[go: up one dir, main page]

US20070277477A1 - Method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine - Google Patents

Method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20070277477A1
US20070277477A1 US11/685,661 US68566107A US2007277477A1 US 20070277477 A1 US20070277477 A1 US 20070277477A1 US 68566107 A US68566107 A US 68566107A US 2007277477 A1 US2007277477 A1 US 2007277477A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
data
tablet
medicine
cassette
cartridge
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/685,661
Inventor
Jun Ho Kim
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
JVM Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Publication of US20070277477A1 publication Critical patent/US20070277477A1/en
Assigned to JVM CO., LTD. reassignment JVM CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: KIM, JUN HO
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K17/00—Methods or arrangements for effecting co-operative working between equipments covered by two or more of main groups G06K1/00 - G06K15/00, e.g. automatic card files incorporating conveying and reading operations
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B5/00—Packaging individual articles in containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, jars
    • B65B5/10—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
    • B65B5/101—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity
    • B65B5/103—Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles by gravity for packaging pills or tablets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B57/00—Automatic control, checking, warning, or safety devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine. More particularly, the present invention relates to method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine in a non-contact way with an RF tag attached on a tablet cassette.
  • a human being is constantly threatened by various diseases during his or her lifetime, and sometimes suffers such disease. There have been ongoing efforts to treat diseases and many medicines have been developed.
  • a sheet for heat bonding is folded to be overlapped, and the folded sheet is heat bonded per constant pitch to form a plurality of pockets, and medicines are poured into the pocket and the opening is sealed, thereby forming a pack for the medicine per dose.
  • an automatic medicine-packing apparatus stores medicines classified in a plurality of cassettes, and discharges tablets according to a prescription and packs the tablets per dose.
  • the cassettes are housed into a plurality of cartridges. Each cassette is separately controlled to discharge a tablet that it contains. The discharged tablet falls through passages provided in the cartridges. The tablets are collected into a hopper and then the collected tablets are discharged downward from the hopper and sealed with a sealing device and sealing envelopes.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a general automatic tablet packing machine.
  • the automatic tablet packing machine 1 includes a plurality of cassettes 10 , cassette receivers 20 , a feed tray 2 that is provided in a lower portion of the machine, and a hopper 3 , a printing unit 4 and a heater 5 that are provided below the feed tray 2 .
  • the automatic tablet packing machine 1 makes the cassette 10 discharge tablets on the feed tray 2 according to the prescription, and the feed tray 2 makes the tablets fall into the hopper 3 per dose.
  • the tablets that have fallen into the hopper 3 are received in a packing envelope on which data are printed by the printing unit 4 , and the packing envelope is sealed by the heater 5 . In this way tablets per dose are packed continuously.
  • the automatic tablet packing machine 1 checks whether the cassette 10 is received on the cassette receiver 20 with contact of them, and retrieves data from the memory [EEPROM] of the cassette to identify contents of the cassette 10 .
  • the cassette 10 includes an injection-molded structure for holding the memory and a terminal.
  • the cassette receiver 20 includes a socket to receive the terminal. The machine checks whether the terminal contacts the socket. Whenever tablets are supplemented into the cassette, the terminal is disengaged from the socket and then engages with the socket again resulting in wear of the socket and the terminal. The wear causes insufficient contact of the socket and terminal, and results in failure of recognition of the cassette even though the cassette is received in the cassette receiver.
  • the present invention contrives to solve the disadvantages of the prior art.
  • An objective of the invention is to provide method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine in a non-contact way.
  • Another objective of the invention is to provide method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine that can reduce manufacturing cost and time.
  • Still another objective of the invention is to provide method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine that can store more data, improve recognition stability and security, and increase in recognition speed and distance.
  • the present invention provides a device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine.
  • the automatic tablet packing machine comprises a plurality of tablet cassettes that are adapted to contain medicine, and a plurality of cartridges, each of which is installed in a predetermined position in the automatic tablet packing machine and is adapted to receive the tablet cassette.
  • the identifying device comprises a non-contact tag that is attached to a predetermined location of the tablet cassette and a position scan board.
  • the non-contact tag contains medicine data and cassette data.
  • the cartridge reads data from the non-contact tag in a non-contact way, combines the cassette data and the medicine data with a unique number for the cartridge and outputs the combined data as medicine position data.
  • the position scan board retrieves the medicine position data from the cartridge, stores and updates the data, and outputs the data.
  • the non-contact tag comprises an RF tag
  • the predetermined location of the tablet cassette is a bottom of the tablet cassette.
  • the identifying device further comprises a terminal that transmits a compounding command to the cartridge, and transmits the medicine position data, which is output from the position scan board, to outside.
  • the identifying device further comprises a reader that reads medicine data for medicine that is supplemented to the tablet cassette, and a server that obtains and stores data for the cassettes and cartridges of the automatic tablet packing machines by communication with the terminal, recognizes position data for tablets using the above data, and recognizes data for tablets that have been supplemented to the tablet cassettes via the reader.
  • the identifying device further comprises a compounding controller that controls the tablet cassette to discharge a tablet to a feed tray when a compounding command is received from outside and a position checker that decides whether the tablet cassette is installed by checking whether the data contained in the non-contact tag is read, and transmits the data and a unique number for the cartridge to outside when it receives a request for position data from outside.
  • a compounding controller that controls the tablet cassette to discharge a tablet to a feed tray when a compounding command is received from outside
  • a position checker that decides whether the tablet cassette is installed by checking whether the data contained in the non-contact tag is read, and transmits the data and a unique number for the cartridge to outside when it receives a request for position data from outside.
  • the position checker comprises an RF reader that reads data from the RF tag, a memory that records a unique number of the cartridge, a position check processor that decides whether the tablet cassette is installed by connecting to the RF reader, recognizes medicine data and cassette data of the installed tablet cassette, and outputs the recognized medicine data and cassette data, and cartridge data obtained from the memory when there is a position data request from outside, and a transceiver that transmits the above data to the position scan board.
  • the position scan board is adapted to scan all of the cartridges of the automatic tablet packing machine with predetermined interval and to obtain data for the tablet cassettes that are installed on the cartridges.
  • the invention further provides a method for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine.
  • the method comprises steps of receiving a compounding command by a terminal, controlling the tablet cassette to discharge tablet via a compounding controller, obtaining with predetermined interval data for the tablet cassette and the cartridge on which the tablet cassette is installed, and updating the data by a position scan board, transmitting the data to a terminal when a position request is received from the terminal, recognizing position data of medicine from the data for the tablet cassette and the cartridge by the terminal.
  • the method further comprises step of transmitting the position data of medicine to a server, recognizing and storing the position data of medicine by the server, and when medicine supplement data is transmitted from a reader, storing and recognizing the medicine supplement data.
  • the predetermined interval is 1 second in the step of obtaining data. Only updated data is transmitted to the terminal in the step of transmitting the updated data.
  • Medicine data for the tablet cassette and a reference amount of medicine supplementation are compared, and a control command for medicine supplementation is sent to the terminal when the amount of medicine in the tablet cassette is less than the reference amount.
  • the advantages of the present invention are: (1) it is possible to automatically identify a tablet cassette without contact; (2) manufacturing cost and time are reduced since elements for identifying in conventional way (EEPROM and injection molded structure) are not needed; and (3) larger amount of data can be stored, recognition rate and security are improved, and recognition speed and distance are increased.
  • FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an automatic medicine packing machine
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine
  • FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine.
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows an identifying device for identifying a tablet cassette according to the present invention.
  • An RF tag 110 on which medicine data and cassette data are recorded, is attached on a predetermined position on a tablet cassette 100 . While the tag 110 can be attached on any part of the tablet cassette 100 , the tag 110 is preferably attached on a bottom of tablet cassette. A unique number (dynamic address) is assigned for every tablet cassette. A user installs and uninstalls the tablet cassette 100 to a cartridge 200 .
  • the cartridge 200 includes a compounding controller 220 that controls the tablet cassette to discharge a tablet to a feed tray when a compounding command is received from outside, and a position checker 210 that decides whether the tablet cassette 100 is installed by checking whether the data contained in the RF tag 110 that is attached on the tablet cassette 100 is read, and transmits the data read from the RF tag and a unique number for the cartridge to outside when it receives a request for position data from outside.
  • An automatic tablet packing machine includes a plurality of the cartridges 200 - 1 ⁇ 200 -N that have the above elements.
  • the compounding controller 220 includes a synchronous motor 221 that drives the tablet cassette 100 to discharge a tablet, a tablet sensor 222 that used infrared ray to sense the tablet discharged, a compounding processor 223 that controls tablet discharge according to compounding command signal that is given from outside, and a transceiver 224 that communicates compounding command data with RS-485 method.
  • the position checker 210 includes an RF reader 211 that reads data from the RF tag 110 without contacting the RF tag; a serial EEPROM 212 that records the number (static address) of the corresponding cartridge; a position check processor 213 that decides whether the tablet cassette 100 is installed by connecting to the RF reader 211 , recognizes medicine data and cassette data of the installed tablet cassette 100 , and outputs the recognized medicine data and cassette data, and cartridge data obtained from the serial EEPROM 212 when there is a position data request from outside; and a transceiver 214 that transmits the above data to a position scan board 300 with RS-485 method.
  • the RF reader 211 can read and write data on the RF tag 110 .
  • the position scan board 300 obtains data for the tablet cassette 100 that is installed on the cartridge 200 by RS-485 communication with the position checker 210 of the cartridge, stores and renews the data, and outputs changed data.
  • a plurality of cartridges are provided in one automatic medicine packing machine.
  • the position scan board 300 communicates with the plurality of cartridges with predetermined interval, and obtains the cassette data and the cartridge data (unique cartridge number).
  • An industrial terminal 400 transmits compounding command to the compounding controller 220 , and transmits the cassette data that is transmitted from the position scan board 300 to outside.
  • a reader 600 reads medicine data for medicine that is supplemented to the tablet cassette 100 , and has similar construction with the RF reader 211 .
  • a server 500 obtains and stores data for the cassettes and cartridges of each of the automatic tablet packing machines by communication with the terminal 400 , recognizes position data for tablets using the above data, and recognizes data for tablets that have been supplemented to the tablet cassettes via the reader 600 .
  • the tablet cassette identifying device of the present invention having the above construction reads the cassette data (dynamic address, unique cassette number) stored in the RF tag 110 , and the medicine data for the corresponding cassette (for example, number and name of the tablets contained in the tablet cassette), with the RF reader 211 reading the RF tag (in a sticker shape) 110 , when a user installs a tablet cassette 100 onto a particular cartridge 200 .
  • a user stores medicine data on the RF tag 110 when the medicine is supplemented.
  • the medicine and cassette data obtained in this way are transmitted to the position check processor 213 .
  • the position check processor 213 transmits the cassette data for the tablet cassette installed, the medicine data, and the unique cartridge number (the static address) of the cartridge to the position scan board 300 via the transceiver 214 .
  • the position scan board 300 stores and manages the cassette data, medicine data and cartridge data, and transmits changed data only to the terminal 400 when there is a change in the data that is different from the stored data.
  • the terminal 400 initially receive the data regarding whether the tablet cassette is installed, the installed tablet cassette, the medicine and the cartridge, from the position scan board 300 and stored them.
  • the position scan board 300 scans all of the cartridges 200 - 1 ⁇ 200 -N, which has the same construction with the cartridge 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 , on a predetermined interval (for example, every 1 second), updates the data for the tablet cassettes installed on the cartridges, and transmits only changed data to the terminal 400 when there is a change in the data.
  • the terminal 400 Under the state that the terminal 400 has the cassette data for the cartridges as explained above, when a compounding command is given from outside (a keyboard or other external device), the terminal 400 transfers the compounding command to the compounding controller 220 .
  • the compounding processor 223 of the compounding controller 220 recognizes the compounding command via the transceiver 224 , and checks the cartridge data (static address and cartridge number) stored in the serial EEPROM 212 . If the data are correct, the compounding processor 223 controls to drive the motor 221 and to discharge the tablet contained in the tablet cassette 100 . Whether the table was discharged from the tablet cassette 100 is sensed by the tablet sensor 222 and the sensed result is transferred to the compounding processor 223 . If it was decided that the tablet was discharged from the tablet cassette 100 correctly, the compounding processor 223 stops driving the motor 221 and transmits the result to the terminal 400 .
  • the server 500 requests the terminal 400 the tablet cassette, cartridge and medicine data.
  • the terminal 400 send the data stored in an internal memory of the terminal to the server 500 in response of the request.
  • the server 500 stores the data, and can recognize precise position information of the tablets.
  • the user should record the supplementation to the RF tag of the corresponding tablet cassette, and the reader 600 reads the data recorded on the RF tag 110 and sends the data to the server 500 .
  • the server 500 stores the cassette data and the medicine data for the tablet cassette, which are transmitted from the reader 600 ; can perceive the cassette data and the medicine data for each cartridge that are transmitted from the terminal 400 ; and can recognize remaining amount in a particular tablet cassette.
  • the medicine supplementation timing may be estimated by comparing the remaining amount of the tablet and the reference amount.
  • the present invention assigns a unique number to each tablet cassette and to each cartridge, and checks whether the tablet cassette is installed on the cartridge in a non-contact way, and can easily retrieve data for the tablet cassette and medicine thereby facilitating the server to recognize medicine positions for each packing machine.
  • a compounding command is given from outside in step S 101 .
  • the terminal 100 receives the compounding command and stores it in step S 102 .
  • the tablet cassette 100 is controlled to discharge tablet via the compounding controller 220 in step S 103 .
  • the compounding controller 220 controls the discharge of the tablet into onto the feed tray 2 in step S 104 .
  • step S 201 the position checker 210 reads the cassette data and medicine data of the tablet cassette installed.
  • step S 202 the cassette data and medicine data thus read and the cartridge data are transmitted to the position scan board 300 .
  • step S 203 the position scan board 300 scans and obtains with predetermined interval (for example, 1 second) the cassette data and cartridge data, and updates them.
  • step S 204 position request is received from the terminal 400 .
  • step S 205 the updated data is transmitted to the terminal 400 .
  • the position scan board 300 transmits the updated data to the terminal 400 only when there has been a change in the data for the cassette that is installed on the corresponding cartridge.
  • step S 206 the terminal 400 stores the changed data (the cartridge data, the cassette data, the medicine data) in an internal memory.
  • step S 207 the medicine position data (the cartridge data, the cassette data, and the medicine data) are transmitted to the server 500 .
  • step S 301 the server 500 recognizes and stores the medicine position data.
  • step S 302 medicine supplement data is transmitted from the reader 600 .
  • step S 303 the medicine supplement data is stored and recognized. In this way, the server 500 precisely recognizes which cassette is installed on a particular cartridge and how much medicine is contained in the cassette for multiple automatic tablet packing machines.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)
  • Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

