Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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VACUUM CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD
FOR A VACUUM FILLING ASSEMBLY
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to filling packaging. More particularly, the
present invention relates to a vacuum filling assembly for filling a packaging
having a plurality of cavities with objects, as well as to a corresponding
method
and system for doing the same.
Background of the invention:
In the field of packaging for small consumer goods, there exists different
ways to fill such packaging which protects the goods during transport,
distribution, and sale to the ultimate consumer of the goods. One example of
such packaging is the blister pack or blister card, which is a term used for
various
types of pre-formed plastic packaging.
In the pharmaceutical field, as but one example of a field in which blister
packs are used, the pockets of the blister pack are filled with medication,
tablets,
or pills. The pockets are then sealed so that the tablets are protected from
the
elements and secured within the pockets. The blister packs can be filled with
the
tablets using any conventional means.
Often, a professional such as a pharmacist will manually fill each pocket of
the blister pack with a corresponding tablet, or with many different tablets
for a
same dosage period. It can be appreciated that one disadvantage associated
with this technique is that it takes a long time to fill all the pockets of
the blister
pack, especially when filling out a prescription of medication for a long
duration. It
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may further disadvantageously lead to human errors by placing the incorrect
tablet in a corresponding pocket.
Other techniques for filling a blister pack exist as well. One example
includes the system produced by Synergie Medicale BRG inc., commercialised
under the trade-mark SynMed. This automated system eliminates many of the
repetitive tasks which must be performed by a user, and employs a suction
system. The website for the system (http://www.synmedrx.com) describes it as
follows:
"Thanks to a suction pipette principle, the machine lifts the medications out
of their compartments and drops them into the blisters. Seven tubes
corresponding to the seven rows on a blister card, on which each row is
identified with the seven days of the week, are individually activated by
pneumatic valves and guided by optical sensors. The medications are
dispensed with precision and in accordance with the prescription
specifications."
Some drawbacks associated with automated systems may include: a) they
may be too costly to install or operate for smaller pharmacies; b) they occupy
valuable space within a pharmacy; c) they may require complicated migration
and installation of information technology to manage and control operations;
d)
each pill in the machine inventory needs to be in his specific container for
his
particular size to avoid that several pills can be retained by each prong; e)
they
can be relatively complicated and time consuming machines to operate and
maintain; and f) etc.
The Applicant, as described in CA2,843,074 has developed a vacuum
filling assembly for filling the cavities of packaging with objects. The
filling
assembly has a handle which can be gripped by a user so as to manually
operate the filling assembly. The filling assembly also has a manifold which
receives suction, such as from a vacuum supply. A valve is used to control the
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suction applied to the objects, and is operable between a retain and release
configuration. The filling assembly also has a plurality of prongs which are
in fluid
engagement with the manifold so that the objects are retained at the end of
the
prongs when the valve is in the retain configuration, and so that the objects
can
be released into the cavities of the packaging when the valve is in the
release
configuration. The size of the prongs can be adapted to the different sizes of
objects to be manipulated.
However, when the above-described vacuum filling assembly is used to
manipulate small objects such as smaller-sized pills, several pills can be
retained
by each prong. It then becomes difficult for the user to transfer single pills
associated with each prong to a corresponding pocket of a blister pack.
Moreover, control of the valve connected vacuum supply is also difficult to
adjust
with a single hand.
Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for a device which,
by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome or at least
minimize some of the aforementioned prior art drawbacks.
Summary of the invention:
One object of the present invention is to provide a solution to at least one
of the above-mentioned prior art drawbacks.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, in a vacuum filling
assembly for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects,
the
filling assembly comprising:
a hose receiving suction from a suction supply; a first
valve
operatively connected to the hose and manually operable between a retain
configuration wherein the first valve is in an open position and suction is
supplied
to the hose, and a release configuration wherein the first valve is in a
closed
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position and the hose is free of suction; and
at least one prong in fluid engagement with the hose and extending
therefrom, each prong configured for applying suction to a corresponding
object
upon the first valve being in the retain configuration, thereby retaining the
object,
and each prong configured for releasing the retained object in a corresponding
cavity of the packaging upon the first valve being in the release
configuration,
thereby filling the packaging,
there is provided an improvement wherein the vacuum filling assembly further
comprises:
-a second valve positioned upstream of the first valve between the hose
and the suction supply;
-a third valve positioned between the first valve and the second valve and
fluidly connecting the suction supply and the hose to an external vent;
-a first controller controlling opening and closing of the second and third
valves, whereby, upon actuation of the first controller, the second valve
closes
and the third valve opens; and
-a second controller controlling opening and closing of at least the third
valve whereby, upon actuation of the second controller, the third valve opens
and
reduces a level of suction provided to the hose.
In some implementations, the second controller can also control opening
and closing of the second valve, for cases where the assembly is used to
manipulate smaller objects or pills. Indeed, in such scenarios, the pills are
sometimes so small that, even with a complete opening of the third venting
valve,
a plurality of small pills can remain retained by a common prong. In such
cases, it
can be useful to partially simultaneously close the second valve upon opening
of
the third vent valve, so that the second valve is opened to 80% of its maximum
opened configuration, for example.
In some implementations, for more effectiveness in control of the system
accomplished by the second controller, the second and third valves can be
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adjustable or proportional valves instead of On-Off valves. By actuating the
second controller, the third vent valve could open anywhere from 0% to 100%
and the second valve could close anywhere from 0% to 100%.
5
According to the present invention, there is also provided a vacuum filling
assembly for filling a packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects,
the
filling assembly comprising:
an end effector having a tip receiving suction from a suction supply;
and
a first valve operatively connected between the end effector and the
suction supply and manually operable between a retain configuration
wherein the first valve is in an open position and suction is supplied to the
tip of the end effector, and a release configuration wherein the valve is in a
closed position and the tip of the end effector is free of suction,
wherein the tip of the end effector is configured for applying suction to a
corresponding object upon the first valve being in the retain configuration,
thereby retaining the object, and the tip of the end effector is configured
for
releasing the retained object in a corresponding cavity of the packaging
upon the first valve being in the release configuration, thereby filling the
packaging,
there is provided an improvement wherein the vacuum filling assembly further
comprises:
-a second valve positioned upstream of the first valve between the end
effector and the suction supply;
-a third valve positioned between the first valve and the second valve and
fluidly connecting the suction supply and the end effector to an external
vent;
-a first controller controlling opening and closing of the second and third
valves, whereby, upon activation of the first controller, the second valve
closes and the third valve opens; and
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-a second controller controlling opening and closing of at least the third
valve whereby, upon activation of the second controller, the third valve
opens and reduces a level of suction provided to the end effector.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a method for
filling a
packaging having a plurality of cavities with objects, the method comprising
the
steps of:
a) supplying suction to at least one prong;
b) retaining at least one of the objects with the at least one prong via
suction;
c) if at least one prong retains more than one object, reducing a supply of
suction to the at least one prong;
d) placing the at least one prong and the retained at least one object over
a corresponding cavity of the packaging; and
e) releasing the at least one object into the corresponding cavity, thereby
filling the packaging.
According to the present invention, in a system for filling a packaging having
a
plurality of cavities with objects, comprising:
a container for receiving and containing the objects therein;
a suction supply for generating suction; and
a filling assembly comprising:
a handle;
a manifold mounted about the handle for receiving suction from the
suction supply;
a first valve operatively connected to the manifold and manually
operable between a retain configuration wherein the first valve is in an
open position and suction is supplied to the manifold, and a release
configuration wherein the first valve is in a closed position and the
manifold is free of suction; and
at least one prong in fluid engagement with the manifold and
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7
,
extending therefrom, each prong configured for applying suction to a
corresponding object upon the first valve being in the retain configuration,
thereby retaining the object, and each prong configured for releasing the
retained object in a corresponding cavity of the packaging upon the first
valve being in the release configuration, thereby filling the packaging,
there is provided an improvement wherein the filling assembly further
comprises:
-a second valve positioned upstream of the first valve between the
manifold and the suction source;
-a third valve positioned between the first valve and the second valve and
fluidly connecting the suction source and manifold to an external vent;
-a first controller controlling opening and closing of the second and third
valves, whereby, upon actuation of the first controller, the second valve
closes
and the third valve opens; and
-a second controller controlling opening and closing of the third valve
whereby, upon actuation of the second controller, the third valve opens and
reduces a level of suction provided to the manifold.
