WO2010002853A2

WO2010002853A2 - System for inspecting and grouping primary packages

Info

Publication number: WO2010002853A2
Application number: PCT/US2009/049197
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rune Haraldsson; Richard Collins
Original assignee: Meadwestvaco Corporation
Priority date: 2008-06-30
Filing date: 2009-06-30
Publication date: 2010-01-07
Also published as: WO2010002853A9; WO2010002853A3

Abstract

The present invention covers a method and system for inspecting and packaging primary packages (22). The contents of the primary packages (22) are inspected to confirm the correct contents are in each package along with the correct content information on the outside. This inspection method and system may use mirrors (32) to inspect the package by allowing a user viewing access to both sides of the package simultaneously. This method and/or system may also use a display (218) to show the image (212, 216) on the back of the package or the image associated with the data on the back of the package such as a picture of the medication that should be contained within the package. A looping inspection configuration may also be used to allow the user to compare a certain set of medications such as daily or weekly doses to confirm the contents are consistent and correct over the designated time period.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INSPECTING AND GROUPING PRIMARY PACKAGES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for inspecting and packaging articles, more specifically, the methods and systems are directed to comparing the contents of a closed primary package against the content information located on the primary package exterior before loading the primary package into a secondary package.

BACKGROUND

Placing products or articles into the stream of commerce can include first protecting the product or individual article with a primary package and then placing one or more primary packages in a secondary package before shipping to a reseller or distributing to an end-user. Prior to placing certain classes of products or articles into the stream of commerce, or while products or articles are traveling in the stream of commerce, one or more parties may have an interest or need to inspect the product or articles.

Examples of products or articles that may be desirable to protect with a primary package include all manner of small, expensive, regulated, and fragile items, such as but not limited to electronic components, over-the-counter and prescription medications, consumable items including tobacco products, candy, batteries, and the like. For the purpose of teaching the present disclosure, the term "article" is used expansively to include all manner of product or thing.

A primary package(s) - a covering that holds or offers a level of protection to individual articles or groups of articles, include all manner of blister packs, pouches, bags, wraps, trays, receptacles, holders, packets, vessels, capsules, combinations thereof, and the like. For the purpose of teaching the present disclosure, the term "primary package(s)" is used expansively to include all manner of things that can hold or offer a level of protection to an article or group of articles. In the course of shipping or distributing a primary package, it may be convenient and practical to group and place one or more primary packages within a secondary package. Examples of a secondary package(s) include all manner of cartons, boxes, sleeves, containers, receptacles, bottles, vessels, holders, canisters, cases, combinations thereof, and the like. For the purpose of teaching the present disclosure, the term "secondary package(s)" is used expansively to include all manner of things that can hold an article or group of articles.

Various reasons for inspecting the articles before or while they are in the stream of commerce may arise, such as the need to verify the quality, quantity, or condition of the articles in the primary package, or confirm the content-related information located on the primary package is consistent or compatible with the articles therein. After inspecting the articles, a party in the stream of commerce such as the manufacturer, packer, reseller, distributor, (or in the case of regulated articles) the professional licensed to dispense the articles, may desire to group and place one or more primary packages into a secondary package and label the secondary package with content-related information.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-section elevation view of an exemplary inspection and grouping system.

FIG. 2 shows a primary package staging portion of an exemplary inspection and grouping system.

FIG. 3 shows a plurality of primary packages loaded in an exemplary inspection and grouping system.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show inspecting a plurality of primary package using an exemplary inspection and grouping system.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate separating attached primary packages.

FIG. 8 shows a secondary package loading portion of an exemplary inspection and grouping system. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate a secondary package labeling portion of an exemplary inspection and grouping system.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of an exemplary inspection and grouping system.

FIGS. 12-15 illustrate several views of another alternative embodiment of an exemplary inspection and grouping system.

FIG. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of an inspections system.

