Feeder unit and discharge system

Abstract

To provide a method for step dispensing discrete medicaments from a feeder unit.SOLUTION: A feeder unit comprises a container holding medicaments 63 and a dispensing mechanism 60. The dispensing mechanism includes an individualization part 61 provided with a plurality of singulation chambers 62 and a first release member 65 disposed in a lower part of a singulating body and provided with a release opening 66, the first release member and the singulating body movable to each other. A method comprises the steps of: moving the singulating body and the first release member relative to each other; stopping the relative movement of the singulating body and the first release member when the singulating body is at an aligned position; and maintaining the singulating body stationary for a predetermined waiting period to allow any medicaments accommodated in the aligned singulation chamber to fall through the release opening.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for discharging individual drugs, a feeder unit, and a discharge system. Further, the present invention relates to a test station for testing a feeder unit and a method for determining the filling level of a feeder unit.

Background Art

[0002] A method for discharging a drug from a feeder unit is discussed in WO 2014 / 171818 pamphlet. This method includes the steps of accommodating one or a plurality of the drugs in one row in one of a plurality of individualized chambers of an individualized section; moving the individualized section with respect to a first discharge member disposed below the individualized section and provided with a discharge port to align one of the plurality of individualized chambers with the discharge port, wherein a separating member extending into or above one of the plurality of individualized chambers substantially blocks one of the plurality of individualized chambers above the lowermost drug in one of the plurality of individualized chambers, and the lowermost drug falls into one of a plurality of standby chambers of a storage section disposed below the first discharge member through the discharge port, and filling of one of the plurality of standby chambers is detected by using a detection mechanism for at least facilitating detection of whether one or more of the standby chambers are filled with a drug; and moving the storage section with respect to a second discharge member disposed below the storage section and provided with a discharge port to align one of the plurality of standby chambers with the discharge port, wherein the drug in one of the plurality of standby chambers falls through the discharge port and is discharged outside the feeder unit.

[0003] In a feeder unit according to the prior art, drugs such as tablets or capsules are received from an individualizing unit into a standby chamber of a storage unit. To ensure the discharge of drugs from the feeder unit, the filling of the standby chamber of the storage unit must be ensured. Therefore, the individualizing unit is rotated slowly until the fall of drugs into one of the standby chambers is detected. If the rotation of the individualizing unit is too fast, the drugs tend to fly out of the individualizing chambers of the individualizing unit. Using a low rotation speed is disadvantageous because the discharge speed of the feeder unit is determined by a slowly rotating wheel and is thus quite slow.

[0004] Furthermore, in the prior art, the feeder unit is usually filled to capacity with a specific drug such as a tablet or a capsule. For some drugs, the expiration date indicated by the manufacturer is advanced when the drug is taken out of the loose packaging or blister packaging. If the feeder unit is simply filled to an arbitrary filling level, the expiration date of the drug may expire before the drug is discharged.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to improve or eliminate one or more drawbacks of the prior art and provide an improved discharge method or system, or at least an alternative method, feeder unit, and discharge system for discharging individual drugs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A first aspect provides a method for stepwise discharging individual medicaments from a feeder unit, the feeder unit comprising a container for holding the medicaments, and a discharging mechanism configured to receive the medicaments from the container and selectively discharge the medicaments, the discharging mechanism including an individuating part having a plurality of individuation chambers, and a first discharge member disposed below the individuating part and having a discharge opening, the first discharge member and the individuating part being movable relative to each other such that, as a result, one of the plurality of individuation chambers is aligned with the discharge opening, the method comprising: - moving the individuating part and the first discharge member relative to each other to an alignment position in which one of the plurality of individuation chambers is aligned with the discharge opening; - stopping relative movement between the individuating part and the first discharge member when the individuating part is in the alignment position; - holding the individuating part stationary relative to the first discharge member for a predetermined waiting time and, if there is medicament contained in the aligned individuation chamber, causing the medicament to fall through the discharge opening.

[0007] In use, the individuating part is moved relative to the first discharge member to the alignment position and then the individuating part is held stationary relative to the first discharge member. The individuating part thus performs a step or stop-and-go movement relative to the first discharge member. When the individuation chamber is in the position aligned with the discharge opening and the disposed body is held stationary relative to the first discharge member, the medicament can pass through the discharge opening and subsequent medicaments can move to one of the plurality of individuation chambers.

[0008] The accurate alignment and step movement of each individuating part and the first discharge member ensure that the individuating part is moved to a position where the medicament can freely pass through the discharge opening. Therefore, there is no need to require detection of discharge (as in prior art systems) or to slowly move the individuating part to a position where the medicament can fall through the discharge opening.

[0009] Methods using a step or stop-and-go motion have the advantage that the drug is dropped through the discharge opening without relying on the relative movement between the individualizing part and the first discharge member, thereby enabling faster movement. The movement is only controlled to accurately align one of the individualizing chambers of the individualizing part with the first discharge member outlet before the drug can fall from the individualizing part through the discharge opening. Thus, the relative movement between the individualizing part and the first discharge member is not restricted by the limits of the falling behavior, and therefore can be relatively fast compared to prior art that has problems with "skipping" associated with overly fast movement. As a result, the overall discharge rate of the drug from the feeder unit can be significantly faster than the drug discharge rate from the feeder unit according to the prior art, while on the other hand, reliability is maintained by ensuring a specific predetermined waiting time during which a particular drug falls from the individualizing chamber and during which subsequent drugs can move into one or more of the individualizing chambers. These predetermined times can be set or specified in various ways, such as through a look-up table assigned to a particular type of drug, through a test station, through data on the past movement of drugs in the feeder, etc., and can be in the range of 40 to 120 milliseconds. Therefore, while the feeder enables faster discharge, reliable drug discharge is ensured, thus shortening the total discharge time and resulting in an overall improvement in performance.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method includes restarting the relative movement between the individualized portion and the first discharge member after a predetermined waiting time. In that one embodiment, the step of restarting the relative movement between the individualized portion and the first discharge member includes, when the predetermined waiting time has elapsed, moving the individualized portion and the first discharge member relative to each other to another alignment position where another one of the plurality of individualized chambers is aligned with the discharge port. The advantage of this embodiment is that it prevents the individualized portion from being held stationary relative to the first discharge member for too long when there is no drug in the individualized chamber aligned with the discharge port. Thus, advantageously, a predetermined discharge rate is maintained and the overall discharge rate or speed from the feeder remains high.

[0011] In one embodiment, the method further includes detecting whether the drug falls through the discharge port. In that one embodiment, the step of detecting whether the drug falls through the discharge port further includes ending the predetermined waiting time and starting another predetermined waiting time when it is detected that the drug has fallen through the discharge port. Optionally, the predetermined waiting time has a first length and the other predetermined waiting time has a second length shorter than the first length. When the drug falls through the discharge port, for example, into a certain waiting chamber below it, there is no need to wait for the predetermined time to expire. Thus, the predetermined time is ended and another predetermined time is started, and this other predetermined time is shorter than the predetermined time. With this other predetermined time, the drug that has fallen into each waiting chamber can come to rest, because the drug may tend to bounce upward after falling into each waiting chamber. This is advantageous because it prevents the drug from being damaged by the relative movement between the individualized portion and the first discharge member while the drug bounces back partway into the individualized chamber from which it fell into the waiting chamber. At the same time, the discharge speed of the discharge system can be kept as fast as possible.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method further includes moving the individualized portion and the first discharge member back and forth relative to each other to a re-aligned position when it is detected that the medicament has not fallen through the discharge port during a predetermined time period although it was expected to fall through the discharge port. For example, the movement of the individualized portion is realized by a stepper motor. According to this embodiment, the stepper motor can be operated to move back and forth several steps again, whereby, advantageously, the medicament clogged in the individualized portion can come out and then fall through the discharge port. These are generally very small back-and-forth movements and smaller than the movements for aligning with adjacent individualized chambers.

[0013] In one embodiment, the feeder unit is provided with a position encoder, which is calibrated such that the steps of the encoder indicate the aligned position. Alternatively, other methods or types of alignment devices can also be used to ensure movement to the exact aligned position, such as a system consisting of protrusions and notches, a step gear, etc. In one of its embodiments, the step of moving the individualized portion and the first discharge member relative to each other includes the step of identifying the relative positions of the individualized portion and the first discharge member in order to move the individualized portion to the aligned position. In yet another embodiment, the step of stopping the relative movement between the individualized portion and the first discharge member includes stopping the relative movement between the individualized portion and the first discharge member when it is detected that the individualized portion is in the aligned position. By means of the position encoder and / or other alignment devices or systems, the position of one of the individualized chambers of the individualized portion with respect to the discharge port of the first discharge member can be measured relatively easily and quickly. Therefore, there is no need to incorporate complex control for controlling the movement of the individualized portion, and the method and the overall system remain relatively simple, low-cost, and more easily maintainable.

[0014] In one embodiment, the feeder unit includes a storage part, which is disposed below the first discharge member and includes one or more standby chambers. The one or more standby chambers are configured to receive the drug from one of the individualized chambers when the one individualized chamber, the discharge port, and each of the one or more standby chambers are aligned.

[0015] In one embodiment, the feeder unit includes a second discharge member disposed below the storage part and provided with a discharge port. The second discharge member and the storage part are movable relative to each other, so that as a result, one of the one or more standby chambers is aligned with the discharge port. In that one embodiment, the method includes the step of discharging one or more drugs from the discharge port. The step of discharging one or more drugs received by the storage part from the discharge port at the bottom surface of the feeder unit includes moving the storage part and the second discharge member relative to each other so that one of the one or more standby chambers is aligned with the discharge port, and causing the drug in one of the one or more standby chambers to fall through the discharge port and be discharged outside the container.

[0016] In one embodiment, the step of moving the individualized part and the first discharge member relative to each other includes rotating the individualized part relative to the first discharge member to an alignment position where one of the plurality of individualized chambers is aligned with the discharge port. In particular, the individualized part is rotated at a rotational speed such that the drug is discharged onto a plane above the individualized part. For example, the individualized part can be rotated at a rotational speed of at least one rotation per second, at least 1.5 rotations per second in other embodiments, and about 1.9 rotations per second in yet another embodiment.

[0017] In another embodiment, the discharged drug is caused to pass vertically or substantially vertically through the through hole of the discharge device from the one feeder unit. The discharged drug can therefore come to rest from rotational movement and then fall from the feeder unit only under the influence of gravity.

[0018] In another embodiment, the individualized unit is held stationary for a predetermined waiting time, and if there is a drug contained within the aligned individualized chambers, it drops vertically or substantially vertically through the discharge holes into one of the plurality of collection trays. Again, the discharged drug thus comes to rest from rotational movement and can then drop from the feeder unit solely under the influence of gravity.

[0019] A second aspect provides a feeder unit for discharging individual drugs, which a container for holding the drug, and a discharge mechanism for receiving the drug from the container and selectively discharging the drug from the feeder unit, the discharge mechanism including an individualized unit having a plurality of individualized chambers, and a first discharge member disposed below the individualized unit and provided with a discharge port, the discharge mechanism in which the first discharge member and the individualized unit move relative to each other, and an encoder for specifying the relative positioning between the individualized chamber and the discharge port of the first discharge member.

[0020] Such a feeder unit can efficiently and reliably discharge the drug from the container. By using an encoder to easily and quickly specify the relative positioning, the feeder rotates quickly so that the individualized chamber aligns with the discharge port and remains in that position for a predetermined time for the drug to pass through the discharge port. Thereafter, the individualized unit moves at high speed and uses the encoder to quickly and reliably properly align so that the next individualized chamber aligns with the discharge port and can also stop there for a predetermined time. Therefore, the discharge mechanism can easily, efficiently, and reliably discharge the drug from the container. Other embodiments can use different systems, such as a system using notches and protrusions instead of an encoder, to ensure proper alignment.

[0021] In one embodiment, the feeder unit further includes a storage portion, which is disposed below the first discharge member, includes one or more standby chambers, and the one or more standby chambers are configured to receive a drug from one of the individualized chambers when the individualized chambers, the discharge ports, and the one or more standby chambers are aligned respectively.

[0022] In one embodiment, the encoder is disposed at or near the discharge port.

[0023] In one embodiment, the one or more standby chambers include a plurality of standby chambers, the feeder unit is disposed below the storage portion, includes a second discharge member provided with a discharge port, and the second discharge member and the storage portion are movable relative to each other, so that one of the one or more standby chambers is aligned with the discharge port.

[0024] In one embodiment, the feeder unit further includes a detection mechanism for identifying whether the drug has fallen through the discharge port.

[0025] A third aspect provides a discharge system that houses one or more feeder units, the system being arranged to selectively discharge a quantity of individual drugs from the one or more feeder units, the system comprising a discharge device provided with a row of discharge positions arranged adjacent to each other in a plane, wherein each discharge device in the row of discharge positions is provided with a holder for one of the feeder units and a discharge device provided with a through hole through which the discharged drug passes; a recovery device disposed below the discharge device, the recovery device and the discharge device being movable relative to each other, provided with a plurality of recovery trays, each tray including a receiving port for receiving the discharged drug on a surface facing the discharge device, and a recovery device each including an outlet; a controller for controlling the operation of the system and one or more feeder units disposed on the discharge device. For each of one or more feeder units, the controller - moves a customization unit and a first discharge member disposed below the customization unit and provided with a discharge port relative to each other to an alignment position where one of a plurality of customization chambers is aligned with the discharge port; - when the customization unit is in the alignment position, stops the relative movement between the customization unit and the first discharge member; - holds the customization unit stationary with respect to the first discharge member for a predetermined waiting time so that if there is a drug contained in the aligned customization chamber, it can fall through the discharge port.

[0026] The discharge system according to the present invention has the same technical advantages as those described with respect to the method according to at least the first aspect.

[0027] In certain embodiments, the controller is further configured to resume the relative movement between the customization unit and the first discharge member after a predetermined waiting time.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the controller is further configured to - hold the customization unit stationary with respect to the first discharge member for a predetermined waiting time so that the drug in the aligned customization chamber can fall through the discharge port into one of one or more waiting chambers of a storage unit disposed below the first discharge member.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the controller is further configured to - discharge one or more drugs received by one or more waiting chambers from a discharge port.

[0030] In certain embodiments, the discharge system further includes a packaging unit that collects the received drug from the outlet of the tray and packages the drug.

[0031] In another embodiment, the discharged agent passes through the through-hole of the ejection device vertically or substantially vertically from the one feeder unit.

[0032] In another embodiment, the individualized part is held stationary for a predetermined waiting time so that, if there is an agent contained in the aligned individualized chambers, it can fall vertically or substantially vertically through the discharge port into one of the plurality of collection trays.

[0033] A fourth aspect provides a test station configured to test a feeder unit for ejecting individual agents, the test station comprising a docking position configured to receive the feeder unit under test, the docking position comprising a receiving portion configured to at least partially receive the feeder unit under test, and a drive operatively connected to the feeder unit and configured to drive the feeder unit to eject an agent therefrom, and one or more sensors configured to detect the behavior of the agent within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of an agent among the plurality of agents ejected from the feeder unit, and a controller operatively connected to the sensor and the drive and configured to be operatively connected to the feeder unit, the controller being configured to receive data from one or more sensors regarding the behavior of the agent within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the agent ejected from the feeder unit when driving the feeder unit, and the controller further being configured to identify parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit based on data received from one or more sensors.

[0034] According to the prior art, the feeder unit is designed in particular to eject a specific drug such as a tablet. The inventors have recognized that drugs have various different shapes, weights, and shear resistance on their outer surfaces and others. As a result, some drugs in the feeder unit can fall relatively quickly, for example, from the individualized chamber of the individualized part through the discharge port into the standby chamber of the storage part below it, while other drugs take more time to fall the same distance. The test station according to the present invention has the advantage of testing the feeder unit in combination with the drug for which it is designed and identifying parameters for optimally controlling the feeder unit when it is inserted into the ejection system. As a result, separating one tablet from a plurality of tablets in the feeder unit and discharging it from the feeder unit can be reliably performed and can be optimized individually, for example, with respect to the ejection speed and safety.

[0035] In one embodiment, the test station includes a chute disposed below the feeder unit under test and configured to receive the drug ejected from the feeder unit.

[0036] In one embodiment, one or more sensors include a first sensor for detecting the behavior of the drug in the feeder unit and / or a second sensor for detecting the behavior of a certain drug among the plurality of drugs ejected from the feeder unit. In that embodiment, the first sensor is configured to detect whether the drug is separated from the plurality of drugs in the feeder unit, and / or the second sensor is configured to detect whether one of the plurality of drugs is ejected from the feeder unit. This embodiment has the advantage that the parameters can be optimized not only for the separation behavior of the drug but also for the falling behavior of the drug.

[0037] Additionally, the second sensor is configured not only to detect the agent moving through the chute, but also to provide the possibility of determining whether the full agent has passed or half of the agent has passed, for example based on the time it takes for the agent to pass through the second sensor. Thus, as an advantage, it is possible to correct the discharge of a damaged agent when the feeder unit is set in the discharge system, or at least to notify that a damaged agent has been discharged from the feeder unit.

[0038] In one embodiment, the test station includes an identification unit configured to identify a feeder unit of a test object received at the docking position. In that embodiment, the controller is operatively connected to the identification unit to receive data regarding the identified feeder unit, and the controller is further configured to store and / or transmit identified parameters associated with the identified feeder unit. According to this embodiment, the identified parameters can be tested and stored in a database associated with the identified feeder unit, and the discharge system can read the parameters stored in the database when each feeder unit is inserted into and thereby identified by the system.

[0039] In one embodiment, the identification unit is configured to read an RFID tag of the feeder unit of the test object.

[0040] A fifth aspect provides a method of testing a feeder unit by a test station according to the fourth aspect, the method comprising: - filling the feeder unit with an agent to a predetermined filling level; - docking the feeder unit at the docking position of the test station; - driving the feeder unit to discharge at least one agent from the feeder unit; - While driving the feeder unit, detecting the behavior of the drug in the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the drug discharged from the feeder unit; - Based on the data associated with the detected behavior of the drug in the feeder unit and / or the detected behavior of the drug discharged from the feeder unit, specifying parameters for controlling the test target feeder unit.

[0041] The method according to the present invention provides at least the same technical advantages as those described for the first station according to the fourth aspect.

[0042] In certain embodiments, the method includes identifying the docked feeder unit.

[0043] In certain embodiments, the method includes, after specifying the parameters, specifying whether the test process is completed. In that certain embodiment, if the test process is determined not to be completed: - Driving the feeder unit to discharge at least one drug from the feeder unit; - While driving the feeder unit, detecting the behavior of the drug in the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the drug discharged from the feeder unit; - Based on the data associated with the detected behavior of the drug in the feeder unit and / or the detected behavior of the drug discharged from the feeder unit, repeating the step of specifying parameters for controlling the test target feeder unit. It is possible that even if a specific amount of drug is discharged from the feeder unit, the feeder unit may still not function perfectly. Therefore, it may be necessary to further test the feeder unit and fine-tune the parameters specified for each feeder unit. As an advantage, an optimally functioning feeder unit can thus be obtained.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the method, when it is determined that the test process is complete: - Optionally, includes storing the identified parameters together with the identification information of the feeder unit under test in a database.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the method: - Filling the feeder unit with a drug to a predetermined filling level; - Driving the feeder unit to discharge at least one drug from the feeder unit; - While driving the feeder unit, detecting the behavior of the drug within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the drug discharged from the feeder unit; - Repeating one or more times the step of identifying parameters for controlling the feeder unit under test based on data associated with the detected behavior of the drug within the feeder unit and / or the detected behavior of the drug discharged from the feeder unit, The filling level of the feeder unit is different for each iteration of the step. In certain embodiments thereof, each iteration of the step is performed at a specific filling level, and the filling levels for each iteration differ by at least 5%. In yet another embodiment, the step of identifying parameters for controlling the feeder unit under test includes providing a recommendation regarding the optimal filling level of the unit under test. The inventors have surprisingly found that the filling level of the feeder unit can affect the discharge of the drug from the feeder unit. Thus, testing of the feeder unit is repeated at different filling levels of the feeder unit, for example, at filling levels of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%. As a result, it can be determined at which filling level the feeder unit discharges optimally and / or which discharge rate should be selected for a particular filling level of the feeder unit.

[0046] In one embodiment, the method includes checking whether any error has occurred during the test of the feeder unit. In that embodiment, the step of checking whether any error has occurred during the test of the feeder unit is - detecting that the time for one or more sensors to detect the drug exceeds a predetermined threshold, and / or - detecting that the time required for the individuating part of the feeder unit to move to the next alignment position exceeds a predetermined threshold. The advantage of this embodiment is that by checking whether an error has occurred during the test of the feeder unit, it is possible to know which parameters for controlling the feeder unit result in more or fewer errors. As a result, this method can identify the parameters for controlling the feeder unit to be tested, while keeping the number of errors as low as possible.

[0047] In one embodiment, the step of identifying the parameters for controlling the feeder unit to be tested includes identifying the driving speed of the feeder unit. For the purposes of this application, the driving speed of the feeder unit must be understood as the rotational speed of the individuating part and / or the storage part of the feeder unit. The driving speed of the individuating part realizes the separation of one of the plurality of drugs in the feeder unit, for example, and the driving speed of the storage part ensures the time required to move the next waiting chamber above the discharge port and thus to discharge the drug from the feeder unit. By identifying the driving speed, the feeder unit can function optimally when inserted into the discharge system.

[0048] In one embodiment, the step of identifying parameters for controlling a feeder unit under test includes the step of identifying a waiting time for the feeder unit. During use of the feeder unit in the dispensing system, the individuator is moved to an alignment position where one of the individuation chambers is aligned with the discharge port, and then the individuator is held stationary with respect to the first discharge member for a predetermined waiting time. This waiting time allows the drug to fall from the individuation chamber above the discharge port into the chamber below the discharge port and depends on the drug to be dispensed. This test method can identify the optimal waiting time for the dispensed drug.

[0049] In one embodiment, the step of identifying parameters for controlling a feeder unit under test includes the step of providing a recommendation regarding the optimal dispensing speed of the feeder unit under test. This embodiment can advantageously provide a recommendation for a dispensing speed at which the drug is dispensed from the feeder unit under test as quickly as possible while, on the other hand, keeping the number of errors, for example, as low as possible.

[0050] A sixth aspect provides a method of identifying the filling level of a feeder unit, the method comprising - receiving an indication that the feeder unit needs to be filled with a drug; - identifying the throughput of each drug over a predetermined period of time; - receiving the period until the drug filled in the feeder unit becomes unusable; - identifying the filling level of the feeder unit based on the identified throughput and the received period, taking into account that the feeder unit becomes empty before the use period of the drug filled in the feeder unit expires.

[0051] The method provides a filling level for a feeder unit designed for a specific medicament. The filling level is determined based on a specified throughput indicating the amount of medicament to be dispensed over a specific period such as one day, and based on the period until the specific medicament becomes unusable. For example, this period is indicated by the number of days until the medicament becomes unusable. Thus, a feeder unit filled to the specified filling level can be expected to become empty before the expiration date of the medicament within the feeder unit. The advantage of this method is therefore that it can reduce the amount of discarded medicament, or ideally eliminate discarded medicament.

[0052] In one embodiment, the step of receiving an indication includes receiving an indication that the feeder unit has become empty or almost empty.

[0053] In one embodiment, the step of determining throughput includes determining the throughput of each medicament since the feeder unit was last filled. By determining the throughput of the medicament since the feeder unit was last filled, a specified throughput is obtained that gives a realistic impression of the amount of medicament dispensed since the feeder unit was last filled. Thus, the risk that the expiration period will expire before all the medicament in the feeder unit is dispensed is kept to a minimum.

[0054] Alternatively, the step of determining throughput includes determining the throughput of each medicament since the medicament was first dispensed.

[0055] In one embodiment, the step of receiving the period until the medicament becomes unusable includes taking into account a shortened expiration period of the medicament filled in the feeder unit. Sometimes, the medicament manufacturer shortens the expiration period of the medicament when the medicament is removed from its bulk or blister packaging. In this embodiment, advantageously, the advanced expiration date is taken into account, so that even if the expiration date of the medicament is advanced, the amount of discarded medicament is reduced or, ideally, there is no discarded medicament.

[0056] Regarding the present application, it should be understood that the medicament relates to tablets, capsules, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0057] The various aspects and features described and shown in this specification can be applied individually if possible. These individual aspects, particularly the aspects and features described in the appended dependent patent claims, can be the subject of a divisional patent application.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0059] A cross-sectional view of a discharge system 1 that selectively discharges a certain amount of medicine, pharmaceutical, or medical solid, molded product, or substance, such as pills, tablets, capsules, etc. from one or more feeder units 2 and packages the discharged amount of medicine is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The medicine is "individual" in the sense that they can be discharged one by one, individually, separately, or as a single package.

[0060] The discharge system 1 includes a discharge device 3 configured to discharge medicine. A recovery device 4 is arranged below the discharge device 3, and this recovery device 4 is configured to recover the medicine discharged from the discharge device 3. A packaging unit 5 is arranged below the recovery device 4, and this packaging unit 5 is configured to package the recovered medicine. Optionally, the discharge system 1 is provided with a housing (not shown) that protects against unauthorized access to the discharge device 3, the recovery device 4, and the packaging unit 5.

[0061] The discharge device 3 is provided with a row of discharge positions 20, which has a holder (not shown), also called a canister or tablet case, for holding a plurality of feeder units 2. The discharge positions 20 are circumferentially dispersed around the rotation axis R. In particular, as best shown in FIG. 2, the discharge positions 20 are dispersed according to a radial grid having a plurality of rows, and the feeder units 20 are radially arranged around the rotation axis R there.

[0062] As further shown in FIG. 1, the dispensing system 1 further includes a robotic manipulator 6, such as a robotic arm, configured to operate the feeder unit 2 with respect to the dispensing position. The robotic manipulator 6 is disposed above the dispensing device 3, on or near its axis of rotation R. The robotic manipulator 6 is configured to automatically operate the feeder unit 2, and the operation includes, but is not limited to, positioning, removing, and repositioning the feeder unit 2 within the dispensing system 1. A gripper 7 is provided at the distal end of the robotic manipulator 6, and the gripper 7 is configured to grip one of the feeder units 2 and set that one of the feeder units 2 to the dispensing device 3 or remove that one of the feeder units 2 from the dispensing device 3.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, the recovery device 4 has a plurality of recovery trays 40, which are also called recovery hoppers. Each recovery tray 40 extends radially downwardly below one or more of the feeder units 2, opens in a plane facing the dispensing device 2, and receives the medicament selectively dispensed from one or more of the feeder units 2. The recovery tray 40 is tapered towards the packaging unit 5 and is closed at the bottom by a valve, whereby the medicament recovered can be selectively discharged from the tray 40 to the packaging unit 5.

[0064] The recovery tray 40 is disposed within a recovery frame 41 and is circumferentially dispersed around the axis of rotation R. The recovery frame 41 is rotatable in the recovery direction A around the axis of rotation R, thereby rotating the recovery tray 40 with respect to a plurality of dispersed positions 20. For example, the rotation can be a stepwise rotation, and each step of the tray is aligned with the recovery tray 40, and the next series of feeder units 2 are disposed within the dispensing device 3.

[0065] One of the valves (not shown) of each of the plurality of trays 40 opens when one of each of the plurality of trays 40 is positioned above the packaging unit 5, and discharges the recovered drug from one of each of the plurality of trays 40 into the packaging unit 5. The packaging unit 5 includes a storage member for holding packaging material, in this example foil, a printer for printing information about the drug on the foil, a filling member for positioning the foil to receive the drug, a sealing member for forming a pouch for wrapping the received drug, a perforating member for providing perforations between the pouches continuously formed on the foil, and a discharging member for discharging the packaged drug from the discharging system 1.

[0066] The discharging system 1 is operatively connected to the feeder unit 2, the discharging device 3, the recovery device 4, the packaging unit 5, the robot manipulator 6, and other electronic devices, such as drives, sensors, etc., and further includes a controller 30 for controlling the operation of the discharging system 1. In particular, the controller 30 is provided with a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the discharging system 1 to execute the method described in more detail below.

[0067] A schematic diagram of an example of the feeder unit 2 is shown in FIG. 3. The feeder unit 2 includes a container chamber 50 configured to hold a plurality of drugs, and a container lid 51 connected to the container chamber 50 in a hinged manner to open the upper part of the container chamber 50, access the filling port of the container chamber 50 to refill the container chamber 50, or exchange the drugs in the container chamber 50 with other drugs. The container lid 51 has a lock latch 52 to lock the container lid 51 in the closed position. Additionally, the container lid 51 is provided with a container grip 53 that allows an operator or the robot manipulator 6 to grip the feeder unit 2 for operating it.

[0068] The feeder unit 2 includes a discharge mechanism 60 disposed below the container chamber 50. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the discharge mechanism 60 includes an individualized section 61, which has a plurality of individualized chambers 62, each of which is arranged to accommodate a row of two or more medicaments 63. The individualized section 61 includes a conical upper surface 64, which guides the medicaments 63 in the container chamber 61 towards the individualized chambers 62 arranged on the circumference of the individualized section 61. The individualized section 61 includes a central axis that substantially coincides with the central axis h of the feeder unit 2.

[0069] The first discharge member 65 is disposed below the individualized section 61, and this first discharge member 65 includes a discharge port 66. The first discharge member 65 is fixed inside the feeder unit 2 and thus stationary, and the individualized section 61 is rotatable about its central axis, so that one of the plurality of individualized chambers 62 is aligned with the discharge port 66.

[0070] The separation member 67 is disposed above the first discharge member 65, and this separation member 67 includes a plate or brush that extends into the individualized chamber 62 that is then aligned with the discharge port 66. The distance between the separation member 67 and the first discharge member 65 is substantially equal to the length l of one medicament 63 when disposed within the individualized chamber 62. The separation member 67 is arranged such that only the lowermost medicament 63 directly above the first discharge member 65 can fall through the discharge port 66, thereby allowing only one medicament 63 to fall through the discharge port 66. In this example, the medicament 63 falls vertically or substantially vertically through the discharge port 66 towards, onto, or into one of the underlying collection trays 40. When the individualized section 61 rotates, each individualized chamber 62 moves away from the separation member 67, and the medicaments 63 can move downward within their respective individualized chambers 62.

[0071] The storage unit 68 is disposed below the first discharge member 65 and includes a plurality of standby chambers 69. Each standby chamber 69 is arranged to receive and accommodate the drug 63 from the individualized chamber 62. The storage unit 68 includes a central axis that substantially coincides with the central axis h of the feeder unit 2, and is rotatable around the central axis, so that one of the plurality of standby chambers 69 substantially aligns with the discharge port 66.

[0072] The second discharge member 70 is disposed below the storage unit 68 and is provided with a discharge port 71 for discharging the drug from the feeder unit 2. The second discharge member 70 is fixed within the feeder unit 2, and the storage unit 68 is rotatable with respect to the second discharge member 70, so that one of the plurality of standby chambers 69 aligns with the discharge port 71 and the drug 63 is discharged from the feeder unit 2. The discharge port 71 is arranged so as not to align with the discharge port 66, whereby the drug 63 that has fallen into the standby chamber 69 is retained inside the standby chamber 69 and therefore is not immediately discharged from the container 2.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 4, the feeder unit 2 includes a detection mechanism for at least facilitating the detection of whether or not the drug 63 has fallen through the discharge port 66 into the standby chamber 69 therebelow. This detection mechanism includes a passage 72 for the light beam across the discharge port 66 and is disposed directly below the first discharge member 65 and the storage unit 68. The detection mechanism further includes a light source 73 that emits a light beam through the passage 72 and a light detector 74 for detecting the passage of the light beam and thus the drug 63 in the passage 72 that temporarily blocks the light beam. The light source 73 and the light detector 74 are provided with a connector 75, which connects to a positioning column 21 for supplying power to the light source 73 disposed above each discharge position 20 and connects the light detector 74 to the controller 30.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4, the feeder unit 2 further includes another detection mechanism, which includes a second light source 76 that emits a second light beam across the discharge port 71, and a second light detector 77 that detects the second light beam and, consequently, the passage of the drug 63 through the discharge port 71 and into the dropping tube 22 at the discharge position 20.

[0075] Additionally, the feeder unit 2 is provided with an alignment encoder 75, also referred to as a position encoder, which is configured to identify whether one of the plurality of individualized chambers 62 is preferably fully aligned with the discharge port 66 and is operatively connected to the controller 30. The alignment encoder 75 is calibrated such that the steps of the encoder indicate the alignment position. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "encoder" shall be construed as a device that converts motion into an electrical or electronic signal. The alignment encoder 75 may be a rotary encoder or any other type of encoder, for example, a series of holes strategically arranged within the feeder unit 2 such that light can selectively pass through a photocell when the individualized chamber 62 is in a predetermined position. Alternatively, alignment may also be identified through physical sensing, for example, by a protrusion fitting into a notch to identify alignment.

[0076] In addition, the individualized section 61 and / or the storage section 68 are provided with a drive motor (not shown), for example, a stepper motor, for rotating the individualized section 61 and the storage section 68 about their central axes. For example, the rotational speed of the individualized section 61 is approximately 1.9 revolutions per second. The dispensing device 3 may supply power to the drive motor and / or connect the drive motor to the controller 30 via the position column 21. Alternatively, the feeder unit 2 may not be provided with a drive motor, and an external drive motor connected to the individualized section 61 and the storage section 68 may be arranged at each discharge position 20.

[0077] A method of dispensing a drug from one of the feeder units 2 will be described below with respect to one feeder unit. The method includes the following steps, which are also schematically shown in FIG. 5.

[0078] Step S1 relates to a step of accommodating one or more agents 63 in one or more of a plurality of individualizing chambers 62 of the individualizing unit 61. Accommodating the agent 63 in the individualizing chamber 62 can be understood as enabling the agent 63 to move into the individualizing chamber 62 during the movement or while the individualizing unit 61 is stationary.

[0079] Step S2 relates to a step of moving the individualizing unit 61 to an alignment position where one of the plurality of individualizing chambers 62 is aligned with the discharge port 66 with respect to the first discharge member 65. Whether or not one of the plurality of individualizing chambers 62 is aligned with the discharge port 66 can be specified or measured by the alignment encoder 78 of the feeder unit 2 or other alignment specifying means such as a mechanism using notches and protrusions. When it is specified that one of the plurality of individualizing chambers 62 is aligned with the discharge port, the movement of the individualizing unit 61 with respect to the first discharge member 65 is stopped as schematically shown by step S3 in FIG. 5.

[0080] After stopping the movement of the individualizing unit 61 with respect to the first discharge member 65, in S4, the individualizing unit 61 is held in a stationary state with respect to the first discharge member 65 for a predetermined waiting time. For example, the waiting time can be in the range of 40 to 120 milliseconds depending on the size, shape, and structure of the agent to be discharged. During this predetermined waiting time, the lowermost agent 63 in the individualizing chamber 62 above the discharge port 66 can fall through the discharge port 66. This can be a fall into the waiting chamber 69 of the storage unit 68 or into any other configuration such as a hopper or chute in other embodiments. At the same time, another agent can move into the individualizing chamber 62. While the individualizing unit 61 is held in a stationary state with respect to the first discharge member 65, as shown by step S5, the detection mechanism detects whether or not the agent has passed through the passage 72, but such detection may not be performed in other embodiments.

[0081] When it is detected that the drug has passed through the discharge port 66, a predetermined time ends, and in step S6, another predetermined time shorter than the predetermined time is started, and the dropped drugs 63 are each made to be in a stationary state within the respective standby chambers 69. After another predetermined time is started in step S6, in step S7, a check is performed to confirm whether another predetermined time has ended. When it is specified that another predetermined time has ended, it is assumed that the drug 63 in the standby chamber 69 has come to a stationary state, and the individuating unit 61 can be moved to the next alignment position where the next one of the plurality of individuating chambers 62 is aligned with the discharge port 66.

[0082] When it is specified that none of the drugs have passed through the discharge port 66 and the passage 72, in step S8, it is specified whether a predetermined standby time has elapsed. If it has elapsed, the individuating unit 61 can be moved to the next alignment position where the next one of the plurality of individuating chambers 62 is aligned with the discharge port 66. If it has not elapsed, in step S9, it is specified whether it was assumed that the drug 63 would pass through the discharge port 66. If it was assumed that the drug 63 would fall through the discharge port 66, the drug 63 may be jammed in the individuating unit 61. To release the drug 63, the individuating unit 61 is moved back and forth, for example, by a distance corresponding to half the width of the drug 63, preferably repeatedly, and then, in step S10, it is returned to the alignment position regarding the first discharge member 65, and the drug 63 is dropped into the standby chamber 69 below the discharge port 66. If it was not assumed that the drug would pass through the discharge port 66, in step S2, the individuating unit 61 can be moved to the next alignment position where the next one of the plurality of individuating chambers 62 is aligned with the discharge port 66.

[0083] The feeder unit 2 can be operated to rotate according to alignment, simply wait for a predetermined time, and drop the drug, so as to release the drug more efficiently and reliably than the past system. As described above, the past system relied on low-speed rotation and / or actual detection of the drug to confirm the drop of the drug through the discharge port. The individuating unit continued to rotate and could have discharged more. As a result of slower rotation or actual detection, the overall drug discharge is delayed. By rotating in a stepwise manner, that is, rotating the individuating unit to a specially aligned position (where the chamber 62 is aligned with the outlet), waiting simply for a predetermined (short) waiting time, and then transferring to the next aligned position, the feeder unit 2 can surely discharge more drugs through the discharge port.

[0084] The controller 30 of the discharge system 1 is configured to execute the method described above.

[0085] A schematic diagram of a test station 100 for testing a feeder unit according to an embodiment is shown in FIG. 6. Such a test station can be used to identify parameters related to the feeder unit, such as the optimal filling level, the aforementioned predetermined time for a specific drug, etc. The feeder unit to be tested can correspond to the aforementioned feeder unit. The test station 100 includes a station housing 101, which includes a bottom plate 102, two side walls 103, a front wall 104, and a rear wall all on the bottom plate 102, and a top plate 105 installed on the side walls 103, the front wall 104, and the rear wall. As shown in FIG. 6, the front wall 104 is positioned in a recessed position with respect to the front edges of both the bottom plate 102 and the top plate 105, thereby defining a receiving container space 106 between the bottom plate 102 and the top plate 105, which is configured to receive a receiving container.

[0086] The plurality of docking positions 107 are arranged adjacent to each other above the receiving container space 106 on the top plate 105, and each of the docking positions 107 is configured to receive a feeder unit to be tested. Each of the docking positions 107 is provided with a receiving portion for receiving at least a part of the feeder unit. The receiving portion 108 has a receiving block 109, in which the feeder unit to be tested can be set. The receiving block 109 is provided with a plurality of positioning columns 110 configured to correctly position the feeder unit to be tested with respect to the receiving portion 108.

[0087] The receiving block 109 further includes a chute 111 extending from the top to the bottom of the receiving block 109, and this chute 111 is provided in the top plate 105 and aligns with a through hole (not shown) passing through it. When the feeder unit to be tested is docked in one of the docking positions 107, the discharge port 71 is positioned above the chute 111. As a result, the drug discharged from the feeder unit falls into the chute 111 and then into the receiving container installed below the chute 111 and its corresponding through hole in the receiving container space 106. In this example, the drug falls vertically or substantially vertically from the feeder unit through the corresponding through hole.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 7, the drop detection mechanism is arranged in the chute 111 to at least facilitate the detection of whether the drug has fallen into the chute 111. The drop detection mechanism has a light beam passage 112 across the chute and is arranged near the upper surface of the receiving block 109. The detection mechanism further includes a light source 113 for emitting a light beam through the passage 112 and a light detector 114 for detecting the light beam and, thus, the fall of the drug passing through the chute 111 that temporarily blocks the light beam.

[0089] Furthermore, in this example, the test station 100 uses the detection mechanism of the feeder unit to at least facilitate the detection of whether the drug has fallen through the discharge port into the waiting chamber below the separation detection mechanism. In particular, the separation detection mechanism can detect whether the drug has been separated from the remaining drugs in the feeder unit and has moved into one of the waiting chambers of the storage section of the feeder unit.

[0090] Alternatively, the test station 100 may be provided with its own separation detection mechanism for at least facilitating the detection of whether the drug has fallen through the discharge port into the lower waiting chamber.

[0091] A drive motor such as a stepper motor is disposed within the receiving block 109. The drive motor is provided with a drive coupling 116 that extends upward from the receiving block 109, is connected to the feeder unit, and is configured to drive, in particular to rotate, the individualized section and the storage section of the feeder unit and discharge the drug therefrom.

[0092] Additionally, each of the docking positions 107 is provided with an RFID reader 115 for reading the RFID chip within the feeder unit, whereby the test results can be linked to the feeder unit being tested.

[0093] Although not shown, the station housing 101 houses a power supply for supplying power to the test station 100 and all of its electrical components, and a controller for controlling the operation of the test station 100. The power supply and the controller are operatively connected to the drop detection mechanism, the separation detection mechanism, the drive motor, the RFID reader, and other electronic devices, such as drives, sensors, etc. In particular, the controller is provided with a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the processor, cause the test station 100 to execute the method described in more detail later.

[0094] The test method of the feeder unit will be described below with respect to one feeder unit 2. The method includes the following steps, which are also schematically shown in FIG. 8.

[0095] It should be noted that for this patent application, the feeder unit is designed for specific tablets, pills, or medications. Before the feeder unit is used in the aforementioned ejection system 1, the feeder unit is tested by the test station 100. The test process includes, as a first step S100, the step of filling the feeder unit to be tested to a predetermined filling level or with a predetermined number of medications. When the feeder unit is filled, in step S101, the feeder unit is docked into one of the docking positions 107 of the test station.

[0096] When the feeder unit is docked into one of the docking positions 107, in step S102, the RFID reader of the test station 100 reads the RFID chip of the feeder unit to identify the docked feeder unit.

[0097] After identifying the docked feeder unit, in step S103, the drive motor at the docking position 107 is operated to drive the individualized and storage parts of the feeder unit. During the operation of the drive motor, in step 104, the separation detection mechanism detects that one medication has been separated from the remaining medications in the feeder unit and moved to one of the standby chambers, and the drop detection mechanism detects whether the medication has been ejected from the feeder unit to the chute 111 at the docking position 107.

[0098] Data from the separation detection mechanism and from the drop detection mechanism is received by the controller of the test station 100. Note that data from both detection mechanisms provides information regarding the behavior of the drug within the feeder unit and regarding the behavior of the drug falling through the chute 11. In step S105, the controller of the test station 100 processes the data from both detection mechanisms to identify parameters for controlling the docked feeder unit. Parameters for controlling the feeder unit relate to, but are not limited to, the reliability and speed of drug ejection from the feeder unit. It should be understood that it is desirable to eject the drug from the feeder unit as quickly as possible and at the same time ensure that the drug is separated from the remaining drug within the feeder unit.

[0099] Once the parameters are identified, in step S106 it is determined whether the test process is complete. Whether the test process is complete depends on whether the identified parameters meet a predetermined criterion, etc. For example, the test ends when all the drug has been ejected from the feeder unit or when too many ejection errors occur. If it is determined that the test process is not yet complete, in step S107 it is determined whether there is still drug remaining in the feeder unit. If there is, the process repeats steps S103 - S106, and these steps can be repeated as many times as necessary. If there is not, in step S108 the test process ends and the end of the test process is indicated to the operator.

[0100] In step S106, if it is determined that the test process is complete, for example that the identified parameters meet a predetermined criterion, in step S109 the identified parameters are saved together with the identification information of the test feeder unit, and optionally saved in a database, whereby the identified parameters can be used by the aforementioned ejection system 1. After the identified parameters are saved, in step S108 the test process ends.

[0101] The test process is repeated several times, and the filling level of the feeder unit is, for example, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100% during the repetition of the test process. Alternatively, the feeder unit is filled to full capacity and then tested by discharging a large amount of the agent, for example, until the feeder unit is empty. In this case, the test can start from the 100% filling state and end at the 0% filling level, thereby passing through, for example, the 80% filling, 60% filling, 40% filling, and 20% filling levels. In this way, the test process can be used to provide a recommendation regarding the optimal filling level of the feeder unit when used in the discharge system 1.

[0102] A method for identifying one of the filling levels of the feeder unit 2 will be described below with respect to one feeder unit 2. The method includes the following steps, which are also schematically shown in FIG. 9. It should be noted that the method can be executed by the discharge system 1, particularly its controller, as described above.

[0103] When the discharge system 1 detects that the feeder unit 2 is almost empty or already empty, in step S200, the discharge system 1, particularly its controller, provides an indication to the operator that each feeder unit 2 needs to be filled or refilled with a specific agent. Then, in step S201, the discharge system 1 identifies, for example, the throughput of the agent since the feeder unit was last filled with the specific agent or since the agent was first discharged from the discharge system.

[0104] After or during identifying the throughput of the specific agent, the discharge system may prompt for an input of the period, for example, the number of days, until the specific agent becomes unavailable. The usage period of the specific agent may be a normal period or a shortened period due to the agent being taken out of its bulk or blister packaging. Then, in step S202, the relevant period can be input into the discharge system 1 by the operator.

[0105] Alternatively, after or during identifying the throughput of a particular agent, the dispensing system may prompt for the expiration date of the particular agent. The expiration date of the particular agent may be a normal expiration date or an advanced expiration date due to the agent being removed from its vial or blister pack. Thereafter, in step S202, the relevant expiration date may be input into the dispensing system 1 by the operator.

[0106] In step S203, based on the identified throughput and the received expiration date, a filling level for the feeder unit is identified, and the identified throughput and the received expiration date are considered such that it is assumed the feeder unit will become empty before the received expiration date.

[0107] The description relates to agents, tablets, etc., but this apparatus and method can also be used when dispensing other types of solid individual items for separation and packaging.

[0108] It should be understood that the above description is included to explain the operation of the preferred embodiment and 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 spirit and scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0109] 1 Dispensing system 2 Feeder unit 3 Dispensing device 4 Recovery device 5 Packaging unit 6 Robot manipulator 7 Gripper 20 Dispensing position 21 Positioning column 22 Drop tube 30 Controller 40 Recovery tray 41 Recovery frame 50 Container chamber 51 Container lid 52 Container latch 53 Container Grip 60 Discharge Mechanism 61 Individuation Unit 62 Individuation Chamber 63 Drug 64 Conical Upper Surface 65 First Discharge Member 66 Discharge Port 67 Separation Member 68 Storage Unit 69 Waiting Chamber 70 Second Discharge Member 71 Spout 72 Passage 73 Light Source 74 Photodetector 75 Connector 76 Second Light Source 77 Second Photodetector 78 Alignment Encoder 100 Test Station 101 Station Housing 102 Bottom Plate 103 Side Wall 104 Front Wall 105 Top Plate 106 Receptacle Container Space 107 Docking Position 108 Receiving Portion 109 Receiving Block 110 Positioning Column 111 Shoot 112 Passage 113 Light Source 114 Photodetector 115 RFID Reader 116 Drive Coupling Steps of Discharge Method S1~S10 Steps of Test Method S101~S109 Steps of Method for Specifying Filling Level S201~S203 R Rotation Axis A Rotation Direction

Claims

1. A method for stepwise dispensing of individual medications from a feeder unit, the feeder unit comprising: a container for holding the medication; and a dispensing mechanism configured to receive the medication from the container and selectively dispense the medication, the dispensing mechanism including a singulation section having a plurality of singulation chambers and a first dispensing member disposed below the singulation section and having a dispensing port, the first dispensing member and the singulation section being movable relative to one another; - moving the singulation section and the first emission member relative to each other to an aligned position in which one of the singulation chambers is aligned with the emission opening; - stopping the relative movement between the singulation part and the first release member when the singulation part is in the aligned position; - holding the individualization portion stationary relative to the first release member for a predetermined waiting time, allowing any medicament contained in the aligned individualization chambers to fall through the release port.

2. The method of claim 1 , comprising resuming the relative movement between the singulation portion and the first emission member after the predetermined waiting time.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of resuming the relative movement between the individualization section and the first emission member includes, upon expiration of the predetermined waiting time, moving the individualization section and the first emission member relative to each other to another alignment position in which another one of the plurality of individualization chambers is aligned with the emission opening.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising detecting whether medication has fallen through the outlet.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of detecting whether the drug has fallen through the outlet further comprises the steps of terminating the predetermined waiting time and initiating another predetermined waiting time when it is detected that the drug has fallen through the outlet.

6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the predetermined wait time has a first length and the another predetermined wait time has a second length that is shorter than the first length.

7. 5. The method of claim 4, further comprising moving the individualization portion and the first release member back and forth relative to each other to return to the aligned position when it is detected that the drug was supposed to pass through the release port but did not fall through the release port during the predetermined waiting time.

8. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said feeder unit is provided with a position encoder that is calibrated such that an encoder step indicates said aligned position.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the step of moving the individualization portion and the first emission member relative to each other includes a step of identifying a position of the individualization portion and the first emission member relative to each other and moving the individualization portion to an aligned position.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of stopping relative movement between the individualizer and the first emission member includes stopping relative movement between the individualizer and the first emission member when the individualizer is identified as being in an aligned position.

11. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the feeder unit includes a reservoir disposed below the first release member and including one or more waiting chambers, the one or more waiting chambers configured to receive medication from one of the individualized chambers when the individualized chambers, the release port, and each of the one or more waiting chambers are aligned.

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the feeder unit includes a second discharge member disposed below the storage portion and having an outlet, the second discharge member and the storage portion being movable relative to one another to thereby substantially align one of the one or more waiting chambers with the outlet.

13. The method of claim 12, comprising expelling one or more medicaments received by the one or more waiting chambers from the outlet.

14. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of moving the individualization section and the first emission member relative to each other includes a step of rotating the individualization section relative to the first emission member to an aligned position in which one of the plurality of individualization chambers is aligned with each of the emission values.

15. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the expelled medication passes vertically or substantially vertically through the through-hole of the ejection device from the one feeder unit.

16. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the individualization section is held stationary for a predetermined waiting time to allow any medicaments contained in the aligned individualization chambers to fall vertically or substantially vertically through the release port into one of the plurality of collection trays.

17. In a feeder unit that dispenses individual drugs, A container for holding the drug; a dispensing mechanism for receiving the medication from the container and selectively dispensing the medication from the feeder unit, a singulation section having a plurality of singulation chambers; a discharge mechanism including a first discharge member disposed below the singulation portion and having a discharge port, the first discharge member and the singulation portion being movable relative to each other; and an encoder for identifying a relative position of the singulation chamber and the outlet of the first discharge member.

18. 20. The feeder unit of claim 17, further comprising a reservoir disposed below the first ejection member and including one or more waiting chambers configured to receive medication from one of the singulation chambers when the singulation chambers, the ejection port, and each of the one or more waiting chambers are aligned.

19. 20. The feeder unit of claim 17, wherein the encoder is located at or near the outlet.

20. 20. The feeder unit of claim 18, wherein the one or more waiting chambers include a plurality of waiting chambers and a second ejection member disposed below the reservoir and having an outlet, the second ejection member and the reservoir being movable relative to one another such that one of the one or more waiting chambers is substantially aligned with the outlet.

