Packaging line for pre-filled syringes and automated packaging process

US11465794B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. · US
• Bausch + Ströbel Maschinenfabrik Ilshofen GmbH + Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Patrick Schaffner · Basel, CH
• Marcel Felder · Basel, CH
• Jürg Käser · Basel, CH
• Reto Meier · Döttingen, CH
• Jürg Mahler · Basel, CH
• Wolfgang Emmert · Blaufelden, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 4, 2018
• Grant date: Oct 11, 2022
• Expiry date: Apr 30, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65C2009/402
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A packaging line implemented for packaging a pre-filled syringe is disclosed having a NSD mounting station, a PFS delivery arrangement adapted to automatically deliver a pre-filled syringe to the NSD mounting station, and a NSD delivery arrangement adapted to automatically deliver a needle safety device to the NSD mounting station. The NSD mounting station is arranged to automatically assemble the needle safety device to the pre-filled syringe. A NSD visual inspection station is adapted to automatically identify a pre-filled syringe with an unfit needle safety device and to automatically eliminate the identified pre-filled syringe from the packaging line. A re-insertion station is further provided to receive a pre-filled syringe with a needle safety device and to automatically feed the received pre-filled syringe, preferably from a rejected secondary packaging, back into the packaging line, after the NSD mounting station and before the NSD visual inspection station.