In some implementations, the second and third valves are fixed with
respect to the vacuum source in order to alleviate the weight of the filling
assembly and to facilitate manipulation thereof.
The components, advantages and other features of the invention will
become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description
of some optional configurations, given for the purpose of exemplification
only,
with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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Brief description of the drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing components of a system for filling a
package, including a filling assembly, according to an embodiment of the
present
invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 1, illustrating
a retaining of a plurality of pills.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 1, illustrating
a positioning of a plurality of pills over a container.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 1, illustrating
a releasing of a plurality of pills into a container upon actuation of a first
controller.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 1, illustrating
an adjustment of a first valve.
Figure 6 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 1, illustrating
a retaining of a plurality of pills, with some prongs retaining more than one
pill.
Figure 7 is a perspective view of the system shown in Figure 1, illustrating
a releasing of excess pills associated with a single prong upon actuation of a
second controller.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to
not
unduly burden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures
contain
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references to all the components and features, and references to some
components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and
features of the present invention illustrated in other figures can be easily
inferred
therefrom. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned
and/or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for
exemplification purposes only.
Furthermore, although the present invention may be used with various
objects, such as pills, for example, and as a result, is sometimes described
in the
context of the present invention as being use to fill a blister pack with
pills, it is
understood that it may be used with other objects, and to fill other types of
packaging. For this reason, expressions such as "pill", "medicine",
"pharmacist",
"prescription", "pharmacy", etc. as used herein should not be taken as to
limit the
scope of the present invention to the filling of blister packs and/or
medicinal pills
in particular. These expressions encompass all other kinds of materials,
objects
and/or purposes with which the present invention could be used and may be
useful, as can be easily understood.
Broadly described, the vacuum filling assembly 10, an example of which is
shown in Figure 1, is an article which, in some of its configurations,
enhances the
ability of a person to quickly and accurately fill a packaging 12 with objects
14.
Details on the basic operation and components of the vacuum filling assembly
can be found in CA2,843,074.
The filling assembly 10 can be any device, system, or mechanism whose
collection of parts allows a packaging 12 to be filled with objects 14. In
most
embodiments, but not necessarily all, the filling assembly 10 can be manually
manipulated by a hand of a user, such as a pharmacist. Alternatively, the
filling
assembly 10, its components, and/or its operation can be automated. The
filling
assembly 10 and its components can be made of any suitable material. In some
embodiments, the filling assembly 10 and its components are made of plastic,
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thereby advantageously reducing the weight of the filling assembly and
allowing it
to be more easily handled.
As will be further explained below, the filling assembly 10 may be held and
5 manipulated by a single hand of the user, thereby advantageously freeing
the
user's other hand to be used as desired. It may be desirable to fill the
packaging
12 for any number of reasons. For example, the packaging 12 could constitute a
supply of medicine for a patient, and it is thus desirable to fill the
packaging 12
with the prescribed medicine. In another example, it can be desirable to fill
a
10 packaging with perishable food objects and to seal the same so as to
preserve
the perishable food objects. In other embodiments of the present invention,
manipulation of the objects can be accomplished with a robotic system
It can thus be appreciated that the packaging can take any suitable shape
or configuration so as to respond to the different types of objects 14 and
purposes with which, and for which, the packaging 12 can be filled. The
packaging 12 has a plurality of cavities 16 for receiving the objects 14. In
the
optional embodiment shown in Figure 1, the packaging 12 is a blister pack, and
the objects 14 are pills. Since the purpose of such packaging 12 is to provide
medication to a patient, the packaging 12 has eight rows of cavities 16
corresponding to different days of the week, as well as four columns of
cavities
16. In another possible embodiment, the packaging 12 has seven rows of
cavities
16, corresponding to different days of the week, and four columns of cavities
16,
corresponding to the four intake times of a day (e.g. morning, noon, evening,
and
bedtime). Other configurations and shapes for the packaging 12 are possible.
The filling assembly 10 has a handle 18, an example of which is shown in
Figure 1. The handle 18 can be any part of the filling assembly 10 which can
be
easily and ergonomically held by one, or both, hands of the user of the
filling
assembly 10. The handle 18 can have grooves, textures, or other friction
enhancers so as to improve the grip of the user's hands.
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,
The filling assembly 10 also has a manifold 20, an example of which is
also shown in Figure 1. The manifold 20 receives the vacuum from a vacuum
supply, which is further described below, and supplies suction or vacuum to
the
plurality of prongs, as also explained below. As such, the manifold 20 can be
any
chamber, pipe, conduit, etc. having one or more intakes or exits used to
collect
and distribute a fluid, which is air in most embodiments. It can thus be
appreciated that the manifold 20 can have a different shape or configuration
than
the one shown in Figure 1. Moreover, in some implementations, the filling
assembly may not include a manifold at all as will be explained in more detail
below.
The manifold 20 is mounted about the handle 18 so as to receive suction.
The expression "mounted about" refers to the positioning of the manifold 20
with
respect to the handle 18 in that the manifold 20 can be mounted directly to,
or
adjacent with, the handle 18. In the example shown in Figure 1, the manifold
20
is mounted to the handle 18 and thus forms an extension of the handle 18. In
another possible configuration, the manifold 20 can be mounted to the handle
18
and extend vertically downward therefrom. In yet another possible
configuration,
an example of which is shown in Figure 2, the manifold 20 can be mounted to
the
handle 18 such that they are integral with one another ¨ i.e. the handle 18
forms
the exterior surface of the manifold 20. It will thus be appreciated that many
different configurations of the manifold 20 being mounted to the handle 18 are
possible.
The manifold 20 receives suction. The term "suction" refers to the force
acting upon the objects 14 due to the pressure difference between the interior
of
the manifold 20 and the surrounding environment. For example, in most
embodiments, the vacuum supply will cause the manifold 20 to have a lower
pressure than atmosphere. This will cause air to be drawn into the manifold
20,
thereby producing the suction, or force, which retains the objects 14 against
the
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prongs, as further explained below. The manifold 20 may thus form a closed or
sealed connection with the vacuum supply so as to advantageously improve the
suction applied to the objects 14.
The filling assembly 10 also includes a first valve 30, an example of which
is shown in Figure 1. The valve 30 is operatively connected to the manifold 20
such that it can control the suction received and supplied by the manifold 20,
thereby advantageously allowing the user to control the retention and release
of
the objects 14. The expression "operatively connected" refers to the link
between
the valve 30 and the manifold 20 such that the manipulation or movement of the
valve 30 affects the suction received and supplied by the manifold 20. In most
embodiments, but not necessarily all, the valve 30 is connected to the
manifold
so that only one of the user's hands is required to manipulate it. This
advantageously frees up the other of the user's hands to perform other tasks.
This link between the valve 30 and the manifold 20 can therefore take
many different forms and configurations. In the example shown in Figure 1, the
valve 30 is rotatably mounted between the handle 18 and the manifold 20 such
that the rotation of the valve 30 prevents or allows the suction to be
received in
the manifold 20. In the example shown in Figure 2, the valve 30 can be mounted
directly to the manifold 20 and manipulated to affect the suction supplied to
the
prongs. In some embodiments, the valve 30 can be operatively connected to the
manifold 20 so that it can be manipulated by one of the user's hands.
