The invention generally relates to the rupturing of pharmaceutical product packages and the recovery of the product from the package, and in particular to an apparatus for recovering pharmaceutical product from blister packs.

BACKGROUND

To improve patient compliance with a prescription or medical programme, it is becoming increasingly popular for pharmacists and other medical staff to prepare a specific medical programme for a patient. A medical programme is facilitated by a medical pack that typically comprises multiple compartments for one or more pharmaceuticals, such as tablets, pills or capsules, together with time and date information. The medical pack enables a patient to easily identify the right dose of medicine to be taken at particular times of the right day.

Medical packs are commonly prepared automatically by a dispensing device that accurately makes up a prescription by filling each compartment in a medical pack with the correct amount of pharmaceutical tablets, pills or capsules that have been grouped in preparation for dispensing.

However, onerously, pharmaceuticals ship in a blister pack and must be removed from their blister packs before they can be dispensed to a medical pack. Blister packs are sterile sealed packets for shipping pharmaceutical products and it is a legal requirement for any quantity of such pharmaceutical product to remain in loose unsealed form for not more than two weeks. Blister packs typically comprise a plastic former with a number of compartments in which pharmaceuticals reside and a foil layer that covers and seals each compartment.

There are several methods in the art for removing the pharmaceuticals from blister packs. One method is to individually remove and separate (deblister) the pharmaceuticals from the blister pack by hand in order to fill the pills loosely into the dispensing device.

Another method is to press punch the blister packs to remove the pharmaceuticals with a manual deblister device. Manual devices are mechanically driven by hand and make the process of deblistering less labour intensive and time consuming than deblistering pharmaceuticals by hand. A manual deblister device typically has deblister rings that are aligned between rows of pharmaceuticals in a blister pack and a roller or pressing component for pressing the pharmaceuticals from the blister compartments through the foil layer. Manual deblister devices are typically either operated by manual force to crank a handle or have a single speed motor to drive the machine or close the press.

One disadvantage of manual deblister devices is that they can be cumbersome to set up and to operate. Manual deblister devices typically require a pharmacist or technician to change the setup configuration of the device for each blister pack to account for the share volume of the different shapes and sizes of the different types of pharmaceuticals available. Changing the configuration of the device can be an onerous process, typically requiring removing the roller or pressing component and adjusting the guides to align to each different blister pack. Each setup is time consuming and difficult for a pharmacist and many default to hand removing.

A further disadvantage is that manual deblister machines can do a poor job at consistently extracting the pharmaceuticals if they are not correct set up, often causing the

pharmaceuticals to break. Broken pharmaceuticals are not suitable for sale or

consumption.

A further disadvantage is that some manual deblister machines often fail to remove all of the pills within the one blister pack. Some hand removal is often still required.

Objects of the present invention relate to an apparatus and/or method of use of an apparatus which overcomes or at least ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention. Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed, in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect the invention consists in a pharmaceutical deblister apparatus comprising : a chassis adapted to support a roller and a ring support shaft, the ring support shaft comprising a plurality of at least partially circumferential grooves on an outer surface thereof, and at least one deblister ring supported, or adapted to be supported by the ring support shaft, the ring comprising an aperture with an recess disposed radially outward, the recess supporting or adapted to support a biasing element biased or able to be biased radially inward such that, when residing on the ring support shaft, the biasing element engages or causes engagement with the outer surface of the support shaft.

In another aspect the invention consists a blister ring and ring support shaft for use with a pharmaceutical deblister apparatus, wherein the ring support shaft comprises a plurality of at least partially circumferential grooves on an outer surface thereof, and

the deblister ring is supported, or adapted to be supported by the ring support shaft, wherein the ring comprises an aperture with an recess disposed radially outward, the recess supporting or adapted to support a biasing element biased or able to be biased radially inward such that, when residing on the ring support shaft, the biasing element engages or causes engagement with the outer surface of the support shaft.

In another aspect the invention consists a pharmaceutical deblister apparatus comprising : a chassis adapted to support a roller and a deblister ring support shaft arranged to receive a pharmaceutical blister pack of a kind having rows of blister pack compartments, the deblister ring support shaft comprising a plurality of at least partially circumferential grooves on an outer surface thereof, and

at least one deblister ring rotationally supported by the deblister ring support shaft, the deblister ring comprising an aperture adapted to receive the deblister ring support shaft, wherein the aperture comprises an at least partially annular and radially disposed recess adapted to support a biasing element biased radially inward such that, when residing on the deblister ring support shaft, the biasing element causes engagement with the outer surface of the support shaft to locate the at least one deblister ring with at least one groove in alignment adjacent the rows of blister pack compartments.

In some embodiments, the biasing element is a spring clip arranged to span between the recess and the deblister ring support shaft.

In some embodiments, the roller is arranged to compress a blister pack toward the deblister rings.

In some embodiments, the roller comprises a compressive high friction skin with shore hardness between 75 A and 90 A. In some embodiments, there is a motor arranged to drive rotation of the roller and facilitate transportation of a blister pack through the apparatus.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a blister pack guidance structure configured to define an entry path for blister packs to enter the deblister apparatus, the guidance structure comprising one or more support walls comprising a taper or ramp orientated to define a point of entry that is wider and taller than the point of exit.

In some embodiments, the one or more side walls comprise a 4.0 mm ramp down to 1.5 mm over 45 mm of travel.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a rail supported by the chassis to span across the face of the roller, the rail adapted to support one or more of the support walls.

In some embodiments, one or more of the support walls are rotatably supported by the rail such that the entry path is able to be orientated between a first position perpendicular to the roller and other positions defining a diagonal entry path to the roller. In some embodiments, one or more adjustable fasteners are provided to fix the orientation of the entry path defined by the orientation of the support walls.

In some embodiments, one or more of the support walls comprises an undercut channel adapted to receive an edge of a blister pack, wherein the channel comprises a taper from a larger height proximate an entry region to a smaller height proximate an exit region.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a filter tray arranged to receive blister packs exiting the roller and deblister rings, wherein the tray comprises holes that allow medicament to pass from an upper side to a collection zone on a lower side,

In some embodiments, the filter tray has at least one upwardly stepped transition on the upper surface.

In some embodiments, a rear region of the filter tray is downward sloping.

In some embodiments, the filter tray comprises a first region that is downward sloping at a first angle and a second region that is downward sloping at a second angle that is greater than the first angle. In some embodiments, the filter tray comprises a first region that is downward sloping at an angle of approximately 15 degrees, and a second region that is downward sloping at an angle of approximately 21 degrees.

In some embodiments, the holes comprise an interleaved arrangement of elongate holes aligned with the direction of entry of blister rings.

In some embodiments, the roller is vertically aligned above the deblister rings and deblister support shaft and positioned so as to contact the deblister rings at a vertical portion thereof.

In some embodiments, the roller is rotationally supported by the chassis in a bearing comprising an elongate journal within which the roller is adapted to locate, the journal adapted to align vertically to thereby allow the removal of the roller in a direction away from the deblister rings.

In some embodiments, the roller is adapted for rotation by one or more rotational drive components.

The following embodiments may relate to any of the above aspects. Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both .

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced by that term in each statement or claim, all need to be present but other features ca n also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

The term "pharmaceutical" as used in this specification means any kind of medicinal product in pill, tablet, capsule or similar product that is stored or could be stored in one or more compa rtments of a blister pack. This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :

Figure 1 is an isometric view of the apparatus.

Figure 2 is a top view of the apparatus.

Figure 3 is a front view of the apparatus.

Figure 4 is a right view of the apparatus.

Figure 5 is a left side view of the apparatus showing the lever and cam system.

Figure 6 is a top view showing a schematic illustration of how blister pack medication is feed into the apparatus.

Figure 7 is a front view showing a schematic illustration of how blister pack medication is feed into the apparatus.

Figure 8 is a front view showing the adjustable feeding and alignment guides.

Figure 9 is a front view showing the adjustable feeding and alignment guides configured with a left hand side guide channel operating.

Figure 10 is a front view showing the adjustable feeding and alignment guides configured with a left hand side guide channel and a right hand side guide channel operating providing dual feeding functionality to suit different blister medication packs.

