An automated method and system for stacking and loading wrapped or unwrapped facemasks into a carton in a facemask production line includes conveying individual wrapped facemasks in a continuous stream to a stacking location. At the stacking location, the facemasks are deposited into a vertical accumulator such that the facemasks are stacked in the accumulator. Upon reaching a predetermined fill level of facemasks in the accumulator, a bottom retainer in the accumulator is opened such that the stacked facemasks drop into a carton placed below the accumulator. Upon opening the bottom retainer, a mid-level retainer is actuated in the accumulator that captures facemasks that continue to be deposited into the accumulator at an intermediate height above the bottom retainer. The bottom retainer is closed after the stacked facemasks drop into the carton, and the mid-level retainer is then opened such that the facemasks captured by the mid-level retainer drop onto the bottom retainer.

Using an acoustic signal to monitor a transfer of a puck that is holding and centering a container as it is being transferred from a first to a second transport-element includes using a sensor to capture an acoustic signal generated by the transfer. This acoustic signal indicates that the puck has been received at a treatment station associated with said second transport-element.

Using an acoustic signal to monitor a transfer of a puck that is holding and centering a container as it is being transferred from a first to a second transport-element includes using a sensor to capture an acoustic signal generated by the transfer. This acoustic signal indicates that the puck has been received at a treatment station associated with said second transport-element.

Described and depicted is an application apparatus for applying additional elements, in particular straws, to packages, preferably cardboard composite packages. So that the application can also be carried out reliably at high speeds and with moderate equipment complexity, it is provided that at least two applicators are provided which are adjustable along a common, circumferential transport track from a pick-up position for picking up the additional elements to an application position for applying the additional elements to the packages and back and which comprise respectively at least one application finger for pressing the additional elements onto the packages.

Described and depicted is an application apparatus for applying additional elements, in particular straws, to packages, preferably cardboard composite packages. So that the application can also be carried out reliably at high speeds and with moderate equipment complexity, it is provided that at least two applicators are provided which are adjustable along a common, circumferential transport track from a pick-up position for picking up the additional elements to an application position for applying the additional elements to the packages and back and which comprise respectively at least one application finger for pressing the additional elements onto the packages.

An apparatus for placing ultra-small electronic devices into pockets on a carrier tape for packing has at least one holding element, a movement mechanism, a conveying mechanism and a positioning mechanism. The positioning mechanism further includes first and second positioning devices coupled to the conveying mechanism, wherein the second positioning device is mounted on the first positioning device. In use, the conveying mechanism conveys the carrier tape to move each pocket to a receiving position and the movement mechanism moves each holding element to place the electronic device into a respective pocket at the receiving position. The positioning mechanism adjusts a relative position between the electronic device and the respective pocket by adjusting the carrier tape, the first and second positioning devices being for coarse and fine positioning of the conveying mechanism respectively.

There is described an outfeed device for a packaging assembly configured to form and seal a plurality of packages containing a pourable product; the outfeed device comprises an input station, at which it receives, in use, the packages, and an output station, at which the packages exit, in use, from the outfeed device; the outfeed device comprises at least one selectively operable cart element cyclically movable along an endless path, comprising a receiving portion defining a receiving seat for picking one single package at a time at input station, housing at least part of the package, and being configured to bring the package from the input station to the output station.

There is described an outfeed device for a packaging assembly configured to form and seal a plurality of packages containing a pourable product; the outfeed device comprises an input station, at which it receives, in use, the packages, and an output station, at which the packages exit, in use, from the outfeed device; the outfeed device comprises at least one selectively operable cart element cyclically movable along an endless path, comprising a receiving portion defining a receiving seat for picking one single package at a time at input station, housing at least part of the package, and being configured to bring the package from the input station to the output station.

In an embodiment, the present invention discloses cleaned storage processes and systems for high level cleanliness articles, such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reticle carriers. A decontamination chamber can be used to clean the stored workpieces. A purge gas system can be used to prevent contamination of the articles stored within the workpieces. A robot can be used to detect the condition of the storage compartment before delivering the workpiece. A monitor device can be used to monitor the conditions of the stocker.

In an embodiment, the present invention discloses cleaned storage processes and systems for high level cleanliness articles, such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reticle carriers. A decontamination chamber can be used to clean the stored workpieces. A purge gas system can be used to prevent contamination of the articles stored within the workpieces. A robot can be used to detect the condition of the storage compartment before delivering the workpiece. A monitor device can be used to monitor the conditions of the stocker.