US 4,655,026 A · Pill dispensing machine

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a pill dispensing machine which can selectively dispense a plurality of different medications into preformed recesses in a plastic strip. The machine includes data entry means for entering the various types of medications to be dispensed and the time and date at which such medications are to be administered to the patient. The machine controls a plurality of dispensing devices to dispense into each of the recesses one or more pills associated with a particular time and date for administration. The machine also includes printing means for printing the date and time of administration onto a backing label adapted to cover the recesses to form a wholly contained pill container. The machine also includes a conveyor mechanism for moving the plastic strips past the dispensing means and the label applying area so that, at the output of the machine, completed packages of pills ready for administration at the specified printed time can be given to the patient.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A medication dispensing machine for dispensing, into a single container, a plurality of different medications to be simultaneously taken, said machine comprising:

means for moving a plurality of containers along a path;
a plurality of medication dispensing devices, each positioned to dispense at least one medication into a container as said plurality of containers move past said plurality of dispensing devices;
printing means for printing a series of labels, each of which is to be attached to one associated container, the printed matter on each label manifesting the time at which the medication in the associated container is to be taken;
and
controller means, including data input means, memory means for storing a data base and output means, said data input means being adapted for receiving input data manifesting medication to be taken and the time at which that medication is to be taken, and said output means providing, in response to said data base, command signals to control said means.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Pill dispensing machine

Life of this patent

Pill dispensing machine

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20