초록 ▼

A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with

A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for filling prescriptions comprising:a) a shelving unit defining an array of storage containers, each container having an interior for holding a bulk amount of pills;b) each container being removable from the shelving unit;c) a computer controlled robotic arm for reach

[ We claim:] [1.] An apparatus for filling prescriptions comprising:a) a shelving unit defining an array of storage containers, each container having an interior for holding a bulk amount of pills;b) each container being removable from the shelving unit;c) a computer controlled robotic arm for reaching each container;d) the arm having a free end that grips the container upon selection;e) a dispensing unit that receives the selected container, the dispensing unit dispensing a number of pills therefrom into a pill bottle; andf) the free end of the robotic arm having first and second gripping surface portions that are movable relative to one another and that are configured to selectively grip a selected container or a selected bottle respectively so that the robotic arm can maneuver a selected container or a selected bottle to the dispensing unit, said gripping surface portion including a first surface section that is contoured to fit a pill bottle and a second section spaced from the first section and shaped to grip a container.