Method of transporting vials and cassettes in an automated prescription filling apparatus

• US 7,831,334 B2
• Filed: 04/26/2007
• Issued: 11/09/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/09/2002
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: McKesson Automation Incorporated (Omnicell Inc)
• Original Assignee: McKesson Automation Incorporated (Omnicell Inc)
• Inventors: Eckert, Robert, Vollm, Jamie, Wangu, Manoj, Greyshock, Shawn, Self, Anthony
• Primary Examiner(s): Crawford; Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): COLLINS, MICHAEL
• Application Number:
  US11/740,585
• Publication Number:
  US 20070208457A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,293 Days
• Field of Search: 700231-244, 221/210, 221/220
• US Class Current: 700/231
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/02 Pill counting devices
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 5/103 for packaging pills or tablets
• CPC Class Codes: B65B 57/20 Applications of counting devices for controlling the feed of articles other applications B65B65/08
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/44 in which magazines the articles are stored in bulk
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/54 about vertical axes
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/58 the articles being supported on or by endless belts or like conveyors
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 11/62 in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0092 for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles medical dispensers for private use, A61J7/00

Abstract

An apparatus and method for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials. A computer controlled system carries the engagement device and moves the engagement device in XY directions among the plurality of storage locations, counting and dispensing unit, source of vials, label printer and application unit, and output device.

Claims

1. A method of transporting vials and cassettes in an automated prescription filling apparatus, comprising:

moving cassettes using one stage of an engagement device, said one stage configured to pick the cassettes; and

moving vials using another stage of the engagement device, said other stage configured to pick the vials,

wherein said moving using one stage of an engagement device and said moving using another stage of the engagement device includes moving said stages of said engagement device together in XY directions and independently in a Z direction.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said moving of cassettes includes passively gripping the cassette and wherein said moving a vial includes actively gripping the vial.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein moving cassettes includes moving cassettes between an array of storage locations and a counter and dispenser;

and wherein said moving vials includes moving a vial among a vial store, a label printer and applier, a counter and dispenser, and an output location.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said moving a vial to an output location includes selecting an output location based on an order grouping criterion.