U.S. patent application number 13/607834 was filed with the patent office on 2012-12-27 for automated syringe filler and loading apparatus.
Invention is credited to Saverio Roberto Strangis.
Application Number | 20120325365 13/607834 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47360497 |
Filed Date | 2012-12-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120325365 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Strangis; Saverio Roberto |
December 27, 2012 |
AUTOMATED SYRINGE FILLER AND LOADING APPARATUS
Abstract
An automated method for the filling of syringes including the
steps of holding an uncapped syringe in a vertical position with an
exposed needle extending at the top. A horizontally rotatable plate
holding inverted vials of liquid with needle perforatable septum is
position above the needle. The motorized plate with the positioned
vial descends on the needle perforating the septum. The syringe
plunger can be lowered using a motorized plunger tool and drawing
liquid into the syringe. The vial and plate can be elevated
separating the needle from the septum. The plate can be optionally
rotated to position a second vial above the needle. The needle, now
filled with liquid, e.g., medicine can also be removed from the
holder. The method can be combined with a cap extractor/installer
component. The apparatus comprises a motor driven rotatable plate,
a motorized syringe plunger tool. It can comprise a motor
controlled rotating carousel.
Inventors: |
Strangis; Saverio Roberto;
(Pearland, TX) |
Family ID: |
47360497 |
Appl. No.: |
13/607834 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13068745 |
May 18, 2011 |
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13607834 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
141/2 ; 141/18;
141/21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B63C 9/0005 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; G08B 21/088 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/2 ; 141/18;
141/21 |
International
Class: |
B65B 3/12 20060101
B65B003/12 |
Claims
1. An automated method for the filling of syringes comprising: a)
placing a syringe in a vertical position wherein the needle of the
syringe is on top beneath a rotatable and elevatable horizontal
plate wherein the horizontal plate comprises at least one inverted
vial containing a liquid; b) the inverted vial containing a liquid
in a first position above the syringe needle; c) lowering the
horizontal plate to a second position sufficient for the needle to
penetrate a septum of the inverted vial; and d) raising the
horizontal plate to the first position.
2. The automated method of claim 1 further comprising using a
syringe plunger tool horizontally and vertically moving from a
third position to a fourth position engaging the syringe plunger in
the fourth position and pulling the syringe plunger downward a
controlled distance to a fifth position while the horizontal plate
is in the second position.
3. The automated method of claim 2 further comprising a) rotating
the horizontal plate to a sixth position placing a second inverted
vial above the syringe needle; b) lowering the horizontal plate to
a seventh position sufficient for the syringe needle to penetrate a
septum of the second inverted vial; and lowering the syringe
plunger of the syringe to a ninth position to add liquid to the
syringe; and c) raising the horizontal plate to the sixth
position.
4. The automated method of claim 3 further comprising a) rotating
the horizontal plate to an tenth position placing a third inverted
vial above the syringe needle; b) lowering the horizontal plate
sufficient for the needle to penetrate the septum of the third
inverted vial; and c) raising the syringe plunger to discharge the
contents of the syringe into the third inverted vial.
5. The automated method of claim 4 further comprising using a
pivoting syringe plunger tool to push the syringe plunger
upward.
6. The automated method of claim 3 further comprising adding liquid
from one or more additional vials to the syringe and continuing to
extend the syringe plunger downward.
7. An automated method for the filling of syringes comprising: a)
placing a syringe in vertical position wherein the cap of the
syringe is on top beneath a rotatable and elevatable horizontal
plate comprising a syringe cap extractor/installer and at least two
inverted vials; b) gripping the syringe cap with components of the
syringe cap extractor/installer in a first position; c) elevating
the syringe cap extractor/installer to a second position gripping
the syringe cap to remove the cap from the syringe; d) rotating the
horizontal plate to a third position wherein a first inverted vial
is positioned above the uncapped syringe needle; e) lowering the
horizontal plate to a fourth position sufficient for the uncapped
needle to penetrate a septum of the first inverted vial; f)
lowering a plunger of the syringe to a fifth position; g) raising
the horizontal plate to the third position;
8. The automated method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of:
a) rotating the horizontal plate to a sixth position positioning a
second vial above the uncapped needle; b) lowering the vial to a
seventh position sufficient that the needle penetrates a septum of
the second vial; c) raising the syringe plunger to an eighth
position to discharge contents of the syringe into the second
vial.
9. The automated method of claim 8 further comprising a) rotating
the horizontal plate to a ninth position where a third inverted
vial containing a liquid is positioned over the uncapped needle or
a second uncapped syringe; b) lowering the horizontal plate to a
tenth position sufficient that the needle penetrates the septum of
the third inverted vial; c) lowering the syringe plunger a
predetermined distance sufficient to draw liquid from the third
inverted vial into the syringe; d) raising the horizontal plate to
the ninth position; e) rotating the plate to the sixth position to
position the second vial above the uncapped needle; f) lowering the
horizontal plate to a seventh position sufficient that the needle
penetrates a septum of the second vial; g) raising the syringe
plunger to the eighth position to discharge liquid of the syringe
into the second vial.
10. The automated method of claim 7 further comprising adding
liquid from at least one additional inverted vial positioned on the
horizontal plate.
11. An apparatus for automated filling of syringes comprising: a) a
syringe holder component wherein the syringe needle is pointed
vertically upward; b) a rotatable and elevatable plate horizontally
oriented that can be lowered and elevated in relation to the
syringe needles; c) a motor controlling the rotation and
elevation/depression of the rotatable plate; and d) inverted vial
holder components radially oriented on the rotatable and elevatable
plate.
12. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes of claim 11
further comprising a syringe holder component comprising a
motorized controllably turnable carousel wherein the carousel
comprises a plurality of syringe holders.
13. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes of claim 12
further comprising a CPU or similar device containing programmable
media in communication with at least the motors controlling the
rotatable and elevatable plate and turnable carousel.
14. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes further
comprising a syringe cap extractor/installer.
15. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes wherein the
syringe cap extractor/installer further comprises: a) a rack and
modified pinion; b) a cap access space; and c) a motor device.
16. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes of claim 13.
comprising a carousel wherein the rotational movement of the
carousel can be controlled by a step motor.
17. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes of claim 13
wherein the rotational movement of the carousel can be controlled
by a computer controlled servo-motor.
18. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes of claim 13
wherein a motor controlled horizontally and vertically extendable
syringe plunger tool that can elevate or lower a syringe
plunger.
19. The apparatus for automated filling of syringes of claim 18
wherein the syringe plunger tool is controlled by a CPU or similar
device containing programmable media.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a divisional application of Ser. No.
13/068,745 entitled Automated Syringe Filler and Loading Apparatus
filed Mar. 23, 2011 and which is incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Use
[0003] The disclosure teaches a method and apparatus for automated
filling of syringes. This includes automated filling of syringes
with radiopharmaceuticals or other drugs.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] Semi automated systems for filling syringes have been
disclosed in the prior art including machines manufactured by
Intellifill iv of FHT Inc., Daytona Beach, Fla. and Radio Syringe
Filling by M&O Perry Industries of Corona, Calif.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE
[0006] The apparatus subject of the disclosure can be used to
prepare (fill) syringes containing liquids including
pharmaceuticals or radiopharmaceutical without operator
participation. The apparatus can also be used to fill vials of
solutions or mix solutions within a vial. When the solution is
radioactive, the syringe filling operation can be performed in a
suitably shielded location for operator safety.
[0007] The capping, filling and recapping of the syringe needles is
performed automatically away from the operator, therefore
eliminating any danger of accidental needle sticks during the
filling operation.
[0008] The disclosure outlines a series of automated steps
performed by the apparatus or components of the apparatus. It will
be appreciated that the sequence in which these steps are performed
may be varied without departing from the scope of the disclosed
invention.
[0009] The syringes are filled while in an inverted position with
the pharmaceutical, radiopharmaceutical, medication, radioisotopes
or other drug or hazardous substance, hereinafter "solution",
positioned above the syringe. This allows for gravity vacuum feed
of the solution. In an inverted position, the capped syringe needle
is pointed up and the syringe plunger is at the bottom. The empty
syringes are loaded onto a rotatable carousel or loaded
individually into a single syringe adapter/holder. The carousel
rotates a predetermined arc placing a syringe adjacent to a
dispenser mechanism. The dispenser mechanism contains an automated
syringe plunger tool and a rotatable component containing one or
more inverted vials of solution and an automated needle cap
extractor.
