Patent classifications
B65G15/02
MODULAR PRODUCT DISPENSING AND VERIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
A modular, scalable prescription dispensing and verification system includes a four-tiered central conveyor, dispensing control system with stored patient orders for creating dispensing and routing itineraries, carriers transporting itineraries and dispensed medications, induction station, pairs of processing stations divided by the conveyor, including automated and manual dispensing, verification, cold chain, and ambient packaging. Crossover conveyors transport carriers between dispensing station pair members for dispensing multiple products per station pair. One conveyor tier returns empty carriers to induction, another transports carriers from each dispensing station to verification, then to packaging, another transports carriers from induction to dispensing, then to additional dispensing, another conveys carriers from induction to dispensing stations. Carrier stops halt carriers at stations for removal for processing, replacement, and transport to the next station, or deposit on another tier and transport to a different station. The system may include two conveyor modules, one for refrigerated or ambient unit-of-use items, another for ambient countables.
MODULAR PRODUCT DISPENSING AND VERIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD
A modular, scalable prescription dispensing and verification system includes a four-tiered central conveyor, dispensing control system with stored patient orders for creating dispensing and routing itineraries, carriers transporting itineraries and dispensed medications, induction station, pairs of processing stations divided by the conveyor, including automated and manual dispensing, verification, cold chain, and ambient packaging. Crossover conveyors transport carriers between dispensing station pair members for dispensing multiple products per station pair. One conveyor tier returns empty carriers to induction, another transports carriers from each dispensing station to verification, then to packaging, another transports carriers from induction to dispensing, then to additional dispensing, another conveys carriers from induction to dispensing stations. Carrier stops halt carriers at stations for removal for processing, replacement, and transport to the next station, or deposit on another tier and transport to a different station. The system may include two conveyor modules, one for refrigerated or ambient unit-of-use items, another for ambient countables.
Segmented articulating conveyor
A segmented articulating conveyor is provided that is articulable between a straight configuration and an articulated configuration. The segmented articulating conveyor has a plurality of conveyor segments forming a conveyor system. The conveyor segments are pivotally connected to one another to permit manual articulation of the conveyor system between straight and articulated configurations. A belt is operably engaged with the conveyor segments, the belt being configured to accommodate an arc of the conveyor system when in the articulated configuration. A motor is operatively engaged with the belt and configured to move the belt. An associated method is also provided.
Segmented articulating conveyor
A segmented articulating conveyor is provided that is articulable between a straight configuration and an articulated configuration. The segmented articulating conveyor has a plurality of conveyor segments forming a conveyor system. The conveyor segments are pivotally connected to one another to permit manual articulation of the conveyor system between straight and articulated configurations. A belt is operably engaged with the conveyor segments, the belt being configured to accommodate an arc of the conveyor system when in the articulated configuration. A motor is operatively engaged with the belt and configured to move the belt. An associated method is also provided.
Modular product dispensing and verification system and method
A modular, scalable prescription dispensing and verification system includes a four-tiered central conveyor, dispensing control system with stored patient orders for creating dispensing and routing itineraries, carriers transporting itineraries and dispensed medications, induction station, pairs of processing stations divided by the conveyor, including automated and manual dispensing, verification, cold chain, and ambient packaging. Crossover conveyors transport carriers between dispensing station pair members for dispensing multiple products per station pair. One conveyor tier returns empty carriers to induction, another transports carriers from each dispensing station to verification, then to packaging, another transports carriers from induction to dispensing, then to additional dispensing, another conveys carriers from induction to dispensing stations. Carrier stops halt carriers at stations for removal for processing, replacement, and transport to the next station, or deposit on another tier and transport to a different station. The system may include two conveyor modules, one for refrigerated or ambient unit-of-use items, another for ambient countables.
Modular product dispensing and verification system and method
A modular, scalable prescription dispensing and verification system includes a four-tiered central conveyor, dispensing control system with stored patient orders for creating dispensing and routing itineraries, carriers transporting itineraries and dispensed medications, induction station, pairs of processing stations divided by the conveyor, including automated and manual dispensing, verification, cold chain, and ambient packaging. Crossover conveyors transport carriers between dispensing station pair members for dispensing multiple products per station pair. One conveyor tier returns empty carriers to induction, another transports carriers from each dispensing station to verification, then to packaging, another transports carriers from induction to dispensing, then to additional dispensing, another conveys carriers from induction to dispensing stations. Carrier stops halt carriers at stations for removal for processing, replacement, and transport to the next station, or deposit on another tier and transport to a different station. The system may include two conveyor modules, one for refrigerated or ambient unit-of-use items, another for ambient countables.
Belt Curve
A belt curve adapted to convey an object along a curved conveying direction between a first end and a second end, wherein the conveying direction is perpendicular to a radial direction;
the belt curve comprising: a supporting frame; a conveying belt, which is arranged circumferentially on the support frame and adapted to carry the object; at least one deflection roller located at each of the first end and the second end, the conveying belt is deflected around the deflection roller; a drive adapted to provide a drive power for the conveying belt; a guiding, in particular a guide rail, adapted to guide the conveying belt in the conveying direction, thereby providing a guiding force in radial outward direction, a tensioner adapted for selective amendment of the radial guiding force to the conveying belt.
Belt Curve
A belt curve adapted to convey an object along a curved conveying direction between a first end and a second end, wherein the conveying direction is perpendicular to a radial direction;
the belt curve comprising: a supporting frame; a conveying belt, which is arranged circumferentially on the support frame and adapted to carry the object; at least one deflection roller located at each of the first end and the second end, the conveying belt is deflected around the deflection roller; a drive adapted to provide a drive power for the conveying belt; a guiding, in particular a guide rail, adapted to guide the conveying belt in the conveying direction, thereby providing a guiding force in radial outward direction, a tensioner adapted for selective amendment of the radial guiding force to the conveying belt.
Chain conveyor curve
The invention relates to a transport conveyor curve including a multitude of parallel curved tracks, wherein the separate parallel tracks are driven by a conical drive, wherein the contact angle of each of the individual tracks with the conical drive is substantially equal in comparison to the contact angle of the other individual tracks.
Active direct drive spiral conveyor belt systems and methods
An active drive spiral conveyor belt system includes a drum configured to rotate about a drum axis, a plurality of modules, a plurality of cross-rods joining together the plurality of modules, and an infeed system. The drum can include a plurality of drive bars, each with a drive member extending therefrom, and spaced an arc length. At least some of the plurality of cross-rods or modules can include a drive end configured to engage with the drive members. The plurality of modules can be configured to be collapsible relative to each other and the plurality of cross-rods. The infeed system can be configured to collapse the spacing between adjacent drive ends prior to transiting into engagement with a cooperating drive member.