Abstract: A bag transfer mechanism for moving intravenous medication delivery bags includes linear actuator and a pantograph mechanism. A proximal end of the pantograph mechanism is coupled to the linear actuator such a that the pantograph mechanism is configured to extend when the linear actuator travels in a first direction, and to retract when the linear actuator travels in a second direction. The bag transfer mechanism also includes a magnet coupled to a distal end of the pantograph mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for parallel medication processing are disclosed herein. Such methods can include receiving a request for preparation of a plurality of dosed medication delivery containers, determining at least one attribute of the request for preparation of at least one dosed medication delivery container, identifying a template corresponding to the at least one attribute of the request, the template identifying steps and a step sequence for filling the dosed medication delivery container, and executing the template. Executing the template can include iteratively assigning tasks to a plurality of stations within the automated dosing device, the performance of which tasks at least partially overlap, and directing a transport tool to move at least one medication delivery container between the stations of the automated dosing device.

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: A method of preparing liquid medication doses using an automated dosing device may include securing a vial within a vial holder. The vial includes a liquid medicament. An empty syringe is secured within a syringe holder with a plunger of the syringe being secured by a plunger gripper and a luer lock of the syringe within a luer lock gripper. The syringe holder and the vial holder are moved closer together to insert a needle of the syringe through a septum of the vial while longitudinal axes of the syringe and the vial are at a downward angle and while the vial holder is lower than the syringe holder. The syringe holder and the vial holder are rotated to vertically align the longitudinal axes with the vial holder above the syringe holder. The plunger gripper is pulled away from the luer lock gripper to transfer liquid medicament into the syringe.

Abstract: A bag transfer mechanism for moving intravenous medication delivery bags includes linear actuator and a pantograph mechanism. A proximal end of the pantograph mechanism is coupled to the linear actuator such a that the pantograph mechanism is configured to extend when the linear actuator travels in a first direction, and to retract when the linear actuator travels in a second direction. The bag transfer mechanism also includes a magnet coupled to a distal end of the pantograph mechanism.

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: Dispensing units or stations for dispensing items, such as in a healthcare facility, are linked in a network. The dispensing stations are arranged in groups. Inventory data for all the stations in a group is combined together, and displayed at a graphical view or widget. Multiple widgets may be displayed on a dashboard screen of a user system, for use in managing inventory.

Abstract: A cartridge and loading system for loading tamper-evident syringe caps into a robotic pharmaceutical compounding device. The compounding device has a syringe finishing station, and can transfer tamper-evident caps from the cartridge to the syringe finishing station. The cartridge has a floor disposed at an angle to horizontal. The device may include a vibratory element for vibrating the cartridge, so that tamper-evident caps are fed to an outlet of the cartridge by gravity.

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 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 preparing liquid medication doses using an automated dosing device may include securing a vial within a vial holder. The vial includes a liquid medicament. An empty syringe is secured within a syringe holder with a plunger of the syringe being secured by a plunger gripper and a luer lock of the syringe within a luer lock gripper. The syringe holder and the vial holder are moved closer together to insert a needle of the syringe through a septum of the vial while longitudinal axes of the syringe and the vial are at a downward angle and while the vial holder is lower than the syringe holder. The syringe holder and the vial holder are rotated to vertically align the longitudinal axes with the vial holder above the syringe holder. The plunger gripper is pulled away from the luer lock gripper to transfer liquid medicament into the syringe.

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 based at least in part on records of performance to promote efficient use of compounding resources.

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 based at least in part on records of performance to promote efficient use of compounding resources.

Abstract: A cartridge and loading system for loading tamper-evident syringe caps into a robotic pharmaceutical compounding device. The compounding device has a syringe finishing station, and can transfer tamper-evident caps from the cartridge to the syringe finishing station. The cartridge has a floor disposed at an angle to horizontal. The device may include a vibratory element for vibrating the cartridge, so that tamper-evident caps are fed to an outlet of the cartridge by gravity.

Abstract: Provided herein is a system for automated dispensing and packaging of articles. Systems may include: a controller configured to receive an indication of an order to be packaged, where the order includes one or more articles; a packaging station; a web of bags, where the web of bags is fed to the packaging station; a pneumatic table configurable to support a bag disposed at the packaging station; an opening mechanism including a pneumatic nozzle to open the bag disposed at the packaging station; a loading bin configured to be inserted into the open bag and deposit the one or more articles; and a closure apparatus to seal the bag disposed at the packaging station after receiving the one or more articles.

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.