WO2022269380A1

WO2022269380A1 - Transfer unit for picking up and moving dose portions

Info

Publication number: WO2022269380A1
Application number: PCT/IB2022/054418
Authority: WO
Inventors: Diego ALLERA; Giuliano GIACOMELLI
Original assignee: Bucci Automations S.p.A.
Priority date: 2021-06-24
Filing date: 2022-05-12
Publication date: 2022-12-29
Also published as: IT202100016601A1

Abstract

The present invention refers to a transfer unit (100) for picking up and moving dose portions (204, 204a, 204b) comprising encapsulation elements (202) adapted to contain pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items. The transfer unit (100) comprises moving means (104) and a working head (102) that supports pickup means (118) configured to releasably engage a dose portion (204, 204a, 204b). Specifically, the working head (102) also supports temporary storage means (122) distinct from the pickup means (118), and said temporary storage means (122) are configured to receive one or more dose portions (204, 204a, 204b) by means of said pickup means (118).

Description

TRANSFER UNIT FOR PICKING UP AND MOVING DOSE PORTIONS”

DESCRIPTION

TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention refers to a transfer unit for picking up and moving dose portions, preferably of a ribbon-like support, wherein said dose portions comprise encapsulation elements adapted to contain pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items.

[0002] In particular, the present invention refers to a transfer unit that can be coupled to an automatic delivering apparatus that is adapted to supply pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items according to therapeutic prescriptions that are specific to a given patient.

PRIOR ART

[0003] Modern medical systems provide for an increasing use of automatic delivering means to optimize the administration of pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items. In the state of the art are known such automatic delivering means that are typically installed in health facilities, such as for example hospitals.

[0004] The EP3006172 document describes an apparatus adapted to separate and store dose portions of a ribbon-like support comprising encapsulation elements designed to contain, in turn, pharmaceutical products. In particular, this document describes an apparatus provided with a plurality of spaces in which are mounted reels, containing each a respective ribbon-like support, so as to supply an end dose portion having a vertical orientation. The apparatus further comprises a cutting element adapted to separate dose portions from the flexible ribbon-like supports, and a plurality of helical screw elements adapted to store the separated dose portions, while maintaining them in said vertical orientation.

[0005] Although the vertical orientation of the dose portions is advantageous in the storage step using said helical screw elements, it is however disadvantageous in the step of assembling the reels because the weight of the ribbon-like support tends to cause it to fall and, therefore, it is necessary to provide a respective dragging device adapted to cause a movement along the vertical direction that exceeds the weight force. In this state, the constructive complexity is increased and the simplicity of using the apparatus is reduced, for example in the step of installation of the reels containing said ribbon-like supports. [0006] Moreover, the separation apparatus described in EP3006172 does not make it possible to automatically associate with each other the dose portions obtained from different ribbon-like supports because each of them corresponds to a single respective helical screw element.

[0007] The document WO2018234612 describes a delivering apparatus fed with ribbon like supports comprising encapsulation elements adapted, in turn, to contain pharmaceutical products. In particular, in this document is described a shelving in which are inserted cassettes that supply end dose portions of the respective ribbon-like supports, in a horizontal arrangement. In particular, the delivering apparatus also includes a robot arm configured to releasably engage an end dose portion, separating it from the respective ribbon-like support and, finally, moving it by inserting it into an outfeed compartment of the delivering apparatus.

[0008] Although the horizontal orientation of the end dose portions is advantageous in the gripping step by means of the robotic arm and allows a simple construction of the shelving, the outfeed compartment does not provide for an arrangement of the dose portions that makes efficient to have additional subsequent collecting and/or moving steps, preferably automatic.

[0009] Moreover, the delivering apparatus described in WO2018234612 does not make it possible to automatically associate with each other dose portions obtained from different ribbon-like supports, before supplying them to the outfeed compartment, in accordance for example with therapeutic prescriptions that are specific for a given patient. In particular, the robotic arm must each time place a portion of the dose into the outfeed compartment before proceeding to a further dose portion, with consequent increase of the delivering times.

[0010] Such drawbacks are particularly significant especially when the management of a number of patients is required, if for each of them it is necessary to provide a plurality of different pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items, in accordance with specific therapeutic prescriptions.

[0011] Consequently, there is a need of devising a solution that solves at least one of the previously described drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] An objective of the present invention is to provide a transfer unit, associable to an automatic delivering apparatus, that is configured to effectively pick up and move dose portions, preferably of ribbon-like supports, comprising encapsulation elements adapted to contain, in turn, pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items. [0013] In the scope of the above objective, one purpose of the present invention concerns a transfer unit that is adapted to reliably pick up dose portions of a first storage section of the delivering apparatus.

[0014] A further objective concerns a transfer unit that is adapted to associate with each other a plurality of dose portions, in accordance for example with therapeutic prescriptions that are specific for a given patient, before supplying them to a second storage section of the delivering apparatus.

[0015] A further purpose concerns a transfer unit that is adapted to pick up dose portions having, in said storage section, an orientation that is easy to achieve and maintain.

[0016] A further purpose concerns a transfer unit that is adapted to supply to said second storage section dose portions having an orientation that is easy to use in further subsequent pickup and/or movement steps carried out by a medical operator or by further automatic transfer devices.

[0017] A further purpose concerns a transfer unit that is easily associable to delivering apparatuses having different structures and dimensions.

[0018] A further purpose concerns a transfer unit of reliable construction that is simple to manufacture.

