U.S. patent application number 13/212903 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-21 for container filling machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to COUNTLAB, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Loris BASSANI. Invention is credited to Loris BASSANI.
Application Number | 20130042943 13/212903 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47711776 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130042943 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BASSANI; Loris |
February 21, 2013 |
CONTAINER FILLING MACHINE
Abstract
A vibration tray assembly for use in a container filling
machine, the vibration tray assembly comprising a tray for
transporting discrete articles from a receiving end of the tray
towards a drop-off end of the tray, the tray providing a slope
along which the discrete articles travel from the receiving end of
the tray to the drop-off end of the tray, wherein the tray is
adjustable for changing the slope along which the discrete articles
travel. The vibration tray assembly further comprises a vibration
imparting device for imparting vibrational motion to the tray.
Inventors: |
BASSANI; Loris; (Montreal,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BASSANI; Loris |
Montreal |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
COUNTLAB, INC.
Montreal
CA
|
Family ID: |
47711776 |
Appl. No.: |
13/212903 |
Filed: |
August 18, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/11 ;
141/311R; 141/71; 198/752.1; 222/566; 700/242 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 27/04 20130101;
B65B 5/103 20130101; B65B 57/20 20130101; B65G 27/22 20130101; B65B
1/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/11 ; 141/71;
198/752.1; 700/242; 222/566; 141/311.R |
International
Class: |
B65B 1/20 20060101
B65B001/20; B65B 1/04 20060101 B65B001/04; B65G 27/22 20060101
B65G027/22; B65D 35/38 20060101 B65D035/38; B65G 27/04 20060101
B65G027/04; B65G 27/18 20060101 B65G027/18 |
Claims
1. A vibration tray assembly for use in a container filling
machine, the vibration tray assembly comprising: a. a tray for
transporting discrete articles from a receiving end of the tray
towards a drop-off end of the tray, the tray providing a slope
along which the discrete articles travel from the receiving end of
the tray to the drop-off end of the tray, wherein the tray is
adjustable for changing the slope along which the discrete articles
travel; b. a vibration imparting device for imparting vibrational
motion to the tray.
2. The vibration tray assembly as defined in claim 1, further
comprising a tray supporting frame, wherein the tray is pivotally
connected to the tray supporting frame along a pivot axis, the tray
being adjustable about the pivot axis for changing the slope
provided by the tray.
3. The vibration tray assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the
pivot axis is located in proximity to the drop-off end of the
tray.
4. The vibration tray assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the
tray is adjustable between at least two pre-defined positions in
which the tray provides different slopes along which the discrete
articles travel.
5. The vibration tray assembly as defined in claim 2, wherein the
tray is adjustable about the pivot axis to provide any slope
between substantially parallel to the ground and substantially
perpendicular to the ground.
6. The vibration tray assembly as defined in claim 2, further
comprising a drive mechanism for tilting the tray about the pivot
axis.
7. The vibration tray assembly as defined in claim 6, wherein the
drive mechanism comprises a mechanical gear arrangement.
8. The vibration tray assembly as defined in claim 6, wherein the
drive mechanism comprises one of a pneumatic and hydraulic
piston.
9. The vibration tray assembly as defined in claim 1, wherein the
tray is positioned between a discrete article dispensing device and
a plurality of pathways leading to at least one container to be
filled with the discreet articles.
10. The vibration tray assembly as defined in claim 9, wherein the
discrete article dispensing device provides the discrete articles
to a preliminary vibration tray, the preliminary vibration tray
providing the discrete articles to the receiving end of the tray,
wherein at least the preliminary vibration tray is adjustable in
height for accommodating adjustments in a position of the tray.
11. A container filling machine for filling a plurality of
containers with discrete articles, the container filling machine
comprising: a. a vibration tray assembly comprising: i. a tray for
transporting discrete articles from a receiving end of the tray
towards a drop-off end of the tray, the tray providing a slope
along which the discrete articles travel from the receiving end of
the tray to the drop-off end of the tray, wherein the tray is
adjustable for changing the slope along which the discrete articles
travel; ii. a vibration imparting device for imparting vibrational
motion to the tray; b. a discrete article dispensing device for
providing discrete articles to the receiving end of the tray; and
c. a plurality of pathways for receiving the discrete articles from
the drop-off end of the tray, the plurality of pathways leading to
at least one container to be filled with the discrete articles.
12. A method for filling at least one container with discrete
articles, wherein the discrete articles are transported towards the
at least one container via a vibration tray, the method comprising;
a. determining a characteristic associated with at least one
discrete article from a load of discrete articles intended to fill
the at least one container; b. determining, at least in part on a
basis of the characteristic, a position for the vibration tray,
such that the vibration tray acquires a given slope along which the
discrete articles travel from a receiving end of the vibration tray
to a drop-off end of the vibration tray, the given slope being one
of at least two possible slopes; c. causing the vibration tray to
acquire the given slope.
13. The method as defined in claim 12, wherein the characteristic
comprises one of a weight, a size, a volume, a shape and an
identifier of the discrete articles being transported.
14. The method as defined in claim 12, wherein causing the
vibration tray to acquire the given slope is performed via manual
adjustment of the vibration tray.
15. The method as defined in claim 12, wherein causing the
vibration tray to acquire the given slope is performed via
automated adjustment of the vibration tray.
16. The method as defined in claim 15, wherein determining the
characteristic associated with the at least one discrete articles
article from the load of discrete articles comprises receiving, at
a processing entity, an input indicative of the characteristic of
the at least one discrete article.
17. The method as defined in claim 16, wherein the input indicative
of the characteristic of the at least one discrete article is
provided by a user.
18. The method as defined in claim 16, wherein the input indicative
of the characteristic of the at least one discrete article is
obtained via a sensor, the sensor being in communication with the
processing entity and being operative for sensing the
characteristic of the at leas tone discrete article.
19. The method as defined in claim 16, wherein determining the
given slope comprises performing a look-up function in a database
on a basis of the input indicative of the characteristic of the at
least one discrete article.
20. The method as defined in claim 16, wherein determining the
given slope comprises executing a pre-established algorithm stored
in a memory unit on a basis of the input indicative of the at least
one characteristic of the discrete article.
21. The method as defined in claim 16, wherein causing the
vibration tray to acquire the given slope comprises issuing a
signal to a drive mechanism for causing the drive mechanism to
cause the vibration tray to acquire the given slope.
22. The method as defined in claim 12, wherein the given slope is
any slope between substantially parallel to the ground and
substantially perpendicular to the ground.
23. A discrete article dispensing device comprising: a. a
receptacle for holding a load of discrete articles; b. a dispensing
outlet through which discrete articles from the load of discrete
articles exit the receptacle, the dispensing outlet defining: i. a
slot between a first wall portion of the discrete article
dispensing device and a second wall portion of the discrete article
dispensing device; and ii. a ramp portion that extends past the
slot for depositing discrete articles from the load of discrete
articles onto a discrete article transporting surface.
24. The discrete article dispensing device as defined in claim 23,
wherein at least one of the first wall portion and the second wall
portion supports a weight of the load of discrete articles as
discrete articles from the load of discrete articles are exiting
the receptacle.
25. The discrete article dispensing device as defined in claim 23,
wherein the ramp portion extends at least partially underneath one
of the first wall portion and the second wall portion.
26. The discrete article dispensing device as defined in claim 23,
wherein the ramp portion defines a slope of between 10-20 degrees
in relation to the discrete article transporting surface.
27. The discrete article dispensing device as defined in claim 23,
wherein the ramp portion comprises a drop-off end from which the
discrete articles drop onto the discrete article transporting
surface, the drop-off end being positioned a certain distance from
the discrete article transporting surface.
28. The discrete article dispensing device as defined in claim 27,
wherein the discrete article dispensing device is movable in
relation to the discrete article transporting surface for adjusting
the certain distance between the drop-off end of the ramp portion
and the discrete article transporting surface.
29. The discrete article dispensing device as defined in claim 28,
wherein the certain distance between the drop-off end of the ramp
portion and the discrete article transporting surface may be
selected at least in part on a basis of at least one characteristic
of the discrete articles.
30. The discrete article dispensing device as defined in claim 29,
wherein the at least one characteristic of the discrete articles
comprises at least one of a weight, a size, a volume, a shape and
an identifier of the discrete articles from the load of discrete
articles.
31. The discrete article dispensing device as defined in claim 23,
wherein the receptacle is made of stainless steel.
32. The discrete article dispensing device as defined in claim 23,
wherein the receptacle comprises an opening for receiving the load
of discrete articles, the opening being substantially opposite from
the dispensing outlet.
33. A container filling machine for filling a plurality of
containers with discrete articles, the container filling machine
comprising: a. a discrete article dispensing device comprising: i.
a receptacle for holding a load of discrete articles for filling
the plurality of containers; ii. a dispensing outlet through which
discrete articles from the load of discrete articles exit the
receptacle, the dispensing outlet defining: 1. a slot between a
first wall portion of the discrete article dispensing device and a
second wall portion of the discrete article dispensing device; 2. a
ramp portion that extends past the slot for guiding the discrete
articles out of the discrete article dispensing device; b. a
discrete article transporting surface for receiving the discrete
articles from the discrete article dispensing device and for
guiding the discrete articles towards the plurality of
containers.
34. A method comprising: a. receiving, at a processing entity, a
characteristic associated with at least one discrete article from a
load of discrete articles, the load of discrete articles being held
in a discrete article dispensing device comprising: i. a receptacle
for holding the load of discrete articles; ii. a dispensing outlet
through which the discrete articles from the load of discrete
articles exit the receptacle onto a discrete article transporting
surface, the dispensing outlet defining a slot between a first wall
portion of the discrete article dispensing device and a second wall
portion of the discrete article dispensing device, and a ramp that
extends past the slot towards the discrete article transporting
surface, the ramp having a drop-off end from which the discrete
articles are deposited onto the discrete article transporting
surface; b. determining, at the processing entity, at least in part
on a basis of the characteristic associated with the at least one
discrete article, a suitable distance between the drop-off end of
the ramp and the discrete article transporting surface; c. causing
the discrete article dispensing device to move in relation to the
discrete article transporting surface for acquiring the suitable
distance between the drop-off end of the ramp and the discrete
article transporting surface.