[0010] The syringe plunger tool may first engage the syringe
plunger. The syringe plunger tool extends from the dispenser
mechanism and engages the plunger of the syringe held in the
carousel. This can secure the syringe in a stationary position
during removal and replacement of the syringe cap and insertion of
the needle into an inverted vial. It will be appreciated that the
syringe plunger extends from the bottom of the syringe held in the
carousel or single syringe adapter/holder.
[0011] The needle cap may next be removed from the syringe. The
inverted vial rotates above the now exposed syringe needle. A vial
of medication is aligned with the needle and the vial descends upon
the needle and is perforated by the needle. The tool pulls the
plunger down a predetermined distance. This causes a predetermined
quantity of solution to be dispensed from the vial into the
syringe.
[0012] The inverted vial is re-elevated to its original position,
the rotatable plate rotates and the syringe cap descends upon the
needle.
[0013] The carousel again rotates a predetermined arc and places
the now filled syringe in front of an automated syringe
extractor/inverter component. The syringe inverter component
extends and grips the syringe and pulls it horizontally from the
carousel. The gripper rotates the syringe about an horizontal axis
such that the syringe needle is now pointed down and placed in a
holder. The filled syringe can be manually removed from the syringe
inverter component or placed in a further automated device. In
another embodiment, the syringe is lifted from the carousel.
SUMMARY OF DRAWINGS
[0014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the specification, illustrate preferred
embodiments of the invention. These drawings, together with the
general description of the invention given above and the detailed
description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to
explain the principles of the invention.
[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates the carousel carrying the capped
syringes. Also illustrated is the actuator housing rotating the
carousel.
[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates the carousel actuator.
[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates the filler mechanism showing 3 vials and
the needle cap extractor and placement component. The rotating
plate on top of the filler mechanism is also illustrated. Also
illustrated is the syringe plunger tool.
[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates the filler mechanism holding a capped
syringe with the needle cap extractor positioned above the syringe
needle cap. The optional single syringe holder is shown. Three
inverted vials are also illustrated. The syringe plunger is shown
compressed within the syringe.
[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the filler
mechanism with the needle cap extractor positioned above the capped
syringe needle.
[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view showing the syringe cap
removed and the exposed syringe needle. The syringe plunger tool is
in position to pull the syringe plunger downward.
[0021] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the filler mechanism
rotating plate having rotated and positioned an inverted vial above
the exposed needle.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a side view of the filler mechanism showing the
syringe plunger tool in position to move the syringe plunger
downward. Also illustrated is the vial having moved downward onto
the exposed syringe needle.
[0023] FIG. 9 is a side view showing the syringe plunger tool
having moved downward pulling the syringe plunger down and causing
the syringe to fill from the vial.
[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates the needle cap extractor (with the
syringe cap) having rotated over the syringe needle.
[0025] FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating the rotating plate
containing the needle cap extractor descending upon the needle
(replacing the syringe cap).
[0026] FIG. 12 is a side view showing the rotating plate and needle
cap extractor elevating above the now capped and filled
syringe.
[0027] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the rotating top of the
filler mechanism showing three vials and the needle cap extractor.
Also illustrated is the rotating syringe plunger tool.
[0028] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the automated syringe
inverter component.
[0029] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the three components
subject of the disclosure, i.e., the rotating carousel, the filler
mechanism and the automated syringe inverter component.
[0030] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the automated syringe
inverter component with an inverted syringe (cap side down) placed
in a holder.
[0031] FIG. 17 is a side view of the needle cap extractor (with the
syringe cap) with the exterior covers.
[0032] FIG. 18 is a side view of the needle cap extractor (with the
syringe cap) without the exterior covers, illustrating the modified
pinion and rack subcomponents for gripping the syringe cap and the
direction of motion of the extractor and the rotating pinion.
