Patent ID: 7913475

Claim:
An integrated multi-stage end-to-end drug handling system comprising: a first stage for receiving a drug and for preparation of a dose of the drug; a second stage in selective communication with the first stage for further processing the prepared dose; and a third stage in selective communication with the second stage for further processing of the prepared dose, the third stage including an automated apparatus for sealing an item in an enclosure, wherein the third stage comprises a framed enclosure that has an exit port and the automated apparatus includes a flexible packaging sleeve that is in communication with the exit port and is supported by a sleeve body that has a removable top cover, the exit port permitting the item to be delivered to the packaging sleeve when the exit port is open to allow for creation of the enclosure to seal the item, wherein the third stage includes a docking assembly that permits the exit opening to be opened only when the sleeve body is in a locked position relative to a sleeve locking member that is part of the docking assembly and is coupled to the frame, the docking assembly further includes a docking ring cover that is configured to lock with the sleeve locking member to sealingly close the exit port, the docking ring cover further being configured to selectively lock with the top cover to permit removal from the sleeve locking member of the docking ring cover joined with the top cover resulting in the exit port being opened, whereby the sleeve body remains locked relative to the sleeve locking member; wherein during the entire time from reception into the first stage for drug preparation thereof and to produce a dose to the sealing of the item in the enclosure, the drug remains in a controlled, sealed environment.