Method and packaging device for packaging individual medicament in pouch

Abstract

To provide a method for packaging an individual medicament into a pouch in a packaging device configured to form the pouch in an elongated web and fill the pouch.SOLUTION: A method for packaging an individual medicament into a pouch according to the present invention includes the steps of: transporting an elongated web along a web trajectory; printing on the elongated web information relating to an individual medicament to be supplied to the elongated web at the location of the printed information on the elongated web; supplying the individual medicament to the elongated web at the location of the related printed information on the elongated web; inspecting the elongated web to identify whether there are any defects related to the elongated web; in response to the defect being detected, printing a defect indication or defect symbol on the elongated web; and forming an empty pouch at the location of the defect indication or defect symbol.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a packaging device for packaging individual drugs in pouches. Such packaging devices are typically used to package large quantities of pouches containing a small number of individual drugs, each of which is to be administered to a patient once.

Background Art

[0002] The filled pouches form long strings that are interconnected. State-of-the-art packaging devices are very reliable in producing large quantities of pouches at high speed, and in practice, a number of orders containing one or more interconnected pouches separated from their respective long strings can be processed by a single human operator.

[0003] A drawback of known packaging devices is that when an error is detected that can affect the quality of the pouches or the pharmaceutical contents by the packaging device, it is necessary to warn the operator to start an intervention. During the intervention, the defective pouches must be traced and discarded, which requires a great deal of effort. If a small order is sandwiched between large orders, there is a risk that a human operator may overlook it and this small order may remain incorrectly connected to the large order.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a method and a packaging device for packaging individual drugs in pouches that can effectively and efficiently perform human intervention.

[0005] Alternatively, an object of the present invention is to facilitate the handling of both small and The present invention provides a method and apparatus for packaging a packaging material. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention relates to a packaging device configured to form pouches in a continuous web and fill the pouches. A method for packaging individual medications in pouches in a device, comprising: The method is: Transporting a length of web along a web trajectory; A printing method is provided for the long web at a position where the printing information is provided on the long web. printing information regarding the particular medication being dispensed; Applying individual medicaments to the web at the location of associated printed information on the web. providing; A process for inspecting a long web to identify whether there are defects on the long web. Top and printing a defect indicia or symbol on the length of web in response to the defect being detected; forming an empty pouch at the location of the defect indicia or defect symbol; Includes.

[0007] The method of the present invention forms a continuous web which is then handled by an operator. When the pouch is empty, the operator can tell from the defect markings or symbols on the empty pouch that defective pouches exist. The operator can, for example, count in ascending order from the result display or defect symbol. By doing so, one can immediately trace the defective pouch and discard it.

[0008] In one embodiment, the defect is a defect pouch, and the defect indication or defect symbol is attached to a long wall. A step of printing on the web is performed upstream of the detected defective pouch.

[0009] In one embodiment, the step of transporting the elongate web along the web track is performed by a web drive.

[0010] In one embodiment, the step of printing information on the elongate web is performed by a printer at the printing station.

[0011] In one embodiment, the packaging apparatus includes a transport monitor device, preferably including an encoder, for monitoring the transport of the elongate web along the web track for the step of inspecting the elongate web to identify whether there are defects regarding the alignment of the elongate web.

[0012] In one embodiment, the packaging apparatus includes an inspection station along the web track for the step of inspecting the elongate web to identify whether there are defects regarding the elongate web.

[0013] In one embodiment, the inspection station includes one or more of an inspection camera, an inspection sensor, an inspection light sensor, an inspection laser light sensor, or an ultrasonic inspection sensor, and the inspection step includes inspecting the elongate web by the inspection camera, the inspection sensor, the inspection light sensor, the inspection laser light sensor, or the ultrasonic inspection sensor.

[0014] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of applying heat sealing in the elongate web to enclose the drug supplied to the elongate web.

[0015] In one embodiment, the step of inspecting the elongate web to identify whether there are defects regarding the elongate web includes detecting defects in the heat sealing. ​

[0016] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of providing a separation perforation between the pouches formed in the elongated web, and inspecting the elongated web to identify whether there are defects in the elongated web includes detecting defective separation perforations.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of forming a tear notch, and inspecting the elongated web to identify whether there are defects in the elongated web includes detecting defective tear notches.

[0018] In one embodiment, the elongated web includes a foil that forms a front surface and a rear surface between which a drug is received.

[0019] In one embodiment thereof, the foil is folded such that the front surface follows the rear surface via a fold that forms the lower edge of the elongated web.

[0020] In one embodiment, the foil includes a printable plastic.

[0021] In one embodiment, the step of printing a defect indication or a defect symbol on the elongated web includes printing the defect indication or the defect symbol on the elongated web upstream of the defect.

[0022] The present invention further provides a computer program product having a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause a packaging device to execute the method according to the present invention.

[0023] The present invention further provides a packaging device for packaging individual drugs into pouches, the packaging device being ​​​​​​​​​, a web drive for transporting a long web in a transport direction on a web track, a printing station for printing information on the long web, the information being related to individual drugs supplied to the long web at positions of the printed information on the long web printing station, and a filling station configured to supply individual drugs into pouches formed on the long web of the long web, and an inspection station for detecting defects in the long web, and in response to a defect being detected in the long web, a controller for instructing the printing station to print a defect indication on the long web including.

[0024] In one embodiment, the defect is one or more of a defective pouch, a defective seal, a defective tear perforation, a defective tear notch, and a misalignment of the long web with respect to one of the stations.

[0025] In one embodiment, the inspection station includes one or more of an inspection camera, an inspection sensor, an inspection light sensor, an inspection laser light sensor, or an ultrasonic inspection sensor.

[0026] In one embodiment, the packaging device further includes a perforating station along the web track for attaching one or more tear perforations and / or tear lines to the long web.

[0027] In one embodiment, the packaging device further includes a sealing station for sealing the pouches of the long web.

[0028] A second aspect provides a method for packaging individual drugs in pouches in a packaging apparatus, The packaging apparatus is configured to form pouches in a long web and fill and contain drugs therein, The packaging apparatus includes a web drive for transporting the long web in the transport direction on a web track, and includes a printing station and a filling station along the web track in the transport direction. The printing station includes a printer for printing information on the long web, and the filling station is configured to supply individual drugs to the long web. The method includes: transporting the long web in the transport direction along the web track by the web drive so that the long web passes through the printing station and the filling station; printing information on the long web by the printer, wherein the printed information on the long web relates to individual drugs to be subsequently supplied to the long web at the position of the printed information on the long web; supplying individual drugs to the long web at the filling station at the position of the relevant printed information; For an order of a first quantity of pouches that will be filled with individual drugs smaller than the minimum order size set for the pouches, information relating to the individual drugs to be subsequently supplied to the long web at the position of the printed information on the long web is printed on the filled pouches, and then a second quantity of empty pouches of the long web follows, and the sum of the first quantity and the second quantity is equal to the minimum order size. In the method according to the present invention, orders smaller than the minimum order size can be easily identified by the second quantity of empty pouches.

[0029] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0030] In one embodiment, the printer prints information regarding the empty state of an empty pouch on the empty pouch.

[0031] The present invention further provides a computer program product having a non - transitory computer - readable medium on which instructions are stored that, when executed by a processor, cause a packaging device to execute a method according to a second aspect.

[0032] The present invention further provides a packaging device for packaging individual drugs into pouches, the packaging device being configured to form pouches in a long web, fill them so that drugs can enter, The packaging device includes a web driver for transporting the long web on a web track in a transport direction, and includes a printing station and a filling station along the web track in the transport direction. The printing station includes a printer for printing information on the long web, and the filling station is configured to supply individual drugs to the long web. The packaging device further includes an electronic controller for controlling the packaging device. The electronic controller includes a processor and a non - transitory computer - readable medium that holds instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the packaging device to package individual drugs into pouches according to the steps of the method according to the present invention.

[0033] The various aspects and features described and shown herein can be applied individually as far as possible. These individual aspects, particularly those described in the dependent claims of the appended patent claims, can form the subject matter of a divisional patent application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 5

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Figure 1 shows a feeder device 1 and a packaging device 20 for individual drugs 10. Individual drugs can be pharmaceuticals or solid items, molded articles, or medical substances such as pills, tablets, capsules or others. The drugs are "individual" in the sense that they can be dispensed one by one, individually, separately, or as a single dose. Each individual drug 10 typically contains an active pharmaceutical ingredient ( API: active pharmaceutical ingredient) and optionally an excipient. The individual drugs can be counted and administered individually to a patient. The system is described with respect to the drugs, but the system and method can also be applied to other consumables (edible or non-edible) that are individually packaged.

