DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a solid dose feeding apparatus in pharmaceutical industry for filling dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, caplets, pills etc. in vacant receptacles of blisters. More particularly, the present invention relates to a feeding unit, a blister feeding apparatus and a method of operating the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Solid dose manufacturing is a critical aspect of both, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. It involves precise production, quality control, and packaging of the solid dose forms in various types – such as tablets, pills, capsules; shapes – such as round, oblong, square, cylindrical; sizes; as well as formulations. Once manufactured, ensuring accuracy and efficiency of packaging the solid dose formulations is crucial for maintaining product quality, reducing human error, and optimizing manufacturing output. This necessity has led to a development of automated tablet feeding machines.
[003] Most solid dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, etc. are packed in either Aluminum blisters, known as Alu-Alu packs, or Polyvinylchloride (PVC) blisters. A blister pack is generally formed containing a plurality of receptacles, whereby each receptacle is configured to receive a single dose solid dosage form followed by a unitary closure film in order to seal the receptacles. As part of the blister pack manufacturing process, the moving web of material containing the plurality of receptacles travels past below a feeder which receives a plurality of freshly manufactured solid dosage forms from, say a hopper, and distributes the solid dosage forms such that each receptacle in the moving web receives a single dose.
[004] Ever-growing consumer demand, need for larger and faster supply chains, and exponentially expanding pharmaceutical market have contributed to an ever-growing requirement of faster and more accurate machines and systems. Such systems which would reduce need for repetitive quality checks, reduce dependency on man power at each station, and thereby increase manufacturing and packaging speeds multi-fold.
[005] To achieve the aforementioned objective, a popularly known ‘flood feeder’ is used. The flood feeder dispenses a larger number of tablets on to the blister pack compared to the number of receptacles contained therein. The flood feeder then uses paddles or brushes to remove excess tablets that have not been received in any receptacles. However, the flood feeders have a major drawback of overfilling, which is especially seen in case of blisters with larger receptacles.
[006] Another type of feeder known as Simultaneous Release Plate Feeder (SRPF) has also been use widely. SRPFs use a controlled release delivery method that fills an array of receptacles (i.e. multiple blisters) simultaneously using multiple gates and chutes. However, SRPFs in general are very expensive units, difficult to install, maintain and pose a substantial number of technical problems which constantly require human intervention. Other popular solid dose feeders used in the industry are Finger Release Plate Feeders, Gravity Plate Feeders, etc. which have attempted to give desired output however have several shortcomings.
[007] Thus, there is a need in the art for a blister feeding apparatus and a method of operating the same which address at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] The present invention in one aspect is directed to a dose dispensing unit for releasing finished solid dosage forms received from a vertically proximal end of a feeding block. The feeding block has an array of feeding channels, while dose dispensing unit disposed adjacent to a vertically distal end of the feeding block. The dose dispensing unit has an array of laterally disposed mechanically biased channel pins movable between a holding position and a retracted position, whereby in the holding position each of the channel pins intercept the gravitationally falling solid dosage forms inside the feeding channels, and in the retracted position the channel pins are withdrawn so as to simultaneously release the solid dosage forms in receptacles of blister packs being conveyed downwards the distal end of the feeding block; a plurality of alternatively oscillating up-stage pneumatic cylinders, whereby each up-stage cylinder is configured to simultaneously actuate the array of the channel pins from the retracted position to the holding position and back; and at least two oscillating down-stage pneumatic cylinders, each down-stage pneumatic cylinder further configured to engage a predetermined number of the channel pins, whereby the predetermined channel pins remain in the holding position in event of absence of a vacant receptacle in the conveyed blister packs.
[009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the channel pins are mechanically biased by compression springs.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the dose dispensing unit has a mechanically biased rectangular up-stage hammer plate disposed in-between the up-stage pneumatic cylinders and the array of the channel pins, wherein each abutment received on a side wall of the up-stage hammer plate causes the up-stage hammer plate to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back, thereby abutting the array of the channel pins by an opposing side wall causing the channel pins to move from the retracted position to the holding position and back.
[011] In a further embodiment, the dose dispensing unit has four compression springs mechanically biasing the up-stage hammer plate, wherein one end of the each of the compression springs is attached to each corner of the opposing wall of the up-stage hammer plate, and other end of each of the compression springs is attached to a casing wall of the dose dispensing unit.
[012] In an embodiment of the present invention, the dose dispensing unit has a mechanically biased rectangular down-stage hammer plate disposed in-between the down-stage pneumatic cylinders and the array of the channel pins, wherein each abutment received on a side wall of the down-stage hammer plate causes the down-stage hammer plate to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back, thereby abutting the array of the channel pins by an opposing side wall causing the channel pins to move from the retracted position to the holding position and back.
[013] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the up-stage pneumatic cylinders and the down-stage pneumatic cylinders are coupled with a processor to execute predetermined instructions.
[014] In another embodiment, wherein in the holding position, each of the channel pins is received inside each of the arrays of the feeding channels of the feeding block at the distal end through preformed slits, and each of the channel pins intercepts the gravitational fall of each of the solid dosage form by pinning the respective solid dosage form against an opposing internal wall of the feeding channel.
[015] In an embodiment of the present invention, number of the channel pins equally corresponds to number of the feeding channels.
