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:
Jul. 10, 2001
Filed:
Dec. 11, 1998
Terrance J. Hebron, Antioch, IL (US);
Douglas L. Vandy Bogurt, Grand Haven, MI (US);
AutoMed Technologies, Inc., Vernon Hills, IL (US);
Abstract
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.