Method and apparatus for packaging individual drugs into pouches

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

[0003] A disadvantage of known packaging devices is that when an error is detected that can affect the quality of the pouches or the pharmaceutical contents by the packaging device, it is necessary to warn the operator to initiate an intervention. During the intervention, it is necessary to trace the defective pouch and discard it, which requires a great deal of labor. If a small order is sandwiched between large orders, there is a risk that a human operator will overlook it and this small order will remain incorrectly connected to the large order.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

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

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

[0006] This invention relates to a packaging device configured to form a pouch on a long web and fill it therein. This provides a method for packaging individual medications into pouches within a storage area. The method is, The steps include transporting a long web along a web track, On a long web, at the location of print information on the long web, The steps include printing information about the individual medications being dispensed, Individual drugs are placed on the long web at the location of the relevant printed information on the long web. The supply steps, The system inspects elongated webs to identify whether or not they have defects. Top and, In response to the detection of a defect, a defect indication or defect symbol is printed on a long web. The steps include forming an empty pouch at the location of the defect indication or defect symbol, Includes.

[0007] The method of the present invention forms a long web which is then handled by an operator. If this is the case, the operator will know that a defective pouch exists based on the defect marking or defect symbol on the empty pouch. This becomes immediately clear. The operator can, for example, count in ascending order from the result display or defect symbol. This allows us to immediately trace the defective pouch and discard it.

[0008] In one embodiment, the defect is a defective pouch, and the defect indication or defect symbol is a long, rectangular U The step of printing on the web is performed upstream of the detected defective pouch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0022] [[ID=4I]]The present invention further provides a computer program product having a non - transient computer - readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause a packaging apparatus to execute the method according to the present invention. <CO00125> The present invention further provides a packaging apparatus for packaging individual drugs in pouches, the packaging apparatus being ​​​​​​​​​, A web drive for transporting long webs in the direction of transport along a web trajectory, A printing station for printing information onto a long web, where the information is long Regarding individual drugs supplied to a long web at the location of print information on a web. Printing station and Individual drugs are supplied into pouches formed on a long web. A filling station configured as follows, An inspection station for detecting defects in long webs, In response to the detection of a defect in the long web, the print station was instructed to print the long web A controller that instructs the system to print a defect notice on a webpage, Includes.

[0024] In one approach, the defects include a defective pouch, a defective seal, and a defective part. Release perforations, defective tear notches, and elongated structures relating to one of the stations It is one or more of the misalignments on the web.

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

[0026] In one embodiment, the packaging device has one or more separation perforations in a long web and Further includes a drilling station along the web trajectory for creating ribs and / or tear lines.

[0027] In one embodiment, the packaging device is for sealing a pouch of elongated webs Includes a sealing station.

[0028] A second aspect provides a method for packaging individual drugs into pouches using a packaging device. The packaging device is designed to form pouches on a long web and then fill them with pharmaceuticals. It was accomplished, The packaging device is a web dryer for transporting long webs along a web track in the transport direction. The system includes printing stations and filling stations along the web track in the direction of transport. The printing station includes a printer for printing information onto long webs, and a filling station. The system is configured to supply individual drugs to a long web. The method is, WebDrive transports long webs along the web trajectory in the transport direction, The steps include: ensuring that the web passes through the printing station and the filling station; A step of printing information onto a long web using a printer, the long web The above print information is subsequently provided to the long web at the location of the print information on the long web. Steps regarding the individual medications to be dispensed, At the filling station, individual medications are placed on a long web at the location of the relevant printed information. The steps for serving, Includes, A minimum order size for pouches is set, and individual medications filled in pouches smaller than the minimum order size will not be accepted. For the first order of pouches to be filled, the pouches to be filled will have a long web Information about individual drugs that will subsequently be supplied to the long web at the location of the printed information above. The first and second quantities of empty pouches are printed, followed by the second quantity of the long web. The sum of the quantities is equal to the minimum order size.

[0029] In the method according to the present invention, orders smaller than the minimum order size are processed using a second quantity of empty pouches. This makes it easily identifiable.

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

[0031] The present invention further provides a method according to a second aspect to a packaging device when executed by a processor. A computer having a non-temporary computer-readable medium on which the instructions to be executed are stored. We provide program products.

[0032] The present invention further provides a packaging device for packaging individual drugs into pouches, and the packaging device It is constructed by forming a pouch on a long web and filling it with a drug. The packaging device is a web dryer for transporting long webs along a web track in the transport direction. The system includes printing stations and filling stations along the web track in the direction of transport. The printing station includes a printer for printing information onto long webs, and a filling station. The system is configured to supply individual drugs to a long web. The packaging device further includes an electronic controller for controlling the packaging device. The processor, when executed by the processor, enables the packaging apparatus to perform the method according to the present invention. A non-temporary computer holds instructions to package individual medications into pouches according to the steps. Includes data-readable media.

[0033] The various embodiments and features described and shown herein can be applied individually as far as possible. These individual embodiments, in particular the embodiments and features described in the dependent claims of the appended patent, are as follows: This could be the main point of a divisional patent application. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a dispensing and packaging device for individual pharmaceuticals according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic isometric view of the packaging apparatus shown in Figure 1 for filling individual medications into pouches. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a side view of the elongated web on which a pouch is formed within the packaging device shown in Figure 2. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a magnified and detailed view of Figure 3A. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows a method for detecting defective pouches performed by the packaging apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B shows a method for detecting defective pouches performed by the packaging apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C shows a method for detecting defective pouches performed by the packaging apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the small order processing method performed by the packaging apparatus shown in Figures 1 and 2. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0035] Figure 1 shows a feeder device 1 and a packaging device 20 for individual drugs 10. This includes pharmaceuticals or solid items, molded articles, or medical substances, such as pills, tablets, capsules or Other methods may be used. The drugs may be administered individually, separately, or in individual packets. It is "individual" in the sense that it can be dispensed. Each individual drug 10 typically contains an active pharmaceutical ingredient ( API: active pharmaceutical ingredient) and The formula may contain excipients as selected. Individual medications can be counted and administered individually for each patient. The stem discusses the drug, but the system and method are packaged separately. This can also be applied to other consumables (edible or non-edible).

[0036] The supply device 1 has a frame 2 and multiple feeder units 6 that extend horizontally, each of which is a separate feeder unit. It includes a support disk 3 that supports multiple radially extending rows 5. The supply device 1 provides the support disk It includes a long, elongated recovery hopper 7 below the scaffold 3, which is a position control motor 4 on the frame 2, for example. For example, via a servo drive, an arm 9 extending radially can be rotated around the vertical axis. They are connected. Each of the feeder units 6 can be loaded with a different batch of individual medications. The feeder unit 6 is configured to discharge individual drugs, and these are discharged Below the feeder unit 6, the recovery hopper 7 is rotated by the position control motor 4. Therefore, it is recovered. In this way, a selection of individual drugs 10 is administered to the patient at one time. They are counted and grouped together. The recovery hopper 7 merges with the hopper outlet 8, and the selection Individual drugs 10 are supplied to the packaging device 20, and each of the selected individual drugs 10 that are bundled together It is packaged in pouch 150. The collection hopper 7 is where the collected selection is located at the hopper outlet 8. A hopper discharge valve (illustrated) equipped with an actuator for the controlled release of individual drugs 10. (Includes)

[0037] The packaging device 20 is shown in more detail in Figure 2. The packaging device 20 is a long-shaped The packaging device 20 is configured to form a pouch 150 on web 100 and fill it. The elongated web 100 is transported in the web track 2 of the packaging device 20 in the transport direction T. Includes a web drive 23 for intermittent transport in 2. A long web 100 is typical. It is unwound from the stock reel 119. The elongated web 100 is also shown in Figure 3A and This is also shown in 3B.

