Technical area

The present invention is based on a device for automatic handling of objects suitable for transport by pneumatic tube transport systems.

Technical background

Pneumatic tube transport systems are often used by organisations (e.g.

administrations, warehouses and hospitals) with various departments that are physically close to each other. Small objects can be rapidly sent from one department to another by the sender putting the objects into a cylindrical capsule (carrier) and then sealing, addressing and dispatching this via the tube transport system's outgoing tube. Documents, money and other small objects can all be sent in this way.

In hospitals, there is a great need for the rapid transport of samples and pharmacy items. A tube transport system is particularly suitable for this. In particular, large quantities of medicine and other pharmacy items (e.g. ampoules, sprays and syringes) are handled. They have to be transported (with short delivery times) from the hospital's pharmacy to a large number of patients. The requirements for safety and efficiency are stringent. Manual handling has been increasingly replaced by automated medicament handling systems such as that on the market under the PillPick tradename. This is a form of automated pharmacy with two output units. Medicine and other items are ordered (via computer) by a hospital department for a certain patient. The automated pharmacy collects the items from an internal store and packs them in plastic bags that are sealed and have a hole towards the top. When all the items for a patient have been collected, the plastic bags for this patient are bundled together using a plastic wire that is then welded to form a ring. If the number of plastic bags exceeds a certain maximum number, the bags are shared between several rings. Each ring also has a label with graphic information on the patient's identity. The automated pharmacy physically delivers a ring with bags (suspended on a hook) to one of the output units. At the same time, the address of the department receiving the ring is supplied in a digital format, as also is information about the next ring's address. The capacity of each output unit is up to three rings a minute. These rings then have to be transported to the receiving department. This can advantageously be done using a pneumatic tube transport system for capsules. In each department, there is one tube for incoming, and one for outgoing, capsules. The capsules are cylindrical and have openable end pieces. On each capsule, there is an electronic information carrier (a transponder) in which the capsule's identity is stored. It is thus possible to manually pack a capsule with the rings that are going to a department, address it and put it in the tube for outgoing capsules. The tube transport system then sends this to the correct department via a system of tubes with branches and "switches". The latter are set using information from the transponder.

Such manual handling with its receiving, opening and filling of capsules with the correct objects and, finally, sending the capsules to the correct addresses is, however, costly and unsure. This is especially true of the large quantities of items from automated pharmacies. For this reason, a plant for automatically handling the rings between the automated pharmacy and the tube transport system was developed. In principle, this plant comprises: two separate suspended transport lines (receiving from the automated pharmacy); and, filling equipment with capsule handling. Each line works to is own output unit in the automated pharmacy.

Hanging from the lines, there are load carriers at approximately 2.4 m from the plant floor. Each line has space for a total of 230 load carriers, some of these being loaded and placed in a queue while others are waiting to be loaded. The load carrier comprises a simple hook with an in-built transponder.

On reception from the automated pharmacy, the load carrier is fixed by a clamp and the automated pharmacy then delivers a ring to the hook. Next, there is a signal exchange with address transmission to the load carrier's transponder. The load carrier is then carried away on its line and queued for handling by the filling station. The filling station has a buffer track with space for up to ten empty capsules. Vertically via a skid rail from the tube transport system's tube for incoming capsules, the capsules arrive at an arrival position that has damping. Each capsule is then forced into the buffer track and then stepped forwards to a position where a gripping device collects it and places it in a filling position. There, the capsule is rotated so that the upper lid can be pushed to one side.

The capsule is now ready to receive a number of rings and their address. The load carrier that is at the head of the queue is taken to a position directly over the empty capsule. There, the load carrier's hook is fixed by a clamp and the transponder's address is read. A gripping device with two gripping halves then encircles and clamps the bags together immediately under the ring. When the hook has been unhooked from the ring, the entire gripping device (along with the ring) is turned 180 degrees around a horizontal axis. Finally, the gripping halves are opened and the ring with the bags falls down into the capsule. The gripping device then returns to the start position. For the same capsule, this procedure can then be repeated with several rings.

At capsule filling, the address from the load carrier's transponder is linked to the capsule's identity (which is read from its transponder). To be able to close the capsule lid safely, there must be a check of "filling status". A sweeping laser photocell that registers protruding bags (i.e. "overfilling") is used for this. If no overfilling is registered, a piston pushes the lid to the closed position and the capsule is transported to the tube transport system's tube for outgoing capsules. In connection with this, information about the address and the capsule's identity is sent to the tube transport system. If there is overfilling, a compressing brush is pushed (from above) down into the capsule. A new overfilling check is then run and, if the filling status is approved, the lid is closed and the capsule is ready for dispatch. If the check does not approve the filling status, the capsule is moved to an error track (for manual correction).

The plant described above is automatic and enables the handling of the volumes produced by both output units of the automated pharmacy. However, this plant concept has a number of fundamental disadvantages that jeopardise patient safety and otherwise also result in functional shortcomings. As the first of these, it can be pointed out that the load carriers' hooks are open and the rings can thus easily fall off the suspended transport line. This uncertainty remains until the load carrier has been discharged into a capsule. There can be up to four hundred load carriers in the waiting position. It is thus very difficult to monitor what is happening with an individual load carrier. On top of this, the address is transmitted to the receiving department in two phases - first to the load carrier and then to the capsule.

Compared to being able to transmit the address directly from the automated pharmacy to the capsule, this increases the risk of incorrect addressing.

Furthermore, capsule filling is problematic because the rings and their bags are discharged above a capsule and have to drop into this. Accommodating several rings is difficult as they easily become entangled with each other. Yet another disadvantage with the procedure is that a stamp is used to press the bags down into the capsule. This can damage the materials, especially when ampoules or similar are being delivered. Consequently, the filling principle requires acceptance of a relatively low degree of filling and, in turn, the sending of several capsules to the same address. It may finally be pointed out that the plant's flow is entirely linear and requires a great deal of space. Explanation of the invention

The purpose of the present invention is that it should result in a device as set out in the ingress, said device being able, without intermediate storing, to receive and transport small objects (packed in a carrier that has a grip lug) to a filling station for tube transport systems.

A further purpose of the present invention is that it should result in a device that ensures safe filling of small objects (packed in a carrier that has a grip lug) into capsules for tube transport systems.

Yet another purpose of the present invention is that it should result in a device that ensures safe transport of small objects to a filling station for tube transport systems, and safe packing of such objects into the tube transport system's capsules.

These purposes are achieved via a device as per the ingress and with

particularities as per the characterising section of patent claim 1.

The purpose of the present invention is also that it should result in an automatic method for simultaneously effecting various handling operations in respect of capsules for tube transport systems.

The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference being made to the attached figures, which are intended to explain the invention and not to limit it.

Fig.1 is a relatively detailed picture of the device, viewed in perspective obliquely from above.

Fig. 2 is a more general picture of the device's most vital parts, viewed from another perspective obliquely from above, the figure being "read" from the right side of the page.

Fig. 3 is a picture showing the most vital parts of a capsule manipulator (with open gripping devices), viewed in perspective obliquely from above.

Fig. 4 is a picture of the capsule manipulator in figure 3 with the gripping devices in a closed position.

Fig. 5 is a picture of the most vital parts of a picker, viewed in perspective obliquely from above, the figure being "read" from the right side of the page. Fig. 6 is a picture showing a gripping device of the picker in fig. 5, said gripping device being in an open position to receive a ring and its items, the whole being viewed in perspective obliquely from above and the figure being "read" from the right side of the page. Fig. 7 is a picture showing the gripping device in fig. 6 in a closed position.

Fig. 8 is a picture showing the gripping device in figs. 5 and 6 in a closed position ready to discharge a ring and its items, viewed from another perspective obliquely from above.

Fig. 9 is a picture showing the gripping device in fig. 8 in an open position when a ring and its items have been discharged to a loader.

Fig. 10 is a partial side view showing parts of the picker's gripping device (as in fig. 9) and parts of a loader's gripping device in a position where the ring and its items have been discharged to the loader's gripping device. Parts of a capsule transfer device are also shown.

Fig. 1 1 is a partial view (oblique from the side) showing the lower part of the loader's arm and its gripping device.

Fig. 12 is a side view showing the lower part of the loader's arm and its gripping device. The gripping device is in an open position and has received a ring and its items. The lower part of a capsule is also shown schematically (as a cut-away).

Fig. 13 shows the gripping device in figure 12 in a closed position with a ring and its items on their way up into the capsule.

Fig. 14 shows the gripping device in figures 12 and 13 in an open position for discharging the ring and its items inside the capsule.

Fig. 15 shows, schematically from above, a device for the automatic emptying of capsules.

