Patent Publication Number: US-6986234-B2

Title: System and method for bandoliering syringes

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/483,531, filed Jun. 27, 2003, entitled System and Method for Bandoliering Syringes, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 

   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates generally to the handling of syringes, and more particularly, to an automated system and method for preparing a batch of joined syringes by a banding (e.g., bandoliering) operation. 
   BACKGROUND 
   Disposable syringes are in widespread use for a number of different types of applications. For example, syringes are used not only to withdraw a fluid (e.g., blood) from a patient but also to administer a medication to a patient. In the latter, a cap or the like is removed from the syringe and a unit dose of the medication is carefully measured and then injected or otherwise disposed within the syringe. 
   As technology advances, more and more sophisticated, automated systems are being developed for preparing and delivering medications by integrating a number of different stations, with one or more specific tasks being performed at each station. For example, one type of exemplary automated system operates as a syringe filling apparatus that receives user inputted information, such as the type of medication, the volume of the medication and any mixing instructions, etc. The system then uses this inputted information to disperse the correct medication into the syringe up to the inputted volume. 
   In some instances, the medication that is to be delivered to the patient includes more than one pharmaceutical substance. For example, the medication can be a mixture of several components, such as several pharmaceutical substances. 
   By automating the medication preparation process, increased production and efficiency are achieved. This results in reduced production costs and also permits the system to operate over any time period of a given day with only limited operator intervention for manual inspection to ensure proper operation is being achieved. Such a system finds particular utility in settings, such as large hospitals, that require a large number of doses of medications to be prepared daily. Traditionally, these doses have been prepared manually in what is an exacting but tedious responsibility for a highly skilled staff. In order to be valuable, automated systems must maintain the exacting standards set by medical regulatory bodies, while at the same time simplifying the overall process and reducing the time necessary for preparing the medications. 
   Because syringes are often used as the carrier means for transporting and delivering the medication to the patient, it is advantageous for these automated systems to be tailored to accept syringes. However, the previous methods of dispersing the medication from the vial and into the syringe were very time consuming and labor intensive. More specifically, medications and the like are typically stored in a vial that is sealed with a safety cap or the like. In conventional medication preparation, a trained person retrieves the correct vial from a storage cabinet or the like, confirms the contents and then removes the safety cap manually. This is typically done by simply popping the safety cap off with ones hands. Once the safety cap is removed, the trained person inspects the integrity of the membrane and cleans the membrane. An instrument, e.g., a needle, is then used to pierce the membrane and withdraw the medication contained in the vial. The withdrawn medication is then placed into a syringe to permit subsequent administration of the medication from the syringe. 
   Typically, the medication is placed in the syringe when the needle is in place and secured to the barrel tip by drawing the medication through the needle and into the syringe barrel. Such an arrangement makes it very difficult for this type of syringe to be used in an automated system due to the fact that medication is drawn through the small needle into the syringe barrel and therefore this operation is a very time and labor intensive task. What is needed in the art and has heretofore not been available is a system and method for automating the medication preparation process and more specifically, an automated system and method for preparing a syringe including the automated removal, parking, and replacement of a tip cap of the syringe. 
   Over the years, automated systems have been proposed to prepare batches of syringes that are interconnected in some manner so that the syringes can be fed to another apparatus for further processing of the syringes. In other words, the syringes can be fed in an automated manner to an apparatus that then prepares and delivers prescribed contents (medication) to the syringe. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/0020459 discloses an apparatus for handling a plurality of syringe bodies which are interconnected to one another by a belt such that the syringe bodies lie in a predetermined orientation, with a predetermined spacing therebetween. This particular apparatus is configured such that a first tape is fed to a wheel which receives and holds syringe bodies in notches formed therein. The first tape is placed in contact with the syringe bodies so that the syringe bodies contact the adhesive side of the first tape and are therefore adhesively secured thereto. As the wheel rotates, it carries the syringes in contact with the first tape to a position where the syringes come into contact with an adhesive side of a second tape, which is simultaneously being unwound from a roll. In this manner, the first and second tapes get adhered to diametrically opposite sides of the syringes. The syringes are then fed to a press wheel that rotates to press the tape strips to each other between the syringes. The syringes are positioned in the band or belt (i.e., the joined first and second tapes) in a common orientation, i.e., with the luers of all the syringes on the same side of the band. While, this particular apparatus is satisfactory for its intended purpose, the apparatus suffers from a number of deficiencies. For example, the syringe bodies are first adhesively secured to one tape and then brought into contact with another tape before the two tapes are pressed together around the syringe bodies. Thus, because the first and second tapes are fed at different stations and contact the syringe bodies at different times, there is a chance that the first and second tapes can become misaligned resulting in the two tapes not perfectly seating against one another. 
   Thus, what is needed is an alternative way of handling syringes and more particularly, an apparatus and method of bandoliering syringes using an automated system. 
   SUMMARY 
   The present invention provides an automated system and method of banding (bandoliering) a plurality of syringes. The system includes a feed device for receiving the plurality of syringe barrels and positioning the plurality of syringes according to a predetermined orientation and an indexed device for transferring the plurality of syringes in the predetermined orientation to a transport device that includes individual pockets for receiving and holding the syringes in a spaced relationship as the syringes are advanced due to movement of the transport device. The system also includes a web application device disposed along the transport device for applying a first web material to a first face of a predetermined number of syringes and a second web material to a second face of the syringes and being configured to press the first and second materials into contact with the first and second faces of the syringes, respectively, and into contact with each other in areas between the syringes so as to form a banded syringe structure. 
   In one exemplary embodiment, the first and second web materials are single side adhesive tapes. Both the indexed device and the transport device have individual pockets or receiving areas for holding and retaining a single syringe during the advancement of the syringe to the web application device with the spacing of the transport device corresponding to the spacing between the syringes in the final banded structure. The present system is configured so that two web materials are simultaneously applied to the opposite faces of the syringes and otherwise brought into a banded construction. 
   Further aspects and features of the exemplary bandoliering system and method disclosed herein can be appreciated from the appended Figures and accompanying written description. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an automated system for handling a plurality of syringes using a bandoliering operation to form a banded syringe structure; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  2 — 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of the interaction between the feed mechanism and a rotary dial for advancing the syringes onto a transportation mechanism that advances the syringes to a web application station; 
       FIG. 3A  is a top plan view of the interface between the feed mechanism and the rotary dial with a mechanism for assisting the transfer of the syringes; 
       FIG. 4  is an enlarged perspective view showing the transfer of syringes from the rotary dial to a transport mechanism that delivers the syringes to a web application station; 
       FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view in partial cross-section of the rotary dial illustrating vacuum means for retaining the syringe thereon; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the web application station illustrating a tape applicator mechanism in a first position; 
       FIG. 6A  is a side elevation view of an exemplary tape guide; 
       FIG. 7  is a side elevation view of the web application station illustrating the tape applicator mechanism in a rest position; 
       FIG. 8  is a side elevation view of the web application station illustrating the tape applicator mechanism in a first position; 
       FIG. 9  is a side elevation view of the web application station illustrating the tape applicator mechanism in a second position; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the web application station illustrating the tape applicator mechanism in a fully extended position; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view in partial cross-section illustrating the pressing and banding of the two web materials about the syringe; 
       FIG. 12  is a side elevation view of the web application station illustrating the tape applicator mechanism in a fully retracted position with the banded section being advanced to a mechanism that ensures the banded syringes remain on the transport mechanism; 
       FIG. 13  is a side perspective view of a section of banded syringes with a control feature according to a first embodiment; 
       FIG. 14  is a diagrammatic plan view of an automated system for preparing or otherwise compounding a medication to be administered to a patient 
       FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of a section of banded syringes with a control feature according to a second embodiment; and 
       FIG. 16  is a side perspective view of a section of banded syringes with a control feature according to a third embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2-14 , in which the banded syringe station  110  ( FIG. 14 ) is illustrated in greater detail. As best shown in the perspective view of  FIG. 1 , the station  110  includes an automated system  300  for receiving, orientating, and banding a plurality of syringes  10  together in a predetermined arrangement so that the syringes  10  can be stored in an interconnected manner or can be transported to another location, such as the first station  120  ( FIG. 14 ) where the syringes  10  are further processed. Thus, the syringes  10  can be banded at one location and then transported to another location where the syringes  10  receive medication and are ready for use and more particularly, the banded syringes  10  can be delivered to the automated system  100  of  FIG. 14 ; or the banded syringes  10  can be packaged in an empty condition for later processing and use. 
   The exemplary system  300  is defined by a number of stations where one or more specific operation is performed at each station as the syringes  10  are received and then manipulated so that a syringe bandolier is formed. For example, the system  300  includes a syringe feed station  310  where loose syringes are initially fed; a first transport station  320  that receives syringes  10  from the feed station  310  after the syringes  10  have been orientated in a desired way and then delivers them to an index station  330 ; a second transport station  340  receives the syringes  10  from the index station  330  and then delivers the syringes  10  in an ordered fashion to a web application station  350 , where a web material is applied to the syringes  10  to form the banded syringe structure. The banded syringe structure (syringe bandolier) is then transported to another location where it is further processed. 
   The syringe feed station  310  is generally a station where a number of loose syringes  10  are fed into a syringe feeder device  312 . The syringes  10  can be fed into the syringe feeder device  312  without worrying about their orientation and therefore, a number of syringes  10  can be dumped into a receiving section of the syringe feeder device  312  so long as the feeder device  312  is not overfilled. The syringe feeder device  312  is of the type that receives a number of items or parts (e.g., syringes  10 ) and then through operation thereof arranges the items in a desired orientation so that the items can be fed to the next station at a controlled rate and in the desired orientation. 
   One exemplary syringe feeder device  312  is a centrifugal bowl feeder that is configured to feed the syringes  10  at a controlled rate and in a desired orientation to the next station. Conventional centrifugal bowl feeders can be used in the present system and each includes an opening or the like that receives items in a bulk state and forms an entrance to a bowl surface (central reservoir)  319  that receives the items in a random orientation. Typically, the bowl surface  319  has a generally conical shape; however, the precise shape and construction of the centrifugal bowl feeder is not critical so long as it can perform its intended function. The centrifugal bowl feeder is designed to propel the syringes  10  around the outer peripheral edge of the bowl feeder by means of centrifugal force. The centrifugal bowl feeder  312  includes a feed track  313  formed on the outer peripheral edge thereof and includes tooling for orientating and segregating the syringes  10  prior to delivering the syringes  10  to the next station. In other words, through centrifugal force generated by movement of the bowl feeder  312  and the design of the orientation tooling, the syringes  10  are orientated in a desired manner as they advance along the feed track  313 . There are also features that are formed as part of the feedtrack to cause misorientated items to fall back into the reservoir so that these items can then be reorientated. 
   The exemplary feed track  313  of the syringe feeder device  312  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  is in the form of a guide rail that is disposed around the peripheral outer wall of the bowl and the feed track  313  is not orientated in a planar manner but rather it rises along the peripheral outer wall to an exit mechanism  315  that causes the syringes  10  to exit the feeder device  312  in the preferred orientation (e.g., upright with the plunger being located at the top). In the exemplary cylindrical feeder device  312 , the feed track  313  has a spiral orientation. 
   Because of its bowl-like configuration, the syringe feeder device  312  has a generally annular shape and includes a feeder discharge (exit port) formed as part of the exit mechanism  315  along an outer periphery thereof to permit the syringes  10  to exit the reservoir once the syringes  10  have been arranged in the desired orientation by the orientation tooling. The exit mechanism  315  includes a device  317  to facilitate the discharge of the syringes  10  from the feed track  313  such that the syringes  10  are delivered to the first transport station  320  in an orderly manner and in the desired orientation. One exemplary device  317  is a device that directs a fluid toward the syringes  10  to cause the syringes to transfer from the feeder device  312  to the first transport station  320 . For example, a stream of air can be generated and directed to the syringes  10  in a prescribed direction to cause the syringes  10  to exit through the exit mechanism  315  to the first transport station  320 . In other words, the device  317  disengages the syringes  10  from the feed track  313  and directs them to the first transport station  320 . If the syringes  10  are not orientated in a proper position, the syringes  10  bypass the exit mechanism  315  and continue to advance along the feed track  313 . 
   As illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the orientated syringes  10  are delivered from the syringe feeder device  312  to the first transport station  320  that delivers the syringes to another downstream station. The first transport station  320  includes a first transport mechanism  322  that has a first end  323  that is operatively connected to the syringe feeder device  312  and a second end  324  that is operatively connected to the index station  330 . 
   Any number of different first transport mechanisms  322  can be used so long as the mechanism is designed to receive the syringes  10  in the desired orientation and segregated manner and then deliver the syringes  10  to the next downstream station. One exemplary first transport mechanism  322  is a feeder rail that has a drive feature for advancing the syringes  10  from the first end  323  to the second end  324 , while maintaining the syringes  10  in their desired orientation. The feeder rail  322  can be an in-line track that with a straight line drive unit that is designed to produce linear vibratory motion that acts to covey parts horizontally from the feeder discharge located at or proximate the first end  323  to the second end  324  where the syringes  10  are then delivered to another station. The feeder rail  322  accepts only syringes that are properly positioned (e.g., orientated upright with the plunger facing up). 
   For example, one exemplary feeder rail  322  has a pair of opposing side walls  325  that are spaced apart from one another a sufficient distance so that the syringes  10  can be received between the side walls  325 . The feeder rail  322  has a top surface  327  that is defined by an uppermost section of each of the side walls  325 . While the syringe bodies can be disposed between the opposing side walls  325 , the syringe  10  is constructed so that the barrel flange  25  has dimensions greater than the distance between the side walls  325  so that the barrel flange  25  creates an interference fit between the feeder rail  322 . In other words, the width or diameter of the barrel flange  25  is greater than the distance between the side walls  325  so that syringes  10  are suspended in an upright position as a result of the barrel flange  25  seating against and on the top surface  327  of the feeder rail  322 . Because of the difference in dimensions between the two members, the syringes  10  are prevented from falling between the side walls  325  and therefore are securely held and maintained in the upright position with the plunger  50  extending above the feeder rail  322 . In other words, the syringes  10  are hung on their barrel flanges  25  (i.e., finger grippers) and then advanced in a horizontal direction along the length of the feeder rail  322 . 
   The linear vibratory motion that is imparted to the feeder rail  322  causes the hanging syringes  10  to advance the length of the feeder rail  322  from the first end  323  to the second end  324 . The syringes  10  are advanced sequentially (in-line) along the feeder rail  322  one after another as a result of the vibratory motion which in effect causes the syringes  10  to push each other forward from the first end  323  to the second end  324 . When device  317  is a device which generates air, the air causes the properly orientated syringes  10  to be transferred from the syringe feeder device  312  to the feeder rail  322  as a result of the air disengaging the syringes  10  from the feed track  313  and directing them into engagement with the feeder rail  322 . 
   The first transport station  320  preferably includes a mechanism  400  ( FIG. 3A ) for properly positioning the syringe  10  into a guide receiving feature formed as part of the index station  330 . Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the index station  330  includes a rotary dial  332  that has a number of guide receiving grooves  334  that are formed radially around the outer periphery of the rotary dial  332 . More specifically, the rotary dial  332  has a first face  331  and an opposing second face  333  with the grooves  334  extending on the outer peripheral edge from the first face  331  to the second face  333 . The rotary dial  332  is mounted so that it is angled relative to the second end  324  of the feeder rail  322 , with the grooves  334  facing the second end  324 . 
   The rotary device  332  is actually a vacuum rotary device in that the syringes  10  are held within the grooves  334  by action of a vacuum which is applied to the rotary device  332 . The outer peripheral edge of the rotary dial  332  has a number of vacuum ports  335  formed therein and more particularly, the vacuum ports  335  are formed in the grooves  334  so that when the vacuum is applied, negative pressure is formed within the grooves  334  to draw and retain the syringes  10  within the grooves  334  as the dial  332  is advanced. Each groove  334  has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the syringe barrel so that the syringe barrel nests within the groove  334  when it is directed therein. Further details and the operation of the vacuum dial  332  are described below. 
   One exemplary mechanism  400  is a scrapper plate that positions one syringe  10  into one groove  334  of the dial  332 . The scrapper plate is a spring loaded (biased) device that has a receiving feature with a complementary shape so that it sequentially receives and engages one syringe  10  at a time from the second end  324  of the feeder rail  322 . The spring loaded nature of the scrapper plate applies a force to the syringe  10  in a direction toward the vacuum dial  332  to cause the syringe  10  to be pushed into the groove  334  while ensuring that the syringe  10  is received in the groove  334  in its proper orientation (e.g., barrel flange  25  above and adjacent the first face  331 ). Once the force is applied to the syringe  10  and the syringe  10  is directed into the groove  334 , the scrapper blade is biased back to its original start position, where it receives another syringe  10  and the process is repeated. 
   The scrapper plate and the vacuum dial  332  are indexed relative to one another and preferably are both controlled by a master programmable controller so that the scrapper plate is advanced when the groove  334  of the vacuum dial  332  is orientated in its proper position to receive the syringe  10  within the groove  334 . Thus, as the scrapper plate is retracted back to the start position, the vacuum dial  332  is advanced to a next position such that the next groove  334  is orientated adjacent the scrapper plate. Accordingly, an open groove  334  is properly positioned so that the scrapper plate can be advanced resulting in a force being applied to the syringe  10  causing the syringe  10  to be pushed into the groove  334 . 
   The vacuum source is actuated so that the vacuum is applied to the vacuum dial  332  at least in the grooves  334  that are to receive and retain syringes  10 . The vacuum source is of a sufficient strength to securely hold the syringe  10  within the groove  334  even as the vacuum dial  332  is rotated and the position of the syringe  10  is varied relative to the surrounding components and the ground surface. Preferably, the programmable controller and the vacuum dial  332  are of the type that permit the vacuum ports in individual grooves  334  to be controlled so that the vacuum source in particular grooves  334  can be either turned on or turned off. The vacuum dial  332  is therefore advanced in an indexed manner to permit additional syringes  10  to be received within the grooves  334  of the index dial  332 . 
   In the exemplary embodiment, the vacuum dial  332  is advanced in a clockwise direction; however, it will be understood that the system can be configured so that the vacuum dial  332  rotates in the opposite direction. As the vacuum dial  332  rotates, the syringes  10  held within the grooves  334  by the applied vacuum are advanced in a direction toward the next station, namely the second transport station  340 . 
   The second transport station  340  acts to receive the syringes  10  from the vacuum dial  332  and then advance the syringes  10  to the tape application station  350 , while maintaining a predetermined distance between adjacent syringes  10 . In one exemplary embodiment, the second transport station  340  includes a conveyor or drive belt  342  for transporting the syringes  10  along a linear horizontal path to the downstream tape application station  350 . The conveyor  342  is actually formed of two spaced endless belts  344 ,  345  that are disposed around and driven by two drive rollers  346 ,  347  that are spaced apart a predetermined distance. As is known, each endless belt  344 ,  345  is fitted around the drive rollers  346 ,  347  so that a first section of the endless belt acts as an upper surface that faces the vacuum dial  332  and a second section of the endless belt acts as a bottom surface that faces an opposite direction. The conveyor  342 , its components, and its operation are conventional and therefore are not described in great detail. For example, the drive rollers  346 ,  347  preferably are in the form of wheels, where at least one of the wheels is operatively coupled to a respective drive shaft (partially shown) which in turn is operatively connected to a motor or other type of drive unit that permits the controlled advancement of the endless belts  344 ,  345 . The drive rollers  346 ,  347  can include features formed as a part thereof for securely engaging the endless belts  344 ,  345  so that it can be advanced without slippage. The endless belt  344  is disposed at or near one edge of the rollers  346 ,  347 , while the other endless belt  345  is disposed at or near another, opposite edge of the rollers  346 ,  347  with a space  339  being defined between the endless belts  344 ,  345 . 
   As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the endless belts  344 ,  345  have a plurality of syringe locating and retaining members  348  that are formed as part thereof and are spaced along the endless belts  344 ,  345 . These members  348  are spaced at a predetermined distance from one another so that the syringes  10  are spaced a predetermined, desired distance from each other. In other words, the distance between any two members  348  is the same to ensure that the distance between adjacent syringes  10  is the same. The distance between the grooves  334  of the vacuum dial  332  is thus equal to or substantially equal to the distance between the members  348 . 
   According to one exemplary embodiment, the members  348  are a pair of fingers that are that spaced apart from one another and are constructed to receive one syringe  10  in a nested manner. More specifically, the endless belt  344  has a plurality of spaced members  348  and the endless belt  345  has a plurality of spaced members  348  that are arranged so that the members  348  on the two belts  344 ,  345  are arranged in pairs. In other words, the pairs of members  348  are axially aligned with respect to one another so that one member  348  of the pair receives the syringe barrel  20  at a location proximate the tip cap  40  and the other member  348  receives the syringe barrel  20  at a location proximate the barrel syringe  25 . 
   Each finger that forms a part of the member  348  is formed of two vertical walls that are spaced apart from one another and are preferably slightly angled relative to one another so that the two vertical walls have a generally V-shape, with the distance between the open tops of the vertical walls being greater than a distance between the lower sections of the vertical walls. Alternatively, each member  348  can be a single integral member that has a contoured groove formed therein to receive the syringe  10  in a nested manner. The fingers are therefore configured to cradle the syringe barrel  20  after it is received from the vacuum dial  332 . When the syringe  10  is inserted into the fingers, the barrel flange  25  extends beyond the pair of fingers and seats approximately thereagainst. The center region between the two fingers corresponds generally to where the center of the barrel flange  25  should rest and therefore the distance between the center regions of the two fingers is preferably equal to the distance between the centers of adjacent syringes  10 . 
   The vacuum dial  332  is positioned relative to the belts  344 ,  345  and more particularly, relative to the members  348 , such that as the vacuum dial  332  advances with the syringes  10  captured therein, the syringes  10  are sequentially introduced into open pockets formed by the members  348 . The syringe body  20  is thus fed into the pocket (between the fingers) from above as the vacuum dial  332  is advanced and because the movements of the vacuum dial  332  and the belts  344 ,  345  are coordinated, the members  348  are properly positioned relative to at least one of the grooves  334  of the vacuum dial  332  to receive one syringe  10 . Because the belts  344 ,  345  are driven by the same drive unit, the belts  344 ,  345  are driven at the same speed and therefore, the opposing pairs of members  348  remain in alignment and do not become misaligned relative to one another when the belts  344 ,  345  are advanced. 
   As previously mentioned, the vacuum dial  332  is part of a programmable system such that the vacuum source can be controlled to either activate or deactivate the vacuum ports within particular, select grooves  334 . By deactivating the applied vacuum within a selected groove  334 , the syringe  10  within this particular groove  334  is no longer held by the vacuum and therefore, the syringe  10  is free to be withdrawn with little or no force. 
   The system  300  also preferably includes a sensor device  359  for detecting the presence of a syringe  10  relative to a receiving pair of fingers  348 . The sensor device  359  is in communication with a controller  500  and is configured to send a signal to the controller  500  when the syringe  10  is in its proper orientation proximate the pair of receiving fingers  348 . The proper orientation of the syringe  10  will vary depending upon the construction and placement and orientation of the vacuum dial  332  relative to the second transport device  340 ; however, it is generally a position where the syringe  10  lies above the pair of fingers  348  so that when the vacuum source is deactivated, the syringe  10  is already within the boundaries of the fingers  348  and it falls only a small distance within the fingers  348  to its resting position. For example, one exemplary sensor device  359  is mounted as part of the second transport device  340  and is of the type that emits a beam such that when the syringe  10  impinges the beam due to it being brought into position within the fingers  348 , the sensor device  360  sends a signal to the controller indicating the detection of the syringe  10  in the pocket defined by the pair of fingers  348 . 
   One exemplary sensor device  359  is disposed along at least one of the belts  344 ,  345  and is configured to emit a light beam or the like. The sensor device  359  is preferably located between one of the pairs of fingers  348  such that normal advancement of the vacuum dial  332  causes one of the syringes  10  to be introduced into the pocket defined by the pair of fingers  348  and impinge or break the light beam. As soon as the syringe  10  breaks the light beam, the sensor device  359  sends a control signal to the controller instructing the controller to deactivate the vacuum in the groove  334  that carries the syringe  10  that has entered the pocket and broken the light beam. The deactivation of the vacuum source eliminates the mechanism that retains the syringe  10  within the groove  334  and therefore, once the vacuum is eliminated, the syringe  10  is free to and as a result of gravitational forces, the syringe  10  falls and clears the groove  334  and is captured within the pocket defined by the fingers  348 . The vacuum dial  332  is then preferably advanced to the next index position and the process is repeated. 
   The controller can be configured so that when the vacuum dial  332  is advanced after one syringe  10  has been deposited into one respective pocket (defined by the pair of fingers  348 ), the controller sends a control signal to the vacuum source and/or the vacuum dial  332  resulting in the vacuum being reactivated in the groove  334  from which the syringe  10  has just left at the immediately preceding index position of the vacuum dial  332 . This empty groove  334  is thus ready to receive another syringe  10  when it is advanced to a receiving position adjacent the first transport device  320 . 
   While the exemplary sensor device  359  is one which emits a beam or the like (e.g., infrared beam), it will be appreciated that any number of other types of sensor devices  359  can be used so long as the sensor device  359  can detect the presence of the syringe  10  within the pocket. A preferred mounting location for the sensor device  359  is along one of the belts  344 ,  345  at a location between adjacent fingers  348  that form one member that receives the syringe  10 . In the exemplary arrangement, the syringe  10  is deposited from the vacuum dial  332  to the pocket defined by the fingers  348  when the syringe  10  is advanced to the 6 o&#39;clock index position on the vacuum dial  332 , while the fingers  348  are in a 12 o&#39;clock position relative to the drive roller  346 . Once the syringe  10  is disposed within and securely held by the opposite pairs of fingers  348 , the second transport device  340  advances the syringe  10  from the index station  330  to the web application station  350  by means of the movement of the belts  344 ,  345 . 
   Referring to FIGS.  1  and  6 - 11 , the web application station  350  is the station where two web layers (e.g., tapes) are disposed on the ordered, spaced apart syringes  10  for forming a bandoliered structure. One exemplary web application station  350  includes a first web source  352  disposed on one side of the belts  344 ,  345  and a second web source  354  disposed on another side of the belts  344 ,  345 . 
   The first web source  352  is a roll of web material that is operatively coupled to a first support member  355  and is positioned above the top surface of the belts  344 ,  345  such that the first web source  352  is generally disposed between the belts  344 ,  345 . In other words, the width of the first web roll  352  is less than a distance between the belts  344 ,  345 . The first support member  355  can be any number of types of support members so long as it can support the first web roll  352  and permit the free rotation thereof for unwinding thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the first support member  355  is a vertical support post or beam that has a boss or the like  358  formed at a distal end thereof. When the first web roll  352  is coupled to the support member  355 , the boss  358  is received in an opening formed through a core of the first web roll  352  that has the first web material wound therearound. The first web roll  352  is arranged so that a free end thereof is unwound from the first web roll  352  at a lower section thereof (e.g., between the 4 and 6 o&#39;clock positions of the first web roll  352 ) and is directed to one face of the spaced syringe barrels  20  as described below. 
   Similarly, the second web source  354  is a roll of web material that is operatively coupled to a second support member  357  and is positioned below the bottom surface of the belts  344 ,  345  such that the second web roll  354  is disposed directly between the belts  344 ,  345 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second support member  357  is also a vertical support post or beam that has a boss or the like  358  formed at a distal end thereof for carrying the second web roll  354  in the manner described above. In the exemplary embodiment, the first and second support members  355 ,  357  are formed as a single integral vertical support post with the first member  355  being the upper half thereof and the second member  357  being the lower half thereof. The second web roll  354  is arranged so that a free end thereof is unwound from the second web roll  354  at an upper section thereof (e.g., between the 10 and 2 o&#39;clock positions of the second web roll  354 ) and is directed to an opposite face of the spaced syringe barrels  20  as described below. It will be appreciated that the boss  358  associated with the second support member  357  is disposed below the belts  344 ,  345  since it extends inwardly toward the belts  344 ,  345  and therefore, cannot come into contact thereof. Thus, the center of the second web roll  354  lies below the belts  344 ,  345 . For simplicity,  FIG. 6  does not show any additional support structure that is attached to the support members  344 ,  345 ; however, it will be appreciated that an additional support structure can be attached thereto to support and hold the support members  344 ,  345  in the illustrated position. It will be appreciated that the web materials  352 ,  354  are fed so that the adhesive side of each web material faces a respective side of the syringe barrel  20 . 
   The web application station  350  also includes equipment for pressing the web material  352 ,  354  onto the syringe barrels  20  as the web material  352 ,  354  is dispersed and more specifically, the equipment includes a plurality of programmable web press units, namely a first web press  360 , a second web press  362 , a third web press  364 , and a fourth web press  366  that are each orientated on both sides (e.g., underneath and above) of the syringes  10 . In other words, the first web press  360  is actually formed of two parts, namely a first component that is disposed above the belts  344 ,  345  and a second component that is disposed below the belts  344 ,  345 . The other web presses  362 ,  364 , and  366  have an identical arrangement in that each includes a first component disposed above the belts  344 ,  345  and a second component that is disposed below the belts  344 ,  345 . Each of the web presses  360 ,  362 ,  364 , and  366  consists of an actuator  370  and a web press head  372  that is coupled thereto for contacting and pressing the web material against a respective syringe barrel  20 . More specifically, one exemplary actuator  370  is a pneumatic cylinder that is in communication with a programmable control so that the activation of the actuators  370  results in the controlled pressing of the web material  352 ,  354  against the syringes  10 . The web press head  372  is coupled to the actuator  370  by an elongated rod or the like  374  that is movable relative to the actuator housing so as to permit the extension and retraction of the web press head  372 . 
