System and method for high-volume filling of pharmaceutical prescriptions

摘要

A method of retrieving a vial from a carrier includes the steps of: contacting a vial contained within a carrier with a gripper assembly to shift the position of the container to one end of the carrier and to adjust the position of the carrier on a platform from a diverted position to a retrieval position; lifting the vial from the carrier with the gripper assembly; and returning the vial to the carrier with the gripper assembly. Such a method can improve the accuracy and precision of moving the vial to and from the carrier for dispensing.

主权项

1. A method of filling a pharmaceutical vial, comprising:
(a) providing an automated pharmacy machine, comprising:
a frame defining a peripheral footprint;a plurality of bins, each of the bins containing a bulk supply of a pharmaceutical;a transition platform mounted to the frame and having at least one retrieval position configured to receive a vial for filling, the retrieval position being located within the footprint of the frame; anda gripper assembly mounted within the frame; (b) receiving a vial from a source outside the peripheral footprint of the frame in the retrieval position; (c) grasping the vial with the gripper assembly as the vial resides in the retrieval position; (d) conveying the vial from the retrieval position to one of the bins with the gripper assembly; (e) dispensing a pharmaceutical from the bin into the vial; (f) returning the filled vial from a dispensing bin to the retrieval position with the gripper assembly.