Abstract: An automation apparatus for dispensing groups of individually packaged products including a storage module including a first storage bin configured to slidably receive a storage tube inserted therein; a first storage tube configured to store therein a plurality of products each contained in an individual package, the first storage tube including an end cap including a release slot to allow movement of a first individual package along a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of the first storage tube for removal of the first individual package from the storage tube, the end cap including a retention slot configured to engage with a registration pin of the first storage bin and prevent the first storage tube from sliding out of the first storage bin; and a pick device configured to retrieve the first individual package from the first storage tube disposed in the end cap via the release slot.

Abstract: An automation apparatus for dispensing groups of individually packaged products, the apparatus including a storage arrangement adapted to store a plurality of products each contained in an individual package. The storage arrangement includes a first module and a second module, where the first module is adapted to store products having a first frequency demand threshold and the second module is adapted to store products having a second frequency demand threshold that is lower than the first frequency demand threshold. The apparatus further includes a plurality of fixed first discharge assemblies adapted to move selected ones of the individual packages from the first module of the storage arrangement and a second discharge assembly comprising a moveable pick device adapted to move selected ones of the individual packages out of the second module of the storage arrangement.

Abstract: A pharmacy system and methodology for individually packaged medications and/or supplements assembled into an order for each patient which can be delivered to a long-term care facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process may include receiving a patient's prescription order, automatically dispensing packaged unit doses, and assembling into individually packaged bags for each patient. Various safeguards and measures built into this system and method increase patient safety, eliminate waste, and increase labor efficiency by reducing and/or minimizing the disposal of unused medications and supplements.

Abstract: An automation apparatus for dispensing groups of individually packaged products, the apparatus including a storage arrangement adapted to store a plurality of products each contained in an individual package. The storage arrangement includes a first module and a second module, where the first module is adapted to store products having a first frequency demand threshold and the second module is adapted to store products having a second frequency demand threshold that is lower than the first frequency demand threshold. The apparatus further includes a plurality of fixed first discharge assemblies adapted to move selected ones of the individual packages from the first module of the storage arrangement and a second discharge assembly comprising a moveable pick device adapted to move selected ones of the individual packages out of the second module of the storage arrangement.

Abstract: A container carrier system for carrying containers, especially blister packages, and a method of carrying containers. The system includes a body having a longitudinal channel having a central portion and two side portions, the central portion having a greater depth than a depth of channel portions on either side of the central portion. The body further includes roof portions that cover the two side portions. The channel is configured to allow movement of containers only in the longitudinal direction of the channel. The blister packages may carry unit doses of medication.

Abstract: A pharmacy system and methodology for individually packaged medications and/or supplements assembled into an order for each patient which can be delivered to a long-term care facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process may include receiving a patient's prescription order, automatically dispensing packaged unit doses, and assembling into individually packaged bags for each patient. Various safeguards and measures built into this system and method increase patient safety, eliminate waste, and increase labor efficiency by reducing and/or minimizing the disposal of unused medications and supplements.

Abstract: An overall pharmacy system and methodology begins with bulk medications and supplements introduced into the work flow, individually packaged and assembled into med pass orders per patient and delivered to the long-term care (LTC) facility or other institution for patient consumption. The process according to one embodiment of this invention begins by converting bulk medications and supplements to packaged unit doses and ultimately individually packaged med pass bags for each patient on a 24-hour schedule. The various safeguards and measures built into this system increase patient safety eliminate waste and increase labor efficiency by reducing and/or minimizing the disposal of unused medications and supplements. The design of the overall system and its individual components allows for physical control of each unit dose package from start to finish without any unit dose package “free fall” in the system. This process is automated and does not rely upon manual sorting.

Abstract: A container carrier system for carrying containers, especially blister packages, and a method of carrying containers. The system includes a body having a longitudinal channel having a central portion and two side portions, the central portion having a greater depth than a depth of channel portions on either side of the central portion. The body further includes roof portions that cover the two side portions. The channel is configured to allow movement of containers only in the longitudinal direction of the channel. The blister packages may carry unit doses of medication.

Abstract: A pick device and a picking system for picking a plurality of packages, the pick device including a rotatable housing and gripper arms extending radially from the housing. The picking system includes a plurality of storage tubes adjacent the pick device and a nest moveable with pick device from one tube to another tube.

Abstract: A dispensing system and associated method provides a turnkey solution for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings.

Abstract: A dispensing system and associated method provides a turnkey solution for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings.

Abstract: A pick device and a picking system for picking a plurality of packages, the pick device including a rotatable housing and gripper arms extending radially from the housing. The picking system includes a plurality of storage tubes adjacent the pick device and a nest moveable with pick device from one tube to another tube.

Abstract: A dispensing system and associated method provides a turnkey solution for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings.

Abstract: A dispensing system, apparatus and associated method for dispensing individually packaged products includes maintaining positive physical control of the individual packages throughout the apparatus and may include different storage and dispensers for products having different frequencies of use as well as buffering of products. The system, apparatus and method described herein may be particularly useful for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings.

Abstract: A system for assembling and dispensing an order made up of one or more individually packaged items from a plurality of different individually packaged items includes a storage module containing one or more packages of each of the items, and a conveyor having selectively assignable spaces configured to receive the packaged items associated with a particular order and to transport the packaged items to a processing location. A pick device is movable relative to the storage module and is configured to retrieve a package from the storage module. A transfer station adjacent the conveyor receives one or more of the packaged items from the pick device and an actuator associated with the transfer station moves the packaged items from the transfer station to the conveyor when the assigned space associated with the order is in the registration with the transfer station.

Abstract: A dispensing system and associated method provides a turnkey solution for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings.

Abstract: A system for assembling and dispensing an order made up of one or more individually packaged items from a plurality of different individually packaged items includes a storage module containing one or more packages of each of the items, and a conveyor having selectively assignable spaces configured to receive the packaged items associated with a particular order and to transport the packaged items to a processing location. A pick device is movable relative to the storage module and is configured to retrieve a package from the storage module. A transfer station adjacent the conveyor receives one or more of the packaged items from the pick device and an actuator associated with the transfer station moves the packaged items from the transfer station to the conveyor when the assigned space associated with the order is in registration with the transfer station.

Abstract: A dispensing system and associated method provides a turnkey solution for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings.

Abstract: A system for assembling and dispensing an order made up of one or more individually packaged items from a plurality of different individually packaged items includes a storage module containing one or more packages of each of the items, and a conveyor having selectively assignable spaces configured to receive the packaged items associated with a particular order and to transport the packaged items to a processing location. A pick device is movable relative to the storage module and is configured to retrieve a package from the storage module. A transfer station adjacent the conveyor receives one or more of the packaged items from the pick device and an actuator associated with the transfer station moves the packaged items from the transfer station to the conveyor when the assigned space associated with the order is in the registration with the transfer station.

Abstract: A dispensing system and associated method provides a turnkey solution for dispensing pharmaceutical products such as solid medications and nutritional supplements to be taken orally in health care settings, including but not limited to long term care (LTC) and assisted living settings.