Collating unit for use with a control center cooperating with an automatic prescription or pharmaceutical dispensing system
US6910601B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 8, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 1, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/0092
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A collating unit (10) for use with a control center (12) cooperating with an automatic dispensing system (“ADS”) (14) for automatic storage of prescription containers dispensed from the ADS (14). The collating unit (10) broadly comprises an infeed conveyor (16) for transporting the prescription containers from the ADS (14) to the collating unit (10); a base (18) housed within the control center (12) and positioned generally adjacent to the infeed conveyor (16); a collating unit conveyor (20) mounted on the base (18); a frame (21) substantially surrounding and covering the infeed conveyor (16) and the base (18); a plurality of holding areas (22) formed within the frame (21); a plurality of guide arms (24) mounted on the base (18) between the infeed conveyor (16) and the collating unit conveyor (20) and operable to maneuver the containers from the infeed conveyor (16) into the plurality of holding areas (22); a plurality of sensors (26) to sense the presence of the containers within the collating unit (10); and a control system (28) for controlling operation of the infeed conveyor (16), the collating unit conveyor (20), the guide arms (24), and the sensors (26).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.