[0036] The supply device 1 includes a frame 2 and a support disk 3 that supports a plurality of radially extending rows 5 that each horizontally extend and each have a plurality of feeder units 6. The supply device 1 includes a long recovery hopper 7 below the support disk 3, which is connected via a radially extending arm 9 that is rotated around the vertical axis by a position control motor 4 on the frame 2, for example a servo drive. Each of the feeder units 6 can be loaded with a batch of different individual drugs. Each feeder unit 6 is configured to discharge the individual drugs, which are collected by the recovery hopper 7 that is rotated by the position control motor 4 below the discharging feeder unit 6. In this way, a selected individual drug 10 is counted and grouped so as to be administered to a patient at one time. The recovery hopper 7 merges with a hopper outlet 8, and the selected individual drug 10 is supplied to a packaging device 20, and each of the grouped selected individual drugs 10 is packaged in a pouch 150. The recovery hopper 7 includes a hopper discharge valve (not shown) with an actuator for the controlled discharge of the grouped selected individual drugs 10 at the hopper outlet 8.

[0037] The packaging device 20 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. The packaging device 20 is configured to form and fill a pouch 150 in a long web 100. The packaging device 20 includes a web drive 23 for intermittently transporting the long web 100 in the transport direction T in the web track 22 of the packaging device 20. The long web 100 is typically unwound from a stock reel 119. The long web 100 is also shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0038] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ The elongate web 100 includes a printable plastic foil 101, which is folded back, such that the elongate web 100 includes a front face 102, which continues via a fold crease forming a lower edge 103 to a rear face 104. Both the front face 102 and the rear face 103 have an upper edge 105 at the same height with respect to the lower edge 103.

[0039] Figures 3A and 3B show the elongate web 100 in its completed state, which is at the end of the web track 22 of FIG. 2. During transport in the transport direction T within the packaging apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 2, subsequent heat sealing 110 is provided to the elongate web 100. As best shown in FIG. 3B, the heat sealing 110 includes an elongate front heat seal 111, an elongate rear heat seal 112, and an elongate upper heat seal 113 between the front face 102 and the rear face 103. The front heat seal 111 and the elongate rear heat seal 112 extend parallel to each other in a direction across the lower edge 103, and the upper heat seal 113 extends between them, parallel to and spaced from the upper edge 105.

[0040] During transport within the packaging apparatus 20, subsequent linear separation perforations 120 between the heat sealings 110 are provided to the elongate web 100. The separation perforations 120 extend from the lower edge 103 over more than half the distance between the lower edge 105 and the upper edge 105. In this example, the separation perforations 120 extend over more than 70% of the distance between the lower edge 105 and the upper edge 105, but in other systems it can be varied depending on the size, type, etc. of the foil used. Thereby, a foil seam 121 is formed between the separation perforations 120 and the upper edge 105.

[0041] During transportation within the packaging device 20, starting from the separation perforation 120, subsequent tear notches 122 extending across the long web 100 are provided. The tear notches 122 extend at a height close to the upper heat seal 113 with respect to the lower edge 103, but below it. 122 extend at a height close to the upper heat seal 113 with respect to the lower edge 103, but below it. extend below it.

[0042] The long web 100 defines a printable area 117 within the heat sealing 110 on the front face 102. Behind the printable area 117, the long web 100 forms a sealed bag that houses and stores the individual agents 10 of its selection between the lower edge 1 03 and the heat sealing 110. 03 and the heat sealing 110, forming a sealed bag that houses and stores the individual agents 10 of its selection. is formed.

