System and method for dispensing prescriptions
First Claim
1. A method of dispensing solid pharmaceutical items of substantially identical size and configuration from a bulk of such solid pharmaceutical items stored in a housing, comprising the steps of:
- providing a singulating bin comprising a hopper and a dispensing channel fluidly connected thereto, the dispensing channel defining a flow path;
applying a forwardly-directed jet into the dispensing channel;
passing a series of solid pharmaceutical items in single file from the hopper into the dispensing channel;
accelerating the solid pharmaceutical items in the dispensing channel with the forwardly-directed jet;
counting the number of solid pharmaceutical items that pass a predetermined point in the dispensing channel;
comparing the number of solid pharmaceutical items that have passed the predetermined point with a predetermined number; and
applying a rearwardly-directed jet into the dispensing channel after a predetermined number of solid pharmaceutical items have passed the predetermined point to draw any additional items in the dispensing channel back into the hopper.
6 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.
133 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of dispensing solid pharmaceutical items of substantially identical size and configuration from a bulk of such solid pharmaceutical items stored in a housing, comprising the steps of:
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providing a singulating bin comprising a hopper and a dispensing channel fluidly connected thereto, the dispensing channel defining a flow path; applying a forwardly-directed jet into the dispensing channel; passing a series of solid pharmaceutical items in single file from the hopper into the dispensing channel; accelerating the solid pharmaceutical items in the dispensing channel with the forwardly-directed jet; counting the number of solid pharmaceutical items that pass a predetermined point in the dispensing channel; comparing the number of solid pharmaceutical items that have passed the predetermined point with a predetermined number; and applying a rearwardly-directed jet into the dispensing channel after a predetermined number of solid pharmaceutical items have passed the predetermined point to draw any additional items in the dispensing channel back into the hopper. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. An apparatus for dispensing a bulk collection of items, the apparatus comprising:
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a housing including a hopper that houses the bulk collection of items; an electrical connector mounted on the housing, the electrical connector including electrical contacts adapted to conduct electrical signals from an external signal generator; a high pressure connector attached to the housing that provides fluid communication into the housing, the high pressure connector adapted to be connected to a high pressure fluid source, the high pressure connector facing in the first direction; a low pressure inlet included in the housing that provides fluid communication into the housing, the low pressure inlet adapted to be connected to a low pressure fluid source, the low pressure inlet facing in the first direction; and a mechanical connector associated with the housing, the mechanical connector being configured to mount the housing on a frame so that the electrical connector, the high pressure connector, and the low pressure inlet face in the first direction and so that, substantially simultaneous with the mounting of the housing in position on the frame, the electrical contacts connect to a complementary electrical device associated with the frame, the high pressure connector connects with a high pressure source associated with the frame, and the low pressure inlet connects with a low pressure source. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for dispensing a bulk collection of items from a container, the apparatus comprising:
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a housing having a hopper that houses the bulk collection of items; a dispensing channel fluidly connected to the hopper, the dispensing channel having an inlet and an outlet defining a flow path; the inlet being defined by a floor, a ceiling, and walls, all of which are connected with the housing, and at least two of which are moveable relative to the housing so that the size of the inlet can be adjusted to singulate the bulk items passing through the inlet. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification