Patent ID: 6925783
Filing Date: 2005-08-09
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A method of packaging a quantity of objects, the method comprising (a) placing a plurality of the objects on a top surface of a planar member which defines an array of recesses, each of the recesses being sized and configured to receive one of the objects, and which planar member further defines a plurality of fluid passageways extending through the planar member, each of the plurality of fluid passageways opening in a respective one of the recesses defined by the planar member and extending completely through the planar member to a passageway opening in a bottom surface of the planar member, (b) sweeping at least some of the plurality of the objects across the top surface to insure that each of the recesses has received a respective one of the objects, (c) removing all of any excess number of the objects from the top surface, (d) providing a vacuum in the space proximate to each of the passageway openings in the bottom surface of the planar member, the vacuum being sufficient to retain each object within its respective recess at least during rotation of the planar member, (e) placing in contact with, or at least in close proximity to, the top surface a sheet which forms an array of blister-like chambers for receiving a plurality of objects, the array of recesses of the top surface being substantially aligned with and opening into the blister-like chambers of the sheet, (f) while retaining the sheet in contact with or in close proximity to the top surface, rotating the planar member so that the bottom surface is substantially above the top surface, and (g) removing the vacuum from the space proximate to the passageway openings in the bottom surface to cause each object to fall from its respective recess into a corresponding blister-like chamber of the sheet.