Apparatus for inspecting pharmaceutical containers

Abstract

To provide an apparatus for inspecting a pharmaceutical cylindrical container (4) made of glass or a polymer.SOLUTION: The device comprises a handling device (1) and a friction wheel (2). The handling device comprises at least one holding means (3) for holding the container on its lateral surface. The holding means comprises at least a first support wheel (5) and a second support wheel (6) for supporting the container. The handling device is movable such that the container can be firstly transferred from a first transfer position (9) into an inspection area (10), and secondly, from the inspection area (10) into a second transfer position (11). The holding means and / or the friction wheel is movable back and forth bringing the container within the inspection area (10) into contact with the friction wheel so as to allow the container to rotate about a longitudinal axis (24) of the container by rotating the first and second support wheels (5,6). and / or by rotating the friction wheel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting glass or polymeric pharmaceutical containers. [Background technology]

[0002] For quality assurance purposes, it is common to inspect the finished pharmaceutical container or its intermediate products during the manufacturing process. If defects are detected, the product or intermediate product can be rejected from further processing.

[0003] An apparatus for inspecting glass sheets is known from DE 102011113670 A1. Furthermore, DE 102016114190 A1 describes a method and a device for optically testing transparencies.

[0004] In particular, pharmaceutical containers such as syringes, carpules, and vials must meet stringent quality standards. For example, it must be avoided that these containers contain defects such as bulges, dents, scratches, particle adhesion, bubbles, or foreign body contamination. Because pharmaceutical containers are mass-produced items, inspection must be performed as fast as possible. It must be guaranteed that the equipment used to inspect sensitive pharmaceutical containers does not introduce defects into the containers while still reliably detecting defects in a short time.

[0005] Known devices for inspecting pharmaceutical containers do not meet the above-mentioned requirements for high speed non-destructive inspection. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The invention described herein addresses the challenge of improving and further developing equipment for inspecting glass or polymeric pharmaceutical containers such that high speed, non-destructive inspection is achieved. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for inspecting glass or polymeric cylindrical pharmaceutical containers, the apparatus comprising a processing device and a friction wheel, the processing device comprising at least one holding means for holding the container by its side, the holding means comprising at least a first support wheel and a second support wheel for supporting the container, the processing device being movable such that the container can be transferred first from a first transfer position to an inspection area and then from the inspection area to a second transfer position, the holding means and / or the friction wheel being movable back and forth to bring the container in the inspection area into contact with the friction wheel such that the container can be rotated about its longitudinal axis by rotation of the first and second support wheels and / or by rotation of the friction wheel.

[0008] One advantage is that the rotatable holding means provides for a fast movement of the container. The friction wheel and / or the support wheel allow the container to be rotated about its longitudinal axis, so that the entire container body can be inspected by a suitable detector. Effective detection of defects can therefore be achieved. In particular, it is pointed out that the container in the inspection area can be inspected by any procedure and / or any device when the container is in contact with the friction wheel so that it can be rotated about its longitudinal axis.

[0009] The inventors have surprisingly found that a high inspection speed can be achieved by only two different movements. The first movement, i.e. the movement of the processing device that brings the container to or from the inspection zone, brings the pharmaceutical cylinder to the inspection zone and thus close to the friction wheel. The second movement, i.e. the movement of the holding means and / or the friction wheel back and forth to bring the container in the inspection zone into contact with the friction wheel, brings the pharmaceutical cylinder, which is already in contact with the two wheels of the holding means, into contact with the friction wheel. By only performing these two movements, it is possible to bring the pharmaceutical cylinder into contact with the friction wheel very smoothly, without damaging the container or causing vibrations. In contrast, if only one movement is applied, the pharmaceutical cylinder is vibrating when it contacts the friction wheel, which may cause damage, and in addition some time must pass between the positioning of the container and the measurement to stop the vibration of the container. Thus, since the device according to claim 1 performs these two movements, it is suitable for achieving high clock frequencies exceeding 60 containers per minute, even 80 containers per minute or more.

