초록 ▼

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic receipt and distribution of products, such as parenteral products from a hospital pharmacy or specimen from a laboratory, through a pneumatic tube transport system. The system of the present invention includes a method and app

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the automatic receipt and distribution of products, such as parenteral products from a hospital pharmacy or specimen from a laboratory, through a pneumatic tube transport system. The system of the present invention includes a method and apparatus for the automatic receipt of a pneumatic tube carrier, the automatic opening of the carrier, the loading of a product into the carrier, the automatic closing of the carrier, and the automatic distribution of the carrier into a pneumatic tube transport system.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for automatically coupling, labeling and loading products into pneumatic tube carriers and distributing said carriers via a pneumatic tube carrier system, wherein said apparatus comprises:at least one computer having a database, wherein said computer is capab

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for automatically coupling, labeling and loading products into pneumatic tube carriers and distributing said carriers via a pneumatic tube carrier system, wherein said apparatus comprises:at least one computer having a database, wherein said computer is capable of receiving information and transmitting said information;means for opening said carriers;means for inserting said products into said carriers, said means for inserting comprising at least one robot device, having at least one movable arm, at least one means for coupling products, and at least one means for labeling said carriers;means for closing said carriers; andmeans for moving said carriers between said means for opening, said means for inserting, and said means for closing;wherein said computer instructs said pneumatic tube carrier system to deliver an empty one of said carriers to said means for opening;wherein said means for opening receives and opens said carriers;wherein said means for inserting retrieves and inserts said products into said carrier;wherein said means for coupling is attached to at least one said movable arm and has sensors which indicate the presence or absence of said products;wherein said carriers are closed by said means for closing; andwherein said carriers are transported from said means for closing to said pneumatic tube carrier system for distribution to a predetermined destination.