Concurrent Control Of Contents And Receptacle Feeds Patents (Class 53/55)
  • Publication number: 20110308204
    Abstract: An apparatus, and the methods therefore, that automatically detects, elaborates and interprets the geometry of a container (2) and of one or more of the contained articles (3), and supplies and inserts, automatically, packaging material into the container in a suitable manner and amount. The apparatus comprises one or more sensors (6) for measuring the geometric profile of the container (2) and of the contained articles (3). The apparatus comprises in addition processing means (14) that acquire the measurement data of the geometric profile and elaborates packaging instructions. The apparatus comprises also devices for the dispensing (42) and insertion (43) of packaging material into the container (2). The apparatus can be equipped with a conveying device (4) for transporting the containers to the measuring sensor (6) and to the dispensing device (42) and insertion means (43) of the packaging material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Storopack Hans Reichenecker GmbH
    Inventors: Marco Corradi, Paolo Corradi
  • Patent number: 7997045
    Abstract: A packing wrapper filling device includes a filling machine (1) having at least one pivotable filling tube (11) on rotary plate (10). A gathered packing wrapper (14) is fitted onto the filling tube. The invention includes a closing mechanism (2) and store (3) for gathered packing wrappers. The closing mechanism (2) closes both sides of filled wrapper sections. Control device (22) interconnects filling machine (1), closing mechanism (2), store (3), and rocking arms (16). The lateral wall(s) of store (3) include a longitudinal flap (16) in the lower section, pivotable by rotary articulation (20) via rocking arms (15). The control device (22) controls individual envelope (14) removal from store (3). Transport devices (5, 6, 7, and 8) and deflection rollers (9) arranged along feed belt (4) transport envelope (14) along the feed belt (4) from store (3) to filling tube (11 or 12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Kalle GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Aur Der Heide, Dirk Aur Der Heide, Jürg-Heinrich Kallweit
  • Patent number: 7950206
    Abstract: A device for dispensing pills includes a set of pill canisters, each having a machine-readable canister identifier. The device for dispensing pills further includes a reader adapted to read the machine-readable canister identifier and a selector interfaced to the reader. An active pill canister from the plurality of pill canisters is selected by the selector using data from the reader to determine which of the plurality of pill canisters is at a target location. A control is provided for releasing a desired quantity of pills from the selected pill canister at a target location into a target package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: QEM, Inc.
    Inventor: Norman D. Knoth
  • Patent number: 7934355
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically mounting substrates with medical and/or pharmaceutical and/or food-supplementing products, including at least one magazine to store blister strips rolled up on rolls or the like, each magazine having at least one holding position for the rolls, a delivery device to unroll the blister strips and deliver the unrolled blister strips to a supply position for the products provided by each roll in the magazine to be mounted, a separating device for separating product-filled blister sections from the blister strip, and a mounting head to receive, rotate and dispense the separated blister sections with the products sealed therein, the mounting head controlled by a control system to transport the separated blister sections from the supply position to a mounting position over the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: AvidiaMed GmbH
    Inventors: Nikolai Strub, Gottfried Von Bismarck, Gerhard Breu, Christoph Hammer, Roman Traber, Erich Specker
  • Patent number: 7934358
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Expericard AB
    Inventor: Peter Gustavsson
  • Patent number: 7930869
    Abstract: An inserter apparatus for inserting an item into a holder. The inserter apparatus includes a deck, a mover, an opening system, and a controller. The deck can slidably support the holder from a first location to an item loading location. The mover can move the holder along the deck, wherein the mover includes a drive motor, a conveyor connected to the drive motor, and a gripper connected to the conveyor. The drive motor is a servo motor. The opening system is at the item loading location for opening the holder and inserting the item into the holder. The controller is connected to the servo motor. The controller is adapted to vary speed of the servo motor to thereby vary speed of the conveyor and the holder along the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas H. Rozenkranz
  • Patent number: 7926242
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: MAG Systemes SAS
    Inventors: Gérard Faissolle, Michel Moreaux
  • Patent number: 7891159
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Iocco, Greg E. McDonald, Max C. Painter, Wayne T. Workman
  • Patent number: 7886506
    Abstract: A method of dispensing pills includes (a) inputting a request and (b) loading a cassette having a first pill type into position then (c) positioning a target container beneath that cassette. (d) The cassette is energized to drop one pill. (f) If a pill dropped and there are still more of the current pill to drop, the method continues at step d. (g) If a pill dropped and the number of the current pill has satisfied the request, the method ends. (h) If a pill dropped and a number of the current pill already dispensed type has not satisfied the request, the method continues with step d. (i) If no pill dropped, an operator is informed. (k) If the operator indicates the cassette is empty and another cassette has a same pill, the other cassette is moved to the target location and the method continues from step d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: QEM, Inc.
