Systems and Methods of Automated Tablet Dispensing, Prescription Filling, and Packaging

Abstract

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.