MXPA04010247A

MXPA04010247A - Sealable individual bar coded packets.

Info

Publication number: MXPA04010247A
Application number: MXPA04010247A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Lubow Allen
Original assignee: Int Barcode Corp
Priority date: 2002-04-17
Filing date: 2003-04-17
Publication date: 2005-09-12
Also published as: EP1523722A4; KR20050065455A; CN1653470A; WO2003089313A2; AU2003221756A8; JP2006519731A; ECSP045437A; BR0309331A; EP1523722A2; AU2003221756A1; WO2003089313A3; CA2482708A1

Abstract

A foldable and sealable packet (20) is provided which contains a bar coded symbol, and folding perforations (36) and tear-off perforations (38). The packet preferably also contains human readable information. In one embodiment, the packet is used to contain medication for a patient. In such a case, patient caregiver instructions are electronically received, and the foldable and sealable packet is produced containing the medication. The packet containing the medication is then provided to the patient.

Description

- - INDIVIDUAL PACKAGE SEAMLESS, WITH BAR CODE REFERENCE TO RELATED REQUESTS The present invention is based on, and claims priority of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 373,740, entitled "INDEPENDENT SEALABLE PACKAGES WITH BARCODE" and filed on April 17, 2002; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 390,254, entitled "SEPARABLE INDIVIDUAL PACKAGES WITH BARCODE, WHICH HAVE EXTENDED GRAPHICS" and filed on June 19, 2002; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60 / 392,060, entitled "SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PUTTING BARCODE TO BUBBLE PACKAGE PACKS" and filed on June 25, 2002, and the TCP patent application Serial No. PCT / US02 / 41, entitled "MODIFIED BAR CODE REPLACING LABEL WITH DOUBLE BAR CODE" and filed on December 17, 2002, which claims the priority of the provisional application of the United States Serial No. 60 / 341,763, entitled "MODIFIED BAR CODE REPLACING LABEL WITH DOUBLE BAR CODE" and filed on December 17, 2001, whose complete contents of all of them are incorporated herein by this reference.

- - BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the prior art, the medication is distributed in containers such as plastic ampoules, bottles and packages. These containers are potentially expensive to manufacture and also produce considerable waste. Additionally, in a hospital or a sanatorium, an ambulatory care facility, an outpatient facility setting, or in another patient care facility (collectively referred to in this "patient care facility") Individual portions of tablet medications are typically emptied into a plastic cup and the tablets are subsequently consumed. Typically, a piece of paper containing the information directed to the patient and the medication is included in the cup, for example, in the form of a tablet. After the medication is consumed, the piece of paper and / or label is placed on the patient's medical record chart, in the hospital or other related medical facility. Also in the prior art a pharmacy associated with a patient care facility typically prepares medications for patients in the form of a bubble pack, eg, a one-month supply. Typically, during rounds, a nurse arrives at the patient's room and makes sure the patient is present. The charts are referenced for the patient and the medication is written down and prepared - and / or the procedures for the patient. The tablets are removed from the bubble pack and placed in a paper cup and administered to the patient. Figure 1 illustrates an example of how the drug distribution processes of the prior art, identified above, can create confusion and result in errors. As shown there, a pharmacy, such as a hospital pharmacy department, provides the medication in bubble packs. After the medicine is distributed in the bubble packs to the floors, a nurse or other patient care person separates the medicine from the bubble pack and prepares the dose for each patient. There is a great potential for error when medications are taken from the original pharmacy packaging, selected by nurses or patient care personnel, and provided to the patient. Typical errors include: the wrong patient, the wrong medication, the wrong dose or the wrong time. Bar codes are printed typically on individual items and on containers containing various items. Barcodes contain information encoded in bars and spaces of various widths, and arranged in certain patterns. When a bar code is scanned by a barcode reader device (eg, a laser scanner), the bars and spaces are usually crossed by the scanner beam along a horizontal plane or, alternatively, they are tracked or scanned. Scanned omnidirectionally. The bar code technology, which includes printers, scanners and decoders, includes symbologies (ie, bar code languages) to encode data that is read optically, thereby producing machine-readable symbols, which capture visual images of the symbologies and convert them to digital data compatible with the computer. The size of a barcode label is determined, in part, by the type of coding used, by the size of the bars and individual spaces, or by the data matrix or mixed symbology. The amount of information encoded in a bar code is restricted by the size limitations of the bar code. There are many different bar code symbologies. Each symbology has its own set of rules for character encoding (for example, letters, numbers, punctuation), error checking, printing and decoding requirements. The various bar code symbologies differ in the ways they represent the data and in the type of data they can encode. Some only code numbers; others encode numbers, letters and some punctuation marks; others encode ASCII character strings of 128 characters or even 256 characters. Newer symbologies include options for encoding multiple languages and allow for user-defined coding of special or additional data. These new symbologies even allow, through deliberate redundancies, the reconstruction of data if the symbol is damaged. The conventional symbol of the bar code is "one-dimensional", that is, bars and spaces extend only in one direction. The one-dimensional bar codes are limited in terms of the amount of data that can be encoded in them. Increasingly, there is a need for bar codes that contain more information than conventional bar code symbols. In response to that need, bar codes of reduced space symbology (RSS) and mixed symbology (CS) have been developed. RSS barcodes are one-dimensional, extending in one direction. There are several RSS variants, including stacked, limited and expanded ones that, among other aspects, have the possibility of encoding additional data beyond a basic, brief identifier, which is usually printed with barcodes. The second symbology, CS, consists of a one-dimensional symbol paired and, in some cases, linked logically, with a two-dimensional symbol, printed directly on top of it. The two-dimensional, mixed symbol is known in the art as a PDF symbol 417 or a specific UCC / EAN-128 variant of MICRO PDF 417. MICRO PDF 417 is a PDF version 417 that is intended to mark small items. Currently RSS / CS barcodes are defined by having a data capacity ranging from 56 characters to 2,361 characters. Over time, the data capacity is likely to increase.

