Pill dispensing system
US7289879B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 20, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG16H20/13
- WIPO fieldControl
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A pill dispensing system includes a shelving unit in array form that holds a number of bulk containers, each holding a bulk amount of a pill to be dispensed. A computer controlled robot removes a selected bulk container and places it on a counter that also dispenses pills. The robot has an arm with a free end portion that can grip a bulk container or a single pill bottle to be filled. The robot is computer controlled to retrieve an empty pill bottle, place it on a label printing and applying unit, then place it next to the counter/dispenser to receive the selected number of selected prescription pills, then place the filled, labeled bottle on a conveyor. In an alternate embodiment, pill bottles are dispensed from a dispenser that holds bottles on inclined plates and feeds them to a vertical dispensing channel. Gates prevent the flow of bottles from an inclined position until the plate above has been emptied.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.