Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for defect prevention for flexible container sealing systems. In one embodiment, an example flexible container sealing system may include a first camera configured to image an item disposed in a flexible container, a laser system configured to detect presence of items, a cutting assembly configured to cut a material that forms the flexible container, a sealing assembly configured to seal one or more ends of the flexible container, and a computer system configured to determine, using the first camera, a height of the item disposed in the flexible container.

A method for operating a packaging machine having at least one electric drive motor, the drive motor driving at least one functional unit of the packaging machine in a program-controlled manner when producing packaging using the following steps: (a) loading a parameter set into the control of the packaging machine, the parameter set containing at least one load parameter which limits the torque or the current consumption of the drive motor to a maximum when producing packaging; (b) operating the packaging machine for producing packaging, the maximally occurring actual value of the torque mustered at the drive motor or the current consumed by the drive motor being measured during operation; (c) determining a new load parameter as a function of the maximum actual value; (d) saving the new load parameter in a parameter set allocated to the packaging to be produced.

A method for operating a packaging machine having at least one electric drive motor, the drive motor driving at least one functional unit of the packaging machine in a program-controlled manner when producing packaging using the following steps: (a) loading a parameter set into the control of the packaging machine, the parameter set containing at least one load parameter which limits the torque or the current consumption of the drive motor to a maximum when producing packaging; (b) operating the packaging machine for producing packaging, the maximally occurring actual value of the torque mustered at the drive motor or the current consumed by the drive motor being measured during operation; (c) determining a new load parameter as a function of the maximum actual value; (d) saving the new load parameter in a parameter set allocated to the packaging to be produced.

A method, apparatus and program product perform automatic load profiling to optimize a wrapping operation performed with a stretch wrapping machine. Automatic load profiling may be performed, for example, to determine a density parameter for a load that is indicative of load stability such that one or more control parameters may be configured for a wrapping operation based upon the density parameter. Automatic load profiling may also be performed, for example, to detect a load with a nonstandard top layer, e.g., a load with a top or slip sheet, a load with an easily deformable top layer, a load with a ragged top surface topography and/or a load with an inboard portion, such that a top layer containment operation may be activated during wrapping to optimize containment for the load.

A method, apparatus and program product perform automatic load profiling to optimize a wrapping operation performed with a stretch wrapping machine. Automatic load profiling may be performed, for example, to determine a density parameter for a load that is indicative of load stability such that one or more control parameters may be configured for a wrapping operation based upon the density parameter. Automatic load profiling may also be performed, for example, to detect a load with a nonstandard top layer, e.g., a load with a top or slip sheet, a load with an easily deformable top layer, a load with a ragged top surface topography and/or a load with an inboard portion, such that a top layer containment operation may be activated during wrapping to optimize containment for the load.

A system is provided that can automatically calibrate or define a home or initial position of a moveable component of an industrial machine. During the calibration procedure, an actuator may be operated in a low speed and/or low torque mode to drive the component until the component contacts a mechanical stop. This provides a hard-stop of the component's movement while the actuator attempts to further drive the component, which creates a stall condition of the actuator. A control system monitors that actuator's performance characteristics and is configured to identify an anomalous performance characteristic(s) value that corresponds to the actuator's stall condition as a triggering event. When the control system identifies the triggering event, it defines the component's position as a null point and determines a zero point to define an initial operational position of the component as a function of the null point.

A system is provided that can automatically calibrate or define a home or initial position of a moveable component of an industrial machine. During the calibration procedure, an actuator may be operated in a low speed and/or low torque mode to drive the component until the component contacts a mechanical stop. This provides a hard-stop of the component's movement while the actuator attempts to further drive the component, which creates a stall condition of the actuator. A control system monitors that actuator's performance characteristics and is configured to identify an anomalous performance characteristic(s) value that corresponds to the actuator's stall condition as a triggering event. When the control system identifies the triggering event, it defines the component's position as a null point and determines a zero point to define an initial operational position of the component as a function of the null point.

A medical fluid container preparation system includes: a conveyor for conveying the medical fluid container, a water injector located along the conveyor, a mechanism for carrying the water injector towards and away from the medical fluid container; a sensor positioned and arranged to determine a location of the medical fluid container moving along the conveyor, and a control unit configured to read an output from the sensor and to cause (i) the mechanism to move the water injector towards the medical fluid container an amount based upon the location of the medical fluid container obtained from the sensor output and (ii) the water injector to inject a volume of water between the medical fluid container and an overpouch into which the medical fluid container is placed.

A tray for receiving sausages is provided. The tray includes cells which are adapted to substantially match the shape of sausages or other soft materials. The tray may be vacuum sealed to cause a relatively uniform top surface suitable for stacking. The tray may be sealed without pre-freezing the sausages and without causing significant deformation to said sausages upon thawing. The tray may be loaded in an automated manner without the use of robotic arms placing individual sausages into the tray.

A tray for receiving sausages is provided. The tray includes cells which are adapted to substantially match the shape of sausages or other soft materials. The tray may be vacuum sealed to cause a relatively uniform top surface suitable for stacking. The tray may be sealed without pre-freezing the sausages and without causing significant deformation to said sausages upon thawing. The tray may be loaded in an automated manner without the use of robotic arms placing individual sausages into the tray.