초록 ▼

Systems and methods of automatically dispensing tablets are disclosed. The systems and methods of the invention provide a highly secure, highly accurate and rapid means of dispensing tablets. The system includes an automatic dispensing tablet dispensing system as shown in the Figures and provides a

Systems and methods of automatically dispensing tablets are disclosed. The systems and methods of the invention provide a highly secure, highly accurate and rapid means of dispensing tablets. The system includes an automatic dispensing tablet dispensing system as shown in the Figures and provides a means of lowering errors while preventing unauthorized tampering by non-authorized personnel. Moreover, the invention relates to systems and methods for packaging vials, packaging items from totes, and packaging items from totes with vials.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A system for automated tablet dispensing comprising: a canister that holds tablets and is removably engaged with a counter; the counter including: a hopper assembly that receives tablets from the canister and transfers the tablets to a sensor, the hopper assembly including a dispenser reserve, si

1. A system for automated tablet dispensing comprising: a canister that holds tablets and is removably engaged with a counter; the counter including: a hopper assembly that receives tablets from the canister and transfers the tablets to a sensor, the hopper assembly including a dispenser reserve, singulation channels, and a vibrator; the sensor, which counts the tablets; and a buffer with two compartments that hold counted tablets before releasing the counted tablets into vials; and a nozzle assembly through which counted tablets from the buffer are emptied into individual vials or trays. 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the canister further comprises an access door. 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the canister has openings on either side that allow the insertion of a tamper proof security tag. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the canister contains a unique serial number that dedicates said canister to the sensor. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor contains a scanner. 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the scanner is selected from the group consisting of an electrostatic field scanner, an IR sensor, and a light barrier type sensor. 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a capper. 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the capper comprises at least one alternating cap chuck and/or indexing stepper drive. 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising at least one vial descrambler and/or vial labeler. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the system contains at least one of both the vial descrambler and vial labeler. 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the system is in a secure room. 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the system further comprises a pharmacist. 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a replenishment technician. 14. The system of claim 1, wherein said buffer with two compartments has at least one flipper door. 15. The system of claim 14, wherein each of the two compartments has a capacity of about 180 cubic centimeters. 16. The system of claim 1, further comprising electronics for the system wherein the electronics comprise a control board and one or more pneumatic valves. 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the buffer contains additional compartments. 18. The system of claim 1, wherein the vibrator assists in moving the tablets down the singulation channels. 19. The system of claim 1, further comprising a computer-based system capable of calibrating the system to accommodate a plurality of tablet sizes. 20. A system for automated tablet dispensing comprising: a canister that holds tablets and is removably engaged with a counter; the counter including: a hopper assembly that receives tablets from the canister and transfers the tablets to a sensor, the hopper assembly including a dispenser reserve, singulation channels, and a vibrator; the sensor, which counts the tablets; and a buffer with two compartments that hold counted tablets before releasing the counted tablets into vials; and a nozzle assembly through which counted tablets from the buffer are emptied into individual vials or trays, wherein the dispenser reserve and vibrator are balanced so that the tablets flow at a constant rate.