Assembly for advancing a strip of pouches in a dispenser apparatus

Abstract

An assembly for advancing a strip of pouches includes a first roller and a second roller. Each roller includes a roller shaft and at least one segment of compressible resilient material. The roller shafts are positioned parallel to and offset from each other such that the outer surfaces of the first and second roller are in abutment with each other. The abutment region defines a strip passage between the rollers. At least one disc of resilient material is positioned along the first and second rollers, each disc having a plurality of protrusions that extend radially outwardly of the outer surface of the roller. When the roller shafts are rotated in opposite directions to advance a strip of pouches through the strip passage, the protrusions that extend from the first and second rollers are configured to urge a leading edge of the strip of pouches towards the strip passage.

Description

ASSEMBLY FOR ADVANCING A STRIP OF POUCHES IN A DISPENSER APPARATUSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202410748395.7, filed on June 11 , 2024 and entitled “ASSEMBLY FOR ADVANCING A STRIP OF POUCHES IN A DISPENSER APPARATUS”, and to United States Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 573,988, filed on April 3, 2024 and entitled “DISPENSER APPARATUS WITH MULTIPLE INTAKE SLOTS”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This application generally relates to dispensers for pre-packaged medications, and more specifically to an assembly for advancing a strip of medication pouches within a dispensing apparatus.BACKGROUND

[0003] Patients may be prescribed drugs in the form of multi-dose packaging. For example, one or more medications in the form of pills, tablets, gel caps, and the like may be packaged into individual dosage ‘pouches’. Each ‘pouch’ may contain one or more dosage forms of one or more medications that are to be taken by a patient at a similar time. For example, one pouch may contain a set of medication(s) that are to be taken by a patient in the morning, and another pouch may contain a different set of medication(s) that are to be taken by the patient in the evening. Such an arrangement may be particularly helpful for patients who have complicated dosage schedules for two or more medications, and / or for patients who have exhibited difficulty complying with the scheduled dosing of one or more medications that they are taking.

[0004] One conventional form of multi-dose packaging is to provide continuous ‘strips’ of dosage pouches. Typically, the pouches of a strip will be arranged so that the dosage pouches are in sequential order, corresponding with a dosing schedule for a patient. Such an arrangement allows for the pouches to be separated from the strip in sequential order and dispensed to the patient according to their individualized dosing schedule.

[0005] Some conventional multi-dose ‘strips’ include a plurality of pouches separated from each other by heat-sealed regions, which may optionally contain a perforation across the heat-sealed region. Each pouch contains medication dosage(s) intended to be taken concurrently by a patient at a scheduled time. Accordingly, some portions of a strip can be considered relatively thin (e.g. heat sealed regions between pouches) while other portions of the same strip can be considered relatively thick (e.g. pouches containing medication dosages).

[0006] Also, some conventional multi-dose ‘strips’ include a heat-sealed region extending along one side of substantially all of the strip. Other conventional multi-dose ‘strips’ include a heat-sealed region extending along each side of substantially all of the strip.SUMMARY

[0007] The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The introduction is not intended to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub combination of the elements or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures.

[0008] As disclosed herein, a dispensing apparatus includes an assembly for advancing a strip of pouches along a respective travel path within a dispensing apparatus. Preferably, the assembly can help move the strip of pouches through the dispensing apparatus in a generally smooth, intended manner and can help reduce or eliminate instances in which the strip of pouches becomes misaligned, jammed, or otherwise fails to travel through the dispensing apparatus in the preferred manner. The assembly may include a variety of different components and in the embodiments illustrated herein includes one or more roller assemblies configured to allow a strip of pouches with medication dosage(s) to pass through a strip passage. Such a roller assembly includes a pair of contra-rotating rollers with at least relatively compressible resilient outer surfaces. Such a configuration may provide one or more advantages.

[0009] For example, the use of a compressible resilient material allows the outer surface of a roller to deform and / or deflect radially inwardly to accommodate the thickness of one or more medication dosage(s) within a pouch passing between a pairof rollers, while resiliently returning radially outwardly to engage a heat-sealed region of the same strip. This may promote a relatively high degree of frictional engagement along all or substantially all of a strip of pouches being advanced by the roller assembly.

[0010] Preferably, the rollers also include external protrusions that extend at least radially outwardly beyond the non-deformed profile / circumference of the resilient outer surfaces. The protrusions are configured to urge a leading edge of a strip of pouches towards the strip passage. Additionally, or alternatively, the protrusions may urge a leading edge of a strip of pouches that is misaligned, such as being curled or otherwise displaced outside of a longitudinal plane of the strip that defines the desired strip travel plane / path, towards a more straightened orientation relative to the strip longitudinal plane of the strip. That is, the protrusions may help urge the leading edge of the strip of pouches toward its intended travel path an into a position where it is more likely to be correctly engaged by the resilient outer surfaces. This may assist in engaging empty (or relatively empty) pouches of a strip more reliably. Additionally, or alternatively, the protrusions may result in reduced roller slip as a strip is advanced by roller assembly.

[0011] In accordance with one broad aspect, there is provided an assembly for advancing a strip of pouches, the assembly comprising: a first roller comprising: a first roller shaft having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface, at least one segment of compressible resilient material provided on the first roller shaft, each segment having an inner surface that conforms generally to the outer surface of the first roller shaft and a generally cylindrical outer surface that defines an outer surface of the first roller; a second roller comprising: a second roller shaft having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface, at least one segment of compressible resilient material provided on the second roller shaft, each segment having an inner surface that conforms generally to the outer surface of the second roller shaft and a generally cylindrical outer surface that defines an outer surface of the second roller; the first and second roller shafts being positioned parallel to and offset from each other such that the outer surface of the first roller and the outer surface of the second roller are in abutment with each other, the abutment region defining a strip passage between the rollers; at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the first roller, each disc having a plurality of protrusions that extend radially outwardly of the outer surface of the first roller; and atleast one disc of resilient material positioned along the second roller, each disc having a plurality of protrusions that extend radially outwardly of the outer surface of the second roller; wherein the first and second roller shafts are configured to be rotated in opposite directions to advance a strip of pouches through the strip passage between the first and second rollers, and wherein when the roller shafts are rotated in opposite directions, the protrusions that extend from the first and second rollers are configured to urge a leading edge of the strip of pouches towards the strip passage.

[0012] In some embodiments, the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the first roller comprises an even number of discs of resilient material, and the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the second roller comprises an odd number of discs of resilient material.

[0013] In some embodiments, none of the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the first roller are longitudinally aligned with any one of the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the second roller.

[0014] In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the first roller has an inner surface that conforms generally to the outer surface of the first roller shaft.

[0015] In some embodiments, each of the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the first roller has an inner surface that conforms generally to the outer surface of the first roller shaft.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one of the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the second roller has an inner surface that conforms generally to the outer surface of the first roller shaft.

[0017] In some embodiments, each of the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the second roller has an inner surface that conforms generally to the outer surface of the first roller shaft.

[0018] In some embodiments, the assembly further comprises a drive motor to selectively rotate the first and second roller shafts.

[0019] In some embodiments, the drive motor imparts rotation to one of the first and second roller shafts, and a mechanical linkage coupled to the first and second drive shafts imparts rotation to the other of the first and second drive shafts.

[0020] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the first roller has a circumference of between 77.9 and 79.1 mm.

[0021] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the second roller has a circumference of between 77.9 and 79.1 mm.

[0022] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the first roller abuts the outer surface of the second roller.

[0023] In some embodiments, the compressible resilient material provided on the first roller shaft has a bulk modulus between 0.042 and 33.3 MPa.

[0024] In some embodiments, the compressible resilient material provided on the first roller shaft comprises polyurethane sponge.

[0025] In some embodiments, the resilient material of the protrusions has a modulus of elasticity between 0.1 and 10.0 MPa.

[0026] In some embodiments, wherein the resilient material of the protrusions comprises natural rubber.

[0027] In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions extend between 1 .95 and 2.05 mm radially outwardly of the outer surface of the first roller.

