Abstract: A method for supplying items to dispensing units that hold at least one type of item and a record of inventory levels comprises periodically sending restocking information from the dispensing units over a network to a server computer. Ordering information is generated for the items to be restocked based on the restocking information. The ordering information is electronically sent to one or more supplier computers to order items to be restocked into the dispensing units.

Abstract: A system for controlling stocked items to be picked in a warehouse. The system has a first support assembly upon which a plurality of items can be stored in a predetermined array, including a plurality of rows, and from which stored items can be picked from a first location. The first support assembly has at least (a) a first state with no item upon the first support assembly, (b) a second state with at least one item in at least one of the rows and no items in another of the rows and (c) a third state with at least one item in each of the plurality of rows. The system includes a repositioning assembly that is operable to cause an item upon the first support assembly to be shifted from a first position in a first row to a second position in a second row. An item upon the first support assembly is situated to be more accessible to an operator for picking from the first location with the item in the second position than with the item in the first position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the visual technical support of manual order-picking processes through a device with at least one mobile unit (200), having an optical sensing detection device (202), an optical display device (201), a data processing device (203) and a data interface for wireless connection (206) to a stationary electronic data-processing system (100), which, in addition to product management software, has a connection device (102) for all active mobile units (200).

Abstract: A method for ordering and assembling printed products, processed together with allocated supplements or add-on products, into package bundles, including processing printed products in a dispatch area of a shipping facility, picking and assembling allocated add-on products inside an allocation area, where the allocation area is operatively associated with the dispatch area, and detecting the allocated add-on products using an expanded guide system, wherein the expanded guide system monitors both the dispatch area and the allocation area. The invention further includes facility for selecting and assembling orders. The facility includes a dispatch area to process printed products, an allocation area in which allocated add-on products are picked and assembled, and an expanded guide system adapted to detect the allocated add-on products in the dispatch and allocation areas and to control assembly of printed products together with the allocated add-on products into package bundles.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer-readable medium is described for automatically identifying incongruous item packages, such as to detect incongruities in the items that are included as contents of the item packages and/or to identify incongruities in the packaging used for the item packages. In some situations, the automatic identification of incongruous packages includes initially automatically learning appropriate values for parameters of items (e.g., item weights and/or dimensions) based on automatically measured parameters of packages including those items. Those item values can then be used to estimate corresponding parameter values of sealed packages that contain those items, and to further identify incongruous item packages whose measured parameter values do not correspond to the estimated values for those parameters. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is not intended to be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for processing phone-in prescription requests. The apparatus is in the form of a prescription processing network that includes a prescription processing system and a communication device remotely located from the prescription processing system. The communication device is used to establish a communication channel with the prescription processing system and submit a prescription request over the communication channel. A pharmacist, associated with the prescription processing system, prepares a completed prescription form based, at least in part, on the submitted prescription request. The prescription processing network also includes a pharmacy for receiving the completed prescription form, and filling the prescription request based on the completed prescription form.

Abstract: A production facility configured to fill a multiple prescription order having different medications is described. The production facility comprises a means for processing a multiple prescription order, a plurality of multiple prescription containers, a first labeling component, a first inspection module, a second labeling component and a second inspection module. The means for processing the multiple prescription order is associated with a particular patient, and the multiple prescription order comprises at least two different tablets that are consumed at prescribed intervals determined by a prescription. Each of the plurality of multiple prescription containers is associated with a prescribed time interval determined by the multiple prescription order, and each multiple prescription container is configured to receive the different medications. The first labeling component is configured to generate a detailed label that provides a plurality of medical information regarding the different tablets.

Abstract: System and method for modular sorting stations. A sorting station may be subdivided into two or more modular bins. A modular bin may be partitioned into compartments. Each compartment may be configured to receive one order including one or more items. Modular bins may be partitioned into compartments of different sizes to receive orders of different sizes. A modular bin may be removed from a sorting station and conveyed to a packing station for packing or other sorting station to continue sorting. Picked items may be received and sorted for rebinning into the modular bins manually or using an automated sorting mechanism. A control system may direct the sorting and rebinning operation. Modular sorting stations may be located adjacent to packing stations or, alternatively, away from packing stations and, when a modular bin is complete, it may be conveyed to an appropriate packing station for packing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selecting and combining items in an outbound container through the use of autonomous vehicles, each of which includes means for automatically loading and unloading a payload, to perform both transfer and transport functions in moving containers of items within a workspace via a network of roadways. Under computer control, said autonomous vehicles transfer and transport case containers of item units between incoming receiving stations, intermediate storage locations, and outgoing order-assembly stations where entire containers or individual item units are combined in the outbound container.

Abstract: A storage rack has a plurality of supporting brackets arranged one above the other for supporting storage product carriers conveyable by means of an automatic filling and withdrawal apparatus, and at least one filling and withdrawal opening for inserting and removing the storage product carriers. At a top side of the filling and withdrawal opening, an indicating means is arranged for indicating storage locations of a storage product in the storage product carrier, wherein the indicating means has a plurality of discrete lighting elements. The lighting elements are arranged in a two-dimensional grid in such a way that a light beam of the lighting elements is essentially vertically directed onto a storage surface of the storage product carrier.

Abstract: A system, method, and software (1600) are for moving inventory items (1610) to an unloading station (1640) in response to a fulfillment order. An input device (1620) is used to enter identification information about the inventory items. At a loading station (1615), the inventory items are received and loaded into holders (1605). The holders are then moved to storage area (1630). A controller (1625) is configured for creating and storing a first association between the entered identification information and each of the holders in which each of the inventory items is placed. A selector and transporter (1635) are responsive to the fulfillment order and the first association, and are configured to select a holder which holds the inventory items corresponding to the fulfillment order, and configured to transport the holder from the storage area to the unloading station (1640).

Abstract: A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides informational control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage unites. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

Abstract: An automated order-picking system (10) having an integrated sorting function for conveying article units (42) in accordance with a pre-determined sequence towards a workstation, comprising: at least one storage rack (12, 14) having a plurality of storage locations (62) for receiving load supports, on which or in which article units (42) are stored, preferably by one sort only, wherein the storage rack (12, 14) is divided into rack regions (RR), wherein each of the rack region (RR) comprises a plurality of rack planes (RP) which respectively comprise a plurality of storage locations (62) being arranged side-by-side, one endlessly rotating central conveyor (28), particularly a conveyor belt, being arranged along a longitudinal side (LS) of the storage rack (12, 14) and preferably between two storage racks (12, 14), and which is divided into a plurality of windows (46), a number of vertical elevators (VE) being arranged one behind the other along the longitudinal side (LS) of the storage rack (12, 14), and which

Abstract: A method and system for efficient package delivery in bulk to pickup locations for recipients in which items ordered by different customers from one or more different retailers, suppliers, manufacturers, and the like can be sorted within and picked from an on-hand inventory at a distribution center and packed into a package for delivery to a specific pickup location for a specific recipient. A replenishment order for items to replace the on-hand inventory at the distribution center can be made to a fulfillment location to maintain inventory levels defined for an item at a distribution center. The items to replenish the on-hand inventory at the distribution center can be shipped in bulk from a fulfillment location in containers organized by item identifier. The items can be sorted at a different distribution center, still organized within containers of all the same item identifier, to reach the distribution center placing the replenishment order for the items.

Abstract: An Automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS) may include a manipulator that transports medical containers such as bags, vials, or syringes about a substantially aseptic admixing chamber. In a preferred implementation, a gripper assembly is configured to substantially universally grasp and retain syringes, IV bags, and vials of varying shapes and sizes. In an illustrative embodiment, a gripping device may include claws configured to grasp a plurality of different types of IV bags, each type having a different fill port configuration. Embodiments may include a controller adapted to actuate a transport assembly to place a fill port of the bag, vial or syringe into register with a filling port such as a cannula located at a filling station, or be equipped with carousel transport systems that are adapted to convey bags, vials, and syringes to the admixture system and deliver constituted medications in bags, vials or syringes to an egress area.

Abstract: A user-portable radio telephone delivery container (40), the delivery-container comprising: an inner container (42); and an outer container (41) adapted to entirely enclose the inner container, the inner container having one or more compartments defined therein, one compartment adapted to contain a user-portable radio telephone, the outer container (41) being adapted to pass through a predetermined size of opening for postal deliveries at a home of an end user of the user-portable radio telephone.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical system and method of operation in which a single remote professional provides pharmaceutical care and oversight of multiple local pharmacies. A control location is connected through an electronic network to one or more individual pharmacies, each of which may be located at a different physical site. Each individual pharmacy includes one or more drug preparation areas, and one or more self-service or staffed customer terminals. A drug preparation area includes a robot, which is adapted to prepare prescriptions or other items, and which is connected by a pneumatic delivery system to one or more customer terminals within the pharmacy.

Abstract: An Automated Pharmacy Admixture System (APAS) may include a manipulator that transports medical containers such as bags, vials, or syringes about a substantially aseptic admixing chamber. In a preferred implementation, a gripper assembly is configured to substantially universally grasp and retain syringes, IV bags, and vials of varying shapes and sizes. In an illustrative embodiment, a gripping device may include claws configured to grasp a plurality of different types of IV bags, each type having a different fill port configuration. Embodiments may include a controller adapted to actuate a transport assembly to place a fill port of the bag, vial or syringe into register with a filling port such as a cannula located at a filling station, or be equipped with carousel transport systems that are adapted to convey bags, vials, and syringes to the admixture system and deliver constituted medications in bags, vials or syringes to an egress area.

Abstract: A medicine packing apparatus having a memory (5) that stores shelf numbers of the respective shelf sections the respective kinds of medicines housed in medicine containers. A control unit (6) allows the memory (5) to store the corresponding relationship between the kind of a medicine housed in the medicine container and the shelf number upon attaching the medicine container to the shelf sections. The control unit (6) erases the corresponding relationship from the memory (5) when the medicine container is detached from the shelf. Thus, it is possible to carry out the operations of attaching, detaching and exchanging medicine containers during a medicine packing operation.

Abstract: When a newly received printed photograph and an undelivered order exist in relation to an identical user, a delivery device is controlled such that the newly received printed photograph is delivered at the same time as a printed photograph relating to the undelivered order.

Abstract: A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process.

Abstract: A targeted product distribution system is described herein with respect to an exemplary management of product flow through a distribution center. Specifically, the system and method described herein is directed to the management and display of direct and easily-understood instructions, such that average individuals, as well as those with mental disabilities, will be able to contribute equally to the overall process.

Abstract: Order allocation techniques that reduce the number of stops that a container makes in the process of fulfilling a customer order is disclosed. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by first identifying a pod that stocks the largest number of different items in a customer order. Then, a second pod is identified that stocks the largest number of remaining items in the customer order. Ultimately, all items in the customer order are assigned a pod. The collection of pods defines a container path through the distribution center.

Abstract: Computer-implemented method of loading goods stored in a warehouse on a vehicle for transporting and delivering to a number of destination locations, whereby the destination locations are on a predetermined route, comprising the following steps: receiving a number of delivery requests, each request specifying the goods to be delivered, and the destination locations of the goods to be delivered; receiving data descriptive of the route which the vehicle has to travel for delivering the goods at the destinations; placing the goods to be delivered on a staging area associated with the vehicle, the staging area defining a physical place where the goods are intermediately put down and sequentially picked up from for being loaded on the vehicle; whereby the goods are positioned on the staging area in such a first spatial sequence that they can be picked up there from and placed in the vehicle in such a second spatial sequence that they can be unloaded from the vehicle at the respective destination locations in the s

Abstract: An optical fiber inventory selection system selects optical fibers from inventory for use in a communication network. In one embodiment, the system generates an internal specification of requirements to select optical fiber reels from an inventory to be used as components in spans, such as dispersion managed spans, wherein at least one of the selected optical fiber reels is identified to have an amount of optical fiber on the reel cut back to a reduced length. The spans can then be selected to satisfy customer requirements or standardized requirements for a communication network that may include a plurality of cables and paths.

Abstract: The invention is intended to provide a building sequence planning system for an automobile production line, which can prepare an efficient building sequence. The system comprises an input unit (1) for inputting information of vehicles to be manufactured, a processing unit (3) for deciding an optimum building sequence based on the vehicle information inputted through the input unit (1), and an output unit (5) for externally outputting a building sequence schedule decided by the processing unit (3). The processing unit (3) prepares a vehicle building sequence, determines a degree of dissatisfaction of the prepared building sequence, as a penalty value, in accordance with restriction conditions which are inputted through the input unit (1) and are imposed when building the vehicles into work, and decides a building sequence with a minimum penalty by preparing a plurality of building sequences and determining the penalty value for each building sequence with respect to the restriction conditions.

Abstract: A method for fulfilling requests in an inventory system includes receiving a request indicating an activity to be completed. The method also includes selecting a holder to fulfill the request and an inventory station at which to fulfill the request. The inventory station is associated with a queue that includes a plurality of queue spaces. The method further includes moving the selected holder from a first location to a second location remote from the selected inventory station. Additionally, the method also includes determining that a trigger event has occurred and, in response to determining that the trigger event has occurred, moving the selected holder from the second location to a queue space of a queue associated with the selected inventory station.

Abstract: A portable cement mixing system uses ingredients such as cement, water and sand in predetermined quantities. A digital controller coordinates all of the operating elements of the apparatus for the entire mixing process and stores mixing programs relative to the mixing process for a variety of cements which includes the various ingredient quantities. Separate storage containers each coupled to a conveyors from the container extend to a mixer to transfer that quantity to the mixer for each cement ingredient. The conveyors are operated in sequence by the controller to load the mixer with a predetermined quantity of each of the required ingredients prior to mixing. The mixer and its contents are weighed before and during the transfer of each ingredient to precisely determine and transfer the required amount of each ingredient. After the mixer is loaded with all of the ingredients, the mixer is operated for a predetermined length of time.

Abstract: The present invention has a communication connection means (21) which mutually connects communicatably control units (Ca, Cb) for individually controlling operations of robots (Ra, Rb) to constitute a network, input means (37a, 37b) which are respectively installed in the control units and input operation instructions of the robots, and timing signal generation means (69a, 69b). The control units are selectively set to any one of an independent function execution mode, a master function execution mode, and a slave function execution mode, and among the control units, the control unit (Ca) to perform a master operation is set to the master function execution mode, and the residual control unit (Cb) is set to the slave function execution mode, and by correcting a minimum interruption period (Ts(b)) of the slave side control unit (Cb), a control time (ta11, ta12, ta13) to the master robot (Ra) of the master side control unit (Ca) is delayed by a predetermined time (T) to perform the cooperative operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system that utilizes one or more cassettes or trays, which hold one or more types of medicaments, the cassettes or trays being configured for intelligent dispensing of the medicaments. In one embodiment, a smart tray for dispensing medicaments includes: a housing; an information storage device that maintains inventory information regarding medicament units in the tray; and a communication device to transfer the inventory information between the information storage device and an external computing apparatus to facilitate inventory maintenance. In a further embodiment, the smart tray includes a mechanism to determine a quantity of medicament units dispensed from the tray to facilitate inventory tracking.

Abstract: An automated (2) store for storing and then distributing articles. The store includes a housing (4) for receiving closed shipping containers for storage, and for distributing articles to an output (20) of the housing, which articles were retrieved from inside the shipping containers.

Abstract: A will call system for automating the management of storage and retrieval of items, preferably medical prescriptions. The automated system provides informational control of all items in the system. The automated will call monitors the length of time an item remains in the system, and into which location an item is placed. An article sensor provides absolute confirmation that an item has been placed or removed from a designated location in the storage unites. The automated will call system uses a controller to permit users to monitor and optimize the storage and retrieval procedures.

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

Abstract: Order allocation techniques that reduce the number of stops that a container makes in the process of fulfilling a customer order is disclosed. In one embodiment, this is accomplished by first identifying a pod that stocks the largest number of different items in a customer order. Then, a second pod is identified that stocks the largest number of remaining items in the customer order. Ultimately, all items in the customer order are assigned a pod. The collection of pods defines a container path through a distribution center. In one embodiment, the techniques include retrieving an item identified. with the retrieval being dependent on an expiration time associated with the item. In another embodiment. the techniques include using information from a handheld computing device via a wireless interface regarding movement of items in the distribution center.

Abstract: System and method for sortation of picked inventory into individual orders in an order fulfillment process, for example order fulfillment processes in materials handling facilities. Collections of items picked from inventory for multiple orders are stowed to locations at a stow and sortation station. The items for a particular order may be stowed to two or more different locations, and items for two or more orders may be stowed to one location; no particular location is assigned to or reserved for each order. Thus, no space is allocated or reserved for incomplete orders at the station. When all items for a particular order are stowed to locations at the station, the order may be picked from the various locations at the station and placed into order receptacles. The order receptacles may be shipping containers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a system and process that manages scheduling and processing of orders to provide improved delivery schedules. The system attempts to schedule package deliveries in time to meet a requested delivery target time and date. This scheduling attempts to schedule a shipping time for the current day to meet next day or nearer term deadlines.

Abstract: A medicine supply system of the present invention comprising: a cart supply line 48 on which a plurality of carts 8 are disposed and aligned; a first transport unit for transporting the plurality of carts 8 on the cart supply line 48; a tray discharge unit 2 for storing the trays 7 in the plurality of carts 7; a second transport unit for transporting the plurality of carts 8 with the trays 7 stored in the tray discharge unit 2; a cart discharge line 49 on which the plurality of carts 8 transported by the second transport unit are aligned; a tray supply lifter 1 for supplying the trays 7; a tray transport line 3 for transporting the trays 7 supplied by the tray supply lifter 1 to the tray discharge unit 2; a medicine dispensing unit 4 for dispensing the medicine to the tray 7, the medicine dispensing unit being disposed on the midway of the tray transport line 3; and a control unit 10 for supplying the tray 7 from the tray supplying lifter 1 based on a prescription data, dispensing the medicine into the tray 7

Abstract: A system for expediting procurement of one or more deliverables by a customer of one or more expedited service areas including one or more designated expedited service areas, the designated expedited service areas associated with, and located at, adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, one or more venues, and the venues providing one or more venue-available deliverables. At least some of the designated expedited service areas include a distinct physical location that scheduled-customers visit separate from non-scheduled customers configured to provide procurance of venue-available deliverables more quickly to scheduled-customers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically order-picking or consolidating articles of a wide variety of different formats and varieties, using the following steps: separating the stored articles, storing the articles in a rack bay, retrieving the articles and palletising them. The method is predominantly characterized in that the articles which are to be order-picked for an order are put together in a rack bay already in the sequence which is necessary for palletising. The invention also relates to an installation for implementing the method.

Abstract: A method for depositing real items into real containers, wherein the real items are transported along a picking line and are deposited into spaces in the real containers using robots. Placement of the items is predetermined by a controller. The controller provides for the real items and the real containers to be previously associated with one another by virtue of graphical symbols for items being placed into at least one graphical symbol for a container on a screen that is connected to the controller. The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to easily and quickly fill a container with an assortment of items in the desired manner using real robot movements.

