Automated dispensing system and associated method of use
First Claim
1. An automated bulk dispensing system for dispensing a radioactive material, comprising:
- a first container;
a second container;
a third container;
a first displacement mechanism that is operatively connected to the third container;
a recipient container;
at least one control valve connected to the first, second, and third containers;
at least one drive mechanism operatively connected to the at least one control valve to selectively control liquid flow from the first container into the third container, from the second container into the third container, and from the third container into the recipient container;
a radiation shield disposed at least about the third container, wherein the second container, or the recipient container, or both the second container and the recipient container comprises independent radiation shielding at least partially outside of the radiation shield; and
a processor operatively connected to the at least one drive mechanism and the first displacement mechanism.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An automated bulk dispensing system and a method of use including selectively receiving a predetermined amount of radioactive liquid from a second container into a third container, selectively receiving a predetermined amount of nonradioactive liquid from a first container into a fourth container or directly into the third container depending on whether kits or multi-dose containers of medicine are desired. Preferably, this is for nuclear pharmaceuticals. Displacement mechanisms that are connected to the third container and fourth container are for mixing and dispensing liquid. There is at least one control valve, preferably three control valves, which are each controlled by drive mechanisms. The mixed liquid from the third container can be transferred to a recipient container. There is also a gas vent and bubble detector to eliminate bubbles with a processor that is also utilized to control the displacement mechanisms and the drive mechanisms.
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Citations
28 Claims
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1. An automated bulk dispensing system for dispensing a radioactive material, comprising:
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a first container; a second container; a third container; a first displacement mechanism that is operatively connected to the third container; a recipient container; at least one control valve connected to the first, second, and third containers; at least one drive mechanism operatively connected to the at least one control valve to selectively control liquid flow from the first container into the third container, from the second container into the third container, and from the third container into the recipient container; a radiation shield disposed at least about the third container, wherein the second container, or the recipient container, or both the second container and the recipient container comprises independent radiation shielding at least partially outside of the radiation shield; and a processor operatively connected to the at least one drive mechanism and the first displacement mechanism. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method for filling containers utilizing an automated bulk dispensing system, comprising:
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selectively receiving a first amount of radioactive liquid from a second container into a third container through at least one first control valve; selectively receiving a second amount of nonradioactive liquid from a first container into the third container through the at least one control valve; mixing the radioactive liquid and the nonradioactive liquid in the third container with a first displacement mechanism operatively connected to the third container for displacing liquid within the third container, wherein the first displacement mechanism is selectively controlled by a processor; dispensing the mixture of the radioactive liquid and the nonradioactive liquid from the third container with the first displacement mechanism through the at least one first control valve and into a recipient container, wherein the at least one first control valve is connected to first, second, and third containers, and wherein the at least one first control valve is connected to at least one first drive mechanism to selectively control the flow of liquid into and out of the third container, wherein the first drive mechanism is controlled by the processor; shielding radiation from the radioactive liquid disposed in the third container, the at least one first control valve, and at least one fluid conduit coupled to the third container; and independently shielding radiation from the mixture dispensed into the recipient container or radiation from the radioactive liquid disposed in the second container. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. A method for filling containers utilizing an automated bulk dispensing system comprising:
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selectively receiving a predetermined amount of radioactive liquid from a second container into a third container through a second control valve; selectively receiving a predetermined amount of nonradioactive liquid from a first container into a fourth container through a first control valve; selectively transferring a predetermined amount of nonradioactive liquid from the fourth container into the third container through a third control valve and the second control valve with a first displacement mechanism, which is operatively connected to the fourth container for displacing liquid from the fourth container and the first displacement mechanism is selectively controlled by a processor and is operatively connected thereto; mixing the radioactive liquid and the nonradioactive liquid in the third container with a second displacement mechanism, which is operatively connected to the third container for displacing liquid from the third container, wherein the second displacement mechanism is selectively controlled by a processor and is operatively connected thereto; dispensing the mixture of the radioactive liquid and the nonradioactive liquid from the third container with the second displacement mechanism through the second control valve and the third control valve into a recipient container, wherein the first container and the fourth container are connected in fluid relationship to the first control valve, the second container and the third container are connected in fluid relationship to the second control valve, the first control valve and the second control valve are connected in fluid relationship to the third control valve and the recipient container is connected in fluid relationship to the third control valve, wherein there is a first drive mechanism that is operatively attached to the first control valve, a second drive mechanism that is operatively attached to the second control valve and a third second drive mechanism that is operatively attached to the third control valve, wherein the first drive mechanism, the second drive mechanism, and the third drive mechanism are all selectively controlled by the processor and are operatively connected thereto; and a reagent located in the recipient container that can react with the mixture of the radioactive liquid and the nonradioactive liquid. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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Specification