Automated means for withdrawing a syringe plunger

An automated syringe preparation mechanism for an automated medication preparation system, the mechanism comprising:

• a first automated gripping means for removing a tip cap from a barrel of one syringe and placing the removed tip cap at a first location;
• an automated device for delivering a prescribed dosage amount of medication to the syringe by injecting the medication through the uncapped barrel in a just-in-time for use manner;
• and
• a second automated gripping means for replacing the removed tip cap on the syringe barrel after the medication is injected therein.

A method for just-in-time removal of a tip cap from a syringe barrel, filling the syringe with a prescribed dose of medication and replacing the tip cap on the syringe barrel, the method including the steps of:

• securing the syringe barrel to a device of an automated preparation system;
• gripping and removing the tip cap from the syringe barrel to open up an interior of the syringe barrel and placing the removed tip cap at a first location;
• extending a plunger a defined distance within the syringe barrel based in part upon a volume of the prescribed dose;
• delivering the prescribed dose to the interior of the syringe barrel through the open syringe barrel;
• gripping the removed tip cap at the first location and moving it to the syringe barrel containing the prescribed dose;
• and
• replacing the tip cap on the syringe barrel.

A method for just-in-time extension of a plunger of a syringe to permit filling the syringe with a prescribed dose of medication, the method including the steps of:

• inputting a desired volume of the prescribed dose of medication;
• inputting syringe identifying information;
• calculating a distance that the plunger is to be extended based on the inputted desired volume and syringe identifying information;
• calculating drive parameters for a controllable drive that causes extension of the plunger when actuated and ensures that the plunger is extended the desired distance;
• and
• controlling the drive in view of the calculated drive parameters to cause the plunger to be extended the desired distance.

An automated device for extending a plunger of a syringe a defined distance within a syringe barrel, the device comprising:

• a housing;
• an adjustable plunger extension mechanism that includes a movable component that intimately engages the plunger so that movement of the component is translated into extension of the plunger;
• and
• an input for inputting syringe specific information that is used in part to calculate the defined distance the plunger is extended;
• and
• a controller that receives the inputted syringe information and calculates the defined distance that the plunger is moved based on the inputted syringe information and determines drive parameters that are delivered to a drive that is operatively connected to the movable component to cause the plunger to be moved the defined distance.