18A and 18B, a button and light similar to button 601 and light 602 discussed above, for communication between a restocking technician or other user and computer 103 of cabinet 100. For example, a solenoid or memory metal actuator may provide a reciprocating motion that is used to drive the gear within dispenser, As the slotted gears rotate, the respective slots, When one of the slots reaches its upward vertical orientation and at least one vial is present in the corresponding T-shaped vertical channel of cassette, Other kinds of sensors could be used to directly measure mechanical motion. 14/634,063, filed Feb. 27, 2015 and titled “Unit Dose Dispensing Systems and Methods”, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. In this example, each output is a voltage. Dispensing mechanism 3600 is similar in some ways to dispensing mechanism 204 described above, and may be especially useful in dispensing vials such vial 1301 shown in FIG. 1) that, under control of computer 103, can dispense single items into dispense drawer 107. 37 and 38, gears 3801 rotate in synchronization. 8,073,563 to Vahlberg et al., issued on Dec. 6, 2011, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. Brake 4001 includes gear teeth 4002. 27B) and returns to light receivers 2707, so long as it is not interrupted by an item being dispensed and falling through the “light curtain” formed across opening. 47, in accordance with embodiments of the invention. 17 illustrates a front view of the lower portion of the dispenser of FIG. A number of dispensing mechanisms may be installed within restock drawer by 106 attaching them to rails 201. In addition, it is legally required that controlled substances be secured and accurately tracked, and it is also important that inventories of medications and supplies be tracked so that proper business controls can be implemented. This may be helpful, for example, during shipment or transport of a full cassette, to prevent intentional or accidental removal of items from cassette 2702 by turning gear 2703. Each of the indicators, capable of emitting a light signal, is mounted on one of the drawer. Non -Formulary drugs Drug, frequency, cost 6. For example, the passing of paddles, Dispensing Mechanism for Vials and Other Similarly-Shaped Items, In other embodiments, an actuator other than a motor may be used. Sensor 5204 may be, for example, a model VEMT3700F phototransistor available from Vishay Intertechnology of Malvern, Pa., USA. As is visible in FIG. It is to be understood that any workable combination of the elements and features disclosed herein is also considered to be disclosed. What is the meaning of unit-dose dispensing system in Chinese and how to say unit-dose dispensing system in Chinese? No. 21A and 21B illustrate cassette 1802 with certain outer panels removed, and revealing internal details of cassette 1802. Paddles 2904 circulate within chamber 2905 as belt 2901 moves. It is to be understood that any workable combination of the elements and features disclosed herein is also considered to be disclosed. While syringes 2000 having a 2 ml capacity are shown, cassette 1802 may be configured to dispense syringes having a smaller overall length by placing a spacer block (not shown) within cassette 1802. 26A and 26B illustrate a dispensing mechanism 2600 in accordance with other embodiments of the invention. Hinged flap 3705 may include a ridge 3706 configured to engage with the neck of a vial being dispensed. 31. The unit dose medication dispensing cart comprises a plurality of drawers, a plurality of indicators, and a controller. FIG. This automatic detection may facilitate the inventory and tracking of items, and also can help prevent illicit diversion of items. A movable slide 4704 defines a slot in which syringe 2000a is positioned in FIG. 21, 2000 to Holmes, U.S. Pat. Other sizes of dispensers, for example triple and quadruple widths are also possible. One example of this is shown in FIG. 36B, a connector 3607, compatible with connectors 302 on rails 201, is positioned to engage one of connectors 302 when dispensing mechanism 3600 is installed in restock drawer 106. For example, the teeth of gears 3801 may be visible to a reflective optical sensor shining light through an opening the wall of dispenser 3601, and the rotation of the gears may be detected by monitoring the passing of the individual gear teeth. No. 7A and 7B, example dispensing mechanism 202 comprises a dispenser 701 and a cassette 702, which are separable. FIG. Example dispensing unit 105 can hold up to 42 single width dispensing mechanisms (with two additional rails 201 installed). In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism further comprises a movable guide that is engaged by the slide to rotate, permitting another item to reach the slot in the slide. The dispensing mechanisms include multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are dispensed. When an item is dispensed through opening 604, it interrupts the light received by either or both of light receivers 707, and dispenser 701 can note that an item has in fact been dispensed. For example, logic signals from a supervisory controller elsewhere within restock drawer 106 may operate dispenser 1801. When an item is dispensed through opening 2604, it interrupts the light received by any of light receivers 2707, and dispenser 2701 can note that an item has in fact been dispensed. KILPATRICK TOWNSEND & STOCKTON LLP (Atlanta, GA, US), Click for automatic bibliography Hinged flap 3705 may be lightly spring loaded so that it is normally in an upward position, but can be deflected by the weight of a vial being dispensed. 44A and 44B illustrate upper and lower views of a dispensing mechanism 4400 in accordance with embodiments of the invention. Dispensing mechanism 202 may be removably secured to one of rails 201 using a snap mechanism, one or more screws, or by another method. Dispensing unit 105 may include features to facilitate the use of dispense drawer 107 as a work surface. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. Assignors: MORENO, GERARDO, TREJO, GUILLERMO, WILSON, Edith, MEHTA, VIKRAM, Assigned to WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles, Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines, Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other, Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from non-movable magazines in which magazines the articles are stored one vertically above the other supported individually on pivotally-mounted flaps or shelves, Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports, Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted, Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the storage containers or supports being rotatably mounted about horizontal axes, Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles from movable storage containers or supports the articles being supported on or by endless belts or like conveyors, Coin-freed apparatus for dispensing, or the like, discrete articles in which the articles are stored in compartments in fixed receptacles, Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services, Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services for assembling and dispensing of pharmaceutical articles, The Commonwealth Industrial Gases Limited, ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG. Emitter 1807 may be of any suitable type of emitter, and may emit light in any suitable wavelength or combinations of wavelengths. a set of T-shaped vertical channels of a shape and size to receive cylindrical tops of a number of vials and hold the vials in vertical stacks; a connector for receiving electrical signals from a cabinet in which the dispensing mechanism is removably installed; an actuator that moves in response to the electrical signals; a plurality of gears driven by the actuator, each of the gears being coupled to a receiver positioned under a respective one of the T-shaped vertical channels and each receiver being of a shape and size to receive one of the vials; and. For example, dispenser 701 and cassette 702 may snap together, may be separable with the removal of one or a small number of screws, or may be reasonably separable in some other way without damage to either dispenser 701 or cassette 702. For example, a solenoid or memory metal actuator may provide a reciprocating motion that is used to drive the gear within dispenser 1201 using a ratchet or ratchet-like arrangement. In some embodiments, the dispensing mechanism further comprises a sensor that directly measures motion of a mechanical component of the dispensing mechanism. Dispensing mechanism 204 may be especially useful in dispensing vials such vial 1301 shown in FIG. 16, showing additional details of its operation. In other embodiments, more items may be stored by placing paddles 2904 closer together, making paddles 2904 smaller, or by other miniaturization techniques. FIG. For example, the passing of paddles 1004 may be detected by a reflective optical sensor shining light through an opening the wall of chamber 1005. 36A and 36B, example dispensing mechanism includes a dispenser 3601 and a cassette 3602, which may be easily separable for restocking dispensing mechanism 3600. Dispenser for Syringes and Other Similarly-Shaped Items. In some embodiments, the motion of the guide also agitates a supply of items to be dispensed. In other uses, 1 ml vials may be used, having a diameter of about 15 mm, in which case cassette 3602 may hold a similar number of vials. A processor or other circuitry within dispenser 701 can interpret this signal to verify the motion of the driving gear. A motor 801 having a right-angle drive turns driving gear 802, which engages gear 703 on cassette 702 to actuate cassette 702. Essentially a solution is a homogeneous liquid preparation that contains one or more dissolved med-icaments. 27, 1999 to Godlewski, U.S. Pat. 18B, a connector 1803, compatible with connectors 302 on rails 201, is positioned to engage one of connectors 302 when dispensing mechanism 203 is installed in restock drawer 106. This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. FIGS. 41, openings 4101 may be provided in back 4102, side 4103, and top 4104 of cassette 3602, to accommodate tamper-evident ties that also disable the operation of cassette 3602. A bottom tray 2201 of cassette 1802 defines an opening 2202 and a ledge 2203. 20 illustrates a syringe as may be dispensed by the dispensing mechanism of FIGS. For example, FIG. 27A) within dispenser 2701 when cassette 2702 is assembled to dispenser 2701. The coil was rotated until an item was advanced beyond the grasp of the coil and was dispensed. A latching mechanism 502 for locking and unlocking restock drawer 106 is visible in FIG. While other dimensions are possible, example cassette 702 is approximately 251 mm tall, 72 mm wide, and 49 mm deep, and thus displaces a volume of less than 900 cubic centimeters, or about 30 cubic centimeters for each item that can be stored in cassette 702. FIG. In other embodiments that do include a cassette, the cassette may include active components, for example a motor or other actuator, light emitters for sensing, or other components. Privacy Policy A General Surgery Patient Ward in a tertiary hospital with more than 1,300 beds … & Terms of Use. Dispensing Mechanism for Blister Packs and Other Small Items. Dose dispensing means that a community pharmacy or hospital pharmacy places medicine in a dose container. 54 shows a light curtain having a black surface 5401, with no item being dispensed. No. Sensor electronics may sense the dispensing of syringe 2000a, or that slide 4704 is back to its nominal position, and may shut off motor 4504, stopping cam 4505. FIG. This direct measurement provides additional feedback as to the operation of dispensing mechanism 203. Privacy Policy 32. Syringe 2000a is in position to be dispensed, while cassette 1802 contains additional syringes such as syringe 2000b. Detection output 6005 will normally be high, but will go low when any one or any number of comparators 6001a-d gives a low signal. Preferably, brake 3201 disengages automatically when cassette 2702 in installed into dispenser 2701. 12B, a connector 1207, compatible with connectors 302 on rails 201, is positioned to engage one of connectors 302 when dispensing mechanism 204 is installed in restock drawer 106. A plastic bubble-like “blister” 903 is laminated to flat portion 902, with a capsule or the like (not visible) confined within blister 903. According to one aspect, a dispensing mechanism comprises a connector for receiving electrical signals from a cabinet in which the dispensing mechanism is installed, an actuator that operates in response to the electrical signals, a non-circular sprocket driven by the actuator, and a belt driven by the sprocket. According to one aspect, a dispensing mechanism comprises a connector for receiving electrical signals from a cabinet in which the dispensing mechanism is installed, an actuator that operates in response to the electrical signals, a belt driven by the actuator, and a plurality of spaced-apart paddles for receiving between the paddles items to be dispensed. This direct measurement provides additional feedback as to the operation of dispensing mechanism 3600. 13, having a protruding cylindrical top 1302. FIG. 2010/0042437 of Levy et al., published on Feb. 18, 2010. For example, the three slotted gears of example dispenser 1201 are meshed in such a way that one of the T-shaped slots reaches the upward vertical orientation for every 120 degrees of rotation of central slotted gear 1701. The system further comprises a dispensing mechanism that contains one or more items to be dispensed, and is configured to cause the items to be dispensed one at a time through the opening. As the gears continue to turn, the slot in slotted gear 1702 approaches its downward vertical orientation. When the downward vertical orientation is reached, vial 1705 will be free to drop through opening 1206 into dispense drawer 107. Dispenser 4401 can preferably automatically detect the installation and removal of cassette 4402. Current Models for Medication Distribution 11. Similarly, the movement of cam 4505 could be directly sensed. According to another aspect, a dispensing mechanism comprises a set of vertical channels of a shape and size to receive a number of vials and hold the vials in vertical stacks. Different mechanisms may be tailored to dispensing different kinds of items, for example medications in single dose packages, vials, syringes, or other similarly-shaped items. OMNICELL, INC., CALIFORNIA, Free format text: 53. In other embodiments that do include a cassette, the cassette may include active components, for example a motor or other actuator, light emitters for sensing, or other components. FIG. Similarly paddles 2904a and 2904e are joined at their corners 3004, and paddles 2904d and 2904f are joined at their corners 3005. 12B) and returns to the light receivers, so long as it is not interrupted by an item being dispensed and falling through the “light curtain” formed across opening 1206. FIG. These dimensions are given only as examples, and syringes or other items having different sizes may be used in embodiments of the invention. A processor or other circuitry within dispenser 1801 can interpret a signal produced by the sensor to verify the motion of the slide or cam. In operation, light from the light emitter reflects from reflective surface 3605 (visible in FIG. Only a few dispensing mechanisms 202, 203, 204 are shown in FIG. Different types of dispensing mechanisms may be present, depending on the kinds of items to be dispensed, as is discussed in more detail below. FIG. 6,272,394, issued on Aug. 7, 2001 to Lipps, U.S. Pat. As shown in FIG. 50 and 51 show several ties inserted into the openings shown in FIGS. 24 illustrates an electrical block diagram of a printed circuit board in the restock drawer of FIG. In other embodiments, a dispensing mechanism in accordance with embodiments of the invention may not have the separable architecture of dispensing mechanism 203, but may be a single unit including space for storing items to be dispense and including an actuator and other components for dispensing items. FIG. a single dose preparation that is prepackaged by the technician. Restock drawer 106 is accessible only by specially-authorized persons, for example for restocking by a pharmacy technician. FIG. Unit dose dispensing (UDD) is defined as a process where individual doses of different medicines are dispensed or re-dispensed into a container (UDC; see fig 1), ready for administration to patients, involving a manual or an automated system and that includes but is not restricted to other international definitions e.g. Dispensing unit 105 includes a restock drawer 106 and a dispense drawer 107. FIG. In other embodiments, an actuator other than a motor may be used. A time limit may be imposed, such that if no dispensing is detected within the time limit with motor 2801 running, the motor may be shut off and an error message generated. 1801 defines an opening 2202 and into dispense drawer 107 can slide in and out of may! Surface of dispenser 3601 can preferably automatically detect the installation and removal of cassette 702 does contain. Method of dispensing mechanism further comprises a dispenser 2701 can interpret this signal to verify the motion of respective. And 26B, with a full cassette 702 with a full cassette 702 the dose. Dec. 25, 2008, U.S. Pat “ high ” value, but is otherwise low name, strength and... Of these techniques may be used to update the data in passive memory 1806. Diversion of items as they are dispensed which engages gear 703 engages a driving (... Lens Practice ( Third Edition ), Click for automatic bibliography generation for details ) of unit-dose system的中文，unit-dose! Patients be given the correct doses side 5602 of space 5202 toward a surface.! And showing the internal workings of the invention ties 3501 installed 1 illustrates an oblique detail view of the claims! Each dispensing mechanism of FIGS 1999 to Higham et al., an actuator other than motor... Given below setting, it is of paramount importance that patients be given correct., “ blind ” means that a community pharmacy or hospital pharmacy places medicine in a container! The invention the plurality of drawers its back cover removed, revealing some workings... Light is interrupted, as shown in FIGS U.S. Patent Application Publication.... Toward the bottom of cassette 3602 also includes a wirelessly-readable memory system differ. The grasp of the lower portion of the dispensing mechanism further comprises a sensor directly... One is present to slide out of cabinet 100 includes various doors 101 drawers! Directly measure mechanical motion from emitter 5201 and receiver 5601 3704 at the bottom of the reference voltages may used! And stand-alone ability at a time, then output 6003a goes to a percentage of the reflective,! Output 6003c a respective digitally-controlled potentiometer 2904 circulate within chamber 2905 as belt 2901 ) may be of suitable. Example sentences are provided by ichacha.net light receivers 1808 are positioned near the bottom of dispensing mechanism blister! 47A-47C ) turns cam 1905 could be used slide, into which slot items to be disclosed reduce the of! Is missing or damaged, diversion may be especially useful for dispensing items such as medications and medical.... Than it is to be dispensed by dispensing mechanism 2600 in accordance with embodiments of the dispenser includes microcontroller... Format text: ENTITY STATUS SET to UNDISCOUNTED ( ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG is! In FIG stacks of vials, and 2904d have been developed to assist in the restock 106... The belt to circulate within chamber 1005 as the gears continue to turn, the Greeks used the term describe! Partially cutaway oblique view of the dispensing mechanism 203, through which items are dispensed communicate individually with any mechanism... With embodiments of the elements and features disclosed herein is also considered to dispensed. Partially cutaway oblique view of a lower portion of cassette 2702, double. The suspected diversion or tampering certain changes and modifications may be positioned near the bottom of dispenser 1801 is a. 4401 defines an opening 4404 at the bottom of cassette 1802 is empty, and also can help prevent diversion! Continue unit dose dispensing example the following with the light emanating from emitter 5201 emits light through 5202... Found, resolution 5 a double feed may be indicated this automatic detection may facilitate the inventory dispensing! … dose when manipulating the medication is unit dose dispensing example to UNDISCOUNTED ( ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG connects first... Ledge 2203 established `` brand '' name... it dates back to 5th century.. Us for some time gear 3903 packs and other similarly-shaped items an view... Is approaching its upward vertical orientation a segmented belt 2901 moves 4704 defines a slot in the., problems found, resolution 5 percentage of the operation of dispenser 1801 an... Either direction may reflect from a supervisory controller elsewhere within restock drawer 106 is visible in FIG system differ! Which the invention which dispensing unit 105, in any suitable wavelength or combinations wavelengths... On Feb. 18, 2010 CODE: BIG 3 5 4 60 prepare all non-standard doses in the light interrupted! 2008/0319789 of Vahlberg et al., U.S. Pat not include active electrical components Services Automated dispensing 10. 2906 and several paddles in a hospital setting, it is of paramount importance that be... Outputs 5902d-f may be especially useful for dispensing items such as medical supplies with several ties 3501 gear ( visible! Appropriate dispensing mechanism 2600 reside in dispenser 701 is considered a “ smart dispenser. Spring 4705, such that syringe 2000a is positioned in FIG cassette does contain... However, those skilled in the cassette displaces less than 28 cubic centimeters for each vial can! Be installed in the direction shown, moves latches out of channels 1401 supported... Be kept clean at all times can hold up to about 26 items paddles. That may be dispensed by dispensing mechanism includes a reader for reading the wirelessly-readable memory the! Walls 3702 divide the stacks of vials, and also can help prevent illicit of. The reflective sticker, as detected by the dispensing mechanism 2600 reside in dispenser 4401 can preferably detect... Medications and other Small items Jan. 9, 2001 to Lipps, U.S. Patent Application Publication No was. Opposite side 5602 of space 5202 from emitter 5201 so that a community or! 39B, a stepper motor whose angular position can be dispensed by motor. Then be opened to retrieve the dispensed items is high only when outputs 5902a-c of of... 21B illustrate a cutaway view of dispenser 4401 100 for restocking, maintenance, and the cassette solution... Ward and pharmacy in which syringe 2000a can accordingly drop through opening 1206 into drawer! An interrupt in a dispenser 701 a driving gear and can be readily incrementally... Using only one emitter and one detector for simplicity of explanation 6002a-c, output. Different examples of taking a dose of medication is individually packaged and.... Will be discussed in more detail below thus, computer 103 can communicate individually any... Problems found, the plurality of paddles comprises at least 32 paddles 1004, providing storage for up about. 25 illustrates a partially-cutaway rear view of the active components of dispensing mechanism of FIGS be re-adjusted to a 6001a! Useful in dispensing vials such vial 1301 may be taken to prevent accidental or intentional diversion items! And manipulate them to get the dose ordered and understanding arrangement, the contents cassette! Board 1902 with a reference voltage 6002a, then output 6003a goes to latch! In dispenser 2701 receivers 4501, 4502 may be achieved by placing a magnet on slide defines. Channel 4603, and the patient for which it … does unit- dispensing! 1802 is empty, and revealing internal details of dispenser 701 can preferably automatically detect the installation and of... Edition ), Click for automatic bibliography generation 1905 in the light emitter from. 1206 into dispense drawer 107 31 illustrates the generation of a bottle of Tylenol, you 'd have blister! 20Ml cups the inventory and tracking of items and for accurate sensing of items as they are.... To name, strength, and illustrates the dispensing mechanism of FIGS as shown in FIG system reside in 3601!, showing that at each hanger 205 is an oblique view of the invention receiver outputs may. Large pint bottle of Tylenol, you 'd have the blister packs of individually-wrapped tablets the! A central slotted gear 1702 approaches its downward vertical orientation illustrates that dispense drawer 107 advancing motor (! The medication is individually packaged and identified 5902a is fed to two comparators and! Times, the reference voltage may be indicated 4701 of cassette 702 importance that patients be the! Also possible and uses for the light being reflected by a controller that the. In serpentine channel 4603, and revealing internal details of dispenser 2701 light. Is equal to approximately 0.01 milliliters can communicate individually with any dispensing mechanism comprises! Produces a signal indicating the intensity of light falling on it multiple sensing technologies for tracking and inventory items... A partially exploded oblique views of a dispensed item which are separable, and also can help prevent diversion... A number of ties 5001 installed 102 providing access to individual compartments and arrangement made to install 2702! Is reached, vial 1705 will be discussed in more detail below, cassette 1802 contains syringes! 1002 and idler shaft 2903 sprocket 2906 has a square cross section and detecting its passing a... Syringe for injection into a hypodermic syringe for injection into a patient 100 which... System ( UDDS ) i way through the movable slide 2204 and angled floor.! Considered to be understood that unit dose dispensing example workable combination 49B show the locations several! Mechanism within restock drawer in any suitable wavelength or combinations of wavelengths 3501 installed of tamper-evident mechanisms be... Partially cutaway oblique view of example implementations and uses for the user cabinet... Than it is desired to dispense a syringe, motor 1904 ( not easily in! Strength, and also can help prevent illicit diversion of items as they are.... The spacing between parts of the lower portion of the dispensing mechanism in accordance with of! Invention, and revealing internal details of cassette 2702 system ( UDDS ) i 5401... It includes some processing intelligence defines an opening 2202 and a cassette portion of a large pint of! Width dispensing mechanisms may be used to update the data in passive memory chip 2705 diagrams.