A non-destructive measurement unit of gas concentration in sealed containers and an automatic filling and/or packaging line using such a unit are provided. The flexible containers are at least partially optically transparent, and the measurement unit comprises a light source for emitting a light beam at a wavelength tunable with an absorption wavelength of a gas contained in the sealed flexible container. The light source directs the light beam toward at least one inspection area, and a detector detects at least a portion of the beam after the beam passes through the inspection area and outputs data representative of an absorption spectrum of the gas. Means for generating a head space of predefined width into the sealed flexible container is adapted to advance the sealed flexible container by an advancement path which crosses the inspection zone and to maintain the predefined width of the head space during the advancement.

An apparatus for inserting one or more goods into a moving cover includes a cover transport, and at least one separating device configured to engage with a first part of the cover and to maintain the first part of the cover separate from a second part of the cover during at least a part of the movement of the cover.

An apparatus for inserting one or more goods into a moving cover includes a cover transport, and at least one separating device configured to engage with a first part of the cover and to maintain the first part of the cover separate from a second part of the cover during at least a part of the movement of the cover.

A bite block for use in a mouth of a patient to hold the mouth in a spaced-apart position that includes a condensed fiber block having a predetermined length suitable for being inserted into the mouth of the patient and positioned between upper and lower molars and a wrapper yarn repeatedly wrapped around the block along its length. An adhesive strand in the wrapper yarn is positioned on an outer surface of the fiber to maintain the block in its condensed state.

Described herein are systems and techniques for determining a pack station for storing inventory in a materials handling facility, routing item packages to pack stations based on size ranges for custom containers and optimizing dimensions of custom containers based on dimensions of a shipping container. For example, the systems described herein may allocate a percentage of inventory to a custom inventory location that is physically near custom container forming devices, thereby reducing the cost to pick, sort, pack and route items for shipment, storing or otherwise handling in a custom container.

Described herein are systems and techniques for determining a pack station for storing inventory in a materials handling facility, routing item packages to pack stations based on size ranges for custom containers and optimizing dimensions of custom containers based on dimensions of a shipping container. For example, the systems described herein may allocate a percentage of inventory to a custom inventory location that is physically near custom container forming devices, thereby reducing the cost to pick, sort, pack and route items for shipment, storing or otherwise handling in a custom container.

In one aspect the invention provides a packaging apparatus configured to allow fruit articles to be packed into a tubular container with a uniform orientation. This apparatus includes a plurality of support blades extending transversely from an end of each blade supported by a blade conveyor assembly. These blades are configured to allow the deployment of the tubular container about the blade and any fruit articles supported thereon.

A bite block for use in a mouth of a patient to hold the mouth in a spaced-apart position that includes a condensed fiber block having a predetermined length suitable for being inserted into the mouth of the patient and positioned between upper and lower molars and a wrapper yarn repeatedly wrapped around the block along its length. An adhesive strand in the wrapper yarn is positioned on an outer surface of the fiber to maintain the block in its condensed state.

A loader system (20) lifts/removes articles 22 from a supply conveyor (24) for placement into containers (26) disposed on a takeaway conveyor (28). The containers (26) may have a flap (30) that extends across the open top of the containers. The loader system (20) includes a 2D actuator (32) for loading the articles (22) received on the supply conveyor (24) into to containers (26). When the actuator (32) approaches the containers (26), the auxiliary linkage arrangement 100, operating independently of the actuator, tilts the articles (22) downwardly so as to pass beneath the flap (30), and then rotates the articles into horizontal orientation to set within the containers. A control system (40) controls the operation of the conveyors (24) and (28), as well as the loader system (20), to transfer the articles (22) from the conveyor (24) and into the containers (26).

This disclosure describes example portable medical device protectors that may be used in combination with various antimicrobial and/or antiseptic agents to reduce contaminants on a portable medical device. According to some embodiments, the disclosure describes that the protectors may comprise an impermeable container to store a permeable applicator impregnated with an antimicrobial or antiseptic agent.