Vial loading method and apparatus for intelligent admixture and delivery of intravenous drugs

A vial-loading mechanism for loading a vial onto a spike, comprising:

• a holding assembly including a pair of holder arms pivotally connected to each other and each holder arm designed to hold a different size vial, the holding assembly movable in a predefined direction between an unlocked position where the vial does not contact the spike and a locked position where the vial does contact the spike;
• means for providing an opposing force when said holding assembly is moved towards the locked position and urging said holding assembly into at least one of said positions;
• and
• a locking assembly adapted to lock the holding assembly in at least the locked position.

A vial-loading mechanism for loading a vial onto a spike, comprising:

• a support member located adjacent to the spike;
• a holding assembly mounted to said support member so as to be positionable between an unlocked position for loading a vial and a locked position for piercing the vial with a spike, said holding assembly having a first outer holding member for holding a vial;
• a second holding assembly pivotally mounted to said first holding member, said second holding assembly having a second inner holding member for holding a second vial which is smaller than the first vial;
• and
• a catch having an engagement unit for securing said holding assembly in said locked position.