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Packaging Apparatus for Handling Pills and Associated Method

a technology for packaging apparatus and pills, applied in the field of packaging machines, can solve the problems of achieve the effect of high speed and cost effectiveness, both in initial cost and maintenance cos

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-02-19
AYLWARD ENTERPRISES
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015]Thus, embodiments of the present invention include an automated packaging apparatus and associated method providing an accurate count of pills dispensed to each container. Such an apparatus requires a minimum of operator intervention, and can operate at a high speed. Additionally, such an apparatus is cost effective, both in initial cost and maintenance cost.

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, such an apparatus is cost effective, both in initial cost and maintenance cost.

Method used

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  • Packaging Apparatus for Handling Pills and Associated Method
  • Packaging Apparatus for Handling Pills and Associated Method
  • Packaging Apparatus for Handling Pills and Associated Method

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Embodiment Construction

[0022]The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0023]Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a pill handling apparatus 10, such as an automated packaging machine. Such a pill handling apparatus can be used for dispensing pills into containers, as discussed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,185,901 to Aylward, and in U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,429 to Aylward, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In other embodiments, such a pill handling apparatus can be used for ot...

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Abstract

An automated packaging apparatus and associated method are provided for depositing pills into a container. A cylindrical rotary slat is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and defines a plurality of pill apertures for receiving pills deposited into an interior space of the cylinder, at a first angular position of the rotary slat. A negative pressure system applies a negative pressure the pill apertures for retaining the pills therein, as the rotary slat rotates from the first to a second angular position. A removal system interacts with the pill apertures, as the respective pill aperture is at the second angular position, to remove the pill therefrom through a radially outward portion of the rotary slat. A collection system, adjacent to the radially outward portion of the rotary slat about the second angular position, is configured to direct each pill removed from each respective pill aperture toward a container for deposition therein.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 954,969, filed Aug. 9, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]Embodiments of the present invention relate to packaging machines and, more particularly, to an automated packaging machine for filling containers with pills, and associated method.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Pharmaceutical medicines and associated packaging apparatus are typically subject to relatively strict consumer protection guidelines. For example, pills, capsules, and the like, must be produced and packaged in such a way as to at least meet the minimum sterility requirements mandated by federal regulations. In addition, the pills should be delivered into the packaging such that the contents accurately meet the claimed labeling “count”, i.e., such that each package includes exactly the predetermine...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): B65B5/10B65B57/00
CPCB65B1/14B65B1/16B65B35/48B65B35/46B65B5/103
Inventor AYLWARD, JOHN T.
Owner AYLWARD ENTERPRISES