Automed Technologies, Inc.

Douglas L Vandy Bogurt

Terrance J Hebron

A system is provided for automatically dispensing prescriptions according to a patient's order. The system includes at least one line of machines that can automatically fill a patient's prescription order with countable oral solid medication under the control of an appropriate control system. The system includes containers provided to store the oral solid medication. One or more medication-containing containers are detachably coupled to a vibratory dispenser according to a patient's order. The vibratory dispenser automatically vibrates the container to dispense a predetermined amount of medication from the container into a vial according to the patient's order. Labeling and capping apparatus may be provided to apply a patient-specific label to the vial and to apply a cap or closure to the vial. Vials containing medication according to the patient's order may be collected in accumulation receptacles prior to delivery to a patient.

Integrated automated drug dispenser method and apparatus

A system is provided for automatically dispensing prescriptions according to a patient's order. The system includes at least one line of machines that can automatically fill a patient's prescription order with countable oral solid medication under the control of an appropriate control system. The system includes containers provided to store the oral solid medication. One or more medication-containing containers are detachably coupled to a vibratory dispenser according to a patient's order. The vibratory dispenser automatically vibrates the container to dispense a predetermined amount of medication from the container into the vial according to the patient's order. Labeling and capping apparatus may be provided to apply a patient-specific label to the vial and to apply a cap or closure to the vial. Vials containing medication according to the patient's order may be collected in accumulation receptacles prior to delivery to a patient.

A method and a system,is provided for automatically dispensing prescriptions according to a patient's order. The system,includes at least one line,of machines that can automatically fill a patient's prescription order with countable oral solid drugs and unit of use drugs, under the control of an appropriate control system, within the same machine,The apparatus of the invention includes numerous components that are integrated into a singular process. A robotic assembly,may be used to manipulate and transport vials, canisters,and bins,within the system. The robotic assembly,may further include a gripper assembly,The canister,may include means to accelerate a drug during the drug's movement through the canister,in order to increase the separation distance between drugs. The canister,may also include singulation control for maintaining drugs in a nearly single-file order as the drugs move through the canister,An unscrambler,may be used to position the vial for pick up by the robotic assembly,The robotic assembly,moves the vial to a vibratory dispenser,where it is filled with a drug according to the patient's order. The vibratory dispenser,may further include at least a single drive unit for vibrating the canister,and a quick coupling mechanism for fixedly engaging the canister,A labeler,applies a patient specific label to the vial. Vials and unit of use drugs may be collected in accumulation receptacles,prior to delivery to a patient. The methods of the invention include a process for varying the vibrations of the canister,by the vibratory dispenser,in response to the amount of drug in the canister. A process for optimizing the storage location of a canister,based on drug use is also provided.

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Grand Haven, IL, United States of America

Douglas L Vandy Bogurt