Method for ejecting individual agents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for stepwise ejection of individual drugs from a feeder unit, the feeder unit comprising a container for holding the drugs and an ejection mechanism, the ejection mechanism comprising an individualization section having a plurality of individualization chambers 5 and a first ejection member arranged below the individualization section and provided with an ejection outlet, the first ejection member and the individualization section being movable relative to each other, the method comprising the steps of moving the individualization section 10 and the first ejection member relative to each other, stopping the relative movement between the individualization section and the first ejection member when the individualization section is in an aligned position, and holding the individualization section stationary for a predetermined waiting time to allow any drugs 15 contained in the aligned individualization chambers to fall through the ejection outlet.

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 the feeder unit and a method for determining the filling level of the feeder unit.

Background Art

[0002] A method for discharging a drug from a feeder unit is discussed in WO 2014 / 171818, which method comprises 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, and 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 out of the feeder unit.

[0003] In a prior art feeder unit, drugs such as tablets or capsules are received from an individualized section into a standby chamber of a storage section. To ensure the reliable ejection of drugs from the feeder unit, the filling of the standby chamber of the storage section must be carried out reliably. Therefore, the individualized section is rotated slowly until the fall of drugs into one of the standby chambers is detected. If the rotation of the individualized section is too fast, the drugs tend to fly out of the individualized chambers of the individualized section. Using a low rotation speed is disadvantageous because the ejection speed of the feeder unit is determined by a wheel rotating at a low speed 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 its loose 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 ejected.

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 to provide an improved ejection method or system, or at least an alternative method, feeder unit, and ejection system for ejecting individual drugs.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The 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 individualized section having a plurality of individualized chambers, and a first discharge member disposed below the individualized section and having a discharge opening, the first discharge member and the individualized section being movable relative to each other such that as a result, one of the plurality of individualized chambers is aligned with the discharge opening, the method comprising: - moving the individualized section and the first discharge member relative to each other to an alignment position where one of the plurality of individualized chambers is aligned with the discharge opening; - stopping the relative movement between the individualized section and the first discharge member when the individualized section is in the alignment position; - holding the individualized section stationary with respect to the first discharge member for a predetermined waiting time and, if there is a medicament contained in the aligned individualized chamber, dropping the medicament through the discharge opening; and including.

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

[0008] Due to the accurate alignment and step movement of each individualized section and the first discharge member, it is ensured that the individualized section 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 the prior art systems) or to slowly move the individualized section to a position where the medicament can fall through the discharge opening.

[0009] Methods using step or stop-and-go motion have the advantage that the movement of the medicament through the discharge opening does not depend on the relative movement between the individualized section and the first discharge member, thereby allowing for faster movement. The movement is controlled only to accurately align one of the individualized chambers of the individualized section with the first discharge member outlet before the medicament can fall from the individualized section through the discharge opening. Thus, the relative movement between the individualized section and the first discharge member is not restricted by the limits of the falling behavior, and thus can be relatively fast compared to prior art that has the problem of "skipping" associated with particularly fast movement. As a result, the overall discharge rate of the medicament from the feeder unit can be significantly faster than the discharge rate of the medicament from the feeder unit according to the prior art, while at the same time reliably stopping over a specific predetermined waiting time during which a particular medicament falls from the individualized chamber and during which subsequent medicaments can move into one or more of the individualized 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 medicament, through a test station, through data on past medicament movement in the feeder, etc., and can be in the range of 40 to 120 milliseconds. Therefore, while the feeder enables faster discharge, reliable medicament 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 and returns part of the way back 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 part and the first discharge member back and forth relative to each other to a re-alignment position when it is detected that the drug has not fallen through the discharge port during a predetermined time although it was expected to fall through the discharge port. For example, the movement of the individualized part 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 drug clogged in the individualized part can come out and then fall through the discharge port. These are generally very small back-and-forth movements, 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 so that the steps of the encoder indicate the alignment position. Alternatively, other methods or types of alignment devices can also be used to ensure movement to the exact alignment 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 part and the first discharge member relative to each other includes the step of identifying the relative positions of the individualized part and the first discharge member to move the individualized part to the alignment position. In yet another embodiment, the step of stopping the relative movement between the individualized part and the first discharge member includes stopping the relative movement between the individualized part and the first discharge member when it is detected that the individualized part is in the alignment 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 part 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 part, and the method and the overall system remain relatively simple, low-cost, and easier to maintain.

[0014] In one embodiment, the feeder unit 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 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 portion and provided with a discharge port, and the second discharge member and the storage portion 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 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 portion from the discharge port on the bottom surface of the feeder unit includes moving the storage portion and the second discharge member relative to each other to align one of the one or more standby chambers 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 out of the container.

[0016] In one embodiment, the step of moving the individualized portion and the first discharge member relative to each other includes rotating the individualized portion 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 portion is rotated at a rotational speed such that the drug is discharged onto a plane above the individualized portion. For example, the individualized portion can be rotated at a rotational speed of at least one revolution per second, at least 1.5 revolutions per second in other embodiments, and about 1.9 revolutions per second in yet other embodiments.

[0017] In another embodiment, the discharged drug is caused to pass vertically or substantially vertically through the through-hole of the ejection 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 in the aligned individualized chambers, it drops vertically or substantially vertically through the discharge hole into one of the plurality of collection trays. Again, the discharged drug thus comes to rest from rotational movement and can then fall 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, which 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, and a discharge mechanism in which the first discharge member and the individualized unit move relative to each other, an encoder for specifying the relative positioning between the individualized chamber and the discharge port of the first discharge member, is included.

[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 stays 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 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 individualized chamber, the discharge port, 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 and includes a second discharge member provided with a discharge port. 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 dispensing system that houses one or more feeder units. The system is arranged to selectively dispense a quantity of individual drugs from the one or more feeder units. The system is a dispensing device provided with a row of dispensing positions arranged adjacent to each other in a plane. Each dispensing device in the row of dispensing positions is provided with a holder for one of the feeder units and a dispensing device provided with a through hole through which the discharged drug passes. is a recovery device disposed below the dispensing device. The recovery device and the dispensing device are movable relative to each other. A plurality of recovery trays are provided. Each tray includes a receiving port for receiving the discharged drug on the surface facing the dispensing device, and a recovery device each including an outlet. a controller for controlling the operation of the system and the one or more feeder units disposed on the dispensing device. including For each of one or more feeder units, the controller - moves a singulation unit and a first discharge member disposed below the singulation unit and provided with a discharge port relative to each other to an alignment position where one of a plurality of singulation chambers is aligned with the discharge port, - stops relative movement between the singulation unit and the first discharge member when the singulation unit is in the alignment position, - holds the singulation 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 singulation chamber, it can fall through the discharge port, and is configured as such.

[0026] The ejection 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 relative movement between the singulation unit and the first discharge member after a predetermined waiting time.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the controller is further configured to - hold the singulation unit stationary with respect to the first discharge member for a predetermined waiting time so that a drug in the aligned singulation 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, and is configured as such.

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

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

[0031] In another embodiment, the discharged medicament 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 a medicament 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 medicaments, the test station comprising a docking position configured to receive the feeder unit under test, the docking position 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 eject a medicament therefrom, one or more sensors configured to detect the behavior of the medicament within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of a medicament among the plurality of medicaments ejected from the feeder unit, a controller operatively connected to the sensors and the drive and configured to be operatively connected to the feeder unit, and the controller is configured to receive data from one or more sensors regarding the behavior of the medicament within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the medicament ejected from the feeder unit when driving the feeder unit, the controller is further 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 medicament such as a tablet. The inventors have recognized that medicaments have various different shapes, weights, and shear resistance etc. on their outer surfaces. As a result, some medicaments in the feeder unit can fall relatively quickly, for example, from the individualized chamber of the individualized section through the discharge port into the standby chamber of the storage section below it, while other medicaments 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 medicament for which it is designed and providing the possibility of 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, for example, and can be individually optimized with respect to ejection speed and safety.

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

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

[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 a complete agent has passed or a half 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 ejection of a damaged agent when the feeder unit is set in the ejection system, or at least to notify that a damaged agent has been ejected from the feeder unit.

[0038] In one embodiment, the test station includes an identification unit configured to identify the feeder unit of the 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 the 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 ejection system can read the parameters stored in the database when each feeder unit is inserted into the system and thereby identified.

[0039] In one embodiment, the identification unit is configured to read the 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 eject 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; including.

[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 complete. In that certain embodiment, if the method is determined that the test process is not complete: - 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, specifying parameters for controlling the test target feeder unit; including repeating steps. 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 be obtained.

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

[0045] In certain embodiments, the method: - Filling the feeder unit with a drug to a predetermined filling level; and - Driving the feeder unit to discharge at least one drug from the feeder unit; and - 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; and - Identifying parameters for controlling the feeder unit under test based on 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 including repeating one or more times, 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 level for each iteration is at least 5% different. 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 one 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 individualized part of the feeder unit to move to the next alignment position exceeds a predetermined threshold. This embodiment has the advantage 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 cause 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. With respect to the present application, the driving speed of the feeder unit should be understood as the rotational speed of the individualized part and / or the storage part of the feeder unit. The driving speed of the individualized 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 standby chamber above the discharge port and thus 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 a dispensing system, the dispensing unit is moved to an alignment position where one of the dispensing chambers is aligned with the discharge port, and then the dispensing unit is held stationary with respect to the first discharge member for a predetermined waiting time. This waiting time depends on the drug to be dispensed and allows the drug to fall from the dispensing chamber above the discharge port into the chamber below the discharge port. 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 rate of the feeder unit under test. This embodiment can advantageously provide a recommendation for a dispensing rate at which the drug is dispensed from the feeder unit under test as quickly as possible while, for example, keeping the number of errors to a minimum.

[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 will become empty before the period of use of the drug filled in the feeder unit expires; and including.

[0051] The method provides a filling level of a feeder unit designed for a specific medicament. The filling level is determined based on a specified throughput indicating the amount of medicament discharged 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 is empty or nearly 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 discharged since the feeder unit was last filled. Thus, the risk that the expiration period will expire before all the medicament within the feeder unit is discharged is kept to a minimum.

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

[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, as an advantage, the advanced expiration date is taken into account, whereby the amount of discarded medicament is reduced or, ideally, there is no discarded medicament even if the expiration period of the medicament is advanced.

[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 houses a plurality of feeder units 2 for selectively discharging a certain amount of drugs, pharmaceuticals, or medical solids, molded products, or substances, such as pills, tablets, capsules, etc., from the one or more feeder units 2 and packaging the discharged amount of the drug is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The drugs are "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 drugs. A recovery device 4 is disposed below the discharge device 3, and this recovery device 4 is configured to recover the drugs discharged from the discharge device 3. A packaging unit 5 is disposed below the recovery device 4, and this packaging unit 5 is configured to package the recovered drugs. 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 a tablet case, for holding a plurality of feeder units 2. The discharge positions 20 are circumferentially dispersed around a 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 therein.

[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 in the vicinity of, its axis of rotation R. The robotic manipulator 6 is configured to automatically operate the feeder unit 2, the operation including, but not limited to, positioning, removing, and repositioning the feeder unit 2 within the dispensing system 1. The robotic manipulator 6 is provided with a gripper 7 at its distal end, and the gripper 7 is configured to grip one of the feeder units 2, set that one of the feeder units 2 onto 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 referred to as recovery hoppers. Each recovery tray 40 extends radially downwardly below one or more feeder units 2 and is open on the side facing the dispensing device 2 to receive the medicament selectively dispensed from one or more 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 recovered medicament can be selectively discharged from the tray 40 to the packaging unit 5.

