Filling station and method for filling a feeder unit with discrete pharmaceutical products - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a filling station (1, 101, 201) for filling a feeder unit (8) with discrete medicines (9), the filling station (1, 101, 201) comprising a base (2, 102, 202) and a holder (3, 103) positionable in one or more oblique orientations (B, C) relative to said base (2, 102, 202) and for holding a feeder unit (8) in said one or more oblique orientations (B, C). The present invention further relates to a method for filling a feeder unit (8) with discrete medicines (9) using the above-mentioned filling station (1, 101, 201), the method comprising the step of filling the feeder unit (8) with the discrete medicines (9) when the feeder unit (8) is held by the holder (3, 103) in one of the one or more oblique orientations (B, C).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a filling station and method for filling feeder units with discrete pharmaceutical products. [Background technology]

[0002] U.S. Patent No. 10,173,830 B2 discloses a drug dispensing container, also known as a "canister," for use in an automated dispensing device, which includes a supply chamber for holding a drug and a dispensing mechanism disposed below the supply chamber for selectively dispensing a quantity of drug from the supply chamber to a hopper location below the drug dispensing container.

[0003] The drug-dispensing container has a lid or cover on the top. The cover is connected to the supply chamber by a hinge so that the cover can swing about the hinge to open the top of the drug-dispensing container and access a fill opening in the top of the drug-dispensing container for refilling the supply chamber. The drug-dispensing container is held in an upright position during refilling. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A drawback of known medication dispensing containers is that during initial refilling, when the supply chamber is still empty or relatively empty, discrete medications dropped into the supply chamber free fall a relatively long path before bouncing off the dispensing mechanism at the bottom of the supply chamber. This impact can cause the discrete medications to break. If breakage is detected during subsequent dispensing, the dispensing operation must be stopped and the broken discrete medications must be discarded or the pouch contents must be manually corrected. If breakage is not detected, the broken discrete medications can lead to incorrect administration or misinterpretation by the patient.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a filling station and method for filling a feeder unit with discrete medications, which can minimize or reduce the risk of damage to the discrete medications during refilling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect, there is provided a filling station for filling a feeder unit with discrete pharmaceutical products, the filling station comprising a base and a holder for holding the feeder unit relative to the base, the holder being positionable in one or more oblique orientations relative to the base.

[0007] The term "inclined orientation" is understood as an orientation or position in which the holder is positioned at a tilted or oblique angle relative to the base for the purpose of holding the feeder units in the same or similar orientation. The holder has a definite orientation, e.g., its longitudinal direction, or the direction in which the feeder units are supported on or received on or within the holder. When the base is placed in a flat orientation, e.g., on a horizontal work surface such as a table, this means that the holder is positioned at a tilted or oblique angle relative to the horizontal and vertical planes.

[0008] In the tilted orientation of the holder, discrete pharmaceutical products can be loaded into the supply chamber of the feeder unit while the supply chamber is positioned at an angle relative to the vertical. In particular, the discrete pharmaceutical products can be loaded so that they do not drop directly into the bottom end of the supply chamber, but rather are deflected toward the bottom end of the supply chamber via one of the sloped peripheral surfaces of the supply chamber or can slide over one of the sloped peripheral surfaces. In this way, the risk of the discrete pharmaceutical products being damaged can be minimized or reduced. Furthermore, because the filling station can autonomously hold the feeder unit in the tilted orientation, the operator can use both hands freely to perform the filling.

[0009] In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more angled orientations is at an angle of at least 45 degrees relative to vertical, such that the discrete medications are likely to initially fall onto one of the angled peripheral surfaces of the supply chamber before reaching its bottom end.

[0010] In another embodiment, the filling station includes a pivot mechanism for pivoting the holder relative to the base between an upright orientation and one or more tilted orientations. If there is only one tilted orientation, the filling station can function without the pivot mechanism. However, it may be convenient to remove the feeder unit from the filling station in an orientation other than one of the tilted orientations, for example, to prevent discrete medications from falling during removal and / or to allow more convenient access to the feeder unit for other operations, such as opening and closing the cover or weighing the feeder unit. The pivot mechanism can facilitate switching between tilted positions or moving from and back to the upright orientation.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the upright orientation is parallel to a vertical plane or within an offset angle of less than 5 degrees from the vertical plane. Thus, the feeder unit can be held by the holder in an upright or substantially upright orientation.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the pivot mechanism defines a pivot axis, and the holder is pivotable relative to the base about the pivot axis. Pivoting about the pivot axis can simplify the pivot mechanism compared to pivot mechanisms that create more complex motion, such as linkages.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the pivot axis extends parallel to a horizontal plane, so that pivoting can be limited to movement in a vertical pivot plane perpendicular to said pivot axis.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the holder has a center of gravity that is located to one side of the pivot axis in a lateral direction perpendicular to said pivot axis when the holder is in an upright orientation, so that the holder can be biased or urged to move to an upright orientation by gravity acting on the holder.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the pivot mechanism comprises a shaft extending along a pivot axis for connecting the holder to the base.

[0016] Optionally, the pivoting mechanism further comprises a rotation bearing that allows free pivoting about a pivot axis between the base and the shaft, or between the shaft and the holder. The holder can be pivoted manually. In other words, no drive device is required to actively drive the pivoting.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the holder is freely pivotable relative to the base between an upright orientation and one or more tilted orientations. Again, the holder can be pivoted manually, in other words, no drive is required to actively drive the pivoting.

[0018] Alternatively, the filling station further comprises a pivot drive for driving the pivoting of the holder relative to the base between an upright orientation and one or more inclined orientations, such that the pivoting can be controlled mechanically, automatically or semi-automatically.

[0019] In another embodiment, the holder includes one or more lateral supports extending parallel to the longitudinal direction of the holder for supporting one or more tilted feeder units in a lateral direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the holder. The one or more lateral supports can prevent the feeder units from falling off the lateral direction of the holder when the holder is positioned in one or more tilted orientations.

[0020] Optionally, the holder includes a rear support on a side of the holder facing the base for supporting the feeder unit. The rear support can prevent the feeder unit from tipping over onto the base. Furthermore, the rear support can effectively shield the feeder unit from said base and / or from a pivot mechanism between the holder and said base.

[0021] In another embodiment, the filling station includes a feeder dock for receiving the feeder unit on the holder. The feeder dock may be optimized to receive the feeder unit in the same or substantially the same manner as feeder units are received in prior art automated dispensing devices. The feeder dock may form an integral part of the holder or may be connected thereto. The feeder dock may be removable from the holder for replacement with another feeder dock suitable for use with a different type of feeder unit. Thus, the filling station can be adapted to operate with different feeder units without modifying the holder.

[0022] Optionally, the feeder dock comprises one or more positioning members for aligning the feeder unit on the feeder dock. The one or more positioning members may improve positioning of the feeder unit relative to the feeder dock.

[0023] Optionally, the filling station includes a weighing element for weighing the feeder unit. The weighing element can be used, for example, to determine the weight of the feeder unit before, during, and after filling. The difference in weight can be used as an indication of the amount of discrete pharmaceutical product loaded into the feeder unit. The weighing element can be provided on the feeder dock, shaft, base, or other suitable location on the filling station where a force directly or indirectly indicative of the weight of the feeder unit is transmitted.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the filling station includes a first tilt stop for limiting pivoting of the holder in the first pivot direction to a first tilted orientation of one or more tilted orientations. The first tilt stop can prevent the holder from moving beyond the first tilted orientation in the first pivot direction. Such movement could cause discrete medications to fall out of the feeder unit. By having the first tilt stop, an operator need only pivot the holder toward the first tilted orientation until it cannot pivot any further and can trust that the feeder unit is correctly positioned.

[0025] Optionally, the filling station further comprises an upright stop for limiting pivoting of the holder in a second pivot direction opposite the first pivot direction to the upright orientation. Thus, the holder can be prevented from pivoting too far when returning it to the upright orientation. By having the upright stop, the operator need only pivot the holder toward the upright orientation until it cannot pivot any further, and can be confident that the feeder unit is correctly positioned.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the filling station further includes a second tilt stop for limiting pivoting of the holder in a second pivot direction opposite the first pivot direction to a second tilted orientation of the one or more tilted orientations. The two tilted orientations may be on the same side of the upright orientation, e.g., at different tilt angles, or may be on opposite sides of the upright orientation. An operator can select between the available tilted orientations depending on various factors, such as available surrounding space, the configuration of the holder, personal preference, the operator's handedness, etc.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the filling station includes one or more stops configured to limit pivoting of the holder relative to the base by either physically blocking pivoting of the holder relative to the base or by magnetically holding the holder relative to the base. While a physical block can provide more secure retention of the holder in one of the orientations, magnetic retention can provide greater ease of use for the operator. In particular, the operator can magnetically align the holder in the correct orientation and then move the holder past the magnetically defined orientation by providing a manual force that overcomes the magnetic force.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the filling station comprises one or more release members movable between a blocking state and a releasing state for blocking the holder in one of the upright orientation and one or more tilted orientations and releasing the holder from the upright orientation and one or more tilted orientations. In particular, the one or more release members can be moved out of the way of the holder to allow the holder to be moved to any one of the available tilted orientations via any intermediate orientation defined by the one or more release members. Optionally, the one or more release members can be one or more movable pins, engagement features, and / or protrusions, which can be biased.

