Unit dose packaging and associated robotic dispensing system and method
US8644982B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 30, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65D2203/00
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A unit dose package is provided that facilitates the automated picking of the package. The unit dose package includes a plurality of individually packaged unit dose medications separated by perforations. The unit dose package also defines a hole that may be located along at least one perforation, such as at an intersection of at least two perforations, to permit the package to be stored by being suspended by a rod. A robotic dispensing system and method are also provided that facilitate the selective dispensation of unit dose packages having different numbers of individually packaged unit dose medications. The system includes first and second storage locations for storing first and second unit dose packages which have different numbers of individually packaged unit dose medication(s). The system also includes a controller to direct picking of the first or second unit dose packages dependant upon a requested number of individually packaged unit dose medication(s).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.