   The web press head  372  is a contoured head that has features formed therein to permit it to seat against the syringe barrel  20  with the web material being disposed therebetween, resulting in the web material being securely attached to the syringe barrel  20 . More specifically, the web press head  372  has a longitudinal groove  376  formed therein along a bottom surface  378  thereof and extending a length thereof. The groove  376  has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the syringe barrel  20  so that when the web press head  372  is driven towards the syringes  10 , with the web material disposed therebetween, a section of the syringe barrel  20  is received within the groove  376 . Because the syringe barrel  10  is generally cylindrical in shape, each of the grooves  376  has a generally semi-circular shape. The bottom surface  378  also includes contact surfaces  380  formed on either side of the open groove  376  such that when the web press head  372  engages the syringe  10 , the contact surfaces  380  are disposed on either side of the syringe barrel  20 . It will be appreciated that the contact surfaces  380  serve to press the web materials  352 ,  354  into contact with one another in locations between the syringe barrels  20 . As shown in the figure that depicts the syringe barrel  20 , the direct interface locations between the two opposing adhesive sides of the web materials  352 ,  354  are formed between the syringe barrels  20 . In other words, the web materials  352 ,  354  are directly attached to opposing sides of the syringe barrels  20  and as the web materials  352 ,  354  follow the curved syringe barrel  20 , the web materials  352 ,  354  converge to one another and come into contact with one another at or near the outer surface of the syringe barrel  20 . As previously mentioned, one exemplary web material is a tape material that has an adhesive material disposed on one face thereof to provide a surface that bonds to another surface, such as the plastic syringe barrel  20  or the opposing adhesive face of the other web material. 
   The web presses  360 ,  362 ,  364 , and  366  are arranged so that when the respective web press heads  372  are in either the extended or retracted positions, the web press heads  372  are disposed closely adjacent one another so that there is little if any gap between the web press heads  372  in either of these two positions. When the four web press heads  372  are all aligned with one another, the four heads  372  look like a single, relatively seamless block with four spaced grooves  376  formed therein. The overall dimensions of each web press head  372  is such that a length of the press head  372  is less than a length of the syringe barrel  20  and more specifically, when the press head  372  seats against the syringe barrel  20 , the press head  372  is disposed between the tip cap and the flange  25  and because the web material is fed underneath the press head  372 , the width of the web material is equal to or less than the length of the press head  372 . For each of the web presses  360 ,  362 ,  364  and  366 , the two press heads  372  thereof are in axial alignment with one another such that activation of the press heads  372  results in each pair of press heads  372  encapturing one syringe barrel  20  between the grooves  376 , with the longitudinal edges of the press heads  372  being adjacent one another except for the two ends of the first and fourth presses  360 ,  366 . 
   When the press heads  372  of the presses  360 ,  362 ,  364 ,  366  are in the extended positions, the longitudinal edges of the press heads  372  meet one another at a location that is approximately a middle point between adjacent syringe barrels  20 . In other words, the width of each press head  372  is such that each press head  372  extends beyond the syringe barrel  20  a distance that is approximately ½ of the distance between the innermost surfaces of two adjacent syringe barrels  20 . 
   The web material is preferably a thin flexible film and therefore, when the two opposing web materials are attached to one another, the interconnected web section between the syringe barrels  20  is flexible, thereby permitting the web section to be readily bent or folded between the syringe barrels  20 . This permits the bandoliered syringes to be disposed in packaging or the like in a folded, stacked manner. 
   The programmable controller  500  is in communication with all of the equipment that makes up the present system so that the system  300  can be operated in a controlled manner. For example and as previously mentioned, one preferred operating method is for the web presses  360 ,  362 ,  364 ,  366  to be sequentially activated so that the press heads  372  are sequentially brought into contact with the web material that is disposed thereunderneath and then moved into a position where the press heads  372  rest against the corresponding syringe barrels  20 . The first web press  360  is the one farthest away from the first and second web rolls  352 ,  354 , while the fourth web press  366  is closest to the first and second web rolls  352 ,  354 . In the exemplary pressing operation, the two actuators  370  of the first web press  360  are activated and the two associated press heads  372  are moved into position against one syringe barrel  20  that is disposed therebetween. It will be appreciated that the contact surfaces  380  of the press head  372  serve to join the web materials  352 ,  354  on a leading side (farther from the web rolls  352 ,  354 ) of the syringe barrel  20  and on a trailing side (closer to the web rolls  352 ,  354 ) of the syringe barrel  20 . Next, the two actuators  370  of the second web press  362  are activated and the two associated press heads  372  are moved into position against another syringe barrel  20  that is immediately adjacent the one encaptured by the press heads  372 . This results in additional length of the web materials  352 ,  354  being pressed together around the syringe barrel  20  as well as the web sections between the syringe barrels  20 . The press heads  372  of the web presses  360 ,  362  remain in the extended position while the two actuators  370  of the third web press  364  are activated and the two associated press heads  372  are moved into position against another syringe barrel  20  that is immediately adjacent the one encaptured by the press heads  372  of the second web press  362 . This results in additional length of the web materials  352 ,  354  being pressed together around the syringe barrel  20  as well as the web sections between the syringe barrels  20 . Lastly, the press heads  372  of the web presses  360 ,  362 ,  364  remain in the extended position while the two actuators  370  of the fourth web press  366  are activated and the two associated press heads  372  are moved into position against another syringe barrel  20  that is immediately adjacent the one encaptured by the press heads  372  of the third web press  364 . This results in additional length of the web materials  352 ,  354  being pressed together around the syringe barrel  20  as well as the web sections between the syringe barrels  20 . In this fully extended position, all of the heads  372  of the web presses  360 ,  362 ,  364 ,  366  are disposed against the syringe barrels  20  as well as against the web materials  352 ,  354  that are located at the leading web edge of the 4 interconnected syringe barrels  20 , the joined web sections between the syringe barrels  20  and the trailing edge of the 4 interconnected syringe barrels  20 . The purpose of maintaining the previously activated press heads  372  in the fully extended position while the next actuators  370  are activated is to ensure that the web material and bandoliered syringes do not lift up from the belts  344 ,  345  or otherwise become dislodged from the fingers  348 . 
   In this exemplary embodiment, the web pressing equipment is generally a stop and go motion machine in that as the syringes  10  pass under the tape presses, sequentially from the first web press  360  to the fourth web press  366 , the syringes  10  are bandoliered by securely attaching the web material to the syringes  10 . The web application station  350  is a single station operation with the tape press equipment being aligned stationary relative to the belts  344 ,  345  and therefore, the bandoliering process is performed by advancing the syringes  10  and the web materials  352 ,  354  and then activating the web press equipment in a prescribed manner. 
   Preferably, the system  300  includes a number of locating and guide features that help align the web material. For example, a first web guide and retainer  600  is disposed proximate to the upper and lower components of the first web press  360  and a second web guide  610  is disposed between the first and second web rolls  352 ,  354  and the upper and lower components of the fourth web press  366 . The second web guide  610  is generally constructed so that it guides both the first and second web rolls  352 ,  354  to the web presses  360 ,  362 ,  364 ,  366  and maintains a predetermined amount of tension on the web rolls  352 ,  354  to ensure that the web rolls  352 ,  354  maintain their proper alignment as the web material is guided to the four tape presses. In one exemplary embodiment, the second web guide  610  is in the form of a pair of relief idlers that are positioned in the appropriate location so as to interact with the web material  352 ,  354  as it is unrolled from its respective source and pulled in a direction away from the web sources as the syringes  10  are carried in this direction due to advancement of the belts  344 ,  345 . Each of the relief idlers serves to guide the respective web material and applies the proper amount of tension thereto to ensure that the web material remains under sufficient tension to eliminate slacking and assist in guiding the web material, while at the same time, the tension is not too great so as to stretch, break or otherwise damage the web material. 