[0010] The motion of the processing device for bringing the container to and from the inspection zone is not particularly limited. It can be any motion, such as, for example, a complex motion of a robot arm, a linear motion, or a rotation. If the processing device is rotatable so that the container can be first transferred from a first transfer position to the inspection zone and then transferred from the inspection zone to a second transfer position, the speed of the apparatus can be further increased, since rotation about an axis is a very precise motion.

[0011] The movement of the holding means in the inspection zone is not particularly limited. It can either be together with the whole processing device or only the holding means moves, for example up and down, while the rest of the processing device does not move. Preferably, the holding means or the processing device can move back and forth along a first axis to bring the container in the inspection zone into contact with the friction wheel. This can further reduce vibrations and further prevent damage. This increases the inspection speed.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the processing device is rotatable such that the container can be first transferred from a first transfer position to the inspection zone and then transferred from the inspection zone to a second transfer position. Additionally or alternatively, the friction wheel, the holding means and / or the processing device, preferably the processing device, are movable back and forth along a first axis to bring the container in the inspection zone into contact with the friction wheel.

[0013] Generally, the two movements can be performed substantially consecutively, sequentially or simultaneously. In a preferred embodiment, the movement of said processing device from the first transfer position to the inspection zone, i.e. the "first movement", and the movement of the holding means and / or the friction wheel to bring the container into contact with the friction wheel, i.e. the "second movement", are performed substantially consecutively or sequentially, more preferably sequentially.

[0014] The term "medicinal container" particularly in the claims and preferably in the present specification refers to a container used to store medical products. The pharmaceutical container may be a syringe, a vial, an ampoule, a cartridge or any special tubular article. The diameter of the container inspected by the device according to the invention may range from 4 mm to 80 mm, preferably from 6 mm to 50 mm.

[0015] The term "longitudinal axis", particularly in the claims and preferably as used herein, refers to a line passing from the bottom to the top of the container, particularly the axis of rotation.

[0016] The term "inspection area", particularly in the claims and preferably as used herein, refers to the area surrounding the location where a container is positioned when it is inspected.

[0017] In this specification, the side of the pharmaceutical cylinder is the outer surface of the cylindrical part of the cylinder. Preferably, there is no contact between the base and top surfaces of the pharmaceutical cylinder and the device. By placing the container horizontally on its side on the support wheel during the inspection, it is possible to expose the container to light at least substantially entirely. It is therefore possible to inspect the pharmaceutical cylinder at least substantially shadow-free, if the container is held only on its side by the holding means and the friction wheel during the measurement. It is even possible to inspect the top and / or bottom part of the container, if the container is held only on its side by the holding means and the friction wheel during the measurement.

[0018] It should be noted, particularly in the claims and preferably herein, that the first transfer position and the second transfer position may be the same position or different positions.

[0019] The expression "cylindrical container", particularly in the claims and preferably in the present specification, refers to a container with at least a cylindrical part. Containers such as syringes, carpules or ampoules, which have a non-cylindrical end, are therefore cylindrical containers. Furthermore, the side of a cylindrical container does not have to be smooth. The side can be provided with grooves, ridges, wrinkles or any other structure. Furthermore, the side can have a wavy surface.

[0020] Herein, the axis of rotation of the first support wheel and the longitudinal axis of the container define a first plane, and the axis of rotation of the second support wheel and the longitudinal axis of the container define a second plane. A person skilled in the art will understand that the first and second planes can intersect at any angle. According to a preferred embodiment, the first and second planes intersect at an angle in the range of 45° to less than 120°, preferably 50° to 90°, more preferably 60° to 80°, more preferably 65° to 75°, and most preferably at an angle of about 70°. At angles less than 45°, the container vibrates too much for inspection. Furthermore, there is a risk that the container will fall off the support wheel during inspection. At angles of 45° or more, the risk of falling is very low, but the surface of the container that is blocked by the support wheel is the largest, and so is the detectable area of ​​the container. At angles greater than 120°, the surface of the container that is blocked by the support wheel is so large that high-speed inspection of the container is almost impossible. At angles between 50° and 90°, vibrations of the container located on the support wheels occur, but the rotation of the container is smooth enough to allow a satisfactory inspection. In the range of 60° to 80°, the detectable surface of the container is large enough and the vibrations of the container are small enough so that all different types of defects are detectable in a short time. At angles in the range of 65° to 75°, the vibrations are almost negligible and the detectable surface is still large enough so that very small defects of the container are detectable in the shortest time. In particular, an angle of about 70°, i.e. 70°±1°, allows the inspection of the container with the highest quality in the shortest time, for example at clock frequencies exceeding 60 containers per minute, even 80 containers per minute and more. In order to further increase the stability of the system, it is preferred that the distance between the rotation axis of the friction wheel and the rotation axis of the first support wheel is equal to the distance between the rotation axis of the friction wheel and the rotation axis of the second support wheel. It is further preferred that the friction wheel is arranged centered with respect to the support wheels. As the longitudinal axis of the container depends on the diameter of the container, it is preferable to be able to vary the position of the support wheels, so that the support wheels can be positioned such that the above-mentioned angles are within the above-mentioned ranges depending on the diameter of the container being inspected.In a further preferred embodiment, the support wheels and / or friction wheels are interchangeable so that support wheels and / or friction wheels of different diameters can be arranged when containers of different diameters are to be inspected. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the distance between the support wheels and the friction wheels defines the diameter of the container to be inspected when the support wheels are positioned to place the supported container in the inspection position.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the processing device comprises three holding means, said holding means being arranged on a circle at an angle of 120° to one another. Arranging three holding means at angles within 120° has the advantage that one of the holding means can be simultaneously located in the transfer position, another in the inspection area and another in the second transfer position. High clock frequencies can therefore be achieved.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a transport device for transporting said container to said first transfer location and for receiving said container from said processing device at said second transfer location. Providing a transport device has the advantage that the containers can be supplied in synchronization with the clock frequency of the processing device.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a conveying device, a first transfer device and a second transfer device. The conveying device is configured to convey the container to the first transfer device and to receive the container from the second transfer device. Furthermore, the first transfer device is configured to take the container from the conveying device and to transfer it to the first transfer position, the first transfer device comprising at least one holding mechanism for holding the container. Preferably, the container is held by its side and the first transfer device is rotatable to bring the container to the first transfer position when held by the first holding mechanism. In addition, the second transfer device is configured to receive the container from the processing device, the second transfer device comprising at least one holding mechanism for holding the container. Preferably, the container is held by its side and the second transfer device is rotatable to transfer the container from the second transfer position to the conveying device such that the container is positioned on the conveying device, preferably by its side. This arrangement has the advantage that the containers can be fed at very high speeds and that the transfer device is rotatable, thus preventing scratching or damage to the containers.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the first transport device comprises three holding mechanisms, which are arranged on a circle at an angle of 120° to each other. Additionally or alternatively, the second transport device may comprise three holding mechanisms, which are arranged on a circle at an angle of 120° to each other. This configuration is advantageous as it allows for a high transport speed and a compact arrangement of the apparatus.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the transport device is a conveyor belt, which has the advantage that it is easy to configure and control, and furthermore that the containers can be transported lying on their sides, which prevents them from falling.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment, the holding mechanism of the first transfer device and / or the holding mechanism of the second transfer device and / or the holding means of the processing device are equipped with suction elements. Therefore, the container can be easily lifted by sucking it into the holding mechanism. Furthermore, the container is securely held by the suction elements during transfer, i.e. when the transfer device or the processing device is rotating or moving.

[0027] Generally, any kind of material can be used for the surface of the wheel in contact with the container, such as polymers, metals and ceramics. According to a preferred embodiment, at least the surface of the support wheel in contact with the container and / or at least the surface of the holding mechanism of the first transfer device in contact with the container and / or at least the surface of the holding mechanism of the second transfer device in contact with the container and / or the surface of the friction wheel in contact with the container comprises a polymer, such as polyoxymethylene or polyacetal, or steel, such as ball bearing steel, to avoid scratches on the container and to ensure slip-free acceleration and smooth rotation of the container. Using one of these materials, preferably polyoxymethylene or polyacetal, is advantageous, since damage to the container is prevented and slip-free acceleration and smooth rotation of the container can be ensured.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the holding means or the processing device is movable back and forth along a first axis in order to bring the container in the inspection zone into contact with the friction wheel. The movement of the processing device back and forth along the first axis can be easily synchronized with the movement of other parts of the apparatus. Furthermore, the back and forth movement along the first axis can be realized by simple means, so that the risk of failure of the apparatus is at least reduced. If the entire processing device is movable, the construction of the apparatus is further simplified.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment, the first and second transport devices, preferably the processing device, the first and second transport devices, are movable back and forth along the first axis, which is advantageous since the movement of the transport device can be synchronized with the movement of the processing device in order to increase the transport speed.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the first delivery device is movable back and forth along a second axis and / or the second delivery device is movable back and forth along a third axis. In addition, the first axis and the second axis intersect at an angle ranging from 30° to 60°, preferably from 40° to 50°, more preferably at an angle of 45°, and / or the first axis and the third axis intersect at an angle ranging from 30° to 60°, preferably from 40° to 50°, more preferably at an angle of 45°. It should be noted that the above mentioned angle is the smaller of the two angles formed when two lines intersect.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one drive means, preferably a cam gear and / or an electric motor, is arranged to move said first transport device and / or said second transport device and / or said processing device along said first axis and / or along said second axis and / or along said third axis. Each holding mechanism of the first transport device and / or the second transport device may be individually movable, for example by an electric motor. Furthermore, each holding means of the processing device may be individually movable, for example by an electric motor. This has the advantage that it is possible to control each single part without other parts. Furthermore, at least the first transport device, at least the second transport device or at least the processing device may be movable by separate drive means. The apparatus is therefore simpler. In a preferred embodiment, the first transport device, the second transport device and the processing device are movable by the same drive means, for example along said first axis. To this end, the transport device and the processing device may be arranged on a single structure, for example on a board. The structure may be movable by a cam drive and / or an electric motor or any similar configuration.

[0032] It is noted that the invention also relates to a system comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and at least one medicinal cylinder.

[0033] There are several ways to design and further develop the teachings of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this, reference is made on the one hand to the patent claims dependent on patent claim 1 and on the other hand to the following description of preferred examples of embodiments of the invention shown in the drawings. In connection with the description of preferred embodiments of the invention with the aid of the drawings, preferred embodiments and further developments of the teachings will generally be described. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 shows a schematic side view of a retaining means of a device according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] In the following detailed description of the embodiments, the same reference numerals denote similar components. For ease of understanding, not all elements shown in the figures are always labeled with reference numerals.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus according to one embodiment. The apparatus comprises a processing device 1 and a friction wheel 2. The processing device 1 comprises three holding means 3 for holding glass or polymeric pharmaceutical containers 4. As shown, the containers 4 have a circular cross section and are cylindrically shaped at least in this area. The holding means 3 each comprise a first support wheel 5, a second support wheel 6 and a suction element 7.

[0037] The holding means 3 is therefore configured to hold the container 4 by its side. Furthermore, as indicated by the arrow 8, the processing device 1 is rotatable so that the container 4 can be transferred first from a first transfer position 9 to an inspection area 10 and then from the inspection area 10 to a second transfer position 11. The holding means 3 or the processing device 1 and / or the friction wheel 2 are movable back and forth about a first axis 21 so as to bring the container 4 located in the inspection area 10 into contact with the friction wheel 2. When the friction wheel 2 is in contact with the container 4, i.e. in the inspection position, the container 4 can be rotated, for example by rotation of the friction wheel 2, about its longitudinal axis 24. Thus, the entire surface of the container 4 can be inspected. After completing the inspection, the processing device 1 is further rotated so as to transfer the container 4 to the second transfer position 11.

[0038] FIG. 1 further shows that the three holding means 3 are arranged on a circle at an angle of 120° to each other.

[0039] Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus according to another embodiment. The apparatus comprises a processing device 1 and a friction wheel 2 as described with reference to Figure 1. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a conveying device 12, i.e. a conveyor belt, a first transfer device 13 and a second transfer device 14. The conveying device 12 is configured to transfer containers 4 to the first transfer device 13 and to receive containers 4 from the second transfer device 14.

[0040] The first transfer device 13 is configured to take the container 4 from the conveying device 12 and transfer it to a first transfer position 9. The first transfer device 13 comprises three holding mechanisms 15 for holding the container 4, preferably at its sides. In order to securely hold the container 4, each holding mechanism 15 comprises a suction element 16 for securely holding the container 4. The first transfer device 13 is rotatable, as indicated by arrow 17A, so as to be able to transfer the container 4 to said first transfer position 9.

[0041] The second transfer device 14 is configured to receive the container 4 from the processing device 1. Furthermore, the second transfer device 14 comprises three holding mechanisms 18 for holding the container 4, preferably on its side. The second transfer device 14 is rotatable, as indicated by arrow 17B, so as to be able to transfer the container 4 from the second transfer position 11 to the conveying device 12. Preferably, the container 4 is placed with its side on the conveying device 12. The holding mechanisms 18 each comprise a suction element 19 for securely holding the container 4.

[0042] FIG. 2 further shows that the processing device 1, the first transport device 13 and the second transport device 14 are arranged on the same structure 20, e.g. a board, such that all devices can move together back and forth about an axis 21.

[0043] In addition, the first transfer device 13 is movable back and forth about the second axis 22, and the second transfer device 14 is movable back and forth about the third axis 23. The first axis 21 and the second axis 22 intersect at an angle of about 45°. In addition, the first axis 21 and the third axis 23 intersect at an angle of about 45°. The holding features 15 of the first transfer device 13 are arranged on a circle at an angle of 120° to each other. Also, the holding features 18 of the second transfer device 14 are arranged on a circle at an angle of 120° to each other.

[0044] Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of an apparatus according to another embodiment. The apparatus comprises a processing device 1 and a friction wheel 2. In contrast to the embodiment of figures 1 and 2, this processing device 1 comprises only two holding means 3. The holding means 3 each comprise a first support wheel 5, a second support wheel 6 and a suction element 7.

[0045] As indicated by arrow 8, the processing device 1 is rotatable so as to be able to initially transfer the container 4 from a first transfer position 9 to an inspection area 10. To bring the container 4 into contact with the friction wheel 2, the holding means 3 or the processing device 1 and / or the friction wheel 2 are movable back and forth about a first axis 21. After completing the inspection of the container 4, the processing device 1 is rotated to bring the container from the inspection area 10 to a second transfer position 11 which is identical to the first transfer position 9.

[0046] 1-3, the holding means 3 or the processing device 1 and / or the friction wheel 2 are described as being movable along a first axis 21, however the movement does not have to be a linear movement. It is also possible for these components to perform a non-linear movement.

[0047] Without being considered limiting to the illustrated embodiment, FIG. 4 serves to illustrate the mutual arrangement of the first support wheel 5 and the second support wheel 6. FIG. 4 shows that the container 4 is supported by the first support wheel 5 and the second support wheel 6. As shown, the rotation axis 25 of said first support wheel 5 and the longitudinal axis 24 of the container 4 define a first plane 26. In addition, the rotation axis 27 of the second support wheel 6 and said longitudinal axis 24 of the container 4 define a second plane 28. The first plane 26 and said second plane 28 intersect at an angle 29. According to a preferred embodiment, the angle 29 ranges between 45° and less than 120°, preferably between 50° and 90°, more preferably between 60° and 80°, more preferably between 65° and 75°, and most preferably is an angle of about 70°. A person skilled in the art will understand that the position of the longitudinal axis 24 depends on the diameter of the container. Therefore, if the device is to be used with containers of different diameters, the positions of the first and second support wheels 5, 6 must be adapted.

[0048] All of the embodiments described in figures 1 to 3 may comprise a holding means 3 having a first support wheel 5 and a second support wheel 6 arranged such that the angle 29 is within the range mentioned above.

[0049] Numerous modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing detailed description and the associated drawings. It is to be understood, therefore, that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 1 Processing Device 2 Friction Wheels 3 Holding means 4 containers 5 First Support Wheel 6 Second Support Wheel 7 Suction element 8 Arrow (Processing Device) 9 First transfer position 10 Inspection Area 11 Second transfer position 12 Transport Devices 13 First Transfer Device 14 Secondary transfer device 15 Holding mechanism (first transfer device) 16 suction element (first transport device) 17A Arrow (First Transport Device) 17B Arrow (secondary transport device) 18 Holding mechanism (second transfer device) 19 Suction element (second transfer device) 20 Structure 21 First Axis 22 Second Axis 23 The Third Axis 24 Longitudinal axis 25 Rotation axis 26 First Plane 27 Rotation axis 28 The Second Plane 29 angle