The device (1 ) in fig. 1 includes three logical units, a picker (8), a capsule manipulator (7) and a loader (51 ), these units working with each other so that small items packed in a carrier that has a grip lug can, automatically and with great safety/reliability, be packed into capsules and dispatched via tube transport systems. These units are preferably integrated using a stand (12). The entire device fits in a floor area of approximately 2 m x 2 m and, consequently, is easily sited. The stand (12) can include feet (13) a control cabinet (14) and a connection cabinet (15) for compressed air. The control cabinet (14) includes PLC control equipment that processes incoming signals from the device's various sensors and sends control signals to the device's various drive units. The design of such control lies within the framework of known technologies and will not be described any further. The figure also shows a cabinet (2) that includes a tube for incoming capsules from the tube transport system. There is an input station (4) under this tube. Figure 1 further shows a tube connection (63) for outgoing capsules to the tube transport system. There is an output station with a capsule holder (62) under this tube connection. A capsule manipulator (7) can also be glimpsed in this figure, which further shows a picker (8). Although the figure has been cleared of many details that are in the nature of standard components, a number of such details (e.g. cable chains, cable trays, pneumatic connections and fastening elements) are shown. This renders the figure difficult to follow at a glance and conceals how the device (as per the invention) functions. In the further descriptions, these details, as well as the stand (12) and certain fasteners, are omitted or only briefly

explained. This is because their function is obvious for professionals in the area.

Fig. 2 more clearly shows the most important units and their mutual relationship. The picker (8) includes a transfer unit (81), preferably a linear transfer device with a servomotor (92). Using this transfer unit (81), a gripping device (83) can be moved in the direction of arrow B and collect a ring (100) on which there are one or more plastic bags containing pharmacy items. The previously described automated pharmacy's output unit delivers these rings one by one on a hook (101). In conjunction with this, information about the delivery address is transferred electronically from the automated pharmacy to an information receiving unit included in the device (1). Information regarding whether the following ring is to go to the same address is also transferred. In this respect, the automated pharmacy can be regarded as an address-giving unit. In the direction of arrow C, the transfer unit (81 ) then moves the gripping device (83) to a position for discharging the ring (100) to the gripping device (54) of the loading station (5). The composition and function of the picker (8) and the loading station (5) are described in detail later on. The design described here is intended to work with an automated pharmacy. For this reason, the gripping devices are adapted to receive and discharge rings (and their items). However, the gripping devices can easily be designed for other objects, e.g. a gripping device for a carrier with a grip lug is one possibility. In a hospital context, it may, for example, be a question of a cassette for blood samples, the cassette being designed to fit into a capsule for a tube transport system. The cassette may then conceivably have various types of "grip fittings" (e.g. a grip lug), the geometry of which determines gripping device design, or a smooth and sealed surface that can be held tight by a suction cup or be so arranged that it can be gripped by a magnet (or gripped in any other way) so that the invention concept (which will be described in greater detail) can be exploited.

Figure 2 also shows the capsule manipulator (7). This includes a rotary table (72) with gripping devices (74) designed to grip and transport capsules (3) that are designed for a tube transport system. In the direction of arrow D, the rotary table can be rotated around a vertical axis (A-A), thereby transferring a capsule from an input station (4) to a loading station (5) and, finally, to an output station (6).

Because the device operates continuously, three capsules are handled

simultaneously. One capsule is fed in from the tube transport system and prepared for loading, one capsule is loaded and prepared for output and one capsule is fed out into the tube transport system. However, for the sake of easy

comprehensibility, figure 2 shows only the capsule (3) at the loading station (5). Both end pieces (31 ) of the capsules (3) can be turned around their individual axes, which are parallel with axis A-A in the figure. As shown in the figure, the pivot axes of these end pieces are offset 180 degrees (relative to each other). Near to each capsule end piece, there is a metal piece at a set angle (relative to said pivot axes). As set out in the explanation below, these metal pieces are designed for angle detection. The capsules can then be handled regardless of their angular orientation. Each capsule (3) also includes a transponder for electronic storage of the capsule's identity.

From the tube transport system, the capsules come to an input station (4) and are positioned with either end piece (31 ) on a plate-shaped capsule holder (42) that is mounted on a transfer unit (41 ), preferably a linear transfer device driven by a servomotor (45). In this way, the capsule holder can be moved to the desired position (in the direction of arrows E and F). Using a vacuum suction cup (43), the end piece is sucked securely to the capsule holder (42). The capsule holder (42) is then in its upper position, as shown in the figure. Next, the capsule holder is moved downwards in the direction of arrow F. Simultaneously with this movement, the capsule holder is rotated (using a turning device) in the direction of arrow G until the end piece hinges are at such an angle that the end pieces can be opened. This rotation is controlled using an inductive sensor (46) that registers the position of the metal piece. Other principles for positional detection of the capsules' angles are, of course possible, e.g. optical sensors could be used. In the event that a capsule cannot be turned to the correct position, it is transported downwards (in the direction of arrow F) to a lower position where it is ejected by the ejectors (44). If it has been possible to turn the capsule (3) to the correct position, it is then placed at a certain height. There, the gripping device (74) is manoeuvred to a closed position (as shown in the figure) so that the capsule (3) is held fast. The capsule holder is then moved further downwards (in the direction of arrow F) to leave room for opening the lower end piece. Over and under the gripping device (74), there are end piece opening organs on the stand (12). Said organs are preferably pneumatic linear transfer devices that push out both end pieces so that they are turned 180 degrees to an open position. The capsule (3) is now ready to be moved by the gripping device (74) to the loading station (5).

Simultaneously with this, the loading station (5) has loaded the preceding capsule (3) with items. Said loading is effected as follows. The loading station (5) includes a loader (51 ) and a collecting device (78). The loader (51 ) includes a transfer unit (52). Using this latter, a gripping device (54) can be moved in through one of the end piece openings of the capsule (3) and, in order to be able to grip an object, out through the other end piece opening of the capsule (3). It is preferred that the transfer unit should be a linear transfer device that has a slider which is mobile in the directions of arrows H and I, said slider being driven by a servomotor (58). It is further preferred that the gripping device (54) should be on an arm (53) attached to the linear transfer device's slider, the gripping device (54) being thereby mobile in the directions of arrows H and I. At loading, the gripping device (54) moves from up to down (in the direction of arrow I) through the upper capsule opening and further downwards to below the lower capsule opening. In this position, the gripping device (54) is open so that it can receive objects that the picker (8) delivers to the gripping device. In the preferred design, these objects are, as previously set out, items packed in plastic bags and suspended on a ring (100). If several rings are to go the same address, the picker (8) collects these and delivers them to the loader's gripping device (54). When all the rings have been collected, the gripping device (54) closes and then moves upwards (in the direction of arrow H) into the capsule (3). The ring/rings (100) and their item bags are thereby drawn into the capsule. A funnel-shaped collecting device (78) arranged below the loader (51) ensures that the item bags are pulled into the capsule (3) without catching on the capsule's edges. Compared with previously known technologies, this filling procedure has several major advantages. The most important difference is that the item bags neither fall nor are pushed into the capsule. Instead, they are pulled in through one of the open end pieces of the capsule (using an organ that is inserted through the capsule's other open end piece). Because the ring and its item bags are

mechanically locked to the gripping device (54) throughout the journey into the capsule, there is full control of capsule loading. In this way, a high degree of filling can be achieved without risk of damaging the items. There is also full control of the item bags' position in the capsule so that no items protrude from the capsule. This means that there is no need to run an overfilling check and the end pieces can be freely closed.

When the items are entirely inside the capsule, the lower end piece is closed and the gripping device (54) then opens and moves upwards (in the direction of arrow H) to a position where the gripping device is above the capsule. The upper end piece is then closed. Both the end pieces (31) are closed using end piece closing organs, preferably pneumatic linear transfer devices that are arranged on the stand (12). These push both the end pieces so that they are turned 180 degrees to a closed position. When the capsule is in this position, information about the capsule's identity is read (using a reading unit) from its transponder and combined with the address information from the automated pharmacy. Via a cable, this combined information is sent to the tube transport system. When the capsule is being fed out and put into the tube transport system, the system reads the capsule's identity and guides it to the receiving address. With no intermediate phase, the address information is thus linked to capsule identity. This considerably reduces the risk of incorrect addressing and, compared with previously known technologies, is a significant advantage. Simultaneously with feeding in and loading, there is the feeding out of the previously loaded capsule, which is now at the output station (6). This latter includes a transfer unit (61), preferably a linear transfer device. Using said unit, a plate-shaped capsule holder (62) can be moved vertically in the directions of arrows K and L. The output station is got ready to feed out a capsule by the capsule holder being moved (in the direction of arrow L) to a lower, neutral position so that, using the rotary table (72), a loaded capsule (3) can be rotated over the edge of the capsule holder (62). When the capsule is directly above the capsule holder, the capsule holder is moved (in the direction of arrow K) to a position immediately under the capsule's lower end piece. The gripping device (74) of the capsule manipulator (7) can then be opened so that the capsule rests solely on the capsule holder. Finally, the capsule holder with the capsule (3) is pushed upwards into the output tube of the tube transport system. To effect these vertical transfers between three fixed positions, two series-connected, pneumatic, linear transfer devices can preferably be used. However, a servo-controlled linear transfer device is, of course, another possibility.

Seen as a whole, the entire handling concept embodied in the invention entails a very high level of safety. This is because all rings with pharmacy items dispensed from the automated pharmacy are loaded directly into a capsule with no

intermediate storage and the rings' address information is linked directly to the capsule's identity. Hence, there is full control of all handling of each individual ring and its items. The handling concept further entails a continuous flow with only a few rings in circulation at any one time. Besides a very high level of patient safety, large savings on equipment are also achieved in comparison with previously known technologies. An automated pharmacy with two output units can be served by two devices as per the present invention. Because these devices fit in a relatively small floor area, there is, compared with previously know technologies, a great saving in floor space.

Vital parts of the device will now be described in greater detail. Figure 3 shows a capsule manipulator (7) suspended on a mount (71 ) that is, preferably, arranged on the stand (12). The capsule manipulator includes a capsule transfer device (72). Using this latter, capsules can be moved between various stations. It is preferred that the stations should be arranged around a circular track so that the capsule transfer device can execute a rotary movement. However, it is, of course, also feasible to arrange the stations along a line and have the capsule transfer device move one capsule at a time linearly. If the rate is low, the foregoing is possible and entails a simpler construction. Nonetheless, a rotary movement is desirable as three capsules can then be handled simultaneously. It is preferred that this rotation is executed by a capsule transfer device (72) in the form of a rotary table.

The rotary table (72) above is suitably made of metal and of such dimensions that it is sufficiently rigid and durable for the present purposes. Furthermore, the rotary table (72) is pivoted relative to the mount (71 ) and, using a servomotor, is rotated around the vertical A-A axis to three different positions, preferably with 120 degrees between two adjacent positions. On the rotary table (72), there is a swivel (73) that can be used for the connection of compressed air and electricity. The rotary table also includes three gripping devices (74) evenly spaced around the circumference of the rotary table (72). Each gripping device (74) includes two gripping hands (75), preferably made of a light metal, each of the gripping hands preferably including two vertically aligned gripping strips of a rubber-like material. Owing to the rubber's elasticity, variations in capsule diameter can be

compensated for and the friction forces acting on the capsules are high. The gripping hands (75) are each suspended on their turning devices (77). Using these latter, the gripping hands can be rotated approximately 90 degrees around their vertical axes, it being thereby possible to close and open the gripping devices (74).

In figure 3, the rotary table (72) has been turned to such an angle that one gripping device (74) is in a position for feeding in, one gripping device is in a position for loading and one is in a position for feeding out. All three gripping devices (74) are here shown in an open position. However, in operation, the gripping device (74) that is above the collecting device (78) is in a closed position. This gripping device holds the capsule that is in the loading station (5). The collecting device (78) includes a funnel (79) attached to an arm (791 ), said arm being fixed relative to the mount (71 ). At the same time, the other gripping devices (74) in the input station (4) and the output station (6) can be in an open position to, respectively, receive or discharge their capsules.

Figure 4 shows the rotary table (72) with the gripping devices (74) in a closed position. The rotation of the gripping hands is preferably effected by pneumatic turning devices (77), which are standard components in the present context.

It is preferred that movement of the capsules should be effected via a rotary table. This gives high positional accuracy with simple means. However, it is, of course, possible to have gripping devices (74) arranged on a circular or non-circular (e.g. elliptical or triangular) track. In such a design, the gripping devices could be suspended on a chain or belts. This could be suitable where the various stations are not at the corners of an equilateral triangle. In its simplest form, a rotary table presupposes such a triangular disposition. Where further stations are necessary, all the stations should, for the same reason, be spaced evenly around a circle. However, with a servo-controlled rotary table it is possible to have the stations unevenly spaced around a circle. In the preferred design, rotation is around a vertical axis. Nonetheless, rotation around another axis (e.g. horizontal) is also conceivable. Figure 5 shows the picker (8). This includes a transfer unit (81 ), preferably a linear transfer device, that is fixed relative to the stand (12). The linear transfer device includes a servomotor (815) and a cable chain (816). On the moveable slider of the linear transfer device (81 ), there is a second linear transfer device (817). Using this latter, the gripping device (83) can be moved, via a mount (82), in the

