APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR ALTERNATING LASER TREATMENT OF PHARMACEUTICAL DISPENSERS

摘要

Methods and apparatus for laser treating batches of pharmaceutical dispenser s are provided. Sequential batches of untreated dispensers are carried on alternate batch carriers that are advanced into associated alternate stationary laser treatment stations. The multiple stationary laser treatment stations are located within a region of adjacency in which a single laser source can be operated to treat alternate batches of dispensers positioned within the associated alternate laser treatment stations. A laser controller directs the laser beam to alternatingly operate in each laser treatment station and, within each laser treatment station, to treat each dispenser in a batch of dispensers positioned therein. An advance coordinator advances the batch carriers in coordination with the activity of the laser controller in a repeating alternating cycle wherein one batch of untreated dispensers is hel d stationary in position within one laser treatment station (while the laser i s operated in the one laser treatment station) during the time that another batch of untreated dispensers is being advanced into another laser treatment station. In this manner, a batch of untreated dispensers is substantially continuously positioned in one or another laser treatment station and the laser is optimally substantially continuously operating to treat dispensers within one or another of the laser treatment stations.