U.S. patent application number 12/684640 was filed with the patent office on 2010-06-17 for user selectable multiple tablet package.
This patent application is currently assigned to EDGE TECHNOLOGY. Invention is credited to Robert A. Luciano, Jr., Lawrence Luciano.
Application Number | 20100147734 12/684640 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46332379 |
Filed Date | 2010-06-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100147734 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Luciano, Jr.; Robert A. ; et
al. |
June 17, 2010 |
User Selectable Multiple Tablet Package
Abstract
A package containing a multiple tablet order is described. The
multiple tablet order comprises a plurality of medicinal tablets.
The package further comprises a label that includes tablet specific
information corresponding to the date and the time for consuming
the tablets and a plurality of images corresponding to the tablets
contained therein. The package is generated according to
information corresponding to a size and a type of packaging. The
size and type of packaging may be large, medium, small, sleeved,
circular, grid, pouches, child resistant, and combinations thereof.
The size and type of packaging may be selected by a user.
Inventors: |
Luciano, Jr.; Robert A.;
(Reno, NV) ; Luciano; Lawrence; (Reno,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KERR IP GROUP, LLC;MICHAEL A. KERR
P.O. Box 18600
RENO
NV
89511
US
|
Assignee: |
EDGE TECHNOLOGY
Reno
NV
|
Family ID: |
46332379 |
Appl. No.: |
12/684640 |
Filed: |
January 8, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11796123 |
Apr 25, 2007 |
7690173 |
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12684640 |
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11241783 |
Sep 30, 2005 |
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11796123 |
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60615267 |
Oct 1, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/534 ;
53/396 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/10 20130101;
G06Q 10/087 20130101; G16H 20/10 20180101; A61J 1/03 20130101; G06Q
30/0633 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/534 ;
53/396 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/04 20060101
B65D083/04; B26D 7/27 20060101 B26D007/27 |
Claims
1-16. (canceled)
17. A package containing a multiple tablet order, comprising: a
plurality of medicinal tablets corresponding to a multiple tablet
order, the plurality of tablets selected from the group consisting
of prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins,
supplements, herbs, and oils; a label that includes tablet specific
information corresponding to the date and the time for consuming
the tablets in the multiple tablet order and a plurality of images
corresponding to the tablets in the multiple tablet order; a
multiple tablet package filled with the tablets corresponding to
the multiple tablet order, the package generated according to
information corresponding to a size and a type of packaging, the
size and type of packaging selected from the group consisting of,
large, medium, small, sleeved, circular, grid, pouches, child
resistant, and combinations thereof, and labeled with the tablet
specific labeling information.
18. The package of claim 17, wherein the information corresponding
to a size and type of packaging is user selectable.
19. The package of claim 17, wherein the package is removably
coupled to at least one other package filled with the tablets
corresponding to a multiple tablet order.
20. The package of claim 17, wherein the tablet specific
information further comprises summary information corresponding to
each tablet.
21. The package of claim 17, wherein the tablet specific
information further comprises information corresponding to the
individual for whom the package is generated.
22. The package of claim 17, wherein the tablet specific
information further comprises a picture of the individual for whom
the package is generated.
23. The package of claim 17, wherein the tablet specific
information further comprises a drug interaction description.
24. A package containing a multiple tablet order, comprising: a
plurality of medicinal tablets corresponding to a multiple tablet
order, the plurality of tablets selected from the group consisting
of prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins,
supplements, herbs, and oils; a means for utilizing packaging
information corresponding to a size and a type of packaging, the
size and type of packaging selected from the group consisting of,
large, medium, small, sleeved, circular, grid, pouches, child
resistant, and combinations thereof; a means for generating a label
that includes tablet specific information corresponding to the date
and the time for consuming the tablets in the multiple tablet order
and a plurality of images corresponding to the tablets in the
multiple tablet order; a multiple tablet package filled with the
tablets corresponding to the multiple tablet order, generated
according to the packaging information and labeled with the label
that includes tablet specific information.
25. The package of claim 24, wherein the packaging information
corresponding to a size and type of packaging is user
selectable.
26. The package of claim 24, wherein the multiple tablet package is
removably coupled to at least one other multiple tablet package
filled with the tablets corresponding to a multiple tablet
order.
27. The package of claim 24, wherein the tablet specific
information further comprises summary information corresponding to
each tablet.
28. The package of claim 24, wherein the tablet specific
information further comprises information corresponding to the
individual for whom the package is generated.
29. The package of claim 24, wherein the tablet specific
information further comprises a picture of the individual for whom
the package is generated.
30. The package of claim 24, wherein the tablet specific
information further comprises a drug interaction description
31. A method for packaging a multiple tablet order with a filling
machine, the method comprising: selecting a plurality of medicinal
tablets associated with a multiple tablet order, the plurality of
tablets selected from the group consisting of prescription and
non-prescription medications, vitamins, supplements, herbs, and
oils; packaging the selected medicinal tablets in a multiple tablet
package according to packaging information, the packaging
information corresponding to a size and a type of packaging, the
size and type of packaging selected from the group consisting of,
large, medium, small, sleeved, circular, grid, pouches, child
resistant, and combinations thereof; labeling the multiple tablet
package with tablet specific information, the tablet specific
information corresponding to the date and the time for consuming
the tablets in the multiple tablet package and a plurality of
images corresponding to the tablets in the multiple tablet
package.
32. The multiple tablet package of claim 31, wherein the packaging
information is user selectable.
33. The multiple tablet package of claim 31, wherein the multiple
tablet package is removably coupled to at least one other multiple
tablet package.
34. The multiple tablet package of claim 31, wherein the tablet
specific information further comprises summary information
corresponding to each tablet.
35. The multiple tablet package of claim 31, wherein the tablet
specific information further comprises information corresponding to
the individual for whom the package is generated.
36. The multiple tablet package of claim 31, wherein the tablet
specific information further comprises a picture of the individual
for whom the package is generated.
37. The multiple tablet package of claim 31, wherein the tablet
specific information further comprises a drug interaction
description.
38. A method for packaging a multiple tablet order, the method
comprising: a filling machine that: selects a plurality of
medicinal tablets associated with a multiple tablet order, the
plurality of tablets selected from the group consisting of
prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins,
supplements, herbs, oils, and combinations thereof; packages the
selected medicinal tablets in a multiple tablet package according
to packaging information, the packaging information corresponding
to a size and a type of packaging, the size and type of packaging
selected from the group consisting of large, medium, small,
sleeved, circular, grid, pouches, child resistant, and combinations
thereof; labels the multiple tablet package with tablet specific
information, the tablet specific information corresponding to the
date and the time for consuming the tablets in the multiple tablet
package and a plurality of images corresponding to the tablets in
the multiple tablet package.
39. The multiple tablet package of claim 38, wherein the packaging
information is user selectable.
40. The multiple tablet package of claim 38, wherein the multiple
tablet package is removably coupled to at least one other multiple
tablet package.
41. The multiple tablet package of claim 38, wherein the tablet
specific information further comprises summary information
corresponding to each tablet.
42. The multiple tablet package of claim 38, wherein the tablet
specific information further comprises information corresponding to
the individual for whom the package is generated.
43. The multiple tablet package of claim 38, wherein the tablet
specific information further comprises a picture of the individual
for whom the package is generated.
44. The multiple tablet package of claim 38, wherein the tablet
specific information further comprises a drug interaction
description.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present patent application Ser. No. ______, filed
______, is a continuation of patent application Ser. No.
11/796,123, filed Apr. 25, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of
patent application Ser. No. 11/241,783, filed Sep. 30, 2005, which
claims the benefit of provisional application No. 60/615,267, filed
Oct. 1, 2004. All applications listed in this paragraph are hereby
incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] This description relates to the field of tablet packaging
and delivery systems. More particularly, the description relates to
ordering and filling a prescription comprising a plurality of
different medications.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] One of the major problems in the taking of prescribed daily
medications emanates from the fact that, in many instances the
patient has to take more than one medication in the form of pills
or tablets. A principal concern is determining whether all
medications have been taken in compliance with the prescribed daily
regimen Many times this concern is compounded by the requirement
that portions of the various medications must be taken at different
times during the day.
[0006] The fear of taking improper dosages of prescribed medication
can be particularly acute in the elderly, many of whom have some
degree of mental dementia and can easily be confused as to whether
they have taken all of their medications at the correct time. Some
patients, with curtailed mental capabilities, have difficulty just
in sorting out the medications preparatory to taking them, let
alone taking the medication in a timely manner. Providing
medications to disabled and/or incapacitated individuals can also
be a problem for caregivers, particularly those in hospitals and
assisted living facilities where one caregiver may oversee the
medication of many patients.
[0007] Thus, there is a need for a positive delivery system and
tablet package assembly for the delivery of multi-prescription
dosages. A tablet packaging and delivery system that could decrease
the possibility of human error and provide an easy to use set-up
for the correct selection and delivery of multi-tablet/multi-time
medications would be welcomed by the pharmaceutical and medical
communities.
[0008] There is also a need for a tablet delivery system that
provides evidence that the prescriptions were actually taken or
administered as prescribed. Such a system would be an efficient way
for any patient to take such multi-dosages but it would be
especially beneficial for a patient of limited mental capacity as
well as to caregivers in the hospital setting.
[0009] There is also a need for a tablet assembly and delivery
system for vitamin supplements. Vitamin supplements are also often
used in the same manner as many prescribed drug regiments with many
of the same problems and inconveniences. Therefore a delivery
system that addresses the needs of multi-prescription
administration also contains many benefits for, and can be applied
to, the vitamin and herbal supplement market.
[0010] One solution to the problem of taking multiple medications
is to pre-package the multiple medications so that users can take
the pre-packaged medications at a predetermined time. Generally,
these methods of pre-packaging medications are targeted to patients
that may lack maturity and/or mental capacity to take the correct
medications at the correct time. For example, young children in a
school or campground, and elderly individuals in elder care
centers, or nursing homes are target groups for the pre-packaging
of medications. Some of the pre-packaged medications are placed in
a small plastic bag, which may be easily misplaced and is not child
proof. Other pre-packaged medications are placed in sealed cups
that are difficult to open and that can not be made child
proof.
[0011] Additionally, the pre-packaging of multiple medications is
also limited by distributing pre-packaged medications to a limited
geographical location. For example, the pre-packaging of multiple
medications is only provided in hospitals, medical institutions,
campgrounds, or schools. Thus, the geographic limitation makes it
difficult to effectively distribute the pre-packaged medications to
a broad group of people over a broad geographic area.
[0012] Furthermore, pre-packaged multiple medications are difficult
to order because the pre-packaging of multiple medications is a
specialty service that has not been automated. The manual
processing of prescription orders is expensive because the process
lacks automation. Therefore, there is a need for an automated
ordering system and process that is simple and cost effective for a
patient or a pharmacist to use. An automated system and method for
receiving orders would make it substantially easier to process a
multiple prescription order, which would in turn make the process
much more cost effective.
[0013] Further still, the current pre-packaging of multiple
medications does not provide a simplified labeling technique that
permits a caregiver to efficiently monitor the dispensing of
different medications at pre-determined intervals. For example, the
current techniques for dispensing medications do not provide
summaries of the medications being taken by a patient.
Additionally, although a pharmacist may provide information about
drug interactions, there is no simple and clear record that
describes drug interactions in a patient-friendly manner.
[0014] Further yet, there is a need for an efficient production
facility that efficiently processes and inspects the pre-packaged
multiple prescription containers. Automated processing and
inspection techniques can dramatically improve efficiencies and
minimize improper packaging or labeling. Thus, by automating the
tablet processing and inspection process a more cost effective
solution for the pre-packaging of multiple prescriptions can be
obtained.
[0015] The following description provides a convenient and
efficient way for patients, pharmacists, and physicians to order
multi-drug prescriptions from a pharmaceutical dispensing system
which produces multi-dose prescriptions. This description allows
for prescriptions to be placed from a computer, telephone,
facsimile, mail, or any combination thereof.
SUMMARY
[0016] A package containing a multiple tablet order is described.
The multiple tablet order comprises a plurality of medicinal
tablets. The package further comprises a label that includes tablet
specific information corresponding to the date and the time for
consuming the tablets and a plurality of images corresponding to
the tablets contained therein. The package is generated according
to information corresponding to a size and a type of packaging. The
size and type of packaging may be large, medium, small, sleeved,
circular, grid, pouches, child resistant, and combinations
thereof.
[0017] A method for packaging the multiple tablet order is also
described. The method comprises a filling machine configured to
select a plurality of medicinal tablets associated with a multiple
tablet order and package the selected medicinal tablets in a
multiple tablet package according to packaging information. The
packaging information corresponds to a size and a type of
packaging, which may be large, medium, small, sleeved, circular,
grid, pouches, and/or child resistant. The method further comprises
labeling the multiple tablet package with tablet specific
information. The tablet specific information comprises the date and
the time for consuming the tablets in the multiple tablet package
and a plurality of images corresponding to the tablets in the
multiple tablet package.
DRAWINGS
[0018] The present invention will be more fully understood by
reference to the following drawings which are for illustrative, not
limiting, purposes.
[0019] FIG. 1 is an illustrative flowchart showing a method for
receiving and processing at least one prescription order.
[0020] FIG. 2 is an illustrative high-level flowchart of a
production facility processing a prescription order.
[0021] FIG. 3 is a more detailed flowchart showing how a
prescription order is processed within the production facility.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows an illustrative graphical user interface (GUI)
for receiving a prescription.
[0023] FIG. 5 shows an illustrative detailed label that is
generated at the production facility.
[0024] FIG. 6 is an illustrative summary label that may be
generated at the production facility.
[0025] FIG. 7 is an alternative summary label that may be generated
at the production facility.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an illustrative system that
receives a prescription order via the Internet.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a client server architecture
that communicates the filling of the multiple prescription order to
a production facility.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a prescription validation
process.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a transaction being
processed.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an illustrative multiple
prescription container having various depths.
[0031] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B shows a top view and a bottom view of
a multiple prescription container assembly.
[0032] FIG. 14 is an exploded isometric view of the sleeve for the
multiple prescription container assembly before it is slidably
coupled to the sealed containers.
[0033] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the sealed containers
slidably coupled to the sleeve for sequential dispensing.
[0034] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of an illustrative child
protective feature for a multiple prescription container
assembly.
[0035] FIG. 17 is an illustrative embodiment of a plurality of
dispensing sleeves that are connected to one another.
[0036] FIG. 18 shows illustrative notches of interlocking elements
for an illustrative dispensing sleeve.
[0037] FIG. 19 is an illustrative top view of multiple sleeves
coupled to one another and depicting the sequential dispensing of a
container.
[0038] FIG. 20A shows a top view of a second illustrative
embodiment of a multiple prescription container assembly.
[0039] FIG. 20B is a bottom view of the dispensing sleeve housing
the rounded containers described in FIG. 20A.
[0040] FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B show the dispensing sleeve housing the
rounded containers having a first lid and a cover.
[0041] FIG. 22 shows an alternative sleeve that does not include a
rim.
[0042] FIGS. 23A and 23B show two separate perspective views of a
plurality of stacked rounded multiple prescription container
assemblies.
[0043] FIG. 24A is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a
multiple prescription container assembly that is circular.
[0044] FIG. 24B shows the container of FIG. 24A with the having
markings of printed information thereon.
[0045] FIG. 25 provides a more detailed view of a patient or
caregiver removing the lid from the circular multiple prescription
container in FIGS. 24A and 24B.
[0046] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a method for dispensing
tablets which utilizes a secondary package or sleeve for housing
the primary package of sealed multiple prescription container.
[0047] FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the processes and systems
used by a production facility to fill a prescription order.
[0048] FIG. 28 is a top view of an illustrative manufacturing floor
that fills the prescription order.
[0049] FIG. 29 is an isometric view of an illustrative tabletop
system that can also fill the prescription order.
[0050] FIG. 30 is a block diagram of an illustrative order
processing system.
[0051] FIG. 31 is a flowchart of an illustrative container
selection process.
[0052] FIG. 32 is a block diagram of an illustrative pill
management system.
[0053] FIG. 33 is a side view of an illustrative refill module.
[0054] FIG. 34 is a flowchart of an illustrative container filling
process.
[0055] FIG. 35 is an isometric view of an illustrative tabletop
system including order processing, pill management, container
selection, container inspection, and container filling.
[0056] FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the inspection of filled
multiple prescription containers.
[0057] FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an illustrative lid assembly
process.
[0058] FIG. 38 is a flowchart of an illustrative sleeve or
secondary package assembly process.
[0059] FIG. 39 is a flowchart of an illustrative inspection for of
the sleeve or secondary package assembly process.
[0060] FIG. 40 is an isometric view of the illustrative tabletop
system with filled container inspection, lid assembly, sleeve
assembly, and inspection of sleeved and sealed containers.
[0061] FIG. 41 is a block diagram of a tote assembly system.
[0062] FIG. 42 is a block diagram showing the combining of the tote
and sealed multiple prescription containers.
DESCRIPTION
[0063] Before the present assembly, apparatus and methods are
described, it is to be understood that this invention is not
limited to particular embodiments described, as such may, of
course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used
herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments
only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the
present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
[0064] Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown an illustrative flowchart
showing a general method for receiving and processing at least one
prescription order. A prescription generally comprises at least one
medication that is dispensed as a tablet. The method may be
initiated with a consumer having a doctor's prescription at block
12. By way of example and not of limitation, a consumer may be a
patient or caregiver. A consumer may also be a person or entity
authorized to conduct a transaction for at least one product that
includes prescription medication, over-the-counter medication,
vitamins, supplements, herbs, oils, or any such substances. A
prescription may not be required for processing a prescription
order. For example, a prescription may not required for dispensing
certain tablets such as vitamins, herbs, oils, over-the-counter
medications, supplements, and other such products. Additionally, in
some jurisdictions a prescription for dispensing medications may
not be required.
[0065] A direct order may then be placed at decision diamond 14. A
"direct order" is an order that is placed by a medical professional
such as a medical doctor or pharmacist. By way of example and not
of limitation, the order is placed using a graphical user interface
(GUI) resident on a browser running on a computer that is in
communication with the Internet by a pharmacist, patient or
caregiver.
[0066] If the direct order requires a pharmacist, the method
proceeds to block 16 where a pharmacist places the order for the
appropriate medications. After block 16, the method proceeds to
block 17 where the pharmacist may be prompted for at least one
packaging option. A variety of different packaging options may be
provided to the pharmacist. The packaging options comprise multiple
prescription containers as described in further detail below.
Alternatively, as described by block 18, the order may also be
placed by telephone, fax, mail, scanned order, or any other such
means for placing an order that does not employ a graphical user
interface.
[0067] If the prescription order can be placed without the need for
a pharmacist, the method proceeds to block 19 where the user may be
prompted to select at least one packaging option. Generally, the
user is either a patient or a caregiver. A variety of packaging
options may be provided to the caregiver or consumer, and
illustrative packaging options are described herein. As described
above, the order may also be placed on-line, by telephone, fax,
mail, or other such means for communicating the order.
[0068] After receiving an order, the method proceeds to decision
diamond 22 where a decision about how to process a multiple
prescription order is made. A multiple prescription order or
"Multi-Script" order is an order that comprises at least two
tablets or medications comprising a first tablet or medication that
is different from a second tablet or medication. Generally, a
multiple prescription order requires taking multiple tablets or
medications at approximately the same time as prescribed, which is
also referred to as a prescribed time interval. If the order is not
a multiple prescription order, the method proceeds to block 24, in
which a single vial is prepared with a simple label. However, if
the order is a multiple prescription order, the method proceeds to
block 26 where a multiple prescription container is selected and
the appropriate label is generated. At block 28, either the simple
vial or each of the multiple prescription containers is filled.
[0069] At block 30, a detailed label comprising a plurality of
written information may also be generated. This plurality of
information may include information related to each medication,
summary information about each medication, appropriate container
labeling, some summary information about the patient, a drug
interaction report, or any such combination thereof. The drug
interaction report may provide information to help individuals
properly take the prescribed medication. The drug interaction
report includes information about the various drug interactions
that may be associated with each prescription. For example, certain
foods may interact with a particular prescription. Additionally,
there may be a group of particular drugs that may interact with the
prescription, and this information may not be readily available to
the patient or the patient's caregiver. The drug interaction report
may be used to help identify foods, medications, vitamins,
supplements, or any combination thereof that may interact with the
patient's filled prescription. The written information may also
include a summary of the medications being taken as described in
further detail below.
[0070] The method then proceeds to decision diamond 32 where a
decision is made about how to distribute the combined filled
prescription order and detailed label. If the filled order is to be
distributed to a pharmacist 36, the pharmacist 36 provides the
filled prescription to the consumer 34 that may be a patient or
caregiver. Alternatively, the filled prescription may be
distributed directly to the particular consumer 34 by shipping to
the consumer or having the consumer pick-up the filled prescription
order.
[0071] Referring to FIG. 2 there is shown an illustrative
high-level flowchart of a production facility processing a
prescription order. Recall, FIG. 1 describes a general method for
receiving and processing a prescription order. FIG. 2 provides an
illustrative flowchart from the perspective of a production
facility processing a verified prescription order. The method is
initiated at block 52 where the production facility receives a
verified prescription order. A verified prescription order is an
order that has been "verified" according to local jurisdictional
requirements, insurance requirements, co-pay requirements,
transactional requirements, or a combination thereof. For example,
in certain jurisdictions a verified prescription order may require
a medical doctor's signature, and may have to be processed by a
pharmacist. Additionally, a verified order may require approval
from an insurance company, Medicare or any such entity. In other
jurisdictions, the only form of verification may include confirming
that funds are available from the particular individual or
organization charged, which satisfies transactional requirements.
By way of example and not of limitation, verification of the
availability of funds may include simply receiving authorization to
charge a credit card and confirming that the credit card is a valid
card.
[0072] The method then proceeds to decision diamond 54 where a
determination is made if the verified order was a multiple
prescription order. If the order is not a multiple prescription
order, the method proceeds to block 56 where a single prescription
order is processed, and then subsequently the filled prescription
is sent or provided to a pharmacy or customer as shown in block 64,
and described herein.
[0073] If the verified prescription order is a multiple
prescription order, the method proceeds to block 58 where the
facility determines the filling procedure to use. The filling
procedure will depend on a host of variables such as the type of
user selectable packaging. The method then proceeds to block 60
where the production facility inspects the tablets that have been
placed in the multiple prescription containers. The type of
inspection depends on the particular design of the production
facility. For example, the inspection may be conducted by tablet
counters, RFID counters, by using X-ray or near IR technology,
visual robotic inspection, weighing the containers, or other such
technology capable of inspecting the multiple prescription
containers that is described herein and that would readily suggest
themselves to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0074] After completing the inspection, the production facility
generates the detailed label and other labels having the plurality
of written information shown in block 62. The written information
may also comprise packaging information. The written information
may comprise information about each substance, appropriate
labeling, summary information, a drug interaction report, or a
combination thereof. At block 64, the filled prescription order and
the detailed label are combined and this patient-specific
combination is then sent or distributed to a designated entity or
individual including, but not limited to, the patient, the
caregiver, the pharmacist, the user, the customer, or the
consumer.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 3 there is shown a more detailed flowchart
of a multiple prescription order being processed within the
production facility. A more detailed view of block 58 is shown in
FIG. 3, which includes a description of the user selectable
packaging that may be determined by the user, consumer, patient,
caregiver, or pharmacist. In the illustrative embodiment, a variety
of different packaging options are presented. By way of example and
not of limitation, the verified prescription order may include 10
tablets taken three times per day, which requires mid-size multiple
prescription containers. In another example, the patient and/or
user may desire a package design that may be easily used by a
caregiver. In yet another illustrative example, the patient may
want a package design that is small and portable such as plastic
pouches that are filled with the McKesson PACMED automated
packaging system. Based on the patients needs, the appropriate user
selectable options may be provided. Thus, an individual requesting
the filling of a multiple prescription order will provide
sufficient information so that appropriately sized containers or
packages are identified as represented by block 66. The containers
may be stacked. In certain embodiments, the containers may be
placed on a conveyer belt system which allows the containers to
travel along the conveyor system to the designated filler module
containing the correct medications. The containers may also be
placed on trays configured to hold a plurality of containers and
situated on a conveyor system which allows the filling facility to
track the position of each container within the filling
facility.
[0076] Additionally, sufficient information is provided so that the
appropriate tablets can be associated with the appropriate multiple
prescription containers at the appropriate dosing times as
represented by block 68. The method then proceeds to block 70 where
each of the multiple prescription containers is filled with the
appropriate tablets. A more detailed explanation of the method for
filling each of the multiple prescription containers is described
in further detail below.
[0077] A more detailed view of block 60 where the production
facility inspects the containers is also described. The inspection
may be conducted either before the multiple prescription containers
are sealed as represented by block 72. A label may then be printed
on lidstock 74 and the multiple prescription container may then be
sealed 76 with the labeled lidstock. Additionally, the medications
within the multiple prescription container may be inspected after
the multiple prescription containers are sealed as represented by
block 78. Thus, the filled multiple prescription container may be
inspected either before the multiple prescription containers is
sealed, after the multiple prescription container is sealed, or
both.
[0078] A more detailed view of block 62 is also presented in FIG. 3
where after the inspection 60, the production facility generates
the detailed labels having the plurality of written information
that is patient specific. Additional labeling written information
may include packing information. The detailed label having the
written information may comprise information about each substance
or medication that is described in the multiple prescription tote
80. The written information may also include summary information
about the various medications and is represented by block 82. A
drug interaction report may also be generated at block 84.
[0079] Referring to FIG. 4 there is shown an illustrative graphical
user interface (GUI) for receiving on-line orders. That include at
least on prescription order that is associated with a particular
patient. The illustrative GUI 100 embodiment is configured to
receive a prescription order, a direct order, or any such order
related to medications, vitamins, supplements, herbs, oils, or any
such substance that are associated with a particular patient. The
illustrative GUI 100 includes fields for the name of the patient
102 and the patient's address 104. Additional information about the
individual placing the order may also be requested, such as the
individual's telephone number 106 and e-mail address 108.
Information about the patient such as date of birth 110, height
112, weight 114, and sex 116 can also provided to the illustrative
GUI 100. The user can input information about the patient's
particular medical condition 120, information about the patient's
doctor 122, allergies 124, and current medications 126 being taken
by the patient.
[0080] Furthermore, the user may provide specific ordering options
such as instructing about the type of user selectable packaging.
For example, a plurality of single packages 128 may be requested
for multiple medications. Also, a multiple prescription package 130
or "multi-script" package may be requested. The multiple
prescription package may include a variety of user selectable
options such as type of package, size of package, and child
resistant packaging. The type of package may include a sleeved
package or a circular package as described below. Alternatively,
the packaging may employ other packaging techniques such as grid
packaging or the use of plastic bags also referred to a "pouches."
The size of package may also vary and may come in three different
sizes: travel (small), notebook (medium), and companion
(large).
[0081] Data fields are also provided for identifying the requested
medications 132 that include a description of the product 134, the
dosage 136, the quantity 138, and the type of drug 140. The type of
drug 140 may include information about whether the drug is generic
or name brand. If the product is available, the on-line ordering
system may then provide a price 142 for the product. A sub-total
144 is then provided, and shipping costs 146 are identified if
applicable. Note, the GUI may also support customer pick-up at a
local pharmacy. A final order total 148 is then presented to the
user.
[0082] A transactional component that charges for processing the
prescription is also provided. By way of example and not of
limitation, the patient may then provide a card 150 such as a
credit card, a debit card or any other such information for
conducting an on-line transaction; the name, the card number, the
type of card and the expiration date of the card are requested in
the illustrative embodiment.
[0083] Referring to FIG. 5 there is shown an illustrative detailed
label that is generated by the production facility and combined
with the multiple prescription containers. By way of example and
not of limitation, the illustrative label 160 may contain printed
information that is related to each medication such as summary
information about each medication, summary information about the
patient, the name of the patient, a picture of the patient,
pictures of the first tablet and the second tablet that are to
scale, a drug interaction description, or any combination thereof.
The illustrative label may be folded and conveniently coupled to a
multiple prescription container. For example, the illustrative
label 160 can be coupled to a dispensing sleeve, which is described
in further detail below.
[0084] The illustrative label 160 includes a picture or image 162
of the particular patient, and the patient specific information 164
such as the name, address, and telephone number of the patient.
Furthermore, there may be additional unique information about the
patient printed on the label, such as the doctor's name 166 and
telephone number, and health insurance information. The label 160
also includes pictures 168 of the tablets that have been
prescribed. Additionally, there may be a particular description 170
about each tablet on the folded label that may include
manufacturer's latest labeling information, a summary of expected
side effects 172, and a short description of possible drug
interactions 174. This information may be presented in a manner
similar to the Physician's Desk Reference, which includes a color
picture of the pill with summary information about each pill.
Additionally, information about how to administer the medication
may be provided; this information may be used by a caregiver, to
help in dispensing the appropriate medications.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 there are shown two different
summary labels that may also be generated at the production
facility. In FIG. 6, the summary label 180 may be conveniently
configured to fit into a wallet, or may be configured to be
attached to the back of an insurance card or driver's license. The
illustrative label 180 comprises a picture 182 of the patient,
pictures of the first tablet and the second tablet that are to
scale, his name and address 184, and other such information.
Information about the prescriptions and dosages may be provided
with information about the patient's doctors and other health
information.
[0086] In FIG. 7 an alternative summary label 190 is shown that
includes the patient's name, name of the patient's doctors,
insurance, and insurance number. Additionally, summary label 190
includes information about the patient's allergies 192, the
patient's prescriptions 194, and a warning about possible drug
interactions 196. The particular summary label may be dependent on
the patient's condition, the patient's caregiver, a physician's
recommendation, statutory requirements, or any other such entity
charged with assisting the patient.
[0087] FIG. 1 through FIG. 7 provide an overview of the systems and
methods for processing a multiple prescription order. In the
illustrative embodiment an emphasis was placed on performing an
on-line transaction. The on-line systems and methods for processing
the prescription order are described in further detail in FIG. 8 to
FIG. 12.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 8 there is shown a block diagram of an
illustrative system 200 configured to receive a prescription via
the Internet. The illustrative patient's personal computer (PC) or
"client" 202 displays the illustrative GUI 100. The illustrative
client 202 is communicatively coupled to the Internet 204. By way
of example and not of limitation, a standard off-the-shelf personal
computer and operating system would operate as a client.
[0089] The PC 202 is configured to remotely communicate with an
online ordering server 206. By way of example and not of
limitation, the online server 206 is behind a firewall and is part
of a secure local area network (LAN) 208 located at a production
facility. Generally, the production facility is configured to
generate a filled multiple prescription order. The secure LAN also
comprises a production server 210. In the illustrative example of
FIG. 8, the production server 210 and online server 206 are both
housed in the production facility. An alternative embodiment in
which the online server is located in a separate location is
described below in FIG. 9.
[0090] The online ordering server 206 is communicatively coupled to
the production server 210. The online ordering server 206 is
configured to communicate with the user and/or clients that are
placing the on-line order. The ordering server 206 also contains
the hardware and software necessary for addressing queries about
inventory in the production facility. The online server 206 may be
configured to query the user about a particular prescription, about
health insurance, and other pertinent information. The online
server 206 may comprise software and hardware that permits the
client 202 to pull up notes, research the prescribed medication(s),
research side effects and drug interactions with other medications,
vitamins, foods, and other such information that would help the
patient properly consume the products ordered by the patient.
[0091] The production server 210 controls the processing of the
multiple prescription orders at the production facility that
generates containers having a plurality of different tablets in
each container. The illustrative production server 210 comprises a
system database 214 that stores information about the products
available at the production facility such as prescription
medication, over-the-counter medication, vitamins, supplements,
herbs, oils, or other such substances. Additionally, the system
database 214 may include historical prescription information that
is associated with the patient, so that the user may access the
multiple prescription order at a later time for ordering refills.
In one illustrative example, the production server contains and
maintains all the information to control the production facility.
The production server 210 may be configured with management
software that manages all the filling, inspection, printing,
sealing, order tracking, and tablet assembly traffic control
functions.
[0092] While placing an order, the online ordering server 206 may
request information from a medical provider server 216 or provide
information to the medical provider. For example, a medical
provider such as a medical doctor or nurse can confirm that a
specific medication has been ordered and will be administered in a
particular manner. Additionally, the medical provider may also
include notes for the patient on how the medicine should be taken,
and this information may be printed by the production facility and
associated with the patient's on-line order. Additionally,
historical prescription order information may also be stored on the
medical provider server 216.
[0093] The online ordering server 206 may also request information
on the accuracy or changes in the end user's medical insurance from
the insurance provider server 218. The online ordering server 216
may also request information from the pharmaceutical company server
220 about certain prescribed medications and updated information
that pertains to the prescribed medications. These queries to the
pharmaceutical company server 220 may occur during the online
ordering process initiated by the end user or at various times when
updating the system database. Additional queries may be made to
government agencies, private medical facilities, on-line search
engines, websites, databases, or any combination thereof.
[0094] The online ordering server 206 and/or the production
facility server 210 may also be communicatively connected to an
updated medical information server 222 via the Internet or a secure
wide area network connection. The updated medical information
server 222 may be a private or government maintained server with
compiled updated information on the various drugs stored in the
production facility. The updated information may comprise new
warnings on drug interactions, updated expiration dates, toxicity
information and the like. The updated information is communicated
to the second labeling component. This information is valuable in
assuring the multi-drug prescriptions are effective and safe.
[0095] Additionally, the online ordering server 206 comprises a
transactional component 212 that processes the user's financial
information. The transactional component enables the online
ordering server 206 to obtain pertinent information from the user,
healthcare provider and the user's insurance company to verify the
prescription. The transactional component is also configured to
carry out the payment of the order and informs the user if the
prescription has been processed or if the financial transaction has
failed.
[0096] Referring to FIG. 9 there is shown a block diagram of a
simplified client server architecture in which the multiple
prescription packaging is sourced to the production facility. In
this embodiment, the user requests a prescription refill from a
client 230 computer that displays a GUI viewed using a standard web
browser 232, and the client 230 is communicatively connected to a
wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet 234. The client 230
then proceeds to access the web site that displays the illustrative
GUI 100. The client 230 computer may be a portable terminal, a
notebook computer, a hand-held personal digital assistant, or other
such device that can be networked and can process browser software.
It shall be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the end
user of the GUI may be a patient, parent, caregiver, physician,
hospital personnel, or any other person that has permission from
the patient to access their prescription data.
[0097] The client 232 then proceeds to communicate with the secure
LAN 236 that comprises a production server 238 and an online server
240. The production server 238 is associated with managing the
inventory in the production facility and comprises an inventory
database module 242 that determines if the production facility can
satisfy the client's prescription order.
[0098] The online server 240 may be located in a variety of
different places such as a separate on-line pharmacy, a physician's
website, a healthcare provider's website, a health insurance
website, a school, a university, or any other such entity that
out-sources the multiple prescription packaging to the production
facility described herein. In the illustrative embodiment, the
online server 240 comprises a web server inventory lookup module
244 that is operatively coupled to the inventory database module
242 and receives updates regarding the production facility's
ability to satisfy the client's request.
[0099] In operation, the client 230 may access the production
server 238 directly or through the illustrative online server 240
that may be associated with a separate on-line pharmacy, a
physician, a health care provider, a health insurance provider, a
school, a university or any other such entity. Additionally,
physicians involved in the patient's care may utilize the Internet
to generate a new prescription for the patient, or modify a
previous prescription that may be stored on the production server
238.
[0100] Patient confidentiality may be preserved by using encryption
technology and by requiring strong authentication. Using encryption
technology such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Public Key
Infrastructure (PKI), communications across the Internet are kept
secure. Illustrative embodiments may use available encryption tools
such as Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), OpenPGP (the IETF's RFC 2440)
and other available PKI encryption standards. Information stored on
databases and servers may also be encrypted. Strong authentication
may be obtained by asking the user for one or more unique
identifiers such as date of birth (DOB), unique IP address, last 4
digits of a social security number, username, password, or any
other such unique identifier.
[0101] Once the client 230 has been authenticated, the client is
able to place a multiple prescription order using the illustrative
graphic user interface (GUI) 100. In one illustrative example, a
local pharmacist's on-line server communicates with the production
server 238 and the inventory database 242. The pharmacist's on-line
server makes a request to determine whether the production facility
can satisfy the pharmacist's order. The inventory database 242 is
accessed to determine if the prescription order may be filled. Once
the pharmacist's online server has received confirmation that the
prescription order can be filled, the online server relays this
information back to the clients computer via the Internet.
[0102] By way of example and not of limitation, the illustrative
production server 238 comprises software to access the drug
interaction database to determine if there may be possible
interactions between the prescribed tablets stored. The production
server 238 also communicates the order to production facility
computers which control the various systems and subsystems involved
in producing multiple prescription containers, including printers
for labeling the lidstock on each individually sealed container
with medication instructions such as date and time to take the
tablets in each individual container. The production server 238 may
also communicate to production facility computers which are
connected to a printer for generating labels with patient specific
information, drug information and expiration date(s) for the
medication stored within the individual containers. It should be
noted that vitamins and herbal supplements may also be stored
together with prescription drugs.
[0103] Referring now to FIG. 10 there is shown a flow chart of an
illustrative prescription validation process 250. The prescription
validation process is initiated at block 252 where user information
and prescription order information is provided to either
illustrative online server 206 or illustrative online server 240.
The method then proceeds to block 254 where user information is
matched against the prescription order information.
[0104] At decision diamond 256, the prescription order is validated
if user information and prescription information also match
information stored on the online server. Additionally, the
prescription may be validated after the online server communicates
with another server such as the medical provider's server.
Alternatively, the prescription order may be simply validated if
the user information matches the prescription information. For
example, if either the patient information or the prescription
order information does not match the information stored on the
online server, then the method proceeds to block 258 where the user
receives a failed prescription notification. By way of example and
not of limitation, an explanation may be provided by the online
server such as the patient's personal information is incorrect, or
the prescription has expired, or a physician's examination is
required before filling the order, or the patient needs to wait a
couple more days before the prescription order may be filled. Those
skilled in the art shall appreciate that the user information and
prescription information may require being input more than once
before a failed notification is provided to the user.
[0105] If the prescription order is validated by having the patient
information match the prescription order information, the method
proceeds to decision diamond 260 and determines if the prescription
order is covered by the user's health insurance. As with
prescription information, the insurance information for a specific
user may be stored on a database associated with the online server
of the production facility or the health insurance company's server
may be queried by the online server via secured network about the
accuracy of the user's insurance policy such as determining if the
insured's policy is up-to-date. Additionally, information about the
medications covered by the specific insurer may be queried,
co-payment information, prescription drug policy, secondary
insurance information, or any other such pertinent insurance
information.
[0106] If the prescription order is paid for partially or fully by
the user's health insurance, the method proceeds to process the
transaction at block 262. A more detailed view of the transaction
process 262 is provided below in FIG. 11.
[0107] The prescription order may not be covered, or may only be
partially covered by the user's insurance and so the method
proceeds to decision diamond 264 where alternative payment methods
can be provided. By way of example and not of limitation,
alternative payment methods include VISA transactions, debit card
transactions, ATM transactions, PayPal transactions, Electronic
Fund Transfers, and other such methods for performing on-line
transactions. If the alternative payment method can be processed,
the method proceeds to block 262 where the transaction is
processed. However, if the alternative payment method can not be
effectively processed, the method proceeds to block 266 where the
user receives a failed payment notification.
[0108] Referring to FIG. 11 there is shown an illustrative method
for processing an illustrative transaction in block 262. At block
262, the online transaction is processed, which enables the online
server to send confirmation that the prescription order has been
filled. The method is initiated at decision diamond 270 where a
determination is made concerning whether the transaction is valid.
A transaction is valid when the information for payment of the
multiple prescription order has been authenticated.
[0109] If a determination is made that the transaction is not a
valid transaction, the method proceeds to block 272 where a log of
either the prescription complication, transaction complication, or
both is recorded. The prescription complication may arise because
the production facility can not satisfy the order. The
transactional complication may be caused by the payment method not
being authenticated.
[0110] If the transaction is valid, the method proceeds to block
274 where the log indicates that prescription has been filled. The
processing of the online transaction may also comprise confirming
that the drugs requested are in the production facility's inventory
and ready for dispensing. Inventory information may be stored on
either the online server or the production server or on any other
communicatively connected database or computer associated to the
transaction component of the online server.
[0111] After determining whether the transaction is valid, the
method proceeds to block 276 where the user receives a completed or
failed transaction notification. In the illustrative example, the
failed transaction notification comprises information explaining to
the user that the transaction failed because an invalid credit card
number was provided. If the transaction is determined to be valid,
the prescription is logged as filled and the user receives a
prescription completed notification via the network connection
between the online server and the user's computer.
[0112] A multiple prescription container assembly comprises a
plurality of containers that are configured to receive a plurality
of medications, even though a single prescription may reside within
an individual container. The multiple prescription container
assembly is configured to dispense a plurality of different tablets
to a particular individual. The illustrative multiple prescription
container assembly comprises a plurality of containers made from a
single piece of moldable material wherein the containers are
ordered to permit sequential dispensing. At least one of the
containers is configured to receive a first tablet associated with
a first medication, and a second tablet associated with a second
medication that is different from the first medication; the first
tablet and the second tablet to be taken at approximately the same
time by the particular patient, which is also referred to as a
prescribed interval. By way of example and not of limitation, there
is a flange on the top surface of each of the containers. The
multiple prescription container assembly also comprises a plurality
of lids, the lidstock configured to interface with the flange of
each integrated container. Each lid seals each of the containers
and has a surface that receives a printable indicia with specific
information regarding the particular individual. Additionally, the
multiple prescription assembly comprises a sleeve or "secondary
package" that is coupled to the plurality of sealed containers
wherein the sleeve is configured to permit sequential dispensing
for each of the sealed containers.
[0113] Referring to FIG. 12 there is shown a first embodiment of
plurality of illustrative containers 300 having various depths that
are configured to receive a plurality of tablets. The three
individual containers 302, 304, and 306 are identical except for
the depth of the cavity of the containers. The flanged top surface
308 and the bottom surface 310 are the same on all three containers
shown in FIG. 12, and are configured to make the various sizes of
containers stackable. Each of the containers further comprises a
breakaway tab 312 on the sealing flange 308. The tab provides a
handhold for easy opening and peeling back the lid from the
container. Each of the containers also comprises a plurality of
indentations 314 on at least one edge of the flanged top surface
308.
[0114] Each of the illustrative embodiments 302, 304 and 306 is an
element of the multiple prescription container that stores tablets.
It should be noted that a "tablet" is a small article which is
swallowed. A tablet includes pills, capsules, and caplets. A tablet
may also be a solid dose of medication or supplement, i.e. pill,
tablet, capsule or a liquid dose of medication, e.g. Vitamin E or
(cod liver oil) provided in a capsule. In general, a tablet may be
a prescription medication, supplements, or any other such article
that is intended to be ingested to improve a user's health or
wellbeing. A tablet may also be medication in the form of a
suppository, or vitamins, herbal supplements and the like.
[0115] Referring to FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B there is shown a top view
and a bottom view of a plurality of illustrative sealed multiple
prescription containers 320. Note, the sealed multiple prescription
containers may also be referred to as a "primary package". In FIG.
13A and FIG. 13B, both views reflect that one of the containers 321
comprises a tapered body container 322 with a cavity for holding a
plurality of tablets. The tapered body container 322 allows a
plurality of individual containers to be stacked for storage. Each
container 320 has a flanged top surface 324 configured to be sealed
with a lid 326. In certain embodiments, the tablet assembly may
require individual containers that vary in depth depending on the
amount of tablets needed to be dispensed at a specific time. While
the depth of the individual containers may vary, the flanged top
surface and collar remain constant for processing of different
sized individual containers and for commonality with the assembly
sleeve.
[0116] In one embodiment, the multiple prescription container
comprises a plurality of individual containers. In the illustrative
embodiment, container 321 adjacent to container 328 and are sealed
with lid 326. The lid 326 seals all the containers. The sequential
connection between containers provides a linear grouping of the
individual containers. However, it should be noted that the
quantity of containers in a multiple prescription assembly may vary
as well as the interconnection configuration of the containers,
e.g. a circular, an elliptical, polyhedral, etc. In this
illustrative embodiment, the empty and unsealed containers are made
from a single piece of moldable material having indentations 330,
which may also be perforations or cuts, that separates container
321 from the other container 328.
[0117] At least one of the containers is configured to receive a
first tablet associated with a first medication, and a second
tablet associated with a second medication that is different from
the first medication. The set of containers 334 are separated from
one another by frangible connections 336 or perforations positioned
within the flanged edge 324 that is proximate to the adjacent
container. The frangible connection 336, which is between
containers, allows the containers to "break-away" from the set of
containers 334 in a sequential manner. Once the lids are attached
and/or sealed to the top flanged surface 324, this sequential
connection supports a linear configuration for sequential
dispensing.
[0118] Each container may also comprise a collar 338 below the
flanged edge 324 that allows the containers to be stored in a
stackable configuration. Each container may also comprise a bottom
surface 340 with at least one ridge 342. The ridge is useful in
minimizing tablet-to-tablet collisions and avoiding medication
sloughing off of a tablet due to collisions with other tablets. By
limiting excessive movement of the tablets in each of the
containers, the ridge or ridges on the bottom of the container(s)
help preserve the integrity of the tablets within. The ridge may
protrude outward from the bottom surface of the containers as shown
in FIG. 13B, or in other embodiments, may be formed by an
indentation of the bottom surface. The ridge(s) may be configured
as a square, rectangle, circle, a plurality of parallel lines as
well as other geometric shapes.
[0119] The illustrative set of containers 334 comprises seven
adjacent containers configured for sequential dispensing of the
contents of each container. Sequential dispensing refers to
individual containers being "dispensed one at a time," which is
different from being "cherry picked" from a grid of individual
containers. The number of containers in a set of integrated
containers may vary due to the prescription prescribed for the
user. While the illustrative embodiment describes seven containers,
a set of containers may comprise at least two containers to about
20 containers, and more preferably about 5 to about 14 containers.
It is expected that most of the containers will be of similar size
for ease of filling the containers, but in certain embodiments
varying container sizes may be needed. The set of containers 334
may be opaque but in preferred embodiments, the moldable material
comprises enough clarity for the user to visualize the contents of
the containers.
[0120] The illustrative lid 326 of container 321 comprises a
printing surface where unique prescription-specific information is
displayed for each container. The information displayed on the
printing surface may include, but is not be limited to, the
patient's name, the date and the day of the week the contained
mixed dosage medications are to be taken, as well as the time of
day that the tablets are to be taken. The markings on the
containers inform the patient and/or caregiver the time in which
the contents of the container are to be taken in the proper
sequence. In general, the lid stock comes from a roll and the
appropriate amount of lidstock is released from the roll to
accommodate the designated number of containers to be sealed. For a
thermoformed container, using polypropylene for the material for
the lid stock, an unsealed area of lid film is generally used to
help in the peeling of the lid. The breakaway tab 332 on the
illustrative container 321 gives the user something to hold onto
and is a useful feature to a container that is manufactured by
injection molding with plastics like polyethylene or styrene.
[0121] Referring to FIG. 14 there is shown an exploded isometric
view of the multiple prescription container assembly 350 before
slidably coupling the set of sealed containers 334 to the
dispensing sleeve 352, which is an illustrative secondary package.
Recall, the sealed containers are the primary package. The exploded
view also shows a top tab 354 on the top surface 356 of the sleeve
which holds the end container 358 by catching the rectangular void
made by one of the indentations 360. When the user pushes down the
sleeve tabs 362, the set of sealed containers are released and the
top tab 354 can be disengaged from the containers. The end
container 358 can be slid out of the dispensing sleeve 352 if there
are no other child protective features, and the top tab latches 354
on to the next indentation (not shown). The user then can break the
frangible connection 364 and remove the container. This two-step
process of holding tabs 362 and pulling on the end of the sealed
containers is a "child safety" feature. It shall be appreciated by
those skilled in the art that the child safety feature may be
removed to conform to a more senior-friendly solution that is also
described herein.
[0122] Additionally, there is shown a notch 363 that is configured
to be fit into an illustrative cavity that is a square-shaped
perimeter 365 and receives a notch similar to notch 363. The notch
363 permits two dispensing sleeves to "snap" together. The square
shaped perimeter 365 is located on near the edge of the dispensing
sleeve 352 and has a square cut and a lip.
[0123] Printed material 366 such as detailed label 160 in FIG. 5,
may be attached to the top surface 356 of the dispensing sleeve
352. Additional information about the prescription or other patient
data can also be placed on the dispensing sleeve 352. The
dispensing sleeve 352 may also comprise a surface for printable
indicia on the top surface 356, and the printable indicia may
include patient data as well as prescription information.
[0124] Referring to FIG. 15 there is shown an isometric view of the
set of sealed containers slidably coupled to another sleeve for
sequential dispensing. In this illustrative embodiment, the sealed
multiple prescription containers are operatively coupled to the
dispensing sleeve 368. The dispensing sleeve 368 is similar to the
dispensing sleeve 352 in that both sleeves comprise grooves or
slits 370 configured to allow the flanged top surface 324 in FIG.
13 of each container to slide into the respective dispensing
sleeve. Additionally, both sleeves comprise a thumb groove 372,
which is configured for a human thumb or finger, allowing a patient
or caregiver easy access to the sealed prescription container. The
thumb groove 372 also acts as a display window to allow the patient
to view the printed markings on the lid of each containers. The
dispensing sleeve 368 also contains a printable area 374 large
enough to accommodate a detailed label with information about each
tablet in each of the containers such as the detailed label in FIG.
5. The dispensing sleeve 368 and 352 may be produced as one piece
and is configured to lock onto another sleeve with a "snap and
lock" means comprising at least one protruding section 376 that
defines a cavity 378 of the dispensing sleeve. The protruding
section is configured to receive a notch (not shown) that can
interface directly with the protruding section 376. The dispensing
sleeve may be injection molded or manufactured from plastics such
as polypropylene and ABS.
[0125] Additionally, the particular sleeve 368 further comprises
integral, mold-in release tabs 380a and 380b configured to allow
the sealed containers to slide out of the dispensing sleeve 368
when pressure is applied to release tabs 380a and 380b. The
container 350 is then removed by breaking the perforation mark
between the containers. The release tabs are configured to "catch"
the next container 350 so that one container is released at a time,
thereby providing child resistance.
[0126] Referring to FIG. 16 there is shown an exploded view of an
illustrative child protective feature 390 for a multiple
prescription container assembly. The first end 392 of the
dispensing sleeve 394 comprises release tabs 396a and 396b
configured on the sides of the sleeve. The release tabs 396a and
396b each comprise a molded loop 398a and 398b configured to hold
the top flanged surface 400 of the end container 402 in the
dispensing sleeve 394. The molded loops 398a and 398b have concave
sections 404a and 404b which contact the bottom side of the top
flanged surface 406. When the end container 402 is to be taken out
of the dispensing sleeve, the downward pressure of the user's thumb
on the lid of container 402 in the thumb well pushes the concave
section 404a and 404b downward, releasing the top flanged surface
from the release tabs 396a and 396b, allowing container 402 to exit
the dispensing sleeve 394. Other embodiments of the release tab(s)
will readily suggest themselves to those of ordinary skill in the
art.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 17 there is shown an illustrative
embodiment of a plurality of dispensing sleeves 410 that are
configured to interface with at least one other sleeve having a
plurality of sealed containers. The dispensing sleeves 410 are
similar to dispensing sleeve 368 described above. The first
dispensing sleeve 412 is releasably coupled to dispensing sleeve
414, which in turn is releasably coupled to dispensing sleeve 416.
Each sleeve comprises a plurality of knobs or hooks on a first side
of each sleeve and a plurality of corresponding shaped grooves or
knob receptacles 418 on the second side of each sleeve, which
enables the sleeves to interlock. In this embodiment, each
dispensing sleeves 412, 414, and 416 are grouped together for daily
usage on a per week basis for a patient that needs to take
medications three times per day, in which the first sleeve 412 is
for a prescribed morning dosing, the second sleeve 414 is for a
prescribed afternoon dosing, and the third sleeve is for a
prescribed evening dosing.
[0128] Referring to FIG. 18 there is shown illustrative notches of
interlocking elements for the illustrative dispensing sleeve 352
shown in FIG. 14. The illustrative notches 363 are configured to be
fit into a plurality of square-shaped perimeters 365 that define a
cavity. The notches 363 and square shaped perimeters permit two
dispensing sleeves 352 to fit together. The square shaped
perimeters 365 define a cavity that is located adjacent to the edge
of the dispensing sleeve 352. Additionally a small lip is shown
that permits the notch to be locked into place.
[0129] FIG. 19 there is shown an illustrative top view of multiple
sleeves coupled to one another and depicting the sequential
dispensing of a container. In this illustrative example, the
multiple prescription container assembly is for patients that must
take multiple medications more than once a day. The multiple
prescription container assembly 420 comprises a plurality of
thermoformed or molded sets of sealed container 422a, 422b, and
422c that are heat sealed with a laminated lid 424a, 424b, and
424c, respectively. Each container within the set of containers
422a, 422b, and 422c contains the required medications that have
been prescribed for a particular time. The containers are separated
by perforations as described above. In the illustrative embodiment,
each container contains printed markings 426 that identify the
medications contained therein, and may also indicate the patient's
name, and, most importantly for the purposes of this embodiment,
the day and the time of day that the medications are to be
taken.
[0130] In the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 19, each container is
dedicated solely to a particular time of day. In the illustrative
example, the set of containers 422a are taken in the morning, the
set of containers 422b are taken at approximately noon, and the set
of containers 422c are taken in the evening. Thus, it is possible
to have a plurality of containers for each day of the week so that
each container has the proper dosage that is to be taken at a
particular time of day. In this illustrative embodiment, the
patient is supplied with a complete set of containers for a
particular week and for a specific time of day.
[0131] Each individual container within each set of containers is
to be taken at the correct, prescheduled time each day as marked
426 on each container. The multiple prescription container assembly
420 may be provided to the patient or caregiver as three separate
sets of containers enclosed in three separate dispensing sleeves.
The patient or caregiver can interlock the three separate
dispensing sleeves 428a, 428b, and 428c.
[0132] Referring to FIG. 20A there is shown a top view of a second
illustrative multiple prescription container. The illustrative
rounded multiple prescription container 430 comprises a plurality
of containers 432 that are adjacent to one another. Each container
is wedge shaped so that the triangular surface area at the top of
each container is greater than the triangular well at the bottom of
each container. The illustrative container 432 is surrounded by a
flanged edge 434. The dispensing sleeve 436 surrounds the rounded
multiple prescription container 430. A release tab 438 on the
sleeve 436 permits the rounded multiple prescription container 430
to be rotated within the sleeve 436. The axis of rotation is
defined by the well 440 at the center of the plurality of
containers. A plurality of ridges 442a, 442b, 442c, and 442d on the
sleeve 436 hold cover, lidstock, or any other labels in place.
[0133] Referring to FIG. 20B there is shown a bottom view of the
dispensing sleeve housing the rounded containers described in FIG.
20A. The bottom view shows the rounded multiple prescription
containers 430 and the illustrative container 432 with the flanged
ends 434 that interface with the sleeve 436. The flanged ends 434
are slidably coupled to the sleeve 436 via a plurality of lips such
as lip 444. The bottom view also shows the release tab 438 that
permits the rounded containers to rotate around the sleeve.
Additionally, a rim 445 is shown that is the approximate depth of
the container. The rim 445 receives printed information about the
particular patient taking the prescribed medication. The rim 445
also permits the stacking of a plurality of rounded multiple
prescription assemblies.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 21A there is shown the dispensing sleeve
housing the rounded containers having a first lid and a cover. The
first lid 446 is visible and is associated with a particular
multiple prescription container and is adhesively coupled to the
flanged edges of the container. The cover 448 shields the lids and
containers within each sleeve. The combination of elements shown in
FIG. 21A illustrates a rounded multiple prescription assembly 450.
In FIG. 21B, the first lid 446 is removed, permitting access to the
different medications within the container. There may be a variety
of printed information on the lid 446 and/or the cover 448.
[0135] Referring to FIG. 22, there is shown an alternative sleeve
452 that does not comprise a rim 445. The sleeve 452 is configured
to receive the rounded multiple prescription container 430, and the
combination results in an alternative embodiment of the rounded
multiple prescription container assembly 454.
[0136] Both of the multiple prescription container assemblies 450
and 454 are configured for sequential dispensing. While the
illustrative embodiment describes seven containers, a set of
containers may comprise at least two containers to about 20
containers, and more preferably about 5 to about 14 containers. It
is expected that most of the containers will be of similar size for
ease of filling the containers. Additionally, the illustrative
moldable material comprises enough clarity for the user to
visualize the contents of the containers.
[0137] Referring to FIGS. 23A and 23B, there are shown two separate
perspective views of a plurality of stacked rounded multiple
prescription container assemblies. The stacked rounded multiple
prescription assemblies 456 are composed of a plurality of rounded
multiple prescription container assemblies 450. Each of the
multiple prescription container assemblies 450 are stacked on top
of one another with the rim 445, which permits the stacking of
rounded multiple prescription container assemblies.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 24A there is shown a perspective view of a
third embodiment of a multiple prescription assembly that is a
circular multiple prescription container assembly. In this
illustrative embodiment, the circular multiple prescription
container assembly 460 comprises a set of multiple prescription
containers 462 having flanged edges similar to the flanged ends 434
(described in FIG. 20A), a lid 464, and a cap 466. The lid 464
seals the multiple prescription containers 462. The cap 466 fits
over the flanged ends (not shown) and has a triangular opening 468
cut into the cap 466. The cap 466 is configured to snap fit with
the sealed multiple prescription containers. The triangular opening
468 permits the patient and/or caregiver to view writing on the lid
464 and to have access to the lid 464. Referring to FIG. 24B, there
is shown an illustrative embodiment in which the lid 470 has
printed information that identifies the patient, the date, and the
time that the prescribed medications are to be taken.
[0139] Additionally, the illustrative lid 464 is cut to permit a
patient to remove the lid by placing a finger underneath a cut 472.
A ridge 474 permits the lid 464 to be more easily removed from the
container. A more detailed view of a patient or caregiver removing
the lid 464 is provided in FIG. 25. Once the contents of a
particular container have been removed, the cap 466 is rotated, and
provides access to the next sealed container.
[0140] Referring to FIG. 26 there is shown a flowchart of an
illustrative method for dispensing tablets which utilizes a
secondary package or sleeve for housing a primary package or a
multiple prescription container 500. This illustrative method for
dispensing tablets comprises providing a set of integrated
containers 502, the containers adjacent to one another and filling
each container with at least one tablet previously specified for
each container. The method also comprises the set of integrated
containers having a flanged edge and at least one frangible
connection, e.g. perforated line, configured within the flanged
edge between each of the plurality of containers 504. The method
may also comprise providing a lidstock with a plurality of lids
that may be adjacent to one another in a linear arrangement 506.
The configuration of the lids is not limited to a linear
arrangement and may be configured in any manner as to be capable of
sealing the set of integrated containers. The method further
comprises providing a frangible connection between each of the
plurality of lids 508. The frangible connection may be a thinned
region of plastic that is easily breakable, perforations in the
film and the like.
[0141] The method comprises sealing the plurality of containers of
the set of integrated containers with the corresponding plurality
of lids 510 of the lidstock. The quantity of the containers in the
tablet assembly is variable, depending on the prescription of the
patient. The number of lids will correspond to the number of
containers utilized in the tablet assembly. A printable surface is
provided on each of the plurality of lids 512 in which specific
printing indicia or information is placed 514 relating to the
administration of the tablets held in the container sealed by the
corresponding lid.
[0142] This method may also comprise providing a sleeve or
secondary package for receiving the set of sealed containers 516
and placing the set of sealed containers or primary package into
the sleeve 518 or secondary package. The patient completes the
process of dispensing the tablets by expelling or manually moving
one of the plurality of sealed containers out of the sleeve at the
time printed on the corresponding lid 520. Once the container has
been slid out from the secondary package, the container is removed
from the set of containers as well as the secondary package and/or
sleeve by tearing the frangible connection between the expelled
container and the adjacent container remaining in the sleeve 522.
The patient can then gain access to the tablets in the expelled
container by removing the lid from the container 524. In some
alternative embodiments, the method comprises providing extended
tabs on the lids, break-away tabs and/or providing chamfered edges
on the containers to make removing the lid off of the container
more convenient.
[0143] In yet another embodiment, the method further comprises
providing a child safety release tab on a secondary sleeve as seen
on the tablet assembly embodiment shown above, to prevent unwanted
tampering of the tablets in the containers by children. In the
embodiment described above, at the proper time for dispensing the
tablets from a container, the patient holds the dispenser and
manually actuates the release tabs while simultaneously manually
sliding the strip of containers in a direction "out of the
dispenser." When the perforations or frangible connection between
the first two containers in the strip reach the outer edge of the
dispenser the release tab resets, thus locking the strip from
further sliding motion. The patient then tears off, at the
perforations, the protruding container that contains the correct
medications for the stated time, pulls up on the extended corner of
the lid, and opens the container by peeling back the lid, exposing
the medications. The dispenser then is left with the correct
printed markings showing in the thumb groove display window, ready
for the next dosage to be taken. Other embodiments of the methods
of dispensing tablets comprise providing a "senior friendly" tablet
assembly instead of an assembly with a child safety tab for the
convenience of patients with limited dexterity shall be readily
identified by those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0144] Referring to FIG. 27 there is shown a flowchart of the
production facility processes 600 used by an illustrative
production facility to fill a prescription order. After receiving
the prescription order in one of the illustrative system and/or
methods described above, the order processing system 602 begins
controlling the filling of the prescription order. By way of
example and not of limitation, the ordering processing system 602
interfaces with an online server, production server, or both, and
receives data that relates to the type of medication or tablet, and
the type of multiple prescription container assembly that needs to
be filled with the appropriate medications and/or tablets. Those
with ordinary skill in the art of manufacturing processes and
robotic processes shall appreciate that the systems or methods for
controlling production can be performed using a centralized control
system or a distributed control system. For purposes of this
patent, those with ordinary skill in the art shall appreciate that
there will even be instances where a combination of centralized and
distributed control are optimal, and depend on design requirements
and design expectations.
[0145] The order processing system 602 is in communication with a
tablet management system 608. The tablet management system 608
controls the tablets that fill the pill refill modules, which in
turn fill up the appropriate multiple prescription containers. The
tablet management system 608 also communicates when a refill module
is not properly being filled. The order processing system 602 also
communicates with a container selection process 604. The container
selection process 604 may receive an order for a particular
container assembly from the user placing the order, e.g.
pharmacist, caregiver, patient, etc. Alternatively, the container
selection process 604 may simply receive a multiple prescription
order, and may have to select the appropriate container for filling
the order, e.g. less than 5 tablets require a small container, 6-10
tablets require a mid-size container, and 10-20 tablets require a
large container.
[0146] After the container selection process 604, there is a
container inspection process 606 during which inspection of the
appropriate container is performed, to ensure that the appropriate
container or substitute container has been selected. Additionally,
the inspection process 606 may include identifying whether the
container is broken or has some obstruction that may cause some
difficulty to downstream systems and/or processes.
[0147] After the container inspection 606, the container filling
process 610 is initiated. In an illustrative example, the container
filling process 610 occurs by placing the selected container on a
pallet or tote and moving the pallet or tote on a conveyer, which
moves the pallet to the appropriate filling location so that the
appropriate tablets may fill the container.
[0148] After filling the appropriate container with a plurality of
medications and/or tablets, an inspection of the filled containers
is performed at block 612. The inspection may be conducted by using
X-ray detection, near infrared detection, robotic detection at
visual wavelengths, or any other such technique that looks at
color, shape, weight, density, or other such parameter to determine
if the appropriate container has been filled with the correct
prescription. In certain instances, a visual inspection by a
pharmacist may also be performed.
[0149] After inspection, the method proceeds to the lid assembly
process 614 during which the lid is applied to the multiple
prescription container producing the primary package. The sleeve is
then applied at the sleeve assembly process in block 616.
Alternatively, a cap may be placed on the sealed multiple
prescription container, as described above. For purposes of this
patent, the term "sleeved container" or secondary package includes
a multiple prescription container having a cap, unless otherwise
indicated.
[0150] At block 618, the inspection of the sleeved sealed
containers is conducted. This inspection at block 618 is performed
after the multiple prescription container has been sealed. Note,
the inspection at block 612 was conducted before sealing. The need
for the second inspection described in block 618 is in case a
tablet or medication fell out of the container or was mislabeled.
Additionally, one of the tablets or medications may also have been
broken or otherwise compromised. As stated above, the inspection
may be conducted using a variety of different instruments
including, but not limited to, robotic inspections at a visual
wavelength, near IR, X-ray and any other detection means that can
identify the type of tablets or medication in each container.
[0151] The method then proceeds to block 620 where the sleeved
sealed container(s) are combined with printed materials in the
tote. The printed materials may include detailed labels as
described in FIG. 5-7 above. Additional materials may also be
provided such as printed materials from pharmaceutical companies,
medical providers, pharmacists, and other such entities. The
printed materials are controlled by the tote assembly system 622.
The printed materials may be generated at the production facility
by a detailed labeling component or may be shipped to the
production facility or any combination thereof.
[0152] After combining the printed materials and the sleeved sealed
multiple prescription containers at a distribution center, the
combination is shipped to a pharmacy, customer, or sent to a
pick-up window as represented by block 624. As stated above, the
customer may be a patient, a caregiver, a medical health
professional, or any other such person
[0153] Referring to FIG. 28, there is shown an illustrative
large-scale production facility 628 that may occupy a warehouse. A
plurality of container 630 are fed in a container feeding section
by an operator 632 that places the containers on a pallet or tote
that are carried by a conveyor belt 634 around the facility. The
operator 632 is charged with container selection based on the
information provided by the order processing system. Additionally,
the operator 632 is charged with performing a visual inspection of
the containers that are placed on the pallet or tote.
[0154] The powered conveyor then transports the tote having the
empty containers to filler cells that have a particular medication
or tablet. As the empty container passes under each filler cell
635, the tablet management system determines whether a tablet is to
be dispensed. The container filling process requires a variety of
different filling cells that have to be refilled by illustrative
operators 636 and 638. The conveyor belts and filler cells are
grouped into units for easier operation and maintenance. In the
illustrative embodiment, the powered conveyers can travel to the
appropriate filler cell in an efficient manner that permits a
particular pallet to bypass traveling along the perimeter of the
conveyor assembly. For example, a particular pallet may bypass
traveling along the length of a conveyor via a bypass 640 or
642.
[0155] The filled containers are then inspected to determine if the
container has been properly filled. An operator 644 mans the
inspection equipment. If order adjustments are needed, another
operator 646 is charged with resolving any problems with one or
more orders. If the operator 644 determines that the prescription
has been properly filled after having visually inspected the
multiple prescription or using other inspection means are described
herein. The appropriate lid is then placed on the containers. A
lidstock sealer 648 seals the lid on the multiple prescription
container. The sleeve is then selected at the sleeve assembly 650
and then applied. The operator 652 inspects the sleeve.
Alternatively, the operator 652 may be charged with combining the
sleeved and sealed prescription container. A separate tote filling
system 654 or detailed labeling component generates the detailed
label that is combined with the pallet or tote having the sleeved
and sealed multiple prescription containers. The conveyor 656 then
transports the filled prescription order to a predetermined
location so that the filled prescription order may be shipped to
the pharmacy or customer.
[0156] Referring to FIG. 29 there is shown a perspective view of an
illustrative tabletop system that can be used to have a local
pharmacist to fill the multiple prescription order. Although the
warehouse size production facility is described above in FIG. 28,
the tabletop system is much smaller and can also be used to fill a
multiple prescription order. The illustrative table top system 660
receives a prescription order at station 662. The appropriate
containers 664 are selected and placed on a conveyor (not shown)
that are fed under fill cells 666. At workstation 668 the multiple
prescription order is inspected by the pharmacist. A lid is
generated at station 670 and sealed at station 672. The sleeve
located at sleeve dispenser 674 is then applied. The sealed sleeve
assembly is then inspected by the pharmacist. The detailed label is
generated by printer 676, and all the printed materials are
combined with the sealed and sleeved multiple prescription
container. The filled multiple prescription may then be picked up
at a "pick-up" window 678. A pharmacist at station can then explain
to the customer about the multiple prescription packaging.
[0157] Referring to FIG. 30 there is shown a block diagram of an
illustrative order processing system 602. The order processing
system 602 is configured to control the filling of the prescription
order. The order processing system comprises a block 690 in which a
multiple prescription order is received. The multiple prescription
order may be received electronically or at a pharmacist's window.
The system 602 then proceeds to check an inventory management
system 692 and determines if the appropriate medication or tablets
are available. At decision diamond 694, a decision to order
additional inventory is made if the inventory of tablets or
medication are running low. If inventories are running low, then at
block 696 an order is placed for additional tablet inventory.
However, if there is a satisfactory inventory, block 698
communicates tablet type, size, quantity, frequency, packaging, and
time for taking the prescribed medications in the container
selection process 604 and the pill management system 608.
[0158] The order processing system 602 also accommodates receiving
the tablet received in block 700, after having placed the order for
additional inventory in block 696. After receiving the order
tablets, the inventory management system is updated as indicated in
block 702. The updated inventory is then communicated to the pill
management system 608. The order processing system 602 is intended
to make it more efficient for a production facility and/or
pharmacist to manage the tablet or medication inventory stored at
the local facility. By creating a system and method for automated
ordering, the order processing system can provide a more efficient
means for controlling inventory and thereby more efficiently
control the filling of multiple prescription orders in multiple
prescription containers.
[0159] Referring to FIG. 31 there is shown a flowchart of an
illustrative container selection process 604. The container
selection process 604 may receive an order for a particular
container assembly from the user placing the order, e.g.
pharmacist, caregiver, patient, etc. Alternatively, the container
selection process 604 may simply receive a multiple prescription
order, and may have to select the appropriate container for filling
the order, e.g. less than 5 tablets require a small container, 6-10
tablets require a mid-size container, and 10-20 tablets require a
large container. For either embodiment, the container selection
process 604 is initiated by receiving the appropriate tablet and/or
container information. For example in block 704, tablet data and/or
container selection data is received that may comprise type of
tablet or medication, size of the tablet or medication and the
frequency with which the tablet or medication needs to be
consumed.
[0160] At block 706, the method may determine the type of container
to use based on the types of medications, size, and frequency. The
determination of the type of container may be performed without
receiving a user's request for a particular multiple prescription
container assembly as described above. The determination of
container availability is then made at decision diamond 708. If a
particular container is not available, the method may return to
block 706 to select an alternative container. Issues associated
with container availability are reported to the inventory
management system 702. If the containers are available, the method
proceeds to block 710 where the containers are de-nested and then
placed on the appropriate pallet, at block 712. The method then
proceeds to container inspection at block 606.
