System and Method for High-Volume Filling of Pharmaceutical Prescriptions
First Claim
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1. A method of retrieving a vial from a carrier, comprising the steps of:
- contacting a vial contained within a carrier with a gripper assembly to shift the position of the container to one end of the carrier and to adjust the position of the carrier on a platform from a diverted position to a retrieval position;
lifting the vial from the carrier with the gripper assembly; and
returning the vial to the carrier with the gripper assembly.
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Abstract
A method of retrieving a vial from a carrier includes the steps of: contacting a vial contained within a carrier with a gripper assembly to shift the position of the container to one end of the carrier and to adjust the position of the carrier on a platform from a diverted position to a retrieval position; lifting the vial from the carrier with the gripper assembly; and returning the vial to the carrier with the gripper assembly. Such a method can improve the accuracy and precision of moving the vial to and from the carrier for dispensing.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method of retrieving a vial from a carrier, comprising the steps of:
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contacting a vial contained within a carrier with a gripper assembly to shift the position of the container to one end of the carrier and to adjust the position of the carrier on a platform from a diverted position to a retrieval position; lifting the vial from the carrier with the gripper assembly; and returning the vial to the carrier with the gripper assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An automated pharmacy machine, comprising:
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a frame defining a peripheral footprint; a plurality of bins, each of the bins containing a bulk supply of a pharmaceutical; a transition platform mounted to the frame and having at least one retrieval position configured to receive a vial for filling, the retrieval position being located within the footprint of the frame; and a gripper assembly mounted within the frame and configured to grasp and convey a vial from the transition platform to one of the bins for dispensing. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification