JP2013511298A - Method and apparatus for liquid dosing system - Google Patents

Abstract

  The drug solution is delivered from the mass storage and delivery device to the integrated array of single dose drug containers by controlling the relative position of the dispensing point and the platform that supports the array of single dose containers, and the array of containers System and method for placing a device in a storage device.

Description

  The present invention generally relates to a liquid dosing system for delivering a pharmaceutical liquid to a dose container.

  In the liquid drug pharmaceutical industry, drug solutions are first filled into bulk storage containers for transport to a pharmacy or medical facility, and individual dose distribution of drug solutions is often performed by qualified personnel at the medical facility. Generally, mass storage containers such as bottles are stored in a ward, and personnel need to open the bottles and measure the dose to be administered into a graduated cup. Unlike other packaging industries such as food and beverage packaging, high accuracy and a high level of sterility are required to package medicinal solutions into single dose units, respectively. Such liquid dose distribution is a time-consuming and time-consuming task that requires multiple steps and requires considerable diligence on the part of the staff assigned to the task.

  Some existing automatic packaging devices provide a means in the form of a dispenser that dispenses a medicinal solution into individual unit dose containers for packaging a single unit dose. Such packaging devices use various individual steps to fill individual unit dose containers such as small cups; then seal the individual containers one by one; then on the seal of each individual container Print information on. These packaging devices are not efficient because they require manual user input at almost every stage of the packaging process. In these existing types of packaging devices, the degree of sterility is reduced each time a person needs to intervene. Furthermore, packaging devices that produce a single unit dose cup have problems with storage and transport of the final product.

  The present invention alleviates or ameliorates one or all of the above-mentioned problems of conventional manual and automatic packaging methods.

  According to the present invention, the chemical solution is delivered from the mass supply device to the single dose chemical solution container by the liquid dosing system. The liquid dosing system includes one or more dispensing points each of which fills a single dose drug container in a single dose drug container array with a drug solution from a bulk supply device; a platform that supports an array of single dose drug containers And a controller for controlling the relative position of the dispensing point and the platform.

  The single dose drug container of the array can be releasably joined to each other by a fragile tab so that no sharp edges remain in the detached single dose container. The container may comprise a tamper-evident closure that is preferably sealed and removable. The container may be labeled with printing information regarding the chemical contained therein.

  Embodiments of the present invention include a drug delivery system that includes a racking or storage device that houses or stores an array of single dose drug containers. The printed information is still visible when the array of single dose drug containers is placed in a racking or storage device.

  Another embodiment of the present invention further includes a user input device that controls the delivery of the drug solution.

  Another embodiment of the invention includes a reader adapted to provide feedback to a user. The reader may include a digital or optical reader and may be configured to provide feedback to the user via a user input device.

  In order to make the present invention easier to understand and bring about practical effects, the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing preferred embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a liquid dosing system according to two embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 4 shows a view of an uncovered array of single dose drug solution containers according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2B shows a covered array of single dose drug solution containers according to the present invention corresponding to FIG. 2A. FIG. FIG. 3 shows a view of a covered single dose drug solution container according to an embodiment of the invention corresponding to FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 3 shows a view of a single dose drug container with the cover partially peeled, according to an embodiment of the invention corresponding to FIGS. 2A-2C. FIG. 3 shows a view of an opened single dose drug container according to an embodiment of the present invention corresponding to FIGS. 2A-2D. FIG. 4 shows a view of an uncovered array of single dose drug solution containers according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B shows a covered array of single dose drug containers according to the present invention corresponding to FIG. 3A. FIG. 4 shows a view of a covered single dose drug solution container according to an embodiment of the invention corresponding to FIGS. 3A and 3B. FIG. 4 shows a view of a single dose drug container with a partially peeled cover according to an embodiment of the invention corresponding to FIGS. 3A-3C. FIG. 4 shows a view of an opened single dose drug solution container according to an embodiment of the invention corresponding to FIGS. 3A-3D. FIG. 4 shows a view of an uncovered array of single dose drug solution containers according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B shows a view of an opened single dose drug container according to the embodiment of the present invention corresponding to FIG. 4A. FIG. 4 shows a view of a storage tray without a drug dose container according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a view of a storage tray with a drug dose container in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 shows a view of a distribution hopper according to the invention corresponding to Fig. 1; FIG. 2 shows a view of a plurality of bulk chemical storage containers on a rotating support according to the present invention corresponding to FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a plurality of bulk chemical storage containers on an in-line support according to the present invention corresponding to FIG. 1.

  Two embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In both embodiments of the present invention, a system 100 is provided for delivering a drug solution 102 from a mass supply device 104 to an array 106 of single dose drug solution containers.

The mass supply device 104 is shown in the form of one or more mass storage containers. However, in alternative embodiments, the mass supply device 104 may be in the form of a pipe or hose that supplies liquid medication from a remote location.

  The first exemplary embodiment shows a movable support 220 that holds a number of mass storage containers 104 and moves a selected container to a desired position. In this first exemplary embodiment, the movable support 220 is in the form of a linear support mechanism, which can operate based on, for example, a conveyor system.

  The second exemplary embodiment also shows a movable support 320 that holds a number of mass storage containers 104 and moves a selected container to a desired position. However, in this second exemplary embodiment, the movable support 320 is in the form of a rotating support such as, for example, a rotating conveyor or cassette.

  Each array 106 of single dose drug solution containers may be an integral one-dimensional or two-dimensional array. According to these exemplary embodiments of the present invention, each array 106 of single dose drug containers is supported by a platform 108. The platform 108 is movable above the platform support 122 so that the position of the platform 108 can be controlled relative to the position of the dispensing point 110. In an alternative embodiment, the dispensing point 110 is movable so that its position can be controlled relative to the platform 108. In yet another alternative embodiment, the position of both platform 108 and dispensing point 110 are controlled with respect to each other. The dispensing point 110 fills each array 106 of single dose drug solution containers with the drug solution 102 from the mass storage and delivery device 104.

  Each array 106 of single dose drug containers is configured to be stacked in a dispensing hopper 120. At the beginning of the filling, sealing, and labeling process, the dispensing hopper 120 ejects one array 106 of single dose drug containers onto a transport platform 108 for moving toward the dispensing point 110.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the dispensing point 110 may be configured as a single nozzle that is adapted to dispense the drug solution 102. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing point 110 may be configured as an array of nozzles adapted to dispense a drug solution at multiple points. The array of nozzles can be configured as a one-dimensional or two-dimensional array.

  In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, there may be a plurality of separate distribution points. In this exemplary embodiment, the system is selected from a plurality of dispensing points, i.e., using two or more dispensing points simultaneously, into an array of single dose liquid containers, with a selected bulk storage supply. It may be configured to be filled with a chemical solution from the device. Such a dispensing system may include control over which of a plurality of dispensing points is used for different sized arrays of single dose drug containers. For example, an array of 5x3 single dose drug containers can be filled by actuating three or five dispensing points, depending on their orientation.

  Referring to FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 includes a peristaltic pump 424 to supply the drug solution 102 to the dispensing point 110.

  Also shown in FIG. 1 is an alternative embodiment in which the system 100 includes a pinch tube valve 524 to supply the drug solution 102 to the dispensing point 110.

The system 100 of the present invention includes a sealing component 112 that seals an array 106 of single dose drug containers, and a print that labels print information relating to the drug solution contained within the array 106 of single dose drug containers. Or a labeling component 114. The printed information on the array 106 of removably joined single dose drug containers may include details regarding: contents, dose, dose information, patient name, patient address, physician, batch and expiration date. Information, color code, and / or identification code.

  In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, printing may be performed prior to applying the seal to the array 106 of single dose drug containers.

  In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, the labeling component 114 may be an RFID writer. In this exemplary embodiment, the labeling component 114 is configured to write data to RFID tags embedded or attached to each array 106 of single dose drug containers. As with the printed information, the written data may include details regarding: content, dose, dose information, patient name, patient address, physician, batch and expiration information, color code, and / or Identifying code.

Also as shown in FIG. 1, a user input device 116 is used to control the delivery of drug solution to the array 106 of single dose containers. User input device 116 can be adapted to utilize input from an external source. According to the embodiment of FIG. 1, the user input device 116 is shown in the form of a computer. User input device 116 can be used to control:
The position of the distribution point 110 or a plurality of distribution points;
• If there are multiple distribution points, trigger distribution point selection;
Delivery of an array of single dose containers from the dispensing hopper 120;
The position of the transport platform 108;
-Selection of the mass storage container 104;
Activation of peristaltic pump 424 or pinch tube valve 524;
A sealing component 112;
A labeling component 114; or any other part of the process involved in dispensing the drug solution 102 from the bulk supply device 104 to the array 106 of single dose containers.

  The user input device 116 not only controls all phases of the system 100 but also provides the user with feedback information regarding the status of the operating system 100.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, when sufficient drug solution 102 has been delivered to the mass storage container 104, the barcode reader 124 is used to scan the mass storage container 104 to use the correct drug (medicine) and concentration. Make sure that it is. Mass storage container 104 scanning can also be used to provide batch and expiration data to a user input device.

  In an alternative embodiment, if a chemical is being sent to the original container (not shown) to fill the mass storage container 104 of the system 100, the bar code reader 124 is used to scan the original container, Make sure that the correct drug (medical solution) and concentration are used. Once the medication is verified, the user can enter batch and expiration data into the user input device 116.

  The system 100 shown in these embodiments of the present invention also includes an optical or digital reader 118 that inspects the final product prior to shipment or storage. The optical or digital reader 118 checks the printed information or RFID tag data of each array 106 of single dose drug containers and confirms the accuracy and completeness of the filling, printing and sealing process. Can be configured.

With reference to FIG. 2A, a unitary array 200 in a planar form of a single dose drug container will be described. In this exemplary embodiment, an array of single dose containers 200 is shown that includes 15 removably joined single dose drug containers, the array of single dose containers being a first dimension. A matrix of five single dose drug containers 202 in the second dimension and three single dose drug containers 204 in the second dimension. In this exemplary embodiment, the array of single dose containers 200 includes a frame 206 that forms the boundary of each of the single dose containers 205. Single dose container array 200 further includes a frangible bridging portion 208 that removably joins each single dose container 205 to frame 206. Single dose container array 200 also includes a tab portion 210 that displays information 212. In FIG. 2A, the information 212 is shown as print information. However, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the information 212 may be in the form of an RFID tag or both printed information and an RFID tag. The RFID tag can be embedded or attached to either the tab portion 210 of the array 200; or the cover 214 of the array 200.

  In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the single dose container array 200 has an outer frame that bounds the perimeter of the array.

  The fragile bridging portion 208 allows one of the single dose containers 205 to be removed from the single dose container array 200 one at a time, regardless of its positional relationship to the other single dose containers. The single dose container array 200 is configured such that the fragile bridging portion 208 remains attached to the frame 206 upon removal of the single dose container 205. As described with reference to FIGS. 2C-2E, doing so provides a separate single dose container 205 that does not leave an edge.

  In FIG. 2B, an array 200 of covered single dose drug containers is shown. A cover 214 is applied to the single-dose drug container array 200, each single-dose drug container 205 is fully tamper-proof closed, and the single-dose drug container array 200 is placed at any location. It can be stored or transported and also allows the user to carry each individual container 205 at any location. In this embodiment of the invention, information 212 and 216 is shown as printed on both the tab portion 210 of the array of containers 200 and the other side of the cover 214 of each container 205. However, as described above with reference to FIG. 2A, the information 212 and 216 could alternatively be in the form of an RFID tag, or both printed information and an RFID tag. The RFID tag can be embedded in the tab portion 210 and / or the cover 214 or can be affixed to the top of the tab portion 210 and / or the cover 214. In one embodiment of the invention, the cover 214 is applied to the array of single dose drug containers 200 by an adhesive sealing method.

  2C-2E show the individual single dose drug container 205 removed from the single dose container array 200 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In this embodiment of the invention, the individual container 205 includes a receptacle 218 formed by a base 220 and a conical wall 222. The upper part of the individual container 205 includes a flange 224. A cover 214 is provided on the upper surface of the flange 224 to safely store the contents of the individual container 205. The outer edge 226 of the cover 214 is designed to adhesively seal to the flange 224 of the individual container 205.

  When the individual single-dose drug solution container 205 is removed, no sharp edges remain on the individual container. Each individual single dose drug solution 205 is separated from the fragile bridging portion 208 such that the fragile bridging portion 208 remains attached to the frame 206 rather than the individual container 205. This is particularly advantageous when used by elderly patients with weak skin.

The cover 214 acts to keep the liquid drug uncontaminated by preventing interaction with potential degradation products such as humidity, oxygen or dust. Information 216 that can be printed on the cover 214 of each individual container 205 or in the form of an RFID tag, or both, includes the drug solution contained within each individual container 205, eg, contents, dose, dose information, patient name, patient Address, physician, batch and expiration information, color code, and / or identification code.

  FIG. 3A shows an alternative of the present invention in which a plurality of single dose drug containers are releasably joined together in the form of a bridging portion 304 provided in a flange 318, rather than the perforation 206 as shown in FIG. 2A. An embodiment is shown. FIG. 3A also shows a display of information 306 regarding the liquid medication contained in each of the single dose containers printed on the tab portion 302 of the array of single dose containers 300.

  In FIG. 3B, a separate single dose drug solution container 310 is shown removed from the array 300 corresponding to the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3A. In this embodiment of the invention, the individual container 310 includes a receptacle 312 formed by a base 314 and a continuous conical wall 316. The top of the individual container 310 includes a flange 318. The upper surface of the flange 318 is provided with a cover (not shown) for safely storing the contents of the individual container 310. As described with reference to the following figures, the outer edge of the cover is designed to adhesively seal to the flange 318 of the individual container 310. In this embodiment of the invention, the flanges 318 of the individual containers 310 are bridge portions removably joined to the bridge portions of at least two adjacent single dose drug containers of the array 300 as shown in FIG. 3A. 304 is included. Here, the bridging portion 304 of the individual container 310 shown in FIG. 3A and the bridging portion (not shown here) of at least two adjacent containers are weak or broken as described with reference to FIG. 3A. They are detachably joined to each other via easy joints.

  3C-3E show an individual single dose drug container 310 removed from the single dose container array 300 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B. In this embodiment of the invention, the individual container 310 includes a receptacle 312 formed by a base 314 and a conical wall 316. The top of the individual container 310 includes a flange 318. A cover 322 is provided on the upper surface of the flange 318 in order to safely store the contents of the individual container 310. The outer edge 324 of the cover 322 is designed to adhesively seal to the flange 318 of the individual container 310.

  FIG. 3D shows a separate single dose drug container 310 with a cover 322 partially peeled off. The cover 322 is adhesively sealed to the flange 318 of the individual container 310. The user can easily remove the cover 322 and use up the contents present in the receptacle 312 of the individual container 310. The user can use up the contents with the cover 322 only partially peeled from the flange 318 or with the cover 322 completely removed from the flange 318 as shown in FIG. 3C. The size of such individual dose containers 310 can generally range from 5 mL to 50 mL.

  As shown in FIG. 3E, the cover 322 acts to keep the liquid drug uncontaminated by preventing interaction with potential degradation products, such as humidity, oxygen or dust. Information 306 printed on the cover 322 of each individual container 310 includes the drug solution contained within each individual container 310, such as contents, dose, dose information, patient name, patient address, physician, batch and expiration date information, It relates to a color code and / or an identification code.