[0028] In some embodiments, the plurality of protrusions extend between 1 .95 and 2.05 mm radially outwardly of the outer surface of the second rollerBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] For a better understanding of the described embodiments and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a dispensing assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

[0031] Figure 2 is a cross-section view of the internal mechanisms of a dispensing assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 3A is a side view of an exemplary strip of pouches;

[0033] Figure 3B is a plan view of the strip of pouches of Figure 3A;

[0034] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a roller assembly for a dispensing assembly in accordance with an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 5 is another perspective view of the roller assembly of Figure 4, with one roller shown in an exploded view;

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-section view of the roller assembly of Figure 4;

[0037] Figure 7A is a schematic cross-section view of a strip of pouches being advanced by a first roller assembly, with an upwardly curled leading edge of the strip of pouches approaching a second roller assembly;

[0038] Figure 7B is a schematic cross-section view of the strip of pouches of Figure 7A, with the upwardly curled leading edge of the strip of pouches being urged towards a strip passage of the second roller assembly by protrusions extending from the upper roller of the second roller assembly;

[0039] Figure 7C is a schematic cross-section view of a strip of pouches being advanced by a first roller assembly, with a downwardly curled leading edge of the strip of pouches approaching a second roller assembly; and

[0040] Figure 7D is a schematic cross-section view of the strip of pouches of Figure 7C, with the downwardly curled leading edge of the strip of pouches being urged towards a strip passage of the second roller assembly by protrusions extending from the lower roller of the second roller assembly.

[0041] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of apparatus and methods of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Various apparatuses and methods are described below to provide example embodiments and implementations of the technology. The technology includes apparatuses and methods that facilitate the dispensation of individual pouches from a strip of pouches.

[0043] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

[0044] While the apparatus and methods disclosed herein are described specifically in relation to the dispensation of medication, such as pills, tablets, gel caps, and the like, it will be appreciated that the technology may alternatively be used during the dispensation of other items.

[0045] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an example of a dispensing apparatus, referred to generally as 100. With reference to Figure 1 , dispensing apparatus 100 includes a display 101 for displaying information about the operation of dispensing apparatus 100, the current dosing schedule, and / or other information that may be relevant and / or of interest to a user. In the illustrated embodiment, display 101 is a touch-screen display configured to accept input from a user of dispensing apparatus 100.

[0046] Figure 1 also illustrates a dispensing area 102, into which pouches of medication are dispensed by dispensing apparatus 100.

[0047] Figure 1 also illustrates a cover plate 105 that, when closed, inhibits or prevents access to a loading area 107 of dispensing apparatus 100. Cover plate 105 can be configured as removable (i.e. configured to be separated from dispensing apparatus 100), or non-removable (i.e. configured to be moved from a closed position(in which access to the loading area is inhibited or prevented) to an open position (in which the loading area is accessible)), e.g. via one or more hinging and / or pivoting mechanisms. Preferably, cover plate 105 can be selectively locked in a closed position, so that loading area 107 can only be accessed by authorized personnel.

[0048] With reference to Figure 2, in the illustrated example dispensing apparatus 100 includes a housing, referred to generally as 110. Housing 110 maintains components of dispensing apparatus 100 in fixed relation to each other. For some component assemblies, housing 110 supports non-movable components (e.g. bearings or bushings and the like) that facilitate relative movement of other components (e.g. rotating shafts).

[0049] In the illustrated example, dispensing apparatus 100 includes two intakes for receiving and advancing strips of dosage pouches. Each intake leads first to a respective intake path, and then on to a common outtake path. Such a configuration may provide one or more advantages. It will be appreciated that roller assemblies disclosed herein may be used in dispensing apparatus with only one intake.

[0050] With reference to Figure 2, in the illustrated example a first intake path 125A extends from a first intake 122A to a first outtake 124A. Generally, the first intake path extends from region A to region C.

[0051] To advance a strip of pouches along the first intake path 125A, one example of a suitable assembly for advancing the strip of pouches that is consistent with the teachings described herein is provided and includes a first set of rollers 200AI is positioned proximate the first intake 122A. Roller assembly 200AI is configured to engage a leading end of a strip of pouches presented at the first intake 122A and advance the leading end along the first intake path 125A.

[0052] Also, another example of an assembly for advancing the strip of pouches includes a second set of rollers 200A2 that is positioned upstream of the first outtake 124A. Roller assembly 200A2 is configured to engage the leading end of a strip of pouches advanced from the first intake 122A by roller assembly 200AI and advance the leading end to the first outtake 124A.

[0053] Similar to the first intake path 125A, a second intake path 125B extends from a second intake 122B to a second outtake 124B. Generally, the second intake path extends from region B to region C.

[0054] To advance a strip of pouches along the second intake path 125B, a first set of rollers 200BI is positioned proximate the second intake 122B. Roller assembly 200BI is configured to engage a leading end of a strip of pouches presented at the second intake 122B and advance the leading end along the second intake path 125B.

[0055] Also, a second set of rollers 200B2 is positioned upstream of the second outtake 124B. Roller assembly 200B2 is configured to engage the leading end of a strip of pouches advanced from the second intake 122B by roller assembly 200BI and advance the leading end to the second outtake 124B.

[0056] With continued reference to Figure 2, dispensing apparatus 100 includes a common outtake path, along which individual dosage pouches are separated from a strip of pouches and dispensed. The intake of the common outtake path is in communication with the outtake paths of each of the two intake paths.

[0057] In the illustrated example an outtake path 135 extends from an intake 132 to an outtake 134. Outtake 134 can be characterized as being, or being in communication with, dispensing area 102. Generally, the outtake path extends from region C to region D.

[0058] Notably, the outtake 124A of the first intake path 125A and the outtake 124B of the second intake path 125B are both in communication with intake 132 of outtake path 135. As a result, a strip of pouches may pass through dispensing apparatus 100 along a path from region A to region C to region D (i.e. from intake 122A to dispensing area 102), or alternatively a strip of pouches may pass through dispensing apparatus 100 along a path from region B to region C to region D (i.e. from intake 122B to dispensing area 102).

[0059] T o advance a strip of pouches along the outtake path 135, another example of a suitable assembly for advancing the strip of pouches includes a first set of rollers 200ci is positioned proximate the intake 132. Roller assembly 200ci is, in this example, configured to engage a leading end of a strip of pouches presented at the intake 132 and advance the leading end along the outtake path 135.

[0060] In the illustrated example, a directing roller 142 is positioned proximate and upstream of roller assembly 200ci. In use, directing roller 142 is configured to direct a leading end of a strip of pouches from either outtake 124A or outtake 124B towards roller assembly 200ci. More specifically, directing roller 142 is configured to prevent the leading end of a strip of pouches exiting one of outtake 124A or outtake 124B to enter the other of outtake 124A or outtake 124B instead of towards roller assembly 200ci.

[0061] Preferably, directing roller 142 is a ‘floating’ roller whose axis of rotation is not fixed relative to housing 110. As a result, roller 142 can move up and down freely. Also, in the event of a feed / advancement error, the free-floating nature of roller 142 may reduce drag on a strip, allowing a troubleshooter to remove the strip more easily.

[0062] Another assembly for advancing the strip of pouches, which includes a second set of rollers 200c2, is positioned downstream of the roller assembly 200ci. Roller assembly 200c2 is configured to engage the leading end of a strip of pouches advanced from the intake 132 by roller assembly 200ci and advance the leading end through a separation mechanism 180.

[0063] A third set of rollers 200cs is positioned downstream of the separation mechanism 180. Roller assembly 200c3 is configured to engage the leading end of a strip of pouches advanced through the separation mechanism 180 and advance pouches separated from the strip of pouches to the outtake 134 of the outtake path (e.g. to dispensing area 102). Roller assembly 200c3 can also be used, in conjunction with roller assembly 200c2, to tension the portion of a strip of pouches between these roller assemblies, e.g. to facilitate cutting of the strip by the separation mechanism 180.

[0064] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate an example of a strip of dosage pouches, referred to generally as 10. Multi-dose packaging medication strips, such as strips 10, are typically produced by pharmacies according to a patients' prescription. Such strips 10 are also typically labelled with printed identification markers related to the patient and / or the dosing schedule.

[0065] In the illustrated example, the strip consists of three pouches 20. In this example, the strip has leading end 11 , intended to be inserted first into the dispensing assembly, and a trailing end 12. Each pouch 20 is separated from each other by aheat-sealed region 15, which may optionally contain a perforation 16 across substantially all of the heat-sealed region 15. Each pouch 20 contains medication dosage(s) 19 intended to be taken concurrently by a patient at a scheduled time.

[0066] Each pouch 20 of a strip of pouches 10 contains medication dosage(s) intended to be taken concurrently by a patient at a scheduled time. Accordingly, some portions of a strip 10 can be considered relatively thin (e.g. heat sealed regions 15 between pouches) while other portions of the same strip 10 can be considered relatively thick (e.g. pouches 20 containing medication dosages)

[0067] Referring to Figure 3B, the strip 10 has a first side edge 13 and a second side edge 14. In the illustrated example, side edge 14 has a heat-sealed region extending along substantially all of strip 10. In one or more alternative examples, side edge 13 may also have a heat-sealed region extending along substantially all of strip 10.

[0068] Referring to Figures 4 to 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the various roller assemblies 200 illustrated herein each include a pair of contra-rotating rollers with resilient outer surfaces configured to allow a strip of pouches with medication dosage(s) to pass through a strip passage, and with external protrusions configured to urge a leading edge of a strip of pouches towards the strip passage. These roller assemblies are shown as being generally similar in this embodiment, and that may have advantages such as reducing the complexity of the dispensing apparatus 100. Providing similar assemblies for advancing the strips of pouches may also help facilitate a generally similar handling of the pouches as they advance through the apparatus 100. Alternatively, in some other examples of a dispensing apparatus the various assemblies for advancing the strip(s) of pouches through the dispensing apparatus 100 need not be the same, and different assemblies may have different physical arrangements and / or configurations that can still provide at least some of the advantages of the assemblies described herein.

[0069] Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment a roller assembly 200 includes a first roller 210A and a second roller 210B. Each roller 210A, 210B includes a roller shaft 220A, 220B that has a longitudinal axis 225A, 225B about which the respective roller 210A, 210B can be rotated.

[0070] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, each roller 210 includes segments 230 provided on the roller shaft 220. Each segment 230 has an inner surface 238 that conforms generally to the outer surface 227 of the roller shaft, and a generally cylindrical outer surface 236. The outer surfaces 236 of segments 230 can be considered as defining an outer surface of the roller 210.

[0071] Preferably, the outer surface of roller 210 has a circumference between about 77.9 and 79.1 mm (i.e. with reference to Figure 6, diameters D210A and D210B are each between about 24.8 mm and 25.2 mm. It will be appreciated that the circumference may be smaller or larger in alternative embodiments.

[0072] Segments 230 are made from a compressible resilient material, such as polyurethane sponge. Preferably, the compressible resilient material has a bulk modulus between about 0.042 and about 33.3 MPa. By using a compressible resilient material, the outer surface of roller 210A, 210B (i.e. surfaces 236A, 236B) can deform and / or deflect radially inwardly to accommodate the thickness of one or more medication dosage(s) within a pouch 20 passing between rollers 210A, 210B, while resiliently returning radially outwardly to engage a heat-sealed region 15 of the same strip 10.

[0073] In use, a strip of pouches can be advanced between the rollers 210A, 210B through a strip passage 205 defined therebetween. For example, the rollers 210A, 210B can be rotated in opposite directions, and frictional engagement between outer surfaces 236A, 236B of segments 230A, 230B and outer surfaces of a strip of pouches 10 can draw the strip 10 into and through strip passage 205.

[0074] In some embodiments, roller shafts 220A, 220B of rollers 210A, 210B may be positioned relative to each other such that there is a gap (e.g. G205 in Figure 6) between the outer surfaces of rollers 210A, 210B (i.e. surfaces 236A, 236B). Preferably, the roller shafts 220A, 220B of rollers 210A, 21 0B are positioned relative to each other such that the outer surfaces of rollers 210A, 210B are in abutment. For example, the distance between roller axes 225A, 225B may be about 1 mm less than diameters D210A and / or D210B. In such an arrangement, segments 230 are generally always in slight compression / deflection. Such an arrangement may promote improved frictional engagement with a strip of pouches 10.

[0075] In the illustrated embodiment, a drive gear 290A, 290B is coupled to each roller shaft 220A, 220B. Drive gears 290A, 290B are configured to engage with each other such that rotating one drive gear 290 and / or roller shaft 220 results in concurrent counter- rotation of the other gear 290 and roller shaft 220. It will be appreciated that rollers 210A, 21 0B and / or roller shafts 220A, 220B may be independently driven, and / or coupled to each other using alternative means (e.g. via smaller drive gears and a drive chain / belt) in alternative embodiments.

[0076] With reference to Figures 4 and 6, the roller shafts 220A, 220B are generally parallel to and offset from each other. Notably, in the illustrated example the roller shafts are in fixed relation to each other (i.e. the offset between the roller axes 225A, 225B is constant). Such an arrangement may be simpler to assemble and / or less prone to e.g. misalignment issues during operation of dispenser assembly 100.

[0077] With reference to Figures 4 to 6, in the illustrated example each roller 210 also includes discs 240 provided on the roller shaft 220 between adjacent roller segments 230. Each disc 240 has an inner surface 248 that conforms generally to the outer surface 227 of the roller shaft, and a generally cylindrical outer surface 246. The outer surface 246 of a disc 240 preferably has a diameter that is slightly greater than the diameter of the outer surface of roller 210 (i.e. surfaces 236). Alternatively, outer surface 246 may have a diameter that is approximately equal to, or less than, the diameter of the outer surface of roller 210.

[0078] Each disc 240 has a plurality of protrusions 245 extending radially outwardly from outer surface 246. With reference to Figure 6, preferably each protrusion has a height H245 (e.g., the distance by which the tip of the protrusion extends radially beyond the outer surface 236 of its respective roller) of between about 1.95 and 2.05 mm in the illustrated example. It will be appreciated that the circumference and the H245 may be smaller or larger in alternative embodiments, and in some examples the height H245 can be greater than about 0.5mm, 0.75mm, 1.0mm, 1.25mm, 1.5mm, 1.75mm and 2mm, and may be less than about 5mm, 4.5mm, 4mm, 3.5mm, 3mm, 2.5mm and about 2.05mm. Preferably, the protrusion height H245 is selected so that the protrusions 245 will contact the incoming, free edge of a strip of pouches before the edge reaches the surfaces 246 of the rollers and optionally at a different elevation / location that isoutside the plane of travel of the strip and that is offset from the plane that contains strip passage and the nip / gap between the opposing rollers.

[0079] Discs 240 are made from a resilient material, but preferably a material that is relatively more rigid than the material of segments 230. For example, discs 240 may be made from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, plastic, relatively dense foams or the like. Preferably, the resilient material has a modulus of elasticity of between about 0.1 and about 10.0 MPa. By using a resilient material, protrusions 245 (and / or some or all of disc 245) can deform and / or deflect laterally when they come into contact with the incoming strip of pouches (e.g. in a direction generally parallel to axis 225) to accommodate one or more medication dosage(s) within a pouch 20 passing between rollers 210A, 210B, while resiliently returning to its original position when the pouch has passed further downstream. While it is preferably that the protrusions are sufficient stiff to engage and guide the incoming edge of the strip of pouches they are also preferably configured to be sufficiently compliant so as to deform or deflect as described herein without puncturing the pouches or crushing or otherwise damaging the pills contained therein. Configuring the discs 240 and protrusions 245 to deform / deflect at least partially laterally (rather than exclusively radially) can help achieve this balance of sufficient strength / stiffness to guide the packages while still being able to avoid puncture / damage. As described herein, this lateral deflection is at least partially facilitated by the use of a suitable deformable material to form the segments 230, which can allow the segments 230 to laterally deform / deflect in unison with the adjacent portions of the discs 240 and protrusions 245.

[0080] For example, in use, protrusions 245 may urge a leading edge of a strip of pouches 10 that is approaching roller assembly 200 towards strip passage 205. Additionally, or alternatively, protrusions 245 may urge a leading edge of a strip of pouches 10 that is curled relative to the longitudinal plane of the strip towards a more straightened orientation relative to the strip 10. Additionally, or alternatively, protrusions 245 may assist in engaging empty (or relatively empty) pouches 20 of a strip 10 more reliably. Additionally, or alternatively, protrusions 245 may result in reduced roller slip as a strip 10 is advanced by roller assembly 200.

[0081] With reference to Figures 4 and 5, in the illustrated example first roller 21 0A has three segments 230AI , 230A2, and 230A3 of compressible resilient material withtwo discs 240AI , 240A2 mounted between adjacent segments 230, and second roller 210B has four segments 230BI , 230B2, 230B3, and 230B4 of compressible resilient material with three discs 240BI , 240B2, and 240B3 mounted between adjacent segments 230. Notably, in such an arrangement, protrusions 245 of discs 240AI, 240A2 of first roller 210A are laterally offset from protrusions 245 of discs 240BI, 240B2, and 240B3 of second roller 21 OB. Such an arrangement may reduce or preferably eliminate contact between protrusions 245. Additionally, or alternatively, such an arrangement may promote or ensure contact between protrusions 245 and a segment 230 of an adjacent roller, facilitating compression of segment 230 and / or deflection of a segment 245 as the protrusions pass through a strip passage 205.

[0082] Turning to Figures 7A and 7B, in the illustrated example a strip of pouches10 is being advanced by a first roller assembly 200i along a strip path towards a second roller assembly 2002. In this example, the leading edge 11 of strip 10 is curled upwardly as it approaches strip passage 2052 of second roller assembly 2OO2 (Figure 7A). As the rollers 210A2, 210B2 are rotated, protrusions 245 may contact leading edge11 to urge it towards strip passage 2052 and / or straighten the upward curl (Figure 7B) before leading edge 11 is engaged by the outer surfaces of rollers 210A2, 210B2 (i.e. surfaces 236A, 236B).

[0083] In the example illustrated in Figures 7D and 7D, the leading edge 11 of strip 10 is curled downwardly as it approaches strip passage 2052 of second roller assembly 2OO2 (Figure 7C). As the rollers 210A2, 210B2 are rotated, protrusions 245 may contact leading edge 11 to urge it towards strip passage 2052 and / or straighten the downward curl (Figure 7D) before leading edge 11 is engaged by the outer surfaces of rollers 210A2, 210B2 (i.e. surfaces 236A, 236B).

[0084] As used herein, the wording “and / or” is intended to represent an inclusive - or. That is, “X and / or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and / or Z” is intended to mean X orY or Z or any combination thereof.

[0085] While the above description describes features of example embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and / or functions of the described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, the various characteristics which are described by means of the represented embodiments or examples may beselectively combined with each other. Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An assembly for advancing a strip of pouches, the assembly comprising: a first roller comprising: a first roller shaft having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface, at least one segment of compressible resilient material provided on the first roller shaft, each segment having an inner surface that conforms generally to the outer surface of the first roller shaft and a generally cylindrical outer surface that defines an outer surface of the first roller; a second roller comprising: a second roller shaft having a longitudinal axis and an outer surface, at least one segment of compressible resilient material provided on the second roller shaft, each segment having an inner surface that conforms generally to the outer surface of the second roller shaft and a generally cylindrical outer surface that defines an outer surface of the second roller; the first and second roller shafts being positioned parallel to and offset from each other such that the outer surface of the first roller and the outer surface of the second roller are in abutment with each other, the abutment region defining a strip passage between the rollers; at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the first roller, each disc having a plurality of protrusions that extend radially outwardly of the outer surface of the first roller; and at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the second roller, each disc having a plurality of protrusions that extend radially outwardly of the outer surface of the second roller; wherein the first and second roller shafts are configured to be rotated in opposite directions to advance a strip of pouches through the strip passage between the first and second rollers, and wherein when the roller shafts are rotated in opposite directions, the protrusions that extend from the first and second rollers are configured to urge a leading edge of the strip of pouches towards the strip passage.

2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the first roller comprises an even number of discs of resilient material, and wherein the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the second roller comprises an odd number of discs of resilient material.

3. The assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein none of the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the first roller are longitudinally aligned with any one of the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the second roller.

4. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the first roller has an inner surface that conforms generally to the outer surface of the first roller shaft.

5. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the first roller has an inner surface that conforms generally to the outer surface of the first roller shaft.

6. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the second roller has an inner surface that conforms generally to the outer surface of the first roller shaft.

7. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the at least one disc of resilient material positioned along the second roller has an inner surface that conforms generally to the outer surface of the first roller shaft.

8. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a drive motor to selectively rotate the first and second roller shafts.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the drive motor imparts rotation to one of the first and second roller shafts, and a mechanical linkage coupled to the first and second drive shafts imparts rotation to the other of the first and second drive shafts.

10. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the outer surface of the first roller has a circumference of between 77.9 and 79.1 mm.11 . The assembly of claim 10, wherein the outer surface of the second roller has a circumference of between 77.9 and 79.1 mm.

12. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the outer surface of the first roller abuts the outer surface of the second roller.

13. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the compressible resilient material provided on the first roller shaft has a bulk modulus between 0.042 and 33.3 MPa.

14. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the compressible resilient material provided on the first roller shaft comprises polyurethane sponge.

15. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the resilient material of the protrusions has a modulus of elasticity between 0.1 and 10.0 MPa.

16. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the resilient material of the protrusions comprises natural rubber.

17. The assembly of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the plurality of protrusions extend between 1 .95 and 2.05 mm radially outwardly of the outer surface of the first roller.

18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the plurality of protrusions extend between 1 .95 and 2.05 mm radially outwardly of the outer surface of the second roller.

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