Automatic apparatus for storing and dispensing packaged medication and other small elements
Granted: September 5, 2006
Patent Number:
7100792
The system includes a bin hopper which temporarily stores a plurality of small elements, such as medications. The elements are moved out of the bin and singulated into a one-by-one sequence by a series of singulating conveyors. The resulting sequence of elements is moved onto a main system conveyor where the element is identified and then moved to a loading mechanism which arranges the item so it is ready to be gripped and stored. The system includes a mass storage apparatus comprising a…
Systems and methods for purchasing, invoicing and distributing items
Granted: July 4, 2006
Patent Number:
7072855
A method for supplying items to dispensing units that hold at least one type of item and a record of inventory levels comprises periodically sending restocking information from the dispensing units over a network to a server computer. Ordering information is generated for the items to be restocked based on the restocking information. The ordering information is electronically sent to one or more supplier computers to order items to be restocked into the dispensing units.
Secured dispensing cabinet and methods
Granted: December 13, 2005
Patent Number:
6975922
A device for dispensing items comprises a cabinet having an interior for storing items. A dispenser frame is coupled to the cabinet and is configured to be accessed, such as by pulling the dispenser frame from the cabinet. The dispenser frame includes a plurality of dividers that are configured to hold the plurality of dispensing mechanisms that each hold multiple items within the storage area. Further, the dividers are reconfigurable to permit the arrangement of the dispensing…
Methods and apparatus for dispensing items
Granted: July 6, 2004
Patent Number:
6760643
The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items…
Replacement liner and methods for a dispensing device
Granted: October 28, 2003
Patent Number:
6640159
The invention provides an exemplary method for restocking pharmaceutical or medical supply items into a dispensing unit having a processor, with at least some of the pharmaceutical or medical supply items being held in removable liners having a plurality of receptacles. According to the method, a request is entered into the processor to restock pharmaceutical or medical supply items. One of the liners is then removed from the dispensing unit and is replaced with a replacement liner…
Methods and apparatus for dispensing items
Granted: August 19, 2003
Patent Number:
6609047
The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items…
Methods and apparatus for dispensing items
Granted: May 7, 2002
Patent Number:
6385505
The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items…
Methods and apparatus for dispensing items
Granted: August 7, 2001
Patent Number:
6272394
The invention provides methods and apparatus for dispensing items from a dispensing unit. According to the invention, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of locations in which the items are held, a processor in which records corresponding to the items on the unit are stored, and a plurality of item switches corresponding to the locations in which the items are held. The item switches are connected to the processor so that a user of the dispensing unit can input records of items…
Dispensing system and methods
Granted: November 21, 2000
Patent Number:
6151536
The invention provides exemplary dispensing systems and methods for dispensing medical supply items. According to one exemplary method, a dispensing cabinet is provided having a processor. An auxiliary storage location is also provided and is separate from the dispensing cabinet. The auxiliary storage location has at least one door and at least one lock to lock the door, with the lock being operable upon receipt of a signal from the processor. Further, the auxiliary storage location…
Lighting system and methods for a dispensing device
Granted: March 21, 2000
Patent Number:
6039467
The invention provides an exemplary dispensing unit which includes a cabinet having a plurality of drawers. A plurality of light sources are attached to a bottom of each of the drawers. A liner is removably held within each of the drawers above the light sources. Further, a plurality of adjustable dividers are provided to divide the liner into a plurality of bins for holding items. A processor having a memory for storing a list of items which are held within the bins and an entry device…
Apparatus for controlled dispensing of pharmaceutical and medical supplies
Granted: January 4, 2000
Patent Number:
6011999
A dispensing apparatus for controlled dispensing of pharmaceutical and medical supplies which includes a cabinet having a plurality of drawers, the drawers each have a plurality of receptacles, with each receptacle sized to hold one item, and having a lid movable between a closed position and an open position. Selectively actuatable locks are provided for releasably maintaining the lid in the closed position, the locks include an electrically responsive actuator wire connected to the…
Controlled dispensing system and method
Granted: July 27, 1999
Patent Number:
5927540
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for dispensing articles. In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus comprises a cabinet defining an enclosure and at least one drawer is attached to the cabinet. The drawer slides in and out of the cabinet and contains an array of compartments. At least one lid is provided and is configured to slide back and forth with respect to the drawer. Each drawer further includes a distance sensor for detecting the distance traveled by the lid…
Methods and devices for dispensing pharmaceutical and medical supply items
Granted: May 18, 1999
Patent Number:
5905653
The invention provides an exemplary method for dispensing medical supply or pharmaceutical items from a dispensing unit which comprises a processor and a cabinet having a plurality of drawers which are lockable within the cabinet by a locking mechanism. The drawers include a plurality of bins for holding the pharmaceutical or medical supply items, with at least some of the bins having lids equipped with a sensor that communicates with the processor to indicate when the lid is lifted.…
Device and method for providing access to items to be dispensed
Granted: September 8, 1998
Patent Number:
5805456
The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for providing access to items to be dispensed and for maintaining an inventory of the items. According to one aspect of the invention, a dispensing unit is provided having an enclosure with an interior. A plurality of storage locations are distributed over a surface of the enclosure. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual storage locations are provided. The unit further includes a multiplicity of receptacles disposed…
Pharmaceutical dispensing device and methods
Granted: April 28, 1998
Patent Number:
5745366
The invention provides improved methods and apparatus for providing access to items to be dispensed and for maintaining an inventory of the items. According to one aspect of the invention, a dispensing unit is provided having an enclosure with an interior. A plurality of storage locations are distributed over a surface of the enclosure. Sensors associated with at least some of the individual storage locations are provided. The unit further includes a multiplicity of receptacles disposed…