[0029] In another embodiment, the holder is pivotable between a first and a second tilted orientation in one or more tilted orientations on either side of the upright orientation, allowing the operator to select between the available tilted orientations depending on various factors such as available surrounding space, the configuration of the holder, personal preference, the operator's handedness, etc.

[0030] In another embodiment, the holder includes one or more abutment members, and the filling station includes one or more stops positioned in a fixed position relative to the base so as to contact the one or more abutment members when the holder is in an upright orientation and one or more inclined orientations. Because the holder is part of the filling station, it is convenient for the one or more abutment members to be on or associated with the holder. Thus, the feeder dock and feeder unit do not need to be modified for use with said one or more stoppers.

[0031] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method for filling a feeder unit with discrete pharmaceutical products by use of a filling station according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect, the method comprising: - filling the feeder unit with discrete medications while the feeder unit is held by the holder in one of the one or more tilted orientations.

[0032] The method relates to the actual implementation of the filling station according to the first aspect and therefore has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated below.

[0033] In one embodiment of the method, the filling station includes a pivoting mechanism for pivoting the holder relative to the base between an upright orientation and one or more inclined orientations, and the method further comprises: - placing a feeder unit onto the holder when the holder is in an upright orientation; - pivoting the holder and feeder unit disposed thereon from an upright orientation to one of one or more tilted orientations.

[0034] In another embodiment, the method comprises: - pivoting the holder to a first tilted orientation of one or more tilted orientations; - pivoting the holder to a second inclined orientation of the one or more inclined orientations that is opposite the upright orientation relative to the first inclined orientation.

[0035] In one embodiment, the holder is manually moved between an upright orientation and one or more tilted orientations.

[0036] Alternatively, the filling station is configured to drive the pivoting of the holder between an upright orientation and one or more tilted orientations.

[0037] Optionally, the method further comprises: - weighing the feeder unit when it is positioned on the holder.

[0038] Optionally, the method further comprises: - identifying the feeder unit when it is positioned on the holder, thus ensuring that the correct feeder unit is loaded.

[0039] The various aspects and features described and illustrated in this specification may be applied individually to the extent possible, and these individual aspects, particularly those aspects and features described in the accompanying dependent claims, may be the subject of divisional patent applications.

[0040] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an isometric view of a filling station according to a first embodiment for filling a feeder unit with discrete pharmaceutical products. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the filling station according to FIG. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 shows a front view of the filling station according to FIG. 1 with the feeder unit in an upright orientation. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the filling station according to FIG. 1 with the feeder unit and parts of the filling station shown in dashed lines. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a front view similar to FIG. 4 with the feeder unit pivoted to a first tilted orientation. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a front view of an alternative filling station according to a second embodiment, which allows the feeder unit to be pivoted from an upright orientation to two oppositely tilted orientations. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows an isometric view of a further alternative filling station according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of a further alternative filling station according to the fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] 1-5 show a feeder unit 8 and a filling station 1 for filling the feeder unit 8 with discrete pharmaceuticals, discrete solid pharmaceuticals, drugs or solid items, medical articles or substances, such as pills, tablets, capsules, etc. The pharmaceuticals are "discrete" in the sense that they can be dispensed singly, individually, separately, or in dose units. The feeder unit 8 is also known as a "canister" or "medication dispensing unit container." The feeder unit 8 is part of multiple feeder units (not shown) installed in an array of feeder locations on an automated dispensing machine.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, feeder unit 8 includes a supply chamber 80 defining a volume for receiving discrete medications, a distribution section 81 for selectively dispensing the discrete medications from feeder unit 8, and a singulation section 82 disposed between supply chamber 80 and distribution section 81 for separating or singulating the discrete medications so that they can be fed one at a time to distribution section 81. Supply chamber 80 is closed at the top by a lid or cover 83, which may be hingedly connected to supply chamber 80 or may be entirely removable from supply chamber 80. In this example, cover 83 is provided with a knob 84 for facilitating manual opening or removal of cover 83. When cover 83 is opened or removed, it exposes a fill opening 85 that communicates directly with supply chamber 80, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0044] 3, the feeder unit 8 has a feeder plane F that extends longitudinally through the feeder unit 8 from the knob 84 at the top to the dispensing section 81 at the bottom. In this example, the feeder unit 8 is substantially symmetrical about the feeder plane F. The feeder plane F can also be considered a median or sagittal plane.

[0045] 2, the feeder unit 8 is provided with a plurality of locating slots 86, 87 that can mate with corresponding locating members in the array of feeder positions of the automated dispensing apparatus for precise positioning and / or alignment of said feeder unit 8. The feeder unit 8 can be positioned and / or aligned in the same or similar manner as the feeder dock 4 of the filling station 1, in a manner described in more detail below.

[0046] 2, the filling station 1 includes a base 2 and a holder 3 for holding a feeder unit 8 relative to the base 2. In this example, the filling station 1 further includes a feeder dock 4 for receiving the feeder unit 8 on the holder 3.

[0047] 3, the holder 3 comprises a platform 30 for receiving, supporting, and / or carrying the feeder dock 4 and any feeder units 8 placed thereon. The holder 3 has a generally elongated shape, extends in a longitudinal direction L, and receives the feeder units 8 with a feeder plane F oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L.

[0048] The holder 3 further comprises a first lateral support portion 31 and a second lateral support portion 32 that stand up or protrude from the platform 30. The lateral supports 31, 32 extend parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L. In this example, the lateral supports 31, 32 can provide support to the feeder unit 8 in a lateral direction T that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L. In this example, the lateral supports 31, 32 are formed as side walls or flanges that extend along at least a portion of the feeder unit 8 and on both sides thereof. The holder 3 further comprises a rear support portion 33 that shields the feeder unit 8 on the rear side of the holder 3 facing the base 2. In this example, the rear support portion 33 interconnects the lateral supports 31, 32. The lateral supports 31, 32 and the rear support portion 33 together form a partial housing that can receive the feeder unit 8.

[0049] As best seen in FIG. 2 , the feeder dock 4 comprises a dock body 40 and a plurality of positioning members 41-43 extending from or projecting from the dock body 40. When aligned with the holder 3, the positioning members 41-43 extend parallel or substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the holder 3. The aforementioned positioning slots 86, 87 of the feeder unit 8 can slide over the respective positioning members 41-43 to precisely align and / or position the feeder unit 8 on the feeder dock 4. The feeder dock 4 can be fixedly connected to the holder 3, can be integral with the holder 3, or can be detachable from the holder 3 in this case. The feeder dock 4 can be interchangeable with another feeder dock 4 depending on the type of feeder unit 8 used. For example, the number or shape of the positioning members 41-43 may be different for different feeder docks 4.

[0050] Optionally, filling station 1 is provided with a weighing element 44 for weighing feeder unit 8. Weighing element 44 can be used to determine the weight of feeder unit 8 before, during, and after filling. In this example, weighing element 44 is provided in feeder dock 4. Alternatively, the weighing element may be provided in any other suitable location within filling station 1 to which a force directly or indirectly indicative of the weight of feeder unit 8 is transmitted.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4 , the holder 3 is positionable in an upright orientation A. In the upright orientation A, the longitudinal direction L of the holder 3, and thus the feeder plane F of the feeder unit 8 supported thereon, is parallel or substantially parallel to a vertical plane Z. Alternatively, the upright orientation A may be slightly offset from the vertical plane Z, for example, by an offset angle (not shown) of less than 5 degrees, to bias the holder 3 toward the upright orientation A under the influence of gravity. The holder 3 is movable, rotatable, pivotable, tiltable, or swivelable from the upright orientation A, as shown in FIG. 4 , toward and / or to a first inclined orientation B, as shown in FIG. 5 . In the first inclined orientation B, the longitudinal direction L of the holder 3, and thus the feeder plane F, extends at a first inclination angle H1 of at least 45 degrees relative to the vertical plane Z.