[0019] The above objective and purposes, and others that will become more evident in the description which follows, are achieved by means of a transfer unit, as defined in independent claim 1 , and a delivering apparatus as defined in independent claim 10. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRITIONOF THE FIGURES,

[0020] Further characteristics and the advantages of the transfer unit for picking up and moving dose portions comprising encapsulation elements, according to the present invention, will become more evident in the following description relative to an embodiment given by purely way of non-limiting example with reference to the following figures, wherein:

- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a delivering apparatus comprising a transfer unit, according to the present invention;

- Fig. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the delivering apparatus of Fig. 1 at a first storage section;

- Fig. 3 is first perspective view of a ribbon-like support comprising dose portions provided with encapsulation elements;

- Fig. 4 is a second perspective view of the ribbon-like support of Fig. 3;

- Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the ribbon-like support of Figures 3 and 4 that is arranged in a serpentine configuration;

- Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a cassette that can be inserted into the first storage section of the delivering apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

- Fig. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of the delivering apparatus of Fig. 1 at a second storage section;

- Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the second storage section of Fig. 7 at support elements;

- Fig. 9 is a first perspective view of the transfer unit, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, of the delivering apparatus of Fig. 1 ;

- Fig. 10 is a second perspective view of the transfer unit of Fig. 9;

- Fig. 11 is a first perspective view of a working head of the transfer unit of Fig. 9;

- Fig. 12 is a second perspective view of the working head of Fig. 11 ;

- Fig. 13 is a side view of the working head of Fig. 11 ;

- Fig. 14 is a front view of the working head of Fig. 11 ;

- Fig. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the working head of Fig. 11 ;

- Fig. 16 is a schematic side view of the working head of Fig. 11 , in a first operating step;

- Fig.17 is a schematic side view of the working head of Fig. 11 , in a second operating step;

- Fig. 18 is a schematic side view of the working head of Fig. 11 , in a third operating step;

- Fig. 19 is a schematic side view of the working head of Fig. 11 , in a fourth operating step;

- Fig. 20 is a schematic side view of the working head of Fig. 11 , in a fifth operating step;

- Fig. 21 is a schematic side view of the working head of Fig. 11 , in a sixth operating step;

- Fig. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of a working head of a transfer unit, according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the description which follows, terms such as “horizontal”, “vertical” and so on refer to a transfer unit and to a delivering apparatus in the normal operating condition, as shown in the enclosed figures.

[0022] Moreover, in the present invention the term “parallel” is intended to mean “parallel or substantially parallel” and comprises deviations from the perfectly parallel geometry, preferably within an angular interval of ± 30 degrees, more preferably within an angular interval of ± 10 degrees. While the term “orthogonal” is used to mean “orthogonal or substantially orthogonal” and comprises deviations from the perfectly orthogonal geometry, preferably within an angular interval of ± 30 degrees, more preferably within an angular interval of ± 10 degrees.

[0023] Moreover, in the present invention the term “orient” is intended to mean the control and/or variation of at least one angle between a given face or direction of a dose portion and a horizontal support plane or a vertical direction. While with the term “orientation” is intended the degree in which a given face or direction of a dose portion is inclined with respect to a horizontal support plane or a vertical direction.

[0024] In addition, in the present description, the term “pharmaceutical product” is intended to mean any pharmaceutical dosage form adapted to administer any compound or composition, such as for example a tablet, a vial, a capsule a suppository or the like, while with the term “medical-sanitary item” is intended an item or device adapted for therapies, diagnoses or the like in the medical and/or health fields, such as tampons, syringes, needles, cannulas, bandages, reagents, components of a kit, or the like.

[0025] In Fig. 1 is shown a delivering apparatus 1000 for the storage and supply of dose portions 204 of a ribbon-like support 200 comprising encapsulation elements 202 adapted to contain, in turn, pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items.

[0026] Preferably, the delivering apparatus 1000, supported by a horizontal plane HP, comprises a first storage section 300, a second storage section 400, and a transfer unit 100 according to the present invention.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 2, in this embodiment, the first storage section 300 comprises at least one shelving 302 provided with one or more shelves 304, each defining one or more storage areas 306.

[0028] At each of first storage area 306 is preferably inserted a cassette 500 configured to contain a respective ribbon-like support 200 comprising dose portions 204 provided with encapsulation elements 202 adapted to contain, in turn, pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items.

[0029] In Figs. 3 to 5 is shown an example of a ribbon-like support 200 that is used in the delivering apparatus 1000.

[0030] The ribbon-like support 200 is formed with flexible material in a continuous substantially flat structure provided with two opposite faces, and has a greater extension along a longitudinal direction L1 .

[0031] In addition, the ribbon-like support 200 comprises a plurality of encapsulation elements 202, such as blisters, adapted to contain in turn pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items. The encapsulation elements 202 are substantially separated from each other and arranged along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L1 , that is they are arranged longitudinally to the ribbon-like support 200. Typically, the encapsulation elements 202 are included in the ribbon-like support 200 so as to protrude from at least one of the two faces of the latter.

[0032] In particular, the ribbon-like support 200 is provided with dose portions 204 substantially ribbon-like, arranged in succession along said longitudinal direction L1 . In other words, the dose portions 204 are consecutive longitudinal portions of the ribbon like support 200, and have an extension along a respective portion of the longitudinal direction L1 .

[0033] Two of the dose portions 204 define respective end dose portions 204a (in Figs. 3, 4 and 5 only one of the end dose portions is numbered). In other words, the ribbon-like support 200 is provided, at both its longitudinal ends, with end dose portions 204a of the plurality of dose portions 204.

[0034] The dose portions 204 comprise respective encapsulation elements 202, such as blisters, and respective engagement elements 206, such as for example engagement through holes. Preferably, each dose portion 204 comprises a respective encapsulation element 202 and a respective engagement element 206.

[0035] Preferably, the dose portions 204 are connected to each other so as to allow them to be separated. The separation between adjacent dose portions 204 can be carried out in various ways, such as cutting, tearing or similar manner, possibly providing for weakness regions or lines 208, such as for example regions provided with perforations, so as to ease the separation of consecutive dose portions 204.

[0036] In addition, each ribbon-like support 200 provides dimensions such as to allow it to be inserted into a respective cassette 500, for example coiled upon itself, on a reel, or arranged to have a serpentine configuration (in Fig. 5 is shown a ribbon-like support 200 having an exemplified serpentine configuration).

[0037] In particular, with reference to Figs. 3 to 6, a cassette 500 preferably comprises a box-like body 502 defining a cavity 504 adapted to contain the ribbon-like support 200 having, for example, a serpentine configuration. The box-like body 502 is provided with a feeding opening 506 through which the ribbon-like support 200 is extracted by means of an end dose portion 204a that, in operative conditions, engages said feeding opening 506.

