US 6,048,086 A · Parenteral products automatic system (PPAS) with an oral/solid interface

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automated system for the retrieval and delivery of oral/solid and parenteral products from a central pharmacy supply or other location to predetermined destinations within a hospital comprising robot devices and a pneumatic tube carrier system. The system comprises an input queue, a dispensing apparatus comprising a robot device and a number of stations from which the robot device works, an inspection station, and a transportation system. A computer interface provides bi-directional communication between analytical instruments, robots and peripheral devices and a computer. The robot employed by the system is responsive to computer commands and capable of performing mechanical functions including selection and retrieval of necessary items, and manipulation of retrieved items such that desired product is delivered. For oral/solid products, the item(s) is(are) automatically retrieved by a robotic device, moved to a transportation device, such as a pneumatic tube carrier, which is automatically opened and positioned to receive the product, automatically inserted into (or onto) the transportation device, and automatically delivered to its predetermined destination.

Claims10

Dependent claims

An automated system for the retrieval and delivery of oral products, said system comprising:

at least one computer having a database capable of receiving and transmitting information within said system;
a retrieval means comprising:
at least one movable arm;
at least one pair of gripping means wherein said gripping means are attached to at least one of said movable arms having sensors wherein said sensors indicate the presence or absence of an object;
a supply station containing said oral products, wherein said supply station is positioned adjacent said retrieval means;
a plurality of pneumatic tube carriers;
a loading means for automatically loading said carriers into said pneumatic tube system;
and
a control means for coordinating transportation of said carriers containing said oral products through said pneumatic tube system to predetermined locations;
wherein said retrieval means is instructed by said computer to select said oral products from said supply station and insert said oral products into said pneumatic tube carrier.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Parenteral products automatic system (PPAS) with an oral/solid interface

Life of this patent

Parenteral products automatic system (PPAS) with an oral/solid interface

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10