Cutting blade arrangement and method for cutting strip packages

Abstract

An assembly for separating a bag strip includes a first advancement assembly and a second advancement assembly positioned in a path along which the bag strip may advance. A cutter assembly is positioned between the advancement assemblies. The tool assembly includes a tool bit and a tool actuator for guiding the tool bit along a tool travel path between a first tool rest position and a second tool rest position. The tool bit includes a tool having a first edge and a second edge. When a downstream pocket of the pocket strip is engaged by the second advancement assembly and an upstream pocket of the pocket strip is engaged by the first advancement assembly, the knife head is guided from one parking position to another such that one of the edge edges is engaged with the pocket strip to separate the downstream pocket from the upstream pocket.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates generally to dispensers of pre-packaged medications, and more particularly to dispensers that can be loaded with strips of medication pouches that are separated from one another prior to being dispensed by the dispenser. BACKGROUND

[0002] A patient can be prescribed medications in a multi-dose package. For example, one or more medications in the form of pills, tablets, soft capsules, etc. can be packaged into individual dosing "pouches." Each "pouch" can contain one or more medications in one or several dosage forms that the patient is to take at similar times. For example, one pouch can contain a group of medications that the patient is to take in the morning, while another pouch can contain a different group of medications that the patient is to take in the evening. Such an arrangement can be particularly helpful for patients with complex dosing schedules for two or more medications, and / or for patients who exhibit difficulty adhering to a scheduled dosing of one or more medications being taken.

[0003] One conventional form of multi-dose packaging is to provide a continuous strip of dosing pouches. Typically, the pouches in the strip will be arranged so that the dosing pouches are in order corresponding to the patient's dosing schedule. Such an arrangement allows the pouches to be separated from the strip in order and dispensed to the patient according to the patient's individualized dosing schedule.

[0004] Some conventional multi-dose "strips" include a plurality of pouches separated from one another by heat-sealed regions, which can optionally include perforations traversing the heat-sealed regions. Each pouch contains a dosing agent intended to be taken by the patient at a predetermined time. Thus, some portions of the strip can be considered relatively thin (e.g., the heat-sealed regions between the pouches), while other portions of the same strip can be considered relatively thick (e.g., the pouches containing the dosing agents).

[0005] In addition, some conventional multi-dose "strips" include a heat-sealed region extending along one side of substantially the entire strip. Other conventional multi-dose "strips" include heat-sealed regions extending along each side of substantially the entire strip.

[0006] Prior to being dispensed to the patient, each individual medication pouch should be separated from the strip of pouches. SUMMARY

[0007] The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. This introduction is not intended to limit or restrict any of the claims in any manner.

[0008] As disclosed herein, a dispensing apparatus includes a separation assembly configured to separate a bag having a dosing medicament from a strip of which the bag is comprised. The assembly includes a first and second advancement assembly to position the strip of bags along an advancement path, and a knife assembly positioned between the advancement assemblies. The knife assembly includes a knife and a knife actuator to guide the knife along a knife travel path that traverses the strip advancement path. Knife park positions are provided on either side of the strip advancement path. Such a configuration can provide one or more advantages.

[0009] For example, providing a knife park position on either side of the strip advancement path can eliminate the need to advance and retract the cutting tool for each separated bag, which can reduce energy usage and / or wear.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, providing a knife park position on either side of the strip advancement path can facilitate the formation of one or more cuts in the bag prior to separation of the bag from the strip. Providing a separated bag with cuts can make it easier for a user to open the bag to access the dosing medicament contained therein.

[0011] According to one broad aspect, there is provided an assembly for separating a strip of bags, the assembly comprising: a first advancement assembly positioned in a path along which the strip of bags 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 to guide the knife head along a knife travel path between a first knife park position on a first side of the path and a second knife park position on a second side of the path, wherein when the knife is in the first knife park position the first blade edge faces the path, and wherein when the knife is in the second knife park position the second blade edge faces the path; wherein when a downstream bag in the strip of bags is engaged by the second advancement assembly and an upstream bag in the strip of bags is engaged by the first advancement assembly, guiding the knife head from one of the first or second park positions to the other of the first and second park positions causes a respective one of the first and second blade edges to engage the strip of bags to separate the downstream bag from the upstream bag.

[0012] In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a floor surface positioned below the path, wherein an upstream portion of the floor surface is positioned between the knife travel path and the first advancement assembly, a downstream portion of the floor surface is positioned between the knife travel path and the second advancement assembly, and a recessed portion of the floor surface is aligned with the knife travel path.

[0013] In some embodiments, the bottom plate surface is at least one of transparent and translucent.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lowest portion of the knife is spaced apart from the recessed portion of the bottom plate surface as the knife head travels along the knife travel path.

[0015] In some embodiments, the knife head further comprises a first spur gear positioned upstream of the knife, wherein the upstream portion of the bottom plate surface comprises a first rack configured to engage a spur of the first spur gear as the knife head travels between the first knife park position and the second knife park position.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first spur gear is translatable relative to the knife head and is elastically biased toward the first rack.

[0017] In some embodiments, the knife head further comprises a second spur gear positioned downstream of the knife, wherein the downstream portion of the bottom plate surface comprises a second rack configured to engage a spur of the second spur gear as the knife head travels between the first knife park position and the second knife park position.

[0018] In some embodiments, the second spur gear is translatable relative to the knife head and is elastically biased toward the second rack.

[0019] In some embodiments, the knife actuator comprises a lead screw assembly.

[0020] In some embodiments, the knife assembly further comprises a knife head guide rod extending parallel to the lead screw assembly for supporting the knife head as the knife head travels along the knife travel path.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first blade edge and the second blade edge intersect at a tip.

[0022] In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a computing device comprising a processor and a memory, the computing device configured to: use at least the first advancement assembly to direct advancement of the bag strip until the target cut line is aligned with the knife travel path; use at least one of the first advancement assembly and the second advancement assembly to tension the bag strip with the target cut line aligned with the knife travel path; and separate the downstream bag from the upstream bag by directing the knife head from one of the first or second park positions to the other of the first and second park positions via the knife actuator.

[0023] In some implementations, the computing device is further configured to: direct advancement of the bag strip using at least the first advancement assembly until the target cut location is aligned with the knife travel path; tension the bag strip using at least one of the first advancement assembly and the second advancement assembly with the target cut location aligned with the knife travel path; and cut a cut in the transverse edge of the bag strip by directing the knife head from an initial one of the first and second parking positions closest to the transverse edge toward the other parking position a target cut depth via the knife actuator and returning the knife head to the initial parking position.

[0024] In some implementations, the computing device is configured to direct advancement of the bag strip by directing the first advancement assembly and the second advancement assembly to advance the bag strip.

[0025] In some implementations, the computing device is configured to tension the bag strip by directing the second advancement assembly to advance the bag strip at a first rate and directing the first advancement assembly to advance the bag strip at a second rate lower than the first rate.

[0026] In some implementations, the computing device is configured to tension the bag strip by directing the second advancement assembly to advance the bag strip and directing the first advancement assembly to hold the bag strip.

[0027] In some implementations, the computing device is configured to tension the bag strip by directing the second advancement assembly to advance the bag strip and directing the first advancement assembly to reverse the bag strip.

[0028] In some implementations, the computing device is further configured to receive at least one of the target cut line and the target cut location from the positioning assembly.

[0029] In some implementations, the knife travel path is positioned closer to the second advancement assembly than the first advancement assembly.

[0030] In some implementations, the first advancement assembly includes a first strip channel defined between rollers of the first advancement assembly, the second advancement assembly includes a second strip channel defined between rollers of the second advancement assembly, and wherein the upstream portion and the downstream portion of the floor surface are positioned below a plane extending through the first strip channel and the second strip channel. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] For a better understanding of the described implementations, and to show how they can be implemented, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly according to one implementation;

[0033] FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view of the internal mechanism of a dispensing assembly according to one embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 3A is a side view of an exemplary bag strip;

[0035] FIG. 3B is FIG. 3A a plan view of the bag strip of

[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a knife assembly for a dispensing assembly according to one embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 5 is FIG. 4 an exploded view of the knife assembly in

[0038] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a knife assembly of a dispensing assembly according to another embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 7A is FIG. 4 a perspective view of a knife of the knife assembly of

[0040] FIG. 7B is FIG. 6 a perspective view of a knife of the knife assembly of

[0041] FIG. 8A is FIG. 4 a front view of the knife assembly of

[0042] FIG. 8B is FIG. 8A a front view of the knife assembly of

[0043] FIG. 9 is FIG. 6 a side plan view of a portion of the knife assembly of

[0044] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the knife assembly of FIG. 4 positioned between a first advancing assembly and a second advancing assembly;

[0045] FIG. 11 is FIG. 10 a side plan view of the knife assembly and advancing assemblies of

[0046] FIG. 12A is a schematic cross-sectional view of the bag strip advancing towards FIG. 10 the knife assembly and advancing assemblies of

[0047] FIG. 12B is FIG. 12Aa schematic cross-sectional view of a bag strip in which heat seal regions between adjacent bags are aligned with the tool travel path and the bag strip is tensioned using a first and / or second advancement assembly; and

[0048] FIG. 12C a schematic cross-sectional view of a bag strip in which heat seal regions between adjacent bags are aligned with the tool travel path and the bag strip is tensioned using a first and / or second advancement assembly; and FIG. 12B a schematic cross-sectional view of a bag strip in which heat seal regions between adjacent bags are aligned with the tool travel path and the bag strip is tensioned using a first and / or second advancement assembly; and

[0049] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate various examples of devices and methods consistent with the teachings of the present description and are not intended to limit the scope in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Various devices and methods are described below to provide example implementations and realizations of the technology. The technology includes devices and methods that facilitate dispensing individual bags from a bag strip.

[0051] It should be understood that, for clarity and for simplicity of explanation, the reference numbers in the drawings can be repeated to indicate corresponding or analogous elements, where appropriate. Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example implementations described herein. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the example implementations described herein can 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 implementations described herein. Also, this description is not to be taken as limiting the scope of the example implementations described herein.

[0052] While the devices and methods disclosed herein are specifically described with respect to the dispensing of pharmaceuticals such as pills, tablets, soft capsules, etc., it should be understood that the technology can alternatively be used in the dispensing of other items.

[0053] FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 An example of a dispensing device, generally indicated by 100, is shown. Referring to FIG. 1 The dispensing device 100 includes a display 101 for displaying information regarding the operation of the dispensing device 100, a current dosing schedule, and / or other information that can be relevant to a user and / or of interest to them. In the illustrated implementation, the display 101 is a touch screen display configured to accept input from a user of the dispensing device 100.

[0054] FIG. 1 A dispensing area 102 is also shown into which bags of medication are dispensed by the dispensing device 100.

[0055] FIG. 1A cover plate 105 is also shown, which, when closed, inhibits or prevents access to the loading area 107 of the dispensing apparatus 100. The cover plate 105 can be configured to be removable (i.e., configured to separate from the dispensing apparatus 100) or non-removable (i.e., configured to move 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), for example, via one or more hinged and / or pivoting mechanisms. Preferably, the cover plate 105 can be selectively locked in the closed position so that the loading area 107 can only be accessed by authorized personnel.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2 In the illustrated example, the dispensing apparatus 100 includes a housing, generally indicated at 110. The housing 110 holds the components of the dispensing apparatus 100 in fixed relation to one another. For some component assemblies, the housing 110 supports non-movable components (e.g., bearings or bushings, etc.) that facilitate the relative motion of other components (e.g., a rotating shaft).

[0057] In the illustrated example, the dispensing apparatus 100 includes two inlets for receiving and advancing a strip of dosing bags. Each inlet first leads to a respective entry path and then to a common exit path. Such a configuration can provide one or more advantages. It should be appreciated that the roller assemblies disclosed herein can be used in dispensing apparatuses having only one inlet.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2 In the illustrated example, the first entry path 125 A extends from the first inlet 122 A to the first outlet 124 A . Generally, the first entry path extends from Area A to Area C.

[0059] To advance the strip of bags along the first entry path 125 A , a first set of rollers 200 A1 is positioned proximate the first inlet 122 A . The roller assembly 200 A1 is configured to engage a leading end of the strip of bags presented at the first inlet 122 A and advance the leading end along the first entry path 125 A .

[0060] In addition, a second set of rollers 200 A2 is positioned upstream of the first outlet 124 A . The roller assembly 200 A2 is configured to engage a leading end of the strip of bags advanced from the first inlet 122 A1 by the roller assembly 200 A and advance the leading end to the first outlet 124 A.

[0061] Similar to the first entry path 125 A , the second entry path 125 B extends from the second inlet 122 B to the second outlet 124 B . Generally, the second entry path extends from region B to region C.

[0062] To advance the strip of bags along the second entry path 125 B , a first set of rollers 200 B1 is positioned proximate the second inlet 122 B . The roller assembly 200 B1 is configured to engage a leading end of the strip of bags presented at the second inlet 122 B and advance the leading end along the second entry path 125 B .

[0063] Further, a second set of rollers 200 B2 is positioned upstream of the second outlet 124 B . The roller assembly 200 B2 is configured to engage a leading end of the strip of bags advanced from the second inlet 122 B1 by the roller assembly 200 B and advance the leading end to the second outlet 124 B .

[0064] With continued reference to FIG. 2 , the dispensing apparatus 100 includes a common exit path along which individual dosing bags are separated from the strip of bags and dispensed. An inlet of the common exit path is in communication with the exit path of each of the two entry paths.

[0065] In the illustrated example, the exit path 135 extends from the inlet 132 to the outlet 134. The outlet 134 can be characterized as being the dispensing region 102 or in communication with the dispensing region 102. Generally, the exit path extends from region C to region D.

[0066] Notably, the outlet 124 A of the first entry path 125 A and the outlet 124 B of the second entry path 125 B are both in communication with the inlet 132 of the exit path 135. As such, the strip of bags can traverse the dispensing apparatus 100 along a path from region A to region C to region D (i.e., from the inlet 122 A to the dispensing region 102) or, alternatively, the strip of bags can traverse the dispensing apparatus 100 along a path from region B to region C to region D (i.e., from the inlet 122 BThe path to the dispensing area 102 passes through the dispensing apparatus 100.

[0067] To advance the strip of bags along the discharge path 135, a first set of rollers 200 C1 is positioned proximate the inlet 132. The roller assembly 200 C1 is configured to engage a leading end of the strip of bags presented at the inlet 132 and advance the leading end along the discharge path 135.

[0068] In the illustrated example, a guide roller 142 is positioned proximate and upstream of the roller assembly 200 C1 . In use, the guide roller 142 is configured to guide the leading end of the strip of bags from the outlet 124 A or the outlet 124 B toward the roller assembly 200 C1 . More specifically, the guide roller 142 is configured to prevent the leading end of the strip of bags from exiting one of the outlets 124 A or the outlet 124 B not toward the roller assembly 200 C1 but into the other of the outlets 124 A or the outlet 124 B .

[0069] Preferably, the guide roller 142 is a "floating" roller whose axis of rotation is not fixed relative to the housing 110. Thus, the roller 142 can move freely up and down. Moreover, in the event of a feed / advance error, the free-floating nature of the roller 142 can reduce drag on the strip, thereby allowing a fault- service person to more easily remove the strip.

[0070] A second set of rollers 200 C2 is positioned downstream of the roller assembly 200 C1 . The roller assembly 200 C2 is configured to engage the leading end of the strip of bags advanced from the inlet 132 by the roller assembly 200 C1 and advance the leading end through the cutter assembly 300.

[0071] A third set of rollers 200 C3 is positioned downstream of the cutter assembly 300. The roller assembly 200 C3 is configured to engage the leading end of the strip of bags advanced through the cutter assembly 300 and advance the bags separated from the strip of bags to the outlet 134 of the discharge path (e.g., to the dispensing area 102).

[0072] FIG. 3A and 3BOne example of a dosing bag strip, generally indicated by 10, is shown. Multi-dose packages of medication strips, such as strip 10, are typically made by a pharmacy from a patient's prescription. Such strips 10 are also typically marked with printed identifying indicia relating to the patient and / or a dosing schedule.

[0073] In the illustrated example, the strip is comprised of three bags 20. In this example, the strip has a front end 11 intended for insertion first into a dispensing assembly and a trailing end 12. The individual bags 20 are separated from one another by a heat-sealed region 15, which can optionally include perforations 16 traversing substantially the entire heat-sealed region 15. Each bag 20 contains a dosing agent 19 intended to be taken by the patient at a predetermined time.

[0074] Each bag 20 in the bag strip 10 contains a dosing agent intended to be taken by the patient at a predetermined time. Thus, some portions of the strip 10 can be considered relatively thin (e.g., the heat-sealed regions 15 between the bags), while other portions of the same strip 10 can be considered relatively thick (e.g., the bags 20 containing the dosing agents).

[0075] Referring to FIG. 3B , the strip 10 has a first side edge 13 and a second side edge 14. In the illustrated example, the side edge 14 has a heat-sealed region that extends substantially along the entire strip 10. In one or more alternative examples, the side edge 13 can also have a heat-sealed region that extends substantially along the entire strip 10.

[0076] To separate individual bags 20 from the bag strip 10, the dispensing apparatus 100 includes a knife assembly, generally indicated by 300. The knife assembly 300 includes a knife head that can be selectively moved along a knife travel path that is generally perpendicular to the travel path of the bag strip. The knife head can be "parked" on either side of the strip travel path. When the bag strip 10 is advanced or otherwise positioned so that the heat-sealed region 15 is aligned with the knife travel path, advancing the knife head across the strip travel path causes the knife's cutting edge to engage the heat-sealed region 15 to cut through the heat-sealed region 15, thereby separating the bags on either side of the heat-sealed region 15 from one another.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 4 to FIG. 9 , in the illustrated implementation, the knife assembly 300 includes a knife head 320 that includes a knife 330. Referring to FIG. 7A and 7B , the knife 330 has a first cutting edge 332 and a second cutting edge 334. In the illustrated example, the cutting edges 332, 334 are angled and intersect at a point 333.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 5 andFIG. 6 The tool head 320 also includes spur gears 328 A , 328 B which are configured to engage racks 356 A , 356 B on the base plate 350. The spur gears 328 A , 328 B and the racks 356 A , 356 B may help maintain the relative alignment of the tool head and the base plate surface as the tool head travels across the base plate 350. Additionally or alternatively, the spur gears 328 A , 328 B and the racks 356 A , 356 B may help maintain the relative position of the bag strip from which the bags are being separated and the base plate surface as the tool head travels through the base plate 350.

[0079] In the illustrated example, the tool head 320 is driven along the tool travel path using a lead screw assembly. Specifically, the tool head 320 is mounted on a lead screw 310 and a guide rod 319, which is parallel to and offset relative to the lead screw 310. In the illustrated example, the tool head 320 includes a lead screw bushing 323 and a guide rod bushing 324. A tool motor 305 can be used to selectively rotate the lead screw 310. In the illustrated example, the tool motor 305 drives a speed-up gear 307, which in turn drives a lead screw gear 311 coupled to one end of the lead screw 310. A lead screw bearing 327 is coupled to the other end of the lead screw 310. It will be appreciated that other designs of lead screw drivers or other suitable linear actuation mechanisms can alternatively be used to move the tool head 320.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 7A , in this example, the tool 330 is coupled to the tool head 320 by positioning a support shaft 322 extending from the cover plate 321 through a primary aperture 337 in the tool 330, and positioning another support shaft (not shown) extending from the cover plate 321 to a flange secured to the tool 330 via a secondary aperture 339 in the tool 330. Further, in this example, the spur gears 328 A , 328 B are coupled to the tool head 320 using the support shaft 322. In this arrangement, the tool 330 is maintained in a fixed position relative to the tool head 320. Further, the spur gears 328 A , 328 B are maintained in a fixed position relative to the tool head 320 (and thus relative to the tool 330).

[0081] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7BIn this alternative example, the tool 330 is coupled to the tool head 320 by positioning the screw 326 through a hole in the tool head and a hole 339 in the tool 330. In this arrangement, the tool 330 is maintained in a fixed position relative to the tool head 320. Furthermore, in this example, the spur gear 328... A 328 B Connected to a floating support shaft 322, the floating support shaft 322 has a first end positioned in a groove in a cover plate 321 and a second end positioned in a groove in a flange to which the cover plate 321 is fixed. The floating support shaft 322 is biased toward the lower end of the groove by a spring 325. In this arrangement, the spur gear 328 A 328 B It can be translated vertically relative to the cutter head 320 (and thus vertically relative to the tool 330). Such an arrangement can have one or more advantages. For example, spur gear 328 A 328 B Translation relative to the cutter head 320 can help accommodate a relatively full bag 20 (e.g., with a relatively large thickness near the heat-sealed area 15), for example by providing an improved clearance close to the cutter head 330.

[0082] return FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the tool assembly 300 also includes methods for determining when the tool tip 320 (and thus the tool 330) is positioned at the first end of the tool travel path (e.g., as shown in the figure). FIG. 8A The tool travel restriction switch 380 (as shown) A and for determining when the tool head 320 (and thus the tool 330) is positioned at the second end of the tool travel path (e.g., FIG. 8A The tool travel restriction switch 380B (described above). It should be understood that other mechanisms and / or techniques can be used to determine when the tool tip 320 has reached the end of the tool travel path.

