A packaging machine for producing blister packs has an inspection device with at least one detection device configured to optically detect individual blister packs. The upper side and the lower side of each blister pack is inspected by means of the at least one optical detection device.

Modular apparatus for filling and closing articles, in particular containers, which are randomly fed and transported via a transport system. The apparatus including a filling station; a closing station for closing the filled articles; an extraction system for transporting the filled and closed articles; first pick and place devices for picking up and positioning the articles; second pick and place devices for picking up and positioning the closing elements; a detection system for detecting the position and/or the arrangement of the articles and closing elements; a processing and control unit; grippers configured to hold an article in the filling station, to displace a filled article from the filling station into the closing station, to hold the article in the closing position during application of a closing element, and to displace a filled and closed article from the closing station into a position and/or orientation for extraction on the extraction plane.

A system and method for closing and sealing a cone filled with a smokable material provides a cone filler control system, a plurality of cone inserts each including a tapered inner wall defining a taper lock area for holding a cone filled with smokable material, and an insert ring provided at a lower end of each cone insert, each of the plurality of cone inserts removably inserted in corresponding cone receptacles residing in a cone carousel, a cone tamper actuator for compacting smokable material in a filled cone, a cone closer system including a gripper actuator for closing the cone top of the filled cone, and a cone sealing drive system including a motor with a drive wheel operated to impart a rotational force on the insert ring of each cone insert to rotate both the cone insert and a filled cone to form a wick seal at the end of the filled cone.

A system and method for closing and sealing a cone filled with a smokable material provides a cone filler control system, a plurality of cone inserts each including a tapered inner wall defining a taper lock area for holding a cone filled with smokable material, and an insert ring provided at a lower end of each cone insert, each of the plurality of cone inserts removably inserted in corresponding cone receptacles residing in a cone carousel, a cone tamper actuator for compacting smokable material in a filled cone, a cone closer system including a gripper actuator for closing the cone top of the filled cone, and a cone sealing drive system including a motor with a drive wheel operated to impart a rotational force on the insert ring of each cone insert to rotate both the cone insert and a filled cone to form a wick seal at the end of the filled cone.

A unit for mixing and dispensing an aerosol precursor composition, and containers to be dispensed therefrom. The unit includes a plurality of bulk material filling stations, the plurality of bulk material filling stations have at least one first filling station with aerosol former and at least one second filling station with a flavor material for creating the aerosol precursor. The unit also includes a bulk consumable pack staging a plurality of containers configured to receive the aerosol precursor, and a robot configured to retrieve a container from the bulk consumable pack and move the container through at least two dimensions to stop at at least two of the plurality of bulk material filling stations.

A unit for mixing and dispensing an aerosol precursor composition, and containers to be dispensed therefrom. The unit includes a plurality of bulk material filling stations, the plurality of bulk material filling stations have at least one first filling station with aerosol former and at least one second filling station with a flavor material for creating the aerosol precursor. The unit also includes a bulk consumable pack staging a plurality of containers configured to receive the aerosol precursor, and a robot configured to retrieve a container from the bulk consumable pack and move the container through at least two dimensions to stop at at least two of the plurality of bulk material filling stations.

A lid pick and place system having a primary magazine assembly and a pick and place assembly. The primary magazine assembly includes a base plate and at least one guide rod extending therefrom to define an elongated lid chamber with at least one lid bore. Rotation of the at least one guide rod within the at least one guide rod bore directs at least a portion of a lower offset flange beyond a lid bore perimeter and into a path of the elongated lid chamber. The pick and place assembly includes a connecting rod with a suction cup. A linear movement assembly is structurally configured to move the connecting rod linearly closer and further from the lower surface of the base plate. A rotative movement assembly structurally configured to rotate the connecting rod relative to the lower surface of the base plate.

A lid pick and place system having a primary magazine assembly and a pick and place assembly. The primary magazine assembly includes a base plate and at least one guide rod extending therefrom to define an elongated lid chamber with at least one lid bore. Rotation of the at least one guide rod within the at least one guide rod bore directs at least a portion of a lower offset flange beyond a lid bore perimeter and into a path of the elongated lid chamber. The pick and place assembly includes a connecting rod with a suction cup. A linear movement assembly is structurally configured to move the connecting rod linearly closer and further from the lower surface of the base plate. A rotative movement assembly structurally configured to rotate the connecting rod relative to the lower surface of the base plate.

A unit for mixing and dispensing an aerosol precursor composition, and containers to be dispensed therefrom. The unit includes a plurality of bulk material filling stations, the plurality of bulk material filling stations have at least one first filling station with aerosol former and at least one second filling station with a flavor material for creating the aerosol precursor. The unit also includes a bulk consumable pack staging a plurality of containers configured to receive the aerosol precursor, and a robot configured to retrieve a container from the bulk consumable pack and move the container through at least two dimensions to stop at at least two of the plurality of bulk material filling stations.

A unit for mixing and dispensing an aerosol precursor composition, and containers to be dispensed therefrom. The unit includes a plurality of bulk material filling stations, the plurality of bulk material filling stations have at least one first filling station with aerosol former and at least one second filling station with a flavor material for creating the aerosol precursor. The unit also includes a bulk consumable pack staging a plurality of containers configured to receive the aerosol precursor, and a robot configured to retrieve a container from the bulk consumable pack and move the container through at least two dimensions to stop at at least two of the plurality of bulk material filling stations.