Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated means for withdrawing a syringe plunger a method for just-in-time extension of the plunger to permit filling the syringe with a prescribed dose of medication are provided. The method includes the steps of: (1) inputting a desired volume of the prescribed dose of medication; (2) inputting syringe identifying information; (3) calculating a distance that the plunger is to be extended based on the inputted desired volume and syringe identifying information; (4) calculating drive parameters for a controllable drive that causes extension of the plunger when actuated and ensures that the plunger is extended the desired distance; and (5) controlling the drive in view of the calculated drive parameters to cause the plunger to be extended the desired distance.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated means for withdrawing a syringe plunger a method for just-in-time extension of the plunger to permit filling the syringe with a prescribed dose of medication are provided. The method includes the steps of: (1) inputting a desired volume of the prescribed dose of medication; (2) inputting syringe identifying information; (3) calculating a distance that the plunger is to be extended based on the inputted desired volume and syringe identifying information; (4) calculating drive parameters for a controllable drive that causes extension of the plunger when actuated and ensures that the plunger is extended the desired distance; and (5) controlling the drive in view of the calculated drive parameters to cause the plunger to be extended the desired distance.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, an automated syringe preparation mechanism for an automated medication preparation system is provided and the mechanism includes (1) a first automated gripping mechanism having a pair of adjustable gripper arms for removing a tip cap from a barrel of one syringe and placing the removed tip cap at a first location and (2) a second automated gripping mechanism having a pair of adjustable gripper arms for replacing the removed tip cap on the syringe barrel after the medication is injected therein.

Abstract: A bandolier of syringes for use in an automated syringe handling system is provided. The automated syringe handling system generally receives syringes and fills the syringe with a substance, such as a medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, the syringe handling system is a system that disperses one or more medicaments into the syringes in an automated manner. The bandolier includes a web, e.g., a strip of transparent material partially encapsulating bodies of syringes that are bound to the web at a prescribed interval. The bandolier includes a feature disposed within the prescribed interval and between the syringes with the feature being different from the surrounding web.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for cleaning a contaminated cannula so that it may be reused includes moving the contaminated cannula from a drug reconstitution station where the cannula is used to prepare a drug solution into a first rinsing station where the cannula is cleaned. A database is referred to to determine what drug solution the cannula has been contaminated with, and to determine a first amount of cleaning fluid that needs to be passed internally through the cannula, and a second amount of cleaning fluid that needs to be passed externally about the cannula so that there is effectively no contaminant remaining inside and outside of the cannula. The first amount of cleaning fluid is passed internally through the cannula. The second amount of cleaning fluid is passed externally about the cannula. After the cannula is cleaned, the cannula is moved to the drug reconstitution station to prepare another drug solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated safety cap removal mechanism for an automated medication preparation system. The mechanism includes an automated gripping device for securely holding and transporting a vial containing the medication to and from a first station and a cap removal device for removing a safety cap of the vial in a just-in-time for use manner. The cap removal device being located at the first station. By providing a just-in-time for use safety cap removal mechanism, the labor intensive task of removing safety caps can be incorporated into an automated medication preparation system.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated safety cap removal mechanism for an automated medication preparation system. The mechanism includes an automated gripping device for securely holding and transporting a vial containing the medication to and from a first station and a cap removal device for removing a safety cap of the vial in a just-in-time for use manner. The cap removal device being located at the first station. By providing a just-in-time for use safety cap removal mechanism, the labor intensive task of removing safety caps can be incorporated into an automated medication preparation system.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for cleaning a contaminated cannula so that it may be reused includes moving the contaminated cannula from a drug reconstitution station where the cannula is used to prepare a drug solution into a first rinsing station where the cannula is cleaned. A database is referred to to determine what drug solution the cannula has been contaminated with, and to determine a first amount of cleaning fluid that needs to be passed internally through the cannula, and a second amount of cleaning fluid that needs to be passed externally about the cannula so that there is effectively no contaminant remaining inside and outside of the cannula. The first amount of cleaning fluid is passed internally through the cannula. The second amount of cleaning fluid is passed externally about the cannula. After the cannula is cleaned, the cannula is moved to the drug reconstitution station to prepare another drug solution.

Abstract: A method and software interface enables serial data streams to be trapped, parsed, tested for suitability for automated handling by a medication preparation system. Only those portions of the serial data stream that are not suitable for such handling are released for printing and manual handling. A serial data interface includes a listener software module (“LSM”) that receives serial data streams and a parser software module (“PSM”) communicatively connectable to the LSM that processes the serial data streams received from the LSM. A set of configuration rules accessible by the PSM defines the manner of processing by the PSM on the serial data streams. A data structure results that enables data handling by an automated medication preparation system.

Abstract: A bandolier of syringes for use in an automated syringe handling system is provided. The automated syringe handling system generally receives syringes and fills the syringe with a substance, such as a medicament. In one exemplary embodiment, the syringe handling system is a system that disperses one or more medicaments into the syringes in an automated manner. The bandolier includes a web, e.g., a strip of transparent material partially encapsulating bodies of syringes that are bound to the web at a prescribed interval. The bandolier includes a feature disposed within the prescribed interval and between the syringes with the feature being different from the surrounding web.

Abstract: An integrated, automated system concerning pharmaceutical products is provided. The system comprises an input queue, a dispensing apparatus comprising a robot device and a number of stations from which the robot device works, and an inspection station. A computer interface provides bi-directional communication between the analytical instruments, robots and peripheral devices and a computer. The robot employed by the system is responsive to computer commands and capable of performing mechanical functions including selection and retrieval of a necessary item and manipulation of retrieved items such that the desired product is produced.