    Inventors: Norman D. Knoth, Marcia D. Wilkinson
  • Patent number: 7886502
    Abstract: A packaging method and apparatus wherein each product is packaged by enveloping the product in flexible packaging material. A programmed microprocessor calculates the length of flexible packaging material needed to package the product based on the physical dimensions of the product, calculates the weight of the flexible packaging material needed, and calculates a total package weight as the sum of the weight of the product and the calculated weight of the flexible packaging material. A printer prints information specific to the product that is being packaged onto a label that is then affixed to the flexible packaging material prior to the product being packaged. The information can be a function of the package weight, and the calculated total package weight can be communicated from the microprocessor to the printer. Finally, the product is packaged in the flexible packaging material having the label already affixed thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation (US)
    Inventors: Laurence Sperry, Brian A. Murch, Ross Patterson
  • Patent number: 7882680
    Abstract: An automated pharmaceutical product packaging machine simultaneously fills a plurality of product package templates in parallel with desired pharmaceutical dosing requirements. The templates are subsequently positioned over a temporary storage template having cavities for receiving solid pharmaceutical doses. A collector member is subsequently placed beneath the temporary storage template for receiving the pharmaceuticals which in turn is positioned over a solid pharmaceutical product package having a plurality of cavities which correspond to openings on the templates and wherein each of the templates fills a pharmaceutical package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: MTS Medication Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Siegel, Stuart C. Bagley, Anne M. Bagley, legal representative
  • Publication number: 20110011034
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: Express Scripts, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael L. Mahar
  • Patent number: 7861492
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Yuyama, Hirokazu Chihara
  • Patent number: 7865262
    Abstract: A method and a device for providing cards for processing first cause a drawing of a card from at least one card magazine. The cards are arranged in a plurality of card magazines and may be drawn from the same, and information regarding their card type is further associated with the cards. After drawing the card, it is output for subsequent processing together with the information regarding the card type associated with the card to allow control of the subsequent processing based on the forwarded information. Cards of a known card type are arranged in a card magazine and the information regarding the card type is associated with the card magazine, wherein the information associated with the card magazine is forwarded when drawing a card from a card magazine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Boewe Systec AG
    Inventors: Monika Neff, Rudolf Gamperling, Stefan Estner
  • Patent number: 7856792
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Toyo Jidoki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoichi Koga, Tohru Yoshikane
  • Publication number: 20100313524
    Abstract: A retrofit ice making and bagging apparatus and retrofit installation method provide automatic supply of bags of ice into a freezer compartment. The apparatus has an outer housing with a lower end configured for securing on top of an aisle freezer so that openings in the lower end of the housing and upper end of the freezer are aligned to provide a passageway into the freezer compartment. An ice making unit and bag making and filling station are mounted in the housing. Ice is transported from the ice making station into partially formed bags at the bag making and filling station, and a bag is sealed and separated when a sufficient amount of ice is supplied to the bag. The bag making and filling station communicates with the passageway into a storage compartment in the freezer, whereby separated bags of ice fall into the storage compartment on completion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: SCHUR INTERNATIONAL A/S
    Inventors: Henrik Pape, Ken Strong
  • Patent number: 7849664
    Abstract: A system (10) for dispensing dunnage material includes a chute (30) connectable to a supply (20, 40) of flowable dunnage. A container (12) or a bottom of the chute (30) is moved into a dispensing position where the bottom of the chute (30) is proximate the fill plane of the container (12). A controller (16) selectively opens a shutter (50) at the bottom of the chute (30) to dispense dunnage and then closes the shutter (50) to separate the dispensed dunnage from the dunnage in the chute (30) while also removing the dunnage above the fill plane of the container (12). The chute (30) includes at least one substantially horizontal plate member (54) that is openable to selectively vary the size of an aperture (52) created thereby at the bottom of the chute (30) for dispensing dunnage material therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: James J Corbett, Joseph J Harding, Charles D Molitor, Michael A Pintz, Scott J Williams, Rapheal R Still, Timothy E Sull, Ronald Rich, David A Pierson, Paul C Gilles