[0038] The elongated web 100 contains a printable plastic foil 101, which is folded back, As a result, the elongated web 100 includes a front surface 102, which forms a fold that gives rise to a lower edge 103. It continues to the rear surface 104 via a groove. Both the front surface 102 and the rear surface 103 are related to the lower edge 103. It has an upper edge 105 at the same height.

[0039] Figures 3A and 3B show the completed, elongated web 100, which is the same as in Figure 2. It is located at the end of the web track 22. During transport in the transport direction T within the packaging device 20 shown in Figure 2, The elongated web 100 is subsequently provided with heat sealing 110. (Figure 3B) As best illustrated, the heat seal 110 is a long, front heat seal 111, elongated rear heat seal 112, and elongated between the front 102 and the rear 103 Includes upper heat seal 113. Front heat seal 111 and elongated rear heat seal 112 extends parallel to each other, crossing the lower edge 103, and the upper heat seal 113 is It extends between them, parallel to the upper edge 105, and spaced apart from it.

[0040] During transport within the packaging device 20, the elongated web 100 undergoes subsequent heat sealing. A straight separation perforation 120 is provided between 110. The separation perforation 120 is on the lower edge 103. Furthermore, it extends over more than half the distance between the lower edge 105 and the upper edge 105. In this example, separation The perforation 120 extends over more than 70% of the distance between the lower edge 105 and the upper edge 105, In other systems, the size and type of foil used can be changed accordingly. This creates a foil seam 121 between the separation perforation 120 and the upper edge 105.

[0041] During transport within the packaging device 20, the elongated web 100 begins with separation perforations 120. Then, a tearing notch 122 is provided, extending across it. 122 is at a height close to the upper heat seal 113 with respect to the lower edge 103, however It extends further down.

[0042] The elongated web 100 has a printable area on the front surface 102 within the heat sealing 110. Define 117. Behind the printable area 117, the elongated web 100 has a lower edge 1 Between 03 and the heat seal 110, the selected individual agent 10 is contained and stored. It forms a sealed bag.

[0043] After being transported within the packaging device 20, the elongated web 100 is torn along the separation perforations 120. Then, the foil seam 121 is torn open to form a pouch 150 or a series of interconnected pouches 150. By obtaining this, it can be separated by hand. The separated pouch 150 is separated from the tear notch 122. It can be opened by hand by starting and tearing the upper heat seal 113.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the packaging device 20 consists of a printing station 30 and a filling station, arranged in series. Station 40, sealing station 50, drilling station 60, and inspection station Includes n70. The printing station 30 has a printable area 117 of a long web 100. The filling station 40 includes a printer 31 configured to print characters and symbols. The spreader 41 below the hopper outlet 8 is used to receive the individual drug 10 of its choice. The front 102 and rear 103 of the elongated web 100 are spread at the upper edge 105. It is configured as follows: The sealing station 50 has two L-shaped heat sealing stations. These include the 51, which are formed by the stamp drive 52 shown schematically, and are elongated we It is movable or driven symmetrically in direction A so as to cross B100, and one pouch The upper heat seal 113 and rear heat seal 112 of 150 are formed, and the next pouch 15 A front heat seal 111 is formed. The drilling station 60 includes two drilling mechanisms. Here, these are shown as Anvil 61, and this is an outlined anvil drawing. Is it possible to move symmetrically in direction B across the elongated web 100 by B62? Alternatively, it is driven to form a separating perforation 120 and a tearing notch 122 between two pouches 150. The inspection station 70 uses an inspection camera 71 or an inspection sensor or an inspection (laser) light. Sensors or ultrasonic sensors, or other means for detecting defects in the elongated web 100 Includes detection / detection device. Defects include, for example, printing defects, heat sealing 110, separation marks. Errors or defects in the notch 120 or tear notch 122, or excessive length in the transport direction T. This is a displacement of the web 100.

[0045] The packaging device 20 is a transport monitoring device, in this case a monitor wheel that contacts the elongated web 100. It includes an encoder 72 having a wire, and monitors the transport of the elongated web 100 in the transport direction T. The transport monitoring device may be part of inspection station 70, or a separate device. It is also acceptable. The encoder 72 generates the long web 100 using the web drive 23. Misalignment or displacement of the position of the elongated web 100 in relation to the movement that is caused It can also be used as an additional or alternative inspection sensor for point-based inspection.

[0046] As schematically shown in Figure 1, the feeder device 1 and the packaging device 20 share a common electronic control. This includes the 80-meter feeder unit, 6-meter feeder unit, 4-meter position control motor, hopper discharge valve, web Drive 23, Printer 31, Stamp Drive 52, Anvil Drive 62, Inspection Camera It is connected to the R71 and encoder72. The electronic controller80 is connected to the electronic processor and When executed by the processor, it causes the controller 80 to control the operation of these components. Includes tangible non-temporary memory for storing instructions, program code, or software. In particular, the controller 80 uses electronic biometric technology to detect defects in the forming pouch 150. John / communicates with the inspection system and / or inspection camera 71 (or encoder 72, etc.) It is programmed to form this together with other sensors.

[0047] The electronic controller 80 implements a normal processing method, a defect detection method, and a small order processing method. It is programmed to perform the action.

[0048] To perform the normal processing method schematically shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electronic controller 8 0 controls the position control motor 4 of the feeder device 1 to move the recovery hopper 8 to a specific feeder unit. It repeatedly reaches below knit 6, controls these, and releases individual drugs 10, The program is designed to count and dispense the selected individual medications (10) and then consolidate them. The electronic controller 80 controls the long web 100 in the stock reel of the packaging device 20. Control the web drive 23 to supply from 119 and transport in transport direction T. The electronic controller 80 controls the printer 31 to form the pouch. 150 printable areas 117 contain dedicated information, such as the patient's name and the form of the pouch 1 It is programmed to repeatedly print details of the selection of 10 individual drugs within 50. At the subsequent filling station 40, the individual drug 10 of the selection is spread out on the front surface 10 The individual agents of the selection supplied and received between 2 and the rear surface 103 are printed in the printable area 1 This matches the specific information on page 17.

[0049] The electronic controller 80 then heat seals the sealing station 50. It is programmed to control stamp 51. During the previous cycle, heat seal stamp P51 has already created the front heat seal 111. The electronic controller 80 is the heat The seal stamp 51 is activated and brought into contact with the elongated web 100 and moved in direction A. Then, return it to complete the entire heat sealing 110, which is then supplied by the hopper outlet 8. It is programmed to form a front heat seal 111 of the next selected individual drug. The electronic controller 80 controls the operation of the drilling anvil 61 to drill the elongated web 100 and It comes into contact and moves in direction B, and then returns, and the separation perforation 120 and tear notch 122 A dedicated information is formed and matches onto the printable area 117, containing the individual agents of its selection. The electronic controller 80 is programmed to define the pouch 150 on which the information is displayed. It detects defects in the formed pouch 150, and if there are no defects, the interconnected pouch 15 It is programmed to continue the process of forming a long string of zeros. Afterward, it can be handled by a human operator or by another machine or robot. .

[0050] The electronic controller 80 inspects the transport of the elongated web 100 by the encoder 72. It is programmed to supply power to the web drive 23 while testing or monitoring. Related errors, for example, long-form movements caused by WebDrive 23 Enable the detection of misalignments in Web100.

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

[0052] To perform the defect detection method shown in Figures 4A to 4C, the electronic controller 80 performs the following: Inspection camera 71 or inspection sensor, or inspection (laser) light sensor, or inspection laser light sensor S, or ultrasonic inspection sensor, or encoder 72, or any other applicable detection / detection The device is programmed to detect defects in pouches 150a to 150k formed by the device. It can be done.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4A, in the first pouch 150a, there is a defect, for example, a printable area. Printing defects in 117, errors or defects in heat sealing 110, first pouch 15 An error or omission in one of the two separating perforations 120 on both sides where 0a is formed, and / Or due to an error or omission of the tearing notch 122, and / or by the web drive 23 Misalignment of the position of the elongated web 100 with respect to the movement caused or A misalignment is detected. This can happen, for example, if an operator accidentally pulls the end of a long web 100. As a result, the printable area 117 does not align with the filling station 40. This may be the cause. The electronic controller 80 controls the printer 31 and forms The upstream pouch 150j, in this case the printable area 117 of the ninth pouch 150j, has a defect. The electronic controller 80 is programmed to print the symbol 180j. The supply of several individual medications selected by 1 was temporarily suspended, and the ninth pouch 150j was empty. It is programmed to remain as is. Then the string of interconnected pouch 150 Human intervention is necessary for human operators who handle the device by hand, especially for the first powder of a defective product. A visual warning is given that Chi 150a should be discarded. In some embodiments, the pouch However, if it is subsequently handled by a robot, such defect symbol 180j will be handled in the subsequent processing The machine or robot performing the task will also be warned to discard such pouches.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4B, the normal processing method is continued, or as shown in Figure 4C Defect detection and error symbol printing are performed on the second pouch 150b, if an error is detected. The discussion continues with the third pouch, 150c.

[0055] Error information is stored in the memory of controller 80, and / or by a human or To inform the robot operator which pouch 150 is affected. It may be presented to the operator, for example, the ninth pouch 150j and the defective first pouch. The number of pouches 150b to 150h between 150a and / or affected pouch 150a A number of ~150c may be notified.

[0056] In order to perform the small order processing method shown in Figure 5, the electronic controller 80, If the number of pouches in an order (150) is less than the set minimum order value, printer 71 will The program is designed to temporarily suspend printing and the supply of medication by feeder device 1. In this example, the minimum order value is 5 pouches 150. The electronic controller 80 controls both Each of these selections contains individual drugs 10, and matches the dedicated on the printable area 117. Only the first pouch 150a and the second pouch 150b, which display the information for use, and the following Empty third pouch 150c, empty fourth pouch 150d, and empty fifth pouch 150 It is programmed to form the first order batch containing e. Empty pouches 150c, 150 d, 150e may not have printing done there, or the empty pouch 150c~15 A substitute for 0e to identify it as empty or different from filled pouches 150a and 150b. Alternative markings may be applied. Subsequently, the next 5 or more pouches containing 150f~150k The second order is formed.

[0057] Systems and methods in aspects of the disclosed subject matter also include various computers for specific purposes. and control systems, communication devices, networks, and / or digital / logic devices are operated It can be used for the purpose of a suitable computing / controller device. It may be configurable to utilize its computing / controller data The vice is manufactured to include an instruction to perform a method in a manner consistent with the essence of this disclosure, Load and / or retrieve it from some storage device, and then execute can.

[0058] The description pertains to pharmaceuticals, tablets, etc., but the apparatus and methods also apply to other types of solid individual items. It can also be used for dispensing for separation and packaging.

[0059] The above description is included to illustrate the operation of a preferred embodiment and is not within the scope of the invention. Please understand that this is not intended to limit the scope. From the above explanation, for those skilled in the art Various modifications have become apparent, and these are also included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 Feeder device 2 frames 3. Support disc 4. Position control motor 5. Rows extending radially 6 Feeder Units 7. Recovery hopper 8. Hopper exit 9 Arms 10 Individual medications 20 Packaging equipment 22 Web Trajectories 23 Web Drive 30 Printing Stations 31 Printers 40 Filling Stations 41 Spreader 50 Ceiling Stations 51 Sticker Stamps 52 Stamp Drive 60 Drilling Stations 61 Perforating Anvil 62 Anvil Drive 70 testing stations 71 Inspection Camera 72 encoders 80 Electronic Controllers 100 long web 101 Foil 102 Front 103 Lower edge 104 Rear 105 Upper edge 110 Heat sealing 111 Front heat seal 112 Rear heat seal 113 Upper heat seal 117 Print area 119 Stock Reel 120 Separation perforations 121 Foil joint 122 Tear Notch 150 pouches 180 Defect Symbol

Claims

1. A method for packaging individual drugs into pouches using a packaging device, The packaging device is configured to form the pouch on a long web and fill it with the drug. The packaging apparatus includes a web drive for transporting the elongated web along a web track in the transport direction, and a printing station and a filling station along the web track in the transport direction, wherein the printing station includes a printer for printing information on the elongated web, and the filling station is configured to supply the individual drugs to the elongated web. In the above method, The steps include transporting the elongated web along the web track in the transport direction using the web drive, so that the elongated web passes through the printing station and the filling station, A step of printing information onto the elongated web using the printer, wherein the printed information on the elongated web is a step relating to the individual drugs subsequently supplied to the elongated web at the location of the printed information on the elongated web, The steps include supplying the individual agents to the elongated web at the location of the relevant printed information at the filling station, Includes, A minimum order value for pouches is set, and for an order of a first quantity of pouches less than the minimum order value in which the individual drugs will be filled, the information relating to the individual drugs to be subsequently supplied to the elongated web is printed on the pouches to be filled at the location of the printed information on the elongated web, followed by a second quantity of empty pouches on the elongated web, the sum of the first and second quantities equals the minimum order value. method.

2. The printer prints information related to the empty state of the empty pouch onto the empty pouch. The method according to claim 1.

3. The printing of the information onto the aforementioned elongated web is performed at a printing station. The method according to claim 1.

4. The packaging apparatus includes a transport monitoring device for monitoring the transport of the elongated web along the web track. The method according to claim 1.

5. The transport monitoring device includes an encoder. The method according to claim 4.

6. The packaging apparatus includes an inspection station along the web trajectory for the step of inspecting the elongated web to determine whether there are any defects related to the elongated web. The method according to claim 1.

7. The method further includes applying heat sealing to the elongated web to enclose the agent supplied to the elongated web. The method according to claim 1.

8. Furthermore, this further includes creating separation perforations between pouches formed in the elongated web, and / or forming tear notches. The method according to claim 1.

9. The processor includes a non-temporary computer-readable medium on which instructions are stored causing a packaging device to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, Computer program products.

10. A packaging device for packaging individual drugs into pouches, The packaging device is configured to form the pouch on a long web and fill it with the drug. The packaging apparatus includes a web drive for transporting the elongated web on a web track in the transport direction, and a printing station and a filling station along the web track in the transport direction, wherein the printing station includes a printer for printing information on the elongated web, and the filling station is configured to supply the individual drugs to the elongated web. The packaging apparatus further includes an electronic controller for controlling the packaging apparatus, The electronic controller includes a processor and a non-temporary computer-readable medium that, when executed by the processor, holds instructions causing the packaging device to package individual drugs into the pouch in accordance with the steps of the method described in any one of claims 1 to 8. packaging equipment.

11. The system further includes an inspection station for inspecting the elongated web in order to determine whether there are any defects related to the elongated web, The packaging apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The device further includes a transport monitoring device for monitoring the transport of the elongated web along the web trajectory, The packaging apparatus according to claim 10.

13. The transport monitoring device includes an encoder. The packaging apparatus according to claim 12.

14. The further includes a perforation station along the web trajectory for creating one or more separation perforations and / or tear lines in the elongated web, The packaging apparatus according to claim 10.

15. The system further includes a sealing station for sealing the pouch of the elongated web, The packaging apparatus according to claim 10.

Images