Apparatus and methods for storing and dispensing medications
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for retrieving one or more items stored in a vending machine comprising:
- a carriage;
an extendable member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the extendable member is connected to the carriage;
a flipper having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the flipper is rotatably connected to the second end of the extendable member;
one or more surfaces connected to the carriage;
wherein the flipper is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position,wherein the flipper is generally aligned with the extendable member and the flipper and extendable member are configured to extend beneath the one or more items stored in the vending machine when the flipper is in its first position; and
wherein the flipper is configured to engage a surface of the one or more stored items that is furthest from the carriage, and pull the one or more stored items toward the carriage when the flipper is in its second position.
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Abstract
An apparatus for automated storage and dispensing of medications. Medications are stored in an inventory storage container attached to a frame of the apparatus. Medications are delivered to the apparatus via a locked delivery container. A carrier mechanism retrieves medications from the inventory storage container and delivery container and moves medications to various subsystems of the apparatus. Information related to medications is communicated to a remote pharmacist prior to dispensing the medication. Multiple installations of the apparatus are centrally coordinated.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. An apparatus for retrieving one or more items stored in a vending machine comprising:
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a carriage; an extendable member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the extendable member is connected to the carriage; a flipper having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the flipper is rotatably connected to the second end of the extendable member; one or more surfaces connected to the carriage; wherein the flipper is configured to rotate between a first position and a second position, wherein the flipper is generally aligned with the extendable member and the flipper and extendable member are configured to extend beneath the one or more items stored in the vending machine when the flipper is in its first position; and wherein the flipper is configured to engage a surface of the one or more stored items that is furthest from the carriage, and pull the one or more stored items toward the carriage when the flipper is in its second position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification