Patent Publication Number: US-8539742-B2

Title: Method for emptying pharmaceutical container

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/463,776, filed May 11, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,117,809, which is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/634,992, filed Aug. 6, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,530,211, which claims priority to, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/215,249, filed Aug. 9, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,892,512 which claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/401,340 filed Aug. 7, 2002, all of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to systems and methods for emptying the contents of pharmaceutical containers, including medications, into a container to facilitate the automated and/or manual dispensing of pharmaceuticals. The present invention also generally relates to systems and methods for automatically combining pharmaceuticals and/or medications for later dispensing and/or packaging of pharmaceuticals, medications, prescriptions and/or prescription orders, automatically and/or manually. The present invention may be used for mail order pharmacies, wholesalers and/or central fill dealers for subsequent distribution or sale including a retailer. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In mail service pharmacies and large retail pharmacies, prescription drugs are dispensed in a high volume. For such services, it is known to use an automatic pill dispensing system to carry out the dispensing of the prescription drugs automatically at a rapid rate and to label pill containers which can then be provided to the patient for whom the prescriptions were written. 
     A known automatic pill dispensing system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,657 issued to Lasher et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. In the patent, as shown in the schematic illustration of  FIG. 1A , orders (e.g., orders to fill prescriptions) are received by a host computer  9  which forwards the orders to a distributed computer system including a central computer called Pharmacy Automation Controller  10  (PAC). PAC  10  maintains an order file of the information about each prescription to be filled in an order including all of the information needed to fill each prescription, and prepares a prescription label for each prescription and the information to print literature to go in a shipping container with the prescription or prescriptions. PAC updates the order file to maintain a record of the current status of each prescription being filled as it progresses through the automated system. 
     PAC  10  controls a set of Print, Apply and Load (PAL) stations  14  which print prescription bottle labels, apply the prescriptions to prescription bottles, and load the labeled bottles onto bottle carriers that preferably receive the bottles in scheduled locations. PAC  10  also controls a carrier conveyer system  21  that carries the bottle carriers to different parts of the system, and one or more automatic drug dispensing machines  23  that dispense tablets and/or capsules into the prescription bottles in the bottle carriers as they are carried by the conveyer system  21 . PAC  10  also controls bottle cappers  25  that apply caps to the bottles, and one or more OCP stations  29  that unload bottles from the carriers and place them in the shipping containers corresponding to the patient orders. 
     PAC  10  also controls literature printers  31  which print literature for each prescription order and enclose the literature for each prescription order in an envelope, print a bar code that shows through a window in the envelope identifying the prescription order, and then place each envelope on a literature conveyer  34  which carries the envelope from the literature printers  31  to the OCP stations  29 . 
     The conveyer system  21  carries the bottles in the carriers from the PAL stations through the automatic drug dispensing machines  23  to the bottle cappers  25  and then from the bottle cappers to the OCP stations  29 . The conveyer system  21  also carries the empty carriers back to the PAL stations  14 . From the bottle cappers  25 , the conveyers  56  feed the carriers onto an endless conveyer loop  71  which will transport the four carriers of a rank to one of six OCP stations  29 . 
     The OCP stations each also have a literature dispensing mechanism, which inserts printed literature into each shipping container with the filled and capped prescription bottles. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , bottles to be automatically filled with the prescription drugs are introduced to the automated system by hoppers  37 , which receive the bottles in bulk form and automatically feed the bottles to unscramblers  39 . One of the hoppers  37  and one of the unscramblers  39  will be for large bottles (e.g., 160 cc), and the remaining hoppers and unscramblers will be for small bottles (e.g., 110 cc). The small bottle size can preferably accommodate a majority of the automatically filled prescriptions. In the unscramblers, the bottles are singulated and oriented so that the bottle opening first faces downward. The bottles are then righted and directed to PAL stations  14  on bottle conveyers  41  and  43 , one for large bottles and one for small bottles. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1B , the conveyers  45 , under control by PAC, carry the bottle carriers from the four PAL stations  14  to carrier buffers at the entrances of the four automatic drug dispensing machines  23  in which the tablets or capsules of the prescriptions are automatically dispensed into the prescription bottles under the control of PAC  10 . Because of the organization provided by the carriers, the bottles are arranged into four columns approaching each automatic dispensing machine  23 . Since there are four automatic dispensing machines  23 , 16 parallel prescription bottle columns approach the dispensing machines. In the specific embodiment of the invention, the four automatic drug dispensing machines each have 384 drug dispensers arranged four columns wide and 96 rows deep to provide a total of 1,536 pill dispensers. The automatic drug dispensing machines are similar to those described in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,305, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Each dispensing lane is divided into 32 buffer assemblies each containing twelve drug dispensers oriented six on each side of a conveyer within the dispensing machine. 
     The carrier will be released by the PAL station  14  onto a conveyer  45  which carries the carrier loaded with the labeled empty prescription bottles to an automatic dispensing machine  23 , of which there are four, one for each PAL station  14 . When a carrier moves out of the last row position in a dispensing machine, all of the prescription bottles in that bottle carrier should be filled and a conveyer  56  transports the prescription bottles now filled with the prescriptions to a bottle capper  25 . 
     The bottle quality assurance area  109  has several stations at which pharmacists will scan the bar code on the bottles and visually inspect the contents of the bottles. The scan of the bottle bar code will bring up a display on the pharmacist&#39;s terminal which includes all the information regarding the particular prescription and order including the drug name, and instructions which identify the reason for the verification. All of the bottles that pass this inspection are inserted by the pharmacist on a bottle stream conveyer  111  to send the inspected bottles to the BSP station  112 . The conveyer  108  leads to a star wheel diverter mechanism  114  which under the control of a controller for the BSP station deposits the bottle in a bottle stream conveyer  116  leading to the bottle quality assurance area  109  or into a bottle stream conveyer  118  leading to BSP station  112 . 
     If the literature pack is on the conveyer  34 , but because of failure of the bar code reader (not shown) or the literature sorting mechanism, does not get diverted at station  112 , the conveyer  34  will carry the literature package to the package quality assurance area where it can be manually added to the package. If, because of a malfunction, a literature envelope is not deflected by a deflector (not shown), because of, for example, an improper bar code on the envelope, the envelope will continue on the conveyer  34  to the end of the conveyer and be dumped into a receptacle at the package quality assurance station  96 . If the bag does not contain a literature pack, then the bag is diverted into a tote (not shown) which will then be transported by a conveyer  101  to the package quality assurance station  96  where the shipping container will be assembled with the literature pack manually  137 .  FIG. 2  shows another known dispensing system as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/215,249, which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular,  FIG. 2  shows a system  250  that can include a storage device for packages  203 , dispenser for the packages  205 , storage device for bottles filled with counted pills  209 , dispenser for the bottled with counted pills  207 , storage device for patient specific literatures  211 , dispenser for the patient specific literatures  213 , consolidation station  215 , and host computer  201 . System  250  can be referred to as a automated labeling and packaging system (ALPS). 
     The system shown in  FIG. 2  can also include one or more local computers (not shown). For instance, each of the components (e.g.,  203 ,  205 ,  209 ,  207 ,  211  and  213 ) can be connected to one or more local computers. The local computers in turn are connected to host computer  201 . In this way, host computer  201  and local computers are configured to control the various components of the present invention. 
     A local computer can also function with a standard Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). A PLC typically includes an I/O card to turn on/off a device. Accordingly, when a component is to be controlled by turning it on/off, a PLC can be used. When a large quantity of data is to be exchanged, a local computer can be used. 
     Host computer  201  can receive a request to fill an order, optionally in combination with the local computer(s) and/or the various components. In response, host computer  201  creates an order number and determines whether the order contains an order that requires bottles to be filled by counting individual tablets and whether the order contains an order that requires packages from the storage device for bottles  209 . 
     The storage device for packages  203  stores packages that contain pharmaceutical products. For example, one set of packages may contain a predetermined number of tablets (e.g., 500 tablets) of a certain drug (e.g., Allegra). Another set of example packages may include liquid pharmaceutical products. The packages can be made by original producers of drugs (e.g., Hoechst Marion Roussel). The packages can also be bulk bottles that are filled by any one of many automated (e.g., the ADDS) or manual methods known in the art. These packages can then be shelved so that their locations can be automatically identified. In turn, the dispenser for the packages  205  is configured to automatically identify the location of any package with a certain type of drug, dosage and/or quantity and configured to pick one or more packages from the identified location. In other words, a package contains a pharmaceutical product without having been pre-designated for any specific order when the package was created. 
     In operation, the command to locate and pick one or more packages is received from host computer  201 . The dispenser for packages can also be connected to its own local computer to perform the necessary functions to locate and pick one or more packages in accordance with the command from host computer  201 . It should be noted that the packages stored in the storage device for packages  203  are not designated for any specific patient. In other words, any package can be picked to fill an order of a patient as long as the type of drug, dosage and/or quantity are matched with the order. 
       FIG. 2  can also include a standard sensor or a standard counter to indicate when a specific type of package is out of stock in the storage device for packages  203 . These sensors or counters can be present at each location (or a substantial number of them). The signals from the sensors or counters can be communicated to, for example, the host computer  201  via the local computer. In turn, the host computer  201  can notify an operator or system to replenish the specific packages and/or stop the process of filling orders that require the specific type of package that are out of stock in the storage device for packages  203 . In addition, or optionally, host computer  201  can send a query to the storage device for packages  203  regarding whether a certain number of certain packages are available to be dispensed. In response, the storage device for packages  203 , or in combination with its local computer, can send a response based on information from the sensors and/or counters. Alternatively, sensors may be placed on the robot arm or picking device to provide the similar functionality. In yet another alternative, sensors are not utilized and the system keeps logical control by knowing how many packages have been placed in a channel and how many packages have been removed from the channel. 
     The dispenser for bottles  207  is configured to receive bottles that contain specific number (e.g., 1-500 or more) of pills for a specific order. For example, one bottle may include 350 tablets of one type of drug for patient A, while another bottle may include 600 tablets of another type of drug for patient B. The bottles can be filled by any automatic dispensing mechanisms known in the art (e.g., the system shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,771,657). Bottles can also be manually filled (by, e.g., a pharmacist). 
     If an automatic dispensing system is used, host computer  201  sends commands to fill bottles with certain number of pills for a certain type of drug. Once they are filled, the bottles are stored in the storage device for bottles  209 . In a similar fashion, in a manual system, the dispensing person would receive an instruction to count certain number of tablets for a certain type of drug. The person fills bottles according to the instructions and forwards the bottles to the storage device for bottles  209 . 
     Once the storage device for bottles  209  receives all the bottles necessary to fill an order, the storage device for bottles  209  or in connection with its local computer sends a message to the host computer  201  indicating that the bottle portion of the order has been filled. For example, an order to fill an order may require 1450 pills of a certain type of drug. In this example, the storage device for packages  203  may already have two packages each with 500 pills of the drug. If so, one bottle with 450 pills of the drug is necessary to fill the bottle portion of the order. (If one bottle cannot receive all 450 pills then more than one bottle would become necessary to provide the 450 pills). 
     The storage device for literature packs  211  contains literatures to be packaged with specific orders. For example, a set of literature packs for one order may include information relating to each of the prescribed drugs, how often each drug must be taken, billing information, special instructions from the prescribing doctor, insurance information, refilling information and/or general information, for example health or notification of other services. The set of literature packs is then packaged per order and collected in the storage device for literature packs  211 . Once the necessary literature packs are created, the storage device for literature packs  211 , or in combination with its local computer, can notify the host computer  201  that the literature pack has been printed. 
     Upon receiving various information from the storage device for packages  203 , storage device for bottles  209  and storage device for literature packs  211 , host computer  201  then sends instructions to the dispenser for the packages  205 , dispenser for bottles  207  and dispenser for literature packs  213 , or to their local computers, to dispense necessary bottle(s), package(s) and literature pack(s) to fill one or more orders. The dispensed bottle(s), package(s) and literature pack(s) are then consolidated by the consolidation station  215  and then sent, distributed or mailed out directly or indirectly to patients associated with the orders. 
       FIG. 3  shows yet another known system as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,762 to Charhut et al., which is incorporated herein by reference. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a system  310  is provided for dispensing prescriptions. The system  310  includes three lines  312 ,  314  and  316  of machines that can automatically fill, label, cap, and sort vials  318  in accordance with a patient&#39;s prescription order under the control of an appropriate control system. 
     For ease of understanding, only one of lines  312 ,  314 , and  316  will be described in detail. However, with the exception of vial size, the description is applicable to each of lines  312 ,  314 , and  316 . Therefore, reference numerals identifying items in the drawings which have counterparts associated with each line will be used generically in this description, but in the drawings will carry additional designations such as a, b, and c to identify those items corresponding to the particular lines. 
     The first machine position at each line of the system is a vial unscrambler  320 . In such a machine, vials of one size are dumped into a hopper  322  in bulk form. 
     The unscrambler  320  orients the vials upright in a separator  323  and spaces them on a conveyor  324  ready to feed into a vial filler  326 . The unscrambler  320  can also be equipped to shoot a blast of air into the vial, cleaning debris that might be present. 
     From the unscrambler  320 , a vial will travel via the conveyor  324  to the vial filler  326  (also referred to as the filler). The vial filler  326  preferably comprises a modified Automatic Tablet Control (ATC) machine. The ATC machine is capable of holding up to about 480 different oral, solid medications. Such medications are held in canisters calibrated specifically for those drugs. There can be one or more ATC machines per line depending on drug mix and drug volume required by the institution in which the system  310  is installed. 
     The conveyor  324  brings the vial under a filling position of the filler  326  and a signal from the controller system activates the appropriate drug canister, as required. More than one canister can be assigned to a specific drug and can dispense doses simultaneously. The drug doses are counted into the vial until filling is complete. 
     After filling, the vial is labeled by a label machine  328  (also referred to as the labeler). The labeler  328  can be located downstream of the vial filler  326  as shown or it can preferably be located under the vial filler  326  to label vials during or immediately following filling. A signal from the control system is sent to the label machine  328  at the same time the vial is being filled. The label machine print human readable information, as well as bar code information on demand. The label information is kept in a data base and contains drug description, as well as any warning statements. 
     After the label is printed, a reader can be provided associated with the labeler  328 , to verify the contents of the label by reading the printed bar code. Once a vial is filled and labeled, it travels down the conveyor  324  to a capping machine  330  (also referred to as the capper). The capping machine  330  grasps the vial and preferably applies a child-resistant cap  331  to the vial. 
     Just after the capper  330 , each line includes a bar code reader  336  and a wrap belt  339  disposed on opposite sides of the conveyor  324 . The wrap belt  339  serves to spin a vial around so that the bar code thereon can be read by the reader  336 . The bar code reader  336  verifies the legibility of the bar code on the label and confirms the prescription number to the control system. 
     After the vial is capped, a sensor associated therewith verifies that the cap has been properly applied. The capper  330  preferably includes a reservoir  333  that is sufficiently large to store one full shift&#39;s supply of caps. 
     Once a vial has been capped and the contents are verified by the capper sensor  336 , it proceeds to an accumulator or accumulation station  332  positioned at the end of its respective conveyor  324 . The accumulation station  332  serves two functions: sorting and ejecting. Vials are ejected when they have an improper drug count, unreadable labels, or improperly seated caps. A signal sent by the filler  326 , labeler  328 , or capper  330  causes a defective vial to be ejected into a reject bin  335  by a blast of pneumatic air gun  334  if any of the situations is detected. When a vial is ejected, the control system places a refill request with the filler  326  on a priority basis so that another attempt is made to complete the prescription order. 
     A circulating conveyor  342  (also referred to as a sorting conveyor) carries circulating bins  340  along a path that brings each of the bins under an accumulator  332  once per rotation. The bins  340  are bar coded and the control system assigns at least one circulating bin  340  per patient. If a particular patient has more vials than a single bin can hold, a second or third bin will also be assigned. A bin  340  will circulate on the conveyor  342  until a patient&#39;s total order has been collected. The bar code on the bin  340  will be read by bar code reader  363  prior to travel under the accumulators  332  and a signal will correctly time an accumulator  332  to discharge a specific patient&#39;s vial into the bin  340 . 
     All properly bottled vials are assigned to a location on the accumulator  332  where they await a circulating bin  340  in which they are to be placed. These locations are also referred to as the staging output area. The accumulator  332  preferably has up to twenty locations for temporary vial storage. 
     The accumulators  332  are positioned above the conveyor  342  so that the vials awaiting on an accumulator can be placed into a passing bin  340 . To this end, each accumulator  332  has associated therewith a pneumatic gripper  337  on a rodless cylinder for placing upon command, a vial into an accumulator position. 
     One or more of the bins is assigned to a patient by the control system. As the assigned circulating bin(s)  340  move(s) under the vial accumulator  332 , the accumulator  332  drops the vials into the assigned bin(s). The drop of the vials is effectuated by means of a release door contained in the accumulator position on which the vials rest and which is activated by a solenoid controlled by the control system. Preferably, the accumulator  332  is capable of placing its entire contents in one bin, if necessary. In this manner, all of the vials for one patient&#39;s order can be sorted and placed together in a bin. 
     When a patient&#39;s total order has been accumulated in one or more bin(s)  340 , the sorting conveyor  242  transfers the bin(s)  340  to one of a plurality of spurs. 
     Spur  350  is a conveyor referred to as the exception conveyor. An order is placed on spur  350  if, for some reason, the contents must be modified due to error. Spur  350  can also be used to place medications other than oral solids into a patient&#39;s bin  340 . This spur  350  can carry a bin  340  under a rack that contains, for example, liquids or creams. By reading the bar code on the bin  340 , the rack automatically would discharge the correct medication into the bin  340 . 
     Spur  352  is a conveyor referred to as the mail order conveyor. An order is placed on spur  352  if it is to be mailed to a patient. Spur  354  is a conveyor referred to as the pick-up conveyor. An order is placed on spur  354  if it is to be picked up by a patient, e.g. a walk-in. 
     As illustrated, a variety of extractors are operatively positioned to move bins onto and off of the conveyors  342 ,  350 ,  352 ,  360 , and  361 . These extractions are generally designated by the numeral  362 . Extractor  362   a , upon command, diverts bins from conveyor  342  into conveyor  350 . Extractor  362   b , upon command, diverts bins from conveyor  342  onto conveyor  352 . Extractor  362   c , upon command, diverts bins from conveyor  342  onto conveyor  354 . Extractor  362   d , upon command, diverts returned bins from conveyor  361  onto conveyor  360 . Extractor  362   e , upon command, diverts returned bins from conveyor  360  onto conveyor  342 . Additionally, a scanner  363  is provided that reads bar codes on returned bins. 
     An empty bin  340  is placed on return conveyor  360  or  361  which places it back on circulating conveyor  342 . Return conveyor  360  is used to return bins used for mail orders, while return conveyor  361  is used to return bins used for pick-up orders. At the point of return, the bar code on the bin ( 340 ) will be read and noted in the control system as an available bin. If the bar code is unreadable, the bin  340  is automatically ejected from the system  310 . The return is located just downstream from the take-off on the circulating bin conveyor  342  so the circulating conveyor  342  will always be full. Overhead transfer cylinders  364  are used to transfer bins  340  from one straight conveyor  342   a  to another straight conveyor  342   b , which together form the circulating conveyor  342 . 
     In the above described conventional systems, in order to automatically and/or manually dispense medications and/or pharmaceuticals, the system must obtain large numbers of medications and/or pharmaceuticals from a variety of manufacturers using a variety of different stored bottles and/or packaging. The conventional systems shown in  FIGS. 1-3  do not utilize, contemplate or suggest the use of a system that can automate the process of emptying the contents of manufacturers&#39; drug carrying containers into a receptacle having a larger capacity, thereby simplifying the number and types of bottles that must be used for dispending pharmaceuticals. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Computer-assisted methods, systems and mediums of the present invention overcome, among others, the shortcomings of the above-described conventional systems. 
     In one embodiment, an automated system is provided for emptying contents of pharmaceutical containers, including medications. The system includes a gripper unit for receiving and holding a pharmaceutical container, a cutter for cutting the pharmaceutical container, and a rotating unit operable with the gripper unit that rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container, optionally into a bulk-up container. The pharmaceutical container can be of different shapes and sizes. The bulk-up container can comprise a substantially uniform sized container to facilitate the automated dispensing of the medications. The gripper unit can include first and second, optionally V-shaped, interlocking fingers. 
     The system can also include a robot for placing the pharmaceutical container in the gripper unit. A conveyor can also be provided that transports the pharmaceutical container in proximity to said robot. 
     In addition, a vision system can be utilized by the robot to facilitate determining the position of the pharmaceutical container on the conveyor. When the vision system does not recognize at least one of the size and shape of a pharmaceutical container, the pharmaceutical container is transported off the conveyor, optionally into a bin. 
     The cutter can be an ultrasonic cutter, with a blade that optionally moves in a direction substantially parallel to a belt of the conveyor. A rodless air cylinder is used to facilitate movement of the cutter. 
     The system can also include an arm that rotates to a first position to receive the cut portion of the pharmaceutical container. The arm can also rotate to a second position to facilitate placing the cut portion in a waste repository. The arm can include or utilize a vacuum that retains the cut portion of the pharmaceutical bottle when the arm is in the first position. The vacuum can decrease when the arm is in the second position to effect release of the cut portion into a scrap bin. 
     The system can also include a scrap chute that receives a portion of the pharmaceutical container subsequent to emptying the contents of the pharmaceutical container. The scrap chute can be in a distal position with respect to the gripper unit prior to emptying the contents of the pharmaceutical container. The gripper unit can move to a proximal position with respect to the gripper unit to receive the portion of the pharmaceutical container held by the gripper unit subsequent to emptying the contents of the pharmaceutical container. The scrap chute can return to the distal position to place the portion of the pharmaceutical container held by the gripper unit in a scrap bin. 
     The system can also include and/or utilize a sensor system to determine when the contents of the pharmaceutical container are no longer being emptied. In an embodiment, the sensor system can include a light emitter and a light receiver so that the light emitter provides a light beam that is broken by the contents of the pharmaceutical container when the contents of the pharmaceutical container are being emptied. 
     The system can also include a detection system to detect when the pharmaceutical container is no longer being held by the gripper unit. The detection system can include a light beam source and reflector, such that the reflector does not sense the light from the light beam source when the pharmaceutical container is held by the gripper unit. 
     A method for emptying the contents of pharmaceutical containers is also provided. In an embodiment, the method includes the steps of holding a pharmaceutical container for cutting, cutting the pharmaceutical container, and rotating the pharmaceutical container to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container. 
     The method can also include the step of placing the pharmaceutical container in a waste repository subsequent to cutting. The method can also include the step of electronically viewing the pharmaceutical container prior to the holding and cutting steps. The viewing can provide position information of said pharmaceutical container. 
     The method can also include the step detecting when the contents of the pharmaceutical container are no longer being emptied. The method can also include the step of detecting when the pharmaceutical container is no longer being held. 
     In an embodiment, the system comprises means for receiving and holding a pharmaceutical container, means for cutting the pharmaceutical container, and means for rotating at least a portion of said the for receiving and holding to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container. The system can also include means for placing the pharmaceutical container in the means for receiving and holding. In addition, the system can include means for transporting the pharmaceutical containers in proximity to the means for receiving and holding. 
     The system can also include means for viewing and determining the position of the pharmaceutical containers on the means for transporting. In addition, the system can include an arm that rotates to a first position to receive the cut portion of the pharmaceutical container, and a second position to place the cut portion in a waste repository. 
     The system can also include means for determining when the contents of the pharmaceutical container are no longer being emptied, as well as means for detecting when the pharmaceutical container is no longer being held by the means for receiving and holding. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, an automated system for emptying the contents of pharmaceutical containers can include a gripper unit for receiving and holding a pharmaceutical container, a cutter for cutting the pharmaceutical container, and a control system for controlling the operation of the gripper unit and the cutter. The system can further include a rotating unit, operable with the gripper and the control system, that rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container. 
     The control system can include a keyboard, control logic, a display, and a processing unit. The control system can receive identification information of an operator of the system. The system can also include an indicia reader that interfaces with the control system. An indicia associated with a pharmaceutical container can be read by the indicia reader, and the control system can determine whether the pharmaceuticals are authorized. 
     The system can further include a robot that optionally interfaces with the control system, for placing the pharmaceutical container in the gripper unit. A vision system can be utilized by the robot, and optionally interface with the control system to determine, for example, the position of the pharmaceutical containers. The contents of the pharmaceutical containers can optionally be emptied into one or more bulk-up containers. 
     The system can also include an arm that optionally interfaces with the control system. The arm can rotate to a first position to receive a cut portion of the pharmaceutical container, and also rotate to a second position to place the cut portion in a waste repository. The arm can optionally utilize a vacuum that retains the cut portion of the pharmaceutical bottle when the arm is in the first position, and the vacuum can be reduced when the arm is in the second position to effect release of the cut portion. 
     The system can also include a scrap chute, optionally controlled by the control system, that receives a portion of the pharmaceutical container subsequent to emptying the contents of the pharmaceutical container. The system can also include a sensor system, optionally interfacing with the control system, to determine when the contents of the pharmaceutical container are no longer being emptied. The system can also include a detection system, optionally interfacing with the control system, to detect when the pharmaceutical container is no longer being held by the gripper unit. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a prescription filling and packing system can include a gripper unit for receiving and holding a pharmaceutical container, a cutter for cutting the pharmaceutical container, a rotating unit operable with the gripper unit that rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container into a storage container, and at least one dispensing machine that automatically counts and dispenses pharmaceuticals from the storage container and into bottles in accordance with prescription orders comprising at least one prescription. 
     The system can also include or utilize at least one printer for printing literature packs customized to the prescription orders. The system can also include or utilize at least one order consolidation and packing (OCP) station that presents a shipping container for each prescription order and inserts at least one bottle for each prescription order into the shipping container and inserts a corresponding literature pack for each prescription order into the shipping container. 
     The system can also include a gripper unit for receiving and holding a pharmaceutical container, a cutter for cutting the pharmaceutical container, a rotating unit operable with the gripper unit that rotates at least a portion of the gripper unit to empty the contents of the pharmaceutical container into a storage container, a plurality of carriers, each having receptacles to receive a plurality of bottles in scheduled locations, and at least one dispensing machine that counts and simultaneously dispenses pharmaceuticals from the pharmaceutical container and into at least one of the plurality of bottles. 
     The system can also include or utilize a computer that receives prescription orders for at least one prescription, as well as a loading station that loads the plurality of bottles in the scheduled locations corresponding to the prescription orders in at least one of said plurality of carriers. 
     The system can also include or utilize at least one transport device that transports the plurality of carriers with the plurality of bottles through at least one dispensing machine. The system can also include at least one order consolidation and packing (OCP) station that receives the plurality of carriers from the at least one dispensing machine and presents shipping containers to be filled. The at least one OCP station unloads the plurality of bottles from the plurality of carriers and loads at least one of the plurality of bottles and a corresponding customized literature pack corresponding to a prescription order into a shipping container. The literature pack and each of the bottles optionally have at least one corresponding identifier identified by at least one identification system to ensure that each of one or more bottles associated with the corresponding prescription order are inserted into the shipping container with the corresponding literature pack. 
     There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto. 
     In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     Other features of the present invention will be evident to those of ordinary skill, particularly upon consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments. 
     Notations and Nomenclature 
     The detailed descriptions which follow may be presented in terms of program procedures executed on computing or processing systems such as, for example, a stand-alone computing machine, a computer or network of computers. These procedural descriptions and representations are the means used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. 
     A procedure is here, and generally, conceived to be a sequence of steps leading to a desired result. These steps are those that may require physical manipulations of physical quantities (e.g., combining various pharmaceutical products into packages). Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical, optical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared and otherwise manipulated. It proves convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like. It should be noted, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these quantities. 
     Further, the manipulations performed are often referred to in terms, such as adding or comparing, which are commonly associated with mental operations performed by a human operator. No such capability of a human operator is necessary, or desirable in most cases, in any of the operations described herein which form part of the present invention; the operations are machine operations. Useful machines for performing the operation of the present invention include general purpose digital computers or similar devices, including, but not limited to, microprocessors. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description of the present application showing various distinctive features may be best understood when the detailed description is read in reference to the appended drawings in which: 
         FIGS. 1A and 1B  are exemplary diagrams illustrating a conventional automated pill dispenser; 
         FIG. 2  is an exemplary diagram illustrating a second conventional automated pill dispenser; 
         FIG. 3  is an exemplary diagram illustrating a third conventional automated pill dispenser; 
         FIG. 4A  is an exemplary diagram illustrating an embodiment of an automated pill dispenser in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 4B  is an exemplary diagram illustrating an aspect of an automated pill dispenser that can be used with the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary top view of an embodiment of the Automated Container Bulking System (ACBS); 
         FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b , taken together, is an exemplary embodiment of a flow diagram in accordance with a method of operation of the ACBS; 
         FIG. 7  is an exemplary embodiment of an infeed conveyor of the ACBS; 
         FIG. 8  is an exemplary embodiment of a robot of the ACBS; 
         FIGS. 9   a - 9   j  are various views of an exemplary embodiment of the grippers of the ACBS, and bottle positions within the grippers; 
         FIG. 10  is an exemplary embodiment of a cutter assembly of the ACES; 
         FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  are various perspective views of an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum assembly of the ACBS; 
         FIG. 12   a  is an exemplary embodiment of a bottle scrap chute of the ACBS; 
         FIG. 12   b  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle scrap chute of the ACBS in a first position; 
         FIG. 12   c  is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle scrap chute of the ACES in a second position; 
         FIG. 12   d  is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle scrap chute of the ACBS in a first position; 
         FIG. 12   e  is top view of an exemplary embodiment of a bottle scrap chute of the ACBS in a second position 
         FIG. 13  is an exemplary embodiment of a bottle scrap bin of the ACBS; 
         FIG. 14  is an exemplary embodiment of a pill accumulation chute of the ACBS; 
         FIG. 15  is an exemplary embodiment of an scanning light beam of the ACBS; 
         FIG. 16  is an exemplary embodiment of a bottle return bin of the ACBS; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a computer that can be used in implementing embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a block diagram of internal hardware of the example computer/control system shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 19  illustrates one example of a memory medium which may be used for storing computer programs of embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 20  is a block diagram representation of an example embodiment of computer network(s) implementing embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference now will be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. Such embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention, which is not intended to be limited thereto. In fact, those of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate upon reading the present specification and viewing the present drawings that various modifications and variations can be made. 
     For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on other embodiments to yield a still further embodiment. Additionally, certain features may be interchanged with similar devices or features not mentioned yet which perform the same or similar functions. It is therefore intended that such modifications and variations are included within the totality of the present invention. 
     Embodiments of the present invention are directed to dispensing orders that include various pharmaceutical products (e.g., bottles that contain counted pills, packages that include liquid or pre-packaged pharmaceutical products and/or patient specific literatures). In embodiments of the present invention pills also refer to tablets, capsules and other similar terms known in the art. As used herein, the term pill can also be used interchangeably with, for example, the terms tablet and/or capsule. 
       FIG. 4A  is an exemplary diagram illustrating an embodiment of an automated pill dispensing system  410  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In operation, orders (e.g., orders to fill prescriptions) are received by a host computer  9 , which forwards the orders to a distributed computer system including a central computer called Pharmacy Automation Controller  10  (PAC). PAC  10  maintains an order file of the information about each prescription to be filled in an order including all of the information needed to fill each prescription, prepare a prescription label for each prescription and the information to print literature to go in a shipping container with the prescription or prescriptions. PAC  10  can update the order file to maintain a record of the current status of each prescription being filled as it progresses through the automated system. 
     PAC  10  controls a set of Print, Apply and Load (PAL) stations  14  which print prescription bottle labels, apply the prescriptions to prescription bottles, and load the labeled bottles onto bottle carriers. PAC  10  also controls a carrier conveyer system  21  which carries the bottle carriers to different parts of the system, automatic drug dispensing machines  23  which dispense tablets or capsules into the prescription bottles in the bottle carriers as they are carried by the conveyer system  21 , bottle cappers  25  which apply caps to the bottles, and OCP stations  29  at which the bottles are unloaded from the carriers and placed in the shipping containers corresponding to the patient orders. 
     An Automated Container Bulking System (ACBS)  450  can also optionally interface with PAC  10 . As will be described herein with regard to  FIGS. 5-16 , ACBS  450  can be used to empty the contents of, for example, manufacturers&#39; drug bottles shown, e.g., in  FIG. 9  at  910 , into a bulk-up container shown, e.g., in  FIGS. 13 and 14  at  1406 , that have a larger capacity than individual bottles  910 . Using bulk-up containers advantageously simplifies the number and types of bottles  910  that must be used with system  410 . ALPS  250  can also optionally be integrated with system  410 . In addition, a conventional Computer Assisted Dispensing System (CADS)  460  can optionally be integrated with, for example, ACBS  450 , ALPS  250  and/or portions of system  410  such as, for example, PAC  10 . 