A device and method are used for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine, which includes a plurality of tablet cassettes that contain medicine, and a plurality of cartridges, each of which is installed in a predetermined position in the automatic tablet packing machine and is adapted to receive the tablet cassette. The device includes a non-contact tag that is attached to a predetermined location of the tablet cassette and a position scan board. The non-contact tag contains medicine data and cassette data. The cartridge reads data from the non-contact tag in a non-contact way, combines the cassette data and the medicine data with a unique number for the cartridge and outputs the combined data as medicine position data. The position scan board retrieves the medicine position data from the cartridge, stores and updates the data, and outputs the data.

Description

    CLAIMING FOREIGN PRIORITY
  • The applicant claims and requests a foreign priority, through the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property, based on patent applications filed in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) with the filing date of Jun. 5, 2006 with the patent application number 10-2006-0050361 by the applicant, the contents of which are incorporated by reference into this disclosure as if fully set forth herein.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine. More particularly, the present invention relates to method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine in a non-contact way with an RF tag attached on a tablet cassette.
  • A human being is constantly threatened by various diseases during his or her lifetime, and sometimes suffers such disease. There have been ongoing efforts to treat diseases and many medicines have been developed.
  • Even though there are cases in which a disease can be cured with a single medicine, plural diseases outbreak in a human body and show complex symptoms. Therefore, mixtures of plural medicines are prescribed to treat such multiple symptoms. Medicines are manufactured in tablets or powdered medicine, and packed by one dose according to prescription.
  • Generally, in order to pack medicines, a sheet for heat bonding is folded to be overlapped, and the folded sheet is heat bonded per constant pitch to form a plurality of pockets, and medicines are poured into the pocket and the opening is sealed, thereby forming a pack for the medicine per dose.
  • Manually performing such packing operation requires a lot of manpower and time. Automatic medicine-packing apparatus was developed to solve such problem.
  • Generally, an automatic medicine-packing apparatus stores medicines classified in a plurality of cassettes, and discharges tablets according to a prescription and packs the tablets per dose. The cassettes are housed into a plurality of cartridges. Each cassette is separately controlled to discharge a tablet that it contains. The discharged tablet falls through passages provided in the cartridges. The tablets are collected into a hopper and then the collected tablets are discharged downward from the hopper and sealed with a sealing device and sealing envelopes.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a general automatic tablet packing machine. The automatic tablet packing machine 1 includes a plurality of cassettes 10, cassette receivers 20, a feed tray 2 that is provided in a lower portion of the machine, and a hopper 3, a printing unit 4 and a heater 5 that are provided below the feed tray 2. The automatic tablet packing machine 1 makes the cassette 10 discharge tablets on the feed tray 2 according to the prescription, and the feed tray 2 makes the tablets fall into the hopper 3 per dose. The tablets that have fallen into the hopper 3 are received in a packing envelope on which data are printed by the printing unit 4, and the packing envelope is sealed by the heater 5. In this way tablets per dose are packed continuously.
  • The automatic tablet packing machine 1 checks whether the cassette 10 is received on the cassette receiver 20 with contact of them, and retrieves data from the memory [EEPROM] of the cassette to identify contents of the cassette 10. The cassette 10 includes an injection-molded structure for holding the memory and a terminal. The cassette receiver 20 includes a socket to receive the terminal. The machine checks whether the terminal contacts the socket. Whenever tablets are supplemented into the cassette, the terminal is disengaged from the socket and then engages with the socket again resulting in wear of the socket and the terminal. The wear causes insufficient contact of the socket and terminal, and results in failure of recognition of the cassette even though the cassette is received in the cassette receiver.
  • In the prior art, a unique number (ID) was given to the cassette for identifying cassette data but such ID was not given to the cartridge for identifying cartridge data, thereby not allowing automatic recognition of location of a particular medicine.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention contrives to solve the disadvantages of the prior art.
  • An objective of the invention is to provide method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine in a non-contact way.
  • Another objective of the invention is to provide method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine that can reduce manufacturing cost and time.
  • Still another objective of the invention is to provide method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine that can store more data, improve recognition stability and security, and increase in recognition speed and distance.
  • In order to achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine. The automatic tablet packing machine comprises a plurality of tablet cassettes that are adapted to contain medicine, and a plurality of cartridges, each of which is installed in a predetermined position in the automatic tablet packing machine and is adapted to receive the tablet cassette. The identifying device comprises a non-contact tag that is attached to a predetermined location of the tablet cassette and a position scan board.
  • The non-contact tag contains medicine data and cassette data. The cartridge reads data from the non-contact tag in a non-contact way, combines the cassette data and the medicine data with a unique number for the cartridge and outputs the combined data as medicine position data. The position scan board retrieves the medicine position data from the cartridge, stores and updates the data, and outputs the data.
  • Preferably, the non-contact tag comprises an RF tag, and the predetermined location of the tablet cassette is a bottom of the tablet cassette.
  • The identifying device further comprises a terminal that transmits a compounding command to the cartridge, and transmits the medicine position data, which is output from the position scan board, to outside.
  • The identifying device further comprises a reader that reads medicine data for medicine that is supplemented to the tablet cassette, and a server that obtains and stores data for the cassettes and cartridges of the automatic tablet packing machines by communication with the terminal, recognizes position data for tablets using the above data, and recognizes data for tablets that have been supplemented to the tablet cassettes via the reader.
  • The identifying device further comprises a compounding controller that controls the tablet cassette to discharge a tablet to a feed tray when a compounding command is received from outside and a position checker that decides whether the tablet cassette is installed by checking whether the data contained in the non-contact tag is read, and transmits the data and a unique number for the cartridge to outside when it receives a request for position data from outside.
  • The position checker comprises an RF reader that reads data from the RF tag, a memory that records a unique number of the cartridge, a position check processor that decides whether the tablet cassette is installed by connecting to the RF reader, recognizes medicine data and cassette data of the installed tablet cassette, and outputs the recognized medicine data and cassette data, and cartridge data obtained from the memory when there is a position data request from outside, and a transceiver that transmits the above data to the position scan board.
  • The position scan board is adapted to scan all of the cartridges of the automatic tablet packing machine with predetermined interval and to obtain data for the tablet cassettes that are installed on the cartridges.
  • The invention further provides a method for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine. The method comprises steps of receiving a compounding command by a terminal, controlling the tablet cassette to discharge tablet via a compounding controller, obtaining with predetermined interval data for the tablet cassette and the cartridge on which the tablet cassette is installed, and updating the data by a position scan board, transmitting the data to a terminal when a position request is received from the terminal, recognizing position data of medicine from the data for the tablet cassette and the cartridge by the terminal.
  • The method further comprises step of transmitting the position data of medicine to a server, recognizing and storing the position data of medicine by the server, and when medicine supplement data is transmitted from a reader, storing and recognizing the medicine supplement data.
  • The predetermined interval is 1 second in the step of obtaining data. Only updated data is transmitted to the terminal in the step of transmitting the updated data.
  • Medicine data for the tablet cassette and a reference amount of medicine supplementation are compared, and a control command for medicine supplementation is sent to the terminal when the amount of medicine in the tablet cassette is less than the reference amount.
  • The advantages of the present invention are: (1) it is possible to automatically identify a tablet cassette without contact; (2) manufacturing cost and time are reduced since elements for identifying in conventional way (EEPROM and injection molded structure) are not needed; and (3) larger amount of data can be stored, recognition rate and security are improved, and recognition speed and distance are increased.
  • Although the present invention is briefly summarized, the fuller understanding of the invention can be obtained by the following drawings, detailed description and appended claims.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
  • FIG. 1 is an elevation view of an automatic medicine packing machine;
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine; and
  • FIG. 3 is a flow diagram showing a method for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows an identifying device for identifying a tablet cassette according to the present invention. An RF tag 110, on which medicine data and cassette data are recorded, is attached on a predetermined position on a tablet cassette 100. While the tag 110 can be attached on any part of the tablet cassette 100, the tag 110 is preferably attached on a bottom of tablet cassette. A unique number (dynamic address) is assigned for every tablet cassette. A user installs and uninstalls the tablet cassette 100 to a cartridge 200.
  • The cartridge 200 includes a compounding controller 220 that controls the tablet cassette to discharge a tablet to a feed tray when a compounding command is received from outside, and a position checker 210 that decides whether the tablet cassette 100 is installed by checking whether the data contained in the RF tag 110 that is attached on the tablet cassette 100 is read, and transmits the data read from the RF tag and a unique number for the cartridge to outside when it receives a request for position data from outside.
  • An automatic tablet packing machine includes a plurality of the cartridges 200-1˜200-N that have the above elements.
  • The compounding controller 220 includes a synchronous motor 221 that drives the tablet cassette 100 to discharge a tablet, a tablet sensor 222 that used infrared ray to sense the tablet discharged, a compounding processor 223 that controls tablet discharge according to compounding command signal that is given from outside, and a transceiver 224 that communicates compounding command data with RS-485 method.
  • The position checker 210 includes an RF reader 211 that reads data from the RF tag 110 without contacting the RF tag; a serial EEPROM 212 that records the number (static address) of the corresponding cartridge; a position check processor 213 that decides whether the tablet cassette 100 is installed by connecting to the RF reader 211, recognizes medicine data and cassette data of the installed tablet cassette 100, and outputs the recognized medicine data and cassette data, and cartridge data obtained from the serial EEPROM 212 when there is a position data request from outside; and a transceiver 214 that transmits the above data to a position scan board 300 with RS-485 method. The RF reader 211 can read and write data on the RF tag 110.
  • The position scan board 300 obtains data for the tablet cassette 100 that is installed on the cartridge 200 by RS-485 communication with the position checker 210 of the cartridge, stores and renews the data, and outputs changed data. A plurality of cartridges are provided in one automatic medicine packing machine. The position scan board 300 communicates with the plurality of cartridges with predetermined interval, and obtains the cassette data and the cartridge data (unique cartridge number).
  • An industrial terminal 400 transmits compounding command to the compounding controller 220, and transmits the cassette data that is transmitted from the position scan board 300 to outside. A reader 600 reads medicine data for medicine that is supplemented to the tablet cassette 100, and has similar construction with the RF reader 211.
  • A server 500 obtains and stores data for the cassettes and cartridges of each of the automatic tablet packing machines by communication with the terminal 400, recognizes position data for tablets using the above data, and recognizes data for tablets that have been supplemented to the tablet cassettes via the reader 600.
  • The tablet cassette identifying device of the present invention having the above construction reads the cassette data (dynamic address, unique cassette number) stored in the RF tag 110, and the medicine data for the corresponding cassette (for example, number and name of the tablets contained in the tablet cassette), with the RF reader 211 reading the RF tag (in a sticker shape) 110, when a user installs a tablet cassette 100 onto a particular cartridge 200. A user stores medicine data on the RF tag 110 when the medicine is supplemented.
  • The medicine and cassette data obtained in this way are transmitted to the position check processor 213. The position check processor 213 transmits the cassette data for the tablet cassette installed, the medicine data, and the unique cartridge number (the static address) of the cartridge to the position scan board 300 via the transceiver 214.
  • The position scan board 300 stores and manages the cassette data, medicine data and cartridge data, and transmits changed data only to the terminal 400 when there is a change in the data that is different from the stored data. The terminal 400 initially receive the data regarding whether the tablet cassette is installed, the installed tablet cassette, the medicine and the cartridge, from the position scan board 300 and stored them.
  • The position scan board 300 scans all of the cartridges 200-1˜200-N, which has the same construction with the cartridge 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, on a predetermined interval (for example, every 1 second), updates the data for the tablet cassettes installed on the cartridges, and transmits only changed data to the terminal 400 when there is a change in the data.
  • Under the state that the terminal 400 has the cassette data for the cartridges as explained above, when a compounding command is given from outside (a keyboard or other external device), the terminal 400 transfers the compounding command to the compounding controller 220.
  • The compounding processor 223 of the compounding controller 220 recognizes the compounding command via the transceiver 224, and checks the cartridge data (static address and cartridge number) stored in the serial EEPROM 212. If the data are correct, the compounding processor 223 controls to drive the motor 221 and to discharge the tablet contained in the tablet cassette 100. Whether the table was discharged from the tablet cassette 100 is sensed by the tablet sensor 222 and the sensed result is transferred to the compounding processor 223. If it was decided that the tablet was discharged from the tablet cassette 100 correctly, the compounding processor 223 stops driving the motor 221 and transmits the result to the terminal 400.
  • The server 500 requests the terminal 400 the tablet cassette, cartridge and medicine data. The terminal 400 send the data stored in an internal memory of the terminal to the server 500 in response of the request. The server 500 stores the data, and can recognize precise position information of the tablets. When tablets are supplemented to a particular tablet cassette, the user should record the supplementation to the RF tag of the corresponding tablet cassette, and the reader 600 reads the data recorded on the RF tag 110 and sends the data to the server 500.
  • The server 500 stores the cassette data and the medicine data for the tablet cassette, which are transmitted from the reader 600; can perceive the cassette data and the medicine data for each cartridge that are transmitted from the terminal 400; and can recognize remaining amount in a particular tablet cassette. When a reference amount for medicine supplementation is given, the medicine supplementation timing may be estimated by comparing the remaining amount of the tablet and the reference amount.
  • When medicine supplementation is required, data for medicine supplementation for a particular tablet cassette is given to the terminal 400, and a video and/or audio alarm is operated to inform a user. The user can easily recognize medicine supplement timing without individual checking of tablet cassettes.
  • The present invention assigns a unique number to each tablet cassette and to each cartridge, and checks whether the tablet cassette is installed on the cartridge in a non-contact way, and can easily retrieve data for the tablet cassette and medicine thereby facilitating the server to recognize medicine positions for each packing machine.
  • Referring to FIG. 3, a compounding command is given from outside in step S101. The terminal 100 receives the compounding command and stores it in step S102. The tablet cassette 100 is controlled to discharge tablet via the compounding controller 220 in step S103. The compounding controller 220 controls the discharge of the tablet into onto the feed tray 2 in step S104.
  • In step S201, the position checker 210 reads the cassette data and medicine data of the tablet cassette installed. In step S202, the cassette data and medicine data thus read and the cartridge data are transmitted to the position scan board 300. In step S203, the position scan board 300 scans and obtains with predetermined interval (for example, 1 second) the cassette data and cartridge data, and updates them.
  • In step S204, position request is received from the terminal 400. In step S205, the updated data is transmitted to the terminal 400. The position scan board 300 transmits the updated data to the terminal 400 only when there has been a change in the data for the cassette that is installed on the corresponding cartridge. In step S206, the terminal 400 stores the changed data (the cartridge data, the cassette data, the medicine data) in an internal memory. In step S207, the medicine position data (the cartridge data, the cassette data, and the medicine data) are transmitted to the server 500.
  • In step S301, the server 500 recognizes and stores the medicine position data. In step S302, medicine supplement data is transmitted from the reader 600. In step S303, the medicine supplement data is stored and recognized. In this way, the server 500 precisely recognizes which cassette is installed on a particular cartridge and how much medicine is contained in the cassette for multiple automatic tablet packing machines.
  • While the invention has been shown and described with reference to different embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations in form, detail, compositions and operation may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims (13)

1. A device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine, wherein the automatic tablet packing machine comprises a plurality of tablet cassettes that are adapted to contain medicine, and a plurality of cartridges, each of which is installed in a predetermined position in the automatic tablet packing machine and is adapted to receive the tablet cassette, the device comprises:
a) a non-contact tag that is attached to a predetermined location of the tablet cassette; and
b) a position scan board;
wherein the non-contact tag contains medicine data and cassette data, wherein the cartridge reads data from the non-contact tag in a non-contact way, combines the cassette data and the medicine data with a unique number for the cartridge and outputs the combined data as medicine position data, wherein the position scan board retrieves the medicine position data from the cartridge, stores and updates the data, and outputs the data.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the non-contact tag comprises an RF tag.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the predetermined location of the tablet cassette is a bottom of the tablet cassette.
4. The device of claim 3, further comprising a terminal that transmits a compounding command to the cartridge, and transmits the medicine position data, which is output from the position scan board, to outside.
5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a reader that reads medicine data for medicine that is supplemented to the tablet cassette, and a server that obtains and stores data for the cassettes and cartridges of the automatic tablet packing machines by communication with the terminal, recognizes position data for tablets using the above data, and recognizes data for tablets that have been supplemented to the tablet cassettes via the reader.
6. The device of claim 4, further comprising:
a) a compounding controller that controls the tablet cassette to discharge a tablet to a feed tray when a compounding command is received from outside; and
b) a position checker that decides whether the tablet cassette is installed by checking whether the data contained in the non-contact tag is read, and transmits the data and a unique number for the cartridge to outside when it receives a request for position data from outside.
7. The device of claim 4, wherein the position checker comprises:
a) an RF reader that reads data from the RF tag;
b) a memory that records a unique number of the cartridge;
c) a position check processor that decides whether the tablet cassette is installed by connecting to the RF reader, recognizes medicine data and cassette data of the installed tablet cassette, and outputs the recognized medicine data and cassette data, and cartridge data obtained from the memory when there is a position data request from outside; and
d) a transceiver that transmits the above data to the position scan board.
8. The device of claim 4, the position scan board is adapted to scan all of the cartridges of the automatic tablet packing machine with predetermined interval and to obtain data for the tablet cassettes that are installed on the cartridges.
9. A method for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine, wherein the automatic tablet packing machine a plurality of tablet cassettes that are adapted to contain medicine, and a plurality of cartridges, each of which is installed in a predetermined position in the automatic tablet packing machine and is adapted to receive the tablet cassette, the method comprising steps of:
a) receiving a compounding command by a terminal;
b) controlling the tablet cassette to discharge tablet via a compounding controller;
c) obtaining with predetermined interval data for the tablet cassette and the cartridge on which the tablet cassette is installed, and updating the data by a position scan board;
d) transmitting the data to a terminal when a position request is received from the terminal; and
e) recognizing position data of medicine from the data for the tablet cassette and the cartridge by the terminal.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising step of transmitting the position data of medicine to a server.
11. The method of claim 10, further comprising steps of:
a) recognizing and storing the position data of medicine by the server; and
b) when medicine supplement data is transmitted from a reader, storing and recognizing the medicine supplement data.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the predetermined interval is 1 second in the step of obtaining data, wherein only updated data is transmitted to the terminal in the step of transmitting the updated data.
13. The method of claim 9, wherein medicine data for the tablet cassette and a reference amount of medicine supplementation are compared, and a control command for medicine supplementation is sent to the terminal when the amount of medicine in the tablet cassette is less than the reference amount.
US11/685,661 2006-06-05 2007-03-13 Method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine Abandoned US20070277477A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR10-2006-0050361 2006-06-05
KR1020060050361A KR100744427B1 (en) 2006-06-05 2006-06-05 Cassette Recognition Device for Automatic Pharmaceutical Packaging Device and Method

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20070277477A1 true US20070277477A1 (en) 2007-12-06

Family

ID=38421657

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/685,661 Abandoned US20070277477A1 (en) 2006-06-05 2007-03-13 Method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20070277477A1 (en)
EP (1) EP1864907A3 (en)
KR (1) KR100744427B1 (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD671971S1 (en) * 2011-12-07 2012-12-04 Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. Automatic tablet packing machine
USD671972S1 (en) * 2011-12-07 2012-12-04 Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. Automatic tablet packing machine
USD671973S1 (en) * 2012-06-07 2012-12-04 Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. Automatic tablet packing machine
USD702273S1 (en) * 2012-09-27 2014-04-08 Jvm Co., Ltd. Tablet distributing apparatus
US20150251789A1 (en) * 2012-08-31 2015-09-10 Carefusion Switzerland 317 Sàrl Apparatus for packaging dosed quantities of medicines and method for operating such apparatus
US20160332753A1 (en) * 2015-05-13 2016-11-17 Carefusion Germany 326 Gmbh Device for packaging medication portions

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20130038760A (en) * 2011-10-10 2013-04-18 (주)제이브이엠 Autobox Management System
US9150119B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2015-10-06 Aesynt Incorporated Apparatuses, systems, and methods for anticipating and delivering medications from a central pharmacy to a patient using a track based transport system
US20140108028A1 (en) 2012-10-12 2014-04-17 Mckesson Automation Inc. Apparatuses, systems, and methods for anticipating and delivering medications from a central pharmacy to a patient in a healthcare facility
KR101511262B1 (en) * 2013-01-29 2015-04-10 주식회사 인포피아 Catridge base for medicine packing machine
KR102116219B1 (en) 2018-05-16 2020-05-28 주식회사 유빅스코리아 Apparatus for managing medicines carrying in/out and prescription preparation
KR102305004B1 (en) 2019-02-01 2021-09-24 주식회사 유림텍 Electric pill dispenser
KR20210148612A (en) 2020-06-01 2021-12-08 주식회사 유빅스코리아 Automatic medicines carrying in/out management apparatus
KR20200133693A (en) 2020-11-17 2020-11-30 주식회사 유림텍 Electric pill dispenser

Citations (95)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1270756A (en) * 1917-01-29 1918-06-25 Charles Trabing Egg-turner.
US1912248A (en) * 1929-04-27 1933-05-30 Fred H Bateman Company Potato planter
US2005496A (en) * 1933-12-20 1935-06-18 Gen Electric Apparatus for feeding fragile rods, tubes, and similar articles
US2208951A (en) * 1939-04-08 1940-07-23 Jacob M Hauser Packaging apparatus
US2710712A (en) * 1951-02-13 1955-06-14 Nat Machinery Co Nail handling apparatus
US2712883A (en) * 1951-03-13 1955-07-12 Esposito Augustus Dispensers
US2994996A (en) * 1956-08-29 1961-08-08 Klar Paul Gerhard Flat-bag packaging machine
US3074214A (en) * 1959-06-05 1963-01-22 Procter & Gamble Rotary type packaging machine
US3227127A (en) * 1964-07-15 1966-01-04 Gayle Robert Pill dispenser with indicating means
US3263857A (en) * 1964-09-08 1966-08-02 Automatic Canteen Co Multilevel first-in first-out merchandising machine
US3500675A (en) * 1967-06-20 1970-03-17 Sartorius Werke Gmbh Apparatus for an automatic gravimetric recording of characteristic curves which represent the sorption of gas by a sample
US3562475A (en) * 1969-01-02 1971-02-09 Owens Illinois Inc Apparatus for compacting particulate material
US3820655A (en) * 1972-03-24 1974-06-28 Consolidated Eureka Paperbox I Article holding and dispensing container
US3830419A (en) * 1973-08-24 1974-08-20 Pako Corp Tapered roller transport mechanism for web of photographic materials and the like
US3861651A (en) * 1972-10-10 1975-01-21 Daigo Takamura Device for hauling dragnet
US3871156A (en) * 1974-04-03 1975-03-18 Sherwood Medical Ind Inc Pelletized medicament dispensing system
US4019547A (en) * 1974-05-13 1977-04-26 Del Monte Corporation Can filling method and apparatus
US4149394A (en) * 1977-04-06 1979-04-17 Elkem-Spigerverket A/S Troiving Lock arrangement employing mechanically acting code card and key card
US4209211A (en) * 1978-09-28 1980-06-24 Umc Industries, Inc. Vendor with door and shelf interlock
US4244158A (en) * 1979-03-13 1981-01-13 R. Nelham & Associates Incorporated Package forming method and apparatus
US4254601A (en) * 1979-02-23 1981-03-10 Keebler Company Packaging machine having a slitter for forming slits in ends of packages
US4267942A (en) * 1979-06-20 1981-05-19 John B. Wick, Jr. Pharmaceutical dispensing cabinet
US4382527A (en) * 1977-09-14 1983-05-10 Automated Packaging Systems, Inc. Article handling system with dispenser
US4519179A (en) * 1981-11-06 1985-05-28 Sig - Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft Apparatus for aligning and boxing flat angular items
US4534499A (en) * 1982-01-29 1985-08-13 Ron Cox Wire drive mechanism
US4572376A (en) * 1982-09-16 1986-02-25 Wrennall Richard K Dial pill box
US4811764A (en) * 1987-10-19 1989-03-14 Mclaughlin John T Medication dispenser station
US4903861A (en) * 1988-08-08 1990-02-27 Shoji Yuyama Medicine feeder
US4915259A (en) * 1986-07-01 1990-04-10 Jean Guigan Device for storing and dispensing objects
US4922682A (en) * 1988-01-15 1990-05-08 Warner-Lambert Company Apparatus and method for sealing and banding capsules
US5097652A (en) * 1989-08-10 1992-03-24 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Drug packing apparatus
US5219095A (en) * 1991-03-06 1993-06-15 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Drug dispenser
US5221024A (en) * 1992-12-18 1993-06-22 Campbell Gordon M Programmable medicine dispenser with manual override and color coded medicine canisters
US5318430A (en) * 1990-04-09 1994-06-07 Paul Troester Maschinenfabrik Calender for the production of packing sheets and method of controlling the operation of apparatus for producing packing sheets
US5337919A (en) * 1993-02-11 1994-08-16 Dispensing Technologies, Inc. Automatic dispensing system for prescriptions and the like
US5381904A (en) * 1992-10-28 1995-01-17 Item Development Ab Dispenser for medical preparations and insert therefor
US5383559A (en) * 1990-06-04 1995-01-24 Toren Consulting Pty Limited Dispensing container for tablets
US5413245A (en) * 1992-01-22 1995-05-09 Wright Food Systems, Inc. Vending system having improved vending access and identification
US5441165A (en) * 1991-07-22 1995-08-15 Kemp; Vivian Autonomous controlled drug dispensing system
US5481855A (en) * 1994-09-27 1996-01-09 Yuyama; Shoji Tablet packing device and method for controlling the same
US5487589A (en) * 1994-01-26 1996-01-30 Grammer Ag Vehicle seat
US5502944A (en) * 1993-12-03 1996-04-02 Owen Healthcare, Inc. Medication dispenser system
US5509573A (en) * 1994-03-23 1996-04-23 Campoli; William J. Aseptic dispensing system
US5522525A (en) * 1994-12-02 1996-06-04 Nu-Box, Inc. Medication dispenser station
US5599015A (en) * 1994-07-06 1997-02-04 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Sheet feeder
US5611456A (en) * 1995-01-24 1997-03-18 Algonquin Industries Inc. Apparatus for dispensing tickets, cards and the like
US5626219A (en) * 1994-11-08 1997-05-06 Sortex Limited Apparatus and method for stabilising material transported on conveyor belts
US5651476A (en) * 1995-06-07 1997-07-29 Dixie-Narco, Inc. Modular vending machine
US5660305A (en) * 1994-08-02 1997-08-26 Medco Containment Services, Inc. Automatic prescription dispensing system
US5709063A (en) * 1994-09-01 1998-01-20 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Tablet packing machine
US5722215A (en) * 1995-03-02 1998-03-03 Yuyama; Shoji Sealing device
US5749117A (en) * 1996-09-20 1998-05-12 Forsline; Ladd B. Paint applicator having an improved working tip
US5765608A (en) * 1995-11-08 1998-06-16 Tilia International Hand held vacuum device
US5865342A (en) * 1995-09-05 1999-02-02 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Medication filling apparatus
US5875610A (en) * 1996-06-26 1999-03-02 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Drug packaging device
US5901876A (en) * 1996-01-26 1999-05-11 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Drug storage/discharge apparatus
US5930154A (en) * 1995-01-17 1999-07-27 Intertech Ventures, Ltd. Computer-based system and methods for information storage, modeling and simulation of complex systems organized in discrete compartments in time and space
US5927546A (en) * 1996-05-31 1999-07-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Tablet feeder
US5930145A (en) * 1996-12-03 1999-07-27 Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd. Method for medicament stock management by transponders and apparatus therefor
US6023916A (en) * 1996-07-22 2000-02-15 Dispill Inc. Kit and process for the manufacture of a set of individual pill containers
US6029683A (en) * 1997-05-16 2000-02-29 U-Haul International, Inc. Pressurized gas tank valve plug
US6050064A (en) * 1997-10-23 2000-04-18 Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd. Tablet packing apparatus
US6089136A (en) * 1996-04-29 2000-07-18 Hewlett-Packard Company Media control technique for cutting operation on a printer
US6170699B1 (en) * 1998-07-29 2001-01-09 Jin Soo Kim Tablet supplying apparatus for tablet sorting and counting machine
US6170230B1 (en) * 1998-12-04 2001-01-09 Automed Technologies, Inc. Medication collecting system
US6170229B1 (en) * 1998-07-14 2001-01-09 Jin Soo Kim Tablet cassette for automatic tablet sorting and counting machine
US6179205B1 (en) * 1998-03-05 2001-01-30 Visa International Service Association System and method for locking and unlocking and application in a smart card
US6202385B1 (en) * 1998-07-29 2001-03-20 Jin Soo Kim Dropping apparatus for automatic tablet sorting and counting machine
US6216416B1 (en) * 1999-05-05 2001-04-17 William D. West Metal roof installation system
US6256963B1 (en) * 1999-07-14 2001-07-10 Jin S. Kim Tablet cassette for automatic tablet sorting and counting machine
US6349848B1 (en) * 1998-09-29 2002-02-26 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Medicine supply apparatus
US6364517B1 (en) * 1997-02-26 2002-04-02 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Drug dispenser and quantity input device
US6367232B2 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-04-09 Jv Medi Co., Ltd. Tablet cassette installation-error preventing system for automatic tablet supplying and packaging apparatus
US6394308B1 (en) * 1999-01-14 2002-05-28 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Tablet feeder
US6409290B1 (en) * 2001-02-12 2002-06-25 San Jye Co., Ltd. Drawer fastening device
US20020092275A1 (en) * 2001-01-16 2002-07-18 Jv Medi Co., Ltd. Tablet supplying and packaging apparatus
US6508279B2 (en) * 2001-04-23 2003-01-21 Medical Technology Systems, Inc. Automated solid pharmaceutical product packaging machine with parallel filling and sealing capability
US20030057225A1 (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-03-27 Kim Jun H. Tablet cassette assembly with slider cabinets for automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system
US6540101B1 (en) * 2001-10-10 2003-04-01 Jun H. Kim Tablet dispensing and packaging system
US20030074868A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-24 Keita Yasuoka Medicine packing apparatus
US6581356B2 (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-06-24 Jun H. Kim Tablet dispensing and packaging system
US20040046020A1 (en) * 2002-02-26 2004-03-11 Safety Syringes, Inc. Pharmaceutical tracking
US6722167B1 (en) * 2003-05-28 2004-04-20 Long-Jung Hsu Cabinet lock
US20040129716A1 (en) * 2003-01-07 2004-07-08 Naufel Naji C. Portable medication dispenser
US6898919B2 (en) * 2003-03-19 2005-05-31 Jun Ho Kim Automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system
US20060058918A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-16 Michael Handfield Medicament inventory system and method
US20060070352A1 (en) * 2004-10-01 2006-04-06 Zoran Momich Vertical cartoner
US7028447B2 (en) * 2003-11-28 2006-04-18 Jvm Co., Ltd. Package paper thermal printer of tablet packing machine
US20060097001A1 (en) * 2002-10-18 2006-05-11 Shoji Yuyama Device for dispensing medicine
US7059098B2 (en) * 2003-05-16 2006-06-13 Jun Ho Kim Automatic medication dispensing and packaging system
US20060139148A1 (en) * 2004-12-23 2006-06-29 Faro Todd J Method, apparatus and system for controlling access to a cabinet
US20070016327A1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2007-01-18 Shoji Yuyama Injection drug takeout device
US20070078562A1 (en) * 2005-10-03 2007-04-05 Sabal Medical, Inc. Mobile medication storage and dispensing apparatus
US20070125100A1 (en) * 2006-03-29 2007-06-07 S&S X-Ray Products, Inc. Remotely or locally actuated refrigerator lock with temperature and humidity detection
US20070151204A1 (en) * 2003-09-18 2007-07-05 Jvm Co., Ltd. Medicine packaging machine having driving setting device

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH07251801A (en) * 1994-12-28 1995-10-03 Shoji Yuyama Tablet packing device and control method thereof
US20040032330A1 (en) * 2002-08-14 2004-02-19 Ncr Corporation Pharmacy transaction system and method
JP2005170389A (en) * 2003-12-08 2005-06-30 Mitsubishi Materials Corp Metallic container with rfid tag
JP2005230242A (en) * 2004-02-19 2005-09-02 Tosho Inc Powdered medicine wrapping paper management system
KR100574821B1 (en) * 2004-06-26 2006-04-28 (주)제이브이엠 Wrapping Paper Authentication Device of Pharmaceutical Dispensing Packing Machine
KR100574825B1 (en) * 2004-09-08 2006-04-28 (주)제이브이엠 Tablet Identifier Of Pharmaceutical Automatic Packaging Machine

Patent Citations (99)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1270756A (en) * 1917-01-29 1918-06-25 Charles Trabing Egg-turner.
US1912248A (en) * 1929-04-27 1933-05-30 Fred H Bateman Company Potato planter
US2005496A (en) * 1933-12-20 1935-06-18 Gen Electric Apparatus for feeding fragile rods, tubes, and similar articles
US2208951A (en) * 1939-04-08 1940-07-23 Jacob M Hauser Packaging apparatus
US2710712A (en) * 1951-02-13 1955-06-14 Nat Machinery Co Nail handling apparatus
US2712883A (en) * 1951-03-13 1955-07-12 Esposito Augustus Dispensers
US2994996A (en) * 1956-08-29 1961-08-08 Klar Paul Gerhard Flat-bag packaging machine
US3074214A (en) * 1959-06-05 1963-01-22 Procter & Gamble Rotary type packaging machine
US3227127A (en) * 1964-07-15 1966-01-04 Gayle Robert Pill dispenser with indicating means
US3263857A (en) * 1964-09-08 1966-08-02 Automatic Canteen Co Multilevel first-in first-out merchandising machine
US3500675A (en) * 1967-06-20 1970-03-17 Sartorius Werke Gmbh Apparatus for an automatic gravimetric recording of characteristic curves which represent the sorption of gas by a sample
US3562475A (en) * 1969-01-02 1971-02-09 Owens Illinois Inc Apparatus for compacting particulate material
US3820655A (en) * 1972-03-24 1974-06-28 Consolidated Eureka Paperbox I Article holding and dispensing container
US3861651A (en) * 1972-10-10 1975-01-21 Daigo Takamura Device for hauling dragnet
US3830419A (en) * 1973-08-24 1974-08-20 Pako Corp Tapered roller transport mechanism for web of photographic materials and the like
US3871156A (en) * 1974-04-03 1975-03-18 Sherwood Medical Ind Inc Pelletized medicament dispensing system
US4019547A (en) * 1974-05-13 1977-04-26 Del Monte Corporation Can filling method and apparatus
US4149394A (en) * 1977-04-06 1979-04-17 Elkem-Spigerverket A/S Troiving Lock arrangement employing mechanically acting code card and key card
US4382527A (en) * 1977-09-14 1983-05-10 Automated Packaging Systems, Inc. Article handling system with dispenser
US4209211A (en) * 1978-09-28 1980-06-24 Umc Industries, Inc. Vendor with door and shelf interlock
US4254601A (en) * 1979-02-23 1981-03-10 Keebler Company Packaging machine having a slitter for forming slits in ends of packages
US4244158A (en) * 1979-03-13 1981-01-13 R. Nelham & Associates Incorporated Package forming method and apparatus
US4267942A (en) * 1979-06-20 1981-05-19 John B. Wick, Jr. Pharmaceutical dispensing cabinet
US4519179A (en) * 1981-11-06 1985-05-28 Sig - Schweizerische Industrie-Gesellschaft Apparatus for aligning and boxing flat angular items
US4534499A (en) * 1982-01-29 1985-08-13 Ron Cox Wire drive mechanism
US4572376A (en) * 1982-09-16 1986-02-25 Wrennall Richard K Dial pill box
US4915259A (en) * 1986-07-01 1990-04-10 Jean Guigan Device for storing and dispensing objects
US4811764A (en) * 1987-10-19 1989-03-14 Mclaughlin John T Medication dispenser station
US4922682A (en) * 1988-01-15 1990-05-08 Warner-Lambert Company Apparatus and method for sealing and banding capsules
US4903861A (en) * 1988-08-08 1990-02-27 Shoji Yuyama Medicine feeder
US5097652A (en) * 1989-08-10 1992-03-24 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Drug packing apparatus
US5318430A (en) * 1990-04-09 1994-06-07 Paul Troester Maschinenfabrik Calender for the production of packing sheets and method of controlling the operation of apparatus for producing packing sheets
US5383559A (en) * 1990-06-04 1995-01-24 Toren Consulting Pty Limited Dispensing container for tablets
US5219095A (en) * 1991-03-06 1993-06-15 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Drug dispenser
US5441165A (en) * 1991-07-22 1995-08-15 Kemp; Vivian Autonomous controlled drug dispensing system
US5413245A (en) * 1992-01-22 1995-05-09 Wright Food Systems, Inc. Vending system having improved vending access and identification
US5381904A (en) * 1992-10-28 1995-01-17 Item Development Ab Dispenser for medical preparations and insert therefor
US5221024A (en) * 1992-12-18 1993-06-22 Campbell Gordon M Programmable medicine dispenser with manual override and color coded medicine canisters
US5337919A (en) * 1993-02-11 1994-08-16 Dispensing Technologies, Inc. Automatic dispensing system for prescriptions and the like
US5502944A (en) * 1993-12-03 1996-04-02 Owen Healthcare, Inc. Medication dispenser system
US5487589A (en) * 1994-01-26 1996-01-30 Grammer Ag Vehicle seat
US5509573A (en) * 1994-03-23 1996-04-23 Campoli; William J. Aseptic dispensing system
US5599015A (en) * 1994-07-06 1997-02-04 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Sheet feeder
US5660305A (en) * 1994-08-02 1997-08-26 Medco Containment Services, Inc. Automatic prescription dispensing system
US5709063A (en) * 1994-09-01 1998-01-20 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Tablet packing machine
US5481855A (en) * 1994-09-27 1996-01-09 Yuyama; Shoji Tablet packing device and method for controlling the same
US5626219A (en) * 1994-11-08 1997-05-06 Sortex Limited Apparatus and method for stabilising material transported on conveyor belts
US5522525A (en) * 1994-12-02 1996-06-04 Nu-Box, Inc. Medication dispenser station
US5930154A (en) * 1995-01-17 1999-07-27 Intertech Ventures, Ltd. Computer-based system and methods for information storage, modeling and simulation of complex systems organized in discrete compartments in time and space
US5611456A (en) * 1995-01-24 1997-03-18 Algonquin Industries Inc. Apparatus for dispensing tickets, cards and the like
US5722215A (en) * 1995-03-02 1998-03-03 Yuyama; Shoji Sealing device
US5651476A (en) * 1995-06-07 1997-07-29 Dixie-Narco, Inc. Modular vending machine
US5865342A (en) * 1995-09-05 1999-02-02 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Medication filling apparatus
US5765608A (en) * 1995-11-08 1998-06-16 Tilia International Hand held vacuum device
US6012602A (en) * 1996-01-26 2000-01-11 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Drug storage/discharge apparatus
US5901876A (en) * 1996-01-26 1999-05-11 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Drug storage/discharge apparatus
US6089136A (en) * 1996-04-29 2000-07-18 Hewlett-Packard Company Media control technique for cutting operation on a printer
US5927546A (en) * 1996-05-31 1999-07-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Tablet feeder
US5875610A (en) * 1996-06-26 1999-03-02 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Drug packaging device
US6023916A (en) * 1996-07-22 2000-02-15 Dispill Inc. Kit and process for the manufacture of a set of individual pill containers
US5749117A (en) * 1996-09-20 1998-05-12 Forsline; Ladd B. Paint applicator having an improved working tip
US5930145A (en) * 1996-12-03 1999-07-27 Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd. Method for medicament stock management by transponders and apparatus therefor
US6364517B1 (en) * 1997-02-26 2002-04-02 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Drug dispenser and quantity input device
US6029683A (en) * 1997-05-16 2000-02-29 U-Haul International, Inc. Pressurized gas tank valve plug
US6050064A (en) * 1997-10-23 2000-04-18 Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd. Tablet packing apparatus
US6179205B1 (en) * 1998-03-05 2001-01-30 Visa International Service Association System and method for locking and unlocking and application in a smart card
US6170229B1 (en) * 1998-07-14 2001-01-09 Jin Soo Kim Tablet cassette for automatic tablet sorting and counting machine
US6263639B1 (en) * 1998-07-29 2001-07-24 Jin S. Kim Dropping apparatus for automatic tablet sorting and counting machine
US6170699B1 (en) * 1998-07-29 2001-01-09 Jin Soo Kim Tablet supplying apparatus for tablet sorting and counting machine
US6202385B1 (en) * 1998-07-29 2001-03-20 Jin Soo Kim Dropping apparatus for automatic tablet sorting and counting machine
US6349848B1 (en) * 1998-09-29 2002-02-26 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Medicine supply apparatus
US6170230B1 (en) * 1998-12-04 2001-01-09 Automed Technologies, Inc. Medication collecting system
US6394308B1 (en) * 1999-01-14 2002-05-28 Kabushiki Kaisha Yuyama Seisakusho Tablet feeder
US6216416B1 (en) * 1999-05-05 2001-04-17 William D. West Metal roof installation system
US6256963B1 (en) * 1999-07-14 2001-07-10 Jin S. Kim Tablet cassette for automatic tablet sorting and counting machine
US6367232B2 (en) * 2000-04-24 2002-04-09 Jv Medi Co., Ltd. Tablet cassette installation-error preventing system for automatic tablet supplying and packaging apparatus
US20020092275A1 (en) * 2001-01-16 2002-07-18 Jv Medi Co., Ltd. Tablet supplying and packaging apparatus
US6409290B1 (en) * 2001-02-12 2002-06-25 San Jye Co., Ltd. Drawer fastening device
US6508279B2 (en) * 2001-04-23 2003-01-21 Medical Technology Systems, Inc. Automated solid pharmaceutical product packaging machine with parallel filling and sealing capability
US20030057225A1 (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-03-27 Kim Jun H. Tablet cassette assembly with slider cabinets for automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system
US6581356B2 (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-06-24 Jun H. Kim Tablet dispensing and packaging system
US6585132B2 (en) * 2001-09-24 2003-07-01 Jun H. Kim Tablet cassette assembly with slider cabinets for automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system
US20030074868A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-24 Keita Yasuoka Medicine packing apparatus
US6540101B1 (en) * 2001-10-10 2003-04-01 Jun H. Kim Tablet dispensing and packaging system
US20040046020A1 (en) * 2002-02-26 2004-03-11 Safety Syringes, Inc. Pharmaceutical tracking
US20060097001A1 (en) * 2002-10-18 2006-05-11 Shoji Yuyama Device for dispensing medicine
US20040129716A1 (en) * 2003-01-07 2004-07-08 Naufel Naji C. Portable medication dispenser
US6898919B2 (en) * 2003-03-19 2005-05-31 Jun Ho Kim Automatic tablet dispensing and packaging system
US7059098B2 (en) * 2003-05-16 2006-06-13 Jun Ho Kim Automatic medication dispensing and packaging system
US6722167B1 (en) * 2003-05-28 2004-04-20 Long-Jung Hsu Cabinet lock
US20070151204A1 (en) * 2003-09-18 2007-07-05 Jvm Co., Ltd. Medicine packaging machine having driving setting device
US7331151B2 (en) * 2003-09-18 2008-02-19 Jvm Co., Ltd. Medicine packaging machine having driving setting device
US20070016327A1 (en) * 2003-09-26 2007-01-18 Shoji Yuyama Injection drug takeout device
US7028447B2 (en) * 2003-11-28 2006-04-18 Jvm Co., Ltd. Package paper thermal printer of tablet packing machine
US20060058918A1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-03-16 Michael Handfield Medicament inventory system and method
US20060070352A1 (en) * 2004-10-01 2006-04-06 Zoran Momich Vertical cartoner
US20060139148A1 (en) * 2004-12-23 2006-06-29 Faro Todd J Method, apparatus and system for controlling access to a cabinet
US20070078562A1 (en) * 2005-10-03 2007-04-05 Sabal Medical, Inc. Mobile medication storage and dispensing apparatus
US20070125100A1 (en) * 2006-03-29 2007-06-07 S&S X-Ray Products, Inc. Remotely or locally actuated refrigerator lock with temperature and humidity detection

