Patent ID: 7128105

Claim:
An automated medication preparation system including automated syringe preparation including reconstitution of the medication and delivery of the reconstituted medication to a syringe, the system comprising: an automated device for delivering a prescribed dosage amount of medication from a drug vial to the syringe by injecting the medication through an uncapped barrel in a just-in-time for use manner, wherein the automated device for delivering a prescribed dosage amount of medication to the syringe comprises an automated device having a fluid delivery device that is movable in at least one direction, wherein the fluid delivery device is adapted to perform at least one of the following operations: (1) receiving and discharging diluent from a diluent supply in a prescribed amount to reconstitute the medication in the drug vial; and (2) aspirating and later discharging reconstituted medication from the drug vial into the syringe; and a transfer device that includes a first section for piercing the septum of the drug vial and a second section for sealingly yet releasably mating with the fluid delivery device, the transfer device being constructed so that it remains within the drug vial for multiple uses without the need to pierce the septum more than one time, the transfer device having a first channel extending through the first and second sections for carrying diluent or reconstituted medication and a second channel that is in fluid communication with a vent that is formed as part of the transfer device to permit air to flow into the drug vial.