- - RSS / CS barcodes effectively replace the need for databases external to the computer, which must be referenced after a value is extracted, for example, a UPC article number, a code number one-dimensional bars. Prior to the development of the RSS / CS barcodes, after a value was extracted from a one-dimensional barcode, the data was referenced in one or more computer databases, to provide details associated with the extracted value . In contrast, RSS / CS barcodes contain many of the associated data, previously stored in a collateral database. The RSS / CS barcode is essentially a database in itself.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a foldable and sealable package comprising fold perforations printed on the package, to define the places to bend; a sealant for maintaining the shape of the package after the package is folded into the bending perforations, and a bar code, such as an RSS / CS barcode, containing information directed to at least the contents of the package. After it is folded and packaged and partially sealed, the package is formed into a container for receiving the contents. Other aspects of the foldable and sealable package include: - - storing the medicines in the package, where the medicines include at least one of: capsules, tablets, gel capsules, dissolution strips and capsules. Additionally, the foldable and sealable packet comprises information printed on it, which can be read by humans. Additionally, the information that can be read by humans is directed to a patient who is intended to receive the package, the contents of the package and / or the instructions to open the package. In addition, the foldable and sealable package comprises an image representing the contents of the package. Additionally, the foldable and sealable package additionally comprises a poly-liner portion. The foldable and sealable package also comprises a portion with tear-off perforations, which permits the separation of individual foldable and sealable packages, into a strip of foldable and sealable packages. In one example, the foldable and sealable packet is formed as bubble packets, wherein the bubble packets are formed with at least one of a portion of paper and a portion of film, which has an ink layer disposed therein, and where the ink layer is adapted to be removed by a laser. Additionally, the RSS / CS barcode is formed in the at least one of the paper and the film, by the removal of the ink by the laser. Additionally, the foldable and sealable pack is formed in a plurality of foldable and sealable packets, wherein - the first packet comprises information regarding the remaining packets of the foldable and sealable packets in the strip. Additionally, the foldable and sealable package comprises a removable ear portion. The detachable ear portion comprises a CS portion of an RSS / CS barcode, and an RSS portion of the RSS / CS barcode, and the foldable and sealable package portion is adjacent to the ear portion and comprises a CS portion. identical and a portion of the RSS portion. When removed, the detachable ear portion comprises a complete copy of the RSS / CS barcode in the foldable and sealable package portion that is adjacent to the ear portion. Also the foldable and sealable package further comprises a window at least partially transparent, which allows a person to see the contents of the foldable and sealable package. Additionally, the foldable and sealable packet additionally comprises at least one printed form in the foldable and sealable packet, wherein the shape represents information addressed to at least one of the contents of the foldable and sealable packet and to the person receiving the foldable packet and sealable The at least one form is formed as at least one of a polygon, a bar and a circle. The information represented by the form refers to at least one of the following aspects: dose, frequency of use, time of day for ingestion, and warnings addressed to the contents of the foldable and sealable package. The present invention also comprises a method for producing a foldable and sealable package and comprises storing electronic information of the patient in a database; storing electronic medication information that relates to at least one of a plurality of medications; provide at least one of the electronic patient information and electronic medical information to a patient care provider; receiving electronic instructions comprising instructions directed to the medication for the patient, by the patient care provider, printing at least one bar code on the foldable and sealable package; supplying at least one medicament in the foldable and sealable packet, and folding and sealing the foldable and sealable packet, so that the packet becomes a container for the at least one medicament. The invention further comprises referencing at least one page of the Internet network to discover information directed to the at least one medication, and print information that can be read by humans, about the foldable and sealable package. Human readable information comprises at least one medication warning, information to remember the drug, charge number, lot number, information for the patient, date of filling with the medication, amount of medication, dosage and instructions for consumption . The invention further relates to a method for delivering medication to a patient, which comprises electronically receiving instructions for the care provider, which represent information regarding the medication for the patient; print a foldable and sealable package; fold the foldable and sealable pack; Dispense at least one medication inside the fold-and-seal package; seal the foldable and sealable packet and distribute the foldable and sealable packet containing the at least one medication to the patient. The step of distributing the medicament further comprises: reading a bar code image on a wristband worn by the patient, to extract information from the wristband; reading a bar code image on the foldable and sealable packet, to extract information from the contents, which represents the contents of the foldable and sealable pack; compare the wristband information with the content information, and provide the patient with the foldable and sellable package containing the medication, after confirming that the wristband information corresponds to the content information. Other aspects and benefits are provided below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to illustrate the invention, a form is shown in the drawings, which is currently preferred; however, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the provisions or the precise instrumentalities shown. The aspects and the advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates the confusion typically incurred in the medicine distribution systems of previous art. Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware mode according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows the sample components of an information processor and a user terminal, according to the present invention. Figure 4 shows an example of a single package sealable, with barcode, according to the present invention. Figures 5A and 5B show a single package sealable, with bar code, after bending and sealing has occurred. Figures 6A, 6B and 6C show a single package sealable with bar code, during the process of bending and sealing. Figure 7 shows an exemplary continuous tape of a roll of individual sealable packets with bar codes. Figure 8 shows an exemplary strip of individual sealable packages, with bar code, which can be folded into an accordion shape. Figure 9 shows an exemplary bubble pack package, which is used according to the present invention. Figures 10A to 10E show a collection of bubble pack packages that is available by means of the present invention. Figure 11A shows an individual bubble pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11B shows a plurality of combined bubble packs according to the present invention. Figure 12 shows an example of a single packable, bar code package having a removable ear portion. Figure 13 shows a plurality of forms that are printed on labels, according to the present invention. Figure 14 shows a plurality of software control modules, used in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 15 is a flowchart that identifies the sample steps associated with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a system and method for improving the distribution of