Medicine dispensing device and medicine dispensing method

Abstract

A method for dispensing individual tablets from a feeder unit includes the steps of: a) determining a last allowable dispensing time for tablets from the feeder unit; b) comparing the last allowable dispensing time with a scheduled dispensing time; and c) transmitting a dispensing signal only if the scheduled dispensing time is before the last allowable dispensing time.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for dispensing medications, particularly into pouches. [Background technology]

[0002] background When dispensing medications for individual and / or daily supply packages, the medications are typically held in canisters for efficient dispensing from an automated dispensing device. One such device is shown in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0366489 A1, which discloses an apparatus for automatically dispensing solid medical substances. The apparatus is provided with a number of feeder units, also called "canisters," distributed in a radial grid around a rotation axis. Each canister contains a quantity of a solid substance specific to its respective feeder unit. Thus, collectively, the canisters are capable of dispensing a variety of solid substances. The canisters dispense to a collection station, which continues to a packaging unit that packages the solid substances received from the collection tray into foil, which is sealed to form individually closed pockets, also called "pouches." Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] overview Medication that cannot be dispensed from a canister is typically manually placed onto a plate, which is then placed into an automated dispensing device (such as the device of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0366489), which transports the medication to a retrieval station and then to a packaging unit. The need for the use of a plate can arise for a variety of reasons, such as the medication itself (e.g., a fragile tablet), the infrequent need for the medication, guidelines or regulations regarding repackaging tablets after removal from their original packaging, or other reasons. Because of the manual labor involved, the use of a plate can result in an overall less efficient process than using a feeder unit (e.g., a canister) for dispensing, and can be more error-prone than an automated process from a feeder unit. Therefore, the methods and devices disclosed herein allow for more efficient dispensing and reduced manual labor during the dispensing process, even when the allowable exposure time (the time between removal from the original packaging and sealing into a new packaging, such as a pouch) is only short. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to a first aspect, a method for dispensing an individual tablet from a feeder unit includes the following steps: a) determining a last allowable dispensing time for the tablet from the feeder unit; b) comparing the last allowable dispensing time with a scheduled dispensing time; and c) transmitting a dispensing signal only if the scheduled dispensing time is before the last allowable dispensing time. Such a method allows for automatic dispensing of a tablet (e.g., from a canister) even if the tablet's allowed exposure time is very short. The last allowable dispensing time is determined by adding the allowed exposure time for the particular tablet to the time the original package was opened. This method is therefore particularly useful for tablets or medications that have not been tested to determine their exposure time and therefore only allow a short exposure time, e.g., 24 or 48 hours. The exposure time is typically determined through testing or regulation / policy.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: d) comparing the tablet's known expiration date with the pouch use-by date; and e) sending a dispensing signal only if the known expiration date is later than the pouch use-by date. The expiration date is typically provided by the tablet's pharmaceutical manufacturer and can be entered manually or automatically (e.g., by scanning a barcode) when the tablet is removed from its original packaging and placed into a canister (or other feeder unit) for dispensing. Such steps ensure that the tablets will not have expired by the time they are to be consumed by the patient.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the method further includes step f) of dispensing individual tablets from the feeder unit only if a dispensing signal is received in steps c) and e). Such a method allows for automated, and therefore more efficient, dispensing and packaging of many tablets, which previously required manual intervention (e.g., manual placement on a plate) due to short exposure times, while ensuring that tablets do not deteriorate during the pharmaceutical production process (due to exposure time) or expire before they are consumed from their packages (e.g., pouches). Optionally, steps d) and e) occur before steps a)-c). Alternatively, steps a)-c) occur simultaneously with steps d)-e). The order of the steps can be varied depending on the system, priorities, and various requirements.

[0007] According to one embodiment, if step b) determines that the last acceptable dispensing time is before the scheduled dispensing time, a notification is sent that the feeder unit should be replaced with a second feeder unit with a later last acceptable dispensing time. Optionally, the notification instructs an operator to prepare a second feeder unit containing tablets of the same composition. The second feeder unit can then be delivered to the dispenser, where it can optionally be replaced with the feeder unit for the dispensing job. In some embodiments, the feeder unit can be left in the dispenser and simply assigned to another dispensing job with an earlier scheduled dispensing time.

