Parenteral products automation system (PPAS)

A system for automatically preparing and transporting parenteral products by combining a computerized robotics device with a pneumatic tube carrier system, said system comprising:

• at least one computer having a database capable of receiving information and transmitting said information within said system, thereby maintaining control of said system;
• at least one robot, said robot having:
• at least one movable arm;
• and
• at least one pair of gripping means having sensors;
• wherein said gripping means are attached to said movable arm and wherein said sensors indicate the presence or absence of an object;
• a plurality of stations, each said station being arranged to cooperate with said robot in a sequence of operations to produce said parenteral products;
• a delivery means for transporting said parenteral products to a visual inspection station;
• a delivery means for transporting said parenteral products from said visual inspection station to said pneumatic tube carrier system;
• a plurality of pneumatic tube carriers, each of said carriers being generally cylindrical and disposed about a longitudinal axis;
• a loading station comprising:
• a rotating multi-carrier carousel capable of holding a plurality of said carriers;
• a plurality of photo eyes, each of said photo eyes being arranged to detect the presence or absence of objects in said carriers in said carousel;
• at least one device capable of automatically removing said carriers from said carousel, inserting said parenteral products into said carriers, and returning said carriers to said carousel;
• and
• a control means for coordinating transportation of said carriers containing said parenteral products to desired locations.

An apparatus for automatically handling products,

• said apparatus comprising:
• at least one computer;
• at least one robot device;
• a pneumatic tube carrier system;
• and
• a transporter for moving said products between said robot and said pneumatic tube carrier system;
• wherein said products are moved in accordance with signals generated from said computer.