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: 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: 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.