EP4132870A1

EP4132870A1 - Transfer apparatus and a method for transferring product from one level to another level

Info

Publication number: EP4132870A1
Application number: EP21724049.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Dinesh VATHER; James Vincent SPELLMAN; Thomas Christopher DOHERTY; Andrew RENNICKS
Original assignee: Prodieco Ltd
Current assignee: Prodieco Ltd
Priority date: 2020-04-08
Filing date: 2021-04-08
Publication date: 2023-02-15
Also published as: WO2021205425A1

Abstract

Transfer apparatus (1) for transferring products, for example, solid dose products such as pharmaceuticals or veterinary pharmaceuticals from a lower level to a higher level comprises a supply hopper (15) which supplies the solid dose products through a vibrating table conveyor (18) into a receiving area (17) of the transfer apparatus (1). A transfer container (34) is pivotally carried on a carrier arm (30), which in turn is pivotally carried on a support element (22). The support element (22) is urgeable from a lower first level to an upper second level for raising the carrier arm (30) upwardly. A drive motor (38) carried on the support element (22) pivots the carrier arm from a second state with the transfer container (34) in a loading position and in a loading orientation for receiving the solid dose products from the conveyor (18), The transfer container (34) is urged from the loading position to a discharge position as the carrier arm (30) pivots in the direction of the arrow A from the first state to a second discharge state, with the support element (22) at the second level. A second drive motor (40) pivots the transfer container (34) about the carrier arm (30) from a loading orientation to a discharge orientation for discharging the solid dose products into a hopper (2) of, for example, a blister pack machine.

Description

"Transfer apparatus and a method for transferring product from one level to another level"

The invention relates to a transfer apparatus, and in particular, though not limited to transfer apparatus for transferring product, for example, solid dose pharmaceuticals, solid dose veterinary pharmaceuticals, solid dose healthcare products and other solid dose products, such as tablets, capsules and the like from one level to another level, such as from a lower level to a higher level. The Invention also relates to a method for transferring product from one level to another level. For convenience all such solid dose pharmaceuticals, solid dose veterinary pharmaceuticals, solid dose healthcare products and other solid dose products are hereinafter referred to as solid dose products.

In bflster pack machines soRd dose products are packed Into blisters. The sold dose products are stored in a hopper of the blister pack machine from which they are fed into the blisters, which are formed in a web, as the web is urged through the blister pack machine. The web with the blisters formed therein and with the solid dose products located therein is subsequently joined with a second web for sealably closing the blisters with the solid dose products sealably located in the blisters. Due to the volume of such hoppers, and the length of the feeding mechanisms for feeding the solid dose products from the hopper into the blisters, such hoppers tend to be located at quite a height from ground level, and the tops of such hoppers can be from 1.5 metres to 2.5 metres and in some case more above ground level. This, presents difficulty in feeding the solid dose products into such hoppers. Due to the height of such hoppers above ground level, manual feeding, in general is not advisable for health and safety reasons.

Various types of elevators are known for feeding solid dose products into such hoppers of blister pack machines from a relatively low level, typically, a low level of approximately one meter or so above the ground. Such elevators comprise a ground engaging base and a vertical conveyor extending upwardly from the ground engaging base. A transfer tray for receiving the solid dose products to be elevated to the level of the hopper in the blister pack machine is urgeable along the vertical conveyor from a lower rest state, typically, at one meter above the ground to the top of the vertical conveyor. When the transfer tray reaches the top of the vertical conveyor, the transfer tray is tipped for emptying the contents therein into the hopper of the blister pack machine. Due to the height of such hoppers of blister pack machines, the vertical conveyor must be of a height greater than the height of the hopper of the blister pack machine above the ground. This, in general, requires that the vertical conveyor of such elevators must be of height from the base to a height of up to three metres or more. This, is undesirable, since due to the height of such vertical conveyors, moving the elevator from one blister pack machine to another can be problematical. In general, blister pack machines are located to separate rooms, in order to avoid cross- contamination of product being packed on one machine with that being packed on another machine. This therefore, requires such elevators to be moved through relatively low headroom doorways, when being moved from one blister pack machine to another. Because of the relatively low headroom of such doorways, moving such elevators from one machine to another requires disassembly of the elevator or attempting to manoeuvre the elevator on its side through the doorways. A further problem with such elevators is the relatively large surface areas of such elevators which are exposed to dust and other particulate matter which becomes detached from the solid dose products and in particular tablets. Due to the nature of solid dose products, when a blister pack machine, or such an elevator is being changed over from one type of solid dose product to another, the blister pack machine and the elevator must be thoroughly and completely deaned so that there is no dust, particulate matter or any other residue from the previous batch of solid dose products remaining on either the blister pack machine or the elevator, which would otherwise contaminate the subsequent batch of different solid dose products being packaged.

Due to the relatively large exposed surface area of such elevators and the height of the vertical conveyor, cleaning of the elevators can be quite a difficult and a time consuming task requiring a person standing on a step ladder to clean the vertical conveyor, which can have health and safety implications. Therefore, the cleaning of such elevators can result in delays in changeover from one type of solid dose product to another in a blister pack machine. This is undesirable. Similar problems arise with other types of packaging machines for packaging solid dose products, Into containers, for example, bottles, vials and other such containers. In such packaging machines, the containers into which the solid dose products are to be packed indude a conveyor he along which the containers are urged. A hopper for containing the solid dose products is located over the line, and a feeding mechanism feeds in general, metered quantities of the sold dose products into the containers as they pass along the line beneath the feeding mechanism. In general, such hoppers as in the case of blister pack machines can be at quite a height above the ground, and it is not unusual for such hoppers to be between 1.5 metres and 2.5 metres above the ground, and in some cases, more than 2.5 metres above the ground. This, in turn, requires the sdid dose products to be transferred from a relatively low level into the hopper, generally, using an elevator, similar to that discussed above with its inherent disadvantages.

There is therefore a need for a transfer apparatus for transferring solid dose products from a lower level to a hopper at a higher level. Furthermore, there is a need for a transfer apparatus for transferring any product or products from one level to another level, and typically, though not necessarily from a lower level to a higher level. There is also a need for a method for transferring product from one level to another level The present invention is directed towards providing such an apparatus and a method.

According to the invention there is provided a transfer apparatus for transferring product, the transfer apparatus comprising a support element, a transfer container carried on a carrier arm, the carrier arm being pivotally coupled to the support element about a first pivot axis and being urgeable about the first pivot axis from a first state to a second state for urging the transfer container from a loading position with the transfer container in a loading orientation for receiving product therein to a discharge position at which product is dischargeable from the transfer container.

In one embodiment of the invention a first drive element is provided for urging the carrier arm from the first state to the second state.

Preferably, the transfer container is coupled to the carrier arm so that as the carrier arm is being urged from the first state to the second state, or from the first state to a state approaching the second state, the transfer container is maintained in the loading orientation.

Advantageously, the transfer container is pivotally coupled to the carrier arm about a second pivot axis, and is pivotal about the second pivot axis for maintaining the transfer container in the loading orientation as the carrier arm is being urged from the first state to the second state or from the first state to the state approaching the second state.

In one embodiment of the invention a retaining means is provided for maintaining the transfer container In the loading orientation. In one embodiment of the invention the transfer container is urgeable relative to the carrier arm from the loading orientation to a discharge orientation for discharging product therefrom. Preferably, the transfer container is urgeable from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation when the carrier arm is in the second state.

In another embodiment of the invention the urging of the transfer container from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation commences when the carrier arm has reached the second state or Is approaching the second state thereof. In another embodiment of the invention a second drive element is provided for urging the transfer container from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation.

Preferably, the second drive element is adapted to act as the retaining means for maintaining the transfer container in the loading orientation as the carrier arm is urged from the first state to the second state or to the state approaching the second state at which urging of the transfer container from the loading state to the discharge state commences.

Preferably, the second state of the carrier arm is selectable. Advantageously, the angular displacement through which the carrier arm pivots about the first pivot axis from the first state to the second state Is selectable.

Advantageously, the first and second pivot axes extend parallel to each other. Preferably, the first and second pivot axes are spaced apart longitudinally along the carrier arm. In one embodiment of the Invention the discharge position of the transfer container is higher than the loading position thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention the support element is urgeable from a first level to a second level above the first level, so that when the support element is at the second level and the transfer container is in the discharge position, the transfer container is at a discharge level at which product therein Is to be discharged.

Preferably, the second level of the support element is a selectable level. Advantageously, the vertical distance between the first and second levels is selectable.

In one embodiment of the invention the second level of the support element is higher than the first level thereof.

In one embodiment of the invention the support element is configured so that at the first level thereof, the transfer container is in the loading position when the carrier arm is in the first state.

In another embodiment of the invention the support element is mounted on an upstanding support member, and is urgeable by the upstanding support member from the first level to the second level. in a further embodiment of the invention the upstanding support member comprises a telescoping support element, the telescoping support element being extendable from a retracted state with the support element at the first level to an extended state with the support element at the second level.

Preferably, the telescoping support element comprises at least two elongated telescoping members, one of the telescoping members being sKdeable axially within the other telescoping member. Advantageously, the telescoping support element comprises three telescoping members. Advantageously, a third drive element is provided for urging the support element from the first level to the second level.

Preferably, the third drive element is configured for urging the telescoping support element from the retracted state to the extended state. Advantageously, the third drive element is configured for urging the telescoping support element from the extended state to the retracted state. Preferably, the third drive element Is located within the telescoping support element.

In one embodiment of the Invention the carrier arm is urgeable to a third state from the first state in a direction opposite to the direction from which the carrier arm is urged from the first state to the second state for urging the transfer container from the loading position to the discharge position.

Preferably, the carrier arm is urgeable from the first state to the third state on completion of loading of the transfer container with product Preferably, the carrier arm is urgeable from the third state to the second state through the first state.

In another embodiment of the invention the support element is urgeable from the first level when the carrier arm is in the third state.

Preferably, the carrier arm Is urgeable from the third state towards the first state for urging the carrier arm from the third state through the first state to the second state when the support element is at a level above the first level, so that when the carrier arm is in the first state, the transfer container is in a position clear of the loading position.

Advantageously, the carrier arm is pivotal about the first axis from the first state to the third state.

In one embodiment of the invention the first drive element is adapted to urge the carrier arm from the first state to the third state. Preferably, the first drive element is adapted to urge the carrier arm from the third state through the first state to the second state. Advantageously, the first drive element is adapted to urge the carrier arm from the second state through the first state to the third state.

In one embodiment of the invention the second drive element is adapted to maintain the loading container In the loading state as the loading container is being urged between the first state and the second state.

In another embodiment of the invention the transfer container defines a hollow interior region for holding product, and an open mouth to the hollow Interior region for accommodating product therethrough into the hollow interior region.

In a further embodiment of the invention the open mouth is closed by a main closure element operable between a closed state dosing the open mouth and an open state for accommodating product through the open mouth into the transfer container. Preferably, the main closure element is releasably maintained in the closed state by one of gravity and a resilient element

Advantageously, the main dosure element is urgeable by an operating mechanism from the closed state to the open state. In one embodiment of the Invention the operating mechanism is responsive to the transfer container being in the loading position and in the loading orientation for urging the main closure element from the closed state to the open state. Preferably, the operating mechanism is configured for urging the main dosure element from the open to the closed state. Advantageously, the operating mechanism Is responsive to the transfer container being charged with product for urging the main dosure element from the open state to the closed state.

In one embodiment of the invention the operating mechanism is responsive to the transfer container being charged with a predefined quantity ofd for urging the main closure element from the open state to the closed state.

In another embodiment of the Invention a coupling element is provided for couping the operating mechanism to the main dosure element Preferably, the couping element is adapted to releasably couple the operating mechanism to the main dosure element Advantageously, the coupling element comprises a magnet.

In another embodiment of the invention the operating mechanism comprises a fourth drive element

In one embodiment of the Invention the main closure element comprises a two-part closure element the respective parts being hctingedly coupled together about a first hinge axis, one of the parts being hingedly coupled to the container about a second hinge axis extending substantial parallel to the first hinge axis, and the other part being urgeable across the open mouth for urging the two parts of the main closure element In a concertina manner from the closed state closing the open mouth to the open state provided access for product therethrough Into the hollow Interior region.

In one embodiment of the invention the open mouth of the transfer container faces upwardly when the transfer container is in the loading orientation.

In one embodiment of the invention the open mouth defines a plane, and preferably, the plane defined by the open mouth extends parallel to a datum plane of a datum of the transfer apparatus when the transfer container is in the loading orientation.

In one embodiment of the invention the datum of the apparatus comprises a base of the apparatus, and preferably, the base of the apparatus defines the datum plane, and advantageously, the datum plane extends horizontally.

In one embodiment of the invention a discharge opening is provided from the transfer container for accommodating discharge of produd therethrough. Preferably, the discharge opening is closed by a secondary closure element, the secondary dosure element being operable between a closed state dosing the discharge opening, and an open state for accommodating discharge of product through the discharge opening. Preferably, the secondary closure element Is responsive to the transfer container being In the loading orientation for closing the discharge opening.

Advantageously, the secondary closure element is urgeable from the closed state into the open state to response to the transfer container being urged from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation.

Preferably, the secondary dosure element is urgeable from the closed state to the open state under gravity.

Advantageously, the secondary closure element is urgeable from the open state to the closed state in response to the transfer container being urged from the discharge orientation to the loading orientation.

In one embodiment of the Invention the secondary closure element is urgeable under gravity from the open state to the closed state. In another embodiment of the invention a delivery means is provided for delivering product to the transfer container when the transfer container is in the loading position and is in the loading orientation.

In another embodiment of the invention the delivery means extends partially over the transfer container for delivering product into the transfer container. Preferably, the delivery means extends partially over the transfer container when the transfer container is in the loading position and in the loading orientation.

In one embodiment of the invention the delivery means is configured to meter product into the transfer container. In another embodiment of the invention the delivery means comprises a conveying means.

In another embodiment of the invention the delivery means comprises a conveyor.

In a further embodiment of the invention the delivery means comprises a vibrating table.

In one embodiment of the invention a supply hopper is provided for holding product, and for supplying product to the delivery means.

In another embodiment of the invention a level sensor is located in the transfer container for detecting the level of product in the transfer container.

In a further embodiment of the invention a discharge chute Is provided for directing product ischarged from the transfer container to a receiving hopper into which product is to be discharged from the transfer container.

In a further embodiment of the invention a controller is provided for controlling operation of the first drive element, the second drive element and the third drive element.

In one embodiment of the invention the controter is adapted to control the operation of the delivery means.

In another embodiment of the invention the controller is adapted to control the operation of the fourth drive element

In a further embodiment of the invention the transfer apparatus defines a containment volume within which the carrier arm, the transfer container and the support element are moveable, and a monitoring system is provided for detecting a person or a part of a person about to enter the containment volume.

Preferably, the monitoring system comprises at least one proximity sensor. Advantageously, the monitoring system comprises a first proximity sensor, and a second proximity sensor, the first proximity sensor being adapted to monitor a side boundary and an end boundary of the containment volume, and the second proximity sensor being adapted to monitor an opposite side boundary of the containment volume.

Preferably, each of the first and second proximity sensors comprises a scanning sensor.

In one embodiment of the invention the first proximity sensor is configured to scan about a substantially vertically extending axis, and the second proximity sensor is configured to scan about a substantially horizontally extending scanning axis. Preferably, the controller Is responsive to signals from the first and second proximity sensors Meeting a person adjacent one of the side boundaries or the end boundary of the containment volume for slowing down or deactivating the first, second and third drive means.

In another embodiment of the invention the controller is configured to enable teaching thereof, at least one of the angular displacement through which the carrier arm is to be moved from the first state to the second state to urge the transfer container to at least one respective predefined discharge position.

In a further embodiment of the invention the controller is configured to enable teaching thereof, a plurality of the angular displacements through which the carrier arm is to be moved from the first state to the second state to urge the transfer container to the respective predefined discharge positions.

In another embodiment of the invention the controller is configured to enable teaching thereof, at least one of the distance the support element is to be moved from the first level to the second level to raise the transfer container to at least one respective predefined discharge level.

Preferably, the controller is configured to enable teaching thereof, a plurality of distances the support element is to be moved from the first level to the second level to raise the transfer container to a plurality of the respective predefined discharge levels. Advantageously, the controller is configured to store the taught angular displacements through which the carrier arm is to be moved from the first state to the second state.

Preferably, the controller is configured to store the taught distances the support element is to be moved from the first level to the second level.

In one embodiment of the invention the controller is configured to store the plurality of angular displacements through which the carrier arm is to be moved from the first state to the second state and the corresponding distances through which the support element Is to be moved from the first level to the second level cross-referenced with the identities of respective machines with which the transfer apparatus Is to be used.

In another embodiment of the invention a docking element is provided for docking the transfer apparatus to at least one of a plurality of respective machines with which the apparatus Is to be used.

Preferably, the docking element is provided for docking the transfer apparatus to respective ones of the plurality of machines with which the transfer apparatus is to be used. Advantageously, the docking element is configured for securing the transfer apparatus to the respective machines.

Preferably, the docking element is configured for aligning the transfer apparatus with the respective machines.

In one embodiment of the invention the docking element Is configured for cooperating with respective complementary docking elements of the respective machines, to enable the controller to read the identity of each machine stored in the corresponding complementary docking element through the docking element of the transfer apparatus.

In another embodiment of the invention the controller is configured for storing the corresponding values of the angular displacements through which the carrier arm is to be moved from the first state to the second state, and the values of the corresponding distances through which the support element is to be moved from the first level to the second level for the respective machines with which the transfer apparatus is to be used cross-referenced with the identities of the respective machines.

Preferably, the first drive element comprises a first electrically powered rotary motor. Advantageously, the first electrically powered rotary motor is provided with an absolute encoder. Preferably, the second drive element comprises a second electrically powered rotary motor. Advantageously, the second electrically powered rotary motor is provided with an absolute encoder. In one embodiment of the invention the third drive element comprises an electrically powered drive motor.

Advantageously, the third drive element comprises an electrically powered linear drive motor.

Advantageously, the transfer apparatus is configured for transferring solid dose products to a hopper of a blister pack machine or other packaging machine.

The invention also provides a method for transferring product comprising the transfer apparatus according to the invention, wherein the method comprising delivering product into the transfer container with the transfer container In the loading position and In the loading orientation, on completion of loading of the transfer container with product urging the carrier arm from the first state to the second state, and in the second state of the carrier arm urging the transfer container from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation for discharging product therefrom.

In one embodiment of the invention the carrier arm is urged from the first state to the third state thereof on completion of loading of the transfer container with product prior to being urged to the second state thereof.

In another embodiment of the invention the support element is urged from the first level to the second level thereof prior to urging the transfer container from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation thereof.

Preferably, the carrier arm is urged from the first state to the third state thereof prior to the support element being urged from the first level to the second level thereof.

Advantageously, urging of the carrier arm from the third state through the first state to the second state commences when the support element is at a level so that when the carrier arm is in the first state the transfer contained is in a petition clear of the loading position of the transfer container.

In one embodiment of the invention the method Is configured for transferring solid dose products from a supply thereof to a hopper of a blister pack machine or other packaging machine.

The advantages of the transfer apparatus according to the invention are many. The transfer apparatus Is a relatively compact apparatus, and is of relatively low height when the support element is in the first state. By vfrtue of the fact feat the upstanding support member comprises a telescoping support element, the total height of the apparatus is relatively low when the telescoping support element is in the retracted state.

The provision of the carrier arm being pivotally coupled to the support element further reduces the overall height of the transfer apparatus when the support element is in the first state, in that by pivoting the carrier arm from the second state to the first state or to the third state the overall height of the transfer apparatus may be dictated by the height of the support element in the first state.

The provision of the monitoring system provides a particularly efficient safety feature of the apparatus in that once any part of a person or indeed any other object is detected by the monitoring system close to the containment volume, the speed of the moving parts of the transfer apparatus is slowed down to a safe operating speed, and on detection of a person in or about to enter the containment volume, the transfer apparatus is immediately deactivated, thereby avoiding any risk of a person or any part of a person being caught or stuck by the transfer container, by the carrier arm or by the support element as the transfer apparatus is in operation.

