INTEGRATED AUTOMATED DRUG DISPENSER METHOD AND APPARATUS

摘要

A method and a system (100) is provided which includes at least one line (105) of machines that can automatically fill a patient's prescription order with countable oral solid drugs and unit of use drugs, under control of an appropriate control system, within the same machine (105). A robotic assembly (140), including gripper assembly (20), is used to manipulate and transport vials, canisters (130), and bins (145) within the system. The canister (130) includes means to accelerate a drug during the drug's movement through the canister and includes single-file order. An unscrambler (110) is used to position a vial for pick up by the robotic assembly which moves the vial to a vibratory dispenser (190) where it is filled. The vibratory dispenser (190) includes at least a single drive unit for vibrating the canister and a quick coupling mechanism for engaging the canister. A labeler (170) applies a patient specific label to the vial. A process for varying the vibrations of the canister by the vibratory dispenser in response to the amount of drug in the canister and a process for optimizing the storage location of a canister based on drug use is also provided.