Cutting blade apparatus and process for cutting strip packaging

Abstract

An assembly for separating a strip of pouches includes first and second advancement assemblies positioned in a path along which a strip of pouches can be advanced. A knife assembly is positioned between the advancement assemblies. The knife assembly includes a knife head and a knife actuator for directing the knife head along a knife travel path between a first knife parking position and a second knife parking position. The knife head includes a knife that has a first blade edge and a second blade edge. When a downstream pouch of the strip of pouches is engaged by the second advancement assembly and an upstream pouch of the strip of pouches is engaged by the first advancement assembly, directing the knife head from one parking position to the other engages one of the blade edges with the strip of pouches to separate the downstream pouch from the upstream pouch.

Description

CUTTING BLADE APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR CUTTING STRIP PACKAGINGCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This patent application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410748414.6, filed on June 11 , 2024 and entitled “CUTTING BLADE APPARATUS AND PROCESS FOR CUTTING STRIP PACKAGING”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application generally relates to dispensers for pre-packaged medications, and more specifically to dispensers that can be loaded with a strip of medication pouches that are to be separated from each other prior to being dispensed by the dispenser.BACKGROUND

[0003] Patients may be prescribed drugs in the form of multi-dose packaging. For example, one or more medications in the form of pills, tablets, gel caps, and the like may be packaged into individual dosage ‘pouches’. Each ‘pouch’ may contain one or more dosage forms of one or more medications that are to be taken by a patient at a similar time. For example, one pouch may contain a set of medication(s) that are to be taken by a patient in the morning, and another pouch may contain a different set of medication(s) that are to be taken by the patient in the evening. Such an arrangement may be particularly helpful for patients who have complicated dosage schedules for two or more medications, and / or for patients who have exhibited difficulty complying with the scheduled dosing of one or more medications that they are taking.

[0004] One conventional form of multi-dose packaging is to provide continuous ‘strips’ of dosage pouches. Typically, the pouches of a strip will be arranged so that the dosage pouches are in sequential order, corresponding with a dosing schedule for a patient. Such an arrangement allows for the pouches to be separated from the strip in sequential order and dispensed to the patient according to their individualized dosing schedule.

[0005] Some conventional multi-dose ‘strips’ include a plurality of pouches separated from each other by heat-sealed regions, which may optionally contain aperforation across the heat-sealed region. Each pouch contains medication dosage(s) intended to be taken concurrently by a patient at a scheduled time. Accordingly, some portions of a strip can be considered relatively thin (e.g. heat sealed regions between pouches) while other portions of the same strip can be considered relatively thick (e.g. pouches containing medication dosages).

[0006] Also, some conventional multi-dose ‘strips’ include a heat-sealed region extending along one side of substantially all of the strip. Other conventional multi-dose ‘strips’ include a heat-sealed region extending along each side of substantially all of the strip.

[0007] Prior to being dispensed to a patient, individual medication pouches should be separated from the strip of pouches.SUMMARY

[0008] The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The introduction is not intended to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

[0009] As disclosed herein, a dispensing apparatus includes a separation assembly configured to separate a pouch with medication dosage(s) from strip of such pouches. Such an assembly includes first and second advancement assemblies to position a strip of pouches along an advancement path, and a knife assembly positioned between the advancement assemblies. The knife assembly includes a knife and a knife actuator for directing the knife along a knife travel path across the strip advancement path. Knife parking positions are provided on either side of the strip advancement path. Such a configuration may provide one or more advantages.

[0010] For example, providing a knife parking position on each side of a strip advancement path may eliminate the need to advance and retract a cutting tool for each pouch separated pouch, which may reduce energy usage and / or wear.

[0011] Additionally, or alternatively, providing a knife parking position on each side of a strip advancement path may facilitate the forming of one or more slits in a pouch prior to the separation of the pouch from the strip. Providing a separated pouch with aslit may make it easier for a user to open the pouch to access the medication dosage(s) contained therein.

[0012] In accordance with one broad aspect, there is provided an assembly for separating a strip of pouches, the assembly comprising: a first advancement assembly positioned in a path along which a strip of pouches can be advanced; a second advancement assembly positioned in the path downstream of the first advancement assembly; a knife assembly positioned between the first and second advancement assemblies, the knife assembly comprising: a knife head comprising a knife having a first blade edge and a second blade edge; and a knife actuator for directing the knife head along a knife travel path between a first knife parking position and a second knife parking position, the first knife parking position being located on a first side of the path, wherein when the knife is in the first knife parking position the first blade edge faces the path, the second knife parking position being located on a second side of the path, wherein when the knife is in the second knife parking position the second blade edge faces the path; wherein when a downstream pouch of the strip of pouches is engaged by the second advancement assembly and an upstream pouch of the strip of pouches is engaged by the first advancement assembly, directing the knife head from one of the first or second parking position to the other of the first and second parking position engages the respective one of the first and second blade edges with the strip of pouches to separate the downstream pouch from the upstream pouch.

[0013] In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a floor surface positioned below the path with an upstream portion of the floor surface positioned between the knife travel path and the first advancement assembly, a downstream portion of the floor surface positioned between the knife travel path and the second advancement assembly, and a recessed portion of the floor surface aligned with the knife travel path.

[0014] In some embodiments, the floor surface is at least one of transparent and translucent.

[0015] In some embodiments, a lowest portion of the knife is spaced from the recessed portion of the floor surface as the knife head travels along the knife travel path.

