By Printing Patents (Class 53/131.2)
  • Patent number: 11492152
    Abstract: A packaging device for medications includes a packaging material supply and a folding and guiding unit. The folding and guiding unit folds a packaging material web in the longitudinal direction so that the edges of the packaging material web are guided along packaging material web folding regions and a folding section establishes a folded region in the packaging material web. The folding and guiding unit includes an impact region for medications to be packaged, a first joining unit and a second joining unit. The folding and guiding unit also includes a medication supply section spaced apart from the folding section and via which medications are conducted vertically spaced apart from the folded region into the folded packaging material web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: CAREFUSION GERMANY 326 GMBH
    Inventor: Dietmar Gross
  • Patent number: 10946477
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes systems and method relating to laser marking, in particular an apparatus comprises a fiber laser operable to produce a laser beam, an optics assembly operable to focus and direct the laser beam onto a non-metalized layer side of a substrate, wherein the substrate comprises the non-metalized layer side comprising a nonmetalized material and a metalized layer side comprising a metalized material, the metalized layer side being opposite the non-metalized layer side; and electronics communicatively coupled with the fiber laser and the optics assembly, the electronics being operable to control the fiber laser and the optics assembly, based on one or more laser settings, to direct the laser beam through the non-metalized layer side to be absorbed by the metalized layer side, generate a laser marking on the metalized material, and avoid generating the laser marking on the non-metalized material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Dover Europe Sarl
    Inventor: Stephane Valette
  • Patent number: 10836517
    Abstract: A conveyor receives a cardboard box formed about an article, with a first lateral flank uncovered. An inlet receives the cardboard box with the first lateral closing wall coplanar with a base wall, a second lateral closing box wall folded to cover a second lateral article flank, a third lateral closing box wall folded to cover a third lateral article flank, a fourth lateral closing box wall folded to cover a fourth lateral article flank, and an upper closing box wall folded to cover an upper article face. An arrest stops the box, a first folding component rotates and folds the first lateral closing box wall to cover the first lateral article flank, and second folding component rotates a closing tab (AC), hinged to the upper closing wall to fold and bring a closing tab against the first lateral closing wall for closing the cardboard box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: F.L. AUTO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Ponti
  • Patent number: 10732066
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a component device, in particular for a primary supporting component of an aircraft, which comprises a first component element, a second component element, a bonding providing a connection between the first component element and the second component element, a marker substance device configured to dispense a volatile marker gas to the environment when in contact with the surrounding air and being hermetically sealed from the surrounding air by the first component element, the second component element, and/or the bonding if the bonding is not damaged, and a detector device configured to detect the marker gas dispensed by the marker substance device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignees: Airbus Defence and Space GmbH, Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Thomas Kruse, Thomas Körwien, Alois Friedberger, Andreas Helwig
  • Patent number: 9725194
    Abstract: An automatic packaging machine including a folding assembly of a continuous sheet of packaging material, in particular paper, having a sliding plane for conveying the continuous sheet of packaging material along a conveying direction is disclosed. The sliding plane includes an entrance end for entering the continuous sheet of paper and two opposite sides parallel to the conveying direction. Further, the folding assembly includes a feeding assembly for feeding the continuous sheet of packaging material along a feeding plane which is substantially orthogonal to the conveying direction and defined at the entrance end of the sliding plane. The folding assembly further includes a block associated with at least one of the opposite sides of the sliding plane and a body associated with the block and provided with a cone-sector surface which supports a longitudinal flap during longitudinal creasing and accompanies it during the folding along the longitudinal creasing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2017
    Assignee: SITMA MACHINERY S.p.A.
