Method, feeder unit and dispensing system for dispensing discrete doses of medicaments

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for stepwise dispensing discrete medicaments from a feeder unit, wherein the feeder unit comprises a container containing said medicaments, and a dispensing mechanism, wherein the dispensing mechanism comprises: a singulation body having a plurality of singulation chambers; and a first release member arranged below the singulation body and provided with a release opening, wherein the first release member and the singulation body are movable relative to each other, the method comprising the steps of: moving the singulation body 10 and the first release member relative to each other; stopping the relative movement between the singulation body and the first release member when the singulation body is in an aligned position; maintaining the singulation body stationary for a predetermined waiting period to allow any medicament 15 contained in the aligned singulation chamber to fall through the release opening.

Description

[0001] background

[0002] This invention relates to a method for dispensing discrete pharmaceutical agents, a feeder unit, and a dispensing system. Furthermore, this invention relates to a test station for testing a feeder unit and a method for determining the fill level of a feeder unit.

[0003] WO 2014 / 171818 discusses a method for dispensing a reagent from a feeder unit, wherein the method includes the steps of: accommodating one reagent in, or accommodating a plurality of reagents in, in a single row in, one of a plurality of individual chambers of an individualizing body; moving the individualizing body relative to a first release member disposed below the individualizing body and having a release opening, such that one of the plurality of individualizing chambers is aligned with the release opening, wherein a separation member extending into or onto the one of the plurality of individualizing chambers substantially blocks the reagent in the lowermost individualizing chamber of the plurality of individualizing chambers above the reagent in the one of the plurality of individualizing chambers. A single-chamber storage unit is provided, wherein the lowest-level agent falls through the release opening into one of a plurality of waiting chambers of a storage body disposed below the first release member, wherein the filling of the one of the multiple waiting chambers is detected by using a detection arrangement, which at least helps to detect whether one or more of the waiting chambers are filled with agent; the storage body is moved relative to a second release member disposed below the storage body and having a dispensing opening, so that one of the multiple waiting chambers is aligned with the dispensing opening, wherein one or more of the agent in the one of the multiple waiting chambers falls through the dispensing opening and is dispensed out of the feeder unit. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a feeder unit according to the prior art, a drug (such as a tablet or capsule) is received from a monomer into a waiting chamber of a storage body. For reliable dispensing of the drug from the feeder unit, the waiting chamber of the storage body must be reliably filled. Therefore, the monomer rotates slowly until a drug drop into one of the waiting chambers is detected. If the monomer rotates too fast, the drug tends to skip the monomer's chamber. Using a slow rotation speed is disadvantageous because the dispensing speed of the feeder unit is determined by the slowly rotating wheel and is therefore quite low.

[0005] Furthermore, in the prior art, feeder units are typically fully filled with a specific medication, such as tablets or capsules. For some medications, the manufacturer-indicated expiration date is advanced when the medication is removed from its bulk or blister packaging. Simply filling the feeder unit to an arbitrary fill level may cause the medication to expire before it is dispensed.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve or eliminate one or more disadvantages of the prior art in order to provide an improved dispensing method or system, or at least to provide an alternative method, feeder unit and dispensing system for dispensing discrete pharmaceutical agents.

[0007] A first aspect provides a method for stepwise dispensing of discrete pharmaceutical agents from a feeder unit, wherein the feeder unit includes a container holding the pharmaceutical agents and a dispensing mechanism configured to receive the pharmaceutical agents from the container and selectively dispense the pharmaceutical agents, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes: a unitizing body having a plurality of unitizing chambers; and a first release member disposed below the unitizing body and having a release opening, wherein the first release member and the unitizing body are movable relative to each other to subsequently align one of the plurality of unitizing chambers with the release opening, the method comprising the steps of:

[0008] - Move the unit and the first release member relative to each other to an alignment position such that one of the unitized chambers is aligned with the release opening;

[0009] - When the unitized body is in the aligned position, the relative movement between the unitized body and the first release member is stopped; and

[0010] - Maintain the mononite stationary relative to the first release member for a predetermined waiting period to allow any agent contained in the aligned mononite chamber to fall through the release opening.

[0011] During use, the unibody is moved to an aligned position relative to the first release member, and thereafter the unibody is kept stationary relative to the first release member. Thus, the unibody moves in a step-by-step or stop-and-go manner relative to the first release member. When the arranged body is kept stationary relative to the first release member in a position where the unibody chamber is aligned with the release opening, the agent can pass through the release opening, and other agents can be moved into one of these multiple unibody chambers.

[0012] Precise alignment and step-by-step movement of the corresponding monolid and the first release member ensure that the monolid moves to a position where the agent can freely pass through the release opening. Therefore, it is not necessary (as in prior art systems) to sense this release or to slowly move the monolid to a position where the agent can fall through the release opening.

[0013] The advantage of using a step-by-step or stop-and-go movement method is that it does not rely on relative movement between the unitizer and the first release member to cause the agent to fall through the release opening, thus allowing for faster movement. Before allowing the agent to fall from the unitizer through the release opening, the movement is simply controlled to precisely align one of the unitizer chambers in the unitizer with the release opening in the first release member. Therefore, the relative torque between the unitizer and the first release member is not constrained by the limitations of the falling behavior, and thus can be relatively fast, especially compared to prior art systems with the problem of "jumping" when moving too fast. As a result, the overall dispensing rate of the agent from the feeder unit can be much faster than that from a feeder unit according to the prior art, while maintaining reliability by ensuring that stopping the falling of a particular agent from a unitizer chamber would take a specific predetermined waiting period, during which additional agents can be moved into one or more of these unitizer chambers. These predetermined times can be set or found in several ways (e.g., via a lookup table associated with a specific type of agent, via a test station, via data about the past movement of the agent through the feeder, etc.) and can be in the range of 40 milliseconds to 120 milliseconds. Therefore, the feeder achieves faster dispensing while reliably ensuring that the agent is indeed dispensed, and the resulting reduction in total dispensing time leads to an overall performance improvement.

[0014] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of resuming the relative movement between the monomer and the first release member after the predetermined waiting period. In another embodiment, the step of resuming the relative movement between the monomer and the first release member includes moving the monomer and the first release member relative to each other relative to each other to another alignment position such that another monomer chamber in the plurality of monomer chambers is aligned with the release opening when the predetermined waiting period has expired. The advantage of this embodiment is that it prevents the monomer from remaining stationary relative to the first release member for too long when there is no agent in the monomer chamber aligned with the release opening. Therefore, it is advantageous to maintain a predetermined dispensing rate and keep the overall dispensing rate or speed from the feeder high.

[0015] In an embodiment, the method further includes detecting whether a drug has fallen through the release opening. In another embodiment, the step of detecting whether a drug has fallen through the release opening further includes: ending the predetermined waiting period and starting another predetermined waiting period when a drug has been detected to have fallen through the release opening. Optionally, the predetermined waiting period has a first length, and the other predetermined waiting period has a second length shorter than the first length. When a drug has fallen through the release opening into, for example, a waiting chamber below it, it is no longer necessary to wait for the predetermined period to expire. Thus, the predetermined period ends and another predetermined period begins, which is shorter than the first predetermined period. This other predetermined period allows the drug falling into the corresponding waiting chamber to pause, because the drug may have an upward tendency after falling into the corresponding waiting chamber. This is advantageous because it prevents the drug from being damaged due to the relative movement between the unitized body and the first release member when the drug partially bounces back to the unitized chamber from which it fell into the waiting chamber. Simultaneously, the dispensing speed of the dispensing system can be kept as high as possible.

[0016] In an embodiment, the method further includes moving the unifying body and the first release member back to the alignment position relative to each other when it is anticipated that a drug will fall through the release opening, but no drug is detected falling through the release opening during the predetermined waiting period. For example, the movement of the unifying body is accomplished by means of a stepper motor. According to this embodiment, the stepper motor can be operated to move back and forth several steps again, so that the drug stuck in the unifying body can be advantageously loosened and subsequently fall through the release opening. These back-and-forth movements are typically very small, less than the movement that would cause alignment with the adjacent unifying chamber.

[0017] In one embodiment, the feeder unit is equipped with a position encoder that is calibrated such that the encoder step size indicates the alignment position. Alternatively, another method or type of alignment device that allows for precise movement to the alignment position can be used, such as a protrusion and notch system, a stepped gear, etc. In one embodiment, the step of moving the unibody and the first release member relative to each other includes determining the position of the unibody and the first release member relative to each other in order to move the unibody to the alignment position. In a further embodiment, the step of stopping the relative movement between the unibody and the first release member includes stopping the relative movement between the unibody and the first release member when the unibody is determined to be in the alignment position. With the aid of a position encoder and / or other alignment device or system, the position of one of the unibody chambers of the unibody relative to the release opening of the first release member can be determined relatively easily and quickly. Therefore, it is not necessary to combine complex controls to control the movement of the unibody, and the method and the whole system can remain relatively simple, low-cost, and easier to maintain.

[0018] In one embodiment, the feeder unit includes a storage body disposed below the first release member and including one or more waiting chambers configured to receive a drug from one of the single-chambered chambers when aligned with the release opening and the corresponding one or more waiting chambers.

[0019] In one embodiment, the feeder unit includes a second release member disposed below the storage body and having a dispensing opening, wherein the second release member and the storage body are movable relative to each other to subsequently align one of the one or more waiting chambers with the dispensing opening. In another embodiment, the method includes the step of dispensing one or more medications from the dispensing opening. The step of dispensing one or more medications received by the storage body from the dispensing opening located on the bottom side of the feeder unit includes: moving the storage body and the second release member relative to each other to align one of the one or more waiting chambers with the dispensing opening, such that the medication in that one of the one or more waiting chambers falls through the dispensing opening and is dispensed out of the container.

[0020] In one embodiment, the step of moving the unifying body and the first release member relative to each other includes rotating the unifying body relative to the first release member to an alignment position such that one of the plurality of unifying chambers is aligned with the release opening. Specifically, the unifying body rotates at a rotational speed such that the agent is dispensed onto a plane above the unifying body. For example, the unifying body may rotate at a rotational speed of at least 1 revolution per second, at least 1.5 revolutions per second in another embodiment, and approximately 1.9 revolutions per second in yet another embodiment.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the discharged agent passes vertically or substantially vertically through a through opening in the dispensing device from one of the feeder units. Therefore, the discharged agent can be allowed to settle due to rotational movement and subsequently fall from the feeder unit solely under the influence of gravity.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the unibody is kept stationary for the predetermined waiting period to allow any agent contained in the aligned unibody chamber to fall vertically or substantially vertically through the release opening into a plurality of collection trays. Similarly, this allows the discharged agent to settle due to rotational movement and subsequently fall from the feeder unit solely under the influence of gravity.

[0023] A second aspect provides a feeder unit for dispensing discrete pharmaceutical agents, the feeder unit comprising:

[0024] Container for containing the medicine,

[0025] A dispensing mechanism for receiving the pharmaceuticals from the container and selectively dispensing the pharmaceuticals from the feeder unit, the dispensing mechanism comprising:

[0026] A monolithic body with multiple monolithic chambers;

[0027] A first release member is disposed below the monolith and has a release opening, wherein the first release member and the monolith are movable relative to each other; and

[0028] An encoder is used to determine the relative positioning between the uniform chamber and the release opening in the first release member.

[0029] This feeder unit can efficiently and reliably dispense medication from a container. By using an encoder that can easily and quickly determine relative positioning, the feeder can rotate rapidly to align the individualized chamber with the dispensing opening and hold it in this position for a predetermined amount of time to allow the medication to travel through the opening. The individualized chamber can then move rapidly to align the subsequent individualized chamber with the opening (using an encoder to quickly ensure correct alignment) and also remain there for a predetermined time. Therefore, the dispensing mechanism can easily, efficiently, and reliably dispense medication from the container. Other embodiments can use different systems instead of encoders to ensure alignment, such as notch and protrusion systems.

[0030] In an embodiment, the feeder unit further includes a storage body disposed below the first release member and including one or more waiting chambers configured to receive a drug from the single-chamber when one of the single-chambers, the release opening, and the corresponding one or more waiting chambers are aligned.

[0031] In this embodiment, the encoder is located at or near the release opening.

[0032] In one embodiment, the one or more waiting chambers include a plurality of waiting chambers, and the feeder unit includes a second release member disposed below the storage body and having a dispensing opening, wherein the second release member and the storage body are movable relative to each other to subsequently align one of the one or more waiting chambers with the dispensing opening.

[0033] In one embodiment, the feeder unit further includes a detection arrangement for determining whether any agent has fallen through the release opening.

[0034] A third aspect provides a dispensing system for accommodating one or more feeder units, the system being arranged to selectively dispense a quantity of discrete reagent from the one or more feeder units, the system comprising:

[0035] A dispensing device having a series of dispensing positions arranged adjacent to each other in a plane, wherein each of the series of dispensing positions has a retainer for one of the feeder units and a through opening for allowing discharged pharmaceutical agent to pass through.

[0036] A collection device is arranged below the dispensing device, wherein the collection device and the dispensing device are movable relative to each other. The collection device includes a plurality of collection trays, each tray having a receiving opening on the side facing the dispensing device for receiving discharged medication, and each tray including an output end.

[0037] A controller is used to control the operation of the system and the one or more feeder units arranged on the dispensing device.

[0038] For each of the one or more feeder units, the controller is configured to...

[0039] - The unification body and the first release member arranged below the unification body and having a release opening are moved relative to each other to an alignment position such that one of the unification chambers of the plurality of unification chambers is aligned with the release opening;

[0040] - When the unitized body is in the aligned position, the relative movement between the unitized body and the first release member is stopped; and

[0041] - Maintain the mononite stationary relative to the first release member for a predetermined waiting period to allow any agent contained in the aligned mononite chamber to fall through the release opening.

[0042] The distribution system according to the invention has at least the same technical advantages as those described with respect to the method according to the first aspect.

[0043] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to resume the relative movement between the monolith and the first release member after the predetermined waiting period.

[0044] In this embodiment, the controller is further configured to:

[0045] - Maintain the mononizer stationary relative to the first release member for a predetermined waiting period to allow any agent in the aligned mononizer chamber to fall through the release opening into one of the waiting chambers of the storage body arranged below the first release member.

[0046] In this embodiment, the controller is further configured to:

[0047] - Dispense one or more agents received by the one or more waiting chambers from the dispensing opening.

[0048] In one embodiment, the dispensing system further includes a packaging unit for collecting and packaging the medications received from the output end of the tray.

[0049] In a further embodiment, the discharged agent passes vertically or substantially vertically through a through opening in the dispensing device from one of the feeder units.

[0050] In a further embodiment, the mononizer is kept still for the predetermined waiting period to allow any agent contained in the aligned mononizer chamber to fall vertically or substantially vertically through the release opening into a collection tray of several collection trays.

[0051] The fourth aspect provides a test station configured for testing a feeder unit used to dispense discrete reagents, the test station comprising:

[0052] A docking position configured to receive a feeder unit under test, wherein the docking position includes:

[0053] The receiving section is configured to at least partially receive the feeder unit under test.

[0054] A driver configured to be operatively connected to and used to drive the feeder unit to dispense medication from the feeder unit.

[0055] One or more sensors are configured to sense the behavior of a drug within the feeder unit and / or to sense the behavior of a drug among a plurality of drugs dispensed from the feeder unit.

[0056] A controller, operatively connected to the sensor and the driver, and configured to be operatively connected to the feeder unit under test,

[0057] The controller is configured to receive data from one or more sensors relating to the behavior of the agent within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the agent dispensed from the feeder unit when the feeder unit is driven.

[0058] The controller is further configured to determine parameters for controlling the feeder unit under test based on the data received from the one or more sensors.

[0059] According to existing technology, feeder units are specifically designed for dispensing specific medications, such as tablets. The inventors have recognized that medications have different shapes, weights, and shear resistance at their outer surfaces. As a result, medications within the feeder unit can fall relatively quickly, for example, from a single chamber of a single-component body through a release opening into a waiting chamber of a storage body below, where another medication requires more time to complete the same descent. The test station according to the invention advantageously provides the possibility of testing the feeder unit in conjunction with the medications for which it is designed, and determining the parameters for optimally controlling the feeder unit when it is inserted into a dispensing system. Consequently, the separation of tablets from multiple tablets within the feeder unit and the release of tablets from the feeder unit can advantageously become reliable and can be optimized, for example, in terms of dispensing speed and safety.

[0060] In one embodiment, the test station includes a chute located below the feeder unit under test and configured to receive reagents dispensed from the feeder unit.

[0061] In one embodiment, the one or more sensors include a first sensor for sensing the behavior of the agents within the feeder unit and / or a second sensor for sensing the behavior of the agents among the plurality of agents dispensed from the feeder unit. In another embodiment, the first sensor is configured to sense whether any agent separates from the plurality of agents within the feeder unit, and / or the second sensor is configured to sense whether any agent among the plurality of agents is dispensed from the feeder unit. This embodiment has the advantage that parameters can be optimized for agent separation behavior and agent descent behavior.

[0062] Additionally, the second sensor is configured to sense the movement of the agent through the chute, and also provides the possibility of determining, for example, whether a complete or half-formed agent is passing through based on the time required for the agent to pass the second sensor. Therefore, it is advantageous to correct for the dispensing of broken agent when the feeder unit is placed in the dispensing system, or at least to signal the dispensing of broken agent from the feeder unit.

[0063] In one embodiment, the test station includes an identification unit configured to identify a feeder unit to be tested received at the docking location. In another embodiment, a controller is operatively connected to the identification unit to receive data related to the identified feeder unit, wherein the controller is further configured to store and / or transmit determined parameters associated with the identified feeder unit. According to this embodiment, the determined parameters can be stored in a database in association with the tested and identified feeder units, such that when the corresponding feeder unit is inserted into and identified by the distribution system, the distribution system can retrieve the stored parameters from the database.

[0064] In one embodiment, the identification unit is configured to read the RFID tag of the feeder unit under test.

[0065] The fifth aspect provides a method for testing a feeder unit using a test station according to the fourth aspect, the method comprising the following steps:

[0066] - Fill the feeder unit to a predetermined filling level with the reagent;

[0067] - Connect the feeder unit to the docking position of the test station;

[0068] - Drive the feeder unit to dispense at least one agent from the feeder unit;

[0069] - While driving the feeder unit, detect the behavior of the agent within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the agent dispensed from the feeder unit;

[0070] - Based on data associated with the behavior of the agent detected within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the agent dispensed from the feeder unit, parameters for controlling the feeder unit under test are determined.

[0071] The method according to the invention provides at least the same technical advantages as described with respect to the test station according to the fourth aspect.

[0072] In one embodiment, the method includes the step of identifying the docked feeder unit.

[0073] In one embodiment, the method includes a step of determining whether the test process is complete after the step of determining these parameters. In another embodiment, the method includes a step of repeating the following steps when it is determined that the test process has not been completed:

[0074] - Drive the feeder unit to dispense at least one agent from the feeder unit;

[0075] - While driving the feeder unit, detect the behavior of the agent within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the agent dispensed from the feeder unit;

[0076] - Based on data correlated with the detected behavior of the agent within the feeder unit and / or the detected behavior of the agent dispensed from the feeder unit, parameters for controlling the feeder unit under test are determined. It may occur that the feeder unit still does not operate perfectly after dispensing a predetermined amount of agent. Therefore, it may be necessary to further test the feeder unit in order to fine-tune the parameters to be determined for the corresponding feeder unit. This can advantageously yield a feeder unit operating optimally.

[0077] In one embodiment, when the test process is determined to be complete, the method includes the following steps:

[0078] - The determined parameters, along with the identifier of the feeder unit under test, are saved and optionally saved to the database.

[0079] In an embodiment, the method includes repeating the following steps once or multiple times:

[0080] - Fill the feeder unit to a predetermined filling level with the reagent;

[0081] - Drive the feeder unit to dispense at least one agent from the feeder unit;

[0082] - While driving the feeder unit, detect the behavior of the agent within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the agent dispensed from the feeder unit;

[0083] - Based on data associated with the behavior of the agent detected within the feeder unit and / or the behavior of the agent dispensed from the feeder unit, determine parameters for controlling the feeder unit under test.

[0084] In this embodiment, the fill level of the feeder unit is different for each repetition of these steps. In one embodiment, each repetition of these steps is performed for a predetermined fill level, wherein the fill level used for these repetitions varies by at least 5%. In a further embodiment, the step of determining the parameters for controlling the feeder unit under test includes providing a recommendation regarding the optimal fill level of the feeder unit under test. The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the fill level of the feeder unit can affect the dispensing of the agent from the feeder unit. Therefore, the feeder unit is tested repeatedly for different fill levels (e.g., for fill levels of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%). As a result, the fill level at which the feeder unit achieves optimal dispensing can be determined, and / or which dispensing rate should be selected relative to a specific fill level of the feeder unit.

