EP1025778A1 - Apparatus for automatically distributing pharmaceutical products enclosed in parallelepipedic containers - Google Patents

Abstract

The dispenser, designed to deliver commonly-prescribed medication or pharmaceutical products packed in parallelepiped containers, consists of a cabinet with a series of drawers (9) sliding on horizontal runners (10). The drawers open in response to information carried on a microchip card, e.g. in the form of a doctor's prescription and a pharmacist's code. Preferred Features: The drawers can be re-loaded from the back or from one side of the cabinet, and can have front compartments (11) designed to contain products on free sale.

Description

The invention relates to the technical sector of the automated systems used for the management of stocks of all kinds and in particular in the field pharmaceutical.

A problem posed at the origin of the invention lies in a first approach to medication management in a pharmacy.

Indeed, in many areas of distribution, we are led to improve storage and delivery conditions for small products dimensions.

This is the case for example in pharmacies where the specialties and pharmaceuticals are usually housed in cabinets composed of rows of horizontal sliding drawers divided into the corridors themselves subdivided into boxes or cells.

In each of the boxes dividing the drawers of the cupboards is stored a number of containers of the same reference. However, inside these boxes, the arrangement can be random., which causes a rotation not optimized stock. For optimal stock management, it is necessary deliver the products in the same order as when they came into stock. That is important from a commercial and accounting point of view and in relation to the products subject to a fast and certain expiration date.

In the pharmaceutical sector, for example, the most frequently sold are often those who follow the economic law, such that of Pareto or of 20/80. Also, it makes sense to store them, both with customers and near the people responsible for delivering them so to provide a fast, efficient and less tiring service.

Finally, the evolution of techniques brings these points of sale or counters to have computer resources such as screens, keyboards, scanners, readers optical, barcode, magnetic or chip cards, etc ... for data entry and quick delivery.

However, the layout of the storage and delivery room for products is not always compatible with this desire for quick service, and any major transformation is not always possible without structural work generating technical, administrative, or other problems.

Technical solutions for medication management have been provided and described in US patents 5720154, 5745366, 5795515, 5197632 or 4267942. The proposed facilities are not directly applicable to pharmacies in pharmacy.

A second problem at the origin of the invention was to improve the management a medical prescription according to the doctor-patient-pharmacist relationship, in opening up wider management possibilities at the level of health organizations, public or private. The doctor is here taken in the broad sense of the professional of the health including all persons authorized to establish prescriptions giving access the dispensing of medicines. Currently, the issuance of a prescription is still generally done in writing, established by the doctor, and delivered to the patient. The latter, in turn, goes to a pharmacy, gives it to a health professional authorized by the pharmacist, who goes into the stocks of medicines in the form of cupboards, shelving, drawers from which he takes the references in quantity required in order to give them to the applicant by adviser.

In France, the VITAL card is progress in the sense that a card chip, individualized, called health insurance card, is used by health professionals and health organizations, public or private, for the processing and exploitation of information which was previously carried on a care sheet or prescription. The processing and exploitation of the data of the VITAL card by computer thus makes it possible to know the health situation of each individual. However, this type of card can only be used for reading information, to the exclusion of any other function as it stands.

The applicant's approach was therefore based on the observation of the problems posed, to provide a global solution which allows a relationship between the healthcare professional who prescribes a prescription, the patient and the community pharmacist who dispenses the prescribed medication.

According to the invention, we wanted to respond in a simple, efficient and rational to these needs by offering an original distribution device automated medication usable in pharmacies.

More specifically, we wanted to meet 80% of the needs of the whole of the pharmacy team of health professionals by proposing a device for automated distribution of the references of the best-selling drugs. Because the right of substitution granted to pharmacists, medicines generics will limit the number of references held in stock. They naturally find their place in these devices, which will contribute to the moderation of health spending.

According to a first characteristic, the automated dispensing apparatus pharmaceutical products, enclosed in shaped containers generally rectangular, is made in the form of a cabinet compact comprising drawers superimposed sliding on rails, said drawers being controlled in opening and closing by control means connected to a programmable controller, the apparatus being characterized in that that the programmable controller is likely to receive a smart card previously charged with information by the prescribing health professional, said information being read by reading means associated with the automaton, said reading means then controlling the automatic delivery of means of dispensing the prescribed medication (s) appearing thereon smart card, said apparatus comprising means for reading the smart card belonging to the patient and means of reading the pharmacist's specific code handing over the prescribed medication.

Thus according to the invention, this programmable controller will receive drug delivery instructions, which will be given by a pharmacy computer, after reading the personalized smart card. This computer will use an operating system, of the multi-task, multi-station type, almost real time; it will therefore be able to control several automata simultaneously programmable. This same computer will read and process the data beforehand written on magnetic chip cards, called health insurance cards, including prescriptions for pharmaceuticals and drugs.

