Other

Pevco Systems International Inc.

Fred M Valerino, Sr

Joel A Osborne

Joseph H Gaultney

Drew Sweetak

The present invention relates to pneumatic tube systems generally. More specifically, it relates to an automated system for the storage and distribution of empty carriers for a pneumatic tube system. The system comprises an easy to use one-touch process and includes the following apparatus: storage cabinets and pneumatic tube system comprising a blower, controller, retrieval cabinets, and main station. According to the invention there is provided an automated storage and distribution system comprising a pneumatic tube system, a first diverter with blower, and a storage cabinet with a second diverter. The system comprises several methods which are currently in the market place, and is useful in many places, such as hospitals, where the automated processing of pharmaceutical products via robot devices is used. Such a system is disclosed in co-pending application Parenteral Products Automation System (PPAS), application Ser. No. 08/513,569.

Automatic empty carrier storage, retrieval and distribution system

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic receipt and distribution of products, such as parenteral products or oral/solid products from a hospital pharmacy or specimen from a laboratory, through a pneumatic tube transport system. More specifically the system of the present invention includes a robotic transfer device capable of automatically receiving and opening a pneumatic tube carrier, automatically retrieving a product from a pick-up point and placing the product into the carrier, and automatically closing and distributing the carrier into a pneumatic tube transport system.

Autoacceptertube delivery system with a robotic interface

An apparatus and method for loading products into a pneumatic tube carrier. The apparatus having a support with a linear truster mounted thereto. A rotary actuator is mounted at the lower end of the linear thruster for rotating action. A connecting arm is mounted on the lower end of the rotary actuator having a dual rod cylinder mounted thereon. A gripper is mounted at the end of the dual rod cylinder for gripping products. A logic controller is used for controlling and monitoring the loading of the products into the carrier.

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic receipt and distribution of products, such as parenteral products from a hospital pharmacy or specimen from a laboratory, through a pneumatic tube transport system. The system of the present invention includes a method and apparatus for the automatic receipt of a pneumatic tube carrier, the automatic opening of the carrier, the loading of a product into the carrier, the automatic closing of the carrier, and the automatic distribution of the carrier into a pneumatic tube transport system.

Autoacceptertube delivery system

The present invention relates to an automated system for the retrieval and delivery of oral/solid and parenteral products from a central pharmacy supply or other location to predetermined destinations within a hospital comprising robot devices and a pneumatic tube carrier system. The system comprises an input queue, a dispensing apparatus comprising a robot device and a number of stations from which the robot device works, an inspection station, and a transportation system. A computer interface provides bi-directional communication between analytical instruments, robots and peripheral devices and a computer. The robot employed by the system is responsive to computer commands and capable of performing mechanical functions including selection and retrieval of necessary items, and manipulation of retrieved items such that desired product is delivered. For oral/solid products, the item(s) is(are) automatically retrieved by a robotic device, moved to a transportation device, such as a pneumatic tube carrier, which is automatically opened and positioned to receive the product, automatically inserted into (or onto) the transportation device, and automatically delivered to its predetermined destination.

Parenteral products automatic system (PPAS) with an oral/solid interface

The present invention relates to glide rings for use with a carrier for transporting articles through pneumatic tube systems, and more particularly, glide rings comprising Velcro.RTM. secured plastic or rubber strips to allow efficient replacement of said glide rings. The glide rings have an outer cross-sectional dimension which allow them to engage the inner surface of the passageway of the pneumatic tube system. This provides stability to the carrier and allows the carrier to be moved in response to the controlled air pressure within the passageway. Each of the glide rings has a small width in relationship to the overall length of the closed elongated compartment, and each is located in proximity to the ends of the carrier.

Removable glide rings for pneumatic tube carriers

The invention relates to a four-step automated system for the transportation, through an automated guidance vehicle ('AGV'), of products such as pharmaceuticals to any location within a hospital. The system comprises an input queue, a dispensing apparatus comprising a robot device and a number of stations from which the robot device works, an inspection station, and an AGV transportation system. A computer interface provides bi-directional communication between analytical instruments, robots and peripheral devices. The robot and AGV employed by the system are responsive to computer commands and capable of performing mechanical functions including selection and retrieval of necessary item, and manipulation of retrieved items and delivery of said items, all without human intervention.

Robotube delivery system

The invention relates to a four-step automated system for the transportation, through a pneumatic tube system or a robotics transfer system, of pharmaceutical products to any location within a hospital. The system comprises an input queue, a dispensing apparatus comprising a robot device and a number of stations from which the robot device works, an inspection station, and a transportation system. A computer interface provides bi-directional communication between analytical instruments, robots and peripheral devices and a computer. The robot employed by the system is responsive to computer commands and capable of performing mechanical functions including selection and retrieval of necessary item, and manipulation of retrieved items such that desired product is produced.

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Timonium, MD, United States of America

Fred M Valerino, Sr