Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inspecting ampoule packages for the presence of leaks. The systems and methods may be part of a manufacturing line for ampoule packages, particularly flexible ampoule cards that contain sterile pharmaceutical solutions. The solution-containing packages are compressed in an amount sufficient to cause leaking of solution from a pre-existing tear or perforation in an ampoule. The amount of compression applied is less than that required to cause significant package damage such as bursting. The packages are compressed using surfaces of sensing grids which are effective in detecting presence of a liquid outside the package during the compression. By using the conductive properties of the solution, sensing grids and appropriate circuitry can be used to signal or cause an alarm in the event a package has been determined to contain a leak.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for inspecting and verifying ampoule cards for the presence of composition or solution. An electronic circuit is added to a deflashing assembly which is used to compare the amount of light guided by liquid to that guided by air, and prevents deflashing of an ampoule card containing one or more empty ampoules. The system is structured to be nearly fully automated but preferably includes various human machine interface components for enabling viewing and monitoring of various system processes.

Abstract: The specification discloses an automated apparatus and method for packaging surgical needles having sutures attached thereto wherein a bundle of needles and sutures are placed at a semi-automated separation station and an operator feeds the needles, one at a time, into a rotating needle feed wheel. As the feed wheel advances, the suture is tensioned and directed along a pre-determined path to separate it from the remaining sutures in the bundle. The apparatus has a plurality of individually rotatable tool nests which are sequentially spaced on a rotating or indexing turntable. These tool nests sequentially receive plastic packages for receiving the needle and suture at a first station. At a second station, a needle is inserted into the package by robotic fingers which have retrieved the needle and attached suture from the rotating needle feed wheel. The rotating needle feed wheel and the rotating tool nests are synchronized to step together as each advances.