  • Publication number: 20100275556
    Abstract: An automatic, portable water bottle filling apparatus includes an elongated frame that defines a continuous conveying path with opposite first and second ends; a conveyor system that moves bottles along the conveying path; a water filling station adjacent to the conveying path second end that is configured to fill an empty bottle with liquid from the user's water source; a capping station positioned downstream from the water filling station that is configured to close a filled bottle with a cap; a sensor system configured to detect the presence of an empty, uncapped bottle at the water filling station; and a controller that automatically controls operations of the water filling station, capping station and conveyor system in response to signals received from the sensor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Richard D. Michelli, Laura Paramoure Michelli
  • Patent number: 7814733
    Abstract: A system, and associated components and methodology, that automatically acquires data representative of the space left in each of a series of containers (32) in which one or more articles have been placed for packaging, and dispenses a controlled amount of dunnage material based on that data from a selected one of a plurality of dunnage dispensers (12). The system includes void volume data acquisition apparatus (11) for acquiring void volume data for the containers sequentially supplied thereto and for associating the sequentially acquired void volume data with the container. The system also includes a plurality of dunnage dispensers remotely located relative to the void volume data acquisition apparatus to dispense a controlled amount of dunnage material for insertion into one of the containers selectively transported to that dispenser from the void volume data acquisition apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Ranpak Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel L. Carlson, Thomas A. Bilkie
  • Patent number: 7797909
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for packaging a non-contact printed edible substrate as well as the resultant packaged product. The packaging apparatus may include a non-contact printer, a carrier, and a package located at a discharge position. The carrier may be constructed and arranged to transport the edible substrate from the print position to the package and orient same in the package so that the printed ink indicia is visible through at least a portion of a panel of the package. At a print position, the non-contact printer is constructed and arranged to apply an edible ink indicia to an edible substrate. The packaging apparatus may form a packaged product having a plurality of compartments where at least one compartment at least partially defined by a panel. The interior of the compartment contains at least one edible substrate comprising a surface and a printed edible ink indicia on the surface so that the ink indicia is visible through at least a portion of the panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company
    Inventors: Ronald L. Ream, Enrique Valdez, Mitchell B. Dikselis
  • Patent number: 7775015
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Inventor: H. W. Crowley
  • Patent number: 7752826
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasushi Yamaguchi, Kazumi Kitagawa, Yukio Nakagawa
  • Patent number: 7712287
    Abstract: An apparatus in one embodiment has: a positioning functionality that sequentially locates, at a predefined bight, coupons of a continuous web of coupons; a burst functionality whereby a foremost coupon is separated at the predefined bight from a next coupon of the continuous web of coupons; a staging functionality whereby the separated foremost coupon is moved to a staging position; and an insertion functionality whereby the first coupon is inserted into a container. In another embodiment the first coupon is inserted into a container only after the next coupon is separated from the continuous web. In another embodiment after the second coupon is sensed, the first coupon is burst and inserted into a container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2010
    Assignee: Gallimore Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Kent Gallimore
  • Patent number: 7694497
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: MG 2-S.r.l.
    Inventors: Antonio Tagliavini, Mauro Minghetti
  • Patent number: 7669385
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Sichera S.r.l.