Data will be read at each delivery point or counter by magnetic card readers, called health insurance card and preexisting coding on the boxes of medicines will be taken over to constitute the set index bases.

The device initializes in near real time the stocks of medicines and pharmaceutical products to be dispensed after the prescription has been filled.

As a result, the device becomes an essential tool for managing the dispensary pharmacy, playing an intermediary role both in data processing smart cards of patients, of those of the pharmacy team professionals, in the distribution of medicines and the continuous updating of stocks of remaining drugs. It gathers information that reinforces traceability and the quality of service.

Thus according to the invention, installed in pharmacies, the devices will immediately deliver the drugs to the pharmacy team who will ensure control and dispensation.

This device can be managed by remote network and in near real time by health professionals or structures dependent or not on health organizations, public or private.

To respond to the security problem, this device will not be able to deliver drugs requested only after identification and recognition of the card magnetic chip, called health insurance card or VITALE. We will thus obtain total optimization in the management of a medication prescription facilitating the interventions and management of health professionals. In addition, the control of the execution or not of the orders can be ensured.

To respond to technical installation problems depending on the room provided, the automatic device (s), of the compact cabinet type, are dimensioned accordingly with one or more rows of drawers compartmentalized. Their loading area is front, rear or side, the delivery of products always taking place at the front and at the bottom, opposite a workstation or device access area.

To respond to the problems of automated and rapid distribution of products, each compartmentalized drawer cabinet is equipped with a set of means of selection, guidance, ejection, transfer and delivery of products stored vertically in each drawer according to their reference; all means being associated with the programmable controller acting according to the data received and following the reading of the data from the smart card.

These characteristics and others will emerge from the description which follows.

• la figure 1 est un schéma montrant à titre d'exemple l'implantation de plusieurs appareils de distribution de médicaments selon l'invention dans une pharmacie et dans un sas communiquant avec la pharmacie.
• La figure 2 est un schéma montrant de profil un appareil à chargement avant installé dans une pharmacie avec son poste de travail à l'avant.
• La figure 3 est un schéma montrant de profil un appareil à chargement arrière dans une pharmacie
• La figure 4 est un schéma montrant de face un appareil à chargement latéral dans une pharmacie.
• la figure 5 est un schéma montrant de profil un appareil à chargement arrière dans un sas attenant à la pharmacie.
• La figure 6 est un schéma montrant l'agencement des modules de délivrance des produits selon l'invention.
• La figure 7 est un schéma semblable à la figure 6, montrant une variante de disposition des modules.
• La figure 8 est un schéma montrant des moyens d'entraínement et de guidage en translation des platines support de délivrance des produits, selon une première forme de réalisation.
• La figure 9 est un schéma semblable à la figure 8, montrant des moyens d'entraínement et de guidage en translation des platines support de délivrance des produits, selon une deuxième forme de réalisation.
• La figure 10 est un schéma montrant les différentes phases (A à E) d'éjection , de dépilage, et de récupération des produits sélectionnés.
• La figure 11 est un schéma montrant l'ensemble des moyens illustrés aux figures 6 à 10.
• La figure 12 est un schéma montrant de profil un ensemble tiroir avec les moyens décrits auparavant.
• La figure 13 est un schéma électrique montrant un dispositif de sécurité associé au moteur de commande des moyens précités.

To fix the subject of the invention without however limiting it, in the attached schematic drawings:

• FIG. 1 is a diagram showing by way of example the installation of several devices for dispensing drugs according to the invention in a pharmacy and in an airlock communicating with the pharmacy.
• Figure 2 is a diagram showing in profile a front loading device installed in a pharmacy with its work station at the front.
• Figure 3 is a diagram showing in profile a rear loading device in a pharmacy
• Figure 4 is a diagram showing a side loading device in a pharmacy from the front.
• Figure 5 is a diagram showing in profile a rear loading device in an airlock adjoining the pharmacy.
• FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the modules for delivering the products according to the invention.
• FIG. 7 is a diagram similar to FIG. 6, showing a variant arrangement of the modules.
• Figure 8 is a diagram showing means for driving and guiding in translation of the product delivery support plates, according to a first embodiment.
• Figure 9 is a diagram similar to Figure 8, showing means for driving and guiding in translation of the product delivery support plates, according to a second embodiment.
• FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the different phases (A to E) of ejection, unstacking, and recovery of the selected products.
• FIG. 11 is a diagram showing all of the means illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10.
• Figure 12 is a diagram showing in profile a drawer assembly with the means described above.
• FIG. 13 is an electrical diagram showing a safety device associated with the motor for controlling the aforementioned means.

