The invention provides a method of packaging a sterilized product. The method includes the steps of providing a product and sterilizing the product. The sterilized product is enclosed in a first layer, which is substantially hermetically sealed to form a first sealed enclosure. The first sealed enclosure is enclosed in a second layer, which is substantially hermetically sealed to form a second sealed enclosure. The second sealed enclosure is enclosed in a third layer, which is substantially hermetically sealed to form a third sealed enclosure. The third sealed enclosure is enclosed in a fourth layer, which is substantially hermetically sealed to form a packaged product.

First scanned images of the first container are received from a scanning device that show the contents of the interior of the first container before the first container is cut and opened. Second scanned images that are of the contents of the first container after the first container is cut and opened are also received. The images are analyzed and, based upon the analysis, selective modifications to the operating parameters of the container opening machine are determined and made.

First scanned images of the first container are received from a scanning device that show the contents of the interior of the first container before the first container is cut and opened. Second scanned images that are of the contents of the first container after the first container is cut and opened are also received. The images are analyzed and, based upon the analysis, selective modifications to the operating parameters of the container opening machine are determined and made.

A plastic bag separator is a plastic bag separation device having a rubberized nub at a first end and a key chain ring aperture at a second end. The rubberized end may be utilized to push open and separate the edges of a plastic bag. The separator may have at least one logo which provides the ancillary benefit of being a gripping edge.

A system for removing a product-packing film from a product having an axis in a longitudinal direction. The packing film surrounds lateral portions of the product. A first end of the packing film surrounding a first longitudinal end of the product is open. A second end of the packing film surrounding a second end of the product opposite the first end of the product is closed. In the system, a conveyor carries a plurality of products each packed with a packing film in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the products while supporting the products such that the axes of the products are parallel to each other. A suction unit draws the first end of the packing film in an axial direction of each of the products. A clamping unit clamps the first end of the packing film drawn by the suction unit.

A system for removing a product-packing film from a product having an axis in a longitudinal direction. The packing film surrounds lateral portions of the product. A first end of the packing film surrounding a first longitudinal end of the product is open. A second end of the packing film surrounding a second end of the product opposite the first end of the product is closed. In the system, a conveyor carries a plurality of products each packed with a packing film in a direction perpendicular to the axes of the products while supporting the products such that the axes of the products are parallel to each other. A suction unit draws the first end of the packing film in an axial direction of each of the products. A clamping unit clamps the first end of the packing film drawn by the suction unit.

An article withdrawing system for withdrawing articles held in a packing box, the upper surface of which is opened. A first stage holds the packing box carried with the opened upper surface and reverses the packing box so that the articles held in the packing box falls down. A second stage supports and holds the falling-down articles. The first stage includes a support unit supporting and moving the packing box upward and downward, a box holding frame in which the support unit is mounted, a linear movement frame to which the box holding frame is rotatably coupled, a main frame in which the linear movement frame is coupled and supported to be linearly moved and is located and supported on the ground, and a first rotation driving means disposed in the linear movement frame and for rotating and driving the box holding frame.

An article withdrawing system for withdrawing articles held in a packing box, the upper surface of which is opened. A first stage holds the packing box carried with the opened upper surface and reverses the packing box so that the articles held in the packing box falls down. A second stage supports and holds the falling-down articles. The first stage includes a support unit supporting and moving the packing box upward and downward, a box holding frame in which the support unit is mounted, a linear movement frame to which the box holding frame is rotatably coupled, a main frame in which the linear movement frame is coupled and supported to be linearly moved and is located and supported on the ground, and a first rotation driving means disposed in the linear movement frame and for rotating and driving the box holding frame.

A method for unpacking a workpiece, in particular an optical lens or an optical lens blank, from a package, includes an automated cutting open step of a first package side of the package, and an automated sliding of the workpiece out of the package step on the first package side. An unpacking apparatus for unpacking a workpiece from a package, has a feed station for receiving a package in which a workpiece is arranged, a cutting-open station having a first cutting or sawing tool for the automated cutting open of a first package side of the package downstream of the feed station, and a slide-out station downstream of the cutting-open station. A relative movement can be produced between the package and the workpiece in an automated manner so that the workpiece slides out of the package on the first package side.

A system is presented for monitoring and controlling in a sterilizable environment the peeling of a cover from a tub sealed by the cover. The system employs a platform having a fiducial source locating structure for holding the tub, a cover removal station disposed to engage with the cover and to peel the cover from the tub, a light source disposed to illuminate a portion of the platform proximate the cover removal station, a light sensor sensitive to light from the light source and disposed to preferentially collect and measure light diffusely reflected from the illuminated portion of the platform, and a controller with software to operate the system. An associated method for monitoring and controlling the peeling of the cover involves moving a peeled portion of the cover into a predetermined peeling monitor zone within the illuminated portion of the platform, and measuring an intensity of light from the light source diffusely reflected specifically from the peeling monitor zone. The positioning of the elements of the system and the peeling monitor zone allow measured light intensity to be employed as a control measure for the peeling process.