Abstract: An inventory tracking system includes storage modules that hold one or more items. Each item is positionable at locations within the storage modules independent of physical characteristics of the item. Inventory monitoring modules are included to monitor storage modules for adding an item, retrieving an item, consuming of the item, returning an unused item, discarding at least a portion of a consumed item, or combinations thereof. Each act is used to determine information about items utilized in the act, including the location within the storage modules of the items. Each storage module updates a central inventory database about a location of the storage module, a revised inventory of the items stored within the storage modules, or both. The location of the storage modules, the revised inventory of the items stored within the storage modules, or both, is used to order a replenishment of the items held within the storage modules.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for automated dispensing of articles. Systems may include: a robotic arm; an end-of-arm tool attached to the robotic arm; a scanning device proximate the end-of-arm tool; and a controller to control the robotic arm and the end-of-arm tool. The end-of-arm tool may include a body and two or more vacuum cups extending from the body, where the controller controls a level of suction provided to each of the two or more vacuum cups individually. Each of the two or more vacuum cups extending from the body may be movable between a retracted position proximate the body, and an extended position away from the body of the end-of-arm tool in response to instruction from the controller. Suction may be provided only to the vacuum cups of the two or more vacuum cups that are disposed in the extended position.

Abstract: A secure dispensing unit includes a housing comprising a first end and a second end and a number of storage assemblies. The number of storage assemblies are arranged in parallel with one another within the housing. Each storage assembly includes a number of compartments arranged linearly along an axis of the housing with each of the compartments being configured to store an item. A cover is coupled with the housing and extends between the first end and the second end such that the cover is positioned over the compartments. An actuator is coupled with the cover, the actuator being configured to retract the cover to draw a distal end of the cover from the first end toward the second end to expose a selected number of compartments.

Abstract: A method of performing location teaching of a robotic arm includes maneuvering an end of arm tooling of a robotic arm to a predefined position of an interface object. The robotic arm is mounted within a mounting site of a mechanical mounting structure. The interface object is positioned on a sub-system of a medication dosing system that is mounted on the mechanical mounting structure. The interface object includes an alignment feature of a known size and shape. A sensor of the end of arm tooling is engaged with the interface object. An offset between the sensor and the interface object is determined based on an interaction between the sensor and the alignment feature. A position of the end of arm tooling is incremented with respect to the interface object along at least one axis. An actual position of the interface object is determined relative to the robotic arm.

Abstract: A drawer includes insulation defining a climate-controlled insulated interior of the drawer, and a refrigeration system. The interior of the drawer may be divided into compartments having lids, and actuators may be provided for unlocking the lids. The actuators may include solenoids, which may be disposed outside the climate-controlled interior of the drawer. The drawer may include an air inlet, an outlet, and a fan. The fan may draw air through an air flow path defined at least in part by the insulation.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet provides controlled access to medications and supplies stored in it. The cabinet may include at least one lockable storage compartment, and a controller that controls access to the at least one lockable storage compartment. The cabinet may include multiple printers integrated into the cabinet. The cabinet may include a camera operably coupled to the controller. The cabinet may include a set of cabinet electronics, and a power distribution and communications circuit board. The cabinet may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, wherein the controller conditions access to the at least one lockable storage compartment on receipt of information from the RFID reader. Data may be stored in the controller according to an implementation of RAID technology. The controller may include multiple electronic communications network interfaces, and may include an out of band network communication channel. A dispensing cabinet may facilitate printing of labels for medications.

Abstract: Mechanisms for dispensing items such as medications and medical supplies. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. The dispensers may be placed in a dispensing unit that includes a lockable restock drawer and a dispense drawer into which items are dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms. The various kinds of dispensing mechanisms may be installed in the restock drawer in any workable proportion and arrangement. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed.

Abstract: Provided herein are various apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the efficiency of medication distribution within a healthcare facility. In particular, embodiments may provide for dispensing medications needed and medications anticipated to be needed to an authorized medical person for administration to a patient in a healthcare facility. Methods may include receiving an indication of one or more unit dose medications anticipated to be needed by a patient; retrieving the one or more unit dose medications from a unit storage device; loading the one or more unit dose medications onto a transport device; transporting the one or more unit dose medications from the unit storage device to a location proximate the patient; and transferring the one or more unit dose medications from the transport device to a staging area at the location proximate the patient.

Abstract: A method of performing location teaching of a robotic arm includes maneuvering an end of arm tooling of a robotic arm to a predefined position of an interface object. The robotic arm is mounted within a mounting site of a mechanical mounting structure. The interface object is positioned on a sub-system of a medication dosing system that is mounted on the mechanical mounting structure. The interface object includes an alignment feature of a known size and shape. A sensor of the end of arm tooling is engaged with the interface object. An offset between the sensor and the interface object is determined based on an interaction between the sensor and the alignment feature. A position of the end of arm tooling is incremented with respect to the interface object along at least one axis. An actual position of the interface object is determined relative to the robotic arm.

