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US 6,687,622 B2Granted
Leak detection apparatus for blister packs
AssigneeSepha Limited
InventorAndrew Ernest Parker
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AssigneeSepha Limited
InventorAndrew Ernest Parker
Estimating the term…
Apparatus for detecting a leak in one or more pockets of one or more blister packs is described. The apparatus comprises means to support the or each pack, means to apply a reduced pressure around the or each pack so as to cause deflection of at least one side of the or each blister pocket, and a scanner means moveable or stationary in relation to the blister pockets, and a computing means. The scanner means is able to scan across at least one side of the or each blister pocket so as to detect the deflection of that side of the or each blister pocket at a reduced pressure, and the computing means compares scans at different pressures over the or each pocket. The apparatus can detect a leak in any format of blister pocket regardless of the shape of the pocket or whether the contents are tablets or capsules. Preferably, the blister packs are supported on a nest or similar means. The apparatus of the present invention can be of any suitable size, shape and design so as to be able to test one or a number of blister packs simultaneously.
Apparatus for detecting a leak in one or more pockets of one or more blister packs, the apparatus comprising means to support the or each pack, means to apply a reduced pressure around the or each pack so as to cause deflection of at least one side of the or each blister pocket, a scanner means moveable or stationary in relation to the blister pockets, and a computing means, wherein the scanner means is able to scan across at least one side of the or each blister pocket so as to detect the deflection of that side of the or each blister pocket at a reduced pressure, and the computing means is able to compare scans at different pressures over the or each pocket.
A method of detecting a leak in one or more blister pockets of one or more blister packs, comprising the steps of:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.
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From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.
Term ended 5 Nov 2021 (estimated)
The present invention relates to leak detection apparatus for blister packs, particularly but not exclusively pharmaceutical blister packs.
Currently, there are a number of methods used to detect leaks in the pockets of pharmaceutical blister packs. In one current method, a vacuum is applied across the blister pack being tested, and the rate of decompression when the vacuum is released gives an overall indication of the existence of a leak in one or more of the pockets of the blister pack. However, this method does not identify which pocket is faulty. In a second current method, individual apparatus is contacted with every pocket of a blister pack for individual testing. Whilst this will reveal individual pockets which are leaking, the overall testing procedure is time-consuming, difficult to validate, marks the pack, expensive, and limited in use.
Identification of which pocket or pockets are leaking in a blister pack is particularly desired in order to provide information on any faults or weaknesses in the manufacturing process, e.g. a fault which constantly leads to the same-positioned pocket being damaged.
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a means to support a blister pack;
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention;
Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a blister pack 2 located in a complementary nest 4, which template 4 includes a number of arranged apertures or channels etc. into which the blister wells are locatable in a depending manner from the generally flat side of the blister pack 2. The nest 4 is locatable in a larger support housing 6. The housing 6 can accommodate any number of different nests 4 for use with different blister packs requiring testing. The nests 4 could simply rest in the housing 6, thereby being easily substitutable.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of apparatus 8 according to the present invention, having a housing receiving part 9 adapted to allow the opening and shutting of a drawer such as housing 6 shown in FIG. 1. The housing 6 is moveable between an open position at which the blister packs and/or nests are changeable, and a closed position wherein the blister pack 2 is suitably located within the overall apparatus 8 for a vacuum to be applied therearound.
The apparatus 8 also includes suitable air inlet and outlet 10, and a monitor screen 12 and computer keyboard 14.