Systems and methods of automated tablet dispensing, prescription filling, and packaging
Systems and methods of automatically dispensing tablets are disclosed. The systems and methods of the invention provide a highly secure, highly accurate and rapid means of dispensing tablets. The system includes an automatic dispensing tablet dispensing system as shown in the Figures and provides a means of lowering errors while preventing unauthorized tampering by non-authorized personnel. Moreover, the invention relates to systems and methods for packaging vials, packaging items from totes, and packaging items from totes with vials.
1. A system for automated tablet dispensing comprising: a canister that holds tablets and is removably engaged with a counter; the counter including: a hopper assembly that receives tablets from the canister and transfers the tablets to a sensor, the hopper assembly including a dispenser reserve, singulation channels, and a vibrator; the sensor, which counts the tablets; and a buffer with two compartments that hold counted tablets before releasing the counted tablets into vials; and a nozzle assembly through which counted tablets from the buffer are emptied into individual vials or trays.
2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the canister further comprises an access door.
3. The system according to claim 2 , wherein the canister has openings on either side that allow the insertion of a tamper proof security tag.
4. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the canister contains a unique serial number that dedicates said canister to the sensor.
5. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor contains a scanner.
6. The system according to claim 5 , wherein the scanner is selected from the group consisting of an electrostatic field scanner, an IR sensor, and a light barrier type sensor.
7. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a capper.
8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the capper comprises at least one alternating cap chuck and/or indexing stepper drive.
9. The system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one vial descrambler and/or vial labeler.
10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the system contains at least one of both the vial descrambler and vial labeler.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the system is in a secure room.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the system further comprises a pharmacist.
13. The system of claim 12 , further comprising a replenishment technician.
14. The system of claim 1 , wherein said buffer with two compartments has at least one flipper door.
15. The system of claim 14 , wherein each of the two compartments has a capacity of about 180 cubic centimeters.
16. The system of claim 1 , further comprising electronics for the system wherein the electronics comprise a control board and one or more pneumatic valves.
17. The system of claim 1 , wherein the buffer contains additional compartments.
18. The system of claim 1 , wherein the vibrator assists in moving the tablets down the singulation channels.
19. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a computer-based system capable of calibrating the system to accommodate a plurality of tablet sizes.
20. A system for automated tablet dispensing comprising: a canister that holds tablets and is removably engaged with a counter; the counter including: a hopper assembly that receives tablets from the canister and transfers the tablets to a sensor, the hopper assembly including a dispenser reserve, singulation channels, and a vibrator; the sensor, which counts the tablets; and a buffer with two compartments that hold counted tablets before releasing the counted tablets into vials; and a nozzle assembly through which counted tablets from the buffer are emptied into individual vials or trays, wherein the dispenser reserve and vibrator are balanced so that the tablets flow at a constant rate.