35. The method of claim 34, wherein receiving the characteristic
associated with the at least one discrete article from the load of
discrete comprises receiving an input indicative of the
characteristic from a user.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the characteristic of the at
least one discrete article comprises at least one of a weight, a
size, a volume, a shape and an identifier of at least one discrete
article from the load of discrete articles.
37. The method of claim 34, wherein receiving the characteristic
associated with the at least one discrete article comprises
receiving the characteristic from a sensing device in communication
with the processing entity, the sensing device being operative for
determining the characteristic associated with the at least one
discrete article.
38. The method of claim 34, wherein determine a suitable distance
between the drop-off end of the ramp and the discrete article
transporting surface comprises performing a look-up function in a
database on a basis of the characteristic associated with the
discrete articles.
39. The method as defined in claim 34, wherein determine a suitable
distance between the drop-off end of the ramp and the discrete
article transporting surface comprises executing a pre-established
algorithm stored in a memory unit on a basis of the characteristic
associated with the at least one discrete article.
40. The method as defined in claim 34, wherein causing the discrete
article dispensing device to move into a position wherein the
suitable distance between the drop-off end of the ramp and the
discrete article transporting surface is acquired, comprises
issuing a signal to a drive mechanism for causing the discrete
article dispensing device to be moved in relation to the discrete
article transporting surface.
41. A container filling machine for filling a plurality of
containers with discrete articles, the container filling machine
comprising: a. a plurality of guiding paths between a discrete
article dispensing device and at least one container to be filled;
b. a path blocking device located along each of the plurality of
guiding paths at a position prior to the at least one container to
be filled, the path blocking device being operative for acquiring a
first position in which the path blocking device blocks the passage
of discrete articles along the guiding path and a second position
in which the path blocking device allows the passage of discrete
articles along the guiding path, wherein the movement of the path
blocking device between the first position and the second position
is controlled via a solenoid device.
42. The container filling machine as defined in claim 41, further
comprising a control entity for: a. determining, at least in part
on a basis of a number of discrete articles that has travelled
along the guiding path, whether the path blocking device should be
in the first position or the second position; and b. on a basis of
a determining that the path blocking device should be in the first
position, supplying electrical current to the solenoid.
43. The container filling machine as defined in claim 42, wherein
the determining comprises determining, at least in part on a basis
of information received from a counting device, whether a
pre-determined number of discrete articles has travelled along the
guiding path.
44. The container filling machine as defined in claim 43, wherein
the determining comprises determining that the path blocking device
should acquire the first position when the pre-determined number of
discrete articles has travelled along the guiding path.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of
container filling machines for filling containers with discrete
articles, and specifically to container filling machines that
comprise discrete article dispensing devices for supporting the
weight of a load of discrete articles, and adjustable vibration
trays for providing different slopes along which discrete articles
can travel towards the containers being filled.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Container filling machines for filling containers with
discrete articles (such as pharmaceutical pills, cosmetic items,
hardware components, candies, nuts, etc . . . ) are known in the
art. Such container filling machines are able to take a large
supply of discrete articles and transport them towards a container.
However, existing container filling machines are plagued with
numerous deficiencies that often render them ineffective and
inefficient. This is detrimental in a field where the speed
[0003] Existing container filling machines use large hoppers in
order to hold a load of discrete articles that are to fill one or
more containers. The hoppers dispense the discrete articles onto a
transporting surface of the container filling machine, such that
the transporting surface is able to move the discrete articles
towards the one or more containers and create space between each
discrete article. However, a deficiency with existing hoppers is
that they dispense the discrete articles onto the transporting
surface in such a way that the weight of the load of discrete
articles contained within the hopper is transferred directly to the
transporting surface. This may cause undue wear on the container
filling machine, and may also hinder the exit of the discrete
articles from the hopper onto the transporting surface.
Furthermore, existing container filling machines typically use
vibration trays in order to create space between the discrete
articles and move the discrete articles forward towards the
containers to be filled. However, the speed at which such vibration
trays are able to move the discrete articles forward is generally
quite limited. In addition, the speed at which the vibration trays
are able to move different types of discrete articles varies
depending on the discrete article being handled, For example, while
the vibration trays may be able to move small circular discrete
articles forward fairly quickly, the same vibration tray may not be
able to move a different type of discrete article, such as a larger
oval-shaped discrete article, as quickly. As such, traditional
vibration trays are not particularly versatile when it comes to
handling multiple different types of discrete articles.
[0004] In light of the above, it is clear that there is a need in
the industry for an improved container filling machine that
alleviates, at least in part, the deficiencies of existing
container filling machines, and provides more versatility in being
able to process discrete articles of different shapes and
sizes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In accordance with a first broad aspect, the present
invention comprises a vibration tray assembly for use in a
container filling machine, the vibration tray assembly comprising a
tray for transporting discrete articles from a receiving end of the
tray towards a drop-off end of the tray, the tray providing a slope
along which the discrete articles travel from the receiving end of
the tray to the drop-off end of the tray, wherein the tray is
adjustable for changing the slope along which the discrete articles
travel. The vibration tray assembly further comprises a vibration
imparting device for imparting vibrational motion to the tray.
[0006] In accordance with a second broad aspect, the present
invention comprises a container filling machine for filling a
plurality of containers with discrete articles. The container
filling machine comprises a vibration tray assembly, a discrete
article dispensing device for providing discrete articles to the
receiving end of the tray and a plurality of pathways for receiving
the discrete articles from the drop-off end of the tray, the
plurality of pathways leading to at least one container to be
filled with the discrete articles. The vibration tray assembly
comprises a tray for transporting discrete articles from a
receiving end of the tray towards a drop-off end of the tray, the
tray providing a slope along which the discrete articles travel
from the receiving end of the tray to the drop-off end of the tray,
wherein the tray is adjustable for changing the slope along which
the discrete articles travel. The vibration tray assembly further
comprises a vibration imparting device for imparting vibrational
motion to the tray.
[0007] In accordance with a third broad aspect, the present
invention comprises a method for filling at least one container
with discrete articles, wherein the discrete articles are
transported towards the at least one container via a vibration
tray. The method comprising determining a characteristic associated
with at least one discrete article from a load of discrete articles
intended to fill the at least one container, determining, at least
in part on a basis of the characteristic, a position for the
vibration tray, such that the vibration tray acquires a given slope
along which the discrete articles travel from a receiving end of
the vibration tray to a drop-off end of the vibration tray, the
given slope being one of at least two possible slopes and causing
the vibration tray to acquire the given slope.
[0008] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect, the present
invention comprises a discrete article dispensing device comprising
a receptacle for holding a load of discrete articles and a
dispensing outlet through which discrete articles from the load of
discrete articles exit the receptacle onto a discrete article
transporting surface, the dispensing outlet defining a slot between
a first wall portion of the discrete article dispensing device and
a second wall portion of the discrete article dispensing device and
a ramp portion that extends past the slot for depositing discrete
articles from the load of discrete articles onto a discrete article
transporting surface.
[0009] In accordance with a fifth broad aspect, the present
invention comprises a container filling machine for filling a
plurality of containers with discrete articles. The container
filling machine comprises a discrete article dispensing device
comprising a receptacle for holding a load of discrete articles for
filling the plurality of containers and a dispensing outlet through
which discrete articles from the load of discrete articles exit the
receptacle, the dispensing outlet defining a slot between a first
wall portion of the discrete article dispensing device and a second
wall portion of the discrete article dispensing device, and a ramp
portion that extends past the slot for guiding the discrete
articles out of the discrete article dispensing device. The
container filling machine further comprising a discrete article
transporting surface for receiving the discrete articles from the
discrete article dispensing device and for guiding the discrete
articles towards the plurality of containers.
[0010] In accordance with a sixth broad aspect, the present
invention comprises a method comprising receiving, at a processing
entity, a characteristic associated with at least one discrete
article from a load of discrete articles, the load of discrete
articles being held in a discrete article dispensing device. The
discrete article dispensing device comprising a receptacle for
holding the load of discrete articles, a dispensing outlet through
which the discrete articles from the load of discrete articles exit
the receptacle onto a discrete article transporting surface, the
dispensing outlet defining a slot between a first wall portion of
the discrete article dispensing device and a second wall portion of
the discrete article dispensing device, wherein the first wall
portion comprises a ramp that extends past the slot towards the
discrete article transporting surface, the ramp having a drop-off
end from which the discrete articles are deposited onto the
discrete article transporting surface. The method further
comprising determining, at the processing entity, at least in part
on a basis of the characteristic associated with the at least one
discrete article, a suitable distance between the drop-off end of
the ramp and the discrete article transporting surface and causing
the discrete article dispensing device to move in relation to the
discrete article transporting surface for acquiring the suitable
distance between the drop-off end of the ramp and the discrete
article transporting surface.
[0011] In accordance with a seventh broad aspect, the present
invention comprises a container filling machine for filling a
plurality of containers with discrete articles. The container
filling machine comprises a plurality of guiding paths between a
discrete article dispensing device and at least one container to be
filled. The container filling machine further comprises a path
blocking device located along each of the plurality of guiding
paths at a position prior to the at least one container to be
filled. Each path blocking device is operative for acquiring a
first position in which the path blocking device blocks a passage
of discrete articles along a guiding path and a second position in
which the path blocking device allows the passage of discrete
articles along the guiding path. The movement of the path blocking
device between the first position and the second position is
controlled via a solenoid device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In the accompanying drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 shows a front plan view of a container filling
machine in accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation
of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2A shows a side plan view of the upper portion of the
container filling machine of FIG. 1 in a first position;
[0015] FIG. 2B shows a side plan view of the upper portion of the
container filling machine of FIG. 1 in a second position:
[0016] FIGS. 3A-3C show alternative non-limiting examples of
receptacles 30 for the container filling machines 10 of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 4 shows a non-limiting block diagram of a control
entity suitable for implementing at least some of the functionality
of the container filling machine according to a non-limiting
example of implementation of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 shows a flow diagram of a non-limiting method of
causing the discrete article dispensing device to acquire a given
position in relation to a discrete article transporting
surface;
[0019] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a non-limiting example of a
vibration tray suitable for use in the container filling machine 10
of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIG. 7 shows a flow diagram of a non-limiting method of
causing the vibration tray according to the present invention to
acquire a given slope;
[0021] FIG. 8 shows a blown up view of a bottom portion of the
container filling machine of the container filling machine of FIG.
1;
[0022] FIG. 9 shows an exploded view of a non-limiting example of
implementation the path blocking gates according to the present
invention.
[0023] Other aspects and features of the present invention will
become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review
of the following description of specific embodiments of the
invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] Shown in FIG. 1 is a front view of a container-filling
machine 10 in accordance with a non-limiting example of
implementation of the present invention. The container filling
machine 10 is suitable for loading into containers discrete
articles, such as discrete articles for personal treatment (e.g.
pharmaceutical pills, cosmetic items, etc) or candies, nuts, or any
other type of discrete article. As used herein, the term "discrete
article for personal treatment" includes any type of pharmaceutical
discrete article that may be ingested (such as pressed-powder or
gel cap pills, among other possibilities) as well as any cosmetic
item that may be applied to an external part of the body (such as
moisturizer capsules, for example).
[0025] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the container filling
machine 10 includes a discrete article dispensing device 12,
guiding trays 13a-13e, vibration trays 14a-14e, a plurality of
guiding paths 16, a sensing device 18, a rejection device 20, a
counting device 22, a plurality of path blocking devices 24, and a
set of funnels 26 for guiding the discrete articles into respective
containers 30.
[0026] In use, the discrete articles travel through the container
filling machine in order to be placed into one of the containers
30. Initially, a load of discrete articles is placed within the
discrete article dispensing device 12, which then deposits the
discrete articles onto the guiding trays 13a-13e. The guiding trays
13a-13e move the discrete articles forward via vibrational motion,
and also cause the discrete articles to become spaced from one
another as they travel towards the vibration trays 14a-14e. Once
the discrete articles reach the vibration trays 14a-14e, the
vibration trays 14a-14e continue to carry the discrete articles
towards the guiding paths 16 and create further spacing between the
discrete articles. The discrete articles then slide down the
guiding paths 16 through the sensing device 18, which senses
whether or not the discrete articles are defective. The discrete
articles then pass the rejection device 20, which removes defective
ones of the discrete articles from continued travel along the
guiding paths 16. If not removed by the rejection device 20, the
discrete articles continue to pass through the counting device 22.
The counting device 22 counts the discrete articles before they
enter the funnels 26 which funnel the discrete articles into one of
the containers 30. The sensing device 18, rejection device 20,
counting device 22 and plurality of path blocking devices 24 are
described in more detail in issued U.S. Pat. No. 7,956,623,
belonging to the same applicant, and as such will not be described
in more detail herein.
[0027] Shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B are cross-sectional side views of
an upper portion of the container filling machine 10. These figures
show side views of the discrete article dispensing device 12 and
the vibration tray 14e in two different positions, which will be
described in more detail further on in the description.
[0028] The Discrete Article Dispensing Device 12
[0029] The discrete article dispensing device 12 comprises a
receptacle 30 for holding a load of discrete articles 40 that are
to fill the containers 30. The load of discrete articles 40 is
generally placed into the receptacle 30 through an opening 32 in
the discrete article dispensing device 12. The discrete articles do
not need to be provided to the discrete article dispensing device
12 in any particular order or orientation, and as such may be
quickly poured into the hopper 12. in use, the opening 32 may be
left open to the environment, or may be covered by a lid or other
form of cover (not shown). The lid may be permanently attached to
the receptacle, such that it may be opened and closed via a
hinge-type mechanism, or alternatively, the lid may be a separate
component from the receptacle 30 that may be removably secured over
the opening 32 to the receptacle 30 via a friction fit or snap-fit
arrangement, among other possibilities.
[0030] The load of discrete articles 40 may be placed inside the
receptacle 30 in any suitable manner, such as by dumping or pouring
the load of discrete articles 40 through the opening 32 into the
receptacle 30. The load of discrete articles 40 may be placed into
the receptacle 30 either manually by a worker operating the
container filling machine 10, or by another machine or robot that
is capable of continually or repetitively filing the receptacle 30
with discrete articles.
[0031] The receptacle 30 according to the present invention may be
of any size and shape, In the non-limiting example shown in FIGS.
1, 2A and 2B, the receptacle 30 is in the shape of a rectangular
trough with two side walls 36a, 36b, two end walls 38a, 38b (shown
in FIG. 1) and a base portion 34 that comprises a dispensing outlet
42 through which the discrete articles exit the receptacle 30. It
should, however, be understood that the receptacle 30 may be of any
other shape and size, such as cylindrical or cone-shaped, no long
as it is able to hold the load of discrete articles 40. In
accordance with a non-limiting example, the receptacle 30 has a
shape and size suitable for accommodating a load of discrete
articles having a weight of between 10 kg to 30 kg and a volume of
between 15 L to 75 L. In a specific, non-limiting example, the
receptacle 30 has a volume of approximately 60L and is able to
support at least a weight of 21 kg worth of discrete articles. The
receptacle 30 may be made of any suitable material known in the
art, such as plastic, ceramic and/or stainless steel, among other
possibilities.
[0032] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the base portion 34 of
the receptacle 30 comprises a first bottom wall 44a, a second
bottom wall 44b and a dispensing outlet 42. The dispensing outlet
42 comprises a slot 46 that is formed between the first wall
portion 44a and the second wall portion 44b, for allowing discrete
articles to exit the receptacle 30, and a ramp portion 48 for
receiving the discrete articles from the slot 46 and transporting
them onto the guiding trays 13a-13d. The slot 46 may extend the
entire length of the base portion 34, or may extend only along a
portion of the length of the base portion 34, such as along 60% or
70% of the length, for example,
[0033] In addition, and although not shown in the Figures, the slot
46 may have a gate portion or other slot narrowing device, such
that the output through which the discrete articles exit the
discrete article dispensing device 12 onto the guiding trays
13a-13e may be adjusted in size. For example, the adjustable gate
portion may adjust the size of the output to make it smaller or
larger in order to facilitate the depositing of discrete articles
of different sizes onto the guiding trays 13a-13e.
[0034] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
container filling machine 12 comprises five guiding trays 13a-13e
and five respective vibration imparting devices 84 for imparting
vibrational motion to the guiding trays 13a-13e. Each of the
guiding trays 13a-13e is in communication with its own vibration
imparting device 84 such that the vibrational motion of each
guiding tray 13a-13e may be controlled independently. These
vibration imparting devices 84 may comprise either electromagnetic
drive units, pneumatic drive units or mechanical drive units, among
other possibilities, that are attached to spring systems (not
shown), and/or resilient plates (not shown) for transmitting
vibrational motion to the guiding trays 13a-13e. Although five
guiding trays 13a-13e are shown, it should be understood that any
number of guiding trays could be used in order to form the initial
discrete article transporting surface that receives the discrete
articles from the discrete article dispensing device 12.
[0035] As mentioned above, the dispensing outlet 42 further
comprises a ramp portion 48 that extends past the slot 46 for
receiving the discrete articles that exit through the slot 46 and
directing them downwards towards the guiding paths 13a-13e. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the ramp portion 48 is formed
by the first bottom wall 44a and extends from the slot 46 towards
the guiding paths 13a-13e. In addition, the ramp portion 48 of the
first bottom wall 44a underlaps the second bottom wall 44b, such
that the ramp portion 48 is positioned underneath the second bottom
wall 44b.
[0036] The ramp portion 48 may have any suitable slope for enabling
discrete articles from the load of discrete articles 40 to slide
down and be deposited onto the guiding trays 13a-13e. For example,
the ramp portion 48 may have a slope of between 10-20 degrees, when
measured from a horizontal plane, In a non-limiting example of
implementation, the ramp portion 48 for discharging the discrete
articles has a slope of approximately 15 degrees when measured from
a horizontal plane. It should be appreciated that these angles are
given for the purpose of example, and should not be used to limit
the present invention.
[0037] The base portion 34 of the receptacle 30 may have a variety
of different configurations. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A
and 2B, the first bottom wall 44a and the second bottom wall 44b of
the base portion 34 define sloped surfaces that extend respectively
from the two side walls 36a, 36b towards each other, such that the
slot 46 is located in proximity to the center of the width of the
receptacle 30 and the ramp portion 48 formed by the first bottom
wall 44a extends underneath the second bottom wall 44b, However,
other configurations for the base portion 34 of the receptacle 30
are also possible without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[0038] Shown in FIGS. 3A-3B are three alternative configurations
for the base portion 34 of the receptacle 30. Each configuration
comprises a dispensing outlet 42 in accordance with the present
invention Like reference numerals have been used to represent like
parts. FIG. 3A shows a first alternative embodiment of a base
portion 34, wherein the bottom walls are integrally formed with the
side walls 36a, 36b of the receptacle 30. As such, the base portion
34 of the receptacle 30 is formed by the two side walls 36a, 36b.
The side wall 36a forms the ramp portion 48 that extends past the
slot 46 and underlaps the side wall 36b for receiving the discrete
articles from the slot 46 and directing them towards the guiding
trays 13a-13e. in the second alternative embodiment shown in FIG.
3B, the second bottom wall 44b forms a sloped surface that extends
from the side wall 36b almost all the way to the interior of the
opposing side wall 36a, such that the slot 46 that is defined
between the first bottom wall 44a and the second bottom wall 44b is
located towards one side of the receptacle 30. The first bottom
wall 44a underlaps the second bottom wall 44b such that a majority
of the first bottom wall 44a forms the ramp portion 48 that extends
past the slot 46 towards the guiding paths 13e. In the third
alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 3C, the base portion 34 does
not comprise a second bottom wall, and instead comprises only a
first bottom wall 44a. In this embodiment, the first bottom wall
44a forms a sloped surface that extends downwards from the side
wall 36a in the direction of the side wall 36b. The slot 46 is thus
formed beneath the side wall 36b and the first bottom wall 44a, The
first bottom wall 44a then continues past the slot 46 for forming
the ramp portion 48 that receives the discrete articles from the
slot and guides them downwardly towards the guiding paths 13a-13.
Although in the embodiments described above it is the first bottom
wall 44a (or the side wall 36a) that forms the ramp portion 48 that
extends past the slot 46, it should be understood that in
alternative embodiments, it is the second bottom wall 44b that
forms the ramp portion 48 for receiving the discrete articles from
the slot 46.
[0039] In existing discrete article dispensing devices, the slot
through which the discrete articles exit the device opens directly
onto the discrete article transporting surface. As a result, as the
discrete articles exit the slots onto the transporting surface,
they have the entire weight of the load of discrete articles
sitting on top of them. This weight is in turn transferred to the
discrete article transporting surface onto which they are being
dispensed.
[0040] In accordance with the present invention, the base portion
34 of the receptacle is designed so as to support the bulk of the
weight of the load of discrete articles 40 as discrete articles
exit through the slot 46. In this manner, the weight of the load of
discrete articles 40 is not transferred to the discrete article
transporting surface, which in the embodiment shown in the Figures,
comprises the guiding trays 13a-13e. As described above, in
accordance with the present invention, the dispensing outlet 42
comprises both a slot 46 through which the discrete articles exit,
and a ramp portion 48 that extends from the slot for receiving the
discrete articles from the load of discrete articles 40 as they
travel pass through the slot 46. Given that the discrete articles
do not fall directly from the slot 46 onto the guiding trays
13a-13e, the weight of the load of discrete articles 40 is not
transferred to the guiding trays 13a-13e. Instead, at least part of
the base portion 34 of the receptacle 30 supports the bulk of the
weight of the load of discrete articles 40. More specifically, at
least one of the first wall bottom wall 44a and the second bottom
wall 44b supports the weight of the load of discrete articles
40.
[0041] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the weight of
the load of discrete articles 40 is supported by the first bottom
wall 44a and the second bottom wall 44b. As discrete articles from
the load of discrete articles 40 exit the slot 46, the ramp portion
48 supports the weight of the discrete articles that have exited
the slot 46, such that the guiding trays 13a-13e (that make up the
discrete article transporting surface), only support the weight of
the discrete articles that are positioned on the guiding trays
13a-13e. However, in alternative embodiments, such as those shown
in FIGS. 3b and 3c, the weight of the load of discrete articles 40
is supported differently. For example, in the case of the
receptacle 30 shown in FIG. 3b, it is the second bottom wall 44b,
that will support the majority of the weight of the load of
discrete articles 40, and in the case of the receptacle 30 shown in
FIG. 3c, it is the first bottom wall 44a that supports the majority
of the weight of the load of discrete articles 40.
[0042] Although not shown in the Figures, the discrete article
dispensing device 12 may be mounted to, or in relation to, the
container filling machine 10 in a variety of different manners.
Referring back to FIG. 1, the discrete article dispensing device 12
may be mounted to a frame of the container filling machine 10 via
connector elements 50 that connect the side walls 38a, 38b of the
discrete article dispensing device 12 to the frame for supporting
the receptacle 30 over the guiding trays 13a-13e. Alternatively,
the connector elements 50 may be connected to the discrete article
dispensing device 12 at other positions along the outer surface of
the device 12. The connector elements 50 may be plates or rods that
connect the discrete article dispensing device 12 to the frame of
the container filling machine 10 in a fixed position, or the
connector elements 50 may be adjustable components that enable the
position of the discrete article dispensing device 12 to be
adjusted in relation to the frame of the container filling machine
10, and more specifically, in relation to the receiving surface of
the guiding trays 13a-13e (or other form of discrete article
transporting surface).
[0043] For example, the adjustable connector elements 50 may be
hydraulic or pneumatic pistons that are able to expand and retract
for increasing or decreasing the height of the discrete article
dispensing device 12 in relation to the receiving surface of the
guiding trays 13a-13e. The adjustable connector elements 50 could
also be mechanical connector elements 50, such as a ratcheted
connector or a rack and pinion gear arrangement, among other
possibilities, that is capable of mechanically adjusting the height
of the discrete article dispensing device 12 in relation to the
receiving surface of the guiding trays 13a-13e. The adjustment of
the height of the discrete article dispensing device 12 may be done
manually, or alternatively may be automated such that a drive
mechanism in communication with the connector elements 50 causes
the height to be adjusted. When automated, this adjustment may be
performed on a basis of user input information or an input received
from a sensor, which will be described in more detail below.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in use, the discrete articles
are deposited from the ramp portion 48 of the discrete article
dispensing device 12 onto a back end of the guiding trays 13a-13e.
Due to the vibrational motion applied to the guiding trays 13a-13e,
the discrete articles are caused to move towards the front of the
guiding trays 13a-13e such that they are able to move onto
vibration trays 14a-14e. However, in the embodiments shown, in
order to move from the back of the guiding trays 13a-13e towards
the front of the guiding trays 13a-13e, the discrete article must
pass by the drop-off edge 50 of the ramp portion 48, The drop-off
edge 50 of the ramp portion 48 thus acts as a type of gate under
which the discrete articles may pass. The height between the
receiving surface of the guiding trays 13a-13e and the drop-off
edge 50 of the ramp portion 48 therefore acts to limit the amount
of discrete articles that may move past the drop-off edge 50 of the
discrete article dispensing device 12.
[0045] In FIG. 2A, the drop-off edge 50 of the discrete article
dispensing device 12 is positioned at a height "h.sub.1" above the
receiving surface of the guiding trays 13a-13e. At height "h.sub.1"
only a single layer of discrete articles is able to pass beneath
the drop-off edge 50 of the discrete article dispensing device 12
at the same time. This helps to prevent too many discrete articles
from arriving at the vibration trays 14a-14e at the same time. In
FIG. 2B, the drop-off edge 50 is positioned at a height of
"h.sub.2" above the receiving surface of the guiding trays 13a-13e.
At height "h.sub.2", at least two stacked layers of discrete
articles are able to pass by the drop-off edge 50 of the discrete
article dispensing device 12. In this manner, the discrete article
dispensing device 12 allows a greater amount of discrete articles
to move towards the vibration trays 14a-14e at the same time.
[0046] In the case where the container filling machine 10 is
intended to be used to process discrete articles of different sizes
and shapes, it makes sense for the positioning of the discrete
article dispensing device 12 to be adjustable in relation to the
receiving surface of the guiding trays 13a-13e. As mentioned above,
the adjustment of the height of the discrete article dispensing
device 12 in relation to the receiving surface of the guiding trays
13a-13e may be done manually or may be automated via a dispensing
device drive mechanism that causes the height to be adjusted. The
dispensing device drive mechanisms generally comprises an
electrical motor in communication with mechanical components, such
as a gear assembly or a piston assembly, for causing the height of
discrete article dispensing device 12 to be adjustable.
[0047] The manner in which the height of the discrete article
dispensing device 12 may be adjusted will now be described in more
detail with respect to the block diagram of FIG. 4 and the flow
diagram of FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 4, a control entity 60 is in
communication with the dispensing device drive mechanism 74 that is
operative for causing the position of the discrete article
dispensing device 12 to be adjusted. As described above, the
dispensing device drive mechanism 74 generally comprises an
electrical motor in order to impart motion to mechanical components
that cause the receptacle 30 of the discrete article dispensing
device 12 to move up and down.
[0048] In accordance with the non-limiting embodiment shown, the
control entity 60 comprises an input 62 for receiving commands
and/or information from a user interface 76 and/or a sensor 72
(optional). The control entity 60 further comprises a processing
entity 64 in communication with a memory 66. The memory comprises
data 68 and program instruction 70 for being accessed and executed
by the processing entity 64 for implementing the functionality that
will be described in more detail below.
[0049] The control entity 60 may be a dedicated control entity for
controlling the movement of the discrete article dispensing device
12, or alternatively, the control entity 60 may be in communication
with other components, such as a tray supporting drive mechanism 80
and a vibration imparting device 82, which will be described in
more detail below, for controlling the functionality of these
components as well. The control entity 60 may be an integral part
of the container filling machine 10, or may be a portable device
such as a laptop, or desktop computer that is connected via cables
to the components 74, 80 and 82. In yet a further alternative
embodiment, the control entity 60 may be implemented within a
portable wireless device, such as a smart phone, such that it is in
communication with the various components over wireless RE or
cellular connections. In yet a further example of implementation,
the control entity 60 may be implemented at a remote server, such
that it is in communication with the components 72, 74, 76, 80 and
82 over network connections, via the internet, or a local intranet,
for example.
[0050] In accordance with a first non-limiting example of
implementation, the control entity 60 is operative for controlling
the movement of the dispensing device drive mechanism 74 at least
in part on a basis of information entered by a user via the user
interface 76. In accordance with a second non-limiting example of
implementation, the control entity 60 is operative for controlling
the movement of the dispensing device drive mechanism 74 at least
in part on a basis of information received from a sensor 72. Each
of these different scenarios will be described in more detail
below.
[0051] i) Controlling Movement of the Dispensing Device Drive
Mechanism 74 on a Basis of Information Entered by a Users
[0052] As mentioned above, the user interface 76 comprises user
operable inputs 78 for enabling a user to provide information, such
as commands, to the control entity 60. The user operable inputs 78
may be buttons, levers, toggles or any other sort of mechanical
input operable by a user and known in the art. The user interface
76 may also be a graphical user interface that comprises a display
screen 84. In the case of a graphical user interface, the user
operable inputs 78 may include user input elements displayed on the
display screen that operable by "clicking" on the user input
elements via an input device such as a mouse, a stylus pen, a touch
sensitive screen or a ball mechanism.
[0053] The control entity 60 may receive information from a user
via the user interface 76 indicative of one or more command signals
for causing the control entity 60 to cause an adjustment in the
position of the discrete article dispensing device 12. For example,
a user may operate one or more of the user operable inputs 78 in
order to provide a command signal to the control entity 60,
indicative that the discrete article dispensing device 12 should be
moved "up" or "down". This may be done by pushing an up/down lever
into an "up" position, for providing a signal indicative that the
discrete article dispensing device should move upwards so as to
increase the height between the discrete article dispensing device
12 and the receiving surface of the guiding trays 13a-13e. So long
as the user is activating the user operable input to provide an
"up" command signal, or until a user provides a "stop" command
signal, the processing entity 64 will issue control signals to the
dispensing device drive mechanism 74, for causing the discrete
article dispensing device 12 to move upwards. Similarly, a user may
operate one or more of the user operable inputs 78 in order to
provide a signal to the control entity 60 indicative that the
discrete article dispensing device should move downwards. So long
as the user is activating a "down" user operable input, or until a
user stops the downwards movement by providing a "stop" input, the
processing entity 64 will issue control signals to the dispensing
device drive mechanism 74, for causing the discrete article
dispensing device 12 to move downwards, thereby decreasing the
height between the discrete article dispensing device 12 and the
receiving surface of the guiding trays 13a-13e.
[0054] In the above manner, a user may interact with the user
interface 76 in order to position the discrete article dispensing
device 12 at a desired height in relation to the receiving surface
of the guiding trays 13a-13e. A desirable height at which the
discrete article dispensing device 12 may be positioned above the
receiving surface of the guiding trays 13a-13e would be known by a
person of skill in the art, and may be based, at least in part,
upon criteria such as the size and shape of the discrete articles
being handled, the frequency of vibration of the guiding trays and
the rate at which the discrete article dispensing device 12
supplies discrete articles from the load of discrete articles 40 to
the guiding trays 13a-13e.
[0055] Alternatively, the control entity 60 may receive information
from a user via the user interface 76 indicative of a
characteristic associated with at least one discrete article from
the load of discrete articles 40 being handled, and cause the
position of the discrete article dispensing device 12 to be
adjusted on a basis of this received information. The manner in
which this is done will be described in more detail with reference
to the flow chart of
[0056] FIG. 5.
[0057] At step 100, the control entity 60 receives from a user,
information indicative of a characteristic of at least one discrete
article from the load of discrete articles 40 being handled. The
characteristic may be indicative of an identifier of the discrete
articles, such as the name of the discrete article, a serial number
associated with the discrete article or, in the case where the
discrete articles are pharmaceutical pills, the generic chemical
compound of the pills. The characteristic could also be the weight
of an individual discrete article, the volume of an individual
discrete article, the diameter of an individual discrete article or
any other physical characteristic of a discrete article. The
characteristic could also be associated with the entire load of
discrete articles 40 being handled, such as the weight of the load
of discrete articles 40, the volume of the load of discrete
articles 40 or a batch number of the load of discrete articles.
This information indicative of the characteristic is received at
the input 62 from the user interface 76, and is then passed to the
processing entity 64.
[0058] At step 102, the processing entity 64 may then determine, at
least in part on a basis of the information indicative of a
characteristic of at least one discrete article, a suitable height
between the drop-off end 50 of the discrete article dispensing
device 12 and the receiving surface of the guiding trays 13a-13e,
at which to position the discrete article dispensing device 12.
This determination may be done in a variety of manners. For
example, the determination may be done on a basis of a look-up
function using a database that is stored in the data 68 of the
memory 66. The database may comprise a list of characteristics that
could be provided by a user, and associated with each
characteristic is a corresponding height for the discrete article
dispensing device 12. For example, in the case where the
information indicative of a characteristic of at least one discrete
article is a name or other identifier of the discrete articles, the
processing entity 64 may access the database and look for an entry
that matches the characteristic identified by the user. Once the
processing entity 64 has found the entry in the database that
matches the information indicative of a characteristic input by the
user, the processing entity 64 would then determine the
corresponding height for the discrete article dispensing device 12
that is contained in the entry for the matching characteristic.
[0059] The database may be provided by a manufacturer of the
container filling machine 10, or may be slowly established by a
user of the container filling machine. For example, each time a
user has manually and possibly through trial-and-error established
a suitable position for the discrete article dispensing device 12
when handling a given type of discrete article, the user may save a
record within the memory 66 in order to store in connection with
one or more characteristics of the discrete article (such as its
weight, shape, volume, name and/or serial number) an associated
position wherein the drop-off end 50 of the discrete article
dispensing device 12 is at a suitable height from the receiving
surface of the guiding trays 13a-13e.
[0060] Alternatively, the determination of a suitable height may be
done by executing a pre-established algorithm. The pre-established
algorithm may be stored within the program instructions 70 of the
memory 66. For example, in the case where the information
indicative of a characteristic of at least one discrete article is
a weight or volume of a discrete article, the processing entity 64
may access the pre-established algorithm stored in the memory, for
applying the entered weight or volume into the pre-established
algorithm. By running the algorithm at least in part on a basis of
the entered characteristic (such as weight or volume), the output
of the algorithm will provide a suitable position for the discrete
article dispensing device 12. In order to obtain the output of the
algorithm, other values may need to be input into the algorithm,
such as the frequency of vibration of the guiding trays 13a-13e and
the size of the slot 46, among other possibilities.
[0061] Once a suitable position for the discrete article dispensing
device 12 has been determined, at step 104, the processing entity
64 is operative for causing the discrete article dispensing device
to acquire the suitable position. This may be done by issuing one
or more control signals to the dispensing device drive mechanism
74, for instructing the discrete article drive mechanism 74 to move
the discrete article dispensing device 12 up or down, until the
suitable position has been acquired wherein the drop off end 50 of
the discrete article dispensing device 12 is at the desired height
above the receiving surface of the guiding trays 13a-13e.
[0062] ii) Controlling Movement of the Dispensing Device Drive
Mechanism 74 on a Basis of Information Received from a Sensor.
[0063] In accordance with a second non-limiting example of
implementation, the control entity 60 is operative for controlling
the movement of the dispensing device drive mechanism 74 at least
in part on a basis of information received from a sensor 72.
[0064] The sensor 72 (which may include one or more sensors) may be
a capacitive sensor or an optical sensor that is operative for
detecting at least one of a volume or a weight of at least one of
the discrete articles of the load of discrete articles 40.
Different types of sensors operative for obtaining readings of
volume and/or weight are known in the art, and as such will not be
described in more detail herein. The sensor 72 may be positioned
either in proximity to the opening 32 of the receptacle 30 for
obtaining sensor readings as the load of discrete articles 40 is
being supplied to the receptacle 30. Or the sensor 72 may be
positioned in proximity to the slot 46 for obtaining sensor
readings as discrete articles exit the receptacle 30. These sensor
readings that are obtained by the sensors 72 are indicative of a
characteristic of at least one of the discrete articles of the load
of discrete articles 40.
[0065] The sensor 72 may also be a scale that is operative for
obtaining a reading of the weight of the receptacle. In this
manner, the sensor 72 may take a reading of the weight of the
receptacle after an initial load of discrete article 40 has been
placed within the receptacle 30. As mentioned previously, the
weight of a pre-established load of discrete articles (such as
10,000 discrete articles) may be considered as a characteristic of
at least one of the discrete articles of the load of discrete
articles 40.
[0066] Any sensor 72 that is operative for obtaining a reading
indicative of a characteristic of at least one of the discrete
articles of the load of discrete article 40 is included within the
present invention. These sensor readings that are indicative of a
characteristic of at least one of the discrete articles are passed
from the sensor 72 to the input 62 of the control entity 60, which
are in turn passed to the processing entity 64. The processing
entity is then operative for processing the information indicative
of the characteristic of at least one of the discrete articles in
the same manner as described above with respect to steps 102 and
104, for causing the discrete article dispensing device to acquire
the suitable position for the given type of discrete articles being
processed.
[0067] The Vibration Trays 14a-14e
[0068] As described above, the discrete article dispensing device
12 is operative for receiving an initial load of discrete articles,
and for releasing those discrete articles onto the guiding trays
13a-13e, which in turn, supply those discrete articles onto the
vibration trays 14a-14e.
[0069] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the
container-filling machine 10 of the present invention includes five
vibration trays 14a-14e, with one guiding tray and one vibration
tray for each of the containers 30 to be filled. Positioned beneath
the vibration trays 14a-14e are vibration imparting devices 82 for
imparting vibrational motion to the vibration trays 14a-14e.
Although not shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, there are a total of five
vibration imparting devices 82, with one vibration imparting device
82 positioned beneath each one of the five vibration trays 14a-14e
respectively. Each of the vibration trays 14a-14e is in
communication with its own vibration imparting device 82 such that
the vibrational motion of each vibration tray 14a-14e may be
controlled independently. These vibration imparting devices 82 may
comprise either electromagnetic drive units, pneumatic drive units
or mechanical drive units, among other possibilities, that are
attached to spring systems (not shown), and/or resilient plates
(not shown) for transmitting vibrational motion to the vibration
trays 14a-14e. The control of this vibrational motion will be
described in more detail below.
[0070] Shown in FIG. 2A is a side view of vibration tray 14e and
shown in FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the vibration
trays 14a-e. In examples shown, each vibration tray 14a-e comprises
four channels 90 for transporting discrete articles towards the
guiding paths 16. The four channels 90 are each substantially
V-shaped. However, other shapes of channels are also included
within the scope of the present invention. For example, the
channels 90 may be U shaped, or have flat bottoms, among other
possibilities.
[0071] In accordance with an optional embodiment, each of the
channels 90 includes a wall-portion (not shown) that extends along
a longitudinal length of the channel 90 for dividing the channel 90
into a first side and a second side. As such, the wall portion
creates two discrete article receiving paths within each channel
90. A more detailed description of vibration trays that comprise
wall portions for dividing each channel may be found in U.S. Patent
Publication 2009/0255948.
[0072] Given that each of the five vibration trays 14a-14e includes
four channels 90, the container filling machine 10 comprises a
total of twenty channels 90, with each channel 90 leading into a
respective one of the guiding paths 16. As such, in the
non-limiting embodiment shown, there is a one-to-one ratio between
channels 90 and guiding paths 16. It should, however, be
appreciated that in an alternative embodiment, each of the
vibration trays 14a-14e could include any number of channels 90
without departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition,
two or more of the channels 90 could supply discrete articles to a
single guiding path 16. As such, it is not required that there is a
one-to-one ratio between channels 90 to guiding paths 16.
[0073] Each of the vibration trays 14a-14e comprises a discrete
article receiving end 92, and a discrete article drop-off end 94.
The discrete article receiving ends 92 receive the discrete
articles from the guiding trays 13a-13e (or directly from the
discrete article dispensing device 12 in the case where guiding
trays 13a-13e are not included), Once received, the discrete
articles travel along the channels 90 of the vibration trays
14a-14e towards the discrete article drop-off ends 94. The discrete
articles are then provided to the guiding paths 16 of the container
filling machine 10 from the discrete article drop-off ends 94.
[0074] Through the vibrational motion of the vibration trays
14a-14e, the discrete articles are caused to travel along the
channels 90 from the discrete article receiving ends 92 to the
discrete article drop-off ends 94. By adjusting the slope of the
vibration trays 14a-14e, the speed at which different types of
discrete articles travel along the channels 90 may be adjusted. For
example, by increasing the slope of the vibration trays 14a-14e,
the speed at which a given type of discrete article travels along
the channels 90 also increases. Therefore, in order to obtain a
desired speed at which a given type of discrete article travels
from the discrete article receiving end 92 to the discrete article
drop-off end 94, the slope of the vibration trays 14a-14e may be
adjusted.
[0075] In use, the vibration trays 14a-14e are positioned with a
downward incline or slope towards the guiding pathways 16. In the
non-limiting example shown in FIG. 2A, the vibration trays 14a-14e
have a relatively small slope, whereas in the non-limiting example
shown in FIG. 2B, the vibration trays 14a-14e have been adjusted to
acquire a much steeper slope. In general, the greater this incline
or slope, the faster a common type of discrete article will travel
from the discrete article receiving end 92 towards the discrete
article drop-off end 94.
[0076] In order to be supported between the discrete article
dispensing device 12 and the guiding paths 16, the vibration trays
14a-14e are connected to one or more tray supporting frames 96. The
tray supporting frames 96 support the vibration trays 14a-14e and
allow the slope of the trays 14a-14e to be adjusted. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 6, the five vibration trays
14a-14e are all supported by the same tray supporting frame 96.
However, in alternative embodiments, each of the vibration trays
14a-14e may be supported by a separate supporting frame 96, such
that the slope of each vibration tray may be adjusted
individually.
[0077] In the embodiment shown, the vibration trays 14a-14e all sit
on a common plate 97 that it connected to the tray supporting frame
96 at three positions, as will be described below. The vibration
trays 14a-14e may be affixed to the plate 97 via any manner known
in the art, such as via bolts, some other form of mechanical
fastener or adhesives, among other possibilities. The tray
supporting frame 96 comprises a first portion 96a that comprises a
pivot axis 98. The common plate 97 is connected at either end of
the pivot axis 98 via two connecting plates 95. As such, the plate
97 that supports the vibration trays 14a-14e is adjustable about
the pivot axis 98 such that the slope of the vibration trays
14a-14e may be adjusted. Accordingly, the pivot axis 98 is
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the
channels 90 along which the discrete articles travel.
[0078] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the
pivot axis 98 of the tray supporting frame 96 is positioned towards
the front of the vibration trays 14a-14e, such that it is in
proximity to the drop-off ends 94 of the vibration trays 14a-14e.
It should, however, be appreciated that in alternative embodiments,
the pivot axis 98 may be located anywhere along the length (from
the discrete article receiving end 92 to the discrete article
drop-off end 94) of the vibration trays 14a-14e.
[0079] The tray supporting frame 96 further comprises a second
component 96b that supports the vibration trays 14a-14e and causes
the vibration trays 14a-14e to be adjustable about the pivot axis
98. The second component 96b is operative for causing the position
of the vibration trays 14a-14e to be adjusted and for holding the
vibration trays 14a-14ein multiple different positions such that
the vibration trays 14a-14e are able to provide different slopes to
the discrete articles that are filling the containers 30.
[0080] In a first non-limiting example, the vibration trays 14a-14e
are manually adjustable about the pivot axis 98 for changing the
slope provided by the vibration trays 14a-14b. In such a
circumstance, the second component 96b may comprise a variety of
different slots for receiving an associated pin attached to the
vibration trays 14a-14e, such that when the pin is positioned
within a different slot, the vibration trays 14a-14e are positioned
to provide a different slope. Any other mechanical supporting
structure that would allow a user to manually adjust the slope
provided by the vibration trays 14a-14e is also included within the
scope of the present invention. For example, a manually rotatable
rack and pinion gear arrangement that is able to provide
translational motion could be used.
[0081] In a second non--limiting example, which is shown in the
Figures, the adjustment of the vibration trays 14a-14e may be
automated, In such an embodiment, the second component 96b of the
tray supporting frame 96 further comprises a tray supporting drive
mechanism 80 that is operative for receiving command signals for
causing one or all of the trays 14a-14e to be adjusted about the
pivot axis 98 for acquiring a new slope. More specifically, the
tray supporting drive mechanism 80 is operative for tilting the
vibration trays 14a-14e about the pivot axis 98 for causing the
vibration trays 14a-14e to acquire a new slope. The adjustment of
the vibration trays 14a-14e may be performed on a basis of user
input information or an input received from a sensor, as will be
described in more detail below.
[0082] The tray supporting drive mechanism 80 may be implemented in
a variety of different manners. In accordance with a first
non-limiting example, the tray supporting drive mechanism 80
comprises an electrical motor that is in communication with a
mechanical gear arrangement 102, as shown in FIG. 6. The mechanical
gear arrangement 102 may comprise one or more rack and pinion
gears, screw gears or helical gears for enabling an up-and-down
movement that will cause one or more of the vibration trays 14a-14e
to tilt about the pivot axis 98 for acquiring a new slope. In a
second non-limiting example, the tray supporting drive mechanism 80
comprises one or more hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders together
with pump actuators for causing the cylinders to expand and
contract in order to adjust the tilt of the vibration trays 14a-14e
about the pivot axis 98.
[0083] In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the plate 97 that
supports the vibration trays 14a-14e is connected to the tray
supporting frame 96 at three locations. Namely, on either side of
the pivot axis 98 and at a third location that is in communication
with the tray supporting drive mechanism 80. For example, the plate
97 is connected to the motorized drive mechanism 80, such that when
the drive mechanism 80 is activated, the plate 97, which supports
the vibration trays 14a-14e, pivots about the pivot axis 98. The
drive mechanism 80 may include a motorized adjustment screw that is
mounted to a shaft that is in contact with the plate 97 at a
mid-point of the plate 97, or at multiple points along the length
of the plate 97. In order for the motor to overcome relatively
significant friction, a gearbox having a ratio of 80:1 to 120:1 may
be used,
[0084] In the case where the container filling machine 10 is
intended to be used to process discrete articles of different sizes
and shapes, it makes sense for the slope of the vibration trays
14a-14e to be adjustable, so as to better control the speed at
which the container filling machine 10 is able to fill the
containers 30. At a given slope, discrete articles of a relatively
small size may move at a reasonably good speed, but at that same
slope, discrete articles having a larger size may not move fast
enough. Therefore, in order to increase the speed of these larger
size discrete articles, the slope of the vibration trays 14a-14e
can be increased, In this manner, by adjusting the slope of the
vibration trays 14a-14e, the desired speed at which different types
of discrete articles are handled can be better controlled. As
mentioned above, the adjustment of the slope of the vibration trays
14a-14b may be done manually or may be automated via a tray
supporting drive mechanism 80 that causes the slope to be
adjusted.
[0085] The manner in which the slope of the vibration trays 14a-14e
may be adjusted will now be described in more detail with respect
to the block diagram of FIG. 4 and the flow diagram of FIG. 7. As
shown in FIG. 4, a control entity 60 is in communication with the
tray supporting drive mechanism 80 that is operative for causing
the slope of the vibration trays 14a-14e to be adjusted. As
described above, the tray supporting drive mechanism 80 generally
comprises an electrical motor in order to impart motion to
mechanical components that cause the vibration trays 14a-14e to
tilt about the pivot axis 98 for adjusting the slope provided by
the vibration trays 14a-14e.
[0086] As mentioned previously, the control entity 60 comprises an
input 62 for receiving commands and/or information from a user
interface 76 and/or a sensor 72 (optional). The control entity 60
further comprises a processing entity 64 in communication with a
memory 66. The memory comprises data 68 and program instruction 70
for being accessed and executed by the processing entity 64 for
implementing the functionality that will be described in more
detail below.
[0087] The control entity 60 may be a dedicated control entity for
controlling the movement of the vibration trays 14a-14e via the
tray supporting drive mechanism 80, or alternatively, the control
entity 60 may be in communication with other components, such as
the dispensing device drive mechanism 74, as described above, for
controlling the functionality of these components as well.
[0088] In accordance with a first non-limiting example of
implementation, the control entity 60 is operative for controlling
the movement of the tray supporting drive mechanism 80 at least in
part on a basis of information entered by a user via the user
interface 76. In accordance with a second non-limiting example of
implementation, the control entity 60 is operative for controlling
the movement of the tray supporting drive mechanism 80 at least in
part on a basis of information received from a sensor 72. Each of
these different scenarios will be described in more detail
below.
[0089] i) Controlling Movement of the Tray Supporting Drive
Mechanism 80 on a Basis of Information Entered by a User.
[0090] As previously mentioned, the user interface 76 comprises
user operable inputs 78 for enabling a user to provide information,
such as commands, to the control entity 60. The user operable
inputs 78 may be buttons, levers, toggles or any other sort of
mechanical input operable by a user and known in the art. The user
interface 76 may also be a graphical user interface that comprises
a display screen 84. In the case of a graphical user interface, the
user operable inputs 78 may include user input elements displayed
on the display screen that are operable by "clicking" on the user
input elements via an input device such as a mouse, a stylus pen, a
touch sensitive screen or a ball mechanism.
[0091] The control entity 60 may receive information from a user
via the user interface 76 indicative of one or more command signals
for causing the control entity 60 to cause an adjustment in the
slope of the vibration trays 14a-14e. For example, a user may
operate one or more of the user operable inputs 78 in order to
provide a command signal to the control entity 60, indicative that
the slope of the vibration trays 14a-14e should be increased. This
may be done by pushing an up/down lever into an "up" position, for
providing a signal indicative that the vibration trays 14a-14e
should tilt upwards so as to increase their slope. So long as the
user is activating the user operable input to provide an "up"
command signal, or until a user provides a "stop" command signal,
the processing entity 64 will issue control signals to the tray
supporting drive mechanism 80, for causing the vibration trays
14a-14e to tilt upwardly to increase the slope. Similarly, a user
may operate one or more of the user operable inputs 78 in order to
provide a signal indicative that the slope of the vibration trays
14a-14e should be decreased. So long as the user is activating a
"down" user operable input, or until a user stops the downwards
movement by providing a "stop" input, the processing entity 64 will
issue control signals to the tray supporting drive mechanism 80,
for causing the vibration trays 14a-14e to tilt downwardly to
decrease their slope.
[0092] In an alternative embodiment, a user may enter, via the user
interface 76, an indication of a desired slope at which the
vibration trays 14a-14e should be positioned. This may be done by
using a keypad in order to enter a slope angle such as 30.degree..
Upon receipt of this input angle, the control entity 60 may issue a
signal to the tray supporting drive mechanism 80 instructing the
tray supporting drive mechanism 80 to cause the vibration trays
14a-14e to acquire a slope wherein the vibration trays 14a-14e are
at a 30.degree. angle in relation to a horizontal plane.
[0093] Regardless of the manner in which a user provides
information for causing the control entity 60 to cause an
adjustment in the slope of the vibration trays, the vibration trays
14a-14e may be adjustable so as to acquire any slope between being
substantially parallel to the ground and substantially
perpendicular to the ground. However, in an alternative embodiment,
the vibration trays 14a-14e may be able to acquire only two or more
pre-defined positions in which the vibration trays 14a-14e provide
different pre-defined slopes. In such an embodiment, the user
interface 76 may provide one or more user-operable inputs 78
suitable for causing the vibration trays 14a-14e to acquire these
pre-defined positions. For example, by actuating a "pre-set one"
button, the vibration trays 14a-14e may automatically acquire a
first pre-defined position, and by actuating a "pre-set two"
button, the vibration trays 14a-14e may automatically acquire a
second pre-defined position. Any number of predefined positions are
possible. The pre-defined positions may be pre-programmed into the
container filling machine by a manufacturer, be part of a software
download, or may be programmable by a user of the container filling
machine for establishing pre-defined "favorite" positions.
[0094] In the above manner, a user may interact with the user
interface 76 in order to position the vibration trays 14a-14e at a
desired slope between the discrete article dispensing device 12 and
the guiding paths 16. A desirable slope for the vibration trays
14a-14e would be known by a person of skill in the art, and may be
based, at least in part, upon criteria such as the size and shape
of the discrete articles being handled, the frequency of vibration
of the vibration trays 14a-14e and the rate at which the discrete
article dispensing device 12 supplies discrete articles to the
guiding trays 13a-13e, and in turn, the vibration trays
14a-14e.
[0095] In accordance with a second non-limiting example, the
control entity 60 may receive information from a user via the user
interface 76 indicative of a characteristic associated with at
least one discrete article from the load of discrete articles 40
being handled, and cause the position of the slope of the vibration
trays 14a-14e to be adjusted on a basis of that received
information. The manner in which this is done will be described in
more detail with reference to the flow chart of FIG. 7.
[0096] At step 110, the control entity 60 receives from a user,
information indicative of a characteristic of at least one discrete
article from the load of discrete articles 40 being handled. As
previously indicated, the characteristic may be indicative of an
identifier of the discrete articles, such as the name of the
discrete article, a serial number associated with the discrete
article or, in the case where the discrete articles are
pharmaceutical pills, the generic chemical compound of the pills.
The characteristic could also be the weight of an individual
discrete article, the volume of an individual discrete article, the
shape of an individual discrete article, the diameter of an
individual discrete article or any other physical characteristic of
a discrete article. The characteristic could also be associated
with the entire load of discrete articles 40 being handled, such as
the weight of the load of discrete articles 40, the volume of the
load of discrete articles 40 or a batch number of the load of
discrete articles. This information indicative of a characteristic
is received at the input 62 from the user interface 76, and is then
passed to the processing entity 64.
[0097] At step 112, the processing entity 64 may the determine, at
least in part on a basis of the information indicative of a
characteristic of at least one discrete article, a suitable slope
for the vibration trays 14a-14e. This determination may be done in
a variety of manners. For example, the determination may be done on
a basis of a look-up function using a database that is stored in
the data 68 of the memory 66. The database may comprise a list of
characteristics that could be provided by a user, and associated
with each characteristic is a corresponding slope for the vibration
trays 14a-14e. For example, in the case where the information
indicative of a characteristic of at least one discrete article is
a name or other identifier of the discrete articles, the processing
entity 64 may access the database and look for an entry that
matches the characteristic entered by the user. Once the processing
entity 64 has found the entry in the database that matches the
information indicative of a characteristic input by the user, the
processing entity 64 would then determine the corresponding slope
that is contained in the entry for the matching characteristic.
[0098] The database may be provided by a manufacturer of the
container filling machine 10, or may be slowly established/built by
a user of the container filling machine 10 over time. For example,
each time a user has determined (possibly through trial-and-error)
a suitable slope for the vibration trays 14a-14e when handling a
given type of discrete article, the user may save a record within
the memory 66 in order to store in connection with one or more
characteristics of the discrete article (such as its weight, shape,
volume, name and/or serial number) an associated slope for the
vibration trays 14a-14e when handling that given type of discrete
article.
[0099] Alternatively, the determination of a suitable slope may be
done by executing a pre-established algorithm. The pre-established
algorithm may be stored within the program instructions 70 of the
memory 66. For example, in the case where the information
indicative of a characteristic of at least one discrete article is
a weight or volume of a discrete article, the processing entity 64
may access the pre-established algorithm stored in the memory, for
applying the entered weight or volume into the pre-established
algorithm. By running the algorithm at least in part on a basis of
the entered characteristic (such as the weight or volume), the
output of the algorithm may provide a suitable slope for the
discrete article vibration trays 14a-14e. In order to obtain the
output of the algorithm, other values may need to be input into the
algorithm, such as the frequency of vibration of the vibration
trays 14a-14e and the desired speed at which the containers are to
be filled.
[0100] Once a suitable slope for the vibration trays 14a-14e has
been determined, at step 114, the processing entity 64 is operative
for causing the tray supporting drive mechanism 80 to move the
vibration trays 14a-14e into the determined slope. This may be done
by issuing one or more control signals to the tray supporting drive
mechanism 80, for instructing the tray supporting drive mechanism
80 to tilt the vibration trays 14a-14e up or down, until the
suitable slope has been acquired.
[0101] ii) Controlling Movement of the Tray Supporting Drive
Mechanism 80 on a Basis of Information Received from a Sensors.
[0102] In accordance with a second non-limiting example of
implementation, the control entity 60 is operative for controlling
the movement of the tray supporting drive mechanism 80 at least in
part on a basis of information received from a sensor 72.
[0103] The sensor 72 (which may include one or more sensors) may be
a capacitive sensor or an optical sensor that is operative for
detecting at least one of a volume or a weight of at least one of
the discrete articles of the load of discrete articles 40.
Different types of sensors operative for obtaining readings of
volume and/or weight are known in the art, and as such will not be
described in more detail herein. The sensor 72 may be positioned
either in proximity to the opening 32 of the receptacle 30 for
obtaining sensor readings as the load of discrete articles 40 is
being supplied to the receptacle 30. Or the sensor 72 may be
positioned in proximity to the slot 46 for obtaining sensor
readings as discrete articles exit the receptacle 30. These sensor
readings that are obtained by the sensors 72 are indicative of a
characteristic of at least one of the discrete articles of the load
of discrete articles 40.
[0104] The sensor 72 may also be a scale that is operative for
obtaining a reading of the weight of the load of discrete articles
40 that have been placed within the receptacle 30. In this manner,
the sensor 72 may take a reading of the weight of the receptacle 30
after an initial load of discrete article 40 has been placed within
the receptacle 30. As mentioned previously, the weight of a
pre-established load of discrete articles (such as a load of 10,000
discrete articles) may be considered as a characteristic of at
least one of the discrete articles of the load of discrete articles
40.
[0105] Any sensor 72 that is operative for obtaining a reading
indicative of a characteristic of at least one of the discrete
articles of the load of discrete articles 40 is included within the
present invention. These sensor readings that are indicative of a
characteristic of at least one of the discrete articles are passed
from the sensor 72 to the input 62 of the control entity 60, which
are in turn passed to the processing entity 64. The processing
entity is then operative for processing the information indicative
of the characteristic of at least one of the discrete articles in
the same manner as described above with respect to steps 112 and
114, for causing the tray supporting drive mechanism 80 to cause
the vibration trays 14a-14e to acquire the determined slope.
[0106] With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, it can be seen that as
the slope of the vibration trays 14a-14e increase, the height of
the receiving ends 92 of these trays also increase in relation to
the guiding trays 13a-14e. As such, as the vibration trays 14a-14e
are caused to acquire a greater slope, the height of the guiding
trays 13a-13e also needs to be increased such that the guiding
trays 13a-13e are still able to supply discrete articles from the
discrete article dispensing device 12 to the vibration trays
14a-14e. In addition, the guiding trays 13a-3e may also need to be
moved laterally forward towards the vibration trays 14a-14e, so as
to prevent a gap from being formed between the vibration trays
14a-14e and the guiding trays 13a-13e.
[0107] In order to adjust the height of the guiding trays 13a-13e,
the guiding trays may be positioned on a supporting stand 108 that
is able to increase and decrease the height of the guiding trays
13a-13e. The supporting stand 108 may include a mechanical rack and
pinion gear arrangements, pneumatic or hydraulic pistons or any
other mechanical device suitable for increasing the height of the
guiding trays 13a-13e. The height of the supporting stand 108 can
be adjusted manually or can be automated.
[0108] In the case where the height adjustability of the supporting
stand is automated, it is possible that the control entity 60 that
adjusts the slope of the vibration trays 14a-14e is able to
simultaneously cause a drive mechanism to adjust the height of the
guiding trays 13a-13e. In accordance with a non-limiting
embodiment, stored within the memory 66 are records in which an
appropriate height for the guiding trays 13a-13e is associated with
each possible slope for the vibration trays 14a-14e. As such, on
the basis of a suitable slope for the vibration trays 14a-14e, the
guiding trays 13a-13e can be caused to acquire a corresponding
suitable height.
[0109] The Path Blocking Device 24
[0110] Once the discrete articles have left the vibration trays
14a-14e, they continue travel along guiding paths 16 towards the
containers 30. The containers 30 are typically intended to be
filled with a pre-determined number of discrete articles, such as
100 or 150 discrete articles, for example. As the discrete articles
travel along the guiding paths 16, they pass through a counting
device 22 that counts the number of discrete articles that have
passed there through. In this manner, once the counting device has
detected a pre-determined number of discrete articles that have
passed through one or more of the paths 16 leading to a given
container 30, one or more of the path blocking devices 24 located
in a path 16 leading to that container 30 is caused to close, such
that no further discrete articles pass by the closed path blocking
devices 24. In this manner, once a container has received the
pre-determined number of discrete articles, no further discrete
articles enter the container 30 until the filled container 30 has
been moved out of the way, and a new container 30 has been moved
into place.
[0111] As described above, multiple ones of the guiding paths 16
may lead into a single container 30. In the non-limiting embodiment
shown in FIG. 8, four guiding paths 16 lead into a funnel 26 that
directs the discrete articles into a single container 30. It
should, however, be appreciated that any number of paths 16 could
lead into any number of containers 30, without departing from the
spirit of the invention.