[0043] After transportation within the packaging device 20, the long web 100 can be manually separated by tearing the separation perforation 120 and then tearing the foil seam 121 to obtain the pouch 150 or a series of interconnected pouches 150. The separated pouch 150 can be manually opened by starting from the tear notch 122 and tearing the upper heat seal 113. Afterwards, by tearing the foil seam 121 to obtain the pouch 150 or a series of interconnected pouches 150, it can be manually separated. The separated pouch 150 can be manually opened by starting from the tear notch 122 and tearing the upper heat seal 113. Afterwards, by tearing the foil seam 121 to obtain the pouch 150 or a series of interconnected pouches 150, it can be manually separated. The separated pouch 150 can be manually opened by starting from the tear notch 122 and tearing the upper heat seal 113. can be manually opened by starting from the tear notch 122 and tearing the upper heat seal 113.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the packaging device 20 includes, in series, a printing station 30, a filling station 40, a sealing station 50, a perforating station 60, and an inspection station 70. The printing station 30 includes a printer 31 configured to print characters and symbols on the printable area 117 of the long web 100. The filling station 40 includes a spreader 41 below the hopper outlet 8, which spreads the front face 102 and the rear face 103 of the long web 100 at the upper edge 105 so that the individual agents 10 of its selection can be received. As shown in FIG. 2, the packaging device 20 includes, in series, a printing station 30, a filling station 40, a sealing station 50, a perforating station 60, and an inspection station 70. The printing station 30 includes a printer 31 configured to print characters and symbols on the printable area 117 of the long web 100. The filling station 40 includes a spreader 41 below the hopper outlet 8, which spreads the front face 102 and the rear face 103 of the long web 100 at the upper edge 105 so that the individual agents 10 of its selection can be received. As shown in FIG. 2, the packaging device 20 includes, in series, a printing station 30, a filling station 40, a sealing station 50, a perforating station 60, and an inspection station 70. The printing station 30 includes a printer 31 configured to print characters and symbols on the printable area 117 of the long web 100. The filling station 40 includes a spreader 41 below the hopper outlet 8, which spreads the front face 102 and the rear face 103 of the long web 100 at the upper edge 105 so that the individual agents 10 of its selection can be received. As shown in FIG. 2, the packaging device 20 includes, in series, a printing station 30, a filling station 40, a sealing station 50, a perforating station 60, and an inspection station 70. The printing station 30 includes a printer 31 configured to print characters and symbols on the printable area 117 of the long web 100. The filling station 40 includes a spreader 41 below the hopper outlet 8, which spreads the front face 102 and the rear face 103 of the long web 100 at the upper edge 105 so that the individual agents 10 of its selection can be received. As shown in FIG. 2, the packaging device 20 includes, in series, a printing station 30, a filling station 40, a sealing station 50, a perforating station 60, and an inspection station 70. The printing station 30 includes a printer 31 configured to print characters and symbols on the printable area 117 of the long web 100. The filling station 40 includes a spreader 41 below the hopper outlet 8, which spreads the front face 102 and the rear face 103 of the long web 100 at the upper edge 105 so that the individual agents 10 of its selection can be received. As shown in FIG. 2, the packaging device 20 includes, in series, a printing station 30, a filling station 40, a sealing station 50, a perforating station 60, and an inspection station 70. The printing station 30 includes a printer 31 configured to print characters and symbols on the printable area 117 of the long web 100. The filling station 40 includes a spreader 41 below the hopper outlet 8, which spreads the front face 102 and the rear face 103 of the long web 100 at the upper edge 105 so that the individual agents 10 of its selection can be received. It is configured as follows. The sealing station 50 includes two L-shaped heat seal stamps 51, which are symmetrically movable or driven in direction A across the long web 100 by the stamp drive 52 shown schematically, forming the upper heat seal 113 and the rear heat seal 112 of one pouch 150 and the front heat seal 111 of the next pouch 150. The perforating station 60 includes two perforating mechanisms, here shown as anvils 61, which are symmetrically movable or driven in direction B across the long web 100 by the anvil drive 62 shown schematically, forming the separation perforation 120 and the tear notch 122 between the two pouches 150. The inspection station 70 includes an inspection camera 71 or an inspection sensor or an inspection (laser) light sensor or an ultrasonic inspection sensor, or other sensing / detection devices for detecting defects in the long web 100. Defects are, for example, printing defects, errors or deficiencies in the heat seal 110, the separation perforation 120, or the tear notch 122, or misalignment or deviation of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. The packaging device 20 includes a transport monitoring device, here an encoder 72 having a monitor wheel in contact with the long web 100, for monitoring the transport of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. The transport monitoring device may be part of the inspection station 70 or a separate device. The encoder 72 can also be used as an additional or alternative inspection sensor for inspecting for misalignment or deviation of the position of the long web 100 with respect to the movement caused by the web drive 23. across