Apparatus and method for filling bulk goods into empty open bags (3) comprising at least one weighing unit (7) and at least one filling station (11-18) and a bag receiving unit (10) disposed thereat, wherein a bag (3) received by the bag receiving unit (10) is filled. The bag receiving unit (10) is configured as a receiving box (30) having a receiving space (31) to receive a bag (3). The receiving box (30) is provided with a suction aperture (34) to temporarily receive in the receiving box (30) the empty bag (3) intended for receiving in a form-fit at least in sections. The receiving box (30) comprises suction apertures (34) in a lower region (31a) and in at least one region (31b, 31c) above that which are controlled differently.

A combined weighing system 1 includes a first X-ray inspection device 20, a combined weighing device 40, a bag making and packaging device 50, a weight inspection device 60, a second X-ray inspection device 70, and a management device 90 that manages each device. The management device 90 revises a weight conversion table of the first X-ray inspection device 20 and a correction value of the combined weighing device 40 based on an average value of weights of products B, which is calculated from a result of inspection over a certain time period in the weight inspection device 60.

A multiple inspection system and method that inspects packages filled with at least two different medications that are to be consumed by a patient is described. The method includes filling each package with the at least two different medications. A package that is to be inspected is selected by a process control module. A first automated inspection examines the different medications with a first measurement device. A first measurement result is generated. A first automated inspection result is generated by comparing a first expected inspection value with the first measurement result. A second automated inspection having a second measurement device generates a second measurement result. A second automated inspection result is generated by comparing a second expected inspection value with the second measurement result. An analytical module then proceeds to compare the first automated inspection result and the second automated inspection result.

A multiple inspection system and method that inspects packages filled with at least two different medications that are to be consumed by a patient is described. The method includes filling each package with the at least two different medications. A package that is to be inspected is selected by a process control module. A first automated inspection examines the different medications with a first measurement device. A first measurement result is generated. A first automated inspection result is generated by comparing a first expected inspection value with the first measurement result. A second automated inspection having a second measurement device generates a second measurement result. A second automated inspection result is generated by comparing a second expected inspection value with the second measurement result. An analytical module then proceeds to compare the first automated inspection result and the second automated inspection result.

A weighing device is disclosed including a motor that can be used to rotate a drive head. The drive head supports a cylindrical spindle having a plurality of holes or recesses. The spindle is configured so that it can be easily removed from the rotatable drive head and placed on a load sensor that can be used for weighing the device. In use a blister strip (not shown) can be loaded onto the spindle. An evacuation unit is provided with a pair of cutting blades. The load sensor can determine a first measurement of weight when the blisters are full of powder and a second measurement of weight after the evacuation unit has been used to evacuate receptacles supported on the spindle.

A weighing device is disclosed including a motor that can be used to rotate a drive head. The drive head supports a cylindrical spindle having a plurality of holes or recesses. The spindle is configured so that it can be easily removed from the rotatable drive head and placed on a load sensor that can be used for weighing the device. In use a blister strip (not shown) can be loaded onto the spindle. An evacuation unit is provided with a pair of cutting blades. The load sensor can determine a first measurement of weight when the blisters are full of powder and a second measurement of weight after the evacuation unit has been used to evacuate receptacles supported on the spindle.

A medication dispensing system is provided and includes a medicine transfer device (MTD) and a controller. The MTD transfers medicine between first and second containers. The first container initially stores medicine. The controller: determines a first predetermined amount of medicine to be dispensed from the medicine dispensing system; causes the MTD to discharge a second predetermined amount of the medicine from the first container onto the MTD, and transfer a third predetermined amount of the medicine from the MTD to the second container; subsequent to the transfer of the third predetermined amount, determine whether the second container has greater than or equal to the first predetermined amount; and if the second container has less than the first predetermined amount, cause the MTD to transfer a portion of the medicine on the MTD into the second container or discharge a portion of the medicine in the first container onto the MTD.

A medication dispensing system is provided and includes a medicine transfer device (MTD) and a controller. The MTD transfers medicine between first and second containers. The first container initially stores medicine. The controller: determines a first predetermined amount of medicine to be dispensed from the medicine dispensing system; causes the MTD to discharge a second predetermined amount of the medicine from the first container onto the MTD, and transfer a third predetermined amount of the medicine from the MTD to the second container; subsequent to the transfer of the third predetermined amount, determine whether the second container has greater than or equal to the first predetermined amount; and if the second container has less than the first predetermined amount, cause the MTD to transfer a portion of the medicine on the MTD into the second container or discharge a portion of the medicine in the first container onto the MTD.

A checkweigher assembly includes a frame that is rotatable about an axis of rotation, a scale operatively connected with the frame, and a holder member operatively connected with the scale. The holder member is substantially supported by the scale. The holder member includes first and second grip members, each having an outer surface. The outer surfaces of the first and second grip members are arranged in a face-to-face relationship and are axially spaced apart by a gap. The first grip member is movable from a first position to a second position. The gap is defined by a first minimum length when the first grip member is in the first position and a second minimum length when the first grip member is in the second position, wherein first minimum length is greater than the second minimum length. A method of weighing objects with the checkweigher assembly is provided.

A checkweigher assembly includes a frame that is rotatable about an axis of rotation, a scale operatively connected with the frame, and a holder member operatively connected with the scale. The holder member is substantially supported by the scale. The holder member includes first and second grip members, each having an outer surface. The outer surfaces of the first and second grip members are arranged in a face-to-face relationship and are axially spaced apart by a gap. The first grip member is movable from a first position to a second position. The gap is defined by a first minimum length when the first grip member is in the first position and a second minimum length when the first grip member is in the second position, wherein first minimum length is greater than the second minimum length. A method of weighing objects with the checkweigher assembly is provided.