A filling device comprises a modified vacuum-filling head that introduces a viscous filling, such as a gravy, into a loaf matrix in a retortable can so that the filling remains enclosed by the set loaf matrix after retorting. The filling can remain as a viscous gravy or can set as a gel, depending on the formulation of the filling. Preferably the viscous filling is distributed horizontally into the loaf matrix, for example through horizontally-facing apertures, during a pause in the descent of the can away from the filling device. The flow of the filling can be controlled by synchronized pneumatic valves.

The technology described herein generally relates to an automated packaging apparatus and system that packages loose particles into a conical container as well as the final packed containers. More specifically, loose plant matter, such as crumbled dried leaves, are supplied to successive paper cones. The apparatus provides a system for reliably and accurately depositing or injecting a fluid into a cone packed with loose particulate.

Systems and methods are disclosed for packing optimization and visualization. In one example, a method for managing a shipment of a plurality of products, comprises: obtaining a request for a packing instruction from a user via a user interface; ranking the products based on their weight information and dimension information to generate a first ranking list; ranking one or more containers based on their dimension information to generate a second ranking list; determining, based on the first ranking list and the second ranking list, a plurality of layout configurations for packing the products into at least one container selected from the one or more containers; selecting a layout configuration from the plurality of layout configurations based at least partially on a rate table including shipping rate information of one or more shipping carriers identified by the user, wherein the selected layout configuration minimizes a cost of shipping the products; generating a visual illustration of the layout configuration; and providing a packing instruction comprising the visual illustration to the user via the user interface.

A method of packaging water-reactive aluminum may include directing at least one discrete object into a container, the at least one discrete object including an aluminum alloy, the aluminum alloy plastically deformed and non-recrystallized, introducing, into the container, a liquid metal alloy including one or more activation metals, enclosing the at least one discrete object and the liquid metal alloy with one another in the container to form a kit, for a predetermined period, exposing the kit to a heating environment, and agitating the at least one discrete object and the liquid metal alloy in the container in the heating environment during the predetermined period to form the kit into a packaged unit of water-reactive aluminum.

A medication dispenser system and use thereof for providing exact personal dosing for a patient are provided. In one aspect, a method for dispensing medications is provided. The method includes the steps of: obtaining patient information and a list of the medications for the patient; calculating a personal dose of each of the medications for the patient using the patient and cross-medication interaction information; and preparing treatments each containing the personal dose of each of the medications in a single treatment. In another aspect a system for dispensing medications includes: a patient information component for obtaining patient information and a list of the medications for the patient; a dosage calculator component for calculating a personal dose of each of the medications for the patient using the patient information; and a medication dispenser component for preparing treatments each containing the personal dose of each of the medications in a single treatment.

A capsule or container is provided having optimized recycling attributes. The capsule is provided for use in a machine for preparing a consumable product from capsules. The capsule includes a body that defines an interior space with an opening. A cover is disposed over the opening. A filter is disposed in the interior space to define a chamber between the filter and the cover. The body, filter and cover are preferably formed of the same substantially pure polymer material. Ingredients are disposed in the interior space for preparing a desired product. A hinge is provided to tether the cover to the body. The cover is attached with a peelable seal to the body so that cover may be peeled away from the body while remaining tethered at the hinge.

A manufacturing method for customized fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) comprising the production of the customized goods in a main production process stream or a side stream. The method further comprises temporarily storing the customized goods in a side stream process and subsequently re-inserting said goods into the main production process stream. The customized goods may be finally packaged in a dedicated pack or in a pack that also contains non-customized goods. The method is suitable for, but not limited to, articles such as diapers, absorbent products, tissues and other hygienic products.

Machine and method for producing a substantially cylindrical article, which comprises a tubular body, a container element, arranged in the area of one end of the tubular element, a heat generating element, partially housed inside the container element, and loose material for generating flavour; in use, the loose material is inserted into the container element, vertically oriented, and the heat generating element is partially inserted into the container element by being moved downwards, so as to obtain a combined element; subsequently, the combined element is at least partially inserted into the tubular body.

Providing a rotary packaging machine which can improve production efficiency and mass productivity, which can be rendered smaller-sized with the result of reduction in a footprint and which can cause various devices and apparatuses arranged at each packaging station to function in a stable manner. The rotary packaging machine P in accordance with the invention has four grip pairs intermittently moved to each packaging station simultaneously, and all the grip pairs include grips configured to be located on a circumference L of an imaginary circle that is concentric with a disk-shaped rotating body.

Provided herein is a system for automated dispensing and packaging of articles. Systems may include: a controller configured to receive an indication of an order to be packaged, where the order includes one or more articles; a packaging station; a web of bags, where the web of bags is fed to the packaging station; a pneumatic table configurable to support a bag disposed at the packaging station; an opening mechanism including a pneumatic nozzle to open the bag disposed at the packaging station; a loading bin configured to be inserted into the open bag and deposit the one or more articles; and a closure apparatus to seal the bag disposed at the packaging station after receiving the one or more articles.