[0016] In some embodiments, the knife head further comprises a first engagement member positioned upstream of the knife, wherein the upstream portion of the floor surface comprises a first bearing portion configured to engage the first engagement member as the knife head travels between the first and second knife parking positions.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first engagement member comprises a first spur gear and the first bearing portion comprises a first gear rack configured to engage spurs of the first spur gear as the knife head travels between the first and second knife parking positions.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first spur gear is translatable relative to the knife head and resiliently biased towards the first gear rack.

[0019] In some embodiments, the knife head further comprises a second engagement member positioned downstream of the knife, wherein the downstream portion of the floor surface comprises a second bearing portion configured to engage the second engagement member as the knife head travels between the first and second knife parking positions.

[0020] In some embodiments, the second engagement member comprises a second spur gear and the second bearing portion comprises a second gear rack configured to engage spurs of the second spur gear as the knife head travels between the first and second knife parking positions.

[0021] In some embodiments, the second spur gear is translatable relative to the knife head and resiliently biased towards the second gear rack.

[0022] In some embodiments, the knife actuator comprises a leadscrew assembly.

[0023] In some embodiments, the knife assembly further comprises a knife head guide rod that extends parallel to the leadscrew assembly for supporting the knife head as it travels along the knife travel path.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first blade edge and the second blade edge meet at a point.

[0025] In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a computing device comprising a processor and a memory, the computing device being configured to: direct, using at least the first advancement assembly, the advancement of a strip ofpouches until a target cut line is aligned with the knife travel path; tension, using at least one of the first and second advancement assemblies, the strip of pouches with the target cut line aligned with the knife travel path; and separate the downstream pouch from the upstream pouch by directing the knife head, via the knife actuator, from one of the first or second parking position to the other of the first and second parking position.

[0026] In some embodiments, the computing device is further configured to: direct, using at least the first advancement assembly, the advancement of the strip of pouches until a target slit location is aligned with the knife travel path; tension, using at least one of the first and second advancement assemblies, the strip of pouches with the target slit location aligned with the knife travel path; and slit a lateral edge of the strip of pouches by directing the knife head, via the knife actuator, from an initial parking position of the first and second parking position that is closest to the lateral edge towards the other parking position by a target slit depth, and returning the knife head to the initial parking position.

[0027] In some embodiments, the computing device is configured to direct the advancement of the strip of pouches by directing the first advancement assembly and the second advancement assembly to advance the strip of pouches.

[0028] In some embodiments, the computing device is configured to tension the strip of pouches by directing the second advancement assembly to advance the strip of pouches at a first rate, and directing the first advancement assembly to advance the strip of pouches at a second rate that is lower than the first rate.

[0029] In some embodiments, the computing device is configured to tension the strip of pouches by directing the second advancement assembly to advance the strip of pouches, and directing the first advancement assembly to retain the strip of pouches.

[0030] In some embodiments, the computing device is configured to tension the strip of pouches by directing the second advancement assembly to advance the strip of pouches and directing the first advancement assembly to regress the strip of pouches.

[0031] In some embodiments, the computing device is further configured to receive at least one of the target cut line and the target slit location from a locating assembly.

[0032] In some embodiments, the knife travel path is positioned closer to the second advancement assembly than to the first advancement assembly.

[0033] In some embodiments, the first advancement assembly comprises a first strip passage defined between rollers of the first advancement assembly, the second advancement assembly comprises a second strip passage defined between rollers of the second advancement assembly, and wherein the upstream and downstream portions of the floor surface are positioned below a plane that extends through the first and second strip passages.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 2 is a cross-section view of the internal mechanisms of a dispensing assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 3A is a side view of an exemplary strip of pouches;

[0038] Figure 3B is a plan view of the strip of pouches of Figure 3A;

[0039] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a knife assembly for a dispensing assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the knife assembly of Figure 4;

[0041] Figure 6 is an exploded view of a knife assembly for a dispensing assembly in accordance with another embodiment;

[0042] Figure 7A is a perspective view of the knife of the knife assembly of Figure 4;

[0043] Figure 7B is a perspective view of the knife of the knife assembly of Figure 6;

[0044] Figure 8A is a front view of the knife assembly of Figure 4, with a knife head positioned at a first knife parking position;

[0045] Figure 8B is the front view of the knife assembly of Figure 8A, with the knife head positioned at a second knife parking position;

[0046] Figure 9 is a side plan view of a portion of the knife assembly of Figure 6;

[0047] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the knife assembly of Figure 4 positioned between first and second advancement assemblies;

[0048] Figure 11 is a side plan view of the knife assembly and advancement assemblies of Figure 10;

[0049] Figure 12A is a schematic cross-section view of a strip of pouches being advanced toward the knife assembly and advancement assemblies of Figure 10;

[0050] Figure 12B is a schematic cross-section view of the strip of pouches of Figure 12A, with a heat sealed region between adjacent pouches aligned with the knife travel path, and the strip of pouches being tensioned using the first and / or second advancement assembly; and

[0051] Figure 12C is a schematic cross-section view of the strip of pouches of Figure 12B, after a downstream pouch has been separated from the strip of pouches.

[0052] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of apparatus and methods of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Various apparatuses and methods are described below to provide example embodiments and implementations of the technology. The technology includes apparatuses and methods that facilitate the dispensation of individual pouches from a strip of pouches.

[0054] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures toindicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

[0055] While the apparatus and methods disclosed herein are described specifically in relation to the dispensation of medication, such as pills, tablets, gel caps, and the like, it will be appreciated that the technology may alternatively be used during the dispensation of other items.

