Patent Publication Number: US-2019183737-A1

Title: Medical object distribution system and method

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/598,982, filed on Dec. 14, 2017, the entire contents of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Technical Field 
     Aspects of the embodiments relate to distribution of medical objects, such as medicines, and more specifically to systems, methods, and modes for automated distribution of medical objects directly to or from a headwall unit at a patient&#39;s bedside. 
     Background Art 
     The practice of dispensing and delivery of medical objects at medical institutions, such as hospitals, is a time consuming process. Medications, for example, need to be prepared and transported in a secure environment while ensuring the safety of patients and hospital workers. 
     Pneumatic tube systems have been used in hospitals to transport medications from the pharmacy to the nursing station. Pneumatic delivery systems are used extensively for their rapid, efficient, and secure transportation of a wide variety of articles. Typical pneumatic tube systems comprise a sending station located at the pharmacy in communication with a plurality of receiving stations located throughout the hospital. When the doctor prescribes medication, the pharmacy fills the prescription and delivers it inside the carrier to a desired receiving station via the pneumatic tube system. To transport an object via conventional pneumatic tubing, the object needs to be first placed within a carrier, which is transported via the pneumatic tubing to a destination by air under either positive or negative pressure created by a blower or a fan. The interior of the closed tube and the outer dimension of the carrier form a seal so that the carrier can be propelled between pneumatic stations. 
     The nurse at the receiving station must open the carrier and determine to which patient at which location (e.g., a patient room, emergency room (ER), operating room (OR), or phlebotomy room) the nurse needs to deliver the prescription. The medications are sorted at the nursing station for delivery to the patients by nurses responsible for the patient. In many instances, however, the medications get mixed up due to frequent handling by numerous personnel. Secure storage at the nursing station may not be available as the medications await delivery by the nurses. Nurses delivering the medications may pick up the wrong medication to deliver. User error may occur during the identification of the room and patient resulting in miss-delivery of the prescription. Additionally, errors may occur as nurses may be delivering a plurality of medications to various rooms. 
     Accordingly, a need has arisen for systems, methods, and modes for quick, secure, and automated distribution of medical objects directly to or from a headwall unit at a patient&#39;s bedside. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the embodiments to substantially solve at least the problems and/or disadvantages discussed above, and to provide at least one or more of the advantages described below. 
     It is therefore a general aspect of the embodiments to provide systems, methods, and modes for quick, secure, and automated distribution of medical objects directly to or from a headwall unit at a patient&#39;s bedside. 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Further features and advantages of the aspects of the embodiments, as well as the structure and operation of the various embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the aspects of the embodiments are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     According to one aspect of the embodiments, a pneumatic tubing system is provided for distribution of medical objects in a medical environment without a dedicated carrier. The system comprises a plurality of headwall stations, a sending station, at least one pump, and at least one controller. Wherein each headwall station is adapted to be installed in a headwall structure proximate to a patient bedside, wherein each headwall station comprises an opening in communication with pneumatic tubing. Wherein the sending station is connected to each of the headwall stations via pneumatic tubing. Wherein the at least one pump is adapted to create pressure differentiation within at least a subset of the pneumatic tubing for transmitting a medical object from the sending station to one of the headwall stations. Wherein the at least one controller is in signal communication with the sending station and the at least one pump, wherein the controller is adapted to selectively activate the at least one pump to route a medical object from the sending station to one of the headwall stations within the pneumatic tubing. 
     According to an embodiment, at least one headwall structure comprises a structural frame and a decorative front panel, wherein at least one headwall station is adapted to be recessed within the structural frame, and wherein the decorative front panel comprises an opening to provide access to the at least one headwall station. According to another embodiment, at least one headwall structure comprises a headwall cabinet, wherein at least one headwall station is secured to the headwall cabinet, and wherein the headwall cabinet comprises an opening to provide access to the at least one headwall station. 
     According to an embodiment, at least one headwall station comprises a user interface, wherein the at least one headwall station comprises a door with a lock, wherein the user interface is adapted to receive user identifying information, wherein the at least one controller receives and authenticates the user identifying information from the at least one headwall station and upon successful authentication unlocks the door of the at least one headwall station. According to another embodiment, at least one headwall station comprises a user interface, wherein the user interface is adapted to receive prescription information and transmit the prescription information to the sending station. 
     According to an embodiment, the sending station comprises a plurality of inlets each comprising an opening in communication with pneumatic tubing, wherein each headwall station is associated with and connected to one of the inlets via an independent pneumatic tubing path, and wherein the system further comprises a plurality of the pumps, wherein each pump is associated with one of the headwall stations and is adapted to create pressure differentiation within an associated independent pneumatic tubing path. Each inlet may comprise a medical object guiding portion that tapers from a wider opening to a narrower opening to guide medical objects into a respective pneumatic tubing path. 
     According to an embodiment, the at least one controller is further adapted to: receive destination information from the sending station, identify an intended headwall station using the destination information, identify a pump associated with the intended headwall station from the plurality of pumps, and activate the identified pump to route a medical object from an inlet of the sending station associated with the identified headwall station to the identified headwall station. According to an embodiment, each inlet comprises a door adapted to close the inlet opening, wherein each door comprises a lock adapted to keep the door locked, wherein the at least one controller is further adapted to unlock the door of the inlet associated with the identified headwall station to automatically provide access to the identified headwall station via the associated inlet. The door may comprise a biasing mechanism adapted to bias the door to open, wherein upon being unlocked the door of the inlet associated with the identified headwall station is forced to an open position. 
     According to an embodiment, the medical object comprises an ID tag including destination information, wherein the sending station comprises an identifying tag reader adapted to read the ID tag of the medical object to retrieve the destination information. The destination information may comprise at least one of a room number or ID associated with a headwall station, a unique ID of a headwall station, a unique ID of a pump associated with a headwall station, and any combinations thereof. 
     According to another aspect of the embodiments, a pneumatic tubing system is provided for distribution of medical objects in a medical environment without a dedicated carrier comprising: a plurality of headwall stations, a sending station, a plurality of pumps, and at least one controller. Wherein each headwall station is adapted to be installed in a headwall structure proximate to a patient bedside, wherein each headwall station comprises an opening in communication with pneumatic tubing. Wherein the sending station comprises a plurality of inlets each associated with and connected to one of the headwall stations via an independent pneumatic tubing path. Wherein each pumps is adapted to create pressure differentiation within at least one independent pneumatic tubing path. Wherein the at least one controller is in signal communication with the sending station and the at least one pump. Wherein the controller is adapted to: receive destination information from the sending station, identify an intended headwall station using the destination information, identify a pump associated with the intended headwall station from the plurality of pumps, and activate the identified pump to route a medical object from an inlet of the sending station associated with the identified headwall station to the identified headwall station. 
     According to another aspect of the embodiments, a pneumatic tubing system is provided for disposal of medical objects in a medical environment without a dedicated carrier. The system comprises a plurality of headwall stations, a receiving container, at least one pump, and at least one controller. Wherein each headwall station is adapted to be installed in a headwall structure proximate to a patient bedside, wherein each headwall station comprises an opening in communication with pneumatic tubing. Wherein the receiving container is connected to each of the headwall stations via pneumatic tubing. Wherein the at least one pump is adapted to create pressure differentiation within at least a subset of the pneumatic tubing for transmitting a medical object from one of the headwall stations to the receiving container. Wherein the at least one controller is in signal communication with the plurality of headwall stations and the at least one pump, wherein the controller is adapted to selectively activate the at least one pump to route a medical object from one of one of the headwall stations to the receiving container within the pneumatic tubing. 
     According to an embodiment, each headwall station comprises a medical object guiding portion tapering from a wider opening to a narrower opening in order to guide the medical object into the pneumatic tubing. 
