EP0857142B1 - Method of filling pharmaceutical multichamber packages - Google Patents

Method of filling pharmaceutical multichamber packages Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0857142B1
EP0857142B1 EP95934034A EP95934034A EP0857142B1 EP 0857142 B1 EP0857142 B1 EP 0857142B1 EP 95934034 A EP95934034 A EP 95934034A EP 95934034 A EP95934034 A EP 95934034A EP 0857142 B1 EP0857142 B1 EP 0857142B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
computer
packaged
robot arm
filling
multichamber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP95934034A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0857142A1 (en
Inventor
Matthias Vogelsanger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Fleximation AG
Original Assignee
Fleximation AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Fleximation AG filed Critical Fleximation AG
Publication of EP0857142A1 publication Critical patent/EP0857142A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0857142B1 publication Critical patent/EP0857142B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B65B5/101Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity
    • B65B5/103Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity for packaging pills or tablets
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65BMACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B65B5/12Introducing successive articles, e.g. confectionery products, of different shape or size in predetermined positions

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for automatic Filling of multi-chamber pharmaceutical packaging for clinical studies according to the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus for performing this method according to the preamble of claim 6.
  • GB-A-2 155 892 describes a device for filling Containers known in which products on the belt Containers are fed and positioned without the the result obtained is subjected to a control.
  • From DE-A-37 04 423 is a method for fully automatic loading of objects, in particular Chocolates known in packaging units. This one too The procedure does not check the filling.
  • the invention seeks to remedy this.
  • the invention lies based on the problem of an automatic filling method of pharmaceutical multi-chamber packaging for clinical Create studies which are freely programmable and therefore very is flexibly adaptable to the respective requirements.
  • the method mentioned at the outset is to solve this problem by the characteristics of the characteristic part of the independent Claim 1 and the intended device by the Features of the characterizing part of independent claim 6 trained.
  • the products to be packaged are fed from one Containers, preferably by means of vibration technology, or by Gravitational effect via a movable feed, e.g. a flexible spring tube to the robot arm.
  • a movable feed e.g. a flexible spring tube
  • the robot arm brings the feed to the desired location in the packaging, whereupon the Product is specifically inserted.
  • the products can be found in the movable feeder, and before loading be mechanically separated when the product to be packaged this requires.
  • the device according to the invention has multiple products several feed lines can be fed - thanks to the free programmability - the advantage can be achieved without Retrofitting multi-chamber packaging with different To produce product content.
  • the insertion points are in the packaging displayed on a screen.
  • the operator arranges that desired product the intended insertion point (e.g. Blisterhof) with a pointing device (e.g. mouse).
  • a program ensures ensuring that the filling units have the appropriate travel commands received, so that the search control then the Process can run independently.
  • To capture the A camera with image processing system can insert points used, or the packaging layout of a CAD program be taken over.
  • a preferred development of the invention is that after the individual chambers have been filled using a electronic image processing device a comparison between the received filling with the programmed Specification is carried out so that in the event of a deviation Corresponding faulty multi-chamber packaging eliminated can be.
  • movable robot arm 5 consists of a storage container 1 for the product to be packaged, a means of transport 2 for the product to be packaged in the form of a vibrating device, a movable feed line 3 for the product to be packaged, in the form of a flexible spiral tube and at the free end of the feed line 3, in two mutually orthogonal, freely programmable traversing axes, movable robot arm 5.
  • the robot arm 5 is controlled by a computer 7.
  • the robot arm 5 can also have only one or more than two freely programmable travel axes. However, a 2-axis configuration with Cartesian XY kinematics is preferably used, which allows the products in the plane to be optionally introduced into the blister pockets of the multi-chamber packaging 6 according to a production program.
  • the traversing axes can be driven, for example, by a servo motor, which converts the rotary movement into a linear movement via a spiral spindle.
  • a third vertically arranged axis or a pneumatically driven lifting element can be used to insert the products if the product to be packaged so requires.
  • the different axes of the robot arm 5 can be controlled individually or in a coordinated manner by means of a path control available on the market. The control also takes over the storage of the production program.
  • FIG. 2 As shown in Fig. 2, several filling units can also 10 (with container 1, means of transport 2, Feed line 3 and robot arm 5, according to FIG. 1) can be combined to create different products in one insert only multi-chamber packaging 6.
  • the Multi-chamber packaging 6 between the filling units 10 be transported cyclically or continuously.
  • the first Fall is the multi-chamber packaging 6 during the insertion process silent
  • you can control the computer 7 take into account the movement of the multi-chamber packaging 6, or the robot arm 5 (FIG. 1) by a mechanical connection follow the transport movement.
  • FIG. 2 shows a device according to the invention with three filling units 10 in order to automatically and flexibly pack test samples with different product assignments.
  • the multi-chamber packaging 6 is shaped in the form of blisters made of roll material and transported to the filling section 9, where a filling unit 10 places a product type according to the production program stored in the computer 7 on a clocked or continuously operating molding station 8.
  • a camera 4 (FIG. 1) arranged after each filling unit 10 above the multi-chamber packaging 6 and having an electronic image processing system checks after the automatic filling has taken place whether the filling process has been carried out in accordance with the programmed specification.
  • the filled multi-chamber packs 6 are transported further on the filling section 9, provided with a cover film at the station 12 and cut at the station 13.
  • One or more computers 7 control the molding station 8, the filling units 10, the stations 12 and 13, and the cameras 4 with an image processing system.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Verfahren zum automatischen Befüllen von pharmazeutischen Mehrkammerverpackungen für klinische Studien gemäss dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 1 sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung dieses Verfahrens gemäss dem Oberbegriff des Patentanspruchs 6.The invention relates to a method for automatic Filling of multi-chamber pharmaceutical packaging for clinical studies according to the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus for performing this method according to the preamble of claim 6.