drugs. Accordingly, the present invention provides a plurality of hardware and software applications, related to the computer, for receiving and processing information for the distribution of drugs. In addition, the invention is directed to providing a sealable label, with a bar code, which is folded and gummed or otherwise formed, so that the label itself becomes a container for one or more drugs in the form of a tablet. With reference to the drawings, in which the same reference designators refer to the same elements, an example of a first preferred embodiment is shown in FIG. 2, which includes a hardware arrangement for producing individual sealable packages, with a bar code. , and to which reference is made herein as system 10. System 10 preferably comprises at least one information processor 12, and at least one user terminal 14; each of which is coupled to the communications network 16. The information processor 12 preferably includes all the databases necessary to support the present invention. However, it is contemplated that the information processor 12 may access any necessary database, through the communications network 16, or any other communication network to which the information processor 12 may be coupled. The preferred communication network 16 is a global public communications network, such as the Internet, but it can also be a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN) or another network that allows two or more computers Communicate with each other - - In the preferred embodiment, the information processor 12 and the user terminal 14 are any devices that are capable of sending and receiving data through the communications network 16, eg, mainframe computers, minicomputers, personal computers, computers laptops (laptop), personal digital assistants (PDA) and other Internet access devices, such as a network TV. In addition, the user terminals 14 are preferably equipped with a network browser, such as Microsoft's Internet Explorer, the Netscape browser, and the like. The information processor 12 and the user terminals 14 are coupled to the communications network 16, using any known data communications network formation technology. Also shown in Figure 1 is printer 18, preferably used to produce individual packets with bar code, and can be of a variety of printer types, including, for example, thermal printers, laser printers, impact printers and Similar. The printer 18 is preferably used, at least in part, for printing at large volumes. In other words, the printer 18 can print thousands or even millions of labels, including bar codes, in a single day. In accordance with the present invention, the printer 18 produces individual packets, sealable, with bar codes, which are used for medications. As used herein, the term "medication" or "medication" refers to the medicine that can be consumed by a patient. For example, medications include: tablets, capsules, capsules, gel capsules and other types of medicines that are consumed orally. As shown in Figure 3, the functional elements of each information processor 12 include one or more central processing units (CPU) 22, used to execute the software code and control the operation of the information processor 12; read-only memory (ROM) 24, random access memory (RAM) 2, one or more interfaces 28 for transmitting and receiving data to and from other computing devices, through the communication network; storage devices 30, such as a hard disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, a CD ROM or a DVD for storing program codes, databases and application data; one or more input devices 32, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a movement sphere, a microphone and the like, and an exhibitor 34. The various components of the information processor 12 do not necessarily have to be physically contained within the same chassis , or next located in a single site. For example, the storage device 30 may be located at a site that is remote from the remaining elements of the information processor 12, and may even be connected to the CPU 22 through the communication network 16, via the interface 28 - - network. The information processor 12 includes a memory equipped with sufficient storage to provide the necessary databases, forums and other community services, as well as to act as a network server to communicate hypertext markup language (HTML), Java, "applets ", Active-X control programs and the like, to user terminals 14. The information processor 12 is preferably arranged with components, for example, those shown in Figure 3, suitable for the expected operating environment of the information processor 12. The CPUs 22, the network interfaces 28 and the memory and storage devices are selected to ensure that the capabilities are arranged to accommodate the expected demand. As used herein, the term "link" refers to a selectable connection from one or more words, images or other information objects to others, where the selectable connection is presented within the network browser. The information object may include sound and / or motion video. The selection is typically done by "clicking" on the link using an input device, such as a mouse, a movement sphere, a touch screen and the like. Of course, whoever has ordinary experience in the field will appreciate that any method by which an object presented on the screen can be selected is sufficient. The functional elements shown in figure 3 - - (designated with the reference numbers 22-34) are the same categories of functional elements present in the user terminals 14. However, it is not necessary that all the elements are present; for example, storage devices, in the case of PDAs, and the capabilities of the various elements, are arranged to accommodate the expected user demand. For example, the CPU 22 in the user terminal 14 may be a CPU of smaller capacity than the CPU present in the information processor 12. Similarly, it is likely that the information processor 12 includes storage devices with much greater capacity. Of course, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the capabilities of the functional elements can be adjusted, as necessary. The nature of the invention is such that those skilled in the art of writing computer executable code (ie, software) can implement the described functions using one or more of a combination of popular computer programming languages, and develop environments that include, but are not limited to: C ++, Visual Basic, Java, HTML and application development applications in the network. It is contemplated that the system 10 be arranged so that the user terminals 14 communicate with, and display the data received from, the information processor 12, - using any known communication and display method, for example, using a viewer. that is not an Internet browser, coupled with a local area network protocol, such as Internet Packet Exchange (IPX), call, third-party, private network or an added value network (VAN). It is further contemplated that any suitable operating system may be used in the information processor 12 and terminal 14, for example, DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows ME, Windows CE , Pocket PC, Windows XP, MAC OS, Unix, Linux, Pal OS, and any other suitable operating system. As used herein, references to the display data in the user terminal 14 refer to the process of communicating data to the terminal, through the data communication network 16 and processing the data so that the data is viewed in display 34, for example, using a web browser, and the like. As is common with network browser software, the display screen at the user terminals 14 presents sites within the system 10, such that a user can proceed from site to site, within the system, by selecting a desired link. Therefore, the experience of each user with the system 10 is based on the order in which it advances through the display screens. Preferably, graphic controls are available on the display screens and modules to initiate data processing, and provide convenient navigation between the display screens and the system-10 modules. In other words, because the system is not Completely hierarchical in its layout of the display screens, users can proceed from area to area, without the need to "back off" through a series of display screens. For that reason, and unless stated otherwise, the following discussion is not intended to represent any sequential steps of operation, but rather to illustrate the components of the system 10.

