US 12,492,032 B2
Method and machine for inspecting the packaging of products
Giampaolo Gianese, Bologna (IT); and Luca Lanzarini, Bologna (IT)
Assigned to G.D S.P.A., Bologna (IT)
Filed by G.D S.P.A., Bologna (IT)
Filed on Mar. 11, 2024, as Appl. No. 18/601,407.
Claims priority of application No. 102023000005424 (IT), filed on Mar. 22, 2023.
Prior Publication US 2024/0317445 A1, Sep. 26, 2024
Int. Cl. B65B 57/16 (2006.01); B65B 9/04 (2006.01); B65B 35/44 (2006.01); B65B 57/12 (2006.01); B65B 57/14 (2006.01); B65B 65/00 (2006.01)
CPC B65B 57/16 (2013.01) [B65B 9/045 (2013.01); B65B 35/44 (2013.01); B65B 57/12 (2013.01); B65B 57/14 (2013.01); B65B 65/003 (2013.01)] 18 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for inspecting packaging of products in blister packs, comprising the following steps:
feeding a succession of trays along a main feed line, each tray comprising a plurality of seats, each of the seats configured for accommodating a respective product;
in a filling station located along the main feed line, filling each of the seats with a respective product;
in an inspection station located along the main feed line downstream of the filling station, detecting a presence of one or more empty seats on each tray in transit in the inspection station;
with a management unit and based on the result of the step of detecting:
sending a feed command to the main feed line to carry the tray to a completing station and, in the completing station, filling the empty seats on the tray by picking up one or more products from an auxiliary, replenishing line, and sending the products of each tray to a packaging line; or
sending a transfer command to a transfer station, and transferring, by the transfer station, all the products of the tray from the main feed line towards the auxiliary, replenishing line; and
wherein the management unit is configured to selectively send the feed command and the transfer command based on the result of the step of detecting.