Abstract: An apparatus for automatically applying trasfers to packages in any size of cartons, such as revenue stamps to cigarettes while in cartons. Initially, cigarette cartons of any size are loaded onto a conveyor belt where they are carried to the various stations of the apparatus. The apparatus is automatically adjustable to any size of carton by means of photoelectric cells. As the cartons are pushed through the apparatus, an improved plow head opens the cigarette cartons in preparation for stamping. Just before stamping, any improperly opened cartons are automatically ejected. An improved stamp indexer scans the stamps photoelectrically so a motor advances the correct number of stamps so that waste is reduced and defective stamping is avoided. Next, a gluing station applies glue to ensure that flaps stay down when the cartons are reclosed. Finally, the cartons are discharged onto a conveyor where a packing station aligns them and pushes them row by row into a case for shipment.

Abstract: A detection apparatus is provided in a form, fill and seal operation to detect the position of sealing jaws with respect to one another during the sealing process.

Abstract: Envelopes in a bulk-mail processing system are inspected for emptiness, which indicates that all of the contents have been removed. The envelopes are spread apart at an extraction station, for manual or automatic removal of contents. The light transmissivity of the envelope and contents is measured when the envelope is unspread, and then when the envelope is spread. Based on at least the measured transmissivities of the envelope when spread and unspread, a threshold value of transmissivity consistent with the envelope being empty is calculated.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for sealing thermoplastic transparent overwraps on packages, in particular cigarette packages, using axially shiftable cylindrical cams enabling variable contact times dependent upon variable rotational speeds of the driving shaft of the overwrap machine as transferred to the cam support shafts. An encoder reads the rotational speed of each cylindrical cam and sends a signal representing that speed to a programmable controller which in turn sends a signal representative of an axial position of the cylindrical cam corresponding to the rotational speed to a reversible servo motor which functions to axially shift the cam support shaft to shift the cam relative to a cam follower. This in turn changes the dwell time of the cam follower and accordingly the contact time between the cam-controlled heater and the seam to be sealed over a variable range, while enabling the contact pressure and the temperature of the heater to remain constant.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus for sealing an inner pouch containing surgical instruments and/or elements in an outer breather pouch is provided. The method involves sequentially transporting a series of open inner pouches contained in an outer breather pouch to a viewing station wherein positioning data is obtained concerning the precise location of the inner pouch relative to a base position. Thereafter positioning data is transmitted to a sealing apparatus which adjustably positions a sealing means to consistently seal the inner pouch through the outer pouch material. The apparatus includes viewing mechanisms for determining the position of an inner pouch disposed in an outer pouch relative to a base position. Adjustable sealing apparatus communicates with the viewing mechanism to receive positioning information relating to the inner pouch. Based on this information the viewing apparatus is adjusted so as to be able to effect accurate sealing of the inner pouch disposed within the outer pouch.

Abstract: A packaging article inclusion-proofing device for use with an end-sealing mechanism includes a motor for driving a conveyor for feeding packaging articles, with a predetermined space therebetween, into a packaging material which is disposed downstream and formed into a packaging tube, a motor for driving a series of rolls which deliver the packaging material, and a motor for driving an end-sealing mechanism for achieving end-sealing of the tubular packaging material. A deviation detecting sensor is provided for detecting any deviation of the packaging articles from a position at which they would normally be disposed during the end-sealing operation. A reference timing pulse generator generates predetermined reference timing pulses with respect to the feeding of the packaging articles.

Abstract: An insertion machine includes an insertion station (44) whereat groups of items are stuffed into an envelope held open at an envelope opening station (49). The insertion station comprises a cam (212)-driven carriage (202) which linearly reciprocates in a direction (480) toward and away from the envelope opening station (49). The carriage (202) carries a plurality of selectively mounted, selectively rotatable pusher fingers (204). The pusher fingers (204) have a profile suitable for shoving items along a partially inclined insertion plate surface 403 and into an opened envelope. The pusher fingers (204) are selectively rotatable to an operative orientation (720) and to an inoperative orientation (722) under the supervision of a controller (205). Jam detectors (550, 552) are provided proximate reciprocating entry flanges (500, 502) which move when a jam occurs in the inserting process. Should a jam occur, the pusher fingers (204) are controlled to rotate the their inoperative orientation (722).