[0052] In this example, the filling station 1 comprises a pivoting mechanism 5 for pivoting the holder 3 relative to the base 2 between an upright orientation A and a first inclined orientation B. In particular, the pivoting mechanism 5 defines a pivoting axis S and guides the holder 3 in a pivoting movement about said pivoting axis S relative to the base 2. The pivoting axis S extends parallel to the horizontal plane X and / or the feeder plane F. In this example, the pivoting mechanism 3

[0053] As best seen in FIG. 2 , in this example, the pivot mechanism 5 includes a shaft 50 extending at or coincident with a pivot axis S. The shaft 50 connects the holder 3 to the base 2. The holder 3 is provided with a bore or shaft hole 34 for receiving the shaft 50. The shaft 50 is attached to the base 2 via a shaft holder 51 at a position where the shaft 50 protrudes from the base 2 toward the holder 3. Optionally, the pivot mechanism 5 further includes a rotation bearing 52 between the shaft holder 51 and the shaft 50 to facilitate free rotation of the shaft 50 relative to the shaft holder 51. The holder 3 is provided with a key mounting hole 35, and the shaft 53 is provided with a keyway 53 that, when aligned with the key mounting hole 35, can receive a key 7 that rotationally secures the holder 3 to the shaft 50. Alternatively, the shaft 50 may be fixed against rotation relative to the base 2 and an additional rotation bearing (not shown) may be provided between the holder 3 and the shaft 50 to allow the holder 3 to rotate freely relative to the shaft 50.

[0054] Other pivoting mechanisms 5 such as linkages, cam slots, etc. may be envisioned that can provide the same or similar pivoting movement of the holder 3 relative to the base 3. The pivoting movement is not limited to movement about a single pivot axis S, but may include more complex movement paths.

[0055] 4, the holder 3 has a center of gravity G located on one side of the pivot axis S in a lateral direction L perpendicular to the pivot axis S when the holder 3 is in an upright orientation A. Thus, the holder 3 can be biased or urged to move or remain in the upright orientation A by the weight or gravity acting on the holder 3.

[0056] The holder 3 is freely movable in a first pivot direction R1 from an upright orientation A as shown in FIG. 4 and from a first inclined orientation B as shown in FIG. 5. The holder 3 can be moved manually, i.e., without using tools. The holder 3 can be freely returned to a second pivot direction R2 opposite to the first pivot direction R1. To limit the pivoting of the holder 3 between the upright orientation A as shown in FIG. 4 and the first inclined orientation B as shown in FIG. 5, the holder 3 further includes a first abutment member 36 and a second abutment member 37. In this example, the abutment members 36 and 37 are positioned at the rear of the holder 3, more specifically, on the side of the rear support portion 33 facing the base 2. The abutment members 36 and 37 can be made of an elastic material, such as rubber, to absorb the impact of the holder 3 when it reaches the respective orientations A and B. The base 2 correspondingly includes an upright stop 20 and a first tilted stop 21 that are respectively in the paths of the first abutment member 36 and the second abutment member 37 during pivoting. In particular, the first tilted stop 21 is strategically positioned on the base 2 to physically abut the second abutment member 37 when the holder 3 reaches the first tilted orientation B. Similarly, the upright stop 20 is strategically positioned on the base 2 to abut or contact the first abutment member 36 when the holder 3 reaches the upright orientation A.

[0057] Alternatively, the stops may be provided in the form of latching elements, such as movable pins, protrusions, projections, or other engagement features, which can be biased into engagement with corresponding receiving features on the holder 3. The latching elements may also be provided on the holder 3 and biased towards corresponding receiving features on the base 2.

[0058] The stops 20, 21 may be in fixed positions on the base 2. Alternatively, their respective positions on the base 2 may be manually or mechanically adjustable, for example by providing multiple mounting holes or by mechanically adjusting their respective positions, to adjust the first tilt angle H1, the first tilted orientation B and / or the upright orientation A.

[0059] A method for filling a feeder unit 8 using the filling station 1 described above will now be briefly described with reference to FIGS.

[0060] FIG. 3 shows the feeder unit 8 placed on the feeder dock 4. The holder 3 is in an upright orientation A. FIG. 4 shows the cover 83 removed from the feeder unit 8. In the case of a hinged cover, the cover is tilted to an open position, exposing the fill opening 85. FIG. 5 shows the holder 3 and the feeder unit 8 supported thereon pivoted from the upright orientation A to a first inclined orientation B. The filling station 1 can autonomously hold the feeder unit 8 in the first inclined orientation B, allowing the operator to use both hands freely for filling. Discrete pharmaceutical products 9 can then be loaded into the supply chamber 80 through the fill opening 85.

[0061] Supply chamber 80 is advantageously positioned at an angle relative to vertical plane Z. In particular, the inner periphery or sidewall of supply chamber 80 is disposed at a relatively shallow angle relative to horizontal plane X. Thus, discrete pharmaceutical agents 9 can be loaded such that they can be deflected through or slide over the sidewall of supply chamber 80 toward the bottom end of supply chamber 80, rather than falling directly into the bottom end of supply chamber 80. In this way, the risk of damage to discrete pharmaceutical agents 9 can be minimized or reduced. While FIG. 5 illustrates manual filling, filling can also be performed by machine, robot, or other methods other than manual filling.

[0062] FIG. 6 shows an alternative filling station 101 according to a second embodiment, which differs from the previously described filling station 1 in that the holder 103 is pivotable between a first tilted orientation B and a second tilted orientation C opposite the upright orientation A relative to the first tilted orientation B. In particular, the alternative filling station 101 includes a first tilted stopper 121 located similarly to the first tilted stopper 21 of the previous embodiment, and a second tilted stopper 122 for limiting pivoting of the holder 103 in a second pivoting direction R2 opposite the first pivoting direction R1 to the second tilted orientation C. An operator can select between the available tilted orientations B, C depending on personal preferences such as the operator's dominant hand, the accessibility of the medicines for filling, etc.

[0063] The abutment members 136, 137 may be slightly modified taking into account the positions of the first and second tilt stops 121, 122.

[0064] In this example, the pivoting mechanism 105 is adjusted accordingly, so that the pivot axis S is located closer to or within the mid-plane of symmetry of the holder 103, e.g., coincident with the feeder plane F. In particular, the position of the shaft opening 134 is closer to the center of the holder 103. This allows for more symmetrical pivoting in both pivoting directions R1, R2.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 6 , the alternative filling station 101 further includes two release members 123, 124, one on each side of the holder 103 when the holder 103 is in the upright orientation A. The release members 123, 124 may be provided in the form of a biasable latch member, such as a movable pin, a protrusion, a projection, or another type of engagement feature. In particular, the release members 123, 124 are movable between a blocking state for blocking the holder 103 in the upright orientation A and a releasing state for releasing the holder 103 from the upright orientation A. In this example, the release members 123, 124 can be manually pushed into recessed positions behind the rear support 33 to release the holder 103. The release members 123, 124 may be biased to return to their original extended positions when the holder 103 passes through one of the release members 123, 124 in one of the pivot directions R1, R2. The release members 123, 124 can be pressed in a similar manner to allow the holder 103 to be returned to the upright orientation A. The release members 123, 124 can also be used in one or more of the inclined orientations B, C.

[0066] 7 shows a further alternative filling station 201 according to a third embodiment, which differs from the previously described filling stations 1, 101 in that it features an upright stop 220 in the form of a magnet and / or one or more angled stoppers 221, 222, 223, 224. The one or more stoppers 220-224 may be provided on either the base 202 or the holder 203, with corresponding ferromagnetic features on the other of the base 202 and holder 203. The one or more stoppers 220-224 may be used to magnetically hold the holder 203 in one or more orientations relative to the base 202. In this embodiment, the aforementioned abutment and / or release members are not required, but may still be provided as an additional safety measure.

[0067] 8 shows a further alternative filling station 301 according to a fourth embodiment, which differs from the previously described filling stations 1, 101, 201 in that it further comprises a swivel drive 351, preferably housed in the base 302, for driving the pivoting of the holder relative to the base 302 between an upright orientation A and one or more inclined orientations B, C. The swivel drive 351 may be configured to directly drive the shaft 350.

[0068] The aforementioned filling stations 1, 101, 201, 301 may optionally include a control unit 6 and / or further electronics, such as sensors, RFID readers, barcode scanners, processors, memories, etc., preferably housed in the base 2, 102, 202, 302, to provide additional functionality to the filling operation and / or at least partially automate the filling operation. In particular, the control unit 6 may be operatively and / or electronically connected to the feeder dock 4 to read information from the feeder unit 8 or to receive signals from the weighing element 44 indicating the weight of the feeder unit 8 or its contents. More particularly, the filling stations 1, 101, 201 may be configured to identify the feeder unit 8 placed on the holder 3 during the filling operation to ensure that the correct feeder unit 8 is being filled. The control unit 6 may be loaded with computer readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the control unit 6 to calculate the amount of discrete pharmaceutical products 9 to be loaded into the feeder unit 8 based on the weight of the feeder unit 8 before, during, and / or after the filling operation. In embodiments such as shown in FIG. 8 , the control unit 6 may be operatively and / or electronically connected to a pivot drive 351 to control the position of the holder 3 relative to the base 302.

