System and method for parallel preparation processing

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for parallel drug processing. Such methods can include receiving a request to prepare a plurality of customized medication containers; determining at least one attribute of the request to prepare at least one customized medication container; identifying a template corresponding to the at least one attribute of the request, the template identifying steps and an order of steps for filling the customized medication container; and executing the template. Executing the template can include iteratively assigning tasks to a plurality of stations within an automated dispensing device, execution of the tasks at least partially overlapping; and directing a transport to move at least one medication container between the stations of the automated dispensing device.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 006,027, filed August 28, 2020, entitled “System and Method for Parallel Preparation Processing,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This application relates to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 005,786, filed August 28, 2020, entitled "Drug Quantification System and Method" (Attorney's No. 079816-1203275 (102000US)); and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 005,637, filed August 28, 2020, entitled "Bag Delivery Mechanism for Intravenous (IV) Combination" (Attorney's No. 079816-1203534 (103000US)); August 2020 U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 005,650, filed on August 28, entitled “Cylinder Loading System for Syringe Caps” (Attorney’s No. 079816-1203533 (104000US)); and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 005,803, filed on August 28, 2020, entitled “Cabinet with Integrated Pick-and-Place Mechanism” (Attorney’s No. 079816-1205086 (106000US)); the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Background Technology

[0004] Medication handling or compounding in modern IV pharmacies involves complex tasks that must be performed under aseptic conditions and with meticulous record-keeping. Automated devices have been designed to make these processes faster, safer, and more compliant with regulations. First-generation pharmacy automation devices can only perform a single compounding task well, such as filling syringes. This necessitates manual handling of the initial processing. Using such devices typically requires preparing preliminary formulations, such as stock bags, vials, or recombinants, from which the patient's dose is drawn to prepare the final formulation. Second-generation automation devices are more flexible, incorporating additional hardware and software for preparing preliminary formulations. While these second-generation devices offer significant benefits compared to first-generation devices, they do not effectively meet the demand for more efficient output. Given these limitations of pharmacy automation devices, further development and improvement are needed.

[0005] Furthermore, for aseptic compounding procedures, maintaining the sterility and cleanliness of critical areas (including the location of any components or fluid path surfaces, such as vial septa, injection ports, or openings, and needle hubs exposed to direct contact with air, moisture, or contaminated surfaces) is a primary concern for compound sterile preparations (CSPs). USP 797 aseptic pharmaceutical compounding procedures essentially focus on maintaining air quality at level 5 or better in all critical areas of the compounding process.

[0006] Current-generation pharmacy automation systems only involve positioning sampling probes within the compounding area. Furthermore, particle count monitoring is managed by the customer facility, which has a separate particle counter connected to the device probes. Currently, there is no way to mitigate false counts, and probe contamination cannot be controlled manually for cleaning and maintenance. Additionally, the current implementation does not provide any feedback to the pharmacy automation system to stop or allow compounding. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for parallel drug processing using an automated dispensing apparatus. The method includes receiving a request to prepare at least one dispensed drug container using the automated dispensing apparatus. In some embodiments, each of the at least one dispensed drug container may include a drug delivery container and at least one component added to the drug delivery container by the automated dispensing apparatus. In some embodiments, the automated dispensing apparatus may include multiple stations, and the at least one drug delivery container may be at least one of: a syringe; and a drug bag. The method may include determining at least one attribute of the request to prepare at least one dispensed drug container; and identifying a template corresponding to the determined at least one attribute of the request to prepare at least one dispensed drug container. In some embodiments, the template identifies steps and the order of steps for filling the dispensed drug container. The method includes executing the template, which may include iteratively assigning tasks to multiple stations within the automated dispensing apparatus; and directing a transport vehicle to move at least one drug delivery container between the stations of the automated dispensing apparatus. In some embodiments, at least some of the tasks are performed by the multiple stations in a manner that at least partially overlaps.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least one attribute includes at least one of the following: the type of at least one dispensing container; multiple components in the at least one dispensing container; the source of at least one of the components in the at least one dispensing container; and the dosage for each of the components in the at least one dispensing container. In some embodiments, performing at least some of the tasks in at least partially overlapping manner includes performing at least some of the tasks simultaneously. In some embodiments, at least one dispensing container includes a plurality of individual syringes.

[0009] In some embodiments, the transport vehicle includes a robotic arm capable of grasping, clamping, and manipulating at least one medication container. In some embodiments, the transport vehicle also includes a bag turntable. In some embodiments, the bag turntable may include a circular member having an outer circumference; a plurality of slots sized to receive medication bags; and at least one bag shuttle having a movable member that allows the medication bag to be removed from the bag turntable. In some embodiments, the medication bag received in one of the plurality of slots is completely retained within the outer circumference of the circular member.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of stations include: a dispensing unit; a scale; at least one reconstitution mixer; an extraction station; and a syringe finisher. In some embodiments, the scale may include two or more syringe supports. In some embodiments, the scale also includes a drug bag support, and wherein the execution template includes determining the weight of the drug bag based on multiple weights of multiple drug delivery containers measured by the scale, wherein the multiple drug delivery containers include a drug bag and a syringe.

[0011] In some embodiments, the execution template includes filling a first syringe with a first drug using a dispensing device; and dispensing a drug bag with the first drug. In some embodiments, dispensing a drug bag with the first drug includes transferring a first of a plurality of drug bags from a bag turntable to a dispensing device; injecting a dose of the first drug into the first of the plurality of drug bags using a first syringe; transferring the first of the plurality of drug bags from the dispensing device to a bag turntable; and rotating the bag turntable in a first direction to position a first next of the plurality of drug bags for transfer from the bag turntable to the dispensing device.

[0012] In some embodiments, dispensing a drug bag with a first drug includes measuring a first weight of the first drug bag before injecting the dose of the first drug into the first of a plurality of drug bags using a first syringe; measuring a second weight of the first drug bag after injecting the dose of the first drug into the first of a plurality of drug bags using the first syringe; and determining the dosage of the first drug bag based on the first weight and the second weight. In some embodiments, the execution template further includes filling a second syringe with a second drug using a dispensing device; and dispensing the drug bag with the second drug. In some embodiments, dispensing a drug bag with the second drug includes transferring a second drug bag from a bag turntable to a dispensing device; injecting a second dose of the second drug into the second drug bag using a second syringe; transferring the second drug bag from the dispensing device to a bag turntable; and rotating the bag turntable in a second direction to position the second next drug bag in the plurality of drug bags for transfer from the bag turntable to the dispensing device. In some embodiments, the execution template includes controlling a transport vehicle to place an empty first syringe in a first syringe holder; measuring and storing a first weight, the first weight corresponding to the weight of the empty first syringe; controlling the transport vehicle to place the empty first syringe in a filling device for filling, and placing an empty second syringe in the first syringe holder; measuring and storing a second weight, the second weight corresponding to the weight of the empty second syringe; filling the first syringe with the filling device; controlling the transport vehicle to retrieve the filled first syringe from the filling device, and placing the filled first syringe in the second syringe holder; and measuring and storing a third weight, the third weight corresponding to the weight of the filled first syringe and the empty second syringe.

[0013] In some embodiments, the execution template further includes determining the weight of the first syringe to be filled by determining the difference between the third weight and the second weight. In some embodiments, the execution template further includes determining the dosage of the first syringe by determining the difference between the weight of the first syringe to be filled and the first weight. In some embodiments, a request to prepare at least one dispensing container using an automated dispensing device includes a request to prepare multiple dispensing containers.

[0014] In some embodiments, the method includes dividing a request to prepare a plurality of dosing containers into a plurality of mini-batches; and processing each batch within the mini-batch. In some embodiments, processing each batch within the mini-batch results in the preparation of a subset of the plurality of dosing containers. In some embodiments, each batch within the mini-batch is processed sequentially. In some embodiments, dividing a request to prepare a plurality of dosing containers into a plurality of mini-batches includes identifying the size of the mini-batch; and creating a plurality of mini-batches having the identified size. In some embodiments, identifying the size of the mini-batch includes identifying the components and dosages of the components for preparing each of the plurality of dosing containers; identifying the vial size for each of the components; determining the maximum number of doses for each of the components; and setting the size of the mini-batch at the maximum value of the maximum number of doses for each of the components.

[0015] One aspect of the present invention relates to an automated dispensing apparatus. The automated dispensing apparatus may include a plurality of workstations, each of which may include a workstation controller and workstation hardware, and each workstation controller may control the workstation hardware to perform operations. The automated dispensing apparatus may include a transport vehicle capable of transporting medication containers to and from the plurality of workstations. The automated dispensing apparatus includes a central controller comprising a processor. The processor may receive a request to prepare at least one dispensing medication container, each of the at least one dispensing medication container comprising a medication container at least partially filled with at least one ingredient. In some embodiments, the medication container comprises at least one of: a syringe and a drug bag. The processor may determine at least one attribute of the request to prepare at least one dispensing medication container; and identify a template corresponding to the determined at least one attribute of the request to prepare at least one dispensing medication container, the template identifying steps and the order of steps for filling the dispensing medication container. The processor may execute the template, executing the template may include iteratively assigning tasks to at least some of the workstations, the at least some of the tasks being performed with at least partial overlap; and directing the transport vehicle to move at least one medication container between the workstations of the automated dispensing apparatus.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one attribute includes at least one of the following: the type of at least one dispensing container; multiple components in the at least one dispensing container; the source of at least one of the components in the at least one dispensing container; and the dosage for each of the components in the at least one dispensing container. In some embodiments, performing at least some of the tasks in at least partially overlapping manner includes performing at least some of the tasks simultaneously.

[0017] In some embodiments, at least one administration container may include a plurality of individual syringes. In some embodiments, the transport vehicle includes a robotic arm capable of grasping or clamping and manipulating at least one administration container; and a bag turntable. In some embodiments, the bag turntable may include a circular member having an outer circumference; a plurality of slots sized to receive drug bags; and at least one bag shuttle including a movable member for removing drug bags from the bag turntable. In some embodiments, the drug bag received in one of the plurality of slots is completely retained within the outer circumference of the circular member.

[0018] In some embodiments, the plurality of stations include: a dispensing unit; a scale; at least one reconstitution mixer; an extraction station; and a syringe finisher. In some embodiments, the scale includes two or more syringe supports. In some embodiments, the scale also includes a drug bag support. In some embodiments, the execution template includes determining the weight of the drug bag based on multiple weights of the plurality of drug delivery containers measured by the scale. In some embodiments, the plurality of drug delivery containers include a drug bag and a syringe.

[0019] In some embodiments, the execution template includes filling a first drug into a first syringe using a dispensing device; and dispensing a drug bag with the first drug. In some embodiments, dispensing a drug bag with the first drug includes transferring a first of a plurality of drug bags from a bag turntable to a dispensing device; injecting a dose of the first drug into the first of the plurality of drug bags using a first syringe; transferring the first of the plurality of drug bags from the dispensing device to a bag turntable; and rotating the bag turntable in a first direction to position the next first of the plurality of drug bags to be transferred from the bag turntable to the dispensing device. In some embodiments, dispensing a drug bag with the first drug includes measuring a first weight of the first of the plurality of drug bags before injecting the dose of the first drug into the first of the plurality of drug bags using a first syringe; measuring a second weight of the first of the plurality of drug bags after injecting the dose of the first drug into the first of the plurality of drug bags using a first syringe; and determining the dosage of the first of the plurality of drug bags based on the first weight and the second weight.

[0020] In some embodiments, the execution template further includes filling a second syringe with a second drug using a dispensing device; and dispensing a drug bag with the second drug. In some embodiments, dispensing a drug bag with the second drug includes transferring a second of a plurality of drug bags from a bag turntable to a dispensing device; injecting a second dose of the second drug into the second of the plurality of drug bags using a second syringe; transferring the second of the plurality of drug bags from the dispensing device to a bag turntable; and rotating the bag turntable in a second direction to position a second next of the plurality of drug bags for transfer from the bag turntable to the dispensing device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the execution template includes controlling a transport vehicle to place an empty first syringe in a first syringe holder; measuring and storing a first weight, corresponding to the weight of the empty first syringe; controlling the transport vehicle to place the empty first syringe in a filling device for filling, and placing an empty second syringe in the first syringe holder; measuring and storing a second weight, corresponding to the weight of the empty second syringe; filling the first syringe with the filling device; controlling the transport vehicle to retrieve the filled first syringe from the filling device and placing the filled first syringe in a second syringe holder; and measuring and storing a third weight, corresponding to the weights of the filled first syringe and the empty second syringe. In some embodiments, the execution template further includes determining the weight of the filled first syringe by determining the difference between the third weight and the second weight. In some embodiments, the execution template further includes determining the dosage of the first syringe by determining the difference between the weight of the filled first syringe and the first weight.

[0022] In some embodiments, a request to prepare at least one pre-prepared dosing container includes a request to prepare multiple pre-prepared dosing containers. In some embodiments, the processor may divide the request to prepare multiple pre-prepared dosing containers into multiple batches; and directly process each batch within the batches. In some embodiments, processing each batch results in the preparation of a subset of the multiple pre-prepared dosing containers. In some embodiments, each batch within the batches is processed sequentially. In some embodiments, dividing the request to prepare multiple pre-prepared dosing containers into multiple batches includes: identifying the size of the batch; and creating multiple batches with the identified size. In some embodiments, identifying the size of the batch includes identifying the components and dosages of the components used to prepare each of the multiple pre-prepared dosing containers; identifying the vial size for each component; determining the maximum number of doses for each component; and setting the size of the batch at the maximum value of the maximum number of doses for each component. Attached Figure Description

[0023] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the various embodiments can be achieved by referring to the following accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar parts or features may have the same reference numerals. Furthermore, various parts of the same type may be distinguished by using letters to differentiate similar parts after the reference label. If only a first reference label is used in the specification, the description applies to any of the similar parts having the same first reference label, regardless of any second reference label. Additionally, where similar parts include the same first reference label, the similar parts may have similar structures and operations, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0024] Figure 1This is a top view of one embodiment of an automated dispensing device.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an automated dispensing device.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the recombinant syringe.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a recombinant mixer.

[0028] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of advanced parallel processing.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process for parallel drug processing.

[0030] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the process for iteratively assigning tasks to workstations within an automated dispensing unit.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the process for executing a portion of a template.

[0032] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process for evaluating and / or preparing small batches.

[0033] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process for identifying the size of a small batch.

[0034] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the process for handling syringes during the creation of a dosing bag.

[0035] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of the probe.

[0036] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the process for removing the cap from the probe inlet and moving the cap to the cap holder.

[0037] Figure 14 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the process for capping the probe inlet.

[0038] Figure 15 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process for performing quality checks.

[0039] Figure 16 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process for continuous quality monitoring.

[0040] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of the process for shutting down an automated dispensing device.

[0041] Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a computer system. Detailed Implementation

[0042] The following description provides exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the subsequent description of exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. As examples only, any embodiment described herein may or may not have any of the features discussed therewith, and may or may not have any features relevant to other embodiments discussed.

[0043] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to automated dispensing devices that provide parallel processing to increase output and efficiency. Some exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to automated dispensing mechanisms that facilitate high-speed, accurate fluid transfer processes. These high-speed, accurate fluid transfer processes enable higher and / or more efficient output of dispensed dosing containers. As used herein, a “dose dispensing container” can include any container, such as a syringe, a drug bag, such as an IV bag, or any other container for intravenous infusion, which has not yet undergone the operations performed by the automated dispensing device to add one or more components to the dosing container, which may include one or more drugs. In some embodiments, the syringe may be a separate syringe, also referred to herein as a separate syringe, which is not connected to each other. As used herein, a “dose dispensing container” is a dosing container that has undergone the operations performed by the automated dispensing device to add one or more components to the dosing container, which may include one or more drugs, and the dosing container is ready for use. A dosing container is ready for use when the automated dispensing device determines that all requested operations have been performed on the dosing container, and in some embodiments, the dosing container may be placed in a “pick-up” position or another position for retrieving the dispensed dosing container.

[0044] In some embodiments, for example, the automated dispensing device may be a multi-station device, where each station can perform different tasks. A central controller can coordinate the operation of these stations to create dispensed medication containers. In some embodiments, the central controller can control the stations so that multiple stations of the automated dispensing device can operate in parallel, thereby reducing the time required to complete the dispensing of one or more medication containers.

[0045] In some embodiments, each of some or all of these workstations may include a workstation controller. A workstation controller for a workstation can control the operation of that workstation. In some embodiments, the workstation controller can receive signals, communications, and / or instructions from a central controller, which can trigger the workstation controller to perform one or more operations. By decentralizing control between the central controller and the workstation controllers, the operation of each workstation is less dependent on the processing load of the central controller; in other words, high processing demands on the central controller are less likely to interfere with the operation of each workstation. Furthermore, independent workstation controllers improve the reliability and robustness of the automated dispensing system.

[0046] Automated dispensing systems may also include one or more transport vehicles that facilitate parallel drug processing. These transport vehicles may include, for example, robotic arms and / or bag turntables. Each of the robotic arm and bag turntable can move one or more objects between stations within the automated dispensing system. Specifically, the robotic arm can move one or more vials and / or syringes to and / or from stations within the automated dispensing system, and the bag turntable can move one or more drug bags to and / or from one or more stations within the automated dispensing system. These stations may include features for holding and / or retaining the received one or more drug bags, vials, and / or syringes. These features may include, for example, one or more containers, grippers, supports, etc. Because these objects can be held and / or retained by the features of the station to which they are transported, rather than by the robotic arm and / or bag turntable, the robotic arm and / or bag turntable can perform additional operations after transporting the objects to the station. When performing station operations, automated dispensing devices can perform operations in parallel across multiple stations by freeing robotic arms and / or bag turntables from holding objects at the station.

[0047] The central controller of an automated dispensing system can control a workstation of the system based on a selected template from multiple templates. This selected template corresponds to one or more attributes of a request received by the central controller. These attributes may include, for example, the type of medication container, the number of operations performed to create each of the dispensed medication containers, the source of one or more ingredients used to create the dispensed medication containers, and / or the dosage of each ingredient used to create the dispensed medication containers. Based on these attributes, the central controller can identify and retrieve the corresponding template and execute it, thereby controlling the workstation of the automated dispensing system to create one or more dispensed medication containers.

[0048] Now for reference Figure 1The image shows a top view of one embodiment of an automated drug dispensing apparatus 100. The automated drug dispensing apparatus 100 can prepare multiple dispensed drug containers. In some embodiments, the automated drug dispensing apparatus 100 may use parallel processing, also referred to herein as parallel drug processing, to prepare multiple dispensed drug containers.

[0049] The automated dispensing apparatus 100 includes a transport vehicle 102 that can move one or more medication containers to and / or from one or more stations within the automated dispensing apparatus 100. The transport vehicle 102 may include a bag turntable 104 and a robotic arm 106. The bag turntable 104 can move medication containers, particularly drug bags, between stations within the automated dispensing apparatus 100, and the robotic arm 106 can move medication containers, particularly syringes and / or vials, between stations within the automated dispensing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the bag turntable 104 and the robotic arm 106 can operate independently of each other, and in some embodiments, the bag turntable 104 and the robotic arm 106 can move medication containers to and / or from stations within the automated dispensing apparatus 100 with at least partial overlap, and in some embodiments, the bag turntable 104 and the robotic arm 106 can move medication containers to and / or from stations within the automated dispensing apparatus 100 simultaneously. The robotic arm 106 can be configured to grasp and manipulate a drug delivery container, and in some embodiments, the robotic arm may include a gripper comprising one or more mechanisms capable of clamping an object. These mechanisms may include, for example, a pliers-like device, fingers, one or more vacuum cups, etc. In some embodiments, these mechanisms may include a combination of two or more of the following: a pliers-like device; fingers; and one or more suction cups.

[0050] The bag turntable 104 may include a circular member 108 having an outer circumference 110 and defining a plurality of slots 112. The slots 112 are sized to receive, and particularly to receive, medication bags such that the medication bags are completely retained within the outer circumference 110 of the circular member 108. The bag turntable 104 also includes at least one bag shuttle 114, which includes a movable member 115. The bag shuttle 114, and particularly the movable member 115, can remove medication bags from the bag turntable 104, and particularly eject medication bags from the slots 112 where the medication bags are retained.

[0051] These workstations may include a cap removal and vision module 116, a syringe turntable 118, a dispensing unit 120, a scale 122, a recombination module 130, a recombination mixer 132, an extraction module 134, a syringe finisher 136, and a vial turntable 138. In some embodiments, each of these workstations may include a workstation controller, which may include a processor and associated memory. The workstation controller for each workstation may control one or more hardware components of that workstation to perform operations.

[0052] The automated dispensing device 100 may include a syringe decapping and vision module 116. The syringe decapping and vision module 116 may receive a syringe, decap the syringe, and visually inspect the received syringe. In some embodiments, such visual inspection may be performed using one or more cameras and / or scanners, and software that analyzes the image and / or video data generated by the one or more cameras and / or scanners during execution. Syringes may be stored on a syringe turntable 118. The syringe turntable 118 may include multiple positions rotatable about an axis, each of which may hold a syringe. A robotic arm 106 may access the syringe turntable 118 to retrieve syringes from it.

[0053] Automated dispensing apparatus 100 may include a dispensing unit 120. The dispensing unit 120 may load syringes from vials and, in some embodiments, may inject a dose of medication from the syringe into a medication bag. As used herein, a vial may include a bottle or a storage bag. Details of the dispensing unit 120 are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No. ____, filed concurrently with this application and entitled “Pharmaceutical Dispensing System and Method” (Attorney General’s Case No. 079816-1203275 (102000US)), the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0054] The automated dispensing device 100 may include a scale 122. The scale 122 can weigh one or more dispensing devices. The scale 122 may include two or more syringe supports, and in particular, may include a first syringe support 124 and a second syringe support 126. In some embodiments, the scale 122 may also include a medication bag support 128. The syringe supports 124, 126 can each receive and hold a syringe, and the medication bag support 128 can receive and hold a syringe. In some embodiments, all syringe supports 124, 126 and medication bag support 128 are connected to a single common scale. By collecting multiple measurements at different times, the weight of different syringes and medication bags can be determined. The details of this determination process will be discussed in detail below.

[0055] The automated dispensing device 100 may include a recombination module 130. The recombination module 130 may include a recombination syringe 300 (e.g., Figure 3 As shown), it can add a sterile diluent, such as physiological saline in some embodiments, to the powdered medicine contained in a vial. As will be discussed below... Figure 3 In more detail, the recombination module 130 may include a vial holder that can receive and hold the vial from the robotic arm 106. The recombination module 130 may also include a syringe head that can pierce the septum of the vial and inject diluent into the vial.

[0056] The automated dispensing device 100 may include one or more recombination mixers 132. The recombination mixer 132 may receive vials from the recombination module 130 via a robotic arm 106. Figure 4 An embodiment of such a recombination mixer 132 is shown. The recombination mixer 132 can manipulate a vial to promote the dissolution of any remaining powdered drug within the vial. The recombination mixer 132 may include features for manipulating the vial to promote such dissolution. These features may include, for example, one or more rollers, shaking, or vibration features, etc.

[0057] The automated dispensing device 100 may include an extraction module 134. In some embodiments, the extraction module 134 may remove diluent from the medication bag before any medication is added to the medication bag by the dispensing unit 120. In some embodiments, this removal of diluent from the medication bag may limit the total amount of liquid in the dispensing bag.

[0058] The automated dispensing device 100 may include a syringe finisher 136. In some embodiments, the syringe finisher 136 can remove the needle from the syringe, attach a tamper-evident cap to the syringe, and print and apply a label to the syringe. Upon completion of its operations, the syringe finisher 136 can drop the finished syringe into the dispensing chamber.

[0059] The automated dispensing device 100 may include a vial turntable 138. Vials may be stored on the vial turntable 138. The vial turntable 138 may include multiple rotatable positions about an axis, each of which can hold a vial. A robotic arm 106 may access the vial turntable 138 to retrieve vials from the vial turntable 138. In some embodiments, these vials may include powdered drugs, recombinant drugs, liquid drugs, or any other form of drug.

[0060] The automated dispensing device 100 may include a particle counter probe 146 in some embodiments. The particle counter probe 146 may be positioned in the direct compounding area (DCA) 142 of the automated dispensing device 100 (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown) within, and in some embodiments, may be positioned on the rear wall of the automated dispensing device 100, such as Figure 1 As shown. DCA 142 can be an area controlled by ISO Class 5 specifications, containing critical areas exposed to unidirectional HEPA filtered air, also known as first air. As used herein, "first air" can be air exiting the high-efficiency particulate air filter (HEPA) in a unidirectional airflow until initial interaction with a substantially particle-free interfering object. Particle counter probe 146 can collect air samples from within DCA 142 and can provide these air samples to particle counter sensor unit 148 (…). Figure 2 (As shown in the image).

[0061] Now for reference Figure 2 The diagram illustrates one embodiment of an automated drug dispensing device 100. The automated drug dispensing device 100 includes the components described above. Figure 1 The modules and features discussed also include a central controller 200. The central controller 200 may include one or more computers, servers, processors, etc. In some embodiments, the central controller 200 may include a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory. The processor may be, for example, a commercially available microprocessor and / or computer chip. The memory may store instructions in the form of computer code executable by the processor.

[0062] In some embodiments, the memory may also store a plurality of templates, each of which may include instructions for controlling the operation of a station of the automated dispensing apparatus 100 to create a desired series of dispensed dosing containers. The templates may be specific to one or more attributes of the dispensed dosing containers. For example, a template may be associated with one or more attributes of the dispensed dosing containers, including, for example, the type of dosing container, the quantity of ingredients to be bound in the dispensed dosing container, the source of at least one of the ingredients to be bound in the dispensed dosing container, and the dosage for each of the ingredients to be bound in the dispensed dosing container.

[0063] In some embodiments, a template may be a data description of processing operations and / or corresponding data that materializes the template. In some embodiments, a template may include executable software, which may include one or more executable routines and / or subroutines. In some embodiments, a template may include software scripts and / or scripting languages ​​that materialize the template.

[0064] In some embodiments, the template may include static software, and in some embodiments, the template may be dynamic software. For example, the template may be flexible, which allows it to respond to different conditions that occur during the operation of the automated dispensing device 100. If the template is flexible, then it can handle / respond to different conditions that will affect the dispensing process. In such embodiments, the template may be modified or changed over time before or during execution. In some embodiments, such modification or change may occur, for example, due to one or more of the following: the condition of the system: such as a subsystem not performing adequately or not operating as intended; the condition of the system: such as the environment, cleanliness, conditions that may lead to cross-contamination, sterility, or any other condition that may limit the template; the condition of one or more drugs within the system, including but not limited to expired, past the expiration date, number of vials punctured, drug volume, and / or drug concentration; batch size; pharmacy operating time or other operational limitations; and the loaded disposable supplies (syringes, bags, tubing sets) or drugs.

[0065] In some embodiments, the central controller 200 may, upon receiving a request to prepare a plurality of dispensing containers, identify a template corresponding to one or more attributes of the request to prepare a plurality of dispensing containers. In some embodiments, the template may identify steps and the order of steps for filling the dispensing containers and / or for performing operations on the dispensing containers by the automated dispensing device 100.

[0066] The central controller 200 can then execute a template, which may include iteratively assigning tasks to workstations within the automated dispensing apparatus 100. The central controller 200 can also direct a transport vehicle 102, which may include one or both of a guide bag turntable 104 and a robotic arm 106, to move medication containers between workstations within the automated dispensing apparatus 100. In some embodiments, at least some of the tasks may be performed by workstations with at least partial overlap, or in other words, multiple workstations may perform different tasks resulting in the creation of dispensed medication containers. In some embodiments, multiple workstations may simultaneously perform at least some tasks for the creation of dispensed medication containers.

[0067] In some embodiments, the automated dispensing device 100 may execute templates serially, and in some embodiments, the automated dispensing device may not begin executing the next template until the execution of the previous template is completed. In some embodiments, two or more templates may be executed completely or partially in parallel.

[0068] The automated dispensing device 100 may include a housing 140 that may extend around some or all of the areas containing the stations of the automated dispensing device 100. The housing 140 may constrain the DCA 142. In some embodiments, some stations pass through and / or partially pass through the housing 140. These stations may, for example, include a syringe turntable 118, a syringe finisher 136, and / or a vial turntable 138. In some embodiments, some or all of these stations may pass through and / or partially pass through the housing 140 to allow, for example, a user to load one or more syringes and / or vials into the automated dispensing device 100 for use by the automated dispensing device 100 to create a dispensed medication container. In some embodiments, the syringe finisher 136 may pass through and / or partially pass through the housing 140 to allow a finished syringe to exit the automated dispensing device 100. In some embodiments, a bag loader / unloader may pass through and / or partially pass through the housing 140 to allow bag loading to and / or unloading from the bag turntable 104.

[0069] The automated dispensing device 100 may include a filtration module 144. The filtration module 144 filters air before it enters the DCA 142. The filtration module 144 may include multiple filters, including, for example, one or more pre-filters, one or more post-filters, and / or one or more HEPA filters. The filters can remove particulate matter and / or contaminants from the air entering the DCA 142, allowing the DCA 142 to be maintained at a desired level of cleanliness and / or contamination, such as that specified by, for example, commercial standards such as ISO 14644-1:2015, Level 5.

[0070] The automated dispensing apparatus 100 may include a particle probe 146 and a particle counter sensor unit 148. As mentioned, the particle probe 146 may collect air samples within the DCA 142 and provide these air samples to the particle counter sensor unit 148. In some embodiments, the particle counter sensor unit 148 may be located outside the housing 140 and outside the DCA 142.

[0071] exist Figure 12 An embodiment of a particle probe 146 is illustrated. The particle probe 146 may include an inlet 1200 connected to a tube 1202. In some embodiments, the tube 1202 may be connected to a particle counter sensor unit 148, and in particular, may be fluidly connected to the particle counter sensor unit 148, such that an air sample can enter the inlet 1200 of the particle probe 146 and reach the particle counter sensor unit 148 through the tube 1202.

[0072] The particle probe 146 may also include a cap 1204 and a cap support 1206, which is also referred to herein as cap holder 1206. In some embodiments, the cap 1204 may be movable between the inlet 1200 and the cap support 1206. Specifically, the cap 1204 may be movable between the inlet 1200 and the cap support 1206 by a robotic arm 106. In such an embodiment, the robotic arm 106 may grip the cap 1204 and subsequently move and / or manipulate the cap 1204.

[0073] In some embodiments, when a sample is to be collected, the cap 1204 can be removed from the inlet 1200 and placed on the cap holder 1206, and when an air sample has been collected and / or when sampling is complete, the cap 1204 can be removed from the cap holder 1206 and returned to the inlet 1200. When placed on the inlet 1200, the cap 1204 can seal the inlet 1200 to prevent air from entering the inlet 1200.

[0074] Now for reference Figure 3 A perspective view of one embodiment of the recombinant syringe 300 is shown. As discussed above, the recombinant syringe 300 can add a sterile diluent, such as saline in some embodiments, to a powdered drug contained in a vial 302. The recombinant syringe 300 may include a vial holder 304 that can receive and hold the vial 302 from a robotic arm 106. The vial holder 304 may include gripping fingers 306 that can clamp and / or surround the vial 302. The vial holder 304 can facilitate parallel processing for recombination by the recombinant syringe 300 by releasing the robotic arm 106 from holding the vial 302. Alternatively, the robotic arm 106 can deliver the vial 302 to the recombinant syringe 300, which can be held by the vial holder 304 during recombination, and the robotic arm can perform other tasks during this recombination.

[0075] The recombinant syringe 300 may also include a syringe head 308, which can be used to puncture the septum of the vial 302 with a puncture / penetration member 310. The puncture / penetration member 310 of the syringe head 308 may include, for example, a needle. In some embodiments and as shown... Figure 3 As depicted, the diaphragm may be located in the cap 312 of vial 302. The syringe head 308 may inject diluent into vial 302 via the puncture / penetration member 310.

[0076] In some embodiments, the syringe head 308 and / or vial holder 304 may be movable relative to each other. In some embodiments, for example, the vial holder 304 is fixed, and the syringe head 308 is displaceable, and particularly linearly displaceable relative to the vial holder 304. In some embodiments, when the vial 302 is held within the vial holder 304, as... Figure 3 As depicted, the syringe head 308 is displaceable along axis 314. In some embodiments, displacement along axis 314 causes the piercing / penetrating member 310 to penetrate the diaphragm of vial 302, thereby enabling the diluent to be injected into vial 302.

[0077] Now for reference Figure 4 An embodiment of a recombination mixer 132 is shown. The recombination mixer 132 includes a stirring module 400 that can receive vials 302 from the recombination module 130 via a robotic arm 106. The stirring module 400 may include features capable of receiving, securing, and / or stirring the vials 302. This stirring can facilitate the dissolution of the drug into the diluent within the vial 320. Figure 4 In the embodiment of the stirring module 400 shown, the stirring module 400 includes a plurality of rollers 402, and specifically four rollers 402. Figure 4 As shown, the vial 302 is received in the space between the four rollers 402 and thus secured within the stirring module 400. At least one of the rollers 402 of the stirring module 400 can be driven and / or electrically operated. In such an embodiment, when the vial 302 is received by the stirring module 400, the driven and / or electrically operated roller 402 can be driven, causing the vial 302 to rotate within the roller 402.

[0078] In some embodiments, the stirring module 400 may stir the vial 302 within a predetermined time period and / or according to a predetermined stirring program. In some embodiments, the stirring module 400 may further include one or more sensors that can be used to determine when stirring of the vial 302 is complete. Specifically, these one or more sensors may detect undissolved drug within the vial 302, and stirring of the vial 302 may continue until all the drug is dissolved and / or until the undissolved portion of the drug within the vial 302 is below a threshold.

[0079] Now for reference Figure 5 The diagram illustrates an advanced parallel processing 500. In the diagram, a medication container 502 is advanced between process groups at station 504 corresponding to the automated dispensing device 100. Stage 506 corresponds to a time interval in the processing of the medication container 502.

[0080] Processing begins with the robotic arm 106 conveying the first drug delivery container 502-A to a first station 504-A. In stage 1506-A, the first station 504-A performs operations on the first drug delivery container 502-A. After processing at the first station 504-A, the robotic arm 106 transports the first drug delivery container 502-A to a second station 504-B. The second station 504-B performs operations on the first drug delivery container 502-A. After conveying the first drug delivery container 502-A to the second station 504-B, the robotic arm 106 conveys the second drug delivery container 502-B back to the first station 504-A, where the first station 504-A performs its operations on the second drug delivery container 502-B. The processing at the first station 504-A and the second station 504-B in stage 2506-B may at least partially overlap, and in some embodiments, may occur simultaneously.

[0081] After the processing of the first drug delivery container 502-A by the second station 504-B and the processing of the second drug delivery container 502-B by the first station 504-A are completed, the robotic arm 106 transports the first drug delivery container 502-A to the third station 504-C, then transports the second drug delivery container 502-B to the second station 504-B, and transports the third drug delivery container 502-C to the first station 504-A. In stage 3 506-C, and upon receiving its corresponding drug delivery container 502-A, 502-B, 502-C, stations 504-A, 504-B, and 504-C perform their operations on one of the received drug delivery containers 502-A, 502-B, and 502-C. The processing at stations 504-A, 504-B, and 504-C may at least partially overlap, and in some embodiments may be performed simultaneously.

[0082] After the first, second, and third drug delivery containers 502-A, 502-B, and 502-C have been processed by the first, second, and third stations 504-A, 504-B, and 504-C, the robotic arm 106 can advance each of the first, second, and third drug delivery containers 502-A, 502-B, and 502-C to one station. This results in the first drug delivery container 502-A being removed from the third station 504-C and placed in the position for dispensing the drug delivery container, the second drug delivery container 502-B being advanced from the second station 504-B to the third station 504-C, the third drug delivery container 502-C being advanced from the first station 504-A to the second station 504-B, and the fourth drug delivery container 502-D being transported to the first station 504-A. In stage 4 506-D, and upon receiving its corresponding drug delivery container 502-B, 502-C, 502-D, stations 504-A, 504-B, 504-C perform their operations on one of the received drug delivery containers 502-B, 502-C, 502-D. The processing at stations 504-A, 504-B, 504-C may at least partially overlap, and in some embodiments may be performed simultaneously.

[0083] This parallel processing of the dosing containers can be performed until the required number of dosing containers have been created.

[0084] Now for reference Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a process for parallel drug processing. In some embodiments, process 600 may be performed by an automated dispensing device 100. Process 600 begins at block 602, where the automated dispensing device 100, and in particular the central controller 200, receives a request to prepare a dispensed drug container. In some embodiments, the request to prepare a dispensed drug container may specify the preparation of one dispensed drug container, or it may specify the preparation of at least one dispensed drug container, or in other words, it may specify the preparation of multiple dispensed drug containers.

[0085] At box 604, one or more attributes of the received request are determined. These attributes may include, for example, the type of dosing container used to prepare the dosing container, multiple ingredients to be incorporated into the dosing container, the source of the ingredients to be incorporated into the dosing container, and / or the dosage of each of the ingredients to be incorporated into the dosing container. These attributes may be determined by the automated dosing device 100, and in particular by the central controller 200 of the automated dosing device 100. In some embodiments, these attributes may be determined based on information received along with the request to prepare the dosing container.

[0086] At box 606, one or more vials and / or dosing containers are identified and / or inspected. In some embodiments, a user may load one or more dosing containers for creating a dosing container into the automated dosing device 100. This may include, for example, loading one or more syringes into syringe turntable 118 and / or loading one or more drug bags into bag turntable 104. In some embodiments, these dosing containers may be inspected by the automated dosing device 100, and in some embodiments, for example, syringes may be inspected by syringe decapping and vision module 116.

[0087] Similarly, in some embodiments, a user may load one or more vials 302 for creating a dosing container into the automated dispensing device 100. These vials 302 may contain a drug that can be dispensed into the dosing container, thereby creating the dosing container. In some embodiments, these vials 302 may be loaded onto a vial turntable 138. The vial turntable 138 may store the vials 302, and in some embodiments, the received vials 302 may be visually inspected. In some embodiments, such visual inspection may be performed using one or more cameras and / or scanners capable of imaging all or part of the vial turntable 138, and software that analyzes the image and / or video data generated by the one or more cameras and / or scanners during execution.

[0088] In some embodiments, block 606 may include assessing the availability of dosing containers and / or vials 302 and determining whether there are sufficient dosing containers and / or vials 302 available to fulfill the request and / or at least the required portion thereof. If it is determined that there are insufficient dosing containers and / or vials 302, a request may be made to the user to provide dosing containers and / or vials 302 to the medication to compensate for the shortage.

[0089] At block 608, a template corresponding to one or more attributes of the received request is identified. In some embodiments, the template may be identified by the central controller 200, and specifically by querying the memory of the central controller 200 based on one or more attributes of the determined request. In response to the query, the memory may return the template corresponding to one or more attributes of the request, an identifier of the template, and / or a pointer to the template. In some embodiments, the template may be retrieved from the memory, as indicated in block 610 of process 600.

[0090] At optional box 611, the request is evaluated to be divided into multiple batches. If it is determined that the request should be divided into multiple batches, these batches are prepared. In some embodiments, the determination to divide the request into multiple batches may be based on one or more attributes of the request, such as, for example, the number of dispensing devices created in the completion request, the complexity of creating those dispensing devices, etc. If the request is divided into batches, processing of each batch within the batch may result in the preparation of a subset of the multiple dispensing containers specified in the request at box 602. In some embodiments, the evaluation and / or the preparation of the batches, and particularly the division of the request into multiple batches, may be performed by a central controller 200.

[0091] After retrieving the template, process 600 proceeds to box 612, where the retrieved template is executed. The retrieved template can be executed by the central controller 200, and specifically by the processor of the central controller 200. The template may include multiple steps, and those steps are performed sequentially, and the execution of the template by the central controller 200 may include the central controller executing those steps and / or instructing workstations within the automated dispensing device 100 to perform those steps and / or perform actions or operations corresponding to those steps.

[0092] In some embodiments where the request is divided into multiple batches, the execution of the template results in the processing of each batch within the batch. In some embodiments, these batches can be processed sequentially, such that another batch will not begin until the previous batch is completed.

[0093] In some embodiments, the creation of a pre-prepared dosing container may result from a single execution of a template. In other words, in some embodiments, each execution of the template may result in the creation of one pre-prepared dosing container. In such embodiments, fulfilling a request for multiple pre-prepared dosing containers may include executing the template multiple times. In such embodiments, creating n pre-prepared dosing containers may require executing the template n times.

[0094] In some embodiments and as part of a template for performing a retrieval, the central controller 200 may control the transport vehicle 102 to move vials 302 and / or medication containers 502 to and / or between stations of the automated dispensing unit 100, as indicated in block 614. In some embodiments, the robotic arm 106 may be controlled to advance the medication container 502 one processing step at a time by moving each medication container 502 that has completed its operation at its current station to the next downstream station.

[0095] In some embodiments, the robotic arm 106 continues to advance the drug delivery containers 502 according to a predetermined sequence. In some embodiments, for example, the robotic arm first moves the drug delivery container 502 closest to completion and then decrements to move its next closest drug delivery container 502. This decrementing continues until all drug delivery containers 502 have been advanced to the next station. In some embodiments, once the robotic arm 106 has advanced the drug delivery container 502 furthest from completion, the current station of the drug delivery container 502 closest to completion will complete its operation, and the robotic arm 106 will return to advance that drug delivery container 502 closest to completion to its next station. The robotic arm 106 may continue to iteratively and decrementally move the drug delivery containers to their next station until the requested drug delivery container is created.

[0096] Additionally, and as part of the execution of the retrieval template, the automated dispensing device 100, and in particular the central controller 200, can iteratively assign tasks to workstations, as indicated in block 616. In some embodiments, this may include identifying the next task in the workstation responsible for completing that next task, and sending communications to that workstation to initiate or execute the next task.

[0097] After executing the retrieved template, process 600 may proceed to decision step 617, where it is determined whether the request has been completed and / or whether the requested number of dispensed medication containers has been created. The automated dispensing device 100 may monitor and / or track the number of dispensed medication containers and may determine when the number of dispensed medication containers matches the number specified for creation in the request received in block 602. When it is determined that the request has not been completed, process 600 returns to block 612 and re-executes the retrieved template to create another dispensed medication container.

[0098] Returning to decision step 617, once it is determined that the required number of dispensing containers have been created, process 600 may indicate completion of the request and / or delivery of the completed dispensing containers, as indicated in block 618. In some embodiments, the dispensing containers may be delivered by making them available for pickup and / or retrieval by a user from the automated dispensing device 100.

[0099] Now about Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a process 700 for iteratively assigning tasks to workstations within an automated dispensing apparatus 100. This process 700 can be performed in whole or in part by the automated dispensing apparatus 100, including a central controller 200. In some embodiments, this process 700 can serve as… Figure 6The step in box 616 is performed as part of or in place of that step.

[0100] Process 700 begins at box 702, where a task is identified within the template. In some embodiments, the task may be the next incomplete task in the template, and specifically, the next incomplete task in the template according to the order of tasks in the template. The task may be identified by the central controller 200.

[0101] At block 704, a workstation for performing the task identified in block 702 is identified. In some embodiments, this workstation may be identified by the central controller 200 based on information contained in a template. In some embodiments, for example, each task in the template may include an associated workstation for completing that task.

[0102] At block 706, the central controller 200 triggers the initiation of a task. In some embodiments, this may include generating and sending a message, which may be an instruction, to the workstation identified in block 704. This message may instruct the workstation to perform the task, and specifically, may instruct the workstation controller to control components of the workstation to perform the task and / or operations associated with the task. This message may be received by the workstation, and specifically by the workstation controller, which may control components of the workstation to perform the task and / or operations associated with the task. In some embodiments, upon completion of performing the task and / or operations associated with the task, the workstation controller may send a message to the central controller 200 instructing the completion of performing the task and / or operations associated with the task.

[0103] At box 708, the central controller 200 may receive a task completion confirmation, or in other words, may receive a message from the workstation controller indicating completion of the task and / or operations associated with the task. In some embodiments, the central controller 200 may recognize the task within a template as completed, as indicated in box 709.

[0104] Returning to box 706, after triggering task initiation, process 700 can proceed to decision step 710, where it is determined whether there are any remaining tasks in the template. In some embodiments, process 700 can proceed to decision step 710 while the workstation is performing a task and / or operations associated with that task and / or during one or both of steps 708 and 709.

[0105] In some embodiments, the determination of decision step 710 includes determining whether there are any unfinished or untriggered remaining tasks in the template. If it is determined that there are remaining tasks, process 700 can return to box 702 and proceed as outlined above.

[0106] Returning to decision step 710, if it is determined that no tasks remain, process 700 can proceed to decision step 712, where it is determined whether all triggering tasks have been completed. In some embodiments, this may include determining whether a task completion confirmation is subsequently received for each triggering task. If it is determined that not all tasks have been completed, process 700 can proceed to block 714 and wait for the completion of all triggering tasks, and thus all tasks in the template. After completing all tasks in the template at block 714 or returning to decision step 712, if it is determined that all tasks have been completed, process 700 can continue to block 716 and can proceed to... Figure 6 Decision-making step 617.

[0107] Now for reference Figure 8 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of one embodiment of a process 800 for executing a portion of a template. This process 800 can be used as... Figure 6 Step 612 may be performed as part of or in lieu of it. In some embodiments, process 800 may be performed as... Figure 6 Steps 614 and 616 may be performed as part of or in lieu of them, and may specifically include steps as part of an operation performed by a station of the automated dispensing device 100.

[0108] Process 800 begins at block 802, where a first syringe is placed in a first syringe holder 124 via a transport vehicle 102, and more specifically via a robotic arm 106. The transport vehicle 102, and more specifically, the robotic arm 106, can be controlled to move the first syringe and, for example, place it in the first syringe holder 124 via a central controller 200. In some embodiments, placing the first syringe in the first syringe holder 124 may include the central controller identifying the desired syringe size of the first syringe and requesting the syringe turntable 118 to make a syringe of the desired size available. In some embodiments, if a syringe of the desired size is not included on the syringe turntable 118 or is not otherwise available, the automated dispensing device 100 may request the user to load such a syringe onto the automated dispensing device 100 and, in particular, the syringe turntable 118.

[0109] In some embodiments, in response to the request, the syringe can be identified as having the desired size. The syringe may be used with a syringe decapping and vision module 116, which can inspect the syringe to determine that it has the requested size and has an exposed needle. In some embodiments, inspecting the syringe to determine that it has the requested size may include confirming that the syringe plunger is in its original position and / or pushing the syringe plunger back to its original position. When the syringe is identified as having the requested size and having an exposed needle, a syringe turntable 118 can position the syringe for pickup by a robotic arm 106. The robotic arm 106 can pick up the first syringe (which may be empty) from the syringe turntable 118 and subsequently place the first syringe in a first syringe holder 124.

[0110] At box 804, a first weight is measured and stored by scale 122. This first weight is the weight of an empty first syringe. At box 806, a transport vehicle 102, and in particular a robotic arm 106, is controlled, for example, by a central controller 200, to place the first syringe into the dispensing unit 120 and a second syringe into the first syringe holder 124. In some embodiments, the first syringe is filled by the dispensing unit 120 when placed in it.

[0111] In some embodiments, placing the second syringe in the first syringe holder 124 may include a central controller identifying the desired syringe size of the second syringe and requesting the syringe turntable 118 to make a syringe of the desired size available. In some embodiments, in response to this request, the syringe may be identified as having the desired size. The syringe may be available for syringe decapping and vision module 116, which may inspect the syringe to determine that it has the requested size and has an exposed needle. In some embodiments, inspecting the syringe to determine that it has the requested size may include confirming that the syringe plunger is in its original position and / or pushing the syringe plunger to its original position. When the syringe is identified as having the requested size and having an exposed needle, the syringe turntable 118 may position the syringe for pickup by robotic arm 106. The robotic arm 106 may pick up the second syringe (which may be empty) from the syringe turntable 118 and subsequently place the second syringe in the first syringe holder 124.

[0112] At box 808, a second weight is measured and stored by scale 122. This second weight is the weight of the empty second syringe. At box 810, the now full or filled first syringe is placed in the second syringe holder 126 via transport vehicle 102, and in particular via robotic arm 106. In some embodiments, transport vehicle 102, and in particular robotic arm 106, may be controlled, for example, by central controller 200, to retrieve the full first syringe from dispensing unit 120 and place the full first syringe in the second syringe holder 126.

[0113] At frame 812, a third weight is measured and stored by scale 122. The third weight is the weight of the empty second syringe and the full first syringe. Since both the first and second syringe supports 124 and 126 are connected to scale 122, in other words, scale 122 is common to both syringe supports 124 and 126, the third weight reflects the combined weight of the first and second syringes.

[0114] At box 814, the dosage of the full first syringe is determined. This involves determining the weight of the full first syringe by determining the difference between a third weight and a second weight. Using the determined weight of the first syringe, the dosage of the full first syringe can be determined by determining the difference between the weight of the full first syringe and a first weight, which reflects the weight of the empty first syringe. The dosage of the full first syringe can be determined by the central controller 200.

[0115] At frame 816, an empty second syringe is placed in syringe dispenser 120 via transport 102, and in particular via robotic arm 106. In some embodiments, transport 102, and in particular robotic arm 106, may be controlled by central controller 200 to retrieve the second syringe from first syringe holder 124 and place the second syringe in syringe dispenser 120.

[0116] At box 818, if the dispensing container is a full syringe, the full first syringe is placed in syringe finisher 136. Upon completion of its operation, syringe finisher 136 can drop the finished syringe into the output compartment of automated dispensing device 100. Upon completion of box 818, in some embodiments, if process 800 is performed as part of box 612, process 800 can proceed from box 818 to... Figure 6 Decision-making step 617.

[0117] Now for reference Figure 9 A flowchart of one embodiment of a process 900 for evaluating and / or preparing small batches is shown. This process 900 can be used as… Figure 6Step 611 is performed as a part of or in lieu of it. In some embodiments, process 900 may be performed by the automated dispensing device 100 and, in particular, by the central controller 200 of the automated dispensing device 100. The process 900 begins at block 902, where the size of the small batch is identified. In some embodiments, such small batch size is determined based on one or more attributes of the request, including, for example, a specified number of dispensed medication containers to be created in the completion request, and drug properties for creating the vials 302 of those dispensed medication containers. At block 904, multiple small batches with the identified size are created. Once these small batches have been created, process 900 proceeds to block 906 and continues until... Figure 6 Box 612.

[0118] Now for reference Figure 10 The diagram shows a flowchart of one embodiment of a process 1000 for identifying the size of small batches. This process 1000 can be used as... Figure 9 The process 1000 is performed as part of or in lieu of the steps in box 902. The process 1000 can be performed by an automated dispensing device 100 and, in particular, by a central controller 200. The process 1000 begins at box 1002, where the ingredients and dosages for preparing the dispensing container are identified. In some embodiments, these ingredients and their dosages can be based on… Figure 6 The information received in the request of frame 602 is identified.

[0119] At box 1004, the vial size for each of the components used to prepare the dosing container is identified. In some embodiments, it can be as follows: Figure 6 Step 606 is part of determining the vial size. In some embodiments, such as when vial 302 is loaded into automated dispensing device 100, the size of the vial can be determined by user input and / or stored in or associated with the central controller 200's memory. In some embodiments, examining vial 302 can determine the size of the vial, and specifically the volume of the contents of vial 302. At block 1004, information indicating the vial size of each of the ingredients used to prepare the dispensing container can be identified. In some embodiments, this can include retrieving the information from or associated with the central controller 200's memory.

[0120] At box 1006, the maximum number of doses contained in a vial of each of the ingredients used to prepare the dosing container is determined. In some embodiments, this maximum number of doses can be determined by dividing the vial size of the ingredient by the dose of the ingredient. The maximum number of doses can be determined by the central controller 200.

[0121] At box 1008, the batch size can be set to a value equal to the maximum number of doses of one of the components used to prepare the dosing container. Once the batch size has been set, process 1000 proceeds to box 1010 and continues until... Figure 9 Box 904.

[0122] Now for reference Figure 11 A flowchart of one embodiment of a process 1100 for handling syringes during the creation of a dispensing pouch is shown. This process 1100 can be used as… Figure 6 Step 612 may be performed as part of or in lieu of it. In some embodiments, process 1100 may be performed as... Figure 6 Steps 614 and 616 may be performed as part of or in lieu of them, and may specifically include steps as part of an operation performed by a station of the automated dispensing device 100.

[0123] Process 1100 begins at block 1102, where a first syringe is placed in the first syringe holder 124 of the scale 122. In some embodiments, the central controller 200 may control the transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, to retrieve the first syringe from, for example, a syringe turntable 118, and place the first syringe in the first syringe holder 124. At block 1104, a first weight is measured and stored by the scale 122. This first weight may be the weight of the empty first syringe. This first weight may be stored by the scale 122, and in particular by the station controller of the scale 122.

[0124] At frame 1106, the first syringe is placed in and filled by the dispensing unit 120. In some embodiments, the central controller 200 may control the transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, to retrieve the first syringe from the first syringe holder 124 and place it in the dispensing unit 120. In some embodiments, the first syringe may be secured in the dispensing unit 120 by one or more features of the dispensing unit 120, such as, for example, by one or more clamping and / or gripping features.

[0125] In some embodiments and as part of filling a first syringe, a central controller can identify a vial 302 containing a drug, and in particular a first drug, for filling the first syringe. If the identified vial contains a powdered drug or other drug conforming to recombination, a transport vehicle 102, and in particular a robotic arm 106, can be controlled by the central controller 200 to transport the vial 302 to a recombination module 130, which can inject a diluent into the vial 302. The transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, can be controlled by the central controller 200 to transport the vial 302 from the recombination module 130 to a recombination mixer 132. The vial 302 can be stirred by the recombination mixer 132 to dissolve the powdered drug in the diluent. Once the powdered first drug has successfully dissolved in the diluent, the transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, can be controlled by the central controller 200 to transport the vial from the recombination mixer 132 to a scale 122 for weighing. The full vial 302 can be stored, and then the transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, can be controlled by a central controller to transport the vial 302 to the dispensing unit 120. The dispensing unit 120 can hold the vial 302 and can fill the first syringe from the vial 302.

[0126] If the first syringe has emptied vial 302, it is transported by transport vehicle 102, and specifically by robotic arm 106, to scale 122. The weight of the empty vial 302 is measured by scale 122 to determine if it is sufficiently empty. If it is sufficiently empty, it can be disposed of. In some embodiments, if further medication is needed to fill the first syringe, one or more additional vials 302 containing the medication can be prepared in the same manner as discussed above and transported to dispensing unit 120.

[0127] At frame 1108, the second syringe is placed in the second syringe support 126 of the scale 122. In some embodiments, the central controller 200 may control the transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, to retrieve the second syringe from, for example, the syringe turntable 118 and place the second syringe in the second syringe support 126.

[0128] At frame 1110, the medicine bag is continuously dispensed and weighed. In some embodiments, the medicine bag may be dispensed by a dispensing device 120 and weighed by a scale 122. Dispensing and weighing the medicine bag may include rotating the bag turntable 104 to the desired position and transporting the medicine bag from the bag turntable 104 to the dispensing device 120 via a bag shuttle 114. In some embodiments, the medicine bag may be transferred directly from the bag turntable 104 to the dispensing device 120, and in some embodiments, the medicine bag may be transferred indirectly from the bag turntable 104 to the dispensing device 120 via an intermediate transfer to the scale 122. The scale 122 may measure the weight of a first bag of medicine before the dispensing device 120 injects a dose of medicine into the medicine bag. In such embodiments, after measuring the weight of the first bag of medicine, the medicine bag may be transferred from the scale 122 to the dispensing device 120. The dispensing device 120 may inject a dose of medicine into the medicine bag from / using a first syringe, the dose being a predetermined and / or desired size.

[0129] The medicine bag can be transferred from the dispensing unit 120 back to the bag turntable 104. In some embodiments, the medicine bag can be transferred directly from the dispensing unit 120 to the bag turntable 104, and in some embodiments, the medicine bag can be transferred indirectly from the dispensing unit 120 to the bag turntable 104 via an intermediate transfer to a scale 122 for weighing the medicine bag and a subsequent transfer from the scale 122 to the bag turntable 104.

[0130] In some embodiments, weighing the medicine bag on the scale 122 may include placing the medicine bag on the scale 122 and measuring its weight after a dose of medication has been injected into the medicine bag by the dispensing device 120, and specifically measuring the weight of a second bag of medicine bags. In some embodiments, one or more syringes may be held in syringe holders 124, 126 of the scale 122, and measuring the weight of the medicine bag may include measuring the weight of the medicine bag and at least one syringe in the scale 122. The weight of the medicine bag can be determined based on this measured weight. In some embodiments, the weight of the medicine bag may be determined based on multiple weights of multiple administration containers, which may include the medicine bag and syringes, measured by the scale 122.

[0131] In some embodiments, the dosage of the medication bag can be determined. This dosage can be determined based on the weights of the first and second bags. Specifically, in some embodiments, the dosage can be determined by determining the difference between the weight of the second bag and the weight of the first bag, the difference corresponding to the amount of medication injected into the medication bag by the dispensing device 120. In embodiments where the weight of the first bag and / or the weight of the second bag includes the weight of one or more syringes, the weight of those syringes can be subtracted from the affected weight of the first and / or the measured weight of the second bag by subtracting the previously determined weight of that one or more syringes.

[0132] After the prepared medicine bags have returned to the bag turntable 104, the bag turntable 104 can rotate in a first direction to position the next medicine bag for transfer to the dispensing unit 120 for dispensing. The filling and weighing process outlined above can be repeated for the next medicine bag, and then for the next, and so on, until the required number of medicine bags have been dispensed and weighed with the first medication. In some embodiments, the required number of medicine bags can be set by the requested size and / or by the size of the small batch.

[0133] Upon completion of step 1110, process 1100 proceeds to step 1112, where the first syringe is removed from the dispensing unit 120 and placed in the first syringe holder 124 of the scale 122. In some embodiments, the transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, may be controlled, for example, by a central controller 200, to remove the first syringe from the dispensing unit 120 and place it in the first syringe holder 124. The scale 122 may measure a third weight, which may include the weight of the first syringe. Using the third weight, the second weight, and the first weight, any residual drug amount in the first syringe can be determined.