Abstract: A packing machine includes a supply conveyor arranged for advancing articles to be wrapped; a first motor drivingly connected to the supply conveyor; a second motor arranged for advancing a wrapper sheet codirectionally with the advance of articles; a sealing unit for periodically providing a transverse sealing seam in front of and behind each article subsequent to wrapping the article; and a third motor drivingly connected to the sealing unit. There is provided a circuit arrangement operatively coupled to the sealing unit for regulating a rotational position of the third motor. The circuit arrangement includes a computer having an input connected to the first motor for receiving data on consecutive rotational positions. To the computer there are applied data on dimensional characteristics of the articles and the wrapper sheet. The computer calculates, from the data, synchronous rotary positions of the second and third motors at least during periods when the sealing unit is in contact with the wrapper sheet.

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

Abstract: A control system and method for an apparatus for sealing packages wherein a web of flexible packaging material having a series of registration marks is formed into tubing and fed past a sealing device for sealing the tubing to form packages. As the tubing is fed past the sealing device, a photoeye detects the registration marks. A CPU, responsive to the photoeye, compares the location of registration marks relative to a window. A counter, responsive to the CPU, sets a delay length of tubing to be fed past the sealing device in response to the relative location of the registration marks and the window. The feeding of the tubing is stopped after the counter has been decremented to zero and the delay length of tubing has passed the sealing device. An in registration delay length of tubing to be fed past the sealing device is set in response to detection by said photoeye of a registration mark within the window.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for packaging particulate product in bags for deposit into cartons of predetermined cross section and height. Sheet material is formed about a filling tube. The sheet material is sealed and severed beneath the filling tube creating the top of one bag and the bottom of the next. Product is dropped through the filling tube into the formed sheet material which is vibrated. A sensor may be used to determine if product exceeds a predetermined height. After a predetermined amount of product has been dropped into the sheet material, the material is lowered, sealed and severd to form a filled bag.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming bags of predetermined length with a predetermined weight of product, the apparatus being provided with a vibrator for effecting vibration of a bag shaper and a sensor adjacent the bag shaper for determining when the product has subsided to a level less than the height of the bag so that jaws may be engaged to seal the top of the bag without being jammed by product.

Abstract: A machine for the automatic protective wrapping of baggage items having different dimensions comprising conveyor belts for moving successive single baggage to an automatic bundling machine with two sealing bars disposed at right angles to each other, to adapt every individual baggage item in a heat-shrinkable plastic film in such a way to form a wrapper sealed on three sides, the fourth being contact-sealed after passage of the wrapper containing the baggage item through a tunnel-type hot-air oven in which the heat-shrinkage of the plastic film takes place with perfect adherence of it to the baggage.

Abstract: A method of dispensing medicine by providing a medicine package having a sealed reservoir containing the medicine and bearing a machine readable code indicating the contents of the package, initiating the opening of the package with a machine having a special cutting tool, having a code reader for recording the information indicated by the code, and having a clock for recording the time when the opening of the package is initiated. The method of dispensing medicine further includes recording the identity of the person administering the medication and the identify of the person receiving the medication. The method also further includes the step of rendering the machine readable code unreadable upon the initiation of the opening of the package.

Abstract: A vertical form, fill and seal packaging machine is characterized by a sealing apparatus which provides for variable sealing jaw displacement having an externally selectable magnitude. The sealing apparatus also includes a displacement sensor for providing feedback signals indicative of a measured sealing jaw displacement.