With reference to FIG. 4A, an alternative embodiment of a unitary array 400 in a planar form of a single dose drug container will be described. In this exemplary embodiment, an array 400 of single dose containers is shown that includes 15 removably joined single dose drug containers, the array 400 being five single cells in a first dimension. It includes a matrix of one dose drug container 402 and three single dose drug containers 404 in the second dimension. FIG. 4A also shows a fragile portion in the form of perforations 406 between each single dose drug container and another single dose drug container. The presence of perforations 406 allows each single dose drug container to be removed from array 400 one by one. Further, the presence of perforations 406 allows a selected number of single dose drug containers to be removed from array 400. For example, a patient prescribed three doses of medication per day may choose to remove three single dose medication containers from the array 400 and leave the removed three single dose medication containers attached to each other. Also good. Also shown in FIG. 4A is a tab portion 408 of an array 400 of single dose containers. The tab portion 408 is used for displaying information related to the chemical solution contained in the container. Such information includes, but is not limited to, content, dose, dose information, patient name, patient address, physician, batch and expiration information, color code, and / or identification code, etc. suitable for scanning. .

  FIG. 4B shows an individual single dose drug container 410 removed from the array 400 of single dose containers as shown in FIG. 4A. In this embodiment of the invention, the individual container 410 includes a receptacle 412 formed by a base 414 and a continuous conical wall 416. The upper portion of the individual container 410 includes a flange 418. A cover (not shown) is provided on the upper surface of the flange 418 in order to safely store the contents of the individual container 410. The outer edge of the cover is designed to adhesively seal to the flange 418 of the individual container 410. In this embodiment of the invention, the flanges 418 of the individual containers 410 are flat edge portions 420 that are removably joined to the edges of at least two adjacent single dose drug containers of the array 400 as shown in FIG. 4A. including. Here, the flat edge 420 of the individual container 410 shown in FIG. 4B and the flat edge (not shown in this view) of at least two adjacent containers are perforated 406 at the junction as shown in FIG. 4A. Are detachably joined to each other.

  FIG. 5A illustrates a storage tray 500 according to one embodiment of the invention. Storage tray 500 includes a plurality of slots 502, each slot 502 shown as being configured to receive an array of single dose containers (not shown in this view).

  The storage tray 500 is designed to be placed on a transfer mechanism such as a trolley or conveyor belt. In this exemplary embodiment, storage tray 500 is designed in the form of a rectangular box. However, the storage tray may be designed in any other form depending on its application.

  FIG. 5B shows a storage tray 500 containing multiple arrays 300 of single dose containers. Each array 300 slides into the slot 502 of the storage tray 500. The storage tray 500 is printed on each of the single dose containers and the tab portion 302 of the array 300 even after the array 300 is suitably placed on the storage tray 500 by a transfer mechanism associated with the support 122 (see FIG. 1). Designed so that information 324 and 306 are visible. This allows the user to identify the single dose container array 300 and its contents without removing the array 300 from the storage tray 500. In this exemplary embodiment of the invention, information 324 and 306 are shown in the form of printed characters. However, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the information 324 and 306 may be in the form of RFID tags or both printed information and RFID tags.

  FIG. 6 illustrates a distribution hopper 600 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing hopper 600 is designed to hold multiple arrays 602 of single dose containers and is configured to hold arrays of different sizes, as will be described with reference to other figures. The operation of dispensing hopper 600 is controlled by user input device 116.

In use, the dispensing hopper 600 delivers an array of one or more single dose containers 602 onto the movable transport platform 108 as described with reference to FIG. The transport platform 108 then controls the placement of each single dose container array and their passage through the filling, sealing, labeling, and inspection processes.

  FIG. 7A is a diagram showing the details of the movable support body 220 simply shown in FIG. In this exemplary embodiment, the movable support 220 is shown in the form of a linear support that holds four mass storage containers 221.

  FIG. 7B is a diagram showing details of the movable support 320 shown simply in FIG. 1. In this exemplary embodiment, the movable support 320 is shown in the form of a rotating conveyor or cassette that holds three mass storage containers 321.

  In use, the user input device 116 described with reference to FIG. 1 controls either the movable support 220 or 320 to move the selected mass storage container to a position for dispensing liquid medication. When the selected mass storage container is empty or no longer needed, the user input device 116 linearly shifts or rotates the movable support 220 or 320, respectively, to move the alternative mass storage container to the dispensing position. To control.

  The above-described embodiments are merely provided as examples of the present invention and, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, further modifications and improvements are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention described herein. Please understand that.

Claims (17)

A method of delivering a drug solution from a mass storage and supply device to an integrated array of single dose drug solution containers, comprising:
Supporting an integral array of said single dose drug solution containers;
Dispensing a drug solution by a dispensing point from the mass storage and delivery device to the integrated array of single dose drug containers;
Controlling the relative position of the unitary array and the dispensing point by a user input device to fill the selected unitary array of single dose medicinal solution with the medicinal solution from the selected mass storage and delivery device. And a method comprising.   The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of placing the integrated array of single dose drug solution containers in a storage device.   The integrated array of single dose drug containers includes one of the following details: content, dose, dose information, patient name, patient address, physician, batch and expiration information, color code, and / or identification code The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of labeling print information relating to one or more.   The method according to claim 3, wherein the print information is continuously visible even after being placed in the storage device.   5. The method of claim 3 or 4, further comprising the steps of verifying the printed information and the entire integrated array of single dose containers and feeding back to the user input device.   The method according to claim 1, wherein each step of the method is controllable by the user input device.   The method of claim 6, wherein the user input device is provided with data from at least one external source, for example, from a local computer of the host system via the Internet.   The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the mass storage supply device includes at least one mass reservoir, and each reservoir includes a different drug solution.   9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of cleaning and sterilizing the dispensing point in changing delivery from one mass reservoir containing a first chemical to another mass reservoir containing a second chemical. the method of.   10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising the step of moving the selected mass reservoir to a dispensing point by a linear support mechanism or a rotational support mechanism.   A storage device for storing one or more integrated arrays of removably joined single dose drug solution containers, the storage device including a plurality of slots, each slot being a single dose drug solution container A storage device adapted to hold an integral array of one single dose drug solution container so that the printed information can be viewed on the integral array. Each integral array of removably joined single dose drug containers is integrally formed on the outer edge of one or more of the releasably joined single dose drug containers. 12. The storage device of claim 11, including an information tab, wherein the information tab is visible when each integral array of removably joined single dose drug containers is stored. A monolithic array of single dose drug solution containers:
flame;
A coupling tab connected to the frame;
A plurality of single dose drug containers, each single dose drug container being fragilely connected to one or more of the coupling tabs, and each single dose drug container not leaving a sharp edge. An integrated array of single dose drug containers including a plurality of single dose drug containers, wherein the single dose drug containers can be removed from the one or more coupling tabs.   The plurality of single-dose drug containers are separately connected to one or more of the coupling tabs so that the selected single-dose drug container is connected to the integrity of the integrated array of single-dose drug containers. 14. A unitary array of single dose drug containers as claimed in claim 13 that can be removed individually without affecting them.   15. An integrated array of single dose drug containers as claimed in claim 13 or 14, further comprising an information tab integrally formed on an outer edge of the frame, the information tab containing printed information.   16. An integrated array of single dose drug solution containers according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the plurality of single dose drug solution containers are sealed and the seal contains printed information.   16. The printed information relates to one or more of details including: content, dose, dose information, patient name, patient address, physician, batch and expiration information, color code, and / or identification code. Or an integrated array of single dose drug containers according to 16.

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