The InspeCaps 150 single-file vision system inspects opaque, transparent, or translucent capsules when full or empty. (PHOTO
IS COURTESY OF PRODITEC.)
|
For solid dosage forms, a patented arrangement of mirrors and three cameras captures images that are combined to show the
entire surface of the capsule, including each end. As a result, the vision system detects surface flaws and nonconforming
colors, confirms the presence of the tamper-evident sealing band, and verifies print quality without rotating the capsule.
Three plug-and-play change parts make it possible to inspect capsule sizes from #00 to #5. Changeover is toolless and takes
less than an hour. Capable of handling 2000 capsules/min, two systems are already installed—one in India and one in Taiwan
(Proditec InspeCaps 150, Symetix, Walla Walla, WA).
Another camera-based system provides similar inspection capabilities on slat fillers. Each camera in the multicamera system
checks a 4-in area for broken, missing, and different color tablets at a speed of 7 slats/s, which is equivalent to 400 150-count
bottles/min. The turnkey vision system includes lighting and brackets (Slat Counter Inspector, Optel Vision, Quebec, Canada).
Robotic positioning with a multicamera vision system automates inspection of liquid products in ampuls, vials, cartridges,
or syringes and lyophilized product in vials ranging in size from 8 to 80 mm in diameter and as tall as 200 mm. The robot
picks up and rotates the liquid-filled container to check for particulates and fill level. It inspects the cake surface of
lyophilized products. Optional checks include surface defects, stopper presence, aluminum-cap centering and crimping, and
needle-shield condition (Mario inspection system, Dabrico, Bourbonnais, IL)
For text and labeling inspection, an upgraded vision system centralizes management in a client–server configuration to simplify
global deployment and reduce information-technology costs. The Windows-based system can compare one master with multiple samples
or multiple masters with multiple samples at faster scanning and inspection speeds than its predecessors. A click of the mouse
groups errors for review (Docu-Proof Enterprise Client-Server Text Inspector, Global Vision, Montreal).
A multipage proofreading system enables batch processing of booklets, instruction manuals, and other documents to reduce proofreading
time from weeks to days or minutes. Compensating for magnification differences, distortion, and ink bleed-through, the system
can compare two digital files (i.e., PDFs), a digital file and a scanned document, or two scanned documents and check all
aspects, including text characters, graphics, charts, and photos. Pages of different sizes may be scanned through a double-sided
autofeed scanner.
After the scan is completed, an operator reviews discrepancies the machine flags, accepts or rejects them, and may add comments
about them. Review sessions can be saved, closed, and reopened as needed. A rework folder stores information about major problems
like out-of-order pages. The system includes a high-quality, autofeed color scanner, software, software license and warranty,
20-in. liquid-crystal display monitor, and personal computer with Windows, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat software, plus
on-site installation and training. A validation package may be purchased as an option (Avia Infinity Multi-Page proofreading
system, Mnemonics, Mount Laurel, NJ).
|