    Inventors: Aris Ballestrazzi, Lamberto Tassi
  • Publication number: 20150114890
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for processing mail by severing an edge of each envelope in a stack of mail. The apparatus includes an input bin for receiving a stack of mail. A feeder feeds the bottom envelope from the input bin to a transport that conveys the envelope along an envelope path. A cutter positioned along the envelope path severs one edge of the envelopes. A detector detects a characteristic of the envelope and a sorter sorts the envelope in response to the detected characteristic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: David R. Helmlinger, Robert DeWitt
  • Publication number: 20150102100
    Abstract: A database device stores a plurality of data records comprising package parameters, each data record corresponding to a unique URL. Each unique URL corresponds to one of a plurality of different, unique, individual scannable codes printed on individual packages so that each data record corresponds to a scannable code which corresponds to an individual package. A parameter portal provides to the database device individual package parameters which correspond to an individual scannable code on each individual package. An access portal provides selective access to at least some of the individual package parameters stored in the database device based on the unique URL. Systems, methods, databases, and computer readable media storing computer executable instructions for individualized product packages are provided. An enabler processor provides the codes and a loader processor linked to the enabler processor populates a selectively accessible database with information corresponding to the code.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Joseph A. Hattrup, Ralph P. French, Nathaniel Evert Lawson, Gregory J. Allen
  • Publication number: 20150101291
    Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case accommodating section 8, a plurality of tablet cases 3 for accommodating medicine and charges or supplies medicine into a bag 72, which medicine has been discharged from each tablet case 3 based on a prescription. An identification code 26 is provided for each of the tablet cases 3 and read by an optical sensor 33 provided inside the case accommodating section 8, whereby discharge of medicine is controlled. A motor 14 for driving a discharge drum for the tablet case 3 is checked for disconnection by being regularly energized. The operating time and the frequency of operation of parts that wear out, such as the motors, are stored for use in failure prediction. Time slots in which medicine should be taken are printed, each in a different color, by a color printing mechanism 73 on the bag 72 into which medicine is charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Hitoshi ISHIWATARI, Shinya UEMA, Manabu HARAGUCHI, Koichi KOBAYASHI, Shigeyuki NAKAMURA
  • Patent number: 9003750
    Abstract: A debris sweep and dry assist device is for use with a strapping machine. The debris sweep and dry assist device is positioned between the strapping machine and an associated strap supply. The device includes a body having a strap inlet and a strap outlet and defining a strap path therethrough. The body has a first wall at about the strap inlet and a second wall at about the strap outlet. The body has a first manifold and a plurality of first branches extending between the first manifold and the first wall to provide a plurality of flow paths from the first manifold to the environs through the first branches. A compressed is gas directed into the first manifold and flows out of the first branches, and is directed onto strap material at a location at about the strap inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Signode Industrial Group, LLC
    Inventors: Kevin A. Bruzzesi, Wayne J. Thas
  • Publication number: 20150052852
    Abstract: A method and a device for can manufacture and canning, having cans manufactured in a manufacturing process and filled in a filling process, the manufacturing process being integral with the filling process in one plant, and the cans being transported from the manufacturing process to the filling process in a hygienic conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Achhammer, Michael Auburger
  • Patent number: 8950163
    Abstract: A packaging machine seals goods in blister shell moldings with a blister film. The packaging machine contains a first transport system for a blister film web, a second transport system for blister shell moldings, and a sealing apparatus, the effect of which is to connect a blister shell molding to a portion of the blister film web. A printing apparatus is provided for applying optical information to the blister film web. A dancing roller system is provided for motional decoupling and disposed between a position at which the printing apparatus prints on the blister film web and the sealing apparatus along the blister film. The printing apparatus and/or the first transport system for the blister film web contains an apparatus for insulating against occurring vibrations of the rest of the packaging machine at the position at which the printing apparatus prints on the blister film web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG
    Inventors: Jörg-Achim Fischer, Timo Ihfe, Christian Matthiesen, Wilhelm Paulsen, Burghart Schnabel, Holger Suhr, Jörg Suhr
  • Publication number: 20150013269
    Abstract: A package coding system for a cigarette manufacturing process is provided. An imprinting device imprints an alphanumeric code on each of a series of cigarette packages. A conveyor device conveys the cigarette packages in a feed direction. An inspection device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and inspects the alphanumeric code imprinted on each cigarette package conveyed by the conveyor device to determine whether any of the cigarette packages includes a defect in the imprinted alphanumeric code, and thus comprises a defective cigarette package. A removal device is operably engaged with the conveyor device and is configured to be in communication with the inspection device. The removal device is configured to remove the defective cigarette package from the series of cigarette packages conveyed by the conveyor device in response to identification thereof by the inspection device. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Publication date: January 15, 2015
    Inventors: Hugh Gates, Hung Phan, Chris Campbell, David Hall, Gary Wood, Reggie Thomas, Frank Brantley
  • Patent number: 8931241
    Abstract: A system and method for assembling a multiple prescription package having a plurality of different medications is described. The system comprises a pharmacy management system, a selected dosing interval, a filling system, a first automated inspection, a second automated inspection, a container, and a label. The pharmacy management system includes a graphical user interface that receives a prescription order that is associated with a particular patient. The prescription order includes medications in which a first medication that is different from a second medication. The selected dosing interval is selected from the dosing interval group that includes a morning interval, a noon interval, an afternoon interval, and a bedtime interval. The container receives the sealed preliminary packages for the selected dosing interval. The label is affixed to the container so that the label indicates the selected dosing interval.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Edge Medical Properties, LLC
    Inventors: Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Leslie Baker, Larry Luciano
  • Publication number: 20140311093
    Abstract: A device is provided for applying consumable materials to containers, including a storing apparatus that stores a supply of the consumable material, a transporting apparatus that conveys the consumable material to the containers, and an application unit that applies the consumable material to the containers or to combinations of containers. The device has at least one sensor apparatus, which detects at least one actual value of the consumable material that is characteristic of a physical property of the consumable material, a comparing apparatus, which compares the detected actual value with at least one target value stored in a memory apparatus, and a signal outputting apparatus, which outputs a signal according to a result of said comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Huber, Johannes Boehm
  • Publication number: 20140250829
    Abstract: An automated dispensing system includes a container dispensing module for storing and discharging a plurality of small object containers, a printer applicator for printing selected information on a label and positioned to apply the label to a container as it is discharged from the dispensing module, a plurality of product dispensing modules for storing and dispensing a selected number of small objects into a labeled container, a container transport unit, a conveyor assembly for transporting filled containers away, and a control unit for coordinating and controlling operation for the dispensing system. A container transport unit picks a labeled container from the container dispensing module, transports it along a track to a selected product dispensing cell, and travels back along the track to the container dispensing module while the product dispensing module fills and ejects the filled container onto an adjacent conveyor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Tension Envelope Corporation
    Inventor: Robert Terzini
  • Publication number: 20140237944
    Abstract: A method for operating a system for treating containers, where the containers are treated by at least one first treatment unit of the system, and the containers are treated by at least one additional treatment unit of the system, and where a measuring device, determines, either after or during the treatment in the first treatment unit, at least one parameter that is characteristic of the geometric shape of the containers, where at least one of the parameters determined by the measuring device that is characteristic of the geometric shape of the containers is taken into account for the control or adjustment of the at least one additional treatment unit and/or sensors thereof disposed after the measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Wolfgang Hahn
  • Publication number: 20140230371
    Abstract: A custom packaging center for custom selecting and custom packaging canned and/or container goods and a novel box for use with the custom packaging center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Curtis Taylor, Aaron Misener
  • Publication number: 20140223857
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating packages by applying furnishing features to the packages includes pressure segments, each of which is configured as a fully functional assembly unit having at least one ink-jet print head. The furnishing features are polychrome printed images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Martin Schach, Markus Reiniger, Katrin Preckel, Werner VAn de Wynckel
  • Publication number: 20140223860
    Abstract: A method for enveloping an item to be packaged includes supplying the item to a wrapping unit using a first feed unit, cutting a packaging blank having two side flaps, a base flap, and a closing flap to size, supplying the packaging blank to the wrapping unit using a second feed unit, combining the item and the packaging blank in the wrapping unit, and wrapping the item with the packaging blank, wherein the item and the packaging blank are supplied to the wrapping unit in a line and in opposite directions, at least in one section. This method further includes wrapping the item by folding the side flaps, and by folding the base flap, in any order, gluing the side flaps and the base flap together, and wrapping the item by folding the closing flap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 14, 2014
    Inventors: Gotthard Schmid, Marc Fleckenstein
  • Publication number: 20140208699
    Abstract: An apparatus for printing different colors on packages includes holding-and-centering units, each having a primary and a secondary part. The primary part is held at a holding position during package handling. The secondary part is mounted in the primary part to be rotatable about a vertical axis of the unit. The secondary part receives a functional element necessary for handling a package. A plurality of secondary parts adapted to different types, forms and/or sizes of packages are associated with the primary parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Reiniger, Martin Schach, Holger Stenner
  • Patent number: 8763349
    Abstract: A method and device for producing bundle packages, in particular bundle packages (10) for cigarettes (cigarette carton 11), wherein a group of packs (12), in particular cigarette packs, is encased in an outer casing (13) to form the bundle package (10), and wherein the packs (12) respectively exhibit a code (19), in particular a barcode, and the group of packs (12) is encased in the outer casing (13) such that the code (19) of the packs (12) is not concealed by the outer casing (13) and that a means (20, 23) for concealing the code of the packs (12), in particular a pre-cut piece (20), such as an (adhesive) label, and a code (21) for the bundle package (10) are subsequently arranged on the bundle package (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Andreas Prahm, Falko Böger
  • Publication number: 20140096487
    Abstract: A method is provided for preventing, minimizing, and/or eliminating the migration of mineral oils from paper food packaging into packaged food. The method can include adding a copper-containing oxidase enzyme, such as a laccase enzyme, to a paper pulp from which the paper food packaging is to be formed. The migration of mineral oils originating from residual inks in recycled old corrugated containers and old newsprint, is particularly suppressed, including the migration of C10-C25 fractions of aromatic mineral oil hydrocarbons and of saturated mineral oil hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: Buckman Laboratories International, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Nolsen, Robert Miller
  • Patent number: 8677721
    Abstract: An apparatus for marking plastic containers, comprising a marking device which applies a marking to the containers and a checking device in the form a temperature-sensitive sensor which checks for the presence of the marking on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Stefan Piana
  • Patent number: 8650835
    Abstract: A carton processing apparatus and method can be used to reduce inventory of pre-printed or pre-labeled cartons. The carton processing apparatus can use a stacked inventory of unassembled cartons in a first planar orientation. A carton can be picked from the inventory, rotated from the first planar orientation to a print plane, and transported near a carton coding device, such as an ink jet printer, which can apply indicia to the carton. The processed carton can be further rotated or provided to a downstream device or process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Presto Absorbent Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Sandor
  • Publication number: 20130312367
    Abstract: A method for labelling packages comprising a feed unit for transporting a package, a printing device for printing a label detachably affixed to a carrier strip and an application unit for applying the printed label to the underside of the package. The printing device is arranged laterally outside the feed unit which comprises a label dispensing unit for dispensing the printed label with a directional component in a direction contrary to the package transport direction. The application unit comprises a manipulator means for the label, which moves along an axis extending transversely to the transport direction. The label, detached from the carrier strip, can be transferred onto the feed unit laterally outside the same in a first axial position of the manipulator means and can be brought close to the package, and can be applied onto the underside of the package in a second axial position of the manipulator means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Espera-Werke GmbH
    Inventor: Peter Wolff
  • Patent number: 8584435
    Abstract: A conventional cigarette packet in a transparent film of bi-axially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) with a tear tape for removing the film adhered to the inside of the film. The tear tape bears an indicium which is either hidden or which changes according to the viewing angle when the image is viewed through the film. The image on the tear tape may be scrambled or coded. The overwrap film includes a descrambling or decoding region which reveals the hidden image or renders the image visible when viewed through the overwrap portion, or creates the visual effect of changing the image according to the viewing angle. The descrambling or decoding region typically comprises a diffraction structure, such as a grating, the characteristics of which, such as its pitch, are complementary with the scrambled or coded image and/or with the pitch of any grid or matrix from which the image is composed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Filtrona United Kingdom Ltd.