[0161] Referring to FIG. 32, there is shown an illustrative block
diagram of an illustrative tablet management system 608. The
illustrative tablet management system 608 controls the tablets that
fill the pill refill modules described above. The tablet management
system 608 also communicates when a refill module is not properly
being filled. Bulk tablets are received at block 720 and then are
fed into an illustrative hopper 722. The tablets are then separated
by a separator 724 and are then inspected 726 to determine if they
have been placed in the appropriate refill module.
[0162] A tablet refill control system 728 manages the tablet being
distributed to the appropriate refill module 730. Additionally, the
tablet refill control system receives tablet information 732, and
this tablet information is stored on the tablet refill control
system 728. The additional tablet inventory and is then
communicated to the inventory management system 702.
[0163] Referring to FIG. 33 there is shown an illustrative refill
module 730. The illustrative refill module includes a hopper 734,
separator 736, and sensor 738 that counts the tablets. The tablet
refill control system 728 communicates with the illustrative refill
module 730. A plurality of feeding tubes 740 distributes one or
more tablets to the illustrative containers 742. Broken tablets are
collected in bottle 744 after being inspected by sensor 738.
[0164] Referring to FIG. 34 there is shown a flowchart of an
illustrative multiple prescription container filling process 610.
Recall, the container filling process 610 occurs by placing the
selected container on a pallet or tote and moving the pallet or
tote on a conveyer that moves the tote or pallet to the appropriate
filling location so that the appropriate tablets may fill the
container. In the illustrative production facility described in
FIG. 28 or the illustrative bench system in FIG. 29, an operational
conveyor system is used to transport the containers. Thus, in the
illustrative examples an operation conveyer system 750 is required.
However, those skilled in the art shall appreciate that a conveyer
system may not be required and may instead rely on being gravity
fed and placed into a particular container configured to hold a
plurality of medications or tablets.
[0165] The illustrative conveyer system receives a container pallet
or tote at block 752. The containers then stop at the appropriate
refill module and are filled with tablets as described in block
754. Additionally, each refill module may comprise a sensor 738
that counts the number of tablets that are distributed by the
refill module, and this count may be communicated to the tablet
refill control system 728. A container tracking system 756 tracks
the location of each container so that the appropriate medications
or tablets are filled by the appropriate filling modules. By way of
example and not of limitation, the container tracking system 756
and the refill module are communicatively coupled to the tablet
refill control system 728. After the containers are filled by the
plurality of refill modules, the illustrative unsealed containers
are inspected at block 612.
[0166] Referring to FIG. 35 there is shown an exploded perspective
view of the illustrative tabletop system 660 that comprises order
processing, pill management, container selection, container
inspection, container filling, lid generation and lid placement. As
described above, the illustrative table top system 660 receives a
prescription order at station 662. The appropriate containers 664
are selected. By way of example and not of limitation, there are
three different size containers, e.g. small, medium, and large. The
appropriate containers are selected by the pharmacist and are then
placed on a conveyor 665, which feeds these multiple prescription
containers to refill cells 666. The refill cells 666 are configured
to deposit the appropriate tablets and/or medications into the
containers. At workstation 668 the filled multiple prescription
order are visually inspected by the pharmacist. Alternatively,
there may be other means of inspecting the filled, yet unsealed,
multiple prescription containers such as near infrared, X-ray, or
such means for inspection. A lid is then generated at station
670.
[0167] Referring to FIG. 36 there is shown a flowchart with a more
detailed flow of the inspection of filled multiple prescription
containers that have not been sealed. After filling the appropriate
container with a plurality of medications and/or tablets, an
inspection of the filled containers is performed at block 612. The
inspection may be conducted by simply providing an image to the
pharmacist so that the pharmacist can see if the appropriate tablet
or medication is in each container, as represented by block 760.
Additionally, precision weighing 762 may be used to make sure that
the appropriate tablets or medications are deposited in the
appropriate multiple prescription container. The inspection may
also be conducted by using X-ray detection 764 or some other form
of detecting such as near infrared detection, robotic detection at
visual wavelengths, or any other such technique that looks at
color, shape, density, or other such parameter to determine if the
appropriate container has been filled with the correct
prescription. If a determination is made that the multiple
prescription container has not been properly filled, then order
adjustment 766 may be performed. After inspection, the process
continues to lid assembly processing.
[0168] Referring to FIG. 37 there is shown a flowchart describing
an illustrative lid assembly process 614. After inspection, the
method proceeds to the lid assembly process 614 during which the
lid is applied to the multiple prescription container. The lid
assembly process 614 comprises receiving blank lidstock 770, and
placing the lidstock 772 in a position so that lidstock printing
774 can take place. To perform the printing on the lidstock, a
printing ink, toner, or ribbon is needed.
[0169] In the illustrative production facility 628, a pallet is
used to transport the multiple prescription container to the
appropriate lid assembly section, as described by block 778. In
another embodiment 660, a pallet is not needed and the container
simply travels along the conveyer. In yet another embodiment, a
conveyer is not needed. However, regardless of the system and
method used to transfer the filled multiple prescription container,
a label needs to be applied. In this illustrative embodiment, the
appropriate label is generated as described above and placed on the
filled multiple prescription container as represented by block 780.
The method then proceeds to block 782 where the lidstock is heat
sealed to the filled multiple prescription container. The sleeve is
then applied at the sleeve assembly process 616.
[0170] Referring to FIG. 38 there is shown a flowchart of an
illustrative sleeve assembly process 616 where the sleeve is
applied to the sealed multiple prescription container. By way of
example and not of limitation, the sealed multiple prescription
container is communicated using a pallet, as represented by block
790. The sleeve is then combined with the sealed multiple
prescription container at block 792.
[0171] The illustrative sleeve is generated by receiving a blank
sleeve 794 and placing the sleeve 796 in the appropriate position
so that a printed label 798 can be placed on the sleeve. The
printed label 798 may be generated locally with printing ink,
toner, or a ribbon 802. The complete sleeve assembly 804 is then
ready to be coupled to the sealed multiple prescription container.
As described above, a cap may also be placed on the sealed multiple
prescription container, instead of a sleeve.
[0172] Refer to FIG. 39 there is shown a more detailed flowchart of
the inspection of the sleeved containers conducted at block 618.
This inspection at block 618 is performed after the multiple
prescription container has been sealed. The need for this second
inspection is to maintain a high degree of quality assurance and
quality control (QA/QC). For example, a tablet or medication may
have fallen out of the multiple prescription container during the
lid sealing process described above. Additionally, the wrong
printed information may have been placed on the lidstock, sleeve,
or cap. In the illustrative production facility embodiment, the
sleeved sealed containers are received in block 806. At block 808,
the printed information on the sleeve and/or lid is verified. If
the label is incorrect then the label is rejected at decision
diamond 810, and a new label is placed on the sleeve 812. If the
label is accurate, then the method proceeds to block 620 where tote
printed materials are combined with the sleeved multiple
prescription containers.
[0173] Note, that other problems that may also be identified during
the inspection process 618 include identifying tablets or
medication being broken, compromised, or too many tablets being
dispensed at one particular time. Additionally, the inspection may
not be limited to simply checking the label, and a more exhaustive
secondary inspection may be conducted using a variety of different
instruments including, but not limited to, robotic inspections at a
visual wavelength, near IR, X-ray, precision weighing and any other
detection means that can identify the type of tablets or medication
in each container.
[0174] Referring to FIG. 40 there is shown an exploded perspective
view of the illustrative tabletop system with the lid assembly
process, sleeve assembly process, and inspection. The illustrative
table top system includes generating a lid at station 670, and
sealing the lid at station 672. The container travels along
conveyor 665. The sleeve located at sleeve dispenser 674 is then
applied. The sleeve label is generated at sleeve label station 675.
The pharmacist then proceeds to combine the sleeve and the sealed
multiple prescription container. The pharmacist then may perform a
visual inspection. Printed materials are generated by printer 676,
and the printed materials are combined with the multiple
prescription container assembly.
[0175] Referring to FIG. 41 there is shown a block diagram of the
tote assembly system 622 that controls the printed materials. Prior
to generating the printed materials the illustrative tote assembly
system performs an order consolidation process 820. The order
consolidation process comprises accessing a database with patient
prescriptions and orders and consolidating various prescriptions or
orders. For example, a patient may request vitamin supplements with
prescribed medications, and so order consolidation may be
necessary. Additionally, there may be two separate prescriptions
from two different doctors that need to be combined. The method
then proceeds to block 822 where the patient-specific information
is printed. This patient-specific information may include the
labels described above in FIG. 5-7 above. At block 824,
prescription literature that is provided by a pharmaceutical
company, medical provider, insurance company, or other such health
professional may be included. These printed materials may be
generated at the production facility or may be shipped to the
production facility or any combination thereof. In the illustrative
tote assembly system, shipper packaging information may also be
processed at block 826, so that the illustrative production
facility may accommodate shipping using a variety of different
carriers, e.g. FedEx, UPS, USPS, DHL, etc. The appropriate shipping
label is then generated at block 828. The method then proceeds to
block 620 where the sleeved sealed container(s) are combined with
printed materials in the tote or pallet.
[0176] Referring to FIG. 42 there is shown a block diagram
describing the combining of the tote and sealed multiple
prescription containers at block 620. At block 830, the
illustrative production facility conveys the pallet or tote with
the multiple prescription container assembly. At block 832, the
multiple prescription container assembly is then combined with the
printed materials generated by the tote assembly system 622
including the detailed label. After the prescription order is
filled, a record of the filled prescription is recorded and
communicated to the appropriate entities as represented by block
834. The multiple prescription container assembly and associated
materials are combined and then distributed or shipped to the
pharmacy or customer as reflected by block 624.
[0177] It is to be understood that the foregoing is a detailed
description of illustrative embodiments. The scope of the claims is
not limited to these specific embodiments. Various elements,
details, execution of any methods, and uses can differ from those
just described, or be expanded on or implemented using technologies
not yet commercially viable, and yet still be within the inventive
scope of the present disclosure. The scope of the invention is
determined by the following claims and their legal equivalents.
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