Abstract: A medication dispensing cabinet provides controlled access to medications and supplies stored in it. The cabinet may include at least one lockable storage compartment, and a controller that controls access to the at least one lockable storage compartment. The cabinet may include multiple printers integrated into the cabinet. The cabinet may include a camera operably coupled to the controller. The cabinet may include a set of cabinet electronics, and a power distribution and communications circuit board. The cabinet may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, wherein the controller conditions access to the at least one lockable storage compartment on receipt of information from the RFID reader. Data may be stored in the controller according to an implementation of RAID technology. The controller may include multiple electronic communications network interfaces, and may include an out of band network communication channel. A dispensing cabinet may facilitate printing of labels for medications.

Abstract: A secure dispensing unit includes a housing comprising a first end and a second end and a number of storage assemblies. The number of storage assemblies are arranged in parallel with one another within the housing. Each storage assembly includes a number of compartments arranged linearly along an axis of the housing with each of the compartments being configured to store an item. A cover is coupled with the housing and extends between the first end and the second end such that the cover is positioned over the compartments. An actuator is coupled with the cover, the actuator being configured to retract the cover to draw a distal end of the cover from the first end toward the second end to expose a selected number of compartments.

Abstract: Mechanisms for dispensing items such as medications and medical supplies. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. The dispensers may be placed in a dispensing unit that includes a lockable restock drawer and a dispense drawer into which items are dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms. The various kinds of dispensing mechanisms may be installed in the restock drawer in any workable proportion and arrangement. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed.

Abstract: Provided herein is a methods, apparatus, and system for the configuration of customizable trays for the storage and dispensing of articles. Methods may include: receiving an indication of a plurality of articles to be stored in a tray; determining a plurality of bins corresponding to the plurality of articles; generating a layout of the bins on the tray; identifying locations of the plurality of articles within the bins on the tray; and causing the tray to be configured according to the layout of the plurality of bins on the tray. Methods may include: receiving an indication of an article to be loaded into a bin of the plurality of bins; receiving a unique identifier of the bin of the plurality of bins into which the article is loaded; and storing, in a memory, a correlation between the unique identifier of the bin and the article loaded into the bin.

Abstract: A system for compounding medications. The system includes one or more compounding devices, and a central computer system. The central computer system receives requests, at least some of which require the compounding of one or more medications, and pushes assignments of respective compounding tasks to the one or more compounding devices. The assignments are made in accordance with a set of rules designed to promote efficient use of compounding resources.

Abstract: A device for dispensing items includes a cabinet, and a drawer within the cabinet. The drawer includes one or more compartments for storing items and a cooling system within the drawer. The cooling system is configured to maintain the one or more compartments in the drawer at a temperature below the temperature of the environment surrounding the cabinet. The drawer further includes thermal insulation at sides of the drawer and thermal insulation beneath the one or more compartments. The refrigeration system may be a thermoelectric cooling system.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism includes at least two helical augers having threads, and at least two channels configured to hold the items to be dispensed. The items to be dispensed are received at least partially within the threads of the augers. The dispensing mechanism includes a drive mechanism engaged with the at least two augers and configured to rotate the at least two augers to transport the items to be dispensed, driven by the threads of the augers, to dispense the items from the dispensing mechanism. The dispensing mechanism may include a separable dispenser and cassette.

Abstract: Mechanisms for dispensing items such as medications and medical supplies. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. The dispensers may be placed in a dispensing unit that includes a lockable restock drawer and a dispense drawer into which items are dispensed by the dispensing mechanisms. The various kinds of dispensing mechanisms may be installed in the restock drawer in any workable proportion and arrangement. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed.

Abstract: An inventory tracking system includes storage modules that hold one or more items. Each item is positionable at locations within the storage modules independent of physical characteristics of the item. Inventory monitoring modules are included to monitor storage modules for adding an item, retrieving an item, consuming of the item, returning an unused item, discarding at least a portion of a consumed item, or combinations thereof. Each act is used to determine information about items utilized in the act, including the location within the storage modules of the items. Each storage module updates a central inventory database about a location of the storage module, a revised inventory of the items stored within the storage modules, or both. The location of the storage modules, the revised inventory of the items stored within the storage modules, or both, is used to order a replenishment of the items held within the storage modules.

Abstract: Systems and methods of compounding of medication include a user interface that enables efficient design of compounding workflows and protocols. A user can select a workflow type from a number of workflow types differentiated at least in part by the vehicle in which a compounded pharmaceutical is to be delivered, and the user may also specify a compounding device. Options are presented and the steps of a workflow in accordance with the workflow type and options is displayed and updated in real time as options are selected. A protocol can be constructed by inserting information into the workflow based on a specification of a particular pharmaceutical to be compounded.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus and system to increase the capacity for grasping or engagement of an object using an accessory tool. Methods of increasing the capacity of a tool can include: engaging an accessory tool with a tool, where the tool includes a first vacuum cup and the accessory tool includes one or more second vacuum cups; securing the tool to the accessory tool with a securing mechanism; drawing a vacuum through the first vacuum cup, where the vacuum is drawn through the one or more second vacuum cups in response to drawing a vacuum through the first vacuum cup while the accessory tool is engaged with the tool; and grasping an object with the second one or more vacuum cups in response to vacuum drawn through the one or more second vacuum cups and the one or more second vacuum cups engaging a surface of the object.