EP1324820A1

EP1324820A1 - Program controlled stirrer and method for the operation thereof

Info

Publication number: EP1324820A1
Application number: EP01969769A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Albrecht Konietzko
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-09-27
Filing date: 2001-09-25
Publication date: 2003-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 2021-09-25
Also published as: BRPI0114230B1; US7751934B2; AU2001289920A1; DE20121572U1; ATE265265T1; CZ301040B6; UA77161C2; US20040029772A1; CN1462209A; HU227686B1; CA2422545A1; DE50102164D1; HUP0302658A3; KR20030059132A; DE10049002C2; ES2220804T3; CA2422545C; DE10049002A1; JP5111717B2; CZ2003847A3

Abstract

The invention relates to a program controlled stirrer for producing pharmaceutical or cosmetic recipes, comprising a stirring unit (1) which consists of a stirring tool which engages with a mixing receptacle. According to the invention, the stirring unit is coupled to a micro-processor (5) which determines the length of stirring time and stirring speed at the stirring unit (1) in a program-controlled manner. The micro-processor executes a data-processing program with the following steps: input of (11) variable data; input of (11) constant data; determination (12) of the length of stirring time and stirring speed in order to produce the desired amount of the recipe by combining the variable and constant data; conversion of the determined length of stirring time and stirring speed into corresponding first current or voltage values; control of the stirring unit with said first current or voltage values. Preferably, the size of the receptacle is inputted as variable data, whereby the data-processing program calculates the number of necessary rotations of the stirring tool using the constant data stored in the data memory, then controls the stirring unit correspondingly.

Description

Program-controlled agitator and method for its operation

The present invention relates to a program-controlled stirrer for the production of pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulations or the like, with a speed-controlled electrical stirrer unit which comprises a stirrer tool which engages in a mixing vessel. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a program-controlled agitator.

For example, pharmaceutical and cosmetic individual formulations of ointments, powder mixtures, gels and the like are produced on medical prescription. In the case of the individual production of such formulations, which is usually done in pharmacies, the components of the formulation are manually mixed with one another according to the conventional method. For example, mortar and pestle or glass plate and spatula can be used. In addition to the risk of contamination of the substances to be produced by the manual procedure, there is also the problem that the conditions under which the individual substances are mixed cannot be reproduced and cannot be documented. If several recipes of the same type are produced, this can result in significant quality differences, which can have an impact on the effectiveness of the recipe.

DE 196 41 972 C2 discloses a device for stirring, mixing, crushing or the like. Such a device

(which can also be referred to as an agitator) has an agitator unit and a lifting unit in order to determine in a partially automated manner with an agitator in a mixing container Mix substances so that the result is the desired recipe. With this device according to the prior art, it is possible to change the stirring speed, the stirring time, the number of strokes and the lifting speed manually within certain limits in order to optimally adapt them to special types of recipes. These parameters of the agitator must be adapted to the properties of the starting materials and the respective amounts of these substances if the result of the mixing process is to be satisfactory. The disadvantage of this known device is that the optimal parameters of different mixing processes are not available over a longer period of time and therefore have to be re-entered. Individual entries of the mixing time, the number of revolutions per minute of the mixing tool, the stroke speed and the number of strokes cannot be easily reproduced at a later point in time. Special formulations can therefore vary greatly in quality both during manufacture in different pharmacies and when they are manufactured several times in one and the same pharmacy at different times. A quality uniformity (Good Manufacturing Practice - GMP) cannot be guaranteed for the same medical prescription.

DE 39 19 534 AI shows a method and a device for preparing bone cement. According to this method, an automatic process control is provided, the mixing phase and (or the resting phase being selected taking into account the type of the respective bone cement and its amount used. However, the operation of the device described is relatively complex since the control parameters have to be entered manually the documentation of the mixtures carried out is not ensured and the Repeatability for identical mixtures cannot be guaranteed either.

From DE 31 26 552 AI a method for controlling stirring processes is known. The optimum power consumption of the agitator is regulated based on the viscosity of a substance. In addition, the viscosity can be continuously determined during the stirring process. The repeatable, documentable and rapid production of mixtures using the parameters resulting from container sizes is not important.

Finally, DE 43 02 085 Cl specifies a method for metering and mixing tooth fillers consisting of several components and a device for carrying out the method.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to minimize quality differences in the production of individual recipe ointments. Another task is to simplify the use of agitators, so that cosmetic and pharmaceutical products can also be manufactured in the required quality by less qualified personnel. Furthermore, the invention is intended to make it possible to produce an individual recipe with the same quality even at larger time intervals and to allow an increase in effectiveness when such recipes are produced several times. These and other tasks are solved by a program-controlled agitator, in which the agitator unit is coupled to a microprocessor, which program-controlled determines the agitation time and agitation speed of the agitator unit, a data processing program executed by the microprocessor comprising the following steps:

• Reading in variable data via data input means that define at least the quantity and the category of the recipe to be produced within a predetermined tolerance range; • Reading in constant data from a data memory which contains basic values for the stirring time and the stirring speed per unit of quantity of these recipes for predetermined categories of recipes;

• Determine the required stirring time and stirring speed to produce the desired amount of the recipe

Linking the variable and the constant data;

• converting the determined stirring time and stirring speed into corresponding first current or voltage values;

• Controlling the stirring unit with these first current or voltage values.

