System for labeling a medicine container with a folded label

ES 2 342 012 T3

DESCRIPTION

System for labeling a medicine container with a folded label.

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a labeling system and, in particular, the present invention relates to a method and a system for labeling drug containers using a label that is small in size.

Background of Related Art

In postal service pharmacies and large retail pharmacies, a large volume of prescription drugs are dispensed. For such services the use of an automatic pill dispensing system is known to automatically carry out, quickly, the dispensing of prescription drugs and labeling of the pill containers, which can then be provided to the patient for treatment. that the recipes were filled.

US Patent No. 6,413,345 (Treleaven) discloses a method of forming a label to display information, which includes providing a release liner with a top surface. Figure 1, corresponding to the prior art, illustrates the label 10, which includes the leaflet 11 and the laminated cover 50. The label 10 extends from the front edge 94 to the rear edge 92. Label 10 is releasably attached to release liner 12 by an adhesive layer patch 70 and an adhesive layer portion 52A. Both adhesive layer 70 and adhesive layer 52A remain with label 10 when removed from release liner 12, and serve to secure label 10 to a container. Between the adhesive layer 70 and the adhesive layer 52A is defined an adhesive-free area or space 90 extending the width of the label. The presence of the gap 90 facilitates the application of the label to round containers.

Label 10 includes an easy-open strip 60 and climbing lines 58 and 64 that facilitate access to and detachment of the various panels of the leaflet 11. Leaflet 11 includes a bottom panel 20, a top panel 30, a first interior panel 40, and additional interior panels 42. The upper panel 30 and the lower panel 20 are joined by the fold 66. The upper panel 30 and the first inner panel 40 are joined by the fold 65. The fold 66 forms a leading edge of the leaflet. Top panel 30 includes spaced parallel climbing lines 35A and 35B formed therein. Climb line 64 is formed along crease 65 (as shown) or, alternatively, in crease 65 adjacent to panel 40.

Top panel 30 includes edge portion 32, which extends between fold 66 and adjacent edge 68 of inner panel 40. Bottom panel 20 includes edge portion 22, which extends between fold 66 and adjacent edge 168. The lower panel 20 further includes the flange 24, extended towards the margin, which extends outwardly beyond the upper panel 30. An indication of suitable title 33 is printed on the upper surface of the upper panel 30. Preferably, the edge-extended flange 24 extends at least 12.7mm beyond the longest of the top and inner panels, and more preferably from 12.7 to 15.9mm. Indications 127 such as "EXPIRY:" and "LOT:" appear on the upper surface of the flange 24 extended towards the margin. Disposed on the upper surface of the lower panel 20 are indicia 23, preferably substantially identical to indicia 33.

On the panels 40, 42 other suitable indications 43 are printed, for example instructions and warnings.

European patent application EP 0 974 524 (The Procter and Gamble Company) deals with a labeled container provided with an outer surface, comprising a label that is adhered with liquid glue on a portion of said outer surface, said container having a substantially polygonal section, the container being characterized in that said label covers at least two adjacent faces of said container. An appropriate method for labeling a container such as such a label is also disclosed.

US Patent No. 6,511,569 (Nixon et al.) Discloses an apparatus for the folding and chain gluing of a self-adhesive label to an article, the label having a fold line running through it defining a folding portion. and a cover portion of the label. As illustrated in Figure 2, corresponding to the prior art, the apparatus 100 includes a printing station 110, a label transfer rack 120, a folding station 140, first, second and third nozzles 150, 155, 158 , respectively, air jet, and a gluing station 160.

The label transfer rack 120 includes an inner row 121 of rollers 121a and an outer row 122 of rollers 122a, wherein the rollers 122a of the outer row 122 are spaced from rollers 121a of the inner row 121 a sufficient distance to grip. including the fold label and for transporting the fold label from the printing station 110 to the transfer station 160 following a generally upwardly curved path.

Transfer grid 120 includes a first end 126A, located adjacent to print station 110, and a second end 120B, located adjacent to glue station 160. Generally, the transfer grid 120 carries the label from the print station 110, from which the label typically exits in orientation.

ES 2 342 012 T3 horizontal, up to the sticking station 160, in which the label is in a vertical orientation to be glued to the surface 131 of the vertical side wall of the container 130. Then, the transfer grid 120 includes a bend generally upwardly curved whereby the flexible label transitions from a horizontal orientation to a vertical orientation to be affixed to the container 130. However, the orientation of the label need not be altered by a bend in the transfer grid 120, and the label may be in any suitable orientation to adhere to the container 130 as it exits the grid 120. For example, if the surface 131 of container 130 is horizontal, the label should exit the grid 120 in a suitable orientation to be affixed to the horizontal surface of container 130.

The outer row 122 of rollers 122a includes an aperture 123 which is defined as the absence of one or more rollers in the outer row 122. Alternatively, the aperture 123 may be defined by the gap between two consecutively spaced rollers 122a in the row. outside 122, wherein the gap between two consecutively spaced rollers 122a is sufficient to allow the label to pass between them.

The remaining rollers 122a are spaced apart for the label to pass through and to transport the label on the grid 120.

The opening 123 is dimensioned to allow the front edge 123, this being, in the preferred embodiment, the foldable portion 122 of the folded label, to pass out from the interior of the grid 120, through the opening 123 and into the fold station 140 as the label is conveyed up the generally upwardly curved bend of grid 120. The third air jet nozzle 158 is located adjacent to the inner row 121 of rollers 121a and is directed toward the outer row 122 of rollers 122a to blow a jet of pressurized air through the grid 120, as shown in general by reference number 159.

The jet 159 of air forces the front edge 123 of the folding portion 122 of the label to pass through the opening 123, to project from the interior of the grid 120 outward, on the way to the folding station 140.

A conventional timing control circuit, such as a programmable logic controller, is provided with sensors and valves to signal the jet 159 of air to force the front edge 123 of the collapsible portion 122 of the label through the opening 123. Alternatively, the rollers 121a, 122a may be driven by one or more stepper motors, in which case the air jet 159 may be controlled with reference to the motion of the stepper motor (and, as such, by the location of the stepper motor). label on grid 120), rather than by the programmable timer controller. Yet another alternative is that the air jet 159 may be a continuous jet of pressurized air emitted from the air jet nozzle 158.

As the rack 120 conveys the label toward the second end thereof, the forward travel of the label by rollers 121a, 122a is temporarily deflected through aperture 123 toward folding station 140. Next, movement of the label forward through the rack 120 advances the collapsible portion 122 of the rack further out of the rack 120.

Neither the Treleaven reference nor the Nixon et al. they relate, for example, to or disclose a method or system for reducing the size of a label for the patient and for gluing the label directly to an article.

Furthermore, neither the Treleaven reference nor the Nixon et al. they refer, for example, to a container for a medicine in which the label need not be self-adhesive. What is desired is, for example, a method and system for rolling up a patient label, fixing the patient label in the rolled position, and gluing the patient label to a drug using an adhesive. The present invention, as described below, provides this, as well as other optimal features and / or functionalities.

Summary of the invention

It is the object of the present invention to provide a system for labeling a container as defined in claim 1.

It is an optional feature and advantage of the present invention to allow a patient to unroll the patient label while the patient label remains attached to the medication container to read the information printed on the patient label.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction or the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings.

The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be construed as limiting.

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Thus, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception on which this disclosure is based can easily be used as the basis for the design of other structures, other procedures, and other systems to accomplish the various purposes of the present invention. Therefore, it is important that the claims be considered to include such equivalent constructions insofar as they fall within the system defined by the claims.

These, together with other objects of the invention, in addition to various novel features that characterize the invention, are pointed out in particular in the claims appended to and forming part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operational advantages, and the specific objects achieved by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive material in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 illustrates a label according to the prior art;

Figure 2 illustrates an article labeling system according to the prior art;

Figure 3A illustrates an isometric view of an automated labeling system of the present invention;

Figure 3B illustrates a reverse isometric view of the automated labeling system of the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates an elevation of the automated labeling system of the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the automated labeling system of the present invention;

Figure 6A illustrates a right side view of the automated labeling system of the present invention;

Figure 6B illustrates a left side view of the automated labeling system of the present invention;

Figure 7 illustrates an apparatus for folding a label;

Figure 8 illustrates an instrument for reducing a label;

Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the instrument for reducing the label;

Figure 10 illustrates a label folding instrument;

Figure 11 illustrates a mechanism for peeling a label from a label folding instrument;

Figure 12 illustrates a spring loaded shuttle block;

Figures 13A, 13B and 13C illustrate a hot glue gun;

Figure 14 illustrates a label;

Figures 15A, 15B and 15C illustrate various layouts of hot-dip adhesive;

Figure 16 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for automated labeling of a drug container;

Figure 17 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for verifying a correlation between the label and a container of a particular drug;

Figure 18 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for further verification of a correlation between the label and a container of a particular drug;

Figure 19 is a flow chart illustrating a procedure for rejecting a faulty tag;

Figure 20 is an illustration of a computer used to implement computer processing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention implemented by computers;

Figure 21 illustrates a block diagram of the internal physical components of a computer; and Figure 22 illustrates a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of a computer used to implement computer processing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention implemented by computers.

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Description of the preferred embodiments

In the following, reference will be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention.

Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate, upon reading the present specification and contemplating the present drawings, that various modifications and variations can be made.

For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in other embodiments to produce yet another embodiment. Furthermore, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not yet mentioned that carry out the same or similar functions. Therefore, such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Figures 3-6 illustrate an automated labeling system ("SEA"), generally designated 200. The SEA 200 includes, for example: the printer 202; label scanner 204; vacuum platen assembly 206; label folding instrument 210; the first label folding wheels 208; spindle drive assembly 212; track 214 of the shuttle block; shuttle block 216; label rejection mechanism 218; set 220 for rejected labels; folded label scanner 228; transfer adhesive feeder 246; main board assembly 240; T-brackets 241; and the printer mount 243. The main components of the SEA 200 are mounted on the main board assembly 240 and supported on the printer mount 243 using, for example, four T-brackets 241. The operation of the SEA 200 is controlled by a system controller ( not shown), for example a standard programmable logic controller ("CLP").

Printer 202 prints a label 201 (as seen in Figure 3B). During operation of the SEA 200, the printer 202 rotates 90 ° from the position shown in Figures 3-6, such that the printer 202 label opening is adjacent to the vacuum platen assembly 206 ( "CPV"). Label scanner 204 scans a barcode printed on label 201 to identify a particular drug for which label 201 is intended. The system controller uses the barcode on the tag 201 to reference a file and / or a database that stores information identifying drug containers and their appropriate labels. By scanning the barcode on the tag 201, the system controller can identify for which drug container the tag 201 is intended.

Next, the label 201 is supplied to the CPV 206. The CPV 206 includes, for example: the upper guide 268 of the CPV; wheels 269 for holding the label (Figures 3A, 6A and 6B); the top 270 of the vacuum platen and the second folding wheel 244 of the label. Printer 202 prints the entirety of label 201. After printing is complete, label 201 is supplied to CPV 206 until label 201 rests on top 270 of the vacuum platen and a first end of label 201 is positioned on bending instrument 210. labels. The label 201 may be, for example, 305mm in length, and the top 270 of the vacuum platen provides guidance to the label 201 the entire length it exits the printer 202.

The top 270 of the vacuum platen has a plurality of vacuum ports 271 (see Figure 7) connected by a plurality of vacuum enclosures (not shown) through which a vacuum can optionally be applied to the label 201 when the label 201 is above the top 270 of the vacuum platen. The vacuum is applied to allow the label folding or shrinking instrument 210 to clamp the label 201 before folding or otherwise reducing the size of the label 201. The vacuum also provides tension to the label 201 during the folding operation to help to ensure that the label 201 is held in a precise position above the label folding instrument 210 during the folding operation. The label holding wheels 269 hold the label 201 against the vacuum holes 271 in the top 270 of the vacuum platen that are closest to the label folding instrument 210. The label holding wheels 269 provide additional support to maintain the proper position of the label 201 as it passes over the top 270 of the vacuum platen and during the folding operation.

A transfer adhesive is applied to label 201 to maintain label 201 in a folded orientation. The transfer adhesive is applied to the label 201 using a transfer adhesive feeder 246 ("AAT"). The AAT 246 includes, for example: pneumatic transfer adhesive cylinder 247; tape feeder backplate 248; tape application instrument 250; the transferor 252 of the tape; idler roll 255 from the encoder and puller 254 from the tape. The tape release 252 is a cube into which a continuous roll of transfer adhesive tape is placed. Belt donor 252 includes idler 253, brake bar 259, and belt donor retainer 261. A complete reel of a reel of adhesive transfer tape is attached to the tape feeder backplate 248 using the tape release retainer 261. The tape stripper 254 is a collecting hub for continuous tape of transfer adhesive while in use. The tape remover 254 includes the transfer adhesive servo motor 257 and a tape remover retainer 263. A take-out spool for a transfer adhesive holder is attached to the tape feeder backplate 248 using the tape take-out retainer 263.

The continuous tape of transfer adhesive is placed on the first idler 253, which is attached to the brake bar 259. As the continuous tape exits the spool, the first idler 253 moves slightly

ES 2 342 012 T3 due to the tension of the tape, which releases the brake bar 259, thus allowing the continuous tape reel to unwind. Upon receiving a control signal from the SEA (not shown), the transfer adhesive servo motor 257 advances the take-up spool over the tape remover retainer 263, thereby pulling the continuous tape toward the take-up spool over the retainer. 263 from the tape extractor.

Encoder idler 255 is connected to an encoder (not shown). The encoder measures how much tape has been dispensed, for example approximately 12.7mm of tape is dispensed per label. The encoder sends a signal to the SEA controller that the appropriate amount of tape has been dispensed, and the SEA controller in turn commands the transfer adhesive servo motor 257, for example, to stop.

The transfer adhesive is applied to the label 201, for example, during the label folding / shrinking operation. In alternative embodiments, the transfer adhesive may be applied to the label 201 prior to, or subsequent to, the folding / shrinking operation of the label. The instrument

210 The label fold is rotated several degrees, thus wrapping the label 201, or otherwise reducing its size, until the desired location of the label 201 for the transfer adhesive is substantially directly below the tape application instrument 250. . The tape feeder backplate 248 rotates at the pivot point 249, thereby lowering the tape application instrument 250 against the label 201. The tape feeder backplate 248 rotates using the pneumatic cylinder 247. The rotary movement presses a portion of the transfer adhesive onto the label 201. The pneumatic cylinder 247 is then retracted to pull the continuous tape of the transfer adhesive, away from tag 201. The continuous tape is threaded through a rubber foot (not shown) which is used to press the continuous tape against the label 201 such that the transfer adhesive resides entirely within the confines of the label 201. The rubber foot Provides cushion and prevents damage to label 201: The dimensions of the rubber foot, for example 0.0127m by 0.0159m, optionally determine the area of ​​label 201 that is covered with the transfer adhesive.

In an alternative embodiment, the transfer adhesive may be applied such that a portion of the transfer adhesive protrudes from the edge of the label 201. In this situation, only a portion of the transfer adhesive residing on the surface of the label is used. label 201 to hold label 201 in a folded orientation.

The protruding portion of the transfer adhesive can be wrapped so that it is attached to an outer side of the folded label 201.

The vacuum, which is applied, for example, through vacuum holes 271 in the top 270 of the vacuum platen, holds the label 201 in place while the tape application instrument 250 is raised to peel off the transfer adhesive from its support on the continuous tape of the transfer adhesive. Once the holder is removed, the top 270 of the vacuum platen continues to hold the label 201 in place and provide tension, while the remainder of the label 201 is folded on the label folding instrument 210, as shown. described in more detail below.

Figure 8 illustrates a more detailed view of label folding instrument 210 and spindle drive assembly 212. Spindle drive assembly 212 includes, for example: spindle servo motor 256 and spindle block 258. Label folding instrument 210 is connected to spindle block 258 using shaft 260 of the label folding instrument. Figure 9 illustrates a cutaway side view of spindle drive assembly 212. The timing belt 262 is connected to the spindle servo motor 256 using the first timing belt pulley 266, which is, for example, a 32 tooth pulley. The timing belt 262 is also connected to a shaft 260 of the label folding instrument using the second timing belt pulley 264, which is, for example, a 60 tooth pulley. The spindle servo motor 256 drives the first timing belt pulley 266, which causes the timing belt 262 to move. In turn, the timing belt 262 moves the second timing belt pulley 264, which causes the shaft 260 of the label folding instrument to rotate, thus allowing the label folding instrument 210 to rotate. In one embodiment, the label 201 surrounds the label folding instrument 210 during the folding operation. Alternatively, other standard label reduction operations may be used.

During the folding operation, the first label folding wheels 208 are positioned to abut the label folding instrument 210. The label 201 passes between the label folding instrument 210 and the first label folding wheels 208 as the label folding instrument 210 rotates, causing the label 201 to fold along the folding edges 203 (see Figure 8). . The first label folding wheels 208 also apply pressure to the label 201 to cause the transfer adhesive to set and thus maintain the label 201 in a folded orientation. As illustrated in Figure 3A, the first label folding wheels 208 are held in position by the folding wheel holder 209, which is mounted on the main plate assembly 240. Figure 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the first label folding wheels 208 are held in position by the folding wheel support 211. In this embodiment, the support

211 of the folding wheels is mounted directly on the upper guide 268 of the CPV.

Figure 10 illustrates the label folding instrument 210 in greater detail. The label folding instrument 210 has a plurality of vacuum holes 225. Vacuum holes 225 secure label 201 to label folding instrument 210. When label 201 exits printer 202, vacuum is applied through both the

ES 2 342 012 T3 vacuum holes 271 in the upper part 270 of the vacuum platen as well as the vacuum holes 225 of the label folding instrument 210. The upper part 270 of the vacuum platen is divided into two chambers, such that one chamber contains a group of holes, for example half of the vacuum holes 271, furthest from the label folding instrument 210, i.e. , closer to printer 202, and the second chamber contains a group of holes closer to label folding instrument 210. Of course, different arrangements of such cameras are possible. The vacuum applied via the set of vacuum holes 271 furthest from the label folding instrument 210 is used to secure the label 201 to the surface of the top 270 of the vacuum platen during, for example, the application of the adhesive. transfer to the label 201. Once the transfer adhesive is applied, the applied vacuum is deactivated by this additional set of vacuum holes 271.

In an alternative embodiment, the transfer adhesive is not applied such that the label 201 is unrollable from the folded orientation, allowing a patient or consumer to view any information that may be printed on a surface of the label 201. that is obscured by the bent orientation.

In another alternative embodiment, instead of the label 201 being folded by the label folding instrument 210, a conventional machine can be used to fold the label 201 so that the label 201 is manipulated into a flag orientation, thus reducing the size of the tag 201. In this flag orientation, the tag 201 may be attached to the drug container at one or both ends of the tag 201, as described in more detail below.

After the folding operation is complete, the label 201 is removed from the label folding instrument 210.

Figure 11 illustrates a mechanism by which label 201 can be peeled off label folding instrument 210.

The label folding instrument 210 has claws 219 to release tension on the labels. The tension release claws 219 are alternately held in an open or closed position by the tension release claw springs 221 and the label release cam rollers 213.

While the label 201 is on the label folding instrument 210, the tension release nails 219 absorb any lack of tension in the label 201 and ensure that the label 201 is tightly wrapped around the folding instrument 210. of labels. The tension release claws 219 are held in the open position by the tension release claw springs 221.

The tension release claw springs 221 are connected to the stress release claw release tabs 223. Springs 221, for example, are tension springs, so force is required to cause springs 221 to extend. By retracting and thus applying pressure to the release tabs 223, the springs 221 cause the release tabs 223 to move around the pivot point 227 and to move the claws 219 to release the tension of the labels to the open position. .

Label folding instrument 210 and spindle servo motor 256 are mounted on an air cylinder (not shown) that can be raised and lowered. The label folding instrument 210 is raised to an upper position when it receives the label 210 from the top 270 of the vacuum platen and during the folding operation. After the folding operation is complete, the label folding instrument 210 is lowered, for example approximately 0.0381 m, thus contacted the cam rollers 213 for label release. The label folding instrument 210 may also optionally be rotated 180 ° to ensure that the entire label 201 is wrapped around the label folding instrument 210. The cam rollers 213 press against the pawls 219 to release the tension of the labels at a location behind the label 201. This causes the pawls 219 to release the tension of the labels to move to the closed position and causes a lack of tightness in the tag 201. In an alternative embodiment, an actuator device, for example a cylinder, may be used to press against the pawls 219 to release tension on the tags.

Label 201 is removed from label folding instrument 210 with shuttle block 216. Figure 12 illustrates shuttle block 216 in greater detail. The shuttle block 216 includes, for example: the vacuum cushion 217; the label rejection piercing pin receivers 231 and the spring loaded ridge 274. After the folding operation is completed, the label folding instrument 210 is lowered onto the shuttle block 216 by the air cylinder. The vacuum pad 217 uses a vacuum to hold the label 201 in place on the surface of the shuttle block 216 while the label 201 is withdrawn from the label folding instrument 210 and while the shuttle block 216 is in transit, as described. below in more detail.

The spring loaded ridge 274 is urged against the underside of the label folding instrument 210, the trailing edge of the label 201 being immediately within the spring loaded ridge 274. Optionally, an adjustable cylindrical stop (not shown) is used to limit downward movement label folding instrument 210 so that label folding instrument 210 does not press label 201 too firmly against shuttle block 216. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum pad 217, attaching the tag 210 to the surface of the shuttle block 216. As the shuttle block 216 begins to move, the spring-loaded ridge pulls

ES 2 342 012 T3 the label 201, removing it from the label folding instrument 210, aided by the vacuum applied to the vacuum pad 217.

After being removed from the label folding instrument 210, the label 201 is transported from the label folding instrument 210 by the shuttle block 216 on the track 214 of the shuttle block. As seen in Figure 3A, shuttle block 216 travels horizontally along shuttle block track 214 from label folding instrument 210 to label reject mechanism 218. The igus 215 chain has a hollow interior within which are contained a vacuum line and sensor cables (not shown) leading to the shuttle block 216 during the movement of the shuttle block 216. The igus chain 215 is attached to the shuttle block 216 at a first end and is attached to a stationary position at a second end, for example spindle block 242. The second end slides back and forth along the stationary position, while remaining fixed to the shuttle block 216 at the first end.

Once the shuttle block 216 picks up the label 201 from the label folding instrument 210, it passes under an optional second label folding wheel 244. The second label folding wheel 244, which is, for example, part of the CPV 206, further folds the edges 203 of the label 201 as the label 201 passes under the second label folding wheel 244. The second label folding wheel 244 can be used in a pair, although only one is illustrated in Figure 3A, so that a single wheel folds each side of the label 201. In addition, the second label folding wheel 244 can be positioned at any point along the shuttle block path 214, for example midway between the label folding instrument 210 and a hot melt glue application apparatus. A ski or a pair of skis may be used in the case of two second folding wheels to guide the label 201 under the second label folding wheel 244. Subsequent to the second fold of the tag 201, at some further point along the path of the shuttle block 216, hot glue is added to the tag 201, as will be described in more detail below.

The SEA 200 also optionally allows the label 201 to be rejected prior to being affixed to a container of a medication. There are a number of reasons why tag 201 can be rejected. For example, the label 201 may be rejected if the barcode printed on the label 201 was not read by the label scanner 204 after the label 201 was printed, if the scanner 204 was unable to read the barcode printed on the label. label 201, if the scanner 204 failed, if a container of a drug that is the next in sequence to receive the label 201 does not correspond to the label 201 according to the barcode printed on the label 201, etc. If label 201 is rejected before hot glue is applied to label 201, label 201 is rejected using label reject mechanism 218 and set 220 for rejected labels. Also, if label 201 is rejected after hot glue has been applied or after label 201 has been attached to the drug container, human intervention can be used to reject label 201.

The label rejection mechanism 218 includes, for example: the label rejection piercing pins 230; label reject peel plate 232; vertical label reject slider 236 and horizontal label reject slide 238. Set 220 for rejected labels includes, for example: waste label bin 222; the right slide 224 of the waste bin; left waste bin slide 226 and rejected label chute 234. The right waste bin slide 224 and the left waste bin slide 226 allow removal from the waste label bin 222 of set 220 for rejected labels.

If the label 201 is rejected, the label reject mechanism 218 is positioned on the shuttle block 216 using the horizontal label reject slide 238. Next, the label reject mechanism 218 is lowered, which includes the label reject peel plate 232 and piercing pins.

230 reject label, over label 201 using vertical label reject slider 236. The label peel plate 232 has holes to receive the label reject piercing pins 230. The label peel plate is oriented such that the label reject piercing pins 230 have to pass through the holes 233 to reach the label 201. The label rejection peel plate 232 holds the label 201 in place on the vacuum pad 217, which is on the shuttle pad 216. The label rejection piercing pins 230 are advanced through the label 201 and inside the receivers

231 of label rejection piercing pins located adjacent the vacuum pad 217. Optionally, the label rejection piercing pins 230 are provided with a ridge to prevent the label 201 from escaping. Once the label rejection piercing pins 230 extend through the label 201, the vacuum applied to the vacuum pad 217 is de-energized and both the label rejection piercing pins 230 and the peel plate 232 are raised. label rejection.

The label reject mechanism 218 is positioned on the reject label chute 234 using the horizontal label reject slide 238. A combination of movements of the label reject mechanism 218 and the rejected label drop tube 234 is also possible. Next, the label rejection peel plate 232 is lowered past the label rejection piercing pins 230 to remove the label 201 from the label rejection piercing pins 230. The label 201 falls through the opening 235 of the reject label drop tube and passes through the reject label drop tube 234 into the waste label bin 222. At the bottom of the reject label chute 234, an optional set of photocells (not shown) advantageously detects the label 201 when it falls into the bin.

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222 of discarded labels. The photocell assembly allows for confirmation that tag 201 has been successfully rejected, providing a positive audit of the tags.

Once the label 201 is affixed to the drug container, the barcode printed on the label 201 is optionally scanned once more by the fold label scanner 228. This second scan operation provides further confirmation that tag 201 is properly correlated to the specific drug for which tag 201 is intended. In another embodiment, label 201 is optionally scanned a second time when shuttle block 216 reaches the opposite end of lane 214 from the shuttle block before label 201 sticks to the drug container.

To allow label 201 to stick to a container, hot glue is applied to label 201 using a standard hot glue application kit. The hot melt glue can be applied to the label 201 at any point along the path of the shuttle block 216's path between the label folding instrument 210 and the reject mechanism, as, for example, at the end of the shuttle block travel. 216 along track 214 of the shuttle block.

Alternatively, hot melt glue can be applied to tag 201 after it has been determined that tag 201 will not be rejected. The hot glue application kit (all parts of which are not shown) includes a glue gun, a heated reservoir containing the hot melt glue in liquid form, a heated hose that allows the hot glue to pass from the reservoir heated to the glue gun and a pump, which drives the hot glue through the heated hose. For example, a standard Nordson hot melt glue system can be used for the hot melt glue application set, where the heated reservoir / pump set is a Nordson Model 3400 and the glue gun is a Nordson Model H pneumatic gun. -200.

Figure 13A illustrates the hot glue gun assembly, generally denoted by reference numeral 278. The hot water glue gun assembly 278 includes, for example: hot water glue gun 280 with nozzle 281; glue gun slide assembly 282; glue gun holder 288 and glue gun base 290. The hot glue gun assembly 278 also includes a standard hot water glue controller (not shown) that regulates the timing of the hot water glue gun 280. The system controller CLP controls the placement of the glue gun slide assembly 282. The nozzle 281 may be, for example, a five-hole nozzle to allow the simultaneous distribution of a plurality of glue dots on the label 201, as will be presented in greater detail later.

The glue gun slide assembly 282 includes, for example: the glue gun movable slide 284 and the glue gun stationary slide 286. The slide assembly 282 can use pneumatics to allow the movable slide 284 of the glue gun to move relative to the stationary slide 286 of the glue gun. As can be seen in Figure 13B, which is a side view of hot glue gun assembly 278, hot melt glue gun 280 may be off-center on glue gun holder 288.

Figure 13C illustrates the optional five-port design of nozzle 281. Note that four ports 292 are shown and a fifth port 292 is covered by the isometric view of Figure 13C. Hot melt adhesive is fired through holes 292 on label 201. Connector 294 attaches nozzle 281 to the rest of hot melt glue gun 280. Of course, glue nozzles and / or other types of alternative thermopreg applicators can be used to give different glue distribution patterns.

The hot melt glue gun assembly 278 can be positioned adjacent to the SEA 200 such that the hot melt glue gun 280 is positioned on the lane 214 of the shuttle block. As previously mentioned, the hot melt glue gun assembly 278 may be positioned at any location along the shuttle block path 214 between the label folding instrument 210 and the label reject mechanism 218. Alternatively, the hot glue gun assembly 278 can be positioned adjacent the label reject mechanism 218 so that the label reject mechanism 218 and hot glue gun 280 operate in substantially the same location at along track 214 of the shuttle block. Typically hot melt glue has a limited pot life until the glue hardens, during which time the glue retains sufficient liquidity to be usable as an adhesive. If a label to which the hot glue has been applied is not attached to the container during this time, the label is rejected.

The glider assembly 282 of the glue gun allows the hot melt glue gun 280 to move at an angle with respect to the path 214 of the shuttle block. The angle may be parallel to shuttle block track 214 such that the glue gun slide assembly controls the placement of hot glue gun 280 and nozzle 281 on label 201 in one dimension; for example, in an x ​​direction. In this situation, placement of the label in one direction and under the hot glue gun 280 and nozzle 281 is controlled by the shuttle block 216. Alternative orientations of the hot glue gun assembly 278 can be used that would allow application. of the

ES 2 342 012 T3 hot melt adhesive to label 201. Optionally, at a remote location from the SEA 200 other elements of the hot melt glue application set, ie controller, heated reservoir, heated hose can be located and the pump.

The location of the other elements is limited only by the length of the heated hose that is used to connect the heated reservoir and the hot glue gun 280.