Abstract: A flexible, non-linear, unit-level sortation system for sorting mixed collections of items into orders. Collections of unsorted items for fulfilling requests are delivered to one or more singulation stations. At a singulation station, individual units of items are selected from a collection, associated with particular conveyance receptacles, and placed into the receptacles, with one and only one unit per receptacle. The receptacles may be inducted into a conveyance mechanism under the direction of a control system. The receptacles are not fixed to the conveyance mechanism. The control system may direct the conveyance mechanism to route the receptacles to a particular one of one or more sorting stations. At a sorting station, the units may retrieved from receptacles and placed into locations corresponding to particular orders under control or direction of the control system. The conveyance mechanism may, but does not necessarily, return empty conveyance receptacle to a singulation station.

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

Abstract: A system for personalized packaging of prescription medication includes a processing device having a CPU and a user interface. The user interface is configured to receive input data related to at least one type of medication to be packaged, wherein the user interface communicates the input data to the CPU for processing. A dispensing system is in communication with the processing device, wherein the dispensing system is configured to be pre-supplied with the at least one type of medication and to dispense the at least one type of medication based on the input data communicated from the CPU to the dispensing system. Also included in the system is a printing system in communication with the processing device. A printing system is configured to generate a print of instructional data based on the input data communicated from the CPU to the printing system, wherein the print of instructional data includes data correspondingly related to the at least one type of medication dispensed by the dispensing system.

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

Abstract: Computer assisted systems, methods and mediums for filling one or more orders. One embodiment of the present invention is a system that includes an order consolidation station configured to receive at least one bottle containing pills individually counted and/or at least one package containing pharmaceutical products without having been designated for any of the orders when the package was created and/or at least one literature pack optionally including patient specific information. The order consolidation station is further configured to combine automatically the received bottle and/or package and/or literature pack into a container to be sent to a recipient including, for example, mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including retailer distribution or sale. The bottle is specifically designated for the order, and the order generally includes at least one prescription for the package.

Abstract: Central management of dose order preparation retrieves an unprocessed dose order record, selects a workstation from a set of workstations, forwards the order for conversion into a drug dosage form, and repeats the process for additional unprocessed dose order records. Depending on the operation type of the selected workstation (manual, automatic), protocol information concerning preparation of the dose order is selectively provided to the selected workstation. Interrogatable elements enable tracking of dose orders and dosage forms throughout preparation, storage and distribution cycles. Further methods enable rapid fulfillment by utilizing inventory ahead of drug order processing if suitable dosage forms exist in inventory records.

Abstract: A distribution system for perishable or contaminable food products includes automated storage apparatus for storing articles in a temperature controlled environment. The apparatus includes a number of product carrying shelves arranged on a carousel. The shelves are moveable by rotation of the carousel to facilitate placement or removal of articles on or from the shelves. Each shelf consists of a number of laterally spaced elongate projecting members.

Abstract: A laser-guided picking or placing system is provided. The laser guided picking system works with an inventory system including a plurality of items located in particular storage areas, such as drawers or bins. Each particular storage area stores a particular item. A computer system keeps track of the items and quantity stored in each storage location. A light reflector is preferably placed near each storage area, the light reflectors within line-of-sight of a nearby laser light system. When a list of items on a customer order is generated, the computer commands the laser to point to the storage areas of the desired items or to the reflectors corresponding to storage areas, one at a time. A picking specialist then manually picks the desired number of items from each storage area, placing the items in a tote or other container, until the order is complete. Items may also be placed in the bins to replenish inventory or to return items to stock.

Abstract: An inventory system with feedback for picking or placing items is disclosed. In this system, there is a plurality of bins or storage locations, one for each item stored. The bins are typically used in a warehouse to fulfill and ship orders of a list of items. Each bin or pair of bins is equipped with a module for directing a picking specialist to the correct bin for manually picking an order. When the picking specialist reaches into a bin to select an item, a passive heat sensor senses heat from the picker's hand, or a magnet detecting circuit detects a magnet on the picker's hand or wrist. This provides positive feedback that the correct bin was sought to retrieve the item, or an alarm or other signal may indicate the incorrect bin. The system may also be used to replenish inventory or return items to stock.