Cited By (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD671972S1 (en) * 2011-12-07 2012-12-04 Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. Automatic tablet packing machine
USD671971S1 (en) * 2011-12-07 2012-12-04 Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. Automatic tablet packing machine
USD671973S1 (en) * 2012-06-07 2012-12-04 Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd. Automatic tablet packing machine
US9914554B2 (en) * 2012-08-31 2018-03-13 Bd Switzerland Sàrl Apparatus for packaging dosed quantities of medicines and method for operating such apparatus
US20150251789A1 (en) * 2012-08-31 2015-09-10 Carefusion Switzerland 317 Sàrl Apparatus for packaging dosed quantities of medicines and method for operating such apparatus
USD702273S1 (en) * 2012-09-27 2014-04-08 Jvm Co., Ltd. Tablet distributing apparatus
US20160332753A1 (en) * 2015-05-13 2016-11-17 Carefusion Germany 326 Gmbh Device for packaging medication portions
US10490016B2 (en) * 2015-05-13 2019-11-26 Carefusion Germany 326 Gmbh Device for packaging medication portions
US11170601B2 (en) * 2015-05-13 2021-11-09 Carefusion Germany 326 Gmbh Device for packaging medication portions
US20220051508A1 (en) * 2015-05-13 2022-02-17 Carefusion Germany 326 Gmbh Device for packaging medication portions
US20240233470A1 (en) * 2015-05-13 2024-07-11 Carefusion Germany 326 Gmbh Device for packaging medication portions
US12067827B2 (en) * 2015-05-13 2024-08-20 Carefusion Germany 326 Gmbh Device for packaging medication portions
US12367733B2 (en) * 2015-05-13 2025-07-22 Carefusion Germany 326 Gmbh Device for packaging medication portions

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1864907A3 (en) 2008-02-27
KR100744427B1 (en) 2007-08-01
EP1864907A2 (en) 2007-12-12

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20070277477A1 (en) Method and device for identifying a tablet cassette in an automatic tablet packing machine
JP7445843B2 (en) Drug dispensing device, drug dispensing program
US11798669B2 (en) Smart medication dispenser
JP5886516B2 (en) Medical product tracking method and system
US8332240B1 (en) Method and system for tracking and monitoring vaccine and pharmaceutical information
US7825808B2 (en) Tablet packaging controlling apparatus of automatic tablet packaging machine
EP1239479B1 (en) Apparatus and method for retrieving data from information cartridge
EP1541469B1 (en) Tablet identification apparatus of tablet cassette for tablet automatic packing machine and method for controlling the same
US20050234591A1 (en) Method and system for pharmaceutical automation
US7395135B2 (en) Information input device for tablet automatic packing machine
US20050274728A1 (en) Tablet automatic packaging machine
US7277776B2 (en) Information input device for tablet automatic packing machine
JP2003093476A (en) Medicine container and medicine storage
US9977871B2 (en) Cassette control including presence sensing and verification
KR100599509B1 (en) Automatic Pharmaceutical Packaging Device and Automatic Recognition Method of Cassette of Cartridge
KR101462873B1 (en) Cartridge for medicine packing machine
KR20120007688A (en) Pharmaceutical automatic packaging device and its integrated cartridge control method
JP4691343B2 (en) Dispensing management system
CN103118956A (en) Error reduction in blister packaging apparatus
KR100559122B1 (en) Information input device of tablet cassette
WO2009000384A3 (en) System for controlling drug intake
CN119612038A (en) Self-help medicine discharging method, device and system for box-disassembling plate medicine
JP2016116575A (en) Information processing device and control method thereof, dispensing apparatus and control method thereof, and program
JP2016116574A (en) Information processing device and control method thereof, dispensing apparatus and control method thereof, and program

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: JVM CO., LTD., KOREA, REPUBLIC OF

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:KIM, JUN HO;REEL/FRAME:021384/0025

Effective date: 20080812

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION