U.S. patent application number 17/477322 was filed with the patent office on 2022-01-06 for device for packing drug portions.
The applicant listed for this patent is BECTON DICKINSON ROWA GERMANY GMBH. Invention is credited to Dietmar Gross.
Application Number | 20220002011 17/477322 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005843728 |
Filed Date | 2022-01-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220002011 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gross; Dietmar |
January 6, 2022 |
DEVICE FOR PACKING DRUG PORTIONS
Abstract
The present disclosure provides devices for packaging drug
portions, including a folding and conveyance device configured to
receive and mold an elongated packaging material web into a tubular
packaging material web, a guide device configured to receive and
guide drug portions into the tubular packaging material web, and
first and second joining devices disposed downstream of the folding
and conveyance device and configured to seam the tubular packaging
material web in a direction of movement of the tubular packaging
material and at pre-specified intervals with respect to the
direction of movement of the tubular packaging material web,
respectively, such that a continuous blister tube is created. One
of the first and second joining devices includes two joining
elements each having an independent movement device. Systems and
methods for packaging drug portions are also provided.
Inventors: |
Gross; Dietmar; (Kelberg,
DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BECTON DICKINSON ROWA GERMANY GMBH |
Kelberg |
|
DE |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005843728 |
Appl. No.: |
17/477322 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15482182 |
Apr 7, 2017 |
11148839 |
|
|
17477322 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 9/22 20130101; B65B
65/006 20130101; B65B 9/207 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 9/207 20060101
B65B009/207 |
Claims
1. A device for packaging drug portions, the device comprising: a
folding and conveyance device comprising a passage configured to
receive an elongated packaging material web and to mold the
elongated packaging material web into a tubular packaging material
web; a guide device comprising a conveying segment configured to
receive and guide drug portions into the tubular packaging material
web; a first joining device disposed downstream of the folding and
conveyance device and configured to seam the tubular packaging
material web in a direction of movement of the tubular packaging
material; and a second joining device arranged downstream of the
first joining device, the second joining device configured to seam
the tubular packaging material web at pre-specified intervals with
respect to the direction of movement of the tubular packaging
material web such that a continuous blister tube is created,
wherein one of the first and second joining devices comprises two
joining elements each having an independent movement device.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first joining device
comprises two joining elements and two independently actuable drive
assemblies.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the second joining device
comprises two joining elements and two independently movable
horizontal adjusting mechanisms.
4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cutting element
disposed within a recess of a joining element of the second joining
device, the cutting element configured to move into and out of the
recess.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the cutting element includes a
plurality of teeth, and the blister tube and the cutting element
are movable relative to each other to perforate the blister
tube.
6. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a spring coupled to a
first joining element of the second joining device; and a second
joining element of the second joining device, wherein when the
first joining element is pressed against the spring by the second
joining element, the cutting element is further moveable relative
to the blister tube to sever the blister tube.
7. The device of claim 4, wherein the cutting device is operatively
associated with the second joining device.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the second joining device seams
the tubular packaging material web by welding.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the folding and conveyance device
narrows conically at substantially a center of the folding and
conveyance device.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the folding and conveyance
device includes a raised conical form that includes the passage
therethrough.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the first joining device is
arranged on a receiving plate.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the second joining device
includes a drive device for moving the second joining device in,
and opposite to, the direction of movement of the tubular packaging
material web.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the conveying segment of the
guide device extends through the passage of the folding and
conveyance device.
14. A system for dispensing and packaging drug portions, the system
comprising: a plurality of reservoir and dispensing stations for
dispensing individual drug portions; at least one conveyance and
collecting apparatus for receiving and transferring the drug
portions dispensed by the reservoir and dispensing stations; a
packaging material feed for feeding a flexible and elongated
packaging material web; and a packaging device, comprising: a
folding and conveyance device comprising a passage configured to
receive an elongated packaging material web and to mold the
elongated packaging material web into a tubular packaging material
web; a guide device comprising a conveying segment configured to
receive and guide drug portions into the tubular packaging material
web; a first joining device disposed downstream of the folding and
conveyance device and configured to seam the tubular packaging
material web in a direction of movement of the tubular packaging
material; and a second joining device arranged downstream of the
first joining device, the second joining device configured to seam
the tubular packaging material web at pre-specified intervals with
respect to the direction of movement of the tubular packaging
material web such that a continuous blister tube is created,
wherein one of the first and second joining devices comprises two
joining elements each having an independent movement device.
15. A method of forming a blister tube containing drug portions
with a packaging device, comprising: feeding an elongated packaging
material web into a passage of a folding and conveyance device;
molding, by the passage, the elongated packaging material into a
tubular packaging material web; guiding drug portions into the
tubular packaging material web by a conveying segment of a guide
device that extends along the passage of the folding and conveyance
device; seaming, by a first joining device arranged downstream of
the folding and conveyance device, the tubular packaging material
web in a direction of movement of the tubular packaging material
web; seaming, by a second joining device arranged downstream of the
first joining device, the tubular packaging material web at
pre-specified intervals with respect to the direction of movement
of the tubular packaging material web such that a continuous
blister tube is created; and moving, via independent movement
devices, first and second joining elements relative to one another
to actuate the seaming by one of the first and second joining
devices.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: moving, by a drive
device of the second joining device, the second joining device in,
and opposite to, the direction of movement of the tubular packaging
material web.
17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: pressing a first
joining element of the second joining device into a spring by a
second joining element of the second joining device; and severing,
by a cutting device with a cutting element, the blister tube at
pre-specified intervals with respect to the direction of movement
of the tubular packaging material.
18. The method of claim 15, further comprising: moving a cutting
element having a plurality of teeth relative to the blister tube;
and perforating the blister tube.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising: moving two joining
elements of the second joining device relative to one another via
two independently movable horizontal adjusting mechanisms.
20. The method of claim 15, further comprising: moving two joining
elements of the first joining device relative to one another via
two independently actuable drive assemblies.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/482,182, entitled "DEVICE FOR PACKING DRUG
PORTIONS." filed on Apr. 7, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to mechanical packaging
devices and, in particular, to a device and method for packaging
drug portions.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Known automatic blister packing machines include a plurality
of reservoir and dispensing stations, each of which store multiple
drug portions of a certain type of drug. Individual drug portions
are dispensed from the reservoir and dispensing stations upon
request, and are then fed to a packaging device where the drug
portions are packaged and/or blister packed. The drug portions
stored in the reservoir and dispensing stations are collected and
blister packed individually for each patient according to orders
prescribed by a doctor.
[0004] For the collection of multiple drug portions, corresponding
reservoir and dispensing stations are activated by a control device
to dispense one or more drug portions. The drug portions are stored
in a storage container separated by a separation device of the
reservoir and dispensing station, and are transferred via a
dispensing opening to a conveyance device for packaging. The drug
portions are conveyed by a conveyance device, with regular
interconnections of a collection device, to a packaging device
which packages and/or blister-packs individual or multiple drug
portions.
SUMMARY
[0005] In many drug packaging settings, it is desirable to provide
a storage and dispensing station with a reduced propensity to
collect small flakes or particles of drug portions.
[0006] In one or more implementations, the present disclosure
provides for a device for packaging drug portions. The device
includes a folding and conveyance device comprising a passage
configured to receive an elongated packaging material web and to
mold the elongated packaging material web into a tubular packaging
material web. The device further includes a guide device comprising
a conveying segment configured to receive and guide drug portions
into the tubular packaging material web. The device also includes a
first joining device disposed downstream of the folding and
conveyance device and configured to seam the tubular packaging
material web in a direction of movement of the tubular packaging
material, and a second joining device arranged downstream of the
first joining device, the second joining device configured to seam
the tubular packaging material web at pre-specified intervals with
respect to the direction of movement of the tubular packaging
material web such that a continuous blister tube is created.
wherein one of the first and second joining devices comprises two
joining elements each having an independent movement device.
[0007] In one or more implementations, the present disclosure
provides for a system for dispensing and packaging drug portions.
The system includes a plurality of reservoir and dispensing
stations for dispensing individual drug portions. The system
further includes at least one conveyance and collecting apparatus
for receiving and transferring the drug portions dispensed by the
reservoir and dispensing stations. The system also includes a
packaging material feed for feeding a flexible and elongated
packaging material web, and a packaging device. The packaging
device includes a folding and conveyance device comprising a
passage configured to receive an elongated packaging material web
and to mold the elongated packaging material web into a tubular
packaging material web, a guide device including a conveying
segment configured to receive and guide drug portions into the
tubular packaging material web, a first joining device disposed
downstream of the folding and conveyance device and configured to
seam the tubular packaging material web in a direction of movement
of the tubular packaging material, and a second joining device
arranged downstream of the first joining device, the second joining
device configured to seam the tubular packaging material web at
pre-specified intervals with respect to the direction of movement
of the tubular packaging material web such that a continuous
blister tube is created, wherein one of the first and second
joining devices comprises two joining elements each having an
independent movement device.
[0008] In one or more implementations, the present disclosure
provides for a method of forming a blister tube containing drug
portions with a packaging device. The method includes feeding an
elongated packaging material web into a passage of a folding and
conveyance device; molding, by the passage, the elongated packaging
material into a tubular packaging material web; guiding drug
portions into the tubular packaging material web by a conveying
segment of a guide device that extends along the passage of the
folding and conveyance device; seaming, by a first joining device
arranged downstream of the folding and conveyance device, the
tubular packaging material web in a direction of movement of the
tubular packaging material web, seaming, by a second joining device
arranged downstream of the first joining device, the tubular
packaging material web at pre-specified intervals with respect to
the direction of movement of the tubular packaging material web
such that a continuous blister tube is created; and moving, via
independent movement devices, first and second joining elements
relative to one another to actuate the seaming by one of the first
and second joining devices.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The devices according to implementations of the present
disclosure are described in greater detail below, with reference to
the appended drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for packing drug
portions according to exemplary implementations of the present
disclosure:
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the device of FIG. 1, also
illustrating a conveyance and collecting apparatus according to
exemplary implementations of the present disclosure;
[0012] FIGS. 3a and 3b are front and top views of the device of
FIG. 1;
[0013] FIGS. 3c and 3d are front and side perspective views of the
device of FIG. 1:
[0014] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the device of FIG.
1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a joining device of the
device of FIG. 1, according to exemplary implementations of the
present disclosure:
[0016] FIG. 6a is a perspective view of a second joining device of
the device of FIG. 1, according to exemplary implementations of the
present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 6b is a front view of the second joining device of FIG.
6a
[0018] FIG. 7 is a front view of a packaging device of the device
of FIG. 1, according to exemplary implementations of the present
disclosure;
[0019] FIGS. 8a-8c are views of the device of FIG. 1 and the
conveyance and collecting apparatus of FIG. 2;
[0020] FIGS. 9a-9c are views of a folding and conveyance device and
a guide device, according to exemplary implementations of the
present disclosure; and
[0021] FIGS. 10a-10c are views of joining elements of a second
joining device, according to exemplary implementations of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The detailed description set forth below describes various
configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to
represent the only configurations in which the subject technology
may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific
details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of
the subject technology. Accordingly, dimensions are provided in
regard to certain aspects as non-limiting examples. However, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the subject
technology may be practiced without these specific details. In some
instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block
diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the
subject technology.
[0023] It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes
examples of the subject technology and does not limit the scope of
the appended claims. Various aspects of the subject technology will
now be disclosed according to particular but non-limiting examples.
Various embodiments described in the present disclosure may be
carried out in different ways and variations, and in accordance
with a desired application or implementation.
[0024] Modern automatic blister packing machines typically have a
plurality of reservoir and dispensing stations, and likewise a
plurality of collecting devices in which combinations of drug
portions are stored temporarily before they are transferred to a
packaging device.
[0025] The blistering process involves a packaging material web
being molded by a packaging device into a blister tube with a
plurality of blister pouches arranged sequentially. For this
purpose, a flexible, elongated packaging material web is fed to the
packaging device via a packaging material feed. The packaging
material web is folded into a V shape in a longitudinal direction,
and welded at pre-specified intervals transverse to the direction
of movement of the packaging material. A partially-closed blister
pouch is formed, and the drug portions are transferred into the
blister pouch. Due to the preparation of the packaging material
web, a receiving space, in some implementations, has the form of an
inverted and hollow pyramid, although other forms are certainly
possible.
[0026] After the transfer, the partially-closed blister pouch is
closed by welding in the direction of movement, and by a further
welding transverse to the direction of movement (which can also
form the first transverse weld for a subsequent blister pouch).
[0027] Accordingly, this disclosure provides a device for packaging
drug portions with a lower error rate than other systems and
methods. The device according to some implementations of the
present disclosure includes a plurality of reservoir and dispensing
stations to dispense individual drug portions, at least one
conveyance and collecting apparatus to receive and carry the drug
portions dispensed by the reservoir and dispensing stations, and a
packaging material feed to feed a flexible, elongated packaging
material web.
[0028] The device according to the disclosure also has a packaging
device including a folding and conveyance device. The folding and
conveyance device has a packaging material receiving area with a
passage, and feeds the elongated packaging material web to the
passage, which in turn molds the elongated packaging material web
in the direction of movement into a tubular packaging material web,
the shape of which is defined by the passage. A packaging material
overlap region, as well as a guide device, is arranged above the
folding and conveyance device, which includes a receiving segment
for drug portions and a conveying segment which extends in the
direction of the passage and which guides drug portions into the
tubular packaging material web.
[0029] In order to mold the packaging material web, which has been
pre-shaped into a tube by the folding and conveyance device, into
closed blister pouches, a first joining device is arranged
downstream of the folding and conveyance device. The first joining
device joins the tubular packaging material web at the packaging
material overlap region in the direction of movement of the tubular
packaging material such that a tube with a closed circumference is
created. Also included is a second joining device arranged
downstream of the first joining device, which joins the tubular
packaging material web at pre-specified intervals with respect to
the direction of movement, such that pouch-shaped receiving
segments open at their top are created. The second joining device
joins the packaging material web approximately orthogonally and/or
transversely to the direction of movement of the packaging material
web, wherein the precise alignment of the joining site depends on
the shape of the blister pouch which is desired.
[0030] According to exemplary implementations of the disclosure,
the packaging material web is molded into a plurality of receiving
spaces, or pouch-shaped receiving spaces, which are open at their
tops such that the risk of drug portions falling out is
reduced.
[0031] Additionally, in prior designs, it was necessary to feed the
packaging material web at an angle, for example at a 45 degree
angle, and to then transfer the drug portions from above at the
angle into the partially closed blister pouches. The drug portion
feed direction deviated at the receiving space from the direction
of movement of the packaging material web, forming the angle.
However, according to the present disclosure, drug portions are
conveyed into the receiving spaces according to the direction of
movement of the packaging material web, since a pouch-shaped
packaging material web segment is present before the individual
blister pouch is formed. Thus, according to the present disclosure,
there is a very low error rate in the blister packing of the drug
portions, even at high processing speeds.
[0032] The second joining device is designed such that it is
suitable for high work speeds. To periodically produce joining
sites substantially transverse to the direction of movement, the
packaging material web can be halted according to a clock cycle, as
an example. During the halt, the packaging material web can then be
joined by suitable joining processes.
[0033] However, because high processing speeds are desired, it may
be advantageous if the packaging material web is not halted
periodically. Accordingly, the joining device can have, by way of
example, opposing, rotating welding rolls with one or more welding
technologies or elements. The interval at which the joining sites
are created depends on multiple factors, such as the speed of
operation of the packaging material web, the rotation speed of the
welding rolls and the number of welding elements per welding
roll.
[0034] The number of the drug portions which are blister packed per
blister pouch varies according to each patient's required portions.
In order to ensure that the packaging material web is used
optimally, it may be desirable to produce blister pouches with
different lengths. As such, in some implementations of the present
disclosure, the second joining device has a drive device by which
the second joining device can be moved in, and opposite to, the
direction of movement of the tubular packaging material web.
[0035] In such an implementation, the second joining device is
moved together with the packaging material web when the packaging
material web is joined (transverse to the direction of movement),
and is then moved opposite the direction of movement after the
joining. As soon as the drug portions are conveyed to the
pouch-shaped receiving segment, the joining process begins again.
The length of the blister pouch can therefore be varied without
modifying the speed of operation of the packaging material web by
varying the length of time between the individual joining
processes.
[0036] Typically, blister tubes with a plurality of blister pouches
are created during blister packing in the known automatic blister
packing machines. The blister tubes are typically stored outside
the automatic blister packing machines in the form of rolls. The
blister pouches of a blister tube are essentially visually
identical to each other, such that it is necessary to separate them
after they are conveyed out of the automatic blister packing
machine.
[0037] As such, in some implementations of the present disclosure,
the device for packaging drug portions has a cutting device with a
cutting element by which the blister tube can be severed at
pre-specified intervals with respect to the direction of movement
of the blister tube. The precise manner in which the separation is
performed depends on the precise design of the blister tube.
Typically, a transverse joining site is part of two blister
pouches: that is, a `lower` end of one blister pouch and an `upper`
end of another blister pouch. The separation then occurs precisely
at a joining site. If each blister pouch has two of its own joining
sites, the separation can occur between two joining sites.
[0038] In some implementations, the blister tube can be severed
when the blister tube is produced. There is no need for the
separation point to be located at another location. It is also
possible to easily produce blister tubes of different lengths using
a corresponding device. It is also contemplated that the blister
pouch is separated immediately after production.
[0039] Even pre-separated blister tubes have multiple blister
pouches, and these blister pouches generally correspond to multiple
prescriptions, patients and/or administration times. Therefore, it
is usually necessary to subsequently separate the blister pouches.
In some implementations of the present disclosure, the cutting
element includes a plurality of cutting teeth and the blister tube
and the cutting element are arranged to be able to move relative to
each other such the blister tube can be severed or perforated. The
blister tube can therefore be both severed and perforated by one
component. As such, by way of example, individual blister tubes can
be produced for each patient, wherein the individual blister
pouches thereof can be easily detached from each other and opened
due to the perforations inserted between them. The manner in which
the separations/perforations are distributed can be varied
according to the application.
[0040] In some implementations of the present disclosure, the
cutting device is functionally assigned to, or operatively
associated with or attached to, the second joining device. As such,
it is possible to carry out the separations and/or perforations.
This is because it is not necessary to separately and/or precisely
detect the point where the separation and/or perforation is made,
since the cutting element is moved together with the joining
device.
[0041] In some implementations, the second joining device has a
joining element in which the cutting element is accommodated, and
specifically in such a manner that the joining element extends
upstream and downstream of the cutting element in the direction of
movement of the packaging material web. This implementation makes
the perforation and separation particularly simple and precise,
since the separation/perforation always take place at a joining
site produced in a straight line.
[0042] The disclosure also relates to use of a packaging device
having a folding and conveyance device, wherein the same has a
packaging material receiving area with a passage, and is designed
such that the elongated packaging material web is fed to the
passage. The passage is designed such that the elongated packaging
material web is molded in the direction of movement into a tubular
packaging material web, the shape of which is defined by the
passage, and has a packaging material overlap region, as well as a
guide device arranged above the folding and conveyance device for
receiving segments for drug portions. A conveying segment extends
in the direction of the passage of the folding and conveyance
device and guides drug portions into the tubular packaging material
web. A first joining device is arranged downstream of the folding
and conveyance device which joins the tubular packaging material
web at the packaging material overlap region in the direction of
movement of the tubular packaging material. A second joining device
is arranged downstream of the first joining device, which joins the
tubular packaging material web at pre-specified intervals with
respect to the direction of movement to produce a blister tube
holding drug portions.
[0043] The disclosure also relates to the use of a folding and
conveyance device for molding a packaging material web moving in a
direction of web movement to produce a blister tube containing drug
portions. The folding and conveyance device includes a packaging
material receiving area with a passage, and is designed such that
an elongated packaging material web is fed to the passage. The
passage is designed such that the elongated packaging material web
is molded in the direction of movement into a tubular packaging
material web, the shape of which is defined by the passage and has
a packaging material overlap region.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device 1 for packing drug
portions according to exemplary implementations of the present
disclosure. The device 1 includes a central frame 159 having a
plurality of vertical struts 2 (only one vertical strut 2 is
visible in FIG. 1), three horizontal struts 3a, 3b. 3c and multiple
stand struts 4. The lower horizontal strut 3c extends substantially
along an entire length of the device 1, while the upper horizontal
struts 3a, 3b extend along a portion of the length of the device
1.
[0045] A conveyance and collecting apparatus 160 is arranged on the
central frame 159 and includes three axles 24a, 24b, 24c which are
accommodated in corresponding bore holes of the horizontal struts
3a, 3b, 3c. The axles 24a, 24b, 24c comprise one (24c), two (24b),
or three (24a) deflection rollers 25, wherein transport belts 22a,
22b, 22c are arranged between and/or around the deflection rollers
25. The transport belts 22a, 22b, 22c have various lengths
according to the arrangement of the axles 24a, 24b, 24c on the
horizontal struts 3a, 3b, 3c. In some implementations, the two
upper transport belts 22a, 22b have the same lengths as one
another, while a length of the lower transport belt 22c is greater
than a length of either of the two transport belts 22a, 22b and is
substantially equal to the entire length of the device 1.
[0046] As can be seen in FIG. 1, elongated conveyance devices 20
are arranged, via retaining elements 23, on, above and/or between
the transport belts 22a, 22b. Collecting devices 21 are arranged,
via retaining elements 23, on and/or above the lower transport belt
22c. It is to be understood that more or fewer of the elongated
conveyance devices 20 and more or fewer of the collecting devices
21 than are shown in the figures are included within the scope of
this disclosure.
[0047] The device 1 includes a drive 26 which drives and rotates
the axle 24a, and a rotation of axle 24a causes a corresponding
movement of the transport belts 22a, 22b, 22c. As the transport
belts 22a, 22b, 22c are all moved via rotations of axle 24a, the
transport belts 22a, 22b, 22c move in the direction of axle 24a
rotation with the same speed as each other. Accordingly, the
conveyance devices 20 and the collecting devices 21 are movable
between the axles 24a and 24b at the same speed and direction, and
are also aligned with each other in exemplary implementations of
the present disclosure.
[0048] Different drug portions are arranged in a plurality of
reservoir and dispensing stations 10, and only one partial matrix
of reservoir and dispensing stations is indicated in FIG. 1. The
reservoir and dispensing stations 10 are fixed relative to the
device 1. The reservoir and dispensing stations 10 include a
reservoir portion for storing drug portions, and a dispensing
portion via which individual drug portions are transferred upon
request into the conveyance device 20. An exemplary implementation,
as shown in FIG. 1, includes five rows of reservoir and dispensing
stations 10, such that the conveyance device 20 includes five
receiving openings via which drug portions are received.
[0049] In operation, the conveyance devices 20 are moved past, or
relative to, the reservoir and dispensing stations 10 via the
transport belts 22a. 22b. Drug portions can be dispensed during
such relative motions of the conveyance devices 20 from the
reservoir and dispensing stations 10 to a given conveyance device
20, which then transfers the drug portions to a collecting device
21 arranged below the conveyance device 20 and moved in unison with
the conveyance device 20. In exemplary implementations of the
present disclosure, a conveyance device 20 moves, or is movable,
past all of the reservoir and dispensing stations 10 of the device
1, such that each type of drug stored in the device 1 can be fed to
each collecting device 21 upon each passing movement.
[0050] The device 1 according to implementations of the disclosure
includes a packaging device 30 and a packaging material feed 40. In
some implementations, the packaging device 30 and packaging
material feed 40 are disposed near, or below, where the transport
belts 22a, 22b do not extend and below the transport belt 22c, and
therefore below the collecting devices 21 fixed to the transport
belt 22c. An elongated packaging material web 41 is fed to the
packaging device 30 via the packaging material feed 40. The
packaging device 30 forms a blister tube 45 from the elongated
packaging material web 41 having a plurality of blister pouches 44.
During or after this forming process, drug portions which are
temporarily stored in the collecting devices 21 are transferred to
respective blister pouches 44 as, or after, they are formed. The
shaping of the blister pouches 44 and the transfer of the drug
portions into the blister pouch 44 are described below with
reference to the following figures.
[0051] In exemplary implementations, the conveyance and collecting
apparatus 160 has a particular degree of complexity in its design
and/or construction, and enables a particular blister packing speed
as well as access to a large number of different types of drugs.
However, it is to be understood that a conveyance and collecting
apparatus 160 of greater or less complexity, or another conveyance
and collecting apparatuses 160, is also within the scope of this
disclosure. The conveyance and collecting apparatus can 160, by
non-limiting example, include one stationary collecting device 21
to which are fed all combinations of drug portions. It is also
contemplated that only one conveyance device 20 is included which
can receive drug portions from all of the reservoir and dispensing
stations 10.
[0052] Turning to FIG. 2, an orientation of the packaging device 30
relative to a portion of the conveyance and collecting apparatus
160 is shown. In particular, an orientation of a guide device 60 of
the packaging device 30, disposed below the collecting devices 21
can be seen. To transfer a drug portion temporarily stored in a
collecting device 21, a dispensing flap 27 of a corresponding
collecting device 21 is opened, and the drug portions disposed in
the corresponding collecting device 21 fall into the guide device
60, which feeds the drg portion, directly or indirectly, into a
blister pouch 44.
[0053] FIGS. 3a-3d show various views of the packaging device 30.
The packaging device 30 includes the guide device 60, which accepts
combinations of drug portions from the collecting devices 21. The
guide device 60 includes a receiving segment 61 which may be formed
in the shape of a funnel. The guide device 60 also includes a
conveying segment 62, as shown in FIGS. 9a-9c, which feeds the drug
portions into the packaging material web 41 which is pre-shaped
into a blister tube 45 open at the top.
[0054] A folding and conveyance device 50, which is also described
below with reference to FIGS. 9a-9c, narrows conically at or near a
center portion 164 of the conveyance device 50 and includes a
central passage 51 by which the packaging material web 41 is formed
into a tubular shape. In some implementations of the present
disclosure, the folding and conveyance device 50 is formed in the
shape of a crater, or formed in the shape of a raised conical or
frusto-conical form including a concave hole, or passage,
therethrough, wherein the packaging material web 41 is guided to
the center portion 164 via outer sides 165. The folding and
conveyance device 50 also includes a packaging material receiving
area 170 for receiving the packaging material web 41.
[0055] The packaging device 30 includes a first joining device 70
and a second joining device 90 which form separate blister pouches
44 in the packaging material web 41. In some implementations of the
present disclosure, the first joining device 70 is arranged
downstream of the guide device 60 with respect to a direction of
movement of the packaging material web 41, shown as direction D1 in
FIGS. 2, 3a and 7, and the second joining device 90 is arranged
downstream of the first joining device 70.
[0056] As described above, the packaging material web 41 is
pre-shaped into a tubular form by the folding and conveyance device
50, but may be open along a circumference of the tubular shape, as
well as at the top and bottom, or leading and trailing ends, of the
tubular shape. The first joining device 70 arranged downstream of
the guide device 60 joins the packaging material web 41 parallel to
the direction D1 of packaging material web 41 movement, such that a
closed tube of packaging material web 41 is created. Such a closed
tube 42 of packaging material web 41 is shown in FIG. 3a.
[0057] The second joining device 90 is arranged below, or
downstream of, the first joining device 70. The closed tube 42 is
joined transverse to the direction D1 of packaging material web 41
movement by the second joining device 90, forming blister pouch 44
shapes. In some implementations, the second joining device 90 is
designed in such a manner that it can be moved with, and opposite
to, the direction D1 of movement of the packaging material web 41.
For the joining and/or application of the joining site into the
tubular packaging material web 42, the joining elements 91a, 91b
are moved together. As soon as the joining elements 91a, 91b are
moved together, the second joining device 90 is moved downward, or
downstream, in the direction D1 of movement of the tubular
packaging material web 42. The duration of the movement depends on
the amount of time required to ensure the joining. The joining site
is typically a welded seam, however other types of joining are
contemplated.
[0058] As soon as the joining site is produced, the joining
elements 91a, 91b are moved away from each other, and the second
joining device 90 as such is moved "upward" opposite the direction
D1 of movement of the tubular packaging material web 42. As soon as
the "lower" joining site has been applied, drug portions can be fed
from above via the guide device 60 to the blister pouch 44, open at
its top.
[0059] During the actual insertion of the drug portions, the
movement of the packaging material web 41 is not halted. Rather,
the packaging material web 41 continues to be moved in the
direction D1 of movement such that it continues to advance during
the filling process. The actual filling and/or the insertion of
drug portions into the blister pouches 44 is performed in a
synchronized manner.
[0060] As soon as all of the drug portions have been inserted, the
joining elements 91a, 91b of the second joining device 90 are moved
together once again, and the second joining device 90 is moved
downward with the packaging material web 41. A further joining site
is applied, or created, which is simultaneously the "upper" joining
site of the blister pouch 44 just created, and the "lower" joining
site of the blister pouch 44 which will be made subsequently.
[0061] The elongated packaging material web 41 is fed to the
folding and conveyance device 50 via a packaging material feed 40,
shown in detail in FIG. 3d. The packaging material feed 40 includes
a central packaging material roll 46 and various deflection rollers
which feed the elongated packaging material web 41 to the folding
and conveyance device 50. In some implementations, as shown in FIG.
3d, two of the deflection rollers are coupled to a drive 47. In
some implementations, the packaging material feed 40 is a central,
integrated or included component of the packaging device 1. In some
implementations, the packaging material feed 40 is arranged outside
of, or remotely from, the device 1 to enable rapid changes of the
packaging material roll 46.