[016] In another aspect, the present invention discloses blister feeding apparatus. The blister feeding apparatus has a feeding block disposed over a horizontally extending conveyor plate, the feeding block vertically extending from a proximal end to a distal end and comprising an array of feeding channels, whereby the feeding block receives plurality of solid dosage forms from a hopper disposed on the proximal end. The blister feeding apparatus further has a dose dispensing unit disposed adjacent to the vertically distal end of the feeding block, the dose dispensing unit having: an array of laterally disposed mechanically biased channel pins movable between a holding position and a retracted position, whereby in the holding position each of the channel pins intercept the gravitationally falling solid dosage forms inside the feeding channels, and in the retracted position the channel pins are withdrawn so as to simultaneously release the solid dosage forms in receptacles of blister packs being conveyed on the conveyor plate; a plurality of alternatively oscillating up-stage pneumatic cylinders, whereby each up-stage cylinder is configured to simultaneously actuate the array of the channel pins from the retracted position to the holding position and back; and at least two oscillating down-stage pneumatic cylinders, each down-stage pneumatic cylinder further configured to engage a predetermined number of the channel pins, whereby the predetermined channel pins remain in the holding position in event of absence of a vacant receptacle in the conveyed blister packs on the conveyor plate.
[017] In an embodiment of the present invention, the feeding block has a front plate having an array of grooves extending vertically from a proximal end to a distal end, and a rear plate having an array of grooves extending vertically from a proximal end to a distal end, such that when groove-comprising sides of the front plate and the rear plate are conformed together, an array of feeding channels so formed have a transversal section exhibiting a profile having same shape as a profile of a transversal section of maximum area of a solid dosage form, such that the solid dosage form is guided along the feeding channel.
[018] In a further embodiment, the channel pins are mechanically biased by compression springs.
[019] In another embodiment of the present invention, the dose dispensing unit has a mechanically biased rectangular up-stage hammer plate disposed in-between the pneumatic cylinders and the array of the channel pins, wherein each abutment received on a side wall of the up-stage hammer plate causes the up-stage hammer plate to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back, thereby abutting the array of the channel pins by an opposing side wall causing the channel pins to move from the retracted position to the holding position and back.
[020] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the dose dispensing unit has four compression springs mechanically biasing the up-stage hammer plate, wherein one end of the each of the compression springs is attached to each corner of the opposing wall of the up-stage hammer plate, and other end of each of the compression springs is attached to a casing wall of the dose dispensing unit.
[021] In another embodiment, the dose dispensing unit has a mechanically biased rectangular down-stage hammer plate disposed in-between the down-stage pneumatic cylinders and the array of the channel pins, wherein each abutment received on a side wall of the down-stage hammer plate causes the down-stage hammer plate to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back, thereby abutting the array of the channel pins by an opposing side wall causing the channel pins to move from the retracted position to the holding position and back.
[022] In another embodiment of the present invention, the up-stage pneumatic cylinders and the down-stage pneumatic cylinders of the dose dispensing unit are coupled with a processor to execute predetermined instructions.
[023] In an embodiment of the present invention, in the holding position, each of the channel pins of the dose dispensing unit is received inside each of the arrays of the feeding channels of the feeding block at the distal end through preformed slits, and each of the channel pins intercepts the gravitational fall of each of the solid dosage form by pinning the respective solid dosage form against an opposing internal wall of the feeding channel.
[024] In a further embodiment, number of the channel pins of the dose dispensing unit equally corresponds to number of the feeding channels of the feeding block.
[025] In yet another aspect, the present invention discloses a method of operating a blister feeding apparatus, comprising the steps of: introducing, finished solid dosage forms ready to be packed, through a hopper into a proximal end of a feeding block; allowing, each of the solid dosage forms to gravitationally flow through each of an array of feeding channels of the feeding block; simultaneously intercepting, each of the solid dosage forms in each of the feeding channels; and simultaneously releasing, each of the solid dosage forms in each vacant receptacle of each blister pack conveyed therethrough.
[026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the method includes engaging a predetermined number of channel pins, whereby the predetermined channel pins remain in a holding position in event of absence of a vacant receptacle in the conveyed blister packs.
[027] In yet another embodiment, the gravitational fall of each of the solid dosage form is intercepted by pinning the respective solid dosage form against an opposing internal wall of the feeding channel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. Reference has been made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures constitute a part of this disclosure are intended to be illustrative, and together with the description, serve to explain the invention. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1a shows a schematic diagram of a blister feeding apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 1b shows an isometric view in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows an isometric view of a feeding block in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 shows a dose dispensing unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 shows an exploded view of the dose dispensing unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 shows a flowchart for a method for operating the blister feeding apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[029] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to specific embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated methods, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.
[030] The present invention relates to a feeding unit, a blister feeding apparatus and a method of operating the same.
[031] Referring to Figures 1a and 1b, which show a blister feeding apparatus 300. In a typical solid dose form manufacturing process, a hopper (not shown) is disposed atop the blister feeding apparatus 300, whereby one end of the hopper is disposed over a proximal end of the blister feeding apparatus 300, while other end of the hopper receives plurality of finished solid dosage forms. The solid dosage forms are, including, but not limited to, tablets, capsules, pills, and caplets. The solid finished dosage forms are then fed to the blister feeding apparatus 300 by the hopper. As seen in Figures 1a, 1b and 2, the blister feeding apparatus 300 has a feeding block 200. The process of filling the solid dosage forms into blisters begins with the solid dosage forms being received by the feeding block 200 of the blister feeding apparatus 300. In construction, the feeding block 200 is a vertically disposed unit extending from a proximal end 200a to a distal end 200b. The feeding block 200 is disposed over a conveyor plate X, whereby the conveyor plate X extends horizontally. In an embodiment of the invention, the conveyor plate X is configured to have a conveyor belt running along the longitudinal length of the conveyor plate X. The conveyor belt is then mounted on with vacant blister strips which are conveyed towards the feeding block and are consequently filled with solid dosage forms dispensed by the feeding block. In the embodiment, the filled blister packs are then conveyed to packaging, sealing, and labelling sections.
[032] Referring to Figure 2, according to the invention, the feeding block 200 has an array of feeding channels 220. These array of feeding channels 220 extend from the proximal end 200a of the feeding block 200 to the distal end 200b. In an embodiment of the present invention, the feeding block 200 is made up of a front plate 210a a rear plate 210b. As per the embodiment, the front plate 210a has an array of grooves 210a’ which extend from the proximal end 200a of the feeding block 200 to the distal end 200b. Similarly, the rear plate 210b has an array of grooves 210b’ which also extend from the proximal end 200a of the feeding block 200 to the distal end 200b. In the same embodiment, when the grooved sides of both, the front plate 210a and the rear plate 210b are conformed together, the array of feeding channels 220 is so formed. In the same embodiment and as seen in Figure 2, the feeding channels 220 so formed have a transversal section 230. The transversal section 230 of each of the feeding channels 220 exhibits a profile which has a same shape as a profile of a transversal section of maximum area of a solid dosage form. As per the present invention, the solid dosage forms received at the proximal end 200a of the feeding block 200 fall into the feeding channels 220 due to gravity. Thus, the solid dosage forms are systematically guided along each of the feeding channels 220 one after the other.
[033] The blister feeding apparatus 300 of the present invention has a dose dispensing unit 100. As seen in Figures 1a and 1b, the dose dispensing unit 100 is disposed adjacent to the distal end 200b of the feeding block 200. In an embodiment of the invention, the dose dispensing unit 100 is disposed adjacent to the front plate 210a at the distal end 200b of the feeding block 200. In another embodiment of the invention, the dose dispensing unit 100 is disposed adjacent to the rear plate 210b at the distal end 200b of the feeding block 200.
[034] Referring to Figures 3 and 4, the dose dispensing unit 100 of the present invention has an array of channel pins 130. These channel pins 130 are laterally disposed to one another and are mounted on a mounting plate 114. In an embodiment, the channel pins 130 are mechanically biased by compression springs. According to the invention, each of the mechanically biased channel pins 130 is movable between a holding position in direction A-B and a retracted position in direction B-A as shown in Figure 3. This actuation of the channel pins 130 is caused by four of up-stage pneumatic cylinders 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d mounted on an up-stage back plate 102 as shown in Figures 3 and 4 (explained hereinunder). In another embodiment there are more than four up-stage pneumatic cylinders. According to the invention each up-stage cylinder is configured to simultaneously actuate the array of the channel pins 130 from the retracted position to the holding position and back.
[035] In an embodiment of the invention, and as seen in Figure 4, the dose dispensing unit 100 has a mechanically biased rectangular up-stage hammer plate 106. The up-stage hammer plate 106 is disposed between the up-stage pneumatic cylinders 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, and the array of channel pins 130. The up-stage pneumatic cylinders 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, are configured to abut against the hammer plate 106. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the invention, and as seen in Figure 4, the hammer plate 106 has a corresponding number of cushions 106a, 106b, 106c, and 106c, mounted thereon to receive abutments from the up-stage pneumatic cylinders 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d.
[036] According to the present invention, the up-stage pneumatic cylinders 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are configured to alternatively oscillate. In this sense, no two pneumatic cylinders would abut against the hammer plate 106 at the same time. This is done by coupling each of the up-stage pneumatic cylinders 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d to a processor (not shown) to execute predetermined instructions. Yet, as per the embodiment, an abutment received from a single up-stage pneumatic cylinder causes the hammer plate 106 to oscillate forwards in an A-B direction. In the same embodiment, the hammer plate 106 is also mechanically biased. The dose dispensing unit 100 has four compression springs 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d for biasing the up-stage hammer plate 106. As seen in Figure 3, one end of each of the compression springs 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d is attached to each corner of a wall opposed from a wall comprising the cushions 106a, 106b, 106c, 106d of the hammer plate 106; while other end of each of the compression springs 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d is attached to a casing wall 112 of the dose dispensing unit. The dispensing unit 100 has respective guide rods 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d to keep the compression springs 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d in place. In another embodiment of the invention, the dose dispensing unit 100 has a hard lock system (not shown) for biasing the up-stage hammer plate 106. Thus, as per the embodiment, since the hammer plate 106 is also biased, each abutment received from each of the up-stage pneumatic cylinders 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d causes the hammer plate to oscillate from a first position to a second position in A-B direction and back.
[037] According to the embodiment of the invention, upon receipt of one abutment, when the hammer plate 106 moves in a forward direction A-B, the opposing wall of the hammer plate 106 abuts against a rear side of the mounting plate 114. This causes the mounting plate 114 to move in the forward direction A-B causing a simultaneous actuation of the channel pins 130 from the retracted position to the holding position. When the hammer plate 106 retracts back to the second position by moving backwards B-A, the mounting plate 106 also moves backwards B-A thereby simultaneously retracting all the channel pins 130 from the holding position to the retracted position.
[038] In operation, when the solid dosage forms gravitationally flow through the feeding channels 220 of the feeding block 200, the dispensing unit 100 is put in operation. Thus, the up-stage pneumatic cylinders 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d are actuated and alternatively oscillate as per instructions from the processor. Upon each abutment on the hammer plate 106 by the up-stage pneumatic cylinders 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d the channel pins 130 are actuated and are brought in the holding position from the retracted position, in order to intercept the gravitationally falling solid dosage forms. Accordingly, flow of the solid dosage forms is momentarily halted by the array of the channel pins 130 moved into the holding position. In an embodiment of the invention, the number of the channel pins 130 equally corresponds to the number of the feeding channels 220. In this embodiment, in the holding position, each of the channel pins 130 is received inside each of the feeding channels 220 of the feeding block 200 through preformed slits (not shown) in the feeding channels 220. In this regard, each of the channel pins 130 intercepts the gravitational fall of each of the solid dosage form by pinning the solid dosage form against an opposing internal wall of the respective feeding channel 220.
[039] In an embodiment, and as seen in Figure 4, the mounting plate extends perpendicularly to form a base plate 118 being downwards the array of channel pins 130. When the channel pins 130 move the holding position, the base plate 118 also moves in the forward in the A-B direction to slide under the distal end 200b of the feeding block 200, thereby acting as a support gate to hold any solid dosage form that may have been slipped out. As explained above, the blister feeding apparatus 300 has a conveyor plate X disposed under the feeding block 200. The conveyor plate X conveys empty blisters towards the feeding block 200. Thus, when the blisters with vacant receptacles present themselves at the feeding block 200, the channel pins 130 are withdrawn backwards B-A in the retracted position, thereby simultaneously releasing the solid dosage forms. In this regard, in the same embodiment, the base plate 118 also has a slit 118’ to allow passage of released solid dosage forms. When the channel pins 130 move in the retracted position, the slit 118’ of the base plate comes back under the distal end 200b of the feeding block 200 allowing the released solid dosage forms to pass through and fill in the vacant receptacles of the blister pack.
[040] Referring yet to Figures 3 and 4, the blister feeding apparatus 300 of the present invention further has at least two down-stage pneumatic cylinders 120a, 120b mounted on a down-stage back plate 104. According to the present invention, just like the up-stage pneumatic cylinders 110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, the down-stage pneumatic cylinders 120a, 120b are also configured to oscillate. This is done by coupling each of the down-stage pneumatic cylinders 120a, 120b also to the processor (not shown) to execute predetermined instructions. In an embodiment of the invention, and as seen in Figure 4, the dose dispensing unit 100 has a down-stage hammer plate 116. The down-stage hammer plate 116 is disposed between the down-stage pneumatic cylinders 120a, 120b, and the array of channel pins 130. Thus, each abutment received on a side wall of the down-stage hammer plate 116 causes the down-stage hammer plate 116 to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back just like the up-stage hammer plate 106. According to the invention, the down-stage pneumatic cylinders 120a, 120b are actuated in event of blisters which have an odd, or unconventional arrangement of receptacles. During filling of such blister packs, in case a vacant receptacle in the blister pack is not present, the down-stage pneumatic cylinders 120a, 120b move in the forward direction A-B to consequently engage respective channel pins 130 to remain in the holing position. Thus, solid dosage forms present in those respective feeding channels will not be released.
[041] Referring now to Figure 5, which is a method 400 of operating the blister feeding apparatus 300 of the present invention. At step 410, the finished solid dosage forms which are ready to be packed, are introduced through a hopper (not shown) into the proximal end 200a of the feeding block 200. Further, at step 420, each of the solid dosage forms is then allowed to gravitationally flow through each of an array of feeding channels 220 of the feeding block 200. Furthermore, at step 430, each of the solid dosage forms in each of the feeding channels 220 is simultaneously intercepted by the array of the channel pins 130, thereby momentarily halting their flow. In an embodiment, at step 440, the gravitational fall of each of the solid dosage form is intercepted by pinning the respective solid dosage form against an opposing internal wall of the feeding channel 220. According to the present invention, at step 450, each of the solid dosage forms is simultaneously release in each vacant receptacle of each blister pack conveyed therethrough. Lastly, according to an embodiment of the invention, at step 460 a predetermined number of channel pins are engaged, whereby the predetermined channel pins remain in a holding position in event of absence of a vacant receptacle in the conveyed blister packs.
[042] Advantageously, the present invention in one aspect, has feeding channels so configured so as to allow a smooth gravitational fall of a desired solid dosage form. The configuration of the feeding channels not only ensures that no solid dosage forms are either stuck inside the feeding channels, but also due to the transverse section configuration, only a single dosage form can flow through followed by the rest one after the other. This ensures precision and control while filling vacant blister packs. In another aspect, the hammer plate and the pneumatic cylinders have been configured such that an actuation of the hammer plate and subsequently the channel pins require only one abutment from one of the pneumatic cylinders. Accordingly, multiple pneumatic cylinders are deployed to generate multiple consequent abutments thereby causing the channel pins to actuate multiple times thus increasing the overall speed of packing vacant blister packs, manifold. Thus, the present invention not only makes filing vacant blister packs a precise and controlled process, it also makes the process fast thereby saving substantial amount of packaging time.
[043] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed hereinabove, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

WE CLAIM
1. A dose dispensing unit (100) for releasing finished solid dosage forms received from a vertically proximal end (200a) of a feeding block (200) comprising an array of feeding channels (220), the dose dispensing unit (100) disposed adjacent to a vertically distal end (200b) of the feeding block (200), the dose dispensing unit (100) comprising:
an array of laterally disposed mechanically biased channel pins (130) movable between a holding position and a retracted position, whereby in the holding position each of the channel pins (130) intercepts the gravitationally falling solid dosage forms inside the feeding channels (220), and in the retracted position the channel pins (130) are withdrawn so as to simultaneously release the solid dosage forms in receptacles of blister packs being conveyed downwards the distal end of the feeding block (210);
a plurality of alternatively oscillating up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d), whereby each up-stage cylinder (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) is configured to simultaneously actuate the array of the channel pins (130) from the retracted position to the holding position and back; and
at least two oscillating down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b), each down-stage pneumatic cylinder (120a, 120b) further configured to engage a predetermined number of the channel pins (130), whereby the predetermined channel pins (130) remain in the holding position in event of absence of a vacant receptacle in the conveyed blister packs.

2. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel pins (130) are mechanically biased by compression springs.

3. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a mechanically biased rectangular up-stage hammer plate (106) disposed in-between the up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and the array of the channel pins (130), wherein each abutment received on a side wall of the up-stage hammer plate (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) causes the up-stage hammer plate (106) to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back, thereby abutting the array of the channel pins (130) by an opposing side wall causing the channel pins (130) to move from the retracted position to the holding position and back.

4. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 3, comprises four compression springs (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d) mechanically biasing the up-stage hammer plate (106), wherein one end of the each of the compression springs (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d) is attached to each corner of the opposing wall of the up-stage hammer plate (106), and other end of each of the compression springs is attached to a casing wall (112) of the dose dispensing unit (100).

5. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a mechanically biased rectangular down-stage hammer plate (116) disposed in-between the down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b) and the array of the channel pins (130), wherein each abutment received on a side wall of the down-stage hammer plate (116) causes the down-stage hammer plate (116) to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back, thereby abutting the array of the channel pins (130) by an opposing side wall causing the channel pins (130) to move from the retracted position to the holding position and back.

6. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and the down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b) are coupled with a processor to execute predetermined instructions.

7. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the holding position, each of the channel pins (130) is received inside each of the arrays of the feeding channels (220) of the feeding block at the distal end (200b) through preformed slits, and each of the channel pins (130) intercepts the gravitational fall of each of the solid dosage form by pinning the respective solid dosage form against an opposing internal wall of the feeding channel (220).

8. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein number of the channel pins (130) equally corresponds to number of the feeding channels (220).

9. A blister feeding apparatus (300) comprising,
a feeding block (200) disposed over a horizontally extending conveyor plate (X), the feeding block (210) vertically extending from a proximal end (200a) to a distal end (200b) and comprising an array of feeding channels (220), whereby the feeding block (220) receives plurality of solid dosage forms from a hopper disposed on the proximal end (200a); and
a dose dispensing unit (100) disposed adjacent to the vertically distal end (200b) of the feeding block (210), the dose dispensing unit (100) comprising:
an array of laterally disposed mechanically biased channel pins (130) movable between a holding position and a retracted position, whereby in the holding position each of the channel pins (130) intercept the gravitationally falling solid dosage forms inside the feeding channels (220), and in the retracted position the channel pins (130) are withdrawn so as to simultaneously release the solid dosage forms in receptacles of blister packs being conveyed on the conveyor plate (X);
a plurality of alternatively oscillating up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d), whereby each up-stage cylinder (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) is configured to simultaneously actuate the array of the channel pins (130) from the retracted position to the holding position and back; and
at least two oscillating down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b), each down-stage pneumatic cylinder (120a, 120b) further configured to engage a predetermined number of the channel pins (130), whereby the predetermined channel pins (130) remain in the holding position in event of absence of a vacant receptacle in the conveyed blister packs on the conveyor plate (X).

10. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the feeding block (200) comprises a front plate (210a) having an array of grooves (210a’) extending vertically from a proximal end to a distal end, and a rear plate (210b) having an array of grooves (210b’) extending vertically from a proximal end to a distal end, such that when groove-comprising sides of the front plate (210a) and the rear plate (210b) are conformed together, an array of feeding channels (220) so formed have a transversal section (230) exhibiting a profile having same shape as a profile of a transversal section of maximum area of a solid dosage form, such that the solid dosage form is guided along the feeding channel (220).

11. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the channel pins (130) are mechanically biased by compression springs.

12. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the dose dispensing unit (100) comprises a mechanically biased rectangular up-stage hammer plate (106) disposed in-between the up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and the array of the channel pins (130), wherein each abutment received on a side wall of the up-stage hammer plate (106) causes the up-stage hammer plate (106) to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back, thereby abutting the array of the channel pins (130) by an opposing side wall causing the channel pins (130) to move from the retracted position to the holding position and back.

13. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the dose dispensing unit (100) comprises four compression springs (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d) mechanically biasing the up-stage hammer plate (106), wherein one end of the each of the compression springs (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d) is attached to each corner of the opposing wall of the up-stage hammer plate (106), and other end of each of the compression springs (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d) is attached to a casing wall of the dose dispensing unit (100).

14. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the dose dispensing unit (100) comprises a mechanically biased rectangular down-stage hammer plate (116) disposed in-between the down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) and the array of the channel pins (130), wherein each abutment received on a side wall of the down-stage hammer plate (116) causes the down-stage hammer plate (116) to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back, thereby abutting the array of the channel pins (130) by an opposing side wall causing the channel pins (130) to move from the retracted position to the holding position and back.

15. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and the down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b) of the dose dispensing unit (100) are coupled with a processor to execute predetermined instructions.

16. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein in the holding position, each of the channel pins (130) of the dose dispensing unit (100) is received inside each of the arrays of the feeding channels (220) of the feeding block (200) at the distal end (200a) through preformed slits, and each of the channel pins (130) intercepts the gravitational fall of each of the solid dosage form by pinning the respective solid dosage form against an opposing internal wall of the feeding channel (220).

17. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein number of the channel pins (130) of the dose dispensing unit (100) equally corresponds to number of the feeding channels (220) of the feeding block (200).

