초록 ▼

The present invention is directed toward a vial-loading mechanism for a system that prepares and delivers one or more IV drugs to a patient. The vial-loading mechanism is used to load a vial onto a cassette spike and includes a vertical support member located adjacent to the spike. A holding assembl

The present invention is directed toward a vial-loading mechanism for a system that prepares and delivers one or more IV drugs to a patient. The vial-loading mechanism is used to load a vial onto a cassette spike and includes a vertical support member located adjacent to the spike. A holding assembly holds at least one vial. The holding assembly is mounted to the support member so as to be positionable between an upper position for loading a vial and a lower position for piercing the vial with a spike. The holding assembly has an arcuate-shaped holding member for holding the vial. A catch is provided with an engagement unit for securing the holding assembly in the lower position. This arrangement provides an easy way to add, retain, and remove vials from the system and protects the clinicians that do this from contacting the spikes and hurting themselves.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A vial-loading mechanism for loading a vial onto a spike, comprising:a support member located adjacent to said spike;a holding assembly including at least one holder having a holding portion that holds at least one vial, said holder reciprocally mounted to said support member for r

[ We claim:] [1.] A vial-loading mechanism for loading a vial onto a spike, comprising:a support member located adjacent to said spike;a holding assembly including at least one holder having a holding portion that holds at least one vial, said holder reciprocally mounted to said support member for reciprocal motion 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; anda locking assembly including a locking arm with a cam, and wherein when said holder assembly is moved towards said locked position, said holder assembly engages said cam so as to cause said locking arm to move laterally away from said holder assembly, and wherein when said holder assembly is provided in said locked position, said locking arm restores itself to a natural position where it retains said holder assembly in said locked position.