Aspects of the present disclosure relate to packaging apparatuses and methods adapted to wrap absorbent paper product in a continuous sheet of film formed into tube shape with an asymmetric opening. A former may include a plurality of forming members, wherein each forming member includes an outer surface connected with an inner surface along an edge. In operation, a continuous sheet of film advances around the edges of the forming members and forms an opening. In addition, opposing longitudinal edges of the continuous sheet are guided into an overlapping arrangement that forms the plastic film into a tube shape that extends downstream from the opening in the machine direction. The opening is symmetrical about a first axis and is asymmetrical about a second axis. Absorbent paper product to be packaged advances in the machine direction through the opening and into the tube.

A handling system for use in the manufacture of syringe barrels includes a tray having an array of apertures with a tubular upstand around each aperture, each upstand at the upper end thereof defining a support surface for a syringe barrel. Each syringe barrel comprises a cylindrical part and an enlargement at or adjacent the rear end of the barrel and carries at its forward end a safe needle device or a needle shield of a greater diameter than the syringe barrel. At least one of the enlargement of the syringe barrel or the support surface has a profile tapering or rounded inwardly in the downward direction so that when the tray is supported generally horizontally and a syringe barrel is lowered into an upstand, the syringe barrel is centered by co-operation between the enlargement and the support surface. The enlargement may be a flange at the rear end of the syringe barrel or could be a further component fitted to the barrel.

A computer system generates information describing authenticity and a grade of a collectible scanned by a scanning device. A feature vector is extracted from the information. The feature vector includes a first set of features and a second set of features. The first set of features is matched to authenticity profiles of collectible items. Each authenticity profile characterizes at least one collectible item across multiple features. A confidence score is generated with respect to the authenticity of the collectible based on the authenticity profiles. The second set of features is matched to grade profiles of the collectible items. A grade score describing the grade of the collectible is generated based on the grade profiles. The grade of the collectible is determined based on the grade score. A graphical representation of the grade and the confidence score is transmitted to a display device.

A computer system generates information describing authenticity and a grade of a collectible scanned by a scanning device. A feature vector is extracted from the information. The feature vector includes a first set of features and a second set of features. The first set of features is matched to authenticity profiles of collectible items. Each authenticity profile characterizes at least one collectible item across multiple features. A confidence score is generated with respect to the authenticity of the collectible based on the authenticity profiles. The second set of features is matched to grade profiles of the collectible items. A grade score describing the grade of the collectible is generated based on the grade profiles. The grade of the collectible is determined based on the grade score. A graphical representation of the grade and the confidence score is transmitted to a display device.

The present invention relates to a method and a device of managing a set (42) of lids, stacked and inserted in a packaging, including the steps of pressing said set (42) and displacing it, with a transport device (1), keeping the lids in the packaging; pressing a second portion (44) of the set (42) with a handle (23); moving the handle (23) so as to take at least a part of the second portion (44) towards the first portion (43); displacing the handle (23) so as to place the second portion (44) against the first portion (43); immobilizing the second portion (44) against the first portion (43) with an immobilizing device (9); opening the handle (23) and moving it away from the set (42). The invention also relates to a system for producing palletized sets of lids.

A packaging machine includes a main conveyor configured to convey cartons and containers in a conveyance direction from a first end of the main conveyor where partially erected cartons and containers enter the conveyor to a second end where containers inside the cartons exit the conveyor. A plunger is operatively connected to the main conveyor to follow the main conveyor in the conveyance direction and to plunge in a plunge direction lateral to the conveyance direction to position a group of containers within a carton. A carton maintaining tool is operatively connected to the main conveyor to follow the main conveyor in the conveyance direction and to engage the carton to maintain position of the carton along the plunge direction in opposition to the plunger as the plunger positions the group of containers within the carton.

A packaging machine includes a main conveyor configured to convey cartons and containers in a conveyance direction from a first end of the main conveyor where partially erected cartons and containers enter the conveyor to a second end where containers inside the cartons exit the conveyor. A plunger is operatively connected to the main conveyor to follow the main conveyor in the conveyance direction and to plunge in a plunge direction lateral to the conveyance direction to position a group of containers within a carton. A carton maintaining tool is operatively connected to the main conveyor to follow the main conveyor in the conveyance direction and to engage the carton to maintain position of the carton along the plunge direction in opposition to the plunger as the plunger positions the group of containers within the carton.

A picking station (19) as well as a storage and order-picking system (1) for automatic picking and automatic packaging of articles (10a . . . 10p) is specified. A packaging machine (25) operated in an automated manner and a goods-out point conveyor system (20) as well as different types of picking zones (24a . . . 24f), in which the articles (10a . . . 10p) for an order are assembled and prepared for the packaging process, are comprised thereby. In particular, the articles (10a . . . 10p) are stacked on top of each other to form an article stack (41) and are subsequently discharged onto a feed conveyor system (26) leading to the packaging machine (25) or directly into the packaging machine (25). Moreover, a method for operating the picking station (19) described and/or the storage and order-picking system (1) described is specified.

A picking station (19) as well as a storage and order-picking system (1) for automatic picking and automatic packaging of articles (10a . . . 10p) is specified. A packaging machine (25) operated in an automated manner and a goods-out point conveyor system (20) as well as different types of picking zones (24a . . . 24f), in which the articles (10a . . . 10p) for an order are assembled and prepared for the packaging process, are comprised thereby. In particular, the articles (10a . . . 10p) are stacked on top of each other to form an article stack (41) and are subsequently discharged onto a feed conveyor system (26) leading to the packaging machine (25) or directly into the packaging machine (25). Moreover, a method for operating the picking station (19) described and/or the storage and order-picking system (1) described is specified.

A method of preparing wood for packing comprises: loading wood lengthwise into a conveyor system; conveying the wood pieces one-by-one onto a loading hatch in a predetermined orientation; when a wood piece is fully on the loading hatch, opening the loading hatch and dropping the wood piece in the predetermined orientation into a measuring compartment; repeating the conveying and dropping process so that multiple wood pieces are stacked in the same orientation in the measuring compartment; and, when a required amount of stacked wood is within the measuring compartment, dropping the stacked wood pieces into a packing area.