DESCRIPTION

As required, illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are presented herein. It must be understood that the presented embodiments are merely exemplary examples of the disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof. As used herein, the word "exemplary" is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as an illustration, specimen, model, or pattern. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and a basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

For the purpose of teaching the present disclosure, the exemplary drawings and description are directed to pharmaceutical products held in sealed primary packages that need to be inspected to confirm the contents accurately reflect the content-related information on or associated with each primary package. After the user has confirmed the contents are at least compatible with the content-related information, the user allows the primary packages to continue in the stream of commerce. The present disclosure is not limited to pharmaceutical products. Turning now to FIG. 1 , there is shown a cross-section elevation view of an exemplary inspection and grouping system 10. Generally speaking, the illustrated exemplary inspection and grouping system 10 is configured to permit various methods of inspecting and comparing the contents of a primary package against the content information located on the primary package exterior before grouping the primary package(s). In alternative embodiments a group of primary packages are then placed into a secondary package. To that end, the illustrated system 10 includes a primary package staging portion 20, an inspection portion 30, a primary package drive mechanism 40, and a primary package gathering portion 50, as explained in detail below.

As best shown in subsequent figures, alternative embodiments include a primary package severance device 60, a secondary package blank staging portion 70, a secondary package blank erecting sub-assembly 80, a secondary package loading portion 90, a secondary package labeling and/or printing portion 100, a first image capture device 110, a second image capture device 214, and a display device 218.

With reference now to FIGS. 1 and 2 there is shown a user positioning a plurality of primary packages 22, here illustrated as a string of attached pouches stored on a reel 24, at the primary package staging portion 20. In the illustrated system 10, the primary package staging portion 20 includes a reel arm 26 that supports and positions the reel 24. In alternative embodiments the staging portion 20 receives a plurality of primary packages 22 in other configurations, such as but not limited to blister packs wrapped around or within a spool, trays loaded within a box, bottles strung together and set directly on the floor, combinations thereof, and the like.

For the purposes of teaching and not limitation, the illustrated plurality of primary packages 22 are a series of attached pouches that are pre-filled with prescription medications and then sealed. Further, the illustrated reel 24 includes sections of primary packages 22 intended for distribution to different parties, such as multiple customers who have requested a specific pharmacy to fill their respective prescriptions. In addition, the illustrated packages 22 include a first side on which is printed content-related information and a second side that is at least partially transparent such that a user has an unobstructed view of the contents without opening the pouch.

Content-related information may include a patient name, a regime schedule, regime reminders, prescription drug names, a description of each article(s), dosage information, lot numbers, expiration dates, instructions, warning, pouch serialized ID, package number, total package count, optical data code including 2D or 3D bar code or data matrix, physician information, pharmacy information, combinations thereof, and the like. In alternative embodiments different types of primary packages are attached and inspected using the illustrated systems. In other embodiments, attachments such as separators, spacers, blanks, leader strips, empty primary packages, combination thereof, and the like may be positioned between, before, or after the primary package(s), and those attachments may include content-related information. Further, those attachments may include the option to sever the attachment from a primary package, such as a perforated strip.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the illustrated plurality of primary packages 22 are positioned within the system 10 such that the packages 22 extend from the staging portion 20, through at least a portion of the inspection portion 30, through at least a portion of the primary package drive mechanism 40, and are directed to the primary package gathering portion 50. As described below with reference to the illustrated methods, an exemplary primary package 22r, best shown in FIG. 4, will be directed from the staging portion 20, past the inspection portion 30, and into the gathering portion 50.

The inspection portion 30 includes an image reflector 32, illustrated here as a mirror, that presents a reflected image 34r-v of a side of one or more primary packages 22r-v, best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The illustrated inspection portion 30 shows a single image reflector 32, while alternative embodiments may include a plurality of image reflectors such as two or more mirrors positioned at an angle to each other that permits the user to view the reflected image 34 from either side of the plurality of primary packages 22. Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, there is shown a user inspecting primary packages 22r-v. In these exemplary illustrations the user is viewing primary packages 22r-v as those packages pass through the inspection portion 30 of the system 10. More specifically, the system 10 permits the user to simultaneously view both sides of each primary package 22. To that end the user is able to directly view a first side of each package 22r-v including content-related information, and a reflected image 34r-v of the second side of each package including the contents. In alternative embodiments the user may directly view the contents while viewing a reflected image of the content-related information. In the course of inspecting, the user compares the relevant content-related information with the respective contents and determines whether the contents are consistent or compatible with the content-related information. Should the user identify any anomalies between the contents and the content-related information the user may take the proper recourse.