     According to an embodiment, the system further comprises a plurality of receiving containers connected to the plurality of the headwall stations via pneumatic tubing, wherein the at least one controller selectively routes the medical object from one of the headwall stations to a selected one of the receiving containers. According to an embodiment, the system further comprises a plurality of pumps each associated with one of the receiving containers, wherein the at least one controller selectively activates at least one pump of a desired receiving container to route the medical object from one of the headwall stations to a selected one of the receiving containers. According to another embodiment the system comprises a diverter, wherein the at least one controller is adapted to activate the diverter to route the medical object from one of the headwall stations to a selected one of the receiving containers. According to an embodiment, each receiving container comprises a sensor adapted to detect when the receiving container is full, wherein the at least one controller designates a first container from the plurality of receiving containers to receive disposed medical objects and routes the medical objects to the first designated receiving container, wherein when the sensor of the first designated receiving containers indicates that the first designated receiving container is full, the at least one controller designates a second receiving container from the plurality of containers to receive disposed medical objects and routes the medical objects to the second designated receiving container. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other objects and features of the embodiments will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the following figures. Different aspects of the embodiments are illustrated in reference figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to be considered to be illustrative rather than limiting. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the aspects of the embodiments. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a headwall with a plurality of headwall stations for distribution of medical objects according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  shows a diagram illustrating a pneumatic tubing system for distribution of medical objects between a pneumatic station and at least one headwall station according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 3  shows a diagram illustrating a pneumatic tubing system for disposing medical objects, such as sharps, directly from a headwall station according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  shows a diagram illustrating an automated distribution system comprising a pneumatic tubing system and a robot for distribution of medical objects between a pneumatic station and a headwall station according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a rear perspective view of a robot used in the automated distribution system according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a front perspective view of a medical object distribution headwall station according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a front perspective view of a medical object disposing headwall station according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 8A  illustrates a front perspective view of a headwall station comprising both a medical object receiving and dispensing portion or bin and a medical object disposal portion or bin according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 8B  illustrates a front perspective view of the headwall station in  FIG. 8A  installed in a headwall according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 8C  illustrates a rear perspective view of the headwall station in  FIG. 8A  installed in the headwall according to an illustrative embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a front perspective view of a medical object sending station according to an illustrative embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The embodiments are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. In the drawings, the size and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art. The scope of the embodiments is therefore defined by the appended claims. 
     Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the embodiments. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” on “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular feature, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
     The different aspects of the embodiments described herein pertain to the context of systems, methods, and modes for automated distribution of medical objects directly to or from a headwall unit at a patient&#39;s bedside, but is not limited thereto. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a perspective view of a headwall  100 , or headboard, with a headwall station  110  and a headwall station  121  for distribution of medical objects according to an illustrative embodiment. Headwalls are usually placed at a head of a patient bed  102  in intensive care units (ICU) or in most critical care and deeply aggressive patient care areas. Headwalls are architectural structures that merge medical service equipment  120  to increase efficiency. Such medical service equipment  120  may comprise electrical and medical gas connections, such as medical gas outlets, power supplies, emergency electrical receptacles, as well as storage cabinets, monitor support, nurse calling equipment, or the like. Headwall  100  typically comprises a structural frame  130  and at least one decorative front panel  131  with cutouts or openings to provide access to the medical service equipment  120 . The pneumatic systems according to the present embodiments provide for unattended or automated distribution of medical objects in a secure environment directly to or from the headwall  100  at the patient&#39;s bedside. According to one embodiment, headwall station  110  may be utilized in the pneumatic tubing system as an interface to the pneumatic tubing  106  to receive medical objects, such as medicines. According to a further embodiment, headwall station  121  may be utilized in the pneumatic tubing system as an interface to pneumatic tubing  126  to dispose medical objects, such as sharps. Medical object distribution, such as medicines or sharps, should be accessible adjacent to the patient. The present embodiments provide access to the automated medical distribution system by placing access points, such as headwall stations  110  and  121 , directly at a patient headwall  100 , which is conveniently placed adjacent to the patient bedside. As a result, medical objects can be directly delivered to the patient&#39;s bedside, and/or automatically disposed from the patient&#39;s bedside, depending on the implementation of the system. 
     In patient rooms where headwalls, such as headwall  100 , are not utilized, headwall stations  110  and/or  121  may be mounted within a dedicated headwall receiving cabinet placed adjacent to the patient bedside. The headwall receiving cabinet may comprise an enclosed structure for housing the headwall stations  110  and/or  121  with an opening to provide access to the headwall station. 
     According to various embodiments, a single headwall station may be present by the patient&#39;s bedside, or a plurality of headwall stations, such as  110  and  121 , may be positioned at the headwall  100  adjacent to the patient for different purposes. For example, headwall station  110  may be used to receive medical objects from a pharmacy or supply areas located within the hospital via pneumatic tubing  106 . According to one embodiment, medical objects directly travel within pneumatic tubing  106  without any dedicated carriers. According to another embodiment, medical objects may be placed inside a cylinder or a carrier, which travels within pneumatic tubing  106 . Such medical objects may include, but not limited to, medicines, such as oral, topical, or suppository pharmaceutical drugs provided in blister packs or small bottles, intravenous (IV) bags, blood unit bags, or similar solution bags, as well as small medical devices or supplies, such as sterile items, thermometers, bandages, dressings, or the like, used to diagnose, cure, treat, or prevent disease. According to another embodiment, the headwall station  110  may be limited to receiving routine pharmaceutical medications, such as blister packs of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or the like. 
     Placing a headwall station  110  at each patient&#39;s bedside may save hospitals valuable space by providing safe and convenient storage of medical objects, such as medicines, prior to administration. No medical objects need to be stored at the nursing station or at the pharmacy. The headwall station  110  also enables the isolation of medical objects between patients, reducing errors of administering drugs to the wrong patient and improving patient security. The system also relieves hospital personnel and professionals of unnecessary travel by removing duplication of movement by personnel, if for example a nurse has forgotten to bring the medication to the patient&#39;s room for administration. Furthermore, the architecture of the pneumatic tubing system allows for the creation of a complete chain of custody of a medical object from the pharmacy and/or the nursing station to the patient. 
     According to another embodiment, headwall station  110  at patient&#39;s headwall  100  may be used to transmit medical objects, such as patient documentation or files, prescriptions, blood samples, viral samples, or other biological or chemical matter obtained from the patient, from the headwall station  110  to other areas of the hospital, for example to laboratories or to pharmacies within the hospital. For example, immediately after taking a blood sample at a patient&#39;s bedside, a nurse may use the headwall station  110  to transmit the blood sample to a laboratory via pneumatic tubing  106 . 
     Headwall station  121  may be used for automatic and safe disposal of used medical objects, such as sharps, from a location directly adjacent to the patient to a secured central disposal location via pneumatic tubing. Sharps may include but not limited to needles, syringes with and without needles, hypodermic and tubing, acupuncture needles, suture needles, tubing with needles, scalpel blades, blood vials, exposed ends of dental wires, broken glass or capillary tubes, culture dishes and slides, lancets, pipettes, root canal files, trauma scene waste that can cut, slice or pierce, or the like. According to as aspect of the present embodiments, the sharps may be disposed without any dedicated pneumatic carrier. Instead, sharps may be directly transported within the pneumatic tubing  126 . Accordingly, immediately after the sharps are used in a procedure, the user may dispose of the sharps directly via the headwall stations  121  located directly adjacent to the patient bedside. The sharps are then quickly transported to a remote receiving station. Since the sharps are immediately disposed of without the use of any containers or carriers, there is no danger that the container or the carrier may get overfilled. Moreover, no individual carriers or containers need to get loaded at the headwall station  121  or emptied every time the receiving station receives a delivery of sharps. Accordingly, the sharps disposal system of the present embodiments speeds up the disposal process and effectively reduces the extent a user handles the sharps, significantly reducing the risk of accidental needle-stick injury. 
     According to various embodiments, the headwall station  110  may comprise a housing  111  recessed in the headwall  100  behind the decorative front panel  131  of the headwall  100 . The decorative front panel  131  may comprise an opening to provide access to the headwall station  110 . Headwall station  110  may be configured and sized to fit and to be supported by the structural frame  130  of the headwall  100 . The front face of the housing  111  may include an opening in communication with opening  104  that mates with a terminal end of the pneumatic tubing  106 . The opening on the front face of the housing  111  may comprise a door  112  configured for closing the front of the housing  111  to restrict access to the headwall station  110  by unauthorized users. The door  112  may comprise at least one spring loaded hinge  113  that forces the door  112  shut. The door  112  may comprise a handle  117  that may be pulled by the user to open the door  112 . When the handle is released, the spring loaded hinge  113  will force the door  112  to close. The door  112  may further comprise a see-through window through which a user, such as a nurse, can observe contents within the headwall station  110 . The door  112  may also comprise a lock  114 , such as an electromagnetic lock, that keeps the door  112  closed. Other types of locks may also be utilized, such as a key lock. 
     According to an embodiment, the headwall station  110  may further comprise an identifying tag reader  115  for reading ID tags of the user, or ones attached to the medical objects or its container, packaging, or carrier. The front face of the headwall station  110  may further comprise a user interface such as a touch-screen  118  or a keypad  119  for receiving user input. The user interface may be utilized to enter security information (e.g., a personal identification number (PIN)) for a user of the headwall station  110 . User identifying information received by scanning a user ID tag via identifying tag reader  115 , or security information received via the user interface  118 , may be used for tracking purposes of the medical objects, or in another embodiment, may be used for unlocking the lock  113  of the door  112  to allow the user to open the door  112 . The user interface may in addition may be used to enter destination information of medical objects that need to be sent from the headwall station  110 . Furthermore, a user may enter prescription information using the user interface, which may be sent to the pharmacy. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , there is shown another embodiment of headwall station  600  for distribution of medical objects. Headwall station  600  may comprise housing  601  adapted to be recessed in a headwall of a hospital. Housing  601  may comprise mounting brackets  602 , such as four mounting brackets, vertically extending from each side wall of housing  601 . Mounting brackets  602  may be used to mount headwall station  600  to the structural frame of the headwall, such as between parallel structural beams. Headwall station  600  may comprise a front opening  604  to provide access to the interior space of housing  601 . Headwall station  600  may further comprise opening  605  that mates with a terminal end of the pneumatic tubing  610 . Headwall station  600  may further comprise a decorative frame  608  adapted to be secured about the front opening  604  of housing  601  to cover any space created between housing  601  and an opening in the headwall. The front opening  604  may be covered via door  612  such as a glass door, with similar configuration as door  112  in  FIG. 1 , configured for closing the front opening  604  of the housing  601  to restrict access to the headwall station  600  by unauthorized users. Upon arrival, medical objects may be directly received within the housing  601  of the headwall station  600 . According to an embodiment, the interior space of the headwall station  600  may comprise a user interface unit  615  comprising various modules for interfacing with a user, such as an identifying tag reader (e.g.,  115  in  FIG. 1 ), a touch-screen (e.g.,  118  in  FIG. 1 ), a keypad (e.g.,  119  in  FIG. 1 ), a card reader  617 , or the like. Although in other embodiments, the user interface unit  615  may reside outside of the interior space, as shown in  FIG. 1 . The user interface unit  615  may be utilized to enter various information, as discussed below, such as user identifying information, destination information, prescription information, or the like. 
     Headwall station  121  for disposing medical objects may comprise a similar configuration to headwall station  110  and  600 . According to an embodiment, referring to  FIG. 7 , headwall station  121  may comprise a housing  701  adapted to be recessed in the headwall  100 . Housing  701  may comprise mounting brackets  702 , such as four mounting brackets, vertically extending from each side wall of housing  701 . Mounting brackets  702  may be used to mount headwall station  121  to the structural frame  130  of the headwall, such as parallel structural beams. The front face of the housing  701  may include a front opening  704  for allowing access into the housing  701 . Headwall station  121  may further comprise a decorative frame  708  adapted to be secured about the front opening  704  of housing  701  to cover any space created between housing  701  and an opening in the headwall. Housing  701  may further comprise opening  705  that mates with a terminal end of the pneumatic tubing  126 . The opening  705  to pneumatic tubing  126  may comprise a door  712  configured for being opened to give access to the user to dispose medical objects, such as sharps, directly into the pneumatic tubing  126 . Door  712  may comprise a handle  714 . The headwall station  121  may comprise a door open sensor  706  that may be triggered when the door is opened  712 . Door open sensor  706  may activate a pump connected to pneumatic tubing  126  such that medical objects can be quickly disposed via the headwall station  121  and transported via pneumatic tubing  126  to a disposal area as discussed below. In addition, although not shown, headwall station  121  may include similar components as headwall station  110  and  600 , such as a front door  112 , identifying tag reader  115 , touch-screen  118 , and/or a keypad  119  ( FIG. 1 ). 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8A-8C , there is show yet another embodiment of headwall station  800 , where  FIG. 8A  illustrates a front perspective view of the headwall station  800 ,  FIG. 8B  illustrates a front perspective view of the headwall station  800  installed in a headwall  810 , and  FIG. 8C  illustrates a rear perspective view of the headwall station  800  installed in the headwall  810 . Headwall station  800  may incorporate both a medical object receiving and dispensing portion or bin  801  with similar construction to headwall station  110 , as well as a medical object disposal portion or bin  802  with similar construction to headwall station  121 . Headwall station  800  may comprise housing  804  adapted to be recessed in headwall  810  substantially behind the decorative front panel  821  of the headwall. Referring to  FIGS. 8B and 8C , housing  804  may be mounted to the structural frame  820  of the headwall  810 , for example via screws (not shown). The decorative front panel  821  of the headwall  810  may include an opening to provide access to the headwall station  800 . A frame  815  may be used to cover any space between housing  804  and the opening in the headwall  810 . Referring to  FIG. 8A , housing  804  may comprise a partition  805  adapted to segregate the medical object receiving and dispensing portion or bin  801  from the medical object disposal portion or bin  802 . While portions  801  and  802  are shown to be disposed horizontally or side-by-side with respect to each other, they may be also disposed vertically or one on top of the other. 
     The medical object disposal portion  802  may include a medical object guiding portion  807  tapering from a wider opening to a narrower opening in order to guide medical objects into pneumatic tubing  806 . The medical object receiving and dispensing portion  801  may comprise a door  812  comprising a handle or knob  813 . The door  812  may be closed shut via an electromagnet  814  to restrict access to portion  801  by unauthorized users. Door  812  may also comprise a spring loaded hinge  817 . According to an embodiment, the medical object receiving and dispensing portion  801  may comprise a medical object arrival indicator  816 , such as an LED, adapted to indicate that a medical object has arrived at headwall station  800  via pneumatic tubing  819 . According to another embodiment, the medical object receiving and dispensing portion  801  (or stations  110 / 600 ) may also comprise a speaker adapted to emit an audible signal or message when a medical object and/or a carrier is received at the headwall station  800 . Each of the portions  801  and  802  may further comprise an ID card reader  813  and  818 , respectively, adapted to read an ID card of a user for authentication. For example, upon authentication of an ID card of a user at ID card reader  813  of the medical object disposal portion  802 , a pump associated with portion  802  may be activated to dispose medical objects. On the other hand, ID card reader  818  may be used to unlock the lock  814  of door  812 . According to another embodiment, headwall station  800  may comprise a user interface unit  615  shown in  FIG. 6 . According to an embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8C , each headwall station  800  may comprise a controller  822  in electrical communication with the headwall station  800  (or incorporated in the headwall station  800 ), configured for monitoring and/or controlling the operation of headwall station  800 , as discussed below. 
       FIG. 2  shows a diagram illustrating a pneumatic tubing system  200  for distribution of medical objects  205 , such as medicines, between a pneumatic station  204  and at least one headwall station  210  at a patient&#39;s room according to an embodiment of the present principles. System  200  comprises a pneumatic station  204  connected to one or more headwall stations  210  via pneumatic tubing  206 . The pneumatic station  204  may be placed at a secure area within the hospital designated as a location from where medical objects are distributed to the patients, such as a nursing station or a pharmacy. According to an embodiment, the pneumatic station  204  may comprise a housing recessed in a wall within a nursing station, or another location, or it may be secured on a wall or to the floor, secured to a counter, attached to a pedestal, or installed via other means within a location. The front face of the pneumatic station  204  may include an opening in communication with an opening within the housing connected to pneumatic tubing  206 . The pneumatic station  204  may further comprise a door to restrict access to the pneumatic tubing system  200 . The pneumatic station  204  may contain a touch screen for user input and communication. The touch screen may allow a user to identify the intended headwall station  210  and input any other instructions for the handling of the transported medical objects  205 . In an alternative embodiment, the functions of touch screen may be accomplished using manual buttons, switches or other controls, in which event a screen without touch capability may be used. 
     The headwall station  210  may be placed within the patient headwall  201  as discussed above with reference to  FIGS. 1, 6, and 8A-8C . After prescriptions for medical objects  205 , such as medicines, are filled at the pharmacy or sorted at the nursing station, they will be placed in the pneumatic station  204  and distributed via pneumatic tubing  206  to the proper headwall station  210  in proximity to the patient bedside. 
     According to an embodiment, system  200  is configured to operate without the implementation of any dedicated pneumatic carriers. As such, medical objects  205  may directly transported within the pneumatic tubing  206  such that no individual carriers or containers need to get loaded at the pneumatic station  204  or emptied at the headwall station  210 . The medical object  205  may be distributed quickly, safely, and without prolonged handling, effectively eliminating user errors by minimizing extra staff handovers. Although according to another embodiment, medical objects  205  may be placed in a protective cylinder adapted to travel within pneumatic tubing  206 . Such cylinder may be used for convenience, for more rigid restrictive processes, or where cross contamination of medical objects needs to be prevented for safety. 