directions of arrows O and P. Using this arrangement, the gripping device (83) can also be moved in the directions of arrows B and C. The figure shows the gripping device (83) moving in the direction of arrow C with a ring (100) that has item bags for delivery to the loading station (5). The ring (100) has been collected from the hook (101 ) at the automated pharmacy's output unit (this hook is shown

schematically). After collection, the gripping device (83) has turned around several axes to a position (as per the figure) relative to the mount (82). In this position it is ready to discharge the ring (100) to the gripping device (54) of the loader (5).

The composition and function of the gripping device (83) will now be described in greater detail using figures 6 - 9.

Figure 6 shows the mount (82) on which there is a turning device (88). There is a second turning device (89) attached to the pivot shaft of the first turning device (88), the second turning device (89) being thereby able to turn around axis A1 . A mount (841 ) is attached to the pivot shaft of the turning device (89). A linear transfer device (87) is fixed to this mount. A capture organ, preferably in the form of a pin (84), is also attached to the mount (841 ). Through this arrangement, the linear transfer device (87) and pin 84 can turn around axes A1 and A2. Taking this together with the previously mentioned linear transfer devices (81 and 817), movement of pin 84 can have four degrees of freedom, two translations and two rotations. Consequently, the ring and its item bags can be collected and delivered with great precision. On the slider of the linear transfer device (87), there is a mount (861 ) that carries two arms (862 and 863). A stop organ (86), preferably in the form of a transverse pin, is attached to the end of arm 862. A turning device (90) is attached to the end of arm 863. On the pivot shaft of this turning device (90), there is a locking organ (85), preferably in the form of another transverse pin. Like a gate, this pin can be turned 180 degrees (between open and closed) around axis A3. In figure 6, pin 85 is shown in the open position. Via the linear transfer device (87), the stop organ (86) and the locking organ (85) can be moved linearly in the directions of arrows Q and R. The above-detailed parts are included in the gripping device (83) and are the vital components for being able to receive, position and deliver rings (100) and their item bags.

In figure 6, the gripping device is in a position to receive (on pin 84) a ring (100) from the automated pharmacy's output unit. After reception, the gripping device is closed through pin 85 being turned, by the turning device (90), around axis A3 until it is in the position shown in figure 7. The ring (100) is now suspended on pin 84 and locked between pins 85 and 86. In the direction of arrow C, linear transfer of the ring (100) to the loading station (5) then begins simultaneously with the gripping device (83) being turned around axes A1 and A2 to the position shown in figure 8. As previously described, this movement in the direction of arrow C uses the linear transfer unit (81 ).

Figure 9 shows the gripping device (83) in a position where it has just delivered a ring (100) to the loader (5). The ring has been released from the gripping device (83) by being pushed off pin 84. This is effected through the linear transfer device (87) moving the mount (861 ) and the mount's two arms (862 and 863) in the direction of arrow R. This pushes pins 85 and 86 along pin 84 (in the direction of arrow R) to a position where the ring (100) falls off. As shown in figure 10, this releasing of the ring is effected in interaction with the gripping device (54) of the loader (51 ).

Figure 10 shows the lower part of the loading station (5) with a capsule (3) clamped by gripping hands (75), there being a funnel (79) under the capsule (3). When receiving a ring (100) and its items, the arm (53) of the loader (51 ) is inserted through the upper, open end piece (not shown in the figure) of the capsule (3) until it protrudes below the lower, open end piece of the capsule (3). The loader's gripping device (54) is on the end of the arm (53). This gripping device includes a capture organ (55), in the form of a finger or a pin, and, in the form of a U-piece, a locking organ (56) that is in an open position in the figure. At ring delivery, pin 84 of gripping device 83 is put into a position directly above pin 55 of gripping device 54. In this position, pin 84 projects over pin 55 so that they are slightly overlapped. As the ring (100) is locked on pin 84 by pins 85 and 86 (with only a little distance between pins 85 and 86), the ring (100) is guided so that its opening faces the longitudinal axis of pin 55. Consequently, the ring can be easily pushed off pin 84 onto pin 55. This is effected by pins 85 and 86 moving in the direction of arrow R (as previously described). In the next step, the U-piece (56) is turned (in the direction of arrow S) to a locked position against pin 55 behind pin 86. Here, the bag is still locked between pins 85 and 86 when the U-piece (56) descends and closes against pin 55. Pins 85 and 86 then move further in the direction of arrow R, this pushing the ring (100) farther down on pin 55. Throughout this movement of the ring (100) in the direction of arrow R, the ring is secured on gripping device 54. Finally, pin 85 is turned around axis A3 to an open position and gripping device 83 is moved towards the automated pharmacy to collect yet another ring. Through this arrangement and procedure, the ring (100) is mechanically secured throughout transport from the automated pharmacy to a position ready for loading. Device 1 electronically collects information about whether there is another ring to go to the same address. If there is, the loader waits for the next ring. When gripping device 83 is once again in position to deliver a ring, the U-piece (56) opens and the new ring is then pushed on. The procedure is then repeated as previously described. The capsule (3) can accommodate a certain maximum number of rings. Where more rings than this are to go to the same address, they are shared between several capsules.

