Automatic ampoule inspector Eisai AIM 296

Automatic ampoule inspector.

Manufacturer: Eisai (currently Bosch Packaging Technology).

Model: AIM 296.

Year: 2004.

The information below is based on the specifications for this equipment model and year:

Operating Principle (at the time): SD (Static Division) System

In 2004, particle detection on this machine did not utilize standard video cameras or artificial intelligence. The system relied entirely on Eisai's patented Static Division (SD) technology:

Mechanism: The vial or ampoule passed through a high-speed spinning station and came to an abrupt stop. The liquid continued to swirl due to inertia.

Detection: A focused light beam passed through the moving liquid. On the opposite side, photoelectric sensors (photodiodes) measured light fluctuations caused by the shadows or reflections of moving particles.

If the variation in the sensor's electrical current exceeded the programmed threshold, the vial was classified as a reject.

Cosmetic Inspection (Optional):

If the 2003/2004 model was configured to also inspect the container (bottom cracks, fill level, or ampoule tip burn), it utilized:

Analog industrial CCD cameras (low resolution by modern standards).

Image processing was performed by dedicated circuit boards installed in an internal electronics rack, rather than by conventional Windows-based software.

Capacity and Nominal Throughput (2004 Standard):

Maximum Speed: Up to 24,000 units per hour (400 containers per minute).

Important operational note: This maximum speed was only achieved with small ampoules (1 ml or 2 ml) containing low-viscosity liquids (such as water for injection). For larger volumes (such as 5 ml to 15 ml) or dense/oily solutions, the actual factory operating speed was significantly reduced to allow sufficient time for liquid rotation and braking.

Maximum Diameter: Structurally designed for carousels accommodating containers with diameters of up to 18 mm to 22 mm (depending on the configuration of the starwheels and mechanical guides specified at the time of order).

Electronic Architecture and Interface (HMI):

Control: Based on embedded real-time operating systems (RTOS) and proprietary Eisai electronic boards.

Human-Machine Interface (HMI): Early industrial monitors (often CRT or early passive-matrix LCD screens) paired with physical membrane keypads for data entry and calibration of rejection limits (SD sensor threshold values).