The main advantage of the agitator according to the invention is that a GMP-compliant quality uniformity of the recipes to be produced can be largely guaranteed. It is ensured that similar recipes are produced with the same mixing conditions. In addition, errors in the operation of the agitator are largely excluded. An advantageous embodiment of the program-controlled agitator also contains a lifting unit, by means of which the relative position of the agitating tool in the mixing vessel can be changed during the agitation process, the data processing program executed by the microprocessor further comprising the following steps:

• Determining the number of strokes and stroke speed required to produce the desired quality of the recipe by linking the variable and the constant data; • converting the determined number of strokes and stroke speed into corresponding second current or voltage values;

• Actuation of the lifting unit with these second current or voltage values.

The inclusion of the lifting unit in the control by the microprocessor further increases the quality uniformity required by the pharmaceutical law. It also makes it possible to adapt the stirring method to the special starting materials and the desired end product. At this point it should be noted that the term “stirring” in this context also means the comminution of the starting materials, the mixing and blending of the starting materials and all other processing that can be carried out by the stirring tool in the mixing vessel.

By using the program-controlled stirring tool, ointments, gels and other pasty masses can be produced. In addition, powdery individual substances can be mixed with one another if this is necessary for the specified recipe. Various stirring tools can be used, the size and shape of which are adapted both to the mixing vessel and to the stirring task to be performed. According to an expedient embodiment, variable data on the viscosity of the starting materials are also read in via the data input means. If required, further substance-describing data or default values for the stirring time, the stirring speed, the number of strokes and the lifting speed can be entered. When using default values, the program-controlled agitator compares these default values with minimum values stored in the data memory and applies these minimum values if the default values fall below the minimum values. A gross incorrect operation of the agitator is therefore excluded, which ensures a minimum quality of the respective recipe by using the minimum values. In a modified embodiment, it is also possible to compare the default values with stored maximum values, which are also stored in the data memory.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the stirrer enables the control parameters used during the preparation of the recipe to be stored, ie either the stirring time, the stirring speed, the number of strokes and the stroke speed, or the determined current or voltage values for controlling the stirring unit and / or the lifting unit. This data is linked to individualization data, so that at a later point in time the specially used control parameters can be accessed via the individualization data if an identical recipe is to be produced again. A further advantage of this measure is that it saves a considerable amount of time, since the control parameters for the agitator only have to be entered once and can be quickly called up from the data memory for later recipes of the same type. In a further developed embodiment of the program-controlled agitator, an output unit is also provided, via which the applied control parameters and, if necessary, also the identification data can be output. For example, the identification data can be printed on a label which is attached to the packaging unit of the recipe produced. This means that the identification data are available if the used packaging unit is requested again for the same recipe. Of course, the data can also be output in electronic form. In other embodiments, the data could be encoded in a bar code so that all control parameters can be read in again with a scanner. This would also enable the uniformity of production in different pharmacies, since not only the identification data but also the complete control data can be encoded in the bar code.

If the program-controlled agitator is set up as a stand-alone device, a keyboard, a touch-sensitive screen or a similar data input means is provided in order to feed the variable data. In a modified embodiment, there is a data connection to a personal computer which is available for data input, data output and also for data storage. The data connection can take place, for example, via a serial interface. This is particularly advantageous, since in this way conventional computers can be used that are equipped with a special control program. Further advantages, details and further developments result from the following description of a preferred embodiment, with reference to the drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a program-controlled agitator;

Fig. 2 is a flowchart of the displays of the agitator during a mixing process.

1 shows a simplified block diagram of a preferred embodiment of a program-controlled agitator. The actual mixing device consists of a stirring unit 1 and a lifting unit 2. Via these two units, a stirring tool is driven which interacts with a mixing vessel. The stirring tool is adapted to the size of the mixing vessel in order to achieve optimal stirring results. The stirring tool can preferably be exchanged, for example if different sizes of mixing vessels are used. Stirring unit 1 and lifting unit 2 interact in such a way that the stirring tool is rotated in the mixing vessel and that the relative position between the stirring tool and the mixing vessel changes so that the stirring tool can mix well all areas within the mixing vessel. For this purpose, it is possible both to change the vertical position of the stirring tool and to achieve the vertical movement by moving the mixing vessel when the stirring tool is stationary. The program-controlled agitator also has a microprocessor 5, which takes over the control of the agitation unit 1 and the lifting unit 2. For this purpose, the microprocessor 5 executes a data processing program, the individual method steps of which are explained in more detail below. The control data for the stirring unit 1 and the lifting unit 2 supplied by the microprocessor 5 are converted in a conventional manner into current or voltage values, for which purpose known circuit elements (not shown) are used. The microprocessor 5 can access a data memory 7 in order to load predetermined constant data and / or to store determined control data for a later mixing process. Furthermore, the microprocessor 5 interacts with data input means 8 and data output means 9. Variable data can be entered by the user via the data input 8. In particular, the user can specify the amount of the recipe to be produced (for example a suspension ointment), the desired stirring time and the desired number of revolutions of the stirring tool. Advantageously, there are input options for the size of the mixing vessel used, so that the optimum control values for the agitator can be determined from this information. The microprocessor 5 links the variable data entered via the data input means 8 with the constant data which are stored in the data memory 7. The variable data are compared with minimum values and with maximum values, which specify the possible limit values for the stirring speed, the stirring time, the lifting speed and the number of strokes.

It should be noted that the stirring process does not have to be carried out with constant control values over the entire time. Rather, it makes sense for certain substances to start with a slow stirring speed and then continue with a higher speed of the stirring tool in order to to achieve optimal mixing results. After a so-called rubbing process, the speed of the stirring tool can be increased in order to produce a uniform mixing as quickly as possible.

The microprocessor 5 can output the control parameters used via the data output means 9. The data output means 9 can comprise a display which shows both the current operating state and the control parameters to be used during the mixing process. In addition, a printer or an external data memory can be assigned to the data output means 9 in order to store the control parameters in printed form, for example on the label of the recipe produced, or on external electronic data memories for later use.

2 shows a sequence of reproductions of a display unit of the data output means during a mixing process which is carried out by the program-controlled agitator. Based on this display sequence, the essential steps which the program-controlled agitator carries out are explained below, the control of these method steps being carried out by the data processing program which is executed on the microprocessor.

In the example shown, a suspension ointment with an amount of 50 ml is to be produced. In step 10, the display is shown when the data entry is complete. The agitator is started up ^beforehand and the required data is entered by the user via the data input means in step 11. At least the amount of the suspension ointment to be produced is to be entered, with additional data optionally being able to be entered, for example the desired duration of the stirring process. On the basis of the data stored in the data memory, however, the data processing program is able to independently determine all further data from the amount of the recipe to be produced. In this case, stored default values for the stirring time, the stirring speed, the lifting speed and the number of strokes are used. The manufacturer of the program-controlled agitator can permanently read the default values into the data memory. However, there is also the possibility that the default values can be stored by the user in a programming mode if this appears expedient for certain applications. In addition, the recipe number and, if necessary, a batch name can be entered or specified by the data processing program. Such data are used as identification data which enable the mixing process carried out to be uniquely assigned to the control parameters used. All essential data is encoded in the batch name, for example the type of recipe (normal, emulsion, suspension, reaction mixture, powder or the like) and special specifications for the stirring process (e.g. with grinding process in the manufacture of suspensions).

When all the specification data have been entered and the missing data required for controlling the mixing process has been determined by the data processing program in step 12, the mixing process begins. In the example shown, the mixing process begins with a rubbing process, which is also indicated in the batch designation by the “AR” indicator. In step 20, the display that appears during the grinding process is shown. The speed of rotation that corresponds to the special type of the product to be manufactured is coordinated The case is 1,000 revolutions per minute (Rp). The number of revolutions and the number of strokes carried out as well as the remaining mixing time are also specified.

After completing the grinding process, the "normal" mixing process begins and the display changes to the state shown in step 30. Here too the current speed of rotation, the number of revolutions to be carried out, the number of strokes to be carried out by the agitator and the remaining time for the current one In parallel to the displays, the control parameters used are stored and / or output, for example encrypted in the identification data, printed on a label, and after the mixing process has been completed, the display returns to step 10, so that the user can correctly complete the process You can also check the recipe in the display.Of course, it is also possible to generate a changed final display in which the user is informed in a summarized form of the successful completion of the mixing process.

In the case of modified embodiments, a final rapid homogenization process can take place after a first mixing section. In this way, the total time for producing the recipe can be significantly reduced.

It is also useful to document the number of mixing operations performed and the resulting operating time of the agitator in the data memory and to have them available for maintenance operations. In this way, the user can be shown at the right time that maintenance of the agitator is now required, which valle lie in an optimal period, so that the life of the agitator is increased and the functional safety is always guaranteed.

Since a corresponding agitator is preferably equipped with specially predetermined mixing vessels (so-called jars), a certain number of revolutions that the mixing tool has to carry out can be specified for each size of a mixing vessel. It is therefore sufficient if the user feeds the jar size via the data input means.

In modified embodiments, sensors are attached which automatically detect the jar size, so that this data entry is also automated without any direct action by the user.

Claims

claims

1. Program-controlled stirrer, for producing pharmaceutical or cosmetic formulations or the like, with a speed-controlled electrical stirrer unit (1) which comprises a stirrer tool which engages in a mixing vessel, characterized in that the stirrer unit is coupled to a microprocessor (5), the program-controlled stirring time and stirring speed of the stirring unit (1), wherein a data processing program executed by the microprocessor comprises the following steps:

^■ reading in (11) variable data via data input means (8) which define at least the quantity and the category of the recipe to be produced within a predetermined tolerance range;

^■ reading in (11) constant data from a data memory (7) which contains basic values for the stirring time and the stirring speed per unit of quantity of these recipes for predetermined categories of recipes; ^■ determining (12) of the stirring time and the stirring speed to produce the desired amount of the recipe by linking the variable and constant data;

^■ converting the determined stirring time and stirring speed into corresponding first current or voltage values;

^■ driving the stirring unit with these first current or. Voltage values.

2. Program-controlled agitator according to claim 1, characterized in that it further contains a lifting unit (2) through which the relative position of the agitating tool in the mixing vessel can be changed during the agitation process, and that the data processing program executed by the microprocessor (5) further comprises the following steps comprising:

■ Determination of the optimal number of strokes and stroke speed to produce the desired quality of the recipe by linking the variable and the constant data;

^■ converting the determined number of strokes and stroke speed into corresponding second current or voltage values;

Control of the lifting unit with these second current or voltage values.

Program-controlled agitator according to claim 1, characterized in that it further contains a lifting unit (2), by means of which the relative position of the stirring tool in the mixing vessel can be changed during the stirring process, and that a common drive motor with a gear unit is used for the stirring unit and the lifting unit , so that stirring time and stirring speed are firmly coupled to the number of strokes and the stroke speed.

4. Program-controlled agitator according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the size of the mixing vessel is read as variable data, from which the data processing program using the stored in the data memory constant ^" data determines the number of revolutions of the stirring tool required and then the stirring unit controls accordingly.

5. Program-controlled agitator according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that on the data input means (8) from the microprocessor (5) continue to read the viscosity of the starting materials as variable data.

6. Program-controlled agitator according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that via the data input means (8) by the operator as further variable data, preset values for the stirring time, the stirring speed, the number of strokes and the stroke speed can be fed, the data processing program furthermore following steps:

^■ Compare these default values with predetermined minimum values, which are also stored in the data memory; ^■ Apply the minimum values for stirring time, stirring speed, number of strokes and lifting speed if the default values are smaller than the minimum values.

7. Program-controlled stirrer according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the maximum stirring time, stirring speed, number of strokes and stroke speed of the stirrer are stored in the data memory (7) depending on the amount and viscosity of various starting materials.

8. Program-controlled agitator according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the control parameters used during the preparation of the recipe are stored together with identification data in the data memory (7).

9. Program-controlled agitator according to claim 8, characterized in that data output means (9) are provided, via which the applied control parameters and / or the identification data can be output in electronic and / or printed form.

10. Program-controlled agitator according to claim 9, characterized in that all control parameters are encoded in a bar code which is printed on the label of the packaging of the recipe produced.

11. Program-controlled agitator according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the data processing program further comprises the following steps:

^■ Read one. Recipe identification as variable data;

^■ reading the control parameters, whose identification data correspond to the recipe identification, from the data memory;

^■ Use of the stored control parameters to control the stirring unit and the lifting unit; so that the new recipe is made with the same parameters as a similar recipe was made earlier.

12. Program-controlled agitator according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that a personal computer serves as data input means (8), which has a data connection to the agitator and at the same time provides the data memory (7) for the agitator.

13. Program-controlled agitator according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the reading in of the variable data takes place automatically via sensors which determine the size of the mixing vessel and / or the amount of the starting materials.

14. A method for operating a program-controlled agitator with a stirring unit and a lifting unit, comprising the following steps: ■ reading in variable data which define at least the quantity and the category of a recipe to be produced in a predetermined tolerance range, via data input means;

Reading in constant data from a data memory which contains, for predetermined categories of recipes, guide values for the stirring time and the stirring speed of the stirring unit and for the number of strokes and the lifting speed of the lifting unit per unit of quantity of these recipes; ^■ determining the optimum stirring time, stirring speed, stroke rate and lifting speed by linking the variable to produce the desired amount of the recipe and the constant data;

^■ Conversion of the determined stirring time, stirring speed, number of strokes and lifting speed corresponding

Current or voltage values;

^■ driving the stirring unit and the lifting unit with these current and voltage values.