21. 20. The feeder unit of claim 17, further comprising a detection mechanism for determining whether a medication has fallen through the outlet.

22. a delivery system containing one or more feeder units, the system being arranged to selectively deliver a quantity of a distinct medication from said one or more feeder units; a discharge device provided with an array of adjacently arranged discharge positions in a plane, the discharge device in each of the arrays being provided with a holder for one of the feeder units and a through hole for the passage of the dispensed medicament therethrough; a collection device arranged below the ejection device, the collection device and the ejection device being movable relative to each other, the collection device being provided with a plurality of collection trays, each of the trays including, on a side facing the ejection device, a receiving opening for receiving the expelled medicament, and each of the collection device including an outlet; a controller for controlling operation of the system and the one or more feeder units disposed on the discharge device; The controller, for each of the one or more feeder units, - moving the singulation section and a first discharge member arranged below said singulation section and provided with a discharge opening relative to each other into an alignment position in which one of said plurality of singulation chambers is aligned with said discharge opening, - stopping the relative movement between the singulation part and the first release member when the singulation part is in the aligned position, - an ejection system configured to hold the individualization portion stationary with respect to the first ejection member for a predetermined waiting time to allow any medicament contained in the aligned individualization chambers to fall through the ejection port.

23. 23. The dispensing system of claim 22, wherein the controller is further configured to resume the relative movement between the singulation portion and the first discharge member after the predetermined waiting period.

24. The controller further comprises: The ejection system of claim 22, configured to hold the individualization portion stationary relative to the first ejection member for a predetermined waiting time to allow any medicament contained in the aligned individualization chambers to fall through the ejection port into one of one or more waiting chambers of a reservoir arranged below the first ejection member.

25. The controller further comprises: The ejection system of claim 24, wherein the one or more waiting chambers are configured to eject one or more medicaments received from an ejection port.

26. 23. The dispensing system of claim 22, further comprising a packaging unit for collecting the medication received from the outlet of the tray and packaging the medication.

27. 23. The ejection system of claim 22, wherein the ejected medicament passes vertically or substantially vertically through the through-hole of the ejection device from the one feeder unit.

28. 23. The ejection system of claim 22, wherein the individualization section is held stationary for a predetermined waiting time to allow any medicament contained in the aligned individualization chambers to fall vertically or substantially vertically through the release outlet into one of the plurality of collection trays.

29. a test station configured to test feeder units dispensing individual medications, a docking location configured to receive a feeder unit to be tested, said docking location comprising: a receiving portion configured to at least partially receive the feeder unit under test; a drive operatively connected to the feeder unit and configured to drive the feeder unit to expel medication therefrom; one or more sensors configured to detect the behavior of the medication within the feeder unit and / or detect the behavior of one of the medications dispensed from the feeder unit; a controller operatively connected to the sensor and the drive and configured to be operatively connected to the feeder unit under test; the controller is configured to receive data from the one or more sensors relating to the behavior of the medication within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the medication dispensed from the feeder unit when the feeder unit is activated; The test station, wherein the controller is further configured to identify parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit based on the data received from the one or more sensors.

30. 30. The testing station of claim 29, wherein the testing station includes a chute positioned below the feeder unit to be tested and configured to receive medication dispensed from the feeder unit.

31. 30. The testing station of claim 29, wherein the one or more sensors include a first sensor for detecting the behavior of the medication within the feeder unit and / or a second sensor for detecting the behavior of one of the plurality of medications ejected from the feeder unit.

32. 32. The testing station of claim 31 , wherein the first sensor is configured to detect whether a medication has been separated from the plurality of medications in the feeder unit and / or the second sensor is configured to detect whether a medication of the plurality of medications has been ejected from the feeder unit.

33. 30. The test station of claim 29, wherein the test station includes an identification unit configured to identify a feeder unit to be tested received at the docking location.

34. 34. The test station of claim 33, wherein the controller is operatively connected to the identification unit to receive data regarding an identified feeder unit, the controller further configured to store and / or transmit the determined parameters associated with the identified feeder unit.

35. 34. The test station of claim 33, wherein the identification unit is configured to read an RFID tag of a feeder unit under test.

36. 30. A method for testing feeder units with a testing station according to claim 29, comprising: - filling said feeder unit with medication to a predetermined fill level; - docking said feeder unit at said docking location of said testing station; - actuating said feeder unit to cause the ejection of at least one medication from said feeder unit; - detecting the behavior of the medicines in the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the medicines discharged from the feeder unit while driving the feeder unit; - identifying parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit based on data associated with the detected behavior of the drug within the feeder unit and / or the detected behavior of the drug ejected from the feeder unit.

37. 37. The method of claim 36, including identifying the docked feeder unit.

38. 37. The method of claim 36, further comprising, after the step of determining the parameters, determining whether the testing process is complete.

39. When it is determined that the testing process is not complete, - actuating said feeder unit to cause the ejection of at least one medication from said feeder unit; - detecting the behavior of the medicine within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the medicine ejected from the feeder unit while driving the feeder unit; - identifying parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit based on the detected behavior of the drug within the feeder unit and / or data associated with the detected drug of a drug ejected from the feeder unit.

40. When the testing process is determined to be complete, 40. The method of claim 39, further comprising the step of: - optionally storing the determined parameters in a database together with an identification of the tested feeder unit.

41. - filling said feeder unit with medication to a predetermined fill level; - actuating said feeder unit to cause the ejection of at least one medication from said feeder unit; - detecting the behavior of the medicine within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the medicine ejected from the feeder unit while driving the feeder unit; - identifying parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit based on data associated with the detected behavior of the medication within the feeder unit and / or the detected behavior of medication ejected from the feeder unit, 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the fill level of the feeder unit is different for each repetition of the steps.

42. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein each repetition of the steps is performed for a predetermined fill level, and the fill levels for the repetitions differ by at least 5%.

43. 43. The method of claim 42, wherein the step of identifying parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit includes the step of providing recommendations regarding optimal fill levels for the tested feeder unit.

44. 37. The method of claim 36, including the step of determining whether an error occurred during testing of the feeder unit.

45. The step of determining whether an error has occurred during testing of the feeder unit comprises: - detecting that the length of time that the one or more sensors detect the drug exceeds a predetermined threshold; and / or 45. The method of claim 44, comprising detecting when the length of time required for a singulation section of the feeder unit to move to a next alignment position exceeds a predetermined threshold.

46. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the step of identifying parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit includes identifying a drive speed for the feeder unit.

47. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the step of identifying parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit includes identifying a wait time for the feeder unit.

48. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein the step of identifying parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit includes the step of providing a recommendation regarding an optimal output rate for the tested feeder unit.

49. 1. A method for determining a fill level of a feeder unit, comprising: - receiving an indication that a feeder unit needs to be loaded with medication; - determining the throughput of each said drug at a given time; - receiving a time until expiration of the drug to be loaded into the feeder unit; - determining a fill level for the feeder unit based on the determined throughput and the received time period; The method, wherein the feeder unit is considered to be emptied prior to the expiration date of the medication loaded into the feeder unit.

50. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein said step of receiving an indication includes receiving an indication that the feeder unit is empty or nearly empty.

51. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the determining the throughput comprises determining the throughput of each of the medications since it was last loaded into the feeder unit.

52. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the determining the throughput comprises determining the throughput of the respective medication since the medication was expelled for the first time.

53. 50. The method of claim 49, wherein the step of receiving the time until expiration of the medication comprises taking into account a shortened time until expiration of the medication to be loaded into the feeder unit.

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