Aus dem Stand der Technik sind bereits ähnliche Verfahren bekannt, bei welchen allerdings die Auswahl der zu verpackenden Produkte im voraus fest programmiert ist, so dass sich diese Verfahren nicht für Kleinserien und Spezialanfertigungen eignen, wie sie bei klinischen Studien erforderlich sind. Die Nachteile dieser bekannten Verfahren bestehen darin, dass jede Änderung des Befüllungsprogramms mit umfangreichen und zeitraubenden Umstellungsarbeiten verbunden sind. Das automatische flexible Befüllen von Blistern oder vergleichbaren Erstverpackungen für Pharmazeutika oder andere Produkte ist deshalb noch nicht befriedigend gelöst. Similar processes are already known from the prior art known, in which, however, the selection of the packaged Products are programmed in advance so that this can be Process not for small series and special productions suitable for clinical trials. The disadvantages of these known methods are that any change to the filling program with extensive and time-consuming conversion work. The automatic flexible filling of blisters or similar First packaging for pharmaceuticals or other products therefore not solved satisfactorily.

Aus der GB-A-2 155 892 ist eine Vorrichtung zum Befüllen von Behältern bekannt, bei welcher Produkte über ein Band den Behältern zugeführt und positioniert werden, ohne dass das damit erzielte Resultat einer Kontrolle unterworfen wird.GB-A-2 155 892 describes a device for filling Containers known in which products on the belt Containers are fed and positioned without the the result obtained is subjected to a control.

Aus der DE-A-37 04 423 ist weiter ein Verfahren zum vollautomatischen Einlegen von Gegenständen, insbesondere Pralinen in Verpackungseinheiten bekannt. Auch bei diesem Verfahren fehlt eine Überprüfung der durchgeführten Befüllung. From DE-A-37 04 423 is a method for fully automatic loading of objects, in particular Chocolates known in packaging units. This one too The procedure does not check the filling.

Hier will die Erfindung Abhilfe schaffen. Der Erfindung liegt das Problem zugrunde, ein Verfahren zum automatischen Befüllen von pharmazeutischen Mehrkammerverpackungen für klinische Studien schaffen, welches freiprogrammierbar und damit sehr flexibel an die jeweiligen Erfordernisse anpassbar ist.The invention seeks to remedy this. The invention lies based on the problem of an automatic filling method of pharmaceutical multi-chamber packaging for clinical Create studies which are freely programmable and therefore very is flexibly adaptable to the respective requirements.

