Automatic empty carrier storage, retrieval and distribuition system

Abstract

The present invention relates to pneumatic tube systems generally. More specifically, it relates to an automated system for the storage and distribution of empty carriers for a pneumatic tube system. The system comprises an easy to use one-touch process and includes the following apparatus: storage cabinets and pneumatic tube system comprising a blower, controller, retrieval cabinets, and main station. According to the invention there is provided an automated storage and distribution system comprising a pneumatic tube system, a first diverter with blower, and a storage cabinet with a second diverter. The system comprises several methods which are currently in the market place, and is useful in many places, such as hospitals, where the automated processing of pharmaceutical products via robot devices is used. Such a system is disclosed in co-pending application Parenteral Products Automation System (PPAS), application Ser. No. 08/513,569.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A storage and distribution system for the automatic storage and distribution of pneumatic tube carriers within a pneumatic tube system, said storage and distribution system comprising: 
 at least one computer having a database capable of receiving information and transmitting said information within said pneumatic tube system;    a pneumatic tube carrier storage means;    a distribution means for transporting said carriers to said pneumatic tube system;    a plurality of said carriers, said carriers being generally cylindrical and disposed about a longitudinal axis; and    a control means for coordinating transportation of said carriers from said storage and distribution system to said pneumatic tube system;    wherein said storage means is connected to said pneumatic tube system by conventional pneumatic tube means.    
     
     
         2 . A storage and distribution system according to    claim 1   , wherein said storage and distribution system comprises an auto-indexing unit.  
     
     
         3 . A storage and distribution system according to    claim 1   , wherein said storage means comprises a plurality of compartments.  
     
     
         4 . A storage and distribution system according to    claim 3   , wherein each of said compartments can store a plurality of said carriers.  
     
     
         5 . A storage and distribution system for the automatic storage and distribution of pneumatic tube carriers within a pneumatic tube system, said storage and distribution system comprising: 
 at least one computer;    a storage means;    a distribution means;    a plurality of said carriers; and    a control means;    wherein said computer has a database capable of receiving information and transmitting said information within said storage and distribution system;    wherein said storage means is connected to said pneumatic tube system by conventional pneumatic tubes; and    wherein said control means coordinates said distribution of said carriers from said storage means system to said pneumatic tube system.    
     
     
         6 . A storage and distribution system according to    claim 5   , wherein said storage and distribution system further comprises: 
 an auto-indexing device.    
     
     
         7 . A storage and distribution system according to    claim 5   , wherein said storage means comprises a plurality of compartments.  
     
     
         8 . A storage and distribution system according to    claim 7   , wherein each of said compartments can store a plurality of said carriers.  
     
     
         9 . A method for providing a storage and distribution system for the automatic storage and distribution of pneumatic tube carriers having a computer, a plurality of carriers, a pneumatic tube system and a carrier storage device, said method comprising the steps of: 
 inputting information into said computer, wherein said computer controls said storage and said distribution in accordance with said information;    storing said carriers in said carrier storage device;    transmitting said information from said computer to said carrier storage device and said pneumatic tube system;    transporting said carriers from said carrier storage device to said pneumatic tube system;    wherein said carrier storage device is connected to said pneumatic tube system by conventional pneumatic tube means.    
     
     
         10 . A method for providing a storage and distribution system according to    claim 9   , wherein said carrier storage device comprises conventional tubing for pneumatic tube systems.