The valve 30 can be operated between two configurations: a retain
configuration and a release configuration. In the retain configuration, the
valve 30
is in an open position and the suction is supplied to the manifold 20, and
thus to
the prongs. The expression "open position" refers to the orientation of the
valve
and/or one of its components such that the suction can be transmitted to, and
30
received in, the manifold 20. In the release configuration, the valve 30 is in
a
closed position and the manifold 20 does not receive any suction. The
expression
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"closed position" refers to the orientation of the valve 30 and/or one of its
components such that the suction is no longer received in the manifold 20, and
thus no longer acts on the objects 14. In some embodiments, the force acting
on
the objects 14 can be varied by operating the valve 30 between the open and
closed positions, thereby advantageously allowing the user to adjust the
suction
as required.
The filing assembly 10 also includes a plurality of prongs 40, examples of
which are also shown in Figure 1. The prongs 40 interact with the objects 14
so
as to retain them, and so as to release them into the cavities 16 of the
packaging
12. One or all of the prongs 40 applies the suction supplied from the manifold
20
to one or more objects 14, and holds these objects 14 until the manifold no
longer applies sufficient suction to continue retaining these objects 14. As
such,
the prongs 40 can be of any suitable shape or configuration so as to
accomplish
such functionality.
The operation of each prong 40 may be as follows. When the valve 30 is
in the retain configuration (i.e. the valve 30 is in the open position), fluid
is drawn
through the body of the prong 40 and into the manifold 20, thereby generating
suction. The prong 40 can therefore apply the suction to a corresponding
object
14, thereby retaining the object 14. When the valve 30 is in the release
configuration (i.e. the valve is in the closed position), fluid is prevented
from being
drawn through the body of the prong 40 and into the manifold 20, and suction
cannot therefore be produced. The object 14 which was being retained by the
prong 40 can therefore be released into a cavity 16 of the packaging 12,
thereby
filling the packaging 12. The object 14 can also be released by the prong 40
when the suction applied to the object 14 is not sufficient to retain it
against the
prong 40.
In some implementations, as mentioned above, the filling assembly may
not include a manifold at all. In such embodiments, each prong could be
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connected to an individual vacuum tube or hose, each vacuum hose being
connected to the vacuum supply. Different valves and controllers can then be
associated with each hose. In such an assembly, the vacuum supply can be cut
to individual hoses if the hoses are required fora particular filling
operation.
Moreover, this ensures a reduction in the weight of the components being
manipulated by a user as the valve assemblies are located proximate the
vacuum supply or pump. A computerized control system can then individually
control, open or cloase specific hose lines of the filling assembly. In other
implementations, the computerized control system can also illuminate target
locations where the objects to be manipulated are to be retrieved and/or
placed
in its eventual final packaging, such as specific cells or cavities in blister
packaging for example.
In some embodiments, the prongs 40 are mounted to the manifold 20 and
spaced apart from one another so that each prong 40 can release the object 14
it
retains directly into a corresponding cavity 16 of the packaging 12 when the
valve
30 is in the release configuration. This configuration is shown in Figure 1.
As can
be seen, eight prongs 40 are mounted to the manifold 20, and spaced from each
other such that each prong 40 can release its retained object 14 into a
corresponding one of the seven rows of cavities 16. It will be appreciated
that the
number of prongs 40 in fluid engagement with the manifold 20 can be more or
less than seven. Indeed, there may be at least two prongs 40 so as to create
packaging 12 or blister packs for shorter durations (e.g. 2, 3, or 4 days).
The
prongs 40 can also be spaced equidistantly from one another when mounted to
the manifold 20. Such a mounting of the prongs 40 may advantageously better
help in distributing the suction supplied by the manifold 20 among the
multiple
prongs 40. In robotic applications using the filling assembly, a single end
effector
element, with the vacuum supply connected to its tip, can be used instead of
an
assembly with multiple prongs.
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To facilitate releasing of retained objects, the valve assembly further
includes a secondary series of valves. A second valve 32 is positioned
upstream
of the first valve 30 between the manifold 20 and the suction source. A third
valve
34 is positioned between the first valve 30 and the second valve 32 and
fluidly
5 connects the suction source 22 and manifold 20 to an external vent 36. A
first
controller 42 controls opening and closing of the second 32 and third 34
valves,
whereby, upon actuation of the first controller 42, the second valve 32 closes
and
the third valve 34 opens immediately or preferably a period of time after
closure
of second valve 32. Hence, by actuating the controller 42, the user can more
10 easily release the objects into the container, instead of adjusting the
first valve
30. The sequencing in the opening and closing of the second 32 and third 34
valves helps avoid producing an air flow noise through the external vent 36.
Upon
release of the first controller 42, the third valve 34 closes and the second
32
valve opens immediately after or preferably a period of time after closure of
the
15 third valve to return to their initial configuration.
A second controller 44 is provided to control opening and closing of the
third valve 34 whereby, upon actuation of the second controller 44, the third
valve
34 opens and reduces a level of suction provided to the manifold. As shown in
Figures 6 and 7, this temporary adjustment of the third valve 34 helps release
any excess objects 14e that are retained by a single prong 40 through a
reduction of the level of suction present in the prong 40. Therefore, a single
object 14 can be manipulated with a single prong 40, and mistakenly retaining
multiple objects with a single prong can be avoided. In some scenarios, when
manipulating smaller objects, the level of suction can be reduced by
positioning
the first valve 30 between its retain and release configurations, as shown in
Figure 5, to lower the amount of suction provided through the prongs and
minimize the amount of excess objects being retained by the prongs 40.
In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 1, the second and third valves
32,34 are separate two-way valves.
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In other embodiments, the second and third valves can be integrated into
a single three-way valve.
In some embodiments, the period of time between closure of the second
valve and opening of the third valve after actuation of the first controller
is about
0.5 seconds.
In some embodiments, the valve assembly can further include a relief
valve fluidly connected to the suction source for protecting the manifold
against
extreme pressure gradients.
In some embodiments, a protective cover 48 can be provided for covering
connections between the first and second controllers and the second and third
valves on at least one of the handle and the manifold.
In some embodiments, suction cups can be positioned at extremities of
the prongs to facilitate retention of objections in the retain configuration.
In some embodiments, quick connectors can be used to quickly connect
the manifold, the suction source and/or any wiring between the controllers and
the valves.
According to another aspect, there is provided a system 50 for filling the
cavities 16 of a packaging 12 with objects 14, an example of which is shown in
Figure 2. The system 50 can be supplied as a kit or assembly of the components
described herein to the user and put together on site.
The system 50 has a container 52, which can take any suitable shape or
form, and which can be made of any suitable material (e.g. plastics, metals,
etc.).
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The container 52 receives and contains the objects 14 which are intended to
fill
the cavities 16 of the packaging. The prongs 40 of the filling assembly 10 can
thus retrieve and retain the objects 14 from the container 52. The system 50
also
has a vacuum supply 54. The vacuum supply 22 can be any suitable pump,
generator, or motor in fluid engagement with the fluid assembly 10 so as to
draw
fluid (e.g. air) from the fluid assembly 10 so as to generate the suction
required to
retain the objects 14. The system 50 also has at least one filling assembly
10,
such as the one described above.
In some embodiments, the system 50 includes one or more filling
assemblies 10, each one of which is in fluid engagement with the vacuum supply
22. This embodiment can advantageously allow one operation, such as a
pharmacy, to provide each of its users (e.g. pharmacists) with their own
filling
assembly 10, thereby advantageously increasing their efficiency. It can thus
be
appreciated that the system 50 can be portable so as to set up wherever
required
(e.g. field hospital, pharmacy, indoors, outdoors, etc.).
According to another aspect, and referring to Figures 1 to 7, there is
provided a method for filling the cavities 16 of the packaging 12 with objects
14.
The method includes the step of supplying suction to one or more prongs
40. The suction can be supplied by activating a vacuum supply 22, as explained
above, which draws air through the prongs 40, thereby creating the suction.
The method also includes the step of retaining at least one of the objects
14 with one or more prongs 40 via suction. This step may be performed when the
user, a pharmacist for example, receives the prescription from the patient. In
order to fill the prescription, the pharmacist can supply the suction to the
prongs
40 so that they retain the objects 14 (e.g. pills) with the prongs 40. If at
least one
prong 40 retains more than one object 14, reducing a supply of suction to the
at
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least one prong will help release any excess object 14e associated with a
single
prong, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.
