A packaging machine having at least a pair of independently driven conveyors on which packages are adapted to be carried though the machine for processing, a micro-controller having a memory in which is stored a computer program containing computer readable instructions, a database/look-up table containing data correlating package sizing parameters with optimal speed profiles at which the machine can run effectively, at least one motor that drives each conveyor, and a motor controller that is electronically linked to the micro-controller for purposes of adjusting the speed at which the motor runs based upon the speed profile of the package.

A packaging machine having at least a pair of independently driven conveyors on which packages are adapted to be carried though the machine for processing, a micro-controller having a memory in which is stored a computer program containing computer readable instructions, a database/look-up table containing data correlating package sizing parameters with optimal speed profiles at which the machine can run effectively, at least one motor that drives each conveyor, and a motor controller that is electronically linked to the micro-controller for purposes of adjusting the speed at which the motor runs based upon the speed profile of the package.

Disclosed is a packaging device for packaging products in batches, during which the products travel along a conveying direction in order to be packaged. The batches include at least two products, arranged transversely to the conveying direction. The device includes a feeder for receiving products travelling in single file through an upstream pick-up area and conveying same to a set-down area for later packaging. The feeder includes: in the pick-up area, a transfer unit for transferring products arriving in single file to the unit; and at least one position-controlled movable collector for receiving and then moving at least one product in a controlled manner from the transfer unit to the set-down area. The device also includes a conveyor in the set-down area, on which the at least one collector deposits the at least one product that it collected from the pick-up area. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Disclosed is a packaging device for packaging products in batches, during which the products travel along a conveying direction in order to be packaged. The batches include at least two products, arranged transversely to the conveying direction. The device includes a feeder for receiving products travelling in single file through an upstream pick-up area and conveying same to a set-down area for later packaging. The feeder includes: in the pick-up area, a transfer unit for transferring products arriving in single file to the unit; and at least one position-controlled movable collector for receiving and then moving at least one product in a controlled manner from the transfer unit to the set-down area. The device also includes a conveyor in the set-down area, on which the at least one collector deposits the at least one product that it collected from the pick-up area. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for loading stacks of container lids into an associated lid-applying apparatus, as typically found in a container filling facility. The apparatus includes a reciprocably movable carriage which is positioned generally above the lid-applying apparatus. The carriage can be positioned in a first, loading position, which is generally offset from the apparatus for convenient placement of the lid stacks by operators. The carriage can then be moved over the lid-applying apparatus to a second, unloading position. The carriage includes movable lid supports, which then open to release the lid stacks downwardly onto the lid-applying apparatus. In the preferred form, vertically movable lid cradles extend upwardly from the lid-applying apparatus, and receive the lid stacks from beneath carriage. The cradles then move downwardly, carrying the lid stacks downwardly, for transfer of the stacks onto the lid-applying apparatus.

The present invention is directed to an apparatus for loading stacks of container lids into an associated lid-applying apparatus, as typically found in a container filling facility. The apparatus includes a reciprocably movable carriage which is positioned generally above the lid-applying apparatus. The carriage can be positioned in a first, loading position, which is generally offset from the apparatus for convenient placement of the lid stacks by operators. The carriage can then be moved over the lid-applying apparatus to a second, unloading position. The carriage includes movable lid supports, which then open to release the lid stacks downwardly onto the lid-applying apparatus. In the preferred form, vertically movable lid cradles extend upwardly from the lid-applying apparatus, and receive the lid stacks from beneath carriage. The cradles then move downwardly, carrying the lid stacks downwardly, for transfer of the stacks onto the lid-applying apparatus.

An object of the present invention is to allow a medicine dispensing cassette to be easily disassembled. The medicine dispensing cassette according to the embodiments of the present invention may include a main member, a first sub-member, a second sub-member and a third sub-member. The main member further includes an engagement release member so that when said engagement release member is moved to a first position (F), the engagement between the main member and the first sub-member is released, making it possible to separate the first sub-member from the main member. In the same manner, when the engagement release member is moved to a second position (S), the engagement between the main member and the second sub-member is released, making it possible to separate the second sub-member from the main member. The third sub-member can be removed from the main member independently from an operation of the engagement release member.

An object of the present invention is to allow a medicine dispensing cassette to be easily disassembled. The medicine dispensing cassette according to the embodiments of the present invention may include a main member, a first sub-member, a second sub-member and a third sub-member. The main member further includes an engagement release member so that when said engagement release member is moved to a first position (F), the engagement between the main member and the first sub-member is released, making it possible to separate the first sub-member from the main member. In the same manner, when the engagement release member is moved to a second position (S), the engagement between the main member and the second sub-member is released, making it possible to separate the second sub-member from the main member. The third sub-member can be removed from the main member independently from an operation of the engagement release member.

Novel adaptive stylus winding assemblies for use in winding surgical sutures in tray packages are disclosed. The stylus winding assemblies have a pivotally mounted stylus member and a biasing element to facilitate winding a suture into a suture track of a suture tray. The winding assemblies provide for reliable product supply, quality improvements and cost reductions.

Novel adaptive stylus winding assemblies for use in winding surgical sutures in tray packages are disclosed. The stylus winding assemblies have a pivotally mounted stylus member and a biasing element to facilitate winding a suture into a suture track of a suture tray. The winding assemblies provide for reliable product supply, quality improvements and cost reductions.