Importance

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Abstract

A method and a system 100 is provided for automatically dispensing prescriptions according to a patient's order. The system 100 includes at least one line 105 of machines that can automatically fill a patient's prescription order with countable oral solid drugs and unit of use drugs, under the control of an appropriate control system, within the same machine 105. The apparatus of the invention includes numerous components that are integrated into a singular process. A robotic assembly 140 may be used to manipulate and transport vials, canisters 130, and bins 145 within the system. The robotic assembly 140 may further include a gripper assembly 20. The canister 130 may include means to accelerate a drug during the drug's movement through the canister 130 in order to increase the separation distance between drugs. The canister 130 may also include singulation control for maintaining drugs in a nearly single-file order as the drugs move through the canister 130. An unscrambler 110 may be used to position the vial for pick up by the robotic assembly 140. The robotic assembly 140 moves the vial to a vibratory dispenser 190 where it is filled with a drug according to the patient's order. The vibratory dispenser 190 may further include at least a single drive unit for vibrating the canister 130 and a quick coupling mechanism for fixedly engaging the canister 130. A labeler 170 applies a patient specific label to the vial. Vials and unit of use drugs may be collected in accumulation receptacles 165 prior to delivery to a patient. The methods of the invention include a process for varying the vibrations of the canister 130 by the vibratory dispenser 190 in response to the amount of drug in the canister. A process for optimizing the storage location of a canister 130 based on drug use is also provided.

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First Claim