Autoacceptertube delivery system with a robotic interface
OwnerFred M. Valerino, Sr.inventor
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic receipt and distribution of products, such as parenteral products or oral/solid products from a hospital pharmacy or specimen from a laboratory, through a pneumatic tube transport system. More specifically the system of the present invention includes a robotic transfer device capable of automatically receiving and opening a pneumatic tube carrier, automatically retrieving a product from a pick-up point and placing the product into the carrier, and automatically closing and distributing the carrier into a pneumatic tube transport system.
Claims29
An apparatus for transferring objects between a first location and a second location, wherein said apparatus comprises:
- a transfer device having means for engaging and releasing said objects;
- a first location and a second location;
- support means for supporting said transfer device;
- means for bundling a plurality of said objects;
- a connecting arm;
- and
- means for controlling at least said connecting arm, said support means, and said transfer device;
- wherein said connecting arm attaches said transfer device to said support means, and
- wherein said connecting arm is rotatable such that said transfer device is movable between said first location and said second location.
An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said tickets are printed with information comprising routing instructions for identification of said objects.
- 7.An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said information is embodied into a barcode.
An apparatus for a product bundling, labeling and transferring device, wherein said apparatus comprises control means for controlling said bundling, said labeling and said transferring and a means for supporting a robotic arm, said robotic arm comprising a gripper having jaws for engaging, bundling and releasing products, and a connecting arm for connecting said robotic arm to said means for supporting, wherein said robotic arm is rotatable in three dimensions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.