Patent ID: 8834089
Filing Date: 2014-09-16
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
1. A package assembly handling system for handling a package assembly comprising first and second portions that cooperate to contain a particulate aliquot, the system comprising: a package assembly handling device configured for applying a compressive force to opposing sides of the second portion of the package assembly using a pinch area so that the first portion flexes outwardly about a flexure axis defined in the first portion, the flexure axis moves away from the second portion, and the first and second portions at least partially separate, thus releasing at least a portion of the particulate aliquot; an opening tool configured for inserting into an aperture defined by at least one of a pair of opposing concave portions located on a flange portion of the package assembly, for encouraging at least one of the first or second portions to flex outwardly from the other portion about the flexure axis so that the first and second portions separate; and a disengaging tool configured for applying a second force to the package assembly, approximately normal to a plane defined by the flange portion, for encouraging the first and second portions to separate.