   The first web guide and retainer  600  has some similar features compared to the second web guide  610  and further includes additional features. The first web guide and retainer  600  is located proximate the first web press  360  in locations that are above and below the upper sections of belts  344 ,  345  (e.g., below and above the syringe barrels  20 ). In addition to positioning the web materials  352 ,  354  in a proper alignment relative to the press heads  372  of the four web presses  360 ,  362 ,  364 ,  366 , the second web guide  610  also serves to initially retain the free end of the web materials  352 ,  354  before the press heads  372  of the first web press  360  are activated. In one exemplary embodiment, the second web guide  610  is a clip type device that holds the free ends of the web materials  352 ,  354  in a desired location so that the press heads  372  of the first web press  360  can be brought into contact with the web materials  352 ,  354  to begin the bandoliering process. This initial step is thus a manual step that is performed to ensure that the beginning free ends of the web materials  352 ,  354  are properly aligned and positioned with respect to the press heads  372  before the operator initiates the automated bandoliering process. In one embodiment, a first clip member is disposed above the syringe bodies  20  near first web press  360  and a second clip member is disposed below the syringe bodies  20  near the first web press  360 . When the free ends of the web materials  352 ,  354  are fed into the first and second clip members and clipped therein, the web materials  352 ,  354  are properly positioned so that they extend intimately across the respective press heads  372  and are thus, aligned with respect to the portions of the syringe barrels  20  to which the web materials  352 ,  354  are disposed on. 
   After the operator has manually inserted the web materials  352 ,  354  into the first and second clip members, the bandoliering process is initiated by activating the first web press  360  so that the two press heads  372  move to the fully extended position resulting in the web materials  352 ,  354  being pressed into adhesive contact with the syringe barrel  20  and also into contact with each other. As mentioned above, the other web presses  362 ,  364 ,  366  are sequentially activated so as to press additional length of the web materials  352 ,  354  together to bandolier the syringes  10 . The press heads  372  of the four web presses  360 ,  362 ,  364 ,  366  are then held in the fully extended position for a period of time and during this time, the operator cuts the web materials  352 ,  354  at a point between the first web press  360  and the first web guide and retainer  600  so as to free the bandoliered syringes  10  from the first web guide and retainer  600 . After this initial one time cut is done and the web heads of the web presses  360 ,  362 ,  364 ,  366  are brought back to the fully retracted position, the belts  344 ,  345  are advanced and the four bandoliered syringes are advanced away from the tape application station  350 . It will be appreciated that the entire system is indexed so that the belts  344 ,  345  are advanced a prescribed distance to position four syringes  10  in proper axial alignment with the four web presses  360 ,  362 ,  364 ,  366  and permit the web pressing operation to be performed in the manner described above. In other words, the belts  344 ,  345  are driven at select intervals and for a select time to cause four new syringes  10  to be delivered to the web application station  350  where the process is repeated. 
   Preferably and as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the system  300  also includes a mechanism  700  for ensuring that the just bandoliered syringes remain held between the fingers  348  and against the belts  344 ,  345  as they are advanced away from the web application station  350 . The mechanism  700  is thus designed to apply a sufficient force to the bandoliered structure to ensure that the bandoliered structure does not lift off or otherwise become dislodged from its position along the belts  344 ,  345  and within the fingers  348 . One exemplary mechanism  700  includes an extendable/retractable block member  702  that contact and applies a slight force against the syringe barrels  20  that were just bandoliered in the web application station  350  that is upstream therefrom. Accordingly, the block member  702  has a length that is sufficient so that it can seat against the four spaced syringe barrels  20  that were just bandoliered in the web application station  350 . One exemplary block member  702  is made of a resilient material, such as rubber, and has a generally rectangular shape that permits the syringe  10  to be held and retained down against the belts  344 ,  345 . 
   The mechanism  700  only needs to be disposed in one location, namely in a location that is above the bandoliered syringes  10  so that when the block member  702  is activated and driven in a direction towards the belts  344 ,  345 , the block member  702  is brought into contact with the bandoliered syringes  10 . Preferably, the mechanism  700  communicates with the controller  500  so that the entire system is indexed and therefore, the block member  702  retracts and is free of contact with the syringes  10  when the belts  344 ,  345  move to transport the four newly bandoliered syringes  10  from the web application station  350 . When the belts  344 ,  345  are driven to advance the downstream syringes  10  to the tape application station  350  for bandoliering thereof and then stop when the syringes  10  are in place and aligned with the web presses  360 ,  362 ,  364 ,  366 , the block member  702  is brought to its fully extended position into contact with the syringes  10 . The mechanism  700  is located so that it holds the four syringes  10  that were just bandoliered because this is the location where it is most undesirable to have any sort of lifting of the syringes  10  away from the belts  344 ,  345  since lifting of the syringes  10  in this location can result in the lifting of the web materials  352 ,  354  in the tape application station  350  which is undesirable since it can lead to improper alignment of the web materials  352 ,  354  during the web pressing operation. 
   The control feature  900  ensures that the banded syringes  10  is properly aligned in a system that it is being used in, such as the disclosed automated system  100  (FIG.  14 ), and also to ensure that the syringes have specifications, e.g., dimensions, that fall within the acceptable specifications of the system with which the banded syringes  10  are being used. The control feature  900  is formed in each prescribed interval  902  between next adjacent syringes. The control feature  900  is configured so that a detection mechanism, such as a reader or other type of similar device, can detect the presence or absence, as well as the location of the control feature  900  within the prescribed interval  902 . 
   In one embodiment, the control feature  900  is an aperture formed in the prescribed interval  902  at a specific location thereof. For example, the control feature  900  can be in the form of an aperture having a square shape as shown in FIG.  13 . The system  100  ( FIG. 14 ) typically includes a laminar flow of air about the stations and rotary apparatus  130  to ensure that the system  100  is clean and remains in a clean state during operation. In a first embodiment, a detection mechanism  910  takes advantage of the presence of this laminar air flow by incorporating a nozzle  912  into the components providing the laminar air flow in the system  100 . The nozzle discharges a laminar air flow and if the banded syringes  10  is precision fed into the system  100 , proper alignment of the control feature  900  results and hence the syringe can be ascertained by having the laminar air flow directed toward the banded syringes  10  at the same height as the height that the control feature  900  is formed in the prescribed interval  902 . In other words, the laminar air flow is in registration with the control feature  900  at select times when the aperture and the laminar air flow align with one another. When the control feature  900  (aperture) and the laminar air flow are not in alignment, the laminar air flow simply strikes the strip and does not pass therethrough. 
   In this embodiment, the detection mechanism  910  also includes a sensor  914  that is disposed on the opposite side of the banded syringes  10  as compared to the nozzle  912 . The sensor  914  is configured to detect the presence of the laminar air flow when the aperture and laminar air flow are in alignment. In this instance, the sensor  914  is of a type that detects the presence of the laminar air flow against the sensor  914  itself and in one embodiment, the sensor is a pressure sensor. When the laminar air flow and the control feature  900  are in registration, the laminar air flow is permitted to flow cleanly through the aperture formed in the banded syringes  10  and make contact with the sensor. The sensor detects the presence of the laminar air flow and signals a controller (not shown) or the like of such detection. The controller is integrated into the system  100  such that upon receiving this signal, the controller then signals other components, such as the rotary apparatus  130 , of the system  100  to advance the banded syringes  10  a prescribed distance. It should be understood that the controller can respond to the pressure of the air flow through the control feature  900  or to a logical waveform resulting from the timing of air signals relative to periods without air signals (e.g., due to indexing of the banded syringes  10 ). 
   Once the banded syringes  10  is advanced the prescribed distance, another of the apertures (control feature  900 ) is then axially aligned with the laminar air flow so long as the correct type of banded syringes  10  for the system  100  is in place, the syringe orientation (up or down) is proper, and also the alignment of the banded syringes  10  is proper. By integrating the detection mechanism  910  with the indexing components of the system  100 , the distance between the control features  900  corresponds to the distance that the banded syringes  10  is advanced upon receiving the control signal from the detection mechanism  910 . Thus, the banded syringes  10  is continuously advanced because each time the detection mechanism  910  is in recognition with the control feature  900 , the banded syringes  10  is advanced a distance that corresponds to the next control feature  900  being within a detection zone, thereby resulting in the detection mechanism  910  detecting the next control feature  900  and signaling the system  100  to further advance the banded syringes  10 . 
   It will be appreciated that the system  100  can thus easily be designed so that the banded syringes  10  is continuously fed into the system  100 , thereby permitting the system  100  to run continuously. The control feature  900  ensures proper alignment of the banded syringes  10  and also ensures that the proper type of banded syringes  10  is being used as the system  100  is configured to stop advancing the banded syringes  10  if the detection mechanism  910  fails to read the control feature  900 . For example, if the correct banded structure  10  is being used but the banded structure  10  becomes misaligned as it is being fed, the control feature  900  will not be in alignment with the nozzle as the banded syringes  100  are advanced. The detection mechanism  910  is preferably configured so that it will only advance the banded syringes  10  a predetermined distance without detecting the control feature  900 . If the control feature  900  is not detected over this predetermined distance, the detection mechanism  910  signals the controller or the like of the system  100  to stop advancement of the banded syringes  10 . Preferably, an error message is generated at the same time the banded syringes  10  is stopped. Manual inspection is then performed to locate the problem. 
   In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 15 , the control feature is in the form of an optical feature  950  that is used as part of an optical detection mechanism  920 . As with the prior embodiment (FIG.  13 ), the optical feature  950  is formed in the prescribed region  902  of the banded syringes  10  with next adjacent optical features  950  being spaced a prescribed distance from one another. 
   Any conventional optical feature  950  that is suitable for use in the present application can be used. The detection mechanism  920  is a detection mechanism that optically detects the presence of the optical feature  950  when the optical feature  950  is in proper registration with an optical detector  930 . For example, the optical detection mechanism  920  can include the optical detector  930  that faces the banded syringes  10  as the banded syringes are advanced. The optical detector  930  cooperates with a light source, such as a laser or LED  935  that also faces the banded structure  10  to detect the presence of the optical feature  950 . Advantageously, the light source and optical detector are arranged relative to each other in accordance with Snell&#39;s Law of Reflection; however, the light source and detector can be arranged otherwise, such as normal to and facing the optical feature  950 . The optical feature  950  can come in a number of different shapes and sizes. 
   The optical detection mechanism  920  operates essentially in the same manner as the detection mechanism  910  of FIG.  15 . In other words, the banded syringes  10  are only advanced if the optical detection mechanism  920  reads the optical feature. If the banded structure  10  is advanced a prescribed distance and the optical detection mechanism  920  does not read the optical feature  950 , the advancement of the banded structure  10  is stopped. Accordingly, proper registration between the optical features  950  and the detection mechanism  920  is needed for the banded structure  10  to be continuously advanced. 
   In yet another embodiment that is illustrated in  FIG. 16 , the control feature is a mark  960  that is formed within the prescribed interval  902  between spaced syringes and a detection mechanism  970  is used for detecting the mark  960 . The mark  960  can be any number of types of marks, including a printed mark that is formed on the surface of banded syringes  10 . As with the other embodiments, the detection mechanism  970  is used to detect the mark  960  and if a detection is not made within a prescribed time interval or during advancement of the banded structure  10  over a prescribed distance, the detection mechanism  970  signals a controller or the like to stop the advancement of the banded syringes  10 . 
   It will also be appreciated that when the control feature is an aperture formed through the banded syringes  10  within the prescribed region, other types of detection mechanisms can be used rather than the pressure based detection mechanism discussed earlier. For example, the detection mechanism can be an ultrasonic system having an ultrasonic receiver and transducer. Ultrasonic waves are created one side of the banded syringes  10  and are emitted toward the banded syringes  10 . When the control feature is in proper registration, the ultrasonic waves can pass through the aperture unimpeded and are detected on the other side of the banded syringes  10 . When the detection mechanism is ultrasonically based, the system preferably includes an integrator and comparator so that ultrasonic waves that pass through the aperture can be differentiated from ultrasonic waves that reach the detector by means other than passing through the aperture (control feature). 
   Another type of detection mechanism that can be used with the banded syringes  10  is a thermal detection system. For example, the control feature  900  is still an aperture formed in the banded syringes  10 ; however, the detection mechanism is a thermal based system that includes a thermal source (e.g., heat lamp) and a thermal detector. The thermal source, such as a heat lamp, is disposed on one side of the banded syringes  10 , while the thermal detector is disposed on the other side of the banded syringes  10 . The thermal source and the thermal detector are positioned so that the aperture is in registration therewith at a point in time as the banded syringes  10  are advanced. The thermal detection mechanism is preferably coupled with an integrator and comparator. These two components permit the thermal detection mechanism to differentiate between heat that is detected across the aperture and heat that is detected through the banded structure  10  itself but outside of the aperture. Because heat that passes directly through the aperture is of higher intensity than heat that passes through the first and second layers of the banded syringes  10 , the integrator/comparator can differentiate between the different thermal energies and only permit advancement of the banded syringes  10  when thermal energy passing through the aperture is detected. 
   Preferably, an ultrasonically, or heat or optically-based detection system includes logic such that the system does not merely detect ultrasonic waves, optical waves or heat waves but also analyzes the character, e.g., amplitude, of the waves. The detection system can therefore be configured to effectively filter out waves that do not meet certain criteria. The criteria is preferably a threshold that is achieved only when waves pass directly through the aperture (control feature) and are detected by the detection mechanism on the other side of the banded syringes  10 . Thus, waves that do not pass through the aperture but are otherwise detected on the other side of banded structure  10  do not register as a detection since they lack the prescribed criteria. 
   The control feature can comprise a segment of web material that permits passage of heat or light (of a given frequency, for example) while the remainder of the strip is treated (e.g., coated) to block heat or light of prescribed frequencies. Thus, it can be appreciated that the control feature can take on a variety of forms to ensure proper handling of the bandolier type syringes. 
   After the belts  344 ,  345  are advanced again, the bandoliered syringes  10  that were being held down by the block member  702  are advanced four positions down the line and are not held down within the fingers  348  by any external member. Thus, after the syringes  10  depart the mechanism  700 , the syringes  10  are not held down and some lifting of the syringes  10  may occur but at this location and downstream locations along the belts  344 ,  345 , it is not as important for the syringes  10  to held completely down within the fingers  348 . 
   The belts  345 ,  345  continue to the end that is opposite the end that where the index station  330  is located. At this end, the bandoliered syringes  10  can be further processed or manipulated in any number of different ways. For example, the bandoliered syringes  10  can be sent to a packaging station for packaging of the empty bandoliered syringes  10  or the syringes  10  can be delivered to an automated system where the syringes  10  can be filled with a medication or the like. 
     FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary banded syringe structure produced in accordance with the present invention and includes a plurality of syringes  10  that each includes a barrel  20  having an elongated body  22  that defines a chamber  30  that receives and holds a medication that is disposed at a later time. The barrel  20  has an open proximal end  24  with a flange  25  being formed thereat and it also includes an opposing distal end  26  that has a barrel tip that has a passageway, that is an ANSI standard luer fitting, formed therethrough. One end of the passageway opens into the chamber  30  to provide communication between the barrel tip and the chamber  30  and the opposing end of the passageway  29  is open to permit the medication to be dispensed through a cannula (not shown) or the like that is later coupled to the barrel tip. 
   An outer surface of the barrel tip can include features to permit fastening with a cap or other type of enclosing member. For example, the outer surface can have threads that permit a tip cap  40  to be securely and removably coupled to the barrel tip or another type of fit can be formed, such as a press frictional fit. The tip cap  40  thus must have complementary fastening features that permit it to be securely coupled to the barrel tip. The tip cap  40  is constructed so that it closes off the passageway to permit the syringe  10  to be stored and/or transported with a predetermined amount of medication disposed within the chamber  30 . As previously mentioned, the term “medication” refers to a medicinal preparation for administration to a patient and most often, the medication is contained within the chamber  30  in a liquid state even though the medication initially may have been in a solid state, which was compounded into a liquid state. 
   The syringe  10  further includes a plunger  50  that is removably and adjustably disposed within the barrel  20 . More specifically, the plunger  50  is also an elongated member that has a proximal end that terminates in a flange  52  to permit a user to easily grip and manipulate the plunger  50  within the barrel  20 . Preferably, the plunger flange  52  is slightly smaller than the barrel flange  25  so that the user can place several fingers around, against, or near the barrel flange  25  to hold the barrel  20  and then use the thumb of the certain hand to withdrawn or push the plunger  50  forward within the barrel  20 . An opposite distal end of the plunger  50  terminates in a stopper or the like that seals against the inner surface of the barrel  20  within the chamber  30 . The plunger  50  can draw a fluid (e.g., air or a liquid) into the chamber  30  by withdrawing the plunger  50  from an initial position where the stopper is near or at the barrel tip to a position where the stopper  59  is near the proximal end  24  of the barrel  20 . Such steps may be performed either sequentially or simultaneously by the automated methods. Conversely, the plunger  50  can be used to expel or dispense medication by first withdrawing the plunger  50  to a predetermined location, filling the chamber  30  with medication and then applying force against the flange  52  so as to move the plunger  50  forward within the chamber  30 , resulting in a decrease in the volume of the chamber  30  and therefore causing the medication to be forced into and out of the barrel tip. 
   The banded syringes  10  can include a control feature  900  such as the ones disclosed in commonly assigned pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/001,244, filed Nov. 15, 2001, entitled “Syringe Bandolier with Control Feature, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
   In one exemplary application, the system  300  is used in combination with the automated system  100  of  FIG. 14  that receives the bandoliered syringes and further processes them according to specific instructions that are inputted by an operator.  FIG. 14  is a schematic diagram illustrating one exemplary automated system, generally indicated at 100, for the preparation of a medication, which is described in great detail in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/998,905, entitled Automated Drug Vial Safety Cap Removal, filed Nov. 30, 2001, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The automated system  100  is divided into a number of stations where a specific task is performed based on the automated system  100  receiving user input instructions, processing these instructions and then preparing or compounding unit doses of one or more medications in accordance with the instructions. The automated system  100  includes a station  110  where medications and other substances used in the preparation process are stored. As used herein, the term “medication” refers to a medicinal preparation for administration to a patient. Often, the medication is initially stored as a solid, e.g., a powder, to which a liquid or fluid diluent is added to form a medicinal composition. Thus, the station  110  functions as a storage unit for storing one or more medications, etc. under proper storage conditions. Typically, medications and the like are stored in sealed containers, such as vials, that are labeled to clearly indicate the contents of each vial. 
   A first station  120  is a banded syringe preparation station that houses and stores a number of syringes and is described in great detail hereinafter. In one exemplary embodiment, the syringes are provided as a bandolier structure that permits the syringes to be fed into the other components of the system  100  using standard delivery techniques, such as a conveyor belt, guidance mechanism, etc. 
   The system  100  also includes a rotary apparatus (dial)  130  for advancing the fed syringes from and to various stations of the system  100 . A number of the stations are arranged circumferentially around the rotary apparatus  130  so that the syringe is first loaded at a first station  140  and then rotated a predetermined distance to a next station, etc. as the medication preparation or compounding process advances. At each station, a different operation is performed with the end result being that a unit dose of medication is disposed within the syringe that is then ready to be administered. 
   One exemplary type of rotary apparatus  130  is a multiple station cam-indexing dial that is adapted to perform material handling operations. The indexer is configured to have multiple stations positioned thereabout with individual nests for each station position. One syringe is held within one nest using any number of suitable techniques, including opposing spring-loaded fingers that act to clamp the syringe in its respective nest. The indexer permits the rotary apparatus  130  to be advanced at specific intervals. 
   At the second station  140 , the syringes are loaded into one of the nests of the rotary apparatus  130 . One syringe is loaded into one nest of the rotary apparatus  130  in which the syringe is securely held in place. The system  100  preferably includes additional mechanisms for preparing the syringe for use, such as removing a tip cap at a third station  150  and extending a plunger of the syringe at another station  155 . At this point, the syringe is ready to be filled. 
   The system  100  also preferably includes a reading device (not shown) that is capable of reading a label disposed on the sealed container containing the medication. The label is read using any number of suitable reader/scanner devices, such as a bar code reader, etc., so as to confirm that the proper medication has been selected from the storage unit of the station  110  (this function is preferably part of the labeled station in FIG.  14 ). Multiple readers, sensors, or other methods can be employed in the system at various locations to confirm the accuracy of the entire process. Once the system  100  confirms that the sealed container that has been selected contains the proper medication, the container is delivered to a fourth station  160  using an automated mechanism, such a robotic gripping device as will be described in greater detail. At the fourth station  160 , the vial is prepared by removing the safety cap from the sealed container and then cleaning the exposed end of the vial. Preferably, the safety cap is removed on a deck of the automated system  100  having a controlled environment. In this manner, the safety cap is removed just-in-time for use. 
   The system  100  also preferably includes a fifth station  170  for injecting a diluent into the medication contained in the sealed container and then subsequently mixing the medication and the diluent to form the medication composition that is to be disposed into the prepared syringe. At a fluid transfer station, the prepared medication composition is withdrawn from the container (i.e., vial) and is then disposed into the syringe. For example, a cannula can be inserted into the sealed vial and the medication composition then aspirated into a cannula set. The cannula is then withdrawn from the vial and positioned using the rotary apparatus  130  in line with (above, below, etc.) the syringe. The unit dose of the medication composition is then delivered to the syringe, as well as additional diluent if necessary or desired. The tip cap is then placed back on the syringe at a sixth station  180 . A seventh station  195  prints and applies a label to the syringe and a device, such as a reader, can be used to verify that this label is placed in a correct location and the printing thereon is readable. Also, the reader can confirm that the label properly identifies the medication composition that is contained in the syringe. The syringe is then unloaded from the rotary apparatus  130  at an unloading station  200  and delivered to a predetermined location, such as a new order bin, a conveyor, a sorting device, or a reject bin. The delivery of the syringe can be accomplished using a standard conveyor or other type of apparatus. If the syringe is provided as a part of the previously-mentioned syringe bandolier, the bandolier is cut prior at a station  197  located prior to the unloading station  200 . 
   The system  100  preferably includes additional devices for preparing the syringe for use, such as removing a tip cap  40  of the syringe at a third station  150  and then placing or parking the tip cap  40  on the dial (rotary device)  130  of the automated system  100  having a controlled environment. In this manner, the tip cap  40  is removed just-in-time for use. The tip cap  40  is then placed back on the syringe at the sixth station  180 . Additional details of the system  100  are disclosed in the above-reference patent application.