[0038] In the present embodiment, the end-does portion 204a of the ribbon-like support 200 has, substantially at the feeding opening 506, a horizontal orientation. In other words, when it engages the feeding opening 506, the end dose portions 204a is arranged so that the respective faces and the respective portion of the longitudinal direction L1 are oriented substantially parallel to the support plane HP of the delivering apparatus 1000. [0039] Preferably, to reliably maintain this horizontal orientation of the end dose portion 204a and allow its extraction at the same time, the cassette 500 is provided, at the feeding opening 506, with sliding frictional means comprising an abutment portion 508 and a pressure roll 510.

[0040] The abutment portion 508 and the pressure roll 510 (the latter being, if necessary, freely rotatable on its axis) are arranged so that, in operating conditions, a clearance between them is slidingly engaged in contact with said end dose portion 204a, so as to apply on the latter a gripping force adapted to generate a sliding frictional force. The abutment portion 508 and the pressure roll 510 overlap each other along an operatively vertical direction and the gripping force can be the force caused by the weight of the pressure roll 510 alone which weighs down on the abutment portion 508. Alternatively, as shown in the present most preferred embodiment, the gripping force is substantially exercised by elastic means 512, such as springs, configured to press the pressure roll 510 toward the abutment portion 508.

[0041] Preferably, the abutment portion 508 also includes a channel section 508a that is shaped to be slidingly engaged by the encapsulation elements 202, that protrude from one face of the ribbon-like support 200, as the latter exits from the cassette 500 through the feeding opening 506.

[0042] Moreover, the pressure roll 510 preferably comprises a through hole 510a that is configured to be temporarily engaged by a pin (not shown in the figure). In particular, when the ribbon-like support 200 is inserted into the cassette 500 and engages the feeding opening 506 of the same, an operator can align, by temporarily inserting said pin, the through hole 510 and the engagement element 206 of one dose portion 204, such as the end dose portion 204a. In this state, it is possible to insert in the first storage section 300 a plurality of cassettes 500 so as to allow the same quantity of length of the respective ribbon-like supports 200 to protrude from said cassettes 500, thus making it more reliable to have a subsequent picking-up step by means of the transfer unit 100, as will be better explained below.

[0043] Therefore, the cassette 500 provides for a simple construction and, at the same time, is adapted to reliably supply the end dose portion 204a of the ribbon-like support 200 with said horizontal orientation.

[0044] In particular, with the constructions described here, it is possible to load through the first storage section 300 the ribbon-like support 200, arranging its end dose portion 204a so that it has an orientation that is easy to realize and maintain (such as a non vertical orientation, preferably a substantially horizontal orientation).

[0045] With reference in particular to Figs. 1 to 8, the transfer unit 100 is configured for picking up from the first storage section 300 end dose portions 204a, preferably of ribbon like supports 200, separating them to obtain corresponding separated dose portions 204b, and transferring the latter to the second storage section 400, as is better explained hereafter (in Figs. 1 , 7 and 8 are indicated some separated dose portions 204b arranged in the second storage section 400).

[0046] With reference to Figgs. 7 and 8, in this embodiment, the second storage section 400 comprises at least one rack 402 provided with a plurality of levels 404, each defining one or more second storage areas 406.

[0047] At each second storage area 406 is provided a support element 408 adapted to receive one or more separated dose portions 204b by means of respective engagement elements 206. In particular, the support elements 408 are configured to receive and maintain the separated dose portions 204b having a vertical orientation, that is arranged so that the respective faces and the respective portion of the longitudinal direction L1 are oriented vertically.

[0048] The support elements 408 can provide for various constructions, or combinations of different constructions. For example, referring again to Figs. 7 and 8, in the present embodiment the support elements 408 comprise first support elements 408a and second support elements 408b.

[0049] Each of the first support elements 408a comprises a pin having preferably an axis slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal direction, so that the separated dose portions 204b are collected there by effect of gravity.

[0050] Whereas, each of the second support elements 408b comprises a helical screw 410 (shown schematically in the figure with a cylinder) having a collecting axis R3 arranged horizontally. The helical screw 410 is supported by a respective bracket 412 so as to be rotatable around its collecting axis R3. In this manner, the rotation of the helical screw 410 causes a translation movement of the separated dose portions 204b along the collecting axis R3 in a direction that depends on the direction of rotation (entering toward the clamp 412 or going out in the opposite direction).

[0051] In particular, with this construction, it is possible to supply separated dose portions 204b of the ribbon-like support 200 having a desired orientation (such as a substantially vertical orientation) that makes it easy to use in subsequent pick up and/or moving steps performed by a sanitary operator or by further automatic transfer devices, through the second storage section 400.

[0052] It appears clear that it is possible to provide for additional constructions, with respect to the ones previously described, for the first storage section 300 and the second storage section 400 of the delivering apparatus 1000 comprising the transfer unit 100 according to the present invention.

[0053] Referring to Figs. 9 to 21 , the transfer unit 100 is shown, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, that is adapted to pick up and move dose portions 204, preferably of a ribbon-like support 200, comprising encapsulation elements 202 adapted to contain, in turn, pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items.

[0054] Referring in particular to Figures 9 and 10, the transfer unit 100 comprises a working head 102 and moving means 104. Moreover, the transfer unit 100 is preferably provided with an electronic command and control system (not shown in the figures) that is configured to coordinate the actuation of the various components, as will be better explained later.

[0055] The moving means 104 are adapted to move the working head 102 and further define a vertical direction VD that is substantially vertical with respect to the horizontal plane HP that supports the delivering apparatus 1000 and the transfer unit 100. In particular, the moving means 104 are adapted to move the working head 102 preferably at least parallel to the vertical direction VD and parallel to a direction lying on the horizontal plane HP, that is, parallel to the horizontal plane HP.