As described above, if label 201 is rejected after hot glue is applied to label 201, a human operator can remove label 201 from shuttle block 216 instead of employing label reject mechanism 218. . This prevents the hot glue from coming into contact with any part of the label reject mechanism 218. An audit of the labels continues to be achieved even when such human intervention is used.

Figure 14 illustrates a patient label for use with the SEA 200, generally denoted by reference number 300. Note: The patient label depicted in Figure 14 (and Figure 15) is not available. scale. The patient label 300 is formed, for example, from a stock of smooth, white, high-gloss paper intended for use in thermal transfer ribbon or other standard printers. Printer 202 (see Figure 3B) prints information on label 300 for the patient. The patient tag 300 is defined by a first end 302 and a second end 304, wherein the length of the patient tag 300 is defined by or extends between the first end 302 and the second end 304. Preferably, the patient tag 300 is between 0.2794m and 0.305m in length and between 0.0318m and 0.445m in width. Alternative sizes can also be used for the label. The width of the patient label 300 is determined by the width of the paper stock, and the length is achieved by means of cutting the paper (not shown) located in the printer 202. The length at which the paper is cut label 201 may be a default value in printer 202.

The patient label 300 contains a plurality of information relating to the patient and the drug contained in the container to which the patient label 300 is affixed. For example, the patient tag 300 contains: a customer information section 310; a section 320 for drug information; a section 330 with instructions for use indicating the proper use of the drug; a tag attachment section 340; a surface attachment section 350; and a section 360 with the barcode.

The customer information section 310 contains, for example, the patient's name, the patient's address and telephone number, the patient's physician's name, the physician's telephone number, and / or particular dosing instructions for the patient. The drug information section 320 contains, for example, the name of the drug, the strength of the prescription, the amount of the drug, the expiration date of the drug, and / or an indication of whether refills are allowed, and how many.

Section 330 with instructions for use contains, for example, any particular instructions regarding the use of the drug. For example, instructions for use section 330 may include information such as "Shake well before use" and "Take on an empty stomach."

The label attachment section 340 defines a location on the patient label 300 to which transfer adhesive 342 is applied. When folded, the tag attachment section 340 adheres to an adjacent face of the patient tag 300, thereby allowing the patient tag 300 to remain in the folded or otherwise reduced orientation.

The transfer adhesive 342 is adhered, for example, to the underside of the barcode section 360, where the underside is the side of the patient label opposite the side containing the printed information. Preferably, the tag attachment section 340 is between 0.0191 m and 0.0254 m in length and between 0.0318 m and 0.0445 m in width, wherein the length and width dimensions are defined by the tag 300. for the patient or are a consequence of it. Other sizes may be used for label attachment section 340. It should be noted that the width of the tag attachment section 340 is limited by the width of the tag 300 for the patient.

Preferably, the consistency of the transfer adhesive 342 is such that the transfer adhesive is neatly applied to the patient label 300 without residual strands of adhesive remaining between the patient label 300 and the disposable backing. The transfer adhesive is, for example, a standard Hi-Tact Acrylic 3M adhesive or an equivalent. In addition, the transfer adhesive allows the patient label 300 to unfold and re-fold without damaging the patient label 300.

Surface attachment section 350 defines a location on a patient label 300 to which hot melt adhesive 352 is applied is applied. When folded, the surface attachment section 350 is disposed on an outward-facing face of the patient label 300, thus allowing the patient label 300 to adhere to a container containing the appropriate medication corresponding to label 300 for the patient. Preferably, the surface attachment section 350 is between 0.0381 m and 0.0445 m in length and between 0.0318 m and 0.0445 m in width, where the length and width dimensions are defined by label 300 for the patient or are a consequence of it. Other sizes may be used for section 350 of

ES 2 342 012 T3 fixing to the surface. It should be noted that the width of the surface attachment section 350 is limited by the width of the patient label 300. Preferably, hot melt adhesive 352 is a medium viscosity pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive that exhibits strong tackiness and provides a permanent bond, eg, a rubber-based adhesive.

Figures 15A and 15B illustrate alternative embodiments for the distribution of the hot melt adhesive 352 in the adhesive surface attachment section 350. In Figure 15A, the hot melt adhesive 352 is laid out in a five-dot pattern. The five-point pattern is applied, for example, using nozzle 281, where nozzle 281 is a five-hole nozzle. Although a five point pattern is illustrated, it should be appreciated that various glue point patterns are possible. In an alternative embodiment, a different nozzle 281, such as a single-hole nozzle, may apply the five-point pattern. Swirl nozzles can also be used to apply the desired pattern. In this situation, the five-point pattern is applied by coordinating movement of shuttle block 216 along track 214 of the shuttle block and glue gun slide assembly 282 to move patient tag 300 and gun 280 from hot melt glue appropriately to create the five-point pattern. In another alternate embodiment, as seen in Figure 15B, hot melt adhesive 352 may be applied in a continuous section, rather than at discrete locations.

Figure 15C illustrates a possible layout of the hot melt adhesive 352 when the patient label 300 is in a flag orientation, as previously explained. In this embodiment, the patient tag 300 alternatively includes a first adhesive surface attachment section 370 and a second adhesive surface attachment section 380.

The first adhesive setting section 370 contains a first hot-wet adhesive 372 and the second adhesive surface setting section 380 contains a second section 382 of hot-touch adhesive at the first end 302 and at the second end 304, respectively. The first hot melt adhesive 372 and the second hot melt adhesive 382 can be applied in various configurations, as discussed with reference to Figures 15A and 15B.

The first hot melt adhesive 372 and the second hot melt adhesive 382 can be in identical configurations or in different configurations, as illustrated in Figure 15C. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the adhesive label attachment section 340 and the adhesive surface attachment section 350 are omitted, although the space in which the adhesive label attachment section 340 and the adhesive section 350 can be retained surface attachments were oriented at the patient tag 300, as illustrated with space 390. In this embodiment, the patient label 300 is attached to the drug container at the first adhesive surface attachment section 370 and second adhesive surface attachment section 380 to form a protruding flag from the drug container.