     According to some aspects of the embodiments, pneumatic tubing  206  may comprise rigid pipes for transmitting medical objects  205  or the protective cylinders. According to other embodiments, pneumatic tubing  206  may comprise a flexible reinforced hose, such as flexible plastic material, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like. Although, other materials may also be utilized, including rubber; reinforced or coated fabric, such as polyester, nylon, fiberglass, or the like; silicone; metals such as aluminum alloy, corrugated stainless steel alloy, or the like; or other material known in the art. For carrier free operation, the hose may comprise a smooth inner surface to prevent the medical objects  205  from being caught in the hose. The inner diameter of the hose may range from approximately 1 inch to approximately 4 inches. According to an embodiment, the inner diameter may comprise approximately 2 inches. Accordingly, the hose is large enough to permit the transport of medical objects  205  while maintaining small enough inner diameter to reduce the amount of air pressure or vacuum required to efficiently transport the medical objects  205  therein. 
     According to one embodiment, system  200  may comprise a multi-station pneumatic system comprising a pneumatic station  204  connected to a plurality of headwall stations, such as headwall stations  210  and  230 , via a plurality of tubing pathways. According to an embodiment, the system  200  may comprise a diverter  231  in communication with and controlled by a system controller  212  and adapted for creating a path from the pneumatic station  204  to one of the headwall stations  210  or  230 . Although  FIG. 2  demonstrates a one zone pneumatic tubing system  200 , a system with multiple zones and the inclusion of any number of pneumatic stations  204  and headwall stations  210  is possible without deviating from the scope of the present principles. The various pneumatic tubing pathways may be combined or merged via one or more Y-connectors or diverters configured for changing the direction of the tubing pathways. According to an embodiment, system  200  may be a one-way system such that medical objects  205  may only travel from the pneumatic station  204  to one of the headwall stations  210  in one direction, and not backward. This ensures safety of transmissions and prevents system misuse. According to other embodiments, two-way pneumatic system may be used allowing transmission of medical objects  205  to or from the headwall station  210 . 
     System  200  may comprise at least one pump  220  configured for creating pressure differentiation within the pneumatic tubing  206  that facilitates the transmission of medical objects  205  between the pneumatic station  204  and the headwall station  210 . Pump  220  may either create a positive pressure or a negative pressure within pneumatic tubing  206  to move medical objects  205 , or a dedicated carrier, within the tubing  206 . According to an embodiment, pump  220  may be configured for generating approximately 4 pounds to approximately 6 pounds of pressure/vacuum. Pump  220  may be connected to pneumatic tubing  206  via an airline tubing  208  configured for providing compressed air. According to one embodiment, pump  220  may comprise a positive pressure air compressor for generating compressed air within pneumatic tubing  206 . In such an implementation, for example, the system  200  may comprise at least one diverter  231  and a single positive air pressure pump or air compressor  220 . Such positive pressure air compressor  220  may be configured to provide positive air pressure to push medical object  205  from the pneumatic station  204  to one of the headwall stations  210  or  230  via a path created by the diverter  231 . Alternatively, according to another embodiment the pump  220  may comprise a negative pressure compressor or a vacuum pump that creates vacuum within pneumatic tubing  206 . In such an implementation, for example, each headwall station  210  and  230  may comprise a vacuum pump  220  that pulls the medical object  205  from the pneumatic station  204  to the respective headwall station  210  with negative air pressure. In another embodiment, pump  220  may be configured to generate positive and negative pressure within pneumatic tubing  206  to allow for a two-way transmission. 
     According to another aspect of the embodiments, system  200  may comprise a point-to-point pneumatic system. In such an implementation, the pneumatic station  204  may comprise a plurality of inlets  217  each connected via an independent pneumatic tubing pathway, such as pathway  219 , to a respective headwall station, such as headwall station  240 . Each such pneumatic tubing pathway may be associated with a pump, such as pump  241 , which may be selectively activated to transmit medical objects  205  between the pneumatic station  204  and a desired headwall station. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9 , there is shown an exemplary embodiment of a pneumatic sending station  900  with a plurality of inlets  910  for distribution of medical objects to a plurality of headwall stations at the patient bedside, such as headwall stations  110 ,  210 / 230 / 240 ,  610 , and/or  801 . Sending station  900  may be placed at the pharmacy, at a nursing station, or a similar location from which medical objects need to be distributed to the patients. Sending station  900  may be used in a one way distribution system where medical objects need to be only sent from, but not received by, the sending station  900 . Sending station  900  may comprise housing  901  adapted to contain the inlets  910 . In other embodiments, sending station  900  may be implemented without a housing  901  by placing access to the inlets  910  on a counter or a similar surface. Each inlet  910  may comprise an opening  905  that mates with a terminal end of the respective pneumatic tubing  911  such as medical objects may be directly received through the opening  905  into respective pneumatic tubing  911 . According to an embodiment, each inlet  910  may comprise a medical object guiding portion, such as  807  shown in  FIG. 8A , that tapers from a wider opening to a narrower opening in order to guide medical objects into the respective pneumatic tubing  911 . Each inlet  910  is associated with and connected via a respective pneumatic tubing  911  to a single respective headwall station such that each inlet may only deliver medical objects to an associated headwall station on the other end of the respective pneumatic tubing  911 . The system consists of a plurality of pumps  918  such that each inlet  910  is also associated with a respective pump  918  connected to the respective pneumatic tubing  911  to distribute medical objects from the inlet  910  to a respective headwall station via positive or negative air pressure. 
     In addition, the opening  905  of each inlet  910  to respective pneumatic tubing  911  may comprise a door  912  configured for closing the opening  905  to restrict access to the inlet  910  to unauthorized users. The door  912  may comprise a biasing mechanism, such as a spring loaded hinge  913 , adapted to bias the door  912  to open. The door  912  may also comprise a lock  914 , such as an electromagnetic lock, that keeps the door  912  locked. Other types of locks may also be utilized. The door  912  is generally remains closed by lock  914 . According to an embodiment, the sending station  901  may comprise a user interface unit  915  comprising various modules for interfacing with a user, such as an identifying tag reader (e.g.,  115  in  FIG. 1 ), a touch-screen (e.g.,  118  in  FIG. 1 ), a keypad (e.g.,  119  in  FIG. 1 ), a card reader  617 , or the like. The user interface unit  915  may be utilized to enter various information, as discussed below, such as user identifying information, destination information, prescription information, or the like. According to an embodiment, the identifying tag reader of the user interface  915  may be used to scan a barcode on a medical object in order to identify the desired destination headwall station as well as its associated pump  918  and inlet  910 . In response, the lock  914  of the identified inlet  910  may automatically unlock and the spring loaded hinge  913  will force the door  912  to open to provide access to the appropriate headwall station via the identified inlet  910 . In addition, the identified pump  918  may be automatically turned on to distribute the medical object from the identified inlet  910  to the identified destination headwall station on the other end. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , system  200  may further comprise a system controller  212  configured for monitoring and controlling the operation of system  200 . The pneumatic station  204 , one or more headwall stations  210 ,  230 , and/or  240 , the diverter  231 , one or more pumps  220  and/or  241 , and other system components, may be connected via a wired or wireless signal communication network  215  with, and controlled by, the system controller  212 . Although a single system controller  212  is illustrated, a plurality of system controllers may be utilized. For example, each headwall station  210  may comprise a satellite controlling unit (e.g., controller  822  shown in  FIG. 8C ). According to another embodiment, the system controller  212  may be integrated within the pneumatic station  204 . 
     In one embodiment, the system controller  212  may comprise at least one processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a “general purpose” microprocessor, a special purpose microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASICs), general logic, or any combination thereof. The controller  212  can provide processing capability to execute an operating system, run various applications, and/or provide processing for one or more of the techniques and functions described herein. Applications that can run on the system controller  212  can include, for example, software for configuring and operating the pneumatic tubing system  200 . The system controller  212  may further include a memory communicably coupled to the processor, which can store data and executable code. The memory can represent any suitable storage medium, such as volatile and/or nonvolatile memory, including random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), Flash memory, hard disk drive, or the like. In buffering or caching data related to operations of the processor, the memory can store data associated with applications running on the system controller  212 . 
     The system controller  212  can further comprise one or more interfaces, such as a communication network interface, an analog interface, a wireless network interface, or the like, for connecting to communication network  215 . According to an embodiment, the network interface may comprise an Ethernet interface for sending and receiving signals over an Internet Protocol (IP) based network. According to one embodiment, the communication network  215  can provide a wired connection between system components. According to another embodiment, the communication network  215  can comprise a wireless network, such as an IEEE 802.11 based network or Wi-Fi. 
     The pneumatic station  204 , and/or each headwall station  210  can comprise a memory and a processor, such as a microcontroller-based PC board, configured for communicating with and processing various commands and performing operations requested by the system controller  212 . The pneumatic station  204  and each headwall station  210  can further comprise a network interface configured for bidirectional communication on the communication network  215  with the system controller  212 . The network interface can comprise an analog interface, a communication network interface, a wireless interface, such as a radiofrequency transceiver, or the like. 
     System controller  212  may communicate with a database  213  for logging various data. The database  213  may be, for example, a relational database, a flat file database, fixed length record database, or any other data storage mechanism known or as yet undiscovered in the art. Further, the database  213  may reside on a stand-alone server, or the same machine as the system controller  212 . The database  213  of the pneumatic tubing system  200  may store patient files associated with each patient, and preferably with the patient&#39;s unique ID accorded to the patient during admission to the hospital. The patient file may be created when a patient is admitted to the hospital. Each patient file may include, for example: a patient ID; name of the patient; room number of the patient; bed number of the patient; ID of the headwall station  210  associated with the patient; name, strength, diluent, and dosage of drug to be delivered to the patient; IDs of authorized users allowed access to the headwall station  210  associated with the patient, or the like. The information may be dynamic and updated by the hospital staff as required. For example, the IDs of authorized users allowed access to the headwall station  210  may change from time to time depending on the changes of shifts of hospital personnel. Database  213  may store additional information or less of the above listed information without departing from the scope of the present invention. The system controller  212  uses the above information to properly route medical object  205  from the pneumatic station  204  to a headwall station  210  associated with the patient. During delivery, the system controller  212  may also keep a log of chain of custody of the medical object  205  based on the information collected before, during, and after transportation. 
     The system controller  212  may interpret the data in the database  213  and generate commands in the form of signals to individual components in system  200  to control the actions of the system  200 . The system controller  212  may control various components of the system  200 , such as the pump  220  or a diverter  231 , via relays. In another embodiment, the various components of the system  200 , such as pneumatic station  204  and headwall stations  210 , may comprise microprocessors configured for interpreting commands received from the system controller  212 . The system controller  212  may send commands to pump  220  to activate and thereby create pressure differentiation to transport medical objects  205  through the pneumatic tubing  206 . The system controller  212  may further generate and transmit commands to the diverters to change position and/or direction of the pneumatic tubing path  206  to route the medical objects  205  to the desired headwall station  210  via a particular path in the pneumatic transmission tubing  206 . In another embodiment, system controller  212  may restrict access to the one or more headwall stations  210  and provide access only to authorized users. 
     Each pneumatic station  204  and headwall station  210  may further comprise an identifying tag reader  216 . Furthermore, the pneumatic tubing  206  may include a plurality of inline identifying tag readers  218  disposed at various locations along the pneumatic tubing  206 . Tag readers  216  and  218  may be configured for tracking or sensing the medical objects  205  as they are transported through the system  200 . Tag readers  216  and  218  may comprise optical sensors, radiofrequency (RF) readers, or the like. Medical objects  205  may comprise identification (ID) tags  207  attached or printed on the medical objects  205 , for example on a label. ID tags  207  may include, but are not limited to optically scannable identifier tag, radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags, near field communication (NFC) tags, barcodes, or similar ID tags that are capable of being read, sensed, or identified by the tag readers  216  and  218 . Additionally, any other identification technology known, or as yet undiscovered, may be used within the scope of the present principles. Each ID tag  207  may comprise a unique ID number associated with the medical objects  205  or the patient. The tag readers  216  at each pneumatic station  204  and headwall stations  210  are configured for reading the ID tags  207  attached to the medical objects  205  upon departure and/or arrival. Optical inline identifying tag readers  218  may be implemented for example, through a window in a section of the tubing  206 , through an optical sensor disposed in the tubing  206 , or the like. Radiofrequency type identifying tag readers  218  may be implemented through a radiofrequency antenna disposed on a recess section of the tubing  206 . The inline identifying tag readers  218  read, or otherwise sense, the passage of medical objects  205  comprising an ID tag  207  that is being transported through the pneumatic tubing system  200 . 
     In one embodiment of the present principles, each tag reader  216  and  218  may be used to record information associated with the ID tags  207  attached to the medical objects  205  at various locations throughout the pneumatic tubing system  200  and send the recorded information to the system controller  212 . According to another embodiment, the system  200  may utilize handheld devices, such as smartphones or personal digital assistants (PDA), for reading the ID tags  207  and transmitting recorded information to the system controller  212 . The recorded information may include the ID number read from the ID tags  207  associated with the medical objects  205 . The recorded information may also be appended with other relevant information, such as, but not limited to, date and time, location, a unique ID associated with the pneumatic station  204  and headwall station  210 , a unique ID associated with the patient room or information identifying the room number, a unique ID associated with the user sending the medical object  205 , a unique ID associated with a carrier or cylinder containing the medical object  205 , or other information associated with the transmittal of the medical object  205 . The one or more of the appended information may be appended by the tag readers  216  and  218 , the pneumatic station  204 , the headwall station  210 , or the system controller  212 . 
     The system controller  212  may receive the recorded information from the tag readers  216  at the pneumatic station  204  and headwall station  210 , as well as from the inline identifying tag readers  218  disposed throughout the pneumatic tubing system  200 . The system controller  212  may log the recorded information into the database  213 . Using the recorded information, the system controller  212  may track each medical object&#39;s and/or carrier&#39;s location throughout the pneumatic tubing system  200  as it is sent from the pneumatic station  204 , as it moves past inline identifying tag readers  218  in the pneumatic tubing  206 , and as it is received at the headwall station  210 , or vice versa. This creates an auditable trail indicating a chain of custody. The system controller  212  may generate records to show that medical objects  205  have been dispatched via the pneumatic station  204 , received at a headwall station  210 , or passed an inline identifying tag reader  218  at a certain time. Location recordation may be used to troubleshoot and initiate error notifications, such as a stuck or lost medical objects  205 . Additionally, reports on chain of custody of medical objects  205  may be generated to keep record of who has dispatched the medical object  205  at the pneumatic station  204 , who has received the medical object  205  at which headwall station  210 , and at which specific point in time. 
     According to an embodiment, the ID tags  207  may also be associated with destination and intended recipient information configured for allowing automatic identification of an intended headwall station  210  associated with a patient to whom the medical object  205  is to be delivered. The destination and intended recipient information may include, but not limited to, the patient&#39;s name or identification number, a room identification number, a patient&#39;s bed identification number, and/or a headwall station identification number. The destination and intended recipient information may be stored in the ID tag  207  or in a patient file on the database  213 . The tag reader  216  at the pneumatic station  204  may read the ID tags  207  on the medical object  205  and transmit the read information to the system controller  212 . The system controller  212  may use the read information to determine the appropriate intended headwall station  210  associated with the destination and intended recipient information. For example, the ID tag  207  may store the headwall station ID assigned to the patient which is transmitted to the system controller  212  to identify the headwall station  210 . In another example, the system controller  212  receiving the read information may query the patient file stored on the database  213  to identify the headwall station  210 . For example, the ID tag  207  may store a unique identification number associated with the medical object  205 , which is used by the system controller  212  to access the patient file and retrieve correlated headwall station  210  assigned to the patient. After identifying the intended headwall station  210 , the system controller  212  may generate and transmit commands to the system components, for example to diverters to change position and/or direction of the pneumatic tubing path  206  to route the medical objects to the identified headwall station  210  via a particular path in the pneumatic transmission tubing  206 . 
     According to an embodiment, the information stored and recorded by the system controller  212  may be made accessible to users via a computer  214  in communication with the system controller  212  and/or via a web browser with a remote communication device, such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, or a handheld electronic device, such as a smartphone. In alternative embodiments, this information may be accessible via stand-alone applications, hard copy documents, or any other useful report format. A user may access the information stored and recorded by the system controller  212  to audit compliance with delivery procedures, to generate compliance reporting and manifest system documentation, to track any missing or problem deliveries, to identify or receiving notifications of system errors, such as when medical objects get stuck in pneumatic tubing  206 , to manage access rights to the pneumatic system to authorized users, among other tasks. 
