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; and
the counter comprising:
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; and
the sensor, which counts the tablets.
2 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the canister increases tablet storage capacity assigned to the counter.
3 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the canister is uniquely dedicated to engaging the counter through an electronic verification system.
4 . The system according to claim 3 , wherein the electronic verification system comprises a RF chip or an electronic serial number located on each of the canister and the counter.
5 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the canister has at least one opening that allows the insertion of a tamper proof security tag.
6 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the canister includes a secure door removably engaged with the counter.
7 . The system according to claim 6 , wherein the secure door of the canister is unlocked when the canister is engaged with the counter.
8 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein the counter includes a secure door engaged with the canister.
9 . The system according to claim 8 , wherein the secure door of the counter slides open under electronic control.
10 . The system according to claim 9 , wherein the secure door of the counter is unlocked when the canister is engaged with the counter.
11 . The system according to claim 1 , wherein system has a locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized access to tablets in either the canister or the counter when engaged.
12 . A system for automated tablet dispensing comprising:
a canister that holds tablets and is removably engaged with a counter, subject to an electronic verification system, the canister comprising a secure door; and
the counter, comprising
a secure door for engagement with the canister;
a hopper assembly that receives tablets from the canister through the secure door and transfers the tablets to a sensor; and
the sensor, which counts the tablets.
13 . The system according to claim 12 , wherein the hopper assembly receives tablets from only the engaged canister.
14 . The system according to claim 12 , wherein the electronic verification system comprises a RF chip or an electronic serial number located on each of the canister and the counter.
15 . The system according to claim 12 , wherein the canister has at least one opening that allows the insertion of a tamper proof security tag.
16 . The system according to claim 12 , wherein the canister increases tablet storage capacity assigned to the counter.
17 . The system according to claim 12 , wherein the secure door of the canister is unlocked when the canister is engaged with the counter.
18 . The system according to claim 12 , wherein the secure door of the counter slides open under electronic control.
19 . The system according to claim 18 , wherein the secure door of the counter is unlocked when the canister is engaged with the counter.
20 . The system according to claim 12 , wherein system has a locking mechanism that prevents unauthorized access to tablets in either the canister or the counter when engaged.
21 . A system for automated tablet dispensing comprising:
a canister that holds tablets and is removably engaged with a counter; and
the counter, comprising a hopper assembly that receives the tablets from the canister and a sensor for counting the tablets,
wherein the counter continues counting tablets with the canister removed such that the system operates dispensing tablets without interruption.
22 . The system according to claim 21 , wherein the canister increases tablet storage capacity assigned to the counter.
23 . The system according to claim 21 , wherein the canister is removably engaged with the counter, subject to an electronic verification system.
24 . The system according to claim 22 , wherein the electronic verification system comprises a RF chip or an electronic serial number located on each of the canister and the counter.
25 . The system according to claim 21 , wherein the canister has at least one opening that allows the insertion of a tamper proof security tag.
26 . The system according to claim 21 , wherein the canister includes a secure door removably engaged with the counter.
27 . The system according to claim 26 , wherein the secure door of the canister is unlocked when the canister is engaged with the counter.
28 . The system according to claim 21 , wherein the counter includes a secure door engaged with the canister.
29 . The system according to claim 28 , wherein the secure door of the counter slides open under electronic control.
30 . The system according to claim 21 , wherein the secure door of the counter is unlocked when the canister is engaged with the counter.