[0033] FIG. 19 is a side view of the needle cap extractor (with the
syringe cap) without the exterior covers, showing movement of the
rack rotating the pinion which grips the syringe cap.
[0034] FIG. 20 is a top view of the gripper subcomponent and jaws
of the automated syringe inverter component.
[0035] FIG. 21, a top view of the gripper subcomponent without the
exterior covers, illustrates the direction of movement for opening
and closing the gripper jaws and the direction of lateral movement
of the gripper subcomponent.
[0036] FIG. 22, a top view of the gripper subcomponent without the
exterior covers, illustrates the gripper subcomponent with the
gripper jaws in a closed position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The subject of this disclosure is an automated apparatus for
filling syringes. The syringes can be filled with
radiopharmaceuticals or other substances. The filling can be
performed without handling by human operators or technicians.
Radiopharmaceuticals are radioactive pharmaceuticals and can be
used in the field of nuclear medicine as tracers in the treatment
and diagnosis of many diseases. Radiopharmaceuticals include, but
are not limited to, [N13] ammonia, [F-18] sodium fluoride, or
[F-18] Fludeoxyglucose ([F-18] FDG).
[0038] The process starts with a rotatable carousel 110 having a
plurality of slots or holders 111 containing capped empty syringes
211 being placed on a motorized rotating holder (carousel)
removeably mounted on a carousel actuator. In one embodiment, the
carousel 110 is placed on the carousel actuator 105 and rotated 45
degrees to attach it to the actuator 105. In another embodiment,
the plunger tool or other mechanism actuate the carousel removing
pins 193. The pins push the carousel up a few millimeters to break
the force of the coupling magnets 192. The carousel may then be
easily removed from the carousel actuator. See FIG. 1. The
rotational movement can be controlled. The controller for the
rotating holder and the other components described below can be
performed by a CPU or similar device containing programmable
media.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the carousel actuator 105 is
illustrated. Shown are the carousel track rollers 191, carousel
presence sensor 196, syringe carousel locking pin 195, coupling
mechanism 192, syringe carousel removal pins 193, and rotating
shaft 194. In one embodiment, the carousel locking pin 195 serves
to lock the carousel in place. When the pin is actuated up, it fits
into the carousel holes. This function protects the mechanism when
the syringe extractor/inverter extracts the syringe. The syringe
carousel removal pins 193 push the carousel up to reduce the force
needed to release the coupling mechanism 192,
[0040] The syringes are placed in the carousel with the capped ends
pointed upward and the syringe plungers pushed into the syringe
with the plunger ends extending from the bottom of each syringe.
Each syringe is held in an individual holder 111 of the carousel.
In one embodiment, the syringes are not grasped or held in the
individual holder of the carousel. It is possible to lift or pull
the syringe horizontally out of the carousel without the release of
any mechanism. Each syringe is held vertically in the carousel.
[0041] The carousel rotates in a controlled fashion. The carousel
actuator can be mounted on a common base 148 of the filler
(dispenser) mechanism 149. See FIG. 13. This can ensure the proper
distance relationship is maintained between the carousel and the
filler mechanism and syringe inverter/extractor. Referring to FIG.
3, the carousel is positioned in conjunction with the filler
mechanism so that the needle 202 held in the carousel stops under a
top rotating plate 156 holding at least one vial of solution 158,
e.g., radioisotopes, and an automated needle cap extractor 157. In
one embodiment, the movement of the carousel rotation can be
controlled by a step motor. In another embodiment, the rotational
movement can be controlled by a computer controlled servo-motor. In
yet another embodiment, the carousel can be manually rotated. The
disclosure includes the ability to stop the rotation of the
carousel beneath the automated needle cap extractor or inverted
vial. When stopped, a syringe is positioned below the needle cap
extractor. When stopped a filled syringe may also be positioned in
a carousel slot front of the syringe inverter/extractor component
as discussed below.
[0042] Referencing FIG. 8, at this time, a separate syringe plunger
tool 171 may be rotated horizontally forward and engages with the
plunger 221 of the inverted syringe. This movement is illustrated
by vector arrow 978 in FIG. 13. This engagement occurs at the
bottom of the carousel. The syringe plunger tool rotates about
component 172. See FIG. 7. It will be appreciated that FIGS. 7 and
8 illustrate the optional single syringe holder mount.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates the filler mechanism 149 comprised of at
least one vial 158, vial holder 159, automated needle cap extractor
157, syringe presence and size sensors 160 and 161 (e.g., 3 ml and
5 ml) and barcode reader window 162. Also illustrated is an
optional single syringe holder mount 163. (The optional single
syringe holder mount is removed for operation of the carousel with
the filler mechanism.) Also disclosed is a syringe 211 and the
syringe plunger tool 171. Finally, the top rotating plate 156 is
disclosed holding at least one inverted vial 158 and a needle cap
extractor 157.
[0044] Referencing FIG. 4, the disclosure also includes the ability
of the top rotating plate 156 of the filler mechanism 149 to
position the automated needle cap extractor 157 above a capped
syringe 211 (with cap 201) positioned vertically in a slot of the
carousel or in the illustrated optional single syringe holder 163.
Further, the motor may rotate the top rotating plate to move the
automated needle cap extractor from the position over the syringe
and replace the extractor/installer with a vial of solution. In
another embodiment, the vial may be empty and the contents of the
syringe are added to the vial as discussed more thoroughly below.
The horizontal direction of rotation of the rotating plate is shown
by vector arrow 977. In one embodiment, the rotating plate rotates
in one direction. In another embodiment, the rotating plate can
rotate in both directions (clockwise and counter clockwise). In one
embodiment, the vial 158 is inverted and the contents held by a
septum. The septum surface is opposite the upward pointed needle.
FIG. 4 illustrates three inverted vials 158, 169, 170.
[0045] FIG. 17 illustrates a detailed side view of the needle cap
extractor 157. Illustrated are the covers covering the several
subcomponents. FIG. 18 illustrates the subcomponents of the needle
cap extractor 157. The subcomponent is in an access position, i.e.,
the modified pinion 302 is positioned so the flat surface 307 is
directed to the cap holding space 308. Illustrated is a sensor 301
that detects the presence of a cap in the extracted or installation
position. The sensor can be used to confirm the extraction or
installation operation was successful. When a cap is detected, the
solenoid actuator 305 can be signaled to move in an upward
direction (vector arrow 982). This movement causes the modified
pinion 307 to rotate (vector arrow 983) bringing the edge of the
pinion into contact with the surface of the syringe cap 201. This
contact 309 is shown in FIG. 19. This contact holds the cap in
place when the needle cap extractor is elevated upward (vector
arrow 976) as shown in FIG. 10. A spring 306 can be utilized to
push the rack forward (vector arrow 981) to rotate the modified
pinion whereby the flat (modified) edge 307 of the pinion faces the
access space. In order to release the needle cap, a spring 306 can
be utilized to push the rack forward (vector arrow 981) to rotate
the modified pinion whereby the flat (modified) edge 307 faces the
access space.
[0046] The disclosure further includes the top rotating plate 156
having the capability to rotate 360 degrees and to move vertically
up and down. The rotating plate 156 first rotates the automated
needle cap extractor 157 above the syringe cap 201. See FIG. 5. The
rotational movement is shown by vector arrow 977 in FIG. 13. FIG. 4
illustrates the up and down movement of the rotating plate with
vector arrow 975/976. This up and down movement is used in the
extraction of the syringe cap 201 from the syringe 211, thereby
exposing the vertically oriented syringe needle 202. See FIGS. 5
and 6. The top rotating plate moves the automated needle cap
extractor down over the syringe cap and the automated needle cap
extractor 157 grasps the cap 201. The top rotating plate moves the
automated needle cap extractor vertically upward (976 in FIG. 10)
to expose the syringe needle 202. The operation of the automated
needle cap extractor is driven by a solenoid. In another
embodiment, one motor may be used to operate the cylindrical linear
(vertical) movement actuator 155 and a second motor rotates the top
rotating plate 156 on the axis of rotation. In one embodiment, the
vertical motion is propelled by at least one vertical leg 155.
There may be a central vertical leg that occupies the axis of
rotation.
[0047] The syringe needle 202 is now exposed (cap removed). See
FIG. 7. The inverted vial descends as shown by vector arrow 975 in
FIG. 8. The vertical motion of the rotating plate 156 at the top of
the filler mechanism can be used to control the descending motion.
The vertically oriented needle pierces the septum of the vial 158.
The open end of the needle 202 is now surrounded by solution. See
FIG. 8. It will be appreciated that the rotating plate can hold one
or more inverted vials. Illustrated in the Figures here is a
rotating plate holding 3 inverted vials. Mounting more than 3 vials
is possible and included within the scope of this invention.
[0048] Recall that in one embodiment, the syringe plunger tool has
engaged the syringe plunger. This can be the initial step of the
fill sequence. The syringe plunger tool facilitates holding the
vertically oriented syringe in a centered position when the
automated needle cap extractor descends upon the cap. When engaged
by suitable forward horizontal movement, the syringe plunger tool
is then pushed downward (vertically) causing the syringe plunger to
be pulled down a predetermined distance. This downward/vertical
movement is shown by vector arrow 980 in FIG. 9. This causes a
vacuum to be created in the body of the syringe 211 and the
solution in the inverted vial 158 to be drawn down through the
needle 202 into the syringe. The quantity of solution placed in the
syringe can be controlled.
[0049] The syringe is now filled. The cap needs to be placed back
on top of the syringe. See FIG. 10. The rotational plate 156 at the
top of the dispenser mechanism is first elevated. This removes the
needle from the septum. The rotatable plate is rotated to place the
automated needle cap extractor 157 over the syringe needle 202. The
motor then lowers the automated needle cap extractor containing the
needle cap 201 over the needle. The cap extractor is lowered by the
rotational plate 156 lowering as shown by vector arrow 975. The cap
is released and reattached to the needle.
[0050] When the cap is reattached to the syringe 211, the syringe
plunger tool 171 can be rotated back horizontally. (See item 171
and vector arrow 978 of FIG. 13.) The needle cap extractor can hold
the syringe in place when the syringe plunger tool is rotated back
horizontally. The syringe plunger tool can then be elevated by
motor operation to its original position. See FIG. 4 illustrating
the initial position of the syringe plunger tool.
[0051] The automated needle cap extractor is then elevated by the
motor moving the rotational plate upward in the direction of vector
arrow 976. See FIGS. 11 and 12.
[0052] The carousel can now rotate to bring an empty inverted
syringe to the position beneath the automated needle cap extractor.
The process is repeated of (i) engaging the syringe plunger tool
with the syringe plunger (ii) cap removal, (iii) repositioning of
the inverted vial, (iv) lowering of the vial onto the exposed
needle, (v) moving the plunger down to fill the syringe with
solution from the vial, (vi), elevating the inverted vial, (vii)
repositioning the automated needle cap extractor, (viii)
reattachment of the cap to the syringe, and (ix) disengagement of
the syringe plunger tool. It will be appreciated the preceding
sentence omits steps for brevity. These steps are described above
or illustrated in the drawings.
[0053] FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the filler
mechanism 149. Also shown is the common base 148 upon which the
rotating carousel actuator (not shown) can be mounted. The
direction of rotation of the rotational plate 156 is also
illustrated by vector arrow 977. The direction of rotation of the
syringe plunger tool 171 is shown by vector arrow 978.
[0054] The next step performed by the apparatus is removing the
filled syringe from the carousel and re-inverting the syringe so
that the syringe cap is facing down. This task is accomplished by
syringe inverter/extractor 249 illustrated in FIG. 14.
[0055] The carousel stops at a predetermined position in
conjunction with the automated syringe inverter/extractor
component. (This position of the carousel may simultaneously
position another syringe, held by the carousel, directly beneath
the automated cap extractor/installer. It will be appreciated that
this positioning will allow two steps of the apparatus to occur
simultaneously, i.e., filling of a syringe and extraction and
inversion of a syringe from the carousel.) The syringe
inverter/extractor can be attached to the dispenser mechanism or
dispenser mechanism base by mount 250. See FIG. 15. This mechanism
can ensure the correct distance relationship is maintained with the
carousel. The component includes a motor 251 for rotational
movement of a syringe gripper and a mechanism enclosure 252. The
component also includes a second motor to move the syringe gripper
forward and a gripper actuator to open and close the gripper jaws.
The syringe gripper moves on a shaft/linear actuator 120. The
gripper includes a gripper actuator 117. The gripper jaws 118 close
on the syringe (not shown). The syringe is pulled horizontally out
of the carousel. The syringe gripper component moves backward and
forward on the shaft 120. At a predetermined distance the gripper
actuator and jaws rotate 180 degrees on the shaft and place the
syringe into a holder 127. It will be appreciated that the syringe
cap will be in the down position in the holder. See syringe 200 in
holder 127 in FIG. 16. The syringe may be removed from the holder
either manually or through use of a separate automated device.
[0056] In another embodiment, the syringe inverter/extractor can be
used to remove a filled syringe from the carousel and place the
syringe in a shielded container thereby protecting the
operator.
[0057] FIG. 20 illustrates a top view of the syringe gripper
sub-component 117. Also illustrated are the gripper jaws 118. FIG.
21 illustrates the sub-component with the covers removed.
Illustrated is the solenoid actuator 121 that moves the
sub-component forward and backward on the shaft (not shown). The
gripper body may contain hinge or pivoting sub-components in the
gripper body 122 that cause the jaws 118 to pivot open and close.
The hinge mechanism can be screw driven, a rack and pinion
mechanism, or similar mechanism. The sub-component can include a
spring 123 that pushes the actuator shaft 124 forward (vector arrow
985) to hold the jaws in an open position as the default position.
The solenoid actuator may control the motion gripper in the reverse
direction on the shaft (vector arrow 984).
[0058] It will also be appreciated that the apparatus may be
configured to place the filled syringes into another rotating
carousel for storage while the second carousel is filled without
operator intervention. It will also be appreciated that the entire
filing operation can be conducted in a shielded area. Other
configurations with either the syringe cap up or down are within
the scope of and included within this disclosure.
[0059] In another embodiment, the filled syringes can stay in the
carousel and the entire carousel replaced by the operator with a
replacement carousel of empty syringes.
[0060] In yet another embodiment, the syringes may be partially
filled with solution when placed in the carousel and filled with
additional solution by the filler mechanism.
[0061] The filler mechanism 149 can also be used to add solution to
one or more vials from syringes containing solution. This process
is basically the reverse of the syringe filling sequence. The
syringe plunger tool is engaged with the syringe plunger. The
syringe cap is removed by the automated needle cap extractor 157.
The vertical motion of the rotating plate 156 at the top of the
filler mechanism can also be used to lift the needle cap extractor.
The rotating plate 156 can then horizontally rotate an inverted
vial above the now exposed syringe needle. The vial can be lowered
onto the needle. The syringe plunger tool can be elevated
vertically, thereby pushing the syringe plunger upward. The
solution within the syringe is discharged into the vial.
[0062] The filler mechanism can also be used to mix solutions
within a vial. See FIG. 7. An empty syringe can be filled with a
predetermined quantity of a first solution from a first vial 158
using the procedure described previously. The first vial can be
lifted from the syringe needle 202. The rotating plate can rotate a
second vial 169 above the exposed syringe needle. The second vial
containing a second solution can be lowered onto the syringe
needle. The syringe plunger tool 171 can be elevated, thereby
pushing the syringe plunger upward and discharging the solution
into the second vial. The quantity of solution in the second vial
can also be predetermined.
[0063] In addition, this specification is to be construed as
illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled
in the art the manner of carrying out the invention. It is to be
understood that the forms of the invention herein shown and
described are to be taken as the presently preferred embodiments.
As already stated, various changes may be made in the shape, size
and arrangement of components or adjustments made in the steps of
the method without departing from the scope of this invention. For
example, equivalent elements may be substituted for those
illustrated and described herein and certain features of the
invention maybe utilized independently of the use of other
features, all as would be apparent to one skilled in the art after
having the benefit of this description of the invention.
[0064] While specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described, numerous modifications are possible without departing
from the spirit of the invention, and the scope of protection is
only limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.
* * * * *