Systems, methods, and apparatuses for handling and manipulating packages in automated or semi-automated fashion and packages adapted for the same. The systems may include package-holding devices, package-manipulating devices, and package-detection components for locating packages or portions thereof in a three-dimensional space. The packages may include features that enable automated or semi-automated handling and manipulation thereof, such as different types of opening/closing mechanisms with different geometric structures that allow for holding, shifting, and manipulating the packages and/or portions thereof with the package-manipulating devices. The packages additionally or alternatively may include mechanical fasteners, magnets, and/or spring-biased opening/closing mechanisms for keeping the packages closed prior to manipulation thereof. Such packages and systems may be used in a logistics network to the increase speed, accuracy, and efficiency of processing packages having, at least in part, a non-fixed geometry.

A method and apparatus for automated packaging medication containers and medication documentation into bags are disclosed. The bag is opened by an air knife and held open by fingers and grippers. The bag is filled with a medication container and corresponding medication documentation. The bag is then sealed shut and is ready for delivery to a patient.

A method and apparatus for automated packaging medication containers and medication documentation into bags are disclosed. The bag is opened by an air knife and held open by fingers and grippers. The bag is filled with a medication container and corresponding medication documentation. The bag is then sealed shut and is ready for delivery to a patient.

A feeding device for an electrostatic bag, adapted for supplying electrostatic bags to a package mechanism, includes two carrying mechanisms arranged up and down, which respectively support a tray with an electrostatic bag. The feeding position of the feeding device for an electrostatic bag is between the two carrying mechanisms and towards the package mechanism. The two carrying mechanisms are moved up and down to switch positions. The feeding device for an electrostatic bag can supply electrostatic bags to a package mechanism, reload the electrostatic bag without stopping the machine, and ensure the continuous operation of the package mechanism.

A feeding device for an electrostatic bag, adapted for supplying electrostatic bags to a package mechanism, includes two carrying mechanisms arranged up and down, which respectively support a tray with an electrostatic bag. The feeding position of the feeding device for an electrostatic bag is between the two carrying mechanisms and towards the package mechanism. The two carrying mechanisms are moved up and down to switch positions. The feeding device for an electrostatic bag can supply electrostatic bags to a package mechanism, reload the electrostatic bag without stopping the machine, and ensure the continuous operation of the package mechanism.

Apparatus for vertically supporting and guiding a web of plastic film horizontally in applications such as in machines that form the plastic film into bags and fill the bags with bulk material. A longitudinally extending gap is provided between proximate edges of first and second plates. The plastic film web is traversed through the gap. A punch mechanism forms protrusions in the web. The protrusions slide atop the plates and prevent the web from falling through the gap as the web traverses through the gap. The protrusions can, for example, be tab cutouts with terminal ends sliding atop the plates and loops formed between slits extending to a crest.

Apparatus for vertically supporting and guiding a web of plastic film horizontally in applications such as in machines that form the plastic film into bags and fill the bags with bulk material. A longitudinally extending gap is provided between proximate edges of first and second plates. The plastic film web is traversed through the gap. A punch mechanism forms protrusions in the web. The protrusions slide atop the plates and prevent the web from falling through the gap as the web traverses through the gap. The protrusions can, for example, be tab cutouts with terminal ends sliding atop the plates and loops formed between slits extending to a crest.

A vacuum sealer includes a housing having an upper platform and a lid pivotably attached thereto. A first heating plate is secured to one of the underside of the lid and the platform and an opposing, thermally insulating backing strip is secured to the other of the underside of the lid and the platform. The first heating plate and the backing strip heat seal a portion of a plastic bag positioned therebetween. A second heating plate is secured to one of the underside of the lid and the platform, and an opposing stamp wheel is rotatably mounted to the other of the underside of the lid and the platform. The stamp wheel has a plurality of raised characters spaced about a periphery thereof. The stamp wheel and the second heating plate heat stamp the raised characters facing the second heating plate onto a portion of a plastic bag positioned therebetween.

The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a packaging container having an inlay, said method comprising the steps of: arranging a first layer of packaging material and a second layer of packaging material to form a packaging container; positioning an inlay between the first and second layers of packaging material; joining at least a first region of the inlay to the first layer of packaging material; manufacturing a packaging container by joining the first and second layers of packaging material such that a filling opening of the packaging container is formed between the second region of the inlay and the second layer of packaging material; and joining at least a second region of the inlay to the second layer of packaging material of the filled packaging container. The invention also relates to an insertion device and to a packaging machine.

A package comprises a plastic bag delimiting a seat sealingly housing a product. The plastic bag has plastic film walls (4) and at least one sealing band connecting together opposed wall portions of the plastic film walls at a connecting zone. A tab is coupled with the connecting zone of the plastic bag. The tab includes an easy opening feature at one or more of its perimeter edges.