초록 ▼

A method for packaging a plurality of objects, the method including the steps of placing the plurality of objects on a top surface of a planar member which defines an array of recesses, each of the recesses being sized and configured to receive one of the plurality of objects, sweeping at least some

A method for packaging a plurality of objects, the method including the steps of placing the plurality of objects on a top surface of a planar member which defines an array of recesses, each of the recesses being sized and configured to receive one of the plurality of objects, sweeping at least some of the plurality of objects across the top surface to ensure that each of the recesses has received a respective one of the objects, removing all of any excess number of the plurality of objects from the top surface, and placing in contact with, or at least in close proximity to, the top surface a sheet which forms an array of blister-like chambers for receiving at least a portion of the plurality of objects, the array of recesses of the top surface being substantially aligned with and opening into the blister-like chambers of the sheet, and transferring each of the objects to be transferred from its respective recess to a corresponding blister-like chamber of the sheet.

대표청구항 ▼

That which is claimed is: 1. A method for packaging a plurality of unit doses of at least one pharmaceutical product in the form of a plurality of objects, the method comprising placing the plurality of objects on a top surface of a planar member which defines an array of recesses, each of the rece

That which is claimed is: 1. A method for packaging a plurality of unit doses of at least one pharmaceutical product in the form of a plurality of objects, the method comprising placing the plurality of objects on a top surface of a planar member which defines an array of recesses, each of the recesses being sized and configured so that substantially all of one of the plurality of objects may fit therein, sweeping at least some of the plurality of objects across the top surface to ensure that each of the recesses has received substantially all of a respective one of the objects, providing a vacuum to the array of recesses to retain the respective one of the objects in each respective recess, placing in contact with, or at least in close proximity to, the top surface a sheet which forms an array of blister-like chambers for receiving at least a portion of the plurality of objects, the array of recesses of the top surface being substantially aligned with and opening into the blister-like chambers of the sheet, and transferring each of the objects to be transferred from its respective recess to a corresponding blister-like chamber of the sheet upon removing the vacuum. 2. A method as in claim 1 wherein the step of transferring each of the objects further comprises rotating the planar member sufficiently while retaining the sheet in contact with or in close proximity to the top surface. 3. A method as in claim 1 wherein the step of placing in contact with, or at least in close proximity to, the top surface the sheet further comprises rotating the planar member into a position proximate to and above the sheet. 4. A method as in claim 1 wherein the step of transferring each of the objects further comprises manually flipping the sheet and the planar member. 5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of objects is a plurality of pills, tablets, capsules, or caplets. 6. A method according to claim 1, additionally comprising the step of placing an adhesive-backed, backing into adhering contact with the sheet to thereby enclose each of the plurality of objects within a respective one of the blister-like chambers of the sheet. 7. A method according to claim 6 wherein the plurality of objects is a plurality of pills, tablets, capsules, or caplets. 8. A method according to claim 6, additionally comprising the step of placing visual or machine readable markings upon the backing, the visual or machine readable markings being configured to convey information about the contents to be enclosed within each blister-like chamber. 9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the plurality of objects is a plurality of pills, tablets, capsules, or caplets. 10. A method as in claim 1 wherein each planar member further defines a plurality of fluid passageways extending through the planar member, each of the plurality of fluid passageways opening in a respective one of the recesses defined by the planar member and extending completely through the planar member to a passageway opening in a bottom surface of the planar member, and which method further comprises when providing the vacuum, providing the vacuum in the space proximate to each of the passageway openings in the bottom surface of the planar member, the vacuum being sufficient to retain each object within its respective recess at least during rotation of the planar member, and rotating the planar member so that the bottom surface is substantially above the top surface. 11. A method according to claim 10 wherein the objects are pills, tablets, capsules or caplets. 12. A method according to claim 10, additionally comprising the step of placing an adhesive-backed, backing into adhering contact with the sheet to thereby enclose each of the objects within a respective one of the blister-like chambers of the sheet. 13. A method according to claim 12 wherein the objects are pills, tablets, capsules or caplets. 14. A method according to claim 12, additionally comprising the step of placing visual or machine readable markings upon the backing, the visual or machine readable markings be configured to convey information about the contents to be enclosed within each blister-like chamber. 15. A method according to claim 14 wherein the objects are pills, tablets, capsules or caplets.