Method, system, and apparatus for handling, labeling, filling and capping ...

(54) METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING, LABELING, FILLING AND CAPPING SYRINGES

(76) Inventors: Brian Eugene Baldwin, Centennial,

CO (US); Robert Eugene Mancuso II,
Elizabeth, CO (US); Jon Paul Page,

Broomfield, CO (US)

Correspondence Address:

MARSH FISCHMANN & BREYFOGLE LLP
3151 S. Vaughn Way, Suite 411
Aurora, CO 80014 (US)

(21) Appl. No.: 09/928,007

(22) Filed: Aug. 10, 2001

Related U.S. Application Data

(63) Non-provisional ol provisional application No. 60/224,136, filed on Aug. 10, 2000.

Publication Classification

(51) Int. CI.7 B65B 3/04; B65B 1/20

(52) U.S. CI 141/11; 141/326; 53/426

(57) ABSTRACT

An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.