[0083] Reference FIG. 8A When the cutter head 320 (and thus the cutter 330) is positioned in the first parking position, the cutter 330 is positioned on one side of the path 301 along which the bag strip is fed. In this first parking position, the first cutting edge 332 faces the path 301. Therefore, when the cutter head 320 moves from the first parking position across the path 301, the first cutting edge 332 (but not the second cutting edge 334) will engage the bag strip positioned in the path 301.

[0084] Reference FIG. 8BWhen the blade head 320 (and thus the knife 330) is positioned in the second parking position, the knife 330 is positioned on the other side of the path 301 along which the bag strip is advanced. In this second parking position, the second blade edge 334 faces the path 301. Thus, when the blade head 320 is moved across the path 301 from the second parking position, the second blade edge 334 (rather than the first blade edge 332) will engage the bag strip positioned in the path 301.

[0085] A knife assembly 300 is provided that has a parking position in either side of the path along which the bag strip is advanced, which can have one or more advantages. For example, such an arrangement can facilitate cutting of an incision in a side edge of the bag strip. In particular, the knife can be advanced only part way into a side edge of a heat seal region extending substantially along the entire strip 10 (e.g., side edge 14 in FIG. 1), rather than all the way across the entire path along which the bag strip is advanced to separate the bag from the bag strip. The knife can then be returned to the parking position from which it was advanced to form the incision. In this way, an incision can be formed in the bag 20 before the bag 20 is separated from the strip 10. Providing a separated bag with an incision can make it easier for a user to open the bag to access a dosing agent contained therein. FIG. 3B

[0086] Turning to FIG. 9 In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom plate 350 includes an upstream bottom plate surface 352 positioned between the travel path of the knife 330 and the advancing assembly located upstream of the knife assembly, and a downstream bottom plate surface 354 positioned between the travel path of the knife 330 and the advancing assembly located upstream of the knife assembly. The bottom plate 350 also includes a recessed portion 355 aligned with the travel path of the knife 330. It is noted that in this example, because there is a gap H Gap between the tip 333 of the knife 330 and the lower surface of the recessed portion 355, the knife 330 does not contact the bottom plate 350. Providing such a gap can have one or more advantages. For example, the knife 330 can be less susceptible to wear and / or alignment issues than a knife that contacts a bottom plate surface as it moves.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream bottom plate surface 352 has a sloped surface that slopes gently upward toward the rack 356 A , while the downstream bottom plate surface 354 has a sloped surface that slopes more sharply downward away from the rack 356B (see, e.g., FIG. 3B). FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 and FIG. 9 ​). Additionally, the upstream bottom plate surface 352 is longer (in the direction of the path along which the bag strip is advanced) than the downstream bottom plate surface 354. Such a configuration of the bottom plate surfaces can have one or more advantages. For example, providing a relatively longer upstream bottom plate surface 352 can increase the length of the imaging area for one or more optical detection mechanisms used to identify and / or track the bag strip 10 as it passes through the knife assembly 300.

[0088] In one or more preferred embodiments, the bottom plate 350 is made of a translucent or transparent material. In such a configuration, a light source 395 positioned below the bottom plate 350 can be used to illuminate the bag strip as it passes through the knife assembly. Such illumination can aid one or more optical detection mechanisms in identifying and / or tracking the bag strip 10 as it passes through the knife assembly 300.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 2 , FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 , in the illustrated embodiment, the knife assembly 300 is positioned between a first advancing assembly 200 C2 and a second advancing assembly 200 C3 , the first advancing assembly 200 C2 comprising a first set of rollers (alternatively referred to as an upstream advancing assembly 200 C2 ), the second advancing assembly 200 C3 comprising a second set of rollers (alternatively referred to as a downstream advancing assembly 200 C3 ). The advancing assemblies 200 C2 are configured to engage a leading end of a bag strip advanced by the roller assemblies 200 C1 and advance the leading end through the knife assembly 300. The roller assemblies 200 C3 are configured to engage a leading end of a bag strip advanced through the knife assembly 300 and advance the bags separated from the bag strip to the outlet 134 of the discharge path (e.g., to the dispensing area 102).

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, the roller assemblies 200 each comprise a pair of counter-rotating rollers having resilient outer surfaces configured to allow passage of a strip of bags having dispensed medicaments through the strip passage and having outer protrusions configured to force a leading edge of the bag strip against the strip passage.

[0091] In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, the roller assemblies 200 comprise a first roller 210 A and a second roller 210 B . Each roller 210 A , 210 B comprises a roller shaft 220 A , 220 B , a respective roller 210A and 210 B It can rotate 220 degrees around the roller shaft A 220 B Rotate.

[0092] Reference FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 Each roller 210 includes segments 230 disposed on a roller shaft 220. Each segment 230 has a generally cylindrical outer surface 236. The outer surface 236 of the segment 230 can be considered as defining the outer surface of the roller 210.

[0093] Segment 230 is made of a compressible elastic material, which allows roller 210 to... A 210 B The outer surface (i.e., surface 236) A 236 B It can deform and / or deflect radially inward to adapt to the roller 210. A With 210 B The thickness of one or more medications passing through the bag 20, while radially outward elastically returning to meet the heat-sealed area 15 of a strip 10.

[0094] During use, the bag strip can be placed on roller 210. A 210 B The roller 210 advances through the defined strip channel 205. A 210 B It can rotate in opposite directions, and the segment is 230. A 230 B outer surface 236 A 236 B Frictional engagement with the outer surface of the bag strip 10 can pull the strip 10 through the strip channel 205.

[0095] In the illustrated example, each roller 210 also includes discs 240 disposed on the roller shaft 220 between adjacent roller segments 230. Each disc 240 has a generally cylindrical outer surface 246. The diameter of the outer surface 246 of the disc 240 may be approximately equal to, greater than, or less than the diameter of the outer surface (i.e., surface 236) of the roller 210. Each disc 240 has a plurality of protrusions 245 extending radially outward from the outer surface 246.

[0096] Disc 240 is made of an elastic material, but preferably a material more rigid than that of segment 230. By using an elastic material, protrusions 245 (and / or some or all of discs 245) can be laterally deformed and / or deflected to allow for movement from roller 210. A 210 BThe bag 20 contains one or more dosing agents therein as it passes between the rollers 210, 220 and returns elastically to its original position.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 11 In the illustrated example, the bottom plate 350 of the knife assembly 300 is positioned relative to the advancement assembly 200 C2 , 200 C3 such that the tip 333 of the knife 300 is positioned below a plane defined between the strip passage 205 of the advancement assembly 200 C2 and the strip passage 205 of the advancement assembly 200 C3 . In particular, the tip 333 is offset from the plane by a distance H R-K . Further, in this example, at least a portion of each of the blade edges 332, 334 is positioned below the plane defined by the strip passage 205 of the advancement assembly 200 C2 , 200 C3 . Such an arrangement can have one or more advantages. For example, this can reduce the likelihood that a heat sealed area is not completely separated by the knife 330.

[0098] Further, in the illustrated example, the bottom plate 350 of the knife assembly 300 is positioned relative to the advancement assembly 200 C2 , 200 C3 such that the recessed portion 355 of the bottom plate 350 (through which the knife 330 travels) is positioned closer to the advancement assembly 200 C3 than to the advancement assembly 200 C2 . In particular, the distance D 1-K is greater than the distance D 2-K . Such an arrangement can have one or more advantages. For example, providing a relatively long distance D 1-K may increase the length of the imaging area of one or more optical detection mechanisms used to identify and / or track the bag strip 10 as it passes through the knife assembly 300 (thereby increasing the effective time window).

[0099] Turning to FIG. 12A to FIG. 12C In the illustrated example, the bag strip 10 approaches the first roller assembly 200 C2 along a strip path in FIG. 12A . In FIG. 12B , the leading edge 11 of the strip 10 has passed through the strip passage 205 of the second roller assembly 200 C3 .

[0100] In FIG. 12BIn the example shown, the strip 10 has been positioned so that a target cut line (e.g., a center portion of the heat seal region 15, the perforations 16) is aligned with the travel path of the knife 330. For example, a computing device of the dispensing apparatus 100 can determine the position of a target cut line of the strip 10. Such a determination can be made using a positioning assembly of the dispensing apparatus 100.

[0101] In one or more preferred embodiments, the first roller assembly 200 C2 and / or the second roller assembly 200 C3 may be used to apply tension to a portion of the strip 10 positioned between the roller assemblies prior to advancing the knife. For example, the dispensing apparatus 100 can direct the downstream advancing assembly 200 C3 to advance the bag strip 10 at a first rate, and direct the upstream advancing assembly 200 C2 to simultaneously advance the bag strip 10 at a second rate that is lower than the first rate. Alternatively, the dispensing apparatus 100 can direct the downstream advancing assembly 200 C3 to advance the bag strip 10, and direct the upstream advancing assembly 200 C2 to simultaneously hold the bag strip 10 (i.e., not rotate). Alternatively, the dispensing apparatus 100 can direct the downstream advancing assembly 200 C3 to advance the bag strip 10, and direct the upstream advancing assembly 200 C2 to simultaneously reverse the bag strip 10.

[0102] In FIG. 12C the example shown, the knife head 320 (and thus the knife 330) has been directed to traverse the travel path 301 (e.g., from one of the first or second parked positions to the other of the first and second parked positions) to separate the downstream bag 20 A from the upstream bag 20 B .

[0103] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein, is intended to mean inclusive “or.” That is, for example, “X and / or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both. As a further example, “X, Y, and / or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0104] While the forgoing describes a number of implementations, it will be understood that the title protected by this patent is intended to cover all techniques, solutions, compositions and embodiments fair falling within the scope of the claims, alone or in combination with other claims. Accordingly, modifications and variations of the described implementations are possible without departing from the scope of the protected concepts. It is intended that the scope of the protected concepts should not be limited by this detailed description, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

1. An assembly for separating a bag strip, the assembly comprising: a first advancing assembly positioned in a path along which the bag strip is advanceable; a second advancing assembly positioned in the path downstream of the first advancing assembly; a knife assembly positioned between the first advancing assembly and the second advancing assembly, 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 guiding the knife head along a knife travel path between a first knife park position and a second knife park position, the first knife park position being on a first side of the path, wherein, when the knife is in the first knife park position, the first blade edge faces the path, the second knife park position being on a second side of the path, wherein, when the knife is in the second knife park position, the second blade edge faces the path; wherein, when a downstream bag of the bag strip is engaged by the second advancing assembly and an upstream bag of the bag strip is engaged by the first advancing assembly, guiding the knife head from one of the first knife park position or the second knife park position to the other of the first knife park position and the second knife park position causes a respective one of the first blade edge and the second blade edge to engage the bag strip to separate the downstream bag from the upstream bag.

2. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a floor surface positioned below the path, wherein an upstream portion of the floor surface is positioned between the knife travel path and the first advancing assembly, a downstream portion of the floor surface is positioned between the knife travel path and the second advancing assembly, and a recessed portion of the floor surface is 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 3, wherein, a lowest portion of the knife is spaced apart from the recessed portion of the floor surface when the knife head is traveling along the knife travel path.

5. The assembly of any of claims 1-4, the tool bit further comprising a first spur gear positioned upstream of the cutter, wherein, the upstream portion of the floor surface comprises a first rack configured to engage a tooth of the first spur gear when the knife head travels between the first knife park position and the second knife park position.

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

7. The assembly of claim 5 or claim 6, the tool bit further comprising a second spur gear positioned downstream of the cutter, wherein, the downstream portion of the floor surface comprises a second rack configured to engage a tooth of the second spur gear when the knife head travels between the first knife park position and the second knife park position.

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

9. The assembly of any one of claims 1-8, wherein, the knife actuator comprises a lead screw assembly.

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein, the knife assembly further comprises a knife head guide rod extending parallel to the lead screw assembly for supporting the knife head as the knife head travels along the knife travel path.

11. The assembly of any one of claims 1-10, wherein, the first blade edge and the second blade edge intersect at a tip.

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

13. The assembly of claim 12, wherein, the computing device further configured to: direct advancement of the bag strip using at least the first advancement assembly until a target cut location is aligned with the knife travel path; tension the bag strip using at least one of the first advancement assembly and the second advancement assembly with the target cut location aligned with the knife travel path; and cut a notch on a transverse edge of the bag strip by directing the knife head a target notch depth from an initial park position of the first knife park position and the second knife park position closest to the transverse edge of the bag strip toward the other park position, and returning the knife head to the initial park position via the knife actuator.

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

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

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

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

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

19. The assembly of any one of claims 1-18, 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 1-19, wherein, the first advancement assembly includes a first strip passage defined between rollers of the first advancement assembly, the second advancement assembly includes a second strip passage defined between rollers of the second advancement assembly, and wherein the upstream portion and downstream portion of the floor surface are positioned below a plane extending through the first strip passage and the second strip passage.

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