[0056] In the present embodiment, the moving means 104 are adapted to move the working head 102 in positions corresponding to the plurality of first storage areas 306 of the first storage section 300, and in positions corresponding to the plurality of second storage areas 406 of the second storage section 400. In addition, the moving means 104 are adapted to move the working head 102 from positions corresponding to the plurality of first storage areas 306 toward positions corresponding to the plurality of second storage areas 406, and vice versa.

[0057] Preferably, the moving means 104 include a first mobile element 106 and a second mobile element 108 (the latter shown more clearly in Fig. 10).

[0058] The first mobile element 106, like an upright element arranged vertically, is adapted to move parallel to the horizontal plane HP along first guide means 110, such as straight rails (in Figs. 9 and 10 the first guide means 110 are shown schematically with a thick broken line, and are shown more clearly in Fig. 1 ). Meanwhile, the second mobile element 108, such as a shelf element, is adapted to move parallel to the vertical direction VD along second guide means 112, such as straight rails, that are arranged vertically on the first mobile element 106.

[0059] The mobile elements, first 106 and second 108, are moved along the respective guide means, first 110 and second 112, by means of respective first actuator units 114 (shown more clearly in Fig. 9) and second actuator units 116 (shown more clearly in Fig. 10), as conventional linear movement motorized systems.

[0060] Flowever, the moving means 104 can provide for other constructions with respect to the one previously described. For example, the moving means 104 can include a robot arm adapted to move said working head 102.

[0061] Referring in particular to Figs. 11 to 15, the working head 102 supports pickup means 118 and, preferably, separating means 120.

[0062] The pickup means 118 are configured to releasably engage an end dose portion 204a (of the dose portions 204 of said ribbon-like support 200) that protrudes from the feeding opening 506 of a cassette 500 inserted in the respective first storage area 306 of the first storage section 300. In particular, in the present embodiment, the pickup means 118 are adapted to releasably engage the end dose portion 204a having, at the feeding opening 506, a substantially horizontal orientation.

[0063] The separating means 120 are configured to separate the end dose portion 204a, from the ribbon-line support 200 when it is engaged by the pickup means 118, so as to obtain a separated dose portion 204b.

[0064] According to the present invention, the working head 102 also supports temporary storage means 122 that are distinct from the pickup means 118. In other words, the temporary storage means 122 and the pickup means 118, being different from one another, move integral with the working head 102 thanks to the moving means 104. In particular, the temporary storage means 122 are configured to receive one or more separated dose portions 204b through the pickup means 118.

[0065] Thus, advantageously, the transfer unit 100 is adapted to pick up and move at the same time more than one separated dose portion 204b, making it more efficient to associate different pharmaceutical products and/or medical-sanitary items for their supply by means of the delivering apparatus 1000 in agreement, for example, with therapeutic prescriptions that are specific for a given patient.

[0066] In fact, the transfer unit 100 can pick up and associate with each other, storing them in the temporary storage means 122, a plurality of separated dose portions 204b obtained from ribbon-like supports 200 of cassettes 500 inserted in different first storage areas 306 of the first storage section 300. Subsequently, the transfer unit 100 can unload the plurality of different separated dose portions 204b in one or more support elements 408 of the second storage areas 406 of the second storage section 400. In particular, in this manner a shorter travel of the working head 102 is achieved, especially when the first storage section 300 and the second storage section 400 are distant from each other, thus consequently reducing the processing times with respect to the case when said working head 102 is not provided with said temporary storage means 122.

[0067] Moreover, as the pickup means 118 and the temporary storage means 122 are distinct from each other (being in other words different components), the transfer unit 100 is versatile and, at the same time, reliable. In fact, in this state, it is possible to provide for the pickup means 118 and for the temporary storage means 122 respective specific constructions so as to guarantee, at the same time, an effective pickup step (for the pickup means 118), and a reliable temporary storage step and possible discharge (for the temporary storage means 122).

[0068] In the present embodiment, referring in particular to Fig. 13 together with Figs. 16 and 19 which schematically illustrate operation steps of components of the transfer unit 100 that will be better explained later, the pickup means 118 are configured to move between at least a picking up position in which they are adapted to releasably engage the end dose portion 204a having a feeding orientation, such as a horizontal orientation (see in Fig. 16 the horizontal orientation of the end dose portion 204a engaged by the pickup means 118), and at least one loading position in which they are adapted to orient the separated dose portion 204b in a given loading orientation, such as a vertical orientation, which is different from said feeding orientation (see in Fig. 19 the vertical orientation of the separated dose portion 204b engaged by the pickup means 118).

[0069] In particular, the temporary storage means 122 are configured to receive and maintain the separated dose portion 204b in said given loading orientation (see in Fig. 19 the vertical orientation of the separated dose portion 204b engaged by the pickup means 118, and the vertical orientation of the two separated dose portions 204b engaged by the temporary storage means 122).

[0070] In this manner, advantageously, the transfer unit 100 is adapted to pick up and move a plurality of dose portions 204b that are picked up with a desired feeding orientation that is easy to achieve, such as a horizontal orientation, and supports them by maintaining them in a desired loading orientation that is easy to use in further subsequent pickup and/or moving steps, such as a vertical orientation.

[0071] Preferably, the movement between said picking up position and said loading position is obtained by means of at least one rotation of the pickup means 118 around a first rotation axis R1 substantially parallel to the horizontal plane HP, more preferably a 90-degree rotation of the pickup means 118 around the first rotation axis R1 substantially parallel to the horizontal plane HP. In other words, the pickup means 118 are configured to rotate around a first rotation axis R1 substantially parallel to the horizontal plane HP, more preferably the pickup means 118 are configured to rotate 90 degrees around the first rotation axis R1 substantially parallel to the horizontal plane HP.

[0072] Thus, effective and reliable steps of pickup and moving dose portions 204, preferably of a ribbon-like support 200, are guaranteed through the use of the delivering apparatus 1000. In particular, with this construction, it is possible to load through the first storage section 300 the ribbon-like support 200 by arranging its end dose portion 204a so that it has an orientation that is easy to achieve and maintain (such as a non-vertical orientation, preferably a substantially horizontal orientation) and, subsequently, supplying separate dose portions 204a of the ribbon-like support 200 having an orientation (such as a substantially vertical orientation) that is easy to use in subsequent pickup and/or moving steps performed by an operator or by means of further automatic transfer devices, through the second storage section 400.

[0073] Referring in particular to Figs. 15 to 21 , preferably the pickup means 118 comprise a gripping element 124, first actuator means 126, and second actuator means 128.

[0074] The gripping element 124, such as for example pliers, is configured to releasably grip the end dose portion 204a of the ribbon-like support having said feeding orientation (see Fig. 16).

[0075] The first actuator means 126, such as a pneumatic system, are configured to move the gripping element 124 between said picking up position in which it is adapted to releasably engage the end dose portion 204a having said feeding orientation (see Fig. 16), and an extracting position in which the dose portion 204a is extracted from the cassette 500 by moving the gripping element 124 along a direction at least partially parallel to the horizontal plane HP (see Fig. 17).

[0076] The second actuator means 128, such as a pneumatic system, are configured to move the gripping element 124 between said extracting position (see Fig. 17) and said loading position in which it is adapted to supply to the temporary storage means 122 the separated dose portion 204b in said given loading orientation (see Fig. 19). In particular, the second actuator means 128 is adapted to rotate the gripping element 124 around the first rotation axis R1 between said extracting position and said loading position, preferably through a 90-degree rotation.

[0077] Referring in particular to Figs. 17, 18 and 19, the separating means 120 are configured to separate the end dose portion 204a from the ribbon-like support 200 (see Fig. 18) to obtain a separated dose portion 204b. In particular, the separating means 120 are preferably actuated after the first actuator means 126 have moved the gripping element 124 from said picking up position to said extracting position (see Fig. 17), and before the second actuator means 128 move the gripping element 124 in said loading position (see Fig. 19).

[0078] Referring in particular to Figs. 15 and 18, the separating means 120 preferably comprise a cutting element 130, such as scissor device, a blade or similar element, that is configured to cut from said ribbon-like support 200 the end dose portion 204a when the gripping element 124 is in said extracting position, so as to obtain a separated dose portion 204b.

[0079] In the most preferred embodiment, the gripping element 124 is also configured to engage a longitudinal edge portion of the end dose portion 204a. In this manner, the encapsulation elements 202 and their contents are not damaged during the operation of the transfer unit 100.

[0080] It is clear that this selection is not limitative since the gripping element 124, the first actuator means 126, the second actuator means 128, and the cutting element 130 can provide for further constructions with respect to those previously descried.

[0081] In the present embodiment, referring again to Fig. 15 together with Figs. 16 to 21 , the temporary storage means 122 comprise a helical screw element 132 supported by a bracket element 134 so as to be rotatable around a second rotation axis R2 of the same which is arranged substantially parallel to the horizontal plane HP and, preferably, also orthogonal to the first rotation axis R1 of the pickup means 118.

[0082] In particular, the helical screw element 132 is adapted to operatively engage, by means of a longitudinal end 132a of the same, the engagement element 206 of the separated dose portion 204b when it is engaged by the pickup means 118 in said loading position.

[0083] Moreover, the helical screw element 132 is rotatable around a second rotation axis R2 of the same by means of third actuator means 136, such as a conventional belt- and-pulley motorized system, so as to cause by rotation the translation of the separated dose portion 204b along said second rotation axis R2.

[0084] In particular, the rotation of the helical screw element 132 causes a translation movement of the separated dose portions 204b along its second rotation axis R2 in a direction that depends on the direction of rotation (forward or backward, respectively leftward to move closer to the bracket element 134 or rightward to move away from the same in Figs. 15 to 21 ).

[0085] In this manner, advantageously, the transfer unit 100 is adapted to temporarily store in a reliable manner a plurality of separated dose portions 204b, keeping them in a vertical orientation. In particular, the use of a rotatable helical screw element 132 allows an effective and orderly collection of the separated dose portions 204b and, at the same time, a simple construction adapted to maintain the latter in a vertical orientation by the effect of gravity.

[0086] In the most preferred embodiment, the transfer unit 100 also comprises inserting means 138, such as a forked element, that are configured to displace at least a part of the separated dose portion 204b, when it is engaged by the pickup means 118 in said loading position, so as to cause its receiving by temporary storage means 122.

[0087] In particular, referring specifically to Fig. 20, the inserting means 138 are configured to push toward the storage means 122 a part of the separated dose portion 204b that is near the engaging element 206 so as to facilitate the engagement of the latter through the longitudinal end 132a of the helical screw element 132 (see in Fig. 20 the thick arrow that indicates the pushing direction of the inserting means 138).

[0088] Advantageously, in this manner is further guaranteed the operating reliability of the transfer unit 100 since this hereby reduces or eliminates the probability that the storage means 122 do not receive the separated dose portion 204b through the pickup means 118.

[0089] In the most preferred embodiment, the transfer unit 100 also comprises fourth actuator means 140, such as a conventional linear movement motorized system, configured to move the temporary storage means 122 between a receiving position in which they are adapted to receive the separated dose portion 204b through the pickup means 118 in said loading position (see Figs. 16 and 20), and an unloading position in which the temporary storage means 122 are displaced with respect to the pickup means 118 (see Fig. 21 ) so as to make it possible to unload the separated dose portion 204b into one of the support elements 408 of the second storage areas 406 of the second storage section 400.

[0090] The step of unloading into one of the support elements 408 of the second storage section 400 is carried out by activating the rotation of the helical screw element 132 so as to cause a translation movement of the separated dose portion 204b along the second rotation axis R2 in a backward direction (toward the right in Fig. 21 ), until its disengagement is achieved.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the fourth actuator means 140 are configured to move the temporary storage means 122 along a direction substantially parallel to the horizontal plane HP so as to allow the longitudinal end 132a of the helical screw element 132 to protrude from the working head 102 and from the other components that it supports, when seen along the vertical direction VD.

[0092] In this manner, therefore, it is possible to couple and possibly align the second rotation axis R2 of the helical screw element 132 with the axis of one of the support elements 408, and to unload there one or more separated dose portions 204b.