Figures 1 1 - 14 show the composition and function of the gripping device (54) of the loader (51 ) in more detail. The gripping device (54) is attached, preferably via a mount (541 ), to the lower part of a tubular arm (53). This arm (53) constitutes an organ via which the gripping device (54) can be inserted through one of the end pieces of the capsule until it protrudes through the other end piece, this being an essential aspect of the invention. It is preferred that this organ (53) should include an arm in the form of a tube and a mount (541 ) on the lower part of the arm. The gripping device (54) includes a capture organ (55), preferably a pin or a finger, attached to a support arm (551 ), said support arm being fixed to a pivot arm (552). This pivot arm (552) is pivoted around the shaft (553) of the mount (541 ). The gripping device (54) further includes a stop organ (57), preferably in the form of a shield with a through channel (571 ), finger 55 being able to move freely in said channel. The stop organ (57) limits the lateral movement of the ring (100). Via a link that is pivotally connected to the pivot arm (552) - said link being arranged inside the tube (53) - the movement of finger 55 is preferably effected using a linear transfer device on the upper part of the arm (53). The gripping device also includes a locking organ (56). This is so arranged that it can be moved towards the free end of capture organ 55, thereby providing a locking function. The locking organ preferably includes a U-piece, pivoted around the shaft (561 ) on the mount (541 ). The pivot motion of the U-piece (56) is preferably effected using a pivot arm connected to the piston rod (564) of a compressed air cylinder (562). This compressed air cylinder (562) is pivotally attached to a mount (563) on a tube clamp (564) that is attached to the arm (53).

Figure 12 shows the gripping device (54) in a position, as per figure 10, where it has just received a ring (100). Here, the U-piece (56) has been turned in the direction of arrow T and pin 55 has been turned in the direction of arrow V (both to their respective upper end positions). Under the influence of the movement of pins 85 and 86 in a direction along pin 55, the ring (100) slides down onto pin 55. The U-piece can then be turned (in the direction of arrow S) to its locking position against pin 55. This secures the ring. In the direction of arrow H, the gripping device (54) can now be moved upwards towards and into the capsule (3) - as shown in figure 13. When the ring and its item bags have been entirely pulled into the capsule (3), the lower end piece of the capsule (3) is closed. As in figure 14, finger 55 is next turned in the direction of arrow U, the gripping device (54) thereby releasing the ring, or rings, which is/are then left in the capsule. Finally, the gripping device (54) is pulled upwards (in the direction of arrow H) and out of the capsule (3). The upper end piece can now be closed. The composition and function of the gripping device (54) can be described in general terms as follows. The gripping device includes: a capture organ (55) with a free end; and, a locking organ (56) with another free end. These organs are independently mobile between two end positions so that the free end of organ 55 and that of organ 56 are in contact with each other in their respective end positions.

Just as the earlier described gripping device 83, gripping device 54 is adapted for an item carrier in the form of a ring (100). However, it can, of course, be designed in a number of ways within the framework of the concept embodied in the

invention. For example, the gripping device could have two or more fingers that extend all the way through the capsule. A further possibility is a gripping device with two or more fingers that clamp an item carrier in such a way that the picker's gripping device takes hold of a certain part of the carrier and the loader's gripping device takes hold of another part of the carrier, it then being possible for the picker's gripping device to release its hold. However, it is preferred that the device never releases its grip on the item carrier before this latter is pulled inside a capsule. In this way, the carrier's position and orientation in space can be fully controlled, this being a basic requirement for achieving a safe and efficient handling of objects for transport in tube transport systems.