[0056] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a dispensing apparatus (which may also be characterized as a dispenser apparatus, or simply as a dispenser), referred to generally as 100. With reference to Figure 1 , dispensing apparatus 100 includes a display 101 for displaying information about the operation of dispensing apparatus 100, the current dosing schedule, and / or other information that may be relevant and / or of interest to a user. In the illustrated embodiment, display 101 is a touch-screen display configured to accept input from a user of dispensing apparatus 100, but need not be a touch screen other examples in which case alternative user input mechanisms (such as buttons, etc.) could be provided.

[0057] Dispensing apparatus 100 also includes a controller for obtaining data from and / or directing the operation of one or more electronic and / or mechatronic components of the dispensing apparatus. Such a controller is operatively coupled to sensors and / or other input devices of the dispensing apparatus for receiving and / or requesting data, and operatively coupled to motors and / or other actuators of the dispensing apparatus for directing the motion and / or position of components of the dispensing apparatus. The controller also includes (or is operatively coupled to) a transceiver (configured for wired and / or wireless communication) for communicating with one or more remote computing devices (e.g. via the Internet). It will be appreciated that any suitable controller known in the art could be used, such as a computing device with one or more processors and a memory for storing and / or executing programinstructions, data, and the like. The controller may optionally comprise one or more programmable logic controllers (PLC), or the like. In the illustrated example, a controller 111 is provided as part of a module that includes the display 101. It will be appreciated that controller 111 may alternatively be provided in any suitable location within dispensing apparatus 100.

[0058] Figure 1 also illustrates a dispensing area 102, into which pouches of medication are dispensed by dispensing apparatus 100.

[0059] Figure 1 also illustrates a cover plate 105 that, when closed, inhibits or prevents access to a loading area 107 of dispensing apparatus 100. Cover plate 105 can be configured as removable (i.e. configured to be separated from dispensing apparatus 100), or non-removable (i.e. configured to be moved from a closed position (in which access to the loading area is inhibited or prevented) to an open position (in which the loading area is accessible)), e.g. via one or more hinging and / or pivoting mechanisms. Preferably, cover plate 105 can be selectively locked in a closed position, so that loading area 107 can only be accessed by authorized personnel.

[0060] With reference to Figure 2, in the illustrated example dispensing apparatus 100 includes a housing, referred to generally as 110. Housing 110 maintains components of dispensing apparatus 100 in fixed relation to each other. For some component assemblies, housing 110 supports non-movable components (e.g. bearings or bushings and the like) that facilitate relative movement of other components (e.g. rotating shafts).

[0061] In the illustrated example, dispensing apparatus 100 includes two intakes for receiving and advancing strips of dosage pouches. Each intake leads first to a respective intake path, and then on to a common outtake path. Such a configuration may provide one or more advantages. It will be appreciated that roller assemblies disclosed herein may be used in dispensing apparatus with only one intake.

[0062] With reference to Figure 2, in the illustrated example a first intake path 125A extends from a first intake 122A to a first outtake 124A. Generally, the first intake path extends from region A to region C.

[0063] To advance a strip of pouches along the first intake path 125A, a suitable advancement assembly, such as a first set of rollers 200AI is positioned proximate thefirst intake 122A. Roller assembly 200AI is configured to engage a leading end of a strip of pouches presented at the first intake 122A and advance the leading end along the first intake path 125A.

[0064] Also, a second set of rollers 200A2 is positioned upstream of the first outtake 124A. Roller assembly 200A2 is configured to engage the leading end of a strip of pouches advanced from the first intake 122A by roller assembly 200AI and advance the leading end to the first outtake 124A. At least some of the advancement assemblies described herein may be active / driven to help urge the strips of pouches along their respective travel paths, while optionally some of the advancement assemblies may be passive (i.e. not separately driven or powered) to help guide the travel of the strips of pouches but need not apply a pulling force. Advancement assemblies disclosed herein that are active / driven, such as the first set of rollers 200AI , are operatively coupled to a controller of dispensing apparatus 100 (e.g. controller 111) so that their operation can be controlled by dispensing apparatus 100. For example, controller 111 may be configured to selectively direct the rotation of one or both rollers in first set of rollers 200AI , e.g. by activating a motor or other actuator coupled to one or both of the rollers. It will be appreciated that advancement assemblies disclosed herein may also be operatively coupled to a controller (e.g. controller 111 ) so that the controller can obtain position and / or orientation data from the advancement assemblies.

[0065] Similar to the first intake path 125A, a second intake path 125B extends from a second intake 122B to a second outtake 124B. Generally, the second intake path extends from region B to region C.

[0066] To advance a strip of pouches along the second intake path 125B, a first set of rollers 200BI is positioned proximate the second intake 122B. Roller assembly 200BI is configured to engage a leading end of a strip of pouches presented at the second intake 122B and advance the leading end along the second intake path 125B.

[0067] Also, a second set of rollers 200B2 is positioned upstream of the second outtake 124B. Roller assembly 200B2 is configured to engage the leading end of a strip of pouches advanced from the second intake 122B by roller assembly 200BI and advance the leading end to the second outtake 124B.

[0068] With continued reference to Figure 2, dispensing apparatus 100 includes a common outtake path, along which individual dosage pouches are separated from astrip of pouches and dispensed. The intake of the common outtake path is in communication with the outtake paths of each of the two intake paths.

[0069] In the illustrated example an outtake path 135 extends from an intake 132 to an outtake 134. Outtake 134 can be characterized as being, or being in in communication with, dispensing area 102. Generally, the outtake path extends from region C to region D.