    Inventors: Massimiliano Sichera, Gianni Sichera
  • Publication number: 20100024363
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing, bagging and dispensing ice has an ice supply station, an ice collection station, a film supply, a bag forming station, and an ice transport device to transport ice from the collection station to the bag forming station. A controller controls supply of two superimposed film layers to the bag forming station, bag forming, and ice supply to the bags. A bag is partially formed from the superimposed film layers by a sealing device at the bag forming station, and ice is transported from the ice collector into the partially formed bag. The remaining open portions of the bag are sealed when sufficient ice has been supplied to the bag, which is then separated from the film supply for discharge into a storage and freezer compartment. The preceding steps are repeated until the storage and freezer compartment is filled to a predetermined level with bags of ice.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: Schur International A/S
    Inventor: Henrik Pape
  • Patent number: 7637079
    Abstract: An installation for filling weekly blister packs, i.e. packaging units, with doses of different medicaments corresponding to the weekly requirements of several patients and to be taken by the respective patient in a certain order according to the day of the week and the time of the day, according to a doctor's prescription. The installation is provided with output stations associated with the medicaments, for automatically filling all or selected compartments line-by-line. In order to control the output stations in such a way as to fill the weekly blister pack with the prescribed medicament, an electronic control unit processes information about patients, the information being continuously supplied to the unit in such a way that it is synchronized with the blister pack advancing movements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Edwin Kohl
    Inventors: Hans Klingel, Edwin Kohl
  • Patent number: 7594372
    Abstract: A flexible container forming apparatus which forms a flexible container from at least one film comprising a surface deformation assembly and a flexible container sealing assembly. The surface deformation assembly includes a subassembly which has a heating assembly and a surface deformation station. The heating assembly heats a portion of film, and the deformation station plastically deforms a portion of the film. The heating assembly includes a member for selectively introducing the film to the heated roller. The surface deformation station includes a member for directing the film in opposing directions. A slack accumulation assembly accumulates at least a portion of the film that has been deformed by the surface deformation station. The apparatus may include a filler device and a transfer assembly for transferring formed containers to a filler device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Scholle Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Micnerski
  • Publication number: 20090211198
    Abstract: An automated system and method for emptying the contents of pharmaceutical containers. In an embodiment, a gripper unit receives and holds a pharmaceutical container. A cutter cuts the pharmaceutical container, and a rotating unit, operable with the gripper, rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: James G. McErlean, E. Christian Hess, Chih-Jen Leu, Mark A. Detri
  • Publication number: 20090188332
    Abstract: A system for sampling a bale of fibrous material is provided including a transportation mechanism for moving the bale from a first point to a second point and a first gripper for obtaining a sample from the bale when the bale is at a position between the first point and the second point. The gripper includes a movable finger for gripping the sample from the bale. An actuator comprising an actuating rod is provided for pushing the sample away from the movable finger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Bradley P. Actis
  • Patent number: 7565788
    Abstract: A method for creating mailpieces from a single web of printed material. The web of printed material includes a continuous web having a width and a length, the length comprised of a series of attached sheets. The series of attached sheets is comprised of envelope sheets and content pages. The content pages are rectangular in shape and may be oriented relative to the envelope sheets in a number of different configurations. In some configurations, two sets of content pages and/or envelope sheets can be printed across the width of the web. The method starts with cutting consecutive attached sheets into separated sheets. The content pages belonging to a same mailpiece are accumulated together. The separated envelope sheet is transported, bypassing the accumulating and turning steps. The accumulated and turned content pages are then merged with the envelope sheet, and the envelope sheet is folded and closed around the accumulated content pages to form a finished enclosing envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2009
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Denis J. Stemmle, Clare E. Woodman, John W. Sussmeier, Eric A. Belec, Michael J. Cummings
  • Patent number: 7555875
    Abstract: A medicine management system includes a medicine storage unit, keeping at least one new cassette in which medicines are accommodated; a robot unit including a gripper for gripping the new cassette; an automatic medicine packing apparatus, dispensing and packing medicines from a dispensing cassette thereof, and requesting replenishment of medicines when there is no medicine in the dispensing cassette; and a central control unit, controlling the robot unit to transmit movement control commands to the robot unit upon receiving the replenishment request, to mobilize the robot unit to transfer the empty dispensing cassette to a conveyer and gripping a new cassette in which the corresponding medicines are accommodated from the medicine storage unit and mounted to the automatic medicine packing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun Ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7549266
    Abstract: A compact tablet storage and take-out apparatus capable of quickly discharging and filing tablets. The tablet storage and take-out apparatus includes: a cylindrical drum; a drum driving device; a plurality of tablet cassette mounting bases fitted to an outer surface of the drum; tablet cassettes which are detachably mounted on the tablet cassette mounting bases; and a guide passage for guiding discharged tablets inside the drum. Moreover, the apparatus includes a transfer robot provided inside the drum so as to be liftable and also rotatable. The transfer robot is operable to transfers a vial between a delivery position located outside an opening formed in an upper end or a lower end of the drum and a tablet filling position. The position of at least one of the drum and the transfer robot is controlled so that an opening of the vial held by the transfer robot agrees with an outlet of the guide passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Katsunori Yoshina, Takafumi Imai, Yoshinori Kumano, Masahito Miyashita
  • Publication number: 20090064638
    Abstract: A system (10) for dispensing dunnage material includes a chute (30) connectable to a supply (20, 40) of flowable dunnage. A container (12) or a bottom of the chute (30) is moved into a dispensing position where the bottom of the chute (30) is proximate the fill plane of the container (12). A controller (16) selectively opens a shutter (50) at the bottom of the chute (30) to dispense dunnage and then closes the shutter (50) to separate the dispensed dunnage from the dunnage in the chute (30) while also removing the dunnage above the fill plane of the container (12). The chute (30) includes at least one substantially horizontal plate member (54) that is openable to selectively vary the size of an aperture (52) created thereby at the bottom of the chute (30) for dispensing dunnage material therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Applicant: RANPAK CORP.