A particularly Important advantage of the invention Is that due to the construction of the apparatus and its compactness, the surface areas thereof which are exposed to dust collection are minimised, and ease of cleaning is facilitated, thereby, minimising the time required to dean the machine of dust, particulate matter and other residue from solid dose products, and particularly from tablets from a just-finished batch during changeover of the transfer apparatus from one type of solid dose products to another. Additionally, if desired, the exposed surfaces may be configured to repel dust, thereby avoiding the collection of dust on any of the exposed surfaces. Additionally, the parts of the transfer apparatus which come into direct contact with the solid dose products are readily and easily detachable. The transfer container is readly detachable from the carrier arm. The supply hopper is readily detachable from the transfer apparatus, and the delivery element is also readily detachable from the transfer apparatus. Thus, these three detachable components can be readily detached from the transfer apparatus and thoroughly washed and cleaned. The remaining parts of the transfer apparatus can be readily easily wiped down to remove any and all dust, particulate matter and other residue which may have become attached to them from the solid dose products. Additionally, the telescoping support element can also be readily easily cleaned and wiped down by a person standing at ground level. This is carried out by incrementally extending the telescoping support element, and as the telescoping members of the telescoping support element are being incrementally extended, they can be wiped down and cleaned by a person standing on the ground.

By virtue of the transfer container, the supply hopper and the delivery element being detachable, a significant improvement in the cleaning time required is achieved. In particular, once the transfer container, the supply hopper and the delivery element have been removed for cleaning, they may be immediately replaced with a fresh transfer container, a fresh supply hopper and a fresh delivery element, respectively, so that there would be no delay in wailing for the removed components to be thoroughly cleaned. The removed components would be cleaned subsequently to be ready for the next change over of the transfer apparatus for the next subsequent batch of solid dose products.

Additionally, due to the small compact size and low height of the transfer apparatus when the support element is at the first level and the carrier arm is in the first or the third states, the transfer apparatus can be readily moved from one blister pack machine in one room to another blister pack machine in another room irrespective of any height restriction through doorways or other obstacles.

The advantage of maintaining the transfer container in the loading orientation about the second pivot axis while the carrier arm is pivoting from the first state to the third state, and then is pivoting from the third state through the first state to the second state is that there is no danger of the solid dose products spilling from the transfer container while the transfer container is being urged from the loading position to the offset position and then from the offset position through loading position to the discharge position.

The method according to the invention also provides similar advantages to those discussed above. The above discussed advantages are also obtained by the transfer apparatus and the method according to the invention when the transfer apparatus and the method are used for transferring other products be they pharmaceutical or healthcare products or any other type of products not related to the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries. The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, which is given by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the transfer apparatus according to the invention,

Fig.2 is a side elevational view of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 ,

Fig.3 is a perspective view of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating a portion of the transfer apparatus in a different state to that of Fig. 1,

Fig.4 is a side elevational view of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the transfer apparatus in a similar state to that of Fig. 3,

Fig.5 is a perspective view of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 ilustrating the transfer apparatus in a different state to that of Fig. 1 ,

Fig.6 is a side elevational view of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 in a similar state to that of Fig.5,

Fig.7 is a perspective view of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 in a different state to that of Fig. 1,

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 in a similar state to that of Fig.7,

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 in another different state to that of Fig.

1,

Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 in a similar state to that of Fig.9,

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 in a further different state to that of

Fig. 1

Fig. 12 is a side elevational view of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 in a similar state to that of Fig.

11, Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a detail of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the detal in a further different state to that of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 14 is a perspective view ofthe transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 illustrating the transfer apparatus in a still further different state to that of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 15 is another perspective view of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 14 ilustrating the transfer apparatus in a state similar to that of Fig. 14,

Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a further detail ofthe transfer apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 17 is another perspective view of the detail of Fig. 16 of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 ,

Fig. 18 is a side elevational view of the detail of Fig. 16 ofthe transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 in the state of Fig. 17,

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of another detail of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1 ,

Fig.20 is a perspective view of the detail of Fig. 19 ofthe transfer apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig.21 is another perspective view of the detail of Fig. 19 of the transfer apparatus of Fig. 1, and

Fig.22 is a block representation of a control circuit ofthe transfer apparatus of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a transfer apparatus according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 for transferring product from one level to another level, and typically from a lower level to a higher level. In this embodiment of the invention the transfer apparatus 1 is particularly suitable for transferring solid dose products (not shown) from a lower level to a higher level, and in particular, for transferring such solid dose products from a lower level to a receiving hopper, namely, a hopper 2 at a higher level of, for example, a blister pack machine (not shown), whereby the hopper 2 is configured to store and deliver the solid dose products to a suitable feeding mechanism (also not shown) for feeding the solid dose products into blisters formed in a web of film material being urged through the blister pack machine for packing therein. Only the hopper 2 of the blister pack machine is shown. However, such bister pack machines will be well known to those stilled In the art, and further description of such bister pack machines should not be required, other than to say that the hopper 2 of such blister pack machines may be up to 2.5 metres or more above ground level.

The transfer apparatus 1 comprises a base 3 supported on four ground engaging castors 5. The base 3 defines a forward end 7 and a rearward end 8 and opposite side edges 6 and 9. An upstanding intermediate frame 10 extends upwardly from the base 3 intermediate the forward end 7 and the rearward end 8, and comprises a lower panel 11 and an upper panel 12. A sub-framework 14 mounted on the base 3 and extending forwardly from the intermediate frame 10 releasably supports a supply hopper 15 for receiving and storing the solid dose products (not shown) for transfer to the hopper 2. The supply hopper 15 is readily easily detachable from the sub-framework 14 for washing and cleaning thereof. A cabinet 16 located in the sub-framework 14 beneath the supply hopper 15 houses control apparatus for controlling the operation of the transfer apparatus 1 as wll be described below. The intermediate frame 10 defines with an area extending above a rearward part 19 of the base 3 a receiving area 17 for a purpose to be described below.

A delivery means comprising a conveyor, which in this embodiment of the invention comprising a vibrating table conveyor 18 releasably mounted in the cabinet 16 extends from the supply hopper 15 through an opening 20 In the lower panel 11 of the intermediate frame 10 for transferring the solid dose products from the supply hopper 15 to the receiving area 17 for a purpose to be described below.

A support element 22 is supported on an upstanding support member 24 comprising a telescoping support element 23 which extends upwardly from the base 3 adjacent the rearward end 8 thereof. The telescoping support element 23 is extendable upwardly from a retracted state illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 to an extended state illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15 for urging the support element 22 from a first level ilustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 to a second level Illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15, which is higherthan the first level, for a purpose to be described below. The support element 22 comprises a transversely extending upper housing 25 supported on the support member 24, and a downwardly extending carrier member 27 extending downwardly from the upper housing 25. The carrier member 27 carries a carrier housing 29.

An elongated carrier arm 30 Is pivotally connected to the carrier housing 29 about a horizontally extending first pivot axis 32 and is pivotal relative to the carrier housing 29 about the first pivot axis 32. A transfer container 34 is pivotally and releasably carried on the carrier arm 30 adjacent a distal end 35 of the carrier arm 30. The transfer container 34 is pivotally mounted on the carrier arm 30 about a second pivot axis 36 which extends paralel to the first pivot axis 32 and is spaced apart therefrom along the carrier arm 30.

The transfer container 34 is pivotal relative to the carrier arm about the second pivot axis 36.

A first drive element, in this embodiment of the Invention an electrically powered rotary first drive motor 38 is mounted in and extends from the carrier housing 29 for pivoting the first carrier arm 30 about the first pivot axis 32. A drive shaft 37 extending from the first drive motor 38 defines the first pivot axis 32, and the first carrier arm 30 is mounted fast on the drive shaft 37 of the first drive motor 38 for pivoting of the carrier arm 30 by the first drive motor 38. The first drive motor 38 comprises a servomotor equipped with an absolute encoder for determining the absolute angular displacement of the carrier arm 30 about the first pivot axis 32 relative to the carrier housing 29.

A second drive element, in this embodiment of the invention, an electrically powered rotary second drive motor 40 is located in a housing 42 located on the carrier arm 30 adjacent the distal end 35 thereof for pivoting the transfer container 34 relative to the carrier arm 30 about the second pivot axis 36. A drive shaft 43 of the second drive motor 40 defines the second pivot axis 36 about which the transfer container 34 is pivotal. The transfer container 34 is releasably and fixedly mounted on the drive shaft 43 for pivoting of the transfer container 34 about the second pivot axis 36 by the second drive motor 40. The second drive motor 40 comprises a servomotor equipped with an absolute encoder for determining the absolute orientation of the transfer container 34 about the second pivot axis 36 relative to the carrier arm 30.

The carrier arm 30 and the transfer container 34 are carried on the support element 22, so that the carrier arm 30 and the transfer container 34 extend into the receiving area 17.

The first drive motor 38 is operated, as will be described below for pivoting the earner arm 30 about the first pivot axis 32 from a first state illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 to a second state illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15. The angular displacement through which the carrier arm 30 travels from the first state to the second state is selectable as will also be described below. In the first state of the carrier arm 30, the carrier arm 30 extends into the receiving area 17 with the transfer container 34 in a loading position. The second drive motor 40 is operated for maintaining the transfer container 34 about the second pivot axis 36 in a loading orientation as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, relative to the carrier arm 30. The carrier arm 30 in the first state with the transfer container 34 in the loading position and in the loading orientation is located beneath the vibrating table conveyor 18 for receiving the solid dose products therefrom as wil be described below. In the second state of the carrier arm 30, the transfer container 34 is located in a discharge position ilustrated in Fig. 13 with the transfer container 34 still in the loading orientation, and with the transfer container 34 ready to be urged from the loading orientation to a discharge orientation illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15 for discharging the sofid dose products therefrom.

The second drive motor 40, is operated as will be described below, firstly as a retaining means for maintaining the transfer container 34 in the loading orientation about the second pivot axis 36 while the carrier arm 30 Is being urged from the first state to the second state. Secondly, the second drive motor 40 is configured for rotating the transfer container 34 about the second pivot axis 36 from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation for discharging the solid dose products therefrom when the carrier arm 30 is in the second state, and when the solid dose products are to be discharged from the transfer container 34. The support element 22 is urgeabte by the telescoping support element 23 upwardly from the first level to the second level The height of the second level of the support element 22 is selectable as will also be described below. When the support element 22 is at the first and lowest level, and the carrier arm 30 is in the first state, the transfer container 34 is in the loading position and in the loading orientation, see Figs. 1 and 2. When the support element 22 is at the second level thereof, and when the carrier arm 30 Is In the second state with the transfer container 34 in the discharge position, the transfer container 34 has been urged to a discharge level at which the transfer container is ready to discharge the solid dose products into the hopper 2 of the blister pack machine (not shown).

The telescoping support element 23 comprises three telescoping members 41 , which telescope Into each other, and is extendable from the retracted state with the support element 22 at the first level to an extended state with the support element 22 at the second level. A third drive element comprising a pair of third electrically powered drive motors, namely, an upper third drive motor 45 and a lower third drive motor 46, see Fig.22, operate the telescoping support element 23 between the retracted state and the extended state. The upper third drive motor 45 is located in the upper transverse housing 25 of the support element 22, and lower third drive motor 46 is located on the base 3 within the telescoping support element 23. The upper and lower third drive motors 45 and 46 drive respective elongated threaded shafts (not shown) extending vertically in the telescoping support element 23, which engage respective threaded bores in respective plate members (also not shown). The plate members (not shown) are secured together and vertically spaced apart in the middle one of the telescoping members, namely, the middle telescoping member 41a, by a vertically extending connecting member extending through the middle telescoping member 41a. The lower one of the two plate members is secured to the lower end of the middle telescoping member 41a. The upper one of the plate members is located adjacent the upper end of the middle telescoping member 41a, but clear ofthe middle telescoping member 41a, in order to allow the upper one of the telescoping members 41 to telescope into the middle telescoping member 41a. The threaded shaft driven by the lower third drive motor 46 is engageable In the threaded bore of the plate member secured to the lower end ofthe middle telescoping member 41a for urging the middle telescoping member41a upwardly and downwardly relative to the lower one ofthe telescoping members 41. The threaded shaft driven by the upper third drive motor 45 is engageable in the threaded bore of the plate member located adjacent the upper end of the middle telescoping member 41 a for urging the upper one of the telescoping members 41 upwardly and downwardly relative to the middle telescoping member 41a.

The upper and lower third drive motors 45 and 46 are synchronised for operating the telescoping support element 23 between the retracted state and the extended state. Such telescoping support elements as the telescoping support element 23 and their powered operation will be well known to those skied in the art, and further description should not be required.

Turning now to the transfer container 34, the transfer container 34 comprises a base 47, a pair of spaced apart side walls 48 and 49 extending from the base 47, and a pair of spaced apart end walls 50 and 51 extending from the base 47 and joining the side walls 48 and 49. The base 47 and the side and end walls 48, 49, 50 and 51 define a hollow interior region 52 for holding the solid dose products. A frame 53 is mounted on the transfer container 34 and comprises a pair of spaced apart side member 54 and 55 extending partly along the side walls 48 and 49, respectively, and a pair of spaced apart end members 56 and 57 joining the side members 54 and 55. The end member 56 extends along the end wall 50 of the transfer container 34, and the other end member 57 extends between the side walls 50 and 51 of the transfer container 34 Intermediate the end walls 50 and 51 thereof. The side members and end members 54, 55, 56 and 57 of the frame 53 define an open mouth 59 to the hollow interior region 52 for accommodating the solid dose products into the hollow interior region 52. When the transfer container 34 is in the loading orientation the open mouth 59 extends upwardly, in other words, the open mouth 59 defines a plane extending parallel to a datum plane defined by the base 3 of the transfer apparatus 1 , which In this case is a horizontal plane. Additionally, when the transfer container 34 is in the loading orientation in the loading position the open mouth 59 is aligned with the vibrating table conveyor 18 for receiving the solid dose products therethrough into the hollow interior region 52 of the transfer container 34. In the loading position of the transfer container 34 a distal end 60 of the vibrating table conveyor 18 extends over a portion of the open mouth adjacent the side member 55 of the frame 53 for delivering the solid dose products Into the hollow Interior region 52 without any danger of the solid dose products falling from the vibrating table conveyor 18 outside the transfer container 34.

A main closure element 62, which is described in detail below, for closing the open mouth 59 is operable between a closed state illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 13, 16 and 19 closing the open mouth 59 and an open state illustrated in Figs.3, 4, 20 and 21 for accommodating the solid dose products through the open mouth 59.

A discharge opening 63 through which the solid dose products are discharged from the transfer container 34 is defined between the end member 57 of the frame 53, the end wall 51 of the transfer container 34 and the remaining portions of the side wais 48 and 49 not engaged by the side members 54 and 55 of the frame 53. A secondary closure element 65 which is hlngedly coupled to the end member 57 of the frame 53 by a hinge 66 closes the discharge opening 63 while the transfer container is in the loading orientation.

The hinge 66 defines a hinge axis 67 about which the secondary dosure element 65 is pivotal under gravity from a closed state illustrated in Figs. 13 and 20 closing the discharge opening 63 to an open state illustrated in Fig. 17 for discharge of the solid form products from the transfer container 34 as the transfer container 34 is being pivoted from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation. The secondary dosure element 65 is operable from the open state to the closed state under gravity as the transfer container 34 is being pivoted from the discharge orientation to the loading orientation.

Returning now to the operation of the carrier arm 30, the carrier arm 30 is urged about the first pivot axis 32 from the first state to the second state by the first drive motor 38 in a first direction, namely, in the direction of the arrow A, see Fig. 14, which is a clockwise direction when the transfer apparatus 1 is viewed from the rearward end 8. In order to avoid the transfer container 34 colliding with the vibrating table conveyor 18, prior to the carrier arm 30 being urged from the first state to the second state for urging the transfer container from the loading position to the discharge position, the carrier arm 30 is urged by the first drive motor 38 about the first pivot axis 32 from the first state to a third state illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6 with the transfer container 34 In an offset position offset to one side from the vibrating table conveyor 18. The carrier arm 30 is urged by the first motor 38 about the first pivot axis 32 from the first state to the third state in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, namely, in the direction of the arrow B, see Figs. 15 and 16, which is in an anticlockwise direction when the transfer apparatus 1 is viewed from the rearward end 8.

While the carrier arm 30 is being urged from the first state to the third state, the second drive motor 40 is operated for maintaining the transfer container 34 in the loading orientation about the second pivot axis 36.

When the carrier arm 30 is in the third state, the support element 22 is urged upwardly by the telescoping support element 23 from the first level to the second level thereof with the transfer container 34 clear of the vibrating table 18.

While the support element 22 is being urged from the first level to the second level, once the transfer container 34 is clear of the vibrating table conveyor 18, the first drive motor 38 is operated to urge the carrier arm 30 about the first pivot axis 32 from the third state In the first direction through the first state, and in turn to the second state. During the urging of the carrier arm 30 by the first drive motor 38 from the third state through the first state and in turn to the second state, the second drive motor 40 is operated to maintain the transfer container 34 in the loading orientation about the second pivot axis 36.

When the carrier arm 30 is in the second state with the transfer container 34 in the discharge position, and the support element 22 has been urged to the second level, the transfer container 34 has been urged to the discharge level at which the solid dose products are to be discharged to the hopper 2. At this stage the second drive motor 40 is operated to pivot the transfer container 34 about the second pivot axis 36 in the direction of the arrow C, see Fig. 14, from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation for discharging the solid dose products from the transfer container 34 to the hopper 2. As the transfer container 34 is being pivoted from the loading state to the discharge state, the secondary closure element 65 pivots under gravity about the hinge 66 to accommodate the solid dose products through the discharge opening 63. On completion of discharge of the solid dose products from the transfer container 34, the second drive motor 40 is operated to pivot the transfer container 34 about the second pivot axis 36 in the direction of the arrow D from the discharge orientation to the loading orientation. Returning again to the transfer container 34, the main dosure element 62 comprises a two-part closure element comprising a first part, namely, a first panel 72, and a second part, namely a second panel 73. The first and second panels 72 and 73 are hingedly coupled together by a first hinge 75 about a first hinge axis 76. The first panel 72 is hingedly coupled along the side member 54 of the frame 53 defining the open mouth 59 by a pair of second hinges 77 defining a common second hinge axis 78 which extends parallel to the first hinge axis 76. The first and second panels 72 and 73 of the main closure element 62 are urgeable in a concertina manner from the closed state to the open state. A pair of pins 79 extend sidewardly from opposite sides of the second panel 73 adjacent a free end edge 74 thereof, and engage corresponding guide tracks 80 in the respective side members 54 and 55 of the frame 53, for retaining the main closure element 62 in the frame 53, and for guiding the closure member 62 between the closed and open states. Additionally, the first and second panels 72 and 73 are configured so that in the closed state, the first and second panels 72 and 73 define an upwardly facing apex 81 extending along the first hinge axis 76, so that when the first and second panels 72 and 73 are being urged from the closed state to the open state, there is no danger of the first and second panels 72 and 73 locking, or being urged into the container, which would otherwise occur if the first and second panels 72 and 73, in the closed state, defined a common plane. Additionally, the weight of the first and second panels 72 and 73 is suffident to bias the first and second panels 72 and 73 into the closed state. An operating mechanism 82 is provided for urging the main closure element 62 from the closed state to the open state when the transfer container 34 is in the loading position and in the loading orientation. The operating mechanism 82 comprises a drive rod 83 extending from and driven by a fourth drive element, in this case, an electrically powered linear motor 84 located in the cabinet 16. The drive rod 83 extends from the cabinet 16 through the opening 20 to one side of the vibrating table conveyor 18, and terminates in a transverse bar 85 extending transversely therefrom in front of the vforating table conveyor 18 and parallel to the side members 54 and 55 of the frame 53 of the transfer container 34, when the transfer container 34 is in the loading position and in the loading orientation. The linear motor 84 is supported in the cabinet 16 on brackets 86, one of which brackets 86 is illustrated in Figs. 19, 20 and 21. The transverse bar 85 carries a coupling element, namely, a pair of permanent magnets 87, which are engageable and co- operable with a roller 88 which is rotatably carried on a mounting bracket 89 secured to the second panel 73 of the main closure element 62 adjacent the free end edge 74 thereof. The linear motor 84 is operable for urging the drive rod 83 and the transverse bar 85 In the direction of the arrow E for engaging the magnets 87 with the roller 88, and for urging the man closure element 62 from the closed state to the open state when the transfer container 34 is in the loading position and in the loading orientation to permit delivery of the solid dose products into the transfer container 34. On completion of loading of the transfer container 34, the linear motor 84 is operated to urge the drive rod 83 and the transverse bar 85 in the direction of the arrow F, for urging the main closure element 62 into the closed state. The magnets 87 are of sufficient strength to remain in engagement with the roler 88 for urging the main closure element 62 into the closed state as the transverse bar 85 is being urged in the direction of the arrow F. As the main closure element 62 is being urged between the open state and the closed state, the roller 88 remains fixedly engaged with the magnets 87 and pivots in the mounting bracket 89. Once the main closure element 62 has been urged into the closed state, further urging of the drive rod 83 by the linear motor 84 in the direction of the arrow F results in disengagement of the magnets 87 from the roller 88.

A chute 90 carried on a mounting assembly 91, which in turn is mounted on an upstanding telescoping carrier member 92 extending upwardly from the base 3, is configured for directing solid dose products from the transfer container 34 into the hopper 2 of the blister pack machine (not shown). The telescoping carrier member 92 is manually extendable and retractable for setting the chute 90 at an appropriate height relative to the hopper 2. The chute 90 and the telescoping carrier member 92 are optional features, and in some cases may be omitted. In general, the chute 90 will not be required, since in general, when the transfer container 34 is in the discharge position and at the discharge level, the transfer container 34 wil be located directly or sufficiently over the hopper 2 in order that the solid dose products are delivered into the hopper 2. The chute 90 will only be required in cases where the transfer container 34 in the discharge position and at the discharge level is slightly offset from the hopper 2.

The transfer apparatus 1 defines a containment volume 94 extending upwardly from the base 3 and defined in plan view by the portion of the base 3 between the intermediate frame 10 and the rearward end 8 thereof and between the side edges 6 and 9 thereof. The containment volume 94 contains the carrier arm 30, the transfer container 34, the support element 22 and the telescoping support element 23, and the volume within which they move, with the exception that when the carrier arm 30 is in and approaching the second state, and the transfer container 34 is in and approaching the discharge state, both extend outside the containment volume 94.

A monitoring system for detecting the proximity of a person close to the containment volume 94 of the transfer apparatus 1 comprises a pair of proximity sensors, namely, a first proximity sensor 95 and a second proximity sensor 96. Both proximity sensors 95 and 96 are laser beam scanning sensors. The first proximity sensor 95 is located on the base 3 adjacent a comer 97 defined between the rearward end 8 and the side edge 6 of the base 3. The first proximity sensor 95 is configured to scan about a vertical axis, and scans along the side edge 6 of the base 3 and the rearward end 8 of the base 3 for detecting the proxmity of a person approaching the containment volume 94 adjacent the side edge 6 and the rearward end 8 of the base 3, and also for detecting a person or a limb or any other part of a person passing through a pre-set boundary defining the containment volume 94 along the side edge 6 and the rearward end 8 of the base 3. The second proximity sensor 96 is mounted on the base 3 adjacent the side edge 9 thereof intermediate the rearward end 8 of the base 3 and the intermediate frame 10. The second proximity sensor 96 is configured to scan about a horizontal axis, and is configured to detect a person approaching the containment volume 94 along the side 99 of the base 3, and also for detecting a person or a limb or any other part of a person passing through a pre-set boundary defining the containment volume 94 along the side edge 9 of the base 3. In this embodiment of the invention each of the first and second proximity sensors 95 and 96 are configured for detecting a person in two zones, namely, an inner zone adjacent the pre-set boundaries of the containment volume 94, and an outer zone extending outwardly from the first zone.

Referring now to Fig.22, a controller, in this embodiment of the invention a programmable logic controller 100 is located In the cabinet 16 for controlling the operation of the transfer apparatus 1. The programmable logic controller 100 controls the operation of the first and second drive motors 38 and 40 as well as the upper and lower third drive motors 45 and 46. The programmable logic controller 100 also controls the operation of the vibrating table conveyor 18 and the linear motor 84 for urging the transverse bar 85 of the operating mechanism 82 outwardly and inwardly in the directions of the arrows E and F. The programmable logic controller 100 Is responsive to the first and second proximity sensors 95 and 96 detecting a person, a limb, or any other part of a person in the respective first and second zones for controlling the transfer apparatus 1 to operate In respective safe modes. When a person Is detected in the outer zone, the programmable logic controller 100 reduces the speeds of the first second and third drive motors 38, 40, 45 and 46 to a relatively slow safe speed and prevents operation of the linear motor 84. When a person is detected in the inner zone about to enter the containment volume 94, the programmable logic controller 100 stops the operation of the first second and third drive motors 38, 40, 45 and 46, and prevents operation of the linear motor 84.

The programmable logic controller 100 controls the first and second drive motors 38 and 40 through frst and second motor drivers 101 and 102. The upper and lower third drive motors 45 and 46 are controlled by the programmable logic controller 90 through upper and lower third motor drivers 103 and 104, respectively. The vibrating table conveyor 18 is controlled by the programmable logic controller 100 through a vibrating table driver 105, while the linear motor 84 for operating the main closure element 62 between the closed and open states is controlled by the programmable logic controller 100 through a main Inear motor driver 106. The first and second scanners 95 and 96 are controlled by the programmable logic controller 100 through first and second scanner drivers 107 and 108. A touchscreen interface 109 provided for inputting data and commands into the programmable logic controller 100 is located on the cabinet 16 towards the forward end 7 thereof. A stop-start switch 110 located on the cabinet 16 adjacent the forward end 7 thereof controls the stopping and starting of the transfer apparatus 1. An emergency stop switch 111 located on the cabinet 16 Is provided for stopping the transfer apparatus 1 in the event of an emergency arising, and signals from the emergency stop switch 111 and from the stop-start switch 110 are read by the programmable logic controller. A bank of status indicator lights 112 are operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 to indicate the operating status of the transfer apparatus 1.

The transfer apparatus 1, in this embodiment of the invention is configured to be coupled to a plurality of respective blister pack machines (none of which are shown), and the programmable logic controller is programmed to identify each of the different blister pack machines to which the transfer apparatus 1 is coupled. A docking element is provided for coupling the transfer apparatus 1 to the respective blister pack machines, and comprises a magnetic docking element 115 located on the base 3 adjacent the side edge 9 thereof and rearward of the intermediate frame 10. The magnetic docking element 115 is adapted for magnetically engaging respective complementary magnetic docking elements 116 mounted on the respective blister pack machines, with which the transfer apparatus 11s to be used for magneticaly coupling the transfer apparatus 1 to the blister pack machines. In the drawings solely for the purpose of illustrating one of the complementary docking elements 116, which would be mounted on a blister pack machine, the complementary docking element 116 is illustrated coupled to the magnetic docking element 115 of the transfer apparatus 1. The complementary docking element 116 of each blister pack machine is located on the blister pack machines at a location so that when the transfer apparatus 1 is docked by the docking elements 115 and 116, and when the transfer container 34 is in the discharge position in the discharge state and at the discharge level, the discharge container 34 is located above and aligned with the hopper 2 of the bister pack machine for discharging the sold dose products into the hopper 2; or alternatively the chute 90 is located above and aligned with the hopper 2.

The docking element 115 of the transfer apparatus 1 fulfils two functions. Firstly, the docking element 115 is configured to automatically accurately align the transfer apparatus 1 with the blister pack machine with which it is to operate, and to releasably secure the transfer apparatus 1 to that blister pack machine, with either the chute 90 or the transfer container 34 in the discharge position, in the discharge state and at the discharge level above and aligned with the hopper 2 of that blister pack machine. Secondly, the docking element 115 is adapted to permit the programmable logic controller 100 to read identity data of the blister pack machine to which the transfer apparatus 1 is secured through the magnetic docking element 115. The identity of the blister pack machine is stored in its complementary magnetic docking element 116 and is read by the programmable logic controller 100 through the magnetic docking element 115 of the transfer apparatus 1 from the complementary docking element 116 of the blister pack machine.

The programmable logic controller 100 stores the identities of the blister pack machines, to which the transfer apparatus 1 is to be secured, cross-referenced with sets of operating parameters of the transfer apparatus 1 for operating with the respective blister pack machines. Such operating parameters are the height to which the support element 22 should be raised when raised to the second level, and the angular displacement through which the carrier arm 30 should pivot about the first pivot axis 32 from the first state to the second state for in turn urging the transfer container 34 from the loading position to the discharge position. Accordingly, each time the transfer apparatus 1 is coupled to a blister pack machine, once the programmable logic controller 100 reads the identity of the blister pack machine from its complementary docking element 116, to which it is coupled, the programmable logic controler 100 retrieves the set of the operating parameters for the transfer apparatus 1 for operating with that blister pack machine. Therefore, no set-up of the transfer apparatus 1 is required. This therefore ensures that when the support element 22 is at the appropriate second level for that bister pack machine, and the carrier arm 30 is in the appropriate second state, the transfer container 34 is in the appropriate discharge position and at the appropriate discharge level for that blister pack machine, so that the transfer container 34 Is above and aligned with the hopper 2 of the blister pack machine, so that when the transfer container 34 is pivoted about the second pivot axis 36 from the loading orientation to the cfischarge orientation, the sold dose products therein are discharged directly into the hopper 2.

The operation of the transfer apparatus 1 under the control of the programmable logic controler 90 will now be described. In use, once the sets of operating parameters for operating with the respective blister pack machines have been entered and stored in the memory of the programmable logic controller 100 and cross-referenced with the identities of the respective bister pack machines, as will be described below, the transfer apparatus 1 is ready for use. The transfer apparatus 1 is secured to the blister pack machine with which it is to operate by securing the magnetic docking element 115 of the transfer apparatus 1 to the complementary docking element 116 of the blister pack machine. The programmable logic controller 100 reads the identity of the blister pack machine from the complementary docking element 116 thereof through the magnetic docking element 115, and sets the operating parameters for the transfer apparatus 1 , namely, the height to which the support element 22 should be raised when raised to the second level and the angular displacement of the carrier arm 30 between the first and second states thereof.

On completion of docking of the transfer apparatus 1 with the blister pack machine, the supply hopper 15 is charged with solid dose products to be transferred to the hopper 2 of the blister pack machine. With the support element 22 at the first level, the carrier arm 30 is urged by the first drive motor 38 under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 into the first state to urge the transfer container 34 in the loading orientation into the loading position beneath the vibrating table conveyor 18.

The Inear motor 84 is operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 to urge the transverse bar 85 of the operating mechanism 82 outwardly In the direction of the arrow E, for in turn urging the main closure element 62 from the closed state to the open state. The vibrating table conveyor 18 is then activated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 to meter a predefined quantity of the solid dose products from the supply hopper 15 into the transfer container 34. The predefined quality of the single dose products is selectable and entered into the programmable logic controller 100 through the touch screen. On the predefined quantity of the solid dose products having been delivered into the transfer container 34, the vibrating table conveyor 18 is deactivated by the programmable logic controller 100, and the linear motor 84 is operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 for urging the transverse bar 85 of the operating mechanism 82 inwardly in the direction of the arrow F, for in turn urging the main closure element 62 into the closed state closing the open mouth 59 of the transfer container 34.

The first drive motor 38 is then operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 for pivoting the carrier arm 30 from the first state to the third state in the second direction, namely, in the direction of the arrow B to urge the transfer container 34 to the offset position clear of the vibrating table 18. While the carrier arm 30 is being pivoted from the first state to the third state, the second drive motor

40 is operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 for maintaining the transfer container 34 in the loading orientation about the second pivot axis 36, in other words with the plane defined by the open mouth 59 of the transfer container 34 being maintained horizontaly, in order to avoid any danger of the solid dose products spilling out of the transfer container through, for example, the discharge opening 63. With the carrier arm 30 in the third state, the third drive motors 45 and 46 are operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 for extending the telescoping support element 23 from the retracted state for urging the support element 22 from the first level to the second level.

On the support element 22 reaching the second level, the first drive motor 38 is operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 for pivoting the carrier arm 30 about the first pivot axis 32 from the third state through the first state and in turn to the second state in the first direction, namely, in the direction of the arrow A₁ for in turn urging the transfer container 34 to the discharge position. While the first drive motor 38 Is pivoting the carrier arm 30 from the third state through the first state to the second state, the second drive motor 40 is operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 90 for maintaining the transfer container 34 in the loading orientation. With the carrier arm 30 in the second state, the support element 22 at the second level and the transfer container 34 in the discharge position, the transfer container 34 is now at the discharge level above and aligned with the hopper 2 and is ready for discharging the solid dose products to the hopper 2. The second drive motor 40 is operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 for pivoting the transfer container 34 about the second pivot axis 36 relative to the carrier arm 30 in the direction of the arrow C for pivoting the transfer container 34 from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation. As the transfer container 34 is being pivoted from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation, the secondary closure element 65 pivots under gravity from the closed state to the open state, thereby opening the discharge opening 63 for accommodating the solid dose products from the transfer container 34 in the discharge orientation Into the hopper 2.

On the soBd dose products having been discharged from the transfer container 34, the second drive motor 40 is operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 for pivoting the transfer container 34 about the second pivot axis 36 relative to the carrier arm 30 in the direction of the arrow D from the discharge orientation to the loading orientation. With the support element 22 still at the second level, the first drive motor 38 is operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 for pivoting the carrier arm 30 in the second direction, namely, in the direction of the arrow B from the second state, through the first state and into the third state. During pivoting of the carrier arm 30 from the second state through the first state to the third state, the second drive motor 40 is operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 for maintaining the transfer container 34 in the loading orientation about the second pivot axis 36.

The third drive motors 45 and 46 are then operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 for retracting the telescoping support element 23 from the extended state to the retracted state, for in turn urging the support element 22 from the second level to the first level. Once the support element 22 has reached the first level, the first drive motor 38 is operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 for pivoting the carrier arm 30 in the first direction, namely, in the direction of the arrow A from the third state to the first state, for In turn urging the transfer container 34 In the loading orientation into the loading position beneath the vibrating table conveyor 18. During pivoting of the carrier arm 30 from the third state to the ffrst state, the second drive motor 40 is operated under the control of the programmable logic controller 100 for maintaining the transfer container 34 in the loading orientation, so that when the carrier arm 30 has been pivoted from the third state to the first state, the transfer container 34 is in the loading orientation beneath the vibrating table conveyor 18.

With the transfer container 34 in the loading orientation and in the loading position beneath the vibrating table conveyor 18, the transfer apparatus 1 is ready to commence the next cycle for transferring the next predefined quantity of the solid dose products from the supply hopper 15 to the hopper 2 of the blister pack machine.

In order to shorten the cycle time of the transfer apparatus 1 , it is envisaged that while the support element 22 Is being urged from the first level to the second level, the carrier arm 30 may be pivoted from the third state through the first state and in turn to the second state, provided that pivoting of the carrier arm 30 from the third state to the first state would not commence until the support element 22 had reached a level above the first level, that when the carrier arm would reach the first state, the transfer container 34 would be clear of Its loading position, and in turn clear of the vibrating table conveyor 18 In order to avoid any danger of the transfer container coltiding with the vibrating table conveyor 18. Additionally, as the canter arm is just approaching the second state, pivoting of the transfer container 34 from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation may commence. Further to shorten the cycle time of the transfer apparatus 1 as the support element 22 is being lowered from the second level to the first level, pivoting of the transfer container 34 from the discharge state to the loading state may be carried out. Additionally, pivoting of the carrier arm 30 in the second direction from the second state through the first state to the third state may also be carried out simultaneously as the support element is being lowered from the second level to the first level, provided that as the carrier arm 30 is being pivoted through the first state, the transfer container 34 would be above its loading state and clear of the vibrating table conveyor 18 in order to avoid the transfer container 34 colliding with the vibrating table conveyor 18. In the event that the transfer container 34 at the discharge level and in the discharge state and when at a level above the hopper 2 Is not aligned with the hopper 2, the chute 90 is raised manually by the telescoping carrier member 92 to an appropriate level in order to direct the sold dose products from the transfer container 34 into the hopper 2 as the transfer apparatus 1 is being docked with the Mister pack machine.

During operation of the transfer apparatus 1 , the first and second proximity sensors 95 and 96 continuously scan the rearward end 8 and the side edges 6 and 9 of the containment volume 94. On detecting a person, a limb, or any other part of a person in the outer zone the programmaMe logic controller 100 reduces the speeds of the second and third drive motors 40, 45 and 46 to the safe operating speeds to avoid injury to a person. On a person being detected by the first and second proximity sensors 95 and 96 in or about to enter the inner zone, and in turn the containment volume, the programmable logic controller 100 deactivates the transfer apparatus 1 , so that if a person breaches the pre-set boundary around the containment volume 94, there is no danger to such a person. The Intermediate frame 10 together with the lower and upper panels 11 and 12 prevent inadvertent entry into the containment volume 94 from the front of the transfer apparatus 1 , and thus all four sides of the containment volume 94 are protected.

To set up the transfer apparatus 1 , the operating parameters of the transfer apparatus 1 for each blister pack machine with which the transfer apparatus 1 is to operate are taught to the programmable logic controller 100 of the transfer apparatus 1. Initially, the transfer apparatus 1 is coupled to each blister pack machine with which the transfer apparatus 11s to operate. The transfer apparatus 1 is coupled to the relevant blister pack machine by coupling the magnetic docking element 115 of the transfer apparatus 1 to the complementary docking element 116 of the blister pack machine, so that the transfer apparatus 1 is secured to the blister pack machine, and is accurately aligned with the blister pack machine.

With the transfer element 1 securely docked by the magnetic docking element 115 to the Mister pack machine, the programmable logic controller 100 reads the identity of the Mister pack machine which is stored in the complementary docking element 116 of the blister pack machine. The programmable logic controller 100 then stores the identity of the blister pack machine in memory. The transfer apparatus 1 is then manually operated through the programmable logic controller 100 by inputting control signals through the touchscreen interface 99 to manually operate the first, second and third drive motors 38, 45 and 46, to in turn operate the first carrier arm 30 to the appropriate second state, and the support element 22 to the appropriate second level for that blister pack machine, so that the transfer container 34 at the discharge level in the discharge position is above and aligned with the hopper 2 of the blister pack machine. Or if it is required that the chute 90 would direct the solid dose products to the hopper 2.

If the carrier arm 30 is not in the third state, the first motor 38 is operated to urge the carrier arm 30 into the third state. The third motors 45 and 46 are then operated to extend the telescoping support element 23 to urge the support element 22 upwardly. As the support element 22 is being urged upwardly, the carrier arm 30 is pivoted from the third state through the first state towards the second state. As the support element 22 is being urged upwardly, the carrier arm 30 is pivoted until it is approaching a state close to a suitable second state for the hopper 2 of the blister pack machine, and the telescoping support element 23 is extended until the support element 22 is at a level approaching a suitable second level, which would be suitable for the hopper 2 of the blister pack machine.

The telescoping support element 23 and the carrier arm 30 are then operated incrementally until the support element 22 and the carrier arm 30 are at the optimum second level, and second state, respectively, for setting the transfer container 34 in a desired discharge position and at a desired discharge level, so that the transfer container 34 is accurately aligned with and above the hopper 2 of the blister pack machine for discharging the solid dose products from the transfer container 34 to the hopper 2 The position of the support element 22 at the second level and the angular position of the carrier arm 30 in the second state for that particular blister pack machine are entered through the touch screen interface 109 to the programmable logic controller 100, as being the second level of the support element 22 and the first state of carrier arm 30 of the set of operating parameters of the transfer apparatus 1 for operating with that blister pack machine. The programmable logic controller 100 then stores the set of operating parameters for that blister pack machine in memory cross-referenced with the identity of that blister pack machine. Thereby, when the transfer apparatus 1 is next coupled to that blister pack machine, the programmable logic controller 100 reads the identity of the blister pack machine from the complementary docking element 116 through the docking element 115, and the programmable logic controller 100 reads the set of operating parameters from its memory for that blister pack machine, and thus, the transfer apparatus 1 is immediately ready to operate with that blister pack machine without any further setting up of the transfer apparatus being required.

Whle a particular type of main dosure element has been described for closing the open mouth of the transfer container, any other suitable dosure elements or closure means may be provided. It will also be appreciated that other suitable dosure means or dosure element instead of the secondary dosure element for dosing the discharge opening from the transfer container may be provided.

It will also be appreciated that while the operating mechanism for operating the main closure element between the open and closed states has been described as comprising a specific operating mechanism which indudes a drive rod driven by a linear motor, any other suitable operating mechanism for operating the dosure element between the open and closed states may be provided. For example, it is envisaged that a linkage mechanism or a cam mechanism may be provided which would rely on, for example, the relative movement between the transfer container and the carrier arm for urging the dosure element between the closed and open states, or a linkage mechanism and/or a cam mechanism which would rely on, for example, the relative movement between the transfer container and, for example, the lower panel of the intermediate frame 10. Needless to say, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that any other suitable operating mechanism may be provided for operating the main dosure element between the open and closed states. It is also envisaged that in some embodiments of the invention a single open mouth may be provided, through which the transfer container may be charged with product and product would be discharged therefrom.

While the second drive motor has been described for maintaining the transfer container in the loading orientation as the carrier arm is being pivoted between the first and third states, and from the third state through the first state to the second state, it will be appreciated that other suitable retaining means for maintaining the transfer container in the loading orientation may be provided. For example, a transmission system may be provided between the first drive motor and a pivot shaft on which the transfer container would be non-rotatably mounted. The pivot shaft of the transfer container could be rotatably mounted in the carrier arm, and the transmission means could be configured for rotating the shaft of the transfer container relative to the carrier arm as the carrier arm is being pivoted about the first pivot axis for in turn maintaining the transfer container in the loading orientation. Alternatively, the transfer container may be maintained in the loacfing orientation by gravity. While the carrier arm has been described as being pivotal from the first state to the third state for in turn urging the transfer container from the loading position to an offset position, in some embodiments of the invention it is envisaged that the vibrating table conveyor may be retractable out of the receiving area after the predefined quantity of the solid dose products have been metered or delivered into the transfer container, thus leaving the transfer container clear to be urged by the carrier arm directly from the loading position to the discharge position, without the need to move the transfer container from the loading position to the offset position. It will also be appreciated that any other suitable delivery element or means besides a vforating table conveyor may be used for delivering the solid dose products from the supply hopper to the transfer container, for example, a conveyor belt a chute, or any other suitable delivery means may be provided.

Additionally, while It is desirable it is not essential that the delivery element or means should be configured to meter a predefined quantity of the solid dose products from the supply hopper to the transfer container. In some embodiments of the invention, it is envisaged that a level sensor may be provided in the transfer container for detecting when the level of the solid dose products delivered into the transfer container has reached a suitable predefined level. Alternatively, a weighing means, for example, a strain gauge located on the drive shaft of the second drive motor or located at the connection between the transfer container and the drive shaft may be provided for weighing the transfer container in order to determine when a predefined quantity of product has been delivered into the transfer container.

WhBe the main closure element has been described as comprising a two-part closure element any other suitable closure element may be provided, for example, it is envisaged that in some embodiments of the invention the main closure element may be provided by a slideable closure element for example, a sliding door, or alteratively by a hinged door.

While the monitoring system has been described as comprising a pair of scanning sensors, any other suitable monitoring system for detecting a person adjacent or entering the containment volume may be provided. For example, a light curtain may be provided, or a vision system may be provided, and if a vision system were provided, it is envisaged that the vision system would be mounted overhead of the transfer apparatus, and would be configured to view the containment volume in a downwardly direction. Needless to say, while the monitoring system has been described as being configured for sensing in two zones, namely, an inner zone and an outer zone, while this is desirable, it is not essential, and in some embodiments of the invention the monitoring system may be configured to monitor for a person or other object in a single zone, it is also envisaged that a fight curtain may be provided across the two sides and the rear end of the containment volume to detect a person or a part of a person entering the containment volume. Additionally, it is envisaged that the upper panel of the intermediate frame may be omitted, and in which case, a suitable scanning means would be provided to detect a person or a part thereof entering the containment volume. Indeed, such a scanning means may be provided by a fight curtain or the like. While the first second and third drive motors, as well as the linear motor for operating the main closure element have been described as being electrically powered, it is envisaged that in some embodiments of the invention the motors may be provided as pneumatic or hydraulic motors. When provided as pneumatic and/or hydraulic motors, the motors may be rotary motors or linear motors, and when provided as linear motors, typically, would be provided as rams. Needless to say, a mix of electrical, pneumatic and/or hydraulic motors may be provided.

While the means for urging the support element between the first level and the second level has been described as comprising a telescoping support element any other suitable means for urging the support element between the first and second levels may be provided.

Needless to say, while the interface means for inputting data to the programmable logic controller has been described as comprising a touchscreen, any other suitable data entry or input means may be provided, for example, a keyboard or the like. It wil also be appreciated that the interface means, for example, the touchscreen as described may be mounted on a swing arm, or indeed, may be mounted in any other location.

While the controller for controlling the operation of the transfer apparatus has been described as being a programmable logic controller, any other suitable controller may be provided, for example, any type of signal processor, for example, a microcontroller or a microprocessor, or any other suitable signal processor or controller may be provided.

It is envisaged that the stop-start switch will be provided adjacent the touchscreen, or In the case of the touchscreen being mounted on a swing arm, the stop-start switch may also be provided on the swing arm. It is also envisaged that more than one emergency stop switch may be provided at different locations around the transfer apparatus.

While the transfer apparatus has been described for transferring product from a lower level to a higher level, it Is envisaged that the transfer apparatus may be configured for transferring products from a higher level to a lower level.

While the transfer apparatus has been described for transferring the solid dose products to a hopper of a blister pack machine, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the transfer apparatus may be used for transferring sold dose products to a hopper or to any other device in any other type of packaging machine besides a blister pack machine, for example, the transfer apparatus may be provided for transferring solid dose products to a hopper or other such storage device of a packaging machine for delivering solid dose products into containers, for example, bottles, vials and the ike. It will of course be appreciated that the transfer apparatus may be used for transferring any type of product or products from one level to another level, whether pharmaceutical products, veterinary pharmaceutical products, healthcare products or otherwise. Additionally, such product or products may be entirely unrelated to pharmaceutical products, veterinary pharmaceutical products, healthcare products or any other related products.

Claims

1. A transfer apparatus for transferring product, the transfer apparatus comprising a support element, a transfer container carried on a carrier arm, the carrier arm being pivotaly coupled to the support element about a first pivot axis and being urgeable about the first pivot axis from a first state to a second state for urging the transfer container from a loading position with the transfer container in a loading orientation for receiving product therein to a discharge position at which product is dischargeable from the transfer container.

2. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which a first drive element is provided for urging the carrier arm from the first state to the second state.

3. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which the transfer container is coupled to the carrier arm so that as the carrier arm is being urged from the first state to the second state, or from the first state to a state approaching the second state, the transfer container is maintained In the loading orientation.

4. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the transfer container is pivotally coupled to the carrier arm about a second pivot axis, and is pivotal about the second pivot axis for maintaining the transfer container in the loading orientation as the carrier arm is being urged from the first state to the second state or from the first state to the state approaching the second state.

5. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a retaining means is provided for maintaining the transfer container in the loading orientation. 6. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the transfer container is urgeable relative to the carrier arm from the loading orientation to a discharge orientation for discharging product therefrom.

7. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the transfer container is urgeable from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation when the carrier arm is in the second state.

8. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the urging of the transfer container from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation commences when the carrier arm has reached the second state or is approaching the second state thereof.

9. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a second drive element is provided for urging the transfer container from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation.

10. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim ind which the second drive element is adapted to act as the retaining means for maintaining the transfer container in the loading orientation as the carrier arm is urged from the first state to the second state or to the state approaching the second state at which urging of the transfer container from the loading state to the discharge state commences.

11. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second state of the carrier arm is selectable. 12. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the angular displacement through which the carrier arm pivots about the first pivot axis from the first state to the second state is selectable.

13. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding daim in which the first and second pivot axes extend parallel to each other.

14. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first and second pivot axes are spaced apart longitudinally along the carrier arm. 15. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the discharge position of the transfer container is higher than the loading position thereof.

16. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding daim in which the support element is urgeabie from a first level to a second level above the first level, so that when the support element is at the second level and the transfer container is in the discharge position, the transfer container is at a discharge level at which produd therein is to be discharged.

17. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 in which the second level of the support element is a selectable level.

18. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 16 or 17 in which the vertical distance between the first and second levels is selectable.

19. A transfer apparatus as claimed In any of Claims 16 to 18 in which the support element is configured so that at the first level thereof, the transfer container is in the loading position when the carrier arm is In the first state. 20. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 19 in which the support element is mounted on an upstanding support member, and is urgeable by the upstanding support member from the first level to the second level.

21. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 16 to 20 in which the upstanding support member comprises a telescoping support element the telescoping support element being extendable from a retracted state with the support element at the first level to an extended state with the support element at the second level.

22. A transfer apparatus as claimed In Claim 21 in which the telescoping support element comprises at least two elongated telescoping members, one of the telescoping members being slideable axially within the other telescoping member.

23. A transfer apparatus as claimed In any of Claims 16 to 22 In which a third drive element Is provided for urging the support element from the first level to the second level,

24. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 23 in which the third drive element is configured for urging the telescoping support element from the retracted state to the extended state.

25. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 23 or 24 In which the third drive element is configured for urging the telescoping support element from the extended state to the retracted state.

26. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 23 to 25 in which the third drive element is located within the telescoping support element.

27. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the carrier arm is urgeable to a third state from the first state in a direction opposite to the direction from which the carrier arm is urged from the first state to the second state for urging the transfer container from the loading position to the discharge position.

28. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 27 in which the carrier arm is urgeable from the first state to the third state on completion of loading of the transfer container with product. 29. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 27 or 28 in which the carrier arm is urgeable from the third state to the second state through the first state.

30. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 27 to 29 in which the support element is urgeable from the first level when the carrier arm is in the third state.

31. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 27 to 30 in which the carrier arm is urgeable from the third state towards the first state for urging the carrier arm from the third state through the first state to the second state when the support element is at a level above the first level, so that when the carrier arm is in the first state, the transfer container is in a position clear of the loading position.

32. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 27 to 31 in which the carrier arm is pivotal about the first axis from the first state to the third state.

33. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 27 to 32 in which the first drive element is adapted to urge the carrier arm from the first state to the third state.

34. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 27 to 33 in which the first drive element is adapted to urge the carrier arm from the third state through the first state to the second state. 35. A transfer apparatus as claimed In any of Claims 27 to 34 in which the first drive element is adapted to urge the carrier arm from the second state through the first state to the third state.

36. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 27 to 35 in which the second drive element is adapted to maintain the loading container In the loading state as the loading container is being urged between the first state and the second state.

37. A transfer apparatus as claimed In any preceding claim in which the transfer container defines a hollow Interior region for holding product, and an open mouth to the hollow interior region for accommodating product therethrough into the hdlow interior region.

38. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 37 in which the open mouth is closed by a main closure element operable between a closed state closing the open mouth and an open state for accommodating product through the open mouth into the transfer container.

39. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 38 in which the main dosure element is releasably maintained in the closed state by one of gravity and a resilient element 40. A transfer apparatus as claimed In Claim 38 or 39 in which the main closure element is urgeable by an operating mechanism from the closed state to the open state.

41. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 40 in which the operating mechanism is responsive to the transfer container being in the loading position and in the loading orientation for urging the main dosure element from the closed state to the open state.

42. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 40 or 41 in which the operating mechanism is configured for urging the main closure element from the open to the closed state. 43. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 40 to 42 in which the operating mechanism is responsive to the transfer container being charged with product for urging the main dosure element from the open state to the closed state.

44. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 40 to 43 in which the operating mechanism is responsive to the transfer container being charged with a predefined quantity of product for urging the main dosure element from the open state to the closed state.

45. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 40 to 44 in which a coupling element is provided for coupling the operating mechanism to the main closure element

46. A transfer apparatus as claimed In Claim 45 in which the coupling element is adapted to releasably couple the operating mechanism to the main dosure element

47. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 45 or 48 in which the coupling element comprises a magnet

48. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 40 to 47 in which the operating mechanism comprises a fourth drive element

49. A transfer apparatus as claimed In any of Claims 37 to 48 in which the open mouth of the transfer container faces upwardly when the transfer container is in the loading orientation. SO. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding daim in which a discharge opening Is provided from the transfer container for accommodating discharge of product therethrough.

51. A transfer apparatus as claimed In Claim 50 in which the discharge opening is closed by a secondary closure element, the secondary closure element being operable between a closed state closing the discharge opening, and an open state for accommodating discharge of product through the discharge opening.

52. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 51 in which the secondary closure element Is responsive to the transfer container being In the loading orientation for dosing the discharge opening.

53. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 51 or 52 in which the secondary closure element Is urgeabie from the closed state into the open state in response to the transfer container being urged from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation. 54. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 51 to 53 in which the secondary dosure element is urgeabie from the closed state to the open state under gravity.

55. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 51 to 54 In which the secondary closure element Is urgeable from the open state to the closed state in response to the transfer container being urged from the discharge orientation to the loading orientation.

56. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 51 to 55 in which the secondary closure element is urgeable under gravity from the open state to the closed state.

57. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim In which a delivery means is provided for delivering product to the transfer container when the transfer container is in the loading position and is in the loading orientation.

58. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 57 in which the delivery means extends partially over the transfer container for delivering product into the transfer container.

59. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 57 or 58 in which the delivery means is configured to meter product into the transfer container.

60. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 57 to 59 in which the delivery means comprises a conveying means. 61. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 57 to 60 in which the delivery means comprises a vibrating table.

62. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 57 to 61 in which a supply hopper is provided for holding product, and for supplying product to the delivery means.

63. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a level sensor is located in the transfer container for detecting the level of product in the transfer container.

64. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a discharge chute is provided for directing product discharged from the transfer container to a receiving hopper into which product is to be discharged from the transfer container.

65. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a contol ler is provided for controlling operation of the first drive element, the second drive element and the third drive element

66. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 65 in which the controler is adapted to control the operation of the delivery means.

67. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 65 or 66 In which the controller is adapted to control the operation of the fourth drive element

68. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the transfer apparatus defines a containment volume within which the carrier arm, the transfer container and the support element are moveable, and a monitoring system is provided for detecting a person or a part of a person about to enter the containment volume.

69. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 68 in which the monitoring system comprises at least one proximity sensor.

70. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 68 or 69 in which the monitoring system comprises a first proximity sensor, and a second proximity sensor, the first proximity sensor being adapted to monitor a side boundary and an end boundary of the containment volume, and the second proximity sensor being adapted to monitor an opposite side boundary of the containment volume.

71. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 70 in which each of the first and second proximity sensors comprises a scanning sensor. 72. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 70 or 71 in which the first proximity sensor is configured to scan about a substantially vertically extending axis, and the second proximity sensor is configured to scan about a substantially horizontaly extending scanning axis.

73. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 70 to 72 in which the controller is responsive to signals from the first and second proximity sensors detecting a person adjacent one of the side boundaries or the end boundary of the containment volume for slowing down or deactivating the first, second and third drive means.

74. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 65 to 73 in which the controller is configured to enable teaching thereof, at least one of the angular displacement through which the carrier arm is to be moved from the first state to the second state to urge the transfer container to at least one respective predefined discharge position.

75. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 65 to 74 in which the controller is configured to enable teaching thereof, a plurality of the angular displacements through which the carrier arm is to be moved from the first state to the second state to urge the transfer container to the respective predefined discharge positions.

76. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 65 to 75 in which the controller is configured to enable teaching thereof, at least one of the distance the support element is to be moved from the first level to the second level to raise the transfer container to at least one respective predefined discharge level.

77. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 65 to 76 in which the controller is configured to enable teaching thereof, a plurality of distances the support element is to be moved from the first level to the second level to raise the transfer container to a plurality of the respective predefined discharge levels.

78. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 74 to 77 in which the controller is configured to store the taught angular displacements through which the carrier arm is to be moved from the first state to the second state. 79. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 74 to 78 in which the controller is configured to store the taught distances the support element is to be moved from the first level to the second level.

80. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 74 to 79 in which the controller is configured to store the plurality of angular displacements through which the carrier arm is to be moved from the first state to the second state and the corresponding distances through which the support element is to be moved from the first level to the second level cross-referenced with the identities of respective machines with which the transfer apparatus is to be used.

81. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which a docking element is provided for docking the transfer apparatus to at least one of a plurality of respective machines with which the apparatus is to be used. 82. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 81 in which the docking element is provided for docking the transfer apparatus to respective ones of the plurality of machines with which the transfer apparatus is to be used.

83. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 81 or 82 in which the docking element is configured for securing the transfer apparatus to the respective machines.

84. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 81 to 83 in which the docking element is configured for aligning the transfer apparatus with the respective machines. 85. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 81 to 84 in which the docking element is configured for cooperating with respective complementary docking elements of the respective machines, to enable the controller to read the identity of each machine stored in the corresponding complementary docking element through the docking element of the transfer apparatus. 86. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 74 to 85 in which the controller is configured for storing the corresponding values of the angular displacements through which the carrier arm is to be moved from the first state to the second state, and the values of the corresponding distances through which the support element is to be moved from the first level to the second level for the respective machines with which the transfer apparatus is to be used cross-referenced with the identities of the respective machines.

87. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the first drive element comprises a first electrically powered rotary motor. 88. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 87 in which the first electrically powered rotary motor is provided with an absolute encoder.

89. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the second drive element comprises a second electrically powered rotary motor.

90. A transfer apparatus as claimed in Claim 89 in which the second electrically powered rotary motor is provided with an absolute encoder.

91. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the third drive element comprises an electrically powered drive motor.

92. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the third drive element comprises an electrically powered linear drive motor.

93. A transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which the transfer apparatus is configured for transferring solid dose products to a hopper of a bister pack machine or other packaging machine.

94. A method for transferring product comprising the transfer apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the method comprising delivering product into the transfer container with the transfer container in the loading position and In the loading orientation, on completion of loading of the transfer container with product urging the carrier arm from the first state to the second state, and in the second state of the carrier arm urging the transfer container from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation for discharging product therefrom.

95. A method as claimed in Claim 94 in which the carrier arm is urged from the first state to the third state thereof on completion of loading of the transfer container with product prior to being urged to the second state thereof.

96. A method as claimed in Claim 94 or 95 in which the support element is urged from the first level to the second level thereof prior to urging the transfer container from the loading orientation to the discharge orientation thereof.

97. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 96 in which the carrier arm is urged from the first state to the third state thereof prior to the support element being urged from the first level to the second level thereof.

98. A method as claimed in any of Claims 94 to 97 in which urging of the carrier arm from the third state through the first state to the second state commences when the support element is at a level so that when the carrier arm Is in the first state the transfer contained is in a position clear of the loading position of the transfer container.

99. A method as claimed In any of Claims 94 to 98 in which the method is configured for transferring solid dose products from a supply thereof to a hopper of a blister pack machine or other packaging machine.