FORM OF INDIVIDUAL SEALABLE LABELS, WITH BAR CODE Figure 4 shows a single package 20 sealable, with barcode, illustrative, before being folded, provided with medicine and sealed for delivery. The example of individual package 20 sealable, with bar code, shown in Figure 4, contains bending perforations 36, which define places to define where the bending and / or seal processes occur. Additionally, the individual package 20, with bar code, comprises separation perforations 38 that define where it ends, in the strip of individual packets 20 sealable, continuous, with bar code, a single pack sealable, with barcode, and where begins another. Figures 5A and 5B illustrate the front and the back, respectively, of an example of a single package 20 sealable, with a bar code, after folding and sealing has occurred. Figures 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate a single package 20 sealable, with barcode, when the process of bending and sealing occurs. The individual pack labels 20, with bar code, preferably contain a dry rubber shape or other sealing portions 40, which allow the label to be formed into an individual package (see Figure 6A). Preferably, the printer 18 (FIG. 1) is equipped with an accessory for folding and / or sealing the individually sealed, bar-coded pack 20, which preferably contains the medicament. In addition, as shown in Figure 6A, in the individually packable, bar-coded pack 20, the glue or other sealing portion is provided near the perimeter and a poly-coating portion 42 is provided near the center of the individual pack 20 , sealable, with barcode. The polycoating is a preferred material in a single package sealable, with barcode, because the drug is well preserved in it. The individual package 20, sealable, with bar code, may be available in a plurality of ways. Figure 7 shows a plurality of individual packable, barcoded packages 20, which are provided as a single continuous sheet of a roll of previously printed labels, and available to pass through a thermal barcode printer. Each sealed, bar-coded individual package 20 is defined between the separation perforations 38, at predetermined locations - on the continuous sheet, which allows a person to separate individual labels from the continuous sheet, in the perforations. In another embodiment, shown in Figure 8, a plurality of labels are printed in an accordion / bellows shape. Each label of preference is removable from the bellows shape in pre-defined perforations 38, which separate the adjacent labels.

The printer is equipped with an accessory to hold the labels in an accordion / bellows type shape after the labels are printed. This allows a person to receive a plurality of sealed, bar-coded individual packages 20 together in an accordion / bellows form. In a preferred embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 8, the first individually sealable, barcoded pack 20 of a strip containing a plurality of individual packets, sealable, with bar code, which is printed, provides information addressed to the rest of the individual sellable packages 20, with barcode, which are contained within the strip.

For example, only the first packet, which acts as a marker, contains information that is directed both to the first packet and to the individual packable pack 20, with bar code, following, printed. In yet another embodiment, a series of labels are formed on a conventional sheet of paper, which is fed, for example, to a laser, impact or ink jet printer; and preferably the sheet is provided with perforations and markings to separate the labels and allow the labels to bend and subsequently be glued to form individual packages. Labels can be formed in different sizes and shapes, depending on the quantity and size of a drug to be inserted into them. Figure 9 shows an illustrative bubble pack that can be used as an alternative embodiment of a single, sealable package with bar code. As shown in Figure 9, the construction of the bubble pack comprises two sheets of card stock 48 and 56, with a plurality of holes (eg, 30, 50 or 90) punched in a pattern of numbered rows and columns. A metallic foil or a paper laminate 52 is adhered to the back or support to cover the plurality of holes. Preferably a layer of black ink 54 is printed, which covers the entire surface of the film / paper 52, which appears through the holes punched in the opening 58 of the cardboard material 56. The front cardboard sheet 48 is also perforated , preferably, with holes in a regular pattern of rows and columns, to create an account of thirty, sixty or ninety holes. Preferably a bubble sheet is created that protrudes through the cardboard holes, from a sheet of thermoplastic material, formed under vacuum. In order to use the bubble pack, the user pushes the medicament through the back hole of the cardboard material 56, breaking the metal foil backing / paper 52 in the process. Preferably the plastic bubble is thin and flexible, in order to allow this movement. The black ink layer 54 that is printed on the metal foil backing / paper 52 is preferably burned by the laser print, thereby leaving an RSS / CS bar code and a human-readable portion in each unit. cell. Figures 10A-10E show selected types of a bubble pack package according to the present invention. The invention can be used with any known type of bubble pack packaging. Figure 11A illustrates an individual bubble pack according to the present invention. Figure 11B illustrates a way of combining a plurality of bubble packs.

CONTENTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL LABELS. SEALABLE. WITH BAR CODE Preferably, and as shown in the example of the individually sealed, bar-coded package 20 of Figure 4, a plurality of pieces of information is printed on the individual sealable package, with barcode, both in the form of an RSS / CS barcode, as well as, preferably, in the form of human-readable characters. RSS / CS - bar codes contain potentially thousands of information characters. Additional information, readable by humans, preferably, it is printed on individual packets, sealable, with bar code. Figure 12 shows an example of a single sealable package, with a bar code, including a detachable ear or edge portion 60, carrying human-readable information and machine-readable information. The human-readable information is preferably placed on the ear 60, so that when the ear is removed, for example, by breaking along a perforation 62 in the individual package 20 sealable, with barcode, the information of the prescription of medicine, the name of the patient, the quantity and the information about the date and time, etc., are separated from the package 20 individual sealable, with bar code. The linear portion, i.e., the RSS barcode, preferably is printed half or a part on the individual package 20 sealable, with barcode, and half or a part on the detachable ear 60. The portion CS of the bar code is printed twice, that is, adjacent to the middle of the linear portion and again adjacent to the other half of the linear portion. After the ear is peeled off and separated from the individually sealed pack with bar code, there is a complete RSS / CS bar code, readable by machine, both on the separate ear and on the individual sealable pack 20, with Barcode. Furthermore, and as shown in FIG. 12, an image 64 of the contents of the individual sealable package, with bar code, preferably in color, is printed on it. For example, an image of a single tablet or capsule is printed on the package, so that when the package is opened and the contents are removed, a comparison can be made with the image that is printed on the individual package 20 sealable, with code of bars, to make sure that the contents of the package correspond. Other types of printed information may also be printed, for example, image information and include, for example, instructions for the types of foods to be consumed or avoided, when the medication is taken, and any other instructions for use or restriction. . In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the labels, at least in part, comprise an at least partially transparent window, which allows a person to see the contents of the individual packable, bar-codeable package 20. This window allows a user to see at least the shape and color of the medicament that is contained in the individual package 20, sealable, with barcode. The individually sealed packet, with barcode, preferably includes an RSS / CS barcode that is printed on it. This barcode preferably contains information addressed to the patient and the medication. For example, the demographic data of the patient, the medical history of the patient, allergies and the like are included in the barcode. The information - - directed to the medication, including the batch number and charge, the interactions of the drug and the information generated from a host of medical databases, available through the global communication network, may also be included. Additionally, since the RSS / CS barcode may contain a relatively greater amount of information than other types of bar codes, the information in the RSS / CS bar code preferably consists of GTIN, LOT EXPIRATION DATE, concentration and registration number of the prescription of medication and patient. They may also be printed on the individually sealed package, with barcode, instructions for use and ingestion, in human readable form, for the benefit of the patient and the patient care provider, including the time, date and other instructions regarding the use of medications. Additionally, a roll comprising a continuous sheet of individual sealable packages can be obtained, pre-printed, with barcode, by an interested party, for filling prescriptions or medication supply, and can easily insert the roll into a printer and print and / or fold and / or fill with medication at high speed (see figure 7). Additionally, a plurality of package sizes are preferably available, by means of the present invention, to accommodate different environments in that way. For example, a pharmaceutical company may decide to ship 500 individually packaged drugs by the present invention, and may place each individual medicament in a small individually sealed, bar-coded package. Alternatively, a plurality of medicaments can be incorporated into a single, sealed pack with barcode, which requires the use of a relatively large package. In addition, and as shown in Figure 13, one or more forms can be printed, and forms are selected to provide information and meaning to the observer. For example, a stripe and / or numbers may be used, separately or in combination, to indicate different things. In many prior art drug labels, the available space is too small for the information to be printed using a very small dot size, or it is omitted altogether. The present invention could solve the space problem by placing a shape, for example, a single bar which, based on the relative size of the bar, represents meaningful information, for example, dosage, frequency of use, time of day for its ingestion, etc. For example, a single bar, which is larger than the width of the RSS / CS barcode, printed on the label, represents a dose of 10 mg of a specific drug, for example, ibuprofen. A similar bar, which is printed on a different label, having the same width as the RSS / CS bar code represents a different dose, for example, 25 mg of ibuprofen. A single bar that is half the width of the RSS / CS bar code represents 50 mg of medication, and a bar that has a smaller width, for example, a quarter of the width of the RSS / CS bar code, represents a dose of 100 mg of buprophen. In the previous examples, the single bar may be printed together with a number, for example, 10, 25, 50 and 100, respectively, to represent, for example, the variable doses; the time of day, etc. may also be indicated. (see page 23). The present invention also uses different shapes, for example: circles, squares or other polygons, to represent different kinds of information. For example, a small circle with a number 5 incorporated represents, for example, a dosage an amount, the day of the month or other pertinent information that physicians, pharmacists, patients or any other associated with the medication, require. The present invention also prints larger circles associated with different numbers to represent other information. For example, a slightly larger circle, which incorporates the number 10, a larger circle with the number 15 incorporated in it, and a still larger circle that has the number 20 incorporated in it, represent specific information directed to the medication, for example, the type of medication and a dose level in milligrams per tablet (see page 23). In addition, the impressions are not limited to circles or bars. A variety of polygons, including polygons of six sides, five sides, four sides and three sides, each with - - numerical values incorporated in them, can represent a plurality of types of information, for example, drugs, doses, dates, floors of a hospital, etc. In this way, errors that can occur frequently, for example, due to illegible handwriting, are avoidable, since a person using the present invention can easily see the label of the medicine and observe a five-sided polygon in Place a polygon with three sides, to avoid an error. For example, a three-sided polygon may represent a weaker dose than a six-sided polygon. A nurse, or other health care provider, who sees the polygon on three sides, can easily see that an incorrect dose has been distributed to the patient. A plurality of forms on a single label can represent information directed to medicine. For example, a single circle on a single label represents the first week of a month during which a medicine should be consumed; while three circles in a single label represent the third week of a month in which a medicine should be consumed. Alternatively, the number of forms on the label can be used to indicate the number of doses per day. This way you can prevent errors that occur, for example, due to illegible handwriting, simply by looking at a label and noticing a number of incorrect forms on the label. The use of bars and other forms on labels has many applications, in addition to labels for medicine. Any - - information requirement for labeling can use the system of graphic forms that is described here. For example, labels directed to parts and components, tools, etc., simplify and reduce errors by using the forms and / or numbers of the system, as taught in the present invention. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, the use of a plurality of shapes and numbers, for example, bars, circles and polygons, are printed on the individual sealable package, with bar code, to additionally provide information, for example, instructions and warnings, to whoever sees the label . Human-readable marks are typically provided in addition to the bar code. In a preferred embodiment, the detachable ear contains the shape and / or the number, and the individual sealed package, with bar code, has the identical shape and / or number, printed on it. In this way, redundant information can be used for patient graphics or other information sources, with very little effort, by a health care provider.

SYSTEM AND USE OF INDIVIDUAL SEALABLE LABELS. WITH BAR CODE In accordance with the present invention, a plurality of hardware and software modules are integrated to produce a single packable, bar-code package. In the examples - - shown in Figure 14, the modules included in the present invention include a patient information module 64, a drug module 66, a doctor instruction module 68 and a network medical reference module 70. world. The patient information module 64 preferably contains information directed to patients or other persons receiving some kind of medical care. For example, the patient information module includes the patient's name, address, date of birth, and other demographic information. The drug module 66 comprises information that relates to a plurality of medications, including treatment suggestions, expiration dates and any information related to an individual medication. The instruction module of the physician 68 preferably receives information from the physicians through a user terminal 14. For example, a physician, while with a patient, enters instructions into a manual computer and sends the instructions to the instruction module 68 of the doctor. Also included is a module 70 of medical references in the worldwide network, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The module 70 includes, for example, a plurality of global network pages, available on the Internet, which include a plurality of information directed to medical care. Preferably the instructions received from a doctor are transmitted to a server system which processes the instructions and directs the instructions to a printing device to produce the individual, sealed packages with bar codes. In a preferred embodiment, a physician or a care provider, at the patient's location, can use a portable device, for example a digital personal assistant (PDA) as a user terminal 14, to enter or receive information and instructions concerning the patient. patient's medication, to or from the portable device. Subsequently, the information introduced in the portable device can be transmitted to a receiving device, for example, to a personal computer, by means of an infrared port, through a communications network. The information on the personal computer is transmitted to a server system and used to direct the printing of the individual package 20, sealable, with bar code. At present, a plurality of databases that can be accessed by the communications network are available, and the information that is related to the specific patient and / or medication is stored electronically so that it can be retrieved and included for printing. on the individual label 20 sealable, with barcode. For example, the batch and batch numbers directed to the drug, the warnings concerning potentially dangerous combinations with other drugs, information for remembering the drug and the like can be retrieved from the plurality of databases. The information gathered from that plurality of sources, preferably, is compiled and printed on the label in at least one human-readable form and a machine-readable form. Other information, for example, special orders that are received from the doctor, are also transmitted, preferably, and printed on the individual sealable label, with a bar code. Additionally, the software module or software modules that cause the production of individual packable, barcoded packages also transmit instructions to at least one printing device, which causes the individual sealable packets to be printed in accordance with a or more rules. For example, a series of packages that are directed to a single patient can be printed. In this example, individual packages, sealable, with barcode, for a whole week of medication, are printed in a single printing operation; the packages are filled with the appropriate medication and the specific packages are delivered to the patient. Alternatively, the printing operation is directed to printing a plurality of individual, sealable, bar-coded packets for a single drug. In addition to this example, the same package is produced several times, and a person simply detaches the individual packable package, with barcode, which contains the medicine, and delivers the package or packages containing the medication to the appropriate party. After a physician or a care provider prescribes a medication for a patient, the information is transmitted to a server system, and the server system is instructed or another computer system to print the individual packet 20 sealable, with bar code , to supply the medication in the package and then, finally, to seal the package. In that way, little human intervention is required to fill a prescription. During the step of dispensing the medication, a preferred care provider uses a bar code reader device, such as an explorer, a reading rod or other device, to read the contents of the patient's wristband. Subsequently, the bar code printed on the individual package 20 is sealed, with a bar code, and a comparison is made to assure the care provider that the patient is correct and that the medication matches the doctor's instructions. In addition, the patient record is electronically updated before the distribution of the individual packets 20 sealable, with bar code. Another comparison is made with the patient record, to make sure that the medicine is correct. In addition, preferably, the caregiver visually inspects the individually sealable package, with bar code, to determine that the contents of the package 20 coincide with an image that is printed on the package, which represents the contents. After the electronic and visual confirmations are made, the patient preferably receives the medication. In a preferred embodiment, the patient wears a wristband with a bar code. The cells of the bubble pack, typically 30, 60 or 90 cells per bubble pack, are individually coded with a bar code and are numbered sequentially. When the care provider administers the medication, all information is entered into an electronic surveillance database, which records the patient's wristband, the date, time, medications, dosage and any other incidents that may occur during the rounds Fig. 15 is a flowchart that identifies some steps associated with the production and distribution of individual, sealable, barcoded packages 20 according to the present invention. In addition to this example, a physician is interviewing a patient (step S100). The doctor preferably evaluates the patient and introduces a prescription with accompanying instructions in the digital personal assistant (PDA) and transmits the instructions through an infrared port to a computer system (step S102). In step S104, the instructions are received and processed. For example, the instructions are formatted to begin production of individual packets, sealable, with bar code. In step S106 the references are checked before proceeding with the production of the individual packages, sealable, with bar code. For example, a medication may have been recalled and the reference check discovers and reports that information to the doctor. In step S108, the production of a single sealable package 20 with a barcode occurs. The details of the contents and the printing, folding and sealing of the individually sealed package, with bar code, are described above. Finally, in step S110 the individual packets 20, sealable, with bar code are distributed. In addition to this example, a plurality of medicines can be ordered, for example, the medication for a week, and it can be filled in one or more packages, without any human contact with the packages. The present invention has many advantages over the prior art. For example, medications are sealed in low-cost, disposable and / or recyclable packages. This eliminates the need to produce plastic jars that are more expensive and potentially hazardous to the environment in production and subsequent disposal. In addition, a separate label application step is not necessary to place a label in a separate container, eg, a vial, thus saving the operator's time and eliminating a human step that has an error potential. Additionally, multiple individual packages, sealable, with bar code, can be produced in a single sheet or a continuous sheet or a roll, thereby increasing productivity and decreasing costs. Additionally, the many interfaces with which the drug databases can be accessed, through the global communications network, increase the amount of information that can be integrated and presented to physicians and patients, through the present - - invention. Appropriately marked, individually wrapped, bar-coded medications allow the medication to remain hermetically sealed, and delivered through an automated health care delivery system, which may include all the checks and safeguards that may be computerized system. Other advantages of the present invention include: efficiency, a decrease in errors caused by human intervention; lower costs, and increased efficiency. Although the present invention has been described in relation to its particular embodiments, other uses will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, individual packagings 20, with bar code, can be used for hardware, such as screws, nuts, bolts and the like. Additionally, small parts are included with items that require some assembly, which can be stored in individual packages 20 sealable, with bar code. Therefore, the present invention is not limited by the specific description herein.

Claims

1. - A foldable and sellable package, characterized in the package because it comprises: perforations to fold in the package, to define the locations for the folds; a sealant, where the sealant maintains the shape of the package after the package is folded into the bending holes; where, after the package is folded and at least partially sealed, the package is formed to become a container for receiving the contents; and a barcode on the package; containing the bar code information addressed to at least the contents of the package.

2. - The foldable and sealable package according to claim 1, further characterized in that the contents include at least one of medication and hardware.

3. The foldable and sealable package according to claim 2, further characterized in that the medication includes at least one of: capsules, tablets, gel capsules, dissolution strips and capsules.

4. - The foldable and sealable package according to claim 1, further characterized in that it further comprises human-readable information, printed on the package.

5. The foldable and sealable package according to claim 4, further characterized in that the human-readable information is addressed to at least one patient, to whom the reception is intended, the contents of the package and the instructions for opening the package. package.

6. - The foldable and sealable package according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises an image that represents the contents of the package.

7. - The foldable and sealable package according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a multiple coating portion.

8. - The foldable and sealable pack according to claim 1, further characterized in that it further comprises a portion of perforations for separation, which allows the separation of individual foldable and sealable packets in a strip of foldable and sealable packets.

9. - The foldable and sealable package according to claim 1, further characterized in that the bar code is an RSS / CS barcode.

10. - The foldable and sealable package according to claim 1, further characterized in that the package comprises bubble packages.

11. - The foldable and sealable package according to claim 10, further characterized in that the bubble packings are formed with at least one of: a portion of paper and a portion of film, having an ink layer disposed therein; and wherein the ink layer is adapted to be removed by a laser.

12. The foldable and sealable package according to claim 10, further characterized in that it further comprises an RSS / CS barcode formed on the at least one of the paper and the film, by removing the ink by the laser. 12. The foldable and sealable package according to claim 1, further characterized in that a first package of a plurality of foldable and sealable packets comprises information that refers to the remaining foldable and sealable packages in the strip.

13. The foldable and sealable package according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a removable ear portion.

14. The foldable and sealable package according to claim 13, further characterized in that the detachable ear portion comprises a bar code portion CS of a RSS / CS barcode portion, and a portion of a linear portion of the RSS / CS barcode; and the portion of the foldable and sealable packet, adjacent the ear portion, comprises another substantially identical portion CS and another part of the linear portion.

15. The foldable and sealable package according to claim 14, further characterized in that the detachable ear, when separated, comprises a copy of the RSS / CS barcode in the portion of the foldable and sellabie package from which it was separated, adjacent to the ear portion.

16. - The foldable and sellable package according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a window at least partially transparent, which allows a person to see the contents of the foldable and sellable package.

17. - The foldable and sellabie package according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a plurality of foldable and sealable packets, formed in a continuous strip of a roll of foldable and sealable packets.

18. - The foldable and sellabie package according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one printed form on the foldable and sellabie package; where the form represents information addressed to at least one of: the contents of the foldable and sellabie package and the person receiving the foldable and sellabie package.

19. - The foldable and sellable package according to claim 18, further characterized in that the at least one shape is formed as at least one of the following: a polygon, a bar and a circle.

20. - The foldable and sellable package according to claim 18, further characterized in that the information refers to at least one of: the dose, the frequency of use, the time of day for ingestion, and warnings regarding the contents of the foldable and sealable package.

21. A method for producing a foldable and sealable package, characterized in that the method comprises: storing electronic information of the patient in a database; representing the patient's electronic information, at least one patient; store electronic medication information, in at least one of the database and another database; representing the electronic medication information information that relates to at least one of a plurality of medications; provide at least one of the electronic patient information and the electronic medication information to a patient care provider; receive electronic instructions from the patient's care provider; the electronic instructions comprising instructions directed to the medication for the patient; print at least one bar code on the foldable and sealable package; dispense at least one medication in the foldable and sealable pack; and folding and sealing the foldable and sealable packet, so that the packet becomes a container for the at least one medicament.

22. - The method according to claim 21, further characterized by additionally comprising reference to at least one page of the Internet network to discover information directed to the at least one drug.

23. - The method according to claim 21, further characterized in that the step of receiving electronic instructions comprises receiving information that is directed electronically from a digital personal assistant.

24. - The method according to claim 21, further characterized in that it further comprises printing human readable information on the foldable and sealable package.

25. - The method according to claim 24, further characterized in that the human readable information comprises at least one of a medication warning, information to remember the drug, the charge number, the lot number, patient information , date on which it was filled with medication, the amount of medication, the dose and instructions for its use.

26. - A method for dispensing drugs to a patient, characterized the method because it comprises: electronically receiving instructions from the care provider; representing the instructions of the care provider information regarding the medication for the patient; print a foldable and sealable package; fold the foldable and sealable pack; Dispense at least one medication inside the fold-and-seal package; seal the foldable and sealable pack; and distributing the foldable and sealable packet, which contains the at least one medicament, to the patient.

27. - The method according to claim 26, further characterized in that the step of distributing the medication further comprises: reading a bar code image on a wristband worn by the patient, to extract the wristband information; read a bar code image in the foldable and sealable packet, to extract the content information; the content information representing the contents of the foldable and sealable package; compare wristband information with content information; and provide the patient with the foldable and sealable packet containing the medication, after confirming that the wristband information corresponds to the content information.

28. - The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that the bars of the linear portion extend continuously from the foldable and sealable pack to the removable ear portion.