Claims

1. An apparatus for inspecting glass or polymeric pharmaceutical cylinders (4), said apparatus comprising a processing device (1) and a friction wheel (2), said processing device (1) comprises at least one holding means (3) for holding said container (4) on its sides, said holding means (3) comprising at least a first support wheel (5) and a second support wheel (6) for supporting said container (4); said processing device (1) being movable so that said container (4) can be transferred first from a first transfer position (9) to an inspection area (10) and then from said inspection area (10) to a second transfer position (11); the holding means (3) and / or the friction wheel (2) are movable back and forth to bring the container (4) in the inspection area (10) into contact with the friction wheel (2) such that the container (4) can be rotated about its longitudinal axis (24) by rotation of the first and second support wheels (5, 6) and / or by rotation of the friction wheel (2), said containers (4) being capable of being supplied by a transport device (12) in synchronization with the clock frequency of said processing device (1); The apparatus further comprises a conveying device (12), a first transfer device (13) and a second transfer device (14), the conveying device (12) is configured to convey the container (4) to the first transfer device (13) and to receive the container (4) from the second transfer device (14); said first transfer device (13) is configured to take said container (4) from said conveying device (12) and transfer it to said first transfer position (9), said first transfer device (13) comprising at least one holding mechanism (15) for holding said container (4) by its side, said first transfer device (13) being rotatable to bring said container (4) to said first transfer position (9) when held by said holding mechanism (15); the second transfer device (14) is configured to receive the container (4) from the processing device (1), the second transfer device (14) comprising at least one holding mechanism (18) for holding the container (4) by its side, the second transfer device (14) being rotatable so as to be able to transfer the container (4) from the second transfer position (11) to the conveying device (12) such that the container (4) is positioned by its side on the conveying device (12); said first transport device (13) and said second transport device (14) are movable back and forth along a first axis (21); and / or said first transport device (13) being movable back and forth along a second axis (22); and / or The second transport device (14) is movable back and forth along a third axis (23). Device.

2. the rotation axis (25) of the first support wheel (5) and the longitudinal axis (24) of the container (4) define a first plane (26), the rotation axis (27) of the second support wheel (6) and the longitudinal axis (24) of the container (4) define a second plane (28), and the first plane (26) and the second plane (28) intersect at an angle of between 45° and less than 120°; 2. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. The processing device (1) comprises three holding means (3), the holding means (3) being arranged on a circle at an angle of 120° to each other, 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the apparatus further comprises a transfer device (12) for transferring the container (4) to the first transfer position (9) and for receiving the container (4) from the processing device (1) at the second transfer position (11), 4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The first transport device (13) comprises three holding mechanisms (15), the holding mechanisms (15) being arranged on a circle at an angle of 120° to each other.

5. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The second transport device (14) comprises three retention features (18), the retention features (18) being arranged on a circle at an angle of 120° to each other.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the holding mechanism (15) of the first transport device (13) and / or the holding mechanism (18) of the second transport device (14) and / or the holding means (3) of the processing device (1) are provided with suction elements (7, 16, 19), 7. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. at least a surface of the first and second support wheels (5, 6) in contact with the container (4) and / or at least a surface of the holding mechanism (15) of the first transfer device (13) in contact with the container (4) and / or at least a surface of the holding mechanism (18) of the second transfer device (14) in contact with the container (4) and / or a surface of the friction wheel (2) in contact with the container (4) comprise a polymer or steel, 8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. said holding means (3) or said processing device (1) being movable back and forth along a first axis (21) to bring said container (4) in said inspection area (10) into contact with said friction wheel (2); 9. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. the first axis (21) and the second axis (22) intersect at an angle between 30° and 60°; and / or The first axis (21) and the third axis (23) intersect at an angle of 30° to 60°.

10. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. at least one drive means is arranged to move said first transport device (13) and / or said second transport device (14) and / or said processing device (1) along said first axis (21) and / or along said second axis (22) and / or along said third axis (23), 11. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The conveying device (12) is a conveyor belt.

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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