Information Display in Product Packaging

Form-fill-seal packaging machine that allows using a common film for different products without needing separate pre-printed films. The machine prints product information on both sides of the film before forming bags. This eliminates the need for different films with pre-printed labels for each product. The printing is synchronized with film transport and can be done with a single printer head. The printed areas are adjacent or integrated to avoid needing separate printer heads for each side. The printer contacts the heated areas for thermal printing.

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Automated pharmacy packaging system using robotics, AI, and software to optimize medication dispensing, packaging, and labeling for improved efficiency, accuracy, and safety in healthcare settings. The system integrates dispensing, packaging, verification, customization, and traceability into a cohesive solution. It uses robotic arms, smart packaging stations, vision systems, AI software, and advanced modules for dispensing, verification, customization, queue management, and error correction. It aims to reduce medication errors, enhance patient safety, streamline pharmacy operations, and promote sustainability compared to manual and existing automated systems.

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A label alignment system for applying straight and consistent labels to cylindrical products like bottles, jars, and cups. The system uses interchangeable belts and loops that attach to the product and label to align and secure them during labeling. The belts and loops have different geometries to fit various product shapes and label sizes. This allows the user to customize the alignment and height of the label without crookedness or inconsistency compared to manually applied labels.

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A method to increase the labeling area on pharmaceutical vials by elevating the label above the vial neck. The method involves attaching an extra component, such as a circular disk, onto the vial body below the neck. This creates a stepped shape with a raised section where the label can be positioned. This allows labeling above the vial neck where conventional labels can't go due to diameter constraints. The raised section provides additional labeling space near the vial closure area. The extra component also serves as a tear strip to destroy the label's electronics after opening, preventing reuse.

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Packaging machine with integrated labeling device for reliable and efficient labeling of food packaging. The labeling device attaches labels to the top and bottom of the packaging using a movable attachment head. It has a vacuum device inside the head to suck labels from a dispenser. The head can move along the packaging line. The labels are dispensed from a roll that can be switched out. The roll can be moved between two positions, one for dispensing and one for changing. This allows label roll changes without interrupting operation. The vacuum head can generate variable negative pressure inside to stabilize label suction. A rejection mechanism selectively prevents transferring bad labels. This integrated labeling system provides reliable labeling with reduced disruptions and simpler integration into the packaging machine.

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Automatically identifying and managing stock of products from non-standardized packaging using image recognition. The method involves receiving an image of an unregistered product, processing it to identify a registered product that is similar but different, and then managing the stock of that registered product for the user. This allows automated identification and recommendation of substitutes for uncommon or custom packaged products, as well as automated reordering based on image analysis. The system uses techniques like image refinement, OCR, and confidence scoring to accurately match products from varied packaging.

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Tracing and compensating for web position errors in roll-fed packaging machines to enable efficient and accurate production of packages with unique identifiers without the need for individualized printing. The method involves printing different decorations on sections of the web using multiple printing plates. The web is fed, buffered, and imaged to identify decor locations. The web position estimates are compared to the decor locations and adjusted to compensate for errors. This allows using decored sections from the printed web instead of individually printed packages for traceability without additional equipment.

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Reducing costs of traceability in roll-fed packaging machines by printing product codes on sections of the web instead of individual packages. The web is printed with alternating patterns on sections using multiple printing plates. The sections are folded into packages downstream. This allows using regular flexographic printing instead of expensive digital printing. The machine compensates for web position errors by comparing registered section codes to estimated positions.

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Standing pouch packaging device that can clearly imprint letters or numbers on the sealed portion of the pouch using an imprinting member. The device has a sealing member that seals the pouch opening, and an engraving member inside the main body that grips and imprints the sealed pouch. The engraving member has a first pressing unit with movable close contacts that grip the sealed pouch, and a second pressing part with a detachable type block that presses to imprint letters. The second pressing part has a separate driving unit to move the type block. This allows separately controlling the gripping force vs imprinting force.

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Digital printing on the inside of flexible packaging to add unique codes, promotional content, or varying patterns on the inner layers of flexible packaging using a separate digital printing process before lamination. This involves digitally printing on the laminated film rolls before combining them in the lamination process to create the final flexible packaging. A compensator roll is added to the lamination machine to adjust for the thickness variation from the digital printing. This allows precise, customizable inner printing that can vary per package while remaining regular and safe for products.