The method also includes the step of placing the one or more prongs 40,
with the objects 14 being retained by them, over the cavities 16 of the
packaging
12. Continuing with the example of a pharmacist user, once she has retained
the
objects 14 via suction, she can release or deposit them in the cavities 16 of
the
blister pack, for example. This is achieved by placing the prongs 40 over the
corresponding cavities 16.
The method also includes the step of releasing the one or more objects 14
into the cavities 16 of the packaging 12, thereby filling the packaging 12.
The
releasing of the objects 14 from the prongs 40 can be performed using
different
techniques. In some embodiments, the user can stop the supply of suction to
the
one or more prongs 40, thereby causing the objects 14 to fall into the
cavities 16
via gravity. However, in some cases, the objects 14 may not fall in such a
manner. In some embodiments, the user can impart a force to the objects 14 so
that they are removed from the prongs 40 and fall into the cavities 16. In
other
embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the releasing step includes stopping
the supply of suction to the at least one prong and providing venting to the
at
least one prong after stopping the supply of suction, through the actuation of
the
controllers described above.
In light of the preceding, it can be appreciated that the present invention
can provide advantages in that, by virtue of its design and components, the
filling
assembly 10, system 50, and method may provide a simple, manually-operable,
and affordable technique for assisting users, such as pharmacists, to better
fill
packaging with the objects. In so doing, the present invention helps to reduce
the
complexity and difficulty associated with filling a prescription, for example,
further
improving the efficiency of its users.
CA 02865140 2014-09-24
19
Moreover, the handle 18 provides an ergonomic and easy to grip surface
for holding the filling assembly 10 both before and during its operation. The
manifold 20 may also allow for more efficient generation and distribution of
the
suction produced by the vacuum supply 22.
Furthermore, the valves 30, 32 and 34 allow for a relatively simple and
easy control of the suction provided to the prongs 40, and can be relatively
easily
manipulated by only one of the user's hands. This manipulability
advantageously
may allow the user to more easily retain and release the objects 14.
In addition, the prongs 40 allow for many objects 14, and many different
types of objects 14, to be retained in a single pass. Such efficiency may
allow a
user to fill more packages per unit of time, thereby increasing her
efficiency.
In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 to
7, an adapter 60 may be added to the system in order to retain smaller objects
that are not easily retained through the plurality of prongs 40. The adapter
includes a plurality of secondary prongs 62 that are shaped and sized to be
removably connectable to the extremities 64 of the plurality of prongs 40 of
the
filling assembly 10, thus creating an additional fluid connection therewith.
The
outlets at the extremities of the secondary prongs 62 are therefore smaller in
size
than the outlets of the extremities 64 of the prongs of the filling assembly.
As better shown in Figure 3, in an optional embodiment of the present
invention, the adapter 60 can further comprise connecting members 66 for
removable connection of the adapter to necks 68 of the prongs 40 of the
filling
assembly 10. In Figure 3, the connecting members 66 are ring elements, but any
other equivalent type of connector may be used.
Hence, the above-described adapter can be used when the prongs of the
filling assembly are designed to retain standard-sized pills for example but
then
CA 02865140 2014-09-24
the user wishes to use the assembly with smaller-sized pills. The adapter can
thus be easily installed and removed when manipulating differently sized
pills.
In other implementations of the present invention, a robotic system can be
5 used with the filling assembly. The robotic system uses an end effector
having a
tip connected to the vacuum supply. The robotic system can use a camera or
vision system to locate the objects to be manipulated and can displace, pick
and
place the objects in a rapid manner. The camera or vision system can also be
used to determine the size of the objects being manipulated and to activate,
if
10 required, the second controller of the filling assembly to remove any
excess
objects being retained by the tip of the end effector. As mentioned above,
adjustable valves can be preferably used, with opening/closing adjusted as a
function of the size of the objects being manipulated by the robotic system to
ensure that the end effector picks a single object at a time and does not
15 inadvertently drop the single object it is manipulating.
Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in
the
appended claims.