[0134] In some embodiments, if the first syringe will not be reused, and after determining the amount of residual drug in the first syringe, if that amount is acceptable, the first syringe can be disposed of. Alternatively, if the first syringe will be reused, such as for delivering multiple doses of the first drug to another drug bag, such as in additional small batches, the first syringe can remain in the first syringe holder 124, or if more than two syringes are used in creating the dosing container, the first syringe can be returned to the syringe turntable 118 to release the first syringe holder 124 to receive another syringe, such as, for example, a third syringe.

[0135] At frame 1114, the second syringe is removed from the second syringe holder 126, placed in the dispensing unit 120, and filled. In some embodiments, the central controller 200 may control the transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, to retrieve the second syringe from the second syringe holder 126 and place it in the dispensing unit 120. In some embodiments, the second syringe may be secured in the dispensing unit 120 by one or more features of the dispensing unit 120, such as, for example, by one or more clamping and / or gripping features.

[0136] In some embodiments and as part of filling a second syringe, the central controller 200 can identify a vial 302 containing a drug, and in particular a second drug, for filling the second syringe. If the identified vial contains a powdered drug or other drug conforming to recombination, the transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, can be controlled by the central controller 200 to transport the vial 302 to a recombination module 130, which can inject a diluent into the vial 302. The transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, can be controlled by the central controller 200 to transport the vial 302 from the recombination module 130 to a recombination mixer 132. The vial 302 can be stirred by the recombination mixer 132 to dissolve the powdered drug in the diluent. Once the powdered second drug has successfully dissolved in the diluent, the transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, can be controlled by the central controller 200 to transport the vial 302 from the recombination mixer 132 to a scale 122 for weighing. The full vial 302 can be stored, and then the transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, can be controlled by the central controller 200 to transport the vial 302 to the dispensing unit 120. The dispensing unit 120 can hold the vial 302 and can fill a second syringe from the vial 302.

[0137] If the second syringe has emptied vial 302, it is transported by transport vehicle 102, and specifically by robotic arm 106, to scale 122. The weight of the empty vial 302 can be measured by scale 122 to determine if it is sufficiently empty. If it is sufficiently empty, it can be disposed of. In some embodiments, if further medication is needed for filling the second syringe, one or more additional vials 302 containing the second medication can be prepared in the same manner as discussed above and transported to dispensing unit 120.

[0138] At frame 1116, the medicine bags are continuously dispensed and weighed with a second medication. In some embodiments, the medicine bags may be dispensed by a dispensing device 120 and weighed by a scale 122. Dispensing and weighing the medicine bags may include rotating the bag turntable 104 to the desired position and transporting the medicine bags from the bag turntable 104 to the dispensing device 120 via a bag shuttle 114. This rotation may be opposite to the direction of rotation of the bag turntable 104 in frame 1110. Through this rotation in frame 1110 and the opposite rotation in frame 1116, the automated dispensing device 100 can efficiently dispense medicine bags such that in the first dispensing channel of frame 1110, medicine bags are dispensed in an ascending order (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6...), and in the second dispensing channel of frame 1116, medicine bags are dispensed in a descending order (e.g., ... 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1).

[0139] In some embodiments, the medicine bag can be transferred directly from the bag turntable 104 to the dispensing unit 120, and in some embodiments, the medicine bag can be transferred indirectly from the bag turntable 104 to the dispensing unit 120 via an intermediate transfer to the scale 122. The scale 122 can measure the weight of a third bag of medicine before a dose of medication is injected into the medicine bag by the dispensing unit 120. In such embodiments, after measuring the weight of the third bag, the medicine bag can be transferred from the scale 122 to the dispensing unit 120. The dispensing unit 120 can inject a second dose of medication into the medicine bag from / using a second syringe, the dose being a predetermined and / or desired size.

[0140] The medicine bag can be transferred from the dispensing unit 120 back to the bag turntable 104. In some embodiments, the medicine bag can be transferred directly from the dispensing unit 120 to the bag turntable 104, and in some embodiments, the medicine bag can be transferred indirectly from the dispensing unit 120 to the bag turntable 104 via an intermediate transfer to a scale 122 for weighing the medicine bag and a subsequent transfer from the scale 122 to the bag turntable 104.

[0141] In some embodiments, weighing the medicine bag on the scale 122 may include placing the medicine bag on the scale 122 and measuring its weight after a dose of the second drug has been injected into the medicine bag by the dispensing device 120, and specifically measuring the weight of a fourth medicine bag. In some embodiments, one or more syringes may be held in syringe holders 124, 126 of the scale 122, and measuring the weight of the medicine bag may include measuring the weight of the medicine bag and at least one syringe in the scale 122. The weight of the medicine bag can be determined based on this measured weight. In some embodiments, the weight of the medicine bag may be determined based on multiple weights of multiple administration containers, which may include the medicine bag and syringes, measured by the scale 122.

[0142] In some embodiments, the dosage of the medication bag can be determined. This dosage can be determined based on the weights of the third and fourth bags. Specifically, in some embodiments, the dosage can be determined by determining the difference between the weight of the fourth bag and the weight of the third bag, the difference corresponding to the amount of medication injected into the medication bag by the dispensing device 120. In embodiments where the weight of the third bag and / or the fourth bag includes the weight of one or more syringes, the weight of those syringes can be subtracted from the affected weight of the third and / or the fourth bag by subtracting the previously determined weight of that one or more syringes.

[0143] After the prepared medicine bags have returned to the bag turntable 104, the bag turntable 104 can rotate in the opposite direction, or in other words, in a second direction opposite to the first direction, to position the next medicine bag for transfer to the dispensing unit 120 for dispensing. The filling and weighing process outlined above can be repeated for the next medicine bag, and for the next, subsequent medicine bags, until the required number of medicine bags have been dispensed and weighed with the second medication. In some embodiments, the required number of medicine bags can be set by the requested size and / or by the size of the small batch.

[0144] Upon completion of step 1116, process 1100 proceeds to step 1118, where the second syringe is removed from the dispensing unit 120 and placed in the second syringe holder 126 of the scale 122. In some embodiments, the transport vehicle 102, and in particular the robotic arm 106, may be controlled, for example, by a central controller 200, to remove the second syringe from the dispensing unit 120 and place it in the second syringe holder 126. The scale 122 may measure a fourth weight, which may include the weight of the second syringe. Using the fourth weight and a second weight, any residual amount of medication in the second syringe can be determined. In some embodiments, upon completion of step 1118, and if process 1100 is performed as part of step 612, process 1100 may proceed from step 1118 to... Figure 6 Decision-making step 617.

[0145] In some embodiments, if the second syringe will not be reused, and after determining the amount of residual drug in the first syringe, the second syringe can be disposed of if that amount is acceptable. Alternatively, if the second syringe will be reused, such as for delivering multiple doses of the second drug to another drug bag, such as in additional small batches, the second syringe can remain in the second syringe holder 126, or if more than three syringes are used in creating the dosing container, the second syringe can be returned to the syringe turntable 118 to release the second syringe holder 126 to receive additional syringes, such as, for example, a fourth syringe. In cases where a third, fourth, or additional syringe is used in creating the dosing container to deliver additional doses of drug, process 1100 can be repeated for those additional syringes.

[0146] Now for reference Figure 13A flowchart of one embodiment of a process 1300 for removing the cap from the inlet 1200 and moving the cap 1204 to the cap support 1206 is shown. This process 1300 can be performed by a robotic arm 106, which can be controlled by a central controller 200. The process begins at block 1302, where the robotic arm 106 moves to position 1, which is adjacent to the inlet 1200 of the probe 146. Once at position 1, the robotic arm 106 can close its gripper. In decision step 1304, it is determined whether the gripper fingers are on an object, or more specifically, whether they are on the cap 1204. In some embodiments, the robotic arm 106 and / or the central controller 200 assume that any object gripped by the robotic arm 106 at position 1 is the cap 1204.

[0147] If the gripper of robotic arm 106 grips the cap 1204, process 1300 proceeds to frame 1306 and robotic arm 106 moves to position 2, which is adjacent to the cap holder 1206. Robotic arm 106 then places the cap 1204 onto the cap holder 1206. Returning to decision step 1304, if it is determined that the gripper fingers are not on the object, process 1300 proceeds to frame 1308, where robotic arm 106 moves to position 2 and the gripper closes. In decision step 1310, it is determined whether the cap 1204 is present at position 2. In some embodiments, if the cap 1204 is not found at position 1, it is assumed that any object gripped by robotic arm 106 at position 2 is the cap 1204.

[0148] If it is determined that cap 1204 exists at position 2, process 1300 proceeds to box 1312 and entry 1200 is identified as uncapped. Returning to decision step 1310, if it is determined that cap 1204 does not exist at position 2, process 1300 proceeds to box 1314 and outputs a message requesting manual capping of the probe. In some embodiments, this manual capping can be performed when the automated dispensing device 100 is next opened.

[0149] Now for reference Figure 14 A flowchart of one embodiment of a process 1400 for capping the inlet 1200 of probe 146 is shown. This process can be performed by a robotic arm 106, which can be controlled by a central controller 200. Process 1400 begins at block 1402, where the robotic arm 106 moves to position 1, which is adjacent to the inlet 1200 of probe 146. Once at position 1, the robotic arm 106 can close its gripper. In decision step 1404, it is determined whether the gripper fingers of the robotic arm 106 are on an object, or more specifically, on cap 1204. In some embodiments, the robotic arm 106 and / or the central controller 200 assume that any object gripped by the robotic arm 106 at position 1 is cap 1204.

[0150] If the gripper of robotic arm 106 grips cap 1204, process 1400 proceeds to frame 1406, where probe 146 is identified as capped. Returning to decision step 1404, if it is determined that the gripper finger is not on the object, process 1400 proceeds to frame 1408, where robotic arm 106 moves to position 2 and the gripper closes.

[0151] In decision step 1410, it is determined whether the cap 1204 exists at position 2. In some embodiments, if the cap 1204 is not found at position 1, it is assumed that any object held by the robotic arm 106 at position 2 is the cap 1204. If it is determined that the cap 1204 exists, process 1400 proceeds to frame 1412, where the robotic arm 106 moves to position 1 and places the cap 1204 on the probe 146.

[0152] Returning to decision step 1410, if it is determined that cap 1204 does not exist at position 2, process 1400 continues to block 1414 and outputs a message requesting manual capping of the probe. In some embodiments, this manual capping can be performed when the automated dispensing device 100 is next opened.

[0153] Now for reference Figure 15 A flowchart of one embodiment of a process 1500 for performing a quality check is shown. In some embodiments, the quality check process 1500 may be performed each time the automated dispensing apparatus 100 is initialized. The quality check process 1500 may test the quality of air in the DCA 142. The quality check process 1500 may be performed by, for example, a robotic arm 106, a probe 146, and / or a particle counter sensor unit 148. The process 1500 begins at block 1502, where a cap 1204 is removed by the robotic arm 106 from the inlet 1200 of the probe 146 and placed on the cap holder 1206.

[0154] At block 1504, a particle count sample is collected by probe 146 and passed to particle counter sensor unit 148. In some embodiments, the sample may be collected for two minutes and may be collected before any loading and / or compounding activities are permitted on the automated dosing device 100. Particle counter sensor unit 148 may analyze the air sample and may determine the number of contaminants and / or particles in the air sample. If the number of particles with a size greater than or equal to 0.5 µm is determined to be greater than or equal to 3520 ppm, process 1500 proceeds to block 1506 and provides an indication that probe 146 is in an environment outside of a desired standard, such as ISO 14644-1:2015, level 5. In some embodiments, this may also include stopping the loading and / or compounding activities of the automated dosing device 100.

[0155] Returning to step 1504, if the number of particles with a size greater than or equal to 0.5 µm is determined to be less than 900 ppm, process 1500 proceeds to block 1508, and provides an indication that probe 146 is in an environment conforming to desired standards, such as ISO 14644-1:2015, Level 5. In some embodiments, this may also include allowing the automated dispensing device 100 to perform loading and / or compounding activities.

[0156] Returning to step 1504, if the number of particles with a size greater than or equal to 0.5 µm is determined to be greater than or equal to 900 ppm and less than or equal to 3520 ppm, process 1500 proceeds to box 1512 and generates a warning message. This warning message may indicate that probe 146 is in an environment that meets the required standards, such as ISO 14644-1:2015, level 5, but the particle level sampled by probe 146 is greater than expected.

[0157] Process 1500 can then proceed to box 1514, where two more consecutive one-minute samples of air are collected and evaluated. If it is determined that both air samples have fewer than 900 ppm of particles with a size greater than or equal to 0.5 µm, the process proceeds to box 1508 and continues as outlined above.

[0158] If at least one of two additional one-minute air samples is determined to have a particle count greater than or equal to 900 ppm and less than or equal to 3520 ppm with a size greater than or equal to 0.5 µm, process 1500 proceeds to box 1516 and generates a warning message. This warning message indicates that probe 146 is in an environment conforming to required standards such as ISO 14644-1:2015, Level 5, but preventative maintenance is required and / or should be performed upon request.

[0159] Now for reference Figure 16A flowchart of one embodiment of a process 1600 for continuous quality monitoring is shown. In such an embodiment, probe 146 may remain uncapped throughout the compounding process to allow continuous particle monitoring. In such an embodiment, particle counter sensor unit 148 may provide continuous feedback to the automated dosing apparatus 100 regarding the air quality inside DCA 142. Based on a comparison of the measured particle level with one or more thresholds, an alarm and / or stop trigger is issued to notify the user of the air quality within DCA 142 and / or to stop the operation of the automated dosing apparatus 100. Process 1600 begins at block 1602, where a particle collection sample lasting two minutes is collected every 10 minutes. This sample may be collected by probe 146 and may be processed by particle counter sensor unit 148.

[0160] If the number of particles with a size greater than or equal to 0.5 µm is determined to be greater than or equal to 3520 ppm, process 1600 proceeds to block 1606 and provides an indication that probe 146 is in an environment outside of the desired standard, such as ISO 14644-1:2015, level 5. In some embodiments, this may also include stopping the loading and / or compounding activities of the automated dispensing device 100.

[0161] Returning to box 1602, if it is determined that the number of particles with a size greater than or equal to 0.5 µm is less than 900 PPm3, process 1600 proceeds to box 1508, and the automated dispensing device 100 is allowed to continue loading and / or compounding activities.

[0162] Returning to box 1602, if the number of particles with a size greater than or equal to 0.5 µm is determined to be greater than or equal to 900 ppm and less than or equal to 3520 ppm, process 1600 proceeds to box 1610, where two additional one-minute samples of air are collected and evaluated. If both air samples are determined to have fewer than 900 ppm of particles with a size greater than or equal to 0.5 µm, process 1600 proceeds to box 1612 and generates a warning message. This warning message may indicate that the measured particle level exceeds the expected operating conditions, or more specifically, that the probe is in an environment outside the required standard, such as ISO 14644-1:2015, level 5, but one sample has exceeded the expected operating conditions. Process 1600 can then proceed to box 1608 and continue as outlined above.

[0163] Returning to box 1610, if at least one of two additional consecutive one-minute air samples is determined to have a number of particles with a size greater than or equal to 0.5 µm between 900 ppm and 3520 ppm, process 1600 proceeds to box 1614 and generates a warning message. This warning message indicates that probe 146 is in an environment conforming to required standards such as ISO 14644-1:2015, Level 5, but preventative maintenance is required and / or should be requested. Process 1600 can then proceed to box 1608 and continue as outlined above.

[0164] Now for reference Figure 17 A flowchart of one embodiment of a process 1700 for shutting down an automated dispensing device 100 is shown. This process 1700 can be combined with... Figure 16 The process 1600 is executed in combination, and specifically, the process 1700 involves shutting down continuous monitoring, such as Figure 16 The process outlined in process 1600. In some embodiments, process 1700 may be performed before shutting off the automated dispensing device 100, such as, for example, shutting off the opening of the automated dispensing device 100 and / or cleaning the automated dispensing device 100.

[0165] Process 1700 begins at box 1702, where Figure 16 Process 1600 is terminated, or in other words, continuous particle monitoring is terminated. Process 1700 then proceeds to frame 1704, where probe 146 is recapped. This can be performed, for example, by robotic arm 106, which can retrieve cap 1204 from cap holder 1206 and place cap 1204 on inlet 1200 of probe 146.

[0166] Now for reference Figure 18 The computer system may be incorporated as part of the previously described computerized apparatus. For example, computer system 12000 may represent some of the components of automated dispensing apparatus 100, central controller 200, workstation controller, and / or other computing devices described herein. Figure 12 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of a computer system 12000 is provided, which can perform methods provided by various other embodiments as described herein. Figure 12 This is intended to provide only a general overview of the various components; any or all of them may be used as appropriate. Therefore, Figure 12 It extensively illustrates how to implement individual system components in a relatively separate or relatively more integrated manner.

[0167] Computer system 12000 is shown to include hardware elements that can be electrically coupled (or otherwise communicated as appropriate) via bus 1205. The hardware elements may include processing unit 1210, which includes, but is not limited to, one or more processors, such as one or more dedicated processors (e.g., digital signal processing chips, graphics accelerators, etc.); one or more input devices 1215, which may include, but is not limited to, keyboards, touchscreens, receivers, motion sensors, imaging devices, etc.; and one or more output devices 1220, which may include, but is not limited to, display devices, speakers, etc.

[0168] The computer system 12000 may also include (and communicate with) one or more non-transitory storage devices 1225, which may include, but are not limited to, local and / or network-accessible storage devices and / or may include, but are not limited to, disk drives, drive arrays, optical storage devices, solid-state storage devices such as random access memory (“RAM”) and / or read-only memory (“ROM”), which may be programmable, flash-updatable, etc. Such storage devices can be configured to implement any suitable data storage, including but not limited to various file systems, database structures, etc.

[0169] Computer system 12000 may also include a communication interface 1230, which may include, but is not limited to, a modem, a network interface card (wireless or wired), an infrared communication device, a wireless communication device and / or a chipset (such as a Bluetooth™ device, a 502.11 device, a Wi-Fi device, a WiMAX device, an NFC device, a cellular communication facility, etc.) and / or similar communication interfaces. Communication interface 1230 may allow data exchange with networks (such as those described below, to name only), other computer systems, and / or any other devices described herein. In many embodiments, computer system 12000 will further include non-transitory working memory 1235, which may include RAM or ROM devices as described above.

[0170] Computer system 12000 may also include software elements shown as currently residing within working memory 1235, including operating system 1240, device drivers, executable libraries, and / or other code, such as one or more application programs 1245, which may include computer programs provided by various embodiments and / or may be designed to implement methods provided by other embodiments and / or configure systems provided by other embodiments, as described herein. By way of example only, one or more programs described with respect to the methods above may be implemented as code and / or instructions executable by a computer (and / or a processor within a computer); then, in one aspect, such particular / specific-purpose code and / or instructions may be used to configure a computing device and / or adapt it to be configured to perform one or more operations according to the methods described herein.

[0171] A set of such instructions and / or code can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, such as the storage device 1225 described above. In some cases, the storage medium can be incorporated into a computer system, such as computer system 12000. In other embodiments, the storage medium can be separate from the computer system (e.g., a removable medium, such as a compressed disk) and / or provided in an installation package, such that the storage medium can be used to program, configure, and / or adapt a dedicated computer with the instructions / code stored thereon. These instructions can take the form of executable code executable by computer system 12000 and / or can take the form of source code and / or installable code, which takes the form of executable code when compiled and / or installed on computer system 12000 (e.g., using any of the various available compilers, installers, compression / decompression utilities, etc.).

[0172] Substantial changes can be made to meet specific requirements. For example, custom hardware can be used and / or specific elements can be implemented in hardware, software (including portable software such as applets), or both. Furthermore, hardware and / or software components providing certain functionalities can include dedicated systems (with dedicated components) or can be part of a more general-purpose system. For example, a risk management engine configured to provide some or all of the features described herein related to risk profiling and / or distribution can include dedicated hardware and / or software (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), software methods, etc.) or general-purpose (e.g., processing unit 1210, application 1245, etc.). Additionally, connectivity to other computing devices, such as network input / output devices, can be employed.

[0173] Some embodiments may employ a computer system (such as computer system 12000) to perform the methods according to the invention. For example, some or all of the program of the methods may be executed by computer system 12000 in response to processing unit 1210 executing one or more sequences of instructions contained in working memory 1235 (which may be incorporated into operating system 1240 and / or other code, such as application program 1245). Such instructions may be read into working memory 1235 from another computer-readable medium, such as one or more storage devices 1225. By way of example only, execution of the sequence of instructions contained in working memory 1235 may cause processing unit 1210 to perform one or more processes of the methods described herein.

[0174] As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing data that enables a machine to operate in a particular manner. In embodiments implemented using computer system 12000, various computer-readable media may involve providing instructions / code to processing unit 1210 for execution and / or may be used to store and / or carry such instructions / code (e.g., as signals). In many embodiments, computer-readable media are physical and / or tangible storage media. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical discs and / or magnetic disks, such as storage device 1225. Volatile media include, but are not limited to, dynamic memory, such as working memory 1235. Transmission media include, but are not limited to, coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, which include lines containing bus 1205, and various components of communication interface 1230 (and / or the medium through which communication interface 1230 provides communication with other devices). Therefore, the transmission medium can also take the form of waves (including but not limited to radio waves, sound waves and / or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communication).

[0175] Common forms of physical and / or tangible computer-readable media include, for example, magnetic media, optical media or any other physical media with a hole pattern, RAM, PROM, EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or dark box, carrier wave as described below, or any other medium from which a computer can read instructions and / or code.

[0176] Communication interface 1230 (and / or its components) typically receives signals, and bus 1205 can then transmit the signals (and / or data, instructions, etc. carried by the signals) to working memory 1235, from which processor 1210 retrieves and executes instructions. Instructions received by working memory 1235 may optionally be stored on non-transitory storage device 1225 before or after execution by processing unit 1210.

[0177] The methods, systems, and apparatuses discussed above are examples. Some embodiments are described as processes depicted as flowcharts or block diagrams. Although each operation can be described as a sequential process, many operations can also be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of operations can be rearranged. A process may have additional steps not included in the diagrams. Moreover, embodiments of the method can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, and / or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware, or microcode, program code or code segments for performing the associated tasks can be stored in a machine-readable medium, such as a storage medium. A processor can execute the associated tasks.

[0178] It should be noted that the systems and apparatus discussed above are intended only as examples. It must be emphasized that various procedures or components may be omitted, substituted, or added as appropriate in different embodiments. Furthermore, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Moreover, it should be emphasized that technology is constantly evolving and therefore many elements are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0179] Specific details are set forth in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known structures and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments. This description provides only exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the foregoing description of the embodiments will provide an enabling description for those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention. Various changes may be made to the function and arrangement of the elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0180] The methods, systems, apparatuses, figures, and tables discussed above are examples. Various configurations may omit, substitute, or add various procedures or components as appropriate. For example, in alternative configurations, methods may be performed in a different order than described, and / or stages may be added, omitted, and / or combined. Furthermore, features described with respect to certain configurations can be combined in various other configurations. Different aspects and elements of the configurations can be combined in a similar manner. Moreover, technology is evolving, and therefore many elements are illustrative and do not limit the scope of the invention or the claims. Additionally, the techniques discussed herein can provide different results with different types of context-aware classifiers.

[0181] While the illustrative and currently preferred embodiments of the disclosed systems, methods, and machine-readable media have been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the concepts of the invention may be embodied and employed in other ways, and the appended claims are intended to be construed as including such variations, unless limited by the prior art.

[0182] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly or conventionally understood. As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” refer to one or more grammatical objects of an object (i.e., one or at least one). As an example, “an element” can mean one or more elements. As used herein, “about” and / or “approximately” when referring to measurable values, such as quantities, durations of time, etc., include variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5% or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations apply to the context of the systems, apparatuses, circuits, methods, and other embodiments described herein. As used herein, “substantially” when referring to measurable values, such as quantities, durations of time, physical properties (such as frequency), etc., also includes variations of ±20% or ±10%, ±5% or +0.1% from the specified value, as such variations apply to the context of the systems, apparatuses, circuits, methods, and other embodiments described herein. As used herein, including in claims, and as used in a list of items beginning with “at least one” or “one or more”, “and” indicates that any combination of the listed items may be used. For example, a list of "at least one of A, B, and C" includes any of the combinations A or B or C or AB or AC or BC and / or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, multiple uses of A, B, and / or C can form part of the conceived combinations, in terms of the extent to which items A, B, or C may appear or be used more than once. For example, a list of "at least one of A, B, and C" could also include AA, AAB, AAA, BB, etc.

[0183] Several embodiments have been described, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above-described elements may simply be components of a larger system, where other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Furthermore, numerous steps may be taken before, during, or after considering the above-described elements. Accordingly, the above description should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0184] Furthermore, when used in this specification and the following claims, the words “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “comprise,” “including,” “comprising,” and “including” are intended to specify the presence of the stated features, integers, components, or steps, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, steps, actions, or groups.

Claims

1. A method for parallel drug processing using an automated dispensing device, the method comprising: A request is received to prepare at least one dispensing container using the automated dispensing apparatus, each of the at least one dispensing container comprising a dispensing container and at least one component added to the dispensing container by the automated dispensing apparatus, the automated dispensing apparatus comprising multiple stations, wherein the at least one dispensing container comprises at least: a syringe; and a medicine bag; Determine at least one attribute of the request to prepare at least one drug delivery container; Identify a template corresponding to at least one attribute of the determined request for preparing the at least one drug delivery container, wherein the template identifies the steps for filling the drug delivery container and the order of the steps; Executing the template, wherein executing the template includes: Tasks are iteratively assigned to multiple workstations within the automated dispensing device, wherein at least two of the tasks are performed by the multiple workstations in a manner that at least partially overlaps; and Instruct a transport vehicle to move at least one medication container between the workstations of the automated dispensing unit.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one property comprises at least one of the following: The type of the at least one pre-selected drug delivery container; Multiple components in the at least one pre-prepared dosing container; The source of at least one of the components in the at least one dispensing container; and The dosage of each of the ingredients used in the at least one pre-mixed dosing container.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein performing at least two of the tasks in at least partially overlapping order includes performing at least two of the tasks simultaneously.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one administration container comprises a plurality of individual syringes.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the transport vehicle includes a robotic arm configured to grasp and manipulate the at least one drug delivery container.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the transport vehicle further comprises a bag turntable.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the bag turntable comprises: A circular component with an outer circumference; A plurality of slots, sized to receive medicine bags, wherein the medicine bag received in one of the plurality of slots is completely retained within the outer circumference of the circular member; and at least one bag shuttle, the at least one bag shuttle including a movable member configured to remove the medicine bag from the bag turntable.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of workstations comprises: Dispensing equipment; scales; at least one reconstitution mixer; extraction station; And syringe finisher.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the scale comprises two or more syringe supports.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the scale further includes a drug bag support, and wherein performing the template includes determining the weight of the drug bag based on a plurality of weights of a plurality of drug delivery containers measured by the scale, wherein the plurality of drug delivery containers include the drug bag and a syringe.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein executing the template comprises: The first drug is filled into the first syringe using the drug dispensing device; as well as Preparing the medicine bag with the first drug, wherein preparing the medicine bag with the first drug includes: The first of a plurality of medicine bags is transferred from the bag turntable to the dispensing device; A dose of the first drug is injected into the first of the plurality of drug bags using the first syringe; The first of the plurality of medicine bags is transferred from the dispensing device to the bag turntable; and The bag turntable is rotated in a first direction to position the first next of the plurality of medicine bags to be transferred from the bag turntable to the dispensing device.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein dispensing the medicine bag with the first drug comprises: Before injecting the dose of the first drug into the first of the plurality of drug bags using the first syringe, measure the first weight of the first of the plurality of drug bags; After the first dose of the first drug is injected into the first of the plurality of drug bags using the first syringe, the second weight of the first of the plurality of drug bags is measured; as well as The dosage of the first of the plurality of medicine bags is determined based on the first weight and the second weight.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein executing the template further comprises: The second drug is filled into the second syringe using the drug dispensing device; as well as The second drug is used to prepare the medicine bag, wherein preparing the medicine bag with the second drug includes: The second of the plurality of medicine bags is transferred from the bag turntable to the dispensing device; The second dose of the second drug is injected into the second of the plurality of drug bags using the second syringe; The second of the plurality of medicine bags is transferred from the dispensing device to the bag turntable; and The bag turntable is rotated in a second direction to position the second next of the plurality of medicine bags to be transferred from the bag turntable to the dispensing device.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein executing the template comprises: The transport vehicle is controlled to place the empty first syringe into the first syringe support; The scale is used to measure and store a first weight, which corresponds to the weight of the empty first syringe; The transport vehicle is controlled to place the empty first syringe into the dispensing device for filling, and to place the empty second syringe into the first syringe support; The scale is used to measure and store a second weight, which corresponds to the weight of the empty second syringe; Fill the first syringe with the medicine dispenser; Control the transport vehicle to retrieve the filled first syringe from the dispensing device and place the filled first syringe in the second syringe support; as well as The scale is used to measure and store a third weight, which corresponds to the weight of the filled first syringe and the empty second syringe.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein performing the template further comprises determining the weight of the filled first syringe by determining the difference between the third weight and the second weight.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein performing the template further comprises determining the dosage of the first syringe by determining the difference between the weight of the first syringe being filled and the first weight.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the request to prepare the at least one dispensing container using the automated dispensing apparatus includes a request to prepare a plurality of dispensing containers.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: The request to prepare the plurality of dispensed drug containers is divided into a plurality of small batches, wherein processing each of the small batches results in the preparation of a subset of the plurality of dispensed drug containers; and each of the small batches is processed.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein each batch in the sub-batch is processed consecutively.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein dividing the request to prepare the plurality of pre-mixed dosing containers into the plurality of small batches comprises: Identify the size of the small batch; And create the multiple small batches with the identified size.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein identifying the size of the mini-batch comprises: Identify the components used to prepare each of the plurality of dosing containers and the dosage of the components; Identify the vial size for each of the ingredients; Determine the maximum dosage for each of the ingredients; as well as The size of the small batch is set at the maximum value of the maximum dose number for each of the ingredients.

22. An automated dispensing device, comprising: Multiple workstations, each of which includes a workstation controller and workstation hardware, wherein each workstation controller is configured to control the workstation hardware to perform an operation; A transport vehicle configured to transport medication containers to and from the plurality of workstations; as well as A central controller, comprising a processor configured to: A request is received to prepare at least one pre-filled dosing container, each of the at least one pre-filled dosing container comprising a dosing container at least partially filled with at least one component, wherein the dosing container comprises at least: a syringe; and a drug bag; Determine at least one attribute of the request to prepare at least one dispensing and administration container; A template is identified that corresponds to at least one attribute of the determined request for preparing the at least one dispensing container, wherein the template identifies the steps for filling the dispensing container and the order of the steps; Executing the template, wherein executing the template includes: Iteratively assign tasks to at least two of the workstations, wherein at least two of the tasks are performed with at least partial overlap; and Instruct the transport vehicle to move at least one medication container between the workstations.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one property comprises at least one of the following: The type of the at least one pre-selected drug delivery container; Multiple components in the at least one pre-prepared dosing container; The source of at least one of the components in the at least one dispensing container; and The dosage of each of the ingredients used in the at least one pre-mixed dosing container.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein performing at least two of the tasks in at least partially overlapping manner includes performing at least two of the tasks simultaneously.

25. The device of claim 22, wherein the at least one delivery container comprises a plurality of individual syringes.

26. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the transport vehicle comprises a robotic arm configured to grasp and manipulate the at least one drug delivery container; and a bag turntable.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the bag turntable comprises: A circular component with an outer circumference; A plurality of slots, sized to receive medicine bags, wherein the medicine bag received in one of the plurality of slots is completely retained within the outer circumference of the circular member; and at least one bag shuttle, the at least one bag shuttle including a movable member configured to remove the medicine bag from the bag turntable.

28. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the plurality of workstations comprises: Dispensing equipment; scales; at least one reconstitution mixer; extraction station; And syringe finisher.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein the scale comprises two or more syringe supports.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the scale further includes a medicine bag support, and wherein performing the template includes determining the weight of the medicine bag based on a plurality of weights of a plurality of administration containers measured by the scale, wherein the plurality of administration containers include the medicine bag and a syringe.

31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein executing the template comprises: The first drug is filled into the first syringe using the drug dispensing device; as well as Preparing the medicine bag with the first drug, wherein preparing the medicine bag with the first drug includes: The first of a plurality of medicine bags is transferred from the bag turntable to the dispensing device; A dose of the first drug is injected into the first of the plurality of drug bags using the first syringe; The first of the plurality of medicine bags is transferred from the dispensing device to the bag turntable; and The bag turntable is rotated in a first direction to position the first next of the plurality of medicine bags to be transferred from the bag turntable to the dispensing device.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein dispensing the medicine bag with the first drug comprises: Before injecting the dose of the first drug into the first of the plurality of drug bags using the first syringe, measure the first weight of the first of the plurality of drug bags; After the first dose of the first drug is injected into the first of the plurality of drug bags using the first syringe, the second weight of the first of the plurality of drug bags is measured; as well as The dosage of the first of the plurality of medicine bags is determined based on the first weight and the second weight.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein executing the template further comprises: The second drug is filled into the second syringe using the drug dispensing device; as well as The second drug is used to prepare the medicine bag, wherein preparing the medicine bag with the second drug includes: The second of the plurality of medicine bags is transferred from the bag turntable to the dispensing device; The second dose of the second drug is injected into the second of the plurality of drug bags using the second syringe; The second of the plurality of medicine bags is transferred from the dispensing device to the bag turntable; and The bag turntable is rotated in a second direction to position the second next of the plurality of medicine bags to be transferred from the bag turntable to the dispensing device.

34. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein executing the template comprises: The transport vehicle is controlled to place the empty first syringe into the first syringe support; The scale is used to measure and store a first weight, which corresponds to the weight of the empty first syringe; The transport vehicle is controlled to place the empty first syringe into the dispensing device for filling, and to place the empty second syringe into the first syringe support; The scale is used to measure and store a second weight, which corresponds to the weight of the empty second syringe; Fill the first syringe with the medicine dispenser; Control the transport vehicle to retrieve the filled first syringe from the dispensing device and place the filled first syringe in the second syringe holder; as well as The scale is used to measure and store a third weight, which corresponds to the weight of the filled first syringe and the empty second syringe.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein performing the template further comprises determining the weight of the first syringe being filled by determining the difference between the third weight and the second weight.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein performing the template further comprises determining the dosage of the first syringe by determining the difference between the weight of the first syringe being filled and the first weight.

37. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the request to prepare the at least one pre-prepared drug delivery container includes a request to prepare a plurality of pre-prepared drug delivery containers.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the processor is further configured to: divide the request for preparation of the plurality of dosing containers into a plurality of batches, wherein processing each of the batches results in the preparation of a subset of the plurality of dosing containers; and direct the processing of each of the batches.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein each batch in the sub-batch is processed continuously.

40. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein dividing the request to prepare the plurality of dosing containers into the plurality of small batches comprises: Identify the size of the small batch; And create the multiple small batches with identified sizes.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein identifying the size of the small batch comprises: Identify the components used to prepare each of the plurality of dosing containers and the dosage of the components; Identify the vial size for each of the ingredients; Determine the maximum dosage for each of the ingredients; as well as The size of the small batch is set at the maximum value of the maximum dose number for each of the ingredients.

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