· Sensor verifies syringe labels and needle protection position

· ZPS buffer system stores up to 600 syringes

Moeller & Devicon, a Bosch Packaging Technology company, has developed three new machine units for syringe preprocessing. The USD 100 denester automatically removes up to 100 syringes per minute from their nests and positions them for the next production step. The assembly station RIL 100 screws in up to 100 rods and labels the syringes accordingly. The ZPS buffer system can store up to 600 syringes. All three units are designed for integration into existing or new fully automated syringe filling lines.

The compact machine units handle standard syringe format sizes ranging between 0.5 and 20 milliliters. During construction, emphasis was placed on quick line clearance. An open access machine design offers easy line clearance between batch changes, allowing operators to clean and access the machines to ensure that no syringes are left from the previous batches. Every machine unit is equipped with a Human Machine Interface (HMI) and allows quick and reproducible adjustment of all production parameters.

The conveyor belts between the three machine units are at the same height. This ensures gentle product transport and increases production security. All important electrical components are accommodated in the internal control cabinet. The complex wiring with external control cabinet is void.

The RIL-100 rod insertion labeling unit screws the rod into the syringe. This servo driven system ensures unaltered rod insertion during the process, avoiding possible product contamination. The RIL-100 labels all syringes and assures complete documentation and traceability of each batch. For further security, sensors ensure alignment of the label and correct position of the needle protector.

The ZPS buffer system is the last step before down-stream packaging, and can store up to 600 syringes. This ensures a continuous process even if the downstream packaging process stops for up to six minutes.

"During development we paid particularly attention to seamless and easy integration into process and packaging lines," says Preben Rasmussen, Product Manager at Moeller & Devicon. "Process units must operate with the same output and safety level as filling- and packaging machines."

The USD 100 denester, the RIL 100 rod insertion labeling unit and the ZPS buffer system are also designed for integration into a Restricted Access Barrier System (RABS) for closed operation under cleanroom class A conditions. All three units are integrated into Bosch's fully automated FXS 2050 mid-range output filling line for processing of pre-sterilized syringes.

About Bosch Packaging Technology
Bosch Packaging Technology, based in Waiblingen (Germany), is one of the leading suppliers for holistic systems for packaging and process technology. In 15 countries worldwide the company develops, produces and distributes modules and systems for the pharmaceutical, confectionery, and cosmetics industries, as well as other food and non-food industries. In 2008, 4,650 associates achieved a turnover of approximately 700 million euros. Learn more at www.boschpackaging.com.

Contact for reader inquiries:
Preben Rasmussen
Project Manager / Mech. Design Dept.

Moeller & Devicon
A Bosch Packaging Technology Company
Langgade 43
DK-4262 Sandved
Phone: +45 5546 24 00
Fax: +45 5545 20 21
E-Mail: pr@m-d.dk

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. In the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods, and building technology, some 275,000 associates generated sales of 38.2 billion euros in fiscal 2009. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 300 subsidiaries and regional companies in over 60 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for growth. Each year, Bosch spends more than 3.5 billion euros for research and development, and applies for some 3,800 patents worldwide. With all its products and services, Bosch enhances the quality of life by providing solutions which are both innovative and beneficial. The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as “Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering.” The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant up-front investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-two percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, an industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family and by Robert Bosch GmbH. Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch.com.

PI6651 - May 2009