Zur Lösung dieses Problemes ist das eingangs genannte Verfahren durch die Merkmale des kennzeichnenden Teils des unabhängigen Anspruchs 1 und die dazu vorgesehene Vorrichtung durch die Merkmale des kennzeichnenden Teils des unabhängigen Anspruchs 6 weitergebildet.The method mentioned at the outset is to solve this problem by the characteristics of the characteristic part of the independent Claim 1 and the intended device by the Features of the characterizing part of independent claim 6 trained.

Die Zuführung der zu verpackenden Produkte erfolgt aus einem Behälter, vorzugsweise mittels Vibrationstechnik, oder durch Gravitationswirkung über eine bewegliche Zuführung, wie z.B. ein flexibles Federrohr zum Roboterarm. Der Roboterarm bringt die Zuführung zur gewünschte Lage in der Verpackung, worauf das Produkt gezielt eingelegt wird. Die Produkte können in der beweglichen Zuführung gestaut werden, und vor dem Einlegen mechanisch vereinzelt werden, wenn das zu verpackende Produkt dies erfordert.The products to be packaged are fed from one Containers, preferably by means of vibration technology, or by Gravitational effect via a movable feed, e.g. a flexible spring tube to the robot arm. The robot arm brings the feed to the desired location in the packaging, whereupon the Product is specifically inserted. The products can be found in the movable feeder, and before loading be mechanically separated when the product to be packaged this requires.

Werden der erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung mehrere Produkte über mehrere Zuführungsleitungen zugeführt, so kann - dank der freien Programmierbarkeit - der Vorteil erzielt werden, ohne Umrüstarbeiten Mehrkammerverpackungen mit unterschiedlichem Produktinhalt zu produzieren. If the device according to the invention has multiple products several feed lines can be fed - thanks to the free programmability - the advantage can be achieved without Retrofitting multi-chamber packaging with different To produce product content.

Beim erfindungsgemässen Verfahren kann die Programmierung des automatischen Befüllungsvorganges grundsätzlich auf verschiedene Arten erfolgen, die nachfolgend beschrieben werden.In the method according to the invention, the programming of the automatic filling process in principle on different Types are made, which are described below.

A) Numerische EingabeA) Numerical entry

Bei dieser Methode werden die Koordinaten der Einlegepunkte, als Absolutwerte, oder relativ zur Verpackung numerisch eingegeben und in der gewünschten Reihenfolge gespeichert, so dass die Rechnersteuerung den Vorgang anschliessend selbständig ablaufen lassen kann.With this method, the coordinates of the insertion points, as absolute values, or numerically relative to the packaging entered and saved in the desired order, see above that the computer control then independently can run out.

B) Teach-inB) Teach-in

Bei dieser Methode werden die Einlegepunkte mit dem Roboterarm mit Hilfe eines Steuerknüppels, Tasten oder anderem geeigneten Gerät vom Bediener in der gewünschten Reihenfolge angefahren und gespeichert, so dass die Rechersteuerung anschliessend den Vorgang selbständig ablaufen lassen kann. Dieser Vorgang wird im Zusammenhang mit Industrierobotern "Teach-in" genannt.With this method, the insertion points with the robot arm with the help of a joystick, buttons or other suitable Device started up by the operator in the desired order and saved, so that the search control then the Process can run independently. This process will in connection with industrial robots called "teach-in".

C) Bildschirm und ZeigerC) Screen and pointer

Bei dieser Methode werden die Einlegepunkte in der Verpackung an einem Bildschirm dargestellt. Der Bediener ordnet das gewünschte Produkt dem vorgesehenen Einlegepunkt (z.B. Blisterhof) mit einen Zeigegerät (z.B. Maus) zu. Eine Programm sorgt dafür, dass die Befüllungseinheiten die entsprechenden Fahrbefehle erhalten, so dass die Rechersteuerung anschliessend den Vorgang selbständig ablaufen lassen kann. Zur Erfassung der Einlegepunkte kann eine Kamera mit Bildverarbeitungssystem verwendet, oder das Verpackungslayout von einem CAD Programm übernommen werden. With this method, the insertion points are in the packaging displayed on a screen. The operator arranges that desired product the intended insertion point (e.g. Blisterhof) with a pointing device (e.g. mouse). A program ensures ensuring that the filling units have the appropriate travel commands received, so that the search control then the Process can run independently. To capture the A camera with image processing system can insert points used, or the packaging layout of a CAD program be taken over.

Eine bevorzugte Weiterbildung der Erfindung besteht darin, dass nach erfolgter Befüllung der Einzelkammern mittels einer elektronischen Bildverarbeitungsvorrichtung ein Vergleich zwischen der erhaltenen Befüllung mit der programmierten Vorgabe durchgeführt wird, so dass bei einer Abweichung die entsprechende fehlerhafte Mehrkammerverpackung ausgeschieden werden kann.A preferred development of the invention is that after the individual chambers have been filled using a electronic image processing device a comparison between the received filling with the programmed Specification is carried out so that in the event of a deviation Corresponding faulty multi-chamber packaging eliminated can be.

Die Erfindung und Weiterbildungen der Erfindung werden im folgenden anhand der teilweise schematischen Darstellungen eines Ausführungsbeispiels noch näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung für ein einzelnes Produkt; und
  • Fig. 2 eine schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemässen Vorrichtung für drei verschiedene Produkte.
  • The invention and further developments of the invention are explained in more detail below on the basis of the partially schematic representations of an exemplary embodiment. Show it:
  • Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an inventive device for a single product. and
  • Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for three different products.
  • Die in Fig. 1 dargestellt erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung besteht aus einem Vorratsbehälter 1 für das zu verpackende Produkt, einem Transportmittel 2 für das zu verpackende Produkt in Form einer Vibrationsvorrichtung, einer beweglichen Zuführungsleitung 3 für das zu verpackende Produkt, in Form eines flexiblen Spiralrohres sowie einem, am freien Ende der Zuführungsleitung 3 angreifenden in zwei zueinander orthogonal stehenden, freiprogrammierbaren Verfahrachsen, beweglichen Roboterarm 5. Der Roboterarm 5 wird durch einen Rechner 7 gesteuert. Der Roboterarm 5 kann auch nur eine oder mehr als zwei freiprogrammierbare Verfahrachsen aufweisen. Vorzugsweise wird jedoch eine 2-Achskonfiguration mit kartesischer X-Y Kinematik verwendet, die es erlaubt die Produkte in der Ebene wahlfrei, entsprechend einem Produktionsprogramm in die vorgesehenen Blisterhöfe der Mehrkammerverpackung 6 einzuführen. In diesem Fall können die Verfahrachsen z.B. über einen Servomotor, der die Drehbewegung über eine Spiralspindel in eine Linearbewegung umsetzt angetrieben werden.
    Zum Einlegen der Produkte kann z.B. eine dritte vertikal angeordnete Achse oder ein pneumatisch angetriebenes Hubelement verwendet werden, wenn das zu verpackende Produkt dies erfordert.
    Die verschiedenen Achsen des Roboterarms 5 können individuell, oder durch eine marktgängige Bahnsteuerung koordiniert angesteuert werden. Die Steuerung übernimmt auch die Speicherung des Produktionsprogramms.
    1 consists of a storage container 1 for the product to be packaged, a means of transport 2 for the product to be packaged in the form of a vibrating device, a movable feed line 3 for the product to be packaged, in the form of a flexible spiral tube and at the free end of the feed line 3, in two mutually orthogonal, freely programmable traversing axes, movable robot arm 5. The robot arm 5 is controlled by a computer 7. The robot arm 5 can also have only one or more than two freely programmable travel axes. However, a 2-axis configuration with Cartesian XY kinematics is preferably used, which allows the products in the plane to be optionally introduced into the blister pockets of the multi-chamber packaging 6 according to a production program. In this case, the traversing axes can be driven, for example, by a servo motor, which converts the rotary movement into a linear movement via a spiral spindle.
    For example, a third vertically arranged axis or a pneumatically driven lifting element can be used to insert the products if the product to be packaged so requires.
    The different axes of the robot arm 5 can be controlled individually or in a coordinated manner by means of a path control available on the market. The control also takes over the storage of the production program.

    Wie in Fig. 2 dargestellt, können auch mehrere Befüllungseinheiten 10 (mit Behälter 1, Transportmittel 2, Zuführungsleitung 3 und Roboterarm 5, gemäss Fig. 1) miteinander kombiniert werden um verschiedene Produkte in eine einzige Mehrkammerverpackung 6 einzulegen. As shown in Fig. 2, several filling units can also 10 (with container 1, means of transport 2, Feed line 3 and robot arm 5, according to FIG. 1) can be combined to create different products in one insert only multi-chamber packaging 6.

    Werden mehrere Befüllungseinheiten 10 kombiniert, kann die Mehrkammerverpackung 6 zwischen den Befüllungseinheiten 10 taktweise oder kontinuierlich transportiert werden. Im ersten Fall steht die Mehrkammerverpackung 6 während des Einlegevorgangs still, im zweiten Fall kann die Steuerung des Rechners 7 die Bewegung der Mehrkammerverpackung 6 berücksichtigen, oder der Roboterarm 5 (Fig. 1) durch eine mechanische Verbindung die Transportbewegung mitvollziehen.If several filling units 10 are combined, the Multi-chamber packaging 6 between the filling units 10 be transported cyclically or continuously. In the first Fall is the multi-chamber packaging 6 during the insertion process silent, in the second case you can control the computer 7 take into account the movement of the multi-chamber packaging 6, or the robot arm 5 (FIG. 1) by a mechanical connection follow the transport movement.

    Das in Fig. 2 dargestellte Beispiel zeigt eine erfindungsgemässe Vorrichtung mit drei Befüllungseinheiten 10 um automatisch und flexibel Prüfmuster mit unterschiedlicher Produktbelegung zu verpacken.
    Auf einer getaktet oder kontinuierlich arbeitenden Formstation 8 werden die Mehrkammerverpackungen 6 in Form von Blistern aus Rollenmaterial geformt und zur Füllstrecke 9 transportiert, wo jeweils eine Befüllungseinheit 10 eine Produktsorte entsprechend dem im Rechner 7 gespeicherten Produktionsprogramm einlegt.
    Eine nach jeder Befüllungseinheit 10 über den Mehrkammerverpackungen 6 angeordnete Kamera 4 (Fig. 1) mit elektronischem Bildverarbeitungs-System überprüft nach erfolgter automatischer Befüllung, ob der Befüllungs-Vorgang entsprechend der programmierten Vorgabe durchgeführt wurde. Die gefüllten Mehrkammerverpackungen 6 werden auf der Füllstrecke 9 weitertransportiert, an der Station 12 mit einer Deckfolie versehen und an der Station 13 geschnitten. Ein oder mehrere Rechner 7 steuern die Formstation 8, die Befüllungseinheiten 10, die Stationen 12 und 13, sowie die Kameras 4 mit Bildverarbeitungssystem.
    The example shown in FIG. 2 shows a device according to the invention with three filling units 10 in order to automatically and flexibly pack test samples with different product assignments.
    The multi-chamber packaging 6 is shaped in the form of blisters made of roll material and transported to the filling section 9, where a filling unit 10 places a product type according to the production program stored in the computer 7 on a clocked or continuously operating molding station 8.
    A camera 4 (FIG. 1) arranged after each filling unit 10 above the multi-chamber packaging 6 and having an electronic image processing system checks after the automatic filling has taken place whether the filling process has been carried out in accordance with the programmed specification. The filled multi-chamber packs 6 are transported further on the filling section 9, provided with a cover film at the station 12 and cut at the station 13. One or more computers 7 control the molding station 8, the filling units 10, the stations 12 and 13, and the cameras 4 with an image processing system.

