Method and device for providing bundled bags of medicines in an individualised manner

Abstract

Methods and devices are disclosed wherein, following the introduction of a series or string of interconnected bags ( 2 ), a number of bags belonging together are automatically deposited in trays ( 3 ) in zigzag fashion, physically separated from each other, or automatically wound onto reels ( 12 ). Readable information is printed on the bags, which information indicates that the bags belong together, because their contents, usually medicinal tablets, are intended for the same entity. Said entity may for example be persons or animals in a particular department or on a particular floor level of a home for the elderly, a nursing home, a hospital. Said entity may also be a single person or a group of patients who regularly need specific medicines, frequently in exactly the prescribed order and at exact points in time. The medicines in the distributed trays or on the reels can thus be made available to the patients in an individualised manner and in the correct order.

1 . A method wherein, after the introduction of a series of interconnected bags, a part of said series is arranged over a movable spoon, whereupon the spoon moves away, causing a first row of bags to fall into a tray, and the spoon is subsequently moved to a position for retaining said first row of bags in place in the tray, after which a cycle is carried out in which a movable carrier element guides the further arrangement of bags over the spoon until, upon arrival of the carrier element at the end of the second row, the spoon moves away from its position under the second row and is moved to a position for retaining the rows in place in the tray, after which the cycle is repeated until the series is broken, whereupon the tray containing the folded rows or bags is discharged. 
   
   
       2 . A method according to  claim 1 , characterised in that said introduction and/or discharge takes place by means of a conveying system. 
   
   
       3 . A method according to  claim 1  or  2 , characterised in that the series of interconnected bags is moved in a clamped position between driven conveyor belts upon being introduced. 
   
   
       4 . A method according to any one of the  claims 1 - 3 , characterised in that the spoon, after being moved in position, presses down on the bags in the tray. 
   
   
       5 . A method according to any one of the  claims 1 - 4 , characterised in that said breaking of the series is carried out by cutting, scissor or pressure means. 
   
   
       6 . A method according to any one of the  claims 1 - 5 , characterised in that said carrier element comprises at least one pin. 
   
   
       7 . A method according to any one of the  claims 1 - 6 , characterised in that the method is carried out by means of a control system which comprises a reading device for reading data printed on the bags, and which is arranged for discharging, on the basis of corresponding data of the same entity, such as the department, the floor level, the patient group, the person or the like, trays containing the bags filled with objects, such as medicines, intended for the entity in question. 
   
   
       8 . A method according to any one of the  claims 1 - 7 , characterised in that prior to the discharge of the trays, relevant data, for example identification data, are printed on labels, which labels are affixed to the row or bags and/or to the tray. 
   
   
       9 . A device for carrying out the method according to any one of the  claims 1 - 8 , characterised in that said device comprises:
 in-feed means for introducing a series of interconnected bags;   a movable spoon for arranging a first row of bags from said series over the spoon upon introduction of the bags;   tray-supplying means for supplying trays in which the rows of bags are to be deposited;   a movable carrier element for guiding the rows of bags;   separating means for breaking the series of bags being introduced;   discharge means for delivering the trays filled with rows of bags;   a control system comprising sensor control means for carrying out the method and a reading device for reading data printed on the bags, which control system is furthermore at least connected to the separating means for physically separating the rows of bags on the basis of printed corresponding data as read, which rows of bags are to be placed into various trays, which are each filled with bags corresponding to each other.   
   
   
       10 . A device according to  claim 9 , characterised in that the device comprises labelling means connected to the control system for printing data relevant to the row of bags and/or the tray on labels before the trays are discharged. 
   
   
       11 . A method wherein one end of a series of interconnected bags is rotated upon being introduced to form the beginning of a roll, and wherein the bags are wound into a roll by means of a rotatably drivable winding shaft when said introduction is continued, until the series is broken and the roll of bags is discharged. 
   
   
       12 . A method according to  claim 11 , characterised in that use is made of a rotatably drivable reel, onto which the bags are wound. 
   
   
       13 . A method according to  claim 11  or  12 , characterised in that the end of the series of interconnected bags being introduced is held down on or in the winding shaft or reel, and in that the bags are pressed onto the winding shaft or reel, if necessary, upon rotation thereof, and in that the roll or reel with the row of bags wound thereon is discharged after the series has been broken. 
   
   
       14 . A method according to  claim 12  or  13 , characterised in that the rotatable reel is moved so as to clear the way for the bags to be wound onto the reel. 
   
   
       15 . A method according to any one of the  claims 11 - 14 , characterised in that a part of a label is printed at least on the last bag on a reel or roll, whilst the other part is affixed to the bags wound into a roll or onto said reel. 
   
   
       16 . A method according to any one of the  claims 11 - 15 , characterised in that data printed on the bags are read, and that rolls or reels with bags filled with objects, such as medicines, intended for the entity in question are discharged on the basis of corresponding data of the same entity, such as the department, the floor level, the patient group, the person or the like. 
   
   
       17 . A method according to any one of the  claims 11 - 16 , characterised in that data relevant to the bags and/or the rolls or reel are printed on labels before the rolls or reels are discharged. 
   
   
       18 . A device for carrying out the method according to any one of the  claims 11 - 17 , characterised in that the device comprises:
 in-feed means for introducing a series of interconnected bags;   either reel-supplying means for supplying rotatably drivable reels, on which bags corresponding to each other are to be wound, or a rotatably drivable winding shaft, on which bags corresponding to each other are to be wound into a roll;   pressure means for pressing down the bags while they are being wound into a roll or onto a reel;   separating means for breaking the series of bags being introduced;   discharge means for delivering the rolls or reels with bags;   a control system comprising sensor control means for carrying out the method and a reading device for reading data printed on the bags, which control system is furthermore at least connected to the separating means for physically separating the bags on various rolls or reels, which are each filled with bags corresponding to each other, on the basis of printed corresponding data as read.   
   
   
       19 . A device according to  claim 18 , characterised in that the rotatable reels or the winding shaft are mounted on a movable rotation mechanism. 
   
   
       20 . A device according to  claim 18  or  19 , characterised in that the device comprises labelling means connected to the control system for printing inter alia data relevant to the bags and/or the reels on labels before the rolls or reels are discharged.