[0008] According to one embodiment, if step b) determines that the last allowable dispensing time is before the scheduled dispensing time, the method resumes with a second feeder unit with a later last allowable dispensing time. The second feeder unit may already be located inside the dispenser or in a storage location that can be moved (manually or automatically) to a feeder position for use. This may be the position of the feeder unit (after it has been moved or removed) or another location. Optionally, the method further includes removing the feeder unit.

[0009] According to one embodiment, if step d) determines that the tablet's known expiration date is earlier than the pouch consumption date, a notification is sent that the feeder unit should be replaced with a second feeder unit with a later expiration date. This notification can indicate that the operator should prepare a new feeder unit, remove it from a storage location, or simply designate a new one already in the feeder location. Optionally, the method then resumes step d) with the second feeder unit with the later expiration date. Such steps ensure that the medication packaged and delivered to the patient will not exceed its expiration date at the time it is consumed.

[0010] According to one embodiment, step a) includes identifying an acceptable exposure time for tablets in the feeder unit and calculating a final acceptable dispensing time based on the time the tablets were removed from their original packaging and the acceptable exposure time. The acceptable exposure time can be set based on past testing or regulations. This can be done, for example, by checking whether a particular tablet has a tested acceptable exposure time, and if so, setting it as the acceptable exposure time. If no tested acceptable exposure time exists, the system can identify and apply a specific rule or regulation that sets the acceptable exposure time. For example, a particular type or category of tablets may have an untested exposure time of only 48 hours. The system can identify the tablet as being of that type within that category and then apply a rule / regulation that sets 24 hours as the acceptable exposure time. In another example, for any tablets that cannot be identified as falling into any category, a set (usually fairly short, e.g., 24 hours) acceptable exposure time is identified to apply to these tablets. The final allowable dispensing time is specified as the time the original package was opened plus the allowable exposure time, and is typically set as a particular time on a particular day.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the dispensing device includes a dispensing section and a collecting section, and the feeder unit is located in one of a plurality of feeder positions in the dispensing section and dispenses tablets into the collecting section.

[0012] According to another aspect, a dispensing device for dispensing individual tablets includes a dispensing section defining a continuum of feeder positions for holding a plurality of feeder units, and a control unit for controlling the dispensing process. The control unit is configured to perform the following steps: a) identifying a last allowable dispensing time for tablets from a first feeder unit; b) comparing the last allowable dispensing time with a scheduled dispensing time for a particular operation; and c) transmitting a dispensing signal to dispense tablets from the first feeder unit only if the scheduled dispensing time is before the last allowable dispensing time. Optionally, the control unit is further configured to perform the following steps: d) comparing a known expiration date of the tablet with a pouch consumption date for the particular operation; and e) transmitting a dispensing signal to dispense tablets from the first feeder unit only if the known expiration date is after the pouch consumption date. Such a dispensing device allows for efficient dispensing of tablets into packages while ensuring that such tablets do not exceed an allowable ambient exposure time between removal from the manufacturer's packaging (for placement in the feeder unit) and sealing into a pouch. Optionally, the dispensing device may further include a collecting section for receiving the tablets from the dispensing section, and a packaging section for receiving the tablets from the collecting section and packaging the tablets into pouches.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the control unit is further configured to initiate dispensing of tablets from the first feeder unit upon receiving a dispensing signal in steps c) and e). By waiting for the dispensing signal and ensuring that the dispensing operation can be completed with tablets that do not exceed their specific allowable ambient exposure time or expire before their scheduled consumption time, the dispenser ensures a high quality product with an efficient packaging process. Optionally, the control unit is configured to request a second feeder unit for the particular run if comparison step b) determines that the last allowable dispensing time is after the scheduled dispensing time for the particular run.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1A] 1 shows a front view of an automated dispensing device for forming multiple medication packages containing individual medications that are themselves dispensed and packaged. [Figure 1B] 1B shows a top view of the device of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of the medication dispensing and packaging process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Description of the embodiment Figure 1A shows a dispensing device 1 for dispensing solid medical items, articles or substances 90, such as medicines, pills, tablets, capsules or the like, hereinafter simply referred to as tablets. Figure 1B shows a top view of the dispensing device 1.