     Conveyer system  21  carries patient prescription bottles in the carriers from the PAL stations through the automatic drug dispensing machines  23 , to the bottle cappers  25 , and then from the bottle cappers to the OCP stations  29 . Conveyer system  21  also carries the empty carriers back to PAL stations  14 . OCP stations  29  each also have a literature dispensing mechanism, which inserts printed literature into each shipping container with the filled and capped prescription bottles. PAC  10  controls literature printers  31  which print literature for each prescription order and enclose the literature for each prescription order in an envelope, print a bar code that shows through a window in the envelope identifying the prescription order. PAC  10  can also control placement of each envelope on a literature conveyer (not shown), which carries the envelope from the literature printers  31  to the OCP stations  29 . 
     Patient prescription bottles that are to be automatically filled with the prescription drugs can be introduced to the automated system by hoppers (not shown, but the same as or similar to hoppers  37  shown in  FIG. 1B ) which receive the bottles in bulk form and automatically feed the bottles to unscramblers  39 . One hopper  37  and one of the unscramblers (not shown, but the same as or similar to an unscrambler  39  shown in  FIG. 1B ) can be used for relatively large bottles (e.g. 160 cc), and the remaining hoppers and unscramblers can be used for small bottles (e.g., 110 cc). Small bottles preferably an be used for a majority of the prescriptions. Any prescription orders that cannot be filled by using a large bottle can be filled by using multiple large and/or small bottles. In the unscramblers, the bottles are singulated and oriented so that the bottle opening first faces downward. The bottles are then righted and directed to PAL stations  14  on bottle conveyers (not shown, but the same as or similar to conveyors  41 ,  43  shown in  FIG. 1B ), one for large bottles and one for small bottles. 
       FIG. 4B  is similar to  FIG. 1B , and shows exemplary aspects of the automated pill dispensing system  410  shown in  FIG. 4A . In operation, one or more literature packs can be printed on a printer  31 , and sent to a collator  32  for collation into individual literature packs. More than one collator  32  can optionally be used. Once literature packs are collated, they can travel, for example, on a standard pinchbelt conveyor  33  to a literature pack sorter  35 , where they are sorted into literature pack batches. Although two literature pack sorters  35  are shown, any number of literature pack sorters can be utilized to suit, for example, cost and/or volume considerations. 
     On command from, for example, an OCP station  29 , the literature pack batches can optionally be manually transferred from the one or more sorters  35  to a dispatch unit  36 . Again, any number of dispatch units can be utilized to accommodate, for example, manufacturing, facility size and/or cost requirements or constraints. Dispatch units  36  can feed the literature packs to an OCP station  29 . 
     When system  410  detects (and/or suspects) a problem with an order (e.g., a wrong shipping address, incorrect prescription drug(s), and/or incorrect prescription quantity), an OCP station  29  can place the order in a bag, and divert the bag into, for example, a standard tote (not shown). The tote can be transported by, for example, conveyer  101  to package quality assurance station  96 , where a quality assurance person can inspect the order and correct anything that might be wrong (as discussed above) with the order. After inspection and corrective action, the quality assurance person at station  96  can take additional action(s) to ensure that the properly filled order is shipped to the patient/client. 
     Operation of ACBS  450  may be best understood with simultaneous reference to  FIG. 5 , which depicts a top view of an embodiment of ACBS  450 , and  FIG. 6 , which depicts an embodiment of a flow diagram in accordance with a method of operation of ACBS  450 . Reference hereafter will also be made to  FIGS. 7-16 , each of which are related to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
     System  501  automates the process of emptying the contents of manufacturers&#39; bottles  910  into a bulk-up container  516  having a larger capacity than individual bottles  910 . Bulk-up containers  516 , in turn, can be utilized in conjunction with, for example, dispenser for bottles  207 . 
     In general, system  501  optionally comprises two (or more) “sides” (e.g., side  1  and side  2 ). In  FIG. 5 , certain components are indicated as having “a” and “b” elements (e.g.,  901   a  and  901   b ;  1001   a  and  1001   b , etc.). The “a” and “b” elements respectively correspond to sides  1  and  2  of system  501 . Sides  1  and  2  expedite processing, as well as provide for redundancy in the event that one side is not available (e.g., for maintenance). The present invention also envisions three or more “sides” that can be utilized and provided in an integrated system  501 . An embodiment of system  501  comprising a single side can also be utilized. 
     System  501  is optionally initialized by verifying user credentials at step  602 . For example, control system  506  can comprise an instruction banner that optionally displays, for example, Scan and/or Enter Employee ID for Current Bulk-up Container. Control system  506  can optionally include, for example, a keyboard, personal computer (PC), display monitor and/or reader with which an operator can, for example, scan his/her badge and/or enter his/her password. 
     In addition, control system  506  can also optionally display, for example, Scan or Enter National Drug Code (NDC) for a bulk-up container  1406  (shown in  FIG. 14 ) that is to be utilized with side  1  or side  2 . In an embodiment, an operator can scan the drug NDC from a bottle  910  by using barcode scanner  512 . 
     Control system  506  can also optionally display, for example, Enter Expiry Date for NDC. An operator can then enter a valid expiry date, which can be utilized to ensure that (legally) authorized drugs are being utilized. If the expiry date falls within a predetermined date of the current date (e.g., within six months of the current date), an override password (or other override mechanism) can optionally be utilized. 
     Control system  408  can also optionally display, for example, Enter Lot Number for NDC, whereupon an operator can enter a valid lot number. Upon verifying user credentials and optionally performing other set-up operations (as described above), an operator can place a bulk-up container  1406   a  (and/or  1406   b ) in a position so that it respectively receives pills from pill chute  1301 . Each side of system  501  preferably has its own pill chute  1401   a ,  1401   b . Thus, in the embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , a first pill chute ( 1401   a ) is utilized for side  1 , and a second pill chute ( 1401   b ) is utilized for side  2 . 
     A multi-colored beacon  504  can optionally be provided, preferably but optionally in the vicinity of control system  506 , to indicate various states of system  450 . For example, a green beacon can be solid when system  450  is in automatic mode, and flash when system  450  is in manual mode (where, e.g., an operator may manually want to control robot  801 ). An amber beacon can flash when system  450  is low on supplies (e.g., bottles  910 ). A red beacon can be solid to indicate that an emergency stop button has been pressed, and/or that a guard door has been opened. A red beacon can flash to indicate that a fault exists (e.g., conveyor belt  704  is not in operation). Any color scheme can be used. In addition, beacon  504  can also include additional color(s) to indicate (or correspond) other states or operating status of system  450  or sub-systems thereof. 
     The control system  506  PC can utilize software (e.g., Microsoft Access®) to provide and/or access various databases (e.g., one or more drug databases, one or more employee databases, one or more end report databases, and the like). In an embodiment, control system  506  PC can also optionally utilize, for example, a RS-232 connection to interface with scanner  512 . The PC can read scanner signals, and verify that the drug is a valid drug as indicated by, for example, one or more the drug databases. 
     In addition, control system  506  PC can optionally utilize, for example, a conventional Ethernet connection to interface with robot  801 , vision system  518  and/or one or more vacuum valves and/or sensors associated with, for example, robot  801 . Further, control system  506  PC can also optionally utilize the same or a different Ethernet connection to interface with cutter assembly  1002 , conveyor  701  control system and/or various vacuum systems that can optionally be utilized to minimize, for example, pill dust that may be generated when bottles  910  are emptied and/or when bulk-up containers  1406  are removed. 
     Control system  506  can also optionally comprise, utilize and/or generate various screen displays and/or touch screen menus that allow an operator to, for example, enter various data and/or control the operation of system  450 . For example, system  450  can utilize and/or generate, for example, run status screen(s) and/or menu(s), manual control screen(s) and/or menu(s), scanner  512  setup screen(s) and/or menu(s), beacon  604  status and/or control screen(s) and/or menu(s), alarm history and/or status screen(s) and/or menu(s), robot control and/or status screen(s) and/or menu(s), drug data entry screen(s) and/or menu(s), employee data entry screen(s) and/or menu(s), end report screen(s) and/or menu(s), change operator screen(s) and/or menu(s), employee password screen(s) and/or menu(s), drug expiry date screen(s) and/or menu(s) and/or other various system status and/or control screen(s) and/or menu(s). 
