Automatic distributed vending system

Abstract

Invention describes apparatus automating distributed item processing including pharmacy. Apparatus includes: portable vending cartridges, automatic vending modules, controllers. Cartridge contains conveyor transporting items inside carriers. Cartridges slide-into receptacles inside vending module. Controllers in real-time monitor presence of cartridges; inventory of carries, items; and execute controls of each cartridge and vending module including: indexing conveyors; loading and/or unloading items into/from carriers; maintaining items within specifications: environment, handling, safety with reports confirming compliance. Controllers execute in real-time optimization algorithm achieving required performance: rates of item loading/unloading, power consumption. Pharmacy applications include cartridges handling containers with medications. Apparatus automates distributed processing of medications: at one centralized location cartridges are filled with medications and then transported to assigned destinations for insertion into designated modules for dispensing medications to authorized customers. Number of apparatuses could be configured as closed-loop real-time process control system aimed at achieving optimum utilization of resources and delivering products within specifications.