the long web 100 by the stamp drive 52 shown schematically, forming the upper heat seal 113 and the rear heat seal 112 of one pouch 150 and the front heat seal 111 of the next pouch 150. The perforating station 60 includes two perforating mechanisms, here shown as anvils 61, which are symmetrically movable or driven in direction B across the long web 100 by the anvil drive 62 shown schematically, forming the separation perforation 120 and the tear notch 122 between the two pouches 150. The inspection station 70 includes an inspection camera 71 or an inspection sensor or an inspection (laser) light sensor or an ultrasonic inspection sensor, or other sensing / detection devices for detecting defects in the long web 100. Defects are, for example, printing defects, errors or deficiencies in the heat seal 110, the separation perforation 120, or the tear notch 122, or misalignment or deviation of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. forming the upper heat seal 113 and the rear heat seal 112 of one pouch 150 and the front heat seal 111 of the next pouch 150. The perforating station 60 includes two perforating mechanisms, here shown as anvils 61, which are symmetrically movable or driven in direction B across the long web 100 by the anvil drive 62 shown schematically, forming the separation perforation 120 and the tear notch 122 between the two pouches 150. The inspection station 70 includes an inspection camera 71 or an inspection sensor or an inspection (laser) light sensor or an ultrasonic inspection sensor, or other sensing / detection devices for detecting defects in the long web 100. Defects are, for example, printing defects, errors or deficiencies in the heat seal 110, the separation perforation 120, or the tear notch 122, or misalignment or deviation of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. The perforating station 60 includes two perforating mechanisms, here shown as anvils 61, which are symmetrically movable or driven in direction B across the long web 100 by the anvil drive 62 shown schematically, forming the separation perforation 120 and the tear notch 122 between the two pouches 150. The inspection station 70 includes an inspection camera 71 or an inspection sensor or an inspection (laser) light sensor or an ultrasonic inspection sensor, or other sensing / detection devices for detecting defects in the long web 100. Defects are, for example, printing defects, errors or deficiencies in the heat seal 110, the separation perforation 120, or the tear notch 122, or misalignment or deviation of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. here shown as anvils 61, which are symmetrically movable or driven in direction B across the long web 100 by the anvil drive 62 shown schematically, forming the separation perforation 120 and the tear notch 122 between the two pouches 150. The inspection station 70 includes an inspection camera 71 or an inspection sensor or an inspection (laser) light sensor or an ultrasonic inspection sensor, or other sensing / detection devices for detecting defects in the long web 100. Defects are, for example, printing defects, errors or deficiencies in the heat seal 110, the separation perforation 120, or the tear notch 122, or misalignment or deviation of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. which are symmetrically movable or driven in direction B across the long web 100 by the anvil drive 62 shown schematically, forming the separation perforation 120 and the tear notch 122 between the two pouches 150. The inspection station 70 includes an inspection camera 71 or an inspection sensor or an inspection (laser) light sensor or an ultrasonic inspection sensor, or other sensing / detection devices for detecting defects in the long web 100. Defects are, for example, printing defects, errors or deficiencies in the heat seal 110, the separation perforation 120, or the tear notch 122, or misalignment or deviation of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. forming the separation perforation 120 and the tear notch 122 between the two pouches 150. The inspection station 70 includes an inspection camera 71 or an inspection sensor or an inspection (laser) light sensor or an ultrasonic inspection sensor, or other sensing / detection devices for detecting defects in the long web 100. Defects are, for example, printing defects, errors or deficiencies in the heat seal 110, the separation perforation 120, or the tear notch 122, or misalignment or deviation of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. The inspection station 70 includes an inspection camera 71 or an inspection sensor or an inspection (laser) light sensor or an ultrasonic inspection sensor, or other sensing / detection devices for detecting defects in the long web 100. Defects are, for example, printing defects, errors or deficiencies in the heat seal 110, the separation perforation 120, or the tear notch 122, or misalignment or deviation of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. or an inspection (laser) light sensor or an ultrasonic inspection sensor, or other sensing / detection devices for detecting defects in the long web 100. Defects are, for example, printing defects, errors or deficiencies in the heat seal 110, the separation perforation 120, or the tear notch 122, or misalignment or deviation of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. or other sensing / detection devices for detecting defects in the long web 100. Defects are, for example, printing defects, errors or deficiencies in the heat seal 110, the separation perforation 120, or the tear notch 122, or misalignment or deviation of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. Defects are, for example, printing defects, errors or deficiencies in the heat seal 110, the separation perforation 120, or the tear notch 122, or misalignment or deviation of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. or misalignment or deviation of the long web 100 in the transport direction T.

[0045] The packaging device 20 includes a transport monitoring device, here an encoder 72 having a monitor wheel in contact with the long web 100, for monitoring the transport of the long web 100 in the transport direction T. The transport monitoring device may be part of the inspection station 70 or a separate device. The encoder 72 can also be used as an additional or alternative inspection sensor for inspecting for misalignment or deviation of the position of the long web 100 with respect to the movement caused by the web drive 23. The transport monitoring device may be part of the inspection station 70 or a separate device. The encoder 72 can also be used as an additional or alternative inspection sensor for inspecting for misalignment or deviation of the position of the long web 100 with respect to the movement caused by the web drive 23. The encoder 72 can also be used as an additional or alternative inspection sensor for inspecting for misalignment or deviation of the position of the long web 100 with respect to the movement caused by the web drive 23. for inspecting for misalignment or deviation of the position of the long web 100 with respect to the movement caused by the web drive 23. The encoder 72 can also be used as an additional or alternative inspection sensor for inspecting for misalignment or deviation of the position of the long web 100 with respect to the movement caused by the web drive 23. with respect to the movement caused by the web drive 23.

[0046] As schematically shown in FIG. 1, the feeder device 1 and the packaging device 20 include a common electronic controller 80, which is connected to the feeder unit 6, the position control motor 4, the hopper discharge valve, the web drive 23, the printer 31, the stamp drive 52, the anvil drive 62, the inspection camera 71, and the encoder 72. The electronic controller 80 includes a tangible non-transitory memory for storing instructions, program code, or software that, when executed by the processor, causes the controller 80 to control the operation of these components. In particular, the controller 80 communicates with the electronic vision / inspection system to detect defects in the formed pouch 150 and / or is programmed to form this with the inspection camera 71 (or other sensors such as the encoder 72).

[0047] The electronic controller 80 is programmed to perform normal processing methods, defect detection methods, and retail order processing methods.

[0048] To perform the normal processing method schematically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic controller 8 0 controls the position control motor 4 of the feeder device 1 to repeatedly reach the collection hopper 8 beneath a specific feeder unit 6, controls these to discharge the individual medicaments 10, and is programmed to discharge and group the individual medicaments 10 of a certain selection while counting them. The electronic controller 80 controls the web drive 23 to supply the long web 100 from the stock reel 119 in the packaging device 20 and is programmed to transport it in the transport direction T. The electronic controller 80 controls the printer 31 to print on the formed pouch On the printable area 117 of 150, dedicated information such as the patient's name and the formed pouch 1 is programmed to repeatedly print the details of the selection of the individual drugs 10 within 50. Then at the subsequent filling station 40, the selected individual drug 10 is supplied between the extended front face 10 2 and the rear face 103, and the received selected individual drug matches the dedicated information on the printable area 1 17.

[0049] The electronic controller 80 is programmed to control the heat seal stamp 51 at the subsequent sealing station 50. During the pre - cycle, the heat seal stamp 51 has already created the front heat seal 111. The electronic controller 80 actuates the heat seal stamp 51 to move it into contact with the elongated web 100 and move in direction A, and back, to complete the entire heat seal 110 and form the front heat seal 111 of the next selected individual drug supplied by the hopper outlet 8. The electronic controller 80 controls the operation of the perforating anvil 61 to move it into contact with the elongated web 100 and move in direction B, and back, so that the separation perforation 120 and the tear notch 122 are formed, defining the pouch 150 on the printable area 117 with the dedicated information matching that of the selected individual drug contained therein. The electronic controller 80 is programmed to detect defects in the formed pouch 150 and, if none are present, continue the process of forming a long string of interconnected pouches 15 0. These can then be handled by either a human operator or any other machine or robot. .

[0050] ​​​​The electronic controller 80 is programmed to power the web drive 23 while the encoder 72 inspects, tests, or monitors the transport of the elongated web 100, such that related errors, such as misalignment of the elongated web 100 with respect to movement caused by the web drive 23, are detected.

[0051] The electronic controller 80 is programmed to respond to other devices or modules of the feeder device 1, such as the feeder unit 6, the position control motor 4, and the collection hopper 7, for example, errors emitted from the hopper discharge valve.

[0052] To execute the defect detection method shown in FIGS. 4A - 4C, the electronic controller 80 is programmed to detect defects in the pouches 150a - 150k formed by any of the other applied sensing / detection devices, such as the inspection camera 71 or inspection sensor, or inspection (laser) optical sensor, or inspection laser optical sensor, or ultrasonic inspection sensor, or the encoder 72, etc.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 4A, in the first pouch 150a, defects such as printing defects within the printable area 117, errors or defects in the heat sealing 110, errors or defects in one of the separation perforations 120 on both sides where the first pouch 15 0a is formed, and / or errors or defects in the tear notch 122, and / or misalignment or displacement of the position of the elongated web 100 with respect to movement caused by the web drive 23 are detected. This may occur, for example, when an operator accidentally pulls on the end of the elongated web 100, such that the printable area 117 is out of alignment with the filling station 40. ​​​​ This may be due to. The electronic controller 80 controls the printer 31 to form the upstream pouch 150j, in this case, there is a defect in the printable area 117 of the ninth pouch 150j and is programmed to print the defect symbol 180j. The electronic controller 80 is programmed to temporarily stop the supply of several selected individual drugs by the supply device 1 so that the ninth pouch 150j remains empty . Then, the human operator who manually handles the string of interconnected pouches 150 is visually warned that human intervention is necessary, especially that the defective first pouch 150a should be discarded. In some embodiments, when the pouch is subsequently handled by a robot, such a defective symbol 180j will also warn the machine or robot that performs the subsequent handling to discard such a pouch . As shown in FIG. 4B, the normal processing method can be continued, or as shown in FIG. 4C, if an error is detected in the second pouch 150b for defect detection and error symbol printing, the process continues for the third pouch 150c . The error information is stored in the memory of the controller 80 and / or can be presented to the human or robot operator to inform which pouch 150 is affected. For example, the operator may be notified of the number of pouches 150b - 150h between the ninth pouch 150j and the defective first pouch 150a and / or the number of affected pouches 150a - 150c . To execute the retail order processing method as shown in FIG. 5, the electronic controller 80