    Inventor: Stephen Pinchen
  • Patent number: 8579204
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for visualization of non-visible information on a packaging material to provide traceability. The method comprises the steps of: reading the non-visible information from the packaging material by means of a magnetic head reader, processing the non-visible information in a central processing unit together with additional new non-visible information, and printing an optional portion of the amount of combined non-visible information onto the packaging material as a traceability marking. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method and a packaging line with a filling machine making use of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Per Scharfenort, Hans Johansson, Lars Bergholtz, Lars Sickert, Paolo Benedetti, Guido Wiener
  • Publication number: 20130283732
    Abstract: A packaging system for individually packaging a succession of products, especially poultry, into bags, for example quad seal bags. The system comprises a packaging apparatus, a weighing apparatus and a printer. The weighing apparatus is located adjacent the packaging apparatus such that the weighed product is the next product to be packaged by the packaging apparatus. The printer prints information relating to the weight of the weighed product directly onto the packaging material for the weighed product, or onto a label for the weighed product. Since the product is weighed just before being packaged, it is ensured that the information printed onto a bag relates to the specific product in the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Trevor Potter
  • Patent number: 8522515
    Abstract: An apparatus for customizing a cigarette package is provided, wherein the cigarette package is configured to receive a plurality of as-formed cigarettes therein. Such an apparatus comprises a feeder unit configured to feed one of a plurality of cigarette packages to a register position. An imprinting unit is configured to interact with the cigarette package in the register position so as to imprint at least one of an alphanumeric character and a graphical character thereon. An associated method is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
    Inventors: Brent Walker Carter, John Larkin Nelson, Rebecca Anne Rogers
  • Publication number: 20130152506
    Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for efficiently and effectively personalizing product presentation to users. User profile information including images and preferences may be obtained during instore purchase of products such as cereal, cigarettes, soda, snacks, etc. A user selects a particular product and may enter optional preference information. The dynamic package personalization system identifies an image, background, scene, etc., that may appeal to the user and provides the product in personalized packaging with an image of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Inventor: Anantha Pradeep
  • Patent number: 8281553
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automated medicine storage and medicine introduction/discharge management system, which includes a main body in which a plurality of receiving shelves is arranged, the main body having a door to enable user access, a medicine introduction/discharge unit installed in one side region of the main body to introduce or discharge a medicine product into or out of the main body, a robot transfer unit installed in the main body to transfer the medicine product, introduced via the medicine introduction/discharge unit, to each receiving space of the main body, or to discharge the medicine product received in the receiving space, and a control unit to control operations of the main body, the medicine introduction/discharge unit, and the robot transfer unit. The system is able to store a variety of medicine in a single main body and to achieve enhanced security for special medicine and efficient management of stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: JVM Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jun-Ho Kim
  • Publication number: 20120216486
    Abstract: An improved packaging machine is described, composed of a supporting and containing structure comprising at least one decompression chamber for a vacuum packaging of a product, the chamber being composed of at least one tank covered by at least one basculating bell suitable for welding through perimeter welding bars with which the bell is equipped, such machine being further equipped with communication means connected to processing means and to printing means, the communication means being adapted to transfer operating packaging data of the machine to the processing means and to the printing means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: MINIPACK-TORRE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Francesco Torre, Fabio Torre