     In operation, the doctor prescribes the medical object  205 , for example penicillin, to the patient and the patient file may be updated with the drug information, for example, with the name, dosage, strength, and diluent of drug to be delivered to the patient. According to an embodiment, referring to  FIG. 1 , prescription information may be entered at the patient&#39;s bedside at the headwall station  110  through a user interface, such as a touch screen  118  or a keypad  119 . The prescription is then sent to the pharmacy to be filled out. After the prescription is filled, the medical object  205  or its container or package may be labeled with a unique ID tag  207 , which upon scanning may retrieve the patient file or other information as discussed above encoded in the ID tag  207 . The patient file may be updated to include the unique ID number associated with the medical object, which is stored in the unique ID tag  207 . The medical object  205  may then be delivered to the pneumatic station  204 . 
     At the pneumatic station  204 , the user, such as a pharmacist or a nurse, may enter information using the touch screen at the pneumatic station  204 , such as user authentication information as well as destination information. The user authentication information and/or the destination information may be transmitted to the system controller  212 . In another embodiment, the front face of the pneumatic station  204  may comprise an identifying tag reader  216 . The sending user may scan a user ID tag via the identifying tag reader  216  and the user identification information may be transmitted to the system controller  212  for authentication. The system controller  212  may determine whether the sending user is authorized to access the pneumatic station  204 . Upon successful authentication, the sending user may then scan the ID tag  207  attached to the medical object  205  with the identifying tag reader  216  and the recorded information may be transmitted to the system controller  212 . Using the unique ID tag  207  of the filled out prescription, the system controller  212  may access the patient file stored in database  213  and identify the intended headwall station  210 . According to another embodiment, the identifying tag reader  216  may retrieve destination information directly from the ID tag  207  without accessing any patient file. For example, the identifying tag reader  216  may read the room number and/or the unique ID of a headwall station. Relevant delivery data received from the pneumatic station  204  may be logged in the database  213 . This data may include the time the medical object  205  was sent, the ID of the pneumatic station  204 , the sending user ID, and the ID tag  207  of the medical object  205 , as well as other information discussed above. 
     According to an embodiment, in response to receiving or determining the destination information, the system controller  212  may send commands to the components of the pneumatic tubing system  200 , such as system diverters, to create a path to transport the medical object  205  from the pneumatic station  204  to the intended headwall station  210 . In a carrier free pneumatic system, the user may directly place the medical objects  205  in a receiving opening of the pneumatic station  204 . In a carrier based pneumatic system, the user may place the medical objects  205  in a dedicated carrier or cylinder and deliver the cylinder to the pneumatic station  204 . 
     Upon receiving the destination information from the user and/or the ID tag, and identifying the intended headwall station  210 , the system controller  212  can active the pump  208 . According to an embodiment, the pump  220  may be activated by pressing a button at the pneumatic station  204 . According to another embodiment, the pneumatic station  204  may comprise a sensor configured for sensing that medical objects  205  or a cylinder has been placed in the pneumatic station  204 , or a door open sensor configured for sensing that the door of the pneumatic station  204  has been opened. The sensor may trigger the pneumatic station  204  to send a signal to the pump  220  directing it to turn on. In another embodiment, the sensor may trigger the pneumatic station  204  to send a signal to the system controller  212 , which in turn may activate the pump  220  via a power transistor and/or relay to route the medical object  205  from the pneumatic station  204  to an intended headwall station  210 . 
     In a system with a pneumatic station  204  comprising a plurality of inlets and pumps each associated with a respective headwall station, such as sending station  901  shown in  FIG. 9  and head wall station  240 , the system controller  212  may identify and turn on the appropriate pump based on the received or determined destination information. For example, each room number or headwall station ID may be associated with a particular pump via for example a pump ID, which may be activated upon scanning of an ID tag  207  attached to the medical object  205 . Each room number or headwall station ID may be further associated with a particular inlet and/or its associated door, which may be unlocked upon scanning of an ID tag  207  attached to the medical object  205 . As such, medical objects  205  are placed in appropriate inlet for distribution. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 2 , the system controller  212  may comprise a timer configured for activating the appropriate pump, such as pump  220 , for a predetermined amount of time sufficient to ensure that contents are delivered to a headwall station  210 . According to another embodiment, the pump  220  is activated until the headwall station  210  indicates to the system controller  212  that the contents have been received by the headwall station  210 . The headwall station  210  may comprise a proximity or motion sensor configured for detecting contents within the headwall station  210 . The headwall station  210  may send the sensor trigger to the system controller  212 , which in response deactivates the pump  220 . 
     As the medical object  205  is transported within the pneumatic tubing system  200 , inline tag readers  218  may scan the ID tag  207  of the medical object  205  and transmit that information to the system controller  212  to be logged as tracking information in database  213 . Then, as the medical object  205  and/or carrier or a cylinder passes the identifying tag reader  216  at the headwall station  210  the medical object ID tag  207  may be automatically scanned to verify delivery. The headwall station  210  may further comprise a proximity or motion sensor that may be triggered when the medical object  205  and/or carrier or cylinder is received by the headwall station  210 . The headwall station  210  may comprise a visual indicator that may light up to notify that the medical object  205  has been received. In another embodiment, the visual indicator at the headwall station  210  may be directed to turn on by the system controller  212  upon receiving delivery information from the identifying tag reader  216 . 
     The medical object  205 , such as medicine, may be released from the headwall station  210  by a receiving user when it becomes due for administering to the patient. Conveniently the medical object  205  is delivered directly to the patient&#39;s headwall  201 . The receiving user may be a nurse attending the patient at the bedside of the headwall station  210 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the receiving user may unlock the door  112  of the headwall station  110  by entering user ID via touchscreen  118  or scanning a user ID tag via identifying tag reader  115 . The user identification information may be transmitted to the system controller  212  for authentication and door unlock. The system controller  212  may look up the patient file to determine whether the receiving user is authorized to access the headwall station  110 . If so, the system controller  212  sends a command to the headwall station  110  to unlock the door  112 . The system controller  212  also logs relevant reception data, including, for example, the contents or medical object ID, the headwall station ID, the time the medical object arrived at the headwall station  110 , the time the door  112  has been unlocked, and the receiving user identification information. Then receiving user may then deliver the medical object  205  to the patient. In that step, the receiving user may use a handheld device to scan an ID tag on the patient&#39;s wristband or other ID tag located in the proximity of the patient, as well as the ID tag of the prescription to create a log that the prescription has been delivered to the patient. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a diagram illustrating a pneumatic tubing system  300  for disposing sharps from a headwall station  310  according to an embodiment of the present principles. System  300  may be configured for receiving and transporting any type of medical sharps, including but not limited to needles, syringes with and without needles, hypodermic and tubing, acupuncture needles, suture needles, tubing with needles, scalpel blades, blood vials, exposed ends of dental wires, broken glass or capillary tubes, culture dishes and slides, lancets, pipettes, root canal files, trauma scene waste that can cut, slice or pierce, or the like. 
     System  300  comprises one or more headwall stations, such as headwall stations  310  and  330 , connected to a receiving station  304  via pneumatic tubing  306 , which may comprise similar construction of pneumatic tubing  206  discussed above. The pneumatic tubing  306  may comprise a hose having smooth inner surface to prevent the sharps  305  from being caught in the hose. Each headwall station  310  is configured for receiving sharps  305  and automatically transporting the sharps  305  via pneumatic tubing  306  to the receiving station  304 . Each headwall station  310  may be configured for receiving a plurality of sharps simultaneously for simultaneous transport. Conveniently, headwall station  310  may be installed directly in the patient&#39;s headwall  301 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , such that routinely generated sharps waste may be immediately disposed of. 