In the design preferred in the description above, it is assumed that the items to be handled in some way are packed in a carrier. However, it must be pointed out that it is, of course, possible to have unpackaged items that can be handled directly by gripping devices 83 and 54. Such handling can also be effected by gripping device 54 including: a suction cup that uses a vacuum to secure the object (100) or its packaging and pull it into the capsule; or, as previously mentioned, a magnet (for such items that can be acted on by magnets). The invention can also be used in many contexts other than that of automated pharmacies. However, common to many applications is that there are objects (100) that, in some way or other, are delivered by an address-giving unit and which must be moved using a tube transport system. One of the description's focuses has been the principle for using gripping devices to handle item carriers and, in particular, how these latter are transported in a capsule. However, another important part of the invention is the capsule

manipulator, which is particularly suitable for a capsule opening device.

Hospital laboratories receive a rapid stream of samples that have to be handled efficiently. Where the hospital has a tube transport system, the samples most usually arrive via tube transport capsules. These capsules have to be opened and emptied. The samples have to be taken care of and sorted so that acute samples are given priority. Furthermore, the capsules must also be closed and sent into the tube transport system's empty capsule store. Besides being complex and taxing, this manual handling of capsules also takes up a great deal of space. In this context a capsule manipulator with essentially the same function as previously described is of great use. The contents of the capsule (3) have to be acted on so that they are emptied from the capsule. It has to be possible for emptying to take place at two different stations - a normal station and an acute station. In this design of the invention, the capsule manipulator (7) is (as previously) suitably arranged on a stand and includes a rotary table (72) that has three gripping devices (74) arranged around a circle and evenly spaced from each other. The gripping devices move capsules between various stations, the siting of which is shown schematically in figure 15. The input and output stations (4 and 6

respectively) are sited at 120 degrees to each other. The emptying station (1 10) for normal priority samples is sited at 120 degrees from the input station and the device can thus, in most cases, work at an even pace so that feeding in, emptying and feeding out can take place simultaneously. When the capsules arrive at the input station (4), they are rotated to an angle at which the end pieces can be opened as previously described. However, unlike the previously described design, the end pieces are not opened at this station. Instead, each capsule is gripped by the gripping device and moved to one of the emptying stations (1 10 or 1 1 1 ) where the end pieces are opened as previously described. Each emptying station includes an organ that acts on capsule contents. This organ is preferably in the form of a vertically mobile stamp that is pushed through the capsules from the top, the contents then falling onto their conveyor belt, 1 12 or 1 13, for further transport in the directions of arrows M and N respectively. Information on sample priority is linked to capsule identity, which is stored in each capsule's transponder and is read at the input station (4). When an acute sample arrives, it is received at the input station and then moved to the emptying station (1 1 1 ) for acute samples. This is sited at less than 120 degrees from the input station. This movement of the rotary table (72) can be effected by a servo-controlled turning device. When a capsule with an acute sample is emptied, the input and output stations (4 and 6 respectively) may be in standby mode. After emptying, the end pieces are closed in the same way as previously and, via the tube transport system, output station 6 returns the empty capsule to a storage place for empty capsules.

The first described design also includes a station (5) for acting on the contents of a capsule (3). The station (5) includes an organ (51 ) that acts upon the items with which the capsule is filled. This organ has been designated "loader".

Thus, common to both designs is that the capsule manipulator (7), in conjunction with the various stations, enables the implementation of a method for automatically acting on the contents of capsules (3) intended for tube transport systems, via which method several capsules can be handled (3) simultaneously. Using the capsule manipulator (7) and its station, capsules (3) can be handled as per the following method.

The capsule manipulator (7) grips at least three capsules and moves them to all three stations in the order: feeding in, acting on the contents and feeding out. Each time there is a capsule (3) at the input station (4), there is another capsule at the output station (6).

The unique nature of the invention has thus been described and, compared with previously known technologies, its advantages are many. It must be pointed out that it is the essentials of a preferred design that have been described here. For a professional experienced in the art of machine building, it will be obvious that the invention can be varied in many different ways, some of which have been briefly mentioned. There is a wealth of standard components for effecting transfers of various types. Many different arrangements for effecting physical transfers can be devised. Furthermore, control of the parts concerned can be executed in accordance with many known principles. All these variations, obvious for professionals in the area, are accommodated within the concept embodied in the invention, said concept being formulated in the following patent claims.