  • Patent number: 8188332
    Abstract: The invention refers to a disposable cover for use in an incubator for premature infants comprising a moisture-pervious surface layer and a preferably moisture-impervious back sheet, wherein the total weight of the cover before use is communicated to the caregiver by indication on said cover, a label accompanying said cover or on the package for said cover. The cover may further be provided with a wetness indicator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: SCA Hygiene Products AB
    Inventors: Ingemar Fernfors, Anna-Gerd Doverbo
  • Publication number: 20120124939
    Abstract: There is provided a medicine dispensing system configured such that a medicine dispensing device includes a sub unit having a function to dispense medicine that is connected to a medicine dispensing device that includes a main unit having a function of packing medicines. There is also provided a medicine dispensing device that can be appropriately integrated with such a medicine dispensing system. The medicine dispensing system includes, in some embodiments a main unit, a sub unit and a transfer device connecting the main unit and the sub unit. The medicine dispensing system transfers the medicine dispensed in the sub unit to the main unit by means of a transfer device and dispenses the medicine at a medicine packing part together with the medicine dispensed from a main storage part in the main unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Itsuo Yasunaga, Chisei Asaoka, Norifumi Oike, Kensuke Kaminishi, Masahiko Kasuya, Nakaji Takeda, Hiromichi Tsuda, Yasuyuki Morita, Shinya Taira, Tomohiro Sugimoto, Naomichi Toyota
  • Publication number: 20110297559
    Abstract: Methods and systems for producing packaged contact lenses are described. A stock product that includes a contact lens located in a contact lens packaging solution in a sealed contact lens package is provided. The stock product has one or more printing surfaces. The stock product is directed to a labeling station to produce a customer-tailored labeled product. The labeled product includes printed customer-specific indicia directly on the printing surface of the stock product. Manufacturing systems that include such labeling stations are also described. Utilizing the present methods and systems, contact lenses are labeled and supplied to different customers based on customer requirements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Davis
  • Publication number: 20110197547
    Abstract: In a medicine packaging apparatus, a distance from a printing section to a heat sealing section is reduced without generating wrinkles on a package sheet. An unfolding guide 65 for unfolding and opening a package sheet 61 provided in a packaging unit 4 includes a main ridge 94 extending along with a crease of the package sheet 61 and a pair of unfolding guide surfaces 95a, 95b which are convex curved surfaces stretching from the main ridge 94. A contact start position 100a with the package sheet 61 of the unfolding guide surface 95a on the outer side of a curve in the conveying direction A relative to the main ridge 94 is located on an upstream side in the conveying direction A of the package sheet 61 of a contact start position 100b with the package sheet 61 of the unfolding guide surface 95b located on the inner side of the curve relative to the main ridge 94.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Nakaji Takeda
  • Publication number: 20110167760
    Abstract: A packaging plant comprises several test stations as well as a transport system and a control system. The control system is configured to manage packages which are transported in the packaging plant on the transport system along the test stations such that a status is assigned on each package by the control system which can be changed by the test stations together with the control system. A discharge station for defective packages is arranged in the direction of production downstream of at least two test stations. The status of the packages can be changed by at least two test stations to be passed one after the other, and the packages can be marked by a marking means corresponding to their status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Guido Spix
  • Patent number: 7942095
    Abstract: A bag dispenser feeds a bag assembly for supplying bags to a work station for manual removal from the bag assembly as needed. Each bag is printed with information such as packing date or packing location prior to reaching the work station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Greydon, Inc.
    Inventors: Derril R. Cady, Thomas L. Glatfelter, Jr.