[0085] In one embodiment, the method includes a step of checking whether any errors occurred during testing of the feeder unit. In another embodiment, the step of checking whether any errors occurred during testing of the feeder unit includes:

[0086] - Detect whether the time during which the one or more sensors detect the agent exceeds a predetermined threshold; and / or

[0087] - Detect whether the amount of time required for the individual components of the feeder unit to move to the next alignment position exceeds a predetermined threshold. The advantage of this embodiment is that by examining whether errors occur during the testing of the feeder unit, it provides insight into which parameters used to control the feeder unit cause more or fewer errors. This allows the method to determine the parameters used to control the feeder unit under test while keeping the number of errors as low as possible.

[0088] In an embodiment, the step of determining the parameters for controlling the feeder unit under test includes determining the drive speed of the feeder unit. In the context of this application, the drive speed of the feeder unit must be understood as the rotational speed of the unit's individualizing body and / or storage body. For example, the drive speed of the individualizing body enables the separation of a single agent from multiple agents within the feeder unit, while the drive speed of the storage body determines the time required to move the next waiting chamber above the dispensing opening and thus dispensing the agent from the feeder unit. By determining the drive speed, the feeder unit can operate optimally when inserted into the dispensing system.

[0089] In an embodiment, the step of determining the parameters for controlling the feeder unit under test includes determining a waiting period for the feeder unit. During use of the feeder unit in the dispensing system, a singlet is moved to an alignment position such that one of the singlet chambers aligns with the release opening, and thereafter the singlet is held stationary relative to the first release member for a predetermined waiting period. This waiting period allows the agent to fall from the singlet chamber above the release opening into the waiting chamber below the release opening, and depends on the agent to be dispensed. This testing method allows for determining the optimal waiting period for the agent to be dispensed.

[0090] In one embodiment, the step of determining the parameters for controlling the feeder unit under test includes providing a recommendation for an optimal dispensing speed for the feeder unit under test. Advantageously, this embodiment can provide a recommendation for a dispensing speed that dispenses the agent from the feeder unit under test as quickly as possible while keeping, for example, the number of errors as low as possible.

[0091] The sixth aspect provides a method for determining the fill level of a feeder unit, the method comprising the following steps:

[0092] - Receive an instruction that the feeder unit needs to be filled with medicine;

[0093] - Determine the throughput of the corresponding drugs within the predetermined time period;

[0094] - Receive the expiration date of the agent to be filled into the feeder unit; and

[0095] - The fill level of the feeder unit is determined based on the determined throughput and the received period, wherein the feeder unit is emptied before the expiration date of the agent to be filled into the feeder unit.

[0096] This method provides a fill level for a feeder unit designed for a specific agent. The fill level is determined based on a defined throughput and the expiration date of the specific agent, indicating the amount of agent allocated within a specific time period (e.g., one day). For example, the expiration date is given as the number of days until the agent expires. Therefore, it can be expected that a feeder unit filled to the defined fill level will be empty before the agent within the feeder unit expires. Thus, the advantage of this method is that it reduces the amount of agent wasted or, ideally, prevents agent waste altogether.

[0097] In an embodiment, the step of receiving an instruction includes receiving an instruction that the feeder unit is empty or nearly empty.

[0098] In this embodiment, the step of determining the throughput includes determining the throughput of the corresponding medication since the last filling of the feeder unit. Determining the throughput of the medication since the last filling of the feeder unit yields a defined throughput that gives a true impression of the amount of medication dispensed since the last filling of the feeder unit. Therefore, the risk of the medication expiring before its due date is minimized is kept to a minimum.

[0099] Alternatively, the step of determining throughput includes determining the throughput of the corresponding drug since the first dispensing of the drug.

[0100] In this embodiment, the step of receiving the expiration date of the pharmaceutical agent includes considering a shortened expiration date of the agent to be filled into the feeder unit. Sometimes, the manufacturer of the pharmaceutical agent shortens the expiration date when the agent is removed from its bulk or blister packaging. This embodiment advantageously considers earlier expiration dates, thereby reducing or ideally preventing agent waste even when the agent has an earlier expiration date.

[0101] In the context of this application, pharmaceuticals must be understood to include, but are not limited to, tablets, capsules, etc.

[0102] The aspects and features described and illustrated in the specification may be applied individually in any possible circumstances. These individual aspects, in particular the aspects and features described in the appended dependent claims, may become the subject of a divisional patent application. Attached Figure Description

[0103] Figure 1 A schematic cross-section of a dispensing system is shown, which has a dispensing device having a series of dispensing positions to accommodate a plurality of feeder units for selectively dispensing a certain amount of medicine from one or more feeder units and for packaging the dispensed amount.

[0104] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic top view of the distribution system of an embodiment.

[0105] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the feeder unit is shown.

[0106] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 A schematic cross-section of the distribution mechanism of the feeder unit.

[0107] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating the steps of a method for dispensing a pharmaceutical agent from a feeder unit is shown.

[0108] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a test station for testing a feeder unit with a docking position, according to an embodiment, is shown.

[0109] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A detailed view of the docking location of the test station.

[0110] Figure 8 A diagram illustrating the steps of a method for testing a feeder unit is shown, and

[0111] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating the steps of a method for determining the fill level of a feeder unit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0112] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic cross-section of a dispensing system 1 is shown, which includes several feeder units 2 for selectively dispensing quantities of pharmaceuticals, drugs, or solid articles, products, or substances (e.g., pills, tablets, capsules, etc.) for medical use from one or more feeder units 2 and for packaging the dispensed quantities of pharmaceuticals. The pharmaceuticals are "discrete," meaning they can be dispensed one after another, individually, separately, or in dosage units.

[0113] The dispensing system 1 includes a dispensing device 3 configured to dispense medication. Below the dispensing device 3 is a collecting device 4 configured to collect the medication dispensed from the dispensing device 3. Below the collecting device 4 is a packaging unit 5 configured to package the collected medication. Optionally, the dispensing system 1 is provided with a housing (not shown) to protect the dispensing device 3, the collecting device 4, and the packaging unit 5 from unauthorized access.

[0114] The dispensing device 3 is provided with a series of dispensing positions 20 and holders (not shown) for holding multiple feeder units 2 (also called cans or tablet boxes). The dispensing positions 20 are circumferentially distributed around the axis of rotation R. In particular, as Figure 2As shown in the optimal configuration, the allocation positions 20 are distributed according to a radial grid with several rows, wherein the feeder units 20 are arranged radially around the axis of rotation R.

[0115] like Figure 1 As further shown, the dispensing system 1 also includes a robot manipulator 6 (e.g., a robotic arm) configured to manipulate the feeder unit 2 relative to the dispensing position. The robot manipulator 6 is arranged on or near the dispensing device 3 along its axis of rotation R. The robot manipulator 6 is configured to manipulate the feeder unit 2 automatically, wherein the manipulation includes, but is not limited to, positioning, removing, and repositioning the feeder unit 2 within the dispensing system 1. The robot manipulator 6 has a gripper 7 at its distal end, configured to clamp one of the feeder units 2 to place or remove that feeder unit 2 from the dispensing device 3.

[0116] like Figure 1 As shown, the collection device 4 has several collection trays 40, also referred to as collection hoppers. Each collection tray 40 extends radially below one or more feeder units 2 and is open on the side facing the dispensing device 2 to receive agents selectively dispensed from one or more feeder units 2. The collection trays 40 taper toward the packaging unit 5 and are closed at the bottom by a valve, allowing the collected agents to be selectively released from the trays 40 into the packaging unit 5.

[0117] Collection trays 40 are arranged in collection frames 41 and distributed circumferentially about a rotation axis R. Collection frames 41 can rotate about the rotation axis R in the collection direction A so that collection trays 40 rotate relative to the plurality of distribution positions 20. For example, the rotation can be a step-by-step rotation, such that each step of the tray aligns the collection tray 40 with a subsequent series of feeder units 2 arranged within the distribution device 3.

[0118] When a corresponding tray of the plurality of trays 40 is positioned above the packaging unit 5, a valve (not shown) on that corresponding tray of the plurality of trays 40 opens to release the collected medication from that corresponding tray of the plurality of trays 40 into the packaging unit 5. The packaging unit 5 includes a stock member for containing packaging material (foil in this example), a printer for printing information about the medication on the foil, a filling member for positioning the foil to receive the medication, a sealing member for forming a bag around the received medication, a perforating member for providing perforations for the foil between the subsequently formed bags, and an output member for discharging the packaged medication from the dispensing system 1.

[0119] The distribution system 1 further includes a controller 30 operatively connected to the feeder unit 2, the distribution device 3, the collection device 4, the packaging unit 5, the robot manipulator 6, and other electronic equipment (such as actuators, sensors, etc.) for controlling the operation of the distribution system 1. Specifically, the controller 30 is provided with a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium thereon storing computer instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the distribution system 1 to perform the methods described in more detail below.

[0120] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an example of a feeder unit 2 is shown. The feeder unit 2 includes a container chamber 50 configured to hold multiple medications and a container cover 51 hinged to the container chamber 50. The container cover is used to open the top of the container chamber 50 to allow access to a filling opening in the container chamber 50, allowing the container chamber 50 to be refilled or the medications within the container chamber 50 to be replaced with other medications. The container cover 51 has a locking latch 52 to lock the container cover 51 in a closed position. Additionally, the container cover 51 is provided with a container handle 53, allowing an operator or robot manipulator 6 to grip and manipulate the feeder unit 2.

[0121] The feeder unit 2 includes a dispensing mechanism 60 arranged below the container chamber 50. For example... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the dispensing mechanism 60 includes a unit 61 having a plurality of unitized chambers 62, each of which is arranged to contain two or more agents 63 in a single row. The unit 61 includes a conical top surface 64 for guiding the agents 63 in the container chambers 61 toward the unitized chambers 62 arranged around the circumference of the unit 61. The unit 61 includes a central axis substantially coincident with the central axis h of the feeder unit 2.

[0122] A first release member 65 is arranged below the unit 61, the first release member 65 including a release opening 66. The first release member 65 is fixed inside the feeder unit 2 and is therefore stationary in the feeder unit, and the unit 61 is rotatable about its central axis so that one of the plurality of unitization chambers 62 can be subsequently aligned with the release opening 66.

[0123] A separating member 67 is arranged above the first release member 65. This separating member 67 includes a plate or brush extending into a single-unit chamber 62 currently aligned with the release opening 66. The distance between the separating member 67 and the first release member 65 is substantially equal to the length l of a single agent 63 disposed in the single-unit chamber 62. The separating member 67 is arranged to allow only the lowest agent 63 directly above the first release member 65 to fall through the release opening 66, such that only one agent 63 will fall through the release opening 66. In this example, the agent 63 falls vertically or substantially vertically downwards through the release opening 66 toward one of the collection trays 40, onto one of the collection trays, or into one of the collection trays. When the single-unit body 61 is rotated, the corresponding single-unit chamber 62 disengages from the separating member 67, and allows the agent 63 to move downwards within that corresponding single-unit chamber 62.

[0124] A storage body 68 is arranged below the first release member 65, the storage body comprising a plurality of waiting chambers 69. Each waiting chamber 69 is arranged to receive and contain agent 63 from a single-unit chamber 62. The storage body 68 includes a central axis substantially coincident with the central axis h of the feeder unit 2 and is rotatable about its central axis so that one of the plurality of waiting chambers 69 may subsequently be aligned with the release opening 66.

[0125] A second release member 70 is arranged below the storage body 68, the second release member having a dispensing opening 71 for dispensing the medicine out of the feeder unit 2. The second release member 70 is fixed in the feeder unit 2, and the storage body 68 is rotatable relative to the second release member 70 so that one of the plurality of waiting chambers 69 is subsequently aligned with the dispensing opening 71 to dispense the medicine 63 from the feeder unit 2. The dispensing opening 71 is arranged not to be aligned with the release opening 66, such that the medicine 63 falling into the waiting chamber 69 remains inside the waiting chamber 69 and is therefore not immediately dispensed out of the container 2.

[0126] like Figure 4 As shown, the feeder unit 2 includes a detection arrangement for at least assisting in detecting whether the agent 63 has fallen through the release opening 66 into the lower waiting chamber 69. This detection arrangement includes a path 72 for a light beam, which traverses the release opening 66 and is positioned directly below the first release member 65 and the storage body 68. The detection arrangement further includes: a light source 73 for emitting a light beam through the path 72; and a photodetector 74 for detecting the light beam and thereby detecting the passage of the agent 63 through the path 72, such passage temporarily blocking the light beam. The light source 73 and the photodetector 74 are provided with connectors 75 for connection to positioning posts 21 arranged at each dispensing position 20 for supplying power to the light source 73 and connecting the photodetector 74 to the controller 30.

[0127] like Figure 4 As shown, the feeder unit 2 further includes an additional detection arrangement having: a second light source 76 for emitting a second beam of light that crosses the dispensing opening 71; and a second photodetector 77 for detecting the second beam of light and thereby detecting that the agent 63 passes through the dispensing opening 71 and enters the drop tube 22 at the dispensing position 20.

[0128] Additionally, the feeder unit 2 is provided with an alignment encoder 75 (also called a position encoder), which is configured to determine whether one of the plurality of individualized chambers 62 is aligned, preferably perfectly aligned, with the release opening 66, and is operatively connected to the controller 30. The alignment encoder 75 is calibrated such that the encoder step size indicates the alignment position. In the context of this invention, the term "encoder" should be interpreted as a device that converts motion into electrical or electronic signals. The alignment encoder 75 can be a rotary encoder or any other type of encoder, for example, strategically placed in the feeder unit 2 to allow selective light transmission to a series of holes in the photovoltaic cell when the individualized chamber 62 is in place. Alternatively, alignment can be determined by physical position sensing, such as by a protrusion entering a notch.

[0129] Additionally, the individualizer 61 and / or storage unit 68 are equipped with drive motors (not shown) (e.g., stepper motors) for driving the individualizer 61 and storage unit 68 to rotate about their central axis. For example, the individualizer 61 rotates at a speed of approximately 1.9 revolutions per second. The dispensing device 3 can supply power to the drive motor and / or connect the drive motor to the controller 30 via the position post 21. Alternatively, the feeder unit 2 does not have a drive motor, and an external drive motor for coupling to the individualizer 61 and storage unit 68 is arranged at each dispensing position 20.

[0130] The following describes a method for dispensing a pharmaceutical agent from one of the feeder units 2, with regard to a single feeder unit 2. The method includes the following steps, which are also... Figure 5 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0131] Step S1 involves the step of containing one or more agents 63 into one or more of the plurality of individualized chambers 62 of the individualized body 61. Containing agents 63 into individualized chambers 62 can be understood as allowing agents 63 to move into individualized chambers 62 when the individualized body 61 moves or stops.

[0132] Step S2 involves moving the unitized body 61 relative to the first release member 65 to an alignment position such that one of the plurality of unitized chambers 62 aligns with the release opening 66. Whether this unitized chamber 62 is aligned with the release opening 66 can be determined or measured by means of an alignment encoder 78 at the feeder unit 2 or other means for determining alignment (such as notch and protrusion arrangement). When it is determined that this unitized chamber 62 is aligned with the release opening, the movement of the unitized body 61 relative to the first release member 65 is stopped, as follows: Figure 5 Step S3 is illustrated schematically.

[0133] After stopping the movement of the singlet 61 relative to the first release member 65, the singlet 61 is held stationary relative to the first release member 65 for a predetermined waiting period (S4). For example, the waiting period can range from 40 milliseconds to 120 milliseconds, depending on the size, shape, and structure of the agent to be dispensed. During this predetermined waiting period, the lowermost agent 63 in the singlet chamber 62 above the release opening 66 is allowed to fall through the release opening 66. This can enter the waiting chamber 69 of the storage body 68 or some other configuration, such as a hopper or chute in other embodiments. Simultaneously, additional agents can move into the singlet chamber 62. While the singlet 61 is held stationary relative to the first release member 65, a detection arrangement will detect whether any agent has passed through the passage 72, as shown in step S5, but some embodiments may not have such sensing.

[0134] If it is detected that the agent has passed through the release opening 66, the predetermined time period ends, and an additional predetermined time period shorter than the predetermined time period begins (step S6) to allow the falling agent 63 to pause in the corresponding waiting chamber 69. After the additional predetermined time period begins in step S6, a check is performed to check whether the additional predetermined time period has expired (step S7). If it is determined that the additional predetermined time period has expired, it is assumed that the agent 63 in the waiting chamber 69 has entered a paused state, and the unitizer 61 can be moved to a later alignment position such that the next unitizer of the plurality of unitizer chambers 62 is aligned with the release opening 66.

[0135] When it is determined that no drug has passed through the release opening 66 and the passage 72, it is determined whether the predetermined waiting period has expired (step S8). If the answer is yes, the unit 61 can be moved to a later alignment position such that the next unit of the plurality of unitized chambers 62 is aligned with the release opening 66. If the answer is no, it is determined whether drug 63 is expected to fall through the release opening 66 (step S9). If drug 63 is expected to fall through the release opening 66, the drug 63 may be stuck in the unit 61. To release the drug 63, the unit 61 is preferably moved back and forth repeatedly, for example, over a distance corresponding to half the width of the drug 63, and then moved back to the alignment position relative to the first release member 65 (step S10) so that the drug 63 falls into the waiting chamber 69 below the release opening 66. If no agent is expected to fall through the release opening 66, the unitizer 61 can be moved to a later alignment position that aligns the next unitizer of the plurality of unitizer chambers 62 with the release opening 66 (step S2).

[0136] By rotating according to alignment and simply waiting a predetermined period for the agent to fall, feeder unit 2 can operate to release the agent more efficiently and reliably than previous systems. As mentioned above, previous systems relied on slow rotation and / or actual detection of the agent to ensure that the agent fell through the release opening, and the unit could continue to rotate and release further. Slower rotation or actual detection resulted in slower overall agent dispensing. By using step rotation—rotating the unit to a specific alignment position (where chamber 62 aligns with the release opening) and simply waiting a predetermined (short) waiting period before rotating to the next alignment position—feeder unit 2 can reliably dispense more agent through the release opening.

[0137] The controller 30 of the distribution system 1 is configured to implement the above method.

[0138] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a test station 100 for testing a feeder unit according to an embodiment is shown. Such a test station can be used to determine parameters associated with the feeder unit, such as optimal fill level, predetermined time intervals for a specific agent, etc., as discussed above. The feeder unit under test may correspond to the feeder unit described above. The test station 100 includes a station housing 101 having a base plate 102; two side walls 103, a front wall 104, and a rear wall, all resting on top of the base plate 102; and a top plate 105 resting on top of the side walls 103, front wall 104, and rear wall. Figure 6As shown, the front wall 104 is recessed relative to the front edge of the bottom plate 102 and the top plate 105, thereby defining a receiver space 106 configured to receive a receiver between the bottom plate 102 and the top plate 105.

[0139] A plurality of docking positions 107 are arranged adjacent to each other on the top of the top plate 105 and above the receiver space 106, wherein each of the docking positions 107 is configured to receive a feeder unit to be tested. Each of the docking positions 107 has a receiving portion 108 for receiving at least a portion of the feeder unit. The receiving portion 108 has a receiving block 109 on which the feeder unit to be tested can be placed. The receiving block 109 is provided with a plurality of positioning posts 110 for correctly positioning the feeder unit to be tested relative to the receiving portion 108.

[0140] The receiving block 109 further includes a sloping groove 111 extending through the receiving block 109 from top to bottom, the sloping groove 111 aligning with and extending through a through-hole (not shown) disposed within the top plate 105. When the feeder unit under test is docked in one of the docking positions 107, the dispensing opening 71 is located above the sloping groove 111. As a result, the agent dispensed from the feeder unit falls into the sloping groove 111 and subsequently into a receiver placed within the receiver space 106 and located below the sloping groove 111 and the corresponding through-hole. In this example, the agent falls vertically or substantially vertically from the feeder unit through the corresponding through-hole.

[0141] like Figure 7 As shown, a drop detection arrangement is arranged within the inclined groove 111 to at least help detect whether a reagent has fallen into the inclined groove 111. The drop detection arrangement has a path 112 for a light beam, which traverses the inclined groove and is arranged near the top side of the receiving block 109. The detection arrangement further includes: a light source 113 for emitting a light beam through the path 112; and a photodetector 114 for detecting the light beam and thereby detecting that a reagent has fallen through the inclined groove 111, which would temporarily block the light beam.

[0142] Furthermore, in this example, test station 100 uses a detection arrangement of the feeder unit, designed to at least help detect whether the agent has fallen through the release opening into the waiting chamber below, as a separation detection arrangement. Specifically, the separation detection arrangement is configured to detect whether the agent has separated from the remaining agent within the feeder unit and has moved to one of the waiting chambers of the feeder unit's storage body.

[0143] Alternatively, the test station 100 may have its own separation detection arrangement to at least help detect whether the agent has fallen into the waiting chamber below through the release opening.

[0144] A drive motor, such as a stepper motor, is arranged within the receiving block 109. The drive motor is provided with a drive coupling 116 that extends upward from the receiving block 109 and is configured to connect to the feeder unit in order to drive, in particular rotate, the unitary body and storage body of the feeder unit to dispense the medicine from it.

[0145] In addition, each of the docking positions 107 is equipped with an RFID reader 115 for reading the RFID chip present in the feeder unit, so that the test results can be coupled to the feeder unit under test.

[0146] Although not shown, the station housing 101 houses a power supply for powering the test station 100 and all its electrical components, as well as a controller for controlling the operation of the test station 100. The power supply and controller are operatively connected to a drop detection arrangement, a separation detection arrangement, a drive motor, an RFID reader, and other electronic equipment such as actuators and sensors. Specifically, the controller includes a processor and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer instructions thereon, which, when executed by the processor, cause the test station 100 to perform the methods described in more detail below.

[0147] The following describes a method for testing a single feeder unit 2. This method includes the following steps, which are also... Figure 8 It is shown schematically in the diagram.

[0148] In the context of this patent application, it should be noted that the feeder unit is designed for dispensing specific tablets, pills, or pharmaceutical products. Before using the feeder unit in the dispensing system 1 as described above, the feeder unit is tested using a test station 100. The testing process includes a first step S100: filling the feeder unit to be tested to a predetermined filling level or filling it with a predetermined amount of pharmaceutical product. When the feeder unit is filled, it is docked into one of the docking positions 107 of the test station (step S101).

[0149] When the feeder unit is docked to one of the docking positions 107, the RFID reader of the test station 100 reads the RFID chip of the feeder unit (step S102) to identify the docked feeder unit.

[0150] After identifying the docked feeder unit, the drive motor at docking position 107 is operated to drive the individual agent and storage body of the feeder unit (step S103). During the operation of the drive motor, a separation detection arrangement detects whether an individual agent is separated from the remaining agent in the feeder unit and moved to one of the waiting chambers, and a drop detection arrangement detects whether any agent is dispensed from the feeder unit into the chute 111 of docking position 107 (step 104).

[0151] Data from the separation detection arrangement and the drop detection arrangement are received by the controller of test station 100. Notably, the data from these two detection arrangements provides information specifically about the behavior of the agent within the feeder unit and about the behavior of the agent falling through the chute 11. The controller of test station 100 processes the data from these two detection arrangements to determine parameters for controlling the docked feeder unit (step S105). The parameters for controlling the feeder unit relate to, but are not limited to, the reliability and speed of agent dispensing from the feeder unit. This can be understood as wanting to dispense the agent from the feeder unit as quickly as possible while reliably separating the agent from the remaining agent within the feeder unit.

[0152] Once these parameters are determined, the completion of the test process is determined (step S106). The completion of the test process depends particularly on whether the determined parameters meet predetermined criteria. For example, the test ends when all the reagent has been dispensed from the feeder unit, or when too many dispensing errors have occurred. If it is determined that the test process is not yet complete, it is determined whether there is still reagent remaining in the feeder unit (step S107). If the answer is yes, steps S103-S106 are repeated, and these steps can be repeated at the desired frequency. If the answer is no, the test process ends, and the operator is informed of the end of the test process (step S108).

[0153] When it is determined in step S106 that the test process is complete (e.g., the determined parameters meet predetermined standards), the determined parameters, along with the identifier of the tested feeder unit, are saved, and optionally, they are stored in the database (S109) so that the determined parameters can be used by the allocation system 1 as described above. After saving the determined parameters, the test process ends (step S108).

[0154] The testing process can be repeated several times, during which the feeder unit has, for example, a fill level of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, or 100%. Alternatively, the feeder unit is fully filled and then tested by dispensing a large amount of reagent, for example, until the feeder unit is empty. In this case, the test can begin at 100% fill and end at 0% fill, thus going through, for example, 80% fill, 60% fill, 40% fill, and 20% fill. In this way, the testing process can be used to provide recommendations regarding the optimal fill level of the feeder unit when used in dispensing system 1.

[0155] The following describes a method for determining the fill level of one of the feeder units 2, relating to a single feeder unit 2. The method includes the following steps, which are also... Figure 9 The diagram is shown schematically. It is worth noting that this method can be implemented by the allocation system 1, and in particular its controller, as described above.

[0156] When the distribution system 1 detects that the feeder unit 2 is nearly empty or already empty, the distribution system 1, in particular its controller, provides the operator with an instruction that the corresponding feeder unit 2 needs to be filled or refilled with a specific agent (step S200). Subsequently, the distribution system 1 determines the throughput of the specific agent, for example, the throughput since the last time the feeder unit was filled with the specific agent, or the throughput of the agent since the first time the agent was dispensed from the distribution system (step S201).

[0157] After determining the throughput of a particular agent, or during that period, the dispensing system can indicate the expiration date of the particular agent, for example, in days. The expiration date of the particular agent can be a regular expiration date or a shortened expiration date due to removal of the agent from its bulk or blister packaging. Subsequently, the relevant expiration date can be entered into dispensing system 1 by the operator (step S202).

[0158] Alternatively, the dispensing system may indicate the expiration date of a specific agent after or during the determination of its throughput. The expiration date of a specific agent may be a regular expiration date or an earlier expiration date due to removal from its bulk or blister packaging. The operator can then input the relevant expiration date into dispensing system 1 (step S202).

[0159] Based on the determined throughput and the received due date, the fill level of the feeder unit is determined, wherein the determined throughput and the received due date are taken into account, such that the feeder unit is expected to be empty before the received due date expires (step S203).

[0160] Although the description pertains to pharmaceuticals, tablets, etc., these devices and methods can be used to dispense other types of solid discrete articles for separation and packaging.

