The invention relates to a method for monitoring and controlling the use of drugs and/or medical supplies in a pharmaceutical dispensing process, in which method drugs and/or medical supplies are transferred from a delivery package to at least one storage device (10, 20), from one storage device (10) to another storage device (20), and/or further to be dispensed to patients and/or to be used in the treatment of patients. In the method according to the invention: - the drugs and/or medical supplies to be transferred to the storage device (10, 20) are placed in transfer containers (12) equipped with a remotely readable tag (16) and to be stored in the storage device (10, 20), the transfer containers (12) being containers which are separate from the storage device (10, 20) and from the product package of the drugs and/or medical supplies, and are removable from the storage device (10, 20); - the quantity of and data on the drugs and/or medical supplies, and the ID code included in the remotely readable tag (16) of the transfer container (12) are stored in the memory of the data processing device (13, 24) equipped with a computer program for controlling the process of dispensing the drugs and/or medical supplies; - the computer program combines the data on the drugs and/or medical supplies with the ID code of the remotely readable tag (16) of the transfer container (12) in such a way that the location of and/or data on the drugs and/or medical supplies in the transfer container (12) can be checked and/or printed out at any stage of the dispensing process by reading the remotely readable tag (16) of the transfer container (12) by an ID code reader connected to the data processing device (13, 24) equipped with the computer program controlling the dispensing process, or another data processing device communicating with the data processing device (13, 24) equipped with the computer program controlling the dispensing process; - when drugs and/or medical supplies are removed from or added into the transfer containers (12), the data on and the quantity of the drugs and/or medical supplies subject to the change are entered in the memory of the data processing device (13, 24) containing the computer program, by means of the computer program controlling the dispensing process. The invention also relates to a system according to the method of the invention.
G16H 40/63 - ICT specially adapted for the management or administration of healthcare resources or facilities; ICT specially adapted for the management or operation of medical equipment or devices for the operation of medical equipment or devices for local operation
G16H 20/13 - ICT specially adapted for therapies or health-improving plans, e.g. for handling prescriptions, for steering therapy or for monitoring patient compliance relating to drugs or medications, e.g. for ensuring correct administration to patients delivered from dispensers
2.
AN APPARATUS FOR HANDLING AND DELIVERING DOSE MEDICATION POUCHES
The invention relates to an apparatus for handling and dispensing dose medication pouches (15), wherein the dose medication pouches (15) are stored in cassettes (20) for dose medication pouches, and the apparatus comprises: - a control system for administration of data relating to storage location, drugs and use-by dates of the dose medication pouches (15), as well as for controlling functions of the apparatus; - a drug cabinet (10) comprising storage locations (16) provided for the cassettes (20) of dose medication pouches and extending through the drug cabinet (10) from a filling side (1 1 ) to a dispensing side (12); - indicators (42) on the filling side (1 1 ) of the drug cabinet (10), for controlling the filling of the cassettes (20) of dose medication pouches; - a collector (17) on the dispensing side (12) of the drug cabinet, configured to collect the dose medication pouches (15) from the cassettes (20) of dose medication pouches placed in the storage locations (16), according to the data relating to the storage location, the drugs and the use-by dates; - a dispensing station (18), to which the collector (17) is configured to trans¬ fer the dose medication pouches (15) taken from the cassettes (20) of dose medication pouches.
G07F 11/72 - Auxiliary equipments, e.g. for lighting cigars, opening bottles
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
3.
A METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR STORING DRUGS IN DISTRIBUTION PACKAGES, AND A STORAGE FOR DRUG DISTRIBUTION PACKAGES
The invention relates to a system for storing drugs in distribution packages (17a to 17e) of a storage (10) for drug distribution packages, the system comprising: - a storage (10) for drug distribution packages, comprising storage locations (16a to 16e), in which the distribution packages (17a to 17e) can be placed; - a data processing device (20) with a memory for storing the number of distribution packages (17a 17e) and/or drugs in the storage (10) for drug distribution packages, the expiry date of the drugs, and at least one item of drug information and the personal data of a user of the storage (10) for drug distribution packages; - a stock data system stored in the memory of the data processing device (20) and configured to control the functions of the storage (10) for drug distribution packages, as well as to record stock data entries in the storage (10) for drug distribution packages and to administer user rights of the stock data system; - at least one detecting sensor (21) placed in storage locations (16a to 16e) and coupled to the data processing device (20) and configured to detect the movement of a drug distribution package (17a to 17e) with respect to the storage location (16a to 16e). In the system according to the invention, the distribution packages (17a to 17e) and/or the storage locations (16) are provided with at least one stop device (18a to 18e, 43) configured to prevent the addition and removal of drugs to and from the distribution package (17a to 17e) when the distribution package (17a to 17e) is placed in an appropriate storage location (16a to 16e) of the storage (10) for drug distribution packages. The invention also relates to a method for storing drugs in distribution packages (17a to 17e) of a storage (10) for drug distribution packages, and a storage (10) for drug distribution packages.
A61J 7/00 - Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
A61G 12/00 - Accommodation for nursing, e.g. in hospitals, not covered by groups , e.g. trolleys for transport of medicaments or food; Prescription lists
A61J 1/00 - Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
B65D 83/00 - Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
B65D 41/04 - Threaded or like caps or cap-like covers secured by rotation
G06Q 50/28 - Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading, distribution or shipping
A47B 88/00 - Drawers for tables, cabinets or like furniture; Guides for drawers
H04B 5/00 - Near-field transmission systems, e.g. inductive loop type
G06K 19/07 - Record carriers with conductive marks, printed circuits or semiconductor circuit elements, e.g. credit or identity cards with integrated circuit chips
G06K 7/10 - Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers by corpuscular radiation
4.
AN INJECTION NEEDLE AND A METHOD FOR SEALING A MEDICAL SYRINGE
The object of the invention is an injection needle (10) comprising a needle part (11 ) having a first end (20) and a second end (21), and wherein the needle part (11 ) comprises a tight, tubular medicinal substance duct (12) extending from its first end (20) to its second end (21). In the injection needle (10) according to the invention, the medicinal substance duct (12) of its needle part (11 ) is hermetically tightly sealed. A further object of the invention is a method for sealing a medical syringe.
A61M 5/32 - Syringes - Details - Details of needles pertaining to their connection with syringe or hub; Accessories for bringing the needle into, or holding the needle on, the body; Devices for protection of needles
The invention relates to an apparatus for arranging medication, the apparatus comprising - a dispensing tray (1; 11; 21 ) provided with at least one seat (2; 22), in which at least one drug, drug dispensing cup (3) or ampoule (23) can be placed, - a data processing device (4; 14; 24) connectible to a data network, con¬ figured to control an indicator (6; 7; 26) provided next to at least one seat (2; 22) in the dispensing tray (1; 11; 21 ), and in which apparatus - the data processing device (4; 14; 24) comprises a memory or the like, in which points of time can be programmed, when an identification signal is automatically transferred to at least one indicator (6, 7; 26) which makes the indicator generate a light and/or audio signal to indicate that the drug or drugs in at least one seat (2, 22) of the dispensing tray (1; 11; 21 ) should be administered, - the seats (2; 22) of the dispensing tray (1, 11; 21 ) are provided with a detecting sensor configured to detect if the drug, dispensing cup (3) or ampoule (23) is present in the seat (2; 22) of the dispensing tray (1; 11; 21 ) or absent from it, - the detecting sensor (8; 28) is connected to the data processing device (4; 14; 24) which is configured to monitor the status of the detecting sensor (8; 28) at predetermined intervals or continuously and to inform a monitoring unit (13), connected to the same data network as the apparatus and configured to receive data transmitted by the data processing device (4; 14; 24) and to give an alarm, if a drug, a dispensing cup (3) or an ampoule (23) in a seat (2; 22) indicated by a detection signal has not been removed from the seat (2; 22) within a predetermined delay time from the transmission of the detection signal to the indicator (6; 7; 26). The invention also relates to a method, in which the medication of a patient is arranged by applying an apparatus according to the invention.
A61J 7/04 - Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine, e.g. programmed dispensers
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
A61J 1/03 - Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets
6.
Method and an apparatus for using a medical syringe, as well as for dissolving a pharmaceutical substance in a liquid
The invention relates to a method for using a medical syringe, in which method the medical syringe comprises a cylinder part with retaining lugs or a retaining flange and a needle, and a plunger part which is movable within the cylinder part by moving the plunger rod extending outside the cylinder part with respect to the cylinder part, and the method comprising moving the plunger part with respect to the cylinder part by at least one industrial robot either outwards for drawing liquid into the medical syringe or inwards for injecting the liquid out of the medical syringe. In the method according to the invention, the plunger part is gripped with a gripper configured to prevent the plunger part from turning with respect to the gripper. The invention also relates to an apparatus for using a medical syringe, and a method and an apparatus for dissolving a pharmaceutical substance in a liquid by utilizing the method according to the invention for using a medical syringe.