In order to make the object of the invention more concrete, it is now described in non-limiting forms of embodiments illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

The automated dispensing device for pharmaceutical products enclosed in generally parallelepidedic containers is made in the form of a compact cabinet comprising a plurality of drawers superimposed sliding on rails, to receive products classified by reference and stored vertically. In the case of the apparatus described in FIG. 2, said drawers communicate by their rear face with a vertical zone housing means able to guide and transfer the products stored in the drawers to an area lower reception. The programmable controller will manage and activate the various motor, actuators, sensors, etc. suitable for automatic distribution medicine from the cupboard. The data that the programmable controller will receive and process will be those transmitted to him by the central computer management of the pharmacy.

The information entered by the doctor on the chip card during the patient visit, for example a list of drugs, are read by means reading points located at points of sale or counters. Once these secure information will have been verified and validated, using the computer central pharmacy, the latter will order the delivery of drugs through one or more cabinets, therefore one or more programmable controllers. The central computer of the pharmacy, as well as the PLC in each cabinet also manages the means for reading the specific code of the pharmacist to assign the execution of the order and the delivery of the prescription. The device initializes the drug stocks in near real time remaining to be distributed after the prescription has been filled and returns this information in near real time to the central pharmacy computer.

By consulting his central computer, the manager therefore knows instantly the condition and valuation of these stocks, which allows it to replenish in just-in-time, and plan an optimized reload for each distribution cabinet, while making the best use of the skills and staff time

The delivery of the order results in the closure of the distribution order and the smart card is given to the patient. The payment transaction can be carried out from the same device with bank card this time and / or by any other means.

It is therefore advisable to explain the methods of implementing the device. in a pharmacy, the object of its application.

We see in Figure 1 an example of installation of distribution devices according to the invention in a room representing a pharmacy dispensary with a space (E1) with doors (P1-P2) and display case (V) corresponding to the store, a space (E2) corresponding to a preparation and drug reserve area, a space office (E3) serving as an IT and administrative center, and a space (E4) accessible from the outside by a door (P3) controlled by means computer and thus forming an airlock at the bottom of which is disposed a device (1) for distribution of medicaments according to the invention which, depending on the configuration of the places, will be of the rear loading type (as illustrated) or lateral and which will constitute the separation between the store and the airlock.

In the space (E1) or store one or more distribution devices for drugs are arranged, in combination with shelving or classic displays (not shown) and, again, depending on the configuration places, these devices will either be rear-loading (2) or loading front (3), either with right (4) or left (5) side loading. Opposite or at immediate proximity to these devices will be arranged workstations (6) as well as one or more banks (7) and other usual furniture of this kind of shop.

Each device, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 5 is designed as a compact cabinet (8) with a plurality of drawers in the height superimposed (9) slidably mounted on rails (10) to be removed from their housing either frontally, rearwards or laterally for the reloading. These drawers are compartmentalized to accommodate each product compartment with the same reference. At the front of the drawers, and in the case front loading area, a zone (11) is arranged to accommodate the products in over-the-counter (Figure 2). In the case of rear or side loading, this is the front of the cabinet that presents these areas (11) for over-the-counter products (Figures 3 and 4).

In the case of a cabinet as shown in Figure 2, over the entire height is provided at the rear of the drawers a vertical transfer zone (12) containing the main control means which are described below, for select, guide, eject and transfer the products stored in the drawers, while at the bottom of the cabinet there are reception areas (13) products. The technical areas (14) for controlling the PLC and the wiring protection and passage areas (15) are also shown in lower part; however, this provision is not set in stone.

The containers of the products to be delivered are stacked vertically in the drawers and according to their references. The frequency of product rotation leads to determine an average volume between two loads, and according to the height of containers, they will be divided into one or more columns in order to limit the number loading heights. These containers of parallelepiped shape being generally of different dimensions, it is necessary to provide, at the level of vertical transfer zones, adjustable vertical guide means. These means, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, are constituted by rails cooperating with squared supports (16a) equipping storage modules (16) vertical containers. One of the rails (17) is fixed, while the other (18) is adjustable to adjust to the width of containers of the same category. Of intermediate parts (19) ensure the width adjustment of the different modules relative to the fixed rail (Figure 7). In this way, it is possible to align between two rails, several modules of different width, themselves dependent on the container length. A fixed dimension mark specific to each module will be positioned for example on one of the squared supports of the fixed rail, so that the PLC knows its position in relation to the various modules aligned between the two rails.

As best seen in Figure 12, for all drawers and in front of all the modules (16) receiving the stacking of containers (M) by the squared supports (16a), circulates a support plate (20) driven in translation horizontal by a set of pulleys (21) - belts (22); one of the pulleys being connected to a control motor (23) in connection with the automaton.