Abstract: A drug dispensing apparatus which is arranged to form divided separate packets during intermittent transport of a packaging sheet in its longitudinal direction and to print messages for predetermined items on the separate packets. The print format may be edited as desired by an operator. Portions of the packaging sheet which are not part of the separate pockets may be printed with the cumulative status of the drug dosage which is accommodated in the printed pockets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the performance and through-put of a high speed horizontal wrapping machine of the type having mechanically independently driven infeed, film drive and cut/seal head motors, each controlled by a shared programmed microprocessor whereby in the event that a product to be wrapped gets out of registration to the point where the machine's cut/seal head blades might otherwise engage the product being wrapped rather than only the film between two adjacent products, the condition is sensed and a software routine is called which causes the cut/seal heads to come to a stop in the open condition while the film tube continues to be fed until all the products, including the one out of registration and all those downstream from it, exit the wrapper, at which point the wrapper resumes its normal running mode. In this fashion, damage to the cut/seal head and associated down-time to clear the jam is avoided.

Abstract: The horizontal wrapping machine of the type wherein a succession of articles are fed into a traveling tube of web material which is sealed longitudinally and severed and sealed between the articles to produce individual hermetically sealed packages. A variable speed motor drives a conveyor which may be provided with article feeding flights and a switch, actuated once each revolution of a timing shaft, provides a pulse corresponding to each flight on the article feeding conveyor. In addition an encoder driven by the variable speed drive motor shaft provides a digital velocity signal used as a reference signal for servo motors that may be coupled, in combination or individually, to drive web feed rolls, longitudinal sealing wheels and one or more sealing and severing heads. A delivery conveyor transporting individual packages may, through a suitable drive train, be driven by the variable speed drive motor.

Abstract: A medicine package including a reservoir containing the medicine, the package bearing a machine readable code indicative of the characteristics of the medicine contained therein. If from reading the code it is determined that the medicine contained in the package can be used to satisfy the needs of a particular patient, then the package is opened and the code is rendered unreadable by the machine. A machine for reading the code, opening the package, rendering the code unreadable, and maintaining a record of the dispensing of the medicine to a particular patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: A capping apparatus includes a turn table which is supported to be rotatable and provided with a plurality of container holders for temporarily holding the containers securely, a plurality of cap holders for releasably holding caps to be screwed onto the mouth portion of the containers, a plurality of torque motors individually provided for rotating the corresponding cap holders and a microcomputer for controlling the level of torque applied to the cap holders by the torque motors. The torque applied to the cap holder during the screwing operation is set to be higher in level during the first revolution of the cap and lower in level during the remaining rotation of the cap than the torque applied upon completion of the screwing operation so that the caps can be screwed onto the threaded mouth portions of the containers all at the same tightening level.

Abstract: A medicine package including a reservoir containing the medicine, the package bearing a machine readable code indicative of the characteristics of the medicine contained therein. If from reading the code it is determined that the medicine contained in the package can be used to satisfy the needs of a particular patient, then the package is opened and the code is rendered unreadable by the machine. A machine for reading the code, opening the package, rendering the code unreadable, and maintaining a record of the dispensing of the medicine to a particular patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic bag tying apparatus for converting an open bag loosely holding a substance into a tight package. A first gripping assembly tightly grips the unsealed bag toward its mouth. A second gripping assembly loosely and slidably grips the unsealed bag to form a neck. A displacement assembly displaces the gripping means relative to each other to cause the gripping means to move apart until the substance stops against the second gripping means. Bag closure applying apparatus then applies a closure to the bag in close proximity to the substance to create the final, closed, tight package. The tying apparatus further includes a guide assembly, and the gripping assemblies open sufficiently wide to allow passage of the bag and product therethrough which enables gravity loading of the apparatus. Tightening of the bag about the product is also controlled by pressure sensing apparatus to prevent over-tensioning of the bag.

Abstract: The heat-sealing tool for closing the thermoplastic transparent outer wrappers of cigarette packs in a cigarette packing machine is pivoted intermittently into engagement with the wrappers of successive packs while the indexible turret which transports the packs is idle. The tool is held in engagement with each of a series of wrappers for the same interval of time irrespective of the speed of the prime mover which drives the turret. To this end, the tool is pivotable by a rotary disc-shaped cam which is driven by a variable-speed motor whose operation is regulated by a control circuit including a function generator. Alternatively, the tool is actuated by a transmission which receives motion from the prime mover and is adjusted when the speed of the prime mover changes.

Abstract: To close folded cardboard boxes having different filling levels, the box content is detected by a sensing ram and, according to the data detected in this way, scoring is then carried out on the box closing tabs so that it can then be closed by folding the closing tabs along the score lines. Scoring blades are connected to the sensing ram via toggle levers in such a way that after the sensing ram has been set down on the box contents, the scoring blades are moved outwards against the inner face of the closing tabs.

Abstract: A sack (2,2') comprises a sealing member (1,1') which is provided at an appropriate position of the sack (2,2'), and a dried adhesive agent is spread on the inner walls of the sealing member (1,1'). A supply pipe (3) comprises a curved head from which a nozzle (21) projects. The supply pipe (3) is inserted to supply powdered materials into the sack (2,2'), via an aperture of the sealing member (1,1'), and then, after supply, the pipe (3) comes within the inner walls of the sealing member (1,1') where an activator is jetted from the nozzle (21). Sealing of the sack (2,2') is performed as it falls from a supporting member (30), owing to the outward pressure of the powdered materials supplied in the sack (2,2').

Abstract: The machine is provided with a carton support and advancement base and a sealing head superimposed to said support base and vertically displaceable with respect to the same. In order to adjust automatically the height of the sealing head to the variable height of the cartons there are provided sensing means mounted on said support base in such a position as to be engaged by the carton bottom to cause the consequent rising of the sealing head from a minimum-height position.

Abstract: Method of and apparatus for controlling a bag forming, filling and sealing machine by monitoring the machine cycle and controlling the jaw closure mechanism based on a previously determined jaw closed point. If the jaw closed indication is received prior to the previous value plus offset, the sealing cycle continues normally and all functions interlocked to jaw closed position such as knife, impulse, etc. are allowed to function normally. If the jaw closed signal is not received prior to the previous value plus offset the jaw close function is inhibited signifying a jam condition and the interlocked functions such as knife, impulse, etc. are inhibited. This function is independent of any external adjustment and serves as a safety device in all modes.

Abstract: A packaging machine wraps an article with a web of patterned wrapping paper as it is continuously formed into a sleeve, and seals or cuts or both seals and cuts the front and rear ends of a sleeve enclosure in which the article is wrapped. A timing adjustment device for the packaging machine includes input means for setting an operating pitch of a seal cutter or the like and a thickness of the article, a processor for computing an initial angle or position of the seal cutter or the like based on the settings for the operating pitch and the article thickness to establish timing of operation of the seal cutter or the like with respect to the article fed by a feed conveyor and the patterned wrapping paper and for issuing a control signal based on the result of computation, and a control motor for adjusting a timing mechanism for the seal cutter or the like based on the control signal.

Abstract: A rotary type capping apparatus for screwing caps onto the mouths of containers includes a turn table provided with a plurality of container holders fixedly mounted along the periphery thereof, a main motor for rotating the turn table in a predetermined direction and a capping head assembly including a plurality of cap holders, each of which is disposed above the corresponding one of the plurality of container holders, so as to be movable closer to or away from the turn table. In one aspect of the present invention, the capping apparatus includes at least one motor exclusively used for rotating the cap holders for causing the caps held by the cap holders to be screwed onto the mouths of containers. In another aspect of the present invention, the capping apparatus is so structured to increase the torque applied to a cap until it has reached a predetermined level during the cap screwing operation thereby insuring that all caps may be screwed on as tightly as desired.

