Method and Structure for Increasing Work Flow

Abstract

A production and sales environment is provided with production and sales separated on different levels, such that sales and delivery are contained on a main level and production is completed on a secondary level. Products are moved between the two levels via a mechanical delivery system, for example a dumbwaiter. Further, the production level is visible to the sales level allowing customers to view the production of their products. For example, the production and sales environment comprises a pharmacy, restaurant, coffee shop, or the like.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A structure for increasing work flow, comprising:
 a main level;   a secondary level; and   a mechanical delivery system that delivers products from said secondary level to said main level;   wherein said main level is for delivery of said products to customers, said secondary level for production of said products, said main level is vertically separated from said secondary level, and said main level and said secondary level are communicably interconnected by a work flow management system.   
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein said secondary level is positioned substantially above said main level in the vertical direction. 
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein said secondary level is positioned substantially below said main level in the vertical direction. 
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein said secondary level is physically visible to said main level. 
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 4 , wherein said customers observe production of said products. 
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein said secondary level further comprises at least one image capturing device, said main level further comprises at least one display, and said at least one image capturing device and said at least one display are electronically coupled. 
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 6 , wherein said customers observe production of said products via said at least one display. 
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein said mechanical delivery system comprises at least one horizontal row that moves about at least one axis such that said at least one horizontal row rotates. 
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 8 , wherein said at least one horizontal row contains said products that are organized according to urgency. 
     
     
         10 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein said mechanical delivery system is an elevator system. 
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein production of said products is at least partially accomplished by use of a robotic system. 
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein said robotic system is at least partially controlled from said main level. 
     
     
         13 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein said main level and said secondary level collectively comprise a pharmacy. 
     
     
         14 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein said main level and said secondary level collectively comprise a food production and delivery facility. 
     
     
         15 . A method for increasing work flow, comprising:
 arranging a main level for the delivery of said products to the consumer;   arranging a secondary level for the production of products; and   arranging a physical connection that delivers said products from said secondary level to said main level;   wherein said main level is vertically separated from said secondary level and said main level and said secondary level are communicably interconnected by a work flow management system.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said secondary level further comprises production staff that is isolated from said main level. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said secondary level is physically visible from said main level. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said secondary level further comprises at least one image capturing device, said main level further comprises at least one display, and said at least one image capturing device and said at least one display are electronically coupled. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said products are sorted by urgency. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said main level and said secondary level collectively comprise a pharmacy. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein said main level and said secondary level collectively comprise a food production and delivery facility.