Abstract: In certain embodiments, a remote automated dispensing unit (ADU) may include an enclosed cabinet, one or more locking mechanisms to keep the cabinet secure, one or more doors on the cabinet to allow access to the internal components, and a computer system that manages the dispensing of inventory. The ADU may include a mechanism for the dispensing of medications for individual patients including: one or more canisters for storing medications, one or more canister base stations for securing the one or more canisters to the ADU, and a chute and funnel system for the guidance of medications as they fall from the canisters into a packaging station for packaging medications into packages for particular patients. One or more sensors may be used to detect misdispensing of medications, and a combination of sensors and operating sequences may be used to reduce the amount of misdispensed medication.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a remote automated dispensing unit (ADU) may include an enclosed cabinet, one or more locking mechanisms to keep the cabinet secure, one or more doors on the cabinet to allow access to the internal components, and a computer system that manages the dispensing of inventory. The ADU may include a mechanism for the dispensing of medications for individual patients including: one or more canisters for storing medications, one or more canister base stations for securing the one or more canisters to the ADU, and a chute and funnel system for the guidance of medications as they fall from the canisters into a packaging station for packaging medications into packages for particular patients. One or more sensors may be used to detect misdispensing of medications, and a combination of sensors and operating sequences may be used to reduce the amount of misdispensed medication.