18. A method (400) of operating a blister feeding apparatus, comprising the steps of:
introducing (410), finished solid dosage forms ready to be packed, through a hopper into a proximal end (200a) of a feeding block (200);
allowing (420), each of the solid dosage forms to gravitationally flow through each of an array of feeding channels (220) of the feeding block (200);
simultaneously intercepting (430), each of the solid dosage forms in each of the feeding channels (220); and
simultaneously releasing (450), each of the solid dosage forms in each vacant receptacle of each blister pack conveyed therethrough.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, comprises engaging (460) a predetermined number of channel pins (130), whereby the predetermined channel pins (130) remain in a holding position in event of absence of a vacant receptacle in the conveyed blister packs.

20. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the gravitational fall of each of the solid dosage form is intercepted by pinning (440) the respective solid dosage form against an opposing internal wall of the feeding channel (220).

Dated this 28th day of October 2024

SCITECH CENTRE, and
ACG PAM PHARMA TECHNOLOGIES PVT LTD
By their Agent & Attorney

(Mahek Raju Tanna)
Indian Patent Agent
Reg No IN/PA-3318
To
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office,
at Mumbai

ABSTRACT
A Dose Dispensing Unit, a Blister Feeding Apparatus, and a Method of Operating thereof
The present invention in one aspect discloses a blister feeding apparatus (300). The blister feeding apparatus (300) has a vertically extending feeding block (200) having an array of feeding channels (220), and receives plurality of solid dosage forms. The blister feeding apparatus further has a dose dispensing unit (100) disposed adjacent to the distal end the feeding block (210) and has an array of laterally disposed mechanically biased channel pins (130) movable between a holding position and a retracted position; a plurality of alternatively oscillating up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d); and at least two oscillating down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b), which engage predetermined channel pins (130), which then remain in the holding position in event of absence of a vacant receptacle in the conveyed blister packs on the conveyor plate (X).

Reference Figure 1a

,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM
1. A dose dispensing unit (100) for releasing finished solid dosage forms received from a vertically proximal end (200a) of a feeding block (200) comprising an array of feeding channels (220), the dose dispensing unit (100) disposed adjacent to a vertically distal end (200b) of the feeding block (200), the dose dispensing unit (100) comprising:
an array of laterally disposed mechanically biased channel pins (130) movable between a holding position and a retracted position, whereby in the holding position each of the channel pins (130) intercepts the gravitationally falling solid dosage forms inside the feeding channels (220), and in the retracted position the channel pins (130) are withdrawn so as to simultaneously release the solid dosage forms in receptacles of blister packs being conveyed downwards the distal end of the feeding block (210);
a plurality of alternatively oscillating up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d), whereby each up-stage cylinder (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) is configured to simultaneously actuate the array of the channel pins (130) from the retracted position to the holding position and back; and
at least two oscillating down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b), each down-stage pneumatic cylinder (120a, 120b) further configured to engage a predetermined number of the channel pins (130), whereby the predetermined channel pins (130) remain in the holding position in event of absence of a vacant receptacle in the conveyed blister packs.

2. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel pins (130) are mechanically biased by compression springs.

3. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a mechanically biased rectangular up-stage hammer plate (106) disposed in-between the up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and the array of the channel pins (130), wherein each abutment received on a side wall of the up-stage hammer plate (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) causes the up-stage hammer plate (106) to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back, thereby abutting the array of the channel pins (130) by an opposing side wall causing the channel pins (130) to move from the retracted position to the holding position and back.

4. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 3, comprises four compression springs (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d) mechanically biasing the up-stage hammer plate (106), wherein one end of the each of the compression springs (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d) is attached to each corner of the opposing wall of the up-stage hammer plate (106), and other end of each of the compression springs is attached to a casing wall (112) of the dose dispensing unit (100).

5. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a mechanically biased rectangular down-stage hammer plate (116) disposed in-between the down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b) and the array of the channel pins (130), wherein each abutment received on a side wall of the down-stage hammer plate (116) causes the down-stage hammer plate (116) to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back, thereby abutting the array of the channel pins (130) by an opposing side wall causing the channel pins (130) to move from the retracted position to the holding position and back.

6. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and the down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b) are coupled with a processor to execute predetermined instructions.

7. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein in the holding position, each of the channel pins (130) is received inside each of the arrays of the feeding channels (220) of the feeding block at the distal end (200b) through preformed slits, and each of the channel pins (130) intercepts the gravitational fall of each of the solid dosage form by pinning the respective solid dosage form against an opposing internal wall of the feeding channel (220).

8. The dose dispensing unit (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein number of the channel pins (130) equally corresponds to number of the feeding channels (220).

9. A blister feeding apparatus (300) comprising,
a feeding block (200) disposed over a horizontally extending conveyor plate (X), the feeding block (210) vertically extending from a proximal end (200a) to a distal end (200b) and comprising an array of feeding channels (220), whereby the feeding block (220) receives plurality of solid dosage forms from a hopper disposed on the proximal end (200a); and
a dose dispensing unit (100) disposed adjacent to the vertically distal end (200b) of the feeding block (210), the dose dispensing unit (100) comprising:
an array of laterally disposed mechanically biased channel pins (130) movable between a holding position and a retracted position, whereby in the holding position each of the channel pins (130) intercept the gravitationally falling solid dosage forms inside the feeding channels (220), and in the retracted position the channel pins (130) are withdrawn so as to simultaneously release the solid dosage forms in receptacles of blister packs being conveyed on the conveyor plate (X);
a plurality of alternatively oscillating up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d), whereby each up-stage cylinder (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) is configured to simultaneously actuate the array of the channel pins (130) from the retracted position to the holding position and back; and
at least two oscillating down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b), each down-stage pneumatic cylinder (120a, 120b) further configured to engage a predetermined number of the channel pins (130), whereby the predetermined channel pins (130) remain in the holding position in event of absence of a vacant receptacle in the conveyed blister packs on the conveyor plate (X).

10. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the feeding block (200) comprises a front plate (210a) having an array of grooves (210a’) extending vertically from a proximal end to a distal end, and a rear plate (210b) having an array of grooves (210b’) extending vertically from a proximal end to a distal end, such that when groove-comprising sides of the front plate (210a) and the rear plate (210b) are conformed together, an array of feeding channels (220) so formed have a transversal section (230) exhibiting a profile having same shape as a profile of a transversal section of maximum area of a solid dosage form, such that the solid dosage form is guided along the feeding channel (220).

11. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the channel pins (130) are mechanically biased by compression springs.

12. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the dose dispensing unit (100) comprises a mechanically biased rectangular up-stage hammer plate (106) disposed in-between the up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and the array of the channel pins (130), wherein each abutment received on a side wall of the up-stage hammer plate (106) causes the up-stage hammer plate (106) to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back, thereby abutting the array of the channel pins (130) by an opposing side wall causing the channel pins (130) to move from the retracted position to the holding position and back.

13. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the dose dispensing unit (100) comprises four compression springs (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d) mechanically biasing the up-stage hammer plate (106), wherein one end of the each of the compression springs (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d) is attached to each corner of the opposing wall of the up-stage hammer plate (106), and other end of each of the compression springs (108a, 108b, 108c, 108d) is attached to a casing wall of the dose dispensing unit (100).

14. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the dose dispensing unit (100) comprises a mechanically biased rectangular down-stage hammer plate (116) disposed in-between the down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) and the array of the channel pins (130), wherein each abutment received on a side wall of the down-stage hammer plate (116) causes the down-stage hammer plate (116) to oscillate from a first position to a second position and back, thereby abutting the array of the channel pins (130) by an opposing side wall causing the channel pins (130) to move from the retracted position to the holding position and back.

15. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the up-stage pneumatic cylinders (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and the down-stage pneumatic cylinders (120a, 120b) of the dose dispensing unit (100) are coupled with a processor to execute predetermined instructions.

16. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 8, wherein in the holding position, each of the channel pins (130) of the dose dispensing unit (100) is received inside each of the arrays of the feeding channels (220) of the feeding block (200) at the distal end (200a) through preformed slits, and each of the channel pins (130) intercepts the gravitational fall of each of the solid dosage form by pinning the respective solid dosage form against an opposing internal wall of the feeding channel (220).

17. The blister feeding apparatus (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein number of the channel pins (130) of the dose dispensing unit (100) equally corresponds to number of the feeding channels (220) of the feeding block (200).

18. A method (400) of operating a blister feeding apparatus, comprising the steps of:
introducing (410), finished solid dosage forms ready to be packed, through a hopper into a proximal end (200a) of a feeding block (200);
allowing (420), each of the solid dosage forms to gravitationally flow through each of an array of feeding channels (220) of the feeding block (200);
simultaneously intercepting (430), each of the solid dosage forms in each of the feeding channels (220); and
simultaneously releasing (450), each of the solid dosage forms in each vacant receptacle of each blister pack conveyed therethrough.

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, comprises engaging (460) a predetermined number of channel pins (130), whereby the predetermined channel pins (130) remain in a holding position in event of absence of a vacant receptacle in the conveyed blister packs.

20. The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the gravitational fall of each of the solid dosage form is intercepted by pinning (440) the respective solid dosage form against an opposing internal wall of the feeding channel (220).