Some embodiments of a smokeless tobacco system include a container including a plurality of preformed smokeless tobacco products configured to generally retain their shape and integrity during processing, shipping, and consumer handling. One or more of the preformed smokeless tobacco products are compressed between a lid and a base of the container to hinder movement of the one or more preformed smokeless tobacco products within the container. Each preformed smokeless tobacco product can include a moist smokeless tobacco in combination with a selected binder such that the final product is configured to have material properties providing improved handling, an improved mouth feel, and a satisfying flavor profile.

Embodiments of a compressed and coreless roll of sheet product having a center indicator are disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a compressed coreless roll of sheet product is provided. The compressed coreless roll of sheet product includes a sheet product having a first end and a second end. The sheet product is wound about an axis beginning with the first end and ending with the second end to partially define an axial cavity along the axis. The first end includes an indicator that is visible when the sheet product roll is compressed such that the axial cavity is substantially collapsed.

Embodiments of a compressed and coreless roll of sheet product having a center indicator are disclosed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a compressed coreless roll of sheet product is provided. The compressed coreless roll of sheet product includes a sheet product having a first end and a second end. The sheet product is wound about an axis beginning with the first end and ending with the second end to partially define an axial cavity along the axis. The first end includes an indicator that is visible when the sheet product roll is compressed such that the axial cavity is substantially collapsed.

A compactor device for compacting a product filling in a container, like a packing box, includes a container support allowing shaking and/or vibrating the container when supported on the container support. The support includes compactor roller bars arranged parallel in a direction transverse to a conveying direction and to support the container. Each compactor roller bar has a rotation axis and a circumferential surface to allow moving the container with a product filling supported on the rollers bars up and down at a selected frequency when, in operation, rotating the compactor roller bars of the plurality of compactor roller bars. The compactor device further has a stopper arrangement blocking conveying the container by the compactor roller bars, and a pressing arrangement with a press to press downwards onto the product filling within the container while, in operation, compacting the product by rotating the compactor roller bars.

A sheet storing apparatus, includes: an inlet section configured to take in sheets from outside of the apparatus into the apparatus; a storing unit configured to mount a storage bag in a storing area of the storage unit; and a recognition unit configured to count the number of sheets to be stored in the storage bag mounted in the storing area of the storing unit, in which the storing unit includes: a holding section configured to hold the storage bag mounted in the storing area of the storing unit; a support section configured to support the sheets stored in the storage bag from below via the storage bag; a drive section configured to move up and down the support section between an initial position and a final position; and a control section configured to control the drive section, based on the number of sheets counted by the recognition unit.

A sheet storing apparatus, includes: an inlet section configured to take in sheets from outside of the apparatus into the apparatus; a storing unit configured to mount a storage bag in a storing area of the storage unit; and a recognition unit configured to count the number of sheets to be stored in the storage bag mounted in the storing area of the storing unit, in which the storing unit includes: a holding section configured to hold the storage bag mounted in the storing area of the storing unit; a support section configured to support the sheets stored in the storage bag from below via the storage bag; a drive section configured to move up and down the support section between an initial position and a final position; and a control section configured to control the drive section, based on the number of sheets counted by the recognition unit.

A fixture for dispensing a powder is disclosed. The fixture has a base and a beam with a first end, a second end, and a fulcrum disposed between the first and second ends and coupled to the base. The fixture also has a load transfer beam having a first end and a second end that is fixedly coupled to the base. A force sensor is coupled to the load transfer beam. The beam can rotate about the fulcrum with respect to the base and the second end of the beam makes a point contact with the first end of the load transfer beam.

Devices, systems, and methods for autonomously packing unfolded laundry articles into a box are described. The system includes a box configured to receive the laundry articles, a movable surface for receiving the box, and at least one actuator for imparting at least one of a shaking, twisting, vibrating, oscillating, shushling, and tilting motion to the box. A plunger is configured to compress the articles within the box and at least one sensor is configured to detect that the mass of articles is flattened and substantially level across a top surface. A controller in communication with drive motors, actuators, and at least one sensor is configured to determine whether the articles are flattened sufficiently for delivery to a packing station for receipt of folded laundry articles placed atop the plurality of unfolded laundry articles.

Methods for encasing bodies including smokeless tobacco or a tobacco substitute with a polymeric casing can include coating a compressed body with microfibers, applying tubular casings to compressed bodies, printing netting and webs on compressed bodies, injection molding around compressed bodies, applying a webbing to compressed bodies, placing compressed bodies into a skin forming bath, and including thermoplastic polymers in a compressed body.

Methods for encasing bodies including smokeless tobacco or a tobacco substitute with a polymeric casing can include coating a compressed body with microfibers, applying tubular casings to compressed bodies, printing netting and webs on compressed bodies, injection molding around compressed bodies, applying a webbing to compressed bodies, placing compressed bodies into a skin forming bath, and including thermoplastic polymers in a compressed body.