    Inventors: James J. Corbett, Joseph J. Harding, Charles D. Molitor, Michael A. Pintz, Scott J. Williams, Rapheal R. Still, Timothy E. Sull, Ronald Rich, David A. Pierson, Paul C. Gilles
  • Patent number: 7475520
    Abstract: A system and method designed to position a tray for either horizontal stacking or vertical stacking of product. The system includes a stationary conveyor and a tray carriage in a tray transportation path with the conveyor. The tray carriage is moveable between an elevated, horizontal position and an inclined position. Guides are located near the tray carriage to guide the tray carriage into the inclined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John Swider, Michael E. Caporali, Thomas Arnold, Eric Reisenauer
  • Patent number: 7475523
    Abstract: A process to merge a plurality of streams of printed products. The process includes merging a first stream of printed products with a second stream of printed products according to a predetermined order that is recipient-based, and packaging selected printed products from the first stream while the printed products of the first stream are being merged with the second stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Quad/Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Graushar, Eric Blohm
  • Patent number: 7441388
    Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenser a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Sus, Ron Dorsten, Jenny Hong, Glenn Schackmuth, Mario G. Ceste, Curtis Clarence Pinnow, Christopher Juneau, Steven Konold, Richard Montafi, Benny Nunley, Charles E. Rose, Andrew Courier, Kevin Keough, Richard Terrazzano
  • Patent number: 7434374
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Tecnomeccanica S.r.l.
    Inventor: Andrea Romagnoli
  • Patent number: 7430838
    Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis W. Rice, James G. McErlean, E. Christian Hess, P. Thomas Shupert, Chih-Jen Leu, Robert G. Howell, Michael J. Szesko, Andrew P. Booler, Peter Monkhouse, Douglas W. Walton, Michael W. G. Bell, Christopher J. Lasher, Thomas P. Bonkenburg
  • Publication number: 20080141625
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: RANPAK CORP.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Bilkie
  • Publication number: 20080141619
    Abstract: In a machine for filling box-like containers with articles arranged side by side and vertically, a station (1) forms a row (11) of articles (10), overlapped at least partially. An article feeding apparatus (2), functionally interposed between the outlet section of the forming station (1) and a filling station (3), operates between a rest configuration (I) and a work configuration (A). When in the work configuration, the apparatus transfers the articles (10) from the outlet section into a box-like container (4), placed in the filling station (3), and directs the articles in a vertical orientation, to define a prefixed filling condition of the first container (4). A conveyor (5) supports the series of box-like containers and is operated, in step relation with the speed of feeding of the articles (10), fed by the articles feeding apparatus (2), so as to move the box-like containers in a container feeding direction (G).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: C.M.C. S.p.A.