[0054]

[0055]

[0056] If the number of pouches 150 for one order is less than the set minimum order value, the printer 71 is programmed to temporarily stop printing by the feeder device 1 and supply of the drug. In the figure example, this minimum order value is 5 pouches 150. The electronic controller 80 is both and contains the individual drugs 10 of those selections, and only the first pouch 150a and the second pouch 150b on which the dedicated information that matches is displayed, followed by the empty third pouch 150c, the empty fourth pouch 150d, and the empty fifth pouch 150 e to form the first order portion. The empty pouches 150c, 150 d, 150e may not have printing performed thereon, or alternative marks may be provided to identify that the empty pouches 150c~15 0e are empty or different from the filled pouches 150a, 150b. Thereafter, a second order portion including five or more pouches 150f~150k is formed.

[0057] The systems and methods according to aspects of the disclosed subject matter may also utilize various special-purpose computers and control systems, communication devices, networks, and / or digital / logic devices for operation. Each of them itself may be configured to utilize an appropriate computing / controller device which may be manufactured to include instructions for causing the computing / controller device to execute a method according to aspects of the present disclosure, load it, and / or obtain it from some storage device and then execute it.

[0058] Although the description relates to drugs, tablets, etc., the devices and methods may be for other types of individual items of solids. It can also be used for discharging for separation and packaging.

[0059] The above description is included to explain the operation of the preferred embodiment, and it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. From the above description, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and these are also encompassed by the gist and scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0060] 1 Feeder device 2 Frame 3 Support disk 4 Position control motor 5 Radially extending row 6 Feeder unit 7 Recovery hopper 8 Hopper outlet 9 Arm 10 Individual medicament 20 Packaging device 22 Web track 23 Web drive 30 Printing station 31 Printer 40 Filling station 41 Spreader 50 Sealing station 51 Seal stamp 52 Stamp drive 60 Perforating station 61 Perforating anvil 62 Anvil drive 70 Inspection station 71 Inspection camera 72 Encoder 80 Electronic controller 100 Long web 101 Foil 102 Front surface 103 Lower edge 104 Rear surface 105 Upper edge 110 Heat sealing​​ 111 Front heat seal 112 Rear heat seal 113 Upper heat seal 117 Printing area 119 Stock reel 120 Separating perforation 121 Foil joint 122 Tear notch 150 Pouch 180 Defect symbol

Claims

1. Forming individual medicaments into pouches, forming the pouches in a continuous web, and filling the pouches therein.

1. A method of packaging in a packaging device comprising: transporting the elongated web along a web trajectory; On the long web, a printing information is printed on the long web at a position of the printing information on the long web. printing information about the individual medications provided on the web; The individual drugs are then applied to the web at the location of the associated printed information. providing a continuous web; Inspecting the elongated web to identify whether there are any defects associated with the elongated web. and In response to a defect being detected, printing a defect indicator or symbol on the length of web. forming an empty pouch at the location of the defect indicia or defect symbol; The method includes:

2. The defect is a defect pouch, and the defect indication or defect symbol is printed on the long web.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of detecting a defective pouch is performed upstream of the detected defective pouch. method.

3. The step of transporting the elongated web along the web trajectory includes a web dryer. The method of claim 1 , wherein the method is performed by a

4. The step of printing information on the elongated web includes printing the information on a printer at a printing station. The method of claim 1 , which is carried out by

5. The packaging device controls the transport of the elongated web along the web trajectory by Inspecting the elongated web for defects related to the alignment of the elongated web.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: method.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the transport monitoring device includes an encoder.

7. The packaging machine inspects the elongated web to determine defects associated with the elongated web. and an inspection station along said web trajectory for determining whether said web trajectory is The method of claim 1 .