B01F 11/00 - Mixers with shaking, oscillating, or vibrating mechanisms
B65B 3/00 - Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans or jars
7.
A METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING THE STORAGE OF DRUG PACKAGES OR AMPOULES, AND A STORAGE FOR DRUG PACKAGES
The invention relates to a method for controlling the storage of drug packages (3; 19) or ampoules, in which method drug packages (3; 19) or ampoules are stored in a storage (1; 11) comprising storage locations (2; 17) for storing drug packages (3; 19) or ampoules, and a storage data system for controlling the drug packages (3; 19) or ampoules in the storage (1; 11). In the method according to the invention, the storage data system detects a stock change in a storage location (2; 17) by a proximity sensor (4, 24) connected to the storage data system, transmitting radiation towards the drug package (3; 19) or ampoule (23) in the storage location (2; 17), and receiving radiation reflected back from the drug package (3; 19) or ampoule (23) by a receiver in the proximity sensor (4; 24), and that the storage data system enters the stock change in the storage data system, if the quantity of radiation received by the proximity sensor (4; 24) changes at least temporarily so that the state of the proximity sensor (4; 24) changes from a state in which it does not receive reflected radiation to a state in which it receives reflected radiation, or from a state in which it receives reflected radiation to a state in which it does not receive reflected radiation. The invention also relates to a system for controlling items to be stored, and a storage for drug packages.
The invention relates to a method for dispensing drugs and/or vitamins to dispensing units (8), in which method one or more dispensing units (8) are placed onto a drug dispensing tray (7). In the method according to the invention, the drugs and/or vitamins are dispensed into the dispensing units (8) by a robot (11) having an arm (14) or a corresponding movable means, whose tip is equipped with a dispensing device (15) for feeding drugs and/or vitamins in relation to it, the robot (11) moving the dispensing device (15) in relation to the drug dispensing tray (7) for dispensing drugs into the dispensing units (8). The invention also relates to an apparatus for dispensing drugs and/or vitamins into dispensing units (8).
B65B 5/10 - Filling containers or receptacles progressively or in stages by introducing successive articles, or layers of articles
B65B 35/30 - Arranging and feeding articles in groups
B65D 83/04 - Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
9.
A METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR USING A MEDICAL SYRINGE, AS WELL AS FOR DISSOLVING A PHARMACEUTICAL SUBSTANCE IN A LIQUID
The invention relates to a method for using a medical syringe (3), in which method the medical syringe (3) comprises a cylinder part (5) with retaining lugs or a retaining flange (51 ) and a needle (31 ), and a plunger part (4) which is movable within the cylinder part (5) by moving the plunger rod (41) extending outside the cylinder part (5) with respect to the cylinder part (5), and the method comprising moving the plunger part (4) with respect to the cylinder part (5) by at least one industrial robot (1) either outwards for drawing liquid into the medical syringe (3) or inwards for injecting the liquid out of the medical syringe (3). In the method according to the invention, the plunger part (4) is gripped with a gripper (6; 21) configured to prevent the plunger part (4) from turning with respect to the gripper (6; 21). The invention also relates to an apparatus for using a medical syringe (3), and a method and an apparatus for dissolving a pharmaceutical substance in a liquid by utilizing the method according to the invention for using a medical syringe.
A61J 1/20 - Arrangements for transferring fluids, e.g. from vial to syringe
A61J 3/00 - Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
B65B 3/00 - Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans or jars
A61M 3/00 - Medical syringes, e.g. enemata; Irrigators
B01F 11/00 - Mixers with shaking, oscillating, or vibrating mechanisms
B65B 43/46 - Feeding or positioning bags, boxes, or cartons in the distended, opened, or set-up state; Feeding preformed rigid containers, e.g. tins, capsules, glass tubes, glasses, to the packaging position; Locating containers or receptacles at the filling position; Supporting containers or receptacles during the filling operation using grippers
10.
AN APPARATUS FOR TRANSFERRING PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGES IN A STORAGE FOR PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGES, AND A STORAGE FOR PHARMACEUTICAL PACKAGES
The invention relates to an apparatus for transferring pharmaceutical packages in a storage for pharmaceutical packages, the apparatus comprising a transfer device (6) with a feed end (61) and a discharge end (62), the transfer device (6) being configured to transfer pharmaceutical packages supplied at the feed end (61) of the transfer device (6) to the discharge end (62) of the transfer device (6); as well as a storage robot (10) with at least one transfer member (13) configured to receive incoming pharmaceutical packages at the discharge end (62) of the transfer device (6), for transferring them by a transfer member (13) to storage locations in a storage section (2) in the storage for pharmaceutical packages. In the storage according to the invention for pharmaceutical packages, the transfer device (6) comprises at least two separate transfer lines (6a to 6c) for transferring pharmaceutical packages from the feed end (61) to the discharge end (62) of the transfer device (6), and the transfer member (13) of the storage robot (10) comprises at least two receiving units (13a to 13c) corresponding to the transfer lines (6a to 6c) of the transfer device (6), placed in the transfer member (13) in such a way that the receiving units (13a to 13c) can be positioned in such a way with respect to the transfer lines (6a to 6c) of the transfer device (6) that each pharmaceutical package coming along the transfer line (6a to 6c) of the transfer device (6) can be received in the respective receiving unit (13a to 13c) of the transfer device (13) corresponding to the transfer lines (6a to 6c). The invention also relates to a storage for pharmaceutical packages comprising an apparatus according to the invention.
An apparatus for distributing medicines, vitamins and/or samples, including an organizer and dispensing units for medicines, vitamins and/or samples. The organizer includes seats in which to place the dispensing units. The apparatus includes an identification device connected to a data processing device and containing dispensing data on medicines, vitamins and/or samples, including detecting members controlled to a detecting state by detecting signals generated on the basis of dispensing data in the data processing device. The identification device is configured to be brought in connection with the organizer so that at least some of the detecting members are aligned with at least some of the seats of the organizer, wherein at least those dispensing units, which are aligned with at least one detecting member, can be identified by means of detecting signals generated on the basis of dispensing data in the data processing device.
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
G07F 17/00 - Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
A61J 1/03 - Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets
A61J 7/00 - Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
The invention relates to a drug dispensing system and a drug dispensing method. In the system, data (155) about the medication of a patient is received and used for generating drug dose data (124). Said drug dose data (124) includes data on the drug dose to be administered at a time, which is thus smaller than the quantity of the drug contained in a single drug package (190); in other words, several drug doses are obtained from a single drug package. The dispensing of the drug can be guided on the basis of the drug dose data (124), and drug balances (123, 163) can be maintained on the basis of the drug dose data (124). In this way, the maintenance of the drug balances of the hospital can be extended from the hospital pharmacy to the ward, and it can be implemented at the accuracy of even one pill. Consequently, the drug storage of the hospital can be controlled by maintaining drug balances (163) of a first drug storage (170) in a computerized storage control system, and by updating the drug balances (163) of the first drug storage (170) on the basis of a drug delivery from the first drug storage to a second drug storage (140), and also by maintaining the drug balances (123) of this second drug storage (140) and by updating the drug balances (123) of the second drug storage (140) on the basis of both the drug delivery and the dispensing of the drug from the second drug storage (140).
G06F 19/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific applications (specially adapted for specific functions G06F 17/00;data processing systems or methods specially adapted for administrative, commercial, financial, managerial, supervisory or forecasting purposes G06Q;healthcare informatics G16H)
The invention relates to an apparatus for distributing medicines, vitamins and/or samples, the apparatus comprising an organizer (1; 9) and dispensing units (3; 92) for medicines, vitamins and/or samples, to be placed on the organizer (1;9), the organizer comprising seats (2; 91 ) in which the dispensing units (3; 92) can be placed. The apparatus according to the invention also comprises an identification device (5) to be connected to a data processing device and containing dispensing data on medicines, vitamins and/or samples, comprising detecting members (6) to be controlled to a detecting state by means of detecting signals to be generated on the basis of dispensing data in the data processing device, the identification device (5) being configured to be brought in connection with the organizer (1; 9) in such a way that at least some of the detecting members (6) are aligned with at least some of the seats (2; 91 ) of the organizer (1 ), wherein at least those dispensing units (3; 92), which are aligned with at least one detecting member (6), can be identified by means of detecting signals generated on the basis of dispensing data in the data processing device.
A61J 7/00 - Devices for administering medicines orally, e.g. spoons; Pill counting devices; Arrangements for time indication or reminder for taking medicine
A61J 1/03 - Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for pills or tablets
patents