With reference to FIGS. 1 , 3 and 4, the plurality of primary packages 22 are shown as engaged with and driven by the primary package drive mechanism 40, here illustrated as rollers, some of which may be idle and some of which may be driven, that cooperate to move the primary packages 22 from the staging portion 20 to the gathering portion 50. While the illustrated drive mechanism 40 comprises rollers, any drive system familiar to those skilled in the art is contemplated, including gears, belts, tooth and sprocket arrangements, pull drives, push drives, and pin drive configurations. It is further contemplated that the drive mechanism 40 will be determined by the type of primary package and how those are attached, and that the drive mechanism 40 may include alternative features, whether motorized, non-motorized, of variable speed, continuous and/or intermittent, computer programmed such that a programmed processor assists in any operation of the system 10, and the like.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, the system 10 includes a primary package gathering portion 50, here shown as a fan fold sub-assembly, configured to receive and fold a group of inspected and approved primary packages 22. In alternative embodiments the primary package gathering portion 50 may be configured to roll, wrap, or otherwise gather and bundle the primary packages in alternative arrangements. It is to be understood that a fan fold arrangement of the primary packages may be dispensed from the secondary package more easily than alternate arrangements of the primary packages.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a potential location for a primary package severance device 60, and a first group of primary packages 62 and a second group of primary packages 64. For the purpose of the present teaching, the user of the system 10 has identified the primary package 22t as the last pouch in a group of primary packages 22 intended for a certain patient, and primary package 22u as the first pouch in group of primary packages 22 intended for another patient. After severing the first group of primary packages 62 from the second group 64, the remainder of the first group pouches 62, including primary package 22t, are directed into the primary package gathering portion 50. The user then ensures the second group of primary packages 64, beginning with primary package 22u, are re-engaged with the drive mechanism 40 and directed toward the primary package gathering portion 50.

The user of an inspection and gathering system may need to visually inspect the first few or leading primary packages of a new group of primary packages without the assistance of the system, if those leading packages were not inspected within the inspection portion 30 prior to engaging the primary packages 22 with the drive mechanism 40. Alternatively, as mentioned above embodiments of primary packages may include attachments such as separators, blanks, or lead strips and these attachments may engage or remain engaged with the drive mechanism 40 in such a way as to facilitate or continue inspection of a new group of primary packages with the assistance of the system.

Turning momentarily to FIGS. 2 and 3, there is shown a secondary package blank staging portion 70. In alternative embodiments, or as an option, a secondary package blank staging portion 70 is provided that stores secondary package blanks (not shown). Between the staging portion 70 and secondary package loading portion 90, there is a secondary package blank erecting sub- assembly 80 (not visible). It is contemplated that the sub-assembly 80 automatically retrieves a secondary package blank, at least partially assembles the blank into a secondary package 82, and positions the partially assembled secondary package 82 to receive a first group of primary packages 62, as best illustrated in FIG. 8. In alternative embodiments, the user removes a secondary package blank from the staging portion 70, at least partially assembles the blank into a secondary package 82, and places it within the secondary package loading portion 90 to receive a group of primary packages, 62, 64. Alternatively, primary packages 62 can be loaded directly into sections of a tray for institutional distribution.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the system 10 includes a secondary package labeling portion 100, which permits the user to generate and affix a secondary package label 102 to a secondary package 82a-d. Secondary packages 82a-d can then be grouped and stored, or grouped and further packaged for distribution. Alternatively, the information could be printed directly on the secondary package.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 11 , there are shown optional elements for a computer-assisted inspection system 200, including a first image capture device 210 configured to capture a first captured image 212, a second image capture device 214 configured to capture a second image 216, and a display device 218 configured to present the captured images 212, 216. These optional image capture devices 210, 214 may comprise one or more cameras, scanners, optical character readers, bar code readers, combinations thereof, and the like, in communication with a display device 218 in the form of a graphic user interface (GUI). The display device 218 may comprise any form of display device or screen capable of presenting the captured images 212, 216 to the user of the system 200. Exemplary image capture devices 210, 214 and exemplary display device 218 include one or electronic cameras and a flat screen, all in communication with a computer (not shown) comprising a processor, wherein the processor is configured to digitally capture an image of a primary package 22 as it passes by a camera and presents the captured image, or if the image is a data code present any related information or images from a database, on the display device. Here, the term "computer" is used expansively to include both a device that can project images such as a film projector and a device that includes a processor with any manner of software, firmware, hardware, combinations thereof, and the like, that can display and present information.