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110023421
    Abstract: A thermal seal packaging systems and methods thereof. In one implementation a thermal sealing packaging system has a container transfer unit for transferring a container which is to contain a package item, a measuring unit for measuring the weight of the item that is loaded in the container being transported before it is loaded into the container, a capping film supply unit for a capping film to cover the opening area of the container, an indication means for indicating the measurement data of the measurement unit on the capping film, and a sealing unit for heat-sealing an opening area of the container, into which the package item is loaded, with the capping film, the opening area of the container into which the item is loaded is covered by the capping film on which the corresponding measurement data is indicated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicants: ULMA PACKAGING TECHNOLOGICAL CENTER, S.COOP., TERAOKA SEIKO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eneko Izquierdo, Takashi Katayama
  • 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: 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: 7856795
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying a batch of articles comprising the following step: (AA) a plurality of containers (1) is taken, characterized in that the following steps are carried out: (AB) one intrinsic identification code (5) is generated for the batch; (AC) the batch of containers (1) is marked by providing a two-dimensional or three-dimensional intrinsic marking zone (4) in the wall (3) of each container (1) and reproducing a readable intrinsic identification code (5) in each container (1) identified by the latter, by the modification of the constituent substrate of the wall (3); (AD) one extrinsic identification code (16), relating to the product (10) filling the containers (1) of the batch, is generated; (AE) the batch of containers (1) filled with the product (10) is marked again, by associating with each container (1) an extrinsic marking means (15) that readably reproduces each extrinsic identification code (16); (AF) each article is identified by reading its intrinsic (5)
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Grimard
  • Patent number: 7858131
    Abstract: A method of dating a food product that includes packaging at least two packages of a food product into a storage container and after packaging the at least two packages, the method further includes making the at least two packages with a date while the at least two packages are located within the storage container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Johnsonville Sausage, LLC
    Inventors: Clint R. Billmann, Dale W. Arnold, Erik A. Larson
  • Patent number: 7762301
    Abstract: In an arrangement for a position accurate joining of a first material web, which comprises elements in a section length separated by separating locations, with a second material web which is provided with marks arranged at a predetermined distance from each other corresponding to the section length—except for a possibly certain deviation, the arrangement includes a first device by which the two material webs are joined, a transport device by which the two material webs are moved stepwise by the predetermined distance, and a second device by which an element applied to the first material web when, after movement of the two material webs by a section length, the length of the material web between the first device and the second device corresponds to a predetermined multiple of the section length plus an offset, which is adjustable by an offset device, and a transport device by which the two material webs can be moved section-stepwise, wherein a sensor is provided by which the difference is determined and the of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: CSAT Gesellschaft für Computer-Systeme und Automalions-Technik mbH
    Inventor: Hans Mathea
  • Publication number: 20100107555
    Abstract: A distance from a printing section to a heat sealing section of a medicine packaging apparatus is shortened without generating wrinkles on a package sheet. A unfolding guide 65 included in a packaging unit 4 for unfolding and opening a package sheet 61 has a main ridge 94 extending along with the fold of the package sheet 61, and a pair of unfolding guide surfaces 90a, 90b which are convex curved surfaces stretching from the main ridge 94 and which are symmetrical to each other with respect to the main ridge 94.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Nakaji Takeda, Hiromichi Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20100095635
    Abstract: A medicine supply apparatus which comprises, in a case accommodating section 8, a plurality of tablet cases 3 for accommodating medicine and charges or supplies medicine into a bag 72, which medicine has been discharged from each tablet case 3 based on a prescription. An identification code 26 is provided for each of the tablet cases 3 and read by an optical sensor 33 provided inside the case accommodating section 8, whereby discharge of medicine is controlled. A motor 14 for driving a discharge drum for the tablet case 3 is checked for disconnection by being regularly energized. The operating time and the frequency of operation of parts that wear out, such as the motors, are stored for use in failure prediction. Time slots in which medicine should be taken are printed, each in a different color, by a color printing mechanism 73 on the bag 72 into which medicine is charged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicants: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD., SANYO ELECTRIC BIOMEDICAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hitoshi ISHIWATARI, Shinya Uema, Manabu Haraguchi, Koichi Kobayashi, Shigeyuki Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20100083615
    Abstract: In a method for the packaging of a bulk material or material in packaging units, which are formed in a filling and packaging plant (4) from the packaging material that is fed to this station before and/or during the filling with the bulk material or material to be packaged, the printing of the packaging material is printed in a printing station that is upstream of the filling or packaging station in the feed direction of the packaging material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Volker TILL
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20090293423
    Abstract: A random weight item transaction system include a scale with label RFID tag functionality, service person RFID tag functionality and customer RFID tag functionality. A slicer in proximity to the scale may include service person and bulk food product RFID functionalities. The scale may make weigh transaction data available to a computerized checkout system via a communications link or via writing the information to the label RFID tag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventors: Robert J. Schuller, Robert J. Weisz, Nigel G. Mills, Mark E. Eberhardt, JR.