Collating unit for use with a control center cooperating with an automatic prescription or pharmaceutical dispensing system

A collating unit for automatically storing prescription containers dispensed by an automatic dispensing system, the collating unit comprising:

• an infeed conveyor for transporting the containers from the automatic dispensing system to the collating unit;
• a collating unit conveyor positioned generally adjacent to the infeed conveyor;
• a frame substantially surrounding and covering the infeed conveyor and the collating unit conveyor;
• a plurality of holding areas formed within the frame for holding the containers;
• a plurality of guide arms mounted between the infeed conveyor and the collating unit conveyor and operable to maneuver the containers from the infeed conveyor into the plurality of holding areas;
• and
• a control system for controlling operation of the infeed conveyor, the collating unit conveyor, and the plurality of guide arms.

A collating unit for automatically storing prescription containers dispensed by an automatic dispensing system, the collating unit comprising:

• an infeed conveyor for transporting the containers from the automatic dispensing system to the collating unit;
• a base positioned generally adjacent to the infeed conveyor;
• a collating unit conveyor mounted on the base;
• a frame substantially surrounding and covering the infeed conveyor and the collating unit conveyor;
• a plurality of holding areas formed within the frame for holding the containers;
• a plurality of guide arms mounted on the base between the infeed conveyor and the collating unit conveyor and operable to maneuver the containers from the infeed conveyor into the plurality of holding areas;
• a plurality of sensors positioned on the frame and operable to sense the presence of the containers stored in the collating unit;
• and
• a control system for controlling operation of the infeed conveyor, the collating unit conveyor, the plurality of guide arms, and the plurality of sensors.