    Claims (13)

    1. Method for the automatic filling of pharmaceutical multichamber packages (6) for clinical studies, whereby
      A) the multichamber packages (6) consist of a plurality of individual chambers arranged in one plane;
      B) the products to be packaged are fed from a storage container (1) each into a mobile feed duct (3) by means of a conveyor device (2);
      C) the free end of the feed duct (3) is guided to the desired individual chamber by means of a robot arm (5) capable of moving parallel to the plane of the individual chambers;
      D) the product to be packaged is introduced into the individual chamber;
      E) the control of the individual steps is being executed by means of a computer (7); and
      F) the robot arm (5) has one or more free programmable axes of movement so that the products to be packaged may be conveyed and introduced in the plane to the predetermined individual chamber by means of a freely selectable program that can be determined in the computer (7);
      characterized in that
      G) after finishing the filling of the individual chambers a comparison of the received filling with the programmed standard is executed by means of an electronical image processing unit (4).
    2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in case of a deviation between the received filling and the programmed standard the respective faulty multiple chamber package (6) is eliminated.
    3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the coordinates of the points where the products to be packaged shall be introduced into the individual chambers are entered numerically and stored in the desired sequence in the computer (7) as absolute values or relatively to the position of the multichamber package so that the filling may be effected subsequently automatically by means of the program such stored in the computer (7).
    4. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the points where the products to be packaged shall be introduced into the individual chambers are driven to in the desired sequence via the robot arm (5) and the corresponding coordinates are stored in the computer (7) so that the filling may be effected subsequently automatically by means of the program such stored in the computer (7).
    5. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the points where the products to be packaged shall be introduced into the individual chambers are chosen by means of a pointing device preferably a mouse on a display that shows the multichamber package (6) with its individual chambers and stored in the computer (7) so that the filling may be effected subsequently automatically by means of the program such stored in the computer (7).
    6. Device for the automatic filling of pharmaceutical multichamber packages (6) for clinical studies, whereby
      A) the multichamber packages (6) consist of a plurality of individual chambers; and
      B) the device comprises a storage container (1) each for each product to be packaged, a conveyer device (2) each for each product to be packaged, a mobile feed duct (4) each for each product to be packaged, a robot arm (5) each which is moveable in one or more freely programmable axes of movement and which is acting upon the free end of each feed duct (3) as well as a computer (7) controlling the conveyer device (2) and the robot arm (5);
      characterized in that
      C) the device additionally comprises a camera each with an electronic image processing unit (4) which are controlled by the computer (7).
    7. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the axes of movement of the robot arm (5) are realized as 1-axis-configuration with cartesian X-kinematics.
    8. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the axes of movement of the robot arm (5) are realized as 2-axes-configuration with cartesian X-Y-kinematics.
    9. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that the axes of movement of the robot arm (5) are realized as 3-axes-configuration with cartesian X-Y-Z-kinematics.
    10. Device according to one of the claims 7 - 9, characterized in that the individual axes of movement of the robot arm (5) are being moved via a servomotor each whereby the motion of rotation of the servomotor is converted into a linear motion by means of a helical spindle.
    11. Device according to one of the claims 6 - 10, characterized in that the conveyer devices (2) comprise a vibrator feeding.
    12. Device according to one of the claims 6 - 11, characterized in that the feed duct (3) is a flexible spring tube.
    13. Device according to one of the claims 6 - 12, characterized in that the multichamber package (6) is a blister and the individual chambers are blister courts.
    EP95934034A 1995-10-23 1995-10-23 Method of filling pharmaceutical multichamber packages Expired - Lifetime EP0857142B1 (en)

    Applications Claiming Priority (1)

    Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
    PCT/CH1995/000247 WO1997015494A1 (en) 1995-10-23 1995-10-23 Method of filling pharmaceutical multichamber packages

    Publications (2)

    Publication Number Publication Date
    EP0857142A1 EP0857142A1 (en) 1998-08-12
    EP0857142B1 true EP0857142B1 (en) 1999-08-11

    Family

    ID=4549984

    Family Applications (1)

    Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
    EP95934034A Expired - Lifetime EP0857142B1 (en) 1995-10-23 1995-10-23 Method of filling pharmaceutical multichamber packages

    Country Status (4)

    Country Link
    US (1) US6115990A (en)
    EP (1) EP0857142B1 (en)
    DE (1) DE59506611D1 (en)
    WO (1) WO1997015494A1 (en)

    Families Citing this family (9)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    AU742980B2 (en) * 1999-10-13 2002-01-17 Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Random work arranging device
    BR0109719B1 (en) * 2000-03-31 2010-11-30 automated solid pharmaceutical packaging machine.
    AU2003270548B2 (en) 2002-09-09 2008-09-25 Arbor Vita Corporation Methods of diagnosing cervical cancer
    ES2246599B1 (en) * 2002-03-26 2006-11-01 Grifols, S.A. PROCEDURE AND APPLIANCE FOR PACKAGING CONTROL IN ASEPTIC CONDITIONS.
    CA2662873C (en) * 2006-09-11 2013-11-19 Synergie Medicale Brg Inc. Medication dispenser system and method
    EP2062822A1 (en) * 2007-11-24 2009-05-27 UHLMANN PAC-SYSTEME GmbH & Co. KG Method and device for individual filling of blister packages
    US8781616B2 (en) 2011-06-27 2014-07-15 The Procter & Gamble Company Robotic unscrambler and method
    US9394070B2 (en) * 2012-10-08 2016-07-19 Pearson Medical Technologies, Llc Pill packaging machine
    US10293963B2 (en) 2016-01-29 2019-05-21 Carefusion Germany 326 Gmbh Filling station and method for filling a transport tray

    Family Cites Families (12)

    * Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
    Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
    US3080033A (en) * 1962-08-15 1963-03-05 Northern Electric Co Sorting apparatus
    US3530639A (en) * 1968-11-12 1970-09-29 Merrill Machinery Co Pill box filler
    US3889447A (en) * 1973-05-24 1975-06-17 Smithkline Corp Quality control monitor for medicinal capsule packaging apparatus
    IT1145011B (en) * 1981-01-23 1986-11-05 Ima Spa EQUIPMENT FOR CONTROL OF OPERATIONS ALONG THE OPERATING LINE OF PACKAGING MACHINES, PARTICULARLY OF PACKAGES - "BLISTERS" AND SIMILAR
    CH655698A5 (en) * 1984-03-15 1986-05-15 Sapal Plieuses Automatiques INSTALLATION FOR FILLING WITH DIFFERENT KINDS OF PRODUCTS, PREFORMED TRAYS FOR ASSORTMENT BOXES.
    DE3513507A1 (en) * 1984-05-09 1985-11-14 "LOESCH"-Verpackungstechnik GmbH & Co KG, 8602 Altendorf Apparatus for the insertion of chocolates
    US4655026A (en) * 1985-12-11 1987-04-07 Wigoda Luis T Pill dispensing machine
    DE3704423A1 (en) * 1987-02-12 1988-08-25 Lesch Hans Bernd METHOD AND DEVICE FOR FULLY AUTOMATICALLY INSERTING OBJECTS, IN PARTICULAR CHOCOLATES, INTO A PACKING UNIT
    DE3709015A1 (en) * 1987-03-19 1988-10-20 Fraunhofer Ges Forschung Apparatus for the specifically oriented and positioned deposition of small articles
    US4881356A (en) * 1988-01-25 1989-11-21 Stelron Components Apparatus for assembling multi-part article
    DE4208818C2 (en) * 1992-03-19 1994-09-08 Haensel Otto Gmbh Method and device for inserting articles into packaging inserts
    DE19617014C2 (en) * 1996-04-27 1998-04-09 Uhlmann Pac Systeme Gmbh & Co Method and device for refilling filling material in the wells of a film web

    Also Published As

    Publication number Publication date
    DE59506611D1 (en) 1999-09-16
    EP0857142A1 (en) 1998-08-12
    WO1997015494A1 (en) 1997-05-01
    US6115990A (en) 2000-09-12

    Similar Documents

    Publication Publication Date Title
    EP2280873B1 (en) Filling and sealing machine for containers
    EP0857142B1 (en) Method of filling pharmaceutical multichamber packages
    DE102004042474A1 (en) Device for grouping general cargo
    DE102016002812A1 (en) Robot system, method for controlling a robot system and flow processing device
    EP2792623A1 (en) Device and method for forming a predefined formation on a conveyor belt
    DE112017006508T5 (en) TRANSFER SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATION THEREOF
    EP3342719A1 (en) Device and method for filling nested containers
    DE69912589T2 (en) DEVICE AND DEVICE ASSEMBLY FOR TESTING ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS
    DE102004023473A1 (en) Packaging machine and method for feeding containers in a packaging machine
    EP2276604B1 (en) Method for optimizing the occupancy of a pipe or several pipes with several pipe parts to be cut for a machining installation
    DE2637686A1 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSFER OF PARTS
    DE112016002792T5 (en) Stretching machine and stretching roll process
    WO2018202286A1 (en) Gripper
    DE4020358C1 (en) Confirming correct positioning soles on shoes - comparing with model stored in video camera at work station
    EP3544780A1 (en) Method and system for transporting and manipulating beverage containers combined into multi-packs and for initiating at least one certain process in the case of damage to a multi-pack resulting from handling
    EP3291385B1 (en) Assembly for making cables
    WO2022136518A1 (en) Robotic transport apparatus for small parts
    DE10330700A1 (en) Machine for filling and sealing of packings comprises several process stations each equipped with robot, whereby robots of each station have constructionally similar robot mechanism
    EP4291512A1 (en) Transfer device for transferring components to a safety-critical production side
    WO2021204457A1 (en) Packaging device and method for packaging articles
    DE2920611A1 (en) DEVICE FOR TRANSFERRING TABLET STRIP PACKS
    EP2168874A1 (en) Device for transferring products from a supply container into packaging containers
    DE19507443A1 (en) Method and device for folding and / or sorting sausages
    EP3490917B1 (en) Method for distributing a multiplicity of mass-flow articles to a plurality of aisles, and apparatus for handling a multiplicity of mass-flow articles
    DE10148249A1 (en) Process for handing over a brochure in a packaging machine and brochure transfer device

    Legal Events

    Date Code Title Description
    PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

    17P Request for examination filed

    Effective date: 19980407

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: A1

    Designated state(s): BE CH DE FR GB IT LI

    GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

    17Q First examination report despatched

    Effective date: 19981203

    GRAG Despatch of communication of intention to grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS AGRA

    GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

    GRAH Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOS IGRA

    GRAA (expected) grant

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

    AK Designated contracting states

    Kind code of ref document: B1

    Designated state(s): BE CH DE FR GB IT LI

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: EP

    REF Corresponds to:

    Ref document number: 59506611

    Country of ref document: DE

    Date of ref document: 19990916

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: NV

    Representative=s name: DR. LUSUARDI AG

    GBT Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977)

    Effective date: 19990914

    ET Fr: translation filed
    ITF It: translation for a ep patent filed

    Owner name: STUDIO ING. ALFREDO RAIMONDI

    PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

    Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

    STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

    Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

    26N No opposition filed
    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: CH

    Payment date: 20001026

    Year of fee payment: 6

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: FR

    Payment date: 20001027

    Year of fee payment: 6

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: DE

    Payment date: 20001028

    Year of fee payment: 6

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: GB

    Payment date: 20001030

    Year of fee payment: 6

    PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: BE

    Payment date: 20001120

    Year of fee payment: 6

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: GB

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20011023

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: LI

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20011031

    Ref country code: CH

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20011031

    Ref country code: BE

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20011031

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: GB

    Ref legal event code: IF02

    BERE Be: lapsed

    Owner name: FLEXIMATION A.G.

    Effective date: 20011031

    GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

    Effective date: 20011023

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: CH

    Ref legal event code: PL

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: FR

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20020628

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: DE

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

    Effective date: 20020702

    REG Reference to a national code

    Ref country code: FR

    Ref legal event code: ST

    PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

    Ref country code: IT

    Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES;WARNING: LAPSES OF ITALIAN PATENTS WITH EFFECTIVE DATE BEFORE 2007 MAY HAVE OCCURRED AT ANY TIME BEFORE 2007. THE CORRECT EFFECTIVE DATE MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE RECORDED.

    Effective date: 20051023