[0069] It should be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art that would fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 Filling Station 2. Bass 20 Upright stopper 21 First inclined stopper 3 Holder 30 Platform 31 first lateral support 32 second lateral support 33 Rear support part 34 shaft hole 35 Key mounting hole 36 First abutment member 37 Second abutment member 4 Feeder Dock 40 Dock body 41 first positioning member 42 second positioning member 43 Third positioning member 44 Metric elements 5 Swivel mechanism 50 shaft 51 Shaft holder 52 Rotary bearing 53 Keyway 6. Control Unit 7 Key 8 Feeder Unit 80 supply chamber 82 Unification Section 81 Distribution Section 83 Cover 84 Knob 85 Filling opening 86 First Locating Slot 87 Second Locating Slot 9 Discrete Medicines 101 Alternate Filling Station 102 base 121 First inclined stopper 122 Second inclined stopper 123 first release member 124 second release member 103 Holder 134 shaft hole 136 first abutment member 137 second abutment member 105 Swivel mechanism 201 Further alternative filling stations 202 Base 220 Upright Stopper 221-224 Inclined stopper 301 Further alternative filling stations 302 Base 305 Swivel mechanism 350 shaft 351 Swing drive unit A. Upright orientation B. First tilted orientation C. Second tilted orientation F Longitudinal plane of the feeder unit G center of gravity H1 First tilt angle H2 Second tilt angle L Longitudinal direction of holder R1 First turning direction R2 Second turning direction S pivot axis T horizontal direction X horizontal plane Z vertical plane

Claims

1. A filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) for filling a feeder unit (8) with discrete pharmaceutical products (9), the filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) comprising a base (2, 102, 202, 302) and a holder (3, 103, 203) for holding the feeder unit (8) relative to the base (2, 102, 202, 302), the holder (3, 103, 203) being positionable in one or more oblique orientations (B, C) relative to the base (2, 102, 202, 302), the filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) comprising a feeder dock (4) for receiving the feeder unit (8) on the holder (3, 103, 203).

2. 2. The filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the one or more inclined orientations (B, C) has an inclination angle (H1, H2) of at least 45 degrees relative to a vertical plane (Z).

3. 3. The filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) comprises a pivoting mechanism (5, 105, 305) for pivoting the holder (3, 103, 203) relative to the base (2, 102, 202, 302) between an upright orientation (A) and the one or more inclined orientations (B, C).

4. 4. The filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 3, wherein the upright orientation (A) is parallel to a vertical plane (Z) or within an offset angle of less than 5 degrees from the vertical plane (Z).

5. 4. The filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 3, wherein the pivoting mechanism (5, 105, 305) defines a pivot axis (S), and the holder (3, 103, 203) is pivotable relative to the base (2, 102, 202, 302) about the pivot axis (S).

6. 6. The filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 5, wherein said pivot axis (S) extends parallel to a horizontal plane (X).

7. 6. The filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) of claim 5, wherein the holder (3, 103, 203) has a center of gravity (G) located on one side of the pivot axis (S) in a lateral direction (L) perpendicular to the pivot axis (S) when the holder (3, 103, 203) is in the upright orientation (A).

8. 6. The filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 5, wherein the pivoting mechanism (5, 105, 305) comprises a shaft (50, 350) extending along the pivot axis (S) for connecting the holder (3, 103, 203) to the base (2, 102, 202, 302).

9. The filling station (1, 101, 201) of claim 8, wherein the pivoting mechanism (5, 105) further comprises a rotation bearing (52) that enables free rotation about the pivot axis (S) between the base (2, 102, 202) and the shaft (50) or between the shaft (50) and the holder (3, 103, 203).

10. 4. The filling station (1, 101, 201) according to claim 3, wherein the holder (3, 103, 203) is freely rotatable relative to the base (2, 102, 302) between the upright orientation (A) and the one or more inclined orientations (B, C).

11. The filling station (301) of claim 3, further comprising a pivoting drive (351) for driving the pivoting of the holder (3, 103) relative to the base (302) between the upright orientation (A) and the one or more inclined orientations (B, C).

12. 2. A filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) as described in claim 1, wherein the holder (3, 103, 203) is provided with one or more lateral support portions (31, 32) extending parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) of the holder (3) for supporting the feeder units (8) in the one or more inclined orientations (B, C) in a lateral direction (T) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the holder (3).

13. 13. The filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 12, wherein the holder (3, 103, 203) comprises a rear support (33) for supporting the feeder unit (8) on the side of the holder (3, 103, 203) facing the base (2, 102, 202, 302).

14. 14. The filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 13, wherein the feeder dock (4) comprises one or more positioning members (41, 42, 43) for aligning the feeder unit (8) on the feeder dock (4).

15. 2. The filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 1, wherein the filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) comprises a weighing element (44) for weighing the feeder unit (8).

16. The filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 3, wherein the filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) comprises a first tilt stopper (21, 121, 221) for limiting the rotation of the holder (3, 103, 203) in a first rotation direction (R1) to a first tilted orientation (B) of the one or more tilted orientations (B, C).

17. The filling station (1, 201, 301) of claim 16, further comprising an upright stopper (20, 220) for limiting the rotation of the holder (3, 203) in a second rotation direction (R2) opposite to the first rotation direction (R1) to the upright orientation (A).

18. The filling station (101, 201, 301) of claim 16, further comprising a second tilt stopper (122, 222) for limiting the rotation of the holder (103) in a second rotation direction (R2) opposite to the first rotation direction (R1) to a second tilted orientation (C) of the one or more tilted orientations (B, C).

19. The filling station (1, 101, 201, 301) according to claim 3, comprising one or more stoppers (20, 21, 121, 122, 220-224) configured to limit the pivoting of the holder (3, 103, 203) relative to the base (2, 102, 202, 302) by physically blocking the pivoting of the holder (3, 103) relative to the base (2, 102, 302) or by magnetically holding the holder (203) relative to the base (202).

20. 4. The filling station (101) of claim 3, further comprising one or more release members (123, 124) movable between a blocking state and a releasing state for blocking the holder (103) in one of the upright orientation (A) and the one or more inclined orientations (B, C) and releasing the holder (103) from the upright orientation (A) and one of the one or more inclined orientations (B, C).

21. 4. The filling station (101) of claim 3, wherein the holder (103) is rotatable between a first inclined orientation (B) and a second inclined orientation (C) of the one or more inclined orientations (B, C) on either side of the upright orientation (A).

22. 4. The filling station (1, 101, 201) of claim 3, wherein the holder (3, 103) comprises one or more abutment members (36, 37, 136, 137), and the filling station (1, 101, 201) comprises one or more stoppers (20, 21, 121, 122) arranged in a fixed position relative to the base (2, 102, 202) so as to contact the one or more abutment members (36, 37, 136, 137) when the holder (3, 103) is in the upright orientation (A) and the one or more inclined orientations (B, C).

23. 1. A method for filling a feeder unit (8) with discrete pharmaceutical products (9) by use of a filling station (1, 101, 201, 301), the method comprising: a base (2, 102, 202, 302); a holder (3, 103, 203) for holding a feeder unit (8) relative to said base (2, 102, 202, 302); and a pivoting mechanism (5, 105, 305) for pivoting said holder (3, 103, 203) relative to said base (2, 102, 202, 302) between an upright orientation (A) and one or more inclined orientations (B, C), said holder (3, 103, 203) being associated with said base (2, 102, 202, 302), comprising: - placing said feeder unit (8) on said holder (3, 103, 203) when said holder (3, 103, 203) is in said upright orientation (A); - pivoting said holder (3, 103, 203) and said feeder unit (8) arranged thereon from said upright orientation (A) to one of said one or more inclined orientations (B, C) at an inclination angle of at least 45 degrees to the vertical; - filling said feeder unit (8) with said discrete pharmaceutical products (9) while said feeder unit (8) is held by said holder (3, 103, 203) in one of said one or more inclined orientations (B, C) at an inclination angle of at least 45 degrees to the vertical; A method comprising:

24. - pivoting said holder (103, 203) into a first inclined orientation (B) of said one or more inclined orientations (B, C); - pivoting said holder (103, 203) to a second inclined orientation (C) of said one or more inclined orientations (B, C) opposite said upright orientation (A) with respect to said first inclined orientation (B); 24. The method of claim 23, comprising:

25. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the holder (3, 103, 203) is manually moved between the upright orientation (A) and the one or more inclined orientations (B, C).

26. 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the filling station (201) is configured to drive the pivoting of the holder (3) between the upright orientation (A) and the one or more inclined orientations (B, C).

27. - weighing said feeder unit (8) when it is positioned on said holder (3, 103); 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

28. - identifying said feeder unit (8) when it is positioned on said holder (3, 103); 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising:

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