[0161] It should be understood that the above description is intended to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and does not imply a limitation on the scope of the invention. Based on the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and these variations will still be covered by the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0162] List of reference numerals

[0163] 1. Distribution System

[0164] 2. Feeder Unit

[0165] 3. Dispensing device

[0166] 4. Collection device

[0167] 5 Packaging Units

[0168] 6. Robot Manipulator

[0169] 7. Fixtures

[0170] 20. Assignment Position

[0171] 21 Positioning Posts

[0172] 22 Drop pipe

[0173] 30 Controllers

[0174] 40 Collection tray

[0175] 41 Collection Framework

[0176] 50 container chamber

[0177] 51 Container lid

[0178] 52 Container Latch

[0179] 53 Container Handles

[0180] 60 Distribution agencies

[0181] 61. Monolithic

[0182] 62 Single-chamber

[0183] 63. Medicine

[0184] 64 Conical top surface

[0185] 65 First Release Component

[0186] 66 Release opening

[0187] 67 Separable components

[0188] 68 storage units

[0189] 69 Waiting Chamber

[0190] 70 Second Release Component

[0191] 71. Distribution opening

[0192] 72 pathways

[0193] 73 Light Source

[0194] 74 Photodetectors

[0195] 75 connector

[0196] 76 Second Light Source

[0197] 77 Second photodetector

[0198] 78 Alignment encoder

[0199] 100 test stations

[0200] Station 101 shell

[0201] 102 base plate

[0202] 103 Sidewall

[0203] 104 Anterior Wall

[0204] 105 Top Plate

[0205] 106 Receiver Space

[0206] 107 Docking Position

[0207] 108 Receiving Section

[0208] 109 Receive Block

[0209] 110 Positioning Post

[0210] 111 Inclined Gutter

[0211] 112 access

[0212] 113 Light Source

[0213] 114 Photodetector

[0214] 115 RFID Reader

[0215] 116 Drive coupling

[0216] Steps of the S1-S10 allocation method

[0217] Steps of the S101-S109 test methods

[0218] Steps for determining the fill level (S201-S203)

[0219] R Rotation axis

[0220] A. Rotation direction

Claims

1. A method for step-by-step dispensing of discrete pharmaceutical agents from a feeder unit, wherein, The feeder unit includes a container holding the pharmaceutical agent and a dispensing mechanism configured to receive the pharmaceutical agent from the container and selectively dispense the pharmaceutical agent, wherein the dispensing mechanism includes: a unit having a plurality of unitizing chambers; and a first release member disposed below the unit and having a release opening, wherein the first release member and the unit are movable relative to each other, the method including the following steps: - Move the unit and the first release member relative to each other to an alignment position such that one of the unitized chambers is aligned with the release opening; -When the unitized body is in the alignment position, the relative movement between the unitized body and the first release member is stopped; - Maintain the mononite stationary relative to the first release member for a predetermined waiting period to allow any agent contained in the aligned mononite chamber to fall through the release opening; - Detect whether any medication has fallen through the release opening. The step of detecting whether a drug has fallen through the release opening further includes the step of ending the predetermined waiting period and starting another predetermined waiting period when it is detected that a drug has fallen through the release opening.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of restoring the relative movement between the monolith and the first release member after the predetermined waiting period.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The step of restoring the relative movement between the unitizer and the first release member includes: when the predetermined waiting period has expired, moving the unitizer and the first release member relative to each other to another alignment position such that another unitizer of the plurality of unitizer chambers is aligned with the release opening.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The predetermined waiting period has a first length, and the additional predetermined waiting period has a second length that is shorter than the first length.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising, when it is anticipated that a drug will fall through the release opening, but no drug is detected falling through the release opening during the predetermined waiting period, moving the monolayer and the first release member back to the alignment position relative to each other.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The feeder unit is equipped with a position encoder that is calibrated so that the encoder step size indicates these alignment positions.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, The step of moving the unit and the first release member relative to each other includes: determining the position of the unit and the first release member relative to each other in order to move the unit to the alignment position.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The step of stopping the relative movement between the unit and the first release member includes: stopping the relative movement between the unit and the first release member when it is determined that the unit is in the alignment position.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The feeder unit includes a storage body disposed below the first release member and includes one or more waiting chambers configured to receive a drug from one of the single-chambered chambers when the single-chambered chamber, the release opening, and the corresponding single-chambered chamber are aligned.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The feeder unit includes a second release member disposed below the storage body and having a dispensing opening, wherein the second release member and the storage body are movable relative to each other to subsequently align one of the one or more waiting chambers with the dispensing opening.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising the step of dispensing one or more agents received by the one or more waiting chambers from the dispensing opening.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The step of moving the unibody and the first release member relative to each other includes rotating the unibody relative to the first release member to an alignment position such that one of the unibody chambers is aligned with the release opening.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The discharged agent passes vertically or substantially vertically through the through opening of the dispensing mechanism from one of the feeder units.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The monolith is kept still for the predetermined waiting period to allow any agent contained in the aligned monolith chamber to fall vertically or substantially vertically through the release opening into several collection trays.

15. A dispensing system accommodating one or more feeder units, the system being arranged to selectively dispense a quantity of discrete pharmaceutical agent from the one or more feeder units, the system comprising: A dispensing device having a series of dispensing positions arranged adjacent to each other in a plane, wherein each of the series of dispensing positions has a retainer for one of the feeder units and a through opening for allowing discharged pharmaceutical agent to pass through. A collection device is arranged below the dispensing device, wherein the collection device and the dispensing device are movable relative to each other. The collection device includes a plurality of collection trays, each tray having a receiving opening on the side facing the dispensing device for receiving discharged medication, and each tray including an output end. A controller is used to control the operation of the system and the one or more feeder units arranged on the dispensing device. For each of the one or more feeder units, the controller is configured to... - The unification body and the first release member arranged below the unification body and having a release opening are moved relative to each other to an alignment position such that one of the unification chambers of the plurality of unification chambers is aligned with the release opening; -When the unitized body is in the alignment position, the relative movement between the unitized body and the first release member is stopped; - Maintain the mononite stationary relative to the first release member for a predetermined waiting period to allow any agent contained in the aligned mononite chamber to fall through the release opening; and - Detect whether any medication has fallen through the release opening. The step of detecting whether a drug has fallen through the release opening further includes the step of ending the predetermined waiting period and starting another predetermined waiting period when it is detected that a drug has fallen through the release opening.

16. The distribution system according to claim 15, wherein, The controller is further configured to resume the relative movement between the monolith and the first release member after the predetermined waiting period.

17. The distribution system according to claim 15, wherein, The controller is further configured to: - Maintain the mononizer stationary relative to the first release member for a predetermined waiting period to allow any agent in the aligned mononizer chamber to fall through the release opening into one of the waiting chambers of the storage body arranged below the first release member.

18. The distribution system according to claim 17, wherein, The controller is further configured to: - Dispense one or more agents received by the one or more waiting chambers from the dispensing opening.

19. The dispensing system of claim 15, further comprising a packaging unit for collecting and packaging the pharmaceuticals received from the output end of the tray.

20. The distribution system according to claim 15, wherein, The discharged agent passes vertically or substantially vertically through the through opening of the dispensing device from one of the feeder units.

21. The distribution system according to claim 15, wherein, The monolith is kept still for the predetermined waiting period to allow any agent contained in the aligned monolith chamber to fall vertically or substantially vertically through the release opening into several collection trays.

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