[0064] The recovery trays 40 are disposed within a recovery frame 41 and are circumferentially dispersed around the axis of rotation R. The recovery frame 41 is rotatable about the axis of rotation R in the recovery direction A, thereby rotating the recovery trays 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 as the next series of feeder units 2 are positioned 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 a perforation between the pouches formed continuously 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 a feeder unit 2, a discharging device 3, a recovery device 4, a packaging unit 5, a 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 a 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 that is 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 replace 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 within 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 is stationary, and the individualized section 61 is rotatable about its central axis, such 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 causing 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 a light beam that traverses 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 is connected 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 a separate 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, thus, the passage of the drug 63 through the discharge port 71 and into the drop 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 an 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 thereto, 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 discharge 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 is not provided with a drive motor, and an external drive motor connected to the individualized section 61 and the storage section 68 is arranged at each discharge position 20.

[0077] A method of discharging 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 the step of accommodating one or more agents 63 in one or more of a plurality of individualized chambers 62 of the individualizing unit 61. Accommodating the agent 63 in the individualized chamber 62 can be understood as enabling the agent 63 to move into the individualized chamber 62 during the movement or while the individualizing unit 61 is stationary.

[0079] Step S2 relates to the step of moving the individualizing unit 61 to an alignment position where one of the plurality of individualized chambers 62 is aligned with the discharge port 66 with respect to the first discharge member 65. Whether one of the plurality of individualized 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 individualized 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 individualized 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 individualized 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 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 starts, and the dropped drugs 63 are each made to be in a stationary state within the respective standby chambers 69. After another predetermined time starts 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, the drug 63 in the standby chamber 69 is assumed to be in a stationary state, and the individualized unit 61 can be moved to the next alignment position where the next one of the plurality of individualized 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 individualized unit 61 can be moved to the next alignment position where the next one of the plurality of individualized 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 clogged in the individualized unit 61. To release the drug 63, the individualized unit 61 is moved back and forth, preferably repeatedly, by a distance corresponding to, for example, half of the width of the drug 63, 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 individualized unit 61 can be moved to the next alignment position where the next one of the plurality of individualized chambers 62 is aligned with the discharge port 66.

[0083] The feeder unit 2 can operate 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 individualized unit continued to rotate and could have been discharged further. As a result of slower rotation or actual detection, the overall drug discharge is delayed. By rotating stepwise, that is, rotating the individualized unit to a specially aligned position (the chamber 62 is aligned with the outlet), simply waiting for a predetermined (short) waiting time, and then transferring to the next aligned position, the feeder unit 2 can reliably discharge more drugs through the discharge port.

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

[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 at 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. 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, where 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. This chute 111 is provided in the top plate 105 and is aligned 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 the 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 and is connected to the feeder unit to drive, in particular to rotate, the individualizing 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] Regarding this patent application, it should be noted that 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 has 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 are received by the controller of the test station 100. Note that data from both detection mechanisms provide information regarding the behavior of the drug within the feeder unit and regarding the behavior of the drug falling through the chute 11, among other things. 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. The 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, among other things. 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, if the identified parameters meet a predetermined criterion, then 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 becomes, for example, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100% during the repetition of the test process. Alternatively, the feeder unit is filled to 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 specifying 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. Note 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 has already become 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 specifies, for example, the throughput of the agent since the feeder unit was last filled with the specific agent, or the throughput of the agent since the agent was first discharged from the discharge system.

[0104] After or during specifying the throughput of a 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 drug, the dispensing system may prompt for the input of the expiration date of the particular drug. The expiration date of the particular drug may be the normal expiration date or an advanced expiration date due to the drug being removed from its bulk or blister packaging. 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, the filling level for the feeder unit is identified, and the identified throughput and the received expiration date are considered such that it is assumed that the feeder unit will become empty before the received expiration date.

[0107] The description relates to drugs, 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. [Addendum] [Item 1] In a method of discharging individual drugs stepwise from a feeder unit, the feeder unit includes a container for holding the drug, and a discharging mechanism configured to receive the drug from the container and selectively discharge the drug, the discharging mechanism including an individualized section having a plurality of individualized chambers, and a first discharging member disposed below the individualized section and having a discharge port, the first discharging member and the individualized section being movable relative to each other, - moving the individualized section and the first discharging member relative to each other to an alignment position where one of the plurality of individualized chambers is aligned with the discharge port; - stopping the relative movement between the individualized section and the first discharging member when the individualized section is in the alignment position; - holding the individualized section stationary with respect to the first discharging member for a predetermined waiting time, and allowing the drug contained in the aligned individualized chamber to fall through the discharge port if there is any; A method comprising the steps of: [Item 2] The method according to item 1, further comprising resuming the relative movement between the individualized section and the first discharging member after the predetermined waiting time. [Item 3] The step of resuming the relative movement between the individualized section and the first discharging member includes moving the individualized section and the first discharging member relative to each other to another alignment position where another one of the plurality of individualized chambers is aligned with the discharge port when the predetermined waiting time has elapsed. The method according to item 2. [Item 4] The method according to item 1, further comprising detecting whether the drug has fallen through the discharge port. [Item 5] The step of detecting whether the drug has fallen 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. The method according to item 4. [Item 6] The method according to item 5, wherein the predetermined waiting time has a first length, and the other predetermined waiting time has a second length shorter than the first length. [Item 7] Although it was assumed that the drug would pass through the discharge port, when it was detected that the drug did not fall through the discharge port during the predetermined waiting time, the method according to item 4 further includes moving the individualized portion and the first discharge member back and forth relative to each other to return to the alignment position. [Item 8] The method according to item 1, wherein the feeder unit is provided with a position encoder calibrated so that the encoder step indicates the alignment position. [Item 9] The step of moving the individualized portion and the first discharge member relative to each other includes identifying the relative position of the individualized portion and the first discharge member and moving the individualized portion to the alignment position, according to the method of item 8. [Item 10] 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 the individualized portion is identified as being in the alignment position, according to the method of item 9. [Item 11] The feeder unit is disposed below the first discharge member and includes a storage unit including one or more waiting chambers configured to receive a drug from one of the individualized chambers when the individualized chamber, the discharge port, and each of the one or more waiting chambers are aligned, according to the method of item 1. [Item 12] The feeder unit is disposed below the storage unit and includes a second discharge member provided with a discharge port, and the second discharge member and the storage unit are movable relative to each other, such that as a result, one of the one or more waiting chambers is substantially aligned with the discharge port, according to the method of item 11. [Item 13] The method according to item 12, including the step of discharging one or more drugs received by the one or more waiting chambers from the discharge port. [Item 14] The step of moving the individualized portion and the first discharge member relative to each other includes rotating the individualized portion relative to the first discharge member to an alignment position where one of the plurality of individualized chambers is aligned with the respective discharge values, according to the method of item 1. [Item 15] The discharged drug passes vertically or substantially vertically through the through-hole of the discharge device from the one feeder unit, according to the method of item 1. [Item 16] The method according to item 1, wherein the individualized part is held in a stationary state for a predetermined waiting time, and if there is a drug contained in the aligned individualized chamber, it can fall vertically or substantially vertically into one of the plurality of collection trays through the discharge port. [Item 17] In a feeder unit that discharges individual drugs, a container for holding the drug; a discharge mechanism that receives the drug from the container and selectively discharges the drug from the feeder unit, an individualized part having a plurality of individualized chambers; a discharge mechanism including a first discharge member disposed below the individualized part and provided with a discharge port, wherein the first discharge member and the individualized part are movable relative to each other; an encoder for specifying the relative position between the individualized chamber and the discharge port of the first discharge member; A feeder unit comprising. [Item 18] The feeder unit according to item 17, further comprising a storage unit disposed below the first discharge member and including one or more waiting chambers, wherein the one or more waiting chambers are configured to receive a drug from one of the individualized chambers when the individualized chambers, the discharge port, and the one or more waiting chambers are aligned. [Item 19] The feeder unit according to item 17, wherein the encoder is disposed at or near the discharge port. [Item 20] The feeder unit according to item 18, wherein the one or more waiting chambers include a plurality of waiting chambers, are disposed below the storage unit, and include a second discharge member provided with a discharge port, and the second discharge member and the storage unit are movable relative to each other, so that one of the one or more waiting chambers is substantially aligned with the discharge port. [Item 21] The feeder unit according to item 17, further comprising a detection mechanism for specifying whether the drug has fallen through the discharge port. [Item 22] In a discharge system that houses one or more feeder units, the system is arranged to selectively discharge a certain amount of individual drugs from the one or more feeder units. A discharge device provided with a row of discharge positions arranged adjacent to each other in a certain plane, wherein for each of the rows of discharge positions, the discharge device 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 arranged below the discharge device, wherein the recovery device and the discharge device are movable relative to each other, a plurality of recovery trays are provided, and each of the trays includes a receiving port for receiving the discharged drug on the side facing the discharge device, and a recovery device each including an outlet. A controller for controlling the operation of the one or more feeder units arranged on the system and the discharge device. Including For each of the one or more feeder units, the controller - An individualized part and a first discharge member arranged below the individualized part and provided with a discharge port are moved relative to each other to an alignment position where one of the plurality of individualized chambers is aligned with the discharge port. - When the individualized part is in the alignment position, the relative movement between the individualized part and the first discharge member is stopped. - The individualized part is held stationary with respect to the first discharge member for a predetermined waiting time so that if there is a drug contained in the aligned individualized chamber, it can fall through the discharge port. A discharge system configured as described above. [Item 23] The discharge system according to item 22, wherein the controller is further configured to resume the relative movement between the individualized part and the first discharge member after the predetermined waiting time. [Item 24] The controller is further - The individualized part is held stationary with respect to the first discharge member for a predetermined waiting time so that if there is a drug contained in the aligned individualized chamber, it can fall through the discharge port into one of the one or more waiting chambers of a storage part arranged below the first discharge member. The discharge system according to item 22, configured as described above. [Item 25] The controller is further - The one or more waiting chambers discharge one or more drugs received from the discharge port. The discharge system according to item 24, configured as described above. [Item 26] The discharge system according to item 22, further including a packaging unit for recovering the drug received from the outlet of the tray and packaging the drug. [Item 27] The discharged agent passes vertically or substantially vertically through the through-hole of the ejection device from the one feeder unit, the ejection system according to item 22. [Item 28] The individualized part is held stationary for a predetermined waiting time, and if there is an agent accommodated in the aligned individualized chamber, it can fall vertically or substantially vertically through the discharge port into one of the plurality of collection trays, the ejection system according to item 22. [Item 29] In a test station configured to test a feeder unit that ejects individual agents, including a docking position configured to receive the feeder unit to be tested, the docking position including a receiving portion configured to at least partially receive the feeder unit to be tested, a drive operatively connected to the feeder unit and configured to drive the feeder unit to eject an agent therefrom, one or more sensors configured to detect the behavior of the agent in the feeder unit and / or the behavior of one of the plurality of agents ejected from the feeder unit, wherein the behavior in the feeder unit includes the falling speed and / or separation of one agent from the plurality of agents, and the behavior of the agent ejected from the feeder unit includes the ejection speed, whether the agent has been ejected, and one or more sensors including an ejection error, a controller operatively connected to the sensor and the drive and configured to be operatively connected to the feeder unit to be tested, comprising, the controller is configured to receive data from the one or more sensors regarding the behavior of the agent in the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the agent ejected from the feeder unit when the feeder unit is driven, 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, the parameters including one or more of an ejection speed, an optimal waiting time, and an optimal filling level, a test station. [Item 30] The test station