Abstract: A case sealing machine, wherein the position of cases moving through the machine is continuously monitored by a programmable controller that uses information about case position to control the operation of various flap folding and glue applying mechanisms, is disclosed. Cases are moved through the machine by a chain-driven flight bar conveyor mechanism. Case entry is prevented by a raised gate until the flight bar conveyor mechanism is synchronized. Thereafter, the gate is lowered and a power roller feeds the case into the machine. After entering the machine, a case is pushed through the machine by the flight bar conveyor mechanism. The programmable case sealing machine can be programmed to seal the top and/or bottom of the case. If the bottom is to be sealed, the bottom major flaps of the case are separated from the bottom minor flaps by a T-deck mechanism as the case enters the machine. If the bottom of the case was previously sealed, the T-deck is rendered inoperative by the program.

Abstract: A heated sealing tool is actuated intermittently for fixed intervals of time to engage thermoplastic envelopes of successive cigarette packs which are supported by an indexible turret. In order to ensure that the intervals of engagement between the tool and successive envelopes are not altered when the speed of the prime mover of the packing machine is changed, the tool is mounted on one arm of a two-armed lever the other arm of which carries roller followers for two discrete coaxial cams which jointly actuate the tool through the medium of the lever. Each of the cams is driven at a speed which is proportional to the speed of the prime mover; however, one of the cams is angularly adjustable relative to the other cam by a gear motor or a bevel gear transmission in response to signals which denote changes in the speed of the prime mover so that the duration of intervals of engagement remains unchanged.

Abstract: An auxiliary flap sealer for a cartoning machine. A conveyor carries cartons past a gluer and then to a normally stationary plow to press together flaps to which glue has been applied. When the conveyor stops, with glue applied to open flaps, the stationary plow and glue nozzles are shifted upstream to complete the glue application if necessary and to close the flaps.

Abstract: A carton inspecting and conveying apparatus is disclosed as including a lower horizontal conveyor formed by two parallel spaced plastic chain loops with retractable pawls therebetween for stopping cartons at stations along the conveyor. At one such station, jets of air are directed at each carton to open any improperly sealed flaps, open flaps being photoelectrically detected. A pneumatic ejector at a subsequent station is selectively actuated by an electronic control unit responsive to the photodetector to remove unsealed cartons from the conveyor. A pneumatic lifting head is provided to transfer cartons from the conveyor to an accumulator column in the event of a carton backup. An elevator having platforms passing between the plastic chains lifts cartons from the lower conveyor, and a rotary transfer device places them on an upper outfeed conveyor belt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a packaging machine which forms, fills, and seals bags in vertical orientation, and includes a heat sealing and severing jaw mechanism located below a vertical forming and filling tube. One of the sealing jaws includes a defective package detector which responds to resistance to pressure exerted on the filled package.

Abstract: An automatic bagging apparatus for automatically packing articles into a comprises a horizontally movable tray assembly operable to transport and insert the articles towards the bag and a loader assembly simultaneously movable together with the tray assembly during the loading of the articles into the bag. When the loader assembly is to be retracted leaving the articles inside the bag, the loader assembly starts its return movement independently of and subsequent to the return of the tray assembly. The bag is, after having been fed from at least one bag box to a bag receptacle, positioned frontwardly of the tray assembly and is completely opened by the application of at least one blow of compressed air in to the bag subsequent to the opening of the mouth of the bag. The loading of the articles into the bag is initiated after the bag has been so completely opened.

Abstract: A continuous motion high-speed rotary machine of the turret type which has a plurality of angularly spaced filler heads thereon, each equipped with movable uncapping and capping means and a movable filler nozzle. As the turret rotates continuously, an individual bag spout is partially inserted into the approaching filler head. These bags are of the flexible type, each having a spout with a removable cap pressed thereon. The individual bags may be presented to the successive continuously-moving filler heads automatically or manually. A control system is provided on the machine which includes means for sensing the presence of the partially-inserted capped spout as the spout is clamped in the head. The movable uncapping and capping means on the head is then actuated to remove the cap and move the filler nozzle into cooperation with the clamped spout. A vacuum system on the machine then functions, through the nozzle, to pull vacuum through the spout on the bag to facilitate filling.

Abstract: An apparatus having a plurality of supports adapted to receive containers with portions of the containers spaced from their respective supports, an assembly mounting the supports in spaced relation to a first path of travel for movement along a second path of travel approaching the first path of travel, and a control system for individually detecting when the portions of the containers reach the first path of travel and thereupon terminating movement of their respective supports along the second path of travel.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing bungs from kegs. A walking beam moves the keg sequentially from a receiving station on a feed conveyor to an orienting station, a debunging station, a probe station, a reject station to a discharge conveyor. At the orienting station the keg is rotated to position the bung downwardly, and an auger removes the downwardly facing bung at the debunging station. At the probe station, a probe senses the presence of improperly removed bungs, and kegs with improperly removed bungs are rejected from the line at the reject station. Kegs with properly removed bungs are delivered to the discharge conveyor.

Abstract: A bag at a filling station is automatically filled with loose fruit, such as apples, while the mouth of the bag is held open by a pair of finger gripping assemblies. Upon the conclusion of the filling operation the finger gripping assemblies, which are mounted upon a pivotable transfer arm, are swung away from the filling station to carry the filled bag into the throat of an automatic bag tying machine with the upper end of the bag being bunched together into a neck within the throat of the machine. When the bag is fully received in the throat of the machine, the machine is pivoted downwardly to bring the lower face thereof into engagement with the fruit in the bag. Thus, when the tie is thereafter applied about the neck of the bag within the throat of the machine a tight package is formed which will facilitate the later handling thereof and which will be more attractive to the ultimate consumer.

Abstract: A method for packaging foodstuffs including a liquid constituent comprises filling a tray with the foodstuff while the tray is horizontal, applying a cover to the tray and sealing the cover to leave a small gap at the periphery of the tray. The tray is then tipped to bring the gap to the top of the resultant package and the package squeezed so that the liquid moves towards the gap to displace air from the package. Sealing is then completed. Apparatus to effect the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Cask orienting machine providing a rest station, a filling station and an intermediate orientation station for casks, advancing means to elevate the casks and advance them through the various stations and means to eject a cask in the filling station in time relation to the transfer of the following casks, means to rotate the cask in the orientation station until orientation means engages in a peripheral shive hole in the cask thereby preventing further rotation thereof. The invention also provides a cask filling and shive inserting means for an oriented cask comprising means to introduce a racking spear through the shive hole of a cask and to initiate pressurizing and filling of the cask and means to position and drive a shive into the shive hole.

Abstract: Elevating flap-folding and flap-anchoring head of automatic carton closing machine is provided with balancing suspension by flexible tether means from support tower or equivalent in any of a variety of ways so that progressively applied forces of operational actions upon top of each carton as it is progressively advanced and closed therebeneath is easily accommodated and offset by such supporting mechanism and reaction thereof.

Abstract: Packaging apparatus for packaging units in flexible sheet material with the units spaced longitudinally in a tube formed of a web of the material and with the tube sealed together between successive units. The apparatus includes a rotary sealing wheel carrying a series of sealing assemblies for sealing the tube, the sealing assemblies being uncoupled from the wheel and held at a hold position for again being released in timed relation to movement of the tube for sealing the tube between successive units. The apparatus also includes an electronic pulse counter or encoder driven at a speed proportional to the speed of the wheel to effect the release of a sealing unit in the event the passage of a unit to be packaged is not sensed by a photoelectric sensor when packaging the units in unprinted sheet material, or to control the placement of units to be packaged on a web of the material having registration marks preprinted thereon.