IMSTec’s fully automated End of Line Buffer Station (ELB) targets fast, safe and reliable load/unload and storing of medical products within a fully automated production line. The buffer rack has a capacity to store 200 blister packs in 10 rows and 5 columns. Each rack slot can buffer 4 blister packs. The storage rack will be loaded and unloaded by the ELB handling system. The ELB and Rework Station receives product upstream of an automated packaging line. A package which belongs to a batch with a rework part is automatically placed into the buffer racking system and the MES maintains a 100% record of each package location ensuring traceability. A product that has been identified as requiring rework will be quarantined through placement on a rework conveyor.

The ELB consists of a conveyor which moves blister packs from the load position through the ELB and the unload position. Up to 20 parts can be stored prior to the ELB rack load and 20 parts can be stored prior to the ELB conveyor unload position. Two empty carriers are provided on the load position. The other carriers stop prior to the stopper on the return conveyor. The rework conveyor moves rework blister packs from the rework buffer load position to the rework buffer unload position. The gripper is designed to grip two blister packs at a time. It is fixed to the x-axis of the rack handling system which moves the parts from the ELB conveyor and transfers them to the storage rack or alternatively from the rack to the conveyor.  The collision detection sensors on the gripper jaws control if there is a part in the gripper and if the buffer slot is empty.