Figure 11 is a view of the adjustable feeding and alignment guides with channels that gradually corrects the alignment of packs with a 4.0 mm ramp down to 1.5 mm over 45 mm of travel.

Figure 12 is a view of the adjustable feeding and alignment guides with ramp channels showing medicine packs being feed into apparatus with the adjustable feeding and alignment guides correcting the alignment of the packs. Figure 13 is a view of the adjustable feeding and alignment guides transporting the medicine packs correcting into the roller drive system.

Figure 14 is a view showing the roller.

Figure 15 is a view showing the roller sleeve holders.

Figure 16 is a view showing the holder for the deblister rings with micro u-grooved central shaft along with bearings pressed onto each end .

Figure 17 is a view showing the adjustable deblister rings with internal bore out, step back, internal slot that houses a wire spring clip, and how it assembles to the holder.

Figure 18 is a view of the adjustable deblister ring system showing the different ring configuration possibilities.

Figure 19 is a view showing the system configuration specification with all key algorithmic geometry.

Figure 20 is a view showing the system configuration specification as it relates to the deblister ring system and the drive roller.

Figure 21 is a view showing the roller disengage contact with the deblister ring system set on the holder via rotation of the lever and cam system.

Figure 22 is a top view of the pill and pack separation and collection system filter tray. Figure 23 is a side view of the pill and pack separation and collection system filter tray showing the ridges and steps that promote blister agitation.

Figure 24 is a view showing medicine collection zone and the packet waste collection zone.

Figure 25 is a view showing medicine collection zone and the packet waste collection zone within a larger system, with an additional (secondary) pill and packet separation filter in the larger bottom tray.

Figures 28 to 31 show an alternative embodiment of the alignment guides in the centre of the apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to an apparatus used in pharmacies and hospitals to separate and recover pharmaceutical items such as pills, tablets and capsules from the sealed packaging that such medication is supplied in. The sealed packages are known and referred to herein as blister packs. Removal of the pharmaceutical items from the blister packs is known and referred to herein as deblistering.

The inventors have ascertained that a significant cause of pharmaceutical breakage caused by deblistering apparatus of the prior art is typically due to a combination of inconsistent speed and force applied by a user when feeding a blister pack into a machine. The specific shape and size of the pill being removed also has an impact on efficiency. When any or some of these factors a re not correct for the pack, breakages of the medicament may occur and/or jamming of the deblister apparatus. Breakage and jamming has a significant impact on the efficiency of the deblistering process.

The inventors have ascertained a particular disadvantage associated with deblistering apparatus of the prior a rt is that any misalignment of the blister packs being fed into a deblister apparatus can cause damage to the pharmaceutica ls during a deblistering process. To ameliorate this disadvantage, embodiments described herein provide a guidance structure, deblister ring alignment mechanism and medicament catchment components that harmoniously allow medicament packs to be deblister quickly and efficiently.

Figures 1 to 7 illustrate the one embodiment of an apparatus. In pa rticular, Figure 1 shows a n isometric view of the apparatus, Figure 2 shows a top view of the apparatus, Figure 3 shows a front view of the apparatus, Figure 4 shows a right view of the apparatus, Figure 5 shows a left side view of the apparatus showing the lever and cam system, Figure 6 shows a top view showing a schematic illustration of how blister packs are feed into the appa ratus and Figure 7 shows a frontal schematic view of how blister pack medication is feed into the apparatus.

In the embodiment depicted in Figures 1-7, the apparatus 10 has a chassis 1 supporting a number of components comprising a front panel 5 with one or more control interface components 3. The apparatus has blister pack supporting components comprising a blister pack loading surface 2, side wall guides 12 and blister pack side wall alignment guides 7 adj ustably positioned along a support rod 8. A top cover 4 is provided to shield rotating components of the apparatus 10 which include a roller, deblister rings and a mechanism for rotating one or both of these items. In some embodiments, mechanisms for driving the rotation of components may include a motor and other complimentary components such as gears, drive belts and/or complimentary wheels. The drive components may be housed internally to the chassis of the apparatus or may be outside or in part outside the chassis for easy access and maintenance. In some embodiments, external drive components a re covered by a removable cover 6.

Figures 8 to 10 show the blister pack guiding components in further detail . In particular, Figure 8 shows a front view showing the adj ustable feeding and alignment guides 7,

Figure 9 shows a front view showing the adj ustable feeding and alignment guides 7 configured with a left hand side guide channel operating, Figure 10 shows a front view showing the adj ustable feeding and alignment guides configured with a left hand side guide channel and a right hand side guide channel operating providing dual feeding functionality to suit different blister medication packs.

The alignment guides 7 and/or side walls 12 provide a channel that acts gradually correct the alignment of packs entering the machine. The alignment guides 7 and side walls 12 comprise a taper or ramp 14, such that the point of entry to the alignment guides and support walls is wider and taller than the point of entry to the deblistering components. In this way, packets are aligned to enter the apparatus with a correct orientation to the deblsitering components, rega rdless of size, orientation and feeding speed .

In some embodiments, at least one of the alignment guides 7, side walls 12, and/or cutaway portion 14, comprises a slot positioned proximate the blister pack loading surface 2 such that thin edge of a blister pack is snugly received and guided by surface positioned to the side and above. The taper 14 together with the slot 15 provides a guiding channel that receives the thin edge portions of a blister pack entering the apparatus and

advantageously helps to align and stabilise the blister pack for engagement with the deblistering components.

In some embodiments, the taper 14 comprises a ramped section of approximately 4.0 mm down to 1.5 mm over 45 mm of travel . Two or more alignments guides can be configured to enable continuous feeding of blister packets into a left hand side guide channel, a right hand side guide channel, or into both channels at the same time providing double the throughput.

In some embodiments, the alignment guides are each fastened into position on the support rod 8 by one or more fasteners. The fasteners 71 are preferably a threaded and aligned to fasten towa rd the alignment guide 7 to lock it in place. Each fastener preferably includes a knob or a handle to allow easy tightening and loosening by hand . In this way, the alignment guides 7 are quickly and easily positioned along the rod 8 to conform to the dimensions of a blister pack to be fed into the apparatus 10. In some embodiments, the fasteners are thumb levers.

Figures 11 to 13 illustrate a process of feeding a blister pack into the apparatus 10 in more detail. In particular, Figure 11 shows a view of the adj ustable feeding and alignment guides 7 having guiding channel formed with a taper 14 and slot 15, Figure 12 is a view of the adjustable feeding and alignment guides with ramp channels showing blister packs 20 being fed into apparatus 10 with the adj ustable feeding and alignment guides correcting the alignment of the packs and Figure 13 is a view of the adjustable feeding and alignment guides transporting the blister packs correcting into the roller drive system.

In Figure 12, blister packs 20 are shown being inserted into the entry channel of the apparatus 10. The channel has a vertical acceptance angle 39 that guides misalignment of inserted blister packs into alignment with deblistering components comprising a roller 31 and one or more deblister rings 33. In some embodiments, the roller is rotationally and supported about a central shaft 30. In some embodiments, a drive mechanism is coupled to the roller to facilitate rotation of the roller. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism is incorporated into body of the apparatus and any external drive components shielded by a cover 6.

In some embodiments, the roller 31 has a contact surface comprised of a durable material with a compressive high friction skin to transport blister packs through the apparatus having shore hardness between 75A and 90A so it does not damage the medicines when in use. In some embodiments, the shore hardness of the roller is 85A.

Figure 13 shows a blister pack 20 partially exposed to the roller 31 and deblister ring 33 with numerous pharmaceuticals 23 extracted from the blister pack compartments.

Figures 28 to 31 show alternative alignment guides 70 in the centre of the apparatus 10. Some medicament is aligned with rows diagonal to the sidewalls of the blister pack. To facilitate deblistering of these packs, each alignment guide is supported by a support rod 8 and locked into position by one or more adjustable fasteners 71. The particular alignment guides 70 are rotationally supported by the shaft 8 such that they are able to be aligned at a non-perpendicular angle. For example, the alignment guides 70 could be rotated to align blister packs that have non-perpendicular rows of medicament compartments. The alignment guides are able to be rotated by loosening the fastener 71 such that the guides 70 are able to align the sidewalls of the blister pack such that the rows of medicament become perpendicular to the deblister rings. Figure 30 shows arrows indicative of the rotational capability of the central alignment guides 70.

Figure 14 shows roller 31 in further detail including end supporting components 36.

Figure 15 shows sleeve components adapted to support the roller 31, and in particular the end supporting components 36 of the roller 31. Sleeve components 36 are adapted to be rotationally supporting by the apparatus chassis about a bearing surface 37. The sleeve components comprise a journal formed from a slot open at one end. The slot is sized to engage with end nubs 34 in the roller 31 and receive the roller through the open end of the slot.

In some embodiments the roller is rotationally driven by a motor. For example, a 24 volt gear motor with a max no load speed of 107 rpm and a min stall torque of 202 kgf-cm provides adequate rotational energy. The surface of the roller is preferably in contact with the blister rings to compress the blister packs when a blister pack enters the apparatus. It is desirable that the motor is able to be driven with a variable speed, such as by a variable PWM motor controller. In some embodiments, the speed of rotation is preconfigured to suit various types of pharmaceutical and blister pack configurations of which there are many. The optimum variable speed range of the roller is approximately from 20 to 90 rpm and the particular RPM may depend on factors such as

• the size of the pharmaceuticals contained in a blister pack,

• the location and orientation of the medicines contained in a blister pack, and/or

• other data or meta data relating to the medicine packet comprising, for each blister pack:

o the design of the blister pack

o the construction materials of the blister pack,

o a set of instructions determining the correct spacing pattern required for the blister rings,

o the rpm speed of the roller,

o the configuration of the alignment guides, and/or

o the orientation the blister packs are to be fed into the machine.

The apparatus may further feature a sensor connected to a control system that is configured to start the roller when a packet enters the apparatus. For example, an optical proximity sensor may be used to detect when a packet enters the apparatus. There may further be provided a control system configured to return the roller to a predefined position once a deblistering process has finished and no further packets have entered the apparatus. For example, in some embodiments the roller is returned to a state where the elongate journal housing the roller is vertically orientated to allow easy removal of the roller from the machine.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a control system configured to store information pertaining to a plurality of blister pack dimensions or types and one or more speeds or an optimum speed of roller rotation associated with each type of blister pack. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a control system configured to measure the load on the motor. For example, in some embodiments, a motor current sensor is configured to determine the motor load, and the control system is configured to shut down the motor when the current passes a predetermined threshold current. Such embodiments eliminate the risk of motor or power supply failure caused by overloading the motor.

In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a control system configured to reverse the roller one or more complete revolutions to clear any product caught in the roller when a jam is detected. A jam may be detected by, for example, an increase in motor load or a decrease in intended motor rpm.

The inventors have further ascertained that it is difficult to a correctly align blister rings on deblistering machines in the prior art without knocking the rings and creating miss- alignment. To address this problem, a particular blister ring and central holding shaft mechanism is provided. Figures 16 to 18 show the blister rings 33 in detail. In particular, Figure 16 shows a view showing the support shaft 32 for the deblister rings 33 with micro u-grooved surface 38 along with bearings pressed onto each end, Figure 17 shows a cross sectional view of the deblister rings 33 with a slot recess that houses a wire spring clip 40, and how it assembles to the support shaft 32. Figure 18 sows arrangements of the adjustable deblister rings.

Each blister ring 22 comprises an outer portion 41 that contacts the blister pack and an inner aperture 42 that faces the support shaft 32. The inner aperture of the blister ring 33 is sized to comfortably fit about the periphery of the surface of support shaft 32. For example, clearance between the support shaft and the ring may be in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mm. In some embodiments, the outer portion 41 of the blister ring is narrow enough to comfortably fit between rows of blister pack compartments. The inner portion 42 comprises an annular recess 43 disposed radially outward from the support shaft contacting portion of the inner ring aperture. A biasing element, such as a spring clip, resides in the recess and is biased radially inward so as to contact and apply pressure to the support shaft. The spring clip 40 is biased toward a radially inward position so as to forcefully engage with the grooves 38 on the surface of the support shaft 32 as shown in Figure 17. The spring clip and grooves function together as a detent mechanism that indexes the position of the deblister rings along the length of the support shaft or at least where the grooves are present.

The blister rings are biased into a mechanically stable position by the spring clip engagement with the grooved surface 38 of the support shaft 32. To move a blister ring, force can be applied to the side of each ring so as to overcome the stabilising force provided by the spring clip. When the spring clip biasing force has been overcome, the ring can be moved down to the central support shaft 32 into a new desired position. It is preferable that the pitch of the grooves 38 on the support shaft 32 surface is at least fine enough to allow for position resolution to suit the dimensions of blister packs to be processed. For example, the pitch of the grooves should be in the range of 0.1 to 2 mm to ensure sufficient positional resolution.

Figure 18 shows the deblister rings 33 removed from the support shaft 32 and in various positions along the support shaft 32. Figure 18 further shows the blister rings aligned for engagement, together with roller 31, with a blister pack 20, and following engagement with a blister pack 20 having extracted pharmaceuticals 22 from the compartments. In some embodiments, the grooves 38 extend entirely annular to the support shaft. In other embodiments, the grooves 38 extend partly or in segments about the periphery of the support shaft.

The deblister rings are moveable about the central support shaft 32 to be configured into a plurality of patterns that align between rows of pills in a blister pack, from being stacked next to each other closely for small gaps or separated with larger distances between each ring for large pills.

In one preferred embodiment, the deblister ring support shaft 32 has a 25 mm diameter stainless steel micro u-grooved shaft with 0.3 mm radius grooves at 1 mm crs. Bearings are bearings pressed onto each end that drop into a pivoting bearing holder on the inside faces of the apparatus. The bearings provide substantially friction free rotation of the shaft relative to the chassis.

In some embodiments, the deblister rings are stainless steel comprising a 4 mm width at a 25 mm internal aperture diameter transitioning to a 35 mm outside diameter with a 2 mm width. Inside the 4 mm wide section is a 0.9 mm wide slot that houses a 0.8 mm diameter stainless steel wire spring clip, which allows these rings to be moved quickly and easily by the operators hand without requiring any specific tool, along the shaft snapping into place at each the groove interval along the shaft. In some embodiments, the thin adjustable deblister rings are moved and adjusted into the correct position on a central shaft without grooves automatically by the geared system controlled by a control system.

In use, the one or more deblister rings contact the roller and remain in the desired position during use or if the if shaft is bumped or removed from machine. The blister rings further provide grip to blister foil to stop blister sheets from slipping when being transported through the apparatus. In some embodiments, the outside surface of the thin ring circumference has a heavy diamond knurled surface to provide grip to the foil layer of a blister pack being fed through the apparatus.

Figures 20 to 22 show a cross section about section A-A as shown in Figure 19. In particular, a preferred dimensional and geometrical relationship between the support shaft, blister rings and roller is shown. In some embodiments, the deblister rings are set on the support shaft which can be disengaged from the roller via a lever and cam mechanism to disengage it from contact with the roller drive system for ease of removing the roller and for cleaning. Rotation of the side handle of the lever and cam system will disengage the drive roller from contact with the deblister ring system for removal. For example, 60 degrees to 80 degrees arch of rotation, and particularly 73 degrees, will lower the deblister ring system to create a 2 mm to 5 mm separation from the roller so the roller can be removed. Figure 22 shows the roller disengage contact with the deblister ring on the support shaft via rotation of the lever and cam system. The roller is vertically aligned above the deblister rings and deblister support shaft and positioned so as to contact the deblister rings from a vertically orientated position. The roller is rotationally supported by the chassis in a bearing comprising an elongate journal as shown in Figure 15. The roller is adapted to locate in the elongate journal. The journal is adapted to rotate and in particular align. Positioning the roller directly above the deblister rings and provision of the vertically aligned elongate journal allows the vertical removal of the roller in a direction away from the deblister rings so that they cannot be knocked out of place should the roller be removed for any reason.

These elements are configured together by triangular relationship between the centre axis of the drive roller motor, the drive roller and the deblister ring system. All key dimensional aspects are driven from this geometry, to enable effective function of the system across the vast range of pharmaceuticals available.

In some embodiments, the surface height and plane where blister packs are fed into the apparatus is collinear with the contact point between the drive roller and deblister ring system. In some embodiments, the feed table surface is between 100 mm and 160 mm in length, an in particular, 142 mm. In some embodiments, the centre axis of the deblister rings are 16 mm behind the end of the top feed surface. In some embodiments, the central axis of the drive roller is set back 8 mm in the vertical plane behind the deblister ring system.

Figures 22 to 25 show components for separating and grouping the extracted

pharmaceutical from the emptied blister packs. In particular, Figure 23 is a top view of the pill and pack separation and collection system filter tray 11. Figure 24 is shows a side view of the pill and pack separation and collection system filter tray showing the ridges and steps that promote blister agitation. Figure 25 is a view showing medicine collection zone and the packet waste collection zone. Figure 26 is a view showing medicine collection zone and the packet waste collection zone within a larger system, with an additional (secondary) pill and packet separation filter in the larger bottom tray.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical and blister pack separation and collection components comprise rigid or semi rigid filter tray that has a series holes over the entire filter to allow medicines at any blister spacing to pass through it. In some embodiments, the tray is profiled with having two steps toward the front half along with a downward sloping rear half. The stepped profile of the filter tray promotes agitation of the

medicament and blister packs when passing over the filter tray. The agitation promotes extraction of any pharmaceuticals caught in the foil of the blister packs whereas the downward slope encourages gravitational clearance of the processed blister packs from the filter tray and out the rear of the apparatus.

Figure 24 shows a side view of a filter tray 11 having two stepped transitions that define regions 77, 78 and 79 between the steps. In particular embodiments, the stepped transactions are from a lower surface to an upper surface thereby each creating pocket area 80, 81 in each of the first two regions 77, 78. The pockets help to collect blister packs and medicament and create agitation. The agitation helps to promote separation of the medicament from the blister pack and to work the medicament through the holes in the filter. In some embodiments, the pocket is created from a surface transition of the first region 77 to an upward incline with the angle of transition being approximately 122 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle of the rearmost tray region 79 is sloped at an angle of approximately 26 degrees with respect to horizontal.

Figure 27 shows an alternative embodiment of the filter tray 11 that has two regions of differing slopes. In particular, there is shown a first region having a slope of approximately 15 degrees and a second region having a slope of approximately 21 degrees. In particular, the slope of the second region is to be greater than the slope of the first region. The dual slope regions help to promote medicament to work through the holes in the filter 11. The dual slope arrangement has been found to be particular effective for small medicament pill sizes.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter tray starts 19 mm behind the centre axis of the drive roller, and continues for a length of 100 mm to 160 mm, and in particular 127 mm, in the horizontal plane to provide a sufficient filter zone for separation.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical and blister pack separation and collection components comprise a pharmaceutical collection zone and a waste collection zone. The pharmaceutical collection zone is located beneath the filter tray. The waste collection zone has an entry located at the rear of the filter tray to collect empty blister packs. Figure 24 illustrates this arrangement.

In some embodiments, the waste collection zone comprises a secondary filter at the bottom of the waste collector configured to separate any medicine that may not have been successfully removed by the filter tray. In this way, pharmaceuticals that have ended up traveling into the waste collection with the processed blister pack are collected when the pack hits the bottom of the waste collection tray. Figure 25 illustrates an arrangement of the apparatus including a secondary pharmaceutical collection zone below a secondary filter at the bottom of the waste collection zone.

In some embodiments, the medicine collection tray and the waste collection tray function as drawers and or containers for easy removal and distribution of the medicines into secondary containers for bulk storage, and the waste emptied into disposal bins.

Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to elements or integers having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if they were individually set forth. Although the invention has been described by way of example and with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and/or improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the claims.