System and method for dispensing prescriptions

US6971541B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• PARATA SYSTEMS, LLC · US

Inventors

• Jeffrey P. Williams · Hillsborough, US
• Richard D. Michelli · Durham, US
• Jasper Pollard · Durham, US
• Simon Kelly · Raleigh, US
• David Newcomb · Morrisville, US
• Jess Eberdt · Durham, US
• Pete Klein · Alexandria, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 13, 2003
• Grant date: Dec 6, 2005
• Expiry date: Nov 1, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/53687
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An automated method for dispensing pharmaceuticals particularly tablets and capsules, and other small discrete objects, includes: receiving prescription information, selecting a container, labeling the container, dispensing the tablets or capsules into the labeled container, applying a closure to the filled, labeled container, and offloading the container to a designated location. Preferably, the tablets are dispensed with high speed dispensing bins that employ forced air to agitate and singulate the tablets. The other functions within the system are typically carried out at stations designed to offer speed, flexibility and precision to the dispensing operation.