[0112] As mentioned above, prior to entering the containers 30, the
discrete articles pass through a counting device 22. The purpose of
the counting device 22 is to obtain a count of the discrete
articles in order to ensure that the proper pre-determined number
of discrete articles enter each container 30. A more detailed
discussion of a counting device 22 can be found in issued U.S. Pat.
No. 7,956,623.
[0113] As shown in FIG. 8, the counting device 22 includes
passageways 122 associated with each guiding path 16, through which
the discrete articles travel. Included within each passageway is
circuitry for enabling the counting device to obtain a count of a
discrete article passing there through. In addition, and as shown
in FIG. 4, the counting device 22 is in communication with a
processing entity 64. The processing entity 64 may be part of a
control entity 60 that controls the functionality of multiple
components of the container filling machine 10. However, in an
alternative embodiment, the counting device 22 may be in
communication with a processing entity that is dedicated to
controlling the functionality of the counting device 22.
[0114] In a non-limiting embodiment, the processing entity 64 is
operative for simultaneously receiving and processing signals from
the counting circuitry of each one of the passageways 122 of the
counting device 22. For example, in the case shown in FIG. 8, the
processing entity 64 is operative to receive signals from four
separate passageways 122 at approximately the same time. In such a
case, the circuitry associated to each passageway 16 is operative
for providing identification information to the processing entity
64, such that the processing entity 64 is able to keep an
appropriate count of the discrete articles for personal treatment
passing through each respective passageway 122 of the counting
device 22.
[0115] The circuitry contained within each passageway 122 may be
any suitable circuitry for detecting when a discrete article for
personal treatment passes through the passageway 91. For example,
the counting device 22 may include optical circuitry or capacitance
circuitry without departing from the spirit of the invention. Once
the circuitry detects that an object, such as a discrete article,
has passed through the passageway 122, a signal is sent to the
processing entity 64, such that the processing entity 64 can keep a
count of the number of discrete articles that have passed through
each passageway 122.
[0116] The purpose of the counting device 22 is to help control the
number of discrete articles entering each container 30.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 8, positioned between the counting device
22 and a container 30 are a plurality of path blocking devices 24;
namely one path blocking device 24 for each one of the guiding
paths 16. Each one of the guiding paths 16 then feeds into a funnel
26 which, in turn, leads into a container 30.
[0118] In combination with the counting device 22, the path
blocking devices 24 are operative for controlling the number of
discrete articles that enter each container 30. More specifically,
the path blocking devices 24 are operative to move between an open
position and a closed position in order to either permit the travel
of discrete articles into the container 30 or block the travel of
discrete articles into the container 30. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 8, the right-most path blocking device 24 is in a closed
position, wherein the discrete articles travelling along that
guiding path 16 are prevented from travelling into the container
30. Whereas, the two middle path blocking devices 24 are in an open
position, such that the discrete articles travelling along those
guiding paths 16 are able to travel past the path blocking devices
24 into the container 30.
[0119] Referring back to FIG. 4, the path blocking devices 24 are
also in communication with the processing entity 64, such that the
processing entity 64 can control the movement of the path blocking
devices 24 between the open position and the closed position. As
shown in FIG. 4, the path blocking devices 24 are in communication
with a processing entity 64 that is also in communication with the
counting device 22, as well as the other components in the
container filling machine. It should be appreciated however that a
processing entity 64 dedicated to the control of the path blocking
devices 24 could also be used without departing from the spirit of
the invention. In such a case, the processing entity 64 would be
operative for receiving information from the counting device 22
indicative of a count of the number of discrete articles for
personal treatment passing through respective passageways 122.
[0120] In operation, the processing entity 64 controls the movement
of the path blocking devices 24 at least in part on the basis of
information received from the counting device 22 and the
pre-determined number of discrete articles that are to be supplied
to each container 30. The information received from the counting
device 22 is generally indicative of the number of discrete
articles that has passed through each passageway 122 of the
counting device 22. The processing entity 64 processes this
information in accordance with program instructions 70 stored in
the memory 66. Such program instructions may include a specific
algorithm, such that the control of the path blocking devices 24 is
performed in accordance with the specific algorithm. For example,
the predefined algorithm may specify that once a pre-determined
number of discrete articles has passed through a given guiding path
16, the path blocking device 24 associated with that guiding path
16 is to be closed. For example, in the case where each container
30 is to be filled with one hundred discrete articles and there are
four guiding paths 16 leading into each container 30, the algorithm
may specify that each path blocking device 24 is to be closed after
twenty five discrete articles for personal treatment have passed by
each path blocking device 24. Alternatively, three of the path
blocking devices 24 may close after twenty four discrete articles
have passed along their respective guiding path 16, and the fourth
path blocking device 24 may close after twenty eight discrete
articles have passed there through. In this way, the fourth path
blocking device 24 is able to more precisely monitor the final
discrete articles entering the container 30. It should be
appreciated that any algorithm suitable for controlling the number
of discrete articles that enter each container 30 is included
within the scope of the present invention and that a variety of
different algorithms could be used in order to control the
functioning of the path blocking devices 24.
[0121] In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the path
blocking devices 24 are in the form of gates 120 that pivot about a
pivot point 124 mounted to one side of the paths 16. The gates 120
pivot about the pivot point 124 in order to move between the open
position and the dosed position. In the closed position, the gates
120 form physical barriers that span across the width of a guiding
path 16. Whereas in the open position, the gates 120 are positioned
along the sides of the guiding paths 16 such that discrete articles
can pass by the gates 120 unobstructed and travel into a container
30.
[0122] When in the closed position, the path blocking devices 24
are able to prevent discrete articles for personal treatment from
continued travel into the funnels 26 while the filled containers 30
are being replaced with new containers 30. Once a container 30 has
been filled with the pre-determined number of discrete articles,
all of the path blocking devices 24 that are positioned along the
paths 16 that lead to that container 30 are closed such that the
filled containers can be removed and replaced with new containers
without stopping the flow of discrete articles through the counting
device 22 of the container filling machine 10. As such, the
discrete articles simply accumulate at the path blocking devices 24
against the closed gates 120. When the new containers 30 are in
place underneath the funnels 26, the path blocking devices 24 open,
and the discrete articles for personal treatment that have
accumulated at the gates 120 enter the new containers. In this
manner, the flow of discrete articles for personal treatment does
not slow down or stop for a container change.
[0123] In accordance with a non-limiting embodiment of the present
invention, and as shown in FIG. 9, the gates 120 are controlled by
solenoid devices 126 that convert electrical energy into mechanical
energy. As shown, the gates 120 are connected to solenoid devices
126 via a rotating pin 128, In the embodiment shown, the solenoid
device 128 is a rotary solenoid. When electrical current is applied
to, or cut from, the solenoid devices 126, the solenoid devices 126
cause the rotation of the pin 128 that in turn causes the rotation
of a respective gate 120. As shown, a first end of the pin 128 is
adapted for connection to the solenoid device 126 and a second end
of the pin 128 is adapted for connection to a pivot axis of a gate
120. The second end of the pin 128 may fit within the pivot axis
124 of the gate 120 via a friction fit or via projections that
engage with a complimentary-shaped slot within the pivot axis. For
example, the pin 128 may have a star-shaped end, or an X-shaped
end, that fits within a complementary slot within the pivot axis
124 of the gate 120. In this manner, as the pin 128 rotates,
rotational motion is imparted to the gate 120.
[0124] When electrical current is provided to the solenoid device
126, the solenoid device 126 rotates the pin 128, such that the
gate 120 moves into the dosed position or the open position. When
electrical current is cut from the solenoid device 126, the pin 128
returns to its original neutral position (via a spring). In
accordance with a non-limiting example of implementation of the
present invention, when the solenoid device 126 is at a neutral
position, such that no electrical current is applied thereto, the
gate 120 is positioned in the middle of the pathway 16, in this
position, discrete articles are able to pass by the gate 120, but
the gate is not positioned up against the side wall of the path 16
providing a completely unobstructed path 16. When the solenoid
device 126 is activated by applying +5 Volts, the gate 120 moves
approximately 22.5 degrees towards the opposite wall of the path
16, such that the guiding path 16 is blocked. When -5 Volts is
applied, the gate 120 opens approximately -22.5 degrees for causing
the gate to open. Although certain voltage values and rotation
angles have been provided in the above example, it should be
appreciated that these values are provided for the sake of example
only, and that the present invention is not limited to these
values.
[0125] Accordingly, once the control entity 64 determines, based on
information from the counting device 22, that a pre-determined
number of discrete articles has passed along a given one of the
guiding paths 16, the control entity 64 causes electrical current
to be supplied to the solenoid device 126 of the gate 120
associated with that guiding path 16, such that the gate 120 is
able to acquire the closed position. Once all the gates 120
associated with a given container 30 have been closed (which means
that the container has been filled with the pre-determined number
of discrete articles) the filled container 30 is moved out of the
way, and a new container 30 is moved into place. At that point, the
control entity 64 applies electrical current to the solenoid
devices 126, such that the gates 120 open up again, and the
discrete articles can flow into the new container 30.
[0126] Using solenoid devices 126 to control the gates 120 prevents
the use of air fluctuations, which would be required with pneumatic
cylinders. In addition, solenoid devices 126 provide faster
opening/closing than pneumatic cylinders. For example, a solenoid
device can react in approximately 5 milliseconds, as opposed to the
more typical 60 to 100 milliseconds required by a pneumatic
cylinder. In addition, solenoid devices are often more durable and
constant than pneumatic cylinders, and may also be cleaner as they
do not necessarily require any oil or other lubrication.
[0127] In a preferred embodiment, the functionality of the
components of the container filling machine 10 described above
(i.e. the functionality of the discrete article dispensing device
12, the guiding trays 13a-13e, the vibration trays 14a-14e, and the
tray supporting drive mechanism 80) are controlled via one or more
computing units that include at least one software driven
processing unit. However, in some embodiments of the invention, all
or part of the functionality of these components may be implemented
as pre-programmed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., application
specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable
programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), etc.) or other related
components.
[0128] Although the present invention has been described in
considerable detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments
thereof, variations and refinements are possible without departing
from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the scope of the
invention should be limited only by the appended claims and their
equivalents.
* * * * *