[0062] Turning to FIG. 4, it can be seen that a drive device 100,
which moves part of the second joining device which includes the
joining elements 91a. 91b and can be moved towards and away from
the packaging material web 41, is operatively associated with the
second joining device 90. In some implementations, the first
joining device 70 has two drive belts 74a, 74b which encompass a
packaging material overlap region 43. The packaging material
overlap region 43 is formed due to the special construction of the
folding and conveyance device 50. The actual joining of packaging
material 41 parallel to the direction of movement of the packaging
material 41 takes place in the packaging material 41 overlap region
43.
[0063] A horizontal adjusting mechanism 92 is operatively
associated with the joining element 91b and moves the joining
element 91b can be moved in an X, or a horizontal, direction toward
the tubular packaging material web 41 to apply a joining site, and
away from the tubular packaging material web 42 after the
application of the joining site, as can be seen in FIG. 4. The
drive device 100 moves the second joining device 90 in a Y, or a
vertical, direction in, and opposite to, the direction D1 of
movement of the packaging material web 41.
[0064] Turning to FIG. 5 the first joining device 70 includes a
receiving plate 71 on which the first joining device 70 is
arranged. To support the movement of the packaging material web 41
pre-shaped in the form of a tube 42, the first joining device 70
has two drive belts 74a, 74b which encompass the packaging material
overlap region 43. The elongated packaging material web 41 is
pre-shaped in the form of a tube 42, and the packaging material
overlap region 43 is formed by the folding and conveyance device
50. The actual joining in the direction of material web 41 movement
takes place in the packaging material overlap region 43. For this
purpose, the first joining device 70 includes joining elements 73a,
73b which contact the packaging material 41 to join the packaging
material web 41. The joining elements in FIG. 5 are shown spaced
apart from each other for the sake of clarifying the individual
components. The joining elements 73a. 73b and the drive belts 74a.
74b are coupled to drives 72a, 72b.
[0065] FIGS. 6a and 6b show two views of the second joining device
90. For the purpose of applying a joining site to the packaging
material web 41, the second joining device 90 includes two joining
elements 91a, 91b which can be moved horizontally. For this
purpose, the second joining device 90 has two horizontal adjusting
mechanisms 92, 93 which can be moved independently of each other.
The section of the second joining device 90 shown in FIGS. 6a and
6b can be moved via a drive device 100 in, and opposite to, the
direction D1 of movement of the packaging material web 41.
[0066] FIG. 7 shows the area where the drug portions are inserted
and the packaging material web 41 is joined, as well as the course
of the packaging material web 41 through the first and the second
joining devices 70, 90. The folding and conveyance device 50 shapes
the packaging material web 41 into a tubular packaging material web
42 having a packaging material overlap region 43, which is joined
together downstream of the folding and conveyance device 50 by the
joining elements 73a. 73b. In some implementations, the overlap
region 43 is welded. The application of the horizontal joining
sites occurs at the second joining device 90 arranged downstream of
the first joining device 70. In some implementations, a welded seam
is applied. Specifically, the joining element 91a has, for this
purpose, two welding edges 94a, 94b which press the packaging
material web 41 being welded against two counter edges 95a, 95b of
the joining element 91a during the actual application of the weld.
In some implementations, the joining element 91a has a cutting
element 111 which is incorporated into the center of the joining
element 91a, and specifically in such a manner that the welding
edges 94a, 94b are arranged downstream and upstream of the cutting
element 111, respectively, with respect to the direction D1 of
movement of the packaging material web 41.
[0067] FIG. 8a shows the course of the packaging material web 41
with the overlap region 43. The joining elements 91a, 91b are
illustrated in an open position, and the blister tube 45 is
indicated below the joining elements 91a, 91b.
[0068] In FIG. 8b, the packaging material 41 is not shown, and the
conveying segment 62 of the guide device 60 can be seen, which
extends through the central passage 51 of the folding and
conveyance device 50, which is shown in FIG. 8c. The conveying
segment 62 supports the formation and shaping of the tubular
packaging material web 42, and feeds the drug portions to the
actual receiving space of the pre-shaped packaging material web 41,
which is positioned below the conveying segment 62.
[0069] FIG. 9a shows how the elements listed above are installed in
the device 1. The conveying segment 62 of the guide device 60
extends through a central passage 51 of the folding and conveyance
device 50. In FIG. 9b, the guide device 60 is shifted vertically
with respect to the folding and conveyance device 50. In FIG. 9c,
the guide device 60 and the folding and conveyance device 50 are
illustrated separately from each other. The shaping of the
packaging material web 41 is, in some implementations, performed by
the packaging material web 41 travelling up the sides of the
folding and conveyance device 50 toward the central passage 51, and
extending downward into the central passage 51. In some
implementations, the central passage 51 of the folding and
conveyance device 50 is not closed to the outside. Rather, it
includes a gap 53, and this gap 53 forms the packaging material
overlap region 43 when the packaging material web 41 is shaped. A
corresponding overlap area could also be formed, in other
implementations of the present disclosure, by other implementations
of the central passage 51 and/or the folding and conveyance device
50.
[0070] FIG. 10a shows a joining site transverse to the direction D1
of movement of the packaging material web 41. The joining element
91a is attached to the cutting element 111. The joining element 91a
has, downstream and upstream of the cutting element 111, welding
edges 94a, 94b which cooperate with counter edges 95a, 95b of the
joining element 91b. FIG. 10b shows the cutting device 110, which
includes a cutting element 111 with a plurality of cutting teeth
112. The cutting element 111 in some implementations is connected
directly to the horizontal adjustment device 93. The joining
element 91a is connected to said horizontal adjustment device 93
via springs 96a, 96b. A movement of the horizontal adjustment
device 93 therefore moves both the joining element 91a and the
cutting element 111. However, as soon as the joining element 91a is
moved via its weld edges against a stop, which is typically
furnished via the counter edges 95a. 95b, a movement of the cutting
element 111 relative to the joining element 91a is produced, caused
particularly by the joining element 91a being pressed via the
joining element 91b, which is coupled with a horizontal adjustment
device 93, against the springs 96a. 96b as shown in FIG. 10c.
[0071] During the movement of the cutting element 111 relative to
the joining element 91b, the cutting element 111 passes away from,
or out of a recess inside, the joining element 91a, and penetrates
the packaging material web 41 arranged between the joining elements
91a, 91b. The packaging material web 41 can be perforated or
severed by the cutting teeth 112 according to this relative
movement. The perforation is created only by a small relative
movement. If the joining element 91a is further pressed against the
springs 96a, 96b via the joining element 91b, the packaging
material web 41 is severed.
[0072] The present disclosure is provided to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described
herein. The disclosure provides various examples of the subject
technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these
examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily
apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles
defined herein may be applied to other aspects.
[0073] A reference to an element in the singular is not intended to
indicate "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but
rather "one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the
term "some" refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g.,
his) include the feminine and neuter gender (e.g., her and its) and
vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for
convenience only and do not limit the subject technology.
[0074] The word "exemplary" or the term "for example" is used
herein to indicate "serving as an example or illustration." Any
aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" or "for example"
is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous
over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, various alternative
configurations and operations described herein may be considered to
be at least equivalent.
[0075] As used herein, the phrase "at least one of" preceding a
series of items, with the term "or" to separate any of the items,
modifies the list as a whole, rather than each item of the list.
The phrase "at least one of" does not require selection of at least
one item; rather, the phrase allows a meaning that includes at
least one of any one of the items, and/or at least one of any
combination of the items, and/or at least one of each of the items.
By way of example, the phrase "at least one of A. B, or C" may
refer to: only A, only B. or only C; or any combination of A, B,
and C.
[0076] A phrase such as an "aspect" does not imply that such aspect
is essential to the subject technology or that such aspect applies
to all configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure
relating to an aspect may apply to all configurations, or one or
more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A
phrase such as an aspect may refer to one or more aspects and vice
versa. A phrase such as an "embodiment" does not imply that such
embodiment is essential to the subject technology or that such
embodiment applies to all configurations of the subject technology.
A disclosure relating to an embodiment may apply to all
embodiments, or one or more embodiments. An embodiment may provide
one or more examples. A phrase such an embodiment may refer to one
or more embodiments and vice versa. A phrase such as a
"configuration" does not imply that such configuration is essential
to the subject technology or that such configuration applies to all
configurations of the subject technology. A disclosure relating to
a configuration may apply to all configurations, or one or more
configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A
phrase such a configuration may refer to one or more configurations
and vice versa.
[0077] In one aspect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements,
values, ratings, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other
specifications that are set forth in this specification, including
in the claims that follow, are approximate, not exact. In one
aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range that is
consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is
customary in the art to which they pertain.
[0078] It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of
steps, operations or processes disclosed is an illustration of
exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is
understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps,
operations or processes may be rearranged. Some of the steps,
operations or processes may be performed simultaneously. Some or
all of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed
automatically, without the intervention of a user. The accompanying
method claims, if any, present elements of the various steps,
operations or processes in a sample order, and are not meant to be
limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.
[0079] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of
the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are
known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the
at are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended
to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein
is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether
such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim
element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
112 (1) unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase
"means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the element is
recited using the phrase "step for." Furthermore, to the extent
that the term "include." "have." or the like is used, such term is
intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprise"
as "comprise" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word
in a claim.
[0080] The Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the
Drawings and Abstract of the disclosure are hereby incorporated
into the disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of
the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted
with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the
scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Detailed
Description, it can be seen that the description provides
illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together
in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the
disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as
reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires
more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as
the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less
than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation.
The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately
claimed subject matter.
[0081] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects
described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent
with the language claims and to encompass all legal equivalents.
Notwithstanding, none of the claims are intended to embrace subject
matter that fails to satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
101, 102 or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a way.
* * * * *