     The receiving station  304  may be located in a secure area within the hospital designated as a contaminated area. According to an embodiment, the receiving station  304  may be located in proximity to a waste disposal area, such as a loading dock. The receiving station  304  may comprise a large receiving container capable of receiving vast amount of sharps  305  via multiple deliveries and from a plurality of locations. A plurality of openings may be included in the receiving container for receiving a plurality of incoming pneumatic tubing  306  connected to a plurality of headwall stations  310 . After getting filled, the receiving container of the receiving station  304  may be sealed and picked up by a waste management company and replaced by another receiving container. According to another embodiment, the receiving container may be reused or may comprise a disposable container. According yet to another embodiment, the system may comprise a plurality of receiving containers, such as receiving containers  304  and  334 , connected to pneumatic tubing  306 . According to one embodiment, system  300  may comprise a plurality of pumps, such as pump  320 , such that each receiving container may be associated with a particular pump. The system controller  312  may selectively activate a pump of a desired receiving container. In another embodiment, the system may comprise a diverter  335  connected to and controlled by the system controller  312  to route the sharps  305  to a desired receiving container. Each receiving controller may comprise a sensor or a similar device adapted to determine when the container  304 / 334  becomes full. The receiving containers  304  and  334  may communicate with the system controller  312  to indicate their status as being full. The system controller  312  may designate one of the containers, such as container  304  to receive disposed medical objects  305 . When the designated receiving container  304  becomes full, as determined by the system controller  312 , for example via the sensor, the system controller  312  may route sharps  305  to a different receiving container  334  with a status indicator of not being full. The receiving container(s) may be transported by the waste management company to a predetermined U.S. government approved location to be emptied. In another embodiment, the hospital may comprise an incinerator. The sharps  305  arriving at the receiving station  304  may be periodically disposed in the incinerator and destroyed. 
     According to aspects of the present embodiment, system  300  operates without the implementation of any dedicated pneumatic carriers. Instead, sharps  305  are directly transported within the pneumatic tubing  306 . Accordingly, immediately after the sharps  305  are used in a procedure at the patient&#39;s bedside, the user may dispose of the sharps  305  directly via the headwall station  310  in the patient&#39;s headwall  301 . The sharps  305  are then quickly transported to the receiving station  304 . Since the sharps  305  are immediately disposed of without the use of any containers or carriers, there is no danger that the container or the carrier may get overfilled. Moreover, no individual carriers or containers need to get loaded at the headwall station  310  or emptied every time the receiving station  304  receives a delivery of sharps  305 . Accordingly, system  300  speeds up the disposal process and effectively reduces the extent a user handles the sharps, significantly reducing the risk of accidental needle-stick injury. 
     Pneumatic system  300  may be implemented with similar configuration as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2 . System  300  may comprise a point-to-point pneumatic system, or a multi-station pneumatic system comprising a plurality of headwall stations  310  connected to a receiving station  304  via a plurality of tubing pathways. The various pneumatic tubing pathways may be combined or merged via one or more Y-connectors or one or more diverters, such as diverter  331 , configured for changing the direction of the tubing pathways. According to an embodiment, system  300  is a one-way system such that sharps  305  may only travel from the headwall stations  310  to the receiving station  304  in one direction, and not backward. This ensures safety of transmissions and prevents system misuse. 
     System  300  may comprises a pump  320  connected to the pneumatic tubing  306  via airline  308  and configured for creating pressure differentiation within the pneumatic tubing  306  that facilitates the transmission of sharps  305  from the headwall station  310  to the receiving station  304 . Pump  320  may comprise similar configuration as pump  220  discussed above. System  300  may further comprise a system controller  312 , similar to system controller  212  above, configured for monitoring, tracking, and controlling the operation of system  300 . System controller  312  may communicate with a database  313  for logging various data. The one or more headwall stations  310 , the receiving station  304 , any diverters, the pump  320 , and other system components, may be connected via a wired or wireless signal communication network  315  with, and controlled by, the system controller  312 . Headwall station  310  may comprise similar configuration as pneumatic station  204  discussed above. 
     Pneumatic system  300  may further comprise identifying tag readers  316  at the headwall station  310  and receiving station  304  and a plurality of inline identifying tag readers  318  along pneumatic tubing  306 , similar to identifying tag readers  216  and  218  discussed above, for tracking or sensing the sharps  305  as they are transported through the system  200 . Sharps  305  may comprise ID tags  307  attached or printed on the sharps  305 , for example on a label. Each ID tag  307  may comprise a unique ID number associated with the sharps  305 . The system controller  312  may receive recorded information from the tag readers  316  and  318  and log the recorded information into the database  313  and create an auditable trail indicating a chain of custody. The information stored and recorded by the system controller  312  may be made accessible to users via a computer  314  as discussed above. 
     In operation, the user may open a door such as door  712  in  FIG. 7 , at the headwall station  310 . According to an embodiment, to open the door  712 , the user may enter the user&#39;s ID using a user interface (such as user interface  118  shown in  FIG. 1 ), and the headwall station  310  may communicate the entered user&#39;s ID to the system controller  312  for authentication. In another embodiment, the sending user may scan an ID tag or an ID card associated with the sending user containing the user&#39;s ID at an ID card reader (such as  813  shown in  FIG. 8A ). The headwall station  310  may communicate with the system controller  312  to verify whether the user&#39;s ID belongs to an authorized user. Upon successful authentication, the system controller  312  may unlock the door  712  (or a door similar to door  112  shown in  FIG. 1 ). The headwall station  310  may comprise a door open sensor that may cause the pump  320  to activate. The user can then drop the sharps  305  into the headwall station  310 , and the sharps  305  may be substantially immediately transported to the receiving station  304  via the pressure differentiation created within the pneumatic tubing  306 . Furthermore, in a system using identifying tag readers, the identifying tag readers  316  and  318  may sense, scan, or otherwise read the ID tag  307  attached to the sharps  305  and transmit recorded information to the system controller  312  for tracking purposes. 
     According to another embodiment, headwall station  310  may further comprise a crusher, pulverizer, or grinder configured for grinding sharps  305  that are being disposed at the headwall station  310 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a diagram illustrating an automated distribution system  400  for distribution of medical objects  405 , such as medicines, between a pneumatic station  404  and a headwall station  410  at a patient&#39;s room according to an embodiment of the present principles. System  400  may achieve automated distribution using a combination of a pneumatic tubing system  450  and a robot  430 . 
     Pneumatic tubing system  450  may comprise a pneumatic station  404  connected to a robot dedicated station  432  via pneumatic tubing  406 , which may comprise similar construction of pneumatic tubing  206  discussed above. The pneumatic station  404  may be placed at a secure area within the hospital designated as a location from where medical objects are distributed to the patients, such as a pharmacy. Pneumatic station  404  may comprise similar configuration as pneumatic station  204  discussed above. Pneumatic station  404  is configured for receiving medical objects  405  and automatically transporting them via pneumatic tubing  406  to the robot dedicated station  432  where a robot  430  is docked. The robot  430  retrieves the medical objects  405  and delivers them to the headwall station  410  located in the headwall  401  in the patient&#39;s room. Headwall station  410  may comprise similar configuration as station  110  shown in  FIG. 1 , except that it may not be connected to pneumatic tubing  106 . With a combination of a pneumatic tubing system  450  and a robot  430 , system  400  provides an automated and hands free operation for distribution of medical objects  405  from the pharmacy directly to the patient&#39;s headwall  401 . Accordingly, the medical objects  405  may be distributed quickly, safely, and without prolonged handling, effectively eliminating user errors by minimizing extra staff handovers. 
     According to one embodiment, the medical objects  405  may be placed in a dedicated carrier  409  that travels within pneumatic tubing  406 . According to another embodiment, pneumatic tubing system  450  may be configured to operate without the implementation of any dedicated pneumatic carriers as discussed above. As such, medical objects  405  may be directly transported within the pneumatic tubing  406  such that no individual carriers or containers need to get loaded at the pneumatic station  404  or emptied at the robot dedicated station  432 . 
     Pneumatic tubing system  450  may be implemented with similar configuration as discussed above with reference to  FIG. 2 . The pneumatic tubing system  450  may comprise a point-to-point pneumatic system, or a multi-station pneumatic system comprising a plurality of robot dedicated stations  432  connected to a pneumatic station  404  via a plurality of tubing pathways. The various pneumatic tubing pathways may be combined or merged via one or more diverters configured for changing the direction of the tubing pathways. Pneumatic tubing system  450  may comprises a pump  420  connected to the pneumatic tubing  406  via airline  408  and configured for creating pressure differentiation within the pneumatic tubing  406  that facilitates the transmission of medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409  between the pneumatic station  404  and the robot dedicated station  432 . Pump  420  may comprise similar configuration as pump  220  discussed above. 