[0093] In the most preferred embodiment, referring again to Figs. 11 to 14, the transfer unit 100 also comprises detection means, first 142, second 144 and third 146, preferably supported by the working head 102. In particular, the detection means, first 142, second 144 and third 146, are configured to acquire information relative to the end dose portions 204a, to the separated dose portions 204b, and to the cassettes 500 so as to verify respective predetermined conditions.

[0094] Preferably, the first detection means 142, such as a meter, a sensor, a camera and the like, are configured to acquire a first information relative to the end dose portion 204a that projects from the feeding opening 506 of one of the cassettes 500 inserted in the first storage section 300, preferably when the end dose portion 204a is engaged by the pickup means 118 in said picking up position.

[0095] For example, the first information can be the type of pharmaceutical product or medical-sanitary item that is contained in the encapsulation element 202 and the information can be provided by means of a code on one face of the end dose portion 204a. In this manner, the transfer unit 100 provided with memory means (not shown in the figures) in which are stored process parameters; it may compare said first information with preset data and verify, for example, the correct collection of a given pharmaceutical product or medical-sanitary item. However, this selection is not limitative, and the type of information and/or the manner of acquisition can be different.

[0096] In addition, in the present embodiment, the first detection means 142 are mobile between an acquisition position, in which they are adapted to acquire said first information by focusing the code to acquire, and a rest position, in which they are at a given distance from the pickup means 118 so as not to interfere with the movement of the latter.

[0097] Preferably, the second detection means 144, such as a meter, a sensor, a camera and the like, are configured to acquire a second information relative to the separated dose portion 204b at the moment in which it is received by the temporary storage means 122 by the pickup means 118 in said loading position.

[0098] For example, the second information can be a distance between the engagement element 206 of the end dose portion 204 and the longitudinal end 132a of the helical screw element 132. In this manner, the transfer unit 100 can verify the correct engagement of the separated dose portion 204b by means of the temporary storage means 122. However, this selection is not limitative, and the type of information and/or the manner of acquisition can be different.

[0099] Preferably, the third detection means 146, such as a meter, a sensor, a camera and the like, are configured to acquire a third information relative to a cassette 500 present in the first storage section 300 and to the end dose portion 204a protruding from it.

[0100] For example, the third information can be a marking tag or a code provided on a respective cassette 500. In this manner, the transfer unit 100 can verify if, during processing, there is a correct alignment of the working head 102 with respect to a given cassette 500, or with respect to the end dose portion 204a that protrudes from the same. However, this selection is not limitative, and the type of information and/or the manner of acquisition can be different.

[0101] Therefore, based on the results of a verification of the information, first, second and third, obtained through the detection means, first 142, second 144 and third 146, it is possible to guarantee the reliability of processing by means of the transfer unit 100 and/or adjust its operation. In particular, advantageously, it is possible to avoid the possibility of erroneously picking up and associating with each other pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items, regarding specific therapeutic descriptions for a given patient. [0102] The operation of the transfer unit 100, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, will be described below with reference to Figs. 16 to 21 , together with Figs. 1 to 15 relative to various previously described components.

[0103] Firstly, a plurality of cassettes 500 are inserted in respective first storage area 306 of the first storage section 300 of the delivering apparatus 1000.

[0104] Each cassette 500 contains a respective ribbon-like support 200 so that, at the feeding opening 506, an end dose portion 204a of the same is arranged in said feeding orientation (such as a horizontal orientation). Typically, each cassette 500 contains a ribbon-like support 200 comprising encapsulation elements 202 containing a type of pharmaceutical product or medical-sanitary item that is different from that of the other ribbon-like supports 200 contained in the other cassettes 500.

[0105] Subsequently, the moving means 104 of the transfer unit 100 move the working head 102 to a first cassette of the plurality of cassettes 500.

[0106] Preferably, the third detection means 146 acquire a third information relative to the first cassette of the plurality of cassettes 500 to verify if it corresponds to a respective predetermined condition, enabling if necessary the subsequent steps.

[0107] In this state, referring to Fig. 16, the pickup means 118 move to said picking up position and releasably engage the end dose portion 204a of the dose portions 204 of the ribbon-like support 200 contained in said first cassette of the plurality of cassettes 500. [0108] Preferably, in this step, the first detection means 142 acquire a first information relative to the end dose portion 204a to verify if it corresponds to a respective predetermined condition, enabling if necessary the subsequent steps.

[0109] Then, referring to Fig. 17, the pickup means 118, that engage the end dose portion 204a, move from said picking up position toward said extracting position in which the dose portion 204a is extracted from the cassette 500 by pulling it along a direction at least partially parallel to the horizontal plane HP.

[0110] In this state, referring to Fig. 18, the separating means 120 separate the end dose portion 204a from the ribbon-like support 200, thus obtaining a separated dose portion 204b.

[0111] Subsequently, referring to Fig. 19, the pickup means 118, engaging the separated dose portion 204b, move from said extracting position toward said loading position in which they are adapted to supply to the temporary storage means 122 the separated dose portion 204b, orienting it in the given loading orientation (such as a vertical orientation).

[0112] Preferably, in this step, the second detection means 144 acquire a second information relative to the separated dose portion 204b at the moment in which it is received by the temporary storage means 122 so as to verify if it corresponds to a respective predetermined condition, enabling if necessary the subsequent steps.

[0113] Furthermore, referring to Fig. 20, preferably the inserting means 138 displace at least a part of the separated dose portion 204b to cause its receiving by the temporary storage means 122.

[0114] In this state, the longitudinal end 132a of the helical screw element 132 of the temporary storage means 122 engages the engagement hole 206 of the separated dose portion 204b, and the translation of the latter is induced along said second rotation axis R2. In particular, in this step, the helical screw element 132 is rotated around its second rotation axis R2 by means of the third actuator means 136 to cause a translation movement of the separated dose portion 204b along the rotation axis R2 in a forward direction (that is, toward the left in Fig. 20).

[0115] Then, the pickup means 118 can disengage the separated dose portion 204b and return to said pick up position.

[0116] Subsequently, it is possible to repeat the previous steps by moving the working head 102 to other cassettes 500 to engage the end dose portions 204a of the respective ribbon-like supports 200, cutting them to obtain respective additional portions of separate doses 204b, and supplying the latter to the same temporary storage means 122 of the transfer unit 100.

[0117] When the transfer unit 100 has collected in the temporary storage means 122 a given plurality of separated dose portions 204b (for example based on a specific therapeutic prescription for a given patient), the moving means 104 of the transfer unit 100 move the working head 102 to a support element 408 of the second storage section 400 so as to be able to unload there one or more of the separated dose portions 204b that are supported by the temporary storage means 122.

[0118] Preferably, in this step, the temporary storage means 122 are moved from said receiving position to said unloading position (see Fig. 21 ) in which the transfer unit 100 is adapted to unload one or more separated dose portions 204b in one of the support elements 408 of the second storage section 400.

[0119] The unloading step into one of the support elements 408 is carried out by activating the rotation of the helical screw element 132 so as to cause a translation movement of the separated dose portion 204b along the second rotation axis R2 in a backward direction until its disengagement is achieved (that is, toward the right in Fig. 21 ).

[0120] If necessary, a first group of the separated dose portions 204b supported by the temporary storage means 122 can be unloaded in a first support element 408 and, after a movement of the working head 102, a second group of separated dose portions 204b can be unloaded in a second support element 408.

[0121] After having unloaded all the separated dose portions 204b that are supported by the temporary storage means 122, the moving means 104 of the transfer unit 100 move the working head 102 toward the first storage area 300 so as to repeat the previously described steps.

[0122] Thus, the transfer unit 100 is adapted to pick up and move more than one separated dose portion 204b, allowing the association of different pharmaceutical products and/or the medical-sanitary items to be supplied more efficiently and reliably by means of the delivering apparatus 1000 in agreement, for example, with therapeutic prescriptions that are specific for a given patient.

[0123] Moreover, the transfer unit 100 guarantees a reliable tracing of the processing carried out. In fact, as the separated dose portions 204b are loaded in an orderly manner along the helical screw element 132 of the temporary storage means 122, the transfer unit 100 provides for a continuous updating of information obtained through the detection means, first 142, second 144 and third 146. Therefore, the probability of a mistaken association of different pharmaceutical products and/or medical-sanitary items, is reduced or eliminated.

[0124] It is clear how it is possible to provide additional embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0125] For example, referring to Fig. 22 which shows a perspective view of a transfer unit 100 in a further preferred embodiment having a construction substantially equivalent to the one previously described, the pickup means 118 and/or the working head 102 can also provide one or more deflecting elements 148 configured to cause a variation in the orientation of the end dose portion 204a when the working head 102 approaches the cassette 500 inserted into the respective first storage area 306 of the first storage section 300.

[0126] In particular, in this embodiment, the deflector element 148, such as a wall or plate element that is curved or inclined with respect to the horizontal plane HP, is configured to engage by contact the end dose portion 204a, when the working head 102 approaches the latter, and to correct its orientation, by bending, so as to obtain a desired feeding orientation adapted for the pickup step using pickup means 118.

[0127] In addition, in the previously described embodiments, the transfer unit 100 comprises separating means 120, although it is possible to provide an embodiment in which the latter are not included in the transfer unit 100.

[0128] In particular, according to this alternative embodiment, the dose portions 204 are supplied to the transfer unit 100 from the first storage section 300 already separated from each other (that is, the dose portions 204 are supplied singularized). For example, the dose portions 204 can be supplied separate from each other inside the cassette 500, and the latter is configured to make them available automatically to the transfer unit 100. Alternatively, a ribbon-like support 200, comprising the plurality of dose portions 204 as in Figures 3 to 5, is inserted into the cassette 500, and the latter is configured to separate the end dose portion 204a, by means of respective separation means, obtaining separated dose portions 204b to supply to the pickup means 118 of the transfer unit 100. [0129] Moreover, it is possible to provide an embodiment in which the transfer unit 100 also comprises marking means configured to associate, by means of laser marking, for example, a fourth information, such as for example the name of a patient, to the separated dose portions 204b. Preferably, these marking means are configured to operate on separated dose portions 204b supported by the temporary storage means 122.

[0130] In addition, in the embodiments previously described, the transfer unit 100 includes temporary storage means 122 comprising a helical screw element 132. However, it is possible to provide additional constructions, and the temporary storage means 122 may include, for example, a bar, a rack a tray or the like.

[0131] In addition, in the previously described embodiments, the transfer unit 100 is configured to engage a dose portion having a horizontal feeding orientation and, subsequently, to orient it in a given vertical loading orientation. However, it is possible to provide further embodiments in which at least one of the feeding and loading orientations is different from the ones previously described. For example, it is possible to provide a transfer unit 100 comprising pickup means 118 configured to engage a dose portion having a feeding orientation that is inclined 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane HP.

[0132] In addition, in the embodiments previously described, the transfer unit 100 is configured to engage a dose portion and to vary its feeding orientation to the given loading orientation through a rotation of the pickup means 118 around the first rotation axis R1 substantially parallel to the horizontal plane HP. However, it is possible to provide other embodiments in which the variation of the orientation of the dose portion is obtained by a combination of additional types of rotation or roto-translation. For example, it is possible to provide a transfer unit 100 comprising pickup means 118 configured to engage a dose portion and, subsequently, rotate around the first rotation axis R1 substantially parallel to the horizontal plane HP, and around another axis substantially parallel to the vertical direction VD.

[0133] Moreover, in the previously described embodiments, the working head 102 of the transfer unit 100 is adapted to move through the moving means 104 parallel to the vertical direction VD and to the horizontal plane HP along the first guide means 110, such as linear rails. However, it is possible to provide other embodiments in which the moving means 104 are adapted to move the working head 102 parallel to the vertical direction VD and to the horizontal plane HP along a further path of desired form, such as a curved or broken path or the like, and combinations of the same. In other words, the moving means 104 can be adapted to move the working head 102 along a first direction parallel to the vertical direction VD, along at least a second direction parallel to horizontal plane HP, or combinations of the same, that is, along a path obtained by combining a contemporary movement along said first direction and said at least one second direction. [0134] From what has been described so far, it is evident how important results have been achieved, resolving the drawbacks of the prior art, making it possible to manufacture a transfer unit 100, associable to an automatic delivering apparatus 1000, that is configured to effectively pick up and supply dose portions 204, preferably from ribbon like supports 200, comprising encapsulation elements 202 adapted to contain pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items.

[0135] In fact, according to the present invention, the transfer unit 100 makes it possible to reliably pick up dose portions 204, preferably of ribbon-like supports 200, from a first storage section 300 of the delivering apparatus 1000.

[0136] Moreover, according to the present invention, the transfer unit 100 makes it possible to automatically associate with each other different portions of separate doses 204b, in accordance with therapeutic prescriptions that are specific for a given patient, before supplying them to the second storage section 400 of the delivering apparatus 1000.

[0137] Moreover, the transfer unit 100 is configured to engage in said first storage section 300 an end dose portion 204a of a ribbon-like support 200 having an orientation that is easy to realize and maintain (such as a non-vertical orientation, preferably a substantially horizontal orientation). Subsequently, the transfer unit itself 100 is configured to supply to said second storage section 400 separated dose portions 204b having a desired orientation (such as a substantially vertical orientation) that is practical to use in further successive pickup and/or moving steps performed by an operator or by further automatic moving units.

[0138] In addition, the transfer unit 100 is easily associable to a delivering apparatus 1000 provided with one or more storage sections 300 and with one or more supply sections 400 having various shapes and/or dimensions and/or relative arrangements. [0139] Naturally, the materials and equipment used to implement the present invention, as well as the form and dimensions of the single components, can be the most appropriate for the specific requirements.

Claims

1. Transfer unit (100) for picking up and moving dose portions (204, 204a, 204b) comprising encapsulation elements (202) adapted to contain pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items, said transfer unit (100) comprising:

- a working head (102), and

- moving means (104) adapted to move said working head (102) at least parallel to a vertical direction (VD) and to a support horizontal plane (HP), wherein said working head (102) supports:

- pickup means (118) configured to releasably engage a dose portion (204, 204a, 204b), characterized in that said working head (102) further supports:

- temporary storage means (122) distinct from said pickup means (118), said temporary storage means (122) being configured to receive one or more dose portions (204, 204a, 204b) by means of said pickup means (118).

2. The transfer unit (100) according to claim 1, wherein said pickup means (118) are configured to move between:

- at least one picking up position wherein said pickup means (118) are adapted to releasably engage said dose portion (204, 204a, 204b) having a feeding orientation, and

- at least one loading position wherein said pickup means (118) are adapted to orient said dose portion (204, 204a, 204b) in a loading orientation different from said feeding orientation, and said temporary storage means (122) being configured to receive and maintain said dose portion (204, 204a, 204b) substantially in said loading orientation.

3. The transfer unit (100) according to claim 2, wherein the movement between said picking up position and said loading position is obtained by means of at least one rotation of said pickup means (118) around a first rotation axis (R1) substantially parallel to said horizontal plane (HP).

4. The transfer unit (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said pickup means (118) comprise: - a gripping element (124) configured to releasably grip said dose portion (204, 204a, 204b) having said feeding orientation,

- first actuator means (126) configured to move said gripping element (124) between said at least one picking up position and at least one extracting position wherein said dose portion (204, 204a, 204b) engaged by said gripping element (124) is extracted by moving the latter along a direction at least partially parallel to said horizontal plane (HP),

- second actuator means (128) configured to move said gripping element (124) between said at least one extracting position and said at least one loading position.

5. The transfer unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said temporary storage means (122) comprise a helical screw element (132) adapted to receive said one or more dose portions (204, 204a , 204b) by means of said pickup means (118), said helical screw element (132) being rotatable around a second rotation axis (R2) by means of third actuator means (136) so as to cause by rotation the translation of said dose portion (204, 204a, 204b) along said second rotation axis (R2).

6. The transfer unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said dose portion (204, 204a, 204b) comprises a respective engagement element (206), said temporary storage means (122) comprising a helical screw element (132) having a second rotation axis (R2) arranged substantially parallel to said horizontal plane (HP), said helical screw element (132) comprising a longitudinal end (132a) operatively adapted to engage said engagement element (206), and said helical screw element (132) being rotatable around said second rotation axis (R2) by means of third actuator means (136) so as to cause by rotation the translation of said dose portion (204, 204a, 204b) along said second rotation axis (R2).

7. The transfer unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said working head (102) further supports separating means (120) configured to separate an end dose portion (204a) engaged by said pickup means (118) from a ribbon-like support (200) comprising a plurality of dose portions (204, 204a) so as to obtain a separated dose portion (204b).

8. The transfer unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising inserting means (138) configured to displace at least a part of said dose portion (204, 204a, 204b) engaged by said pickup means (118) so as to cause its receiving by said temporary storage means (122).

9. The transfer unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising fourth actuator means (140) configured to move said temporary storage means (122) between:

- a receiving position wherein said temporary storage means (122) are adapted to receive said dose portion (204, 204a, 204b) by means of said pickup means (118), and

- an unloading position wherein said temporary storage means (122) are displaced with respect said pickup means (118) so as to unload said dose portion (204, 204a, 204b) in a second storage section (400) of a delivering apparatus (1000).

10. The transfer unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising detection means (142, 144, 146) configured to acquire given information relating to said dose portion (204, 204a, 204b).

11. Delivering apparatus (1000) for storing and supplying dose portions (204, 204a, 204b) comprising encapsulation elements (202) adapted to contain pharmaceutical products or medical-sanitary items, said delivering apparatus (1000) comprising a first storage section (300) and a second storage section (400) both adapted to store said dose portions (204, 204a, 204b), characterized in that further comprises a transfer unit (100) according to any of the preceding claims, said transfer unit (100) being configured for picking up said dose portions (204, 204a, 204b) from said first storage section (300) and for transferring them in said second storage section (400).