    Inventor: Francesco Ponti
  • Publication number: 20080134629
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device for a packaging machine in which at least one conveyor of a packaging machine which displaces at least one material to be packed and to be detected, to various stations of the packaging machine. According to the invention, at least one x-ray source and one detector are provided for irradiating the material which is to be detected and which is arranged between the x-ray source and the detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventors: Ralf Schmied, Walter Bauer, Werner Runft, Florian Bessler
  • Patent number: 7356980
    Abstract: An automated food processing system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, fried and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container. In one embodiment, the system includes separate automated modules for dispensing, frying and packaging the food. In one embodiment, an automated dispensing device dispenses a predetermined portion of food from a bulk storage container or food dispensing magazine. Food is dispensed from the automated dispensing device to an automated fry device that can include at least one circular fry wheel having a plurality of food containing compartments. After the food is fried it is dispensed from the fry device to an automated packaging device. The automated packaging device dispenses food to a container that may be an individual portion-sized container that is retrieved, erected and held into position for filling by an automated container handling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: Restaurant Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald A. Sus, Ron Dorsten, Jenny Hong, Glenn Schackmuth, Andrew Courier, Kevin Keough, Richard Terrazzano, Mario G. Ceste, Curtis Clarence Pinnow, Christopher Juneau, Steven Konold, Richard Montafi, Benny Nunley, Charles E. Rose
  • Patent number: 7334379
    Abstract: An automated pharmaceutical product packaging machine simultaneously fills a plurality of product package templates in parallel with desired pharmaceutical dosing requirements. The templates are subsequently positioned over a temporary storage template having cavities for receiving solid pharmaceutical doses. A collector member is subsequently placed beneath the temporary storage template for receiving the pharmaceuticals which in turn is positioned over a solid pharmaceutical product package having a plurality of cavities which correspond to openings on the templates and wherein each of the templates fills a pharmaceutical package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: MTS Medication Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Siegel, Stuart Bagley
  • Patent number: 7331151
    Abstract: An automatic medicine packaging machine having a driving setting device for conveniently setting driving values and delay times of driving devices is disclosed. The driving setting device includes a touch screen to display a user operating program and to receive manipulation commands from a user, a memory to store the user operation program, a communication unit to transmit and receive data to and from the main controller, and a sub-controlling unit to control operation of the driving setting device according to the user operating program stored in the memory. The sub-controlling unit includes an interface supplying unit to supply a user interface, a driving value setting unit to receive driving values of the medicine packaging machine, a delay time setting unit to set the delay times of the medicine packaging machine, and a setting value transmission unit to transmit the values set by the setting units to the main controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-ho Kim
  • Patent number: 7325375
    Abstract: The combination of a plurality of streams of printed products. The first stream of products is selectively inserted into a packaging device while being merged into a second stream of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Quad/Graphics, Inc.
    Inventors: William T. Graushar, Eric Blohm
  • Patent number: RE40510
    Abstract: In an automated prescription dispensing and packing system, empty prescription bottles are labeled and loaded in assigned locations in carriers. Pills are automatically dispensed into the prescription bottles in the carriers. Ranks of carriers containing filled prescription bottles are assembled at stations where the bottles are unloaded and packed into shipping containers with literature printed by the system. Multiple bottles of an order are automatically packed in the same shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Lasher, Dennis W. Rice, Michael J. Szesko, Frank Modrowsky, James McErlean, Michael Kennedy, Paul Thomas Shupert
  • Patent number: RE42730
    Abstract: In an automated prescription dispensing and packing system, empty prescription bottles are labeled and loaded in assigned locations in carriers. Pills are automatically dispensed into the prescription bottles in the carriers. Ranks of carriers containing filled prescription bottles are assembled at stations where the bottles are unloaded and packed into shipping containers with literature printed by the system. Multiple bottles of an order are automatically packed in the same shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Lasher, Dennis W. Rice, Michael J. Szesko, Frank Modrowsky, James G. McErlean, Michael Kennedy, Paul Thomas Shupert
  • Patent number: RE42766
    Abstract: In an automated prescription dispensing and packing system, empty prescription bottles are labeled and loaded in assigned locations in carriers. Pills are automatically dispensed into the prescription bottles in the carriers. Ranks of carriers containing filled prescription bottles are assembled at stations where the bottles are unloaded and packed into shipping containers with literature printed by the system. Multiple bottles of an order are automatically packed in the same shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Lasher, Dennis W. Rice, Michael J. Szesko, Frank Modrowsky, James G. McErlean, Michael Kennedy, Paul Thomas Shupert
  • Patent number: RE42937
    Abstract: In an automated prescription dispensing and packing system, empty prescription bottles are labeled and loaded in assigned locations in carriers. Pills are automatically dispensed into the prescription bottles in the carriers. Ranks of carriers containing filled prescription bottles are assembled at stations where the bottles are unloaded and packed into shipping containers with literature printed by the system. Multiple bottles of an order are automatically packed in the same shipping container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Medco Health Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Lasher, Dennis W. Rice, Michael J. Szesko, Frank Modrowsky, James McErlean, Michael Kennedy, Paul Thomas Shupert