pick up head being configured for engaging a layer of products to be placed into the container (90).

Abstract: A powerful throughput magazine of the ‘first in first out’ type is activated for the handling of diapers (10) or similar objects during the transport from a converter (13) to a packer (14), the diapers being transported as diaper groups (19) through said magazine. The magazine (15) comprises of an endless magazine conveyor (18) having transversely directed bars (20), wherein one diaper group (19) each is disposed between adjacent bars on the magazine conveyor (18) in an upright position. After removing the diapers (10) from the magazine (15), the diaper groups (19) are separated again, and the diapers are individually fed to the packer (14).

Abstract: A loading and palletizing device for roll trucks, such as dollies, and the associated method. 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. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A method for producing stacks of printed sheets, including supplying the printed sheets along a conveyor, stacking the printed sheets along the stack support in an upright position, supporting the first stack via a supporting device, transferring the first stack from the supporting device to a compression device having first and second compression carriages, compressing the first stack between the first and second compression carriages, strapping the first stack, releasing and moving the first compression carriage towards a second stack subsequently formed, and transferring support for the second stack from the supporting device to the first compression carriage.

Abstract: A machine for packaging stacks of articles into containers using selectors for grouping the article stacks. The selectors include arrays of vertically spaced wedge members which engage the articles in each stack. The wedge members are aligned with slots in comb-like guide rails and operate to form groups of predetermined numbers of stacks of articles while keeping the articles in each stack in vertical alignment as they progress through the machine into the containers.

Abstract: In order to package flat objects (1) with the aid of a quasi-endless packaging material web, the packaging material web is placed around a row (4) of the objects (1), in which these objects are conveyed one after the other and in an interspaced manner, whereupon longitudinal seams are made in the packaging material web and transversal seams are made between the objects (1) whereby separating the packaged objects from one another. The invention provides that the row is directly formed on the packaging material web (2) during which the objects are, by acceleration, separated out from a supply stream (3), in which they are fed while overlapping one another, and directly placed upon or pushed onto the packaging material web (2). Forming the row (4) directly on the packaging material web (2) eliminates additional conveying steps thereby shortening the entire required conveyor lines and rendering stabilizing means for stabilizing the objects (1) during conveyance unnecessary.

Abstract: A collector device includes a collector connected to a positioner, such as a robot arm. The positioner can automatically move the collector in multiple dimensions to collect objects into the collector according to a specified collection pattern. By moving the collector in multiple dimensions, the positioner provides for objects to be arranged in the collector according to a specified pattern. The positioner can also move the collector so that the collected objects are transferred to a second collector for shipping, storage, and the like.

Abstract: A machine (100) for making filter bags (1) for infusion products, the machine (100) being of the type comprising, one after the other along a production line (P), a plurality of operating stations designed to form the filter bags (1) and at least one operating outfeed station (7) for handling the filter bags (1) made; the operating outfeed and handling station (7) comprises conveying means (8) designed to successively pick up and withhold the filter bags (1) along a certain section (T1) of the line (P); supporting guide means (9) along which an ordered and continuous succession of filter bags (1) is formed and fed along another section (T2) of the line (P); and means (11) for picking up and transferring the filter bags from the conveying means (8) to the supporting guide means (9).

Abstract: A capsule orienting and separation apparatus is provided which allows a multiplicity of gelatin capsule shells to be uniformly oriented in a separable condition and for the caps of those shells to be separated from the capsule bodies. The apparatus allows a multiplicity of capsule shells all to be concurrently oriented in an upright disposition by a manually operated mechanism. The capsule caps are all uniformly oriented atop the capsule bodies and are exposed for gripping by a capsule cap lift assembly. The capsule caps are concurrently lifted from the capsule bodies while the capsule bodies remain in position in a matrix of openings in a capsule receiving tray. The capsules can then be filled with capsule filler material and tamped down as appropriate. The capsule caps are then all concurrently replaced on the capsule bodies and the capsule caps and capsule bodies are then concurrently permanently sealed together.

Abstract: An apparatus is situated downstream of a stickpack manufacturing machine with multiple dropping channels for forming a same number of stickpacks, which are distanced from one another by an interaxial measurement which is more than twice the width of the stickpacks. The apparatus comprises a ring-wound conveyor line, in which two batteries of walled compartments are provided, which batteries are driven independently from each other so that each battery is alternately situated either upstream or downstream; the number of compartments of each is a multiple of the number of dropping channels; the compartments are distanced by a step which is equal to half the interaxial measurement. A robotic handler is provided upstream of the conveyor line, which handler collects the stickpacks exiting from the machine and piles the stickpacks in the compartments of the battery waiting there; first the compartments in odd order, i.e.

Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which quickly and conveniently provide for the selective transmission of individual solid pharmaceutical products from a common location into individual blister package product cavities. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiments, an automated alignment mechanism alters the orientation of solid pharmaceutical products that are initially arranged randomly in a two-dimensional array into one or more linear transmission systems. Each linear transmission system is essentially a one-dimensional stack of solid pharmaceutical products, vitamins or other elements. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, after the solid pharmaceutical products have been arranged in one or more of the linear transmission systems or vertical stacks, the solid pharmaceutical products are selectively transmitted into individual product package blister cavities or into product package templates having locations corresponding to the blister package cavities.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing, protecting, isolating, and individually identifying sets of one or more articles in a plurality of compartments such that information related to the sets can be easily and efficiently linked to the set. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a compartment layer, a sealant layer, and indicia which may individually identify compartments. In another example, a method includes taking a compartment layer and sealant layer, loading compartments with sets of one or more articles, closing the compartment layer with the sealant layer, and identifying each compartment for each seed or portion thereof with a positionally-addressable ordered array of indicia on at least one of the layers of the package.