[0017] The dispensing device 1 includes a dispensing section 2 for dispensing a solid substance 90, a collecting section 3 for collecting tablets 90 from the dispensing section 2, and a packaging section 6 for packaging the tablets 90. The collecting section 3 is disposed below or vertically below the dispensing section 2. The packaging section 6 is disposed below or vertically below the collecting section 3. The dispensing device 1 further includes a housing 10 for shielding the above-mentioned sections 2, 3, 6 from unauthorized access.

[0018] The dispensing section 2 defines a series of holding locations 20 for holding a plurality of canisters 40, tablet cases, or other types of feeder units. Each holding location includes a docking member for mating with or receiving a respective one of the canisters 40 and has a suitable opening or channel for allowing dispensed tablets 90 to pass through the holding location 20 to the collection section 3 below. In this example, the series of holding locations 20 is arranged circumferentially around the rotation axis X. More specifically, the series of holding locations 20 is distributed circumferentially or according to a radial grid, e.g., as a plurality of radially extending rows arranged side-by-side or adjacently circumferentially around the rotation axis X. Preferably, the housing 10 extends cylindrically around the series of holding locations 20. In this example, the circumferential wall of the housing 10 is provided with a plurality of stock locations 12 for holding unused or spare canisters 40.

[0019] The dispensing device 1 is further provided with a robotic manipulator 11, which may include a robotic arm for automatic, automated, or autonomous handling, positioning, removal, and / or repositioning of canisters 40 relative to the series of holding locations 20. The robotic manipulator 11 is provided with a gripper head, known per se, for picking up and placing canisters 40. In this embodiment, the robotic manipulator 11 is positioned in the center of the series of holding locations 20, near, at, or adjacent to the axis of rotation. In said position, all holding locations 20 and stock locations 10 are typically within the reach of the robotic manipulator 11.

[0020] Each canister 40 typically contains a container for holding a quantity of tablets 90 of a composition 91 specific to that canister 40. The term "composition" is to be interpreted as the chemical composition of the tablets 90, e.g., combination of ingredients, but may include slight variations. Each canister ultimately holds only tablets 90 of a single composition. Canisters 40 have a volume that can hold hundreds or more (or fewer) tablets 90, depending on their size and shape.

[0021] Each canister 40 further includes an outlet 51, e.g., a downspout, for dispensing the tablets 90 to the collection section 3, and a dispensing mechanism 52 between the canister and the outlet 51 for controlled delivery of the solid material 90 from the canister to the outlet 51. In this embodiment, the dispensing mechanism 52 includes a wheel that acts as a turnstile for singulating the tablets 90 and feeding them one by one towards the outlet 51. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that alternative dispensing mechanisms capable of singulating the tablets 90 may be provided.

[0022] Each canister 40 may be provided with one or more sensors 53, 54, such as a vision camera, photo sensor, laser sensor, level sensor, weight sensor, or the like, for verifying the type, composition, and / or integrity of the tablets 90 and for counting the amount of tablets 90 dispensed.

[0023] As best seen in Figure 1B, the dispensing station 2 further includes a canister setting member 24 having a plurality of canister positions 25 for receiving new canisters 40 into the dispensing device 1 and / or removing canisters 40 from the dispensing device 1. In this example, the canister setting member 24 is formed as a drawer. Alternatively, a door or the like could be used.

[0024] The dispensing station 2 may also include a manual loading location 26 for receiving a medication transport plate 58 onto which tablets 90 are manually loaded. This may be for a number of reasons, including but not limited to, the medication not being suitable for automated dispensing in the canister 40 described above, the medication being infrequently used, and regulations regarding the dispensing of particular medications.

[0025] The plates 58 are placed in a plate loading station 60 (see FIG. 1A), which may be connected to the dispensing device 1 or may be remote from the dispensing device. The plate loading station 60 includes a docking station 62 for receiving and loading the plates 58, similar to that described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 0192926, entitled "Docking station and method for loading a medicine transport plate," filed March 9, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] The docking station 62 is typically manually loaded by a technician who is guided as to which and how many medications to place in each compartment; once loaded and checked, the plate 58 can be inserted, and the tablets can then be released from the docking station onto the plate 58. Guidance and / or instructions can be provided by the control unit 7 and user interface 8 (of the dispensing device 1) and / or other control unit systems specific to the plate loading station 60. Once the plate 58 is loaded, the operator is instructed to move the plate to the manual loading position 26, where it is loaded into the dispensing device 1 and dispensed to the collection section 3 and then to the packaging section 6, where it is ultimately sealed into a pouch 92. Optionally, multiple plates 58 are loaded first, and then a specific number of plates (e.g., five plates) are transported in bulk from the plate loading station 60 to the dispensing device 1. Optional components, such as a robot, a pallet, and / or a conveyor, can assist in the transport.

[0027] 1A, the collecting section 3 includes a plurality of collecting units, which may include trays or collecting hoppers 30 that are open on a face facing the dispensing section 2 to receive tablets 90 selectively dispensed from one or more of the canisters 40. In this example, each collecting hopper 30 extends beneath the plurality of canisters 40 while simultaneously receiving tablets 90 from any of these canisters 40. Each collecting hopper 30 tapers to a bottom at which a valve (not shown) is provided that is operable to drop the collected tablets 90 into the packaging section 6.

[0028] In this exemplary embodiment, the plurality of collection hoppers 30 are distributed circumferentially around a rotation axis X. More specifically, the plurality of collection hoppers 30 are held in a collection frame 32 that is rotatable about said rotation axis X and that rotates the plurality of collection hoppers 30 relative to the series of holding positions 20 in the dispensing station 2. This rotation may be a step rotation, with each step aligning the plurality of collection hoppers 30 with the next group of canisters 40 (or plate 58) in the series of holding positions 20. Each collection hopper 30 extends radially along the series of radially arranged holding positions 20.

[0029] The packaging section 6 includes a first packaging unit 61a at a first angular packaging position P1 around the rotation axis X. Optionally, the packaging section 6 may include a second packaging unit 61b at a second angular packaging position P2 to increase the packaging efficiency of the dispensing device 1. The valves of the collection hoppers 30 are operated when each one of the collection hoppers 30 is above or directly above a selected one of the packaging units 61 to cause collected tablets 90 to drop into the respective packaging unit 61a, 61b. Each packaging unit 61a, 61b includes a stock member for holding packaging material, in this case foil, a printer for printing information about the tablets 90 on the foil, a filling member for positioning the foil to receive the tablets 90, a sealing member for forming a pouch surrounding the received tablets 90 and a perforating member for providing perforations in the foil between the subsequently formed pouches, and an ejection member for ejecting the packaged tablets 90 from the dispensing device 1. Alternatively, one or both of the packaging units 61a, 61b may be arranged to package the tablets 90 in a storage material other than foil, such as a vial or bottle.

[0030] 1A-1B, dispensing apparatus 1 is further provided with a control unit 7, which is operatively and / or electronically connected to robotic manipulator 11, canister 40, plate filling station 60, packaging units 61a, 61b, and other electronic devices such as drives, sensors, etc., to control the operation of dispensing apparatus 1. Control unit 7 includes a special purpose processor 71 and a computer readable medium 72 carrying computer readable code or instructions that, when executed by processor 71, cause dispensing apparatus 1 to operate in accordance with the methods described in more detail below. Computer readable medium 72 may be non-transitory or tangible, for example a physical data carrier such as a hard drive, USB drive, RAM memory, etc.

[0031] The dispensing device 1 may further be provided with a graphical user interface 8, e.g., a screen, for providing a human operator with useful information regarding the dispensing, retrieval, inspection / correction, and packaging operations. The plate filling station 60 may have a separate control unit and / or user interface, or may share the control unit and user interface 8 with the dispensing device 1.

[0032] The dispensing process typically involves the control unit 7 (or other control system) planning a dispensing operation based on the received order and the tablets available in the canister 40. If the order includes tablets that are not in a canister, the control unit 7 can identify whether the tablets can be dispensed from a given canister or if this is not possible for some reason. For example, if there are simply no filled canisters available, but there is no reason why the tablets cannot be dispensed from the canister 40, the control unit 7 can instruct an operator to prepare a canister containing that type of tablet. Such a filling process can occur at a canister filling location, a storage room, or other location, and typically involves removing tablets from their original packaging (e.g., sealed containers, blister packs, or other packaging in which the pharmaceutical company or manufacturer seals the tablets) and registering information about the tablets in the control system. Such information can include, but is not limited to, the type of tablets in that particular canister, the expiration date of the tablets provided by the pharmaceutical company, and the latest allowable dispensing time (e.g., date and time) based on exposure time.

[0033] The exposure time is the time from when the tablet is removed from its original packaging to when it is resealed in a pouch (or other packaging material) during the dispensing and packaging operation. Typically, this exposure time includes the time the tablet is in the plate 58 or canister 40. Registration of the information can be done manually or by simply scanning a barcode containing the information, which can then be registered in the control unit 7. The allowable exposure time for a particular tablet can also be stored in a database, and the control unit 7 searches for the allowable exposure time for a particular type of tablet that has been registered. This is typically based on past testing, e.g., testing by pharmaceutical companies on the amount of time a tablet can be exposed to the atmosphere without deterioration. If the tablet has not undergone this testing, regulations and / or policies usually set the allowable exposure time very short, e.g., 24 or 48 hours. The database can also include the allowable exposure time for a particular type of tablet and the allowable exposure time (e.g., based on regulations, rules, and / or policies) for all remaining tablets that have not been tested and do not fit into the listed categories. The filled canister 40 is placed in the canister position 25 as described above for use with the dispensing device 1.

[0034] Tablets that cannot be dispensed by the canisters (e.g., tablets that are too large or improperly shaped to be dispensed through a canister) must be prepared by manually filling plates. The control unit 7 can guide the operator to prepare plates 58 at the plate filling station 60 as described above, and then place them in the manual loading position 26. Once all canisters 40 and plates 58 are set, the dispensing operation is performed and all pouches 92 are made, inspected (and corrected if necessary), and then typically sent to a shipping area (not shown).

[0035] Typically, dispensing operations are planned for efficiency, which includes reducing the amount of plates 58 required for the operation and using as many canisters 40 as possible (thereby allowing tablets to be dispensed more quickly). As mentioned above, plates 58 are used not only for tablets that are not suitable for automated dispensing from a canister (e.g., those that are too fragile for automated dispensing), but also for other reasons, such as infrequent use or rules or regulations regarding (short) allowable outdoor exposure times.

[0036] In some regulatory systems, tablets may be dispensed through a canister 40 (or other dispensing container containing medication for multiple pouches 92) only if an acceptable amount of exposure time has been identified through testing. In past systems in such regulatory systems, if an acceptable exposure time had not been identified, the medication had to be dispensed by first loading the medication onto a plate 58, which was then placed into the dispensing device 1 to be packaged into a pouch 92. This was a labor-intensive process that slowed down the dispensing process and, because more manual labor was involved, increased the opportunity for error.

[0037] Current systems can automatically dispense such tablets through canister 40 while ensuring that the tablets do not exceed their allowable exposure time, even if it is very short (e.g., 24 hours). Such a system involves the method shown in and described with respect to Figure 2.

[0038] The method 100 for dispensing tablets 90 from a canister 40 includes two main branches, which can be performed simultaneously or one after the other. In some embodiments, only one branch is performed. One branch begins with step 104 and involves comparing the expiration date of the tablets in the canister with the pouch consumption date for that dispensing operation. The tablet expiration date is typically provided by the tablet manufacturer, and that information is associated with a particular canister when that canister is filled (either manually entered or automatically, as described above, e.g., via scanning a barcode). The pouch consumption date is associated with the order that constitutes the dispensing operation and refers to the date by which the tablets in a particular pouch are to be consumed by the patient.

[0039] Steps 106 and 108 relate to the result of comparison step 104. In step 106, if the expiration date is earlier than the pouch use-by date for that dispensing operation, a new canister is requested. This can be a different canister 40 with a later expiration date already in dispensing device 1, or, as previously described, the operator can be asked to fill a new canister 40 with tablets with a later expiration date (later than the pouch use-by date) and deliver this new canister to dispensing device 1. The comparison step is then performed again. If the expiration date is later than the pouch use-by date for that dispensing operation, step 108 sends a dispensing signal to perform the dispensing operation.

[0040] The second branch begins at step 112 and concerns the allowable exposure time for a particular tablet. As mentioned above, pharmaceutical companies often test particular medications to identify an allowable exposure time, i.e., the time after which the tablet must be sealed in a pouch or discarded after being removed from the pharmaceutical company's packaging, and provide this information with the tablet. For medications that have not been tested, this time limit can be set by policy, rule, and / or regulation and is typically very short, such as 24 or 48 hours. Therefore, when a tablet is removed from its original packaging and filled into a canister 40, the final allowable dispensing time, typically in units of time, is determined by taking a known or set allowable exposure time and adding it to the date and time the original packaging was opened (which is typically simultaneous with the opening of the canister 40). This is then associated (manually or automatically) with the particular canister 40 and registered in the control unit 7.

[0041] Step 114 compares the last allowable dispense time with the scheduled dispense time for that dispensing operation, i.e., the time the tablets would be dispensed if the dispensing operation were performed. Step 116 shows what happens if the last allowable dispense time is earlier than the scheduled dispense time for that dispensing operation, and step 118 sends a request for a new canister with a later last allowable dispense time. This could be a canister 40 with a later allowable dispense time already in the dispensing device 1, or a ready canister 40 in a storage location, or the operator could be requested to fill a new canister 40 with tablets, as described above, and deliver it to the dispensing device 1, so that it has a later last allowable dispense time. The identifying and comparing steps are then performed again. If the last allowable dispense time is later than the scheduled dispense time for that dispensing operation, step 120 sends a dispense signal to perform the dispensing operation.

[0042] When both tributaries send a dispensing signal to perform the dispensing operation, step 122 actually performs the dispensing operation, and the dispenser 1 dispenses the tablets into the pouch. In this manner, it is ensured that the tablets dispensed into the pouch during the dispensing operation have not expired before they are consumed by the patient and have not exceeded their allowable exposure time after being transferred from the pharmaceutical company's packaging to the canister and before being sealed into the pouch. Therefore, the method 100 shown and described allows the canister 40 to be used for more efficient dispensing even if the medication is untested and / or has a short allowable exposure time. Once the allowable exposure time has been exceeded, the canister 40 can be removed from the dispensing device 1 and replaced with a newly filled canister.

[0043] Method 100 allows for an overall more efficient dispensing of tablets from canisters in dispensing device 1, while ensuring that medications are dispensed into pouches only if consumed before their expiration date and that tablets do not exceed their specific allowable exposure time during the process (from removal from their original packaging to sealing into a pouch). Method 100 therefore saves time in the packaging of tablets 90, is particularly beneficial where there are strict rules or policies regarding allowable exposure times, and allows for the use of canisters 40, and therefore the automated dispensing of a larger number of tablet varieties, even when the allowable exposure time is very short (and thus past systems required dispensing using plates 58). Additionally, dispensing via canisters 40 reduces the amount of manual labor (e.g., manually loading at plate loading station 60 and using plates 58), thereby reducing errors.

[0044] Although the method is described with respect to sending a signal to perform a dispensing operation, a signal to stop the dispensing operation may alternatively be sent if, for example, it is found that the expiration date is earlier than the pouch use-by date and / or the last allowable dispensing time is earlier than the scheduled dispensing time. Additionally, the steps may be ordered differently, for example, first comparing the last allowable dispensing time to the scheduled dispensing time, followed by the step of comparing the expiration date to the pouch use-by date. Some methods will not include comparing the expiration date to the pouch use-by date if it is not necessary.

[0045] The system may be configured with any combination of hardware and software, such as at least one special-purpose processor and at least one non-transitory memory containing computer program code configured to execute the aforementioned processes by the at least one processor, and the at least one memory and computer program code configured to execute the aforementioned processes by the at least one processor. Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be utilized as memory. The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal medium or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium does not include a propagating signal, and may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media (a non-exhaustive list) include: a wired connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable computer disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof. One or more computers and / or other control units may be present physically as part of the system or may be connected remotely.

[0046] The present invention has been described above with respect to several exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. Modifications and alternative implementations of some parts or elements are possible and fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method for dispensing individual tablets from a feeder unit, comprising the steps of: a) identifying a last allowable time for dispensing said tablets from said feeder unit; b) comparing the last allowable dispense time with a scheduled dispense time; c) transmitting a dispense signal only if the scheduled dispense time is before the last allowed dispense time; A method comprising:

2. Steps below: d) comparing the known expiration date of the tablet with the pouch expiry date; e) transmitting a dispensing signal only if the known expiration date is later than the pouch use-by date; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

3. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the step of: f) dispensing individual tablets from said feeder unit only if a dispensing signal is received in steps c) and e).

4. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein steps d) and e) are carried out before steps a) to c).

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein steps a) to c) are carried out simultaneously with steps d) to e).

6. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein if step b) determines that the last acceptable dispense time is before the scheduled dispense time, a notification is sent that the feeder unit should be replaced with a second feeder unit having a later last acceptable dispense time.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the notification instructs an operator to prepare the second feeder unit with tablets of the same composition.

8. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein if step b) determines that the latest allowable dispense time is before the scheduled dispense time, restarting at a second feeder unit with a later latest allowable dispense time.

9. The method of claim 8 further comprising removing the feeder unit.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising moving the second feeder unit to the previous location of the feeder unit.

11. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein in step d), if the known expiration date of the tablet is determined to be before the pouch consumption date, a notification is sent that the feeder unit should be replaced with a second feeder unit with a later expiration date.

12. 12. The method of claim 1, wherein if step d) determines that the known expiration date of the tablet is before the pouch consumption date, then step d) is resumed with a second feeder unit with a later expiration date.

13. Step a) includes identifying the allowable ambient exposure time for the tablets in the feeder unit, and calculating the final allowable dispensing time based on the time the tablets were removed from their original packaging and the allowable ambient exposure time. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the permissible outdoor exposure time is a time set based on past testing or regulations.

15. The method of claim 13 , wherein the permissible outdoor exposure time is a time set based on regulations.

16. The method of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the dispensing device includes a dispensing section and a collecting section, and the feeder unit is located in one of a plurality of feeder positions in the dispensing section and dispenses the tablets to the collecting section.

17. A dispensing device (1) for dispensing individual tablets, a dispensing section (2) defining a series of feeder positions (20) for holding a plurality of feeder units (40); A control unit (7) for controlling the dispensing process, comprising the following steps: a) identifying a last allowable dispense time for said tablets from a first feeder unit; b) comparing the last allowable take-off time with the scheduled take-off time for a particular operation; c) transmitting a dispensing signal to dispense the tablet from the first feeder unit only if the scheduled dispensing time is before the last allowed dispensing time; a control unit (7) configured to execute the A dispensing device comprising:

18. The control unit (7) further comprises the steps of: d) comparing the known expiration dates of the tablets with the pouch consumption dates for the particular batch; e) transmitting a dispensing signal to dispense the tablet from the first feeder unit only if the known expiration date is later than the pouch use-by date; 20. The dispensing device of claim 17, configured to:

19. 19. The dispensing device of claim 18, wherein the control unit (7) is further configured to initiate dispensing of tablets from the first feeder unit upon receiving the dispensing signal in steps c) and e).

20. 20. The dispensing device according to claim 17, wherein the control unit (7) is configured to request a second feeder unit for the particular operation if the comparison step b) determines that the last allowable dispensing time is later than the scheduled dispensing time for the particular operation.

21. a collecting section (3) for receiving the tablets from the dispensing section (2); a packaging unit (6) for receiving the tablets from the collecting unit (3) and packaging the tablets into pouches; The dispensing device according to any one of claims 17 to 20, further comprising:

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