US20120228317A1 - Method and apparatus for liquid dosing system - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for liquid dosing system Download PDFInfo
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- US20120228317A1 US20120228317A1 US13/510,916 US201013510916A US2012228317A1 US 20120228317 A1 US20120228317 A1 US 20120228317A1 US 201013510916 A US201013510916 A US 201013510916A US 2012228317 A1 US2012228317 A1 US 2012228317A1
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- liquid medicine
- single dose
- containers
- array
- medicine containers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
- B65B3/003—Filling medical containers such as ampoules, vials, syringes or the like
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
- B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
- B65B43/44—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation from supply magazines
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B43/00—Forming, feeding, opening or setting-up containers or receptacles in association with packaging
- B65B43/42—Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
- B65B43/54—Means for supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B61/00—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages
- B65B61/26—Auxiliary devices, not otherwise provided for, for operating on sheets, blanks, webs, binding material, containers or packages for marking or coding completed packages
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B7/00—Closing containers or receptacles after filling
- B65B7/16—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons
- B65B7/28—Closing semi-rigid or rigid containers or receptacles not deformed by, or not taking-up shape of, contents, e.g. boxes or cartons by applying separate preformed closures, e.g. lids, covers
- B65B7/2842—Securing closures on containers
- B65B7/2871—Securing closures on containers by gluing
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
- B65D1/26—Thin-walled containers, e.g. formed by deep-drawing operations
- B65D1/30—Groups of containers joined together end-to-end or side-by-side
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
- B65D77/0446—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another the inner and outer containers being rigid or semi-rigid and the outer container being of polygonal cross-section not formed by folding or erecting one or more blanks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/10—Container closures formed after filling
- B65D77/20—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers
- B65D77/2024—Container closures formed after filling by applying separate lids or covers, i.e. flexible membrane or foil-like covers the cover being welded or adhered to the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B2210/00—Specific aspects of the packaging machine
- B65B2210/06—Sterilising or cleaning machinery or conduits
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2203/00—Decoration means, markings, information elements, contents indicators
- B65D2203/10—Transponders
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2577/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks, bags
- B65D2577/04—Articles or materials enclosed in two or more containers disposed one within another
- B65D2577/041—Details of two or more containers disposed one within another
- B65D2577/042—Comprising several inner containers
- B65D2577/043—Comprising several inner containers arranged side by side
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A system and method for delivering liquid medicine from a bulk storage supply into an integral array of single dosage liquid medicine containers with control of the relative position of a dispensing point and a platform supporting the array of single dosages containers, and racking the array of containers in a storage device.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention generally relates to a liquid dosing system for the delivery of pharmaceutical liquid into dosage containers.
- 2. Discussion of the Background Art
- In the pharmaceutical industry of liquid medication, liquid medicine is initially packaged in bulk storage containers for shipment to pharmacies or health care settings. Individual dosing of the liquid medicine is often carried out in health care settings by qualified staff members. Typically, a bulk storage container, such as a bottle, is stored on a ward and the staff member has to open the bottle and measure the dose to be administered into a calibrated cup. Unlike other packaging industries, such as the packaging of foods and beverages, the packaging of liquid medicine into single dosage units requires a great deal of accuracy and a high level of sterility. Such dosing liquids is a time-intensive and tedious task requiring multiple steps and a great deal of diligence on the part of the staff member charged with the task.
- Some existing automated packaging devices provide means for single unit dosage packaging in the form of a dispenser for dispensing liquid medicine into individual unit dosage containers. Such packaging devices use various individual steps to fill the individual unit dosage containers, such as mini cups; then seal the individual containers one by one; and then print information on the seal of each individual container. These packaging devices are inefficient as 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 lessened with each requirement for human interaction. Furthermore, packaging devices which produce single unit dosage cups present problems for storage and transport of the final products.
- The present invention reduces or ameliorates one or all of the above problems of conventional manual and automated packaging methods.
- In accordance with the present invention, a liquid dosing system delivers liquid medicine from a bulk supply into single dosage liquid medicine containers. The liquid dosing system comprises one or more dispensing points for filling single dosage liquid medicine containers of an array of single dosage liquid medicine containers with liquid medicine from the bulk supply; a platform for supporting the array of single dosage liquid medicine containers; and a control device for controlling the relative position of the dispensing point and the platform.
- The single dosage liquid medicine containers of an array can be removably joined to each other via frangible tabs, such that a detached single dosage container is absent of residual sharp edges. The containers are preferably sealed and may be provided with a removable tamper proof closure. The containers may be labelled with printed information relating the liquid medicine contained therein.
- Embodiments of the present invention include a liquid medicine delivery system comprising a racking or storage device for racking or storing the array of single dosage liquid medicine containers. Printed information remains to be visible even when the array of single dosage liquid medicine containers is placed in the racking or storage device.
- Other embodiments of the present invention further include a user input device for controlling the delivery of the liquid medicine.
- Further embodiments of the present invention include a reader adapted to provide feedback to the user. The reader may comprise of a digital or optical reader and may be configured to provide feedback to the user via the user input device.
- In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference, will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and wherein:
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FIG. 1 provides an illustration of a liquid dosing system according to two embodiments of the invention; -
FIG. 2A provides an illustration of an uncovered array of single dosage liquid medicine containers according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2B provides an illustration of a covered array of single dosage liquid medicine containers according to the invention corresponding toFIG. 2A ; -
FIG. 2C provides an illustration of a covered single dosage liquid medicine container according to the embodiment of the invention corresponding toFIGS. 2A and 2B ; -
FIG. 2D provides an illustration of a single dosage liquid medicine container with a partially peeled off cover according to the embodiment of the invention corresponding toFIGS. 2A to 2C ; -
FIG. 2E provides an illustration of an open single dosage liquid medicine container according to the embodiment of the invention corresponding toFIGS. 2A to 2D ; -
FIG. 3A provides an illustration of an uncovered array of single dosage liquid medicine containers according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3B provides an illustration of a covered array of single dosage liquid medicine containers according to the invention corresponding toFIG. 3A ; -
FIG. 3C provides an illustration of a covered single dosage liquid medicine container according to the embodiment of the invention corresponding toFIGS. 3A and 3B ; -
FIG. 3D provides an illustration of a single dosage liquid medicine container with a partially peeled off cover according to the embodiment of the invention corresponding toFIGS. 3A to 3C ; -
FIG. 3E provides an illustration of an open single dosage liquid medicine container according to the embodiment of the invention corresponding toFIGS. 3A to 3D ; -
FIG. 4A provides an illustration of an uncovered array of single dosage liquid medicine containers according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4B provides an illustration of an open single dosage liquid medicine container according to the embodiment of the invention corresponding toFIG. 4A ; -
FIG. 5A provides an illustration of an empty liquid medicine dosage container storage tray according to one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5B provides an illustration of a racked liquid medicine dosage container storage tray according to one embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 6 provides an illustration of a dispensing hopper according to the invention corresponding toFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 7A provides an illustration of a plurality of bulk liquid medicine storage containers in a rotary support according to the invention corresponding toFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 7B provides an illustration of a plurality of bulk liquid medicine storage containers in an in-line support according to the invention corresponding toFIG. 1 . - Two embodiments of the present invention are illustrated with reference to
FIG. 1 . In both embodiments of the invention, there is provided asystem 100 for deliveringliquid medicine 102 from abulk supply 104 into anarray 106 of single dosage liquid medicine containers. - The
bulk supply 104 is shown to be in the form of one or more bulk storage containers. However, in an alternative embodiment, thebulk supply 104 can be in the form of a pipe or a hose supplying liquid medication from a remote location. - The first exemplary embodiment shows a
moveable support 220 for holding a number ofbulk storage containers 104 and moving a selected container into a desired position. In this first exemplary embodiment, themoveable support 220 is in the form of a linear support mechanism, which, for example, can work on the basis of a conveyor system. - The second exemplary embodiment also shows a
movable support 320 for holding a number ofbulk storage containers 104 and moving a selected container into a desired position. However, in this second exemplary embodiment, themoveable support 320 is in the form of a rotary support, such as a carousel or a cassette, for example. - Each
array 106 of single dosage liquid medicine containers may be an integral one or two-dimensional array. According to these exemplary embodiments of the present invention, eacharray 106 of single dosage liquid medicine containers is supported byplatform 108.Platform 108 is moveable overplatform support 122 such that the position ofplatform 108 can be controlled relative to the position of dispensingpoint 110. In an alternative embodiment, dispensingpoint 110 is moveable such that its position is controlled relative toplatform 108. In yet another alternative embodiment, the position of bothplatform 108 and dispensingpoint 110 is controlled relative to one another.Dispensing point 110 fills eacharray 106 of single dosage liquid medicine containers withliquid medicine 102 frombulk storage supply 104. - Each
array 106 of single dosage liquid medicine containers is configured to be stacked inside dispensinghopper 120. At the beginning of the filling, sealing and labelling process, dispensinghopper 120 dispenses onearray 106 of single dosage liquid medicine containers ontocarrier platform 108 for movement towardsdispensing point 110. - In one embodiment of the present invention, dispensing
point 110 may be configured as a single nozzle adapted to dischargeliquid medicine 102. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, dispensingpoint 110 may be configured as an array of nozzles adapted to discharge the liquid medicine at a plurality of points. The array of nozzles may be configured as a one or two-dimensional array. - In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention, there may a plurality of separate dispensing points. In this exemplary embodiment, the system may be configured to select from the plurality of dispensing points or use more than one dispensing point at the same time to fill an array of single dosage liquid containers with liquid medicine from a selected bulk storage supply. Such a dispensing system could include control over which of the plurality of dispensing points are used for different sized arrays of single dosage liquid medicine containers. For example, an array of 5×3 single dosage liquid medicine containers could be filled by activating 3 dispensing points or 5 dispensing points depending on its orientation.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention,system 100 is provided withperistaltic pump 424 for supplyingliquid medicine 102 to dispensingpoint 110. - Also shown in
FIG. 1 , is an alternative embodiment wheresystem 100 is provided withpinch tube valve 524 for supplyingliquid medicine 102 to dispensingpoint 110. - The
system 100 of the present invention includes asealing component 112 for sealing anarray 106 of single dosage liquid medicine containers and a printing orlabelling component 114 for labelling thearray 106 of single dosage liquid medicine containers with printed information relating to the liquid medicine contained therein. The information printed on thearray 106 of removably joined single dosage liquid medicine containers may contain details relating to: content, dose volume, dose information, patient name, patient address, doctor, batch and expiry information, colour code, and/or identification code. - In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, printing may be done prior to adhesion of the seals to the
array 106 of single dosage liquid medicine containers. - In yet another alternative embodiment of the present invention,
labelling component 114 may be an RFID writer. In this exemplary embodiment,labelling component 114 is configured to write data to an RFID tag either embedded or attached to eacharray 106 of single dosage liquid medicine containers. Akin to the printed information, the written data may contain details relating to: content, dose volume, dose information, patient name, patient address, doctor, batch and expiry information, colour code, and/or identification code. - Also shown in
FIG. 1 ,user input device 116 is used to control the delivery of liquid medicine into thearray 106 of single dosage containers. Theuser input device 116 can be adapted to utilise input from external sources. According to the embodiment inFIG. 1 , theuser input device 116 is shown to be in the form of a computer. Theuser input device 116 can be used to control: -
- the position of dispensing
point 110 or plurality of dispensing points; - the activation of a selection of dispensing points in the case of a plurality of dispensing points;
- the dispensing of an array of single dose containers from the
dispensing hopper 120; - the position of the
carrier platform 108; - the selection of a
bulk storage container 104; - the activation of
peristaltic pump 424 orpinch tube valve 524; - the
sealing component 112; - the
labelling component 114; or - any other part of the process involved in dispensing
liquid medicine 102 from abulk supply 104 into anarray 106 of single dosage containers.
- the position of dispensing
-
User input device 116 not only controls all stages ofsystem 100, but also provides feedback to the user on the status ofsystem 100 during operation. - In one embodiment of the invention, where
bulk storage containers 104 are delivered full ofliquid medicine 102,barcode reader 124 is used to scanbulk storage containers 104 to ensure that the correct drug (liquid medicine) and strength is being used. Scanning ofbulk storage containers 104 can also be used to provide the user input device with batch and expiry data. - In an alternative embodiment, where liquid medicine is delivered. in an original container (not shown) for filling of
bulk storage containers 104 insystem 100,barcode reader 124 is used to scan the original container to ensure that the correct drug (liquid medicine) and strength is being used. Once the drug is verified, the user may key in batch and expiry data intouser input device 116. -
System 100 illustrated in these embodiments of the present invention also includes optical ordigital reader 118 for checking the final product prior to dispatch or storage. Optical ordigital reader 118 can be configured to check the printed information or the data on the RFID tag on eacharray 106 of single dosage liquid medicine containers and verify the accuracy and completeness of the filling, printing and sealing process. - With reference to
FIG. 2A , an integral array of singledosage medicine containers 200 is shown in a planar formation. In this exemplary embodiment, the array ofsingle dosage containers 200 is shown to comprise of fifteen removably joined single dosage medicine containers, whereby the array of single dosage containers comprises a matrix of five singledosage medicine containers 202 in a first dimension and three singledosage medicine containers 204 in a second dimension. In this exemplary embodiment, the array ofsingle dosage containers 200 comprisesframe 206 which borders each of thesingle dosage containers 205. The array ofsingle dosage containers 200 further comprisesfrangible bridging portions 208 removably joining eachsingle dosage container 205 to frame 206. The array ofsingle dosage containers 200 also comprisestab portion 210 displayinginformation 212. InFIG. 2A ,information 212 is shown as printed information. However, in an alternative embodiment of the invention,information 212 may in be in the form of an RFID tag, or in the form of both printed information and RFID tag. The RFID tag can be either embedded or attached to eithertab portion 210 of thearray 200; or cover 214 of thearray 200. - In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the array of
single dosage containers 200 has an outer frame bordering the outer circumference of the array. -
Frangible bridging portions 208 allow for any of thesingle dosage containers 205 to be removed, one at a time, from the array ofsingle dosage containers 200 regardless of its position relative to other single dosage containers. The array ofsingle dosage containers 200 is configured such that removal of asingle dosage container 205 leavesfrangible bridging portion 208 attached to frame 206. As will be described with reference toFIGS. 2C to 2E , this provides a discretesingle dosage container 205 that is free of residual edges. - In
FIG. 2B there is shown an array of singledosage medicine containers 200 wherein the containers are covered.Covers 214 are applied to the array of singledosage medicine containers 200 to provide a completely tamper proof enclosure to, each single dosageliquid medicine container 205 allowing the array of single dosageliquid medicine containers 200 to be stored or transported in any position and also allowing the user to carry eachdiscrete container 205 in any position. In this embodiment of the present invention,information tab portion 210 of the array ofcontainers 200 and other surfaces of thecovers 214 on eachcontainer 205. However, as mentioned above with reference toFIG. 2A ,information tab portion 210 and/or covers 214 or affixed on top oftab portion 210 and/or covers 214. In one embodiment of the present invention, thecovers 214 are applied to thearray 200 of single dosage medicine containers by adhesive sealing methods. -
FIGS. 2C to 2E illustrate a discrete single dosageliquid medicine container 205 having been removed from an array ofsingle dosage containers 200 as shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B . In this embodiment of the present invention, thediscrete container 205 includes areceptacle 218 formed of abase 220 and aconical wall 222. The top of thediscrete container 205 includes aflange 224. An upper surface of theflange 224 receives acover 214 for securing the contents of thediscrete container 205.Outer margin 226 ofcover 214 is designed to adhesively seal ontoflange 224 of thediscrete container 205. - Upon removal of a discrete single dosage
liquid medicine container 205, the discrete containers are free of any residual sharp edges. Each discrete single dosageliquid medicine container 205 is broken away from afrangible bridging portion 208 such that thefrangible bridging portion 208 remains attached to theframe 206 rather than thediscrete container 205. This is especially advantageous when used by elderly patients with fragile skin. - The
cover 214 acts to maintain the integrity of the liquid medication by preventing interaction with potential degradants, such as moisture, oxygen or dust.Information 216, which may be printed or in the form of an RFID tag, or both, on thecover 214 of eachdiscrete container 205 relates to the liquid medicine contained within eachdiscrete container 205, such as content, dose volume, dose information, patient name, patient address, doctor, batch and expiry information, colour code, and/or identification code. -
FIG. 3A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention whereby the plurality of single dosage medicine containers are removably joined to each other in the form of bridgingportions 304 provided onflange 318 rather thanperforations 206 as shown inFIG. 2A .FIG. 3A also illustrates the display ofinformation 306 relating to the liquid medication in each of the single dosage containers printed on thetab portion 302 of thearray 300 of single dosage containers. - In
FIG. 3B , the discrete single dosageliquid medicine container 310 is shown to have been removed from anarray 300 corresponding to the embodiment described with reference toFIG. 3A . In, this embodiment of the present invention, thediscrete container 310 includes areceptacle 312 formed of abase 314 and a continuousconical wall 316. The top of thediscrete container 310 includes aflange 318. The top surface of theflange 318 receives a cover (not shown) for securing the contents of thediscrete container 310. As will be described with reference to subsequent drawings, an outer margin of the cover is designed to adhesively seal onto theflange 318 of thediscrete container 310. In this embodiment of the present invention, theflange 318 of thediscrete container 310 includes bridgingportions 304 which were removably joined to bridging portions of at least two neighbouring single dosage liquid medicine containers in thearray 300 as shown inFIG. 3A . Bridgingportions 304 of thediscrete container 310 shown here inFIG. 3A together with bridging portions of at least two neighbouring containers (not shown in this Figure) are removably joined to each other via a weakened or frangible joint as described with reference toFIG. 3A . -
FIGS. 3C to 3E illustrate a discrete single dosageliquid medicine container 310 having been removed from an array ofsingle dosage containers 300 as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B . In this embodiment of the present invention, thediscrete container 310 includes areceptacle 312 formed of abase 314 and aconical wall 316. The top of thediscrete container 310 includes aflange 318. An upper surface of theflange 318 receives acover 322 for securing the contents of thediscrete container 310.Outer margin 324 ofcover 322 is designed to adhesively seal ontoflange 318 of thediscrete container 310. -
FIG. 3D shows a discrete single dosageliquid medicine container 310 with a partially peeled-off cover 322. Cover 322 is adhesively sealed to,flange 318 of thediscrete container 310. A user can easily remove thecover 322 and consume the contents residing in thereceptacle 312 of thediscrete container 310. A user can consume the contents withcover 322 only partially peeled-offflange 318 or withcover 322 completely removed fromflange 318 as shown inFIG. 3C . Suchdiscrete dosage containers 310 may typically range in size from 5 mL to 50 mL. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3E , cover 322 acts to maintain the integrity of the liquid medication by preventing interaction with potential degradants, such as moisture, oxygen or dust. Printedinformation 306 on thecover 322 of eachdiscrete container 310 relates to the liquid medicine contained within eachdiscrete container 310, such as content, dose volume, dose information, patient name, patient address, doctor, batch and expiry information, colour code, and/or identification code. - With reference to
FIG. 4A , an alternative embodiment of anintegral array 400 of single dosage medicine containers is shown in a planar formation. In this exemplary embodiment, thearray 400 of single dosage containers is shown to comprise of fifteen removably joined single dosage medicine containers, whereby thearray 400 comprises a matrix of five singledosage medicine containers 402 in a first dimension and three singledosage medicine containers 404 in a second dimension. Also shown inFIG. 4A are frangible portions in the form ofperforations 406 between each single dosage medicine container and another. Theperforations 406 allow for each single dosage medicine container to be removed, one at a time, from thearray 400. Furthermore, theperforations 406 allow for a selected number of single dosage medicine containers to be removed from thearray 400. For example, a patient prescribed with three doses of medication per day may choose to remove three single dosage medicine containers from thearray 400 leaving the three removed single dosage medicine containers attached to each other. Also shown inFIG. 4A is atab portion 408 of thearray 400 of single dosage containers.Tab portion 408 is used for the display of information relating to the liquid medicine contained within the containers. Such information includes, but is not limited to, content, dose volume, dose information, patient name, patient address, doctor, batch and expiry information, colour code, and/or identification code, suitable for scanning. -
FIG. 4B illustrates a discrete single dosageliquid medicine container 410 having been removed from anarray 400 of single dosage containers as shown inFIG. 4A . In this embodiment of the present invention, thediscrete container 410 includes areceptacle 412 formed of abase 414 and a continuousconical wall 416. The top of thediscrete container 410 includes aflange 418. An upper surface of theflange 418 receives a cover (not shown) for securing the contents of thediscrete container 410. An outer margin of the cover is designed to adhesively seal onto theflange 418 of thediscrete container 410. In this embodiment of the present invention, theflange 418 of thediscrete container 410 includesflat edge portions 420 which were removably joined to the edges of at least two neighbouring single dosage liquid medicine containers in the anarray 400 as shown inFIG. 4A . Theflat edge portions 420 of thediscrete container 410 shown here inFIG. 4B together with flat edge portions of at least two neighbouring containers (not shown in this Figure) are removable joined to each other viaperforations 406 in the joints as shown inFIG. 4A . -
FIG. 5A shows astorage tray 500 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thestorage tray 500 is shown to comprise of a plurality ofslots 502 with eachslot 502 configured to receive an array of single dosage containers (not shown in this Figure). - The
storage tray 500 is designed to be placed in a transport mechanism such as a trolley or conveyer belt. In this exemplary embodiment, thestorage 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 thestorage tray 500 racked with a plurality ofarrays 300 of single dosage containers. Eacharray 300 slides into aslot 502 of thestorage tray 500. Thestorage tray 500 is designed such thatinformation tab portion 302 of thearray 300 remains visible after placement of thearrays 300 into thestorage tray 500 suitably by a transport mechanism associated with support 122 (seeFIG. 1 ). This provides a user with the capabilities of identifying anarray 300 of single dosage containers and its contents without removal of thearray 300 from thestorage tray 500. In this exemplary embodiment of the invention,information information -
FIG. 6 illustrates adispensing hopper 600 according to one embodiment of the invention.Dispensing hopper 600 is designed to carry a plurality ofarrays 602 of single dosage containers as described with reference to other figures and is configured to carry arrays of different sizes. Operation of dispensinghopper 600 is controlled byuser input device 116. - In use, dispensing
hopper 600 dispenses one ormore arrays 602 of single dose containers ontomovable carrier platform 108 as described with reference toFIG. 1 .Carrier platform 108 then controls placement of each array of single dose containers and their passage through the filling, sealing, labelling, and checking process. -
FIG. 7A provides a more detailed illustration of themoveable support 220 shown briefly inFIG. 1 . In this exemplary embodiment,moveable support 220 is shown in the form of a linear support holding fourbulk storage containers 221. -
FIG. 7B provides a more detailed illustration of themoveable support 320 shown briefly inFIG. 1 . In this exemplary embodiment,moveable support 320 is shown in the form of a rotary carousel or cassette holding threebulk storage containers 321. - In use, the
user input device 116 described with reference toFIG. 1 controls eithermoveable support user input device 116 controls themoveable support - It is to be understood that the above embodiments have been provided only by way of exemplification of this invention, and that further modifications and improvements thereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the present invention described herein.
Claims (17)
1. A method of delivering liquid medicine from a bulk storage supply into an integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers, said method comprising the steps of:
supporting the integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers;
dispensing liquid medicine from the bulk storage supply into the integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers through a dispensing point; and
controlling the relative position of the integral array and the dispensing point through a user input device so as to fill a selection of the integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers with a selection of liquid medicine from the bulk storage supply.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of racking the integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers into a storage device.
3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the step of labeling the integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers with printed information relating to one or more of the following details including: content, dose volume, dose information, patient name, patient address, doctor, batch and expiry information, color code, and/or identification code.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the printed information continues to be visible when racked in the storage device.
5. The method of claim 4 , further comprising the steps of verifying the printed information and the mass of the integral array of single dose containers and providing feedback to the user input device.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein each step of the method is controllable through the user input device.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the user input device is provided with data from at least one external source, such as a local computer of a host system over the Internet.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the bulk storage supply comprises at least one bulk storage reservoir and wherein each reservoir contains a different liquid medicine.
9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising the step of cleaning and sterilizing the dispensing point upon change of delivery from one bulk storage reservoir containing a first liquid medicine to another bulk storage reservoir containing a second liquid medicine.
10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising the step of moving a selected bulk storage reservoir in a dispensing point via a linear support mechanism or a rotary support mechanism.
11. A storage device having one or more integral arrays of removably joined single dose liquid medicine containers stored therein, the storage device comprising a plurality of slots, each slot adapted to hold one integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers such that information printed on each integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers is visible.
12. The storage device of claim 11 , wherein each integral array of removably joined single dose liquid medicine containers includes an information tab integrally formed on a lateral edge of the one or more integral arrays of removably joined single dose liquid medicine containers such that the information tab remains visible when each integral array of removably joined single dose liquid medicine containers is stored.
13. An integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers comprising:
a frame;
linking tabs connected to the frame;
a plurality of single dose liquid medicine containers, each single dose liquid medicine container frangibly connected to one or more of the linking tabs, such that each single dose liquid medicine container can be removed from the one or more linking tabs with each single dose liquid medicine container being free of residual sharp edges.
14. The integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of single dose liquid medicine containers are separately connected to one or more of the linking tabs allowing a selected single dose liquid medicine container to be individually removed without affecting the integrity of the integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers.
15. The integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers of claim 14 , further comprising an information tab integrally formed on a lateral edge of the frame, the information tab including printed information.
16. The integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers of claim 15 , wherein the plurality of single dose liquid medicine containers are sealed, and wherein the seal includes printed information.
17. The integral array of single dose liquid medicine containers of claim 16 , wherein the printed information relates to one or more of the following details including: content, dose volume, dose information, patient name, patient address, doctor, batch and expiry information, color code, and/or identification code.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2009905665A AU2009905665A0 (en) | 2009-11-19 | Method and apparatus for liquid dosing system | |
AU2009905665 | 2009-11-19 | ||
PCT/AU2010/001526 WO2011060484A1 (en) | 2009-11-19 | 2010-11-16 | Method and apparatus for liquid dosing system |
Publications (1)
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US20120228317A1 true US20120228317A1 (en) | 2012-09-13 |
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US13/510,916 Abandoned US20120228317A1 (en) | 2009-11-19 | 2010-11-16 | Method and apparatus for liquid dosing system |
Country Status (7)
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US (1) | US20120228317A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2501353A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2013511298A (en) |
CN (1) | CN102639094A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2010321670A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2780967A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2011060484A1 (en) |
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CN104045036A (en) * | 2013-01-31 | 2014-09-17 | 蒋其伟 | Filling machine of traditional Chinese medicine compound preparation |
US20150374585A1 (en) * | 2014-06-30 | 2015-12-31 | Carefusion 303, Inc. | System and method for compounding medication |
EA201990287A1 (en) * | 2016-07-27 | 2019-06-28 | Джт Интернэшнл С.А. | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR MAKING A CAPSULE FILLED WITH LIQUID |
WO2018019950A1 (en) * | 2016-07-27 | 2018-02-01 | Philip Morris Products S.A. | Container with radio frequency element |
CN109254132B (en) * | 2018-10-12 | 2023-11-21 | 中国环境科学研究院 | Microcosm experimental device for simulating pond ecosystem |
CN112817037A (en) * | 2020-12-28 | 2021-05-18 | 江苏万略医药科技有限公司 | Device and method for rapidly measuring and calculating activity of radioactive drug |
Family Cites Families (14)
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US3503493A (en) * | 1968-01-08 | 1970-03-31 | Hoffmann La Roche | Medicament packaging device |
US3876268A (en) * | 1973-11-09 | 1975-04-08 | Robert W Colver | Medicine dosage system |
US4019793A (en) * | 1975-03-14 | 1977-04-26 | Gerding Paul W | Pharmaceutical dosage distribution apparatus |
US6189292B1 (en) * | 1998-03-13 | 2001-02-20 | Becton Dickinson And Company | Method and apparatus for manufacturing, filling and packaging medical devices and medical containers |
US6302299B1 (en) * | 1999-04-16 | 2001-10-16 | The Coca-Cola Company | Bulk fountain syrup delivery and storage system |
US6769462B2 (en) * | 2002-04-03 | 2004-08-03 | E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company | Dispensing apparatus |
JP4210530B2 (en) * | 2003-03-04 | 2009-01-21 | ニプロ株式会社 | Liquid container coupling body and method for manufacturing the liquid container coupling body |
US20050178273A1 (en) * | 2004-01-20 | 2005-08-18 | Meuleners William J. | Liquid dispenser assembly for use with an appliance |
US6925783B1 (en) * | 2004-02-13 | 2005-08-09 | Walter G. Pearson | Packaging system and related method |
US7451876B2 (en) * | 2004-04-24 | 2008-11-18 | Inrange Systems, Inc. | Universal medication carrier |
ITBO20060128A1 (en) * | 2006-02-21 | 2007-08-22 | Tema Sinergie S R L | RADIOACTIVE LIQUID DOSING MACHINE. |
WO2008026020A1 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2008-03-06 | Fellgate Limited | A blister pack |
US8745961B2 (en) * | 2008-08-22 | 2014-06-10 | Tension International, Inc. | Container dispersion and filling system |
US8627639B2 (en) * | 2008-09-19 | 2014-01-14 | Walgreen Co. | Method and system for determining an order of fill for a plurality of pills in a multi-dose medicament container |
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2010
- 2010-11-16 JP JP2012539144A patent/JP2013511298A/en active Pending
- 2010-11-16 WO PCT/AU2010/001526 patent/WO2011060484A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-11-16 EP EP10830945A patent/EP2501353A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2010-11-16 US US13/510,916 patent/US20120228317A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-11-16 CN CN2010800520025A patent/CN102639094A/en active Pending
- 2010-11-16 CA CA2780967A patent/CA2780967A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-11-16 AU AU2010321670A patent/AU2010321670A1/en not_active Abandoned
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WO2011060484A1 (en) | 2011-05-26 |
JP2013511298A (en) | 2013-04-04 |
AU2010321670A1 (en) | 2012-05-17 |
CA2780967A1 (en) | 2011-05-26 |
CN102639094A (en) | 2012-08-15 |
EP2501353A1 (en) | 2012-09-26 |
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