A collating unit (10) for use with a control center (12) cooperating
with an automatic dispensing system ("ADS") (14) for automatic storage of
prescription containers dispensed from the ADS (14). The collating unit
(10) broadly comprises an infeed conveyor (16) for transporting the
prescription containers from the ADS (14) to the collating unit (10);
a base (18) housed within the control center (12) and positioned
generally adjacent to the infeed conveyor (16); a collating unit conveyor
(20) mounted on the base (18); a frame (21) substantially
surrounding and covering the infeed conveyor (16) and the base (18);
a plurality of holding areas (22) formed within the frame (21); a
plurality of guide arms (24) mounted on the base (18) between the
infeed conveyor (16) and the collating unit conveyor (20) and operable
to maneuver the containers from the infeed conveyor (16) into the plurality
of holding areas (22); a plurality of sensors (26) to sense the presence
of the containers within the collating unit (10); and a control system (28)
for controlling operation of the infeed conveyor (16), the collating unit
conveyor (20), the guide arms (24), and the sensors (26).