[0070] Notably, the outtake 124A of the fist intake path 125A and the outtake 124B of the second intake path 125B are both in communication with intake 132 of outtake path 135. As a result, a strip of pouches may pass through dispensing apparatus 100 along a path from region A to region C to region D (i.e. from intake 122A to dispensing area 102), or alternatively a strip of pouches may pass through dispensing apparatus 100 along a path from region B to region C to region D (i.e. from intake 122B to dispensing area 102).

[0071] To advance a strip of pouches along the outtake path 135, a first set of rollers 200ci is positioned proximate the intake 132. Roller assembly 200ci is configured to engage a leading end of a strip of pouches presented at the intake 132 and advance the leading end along the outtake path 135.

[0072] In the illustrated example, a directing roller 142 is positioned proximate and upstream of roller assembly 200ci. In use, directing roller 142 is configured to direct a leading end of a strip of pouches from either outtake 124A or outtake 124B towards roller assembly 200ci. More specifically, directing roller 142 is configured to prevent the leading end of a strip of pouches exiting one of outtake 124A or outtake 124B to enter the other of outtake 124A or outtake 124B instead of towards roller assembly 200ci.

[0073] In the illustrated example, the directing roller 142 is coupled to a motor or other actuator (not shown) and controllable by a controller of the dispensing apparatus 100 (e.g. controller 111 ) to selectively rotate the selection roller in different directions at different times. For example, with reference to Figure 2, when directing roller 142 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, a leading end of a strip of pouches exiting outtake 124A may be urged towards roller assembly 200ci, and when directing roller 142 is rotated in a clockwise direction, a leading end of a strip of pouches exiting outtake 124B may be urged towards roller assembly 200ci.

[0074] Preferably, directing roller 142 is a ‘floating’ roller whose axis of rotation is not fixed relative to housing 110. As a result, roller 142 can move up and down freely. Also, in the event of a feed / advancement error, the free-floating nature of roller 142 may reduce drag on a strip, allowing a troubleshooter to remove the strip more easily.

[0075] A second set of rollers 200c2 is positioned downstream of the roller assembly 200ci. Roller assembly 200c2 is configured to engage the leading end of a strip of pouches advanced from the intake 132 by roller assembly 200ci and advance the leading end through a knife assembly 300.

[0076] A third set of rollers 200c3 is positioned downstream of the knife assembly 300. Roller assembly 200c3 is configured to engage the leading end of a strip of pouches advanced through the knife assembly 300 and advance pouches separated from the strip of pouches to the outtake 134 of the outtake path (e.g. to dispensing area 102).

[0077] In the illustrated example, a strip detector 150ci is provided downstream of roller assembly 200ci. Detector 150ci is configured to provide a signal indicative of the presence of a strip of pouches at this location in the outtake path 135. The illustrated example also includes a strip detector 150c2 positioned downstream of roller assembly 200c3. Detector 150c2 is configured to provide a signal indicative of the presence of a strip of pouches at the outtake 134 of the outtake path 135. Strip detectors disclosed herein, such as strip detectors 150ci, 150c2, 150cs are operatively coupled to a controller of dispensing apparatus 100 (e.g. controller 111) so that the controller can obtain data from the detectors, e.g. by receiving and / or requesting data from the detectors.

[0078] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate an example of a strip of dosage pouches, referred to generally as 10. Multi-dose packaging medication strips, such as strips 10, are typically produced by pharmacies according to a patients' prescription. Such strips 10 are also typically labelled with printed identification markers related to the patient and / or the dosing schedule.

[0079] In the illustrated example, the strip consists of three pouches 20. In this example, the strip has leading end 11 , intended to be inserted first into the dispensing assembly, and a trailing end 12. Each pouch 20 is separated from each other by a heat-sealed region 15, which may optionally contain a perforation 16 acrosssubstantially all of the heat-sealed region 15. Each pouch 20 contains medication dosage(s) 19 intended to be taken concurrently by a patient at a scheduled time.

[0080] Each pouch 20 of a strip of pouches 10 contains medication dosage(s) intended to be taken concurrently by a patient at a scheduled time. Accordingly, some portions of a strip 10 can be considered relatively thin (e.g. heat sealed regions 15 between pouches) while other portions of the same strip 10 can be considered relatively thick (e.g. pouches 20 containing medication dosages)

[0081] Referring to Figure 3B, the strip 10 has a first side edge 13 and a second side edge 14. In the illustrated example, side edge 14 has a heat-sealed region extending along substantially all of strip 10. In one or more alternative examples, side edge 13 may also have a heat-sealed region extending along substantially all of strip 10.

[0082] In order to separate individual pouches 20 from a strip of pouches 10, dispensing apparatus 100 incudes a knife assembly, referred to generally as 300. Knife assembly 300 includes a knife head that can be selectively moved along a knife travel path that is generally perpendicular to a travel path of strip of pouches. The knife head can be ‘parked’ on either side of the strip travel path. When a strip of pouches 10 is advanced or otherwise positioned with a heat-sealed region 15 aligned with the knife travel path, advancing the knife head across the strip travel path will engage a blade edge of the knife with the heat-sealed region 15 to cut through the heat-sealed region 15, thereby separating the pouches on either side of the heat-sealed region 15 from each other.

[0083] Referring to Figures 4 to 9, in the illustrated embodiment, knife assembly 300 includes a knife head 320 that includes a knife 330. With reference to Figures 7A and 7B, knife 330 has a first blade edge 332 and a second blade edge 334. In the illustrated examples, the blade edges 332, 334 are angled, and meet at a point 333.

