The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 11, 2000
Filed:
Sep. 25, 1997
Fred M Valerino, Sr, Timonium, MD (US);
Other;
Abstract
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.