Processing raw data stored in an historian device for determining an amount of products passed through a process element in a process control environment is described. A count value is incremented by a counter at a rate at which products pass through the process element. The count value rolls over to zero when the count value reaches a rollover value R. An historian device periodically receives count value data points from the counter. A deadband value D is set in the historian device for distinguishing between rollovers, resets, and reversals. A client device queries the historian device for an amount of products passed through the process element for a timeframe. The historian device selects a set of count value data points from within the queried timeframe. The historian device determines, based on the selected data points and their quality, an amount of products passed through the process element.

A storage and dosing station for storage and dispensing dosed quantities of solid drug portions. A stationary part of the station is to be mounted to a frame of an apparatus for packaging solid drug portions, the stationary part comprising a first part of a dispensing device. A controller and a drive for driving an individualizing mechanism for dispensing separate solid drug portions is comprised by the first part. A detachable part is coupled to the stationary part and comprises a storage container for receiving a plurality of solid drug portions. A second part of the dispensing device, and an information memory means is comprised in the second part. Information reading means on the stationary part are coupled to the controller, wherein the information reading means can read information stored in the information memory means, if the detachable part is coupled to the stationary part. The information memory means store data that are used by the controller to control the operation of components of the dispensing device.

A storage and dosing station for storage and dispensing dosed quantities of solid drug portions. A stationary part of the station is to be mounted to a frame of an apparatus for packaging solid drug portions, the stationary part comprising a first part of a dispensing device. A controller and a drive for driving an individualizing mechanism for dispensing separate solid drug portions is comprised by the first part. A detachable part is coupled to the stationary part and comprises a storage container for receiving a plurality of solid drug portions. A second part of the dispensing device, and an information memory means is comprised in the second part. Information reading means on the stationary part are coupled to the controller, wherein the information reading means can read information stored in the information memory means, if the detachable part is coupled to the stationary part. The information memory means store data that are used by the controller to control the operation of components of the dispensing device.

A vibratory conveyor includes a feed tray, an electromagnetic linear actuator and a movable drive train interconnecting the feed tray and the electromagnetic linear actuator such that the electromagnetic linear actuator will move the feed tray during energization of the electromagnetic linear actuator. A sensor assembly is positioned to detect movement of the electromagnetic linear actuator. A controller connected to receive an output of the sensor assembly and connected to control energization of electromagnetic linear actuator, wherein the controller is configured to adjust energization of the electromagnetic linear actuator based upon the output of the sensor assembly. A vibratory conveyor in which the movable drive train includes at least one parallel spring element therealong is also disclosed.

A filling machine for filling a receptacle with a plurality of items includes a first item drop path having an outlet end, a second item drop path having an outlet end, the second item drop path distinct from the first item drop path and a gating system for selectively accumulating and releasing items. The gating system includes: a single gate mechanism configured for selectively and independently controlling both (i) whether items can exit the outlet end of the first item drop path and (ii) whether items can exit the outlet end of the second item drop path.

A filling machine for filling a receptacle with a plurality of items includes a first item drop path having an outlet end, a second item drop path having an outlet end, the second item drop path distinct from the first item drop path and a gating system for selectively accumulating and releasing items. The gating system includes: a single gate mechanism configured for selectively and independently controlling both (i) whether items can exit the outlet end of the first item drop path and (ii) whether items can exit the outlet end of the second item drop path.

A hybrid counting device may include a number of tray channels, a number of detection channels in which each tray channel may be in communication with a detection channel, and a number of governors. Objects may be motivated from the tray channels and into a detection channel that each tray channel is in communication with. A detection unit may be in communication with each detection channel, and each detection channel may be in communication with one hybrid staging channel or with one supplement staging channel. A supplement staging channel may be in communication with at least one tray channel, and the exit of objects from each supplement staging channel may be controlled by a respective governor. A hybrid staging channel may be in communication with at least two tray channels, and the exit of objects from each hybrid staging channel may be controlled by a respective governor.

A hybrid counting device may include a number of tray channels, a number of detection channels in which each tray channel may be in communication with a detection channel, and a number of governors. Objects may be motivated from the tray channels and into a detection channel that each tray channel is in communication with. A detection unit may be in communication with each detection channel, and each detection channel may be in communication with one hybrid staging channel or with one supplement staging channel. A supplement staging channel may be in communication with at least one tray channel, and the exit of objects from each supplement staging channel may be controlled by a respective governor. A hybrid staging channel may be in communication with at least two tray channels, and the exit of objects from each hybrid staging channel may be controlled by a respective governor.

An apparatus and method for filling a container with fragile fruit involving submerging the container in water to better distribute the fragile fruit within the container. The container may be filled with fragile fruit either before or after being submerged in water. The fragile fruit may be transported using a stream of water or other suitable fluid medium.

A process for making a consumer goods product, where the consumer goods product has a container and at least one water-soluble unit dose article housed within the container, and where the process has a step of storing the water-soluble unit dose article on an intermediate line.