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Packaging machine that checks product-label matching for accurately packaging items. The machine has a device to apply labels with product information. It also has a checking mechanism to verify if the label matches the actual product before sealing. This is done by attaching the label before the final seal, allowing visual confirmation of product-label alignment. If they don't match, an abnormal processing is performed. This ensures consistent product-label pairs.

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A method to package small food and non-food products using pre-printed self-adhesive labels instead of printing images directly on the packaging film. The method involves using a desktop sealing machine to seal self-adhesive label strips onto the product instead of printing images on the packaging film itself. The label strips have a one-sided adhesive layer with the product label already printed on it. This allows customizing the product label without having to print it directly on the packaging film.

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Managing information on packages containing multiple stacked boxes wrapped in a single layer film. The method involves printing product information on the film inside each box without damaging it. An RFID tag with unique ID is attached to the pack. The printed and RFID data is linked and stored using a computer. This allows easy scanning of the pack without needing multiple RFID tags or damaging the film.

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Automated packaging system that simplifies and speeds up the packing process by using AI to recognize invoices and display contents on boxes. The system opens, folds, tapes, and labels boxes. It scans invoices, identifies items, and displays symbols on the box to match. This allows workers to quickly verify contents without manually checking each item. The system also checks if lower wings are taped before upper taping to prevent mislabeling. By automating invoice recognition and displaying contents, it improves packing efficiency and reduces errors.

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A method for manufacturing a container package with increased label display area and faster bonding. The method involves providing an inhibitor layer on one of the films that prevents solvent bonding. When overlapping the films, solvent is applied only to one film. This forms a solvent joint where the films join with the inhibitor layer aligned. The separate regions on either side of the joint prevent bonding. This allows high-speed label joining while increasing display area compared to overlapping labels without inhibitor.

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Packaging bottles with embedded letters to provide product details directly on the bottle instead of labels that can't be recycled. The letters are created using embossing, carving, laser, sandblasting, or corrosion techniques to form raised, indented, or etched letters on the bottle surface. This allows product information like ingredients, allergens, and warnings to be permanently molded into the packaging instead of added as separate labels. The embedded letters can be read easily and remain intact when the bottle is recycled.

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Digital printing apparatus for packaging machines that enables customization of packages without reducing production speed. The digital printing apparatus is integrated into a packaging machine for pourable products like juice. It allows printing customized content onto the packages as they are being formed and filled. This allows customization of some or all of the packages without slowing down the packaging line. The digital printing apparatus is designed to work with high-speed packaging machines and does not impact production rates. It allows customization of packages like juice cartons without needing separate customization lines.

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Packaging containers with concealed welds and 360 degree printing for tubes, cans, and flasks. The containers have printed designs on the outer surface that continue around the welded seams. The printing and welding process involves: 1) printing images on sheets with parallel side strips, 2) cutting the strips to match container diameter, 3) forming the sheet into a tube, 4) welding the edges, and 5) cutting the tube at the image. The width of the initial image matches the container diameter, and the side strips have copies of the opposite edge. This allows continuous printing around the container. The width adjustment accounts for shrinkage during printing and welding.

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Simultaneous laser marking and vision inspection for food packaging that enables real-time position correction of the laser marking. The system uses an OCR vision module outside the laser scan head to capture the full target image without phase transition. The module detects the marking area location and sends it to the scan head. The scan head adjusts the laser beam angle, direction, and focus to match the marking area position. This allows accurate partial marking on the target without needing separate reading devices or software. The OCR module can also read the marking results in real-time to check for defects.

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Packaging discrete medicaments in pouches using a machine that improves efficiency and accuracy compared to manual packaging. The machine forms and fills pouches in an elongated web, prints information related to the medicaments on the web, and inspects the web for faults. When a fault is detected, it prints a symbol on an empty pouch before forming it. This allows operators to quickly identify faulty pouches by the symbol and discard them. The machine has features like web transport, printing, filling, inspection, and fault handling stations.

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