System and method for automatically feeding, inspecting and diverting tablets for continuous filling of tablet containers
US5638657A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 1, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 17, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 1, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S209/92
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method for automatically feeding, inspecting and diverting tablets for continuous filling of tablet containers includes a tablet conveyor system which divides the tablets in a plurality of tablet streams for inspection by color, size and shape. Following the tablet inspection, each tablet passes through a tablet diverter which diverts the tablets to a recycle stream, reject stream or one of two bottle filling positions based upon instruction from the inspection. A bottle conveyor system is provided which feeds empty bottles into a bottle escapement mechanism which positions the empty bottles for filling. Filled bottles are moved from the bottle escapement mechanism to an exit conveyor. The entire system is computer controlled by various control mechanisms to enable the system to be fully operational without operator assistance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.