A unique method and apparatus for dispensing tablets having particular application in the clinical analysis of biological samples. A series of containers are advanced past a plurality of processing stations, one of which is a table dispenser in turn. The processing stations are selectively activated by a controller. A sensor is associated with the tablet dispenser and is arranged to detect whether a tablet has actually entered a container. The sensor is activated only when the tablet dispenser is activated. The controller is responsive to the sensor in dependence upon the condition sensed by the sensor.
The invention is a method and an apparatus for inspecting small articles. The invention includes a first rotatable support having a first circumferential surface for holding the small articles; a second rotatable support having a second circumferential surface with the first and second circumferential surfaces being opposed to each other and spaced apart at a closest separation which is greater than a thickness of the small articles and is a transfer point for transferring the small articles from the first circumferential surface to the second circumferential surface; a vacuum source coupled to suction holes disposed at spaced apart locations on the first circumferential surface for holding the small articles at the spaced apart locations during rotation to the transfer point; a vacuum source coupled to suction holes disposed at spaced apart locations on the second circumferential surface for holding the small articles at the spaced apart location during rotation from the transfer point; and a plurality of detector devices, one of the detector devices being offset radially outward from and facing the second circumferential surface of the second rotatable support for viewing one of a top or bottom surface of the small articles and at least another of the plurality of detector devices being positioned for viewing at least one other surface of the small articles.
An automatic non-destructive real time infrared system includes special bundle of fiber optics having the ability to convey infrared light waves to solid organic-base compounds and receive reflected infrared light waves from the same. A sample of manufactured solid compound of organic-base is conveyed by mechanical and pneumatic means to a holding receptacle located under the field of view of the fiber optics probe. The probe is directly linked to a spectrophotometer to obtain a spectrum. The spectrophotometer is linked to a computer system determining the exact dissolution measurement of each manufactured solid organic-base compound. The compacted solid of organic-base compound is released from the receptacle by an ejection means to be dispensed in a holding container for storage. The storage container maintains the sample sequence. A new sample is dispensed to the holding receptacle allowing for new measurement of dissolution.
A system for evaluating the physical compatibility of two or more pharmaceutical chemicals in solution mixes chemical solutions in predetermined relative quantities in a test well and, under the direction of a control mechanism, measures the absorption of the mixture at two different wavelengths. The first wavelength is within the visual spectrum in the range of 400 to 500 nm and detects both changes in color and changes in physical properties caused by mixing the chemical solutions. The second wavelength is above the visual spectrum in the range of 610 to 650 nm to detect only changes in physical properties caused by mixing the chemical solutions. The control mechanism further compares the absorption measured at the two different wavelengths to differentiate between solely color changes and physical property changes (with or without color changes) caused by the mixing. The control mechanism also provides an output of the differentiated results.
An automatic discharge system permits the counting and discharge of measured quantities of similar articles. The system includes a set of substantially identical discharge modules arranged in a series. Each discharge module is connected to a counting device which counts a measured quantity of articles and discharges the articles into a container, upon command. Each discharge module also includes a microprocessor, the microprocessors of the discharge modules being identically programmed. Each microprocessor receives inputs from the microprocessors in adjacent modules, anad transmits signals to the adjacent microprocessors, such that signals propagate up and down the series. A central control unit issues a "step" signal which propagates up the series. Each time a microprocessor receives such a "step" signal, it records a "turn". Each microprocessor is programmed to cause its associated counter to dump articles on one or more predetermined "turns". The control unit also receives signals from the last module in the series, and is programmed not to issue another "step" signal until it has received confirmation that all modules in the series are ready for the next "turn". The control unit can be actuated manually, such as by a foot pedal, or automatically, such as by an automatic bagging maachine. In another embodiment, the first discharge module and control unit are combined into one module. In still another embodiment, the modules discharge articles on a "when ready" basis, and they do so only one at a time.
An automatic blister system includes an inspection station into which blisters are delivered in seriatim. After inspection the blisters are removed from the inspection station. A transport assembly conveys the blister through the inspection station. A sensor or detector is mounted in the inspection station directed at the path of travel of the blisters. In addition, a high speed camera is in the inspection station which is actuated by the sensor for capturing a picture of the blister. The characteristics of the blister in the picture are then monitored.