according to item 29, which is disposed below the feeder unit to be tested and includes a chute configured to receive the drug discharged from the feeder unit. [Item 31] The test station according to item 29, wherein the 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 one of the plurality of drugs discharged from the feeder unit. [Item 32] The test station according to item 31, wherein 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 discharged from the feeder unit. [Item 33] The test station according to item 29, which includes an identification unit configured to identify the feeder unit of the test object received at the docking position. [Item 34] The test station according to item 33, wherein the controller is operably connected to the identification unit to receive data regarding the identified feeder unit, and the controller is further configured to store and / or transmit the specified parameters associated with the identified feeder unit. [Item 35] The test station according to item 33, wherein the identification unit is configured to read the RFID tag of the feeder unit to be tested. [Item 36] In a method of testing a feeder unit by the test station according to item 29, - filling the feeder unit with a drug 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 drug from 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 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 behavior of the drug discharged from the feeder unit; A method comprising. [Item 37] The method according to item 36, comprising the step of identifying the docked feeder unit. [Item 38] The method according to item 36, comprising the step of identifying whether the test process is completed after the step of identifying the parameters. [Item 39] When it is determined that the test process is not completed, - driving the feeder unit to discharge at least one drug from 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 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 discharged from the feeder unit; The method according to item 38, comprising the step of repeating. [Item 40] When it is determined that the test process is completed, - optionally saving the identified parameters together with the identification information of the tested feeder unit in a database The method according to item 39, comprising. [Item 41] - 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; - detecting the behavior of the drug within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the drug discharged 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 behavior of the drug discharged from the feeder unit; Including the step of repeating one or more times, The method according to item 36, wherein the filling level of the feeder unit is different for each repetition of the step. [Item 42] The method according to item 41, wherein each repetition of the step is performed for a predetermined filling level, and the filling levels for the repetitions differ by at least 5%. [Item 43] The method according to item 42, wherein the step of identifying the parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit includes the step of providing a recommendation regarding the optimal filling level of the tested feeder unit. [Item 44] The method according to item 36, including the step of checking whether an error occurred during the test of the feeder unit. [Item 45] The step of checking whether an error occurred during the test of the feeder unit is - detecting that the length of time for which the one or more sensors detect the drug exceeds a predetermined threshold, and / or - detecting that the length of time required for the individuating part of the feeder unit to move to the next alignment position exceeds a predetermined threshold The method according to item 44. [Item 46] The method according to item 36, wherein the step of identifying the parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit includes the step of identifying the driving speed for the feeder unit. [Item 47] The method according to item 36, wherein the step of identifying the parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit includes the step of identifying the waiting time for the feeder unit. [Item 48] The method according to item 36, wherein the step of identifying the parameters for controlling the tested feeder unit includes the step of providing a recommendation regarding the optimal discharge rate of the tested feeder unit. [Item 49] In a method for identifying the filling level of a feeder unit, - receiving an indication that the feeder unit needs to be filled with a drug; - identifying the throughput of each of the drugs for a predetermined time; - receiving the period until the expiration of the period of use of the drug filled in the feeder unit; - identifying the filling level for the feeder unit based on the identified throughput and the received period; comprising The feeder unit is a method in which it is considered that the feeder unit will become empty before the expiration date of the drug filled in the feeder unit. [Item 50] The method according to item 49, wherein the step of receiving the indication includes receiving an indication that the feeder unit is empty or almost empty. [Item 51] The method according to item 49, wherein the step of specifying the throughput includes specifying the throughput of each of the drugs since the feeder unit was last filled. [Item 52] The method according to item 49, wherein the step of specifying the throughput includes specifying the throughput of each of the drugs since the drug was first discharged. [Item 53] The method according to item 49, wherein the step of receiving the period until the expiration of the use period of the drug includes considering a shortened period until the expiration of the use period of the drug filled in the feeder unit.

Explanation of Symbols

[0109] 1 Dispensing System 2 Feeder Unit 3 Dispensing Device 4 Recovery Device 5 Packaging Unit 6 Robot Manipulator 7 Gripper 20 Discharge 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 Individualization Unit 62 Individualization 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 Ceiling 106 Receptacle Container Space 107 Docking Position 108 Receptacle Portion 109 Receptacle Block 110 Positioning Column 111 Shoot 112 Passage 113 Light Source 114 Photodetector 115 RFID reader 116 drive coupling Steps S1 to S10 of the ejection method Steps S101 to S109 of the test method Steps S201 to S203 of the method for specifying the filling level R Rotation axis A Rotation direction

Claims

1. In a method of discharging individual drugs stepwise from a feeder unit, the feeder unit includes a container for holding the drug, and a discharging mechanism configured to receive the drug from the container and selectively discharge the drug, the discharging mechanism including an individuating part having a plurality of individuation chambers, and a first discharging member disposed below the individuating part and having a discharge port, the first discharging member and the individuating part being movable relative to each other. - Moving the individuating part and the first discharging member relative to each other to an alignment position where one of the plurality of individuation chambers is aligned with the discharge port. - When the individuating part is in the alignment position, stopping the relative movement between the individuating part and the first discharging member. - Holding the individuating part stationary with respect to the first discharging member for a predetermined waiting time, and allowing the drug contained in the aligned individuation chamber to fall through the discharge port if there is any. - Detecting whether the drug has fallen through the discharge port. including - The predetermined waiting time is set according to a specific drug in the feeder unit. - The step of detecting whether the drug has fallen through the discharge port further includes, when it is detected that the drug has fallen through the discharge port, ending the predetermined waiting time and starting another predetermined waiting time. method.

2. The method according to claim 1, including the step of resuming the relative movement between the individuating part and the first discharging member after the predetermined waiting time.

3. The step of resuming the relative movement between the individualized part and the first discharge member includes, when the predetermined waiting time has elapsed, moving the individualized part 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 method according to claim 2.

4. The predetermined waiting time has a first length, and the another predetermined waiting time has a second length shorter than the first length. The method according to claim 1.

5. Although it was assumed that the drug would pass through the discharge port, when it is detected that the drug did not fall through the discharge port during the predetermined waiting time, the method further includes moving the individualized part and the first discharge member back and forth relative to each other to return to the alignment position. The method according to claim 1.

6. The feeder unit is provided with a position encoder calibrated so that an encoder step indicates the alignment position. The method according to claim 1.

7. The step of moving the individualized part and the first discharge member relative to each other includes identifying the relative positions of the individualized part and the first discharge member and moving the individualized part to the alignment position. The method according to claim 6.

8. The step of stopping the relative movement between the individualized part and the first discharge member includes stopping the relative movement between the individualized part and the first discharge member when the individualized part is identified as being in the alignment position. The method according to claim 7.

9. The feeder unit is disposed below the first discharge member and includes a storage unit including one or more waiting chambers configured to receive a drug from one of the individualized chambers when the individualized chambers, the discharge port, and each of the one or more waiting chambers are aligned. The method according to claim 1.

10. The feeder unit is disposed below the storage unit and includes a second discharge member provided with a discharge port, and the second discharge member and the storage unit are movable relative to each other, so that as a result, one of the one or more standby chambers is substantially aligned with the discharge port. The method according to claim 9.

11. The method according to claim 10, comprising the step of discharging one or more medicaments received by the one or more standby chambers from the discharge port.

12. The step of moving the individualized unit and the first discharge member relative to each other includes the step of rotating the individualized unit relative to the first discharge member to an alignment position where one of the plurality of individualized chambers is aligned with the discharge port. The method according to claim 1.

13. The discharged medicament passes vertically, or substantially vertically, through the through hole of the discharge mechanism from the feeder unit. The method according to claim 1.

14. The individualized unit is held in a stationary state for a predetermined waiting time so that if there is a medicament contained in the aligned individualized chamber, it can fall vertically, or substantially vertically, into one of the plurality of collection trays through the discharge port. The method according to claim 1.

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