8. The inspection station includes an inspection camera, an inspection sensor, an inspection light sensor, an inspection laser light sensor, and an inspection sensor. or ultrasonic inspection sensor, and the step of inspecting includes one or more of the Inspection cameras, inspection sensors, inspection optical sensors, inspection laser optical sensors, or ultrasonic optical sensors 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising inspecting the elongated web by

9. Applying heat sealing to the long web and feeding the long web The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of encapsulating the drug.

10. Inspecting the elongated web to identify whether there are any defects associated with the elongated web.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of detecting includes detecting heat sealing defects. method.

11. The method further includes providing separation perforations between the pouches formed in the elongated web. and inspecting the elongated web to determine whether there are any defects associated with the elongated web.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining step includes detecting defective separation perforations. How to.

12. forming a tear notch in the elongated web; and inspecting the elongated web to determine whether the tear notch is in the elongated web. The step of identifying whether there is a defect in the length of web includes: The method of claim 1 , comprising detecting a notch.

13. The elongated web includes a foil defining a front surface and a rear surface between which the medicament is received. The method according to claim 1 .

14. The foil is folded over so that the front surface is connected to the rear surface and the lower edge of the elongated web is connected to the 14. The method of claim 13, continuing through a fold forming

15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the foil comprises a printable plastic.

16. The step of printing defect indications or defect symbols on the length of web comprises: or printing the defect symbol on the length of web upstream of the defect. Item 1. The method according to item 1.

17. Instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a packaging device to perform the method of claim 1. A computer program product having a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon. Product.

18. 1. A packaging apparatus for packaging individual medicaments in pouches, comprising: a web drive for transporting the elongated web on a web track in a transport direction; a printing station for printing information onto the elongated web, the information being is supplied to the continuous web at the position of the printed information on the continuous web. a printing station for the individual medicaments; The individual drugs are then attached to the elongated web, and the pouches are then formed on the elongated web. a filling station configured to feed into the an inspection station for detecting defects in the elongated web; a print station in response to detecting a defect in the elongated web; a controller for directing printing of defect indications on the length of web; 13. A packaging device comprising:

19. The defects include defective pouches, defective seals, defective separation perforations, defective a tear notch and a milling of the elongated web relative to one of the stations; 20. The packaging device of claim 18, wherein the one or more of the alignments are:

20. The inspection station includes an inspection camera, an inspection sensor, an inspection light sensor, an inspection laser light sensor, and an inspection sensor.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising one or more of a sensor, an ultrasonic inspection sensor, or an encoder. Packaging equipment.

21. for providing one or more separation perforations and / or tear lines in said elongated web; 20. The wrapping apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a perforation station along the web trajectory. 。

22. a sealing station for sealing the pouches in the elongated web. The packaging device of claim 18.

23. 1. A method of packaging individual medications into pouches in a packaging device, comprising: The packaging machine forms the pouches in a length of web and fills them with the medicaments. The system is configured to: The packaging device includes a web track for transporting the long web in a transport direction. a web drive, and a printing station and a filling station along the web trajectory in the transport direction. the printing station includes a printer for printing information on the continuous web; the filling station includes a filling unit configured to supply the individual drugs to the elongated web. In a method configured as follows: The web drive drives the elongated web along the web track in a transport direction. The long web passes through the printing station and the filling station. and printing information on the elongated web with the printer; The printed information on the rectangular web is at the position of the printed information on the long web. the individual drugs being subsequently applied to the elongated web; At the filling station, the individual medications are dispensed at the locations of the associated printed information. feeding a rectangular web; Including, a minimum order size for the pouch is set, and the individual drug is smaller than the minimum order size; For an order for a first quantity of pouches to be filled, the pouches to be filled are A sheet of paper is then fed to the web at the location of the printed information on the web. The information about the individual medications is printed on the second strip of the web. followed by a quantity of empty pouches, the sum of said first quantity and said second quantity being equal to said minimum order size. A new way.

24. The printer prints information on the empty pouch regarding the empty status of the empty pouch. The method of claim 23 .

25. When executed by a processor, causes a packaging device to carry out the method of claim 23. Computer program having a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon Products.

26. A packaging machine for packaging individual medicines into pouches, the packaging machine comprising: a pouch formed in a web and configured to be filled therein and to contain the drug; a web drive for transporting the elongated web on a web track in a transport direction; a printing station and a filling station in a transport direction along the web trajectory; The printing station includes a printer for printing information on the elongated web. a loading station configured to supply the individual medicaments to the elongated web; Further comprising an electronic controller for controlling the packaging device, the electronic controller a processor, and when executed by the processor, the packaging device is caused to and a pouch carrying instructions for packaging individual medications in accordance with the steps of the method described above. A packaging device including a non-transitory computer readable medium.

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