System and method for dispensing prescriptions
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.
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Citations
50 Claims
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1-46. -46. (canceled)
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47. An apparatus for singulating a bulk supply of flat cylindrical items, each of the items having an open end, comprising:
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a bin configured to house the bulk supply of items, a hopper connected to the bin, the hopper including a central island having a perimeter edge, an external wall surrounding the island, and a circumferential groove positioned between the island and the wall;
a protrusion extending radially inwardly from the wall, the protrusion being located and configured such that an item positioned between a portion of the edge the island and the protrusion and oriented with its open end facing the island can fit into the groove, but an item positioned between a portion of the edge of the island and the protrusion and oriented with its open end facing the protrusion cannot fit into the groove. - View Dependent Claims (48, 49)
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50-55. -55. (canceled)
Specification