Apparatus and methods for dispensing pre-filled containers with precisely-applied patient-specific information
First Claim
1. A system for application of patient-specific information to drug containers comprising:
- a positioner configured to adjust containers including a bar code;
a bar code reader configured to read a bar code;
a labeler which applies labels including patient-specific information to the containers; and
an electronic control device operably coupled to the positioner, the bar code reader and the labeler;
wherein the electronic control device is programmed to control the positioner to adjust the containers to a label-receiving orientation at the labeler which applies the label based at least in part on the alpha-numeric information and the bar code.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for fulfillment of patient prescription orders by adapting a standard or stock container pre-filled with medication or the like for use as a patient-specific container through precise application of patient-specific information to the pre-filled container. Precise placement of the patient-specific information to the pre-filled container enables pharmacy management to fully utilize valuable information provided with the pre-filled container, thereby improving the quality of service to the patient while making the process of prescription order fulfillment more efficient. In general, preferred embodiments comprise control apparatus and information-application apparatus. In embodiments, the information-application apparatus is adapted to place a patient-specific label on the container. Preferred forms of the information-application apparatus include a label printer and a positioner. The preferred printer applies patient-specific information on a label. The preferred positioner orients the pre-filled container to receive the label from the printer such that information provided with the container is available for use.
50 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for application of patient-specific information to drug containers comprising:
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a positioner configured to adjust containers including a bar code; a bar code reader configured to read a bar code; a labeler which applies labels including patient-specific information to the containers; and an electronic control device operably coupled to the positioner, the bar code reader and the labeler; wherein the electronic control device is programmed to control the positioner to adjust the containers to a label-receiving orientation at the labeler which applies the label based at least in part on the alpha-numeric information and the bar code. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A system for application of patient-specific information to a drug container having a first label representative of the container contents comprising:
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a positioner configured to position the container, the first label covers at least a portion of the container; a labeler configured to print and to apply a second label including patient-specific information to the container; and a controller operably coupled to the positioner and the labeler, the controller configured to control the labeler to print patient-specific information on the second label, to control the positioner to orient the container relative to the labeler at least partially based on a location of the first label, and to control the labeler to move the second label into contact with the container. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of adapting a stock container for use as a patient-specific container through application of a label including patient-specific information to the container comprising the steps of:
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providing the stock container to a labeler in a first orientation, the container having a reference point and a first label including first indicia representative of the container contents; determining the first orientation of the container based at least partly on the reference point; controlling a positioner with the electronic control device to move the container from the first orientation to a label application orientation based upon the determined first orientation of the container; printing a second label including patient specific information via a labeler; and controlling the labeler with the electronic control device to move at least one of the second label and the container into contact. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification