GB996077A - Inventory control system and apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

996,077. Dispensing articles. BREWER PHARMACAL ENGINEERING CORPORATION. May. 7, 1962 [Dec. 12, 1961], No. 17464/62. Heading A4T. In a dispensing system for e.g. packets of different drugs 25, Fig. 7, stored in stacks 13 in a cabinet 11, Fig. 2, a nurse withdraws a key plate 21 from a particular slot in a console 58 whereby a circuit is completed to the ejector mechanism of the stack of a particular drug, and inserts the key, together with a nurse's key plate 56 and a patient's key plate 54 in a shuttle 62, Figs. 2 and 5 of a tape printing recorder 18. A voucher may also be inserted for printing at 134. When a start light comes on, start button 67 is depressed and energizes a solenoid 38 to tip a shelf 28 and dispense packet 25A, the remaining packets being held in position by a spring 34 and/or the shelf actuating arm 46. As the packet falls down a discharge shoot 16 it is detected by a photo-electric cell which starts an electric motor 114 in the recorder whereby crank 110 and arm 112 cycle once to rock roller 82 about slide pivot 105 to press the roller on the indelible tape 72 and recording tape 74 and also open tape moving jaws 86, 88, after which the roller moves over the tapes and records embossed indicia on the key plates. On the roller return movement, the jaws close and draw a new section of tape over the shuttle, the motor winding the tape from spool 70 to spools 100, 102. A light 142 indicates that the nurse should replace the plates before the system is ready for another dispensing. Light 144 will indicate an empty stack and the light 132 is illuminated when feeler 128 indicates the spool 70 is empty. If a mistake is made in the operation, lamp 146 is illuminated. The system is immobilised should any of lights 132, 142, 144, 146 be energized.