The support plate also carries means (24) for ejecting selected containers, an opto-coupler (25) for reading the marks carried by squared supports, an electronic photo sensor (39) for detecting the presence or absence of containers facing the ejection device.

In the horizontal direction, the support plate (20) is guided linearly on a column (26) and driven along the fixed rail by any means such as screw end - nut (27) carried by bearings (28), as illustrated in figure 8 or by belt and toothed pulleys (29) supported by bearings (30) as illustrated in the figure 9; these means being subject to an asynchronous motor with two directions of rotation (31) by means of an elastic coupling (32). Means pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or electromagnetic can be put implemented without departing from the scope of the invention. These training means are supplemented by limit stops (33) integral with the fixed rail and by original stops (34) also fixed on the fixed rails.

The means (24) for ejecting the containers selected by the machine is is in the form of a pusher and acts as seen in Figure 10 showing the different phases.

The drive means, by order of the automaton, places the support plate (20) facing the module (16) concerned (position A). The lowest container of the pile which is then at the level of the ejection means, receives a thrust side ejecting it out of the module (position B). This action being very fast, the container is ejected, the stack unstacked and the pusher retracted (position C). If he is necessary to deliver several containers of this type, the same ejection cycle is reproduced as many times as necessary.

An opto-electronic sensor secured to the support plate alerts the system when there is no more container to unstack. The system then processes this information in order to position itself the next time it will be ordered on another module containing the same product. If all the modules containing the same product in the same distributor cabinet have been emptied, it sends a warning sequence requesting reloading of products for this apparatus.

This same sequence is itself processed so that if another distributor cabinet contains the missing reference product, it delivers the number units remaining to be supplied.

The PLC remembers the position where the support plate is located in order to optimize future trips.

The ejected container falls of its own weight either on an inclined plane (35) or chute (position D) conveying the container to the transfer zone (12) either on a conveyor belt (36) opening into the transfer zone (12) (position E).

Note that during the reloading operations of a sound drawer power supply is cut by a safety switch (37) preventing any movement at the level of the drawer concerned.

This safety switch can be controlled by reading the card health of the professional, which then allows him to unlock the drawer and access the interior for an exclusive recharging and replenishment of the drawer.

The numerous advantages of full integration of the management of the prescription until the delivery of the drugs.

For dispensing pharmacists, the invention optimizes inventory management and staff, makes it easier to dispense medication. The marketing of drugs, controls with health organizations public or private are facilitated.

Claims (10)

Apparatus for automated dispensing of pharmaceutical products enclosed in containers of generally parallelepipedal shape of the type arranged in the form of a compact cabinet comprising superimposed drawers sliding on rails, said drawers being controlled in opening by automatic control means connected to a programmable controller, the apparatus being characterized in that the programmable controller is capable of receiving a smart card previously loaded with information by the prescribing health professional, said information being read by reading means associated with the controller , said reading means then controlling the automatic delivery by means of distribution of the prescribed medication (s) appearing on said smart card, said apparatus comprising means for reading the smart card belonging to the patient and means for reading the specific code of the pharmacist giving the drugs prescribed.
and in that the device initializes in near real time the stocks of drugs remaining to be dispensed after filling the prescription treated,
and in that the device constitutes the pharmacy dispensary management tool both for reading patient smart cards, dispensing medication and updating the remaining medication stocks Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that one or more cabinets of each type are installed in an accessible closed space (E1) freely or in a closed space (E4) accessible by a computerized means of recognition and identification of the applicant. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the cabinet (1) is arranged with drawers (9) for front loading, the front face of the drawers comprising an area (11) for housing over-the-counter products. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the cabinet (1) is arranged with drawers (9) for rear loading. Apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the cabinet (1) is arranged with drawers (9) with right or left side loading. Apparatus according to either of Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that that the front of the cabinet has a zone (11) for housing the products in free sale. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide means vertically stored products consist of modules (16) provided with squared supports (16a) carried by rails, one of which (17) is fixed, while the other (18) is adjustable to adjust to the width of the containers of the same category; intermediate parts (19) ensuring the width adjustment of the different modules compared to the fixed rail. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the means for selection and ejection of stored products consist of a support plate (20) subject to means of guidance and drive in translation horizontal (21-22-23) or (26-27-29-31-32), to be placed, by order of the PLC, facing the module (16) concerned; an opto-coupler device (25) of reading of product benchmarks, an opto-electronic sensor (39) allowing detecting the presence or absence of the containers facing an ejection means (24) of the push type, these two members also being carried by the support plate. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the extracted containers their stacking by the selection and ejection means and falling by gravity, are routed to the reception area (13) via an inclined plane (35) or a conveyor belt (36). Apparatus according to any one of claims 2, 3 and 4, characterized in that that during the reloading operation of a drawer (9), its supply electric is cut by a safety switch (37).

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