Pill dispensing machine
First Claim
1. A medication dispensing machine for dispensing, into a single container, a plurality of different medications to be simultaneously taken, said machine comprising:
- means for moving a plurality of containers along a path;
a plurality of medication dispensing devices, each positioned to dispense at least one medication into a container as said plurality of containers move past said plurality of dispensing devices;
printing means for printing a series of labels, each of which is to be attached to one associated container, the printed matter on each label manifesting the time at which the medication in the associated container is to be taken; and
controller means, including data input means, memory means for storing a data base and output means, said data input means being adapted for receiving input data manifesting medication to be taken and the time at which that medication is to be taken, and said output means providing, in response to said data base, command signals to control said means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a pill dispensing machine which can selectively dispense a plurality of different medications into preformed recesses in a plastic strip. The machine includes data entry means for entering the various types of medications to be dispensed and the time and date at which such medications are to be administered to the patient. The machine controls a plurality of dispensing devices to dispense into each of the recesses one or more pills associated with a particular time and date for administration. The machine also includes printing means for printing the date and time of administration onto a backing label adapted to cover the recesses to form a wholly contained pill container. The machine also includes a conveyor mechanism for moving the plastic strips past the dispensing means and the label applying area so that, at the output of the machine, completed packages of pills ready for administration at the specified printed time can be given to the patient.
297 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A medication dispensing machine for dispensing, into a single container, a plurality of different medications to be simultaneously taken, said machine comprising:
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means for moving a plurality of containers along a path; a plurality of medication dispensing devices, each positioned to dispense at least one medication into a container as said plurality of containers move past said plurality of dispensing devices; printing means for printing a series of labels, each of which is to be attached to one associated container, the printed matter on each label manifesting the time at which the medication in the associated container is to be taken; and controller means, including data input means, memory means for storing a data base and output means, said data input means being adapted for receiving input data manifesting medication to be taken and the time at which that medication is to be taken, and said output means providing, in response to said data base, command signals to control said means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A medication packaging machine for selectively dispensing a plurality of different pills into containers in such a manner that all of the pills in a given container are to be taken at the same time, said system comprising:
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digital processor means for receiving and storing data manifesting each of the pills and the frequency each is to be taken; a plurality of pill containers, adjacently coupled to one another; means for moving said plurality of containers along a given path; a plurality of dispensing means, each positioned to selectively dispense a different one of said plurality of pills into each container as said container is moved along said path; said digital processor means being coupled to control said means for moving and the selective dispensing by said dispensing means in accordance with the data received thereby; and means, responsive to said processor means, for providing a label for each of said containers having printed thereon the date and time the pills in that container are to be taken. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification