Devices Useful in System and Method for Dispensing Prescriptions

• US 20080061077A1
• Filed: 11/06/2007
• Published: 03/13/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Original Assignee: Parata Systems, LLC (Becton, Dickinson & Co)
• Inventors: Klein, Pete, Calderwood, David, Pollard, Jasper, Michelli, Richard, Daniels, Matthew, Williams, Jeffrey, Moran, Joseph, Young, Demetris, Abrams, George
• Granted Patent: US 7,905,372 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 221/309
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/44 in which magazines the articles are stored in bulk
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/62 in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/70 in which the articles are formed in the apparatus from components, blanks, or material constituents
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 13/10 with associated dispensing of containers, e.g. cups or other articles
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0092 for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles medical dispensers for private use, A61J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 20/13 delivered from dispensers

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.

Claims

1. A splash guard for a dispensing bin, comprising:

a grasping portion including an annular lip configured to receive and compress an outlet of the dispensing bin, the lip being formed of a first resilient material; and

an annular mating portion mounted to the grasping portion, the mating portion being configured to mate with an open end of a vial.

2. The splash guard defined in claim 2, wherein the mating portion is formed of a second spongy material.