     At step  604 , bottles  910  are loaded onto conveyor  701 , preferably with the lids (e.g., a twist cap, not shown) facing up. An exemplary embodiment of conveyor  701  is shown in  FIG. 7 . In an embodiment of system  450 , a Dorner  800  series flatbelt infeed conveyor (from Dorner Mfg. Corp., Hartland, Wis.) can be utilized, which includes an illuminated end  702 , a belt  704 , a gear motor  706 , and a support stand  708 . Conveyor  701  also preferably comprises a control system (not shown) that can optionally interface and/or be integrated with control system  506 . 
     Scanner  512  (e.g., a barcode scanner) allows an operator to, for example, scan a bottle  910  (optionally representative of a batch of bottles). Scanner  512  can also be used to scan, for example, an operator ID. Scanner  512  can be manufactured by, for example, Datalogic S.p.A., Bologna, Italy. The bottle barcode (or other identifier) preferably and typically indicates the drug and bottle type, which allows control system  508  to access any relevant bottle  910  data from, for example, a database (as previously discussed). 
     At step  606 , conveyor belt  704  can be used to move one or more bottles  910  into view of vision system  518 , which is utilized in conjunction with robot  801 . In particular, vision system  518  can be mounted overhead of robot  801  to view bottles  910 . Vision system  518  is preferably positioned over illuminated conveyor end  702 , which facilitates viewing. Illuminated conveyor end  702  is preferably illuminated from below belt  704  to assist robot  801  in picking a bottle  910  from conveyor  701 . At step  608 , vision system  518  can relate, for example, position and/or orientation information of one or more bottles  910  to robot  801 . 
     At decision step  612 , a determination can be made regarding whether system  450  recognizes each bottle  910 . Multiple bottle  910  sizes and shapes can be utilized. For example, vision system  518  can optionally verify that bottles  910  are of the correct diameter and/or overhead shape. If a bottle  910  size and/or shape is not recognized, robot  801  will not pick-up the bottle  910 , and the bottle  910  can be discarded at step  610 , after which updated bottle  910  position data is provided to robot  801  at step  608 . In an embodiment of system  501 , bottles  910  that are not recognized (e.g., wrong bottle, wrong size/shape, bottle fallen over) by vision system  518  are driven off the end of the conveyor  701  into bottle return bin  410 . An operator can empty bottle return bin  910  and reload the proper bottles (e.g., fallen over bottles)  910  onto conveyor  701 . 
     If, at decision step  612 , a bottle  910  is recognized, robot  801  provides the bottle  910  to a gripper assembly  901   a ,  901   b . As previously noted, an embodiment of system  450  comprises two “sides” (e.g., side  1  and side  2 ). If both sides are in operation, system  450  can operate, for example, in a round-robin mode, where robot  801  will alternate each bottle  910  between gripper  901   a  and  901   b . In the alternative, a single side (e.g., gripper  901   a  or gripper  901   b ) can be used until the bulk-up container associated with that side is full, and then switch to the other side (which presumably has a bulk-up container that is not full). If, for any reason, only one side of system  450  is being utilized, robot  801  will place bottle  910  in the gripper  901  of the side that is being utilized. 
     In an embodiment, robot  801  can have or utilize a vacuum in the vicinity of gripper assembly  901  to draw, for example, an end of bottles  910  in closest proximity to robot  801  to facilitate picking bottles  910  off of conveyor  701 . 
     At step  614 , robot  801  places bottle  910  onto a reciprocating bottle platform  1204  upon which a surface of bottle  910  rests. Bottle platform  1204  is positioned beneath grippers  908   a ,  908   b  so that bottle  910  rests on the platform  1204  prior to grippers  908   a ,  908   b  gripping the bottle. In a second position, and coincident with or subsequent to gripping, bottle platform  1204  is moved away from grippers  908   a ,  908   b  so that the contents of bottle  910  can subsequently be emptied into bulk-up container  1406  positioned therebelow. 
     At step  616 , rotate mechanism  914  is used to rotate bottle  910  into an upside down orientation (e.g., with the capped end facing down). Vacuum assembly  1101  is positioned near gripper assembly  901  so that suction plate  1110  can be positioned over the base of the bottle (e.g., the cutting area) when bottle  910  is in the upside down orientation. 
     At step  618 , one of cutter assembly  1001   a ,  1001   b  is used to cut bottle  910 . In an embodiment, cutter assembly  1001   a ,  1001   b  can comprise an ultrasonic system (Branson Ultrasonics Corporation, Danbury, Conn.) with a vibrating cutter  1002  that cuts through a bottle. Cutter  1002   a ,  1002   b  can be advanced by pneumatic actuator  522   a ,  522   b  so that blade  1006  cuts bottle  910 . In particular, suction plate  1110  holds the bottom of a bottle as cutter  1002   a ,  1002   b  advances. As blade  1006  cuts at or near an end of a bottle, the cutting action raises the cut portion of the bottle to suction plate  1110 , which draws the cut portion of the bottle  1112 . 
     After the bottle is cut, rotary actuator  1106  is then actuated to rotate rotary arm  1108  so the bottle scrap  1112  can be placed on one of scrap chute  1201   a ,  1201   b  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), which feeds the bottle scrap  1112  to one of bottle scrap bin  1301   a ,  1301   b . Grippers  908   a ,  908   b  then rotate bottle  910  approximately 180° so that the contents of bottle  910  are emptied onto an accumulation chute  1401  (as shown, e.g., in  FIG. 14 ), which leads to a bulk-up container  1406 . Vacuum hoods  522   a ,  522   b  are optionally provided, preferably near cutters  1002   a ,  1002   b , to minimize pill dust cross product contamination and/or to control pill dust from spreading. Vacuum capture velocities can be set at, for example, approximately 100 feet per minute. 
     Once the contents of the bottle  910  have been emptied, one of scrap chute  1201   a ,  1201   b  advances to receive the remaining portion of bottle  910 , which is dropped thereon by one of gripper assembly  901   a ,  901   b . One of scrap chute  1201   a ,  1201   b  retracts and the remaining portion of bottle  910  is placed into one of scrap bin  1301   a ,  1301   b.    
     When a bulk-up container  1406  is full, an End Report can optionally be created. An end report can indicate, for example, the drug NDC number, the drug expiry date, the number of pills emptied into a bulk-up container  1406  and/or the time the bulk-up container  1406  stopped receiving additional contents from bottles  910 . An operator can remove bulk-up container  1406 , and can choose to run the same drug again or scan a different drug. 
     In an embodiment, when multiple bulk-up containers  1406  are utilized, the following procedure can be used. When system  450  is processing a bulk-up container  406 , a NEXT BULK-UP IS SAME NDC pushbutton (or other actuator) on a Run Status screen can be presented to an operator at, for example, control system  506 . When the pushbutton is pressed, a pop up box, for example, can be displayed that instructs the operator to scan the next bulk-up container  1406 . 
     When the current bulk-up container  1406  is finished, a message can be displayed that instructs an operator to change bulk-up container  1406 . The operator then replaces the existing (full) bulk-up container  1406  with the new one. 
     Preferably near each pill accumulation chute  1401   a ,  1401   b  a LOAD EMPTY BULK CONTAINER pushbutton (or other actuator) is provided. The pushbutton can, for example, flash slowly when the current bulk-up container  1406  is full. 
     Once an operator has placed a new pre scanned-in bulk-up container  1406  underneath a pill accumulation chute  1401   a ,  1401   b , the corresponding pushbutton can flash rapidly, indicating that the pushbutton should be pressed to acknowledge that a new bulk-up container  1406  has been placed under a pill accumulation chute  1406   a ,  1406   b.    
     Once an operator has scanned the new bulk-up container  1406  (using, e.g., barcode scanner  512 ) and has placed it underneath pill accumulation chute  1401 , another pushbutton, for example, can be pushed to continue processing. For example, a LOAD EMPTY BULK CONTAINER pushbutton (of control system  506 ) can be pushed to continue processing the existing NDC drug. Of course, actuators other than pushbuttons can also be utilized. 
       FIG. 8  is an exemplary embodiment of a robot  801  of the ACES  501 . In an embodiment, robot  801  can be an Adept Cobra  600  robot (Adept Technology, Livermore, Calif.) that accommodates x, y, z, and theta movements. The height of the bottles is optionally downloaded to control system  506  based on the NDC of bottles  910 , which can be scanned by barcode scanner  512 . Robot  801  preferably but optionally has a vacuum end of arm tool (EOAT) that draws the end of the bottle  910  in closest proximity to the robot, and picks the bottle  910  off of the conveyor  701 . The EOAT can handle bottles  910  of varying size and/or diameter. Once a bottle  910  has been selected, robot  801  grasps, for example, the cap of a bottle  910 , optionally rotates the bottle  910  to the correct orientation, and places it into one of the two gripper assemblies  901   a ,  901   b.    
     Vision system  518 , which is preferably placed over illuminated conveyor end  902 , can be used to facilitate viewing bottles  910  and relaying, for example, location and orientation information of bottles  910  to robot  801 . Vision system  518  also verifies that the bottles  910  are, for example, the correct diameter and/or overhead shape. Vision system  518  can include a camera available from, for example, PULNiX America, Sunnyvale, Calif. 
       FIGS. 9   a - 9   d  show various views of an exemplary embodiment of gripper assembly  901   a ,  901   b , which comprises interlocking fingers  908   a ,  908   b  that are capable of movement to grip and release bottle  910 . In an embodiment, fingers  908   a ,  908   b  are V-shaped. Rotate mechanism  914  can include belt  916 , drive pulley  918 , and timing belt  920 , which allows gripper assembly  901   a ,  901   b  to rotate (e.g., 180°) to empty bottle  910  contents into a pill accumulation chute  1401   a ,  1401   b.    
       FIGS. 9   e - 9   j  show two bottle cutting and dispensing scenarios. In  FIGS. 9   e - 9   g , the top of the bottle is cut. In  FIG. 9   e , bottle  910  is placed upright in gripper assembly  901   a ,  901   b . After the top portion of bottle  910  is cut, gripper assembly  901   a ,  901   b  begins to rotate bottle  910 , as shown in  FIG. 9   e . After bottle  910  is rotated approximately 180°, as shown in  FIG. 9   f , the contents of bottle  910  can be emptied into a pill accumulation chute  1401   a ,  1401   b . When the bottle is placed uptight in gripper assembly  901   a ,  901   b , any cotton can be removed with the cutting operation. Cotton can also be removed, for example, by a the robot  801  vacuum. 
     In  FIGS. 9   h - 9   j , the bottom of the bottle is cut. In  FIG. 9   h , bottle  910  is placed in gripper assembly  901   a ,  901   b  with the cap  950  facing down. After the bottom portion of bottle  910  is cut, gripper assembly  901   a ,  901   b  begins to rotate bottle  910 , as shown in  FIG. 9   i . After bottle  910  is rotated approximately 180°, as shown in  FIG. 9   j , the contents of bottle  910  can be emptied into a pill accumulation chute  1401   a ,  1401   b.    
     In an embodiment of the invention, a light beam can optionally be used to determine whether bottle  910  is held by grippers  908   a ,  908   b . For example, control system  506  can optionally utilize a reflector  912  positioned, for example, on a side wall or portion of gripper  908   b . In operation, reflector  912  will not detect light when grippers  908   a ,  908   b  holding a bottle  910 . The light beam and reflector  812  can similarly be used to verify that bottle  910  is released from grippers  908   a ,  908   b  after the contents of bottle  910  have been emptied. That is, when reflector  812  detects light, grippers  908   a ,  908   b  are not holding a bottle  910 . 
     Because some bottles  910  may contain residual glue from the literature that was removed from the bottle  910 , a non-stick coating can optionally be added to grippers  908   a ,  908   b  to facilitate release of a bottle  910 . In addition, a continuous stream or intermittent shot of air can optionally be used in addition to or in lieu of the non-stick coating to “blow” the bottle out of grippers  908   a ,  908   b.    
     Robot  801  loads bottle  910  onto bottle platform  1204 , preferably in a manner that accounts for the size and/or shape of the bottle(s)  910 . For example, oblong and rectangular bottles may be oriented in a certain manner to allow grippers  908   a ,  908   b  to properly hold bottle  910 . Robot  801  retracts and selects another bottle  910 . Bottle platform  1204  also retracts, and the grippers  908   a ,  908   b  rotate (e.g., approximately 180°) the bottle  910  for cutting. A dust extraction sleeve  904  can optionally be utilized that draws the dust from the area while bottle  910  is cut. 
       FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  show various views of an exemplary embodiment of a vacuum assembly  1101 , which removes the cut portion of bottle  910  and places it into scrap chute  1201 . In operation, rotary actuator  1106  is actuated to rotate rotary arm  1108  so that suction plate  1110  is rotated to (or near) the top of the cutting area (at or near, for example, the base of bottle  910 ). As cutter  1002  advances and blade  1006  cuts bottle  910 , the cutting action raises the cut portion of bottle  910  to the suction cup  1110 . Rotary actuator  1106  then rotates rotary arm  1108  so that bottle scrap  1112  can be placed into bottle scrap bin  1301 . Grippers  908   a ,  908   b  then rotate bottle  910  so that the contents of bottle  910  are dumped into pill accumulation chute  1401 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 9   e - 9   j . Vacuum assembly  1101  can also optionally comprise a mounting plate  1102  and/or a speed controller  1104  to control the speed of rotation of rotary arm  1108 . 
       FIG. 12  is an exemplary embodiment of scrap chute  1201   a ,  1201   b  which, after cutting, deflects the remaining portion of emptied bottles  910  and cut off bottle scraps  1112  into scrap bins  1301  (as shown, e.g., in  FIG. 13 ). In an embodiment, once the contents of a bottle  910  have been emptied, chute  1206  (as shown, e.g., in  FIG. 12 ) advances, as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 12   c  and  12   e . The advancement of chute  1206  can optionally be in a position that is substantially transverse with respect to conveyor belt  704  (as shown, e.g., in  FIGS. 5 and 7 ). Grippers  908   a ,  908   b  release the remaining portion of bottle  910  onto chute  1206 . Chute  1206  retracts, as shown for example in  FIGS. 12   b  and  12   d , and the remaining portion of bottle  1110  slides into scrap bin  1301  ( FIG. 13 ). Chute  1206  also can optionally be used to deflect bottle scrap  1112  received from base vacuum assembly  1101  into scrap bin  1301 . 
     Scrap chute  1201  can be mounted to, for example, a Festo rodless air cylinder  1202  (available from Festo Corporation, Hauppauge, N.Y.) which facilitates single axis movement. A vacuum hood (not shown) is preferably provided above each scrap bin  1301  to, for example, minimize pill dust contamination while changing the scrap bin trash bag. Vacuum capture velocities can be, for example, approximately 100 feet per minute. Scrap chute  1201  can also optionally comprise a support angle  1208  for mounting. 
       FIG. 13  shows scrap bin  1301  (positioned near accumulation chute  1401 ), preferably but optionally having a handle  1308  on each of any two opposing sides thereof. Sensors (not shown) can be utilized and positioned to monitor both scrap bin  1301  presence near scrap chute  1201  and high level conditions in scrap bin  1301 . 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, a three-position selector switch (not shown) is optionally provided to divert the vacuum flow when changing either or both of scrap bins  1301   a ,  1301   b . When the selector switch is set to OFF, the vacuum is diverted, for example, to the cutting area near cutters  1002   a ,  1002   b  (on both sides), and no vacuum is present at scrap bins  1301   a ,  1301   b . When the selector switch is set to side  1 , vacuum flow is diverted from the cutting/dumping area to scrap bin  1301   a . Side  1  also optionally becomes disabled so that it does not cut any more bottles  910 . The same operation preferably occurs at side  2  when the selector switch is set to side  2 . A curtain  1302  is optionally provided to help isolate any dust inside bin housing area  1304 . 
       FIG. 14  is an exemplary embodiment of a pill accumulation chute  1401 . The contents of bottle  910  (e.g., pills) are emptied into funnel  1402  that directs the pills into bulk-up container  1406 . Manifold  1404  connects bulk-up container  1406  to funnel  1402 , and can optionally include a vacuum to absorb any pill dust that may emanate from placing the pills in bulk-up container  1406 . Vacuum capture velocities can be, for example, approximately 20 feet per minute. A support bar  1408  can also optionally be provided. Top chute  1410  and deflector  1412  can also optionally be provided to guide bottle  910  contents. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , a light beam unit (e.g., a Banner A-Gage™ Mini-Array™ unit)  1501  is shown that can be positioned, for example, on opposing sides of accumulation chute  1401  to verify that product did indeed empty out of bottle  910  and onto pill collection chute  1401 . Light beam unit  1501  is preferably but optionally integrated with control system  506 . Light beam units  1501  can include a light emitter  1406  and receiver  1404 . Light emitter  1406  sends, for example, a series of light beams to receiver  1404 . As bottle  910  product falls onto accumulation chute  1401 , it breaks the light beam, thus providing a signal indicating that product is still being dispensed. As bottle  910  product stops falling onto accumulation chute  1401 , the light beam is unbroken, thereby providing a signal indicating that product is not being dispensed. 
       FIG. 16  is an exemplary embodiment of a bottle return bin  1601 . Bottle return bin  1601  receives unopened manufacturer bottles that were not picked by robot  801 . Any bottles  910  that, for example, are not recognized by vision system  518  (e.g., wrong bottle, fallen over) are driven off conveyor belt  702  and onto bottle return chute  514 , which transports bottles  910  into bottle return bin  1601 . A retroreflective sensor, for example, can optionally be utilized to detect that the bin  1601  is both full and present. 
     Viewed externally in  FIG. 17 , a computer system (e.g., the host computer  201  or the local computers) designated by reference numeral  1740  has a computer  1742  having disk drives  1744  and  1746 . Disk drive indications  1744  and  1746  are merely symbolic of a number of disk drives which might be accommodated by the computer system. Typically, these would include a floppy disk drive  1744 , a hard disk drive (not shown externally) and a CD ROM indicated by slot  1746 . The number and type of drives vary, typically with different computer configurations. Disk drives  1744  and  1746  are in fact optional, and for space considerations, are easily omitted from the computer system used in conjunction with the production process/apparatus described herein. 
     The computer system also has an optional display  1718  upon which information screens may be displayed. In some situations, a keyboard  1750  and a mouse  1752  are provided as input devices through which a user&#39;s actions may be inputted, thus allowing input to interface with the central processing unit  1742 . Then again, for enhanced portability, the keyboard  1750  is either a limited function keyboard or omitted in its entirety. In addition, mouse  1752  optionally is a touch pad control device, or a track ball device, or even omitted in its entirety as well, and similarly may be used to input a user&#39;s selections. In addition, the computer system also optionally includes at least one infrared transmitter and/or infrared received for either transmitting and/or receiving infrared signals, as described below. 
       FIG. 18  illustrates a block diagram of one example of the internal hardware  1840  configured to perform various example steps as described above. A bus  1856  serves as the main information highway interconnecting various components therein. CPU  1858  is the central processing unit of the internal hardware  1840 , performing calculations and logic operations required to execute the control/operation processes of the present invention as well as other programs. Read only memory (ROM)  1860  and random access memory (RAM)  1862  constitute the main memory of the internal hardware  1840 . Disk controller  1864  interfaces one or more disk drives to the system bus  1856 . These disk drives are, for example, floppy disk drives  1744 , or CD ROM or DVD (digital video disks) drives  1746 , or internal or external hard drives  1868 . These various disk drives and disk controllers are optional devices. 
     A display interface  1872  interfaces display  1748  and permits information from the bus  1856  to be displayed on display  1748 . Communications with external devices such as the other components (e.g., a PLC) of the system described above, occur utilizing, for example, communication port  1874 . Optical fibers and/or electrical cables and/or conductors and/or optical communication (e.g., infrared, and the like) and/or wireless communication (e.g., radio frequency (RF), and the like) can be used as the transport medium between the external devices and communication port  1874 . Peripheral interface  1854  interfaces the keyboard  1750  and mouse  1752 , permitting input data to be transmitted to bus  1856 . In addition to these components, the internal hardware  1840  also optionally include an infrared transmitter and/or infrared receiver. Infrared transmitters are optionally utilized when the computer system is used in conjunction with one or more of the processing components/stations/modules that transmits/receives data via infrared signal transmission. Instead of utilizing an infrared transmitter or infrared receiver, the computer system may also optionally use a low power radio transmitter  1876  and/or a low power radio receiver  1878 . The low power radio transmitter transmits the signal for reception by components of the production process, and receives signals from the components via the low power radio receiver. The low power radio transmitter and/or receiver are standard devices in industry. 
     Although the server in  FIG. 18  is illustrated having a single processor  1858 , a single hard disk drive  1868  and a single local memory  1862 , the internal hardware  1840  is optionally suitably equipped with any multitude or combination of processors or storage devices. For example, the computer  1742  may be replaced by, or combined with, any suitable processing system operative in accordance with the principles of embodiments of the present invention, including sophisticated calculators, and hand-held, laptop/notebook, mini, mainframe and super computers, as well as processing system network combinations of the same. 
       FIG. 19  is, an illustration of an example computer readable memory medium  1984  utilizable for storing computer readable code or instructions. As one example; medium  1984  may be used with disk drives illustrated in  FIG. 18 . Typically, memory media such as floppy disks, or a CD ROM, or a digital video disk will contain, for example, a multi-byte locale for a single byte language and the program information for controlling system  410  and/or  450  to enable, for example, control system  506  to perform the functions described herein. Alternatively, ROM  1860  and/or RAM  1862  illustrated in  FIG. 18  can also be used to store the program information that is used to instruct CPU  1858  to perform the operations associated with various automated processes of the present invention. Other examples of suitable computer readable media for storing information include magnetic, electronic, or optical (including holographic) storage, some combination thereof, etc. 
       FIG. 20  is an illustration of the architecture of the combined Internet, POTS (plain, old, telephone service), and ADSL (asymmetric, digital, subscriber line) for use in accordance with the principles of the present invention. In other words, instead of using dedicated lines and such communication schemes associated with, for example, control system  506 , this example embodiment envisions a remotely controllable system. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of the Internet, ADSL, and POTS are for exemplary reasons only and that any suitable communications network may be substituted without departing from the principles of the present invention. This particular example is briefly discussed below. 
     In  FIG. 20 , to preserve POTS and to prevent a fault in the ADSL equipment  2054 ,  2056  from compromising analog voice traffic  2026  the voice part of the spectrum (the lowest 4 kHz) is separated from the rest by a passive filter, called a POTS splitter  2058 ,  2060 . The rest of the available bandwidth—from about 10 kHz to 1 MHz—carries data at, for example, rates up to 6 bits per second for every hertz of bandwidth from data equipment  2062 ,  2064 , and  2094 . The ADSL equipment  2056  then has access to a number of destinations including, for example, the Internet  2020  or other data communications networks, and other destinations  2070 . 
     To exploit the higher frequencies, ADSL makes use of advanced modulation techniques, of which the best known is the discrete multitone (DMT) technology. As its name implies, ADSL transmits data asymmetrically—at different rates upstream toward the central office  2052  and downstream toward systems  410  and/or  450 . 
     Cable modems come in many forms. Most create a downstream data stream out of one of the 6-MHz TV channels that occupy spectrum above 50 MHz (and more likely 550 MHz) and carve an, upstream channel out of the 5-50-MHz band, which is currently unused. Using 64-state quadrature amplitude modulation (64 QAM), a downstream channel can realistically transmit about 30 Mb/s (the oft-quoted lower speed of 10 Mb/s refers to PC rates associated with Ethernet connections). Upstream rates differ considerably from vendor to vendor, but good hybrid fiber/coax systems can deliver upstream speeds of a few megabits per second. Thus, like ADSL, cable modems transmit much more information downstream than upstream. Then Internet architecture  2020  and ADSL architecture  2054 ,  2056  may also be combined with, for example, other networks  2022 ,  2024 , and  2028 . 
     In accordance with the principles of the present invention, in one example, a main computing server (e.g., in one embodiment, control system  506 ) implementing the process of the invention may be located on one or more computing nodes or terminals (e.g., on networks  2022 ,  2024  and/or  2028 . Then, various users (e.g., one or more of the local computers described above) may interface with the main server via, for instance, the ADSL equipment discussed above, and access the information and processes of the present invention from remotely located PCs. Database  2086  is accessible via, for example, control system  506 . 
     In general, it should be emphasized that the various components of embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software or a combination thereof. In such embodiments, the various components and steps would be implemented in hardware and/or software to perform the functions of embodiments of the present invention. Any presently available or future developed computer software language and/or hardware components can be employed in such embodiments of the present invention. For example, at least some of the functionality mentioned above could be implemented using Visual Basic, C, C++, or any assembly language appropriate in view of the processor(s) being used. It could also be written in an interpretive environment such as Java and transported to multiple destinations to various users. 
     The many features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention are apparent from the detailed specification, and thus, it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such features and advantages of the invention which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and variations will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation illustrated and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.