The invention relates to a jam detecting device (10) for detecting defective packages in a filling machine. The jam detecting device (10) comprises a movable element 5 (12), and a sensor (13) connected to the movable element (12). The jam detecting device (10) is adapted to be positioned in the filling machine such that any defective package will mechanically raise the movable element (12) when passing the same and thereby trigger the sensor (13). The invention also relates to a method for detecting defective packages in a filling machine, and a folding unit (1) and a filling machine for producing packages (2) of pourable food products from sealed packs (3).

A medicine packaging apparatus configured to package medicine based on prescription data, including: a feeder configured to feed solid medicine; a storage configured to temporarily store the solid medicine fed from the feeder; and a packaging unit configured to package the solid medicine discharged from the storage, wherein the storage includes: a plurality of storage containers; a holding table configured to hold the plurality of storage containers so as to be individually detachable; and a drive unit configured to drive the holding table to move so that each of the plurality of storage containers held by the holding table is moved between an introduction position where the solid medicine is introduced from the feeder and a discharge position where the solid medicine is discharged to the packaging unit.

A medicine packaging apparatus configured to package medicine based on prescription data, including: a feeder configured to feed solid medicine; a storage configured to temporarily store the solid medicine fed from the feeder; and a packaging unit configured to package the solid medicine discharged from the storage, wherein the storage includes: a plurality of storage containers; a holding table configured to hold the plurality of storage containers so as to be individually detachable; and a drive unit configured to drive the holding table to move so that each of the plurality of storage containers held by the holding table is moved between an introduction position where the solid medicine is introduced from the feeder and a discharge position where the solid medicine is discharged to the packaging unit.

A package forming unit comprises plural jaw units, each having at least one respective operative assembly for engaging the tube and for at least partially forming the advancing tube, one respective sealing element for at least partially transversally sealing the tube along a transversal sealing band and a pair of interaction tabs for interacting with the tube. Each jaw unit is controllable as a function of the tube filling level in an operative configuration in which the respective operative assembly, the respective sealing element and the respective pair of interaction tabs are controlled in respective active states while advancing along respective operative portions and a partial operative configuration in which the respective sealing element is controlled in the respective active state and the respective operative assembly and/or the respective pair of interaction tabs is/are controlled in a respective inactive state while, in use, advancing along the respective operative portion.

The thermoforming assembly includes feeding devices for moving a continuous strip-shaped semi-finished product along a forwarding path, along which a forming mould is arranged defining a forming cavity delimited by a base wall, a first pair of respectively opposed side walls, and a second pair of respectively opposed side walls. Heating devices operate on the strip-shaped semi-finished product near the forming mould, and forming devices are operatively associated with the forming mould and configured to conform the strip-shaped semi-finished product against the base wall and the side walls defining the forming cavity. At least one of the side walls belonging to the second pair is a movable wall, positionable towards and away from the other side wall belonging to the second pair, to vary the dimension of the forming cavity.

The thermoforming assembly includes feeding devices for moving a continuous strip-shaped semi-finished product along a forwarding path, along which a forming mould is arranged defining a forming cavity delimited by a base wall, a first pair of respectively opposed side walls, and a second pair of respectively opposed side walls. Heating devices operate on the strip-shaped semi-finished product near the forming mould, and forming devices are operatively associated with the forming mould and configured to conform the strip-shaped semi-finished product against the base wall and the side walls defining the forming cavity. At least one of the side walls belonging to the second pair is a movable wall, positionable towards and away from the other side wall belonging to the second pair, to vary the dimension of the forming cavity.

A grouping system for grouping containers including a track oriented in a horizontal plane, a plurality of lugs coupled moveably to the track, and a plurality of grippers, wherein each gripper is coupled to a lug, wherein the grippers are configured to move a stream of containers about the track.

A grouping system for grouping containers including a track oriented in a horizontal plane, a plurality of lugs coupled moveably to the track, and a plurality of grippers, wherein each gripper is coupled to a lug, wherein the grippers are configured to move a stream of containers about the track.

An orientation module including a base configured to support at least one container, a camera positioned to scan the at least one container, a processor operatively connected to the camera configured to analyze an initial orientation of the container and determine a secondary orientation of the container, and a turning member positioned above the base configured to turn the corresponding container according to a command from the processor to rotate the container to the secondary orientation.

An orientation module including a base configured to support at least one container, a camera positioned to scan the at least one container, a processor operatively connected to the camera configured to analyze an initial orientation of the container and determine a secondary orientation of the container, and a turning member positioned above the base configured to turn the corresponding container according to a command from the processor to rotate the container to the secondary orientation.