One alternative embodiment of a computer-assisted inspection system 200 may be configured to include a single image capture device 210 that provides a first captured image 212, possibly magnified, on the display device 218, here the contents of the primary package 22. Another alternative embodiment of the computer-assisted inspection system 200 may be configured to include a second image capture device 214 that provides a second captured image 216 on the display device 218, here the content-related information 216. Another alternative embodiment of the computer assisted system 200 can be configured to include any combination of a capture device 210, 214, a display device 218, and an image reflector 32, to permit the user to view various combinations of each primary package 22. In still another alternative embodiment of a computer-assisted inspection system 200, an image 212, 216 projected on the display 218 may be related information or images retrieved from a local or remote database or memory and useful in the inspection process, such as an example of what the article(s) contained within the primary package should resemble.

Turning now to FIGS. 12-15, there is shown another alternative embodiment of an exemplary inspection and grouping system 10'. Generally speaking, the illustrated exemplary inspection and grouping system 10' is configured to permit various methods of inspecting and comparing the contents of a primary package against the content information located on the primary package exterior before grouping the primary package(s). As explained above, the system 10' can allow a user to inspect primary packages, and to place the inspected primary packages into a secondary package. Therefore, the illustrated system 10' also can include a primary package staging portion 20', which can be substantially similar to the primary package staging portion 20 discussed above, an inspection portion 30', which can be substantially similar to the inspection portion 30 discussed above, an image reflector 32', which can be substantially similar to the image reflector 32, and a primary package drive mechanism 40', which can be substantially similar to the primary package drive mechanism 40 discussed above.

Although not visible in FIGS. 12-15, some embodiments of the system 10' include many of the features explained above with reference to FIGS. 1-11. For example, the system 10' can include a primary package severance device similar to the primary package severance device 60 of the system 10. Additionally, the system 10' can include a secondary package blank staging portion similar to the secondary package blank staging portion 70, a secondary package blank erecting sub-assembly similar to the secondary package blank erecting sub- assembly 80, a secondary package loading portion similar to the secondary package loading portion 90, a secondary package labeling and/or printing portion similar to the secondary package labeling and/or printing portion 100, a first image capture device similar to the first image capture device 110, a second image capture device similar to the second image capture device 214, and a display device similar to the display device 218.

Some embodiments of the system 10' include an accumulator 220 for gathering the inspected primary packages. The accumulator 220 can include, for example, a reel onto which the inspected primary packages are rolled, a bin into which the inspected primary packages are accumulated, a box into which the inspected primary packages are placed, combinations thereof, and the like. Additionally, the system 10' can include a tamper arm 222, a tamper plate 224, and a support plate 226. These and additional features of the system 10' will be explained below.

The system 10' can be used to inspect a plurality 22' of primary packages. In the illustrated embodiments, the plurality 22' of primary packages is illustrated as a plurality of primary packages in the form of pouches. The plurality 22' of primary packages can be transported as a reel of pouches, for example, as explained and illustrated above in FIGS. 1-11. As the plurality 22' of primary packages is inspected, the inspected primary packages can be accumulated in the accumulator 220. The primary packages can be accumulated in the accumulator 220 in the order in which the primary packages are inspected. It will be understood that if the accumulator 220 includes a reel onto which the inspected primary packages are rolled, that the first package inspected will be the first package accumulated on the reel, and hence, also the last package taken off the reel.

As such, the system 10' allows a user to reverse the flow of the plurality 22' of primary packages. The plurality 22' of primary packages can be inserted into a secondary package such that the first primary package inspected is the last primary package placed into the secondary package. As such, the first pouch out of the secondary package can be the first pouch inspected on the system 10'.

The primary package inspection-to-accumulator path is illustrated in FIG. 13. The plurality 22' of primary packages can be supplied to the system 10'. For example, the plurality 22' of primary packages can be stored on a supply reel that is substantially similar to the supply reel 24, in a box, or in or on another supply mechanism, for example. The plurality 22' of pouches can be supplied to the system 10', and can be inspected at the inspection portion 30' in a manner substantially similar to that discussed above with reference to the inspection portion 30 of FIGS. 1-11. In other words, the plurality 22' of primary packages can pass in front of an image reflector 32', e.g., a mirror or mirror assembly such that the front and rear of the plurality 22' of primary packages can be inspected as the plurality 22' of primary packages moves. Additionally, the system 10' can include imaging devices, which may be similar to the imaging devices 110, 114 of the system 10. The imaging devices can be used for reading and/or imaging indicia on the primary packages or the package contents, which may be displayed on a display that is similar to the display 218 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-11. As explained above, a depiction of a properly filled and printed primary package also can be displayed on the display, and the depiction of the properly filled and printed primary package can be juxtaposed with an image of the plurality 22' of primary packages to help further simplify inspection of the packages.

The plurality 22' of pouches can pass through the inspection portion 30' and into/through a first passage 228 formed by two drive mechanism rollers 230, 232. The plurality 22' of primary packages can exit the first passage 228 and can be routed over an accumulator roller 234. The plurality 22' of pouches can then travel to the accumulator 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality 22' of pouches leaves the accumulator roller 234 and is supported by the support plate 226 as the plurality 22' of pouches travels to the accumulator 220.

The support plate 226 can be configured as a ramp, a conveyor, a chute, a side, or the like, along which the plurality 22' of primary packages can pass toward to the accumulator 220. The illustrated configuration of the support plate 226 is exemplary only. The support plate 226 be longer or shorter than the support plate 226 illustrated in FIGS. 12-14. The support plate 226 can include a rear edge 236. The rear edge 236 can be rounded or otherwise smoothed to allow the plurality 22' of pouches to pass through, over, and off of the support plate 226 without getting caught or snagged by any sharp edges of the support plate 226. The plurality 22' of pouches can be accumulated in or on the accumulator 220 while the plurality 22' of pouches is inspected at the inspection portion 30'.

At some time, each primary package of the plurality 22' of primary packages has been inspected, and the plurality 22' of primary packages can be stored, or can protrude into, the accumulator 220. If necessary, the plurality 22' of primary packages can be severed from an additional supply of primary packages using, for example, the primary package severance device 60', a perforated line of material, or other suitable means. Alternatively, the plurality 22' of primary packages can end with a last primary package, such that severing the plurality 22' of primary packages from an additional supply of primary packages may be unnecessary.

When the plurality 22' of primary packages ends, or if the plurality 22' of primary packages is severed from an additional supply of primary packages, the plurality 22' of primary packages may thereby display a distal end. The end of the plurality 22' of primary packages can be similar to the last pouch 22t described above with reference to FIG. 7, though the end is not visible in FIGS. 12-14. Returning to FIGS. 12-14, the end of the plurality 22' of primary packages can be exposed near the first passage 228, between the rollers 232 and 234, or elsewhere along the flow path of the plurality 22' of primary packages. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to insert the plurality 22' of primary packages into a secondary package located at the secondary package loading area 238. In the illustrated embodiment, the end of the inspected plurality 22' of primary packages can be flowed into the secondary package loading area 238 along an accumulator-to-package path, for example, the accumulator-to-package path illustrated in FIG. 14.

As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the end of the plurality 22' of primary packages can be placed into a second passage 240 formed by the accumulator roller 234 and another roller and/or plate. In the illustrated embodiment, the second passage 240 is formed by the accumulator roller 234 and a packaging roller 242, though this arrangement is exemplary only. In some embodiments, the packaging roller 242 is coupled to a drive motor 244, or another drive mechanism. In some embodiments, the accumulator roller 234 is coupled to a drive mechanism, and the packaging roller 242 simply guides the plurality 22' of primary packages as the plurality 22' of primary packages is moved by the accumulator roller 234. As such, the accumulator roller 234 can move in a first direction during inspection such that the plurality 22' of primary packages moves toward the accumulator 220. After the plurality 22' of primary packages is inspected, the end 238 can be placed into the second passage 240. The accumulator roller 234 can then move in a second direction during packaging such that the plurality 22' of primary packages moves away from the accumulator 220.

In another embodiment, as mentioned above, the packaging roller 242 can be coupled to the drive mechanism. After the plurality 22' of primary packages are inspected, the end of the plurality 22' of primary packages can be placed into the second passage 240 and the drive mechanism coupled to the packaging roller 242 can be activated such that the plurality 22' of the primary packages moves away from the accumulator 220 and toward the secondary packaging area 238.

In some embodiments, the secondary packaging area 238 further includes a primary package gathering portion that is similar to the primary package gathering portion 50 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-11. The plurality 22' of primary packages can be fan-folded, folded, placed on a reel, or otherwise gathered, as the plurality 22' of primary packages moves into the secondary package loading area 238. After the plurality 22' of primary packages are moved away from the accumulator 220, and toward the secondary package loading area 238, it is possible that one or more primary packages will protrude from the secondary package loading area 238, or from a secondary package located at the secondary package loading area 238. In other words, the plurality 22' of primary packages may not go into the secondary package completely, and it may be desirable to apply a force to the plurality 22' of primary packages to urge the plurality 22' of primary packages into the secondary package.

In some embodiments, the system 10' includes the tamper arm 222 and the tamper plate 224 illustrated in FIGS. 12-14. The tamper plate 224 can be attached to the tamper arm 222, and the tamper plate 224 can pivot about an axis near the rear edge 236 of the support plate 226 as the tamper arm 222 is moved along a path 246. The tamper plate 224 can be moved and can apply a force to the plurality 22' of primary packages. The force applied by the tamper plate 224 can help urge the plurality 22' of primary packages into the secondary package. In alternative embodiments, the tamper plate 224 can be pivoted, driven, or otherwise moved by other tamper plate driving mechanism(s), whether operated manually, electrically, mechanically, pneumatically, hydraulically, some combination thereof, and the like. It should be understood that the tamper plate 224 can be replaced with, or supplemented by, other tamper mechanisms such as, for example, pistons, cylinders, screens, or other structures. As mentioned above, the system 10' allows the sequential inspection of primary packages, for example, the plurality 22' of primary packages in a first order. The inspected packages can be accumulated, for example, at an accumulator 220. The primary package flow can be reversed, and the plurality 22' of primary packages can be moved into a secondary package in reverse order, i.e., the last primary package inspected can be the first primary package inserted or packaged in the secondary package. As such, the first primary package inspected can be the last primary package placed into the secondary package. As such, the first primary package inspected can be located at the top of the filled secondary package, allowing the secondary package to be loaded in the upright position. The ability to inspect the plurality 22' of primary packages in a first order, and to package the plurality 22' of primary packages such that the first inspected primary package is the first primary package taken out of the secondary package, can be beneficial in that it may be unnecessary to load the plurality 22' of primary packages into an inverted secondary package or to inspect the plurality 22' of primary packages in a reverse order.

In some embodiments, it is easier to inspect the plurality 22' of primary packages when the primary packages are fed in a first order, and/or the primary packages may be designed or packaged for use in the first order. As such, it can be beneficial to package the plurality 22' of primary packages such that the primary packages are accessible in the first order, i.e., in the same order in which the primary packages are inspected. The use of the system 10' as described above allows a user to inspect the plurality 22' of primary packages in the first order and insert the primary packages into the secondary package in a second order. As such, the primary packages are accessible in the first order. In some embodiments, it is cheaper and easier to pack the secondary package in the second order than to flip the secondary package and load the plurality 22' of the primary packages through the bottom of the secondary package, particularly with complex secondary packages that may require the application of glue, complex fold operations, staples, and the like, all of which may be difficult to properly apply if the secondary package is filled with the plurality 22' of primary packages. While the control of the system 10' has not been described in detail, it should be understood that the system 10' can include various controls for operating the system 10'. For example, the system 10' can include a control pad 248 for controlling the various components and operations of the system 10'. The exemplary control pad 248 shown FIGS. 12-15 is illustrated as including three control switches, though additional and/or alternative configurations are possible and contemplated. The control pad 248 can include a power switch, a product flow switch, a flow reverse switch, a light switch, control switches for one or more imaging devices and/or scanners, a tamper arm control switch, a printing device control switch, control switches for one or more drive motors 244, combinations thereof, and the like. It should also be understood that the illustrated control pad 248 can be replaced with a touch screen, a multi-touch screen, or other touch sensitive devices, all of which may be integrated into a display such as the display 218 of FIG. 11.

It is to be understood that an inspection area may comprise a loop inspection configuration one such configuration is depicted in FIG. 16. The primary packages 22' may be aligned in an adjustable loop configuration such that the contents of the packages are viewable by the user and may be compared for accuracy. Rollers 250, 252, and 254 may be used keep the primary packages 22' aligned and in the correct orientation. It is to be understood that the number of rollers may be adjusted based on manufacturing preferences. There may be a benefit to having at least three rollers in the loop. There may be a benefit to having four rollers in the loop (bottom roller 254 to move the primary packages into the loop, first top roller 250 to create the straight viewing line 258, second bottom roller 252 to create the second viewing line 260 for comparing to the first viewing line, second top roller set 250 to direct the inspected primary packages onto the next step). Rollers 250 may be combined into a single roller set with a top roller and a bottom roller and space between the top and bottom rollers for the primary packages 22' to move through. It may be necessary if rollers 250 are combined to a single set of rollers to make this roller set adjustable for example by allowing one of the double rollers (top and bottom constitutes the set) to be lifted so the primary packages 22' may be adjustable between the rollers and line up in the loop. Roller 256 may be used to send the primary packages into the next step in the inspection machine.

In FIG. 16 the lower roller 252 is designed to be adjustable within the machine. This feature may allow the user to adjust the number of primary packages 22' that are viewable such that an entire days worth of a patient's medications can be compared for accuracy and consistency. Lower roller 254 may also be made adjustable so both strips of medications only display one days worth of a patient's medications. It is to be understood that the top rollers 250 may be adjustable as well both height wise and by opening the space between the roller pairs such that the strip of primary packages may be adjusted to line viewing length 258 with viewing length 260. Manufacturing preferences will determine which rollers and how many rollers should be adjustable. The rollers 250, 254, 252, 256 may be manually rotated as the user pulls the packages along or automated such that the primary packages 22' scroll through for the user to view without interaction from the user. It is to be understood that such an inspection configuration may reduce or eliminate the need for an inspection area using a display.

Using one of the systems disclosed herein, an exemplary method of inspecting and gathering primary packages includes: providing a primary package holding an article and content-related information located on the primary package exterior or on a related attachment; viewing a first side of the primary package and visually identifying the article therein; while viewing the first side, simultaneously viewing the content-related information located on the opposite side of the primary package or the related attachment. Thereafter, comparing the article to the content-related information and determining if the article and the content-related information are compatible. Additional steps in this method may include authorizing distribution of the primary package(s) after inspection, gathering the primary package into a secondary package, and labeling the secondary package with content-related information. In this method, the user is viewing either the article or the content-related information as a reflected image. Using one of the systems disclosed herein, an exemplary method of inspecting and gathering primary packages includes: providing a primary package including at least one article therein and content-related information; viewing an image of the primary package and identifying the article therein; while viewing the image of the article, simultaneously viewing the content-related information; comparing the article to the content-related information; and, determining if the article and the content-related information are compatible. Thereafter, comparing the article to the content-related information and determining if the article and the content-related information are compatible. Additional steps in this method may include authorizing distribution of the primary package(s) after inspection, gathering the primary package into a secondary package, and labeling the secondary package with content-related information. In this method the user is viewing either the article or the content-related information, or both, as an image retrieved from a local or remote database or memory and presented on a display device, and then comparing the retrieved image with the primary package.

The law does not require and it is economically prohibited to illustrate and teach every possible embodiment of the present claims. Hence, the above- described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Variations, modifications, and combinations are contemplated and may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSI claim:

1. A system for inspecting and grouping a plurality of primary packages, comprising: at least one primary package staging portion: at least one inspection portion including at least one image reflector; at least one primary package gathering portion; and, at least one primary package drive mechanism configured to direct at least one primary package past the at least one image reflector and toward the at least one primary package gathering portion.

2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one secondary package loading portion, wherein the primary packages are gathered into the secondary package.

3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one primary package severance device configured to separate the at least one primary package from an adjacent attachment.

4. The system of claim 2, further comprising at least one secondary package blank staging portion.

5. The system of claim 4, further comprising at least one secondary package blank erecting sub-assembly.

6. The system of claim 2, further comprising at least one accumulator, wherein the accumulator is located before at least one secondary package loading portion.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the primary packages are gathered into the secondary packages using a fan fold arrangement in the secondary package loading portion.

8. The system of claim 2, further comprising a tamper mechanism for applying force to the inspected primary packages, wherein the force is applied to urge the inspected primary packages into the secondary package loading area.

9. A system for inspecting and grouping a plurality of primary packages, comprising: at least one primary package staging portion: at least one primary package gathering portion; and, at least one inspection area with a loop configuration.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the loop configuration comprises at least one adjustable rolling component.

11. The system of claim 9, further comprising at least one inspection portion including at least one image reflector; and at least one primary package drive mechanism configured to direct at least one primary package past the at least one image reflector and towards the at least one primary package gathering portion.

11. A system for inspecting and grouping a plurality of primary packages, comprising: at least one primary package staging portion; a first image capture device configured to capture an image of at least part of a primary package; at least one display device configured to display the captured image or its correlated stored data base image; at least one primary package gathering portion; and, at least one primary package drive mechanism configured to direct at least one primary package past the first image capture device and toward the primary package gathering portion.

12. The system of claim 11 , further comprising a secondary package loading portion.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a secondary package labeling portion.

14. The system of claim 11 , further comprising a primary package severance device configured to separate a primary package from an adjacent attachment.

15. The system of claim 11 , further comprising an image reflector within viewing distance of the display device.

16. The system of claim 11 , further comprising a secondary package blank staging portion.

17. The system of claim 16, further comprises a secondary package blank erecting sub-assembly.

18. The system of claim 11 , further comprising, a display device configured to display an image retrieved from one of a database or memory.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the retrieved image is associated with the article.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the retrieve image is associated with the content-related information.

21. The system of claim 11 , further comprising at least one accumulator, wherein the accumulator is located before a secondary package loading portion.

22. The system of claim 2, wherein the primary packages are gathered into the secondary packages using a fan fold arrangement.

23. The system of claim 12, further comprising a tamper mechanism for applying force to the inspected primary packages, wherein the force is applied to urge the inspected primary packages into the secondary package loading portion.