Automatic prescription drug dispenser
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- a dispensing machine having a plurality of locations for holding a plurality of different medications;
a scanner located within the dispensing machine and configured to scan each of the plurality of locations; and
a control module to receive a signal from the scanner indicating the location of each of the different medications;
wherein after the dispensing machine has been closed, the scanner automatically scans each of the locations within the dispensing machine to verify and update the location of each of the different medications in the dispenser.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic prescription drug dispenser including a remote dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses prescription drugs to the patient. The prescription entry system transmits and receives information from the communications network and provides an input system for the prescriber to electronically enter individual prescriptions for each patient. The communications network coordinates communications between the doctor, insurance carrier, and the remote dispenser. The remote dispenser stores, retrieves, and labels prescription drug and over-the-counter products directly to patients through a remote automated dispenser, a prescription entry system, and a communications network. The remote dispenser transmits and receives information from the communications network and dispenses drugs to the patient. The prescription entry system transmits and receives information from the communications network and provides an input system for the doctor to electronically enter individual prescriptions for each patient. The communications network coordinates communications between the prescriber, insurance carrier, and the remote dispenser. Also described are various embodiments of apparatus and method of the invention useful in pharmacy settings as for example found in drug stores or “big box” retailers or other such settings. Other methods include providing a remote dispenser in virtually any location.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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a dispensing machine having a plurality of locations for holding a plurality of different medications; a scanner located within the dispensing machine and configured to scan each of the plurality of locations; and a control module to receive a signal from the scanner indicating the location of each of the different medications; wherein after the dispensing machine has been closed, the scanner automatically scans each of the locations within the dispensing machine to verify and update the location of each of the different medications in the dispenser. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method comprising:
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stocking a plurality of different medications in a plurality of different locations within a dispensing machine; closing the dispensing machine; and after closing the dispensing door, the dispensing machine automatically scanning each of the plurality of different locations to verify and update the location of each of the different medications in the dispensing machine. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A method comprising:
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opening a medication dispensing machine; removing empty magazines from the dispensing machine; placing filled magazines containing medications in a refill locations; closing the dispensing machine; and after closing the dispensing machine, automatically scanning each magazine to confirm placement and location. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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Specification