The section 360 with the barcode contains, for example, a barcode 362 of the item. Item barcode 362 corresponds to a product barcode on the drug and / or drug container to which the patient label 300 is to be attached. As described above, a database stores information that identifies drug containers, using the product's barcode as a reference, and their appropriate labels. By scanning the barcode 362 on the item and the barcode on the medication container and determining if the barcodes match, the SEA 200 system CLP can determine if the particular patient label 300 is the appropriate label for the patient. that medicine. For example, the system's CLP can check to ensure that the drug container and the label attached to that container both have the correct product barcode and the item barcode 362, respectively.

The barcode section 364 may also contain opening instructions 364, which instruct the consumer how to fold the patient tag 300 from its attached and folded orientation so that the consumer can view all of the information printed on the tag 300 to the patient. In addition, section 364 of the bar code may include other indications; for example, a name of the drug contained in the drug container, thus allowing easy identification of the drug even while the label 300 is folded for the user. An example of additional details regarding the information that may be printed on the patient label 300 can be found in APPENDIX A.

Figure 16 illustrates a flow chart of a procedure for the operation of the SEA 200, generally denoted by reference numeral 400. The SEA procedure 400 begins when the printer 202 prints the label 300 for the patient, step 410. The transfer adhesive feeder 246 then applies the transfer adhesive, eg, transfer adhesive 342, to the label attachment section 340 on the patient label 300, step 420.

Next, the patient label 300 is supplied to the label folding instrument 210, step 430. Thereafter, the patient label 300 is rolled up, or otherwise reduced by the label folding instrument 210, and , optionally, it is folded by the first label folding wheels 208, step 440. The shuttle block 216 then transports the folded patient label 300 or, alternatively, the deployed patient label 300 from the label folding instrument 210 to the set of

ES 2 342 012 T3 the heat-impregnating glue gun 280, step 450. Optionally, during the transport step 450, the patient label 300 is further folded by the second label folding wheel 244, provided that the label 300 has a bent or otherwise reduced orientation.

Hot dip glue gun 280 applies hot dip glue, for example hot dip adhesive 352, to surface attachment section 350 on patient tag 300, step 460.

Once the hot-soak adhesive has been applied, a label application device applies the appropriate drug container to the patient label 300 by pressing the drug container against the hot-water glue, step 480. The hot-dip device. Tags include, for example, a robotic arm and a controller. After applying the drug container to the patient label 300, the label application device brings the patient label 300 and the drug container to a label scanning location. In one embodiment, folded label scanner 228 may be located at this label scanning location rather than along lane 214 of the shuttle block (see Figure 3A). The tag scanning location may be above the bag in which the patient tag 300 and drug container are placed subsequent to verification.

In one embodiment, by applying the patient label 300 to the appropriate medication container, the label applying device, such as a robotic arm, removes the medication container and applies the medication container to section 350 of the fixing to the surface or alternatively to the first surface attachment section 370 and the second surface attachment section 380 of the patient tag 300 while the patient tag 300 continues to rest on the vacuum cushion 217 of the shuttle block 216. Thereafter, the vacuum pad 217 removes the vacuum from the patient tag 300, allowing the patient tag 300 to be removed from the shuttle block 216.

Figure 17 illustrates a flow chart that further describes the operation of the SEA 200, generally denoted by the reference numeral 500. In the SEA operation procedure 500, once the printer 202 prints the label 300 for the patient , step 410, the label scanner 204 scans the barcode 362 of the section 360 of the barcode of the label 300 for the patient, step 510. Scanning the item barcode 362, which corresponds to the product barcode on the drug and / or on the drug container to which the patient label 300 is to be attached, facilitates the correct correlation of the label 300 for the patient. patient with due medication. Additionally, scanning the item's barcode 362 ensures the print quality of the label 300 for the patient. For example, if the elements of the printhead of the printer 202 deteriorate, the barcode 362 on the item will generally be unreadable by the scanner 204. The transfer adhesive is then applied to the patient label 300. , step 420, and the patient label 300 is rolled up and folded, step 440, as described with reference to Figure 16.

Figure 18 illustrates a flow chart of a procedure for further verification of the proper correlation between the patient label 300 and the drug to which the patient label 300 is to be attached, generally denoted by the reference numeral 550. As described with respect to Figure 17, scanner 204 scans item barcode 362 on label 300 for the patient, step 510. The system's CLP determines if the label 300 for the patient is valid or not, step 555. The label 300 for the patient may be considered invalid if, for example, the barcode 362 of the item was not read by the scanner 204 of labels, if the scanner 304 was unable to read the barcode 362 on the item due to poor print quality or other such defect, if the label scanner 204 failed, etc.

If the patient label 300 is determined to be invalid, the patient label 300 may be rejected, step 580. If the patient label 300 is rejected before the hot-melt adhesive is applied, the label 300 for the The patient can be rejected using the label rejection mechanism 218 and the set 220 for rejected labels, as previously described. If the hot melt adhesive has already been applied before the system's CLP determines that the patient tag 300 should be rejected, a human operator can step in and physically remove the patient tag 300 from the SEA 200.

A product scanner (not shown) independently scans the product barcode on the drug container in a scanning tunnel, step 560. The product barcode scan can be carried out before, after, or at the same time as the scanning the item's 362 barcode. Once the product barcode has been scanned, the label application device removes the drug container and prepares the drug container for labeling, step 565.

If in step 555 it was determined that the label 300 for the patient was valid, the system CLP can optionally determine whether the item barcode 362 on the patient label 300 and the product barcode on the container of the medication correspond, step 570, as previously described. For example, the system's CLP uses the database to determine if the information on the label, identified by the item's barcode 362, and the drug information, identified by the product's barcode, match. If the label 300 for the patient and the drug in the drug container do not match, the label 300 for the patient may be rejected, step 580. Again, this rejection can be accomplished using label rejection mechanism 218 and label set 220.

ES 2 342 012 T3 rejected if the patient label 300 is rejected before the hot melt adhesive is applied, and by a human operator if the hot melt adhesive has already been applied to the patient label 300.

If the patient label 300 and the drug container truly match, the label application device applies the drug container to the patient label 300 and removes the patient label 300 from the shuttle block 210, step 470, as described above. The fold label scanner 228 performs a second scan of the article barcode 362, step 575. This second scan may occur at a remote scanning location of the SEA 200, that is, close to the bag itself or, alternatively, the folded label scanner 228 may be located at the end of lane 214 of the shuttle block, as shown. see in Figure 3A.

The system CLP may then perform a second verification of the matching of the label 300 for the patient and the drug container, step 585. In an alternative embodiment, the system CLP verification may be omitted in step 570, such as indicated by the dashed arrow in the flow chart. In this situation, the verification at step 585 is the first verification of the match of the label 300 for the patient and the drug container. If the patient label 300 and the drug container match, the drug container and the affixed patient label 300 are put into a bag, and the bag is closed, step 590.

However, if the patient label 300 and the medication container do not match, since the patient label 300 is already attached to the medication container, the SEA 200 bags the medication container and the attached label. for the patient. The system CLP signals a quality assurance (“QA”) error or issue and the bag does not close. The occurrence of GC causes the bagged drug container to be routed to a downstream GC manual resolution station where a human operator can resolve the issue. The SEA 200 can pause if an error is detected; for example, a disparity in the label, failures of the folded label scanner 228, inability of the folded label scanner 228 to read the barcode 362 of the item, absence of the label 300 for the patient, etc., and may require that A human operator restarts the SEA 200.

Figure 19 illustrates a flow chart of a patient tag 300 rejection procedure, step 580 (see Figure 18). The label rejection procedure 580 begins when the label rejection mechanism 218, which includes the label rejection piercing pins 230 and the label rejection peel plate 232, is advanced and positioned over the patient label 300. while it rests in the shuttle block 216, step 600. Label rejection peel plate 232 is lowered onto patient label 300 to hold patient label 300 in place on shuttle block 216, and label rejection piercing pins 230 are inserted into the label. 300 for the patient, step 610. The shuttle block 216 has label rejection piercing pin receivers 231 (see Figure 12) to accommodate the label rejection piercing pins 230.

The vacuum pad 217 deactivates the vacuum of the patient tag 300 and then the tag rejection piercing pins 230 and the tag rejection peel plate 232 are retracted, thereby lifting the patient tag 300 from the shuttle block 216 , step 620. Next, the label reject mechanism is positioned on the reject label chute 234, and the label reject perforator pins 230 are removed from the label reject peel plate 232, thereby causing the label 300 to stop. the patient falls into the opening 235 of the reject label drop tube and passes through the reject label drop tube 234 into the waste label bin 222, step 630.

As discussed above, it should be noted that label rejection procedure 580 is employed, for example, when patient label 300 is rejected before hot melt adhesive is applied to patient label 300. If the hot melt adhesive is applied to the patient tag 300 before it is determined whether or not the patient tag 300 should be rejected, then optionally, a human operator removes the patient tag 300 from the shuttle block 216 . This is to prevent any portion of the hot melt adhesive from coming into contact with any of the parts of the label reject mechanism 218, ie, the label reject piercing pins 230 and the label reject peel plate 232. The human operator can then toss the rejected patient label 300 into the waste label bin 222.

Figure 20 is an illustration of a computer 758 used to implement computer processing in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention implemented with computers. The procedures described above can be presented in terms of program procedures executed, for example, on a computer or on a computer network.

Viewed externally in Figure 20, the computer 758 has a central processing unit (CPU) 768 that has disk drives 769, 770. The disk drives 769, 770 are merely symbolic of a number of disk drives that could be accommodated on the 758 computer. Typically, these could be one or more of the following: a 769 floppy drive, a hard drive (not shown), and a CD ROM or digital video disc, as indicated by the slot in 770. The number and type of drives vary, typically with different computer configurations. The 769, 770 disk drives are, in fact, options, and for space considerations you can

ES 2 342 012 T3 be omitted from the computer system used in conjunction with the procedures described herein. Computer 758 also has a screen 771 on which information can be displayed. The display is optional for the computer using in conjunction with the system described herein. A 772 keyboard and / or a 773 pointing device, such as a mouse, may be provided as input devices to interface with the 768 central processing unit. To increase data entry efficiency, the 772 keyboard can be supplemented or replaced with a scanner, card reader or other data entry device. The pointing device 773 can be a mouse, a graphical touch pad control device, a ball mouse device, or any other type of pointing device.

Alternatively, referring to Figure 22, the computer 758 may also include a CD ROM reader 795 and a CD recorder 796, which are interconnected by a 797 bus along with other peripheral devices 98 supported by the framework and protocol. of the bus. Bus 797 serves as the main information highway by connecting other components of the computer together. It is connected to the 758 computer via a 799 interface.

Figure 21 illustrates a block diagram of the internal physical components of the computer of Figure 20. The CPU 775 is the central processing unit of the system, which performs calculations and logic operations required to execute a program. Read-only memory (ROM) 776 and random access memory (RAM) 777 constitute the main memory of the computer. The disk controller 778 interfaces one or more disk drives to the system bus 774. These disk drives can be floppy disk drives, like the 779, or CD ROM or DVD (versatile disc / digital video) drives, like the 780, or internal or external 781 hard drives. As previously noted, these various disk drives and the various disk controllers are optional devices.

A display interface 782 allows information from the 774 bus to be displayed on the 783 display.

Again, as noted, the 783 display is an optional accessory for a central or remote computer on the communications network, such as the 788 infrared receiver and 789 transmitter. Communication with external devices occurs using the communication port. communications 84.

In addition to standard computer components, the computer may also include a 785 interface, which allows data entry through the 786 keyboard or pointing device, such as a 787 mouse.

In general, it should be emphasized that various components of the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in physical components, logical components, or a combination of both. In such embodiments, the various components and the various steps are implemented in the physical components and / or in the logical components to perform the functions of the present invention. Any computer software languages ​​and / or hardware components currently available or developed in the future may be employed in such embodiments of the present invention. For example, at least some of the functionality mentioned above could be implemented using the languages ​​C, C ++ or any appropriate assembly language in view of the processor or processors being used. It could also write in an interpretive environment, such as Java, and be transported to multiple destinations for various users.

Although various embodiments incorporating the teachings of the present invention have been shown and described in detail herein, those skilled in the art can readily devise many other assorted embodiments incorporating these teachings.