[0084] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, knife head 320 also includes engagement members that can be positioned close to, and preferably move with the knife head and may help maintain the relative alignment of the knife head and the floor surface as the knife head travels. The engagement members may optionally assist in maintaining the relative position of a strip of pouches from which a pouch is being separated and the floor surface as the knife head travels by, for example, contacting portions of the stripof pouches that are upstream and / or downstream from the knife head to help hold strip of pouches in a desired location and / or to help keep it relatively taught when being cut. Complimentary bearing portions can be positioned to underlie / face the engagement members and can provide a surface for the engagement members to bear against and / or to help clamp the strip of pouches between the engagement members and the bearing portions. The bearing portions may be smooth or alternatively may have a shape that is generally complimentary to the shape of an associated engagement member to help guide or retain the engagement member. In the present example, the knife head 320 includes engagement members in the form of spur gears 328A, 328B that are configured to engage bearing portions that are provided in the form of complimentary racks 356A, 356B on floor 350. The spur gears 328A, 328B and racks 356A, 356B may assist in maintaining the relative alignment of the knife head and the floor surface as the knife head travels across the floor 350. Additionally, or alternatively, spur gears 328A, 328B and racks 356A, 356B may assist in maintaining the relative position of a strip of pouches from which a pouch is being separated and the floor surface as the knife head travels across the floor 350, e.g. by squeezing or clamping the strip of pouches between the spur gears 328A, 328B and racks 356A, 356B.

[0085] Knife head 320 is driven using a knife actuator. In the illustrated example, knife head 320 is driven along a knife travel path using a leadscrew assembly. Specifically, knife head 320 is mounted on a leadscrew 310 and a guide rod 319 that is parallel to and offset from leadscrew 310. In the illustrated example, knife head 320 incudes a leadscrew bushing 323 and a guide rod bushing 324. Leadscrew 310 can be selectively rotated using a knife motor 305. In the illustrated example, knife motor 305 drives an overdrive gear 307, which in turn drives a leadscrew gear 311 that is coupled to one end of leadscrew 310. A lead screw bearing 327 is coupled to the other end of leadscrew 310. It will be appreciated that other designs of leadscrew drives, or other linear suitable actuation mechanisms, may alternatively be used as a knife actuator to move knife head 320.

[0086] Referring to Figures 5 and 7A, in this example knife 330 is coupled to knife head 320 by positioning a support axle 322 extending from cover plate 321 through a main aperture 337 in knife 330 and positioning another support axle (not shown) extending from a flange to which cover plate 321 is secured through a secondaryaperture 339 in knife 330. Also, in this example spur gears 328A, 328B are coupled to knife head 320 using support axle 322. In this arrangement, knife 330 is maintained in a fixed position relative to knife head 320. Also, spur gears 328A, 328B are maintained in a fixed position relative to knife head 320 (and thereby in a fixed position relative to knife 330).

[0087] Referring to Figures 6 and 7B, in this alternative example knife 330 is coupled to knife head 320 by positioning screws 326 through apertures in the knife head and through apertures 339 in knife 330. In this arrangement, knife 330 is maintained in a fixed position relative to knife head 320. Also, in this example spur gears 328A, 328B are coupled to a floating support axle 322 that has a first end positioned in a slot in cover plate 321 and a second end positioned in a slot in a flange to which cover plate 321 is secured. Floating support axle 322 is biased towards lower ends of the slots via a spring 325. In this arrangement, spur gears 328A, 328B can translate up and down relative to knife head 320 (and thereby translate up and down relative to knife 330). Such an arrangement may have one or more advantages. For example, the translation of spur gears 328A, 328B relative to knife head 320 may facilitate the accommodation of pouches 20 that are relatively full (e.g. have a relatively large thickness proximate a heat-sealed region 15), e.g. by providing improved clearance proximate knife 330.

[0088] Returning to Figures 5 and 6, in the illustrated embodiment knife assembly 300 also includes a knife travel limit switch 380A for determining when knife head 320 (and thus knife 330) is positioned at a first end of the knife travel path (e.g. as shown in Figure 8A), and a knife travel limit switch 380B for determining when knife head 320 (and thus knife 330) is positioned at a second end of the knife travel path (e.g. as shown in Figure 8A). It will be appreciated that other mechanisms and / or techniques may be used to determine when knife head 320 has reached an end of the knife travel path.

[0089] Referring to Figure 8A, when knife head 320 (and thus knife 330) is positioned at a first parking position, knife 330 is positioned to one side of a path 301 along which a strip of pouches is advanced. In this first parking position, first blade edge 332 faces the path 301. Thus, when knife head 320 is moved across path 301from the first parking position, first blade edge 332 (but not second blade edge 334) will engage a strip of pouches positioned in path 301 .

[0090] Referring to Figure 8B, when knife head 320 (and thus knife 330) is positioned at a second parking position, knife 330 is positioned on the other side of path 301 along which a strip of pouches is advanced. In this second parking position, second blade edge 334 faces the path 301. Thus, when knife head 320 is moved across path 301 from the second parking position, second blade edge 334 (but not first blade edge 332) will engage a strip of pouches positioned in path 301 .

[0091] Providing a knife assembly 300 that has parking positions on either side of a path along which a strip of pouches is advanced may have one or more advantages. For example, such an arrangement may facilitate the cutting of a slit into a side edge of a strip of pouches. Specifically, rather then travelling all the way across the path along which a strip of pouches is advanced to separate a pouch from the strip of pouches, the knife may be advanced only partially into a side edge of a heat-sealed region extending along substantially all of strip 10 (e.g. side edge 14 in Figure 3B). The knife may then be returned to the parking position from which it was advanced to form the slit. In this manner, a slit may be formed in a pouch 20 prior to its separation from strip 10. Providing a separated pouch with a slit may make it easier for a user to open the pouch to access the medication dosage(s) contained therein.

[0092] Turning to Figure 9, in the illustrated embodiment floor 350 includes an upstream floor surface 352 positioned between the travel path of knife 330 and an advancement assembly located upstream of the knife assembly, and a downstream floor surface 354 positioned between the travel path of knife 330 and an advancement assembly located upstream of the knife assembly. Floor 350 also includes a recessed portion 355 aligned with the travel path of knife 330. Notably, in this example knife 330 is not in contact with floor 350, as there is a gap Heap between point 333 of knife 330 and a lower surface of recessed portion 355. Providing such a gap may have one or more advantages. For example, knife 330 may be less susceptible to wear and / or alignment issues as compared to a knife that is in contact with a floor surface as is moves.

[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, upstream floor surface 352 has an angled surface that gently ramps up towards rack 356A, while downstream floor surface 354has an angled surface that more aggressively ramps down away from rack 356B (see e.g. Figures 5, 6, and 9). Also, upstream floor surface 352 is longer (in a direction of a path along which a strip of pouches is advanced) than downstream floor surface 354. Such a configuration of floor surfaces may have one or more advantages. For example, providing a relatively longer upstream floor surface 352 may increase the length of an imaging area for one or more optical detection mechanisms for identifying and / or tracking a strip of pouches 10 as it passes through knife assembly 300.

[0094] In one or more preferred embodiment, floor 350 is made from a material that is translucent or transparent. In such a configuration, a light source 395 positioned below the floor 350 may be used to illuminate a strip of pouches passing through knife assembly 300. This illumination may assist with one or more optical detection mechanisms for identifying and / or tracking a strip of pouches 10 as it passes through knife assembly 300.

[0095] Referring to Figures 2, 10, and 11 , in the illustrated embodiment, knife assembly 300 is positioned between a first advancement assembly 200c2 comprising a first set of rollers (which may alternatively be referred to as upstream advancement assembly 200c2) and a second advancement assembly 200c3 comprising a second set of rollers (which may alternatively be referred to as downstream advancement assembly 200c3). Advancement assembly 200c2 is configured to engage the leading end of a strip of pouches advanced by roller assembly 200ci and advance the leading end through knife assembly 300. Roller assembly 200c3 is configured to engage the leading end of a strip of pouches advanced through the knife assembly 300 and advance pouches separated from the strip of pouches to the outtake 134 of the outtake path (e.g. to dispensing area 102).

[0096] In the illustrated embodiment, roller assemblies 200 (which may also be characterized as advancement assemblies 200) each include a pair of contra-rotating rollers with resilient outer surfaces configured to allow a strip of pouches with medication dosage(s) to pass through a strip passage, and with external protrusions configured to urge a leading edge of a strip of pouches towards the strip passage.

[0097] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment a roller assembly 200 includes a first roller 210A and a second roller 210B. Each roller 210A, 210B includes a roller shaft 220A, 220B about which the respective roller 210A, 210B can be rotated.

[0098] With reference to Figures 10 and 11 , each roller 210 includes segments 230 provided on the roller shaft 220. Each segment 230 has a generally cylindrical outer surface 236. The outer surfaces 236 of segments 230 can be considered as defining an outer surface of the roller 210.

[0099] Segments 230 are made from a compressible resilient material, so that the outer surface of roller 210A, 210B (i.e. surfaces 236A, 236B) can deform and / or deflect radially inwardly to accommodate the thickness of one or more medication dosage(s) within a pouch 20 passing between rollers 210A, 210B, while resiliently returning radially outwardly to engage a heat-sealed region 15 of the same strip 10.

[0100] In use, a strip of pouches can be advanced between the rollers 210A, 210B through a strip passage 205 defined therebetween. For example, the rollers 210A, 210B can be rotated in opposite directions, and frictional engagement between outer surfaces 236A, 236B of segments 230A, 230B and outer surfaces of a strip of pouches 10 can draw the strip 10 into and through strip passage 205.

[0101] In the illustrated example each roller 210 also includes discs 240 provided on the roller shaft 220 between adjacent roller segments 230. Each disc 240 has a generally cylindrical outer surface 246. The outer surface 246 of a disc 240 can have a diameter that is approximately equal to, greater than, or less than the diameter of the outer surface of roller 210 (i.e. surfaces 236). Each disc 240 has a plurality of protrusions 245 extending radially outwardly from outer surface 246.

[0102] Discs 240 are made from a resilient material, but preferably a material that is more rigid than the material of segments 230. By using a resilient material, protrusions 245 (and / or some or all of disc 245) can deform and / or deflect laterally to accommodate one or more medication dosage(s) within a pouch 20 passing between rollers 210A, 210B, while resiliently returning to its original position.

[0103] Referring to Figure 11 , in the illustrated example the floor 350 of knife assembly 300 is positioned relative to advancement assemblies 200c2, 200c3 such that the point 333 of knife 300 is positioned below a plane defined between strip passage 205 of advancement assembly 200c2 and strip passage 205 of advancement assembly 200c3. Specifically, point 333 is offset from such a plane by a distance HR-K. Also, in this example at least a portion of each of the blade edges 332, 334 are positioned below the plane defined by the strip passages 205 of advancementassemblies 200c2, 200c3. Such an arrangement may have one or more advantages. For example, this may reduce the possibility of a heat seal region not being fully separated by knife 330.

[0104] Also, in the illustrated example the floor 350 of knife assembly 300 is positioned relative to advancement assemblies 200c2, 200c3 such that the recessed portion 355 of floor 350 (through which the knife 330 travels) is positioned closer to advancement assembly 200c3 than to advancement assembly 200c2. Specifically, distance DI-K is greater than distance D2-K. Such an arrangement may have one or more advantages. For example, providing a relatively longer distance DI-K may increase the length of an imaging area (and thereby increase an effective time window) for one or more optical detection mechanisms for identifying and / or tracking a strip of pouches 10 as it passes through knife assembly 300.

[0105] T urning to Figures 12A to 12C, in the illustrated example a strip of pouches 10 is approaching a first roller assembly 200c2 along a strip path in Figure 12A. In Figure 12B, the leading edge 11 of strip 10 has passed through strip passage 205 of second roller assembly 200c3.

[0106] In the example shown in Figure 12B, the strip 10 has been positioned with a target cut line (e.g. a central portion of a heat seal region 15, a perforation 16) in alignment with the travel path of knife 330. For example, a computing device (e.g. controller 111) of dispensing apparatus 100 may determine the location of the target cut line for strip 10. Such a determination may made using a locating assembly of dispensing apparatus 100.

[0107] In one or more preferred embodiments, first roller assembly 200c2 and / or second roller assembly 200c3 may be used to apply tension to the portion of strip 10 positioned between the roller assemblies prior to advancing the knife. For example, dispensing apparatus 100 may direct the downstream advancement assembly 200c3 to advance the strip of pouches 10 at a first rate, and direct the upstream advancement assembly 200c2 to concurrently advance the strip of pouches 10 at a second rate that is lower than the first rate. Alternatively, dispensing apparatus 100 may direct the downstream advancement assembly 200c3 to advance the strip of pouches 10 and direct the upstream advancement assembly 200c2 to concurrently retain the strip of pouches 10 (i.e. not rotate). Alternatively, dispensing apparatus 100 may direct thedownstream advancement assembly 200cs to advance the strip of pouches 10, and direct the upstream advancement assembly 200c2 to concurrently regress the strip of pouches 10.

[0108] In the example shown in Figure 12C, knife head 320 (and thus knife 330) has been directed across the travel path 301 (e.g. from one of the first or second parking position to the other of the first and second parking position) to separate the downstream pouch 20A from the upstream pouch 20B.

[0109] It will be appreciated that a controller of dispensing apparatus 100 (e.g. controller 111) can be configured to direct the operation of one or more electronic and / or mechatronic components of the dispensing apparatus 100 to effect the operations described herein. For example, controller 111 is operatively coupled to sensors and / or other input devices of the dispensing apparatus for receiving and / or requesting data, and operatively coupled to motors and / or other actuators of the dispensing apparatus for directing the motion and / or position of components of the dispensing apparatus.

[0110] For example, a computing device (e.g. controller 111) may be configured to direct the advancement of (which may be characterized as simply advancing) a strip of pouches along outtake path 135 - e.g. by activating roller assembly 200c2 and / or 200C3 to advance the strip of pouches - while monitoring the location of a target cut line. For example, controller 111 may receive a signal indicative of the location of the target cut line from a locating assembly. Controller 111 may also be configured to automatically deactivate roller assembly 200c2 and / or 200cs to cease the advancement of the strip of pouches once the target cut line is determined to be aligned with the knife travel path. Controller 111 may also be configured to activate one or both of roller assemblies 200c2, 200cs in order to tension the strip of pouches with the target cut line aligned with the knife travel path. Controller 111 may also be configured to active knife motor 305 or other knife actuator to direct the knife head 320 from one of the first or second parking positions to the other of the first and second parking positions to separate a downstream pouch from an upstream pouch of the strip of pouches.

[0111] As another example, the computing device (e.g. controller 111) may be configured to direct the advancement of the strip of pouches along outtake path 135while monitoring the location of a target slit location. For example, controller 111 may receive a signal indicative of the location of the target slit location from a locating assembly. Controller 111 may also be configured to automatically deactivate roller assembly 200c2 and / or 200cs to cease the advancement of the strip of pouches once the target slit location is determined to be aligned with the knife travel path. Controller 111 may also be configured to activate one or both of roller assemblies 200c2, 200cs in order to tension the strip of pouches with the target slit location aligned with the knife travel path. Controller 111 may also be configured to active knife motor 305 or other knife actuator to direct the knife head 320 from an initial parking position closest to the lateral edge of the strip of pouches towards the other parking position by a target slit depth, and return the knife head to the initial parking position, in order to slit a lateral edge of the strip of pouches.

[0112] As another example, the computing device (e.g. controller 111) may be configured to tension a strip of pouches by directing roller assembly 200cs to advance the strip of pouches (e.g. by contra-rotating rollers 210A3, 210B3 in a manner that promotes the advancement of the strip of pouches towards outtake 134) at a first rate and concurrently directing roller assembly 200c2 to advance the strip of pouches (e.g. by contra-rotating rollers 210A2, 210B2 in a manner that promotes the advancement of the strip of pouches towards outtake 134) at a second rate that is lower than the first rate.

[0113] As another example, the computing device (e.g. controller 111) may be configured to tension a strip of pouches by directing roller assembly 200cs to advance the strip of pouches (e.g. by contra-rotating rollers 210A3, 210B3 in a manner that promotes the advancement of the strip of pouches towards outtake 134), and concurrently directing roller assembly 200c2 to retain the strip of pouches (e.g. by inhibiting or preventing rollers 210A2, 210B2 from rotating).

[0114] As another example, the computing device (e.g. controller 111) may be configured to tension a strip of pouches by directing roller assembly 200cs to advance the strip of pouches (e.g. by contra-rotating rollers 210A3, 210B3 in a manner that promotes the advancement of the strip of pouches towards outtake 134), and concurrently directing roller assembly 200c2 to regress the strip of pouches (e.g. bycontra-rotating rollers 210A2, 210B2 in a manner that promotes the advancement of the strip of pouches towards intake 132).

[0115] As used herein, the wording “and / or” is intended to represent an inclusive - or. That is, “X and / or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and / or Z” is intended to mean X orY or Z or any combination thereof.

[0116] While the above description describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and / or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An assembly for separating a strip of pouches, the assembly comprising: a first advancement assembly positioned in a path along which a strip of pouches can be advanced; a second advancement assembly positioned in the path downstream of the first advancement assembly; a knife assembly positioned between the first and second advancement assemblies, the knife assembly comprising: a knife head comprising a knife having a first blade edge and a second blade edge; and a knife actuator for directing the knife head along a knife travel path between a first knife parking position and a second knife parking position, the first knife parking position being located on a first side of the path, wherein when the knife is in the first knife parking position the first blade edge faces the path, the second knife parking position being located on a second side of the path, wherein when the knife is in the second knife parking position the second blade edge faces the path; wherein when a downstream pouch of the strip of pouches is engaged by the second advancement assembly and an upstream pouch of the strip of pouches is engaged by the first advancement assembly, directing the knife head from one of the first or second parking position to the other of the first and second parking position engages the respective one of the first and second blade edges with the strip of pouches to separate the downstream pouch from the upstream pouch.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a floor surface positioned below the path with an upstream portion of the floor surface positioned between the knife travel path and the first advancement assembly, a downstream portion of the floor surface positioned between the knife travel path and the second advancement assembly, and a recessed portion of the floor surface aligned with the knife travel path.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the floor surface is at least one of transparent and translucent.

4. The assembly of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a lowest portion of the knife is spaced from the recessed portion of the floor surface as the knife head travels along the knife travel path.

5. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, the knife head further comprising a first engagement member positioned upstream of the knife, wherein the upstream portion of the floor surface comprises a first bearing portion configured to engage the first engagement member as the knife head travels between the first and second knife parking positions, and preferably wherein the first engagement member comprises a first spur gear and the first bearing portion comprises a first gear rack configured to engage spurs of the first spur gear as the knife head travels between the first and second knife parking positions.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the first spur gear is translatable relative to the knife head and resiliently biased towards the first gear rack.

7. The assembly of claim 5 or claim 6, the knife head further comprising a second engagement member positioned downstream of the knife, wherein the downstream portion of the floor surface comprises a second bearing portion configured to engage the second engagement member, and preferably wherein the second engagement member comprises a second spur gear and the second bearing portion comprises a second gear rack configured to engage spurs of the second spur gear as the knife head travels between the first and second knife parking positions.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the second spur gear is translatable relative to the knife head and resiliently biased towards the second gear rack.

9. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the knife actuator comprises a leadscrew assembly.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the knife assembly further comprises a knife head guide rod that extends parallel to the leadscrew assembly for supporting the knife head as it travels along the knife travel path.11 . The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the first blade edge and the second blade edge meet at a point.

12. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11 , further comprising a computing device comprising a processor and a memory, the computing device being configured to: direct, using at least the first advancement assembly, the advancement of a strip of pouches until a target cut line is aligned with the knife travel path; tension, using at least one of the first and second advancement assemblies, the strip of pouches with the target cut line aligned with the knife travel path; and separate the downstream pouch from the upstream pouch by directing the knife head, via the knife actuator, from one of the first or second parking position to the other of the first and second parking position.

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein the computing device is further configured to: direct, using at least the first advancement assembly, the advancement of the strip of pouches until a target slit location is aligned with the knife travel path; tension, using at least one of the first and second advancement assemblies, the strip of pouches with the target slit location aligned with the knife travel path; and slit a lateral edge of the strip of pouches by directing the knife head, via the knife actuator, from an initial parking position of the first and second parking position that is closest to the lateral edge towards the other parking position by a target slit depth, and returning the knife head to the initial parking position.

14. The assembly of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the computing device is configured to direct the advancement of the strip of pouches by directing the first advancement assembly and the second advancement assembly to advance the strip of pouches.

15. The assembly of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the computing device is configured to tension the strip of pouches by directing the second advancement assembly to advance the strip of pouches at a first rate, and directing the first advancement assembly to advance the strip of pouches at a second rate that is lower than the first rate.

16. The assembly of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the computing device is configured to tension the strip of pouches by directing the second advancement assembly to advance the strip of pouches, and directing the first advancement assembly to retain the strip of pouches.

17. The assembly of any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the computing device is configured to tension the strip of pouches by directing the second advancement assembly to advance the strip of pouches and directing the first advancement assembly to regress the strip of pouches.

18. The assembly of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the computing device is further configured to receive at least one of the target cut line and the target slit location from a locating assembly.

19. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the knife travel path is positioned closer to the second advancement assembly than to the first advancement assembly.

20. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the first advancement assembly comprises a first strip passage defined between rollers of the first advancement assembly, the second advancement assembly comprises a second strip passage defined between rollers of the second advancement assembly, and wherein the upstream and downstream portions of the floor surface are positioned below a plane that extends through the first and second strip passages.

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