Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing solid objects such as, for example, pills or tablets, from a bulk supply into a receptacle containing individual doses of such medication. More particularly, the apparatus includes a series of plates, one of which is movable with respect to the other two, causing solid objects of predetermined shape and configuration to be efficiently and automatically transferred from a bulk supply source to individually accessible unit dose packages.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing medication blister cards including a unit dose of medication in at least one, if not all, of the blisters comprising card. More particularly, the apparatus includes a card holder for receiving the filled medication card and a heated sealing head movable into juxtaposition with the top surface of the filled card so as to apply both heat and pressure to the card as it is held between the card holder and the heated sealing head. First and second ridges extend upwardly from the card holder into engagement with the bottom of the medication blister card, and the contacting surface of the heated sealing head is knurled. Accordingly, as the card is held and heated between the card holder and the sealing head, the application of pressure and heat not only seals the card, but also the ridges and knurling effectively form channels whereby moisture present in the card is expelled therefrom and condenses on the card holder.

Abstract: A surveillance system for monitoring the dispensing of prescribed medication to insure that the proper patient is, in fact, being administered the prescribed medication and dosage, and that the patient for whom the medication is prescribed is so identified, before the medication is administered. To assure that the proper patient is receiving the prescribed medication, both a photograph and a description of the medication and dosage is imprinted on a label affixed to any means used to transport the medication to the patient. The label may also contain other vital patient information such as patient allergies and anticipated adverse reactions to the medication and other instructions for the well being of the patient.

Abstract: A method of maintaining a close surveillance over and the monitoring of the dispensing of prescribed medication, to insure that the proper patient is, in fact, being administered the prescribed medication and dosage, and that the patient for whom the medication is prescribed is properly identified or recognized, before medication is administered. To assure that the proper patient is receiving the prescribed medication, both a photograph and a desription of the medication and dosage is imprinted on a label affixed to a means for transporting the medication to the patient. The label may also contain other vital patient information such as patient allergies and any anticipated adverse reactions to the medication and other instructions for the well being of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for crushing multi cavity medication cards wherein each cavity serves as a receptacle containing individual doses of medication such as, for example, pills or tablets. The apparatus includes a frame with a reciprocally movable platen and changeable medication card support plates mounted below the movable platen. Dependent upon the configuration of the card to be crushed, a crusher plate is attached to the platen having protrusions formed thereon to engage each of the cavities of the card. The card support plate may be of a substantially solid construction for crushing pills contained within each cavity of the card, or may be apertured so as to permit expulsion of the medication from the card as the card is crushed.