     System  400  may further comprise a system controller  412 , similar to system controller  212  above, configured for monitoring, tracking, and controlling the operation of system  400 , including pneumatic tubing system  450  and robot  430 . System controller  412  may communicate with a database  413  for logging various data. The pneumatic station  404 , one or more robot dedicated stations  432 , one or more headwall stations  410 , one or more robots  430 , any diverters, the pump  420 , and other system components, may be connected via a wired or wireless signal communication network  415  with, and controlled by, the system controller  412 . For example, the robots  430  may communicate with the system controller  412  via a wireless network  435 , such as an IEEE 802.11 based network or Wi-Fi. 
     System  400  may further comprise identifying tag readers  416  at the pneumatic station  404 , at the robot dedicated stations  432 , at the robot  430 , and at the headwall stations  410 , as well as a plurality of inline identifying tag readers  418  along pneumatic tubing  406 , similar to identifying tag readers  216  and  218  discussed above, for tracking or sensing the medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409  as they are transported through the system  400 . Medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409  may comprise ID tags  407  attached or printed on the medical object  405  and/or carrier  409 , for example on a label. Each ID tag  407  may comprise a unique ID number associated with the medical object  405  and/or carrier  409 . The system controller  412  may receive recorded information from the tag readers  416  and  418  and log the recorded information into the database  413  and create an auditable trail indicating a chain of custody. The information stored and recorded by the system controller  412  may be made accessible to users via a computer  414  as discussed above. 
     In operation, the doctor may prescribe a medical object  405  to the patient and a patient file may be updated with the drug information, for example, with the name, dosage, strength, and diluent of drug to be delivered to the patient. The prescription is sent to the pharmacy to be filled out. As discussed above, the prescription may be sent using the headwall station  410 . After the prescription is filled, the medical objects, or its container or package, may be labeled with a unique ID tag  407 , which upon scanning may retrieve the patient file of other information encoded in the ID tag  407 . The patient file may be updated to include the unique ID number associated with the medical object, which is stored in the unique ID tag  407 . The medical object  405  may then be delivered to the pneumatic station  404 . 
     At the pneumatic station  404 , the user, such as a pharmacist or a nurse, may enter information using the touch screen at the pneumatic station  404 , such as the destination information. The destination information may be transmitted to the system controller  412 . In another embodiment, the front face of the pneumatic station  404  may comprise an identifying tag reader  416 . The sending user may scan the ID tag  407  attached to the medical object  405  with the identifying tag reader  416  and the recorded information may be transmitted to the system controller  412 . Using the unique ID tag  407  of the filled out prescription, the system controller  412  may access the patient file stored in database  413  and identify the intended headwall station  410 . Relevant delivery data received from the pneumatic station  404  may be logged in the database  413 . This data may include the time the medical object  405  was sent, the ID of the pneumatic station  404 , the sending user ID, and the ID tag  407  of the medical object  405 , as well as other information discussed above. 
     In response to receiving or determining the destination information, the system controller  412  may send commands to the components of the pneumatic tubing delivery portion of system  400 , such as system diverters, to create a path to transport the medical object  405  from the pneumatic station  404  to the intended robot dedicated station  432 , for example, a robot dedicated station  432  located on the same floor as the patient&#39;s room. In a carrier based pneumatic system, the user may place the medical objects  405  in a dedicated carrier  409  and deliver the carrier  407  to a carrier holder  426  at the pneumatic station  404 . The ID tag  407  of the carrier  409  may be scanned by the identifying tag reader  416  at the pneumatic station  404 , and the carrier identifying information may be appended to the patient file. In a carrier free pneumatic system, the user may directly place the medical objects  405  in a receiving opening of the pneumatic station  404 . 
     Upon receiving the destination information from the user and identifying the intended robot dedicated station  432 , the system controller  412  can active the pump  408 . According to an embodiment, the pump  420  may be activated by pressing a button at the pneumatic station  404 . According to another embodiment, the pneumatic station  404  may comprise a sensor configured for sensing that the carrier  409  was placed in the carrier holder  426 . Alternatively, for example in a carrier free system, the sensor may comprise a door open sensor configured for sending that a door of the pneumatic station  404  has been opened and trigger the pump  420  to activate or turn on. The sensor may trigger the pneumatic station  404  to send a signal directly to the pump  420  directing it to turn on. In another embodiment, the signal may be send to the system controller  412 , which may in turn activate the pump  420  via a power transistor and/or relay to route the medical object  405  and/or carrier  409  from the pneumatic station  404  to an intended robot dedicated station  432 . 
     As the medical object  405  and/or carrier  409  is transported within the pneumatic tubing  406 , inline tag readers  418  may scan the ID tag  407  of the medical object  405  and/or carrier  409  and transmit that information to the system controller  412  to be logged as tracking information in database  413 . Then, as the medical object  405  and/or carrier  409  passes the identifying tag reader  416  at the robot dedicated headwall station  410  the medical object ID tag  407  may be automatically scanned to verify delivery. 
     The robot dedicated station  432  may comprise a slide gate  438 , also called a slide plate. The slide gate  438  may be used for holding the medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409  in the pneumatic tubing  406  above the robot dedicated station  432  and prevent it from being delivered out of the robot dedicated station  432 . The robot dedicated station  432  may comprise a sensor for indicating that a robot  430  is docked at the robot dedicated station  432 . Alternatively, the robot  430  may signal to the system controller  412  that it is docked at the robot dedicated station  432  and is ready to receive medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409 . If a robot  430  is indeed docked at the robot dedicated station  432  and ready to accept medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409 , the robot  430  or the system controller  112  may signal the slide gate  438  to open and permit passage of the medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409  through the slide gate  438  and into the robot  430 . 
     Robot  430  may comprise a port or opening  439  through the top surface of the robot housing configured for receiving the medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409  from the robot dedicated station  432 , through the port  439 , and into the robot  430 . In another embodiment, the port or opening  439  may be disposed on a side of the robot  430 . In a carrier based system, the robot  430  may contain one or more carrier holders or retainers  427  within its housing. In a carrier free system, medical objects  405  may be dropped into a receiving bin within the robot  435 . 
     Robot  430  may comprise an identifying tag reader  416  in proximity to the opening  439  configured for scanning the ID tag  407  attached to the medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409  to confirm receipt by the robot  430 . Recorded information may be transmitted by the robot  430  to the system controller  412  via a wireless communication network  435 . In addition, using the scanned information, robot  430  may determine the destination information of the medical objects  405  and directed by logic may deliver the medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409  to the headwall station  410  at the headwall  401  of the patient&#39;s room without any intercession. Headwall station  410  may comprise similar configured to the headwall station  110  in  FIG. 1  such that the robot  430  may deliver the medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409  into housing  111  recessed in the headwall  100 . 
     The ID tag  407  on the medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409  may be scanned by an identifying tag reader  416  in the headwall station  410  to verify delivery. The medical object  405  may be released from the headwall station  410  by a receiving user when it becomes due for administering to the patient. Conveniently the medical object  405  is automatically delivered directly to the patient&#39;s headwall  401 . The receiving user may be a nurse attending the patient at the bedside of the headwall station  410 . Referring to  FIG. 1 , the receiving user may unlock the door  112  of the headwall station  410  by entering user ID via touchscreen  418  or scanning a user ID tag via identifying tag reader  415 . The user identification information may be transmitted to the system controller  412  for authentication and door unlock. Then, the receiving user may deliver the medical object  405  to the patient. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , there is shown a rear perspective view of a robot  430  that may be used in the automated distribution system  400  according to an illustrative embodiment. Robot  430  may comprise a touch screen  502  for user input and communication. Robot  430  may comprise a port or an opening  439  through the top surface of the robot housing  510  configured for receiving the medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409  from the robot dedicated station  432 . Robot  430  may comprise wheels  517  for translating along a hospital floor. Robot  430  may further comprise a delivery port  511  used to deliver medical objects  405  and/or carrier  409  to the headwall station  410 . 
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     The disclosed embodiments provide a system, software, and a method for the distribution of medical objects. It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the embodiments. On the contrary, the embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the embodiments as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed embodiments. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments may be practiced without such specific details. 
     Although the features and elements of aspects of the embodiments are described being in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone, without the other features and elements of the embodiments, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein. 
     This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims. 
     The above-described embodiments are intended to be illustrative in all respects, rather than restrictive, of the embodiments. Thus the embodiments are capable of many variations in detailed implementation that can be derived from the description contained herein by a person skilled in the art. No element, act, or instruction used in the description of the present application should be construed as critical or essential to the embodiments unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. 
     All United States patents and applications, foreign patents, and publications discussed above are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     Alternate Embodiments 
     Alternate embodiments may be devised without departing from the spirit or the scope of the different aspects of the embodiments.