Importance

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Abstract

The present invention is an automated and integrated method and apparatus for packaging, loading, storing, and/or retrieving a specified product. A preferred embodiment of a system comprises a packager, a feeder device, a magazine, an unloading device, and a control unit. The packager is adapted to package a predetermined quantity of a product in a package. The feeder device has a loading screw which engages the package and transfers it to a storage screw in the magazine. The magazine preferably comprises multiple horizontal rows of storage screws. Each horizontal row of storage screws may be individually rotated about a central axis of the magazine. The control unit maintains a data base of the location and contents of each package in the magazine. The unloading device is adapted to retrieve a desired package from the magazine. The unloading device then transfers the desired package to a predetermined location such as a tote, bin, or patient specific drawer.

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First Claim